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.

Curious ...

 I just couldn't figure out what these were ... a dress, pantsuit?  Doll clothing, yet a loop on the back (hang up?) like .... ?  What would you put inside and hang up?

-------

Went on line and found oodles of interesting things.

 Kitchen Judy Potholder Pattern

 Spoon Angels (patterns)

 Pink Pinafore Pattern

Fan Fair potholder pattern .... Ok, off track .... get back to dresses .... 

The answer, found at Maggie's Crochet Blog:

"At first sight, crochet dress potholders appear to be doll clothes. These cute little dresses actually served a practical purpose in the kitchen from about 1945 through 1960. The war was ending and husbands were returning to the home ready to fix things up. Crochet was a popular craft and women took the domestic role of dressing up the kitchen, literally, with cute shaped potholders. The style was simple, the patterns were easy to make and quick to stitch, making them the ideal decoration that could also be used to prevent scorched tables or hands."

Follow the link to see her photos, patterns, too .... Link HERE.

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.

Randoms .... crochet

 This is my take away from the Irish Crochet Motifs class
held at Sheep's Clothing.

With the multiple mistakes and empty flower center,

I put my pin inside!

The class was instructed by Laura Ricketts (Laura Ricketts Designs).     I remember the Jul/Aug 2014 PieceWork magazine cover with Irish Crochet cuffs.  Laura based this class/pattern on her article (photo from magazine).

My Class piece -- I didn't get to the leaf, or rose center.   The facebook page has more photos.  

Link here.    Laura Ricketts brought some of her projects with her & it was fun to have them in hand.  I noticed she has several classes listed on her web site.

 It is wonderful to have practice pieces for crochet stitches; however, it was great to put the stitches learned from crochet class into motion,   and, i have a good start on flowers!!!

Randoms ... knitting

 Two lace trim practice pieces.   Left from Workbasket (Feb 1956) DMC Cebelia size 30.  Right from Piecework magazine, with corrected pattern on web site and ravelry.    size 0 needle, HDT by Yarnplayer, 50/50 wool/silk, color Peace.

 Laura Ricketts, (Laura Ricketts Designs), based this trim (from article Nov/Dec 2014 Piecework issue) on the needle lace found in vault of Lengberg castle, Austria.

 This is on size 3 needles; Red Heart yarn, Heart&Sole.

 GF Beth's knitted swiffer cover (+sponge).   I used the ladder stitch, based on pattern, Zoom, Erica Brembos.  hint: measure the swiffer before knitting!

Dressing for Spring by Debbie Trainor

These are two knit dresses for dishsoap bottles.   I used Sugar'n Creme cotton yarns.  

The patterns are all by Debbie Trainor.  

Let's Visit Rome Dress Dishcloth by Debbie Trainor

... and, continue with lace scarf.

  

Angela's Dream Scarf

by Jeanette Estee Famulari