December Socks

Ok, finally I have had time to finish my December socks for Sock A Month. I was so busy in doing Christmas knitting, plus papers and assignments and exams for school, that I didn't know if I'd ever get any socks done. These are another pair of baby socks (seems that's all I have had time for lately), and it's another pattern of my own creation. I call it Baby Diamonds and Purls, and the pattern is super easy - even if it's kinda goofy looking (but hey, I was just experimenting). If anyone is interested in the pattern, just let me know in the comments section and I'll post the pattern in the near future. I'll also be posting the pattern for the November socks I created very shortly too (either later today or tomorrow), so watch for that!

I'll also post a picture of the diamonds up close so you can see them a little better:

I'm sure there are better ways of designing patterns - I definately don't claim to know how to do it...I just make it up as I go and kind of experiment. I think these ones are ok, definately not anything fancy. I'll be putting them toward the mitten tree at church for next year.

Christmas Gifts

Ok, so I exchanged gifts with the girls at church today and they opened them - that makes it ok to post pictures of what I made (finally)!

First up, I tried my hand at felting a bag. It is the ballband bag from Monica's site. I think it turned out ok, but I don't think I did it quite right - I did learn lessons for the next attempt though.

This, to the right, is the before picture. I didn't use very large needles (like I found out after you should use), but instead used the 4.0mm or 4.5mm called for on the yarn wrapper. I didn't know that it should be the larger needles so that the felting process would be better.

Next is the finished product as it is drying. I used one of my text books (Communication Disorders) wrapped in several plastic grocery bags to protect it.

I don't have the sizes with me to record here, but in the height it shrank a few inches, and in width only about an inch. Also, for the handle I just did a simple garter stitch. It is a long handle though, but she's a tall girl so I think it would be alright. I've also informed her that she shouldn't but anything too heavy into it because I don't think the handle would do well under the pressure.

The felting job went not too badly, though I think it might have been a little better had I used the bigger needles. There was still the odd stitch definition here and there, but nothing majorly noticeable.

Above is my other friend's Christmas gift - mittens! I think this is considered Fair Isle eh (though they called it stranding in the directions; my understanding is that the term 'stranding' is now used rather than Fair Isle, but I could be wrong)?

I got the pattern from Knit Picks, and it is this pattern. The yarn I used was Knit Picks Merino Style, and I really liked using it. It is soft and easy to work with. I've tried the mittens on, and they feel so soft and warm.

Anyway, just wanted to post a quick update and show the knitting gifts I made for Christmas now that they have been seen by their recipients.

I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas filled with joy, peace, and love! God bless!!

Six Weird Things

Ok, Monica tagged me with the following rules:

"THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the "6 weird things about you." People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says "you are tagged" in their comments and tell them to read your blog."

1. I will not drink anything after someone else has (whether from glass, cup, mug or bottle). That just totally grosses me out. I even said at communion at church one time that I was so glad we use the little individual plastic cups instead of everyone drinking from the same cup (I think Catholics do that, but not totally sure)...I would just be so grossed out and don't know if I could honestly do that...so thank the Lord for individual plastic communion cups!

2. I will not eat soggy bread (including hot sandwhiches that have gravy on them - nope, make my sandwhich cold please)...again, it's totally gross.

3. I will not walk in the grass in my bare feet - there are bugs in there!

4. I do not like cheese, nor will I eat it...EXCEPT on pizza, in lasagna, or the kind you sprinkle on spaghetti.

5. When I go to my friend Kristina's house, I need to sit in the chair I always sit in otherwise I get out of sinc...yeah, I know, weird (that's why I've included it).

6. I can't sleep with the blankets tucked into the sides and end of the bed. They have to be pulled free, otherwise I feel claustaphopic (spelling is wrong on that, but I'm too lazy to go look it up).

Ok, now I'm supposed to tag 6 people...so, I pick...Rhonda, Lexa, Janice, Tina, Charity, and Rebecca :o) (don't feel you have to do this meme if you don't want to).

"Hey Willy! I Won, I Won!"

Remember Alf, that furry alien guy from the '80s? That's where the title for the post came from, but I digress...

Not long ago, Karen had a contest for her 100th post where she picked a name - or actually her daughter picked a name - from all who left a comment. Well, I commented and it was my name that was chosen!

Here's a pic of what I won (colours are pretty accurate): 3 skeins of Knit Picks Parade (not sure of the colourway as it's not given, but there is pink, grey, darker pink, and purple); some Opal yarn (not sure of the colourway, though I think the number might be 1237 but I don't read German so I'm not totally sure...I tried to see if I could find it online but didn't have any success), a purple "I heart knitting" t-shirt that Karen embroidered (using her machine), and a bag of chocolate covered pretzels!! What an awesome package! I can't wait to get into the pretzels and use the yarn. I've never knit with Opal, so I'm really looking forward to that, and seeing the pattern that develops from those pretty colours. I've used the Knit Picks Parade before, and didn't have any complaints with it; I can't wait to use it again!

Thanks so much Karen! I love everything!!

I'll leave a with a pic of miss Tinker Belle inspecting the goodies:

New Look...New Name...

Surprise! I have a new look...only thing is, it doesn't have anything to do with cats or kittens (but that's ok). I decided that it was time for a change, and I wasn't really liking the other template anymore. I found the background, while cute, was a little distracting underneath the words in the post.

I've also changed the name some. The blog still has the same link as before, so you don't need to change that - just the name of the blog on your links. The new name is Kitten Knits Yarn. Since I have more than one blog, I was finding that often when I would venture over to a new knitting blog and leave a comment, that person would go to my Confirm the Work of Our Hands blog to leave a comment. I figured they were missing out on the knitting goodness, so I thought if I put Knits in the title, it might help guide them...we'll see. Not that I minded them going to the other blog (I would actually enjoy if more people went there too), just that if they were looking for knitting content, they wouldn't find it there.

Also, you'll notice that my sidebar is waaaaayyyyy down at the bottom. I think the reason for that is some of the pictures in previous posts are large and might be affecting it. I'm not totally sure on that though. If someone knows what to do (other than wait for those posts to get off this page), please leave me a message in the comment section so I can try to fix it.

Well, school is done for winter break now...Yay!! I have been working the last coupld of days on my Christmas knitting, and I think it will all be done on time - at least I hope it will. No pictures to show yet, but after Christmas, I promise I will post some. I've also got two or three projects I want to make for myself that I am anxious to start on.

Just wanted to make a quick post (are any of my posts ever really "quick"?) to let you all know about the new changes here at Kitten Knits Yarn. Happy knitting!

Scarfy Goodness

I finally got the scarf that I had been working on completed. It was a super duper easy peasy pattern, and was memorized within the first few stitches! It was a quick knit as well, when I was actually able to work on it. The pattern was the Yarn Harlot's 1 Row Scarf...at least that is what I think she called it. She had the pattern posted on her blog a few months ago and I copied it down...just don't have the pattern handy to see the name of it.

To the left you will see the completed purple one and a newly started blue one. The purple was made from Pattons Classic Wool, and was from my first experience at dying with Kool Aid. The Kool Aid absorbed better in some places than in others, but that's fine because it gave it a sort of varigated look...adds a little character in my opinion.

To the right is a closeup of the stitches and you can see the "mottled" sort of look of the dye job, though it isn't the best picture to see it in.

The blue scarf is being knit from Briggs & Little in the "bluejean" colourway. It's not as soft as the Pattons, and feels a little scratchier. I am hoping that if I do a handwash or soak after I am finished with it, that it will soften up a little. I'm thinking of giving these both as gifts, and I don't want the recipient to not wear it because it is too scratchy. So, if anyone has any hints, tips, or suggestions on how I can soften it up some please let me know in the comment section!

I must go now, and get back to working on my essay and assignments. Some are due tomorrow, and some on Friday. I would like to get them all done for tomorrow, but I don't think that is possible. Studying for next week's exams will begin on Friday. I will leave you with a picture of little miss Tinker Belle...it looks like she is smelling the yarn, which she no doubt is doing, but just before I snapped the pic, she had been licking...gross!



Edited to add the link to the Yarn Harlot's scarf pattern.

November Socks

Finally I have finished my November socks for the SAM2 KAL. I used Bernat Hot Sox yarn, and I think the colour was Hot Red or Red Hot or something like that. I took the wrapper off awhile back because it had a pattern on it I was going to try, and wouldn't you know it...I can't find it now. Anyway, I used 2.75 mm dpns, and made the pattern myself.

It is the first sock pattern (or any pattern for that matter) that I have ever made. Sure there are a few mistakes in it, and it's not the prettiest pattern compared to the "experts" out there...but it's my pattern and I like it. I have it written down, just need to type it up now. I'm sure there are places in the pattern that could be improved, but hey...it's my first pattern :o).


I was able to get another pair of the pocket book slippers done for the mitten tree (you can see the picture to the right). It really is such an easy pattern, and I am sure I'll make some more to put on the mitten tree for next year. I didn't get any picture of them stretched out though, so you can't really see how they look. I might try to make an adult pair of them and then put them on to show you what they look like. That probably won't be for a little while though because I'm a little busy with Christmas knitting and school work.

The picture to the right was taken two weeks ago at the church. There were a lot of items on and under it, but I forgot to bring my camera this past Sunday to get the picture of it with even more items on it. We should find out in this week's bulletin just how much of each item was donated. There are definately a LOT of mittens, but other items include: gloves, hats, scarves, socks, sweaters, slippers and who knows what else.

I'm working on a scarf in my spare moments. It's a very easy pattern so it's not taking long to do - I just need to sit down and work on it. I don't have a lot left, and I'm still debating on whether or not I will put fringe on the ends. When I get it completed, I'll post a picture of it. Not sure if I'll use it as a Christmas gift for someone, or if I'll put it away for next year's mitten tree though.

Better be off and work at my homework. I have an essay due tomorrow and I need to do some fine tuning to it - make it sound better and what not.

Happy knitting!

My Prize and Latest FO

Today's mail was great! Normally I don't get much in the way of mail - bank statement, credit card statement, couple of catalogues - that sort of thing. But today was extra awesome mail. I got a craft catalogue that I get AND even better, I got the prize I won from Alisha's contest from Halloween. I posted about the contest on my blog, and she was going to pick a winner from those who posted about her contest - that is how I won. There was also a prize for the person who guessed how many pumpkin seeds were in her little dish.

There it is over to the right...isn't is so cute? She even personalized it with my name. Also in the package was a little snowman that you soak in water and it expands. I'm hoping my nephew will be up this weekend (he's nearly 3 1/2) and I think he would love to watch it grow. And look at that awesome card - it's a felted Santa! Don't think I have seen one like that before. It is so cute! Thanks so much Alisha!


I finished up a quite little item to put on the mitten tree at church this weekend (this might be the last weekend it's up so I want to get a couple of more small things made for it. If I find out that it will be up another week, then I'll make a couple more items for it.


The latest item I've finished knitting is the Pocketbook Slippers for Wee Ones. It was a quick knit, and only took a couple of hours to make the pair. Click on the link for the pattern. I used some acrylic yarn that I had around the house (probably Red Heart, but not totally sure and not sure of the colourway since the band has long been gone) and size 4.5 mm bamboo needles.

I will make these little slippers again - probably another pair before Sunday so I can add those to the mitten tree. Could probably get a pair done watching some TV tonight.

There is also a pattern available for these slippers in an adult size, but the link messed up on the sheet I printed out. I'll try to get it later though and post it if anyone is interested.
I saw these patterns on another blog, but I can't remember whose it was. If you know who posted the link for them (or if it is your blog), please let me know so I can link back to that blog as well.

Children's Hat

Here is a picture of the children's hat that I had been working on. I finished it last night, but it was too late (read dark) to take a picture of it; I waited until this afternoon.

The colours are showing brighter on here because I used the flash. Any of the pictures I tried to take without the flash were too dark.

I used Paton's Classic Wool, black for the ribbing, and...ummm...I forget the colourway of the rest of it. I'll have to look into it as I have another skein of it. The needles were 4.5mm circular for the whole thing. I think next time I do this hat (or really any other hat), I will probably follow the directions and use the bigger size it called for to do the top part of it.

I wanted to get a picture of the hat on my friend's daughter to see how it would fit on a child's head, but she was sick tonight so I didn't get the chance. I also thought it might be nice to have a live model to show my work for once (with her mother's permission mind you)...no such luck - no live model that is, not that I didn't get permission...though technically I didn't get her permission since I didn't see her daughter tonight to take the picture, so I couldn't ask. Confused? Me too.

This was a patten I used from the holiday issue of the holiday Knit Simple that I mentioned in the previous post. The pattern was very easy to follow and knit up in no time really - well, so long as I kept knitting and not putting it down too often. I think I'll definately be using these patterns again in the future!

Jumping On Board

Ok, I have finally jumped on board and bought the One Skein book
this afternoon - better late than never eh? I have found some projects that I am going to try soon. I have seen other knitters finished projects and have wanted to get this book for some time now. Let's hope I can do a good job ;o).

I also got the holiday issue of Vogue Knitting the other day and really like the scarf featured on the cover. I think that is one I'm going to try - maybe...it looks kind of scary though (the process, not the actual scarf).

I also got the holiday issue of Knit Simple the same day as the Vogue magazine. I wanted to do a children's hat with the left over yarn from the mitten projects I've recently done. This issue has basic patterns to follow for sizes from premies to adult males, so I just chose one and started it Saturday evening. I worked on it briefly on Sunday and a little today. It's probably 1/3 done so far and when I get it completed, I will post a picture here for you to see. I wanted to finish up some black, so I decided to do the ribbing in that and the rest of the hat in one of the varrigated yarns I had...I ended up not using the mitten yarn, but one of the other part skeins I had. I didn't think the two skeins from the recent mitten projects would really work with the black since there was none in that yarn. Anyway, I'll show the picture when I get the hat done - which will hopefully be in the next few days or by the weekend at the latest.

An FO

I've been working on one of the Christmas gifts lately, and am nearly finished it. I just hope it turns out well enough to give as a gift - otherwise I'll have to find something else and hope to get it completed in time. I'll have to start on my other friend's gift too so that I'll get it done in time. I've got a couple of ideas for something simple for a couple other friends, so hopefully I'll get those done in time for Christmas as well. Those two I could show pics when/if I get their gifts done, because they don't read my blog.

I have also been working on my November entry for Knittin' Mittens. Here is the pic of the completed mittens:

They are children's size 6-8, and done on 4.5mm dpns using Patons Classic Wool Merino in the Rosewood colourway - at least I think that is the colour...I have two wrappers and wasn't sure which was the right one...LOL.

Next I will have to get some socks done for the SAM2 to count for my November entry. I'll have to get cracking at those and work on them between the Christmas gifts. I am just so close to completing the first of the gifts, so I'll have to go work on that between doing some homework this afternoon and this evening. I'll keep you posted as to whether or not it works out, and like I said before, you'll see pics of it after the recipient receives it at Christmas.

Another Contest

Chappysmom is having a contest. I like contests - I never win, but I like entering them. I mean, you will never win if you don't enter right? So if I at least enter, I have a chance of winning...

The idea is that you take a picture of your calendar, the month of November, and post it on your blog. If she gets enough people taking part then she will offer a prize of something nice from her stash. If not, the contest will just be a meme. Hopefully enough people will enter! Here is my entry:

It's not a pretty picture. November's picture is a 1933 Ford Speedstar Coup. The calendar is from a cousin's auto repair shop, hence the picture of a car. The whole calendar is of old cars, and my dad got it when he took the car in for something last year. It's much better than the one from the previous year - it was one of those big 18-wheeler type trucks, well actually the cabs (or whatever they are called). They had all had pictures and designs painted on them. My dad got it as well from the same cousin's shop. I am hoping this year he'll get something with pretty scenes or flowers instead. That is what they usually get, but for the last two years they haven't. Anyway, this is my entry for the contest.

And, not to be outdone by a silly calendar, Tinker Belle has requested that her picture be shown too - to pretty up this post. So, without further ado, here she is getting ready for a nap (don't mind the icky old '70s era chair she's in:

A Contest and Not Much Else

Alisha is having a contest, and the cutoff is tomorrow (Saturday). Go check it out.

I've been doing some knitting, though can't show you the pictures yet. I'm working on a Christmas gifts for one of my friends and she reads this blog sometimes. If I post a pic, then she'll know what she's getting - so, no pics until after she gets the gift...hopefully I'll remember to post them LOL! The next item I'll be working on will be a Christmas gift for another friend who reads this blog too - so, no pic of that (or hint as to what it is) until after she gets it as well.

I've also started a pair of mittens for November's entry of my Knittin' Mittens KAL in a similar colourway as the pair in the previous post. This pair has more brown in it though, and not the rusty/reddy colour. I'll post the pic when they are done.

The KAL is still open for anyone interested in joining. Just send me an email or leave a comment on this blog or the mitten blog and I'll add your name. Also, if you'd be interested in donating a prize, that would be fabulous. The winner for this month was Mandy; her name was picked by Susan who donated the prize for October. Can't wait to see what Susan is sending her.

Well, that's all for now. Hopefully I'll get the mittens done this weekend and will post a pic...and maybe I'll do something else as well so that I'll have other pics to show.

Happy Knitting!

Warm Hands

I finished a pair of child's mittens today. These will go on the mitten tree at the church, along with other items I have made throughout the year. These are also my October entry for the Knittin' Mittens KAL.


They are just a basic pair of mittens with the cuff knit an inch longer (3 inches) than called for so that they will stay up a little higher under coat sleeves (hopefully). I used Patons Classic Wool Merino in the Regency colourway, and 4.5mm dpns. They were a fast knit as it is only children's size 2-4. I did one up on the weekend, and finised the second one this afternoon. I couldn't do anything until I finished it...you know what it's like being knitting obsessed!

I have roughly half of a 3 /2 oz (100g) skein left, maybe a little more - I can't tell. So, I am thinking I might surf for basic children's hat patterns and see what the average yarnage requirement calls for. If I think I have enough, then I'll make a matching hat to go with the mittens; if not, then I'll just make another pair of mittens in the same size.

My priority right now, however, is to get cracking on the gifts for my two friends for Christmas. We're doing an exchange among the three of us, and the only "catch" is that it has to be something home made.

The Knittin' Mittens KAL is still open for those intersted
See the post below for the latest baby socks and a cute little ducky hat

Oh Baby!

I've realized that October is slipping away and I have been trying to get some socks done up for Octoberfest, some mittens for Knittin' Mittens, as well as starting a couple of Christmas gives for a couple of my friends.

Over to the right you will see, although it is a terrible picture, a cute little ducky hat and ducky socks. I found the pattern on the net I think it was at www.p2designs.com, but I'm not entirely sure - that is the only link I see, and it is written in with a note about making the items for charity.

I used Bernat Softee Baby in white and yellow, and it was a pretty easy pattern. Unfortunately I made the beak a little too big I think, and when it's laying down flat, so is the beak and it looks like a seagull or bald eagle...

I made the set for my cousin who is having a baby a week before Christmas. Her baby shower was last night, so I had to get the hat finished up (just had to sew the eyes on and the loops on the top for a tuft of hair - that was annoying because I wasn't sure how to do it).

The little white socks to the left were ones I also made for my cousin for the shower. I made them up yesterday afternoon and they look like they will fit the baby when he/she is a little older. That's ok though. It is also made out of the Bernat Baby Soft - I know, it's not wool, but really a baby isn't going to be walking on them so I figured acrylic socks would suffice. Besides, it's soft yarn so that's a plus.

I also included one of the pair of socks I made last month...the Blueberry Waffles baby socks I made. Guess I had a little theme going with that gift LOL. I also got her some baby wipes and a lion picture frame...the lion looks like a little pull toy, but it's not a toy, and you put the picture in the belly part of it. It's really cute.

Everyone loved the socks, and thought the ducky hat and ducky socks were sooooo cute! I am also making her something else, but its not near completion yet and I probably won't get it to her until around Christmas.

And, just for proof, I've included closeups of the socks for proof that they were made like socks with heel flaps and turning for the heels. Unfortunately, the pictures aren't the best.

Anyway, these will have to count both for Socktoberfest, and the Sock a Month 2 KAL.

My next projects are going to be getting a pair of mittens done for October's count toward the Knittin' Mittens KAL (which is still open if anyone still wants to join - just follow the link above). I will also have to start working on my Christmas gifts as well so they'll get done in time for Christmas. Otherwise my friends won't let me hear the end of it I'm sure...Ok Kristina and Franky, stop rolling your eyes...sheesh!

Socktoberfest

As many, many, many, many knitters are aware the month of October brings us to Socktoberfest over at Lolly's blog. October is all about socks - but then what month isn't...

She posed some questions last week regarding sock knitting history, and I am only getting around to posting my answers now. Yeah, I'm a day late and a dollar short I know...LOL!

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class? I started making socks in January of this year (2006). I had been wanting to learn to knit socks for awhile now, but was scared to - they looked so hard! I bought some sock yarn and used the pattern on the wrapper. I also used a couple of online sources for the whole kitchener stitch experience.

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?
These are my first socks, over to the right. I love the colours, especially the purple. They've held up not too shabbily, though to be honest I've only worn them a couple of times. You see, the first one of the pair was knit inside out! Yeah, common mistake I was told. Anyway, when I turned it right side out and put it on (the tutorial I was using said to continue knitting it inside out and then turn when finished), the seems showed - enough so that it was extremely noticeable (even though inside out the seems would have been fine). Also, somehow on the heel flap, at the beginning, I messed up and it ended up with the first row purled. However, I have worn them in sneakers a couple of times and if I showed them to anyone, I made sure to show them the one that was fine - the second of the pair).

What would you have done differently? Well, I would not knit a sock inside out and expect it to look fine. It doesn't. I would have also used a smaller needle (these were done on the 3.0mm stated in the pattern).

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed? Well, I have only used Patons Kroy, which I liked; Bernat Sox, which was also nice to work with; and Knit Picks Memories (to be honest, I only have one sock completed with that so far), which I also like.

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method? I have never crocheted socks. I don't think I would like to either, because I like to knit them, and I also like the look of the knitted sock. I use DPNs, but would like to try the two socks on two circulars as I have a DVD for it and would like to try that sometime soon. I've never tried the Magic Loop method.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?) I have never done a short row heel, but I do enjoy making the heel flap. Some time I might have to try the short rows though.

How many pairs have you made? Since I learned this past January, I have made 11 1/2 pairs of socks - not all for me either.

More Socks

I know, it's been a little while since I last posted. I've been a little busy with school and have been a little lazy too. I have done some knitting, though not as much as I would have liked.

I made two pairs of little baby socks from the pattern over on Rachel's Ramblings. It is a really easy pattern, and knit up quickly (when I worked on them).

The pair to the right is the feather and fan following Rachel's pattern. The pair to the left is the blueberry waffles pattern which I found an easy pattern as well.

I used a skein of Bernat Sox (60% acrylic, 40% nylon) in the Crazy Hot colourway. I still have enough yarn left to make at least one more pair of baby socks, and possibly two. Not sure what pattern I will use for the next pair, but I'll have a look-see through the patterns I have and ones on the net to see if something strikes my fancy.



Off to do more homework - have three chapters to read, a small 2 page essay to write on the three chapters, an exercise for the TESL class (it's making up grammar sheets that could be used for a certain class level and can take awhile to do), some grammar work, a 6-10 sentence essay as well as read over several essays and do a critique/edit on one of them. Fun stuff, but it's interfering with my knitting time, LOL! Just kidding...sorta.

A New Addiction?

The problem with having an addictive personality is that when I find something I enjoy doing, it is very easy for me to get addicted. Such is the problem I am now facing. A new found addiction to making stitch markers. Sharon is so right, she said in the comment section of the previous post that it is addictive.

Here is more proof of my new addiction:


You might have to click on the picture to enlarge it so you can see them better. I made these last night, and I'm using one of the ones to the right on the current baby sock that I'm working on (should have the second one done tonight or tomorrow and have pics of it soon). The ones on the right are made with smaller rings, and I find they are a good size for the smaller dpn's used in the making of socks.

I need to find more creative ways of taking pictures of the markers (and my knitting things)...I wish I was more creative in a lot of things, but I'm not so my pictures and whatever will likely be boring - unless I "steal" ideas from others. I'd like to try to be original, but it doesn't always turn out. Oh well.

Here's the final picture, Kitten Yarns & Crafts resident kitty herself, Tinker Belle. As you can see she's not overly impressed here, for two reasons: 1. I interupted her bath time in the sunbeam, and 2. I wouldn't let her play with the stitch markers - not that she didn't try, because she did when I was trying to take pics. Silly kitty, those aren't play toys (at least for her)!

Stitch Markers

Ok, I have finally given into the hand made stitch marker craze. I admit, I was jealous of all those knitters and beaders out there who were making beautiful stitch markers. I wanted to belong (isn't that always the way?) so I Googled 'how to make sitch markers' and found some sites. The one I used was from Sheep In The City blog, with the link to her method of making stitch markers found here.

Now, keep in mind that this is my first attempt at making stitch markers, so they might not be as gorgeous or glamerous as more experienced stitch marker makers (say that ten times fast!). Yes, I know they aren't all uniform in length - a fact I only thought about after I finished making each individually and didn't think to measure the needle part first. Oh well, they varying lengths (though they aren't off by a whole lot) just add to creator uniqueness or something like that.

Ok, so to the right you will see the red ones (or would garnet be a better shade to call them?). I used a larger ring for those, but I think it would be better if I used a smaller ring (I only have two sizes really, and I wanted to have a variety of rings to be used on different size needles. The bigger rings could be used, I suppose on the larger needles. I used a 6.5mm bamboo needle to display them on, and there is plenty of room left over. I don't know if that would be too annoying to a knitter or not...I will let you know though.

To the left, you will see the other set of four I made. The rings on these are smaller and fit the 6.5mm bamboo needle fine. These would obviously not be able to be used on needles bigger than this size though, but I was thinking they might do for something like socks or mittens or lace scarves - some small project like that. Again, I have no idea but time will tell. Sorry that both of these pics are a little dark, but they were in shadow, and I didn't want to use the flash because I didn't want it to bounce off the window and create a glare or make it so the markers couldn't be seen so well. For the picture at the bottom I thought I would hold them up in the sun to make them look a little brighter.

I will be making some more of these (right now they are the only beads I have for making stitch markers) later today. Does anyone have any idea how many stitch markers are usually put into a set? The reason I ask, is that I want to make some to give away (along with some wool) as the September prize for the Knittin' Mittens KAL and I'm not sure how many to put as a set.

P.S. The Knittin' Mittens KAL is still open to all knitters, no matter your skill level. You still have a little over half the month to get your mittens/gloves in for the September draw. Also, the grand prize (a pattern, fleece and wool package to make thrummed mittens) requires that each knitter completes a pair of mittens or gloves for each month in order to get their name entered on this fabulous prize. If you don't want to enter the grand prize, but would just like to make mittens or glove a few times, that is fine as well because I plan on having a prize for each month as well.

Reid and Bess

Ok, I think at some point I promised to show pics of my progress on Reid and Bess so that is what this post is about. Let's start with Reid.

As you will remember I started Reid but it wasn't looking anything like the picture of the finished cardigan. I was assured that blocking would probably fix that, but in all honesty I just had a bad feeling it wouldn't.

I went and bought some Patons Grace (the kind used in the sample) and decided I would start over since I wasn't too far into it anyway. Just in case though, I left what I had on the needles. Here is what I've got thus far with the new venture in Reid:

This is about 38 or 40 rows of the back. I know the picture isn't all that great but I wanted to hold it up so you could see the "holes" of the lace. It's still kind of squished together because I didn't want the stitches to fall of the end of the needle. Here's a close up of the stitch (and please don't point out any mistakes - I know there are some in there but I can't figure out how to tell when I do make one (I know, that's what life lines are for, but at this point I wouldn't know how to begin fixing the mistake anyway being new to lace). The following picture is a close up of the stitches.

The colour is, I believe, lilac but here (at least on my screen) it is looking on the blueish side. Again, the stitches are somewhat scrunched up still because I didn't want them falling off the end of the needle. You can't even really see the pattern yet in the pic, but when you look at the real thing you do see more of the pattern there - a lot more - than last time.

And as for Dainty Bess, I found out what I was doing wrong! It was the yarn overs that had me thrown for a loop. I had done some blog surfing not long ago, and came across Heather's blog and saw that she was doing this same scarf. I had asked if she could show me a picture of her work on it so I could see if I was doing it right. Mine looked nothing like hers, so I knew I must be doing something wrong but had no idea what.

A few emails later she said she couldn't see my yarn overs, but they were there. It turns out that on the purling side I was purling it wrong. I tried the way she said it (in Reid) - at least I think I am doing it the right way because the holes are showing up.

However, I decided since I had about half of the length of the current picture above shows completed, I decided not to rip out and start over. I decided that I would just continue on my merry little way with what I was doing. At least there is some sort of diamondy looking pattern showing. I will do this pattern again, and the next time I will know how to do the yarn overs and my next attempt might turn out right.

In the mean time, I am renaming my version of Dainty Bess. With no disrespect to the author of the pattern, I am naming my version "Messy Bessy".

Hats Off To You...

Well, still taking a little break from the lace projects though to be honest, I am still doing work on them as well. One little project I knit up pretty much last evening was the hat in the pic below.

I made it with Lion Brand Suede (it's 100% polyester - but no polyesters were killed or injured in the making of the hat). I used size 5.5 mm needles and follwed the pattern from Knit It! which was displayed until April - didn't say which issue it was though, other than when to display it until.

The hat is called "Cloche Topper" and has a "flower" type thingy on the side. I didn't like the "flower", so I decided not to make it. The hat is looking kind of squarish - but that's because I have it hanging over the square post at the top of the stairs on the back deck. The colour is teal, but it looks a little bluer in this picture.

I ended up casting on a tad bit too tight and I think when I drew the end piece through the last few stitches before sewing up the seam, I pulled that a bit too tight. Other than that though it looks fine. Here is a close up of the stitches:

I will make this pattern again, but I might try it on 4.5 mm needles (the pattern calls for that but mine were in use so I used the 5.5 mm that the yarn wrapper calls for). Also, the needles I used were some "cheapish" plastic ones and I think if I had used aluminum needles it might have been a little better.

And finally, a picture of the cat in the hat...or cat under the hat...or maybe I should title the caption for this picture as "Tiny Cat; Giant Hat"...

Taking A Break

I've taken a break these past couple of days. I've taken a break from knitting lace. Why you may ask? Well, it's not because I'm not enjoing it (even though I've been doing it wrong), because I do like lace and I am liking it.

Since September has arrived, I wanted to get a pair of mittens done for my Knittin' Mittens KAL. So, I hauled out a skein/ball/whatever you want to call it of wool and got one of the patterns I have for a kids pair of mittens. Actually, the book is an old one that I borrowed from my friend Kristina and haven't given back yet because I wanted to learn how to do mittens on four needles. She'll get the book back eventually - especially if she asks for it LOL!

I do have more of the scarf done, and restarted the Reid sweater in the right kind of yarn - this time with more knowledge on how to do it. I have one set of the back section done and part way into the first repeat of it. No pictures yet though.

I'll work some more on the lace and get a pic of both the scarf and Reid up soon. But for now, click here to see my first pair of mittens made for 2006.

Oh, and for those interested, you can still join the KAL (it runs until March of next year) by sending me an e-mail to let me know. Details are on the Knittin' Mittens blog - the links are in red above. C'mon and join in the fun!

Dainty Bess Progress

Here is my progress thus far on Dainty Bess since the previous post:

Each section is 20 rows, and I have completed 4 of those (as well as 6 in the next repeat. I don't know if I have done 3 repeats, or if it is 4 (is it doing one set of 20 rows and 3 repeats, or do you count the first one as well?).

I took this picture at about 6:30pm tonight, so you see a bit of the sun shining through the deck and the tree in back of it. You can also faintly see the white thread I'm using as life lines. Though to be honest, I haven't used them yet. I have mistakes in there but I am not good at lace yet, so I have absolutely no idea where they are - even if I'm still on the same line. I know there are tons of experienced lace knitters out there who probably look at it and say "Boy, there is yet another mistake! Why on earth did she not tink back or rip back and fix it?" Well, I am just going to let my inexperience speak for itself on this one I'm afraid. I am not giving this away, since it's my first piece of real lace, so if people see the mistakes in it they will just have to deal with it LOL!

Here is another closeup of the lace that doesn't look like anything yet. I'm anxious to get it completed for Amazing Lace, and to see how it looks after it is all blocked.

I do have one question that I am hoping someone can answer for me. When using a circular needle and knitting lace (or anything for that matter), do you hold the needles so that the item you are knitting hangs in through the loop and the loop on the front, or do you have the knitting over the front and the loop hanging in the back? Does it even matter? When I first started knitting this, I was holding it so the lace was hanging in the loop and the loop was on the front, but about 10 rows or so ago, I changed to the other way. I'm not sure if I am seeing any difference or not and I just wanted to know the correct way to hold the circular needles (don't want a disaster like with my first pair of socks and holding the dpn's wrong).

I also bought some Paton's Grace yarn today for the Reid sweater for my friend's daughter. It's not the same colour as the Knit Picks Shine though. I was holding the two together, and Shine is a little bigger than Grace, but not by a whole lot. I think what I will do is at least finish the back of Reid and block it. That way I can see if it's going to look remotely like it should. If not I have the Grace to do it in. Though I'm thinking if it looks half decent anyway, I just might finish it up with the Shine and use the Grace to make one in a smaller size...we'll see. I haven't worked on Reid since my last post because I wanted to mull over what I should do with it. And also I wanted to work on the Dainty Bess as it is a quicker knit.

Off to go work on my lace! Happy knitting, and don't forget to sign up for the Knittin' Mittens KAL (leave a comment or email me)!

Holey Knitting Batman!

Note the way I spelled holey...so that should be an indication that I am talking about lace knitting! Yes, I have caved into the lace craze.

To be honest, I absollutely love the look of lace and I really admire those who can knit it so beautifully (and seemingly so quickly too). I have a total fear of lace - well, in knitting it. I don't know why but I just do.

Maybe this is the reason why I fear it... this my friends, is Reid from Knitty. It is so not looking like lace is it? I also goofed up a couple of places - but I have absolutely no clue where so I can't even rip back to it.

I'm using Knit Picks Shine Sport on size 3.50 mm needles, and as I said, it is not looking like lace to me. It started off with some pretty good diagonal diamond shape thingys, but after the first 16 rows somehow that stopped (I'm thinking it is somewhere around the second repeat that I made the goof ups). You can sort of see the diamond shapes if you look at it a certain way, but not as clearly. I am afraid that if I go up a needles size or two (to get the lace look) I will run out of yarn and if I order more, it won't be the same dye lot. I really don't know what to do except frog it and get a different yarn...I was trying to avoid the yarn called for in the pattern because I saw that it was hand wash and I don't think my friend would enjoy that (the sweater is for her daughter).

Ok. Here is where I conquored my fear of knitting lace. I started the Dainty Bess scarf (the green one) from the Elizabeth I patterns from Knit Picks and have finished the first 20 rows, about to start the first repeat - or is that the second?

The yarn is Alpaca Cloud in the Tidepool colourway on size 3.25 mm circular needles. I've not knit with something so fine, so that's a bit of a challenge.

It's looking like a loosely knit blob at present time but in some ways I can see a bit of a pattern, though mostly I don't. I am hoping that when I have finished it and blocked it that the pattern will show up better. In the picture given with the pattern, it looks like the yarn they used was a little thicker though and the pattern just jumps right out at you.

Oh, and this is also what I've accomplished for the Amazing Lace...not much I know, but I feared the lace and also I had to cut way back on my knitting this summer because of carpal tunnel. But, I've at least got some lace to show for it. Maybe I'll be really adventurous and get it all done by the closing date, September 1.

I guess I've got a lot to learn about lace knitting. Oh, and I do have a thread run through for a life line in case I mess up and have to rip back.

Also, for anyone wanting to join the Knittin' Mittens KAL, you still can. There are only about six of us so far, and all knitters are welcome. Click here to go to the Knittin' Mittens blog.

Starting a KAL?

Ok, so I want to start a KAL (a knit along). I've been thinking about it for awhile now. There are tons out there, but I want to have one. I'm selfish like that! LOL!

I'm not entirely sure of what to do or how to start it though. I also can't afford to supply prizes, so maybe there would be others willing to donate them. I also need to work through the little details of things like how long it will last, is it a one item per month (like the Sock a Month KAL does), is it a knit as many as you can each month, etc.

If anyone has experience with this sort of thing, maybe you can give me pointers in the comment section. Also, if there is anyone who is willing to donate prizes that would be fabulous too - yarn, stitch markers, or whatever.

I am also thinking of creating a blog for it so that all the members of the KAL will have access and can post pics of their completed items. That might be easier to do than have people post comments or send emails with links to their blogs for me to check out and post here. I would also need buttons made (I am not good at that) for people to put on their blogs.

So, please, leave me comments with suggestions, etc. I'll let everyone know what the KAL is for and the other details at a later point. Right now I'm in the thought/planning stage but would like to find more info on starting KAL's first.

Edited to add:

Ok, I have set up a blog for the KAL. It is to knit mittens and gloves, and the details (or most of them) are there. The name of the KAL and blog is Knittin' Mittens. Click here to go to the blog.

August Socks

Finally I have completed the pair of children's socks I have slowly been working on for awhile now. They've been one of those projects that you have to fall back on when you want to do mindless knitting or something small. I say mindless because it is just a basic simple pattern of knitting with no pattern in the stitches. Basically it's my default children's pattern - ok so it's been the only children's pattern I've used so far...

Anyway, these are my first entry for the Sock of the Month 2 KAL:

Here are the details:

Pattern: Basic simple pattern from the back of a yarn wrapper
Needle Size: 3.0 mm
Yarn: Patons Kroy
Colourway: Umm I think it was country something or other (I forget)
Sock Size: 2-4

And just because I haven't posted a picture of Kitten Yarns & Crafts resident cat herself, Tinker Belle, I will leave you with the latest picture I have taken of her: