Onesie

Going on a hunt for supplies .... I realized that there are a few onsies in my knitting projects.    These need to be PAIRS.

 Mosaic knitting.   Project bags.  This was a LNS class & I had enough left overs to create a 2nd bag.   One finished, and one WIP.   (IMO:  It is a GREAT way to use up bits of yarns, multiple colors.)    Pattern is by Cindy Walker 'Mosaic Bag'

 This was a LNS project.   Knit mittens in a day with bulky yarn.   Only, it took me longer to get just ONE and I didn't start the 2nd one (yet).   Class/Pattern called "All Day Mitten"

 Froze Toes Slippers, pattern by Kristin McDonnell.  Uses (left over) blanket yarn by BERNAT.   I did put the 2nd slipper on knitting needles.  These need to be done and put to use this winter.

 This is another LNS class.  It is a toe-up sock class that I struggled with.   Yet, my 2nd sock is nearly there.   Another good project to finish up this winter.

I hope any of you reading this post, with ONE of two -- or projects 50% complete -- can get back into the groove and enjoy finishing!!! 

   

Focus on Finishing: Bags & Texting Mitts

Pattern:  Matese.  Designed by Amy Christoffers (from Booklet #356).

This is a paid pattern / Berroco, Inc.

I used Berroco Espresso, Colorway Sand 7963 - 1 Hank.

This was a fun knit - I think I have another Hank of green fiber to create another bag.  (in my stash someplace).  It is about 12" x 11".

Yes, I finish-finished the Texting Mitts, too.  Sewing in the 'thumb' was new to me - easier to finish up the 2nd one.   This was a kit from Wool and the Gang - Montana Mittens.   Sugar Baby Alpaca Yarn, Color Quetzal Green.   

This project, I found in a box.   I won a Zoom Loom and 3 balls of yarn.   Made the squares, and somehow put it away - never put it together.   I think, not sure, that it was a giveaway thru Facebook.  Schacht Spindle Co & Classic Elite Yarns.   My plan was to sew the strips together and fold them into a Tolt Folded Bag.   So I hope to get the 3rd row of squares put together & now that I found the ball of yarn, can sew the 3 rows together.   Fingers crossed this works.

 

Update

I had a good time with the New Knitter Mitts (Skacel) ... it was a kit.   DD also has a kit!

Started another kit, Montana Mitts -- Wool and the Gang.   Knitting done on one, starting the 2nd one soon.

knitted beverage cozy  .   Enjoyed the cable pattern.   This kit was from 10,000 Villages.

New hat for DH.   Ann Norling Pattern, spiral rib hat.  I've knitted a few hats with this pattern.

 Matese bag - which needs to be sewn together!!!  I'm undecided about making a lining for the bag.   I really liked the pattern, the Berroco yarn, espresso is now discontinued : (       I did manage to find some espresso in green colors.   Hope to knit a 2nd bag in this pattern soon.   

 While visiting Montana in 2017, my sister gave me some fibers. We were at 2nd hand store & I found knitting needles -- this trim/edge pattern was on line. interweave.com/article/needlework/weldons-mystery-project-knitted-lace-edging/

So, I knitted the edge in 2017 -- and the pattern and knitting became separated! "   

A few days ago, I found the knitted trim, still on the knitting needles.     Bound off and not sure where I'll put this knitted piece.  

 Here are a few of the rectangles I've knitted.   They will be donated to Warm Up America -- once I knit up the rest of the acrylic yarn I own.   

September is National Sewing month .... The above photo part of a gift for DF.   The origami bag is useful for any kind of project!   And the ort container is really fun to make.   I think I have sewn up 4 of them (to be given away).   I like to add yo-yo's ; however , buttons look pretty good on the containers, too.   

Do you have left over fabric --- try a pattern .... link HERE.

Multiple dischcloths!!!   Probably too many to post.

Small mug rug with left-over cotton yarn (takes apx 20 yards)

Aside from fiber arts & sewing ..... I've been enjoyed zentangle classes - and on-line videos.   

 Filled one sketchbook of this-n-that.     

And, coloring - I enjoy the pages from Johanna Basford.   Her illustrations are great fun for for me to fill in with color --- I prefer coloring pencils.

yarnie update

 Delightful mail (yesterday).   My name chosen from a Facebook Giveaway.   Gallant Cowel kit (pattern by Meghan Jones) and Plymouth Yarn.

I am participating in a Woolenberry KAL.   I have Herald on circular needles, Cashino yarn purchased with DH last Fall in Bloomington, IN.   It is a lovely pattern by Janina Kallio.   

Here is Antarktis, another Woolenberry pattern by Janina Kallio.  This seems more challenging to me.  Yarn is Cashino Blooming yarns (Bloomington, IN).

 Leafy Lisa wrap needs one more 'leaf' and it will be completed.  This is a pattern by Kelli Slack.   Yarn is Misty Alpaca Chunky.    I found some green yarn in my bag, purchased at an Ireland exhibit held at the Art Institute of Chicago.   I am thinking to try the Irish yarn with this pattern - I think that is is a wonderful pattern, it knits up quickly, and would be fun to have a wrap with green leaves, too.

I removed the goofy yarn mess & started a new 'bottom' of the Mosaic Bag.  (pattern by Cindy Walker).   It is lovely.   I have enough yarn (Erika Knight British Blue Wool) for a second bag.   Then will create the cord/drawstring.    I may have to change the colors a little bit for the 2nd bag.    

 My hat is done!   DD and I bought yarn (Rios, Malabrigo) in St. Charles, IL following a Riverdance performance.   This is a nice spiral knit hat pattern by Ann Norling.

My hitchhiker wrap is a bit longer - still not complete.

 I'm delighted Debbie Trainor has a new book of pattern out.  I'm looking forward to knitting a few dresses for soap bottles.   

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.

Stitches Midwest, Aug 6-9 ... Part One

DD + I attended Stitches Midwest in Schaumburg, IL.   We were overwhelmed enjoyed getting our feet wet.    Being new knitters, thought we would enjoy learning some tips, techniques, take a class, and enjoy spending time together.

First thing, I signed up for Free, one-hour crochet session.  Thank you Marly Bird and Skacel.    My name filled the last line on the page + I really wanted DD & I to take the class together.    At class time, Marly Bird found a chair, supplies, etc., for DD to sit in on our session.    Y A Y.    Goodness we sucked in class.   The will was there and our hooks were not very confident.    I can chain and single crochet -- never mind starting with 10 , next row 8, next row 9, next row 7 ---- oops learning to increase and decrease- not.     DD had a tight crochet piece - looked pretty decent by the end of our hour.   Was encouraged the whole time by our instructor and other class participants.     Aside from the printed instructions, we have a nice letter & beginner's pattern from Jodi Roush.   And -- an awesome  skacel publication, skacel bag,

Addi comfort grip  hook, and beautiful Reggae yarn [awesome to practice with this yarn].    With the help of friends and you-tube, I just might improve!   While browsing the booths, stopped at Erin Lane and I bought a Marly bag.    DD found lovely bag with zipper ---- cat proof!  [so nice a bag, we went back the next day so she could purchase another one.  

Did I mention booths, shopping?   for toys tools? 

Pins & needles?

 Lamb pin, which I wore on my sweater, by Lickin Flames.  Fat, dark Knitting Needles were gift from WEBS if you purchased from their booth.

The needle set with owls are hexagonal - cherry wood by Indian Lake Artisans.   [not pictured - knitters pride square needles - and sock size needles including Addi circulars from Yarnbarn].

How I adore my Gnome Acres bag - ask DD to show you the yarn she bought in their booth!

After a day and a half, I have quite a collection of cards.   I adore the logos and colorful flyers.  Card/flyer w/ruler, card w/needle inventory on the back, or sweet photographs, and discount codes.   Too much fun.   As we went along the aisles, we had notes on the cards about pattern names, and - some for a return visit on our second day.

more about stitches midwest in the next post ......

P.S.  After reading this blog post -- LINK HERE -- I've been on the look-out for 4-n-1 Boye tool.   When I was shopping for an inexpensive shredder - I found them.     Have not tried using yet.