Inviting Spring to come

This is usually the time of the year when I want Winter to be done and over and want Spring to arrive. With that in mind, I thought that I would very nicely invite Spring to come join us soon (after all, after Spring comes Summer and to me, that's cook-out season). I've had this pattern saved in my favorites since probably last Summer. But at that time the thought of knitting with DPN's freaked me out and I was (eventually) going to make a crocheted version of the pattern.

So yesterday I got started on the project and finished it up today. The freakin' i-cord is what took me the longest. *knit, knit, knit, knit, slide* repeat from * to *. aauugghh! But now it's done and being that it's done, I want winter to be done and Spring to arrive. So, in (kindly) inviting Spring to arrive, I present to you my Summer Walk purse.

With only the essentials in hand so I can still run around with my kids without a big lugging purse in tow.

The pattern is Summer Walk, a free pattern from Lion Brand that uses their Magic Stripe yarn (which is now discontinued, but I heard from a little birdie that they are coming out with self-striping sock yarn shortly that's suppose to replace Magic Stripes) and the only mod that I made was that I reversed the pattern. It's suppose to be knitted from the bottom up but I can't increase on a purl row to save my life. So, I improvised and started from the top and worked my way down and instead of garter stitch for the bottom I just used stockinette stitch. Then picked up stitches for my flap, then picked up stitches again for the i-cord strap.

Found it!

Remember back at the beginning of the year when I mentioned that I wanted to branch out on my knitting abilities and maybe one day I will knit me up a sweater? No, you don't, ok, then click on the link here. (And yes, I still want to knit up the Wicked pattern, just waiting for the right yarn to fall in my lap.)

This evening I was browsing around through my blog links that I have saved in my bookmarks and came across one that I don't even remember the last time I read it or even how I found the blog. But I found the sweater that I want to make and it's just too darn cute and would be the perfect little springy type of sweater to wear. In Knit Picks Shine Worsted in either Sea Spray or Terra Cotta, not sure yet.

Oh, right, the sweater pattern, and to make it even better, the pattern is available for free! How in the heck did I miss this I will never know but I do believe that it was fate!

Twinkletoes

Now that I'm completely hooked on knitting socks (or sock like things), I am finally going to knit up Twinkletoes from Knitty, and loving the fact that they come in Toddler, Child, and Adult size. First up, Twinkletoes for L. Since I showed her them this week, she keeps asking if they are done yet. Originally I had picked out some pretty purple (because purple is her favorite color) Crystal Palace Panda Cotton but waiting for ordering, shipping, and all that jazz was just completely out of the question for her. So I dug through my stash and found just enough Caron Simply Soft (in purple) to make them up.

On the up side, they are going great. On the down side, it took me an hour to figure out how to do the Provisional Cast-On, but thankfully, I had help from the video on KnittingHelp.com. And I have to say, that while it did take me a little to get the hang of the provisional cast-on, I actually like doing it and thought that it was cool that I had stitches just sitting there waiting for me (yes, I get amused by little things).

ETA: I talked to my Mom this evening and she always ask what new project I'm working on or how a current project is coming along. I told her that I was knitting L. "ballet" shoes (trust me, it's absolutely pointless to try and explain things to my Mother sometimes) and she thought that the project was going to be cute. She then informed me that my Great Grandmother Flemming (who I knew crocheted but never knew that she knitted) use to love to knit socks. In fact, my Mom also told me that she hasn't heard of anyone knitting socks (besides me now) since my Great Grandmother use to knit them and that she also wants to find all of my Great Grandmother's old patterns and stuff that she use to use. I have a feeling that in some way, my Great Grandmother Flemming (who passed away when I was 8 but I always felt like I had some sort of connection to her) is smiling down on me.

A knitted FO for me!

Yes, you did read the headline correct. Not L., not K., not James, but for me! I'm in complete love with my new hat. It's so comphy!

The pattern is the Felicity Hat (picture of Keri Russell in the hat can be found on Craftster.org) that I found via Nettie on Ravelry (which was designed by her). Super easy pattern with excellent shaping. Just the hat I've been looking (and looking, and looking) for myself.

The pattern called for some Caron Simply Soft which is perfect because I had about 3 skeins of it that I've been wanting to use up for something. Knitted on size 5 circulars and also size 7 circulars. The pattern for the Felicity Hat can be found on her blog (for those of you who don't have Ravelry) Knitology. (It's on the right hand side in the side bar).

Sometimes, life decides what your going to make next

This past Wednesday the girls and I met my Mom at the mall. (P.S. I'm not a mall-rat, nor have I ever been, which is probably why I should've said "no") She wanted to get a little shopping done and wanted company.

Well, remember this hat here that I had made for L. Cute, right? Adorable? Sure. It got lost. Don't ask how but somewhere between getting my coffee fix and those little (rip-off) machines where K. wanted me to win her a scented Care Bear, the hat got lost. We re-traced our steps a million times and visited lost and found 3 times hoping that when we were way over on the other side of the mall, someone had turned in her hat. Nope! Gone!

So, since her hat was lost, I decided to make her another one. Now, I could've made used the same pattern for her second hat, but I wanted something a little different. Also, being that it usually takes me forever to find a pattern that I like, and being that here in Ohio I needed the hat now, there was no time to waste searching for the perfect pattern for L.'s second hat. So, I just sorda winged it with my basic knit-hat knowledge I had under my belt and did a simple 2x2 ribbing hat.

The yarn is Knit Picks Shine Sport in Crocus (which is the same yarn that I used for the first hat) and the white striping is some Bernat baby yarn that my Mom gave to me a long time ago when I first learned how to crochet (which I still have tons of it left, it's almost like everytime I use it it keeps growing).

Frogged!

So, I worked a little bit more today on my Broadripple sock and have come to the conclusion that I absolutely dislike the yarn that I'm working with. The color is absolutely hideous! The stripe sequence looks more like clown puke than crayons. (And I really hate clowns, they freak me out.)

Now, as I'm sitting here typing this, I'm frogging my Broadripple sock. Don't get me wrong now, it's not the pattern at all. The pattern is absolutely beautiful and knits up really nice and quick. Plus, you are only doing the stitch pattern for 1 row, each needle gets worked the same stitch pattern so you don't have to sit there and double check your work and then double check your pattern. I will, in fact, make this pattern again, just with a different (non-clown puke) yarn.

Another sock post

My goodness, tired of me posting about my new fetish yet? No!? Good.

So, now that I have both of the girls sporting a new pair of handmade socks, I thought that it was time to get to work on a pair for me. Last night I casted on for the Broadripple socks from Knitty and today began to work on them. The pattern is really easy and is actually becoming a quick knit for me. Yarn I'm using (which for future reference I will never use this yarn ever again for anything I decide to make, ok, I lie, maybe something summer-y for myself in Miami Beach) is Moda Dea Sassy Stripes in Crayon. While at first I wasn't to happy with the colorway, it's starting to grow on me.

I spent probably about an hour total so far working on this. I can't just sit down and knit for hours because I have things like 2 kids, laundry, dishes, lunches/snacks/dinners to make, playtime, etc. Trust me, I wish that I could just sit down with my project and knit till my hearts content with no interruptions.

Socks for K.

Last week I had posted that I had finished one sock for K. This weekend I finally got it all completed after frogging it a few times, and stashing it in my knitting bag hoping that it would miraculously come out all completed. For some reason I had the worst time with this second sock. Which is strange considering it is the same pattern I used for L.'s socks, just the bigger size. (Which in the post I now see that I forgot to mention what pattern I used. Guess I was more excited about my first pair of socks than giving all the details. The pattern is Child's Rainbow Sock from a booklet I got from Paton's and it's called Pull Up Your Socks. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the socks.)

Reason #1 for frogging: Heel flap was messed up
Reason #2 for frogging: After said heel flap was completed correctly and I shaped the heel, I didn't have the right # of stitches to pick up.
Reason #3 for frogging: I wasn't paying attention to my knitting and was paying more attention to my girls singing and dancing that I knitted for 3 row even instead of doing my decreases to have the instep meet the heel.

But, the one thing that did keep me going to complete this sock was that one it was for K., if it had been for me I would've said "f*** it" and moved onto another project. But also, I'm now casting on for a pair of socks for me and I couldn't justify making myself a pair before I made K. a pair. So I kept at it (and frogged it) and finally completed it this evening.

The yarn I used (being that I never thought I'd pick up sock knitting) is Bernat Baby yarn that my Mom gave me a while ago. They fit her absolutely perfect. She was so happy that I got them done and immediately put them on.

Next up on my "To-Knit" list are the Broadripple socks from Knitty. Then I'm going to go shopping at The Loopy Ewe for some nice sock yarn so I can make the Jaywalkers from Grumperina.

Another sock in progress

I'm beginning to notice that my knitting goes back and forth between my 2 girls. What I mean is that I "take turns" on who I'm making what for. First K. gets something handmade by me, then L., then K., then L., then K., then L., .......................and it goes on. I still have not yet made a hat for me, or a scarf for me, a few sewn tops yes, but nothing knitwear wise for myself. Although I'd love to be able to sit there and knit a sweater or a hat for me.

So, I got L.'s socks all done and took a little break from knitting. Then picked up those darn needles again and started with K.'s sock. Same pattern as L.'s just the larger size. Yarn is some Bernat Baby yarn that my Mom gave to me a while ago. While I know it won't hold up for long wear, I figure she can wear them around the house to keep her tootsies warm this winter. I have only the first sock done right now and am working on the second.

Hope everyone had a very blessed weekend!

All done! No second sock syndrome for me!

This morning I got L.'s second sock completed. It would've been done last night but I was tired and just wanted to relax with nothing in my hands. L. absolutely loves them and she has had them on all day.

And my grafting of the toes was much better for the second sock!

(The second sock is the one with the blue toes)

While the stripes don't match up, they remind me of L. because when she dresses her self nothing ever matches.

My only problem with sock #2 is that I somehow managed to get a hole where my instep meets the gusset. Anyone know how to fix/avoid this?

Now next onto my to-do list is to make K. a pair of socks and I do believe that I have just enough yarn left over. Then I'll do the afghans. Just not in the mood to crochet right now for some reason.

I DID IT!

*insert little happy dance here*

I completed my first ever sock last night! I'm so d*** proud of it. The color is absolutely beautiful and, even though it's a little bit too big on L. (she is 3 and I knew size 2 would either be a little to small or she'd only get to wear it for about a week and then get some foot growth so I made it for a size 4), she absolutely loves it. And to get this little sock project more on a roll, I'm not getting "second sock syndrome". After completing the first sock (and showing James the shaping, where I picked up stitches, and all the other things that he has absolutely no interest in whatso ever) I got to work on the second one.

The only problem I had with sock #1 (besides my complete dumbness) was grafting the toes. I don't like the way the stitches loop up like that. Hopefully sock #2 will be a little better. Although, sock #2 has a hole in it where the instep meets where I picked up my stitches. Anyone know how to fix that part?

After little sock project is over I'm going to get back to work on the afghans.

I think I can! I think I can!

So, after working (and working, and working) on the girls afghans, I needed a break. Something where I felt like I was making progress. One of my New Year's resolutions was to start tackling projects that I've always felt were "out of my league" or "out of my comfort zone". Afghans, socks, and eventually knitting up myself (and the girls) a sweater. So I'm sticking to my New Year's resolution and yesterday began my first ever sock.

A whole lot easier than what I thought and it hasn't at all been a boring knit for me. Just enough going on to keep my interest but not too much where I don't know what I'm doing.

Well, all was going well, really well in fact. Picking up stitches, having the right number of stitches all together as well as on each needle, no ladders that you sometimes get with DPN's, etc.

L. even had fun trying on her sock and I was having fun (and feeling good) about the progress I made. After I got the girls down for bed, I went back to work on my sock. James popping in now and then as my "encouragement". "Good job honey!" "It looks great! Can't wait to see the finished sock!"

Then tragedy struck! Let's blame it on the fact that I was a.) tired and b.) didn't have my glasses on so I couldn't read the pattern as well. (Or just complete dumbness, which ever.) You see, in the pattern it states a certain number of stitches you should have after you pick up stitches and knit and shape the heel of the sock. Well, that number of stitches you should have is also the same number of rows you need to work after you are done shaping the heel and I sorda, kinda skipped that part for one reason or another. Maybe they should've said "after you are done shaping the heel DO NOT skip ahead and start shaping for the toe but knit for 2.5". Then I wouldn't have made my little goof. Yes, maybe that's how (my version) of the pattern should've read. And the funny thing is, I kept saying to myself "this isn't right but what do I know, I've never knit socks before".

But look at how nice my shaping is!

I showed James and he thought that it looked really nice. Even gave encouraging words such as "but honey, it's hard knitting socks." I couldn't let it go though. I had to fix it! So I frogged back to where I had to knit for the heel flap and began again.

To make myself feel better, I stayed up till 1:00a.m. working on this until I finally said "That's it! I'm going to bed!" This morning L. asked me if I got her sock done and I just chuckled. I showed her what I did manage to get done and she wanted to try it on.

Now that I know to knit for so many inches after I shape the heel, I'm going to work on it more today and then hopefull tomorrow get the second sock done.

A very Merry Christmas indeed

I'm still trying to recoop from Christmas. A very good time we all had. Spending some much needed time with family, laughing, and enjoying each other. A very Merry Christmas indeed.

I've been back in my crafting mode this weekend and have while I have to wait for some decent lighting in my house to show one of my projects, I can show a scarf that I knitted K. On my little shopping trip to JoAnn's with my Mother Friday I had each of the girls pick out some yarn. Both picked out Lion Brand Jiffy and Friday night I got to work on a scarf for K. Using the Wavy Gravy pattern from Stitch n Bitch Nation, I whipped this scarf up in no time. Super easy and K. absolutely loves it.

Two Down, One To Go

I got L.'s hat completed last night! She absolutely loves it. I adjusted the pattern just a bit to fit her and instead of knitting for 5" as the pattern calls for, I only knitted for 4.5". Fits her perfect. There is one slight problem though. These two hats are the first hats I've ever knitted and was wondering if the peak (seen on L.'s hat, K.'s hat also has it) at the top of the hat is normal or not. I followed the pattern exactly for the decreases and was wondering if there was any way to fix it? It doesn't look bad just I was expecting a more "fitted" look to it. I still love the hat though and they both love them as well.

Now I just have to complete my hat and then my hat marathon is complete. Next up, scarfs (for K. and I).

WIP

After I completed K.'s hat I immediately casted on for L.'s hat. Using the same pattern just adjusted it a little bit to fit L. and instead of knitting for 5" as the pattern states, I'm going to knit for 4.5" because I tried K.'s hat on L. and it came down to far.

This picture (above) was taken yesterday evening. I had completed the first 5 rows of the pattern.

Then last night the girls and I watched The Wizard of Oz so I was able to get alot more done on her hat.

I just have to knit a few more rows then begin the decreasing. After her hat is done then I get to begin my hat.

One down, two to go

K.'s hat is done! This was my first time using DPN's to work in the round (for the decreasing) and after a few (almost) eye pokes, I finally got the hand of them. Not to bad I might say. The hat is a super easy pattern. I love the lace edging on it too. So beautiful!

Now I just have to complete L.'s and mine and our noggins will be nice and toasty this winter. (Oh, then a scarf for K., scarf for myself, and 2 afghans).

On a side note, my Apron Swap is finally complete and I already sent it out. I'll post some pictures soon of the apron I made for my swap partner.

Just the beginning

This is just the beginning of what is yet to come for me. I've decided that the girls and I needed hand knitted hats this winter. Luckily I already got James' hat done quite some time ago so I can just focus on the girls' and I.

After much (much) searching for the perfect hat for each of us, I had made up my mind and went with the Laced-Edge Woman's Hat by Headhuggers.org. Not just for me but as well as for K. and L. For some reason I just think that it would be cute if we all had the same hat (different colors of course), and I figure that they are young enough that I can get away with it without them thinking it was dumb or embarrassing. So, now that L.'s scarf is complete I needed to start on K.'s hat and got the lace part all complete. Super easy and was a lot of fun to do. Also, (IMO) if you want to start in lace but don't want to invest time and effort into a full on shawl, this would be the perfect starter project for you because you only work the lace pattern for 13 rows and then knit in stockinette stitch for the rest of the hat.

Being that K.'s favorite color is pink, I ordered some Shine Worsted in Blush from Knitpicks.com. It is an absolutely beautiful color and works up so lovely.

I'm thinking about going ahead and casting on for L.'s and I hat and working until the lace is complete especially since I'm using different size circulars for each hat. That way the "worst part" is behind me and I can just knit knit knit.

A girl and her scarf!

As promised yesterday I would show pictures of L. wearing her scarf. She was so happy this morning when I showed it to her and has been wearing it all day (only to take it off for lunch because mustard and handmade items don't go together).

She looks absolutely adorable in it.

And I think this photo is my favorite of her.

I love you very much baby girl!

L.'s scarf is done!

Finally I was able to complete her scarf this evening. I feel so good right now that I was able to get it done. I swear, it feels like it took me forever to complete it. The pattern is from Straw.com and is the Shimmer Chevron Striped Scarf. I used size 8 needles (to give it more drape) and Caron's Simply Soft (don't know the colorway) and some Bernat Baby Coordinates. L. is super excited that it is finally complete and while I didn't get any pictures of her wearing it (by time I completed it, weaved in my ends she was asleep) I did get pictures of the completed scarf and will take some of her tomorrow wearing it. Trust me, it will be that cold out for her to wear it.

If this pattern didn't take me so long to complete, I would make myself one. I told James this evening that if I ever decide to knit another scarf just slap me upside my head. Quick with a crochet hook but super sloooooow with them needles. And to think I was crazy enough to believe that I actually wanted to knit up this ripple afghan. sheesh! Oh how I would love to though.

Ok, so onto the pictures of the newly completed scarf!

I layed it all out over the top of my couch to give a better view of the whole thing.

Then all wrapped up pretty.

It feels so good to have this scarf complete. Now I'm going to make K. a scarf but I'm going to crochet it instead because I also have to make the girls hats and (per the request of them, ok, so I edged them on just a smidge) they want me to make them afghans. So much to do and so little time.

Today

It has been a looooooong week. One of those weeks where you just stop and say "Is it over yet?" We are slowly getting back to normal life and hopefully after this weekend is over we will be back to normal life. I'm still getting use to my new surroundings. New town, new home, new morning routines, new everything. It's nice though and I feel more relaxed here. Today was a good day in the sense that everything that is here is unpacked and put in it's place.


I got to just sit back and relax today with L. while K. was at school. It's nice that L. and I have our day time together again. Relaxing and having fun the way our life has been before this move thing came along.

I love living here in Ohio because it means that we are surround by beautiful colors of the Fall season. (Fall is my only favorite season.) The oranges, reds, and yellows are so warming to me and I can sit out on my porch swing with my coffee and soak it all in.

Today though, L. and I switched roles. She was the photographer and I was the one in front of the camera. It's cute when she takes a picture because she'll say "Click" as she is taking this picture. She got a few of me and I'll spare you the ones with her finger going straight across the picture.

But then we switched roles again and I was the one behind the camera and she was in front. Looking beautiful like always. I love this photo of her. Her smile makes my whole day.

Not only is life getting back to normal around here, but, I also got my new furniture today. Gorgeous in my living room. Although I'm not to fond of the set up, it'll do for now because I'm tired of moving things. Also, I'm not to fond of the pillows that came with the couch. For some reason I can always pick out a nice couch but they always come with the most tackiest pillows. It's ok though, just another sewing project added to my list. (P.S. The living room is not really that small with the furniture in it. They placed the recliner about 4 feet away from the wall for some reason.)

And while L. and I waited for our new furniture (and waited and waited) I got some knitting in. I started last night and only got the ribbing done but today I made some good progress. The pattern is my own that I am just sorda winging it and once I work out all the kinks I'll put it up here. (If all goes well that is.)

Today was a good day. A day of relaxing with warm colors surrounding us. A beautiful little playmate, some new things, and some good knitting. A very good day indeed!