The Scarf, and Nothing but the Scarf

Scarves were the theme this year, as they are quick and easy to knit up. I took a chance and knit up this scarf for my sister inlaw's boyfriend, Sean. I used the "Brioche" stitch from the Vogue Stitionary - Volume I. As you can see, Sean really loved the scarf.

SWS - Soy "WOW" Stripes

 I have always wanted to work with this yarn and finally used it to knit up some scarves for the assistance in my office. "WOW." This yarn feels great and works up nice and fast. The recipients really loved the SWS scarves. I plan on using this yarn to make some wristlets.

Short Row Heel

I have always wanted to try a "short row toe" but have been hesitant to try. I finally decided to try with this sock and can't believe I was ever intimidated. All you need is patience and alot of stitch markers. As long as you follow the instructions, all goes well. I can't ever see going back to a heel flap and cup again, though I may do it for nostalgia. Here is the finished heel. Now I'm ready to get the foot done.

Oh, just so you know, this is a Beaded Rib Pattern from "Sensational Knitted Socks." The yarn is Knit Picks "Memories" 100% Merino Wool. The picture doesn't fully represent the colorway, it's a red, violet, purple, lavender variegated.

True Blue Thank You

I like to show my appreciation to clients for referring me to their friends. I ususally do a gift card or send flowers.  However, this referral came while I was doing the Mid-September KAL. 

The "soapbottle dress" on the left was the KAL and I thought this would be a fitting gift. The pattern was so nice, that I whipped up a cloth to go with it. The recipient of this gift has a fabulous victorian house that she has done a great dob decorating. I can see this in her kitchen or bath. I'm sure she'll enjoy and appreciate this.

Still Waiting

It looks like we caught Sam on the computer again. Apparently she fell asleep while watching the bids for cat toys on Ebay. This is the first time she's been caught. What are we to do?

A Blast from the Past

I haven't seen these in so long. It was a pleasure to discover that it was what was the Mid September Dishcloth KAL. This was made with a variegated lilac and cream cotton yarn. Very nice and decorative.

Loving the Vogue Stitchionary

Everyone seems to be very impressed with my handmade bookmarks. This is one that I made for my father in law. The pattern was taken from the Vogue Stitchionary - Volume I. I plan on making many more because their so much better than anything you can buy.

The Cure for Second Sock Syndrome

 

Everyone talks about the dreaded SSS (Second Sock Syndrome). I'll admit I don't knit the second sock with the same gusto as the first but I get it done. What's the cure. Really nice yarn that comes in great colors and feels great. I discovered "Tofutsies" yarn from the South West Trading Company. It's made from wool, soysilk fibers and cotton. Not only can I not wait to finish the second sock, I want to run out and get more of this great yarn in another great color.

Baby Soft

Just arrived from Knitpicks is baby soft, 100% baby alpaca yarn which will be used for some Christmas Presents. It is working up very nicely. Unfortunately, I can't divulge what the projects are for or the recipients. You'll just have to live in anticipation until after Christmas. I'm sure, however, the recipients of the creation of these yarns will love it as much as I do.

Cherry Tree Hill

I really loved the feel of the Cherry Tree Hill Yarn as it worked up into these socks. I used a Ribbed Lace Pattern from Charlene Schurch's "Sensational Knitted Socks." I bought this book on a whim and absolutely fell in love with it. I have made four pairs of socks from the patterns in this book. I have a goal to make one pair of socks from each pattern. The instructions are really easy to follow. The only difficult thing about making socks is choosing which pattern and yarn to use. Cherry Tree Hill makes some really yummy colors. I guess I'll have to knit them all.

Calvin Over the Edge

I can't stress this enough. Never take catnip from a stranger. It is not safe. The last twelve hours are a complete blur. Luckily I can sleep it off for the next day or so. It's not like I have anything to do around the house.

More Fun at Bathtime

Little Matthew Genovese, whom I made the blue blanket for, was born the end of June and I decided to make him some baby washcloths to make bathtime for special. I used Bernat Cotton Tots Yarn and the stitches are from the "Vogue Stitionary - Volume 1/Knit and Purl." The yarn knitted up nice and soft for a baby's soft skin. I'm sure it will be enjoyed.

Birthday Bookmark

I made this bookmark for my co-worker, Liz for her birthday. I used Size 10 Aunt Lydia's Cotton thread. The pattern called for a charm at the top. After rifling through my knick knacks, I finally found a New York City Subway token and used that. If anyone asks why I used a subway token, I'll just say "This girl's going places." Happy Birthday Liz

Mason Dixon Knitting

I kept hearing about the "Ballband Dishcloth" and was intrigued with the pattern. When I had the chance, I purchased the book "Mason Dixon Knitting." Not only do they have the "Ballband Dishcloth" patten, but several towels, mats, and blankets as well. I wanted the colors on these two pieces to really pop. When I finished the first cloth, I did another in reverse. The possibilities are endless with this pattern. I knitted these with Lion Brand Cotton Ease which a very nice yarn to use for making facecloths. They work up really fast and I do plan on making several more.

How Low Can You Go?

This is my first time with Size "0" Needles. This was my Mid-July Bookmark KAL. I made it with Aunt Lydia's #10 Crochet Thread. I love the color and the detail. This will be in the mail for my Mom. Now, on to the other three bookmarks that were requested when they saw this one.

Sunday Sock

My goal is to post Sunday Sock Progress on Sunday, but I just couldn't put this down. I love the Tofutsie's Yarn. It is working up so nice and feels so soft. I'll definately have to do more in all the colors. The pattern is a "crossover" pattern which is like a mock cable. It is an easy pattern to follow. Can't wait till next Sunday.

Lazy Days & Selfish Sundays

 

I knit all week for KAL's and others, but Sunday's are for me. Here is a pair of Chevron Socks from Charlene Schurch's Sensational Knitted Socks made with Online Supersocke Yarn. I love how the colors and the pattern turned out. Now on to my next Selfish Sunday Project.

Another Day in the Life of Calvin

Who says only dogs can have poses like this. What if someone walks by and wants to scratch my tummy? Wow, I am a genius!!

Love My Dog

 

Shadow is usually camera shy, but here is a rare opportunity to snap a photo. He's a lab-husky mix and we've had him since he was a pup.

Slowly Achieving S.A.B.L.E. Status

 

ie, Stash Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy. My mother inlaw found this huge bag of yarn in some yummy colors. Oh the things I can do. I will probably make some prayer shawls or lap-ghans. There was even some nice Sugar n Creme cotton yarn to make some more dishcloths. If there were only more days in the week.

A Salute All Troops; Past and Present

Here we are at the "Thanks a Trillion" day at Playland Park in Rye, New York. This was an all day event sponsored by two New York Corporations and the USO to salute the troops. All active, reserve, retired, and former military was given a day of fun. We had a great time!!!

A Day in the Life.......

A Day in the Life of Calvin

Man, what a day! Cooped up in this house all day long with nothing to do except, nap, eat, and come up with new and different poses. My cell phone is ringing and I'm just too tired to take the call. I think I'll take a nap.....again.

KAL Fun

I joined a Monthly Dishcloth KAL. I really enjoy it for two reasons. You do the projects a little each day so you're surprised when you see what it turns into. Second, they are fun and fast projects. Third, they are WAY better than anything you'd buy in the store. Fourth, they make wonderful gifts. My mother inlaw is hooked.

Oh Baby!!!!

This is a blanket that I made for my best friend, Lori's. Baby Matthew Thomas will be making his appearance soon sometime in July. I really loved the feel of the Lion Brand Baby Soft and Microspun yarn. They definitely make the simple design something special. This blanket is not your regular baby blanket. I love the escape from the pastel pink and blue.

Home Spun Love

Well, this is my third baby blanket this year. There must be something in the water. This was made for my co-workers baby girl. I used Lion Brand Homespun in Coral Cables, Boston Rose & Creme. The pattern can be found on the lionbrand.com website under free patterns. I love the feel of it and the different colors. You get tired of doing just pink and blue after a while. I strayed from the pattern just a bit. It called for the pieces to be whipstitched together but I liked the "patchwork" look of crocheting the pieces together and putting border around it. One more baby blanket to go, for now.

Baby Blanket Bliss

After working with size 1 needles doing socks, it was a nice change of pace to begin this project. This is the beginnings of a baby blanket for my best friend, Lori. She will be having her third child, a boy, in July. It is being worked up with a combination of Lion Brand Baby Soft and Microspun Yarns. The colors are very nice and not your typical baby colors. Although it's a simple pattern, the texture is very soft. I can just imagine her new baby snuggling up in this. The more I knit this pattern, the more I want to make another one for a coworker and his wife. They're having a girl, so I'll use more reds and pinks, although I still haven't made up my mind yet. Lion Brand yarn has the nicest patterns from the beginner to experienced. You can always find new free patterns to make up something for that special gift, or something for you. You should definately go to lionbrand.com and register for free patterns and their newsletter. I look forward to it every week.

My Stash Overfloweth

It just keeps growing and growing. Although it doesn't rival some other stashes I've heard about, it certainly has the potential to grow. I'm sure that this will be twice the size soon.

No Wool for You

Looks like my husband has enlisted the help of my cat, Sam, to keep me on my "yarn diet." Maybe a few cat treats and a picture of the lovely pet bed will entice her to let me get online.

What Keeps Me Away from Knitting

When you work in my field, you are required to earn 24 continuing education credits in order to keep your license.

This class is self study and the book contains almost 700 pages. I have to complete the class before June 30, 2007.

It is going to be very helpful for my work, but right now it is keeping my from what I love to do most.

Multitasking at its Best

Not to shrink back from a challenge, I decided to attempt to knit two socks on one circular needle. A friend in the Socks for Soldiers Group gave me the link below. To add another challenge, this is being done with one skein of yarn, using both ends. It was awkward at first, but you slowly get the hang of it and wonder why you thought it be difficult in the first place. Shown are the beginnings of socks for my mother inlaw. They are being knitted with Sockotta Italian Cotton Blend Yarn on Size 1 Addi Turbo Needles.

two socks on one circular needle