The Never Knot Knitting Club

Namaste Knitting Bookbag

2012-07-07T19:13:00.000-04:00

Todd gave me a new Knitting bag. It's from Knitpicks.com. I love it!

Here are my recent projects: a necklace made from my angora bunny yarn (see last post), a kindle cover based on Nicky Epstein's design, a menu board based on an idea from Pinterest.com.

Book Recommendation -
As a nurse with an oncology background, I truly enjoyed Jodi Piccoult's book, My Sister's Keeper.

Lovely Angora Bunny Rabbit Yarn

2012-06-16T14:13:00.000-04:00

Carolina Fiber Fest 2012

I had the best time exploring my first ever fiber festival located at the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh this May. I made two purchases: A yarn bowl by Sue Henshaw (www.Suehenshawpottery.com) and a ball of bulky weight angora yarn by Marlene Cicalese (www.marlenesangora@yahoo.com). No more tangled covered in dog hair yarn for me :-)

So Many Projects, So Little Time

Since last time I posted, I finished my Fairy Leaves Shrug. I made it out of a silk blend yarn I purchased from KnitPicks.com based on a pattern by Nicky Epstein. It looks complicated, but really it is just constructed by sewing together many blocks. To finish it, you have to pick up stitches and add a border... intimidating, but much easier than I would have thought.

During the Easter season, I knitted Bunny Nuggets. You can find the free pattern on Rebecca Danger's website, http://www.rebeccadanger.typepad.com/. I also completed another project by Rebecca Danger called Gabby, the Garden Monster. It is so fun to knit these monsters. They are quick and easy projects that really brighten my mood :-)

I knitted my mom The Ericka Scarf for mother's day and knitted a cowl with the leftover yarn ...

You can find the pattern for the rainbow scarf in Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders by Judith Durant.

I love my new cashmere bag. I knitted it based on a pattern, Linen Bag from Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders also by Judith Durant. Instead of using linen yarn I used a cashmere blend that I purchased from KnitPicks.com. Also, I doubled the width of one half of the bag to make it a little roomier.

Book Recommendation
I highly recommend Night Road by Kristin Hannah. Once you start reading this book, you will not be able to stop. It is a wonderful story.

Spring is finally here :)

2012-04-01T11:51:00.000-04:00

What's Happening?

I'm so sorry it's been so long since I have posted. I started a new job and moved to a new house. So, life became a little too busy. But, I've missed my blog, so I'm back just in time for spring.

Since I last posted I lost 20#. How? Weight Watchers Points Plus Online, Zumba class once a week, and beginner's ballet.

What's off my sticks?

The photo above is a pic of the socks that I knitted for my sister's Christmas present ...

Here's a blanket I knitted for the den. I think that my Shih-Tzu, Daisy likes it the best.

Here's a monster family I knitted for a friend of mine. She just added a second set of twin boys to her family!

Knitting News

I found a new knitting book I love written by Nancy Epstein. She gives you tons of patterns for knitting blocks and explains how to take the blocks to make bigger projects such as blankets, scarves, wraps, bags, etc.

What am I reading?

I've been reading lots since I last posted ...

On Audible.com, I've read ...

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (*****),

The Christmas Pearl by Dorothea Benton Frank (***),

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (****),

The Next Always by Nora Robers (***), and

Seriously ... I'm Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres (****).

I just started The Next Thing on My List by Jill Smolinski.

On my Kindle Fire, I've read ...

A Life in Stitches by Rachael Herron (***),

The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil (***),

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain (***** AWESOME BOOK!),

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (***** Seeing the movie tonight), and

Then Again by Diane Keaton (****).

I just started Catching Fire the second book in The Hunger Games.

Getting Ready for Fall

2011-08-12T18:06:00.000-04:00

What's Happening?

It was my birthday, August 1st. My family visited me in Wilmington and we had a wonderful time. My husband took me to Thalian Hall to see Always ... Patsy Cline. We really enjoyed the show. My best-friend, Susan, gave me a gift package from Adagio Tea including an amazing tea kettle that quickly warms water to temperature of your choice. If you want green tea, you set it to the "green" setting, same for black tea, etc. It also came with a tea sampler and I have really enjoyed trying different types of tea. I have enjoyed drinking Adagio Tea so much, I decided to join the tea of the month club.

What's off my sticks?

Shocker ... I knitted another monster. She is named Lurleen, the Laundry Monster. She was fun to knit, but I'm going to take a little break from monsters for a while. Not for good though, because I promised to knit monsters for two friends at work who are both pregnant, one with twins!

What's on my sticks?

I just started a pretty big project. I am knitting The Alpaca Blanket from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. So far, it is not too difficult and an enjoyable project to knit. It will be nice to wrap up in a warm blanket in the winter while I sip tea, listen to books, and knit.

Knitting News

If you have not yet joined Ravelry, I highly recommend it. Ravelry is a social networking site for knitters and is so much fun. You can keep track of your own projects, see other knitters' projects, and find tons and tons of new patterns. Join by going to www.ravelry.com

What am I reading?

I just finished reading Jaycee Dugard's memoir, A Stolen Life. This story is a little difficult to read, because of the horrible life events Jaycee was forced to endure. But, I am still very glad that I read this book. She is an amazing woman. She inspires me to become a much more optimistic and appreciative person. As sad as her story is, she remains strong and hold onto a very positive outlook throughout her time as a captive.
I just started reading Kate Morton's The Forgotten Garden. I have read only the first chapter so far. This book received rave reviews on Audible and I really look forward to enjoying it. Here is the publisher's description: "A foundling, an old book of dark fairy tales, a secret garden, a maze, an aristocratic family, a love denied, a mystery - The Forgotten Garden is a captivating, atmospheric, and a compulsive [read] about the past, ghosts, family, and memories from best-selling author, Kate Morton."

Monster Madness!

2011-07-10T14:45:00.000-04:00

What's Happening?

    Thank goodness, it is finally summer time. I have been trying to spend as much time as possible at the beach or at the pool. This blog will probably be a little bit short so that I can go enjoy the outdoors :-).

Whats off my sticks?

       I am having so much fun knitting monsters from Rebecca Danger's monster book. I also have really enjoyed knitting in the round with the magic loop method. The two monsters to the left are Charlie and Harold. The monster below is Baldwin, he was a gift for my little sister.

What's on my sticks?

   I'm knitting another monster, this one is tiny and knit out of the same pretty yarn I used to knit Baldwin.

Knitting News

I joined Audiobooks about one year ago, and have really enjoyed listening to books while I knit, ride in the car, and go on my afternoon walk with my dogs. I highly recommend the service. There is an Audiobook app, so you can listen to your books directly from your i-phone. The books are cheaper than purchasing an audiobook from a retailer.

Here is one of my dogs, Daisy, relaxing while I knit ...

What am I reading?

I have been reading so much, on my Kindle, on audiobooks, and from real books!

I read the entire Nora Roberts', "Born In" Trilogy: Born in Fire, Born in Ice, and Born in Shame. The trilogy is addicting and very entertaining. The books made me feel like I had taken a trip to Ireland.

I'm almost finished reading Nora Roberts', "Chesapeake Bay" Saga. I've finished: Sea Swept and Rising Tides. I'm currently listening to Inner Harbor. After I finish this series, I plan to switch to a different author for a while. As much as I have enjoyed these books, I need a break. Any suggestions are welcome!

On my Kindle, I'm reading, a vampire / witch romance, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. The beginning was a little slow, but ever since the main character, a witch, attended a yoga class filled with witches, demons, and vampires, I've been hooked ;)

I'm also reading a paperback edition of Kitchen Chinese written by Ann Mah. My mother-in-law picked up this book on her trip to China ... thank goodness this copy is written in English. It is a very addicting novel about a woman about my age who goes through a career crisis and decides to escape her troubles by moving to Beijing in the hopes that she can succeed as a journalist. I highly recommend this book.

Yoga, Running, Knitting, Reading ... my favorite things :-)

2011-04-30T20:44:00.000-04:00

What's Happening?

Easter was very nice. My mother-in-law visited from Chicago. We dyed Easter eggs and did a little knitting. We attended a lovely Easter service at St. Paul's in Wilmington, NC. Afterward, I cooked a brunch: grits, an egg dish, salad, and banana pudding for dessert.

Also, I really enjoyed watching the Royal Wedding over the weekend!

What's off my sticks?
I finished knitting my mom's socks for Mother's Day just in time. I think they turned out very well, my best socks yet :)

What's on my sticks?

I started knitting "Charlie the Ceiling Monster" out of Rebecca Danger's The Big Book of Knitted Monsters: Mischievous, Lovable Toys. I'm going to use Charlie as my yoga monster since I have gotten back in the swing of yoga again. My work, Wilmington Access for Teens or WHAT, is offering a free yoga class starting this Monday. I'm very excited.

Knitting News
The exciting part about knitting this monster is that I learned some new skills: 1) how to cast on using the long-tail cast-on, and 2) how to knit in the round using the magic loop. I learned how to do the long-tail cast on using you-tube. The magic loop is taught very well in Rebecca Danger's book. She includes simple instructions along with useful pictures. I'm enjoying the magic loop, it is pretty mindless and relaxing once you get used to it ... perfect for TV knitting. I don't know if I would want to use it for sock knitting though.

What am I reading?

I love listening to books on Audible. I listened to Haruki Murakami's book, What I Talk About When I Talk about Running to help inspire me to train for a 5K I completed with Fred (my Border Collie), Paws 4 People. If you run, you would probably enjoy this book.

I also listened to Jodi Picoult's The Pact. I could not put this book down, it was a very good read. I highly recommend adding it to your wish list.

I really enjoyed listening to Nora Roberts's third book of The Bridal Quartet, Savor the Moment. Only one more to read, I will be sad to finish the series.

On my Kindle, I just finished Jessica Berger Gross's enLIGHTened: How I Lost 40 Pounds With a Yoga Mat, Fresh Pineapples, and a Beagle Pointer. I really enjoyed this book, it is educational, but also very entertaining. I felt like the author was an old friend by the end of the story.

Meditation on Spring

2011-03-05T16:26:00.001-05:00

What's Happening?

I am so excited that it is almost spring. Daisy & Fred are excited too, because they are getting to run and walk more. I think they enjoy trips to the beach as well. I have filled my house with daisies to remind me that warm weather is nearly here ...

What's off my needles?

Nothing yet, I'm almost finished with my mom's sock #1 for Mother's Day. I am enjoying working with Knit Picks' fingering-weight Stroll yarn in the colorway Make Believe. The yarn is machine wash, tumble dry low. I am using size 2.75 mm and size 3 mm DPNs - Harmony Wood, also from Knit Picks.

What's on my needles?

Here's sock#1, almost finished ...

Knitting News

I just found out about a lovely knitting book recommended on the Knitmore Girls' podcast - Rebecca Danger's The Big Book of Knitted Monsters: Mischievous, Lovable Toys. As soon as I have the proper yarn and needles I look forward to knitting these adorable monsters. How about knitting, Gort the Gym Bag Monster to motivate and remind you it is time to exercise?

What I'm Reading

I have just completed Sharon Salzberg's book on meditation, Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation. It is 28-day program that teaches meditation in an easy to understand format. I've read quite a few books on meditation and this one really provides a step by step instruction on how to add meditation to your daily lifestyle.

Socks!!!

2011-02-20T12:37:00.001-05:00

What's Happening?
I'm training with Fred to run in the Paws for People 5K @ UNC-W on April 3rd. http://p4pwilmington5k.qdeka.com/www.p4pwilmington5k.com/Home.html Since Fred started taking his Glucosamine, he is really doing well and seems excited about the race!

What's off my sticks?

I finished my comfy socks with a cable. I also finished two sewing projects.

What's on my sticks?

I'm working on some socks for my mom for Mother's Day ... same cable pattern. I'm using Knit picks yarn, Stroll. It is fingering weight in the Make Believe Hand-Painted colorway, and is washable.

Knitting news?

You would not believe these socks I found in Vogue Knitting Magazine ... maybe someday ....

What I'm reading ...

I just finished the first two books in Nora Roberts' series, The Bridal Quartet - Vision in White & Bed of Roses. I've been listening to them in my car on audible, they are a very enjoyable read. I can't wait for my next credit so that I can start #3. To join Audible, click http://www.audible.com/t1/CJ?source_code=GO1DG9016WS113010

I am currently reading Christine Trent's The Queen's Dollmaker. I found this book for free on my Kindle, and am really enjoying it. It takes place during the French Revolution. The main character, Claudette Laurent is a wonderful character. There is some romance and I've learned some new things about historical France.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T21:53:00.002-05:00

What's Happening?
I'm working on some resolutions for the new year ...
1) Focus on fitness & health using the 5, 3, 2, 1, almost none rule -
5 - Servings of fruits / veggies daily.
3 - Meals a day, not fast food.
2 - Hours or less of TV.
1 - Hour or more of exercise.
Almost none - Sodas, sweets; drink more water.

http://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.org/

2) Use Thursdays to be thankful, write a note to a friend, etc.

3) Get up earlier for work and go to bed earlier, so that I'm not stressed and frazzled in the morning.

What's off my sticks!

I finished the blanket for my best-friend, Susan. I hope she and her baby enjoy it very much. I sewed fleece onto the back and tied each corner with yarn to make it more comfy & warm. I changed the colors a little from the pattern to make it a more appropriate blanket for a baby girl and used yarn from Knit Picks that is washer and dryer friendly for practicality.

I also finished socks for my husband, Todd. I think he is really enjoying them. I enjoyed making them. They are red per his request, and just a basic top down pattern. I will post a pic next time.

What's on my sticks?
More socks ... this time they are for me. They are a cabled pattern, the first cabled pattern I've ever attempted. It's much easier than I thought it would be. I'm about half-way done with sock number one. I used colorful yarn, so it is a little difficult to see the cable.

Knitting News

I received a sewing machine from my Mom & Dad for Christmas this year (the Hello Kitty, Sew Pretty) and also have an antique sewing machine, the Singer Featherweight from my Mother-in-law. So, I might start blogging a little about sewing as well.

What I'm Reading
I just finished listening to Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews. It's a very cute story and an easy quick read. If you like southern chick lit and have read other Mary Kay Andrews books, you would enjoy this one as well. Put it on your list for next Christmas season.

I'm currently reading House Rules by Jodi Picoult. I literally can't put this one down! I don't want to give it away, but it's about a teenager with Asperger's syndrome and an obsession with forensic science. There is a murder mystery involved. I instantly fell in love with the characters.

I Love Knitting Socks!

2010-11-14T15:06:00.000-05:00

What's Happening?

Not a lot ... it's getting colder in Wilmington. When I'm not at work, I've been enjoying a lot of time in front of the fireplace, reading, knitting, and watching movies. I even watched Disney's It's a Bug's Life.

What's off my sticks?
I just finished my first pair of socks. They are knitted on size 8 dpns with a bamboo blend of a bluish colored yarn The first of the pair is pretty ugly, because I was just learning, but they are both so comfy! It's also nice that they travel so well, so that you can work on them on the go when waiting it line, etc.

What's on my sticks?
   I am working on a project I am very excited about, but can't share because it's top secret. I also have started knitting another pair of comfy socks to share with my sister.

Knitting News ~
   I learned how to knit socks using Ann Budd's Getting Started Knitting Socks. This book was a wonderful guide to learn how to knit socks. She explains all steps with easy instructions and teaches you how to fix common mistakes. The illustrations are also well done.

What I'm Reading ~
   I just finished the audiobook, All the Pretty Horses. Especially in audio format, I don't recommend this one. It made me drowsy when I was driving to and from work. I could barely resist a nap by the time I got home. I just downloaded in audio format, The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs, www.fridaynightknittingclub.com.

6-Year Anniversary

2010-10-24T16:43:00.000-04:00

What's Happening?

It was Todd's and my 6-year anniversary yesterday. We celebrated the occasion by taking a road trip to Waccamaw Lake in North Carolina and by going out to dinner at Nikki's. Waccama Lake is beautiful and very relaxing.

What's off my sticks?

Stripped Wrap

I was very excited to finish my rainbow wrap, which is more of a blanket. My Shih-tzu, Daisy may be enjoying it more than me so far.

Bunny Rabbit

I also finished a little bunny rabbit for one of my friend's baby to be.

What's on my sticks?

Bobble Baby Blanket

   I'm working on a free pattern, the bobble baby blanket from Lion Wool's website. I am about 70% finished with it and I'm pleased with it so far.

Knitting News ~
   I found a new knitting podcast that I love, The Knit Wits, it's very funny. Find it on I-tunes. My all time favorite podcast right now is Knit Cents.

What I'm Reading ~
   I just finished The Island by Elin Hilderbrand and The Room by Emma Donoghue. Both are wonderful. I just started All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy. Listen to audible books while you drive or knit for a lot cheaper that buying them on i-tunes or your local book store when you join audible.com.

Rainbow Wrap & Teddy Bears

2010-07-01T21:56:00.001-04:00

What's Happening?

Over the weekend, Todd and I went with his Dad and his fiance to Airlie Gardens in Wilmington. I really enjoyed it. This photo is a part of a house made out of all sorts of bottles. This section of the house focused on "Aunt Jemima" syrup bottles.

What's going to be on my sticks?

My next project is going to be for Susan's baby! I'm very excited about it. I'm going to make a teddy bear. You can buy the pattern at http://www.spudandchloe.com/patterns/three-brrr-bears/

What's on my sticks?

I'm making a rainbow wrap inspired by a pattern from Vogue Knitting. I'm using the bright colored yarn I found on sale. Here's how it's coming along ...

I'm still loving my "Summer of Love" bag. It has held up very well so far :-)

Knitting @ the Beach

2010-06-13T12:10:00.002-04:00

What's happening?

My husband & I just returned home from a fun beach vacation. We went to Myrtle Beach. I had lots of time to knit and read while sitting on the beautiful beach in South Carolina. We both had a wonderful time.

What's on my sticks?

I'm still procrastinating on the Teddy Bear Sweater project. I started the "Striped Wrap" from Vogue Knitting's Shawls & Wraps instead.

What's off my sticks?

I finished my "Summer of Love" bag from Nicky Epstein's Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch. I made a few changes too it: I used different handles that I found at the craft store, and I lined the bag. This is my favorite project I have completed so far. I love this bag. It's pretty big and functional.

Knitting News ~

I found some fun yarn on sale at the craft store. It comes in super bright colors and is 100% wool, it would be excellent for a felting project. I'm using it for my brightly colored "Striped Wrap." If it's too itchy, I might line it with cool looking fabric.

Summer of Love Bag

2010-06-01T21:06:00.002-04:00

What's happening?

I just returned from spending Memorial Day Weekend with my family in Virginia. They are coming to North Carolina this weekend. Next week, Todd & I go to Myrtle Beach for vacation ... can't wait!

What's on my sticks?

Well, I haven't started my Teddy Bear Sweater yet. I was distracted by another project in Nicky Epstein's book, Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch, called the "Summer of Love Bag." So far I have knitted about 80 rows or 10". We'll see how it turns out. I would like to finish it before I go to the beach, we'll see. After that, I'm going to get back to the Teddy Bear sweater project.

Knitting News ~

I bought a set of knitting needles from knit picks and I love them! I ordered the "Straight Harmony Knitting Needle 10" Set." They are fun to knit with and beautiful, I also love the case they come in.

Trauma Teddy Project

2010-05-11T20:19:00.002-04:00

I am about to work on a new project recommended by Knitting Addiction, a knitting store in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Knitting Addiction offers a pattern for a Teddy Bear Sweater on their web site. You knit the sweater and send it to them. They dress a teddy bear in the sweater and donate it to the local EMS. The teddy bear is given to comfort young children being transported to the hospital by EMS. It is not a difficult project and should not take too much time. See their website under links.

Mission for the blog ...

2010-05-04T19:51:00.002-04:00

This blog is all about knitting, reading, stress relief, and staying in touch. We hope to work and publish photographs of our projects and share tips and tricks we learn along the way.

What's on the sticks?

Susan is currently working on a blanket for Project Linus and Courtney just finished a blanket for mother's day.

What are we reading? Sad I know, we're both reading The Zone.