Knitting progress + treasures

 Lucky, lucky me!!!   The winner of Wendy's giveaway!  The pearl bracelet fits purr-fectly --- Each time I've worn it, I've received compliments!     http://umintsuru.blogspot.com/2018/07/cream-pearl-bracelet.html

Vintage finds while shopping with my sister.      Spool knitters are my weakness.   I think they are fun to own.   And fun to find in vintage stores.   

The vintage sewing ruler.   The older ruler is already in use!

My sister came for a visit (in August) and she brought her vintage beaded necklaces with her!   This is one I chose, from quite an assortment!  A turtle, hearts and crystals!   She enjoys going out to 2nd hand stores and picking up vintage necklaces.  The washes the beads + findings, then puts them back together with a creative twist!

 I've had this kit (from Stitches Midwest) and decided I should finish it!   I think I'm 75-80% done.   The lace knitting slows me down - the results are beautiful!  Angela's Dream Scarf by Jeanette Estee Famulari

This was a class - taken at the Local Knitting Store.

I started my 2nd Mosaic knitted bag.   The first one I knitted came out so nice -- and I had extra yarn for a 2nd one.   Colors will be similar.   Pattern is Mosaic Bag by Cindy Walker.   Yarn I am using is Erika Knight British Blue Wool.   

The last two knitting classes I've taken, at the local knitting store, were taught by Laura Ricketts.  The subject:  Twined Knitting.   

   Such a treat to have Laura's twined knitted pieces in hand.  It is a beautiful technique.   Awesome color and texture.  We learned to use z-spun yarn and create braids and the crook stitch. 

  Maybe one day I'll have cuffs --- I am so glad I know this technique.   I doubt I could have figured it out by videos and tutorials on line!!!   Laura also brought a couple books for us to look thru -- this one caught my eye + I was able to find it on line.   Out of print, and not very expensive. 

The "F" word --- yes, finished.   Woolenberry's Hearald wrap.  

This one took awhile.   I would do a few rows, set it aside.  Knit a few rows, set it aside.  The store in Bloomington, Indiana closed - I'm not sure where to find more of this yarn.   It is a dream to knit with.

 

 I've continued the lace edge from Piecework Magazine.   it is called Lace No. 10 -- from Mary Elizabeth's 1935 book.   I submitted a photo & it was published in the April issue!  

  Imagine that!     

Our DD's kitty enjoys the KnitPicks bag from

Stitches Midwest.   This cat cannot ignore a tote!

 These stitch markers were a 'win' from the Stitches Midwest Scavenger Hunt.   I enjoy going + seeing all the new patterns and yarns.  And toys!!!   It is great to find a bargain here-n-there.   

 This past Spring, I made a few dish dresses for girlfriends.   A fun addition to most kitchens during spring cleaning!    

 I may give up on cup cozy -- not sure I'm crazy about the final knitted results.

knitted wraps + trims

 Guess what is  F I N I S H E D ....   Portfolio wrap.  I bought the yarn in Philadelphia - it is called Loop Studio Yarn.   Per web site:  "Studio is a bouncy 3-ply yarn made from 100% American merino wool that's spun and dyed right here in Pennsylvania!".

 In addition to the blue yarn, I purchased a couple more colors - Easel and Glaze.   Perhaps I will use the same pattern in those colors.

The new project I started in October is called Hitchhiker.   

 I am using Color Celedon  -- Madelinetosh  tosh merino light.   .    

I found some very nice vintage pattern books - and started a charming leaf trim:  

  

The yarn is from Bloomington, Indiana - called Panda, from Crystal Palace.

I added a few more inches on the trim from Piecework magazine, too. 

 New to me knitting spool - Knitter's Pride

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.

L.A.C.E. class

On Saturday, Karol and I went to the L.A.C.E.
spool knitting class.

Karol used wire and awesome pink + green beads. Watch for picture on her blog, Rosebuds Stitching!

I learned a new way to start the spool
(backwards from the way I used the spools as a kid)
and add BEADS.

Here, I used Cebelia #20 with 6/0 craft beads, adding
beads in one row, knitting a row, adding beads. (row isn't quite right as these are circular)

Did you see the awesome spool? They are wooden with a wonderful center.
Large enough for the beads+fiber to fall thru. They are by
Simply Wild Crafts in Naperville, IL.

I was curious how it would look
with #3 crochet cotton - and adding a bead
in every knitted stitch. So perfect, almost
looks like a cord!

My next attempt will be with a black crochet cotton - maybe a size 10.
It is quick and fun to do. A nice way to use up some craft stash I have on hand.

These are the spools I already own.
It took me awhile to get them all in one tin!

Misc ...

I finished my Inner Child Doll, and have plans to make more -- now that I know the basics! I pulled out my knitting spools & used up some crewl yarn left overs. More on spools HEREBefore I'm asked, no, I don't knit with real needles - or crochet. My Mother-in-Law gave me a container of crochet hooks & I use them once in awhile for needlework - - - - - - - This Crib Quilt was made by our friend Juanita H.My Mom bought it from her & gave it to DH & I for ChristmasI told my Mom that I would save it in the cedar chest until one of our children marries & starts a family of their own.It looks like a stamped design - Juanita did the cross stitch & then quilted the border. She added binding and a beautiful cotton back. Juanita is probably my Mom's age (in her 80's) and our families spent a lot of time together while I lived at home.