knitting update

EDITED 02/17/2017

This is my bag in progress.  I'm using Erika Knight's british blue wool -- six colors.

Knitting in the round on size 6 circular.

Next - add the circular bottom in the dk teal color.   Not sure about the cord --- pattern suggests an icord, I'm thinking spool knitter!

when I started the bottom, the yarn had a knot!   so, I'm undecided about the 'fix' -- since it is on the bottom, I may pull out the rows and start with yarn without a knot.   Cannot decide if it would weaken the bottom of the bag (which I really don't want to line with fabric).


before the bag - had a few 'swatches' -- here is the linen stitch:

 made with Cascade sparrow, lilac, and (maybe) Gelato/yellow.

 I took an all day mitten class in November.

 I have one mitten finished

& need to start the twin!   This is Plymouth Yarn, Baby Alpace Agrande.  Who knows, probably Winter will be over with before I even start ....

This is my IOLI Convention , class project , in the works:

 Kelli Slack's Class - using Liliput yarn.   The pattern is by Kelli Slack, called
Ilwaco Shawlette --     

Edited 02/17/2017 -- because I have been asked, the ornaments I use are glass.   Came in a box of 12 from one of the craft stores.   (ie JoAnn Fabrics, Michaels ... maybe Hobby Lobby )   Inexpensive as I recall.    

I had fun filling glass ball ornaments (Size 2 5/8")  with itty bitty knitting ...

Yarn used is 100% pure wool from the Shetlands - Jamieson & Smith - from knitting store sale bin.  Says to use size 3 knitting needles.   I'm guessing any lace weight yarn will do.

These were sent to Gracie (blogging at Needles, Pins, and Dragonflies): 

On the left side, "Peace", HD yarn by Marilee Rockley (was a gift).   It is sortof like crewel yarn/wool.    On the right something from the knitting store sale bin called 'dream' Tahki Yarns.   I'm guessing crochet cottons would work, too.

Some Progress made on Hitch hiker wrap:  

Of the projects - this one seems easy to knit.   Would like to finish soon.

knitting .... toys .... practice .... etc.

While I was doing some house sitting - and kitty watching .... I brought along knitting.

I'm 1/2 way thru this pattern.   It is Ilwaco Shawlette, Kelli Slack Designs pattern.   c.2015.  I am using Lilliput Yarn, Sasha.  80% Superwash Merino / 20% Nylon.  

I had a new row counter - was very useful for practicing a new pattern.   And, I lost track of where I was in the pattern.   Had to pull off the knitting and start over.

Then, I noticed the littermates - they were circling and playing, and chasing their kitty toy from one room to the next.

 Yep - my row counter.   Row 16.  

London wants to know if I need that back.

She watched me knit for a long time and eventually nodded off.

My first try in the back -- I did make it thru 2 'leaf' motifs in the pattern.   I think, once done with the current shawlette, I can launch into this one.   It is Leafy Lisa Shawlette by Kelli Slack Designs.  yes - have the pattern and the yarn!

 Above: knitting spool found at a local antique mall.   Too charming to leave it behind.   Below:  wooden knitting spool made in Canada.  Bought it at Stitches Midwest, day 2 -- it is spectacular, a lot of fun using chunky yarns.     The other spools I own are for medium sized yarns.

Below:  My GF gifted me this awesome Vera Bradley tin.   It has a tray inside, and GF added a magnetic strip.   Eventually, will load it with needlework tools / notions.

 Meanwhile, tossed in my crochet hooks so you could see the size.  Probably had been a tin for pencils,  pens, or something like that.

 Speaking of crochet - I picked up the (above) kitchen pot holder at the antique mall.   I would really like to make one - some day.   It is in good shape & hanging in my sewing room.   I suppose it could be used in the kitchen .... naw .... too pretty ....

Lastly, found this lovely book at Mitsuwa's book store.   The patterns are diagrammed well and the step by step photos a bonus.   maybe I'll figure it out, maybe not!

Enjoy the day.

IOLI Class: Kelli Slack

I took knitting lace shawl class at the IOLI convention.   Taught by Kelli Slack.  

I learned so much!   Kelli provided pattern & an awesome booklet - full of information needed to make a lace shawl.   

Ilwaco Shawlette pattern, by Kelli Slack.  

I'm using us4 needles,  Simple Sock, Lilliput Yarn, color Sasha. 

  

Practice pieces pictured above & below.   Kelli brought yarn from her store, for us to use as practice.  That was so very helpful to me!    Her pattern is written out and in chart form.   I focused on the chart - just wanted to learn how to interpret knitting charts (in general).

(teal color yarn is Tonos Carnival sock - Misty Alpaca.   http://www.mistialpaca.com/yarns/collection/tonos-carnaval/).  

 

This is a photograph of a completed shawlette - notice the waves?

 The other pattern, by Kelli Slack, that I purchased, is the Leafy Lisa shawlette & yarn.   I liked the chunky yarn & looked fun to make.   More information re. Black Sheep at Orenco's facebook page or web site.

Purchased Kelli's sock book - there are some charming patterns here ; )

purchased some xtra Lilliput yarn and project bags from the Black Sheep at Orenco vendor booth.

   yes, also gave one to our daughter (who has 2 kittys).

 Photos above & below:  raffle prizes won at the IOLI convention.

Above, flash drive and hand made paper give to participants at the Fri dinner.   Photos below (back and front of charm) - IOLI charm for convention/committee participants.    

Next year, Convention will be near Philadelphia at King of Prussia, PA.   Stay tuned to IOLI web site and Liberty Lacers web sites.

Randoms .... sewing

These are a few pillows I made for Tori's chinchillas.   I also made some pads for their condo.  Probably 9-10 pads.   A challenge!!!

Indiana Bicentennial Barn Quilt.

This is a quilt which I saw on display at the Honeywell Center.

More info HERE.

Six origami bags for the IOLI Convention raffle table.  I took them down to Lafayette in May.