Completed Projects baby jaquards knit accessories set blanket and basket crocheted for my husband's cousin's wedding gift Patons stretch socks with pattern "Lacy socks" in the new stretch socks book! I wasn't thrilled with the way the pattern and yarn look together.... however, they are SOOOO comfortable! Absolutely wonderful!!   This Little Piggy Went to Market! Just a picture of my newest Finished Object - a knitted piggy - and SO soft! Her name is Petunia Lacey Just finished these light lacy socks from the newest Patons sock book. (and a testiment to just hoe much traveling we've been doing lately, since I mainly just knit in the car) I love how they turned out, and so does their recipient... a very special "tea" friend of mine! Just Like Mommy!My daughter has been asking for matching dresses (one for her, one for me). I thought it would be fun to have something special for Mother's Day, so we went with SKIRTS (my choice) in PINK (her choice).I think they turned out rather well! Mine is a little shorter then I'd prefer, so I might add something to the bottom yet, but otherwise, pretty good! (and not so bad for PINK) My sewing Mamma will be proud!  Those Ain't DADDY's Jeans no More!Daddy wore out a pair of jeans and offered them to my daughter and I as "material" to "play with". She instantly noticed the big pockets and decided that they would make her a very nice skirt! Down she went to my box of material to find something that would match with it. She just LOVES to decorate and create!Together we came up with this skirt.......   Personally, I've been wanting to get ahold of some nice denim to do a bit of a makeover on my footstool which was wrecked by a previous kitty, so I took the opportunity to stitch a cover for it while I had my machine out....
BEFORE and AFTER
 There is even a pocket for the remote (although the baby keeps taking OUT the remote and putting IN his soother.... I think it's time to do away with the soother! lol)
And finally, After making aprons for my 5 aprons for special gifts this Christmas, I decided that perhaps it was time to make one for myself. Using the leftover denim from the pants, and the leftover plaid from the stool, it came together fairly quickly.  SEW, I think we put the denim to pretty good use. My Mamma would be sew proud!
I have to say, though this really puts a new meaning to the question....
WHO'S WEARING THE PANTS IN THIS FAMILY?  To Crochet or not to Crochet... now THAT is a question....!I used to crochet - ALL the time. I really enjoyed it....but, then I learned to KNIT and crochet was forgotten.... for the most part. But, I was asked to make a pillow cover - in crochet. I took up the challenge confidently, trusting my long-term memory to bring my crocheting skills back to mind. And so I worked.... And worked..... And stitched.... And as the pattern revealed its self I found it pleasing and lovely. And it was completed. And as I handed it in, I was asked if it was a "fun and easy pattern". I suppose it really was, but ya know, I realized I did NOT enjoy making it... give me a knitted project any day, I'm completely and totally converted to knitting! It could be the weight of the bulky yarn I didn't like - I still enjoy crocheting with baby yarn for blankets and such.... but for some reason I just didn't enjoy this one. at any rate, at least it's finished and I can move on to something else... Here is the completed project... I was thinking of making a matching one so that there would be TWO pillows (one for each side of the couch, right?) but there won't be. Ah well....  Now on to a mindless project...
to complete a pair of leg warmers for my daughter that she's been asking for.... in PINK of course! (and YES, they are KNIT) A sick PrincessYesterday and today it seems that sickness has "hit" our house. Yesterday the baby was very grumpy, and my older son, who was very excited about "tobogganing night" at kids club opted out of the activity once we got to church, so I knew he wasn't feeling great, either. Since the baby was up most of the night last night, I decided to put my time to good use - I knitted up a pink crown for my daughter (a pattern I've had my eye on for some time now). She was certainly thrilled this morning when she found it sitting on her breakfast plate - and she hasn't taken it off all day. Even as she lay on the couch, falling asleep to the movie (since she didn't have much energy to play), she still had her crown on. I think she likes it!  Sock it to me!Well I finished my Austermann Step socks! The yarn was just wonderful to work with, and I'm pleased with the results. My daughter liked the feel of them so much that I made a small pair for her out of the leftovers. Next project.... a pillow. Crocheted this time. It's been a long time since I've crocheted, I hope I remember how!and, since you asked so nicely, OF COURSE you can see pictures of my new socks! 
soon-to-be-socksAnd for my next project....I have this delicious AUSTERMANN STEP sock yarn - I think I'll make knee socks this time around. Not only does it have Aloe Vera in the fibers, but it also has a secret ingredient that actually SOFTENS your hands as you knit! Fantastic!  A small completion....After tackling such a big project I felt I needed something a little smaller to take on next - a wee sweater to match my sons seemed just the thing. Please see Groovy Boy Patrick sporting his new wears below. My son was quite tickled! Finally Completed!Well, it sure took a while, but I am proud to announce that I've finished a BIG sweater! I'm very pleased with the way it turned out - and so is my hubby! One project...Here is a project I've been working on for Christmas - these are "Comfort bags" or "Magic Bags" or "Rice Bags" or whatever you'd like to call them! (bags filled with rice to go in the freezer or microwave)Some of the fabrics match aprons I've made, so they will go with the matching aprons. Others are going alone.  I am SEW done!I think I'm finished!I have been stitching up Christmas gifts, and I believe I'm finally finished. No photos today - ask me after Christmas for those.... I love hand made Christmas gifts. There is just something so special about giving someone a gift that I've made myself - saying "I love you so much that I've spent time and energy to make you a gift". My mother used to sew things for me (and my dolls) as a child, and I loved receiving the things she had made - especially for me. My Grandmother knit gifts for us (usually sweaters) and they were so special, too. My children love when I make things for them - it seems that they have the same "love language" as I do. I'm so excited to wrap them up and give them away! Oh, my daughter asked me to sew her something pink for her dolly today, so I will share that... I've placed her dolly (wearing the new pink apron) on her chair so she'll find her in the morning - I'm sure she'll be pleased!  At first I FELT.....I have always been a little warry of felting projects, since I am allergic to wool. I did make one attempt a number of years ago, to felt a pair of slippers for my sister-in-law. My poor hands broke out in such a rash that I've never dared to pick it up again - until now.I tried again - I am not one to be easily defeated! And, to my delight, my FIRST FELTED project has turned out pretty well! Here is my bag, before felting (the knitting needle on it gives you an idea of size)  AFTER Felting....  And stitched together! (first picture is outside, second is the pocket on the inside)  What do you think? Can you Sock it to me!A completed project - a sock and scarf set done in marble yarn.
 What do you mean you can't see the scarf in the picture? Oh, yes, I forgot to take a picture of it before it left the house.... oops! Hopefully I'll get a photo of it at a later time. It's a long, skinny scarf, the kind you can wrap around your neck twice... I like it, anyway! LOL Sorry about the lack of picture. Complete :)I have a few completed projects to share: #1
A Little PrincessWe all got up this morning and headed out to Bible Study's at the church. It's Men's prayer and Bible study for my hubby, and Ladies Morning Break for me. I'm finding myself dry spiritually and was excited to be able to attend today. It was a refreshing time and a learning time for me.Following a trip to the library by myself and the three children, my daughter got changed into her favourite outfit and we headed out - to ballet class! She was SO excited! She's been looking forward to this for about 6 weeks, especially after going with me just prior to our trip, to get some gymnast slippers to wear (no pointe shoes yet, they are still too young) I wasn't sure how she'd do in the class. Lately it seems that she's been in so many new classes (Sunday school classes, mainly) that she's beginning to get upset and not want to go off and play with the other children. Today was not that way, however! When she walked into the room she saw a couple of other dressed up little girls, and she was drawn to the immeditaly. She was quick to copy the teachers actions and follow her instructions. She was just THRILLED to be a part of it! Tonight as I kissed her goodnight she was still talking about it. "Mommy, it's such a shame that we couldn't do ballet for just a few more minutes...." What a grown-up phrase she used!  After supper the children and I made some chocolate, peanut butter banana ice cream in a little ice cream "strawberry" compliments of our friends in Alberta. I was a little apprehensive about how it would turn out, but it was actually quite delicious! They are already making lists of other kinds they'd like to make! My hubby was a little more reluctant to try it, actually turning it down. When the children went to bed I made up a little morem, but chocolate mint this time. That tempted him enough for a little bite.... then a bigger one... before he opted for a bowl. I have a sink full of dishes, but it was a fun exercise to do with them!  Here is a finished project from today (last night, actually) with my son as the model. (yes, there are two different hats, for those of you who are observant - the first one I made was solid blue and far to big... the second one is the same stripes as the sweater and quite a bit smaller)  And a project from the North - and a homeschooling questionSince we had so much driving time over the last two weeks I dove into a knitting project. One sweater, one hat and two little matching socks later and my daughter is very pleased! Here she is modeling the items for me - I didn't tell them they were for her, but she seemes very possessive of them... We also ordered the last of the books we need for my eldest for school this year. He is very excited about it! We are thinking that we'd like to use a new SCIENCE program next year, but we aren't sure what we'd like to use - any suggestions? We'd like something a little more hands-on then the ABEKA program we are currently using.
DefeatedI was commissioned to knit an item back in June. It was a large and intricate pattern, and I was excited about the challenge, confidentaly diving in. We were leaving for a BIG TRIP in the States the follwing week, so that meant lots of in-car driving and KNITTING time!After about 15 hours of knitting I realized that the pattern on the picture looked nothing like what I was creating. I rechecked my rows and counting and came to the conclusion that there were errors in the pattern. After checking on line at the pattern site my suspicions were confirmed and I printed out a whole page of pattern corrections. I FROGGED my work (ripped it out) and started again. After about 25 hours of knitting I realized that, even with the corrections, it was still not looking right. I was frustrated but still determined. I went online and asked some "veterns" about the pattern... the answers I received back were very vague... but I jumped in and began again - this time I did NOT rip out the second attempt, but began with a new ball of yarn. Fifty hours later I threw my needles down in frustration - even being as careful as I could be and making allowances for mistakes I knew to be there I was still unable to recreate the beauituful masterpiece dipicted in the photo. There were so many errors in the pattern that I just could not compensate. I have never been defeated by a knitting pattern before and was very frustrated - but also embarrased and upset that I was not able to fullfull my obligations - would the non-knitter be understanding? I was very nervous when I took in my mess of attempts (still on the needles), extra yarn, pattern all marked up, etc. But she was so kind and gracious when I came in. What a relief that was! I admit, however, that I neglected to photograph my attempts! Sorry for the lack of pictures. I think God has been teaching me a lesson... "Do not think of yourself (or your abilities) more highly then you ought to....." Romans 12:3 I feel like I've wasted so much time - and neglected other things that I should have been doing over the past two weeks (like blogging!) to get this done. What a frustration to have it not turn out at all!  Completed Project!Thanks to a relaxing weekend at my mom's house I was able to finish the sweater for my daughter that I began before Christmas. It is the same style as her big brothers, so she's quite pleased! The yarn was choosen this summer - we were camping with some church friends in the RAIN RAIN RAIN, and we decided to take a trip into Walmart to enjoy some dry time for a bit. My daughter and the daughter of our friends picked out the yarn together for hats and mitts. Well, the sweater is done and one mitt... I've still got a wee bit of work to do yet, but it's coming!  I've GIVEN UP!!I have done it. I have given up KNITTING. Completed projectHere is my most recent completed project. My son selected the yarn for a hat and scarf set, but after receiving hats from his aunts for Christmas he didn't need another! I asked him if he'd like something else instead with his chosen yarn, and he asked for a sweater -- he even selected the pattern. He was so excited when it was complete, happy to show it off over the Christmas season. And since her brother got HIS picture taken... my daughter wanted in on the action, too, showing off her new dress from Grandma.  A few more finished objects....Here are three projects that I completed for Christmas gifts - I'm missing one, it would seem that I forgot to photograph my sister-in-law's socks, so I'm hoping she'll take a picture with her new camera for me and send it to me :)#1 OLD SHALE socks for my Mother-in-law. Stitched in cotton sock yarn for comfort.  #2 COMFY SOCKS for my mom. Warm and thick, perfect for Canadian winters!  #3 LACY TOP socks for a good friend of mine - stitched in cotton for sensitive skin  Thanks for looking!!
 A finished gift :)A finished project for my new little niece! She's 4 months old and just the most adorable little one with BIG blue eyes! A heart blanket and matching 'bootie' socks. I am so pleased at how they've turned out! (the blanket took FOREVER, not sure I'll do that again soon!)
Thanks for looking! Completed project!This evening I completed a blanket I made for a young lady in our church who just had a baby girl. She loves Winnie the Pooh, so the fleece print was perfect. It's a reversable no-sew blanket, and SO soft! Here's a picture!
First KnitOn Wednesday, at Awana, we celebrated "CRAZY HAT NIGHT". Enjoying the evening (along with all the fantastic hats from the clubbers) reminded me of my first ever knitting project -- a crazy hat for Awana, about 7 years ago now! It was my first Awana club and I was director of Sparky Girls. So, here it is - a picture of my first knitting project ever. It didn't turn out too badly (except the stripes didn't match up). I've come a long way since then :) 
A sad day in the world of knitting....Today is a sad day in the world of knitting. To my dismay I have two lovely pairs of hand knit socks that are no longer wearable. They have developed large holes in the bottom (which, I suppose is good in one sense because it shows that they've been worn a lot!) These two pairs of socks were the first two pairs of socks that I've made. (my sister in law has worn out a few pairs I've made her, but these are the first I've actualy worn out myself)  What does one do with only ONE sock? My daughter was happy to adopt the pink pair for her dress up box - they are a bit to big, but she's proud of anything mommy has made.  I guess it's time to start knitting again!
knitting and sortingI love to knit - but have you ever noticed how easily knitting and crocheting supplies get "out of order"?
I asked for some advice about how to keep my needles sorted and tidy, and I spent the evening yesterday re-organizing my needles, yarn and project books. (After taking a trip to Mary Maxim to get some Christmas Project materials....)
SO... I'm all organized again, and my projects are laid out, in order and labled for the upcoming season. My kids even got to pick out their own yarn this year for their winter hats and scarves. (they're really excited about being a part of the process!) I'll not be posting many of my completed projects for a while, but you'll get a whole rash of them posted in the new year (I hope!!) So, don't think I'm not knitting -- just taking a short sharing break! lol
Knit on!
Just for fun.... Keep on Knitting!
 Project of the week!I have a completed project!(but it's not one of my UFO's) Since my son started piano lessons he needed a bag to carry his books in (it's too easy for 5 year olds to drop books in the mud -- especially in the winter!) So, we picked out some burnt orange cordory together (It's got to be orange!) and I made him a quick little bag - he was thrilled, and can't wait to show it to his teacher today! I just hope he remembers everything that he's been practicing!  
Sock FRUSTRATION!I've just completed the first sock using Twin Earth's Zig Zag pattern.I'm very pleased with how it looks!  There's only one problem..... THEY DON'T FIT!!   (funny, tho, I've really never had do deal much with swollen ankles before, so I'm not really complaining...) Ah well. I'll finish the second one anyway -- I'm sure I'll appreciate them more in January! 
A tiny FO!Here is a completed project!! Well, it wasn't really an "unfinished object", but I had the extra fibers after completing my pink socks, and my daughter so wanted a pair of "mommy socks" that I conceeded to make her a pair with the extra. She was SO excited when she realized they were her size! 
Another Finished Object!I'm happy to report another finished object!Of course, of course I'll show you pictures... but first, here is my daughter "helping" me to knit - she's doing such a great job! She had to try them on, of course, too, and was very disapointed to report that they are "too big mommy!"  However, they ARE the size they are supposed to be! lol I call these my "ugly socks". They are a long time unfinished project. I knit one full sock, then stopped because I just didn't like the colour combination. They look fine from a distance, I just didn't like the look of them up close! I'm still not excited about the colours, but at least I can cross them off of my "UFO" list! Yea!! Acronyms, anyone?
Knittin' up a storm I am still poking along, working through my STASH and my UFO’s. My DH has requested that there be no more So, join me, all you YL’s, on this CHALLENGE. Make your UFO’s CP’s before the NY!
Need a little explanation?
UFO – Unfinished Objects DH – Dear hubby WIP – Works in Progress FO – Finished Objects K – Knit P – Purl POTG – Projects on the go FROG – Tearing out stitches (rippit rippit!) KIP – Knitting in Public TU – Toe Up! CRUSH – Something I’m loving! PAT - Pattern YL – Yarn Lovers CP - Completed Project NY – New Year If you could read the above WITHOUT the explanations, I deem you a fully "hooked" internet junky knitter!
again with those socks....THANK YOU for the encouraging comments and kind words in regards to my little sock experience! I can't believe how quickly they are knitting up now that I'm doing it properly! Sock #1 is complete, and Sock #2 is halfway there... and I am THRILLED with how they are turning out! Yea!
The GOOD, The BAD and .... um... following directions!I've been knitting a pair of socks. Not very well. Not very dedicated to the task.I have been VERY frustrated by this pattern. Looks so simple, yet... somehow... seems like the hardest pattern I've ever made! It's toe-up. Usually I knit socks cuff-down. The toe didn't even fizz me, and that's the part I expected to have trouble with. I started the sock, frogged it (rip-it! rip-it!), started it again, and then once again. I still wasn't satisfied. It didn't look bad at all -- rather pretty, in fact! Want to see it? Of course you do!  Kind of pretty, eh? I think so, too. BUT, it is VERY difficult to knit -- tight, bunches, broke two needles, just not pleasant!
Knit 10 other things in the mean time. 1 sweater (crocheted) 1 poncho 2 other pairs of socks 1 pair of slipper socks (pictured below) 1 purse (crocheted) and a few other odds and ends..... I decided to pull it out again this week. I can't let this pattern beat me! (and besides, I'm supposed to be finishing up all my "started" projects) I knit two sets (with frustration)... then put it down. Having nothing else to work on, I re-read the pattern for the sock.  LIGHTBULB MOMMENTI hadn't been following the directions! Although I usually read through ahead of time every pattern I work on, it would appear that I did not in this case! I was knitting every row in chart. The directions clearly say "chart only shows odd numbered rows, Knit all stitches for even numbered rows" I immediatly pulled out another set of needles, the second, untouched, ball of thread, and started again. To my amazement the sock that came forth is lovely, soft, easily knitted, and loose :) What a wonder it is when we follow the directions - COMPLETELY instead of barging ahead, thinking we know better! Would you like to see the "new" sock? It's not complete, but I'll give you a peek anyway.....  The pattern does look different! It's much softer on the foot, and nicer to wear. I'm inspired to finish it now!! And the lesson I learned today.... How often do we not follow God's directions completely? We are in such a hurry to accomplish something that we jump ahead, thinking we know what He wants and how to do it. Do we remember to stop, listen, read God's Word and completely consider what He is directing us to do? Read ALL the directions. All the way through. Take note. Don't pick up your tools until you know what you're doing. If you don't, the only think you'll end up with is a lot of frustration and wasted time undoing the damage! However, if you do, the result is beautiful and worth the effort!
what WOOL-d EWE do?
We
were off for a drive - my family and I. A wonderful 45 min drive, in
beautiful weather. As is my custom, I took my knitting bag, so I could
use my time wisely and keep my hands busy. I must admit, my eyes were
on my handiwork more then the road in front of us (don't worry, I
wasn't driving), but suddenly the van screached and slowed quickly, as
the car in front of us slammed on it's breaks and we followed suit.
Socks :)
A finished pair of slipper socks -- these were requested by my young neighbour girl (8 years old). She choose the yarns and the pattern. She was thrilled with the way they turned out, and I'm fairly pleased, too! (although I think it's a bit warm to wear them right now!)
Thanks for looking!!
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