Tissue Packet Sweater

I started a pair of mittens (child's size) not long after I finished the hat in the previous post.  However, I have not finished them yet.  I have one mitten done, and nearly all the cuff on the second one.  They don't take too long once I get past the ribbing, so you would think I'd just sit and work on them.  I'll be sure to post a photo of them when I finished knitting them.

Last night I started a sweater for a tissue packet.  I used the pattern here and found it to be very quick and easy to make.  It was late when I started it, so I finished it a little while ago.

Here is my finished product.  I used left over yarn (some that I bought when I was in Australia) from the hat I finished not long ago.

A quick, easy, and cute project that I recommend making.  I'm actually thinking of making a few of these as little "gifts" for friends, though not necessarily for Christmas.

Two Colour Infant Hat

I enjoyed making this hat, and it didn't take too long when I sat down and worked at it.  I messed up the bottom pattern, but I think it looks kind of cool anyway.  I'll definitely be making more of these hats in the future (and hopefully get the bottom part of the pattern right)!

I used Patons Astra in Black and School Bus Yellow and size 4mm circs and DPNs.  The pattern I used was from this blog.  I'll be adding this to the items for the mitten tree at church this year.

Another Hat

Here is the latest hat I just finished knitting up this afternoon.  I made it with the yarn mentioned in the previous post.  The pattern I used was the Family Rolled Brim Hat, but I just added ribbing instead.  I was making the 18 month size, but I think due to the yarn and needles I used (it did seem a little loose, but nothing too major), it ended up being larger.  I tried it on, and it fits me - though it is a little big on me even.  So, I guess this turned into an adult hat!  I'm going to add it to what I have designated for the mitten tree at church.

Up next will more than likely be another hat - childs/baby hat made with Paton's Astra.  I found a pattern when I got the one I used for this hat, and it's a fair isle type hat.  I have two skeins of the Paton's Astra from when I was going to do a different hat earlier on this year, so I think I'll use this new pattern I printed out and see how it turns out.  Since I have the right yarn, this hat should work out to the right size!  I also want to start some mittens.  I was out the other day and the temperature was just right for a pair of mittens (not too cold, but cold enough that I wanted something on my hands).  Of course, the mittens I'll make will also be donated to the mitten tree and will be a child's size.  I just need to get them made!  I want to have some mittens to put on the tree, and not just hats and a couple of scarves!

Well, off to do some more knitting (and maybe work on editing some photos for my photography blog)

Baby Hat #3 & New Yarn

This is my latest baby hat.  It's a simple rolled brim hat and I followed the pattern I mentioned in the previous post.  It's made with the same yarn as the previous two hats, and there is very little of it left now.  I think the hat is cute, and I hope some little head will be warm this winter.  It will be added to what I've made for the mitten tree at church this year.

My next hat will be for a small child I think.  When I was in Australia, I went to a market and bought a couple of different hanks of yarn.  However, I never thought to buy two of this particular yarn because I was thinking of using it for socks.  I had asked if it was enough for a pair of socks, and the lady told me yes.  Upon further inspection when I got back "home", I saw that it is 8 ply, DK weight and I would probably need two to make a pair of socks.  So, I decided I would use it to make a hat for a child.  I searched on Ravelry and found a pattern (I'll post the link after I get the hat made and post the picture here on my blog).  I should have enough for an 18 month old child.  I'll let you know how it goes. 

The pattern is another rolled brim hat, but I think I might alter it an use a ribbed cuff...I haven't decided yet.  Since the yarn is varigated, I don't think a pattern would show up too well so it will just be a plain knitted hat.  I've included two pics of the yarn - in hank form, and in center-pull ball.

The photo on the left is with the flash on, and the one on the right is without the flash.  The yarn is Hawthorne Cottage Yarns (100% Australian wool); it is English Leicester longwool & corridale.  It's a "lustrous worsted yarn", 8 ply, DK weight, uses 4mm (US 6) size needles, and the tension is 22.5 sts = 10 cm/3.9 in.  The hank is 3.5 oz/100g and is approximately 189 yds/174 m.

Baby Hat #2

I finished this little baby hat Monday night and only got to take a picture of it this morning.  I think it's a cute little hat.

I used the same yarn from the hat in the previous post, and I'm making a third hat (another baby one) with the remaining yarn.  I don't have much left to do on the third hat, so hopefully I'll get a photo of it and post within the next day or two.

The yarn I used in this, again, is Lamb's Pride worsted (85% wool, 15% mohair) in the Royal Purple Flutter colourway.  I used a 4.0 mm circular needle, and 4.0 mm DPNs for the decrease.  The pattern I used can be found here.  The pattern is for premies, but because of the size of yarn I used, I think it would fit a full-term sized baby.

This hat will be added to the rest of my items to be put on/under my church's mitten tree - everything is donated to various organizations in my city.

Baby Hat

Please forgive the terrible photos of this hat.  I had to use the flash.  The colour is much darker and richer than it appears in this photo.  I also don't  have anything to model the hat on, so I laid it flat in the first picture, and put it around a tin can of almonds in the second.

The pattern I used was the Sunday Dulaan Cupcake Recipe (Ravelry link).  It's supposed to be made with a bulky yarn, but I only used worsted weight.  I used Lamb's Pride (85% wool, 15% mohair) in the royal Purple Flutter colourway.  I got this yarn either last fall or this past spring. 

I'd say this hat (at least with the size of yarn I used) would fit a baby/small toddler.  Also, I don't think it's supposed to have the little pointy stem at the top, but that's the way mine turned out.  The pics with the pattern show a flatter top; I'd say I didn't do the decreased exactly the way I was supposed to.  Oh well.

This was a quick and easy knit and I have enough yarn left over to make another couple of hats or maybe a pair of mittens to go with the hat.  I might use it to make a different baby/toddler/small child hat.

Not sure what I'll work on next.  I'm still working (now and then) on a scarf, but I want to make more children's items for the mitten tree at church at Christmas.  This hat will be added to the few items I have already.  I think I should probably make a couple of pairs of mittens as well.  We'll see what I get done between now and then.  I still have a couple of months, but the way I've been going with my knitting lately, I might not get much more done.  That's why I am concentrating on small items - to get them done quickly so I'll have something to donate this year.  Every little bit helps!

I forgot to take a photo of a second Tubey scarf I had made prior to going to Australia.  I need to weave to sew the ends closed on that one yet, but other than that it's all done.  I just made it out of some old acrylic I had lying around and wanted to use up.  It's bright and colourful, so hopefully some child will like it.  I'll try to get a photo of that sometime soon to share.

Until then, happy kniting!

P.S. Check out the photos I've been taking over on my photography blog, Shutterbug.  Would love to hear your comments!

Peek-A-Boo!

I am still here, believe it or not!  It has been far too long since I've posted to the ol' knitting blog.  I had meant to while in Australia (read about my adventures here, though you'll have to scroll back), but sadly, I never got around to it.

Actually, I haven't been doing much knitting.  I did do some while in Australia, though.  I bought some needles and yarn while there (I'll try to take a photo of the yarn for the next post), as well as a couple of knitting magazines. 

I completed a drop stitch scarf, done mostly from arriving at the school early and needing to wait for my host teacher to arrive and unlock the classroom for the day to begin.  I would sit in the teacher's lounge (no kids allowed in there), beside the heater (it was cold let me tell you), and with a coffee to sip.  I would work on the scarf and the teachers coming and going would always comment on it.   They'd either admire the scarf, the colours, or comment on me knitting (never anything bad or rude though).  Once I finished that, I started a pair of socks...which I should pull out and continue working on.  I will also take a photo of those very soon.  I don't have a whole lot done on them though.  The yarn is in shades of purple, and is one with a self striping type of pattern.  I also started another drop stitch sarf (mindless knitting) that I worked on some while I was in Australia.  I had bought some cheap rosewood needles (I think that's the type of wood), and sadly when we had been taken on a long excursion, I was getting back into the car and my knitting slid behind me as I was sitting down and I snapped the end off.  Thankfully it's not the pointed end, so I just have to wrap an elastic or something similar around the end to keep the yarn from falling off.  I'll also post a pic of that WIP soon.

The second image shows you the scarf; I had to use the flash though, so it's a little brighter than the actual yarn.  I also need to sew in some ends on it still.  The yarn was a mohair/acrylic blend, and it was Australian made.  I'll have to see if I can find the band with the details.  I may also block it (more than likely, esp. to get more length), and either gift it for a friend at Christmas, or put it on/under the mitten tree at church.

I also have been more into photography lately, particularly since purchasing Photoshop Elements 7 last week.  I've started a photography blog to show some of my pics.  I'm still quite new to photography, particularly digital photography, so my shots might not be the best; I am learning though.  Also, I am just learning PSE so I don't know how to use it to its full advantage yet, so the photo editing might not be the best either.  Anyway, feel free to check it out and leave a comment there.  It's called Shutterbug, and you can find it here.

Well, going to head off and possibly work on some knitting (a scarf that I had started before going to Australia).  This one also might be for a Christmas gift, so I'd like to at least get it closer to being finished.  Happy knitting!

No New Knitting

I've worked a little on knitting recently - but not much. I've done a little work on the Russett scarf, but that requires me to pay attention. I've also been working now and then on Stephanie Pearl McPhee's One Row Scarf. This is the third one I've made, and it will join the ranks of charity items for the church's mitten tree at Christmas. I'll post pictures at another time.

Just wanted to wish everyone a great summer. I'm off to Australia in less than two weeks to finish my teaching internship. I'll be there for July and August. I'll take some knitting along, but I don't know if I'll get any done while I'm there. I had anticipated getting lots done when I was in Korea, but that wasn't the case.

I'll be bringing my laptop and camera along with me and posting pictures. These will be on Facebook and probably my other blog, Confirm The Work of Our Hands. I'll let you know when I post some pictures so you can check it out then.

Must go get ready to do some running around for the trip. Happy knitting!

Stamping Blog Candy Contest

Mudmaven Designs is giving away some blog candy! Pop on over here and check it out. Also, scroll down to see the amazing card's she has made. She's one awesome card-maker! She's drawing the winner on Wednesday, June 17th.

Here I Am!

Well, I think it's high time I post to this blog! I haven't been doing a whole lot of crafty things lately, so i suppose that's why I haven't done much here for a little while. Anyway, I've got a couple of pics to share with you of some knitting.


Up first is another "Tubey" scarf. I only worked at this off and on since probably February or March. I finished it a couple of weeks ago and just got around to taking the picture this evening.


This is made from some brightly coloured acrylic yarn (I had it in my stash from awhile back and thought I'd use it up). Boy does it feel different knitting with acrylic yarn after using wools, bamboos, and alpacas! All I have left to do for this is sew the ends together. This is for a child, and will be added to my charity work that I'll put on/under the mitten tree at church next Christmas.


I've started on another scarf. This one is Russet pattern and it's very easy - just a repeat of 12 rows. I'm using Paton's Shetland Chunky Tweeds in the Sea Ice colourway. I really like this scarf, and the yarn is nice to work with (though it's partially acrylic as well). It's knitting up fairly quickly - that is when I actually sit down and work on it. Even though the pattern is super easy, I find I need to focus on it or I'll get lost or make a mistake.

Anyway, I haven't decided who will be the recipient. It will either be a friend, or go on/under the mitten tree at church.

I have a lot more patterns queued up on Ravelry that I want to make. I've also printed some off, and hope to work on them. My knitting mojo (or craft mojo for that matter) hasn't been up to par for a while now. I think it's because I am tired when I get home from doing my internship and don't feel like doing a lot. I am really hoping that it will come back soon.

School ends June 19, and next week is my final week of doing all the teaching. The following week my host teacher picks up and does it. I'll have two weeks off to get ready to head down to Melbourne, Australia! There are 10 of us from school who are heading down to do the second half of our internship there. We'll be there for July and August, and when I get back, I will be able to start teaching. Firstly, however, I do need to take an information session about supply teaching first. No doubt I'll have to be a supply teacher for a bit, but I'm praying that the Lord will work His hands and I'll have a full time job quickly!

Well, I must head off now. I'm actually feeling like doing some knitting. I think I'll work at a pair of socks or something that doesn't require a lot of concentration, and put in one of my Stargate SG- DVDs to watch. Hope you all have a fantastic day/evening/rest of weekend!