Baby Mittens

I knit these thumbless baby mittens up over the weekend.  I used the same yarn & needles as I did for the mittens in the previous post.  The pattern can be found here, and instead of an i cord, I just crochet a long chain (maybe a little too long, but at least it can be tied to shorten it - better too long than too short) so the mittens won't be lost.  Hopefully the chain will stay attached!

This pattern is done on two needles and sewn up the sides, however I just used my DPNs.  Wherever the pattern called for purling, I just did knitting.  These are a quick knit and I will be making more - especially since I still have more of this yarn left!

Toasty Hands

I finally finished the kids mittens I had been working on.  It's not that the pattern is difficult or anything like that, I just kept putting it off or when I wanted to knit, I would get a call to go in and teach that morning for a full day.  I could have taken them with me to work on at lunch or recess, but to be honest, when I'd get a call in the morning while getting ready "just in case", taking my knitting along was the last thing on my mind.

At any rate, these are finally finished - hooray!  In the photo I used the flash, so the colour appears lighter/brighter than they actually are.  They are more darker in reality (the flashless photo didn't turn out too well).  I used 4.0mm DPN needles (or are they 4.5?), and the yarn is Phentex Dynasty (100% acrylic), worsted weight, in the Dark Aqua colourway.  This yarn was something I had in my stash from some time back, and I wanted to get it used up.

These are going on the mitten tree at the church.  So far it's the only pair of mittens I have knit up for the tree, but I do have the other scarves and hats I made as well.  I've just printed out another pattern from Ravelry that has some baby, toddler and other size mittens as well, and since I've got more yarn left over, thought I might make some of the infant/toddler size for the mitten tree as well.  Hopefully I'll finish these ones quicker than I did the ones in the photo!

Happy knitting!

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!

Stamping Blog Candy

What a great contest going on over at Passion For Crafts. Check it out! I sure wouldn't mind winning!

Look...An Actual Post!

Hi! How've you all been? I'm finally here to make a post on this lonely ol' blog. I have a couple of pictures of the scarf I made my Ravelry Scarf Exchange Pal, as well as two cards I made this afternoon.

First up is the scarf I made for my RSE pal. I sent this to her in early April and she received it. Unfortunately I was so busy I didn't get a chance to post a picture of it until now. I used Patons Silk-Bamboo yarn (I think that's what it's called. I forgot to save the band, but it is made with silk and bamboo). The pattern I used was the Diagonal Lace Scarf. It was so easy to make and had I been able to sit for longer periods of time to work on it, it wouldn't have taken me so long to make. I highly recommend this pattern. It can be made with any weight yarn, too.

Next up is the first of two cards I made this afternoon. It's just a simple card, but I think it looks OK.

I don't know what brand my papers are; they are just ones I have bought here and there. I know a lot of card makers can tell you what kind of paper they used (or colour name) because they buy theirs from companys such as Stampin' Up. I haven't bought any from there yet, but they sure have some gorgeous colours and patterns available!

I used two stamps. The hummingbird is one I've had for awhile. I believe I bought it from Michael's. The quote is from a the Refuge and Strength set from Stampin' Up. I got this set last month when Jodi became a rep.

The second card is, again, made with random pieces I have. I decided to experiment with the colours to see how they'd look. I know black and yellow go together, but I didn't know how it would look on a card. The image is from the set I won awhile back, and the quote is from the Refuge and Strength Stampin' Up set. On the inside, I stamped a flower pot with some tulips and coloured them in.

The black looked plain to me, so I thought I'd glue some little yellow buttons on. Unfortunately, they are brighter than the paper I used, so I don't know if they look OK or not. But, since this was a practice card (more than anything), I can use it as a reference and next time try to find buttons or something a little closer to the colour of paper I use.

Well, going to head off now. I still have a table full of card making supplies and stamps to clean up, and it's time for supper as well.

I hope it won't be too long before I post again!

Stamping Blog Candy

I've got a post coming up soon...I promise!

Until then, check out the awesome blog candy available to be won - for stamping/card making/scrapping.

New Goodies!

On Thursday I received my package from my Ravelry Scarf Exchange pal, and the scarf is gorgeous! I did take a closeup of the scarf, unfortunately the picture came out really blurry. I wanted to show the little beads she had in it. To the right you can see the contents of the package she sent: the lovely scarf, which I'm looking forward to wearing, a postcard, 2 balls of silk yarn she also used in the scarf, a cute pin cushion, some lavender soap, and some chocolate! Startare, who is from France, had my name in the exchange. Thanks so much for the scarf and other items - I love it all! You did a wonderful job on the scarf!


In stamping news, a few weeks ago I entered a contest and won a set of stamps (minus the blocks)! I visited several different stamping blogs and left comments to be entered into draws for a set of stamps. The company donating them (I forget offhand, but will have to find the link to post) had several different ladies demonstrate various sets by making cards with them. Anyway, the set I won was my favourite out of all of them! How cool is that! Diana was the one who chose my name since she was the one using this particular set. She did the whole random generator thing and my name was drawn. Thanks Diana!


My mom's birthday is coming up this week - St. Patrick's Day to be exact. I'm hoping I'll have enough time between now and then to make her a card using this set I won. She loves flowers and is into gardening so I thought this would be a great set to use for her. She's seen the set as well and commented on how pretty it was.


Well, better head off and try and get some homework done. Happy knitting, stamping and crafting!

More Stamp Blog Candy!

Jes is having a contest on her blog. You have until March 15th to enter. Go check it out!

Frustration!

I am so frustrated! I was working on the scarf for my Ravelry Scarf Exchange partner last night when I noticed a mistake. Well, this isn't the type of pattern that is easily corrected - at least in my opinion. Anyway, I had to frog back a few rows, and somewhere along the line I've lost/dropped about 4 or 5 stitches and I don't know where in the pattern they are. I don't know if I should rip back another row or two or not.

The thing is, I need to finish this up by the end of the month and get it sent off to her. I had debated just tossing it aside and starting another scarf in an easier, quicker pattern (though this one is easy as well). The only thing is, I don't know if I started over if I would get the scarf finished in time to send it out or not. My pal doesn't want anything too thick, so I want to be conscious of that.

I think I'll try to fix up this scarf and continue. I just don't want the mistakes to be noticeable if I can't fix it, and I have a feeling they would be noticeable...

I'll keep you updated, and when my pal receives the scarf, I'll post pictures for you.

Happy knitting & stamping & crafting!

More Card Related Blog Candy

There's a contest going on here at Three Clover Designs to win a great prize. All you do is guess how many Hershey's Kisses are in the jar.

Stamping Blog Candy

Over at Starving Artistamps there is some super cute Easter blog candy up for grabs! Why not check it out! Let them know I sent you :o).

Cards Again

On Friday I made two more cards. I just wish mine would turn out as good as the ones I've been seeing in the stamping/card making blogsphere. I just don't have the supplies these ladies have, so I'm limited in what I can do. Also, they have TONS of cute rubber stamps. I have some nice ones, but they seem to pale in comparison. Oh well, once I'm working and have an income, then I can buy some supplies - and more yarn of course, lol.

The first card I made is, as you can see, a birthday card. It's quite plain. I was trying to follow an example in one of the card/scrapbook magazines I have, but it didn't turn out anywhere near as nice. I had an image in my mind of how I wanted it to look, but of course the finished product didn't come anywhere near as close.

I went to Michael's after doing my observation at the grade two class on Friday and bought a few supplies that were on sale. I did get a stamp, but didn't use it for these cards - it is a cute one though. Anyway, the background paper was part of a pad of such papers that I found. I got another pad of different patterns and colours as well, and I'm anxious to use them. The card stock is some that I have on hand - from a package of bulk card stock in different size squares and rectangles. The stamp (which has just 2 balloons on it) is one I got a few years ago at Wal-Mart.

This next card is my favourite of the two. It's pretty simple, but yet elegant - at least I think so. Let me start by apologizing for the blurry photo. The paper, the little border in the middle and the paisley image are all from a "punch out" pad from, I think, Deja Vu. It's really cool - it has papers in the back and several different punch out designs (flowers, tags, alphabet, etc.), and they all match.

The only stamping I did on this card is the sentiment in the lower right corner, which says, "Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness." I also added the three brads at the top because that area just looked so empty.

I'm on March Break this week, and I hope to get more cards made, and more knitting done. But, I do have enough homework to keep me busy too. So, I'm going to head off and attempt to work at the homework so I don't have to try and get it all done at the last minute. Next weekend is booked with photography and a stamping workshop (both depending on the weather), so I'll need to have the homework finished during the week!

Happy knitting and card making!

Knitting Content - Sort Of...

I received my final package from my SP13 pal yesterday. I have been spoiled by Kelly of The Vagabond Weaver. She's in the process, from what I see on her blog, of transferring her old posts into the new server she's with. It's been a real pleasure getting spoiled by her and I hope to get to know her better now that the Secret Pal 13 has run its course.

Here are the goodies she sent me this time - I love them all!! I got some yarny goodness - some Opal sock yarn (I think it's from the Rainforest collection because it has a picture of a toucan on it), some really soft 100% baby alpaca from Blue Sky Alpacas (Tinker Belle loved this. She tried to get at it numerous times). The colour number is 800. There are some really cute sandstone buttons in the picture too. I took a close-up of them so you could see the detail. She had everything wrapped up in super cute Easter bags. She wanted to celebrate Easter a little early since there's been so much snow lately...it was certainly a bright spot in the day!

Not only did Kelly send these items, but she had a cute tote bag included as well! It's nice and environmentally friendly - I can tote my yarn around in it, or I can take it to the grocery store and use it there.

I'm on March Break now, as of yesterday, and will have the next week off. Unfortunately, I have homework to keep me busy. I did a little of it last night but got stuck, so I'll wait to do the rest of it. I do plan on doing some relaxing this week though; things have been a little hectic at school the last couple of weeks. I plan on getting the scarf done for my Ravelry Scarf Exchange pal. I'm also supposed to make something for a couple of friends. We're having a little gift exchange of something handmade (it can't be food) and I haven't started yet - been so busy. We were going to have the exchange on St. Patrick's Day, but we moved it to April Fools Day. I have a month, but depending on what I make, and how much free time I have...I don't know if I'll get their gifts done on time...might have to extend the time on it. Hopefully I'll get something done for them on time though.

I made a couple of cards again today and I'll post those in a separate post...hopefully tomorrow. One of them is plain, but bright. The other I am quite fond of, though it's "plain" to a degree. I used some pattered paper and a little "border" and a cutout - a limited amount of supplies, but I'm happy with how it turned out. Anyway, I'll discuss those in the post tomorrow.

Happy knitting/crafting!

Two More Cards

So sorry for the lack of knitting content lately. However, I did originally set up this particular blog to show any crafts I happen to do. It turned into a knitting blog because that was my main craft. But, from time to time something else might pop up, as is the case with this post (and the one from a couple of posts ago).

I made both of these cards the other evening (Thursday I believe), but didn't get a chance to take pictures and post about them until today. Most scrappers and card makers (or any type of paper crafter) can typically tell you the names of the papers they used, the specific colourways (much like yarnaholics can do) and which set/company they got their rubber stamps from. I've picked that up from reading several paper craft blogs recently. I, on the other hand, cannot do that just yet. The reason being is that what paper I do have I bought at Michael's in those "grab bag" type of packages - and 99% of the paper I do have is cardstock. The rest might be patterned paper such as the background in the next card.

When I made this card, I wasn't paying close enough attention to stamping the lighthouse, and it ended up a little crooked (is that how you spell that?). The stamp is actually one piece with the words to the left on the card, actually appearing below the lighthouse. It says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" and comes from Psalm 119. I used my watercolour pencils to colour the image. I must add that I'm not all that great with colour combinations, LOL, but I thought they might look nice together. Also, the words could be up a little higher in that area...or maybe I could find some kind of embellishment to put there...

This next card I used some striped scrapbook background paper (one of those 12 x 12 sheets) and tried to get the solid cardstock colours to be as close a match to the stripes as I could. I think they were pretty well close to being the same. Sorry the picture is a little dark. for the upper right corner, I cute a triangle of the blue cardstock using some scissors with a patterned edge. I used the same scissor to cut out the red and blue circle as well.

The words in the triangle area say "Thinking of you is a nice thing to do" and the little mouse in the circle is holding a little flower. I got this set from Stampin' Up a few years ago. Again, I used my watercolour pencils to colour the mouse and flower. Unfortunately I don't think it shows up too well since the cardstock is a little dark. I only have the watercolour pencils and some chalk (from Stampin' Up) to colour my cards with, so I'm limited. Someday when I have a job (and I'm not in school), I may be able to get some of the markers and other items many of the papercrafters 'out there' have! But, until then, I am limited to what I have to work with...unless I get together for a day of card making with some friends and they have items they are willing to let me use...

Well, just wanted to post the pictures of the cards. Must get back to the tons of homework I have for the weekend - a 6 lesson unit plan (this one is a group thing but in total we have to have 6 lessons...I've got to get mine done for Monday so the others who need it to work from can use it), 2 lesson plans for my math class, go over my stuff (and gather the supplies) for my little mini presentation in phys. ed. for Monday evening, work on a resource binder for phys. ed., work on my wellness portfolio for phys. ed., work on my teaching portfolio, and an assignment using a new marking program we got the other day in one of my classes. Tons to do, and most of it due this week...

So, happy knitting and/or happy stamping to you!

Butterfly Award

My friend Jodi gave me an award! Thanks so much Jodi!

I choose to give the award to:

Kelly at Celtic Cast On
Robyn at Knit and Purl Mama
Janice at Willow Way Knitting
Monica at Monica Knits...a lot!
Rhonda at Home of the Stitching Nut
Carol at An Island Girl




Why not pass on the love? Here is what to do: 1) Post the award’s logo on your blog 2) Add the link to the person who nominated you 3) Nominate at least 6 others & post their links.

*****

Been doing a little knitting on the scarf for my Ravelry Exchange Pal. I really want to show a picture, but she wants to be surprised and she might stop by the blog some time. I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise for her.

I also made a couple more cards last night. I like these results better than the two from the previous post. I don't have the pictures of them yet - hopefully tomorrow though. I will post them when I get the pictures taken.

Until then, I'm heading out for supper in about half an hour so I must go get ready.

Making Cards

I haven't been getting much knitting in lately, though I have done some work on the scarf for my Ravelry Scarf Exchange pal. I'd like to post a picture, but she wants to be surprised with it and she might visit the blog. I will post a picture though once she has received the scarf (we have to mail it out by the first week of April...have to check on the date for sure though).

This past week I've been getting the itch to make some cards again. I haven't done this since before I went to South Korea. I've seen some really gorgeous cards online recently, and borrowed Jodi's Stampin' Up catalogue last Thursday as well. I don't have a lot of the pretty papers and things (or a lot of really cute stamps), so my cards are turning out kind of plain and boring.

This evening I made two cards. The first one I am not very happy with. It's plain and boring. I'm sure there is something I could do to make it look nicer, however I was just trying something. Actually, the first idea I had for it didn't quite work out, but I think it would have been plain and boring as well. I'm not sure if clicking on the image will enlargen it or not. However, on the dark blue background I used the Versamark ink pad and a stamp that had some little tiny hearts and dots on it (it's more of a background stamp). On the red I have the one black heart that you can see, but also used the Versamark ink pad to put some other hearts around it. I attached a little tag that says "all my love" to the right. Like I said, it's plain and boring. I'll have to try this again using different papers or something...

The second card I made is a little more to my liking, though it is quite plain as well. This one I used some pink and yellow striped paper, though the yellow seems to look a little white (probably because I had to use the flash). I attached a pink sheet of paper, stamped a flower vase and the verse "May God's love brighten your day!" at the top. As well, on both sides of the vase I used the Versamark ink pad and the corner of the little heart & dot background (the same that is in the card above). I coloured in the flowers and vase using my watercolour pencil crayons. Like I said, though, this is still quite plain. Someday I'll learn how to make really nice cards - just need to have a better supply of paper and stuff onhand I think...

Anyway, I just wanted to share some of the other crafts I enjoy doing - even if I don't do so well at them just yet.

So, other thank knitting, do you have any other crafts you enjoy doing (even if you don't have the time)? If so, let me know what they are in the comment section!

Happy crafting!

Flutterbye Dreams

My friend, Jodi, from school is into crafts. I knew she somewhat did crafty things like making cards and scrapbooking, however, I just discovered on the weekend that she is into more than that. She even has an Etsy shop! It's called Flutterbye Dreams and she has some really cute things there. I saw pictures of some of her other crafts that she doesn't have listed, and let me tell you, she makes some pretty cool things!

So, I just wanted to help advertise her shop and hopefully send some customers her way. Go check out her blog and her shop - tell her Shelley sent you! And before you can ask, no I'm not getting any kind of commission for this; I'm just doing a good deed.

Time To Knit?

Well, between not having any knitting mojo and school work, I've got hardly any knitting done since the beginning of 2009! I am starting too feel the withdrawls now and feel the need to knit!

So, this afternoon (after my classes) I went and got some yarn for my Ravelry Scarf Exchange pal's scarf. I do hope it will be one she likes. I also got some Bernat cotton to make a couple of dishcloths. I figured maybe a quick knit from time to time might help get the knitting mojo back!

Today I had a group presentation for one of my classes. We had to talk about and discuss Gender Separated classes. I'm glad that one is over. My next presentation is in a couple of weeks, so my group will have to get together soon to decide what we're going to do and how we will present it.

We got more snow last night - another storm. Schools were cancelled today, even though by early this morning it wasn't snowing, the roads were plowed, and it really wasn't too bad out there. Sigh, I can't wait until I'm a teacher and can get snow days too, LOL!

Ok, just wanted to put a little update on here and let you all know I'm still around. I'd better head off and get some knitting done before the motivation and mojo disappear again!

Happy knitting!

P.S. I have turned comments moderation on because I've noticed sometimes lately I am getting spam in the comments section (I have the filter apparently on, so the spammers are now being done by 'live' people...). It's so annoying that the spam is happening again, but hopefully this will catch it. If I wanted to advertise on my blog, then it would be set up that way. I hate spam!

SP Package 2

On Thursday I came home between my last two classes because I was tired and thought some fresh air and change of scenery might help wake me up. Boy am I glad I did! I came home to find a package from my Secret Pal! Look what she sent me:

She had a really cute birthday card with a kitten and yarn on the front, a package of two DP Wip Tubes (which I really needed), a beautiful suncatcher, and some gorgeous, soft, yummy Fleece Artist Trail Socks yarn in the Seafoam colourway!

Thanks so much Secret Pal - I love it all!


Look how gorgeous the suncatcher is held up to the back window...sooooo pretty!

I've used Fleece Artist once before and find the socks to be nice and soft, especially after washing them. I have another hank of Fleece Artist wound into a ball (I had it with me when I went to South Korea), but haven't knit it up yet. I have the pattern for it (one from Monica), but I was waiting on the size 0 needles. I now have size 0, so all I need to do is get knitting.

I've got a presentation coming up this week, on Thursday, for the Social Studies Education class I'm in. It's a group project, and we are actually going to do a few activities in our lesson which we learned last semester when some of our class went to the Wetlands Center not too far from here. That was actually for our science class, but we chose to do this presentation for a grade 4 class, and in that curriculum there is a section on how humans affect rivers, lakes, oceans, etc. We talked it over with our prof (she also taught us the science class last semester) and she gave us the go-ahead to do it. She didn't get to go to the workshop with us, so she said she's anxious to see what we learned there. I'm sure it's going to go well. We've got another meeting or two this week to put things all together to make sure it falls into place.

A few months ago I got a new camera (Pentax K200D). A few weeks ago my friend, Michelle, invited me over to her place to help me learn some hints and tips for taking pics. I've used a 35mm SLR camera (Pentax as well), but I don't remember all that I had learned for using it. Besides, things are a little different with digitals...but the basics like aperture, f-stops, etc. are still the same. Anyway, we got some flowers at one of the grocery shops and did some macro shots. I've got about half a dozen up on my other blog, Confirm The Work of Our Hands, if anyone is interested in seeing them. I can't seem to get the posts to link, but they are the first two posts listed (would be the second and third if I manage to get a post made there before someone has a chance to visit).


I'll leave you all with a nice close-up of Tinker Belle. I had to snap quickly because she wouldn't stay still too long!

Happy knitting!

Keeping Busy With School

Just a quick update...

Haven't been working on any knitting lately - well, that's somewhat of a lie...I did do a few rounds on a couple of scarves I've got on the needles. They will be going on next year's mitten tree at the church, so there is no hurry for them.

I did join the scarf exchange over at Ravelry and we got assigned our people to knit for the other day. Have to check with my downstream (I think that's the right term) person and see if she wants this to remain "secret" or not. As for me, if my upstream pal sees this - I don't mind if this is not secret. Have to start looking for a good pattern and nice yarn to make the scarf. We have to send our packages out by the middle of April (I think it's the middle, though I have to double check on it again).

My birthday was yesterday and it was nice. In one of my classes, they all sang me Happy Birthday and one of the girls sitting at my table laughed and told me I was turning red, lol. My mom made me a cherry cheesecake and gave me some money, and the fellow I've been seeing since early December took me out to dinner at Swiss Challet (it was my choice of where I wanted to go, and Swiss Challet is my favourite).

Well, just wanted to post a quick update. Need to get back to the homework. I'm working on a rough copy of my bio-resume for one of my classes. I have a lot of it written out already so I just need to type it up and finish the parts I don't have completed - and tweak things up somewhat. I've also got some other homework to do as well, though I think tonight will be "light" for homework.

Anyway, happy knitting to you all!

A Meme

Found this on another blog and thought it sounded like it might be fun, so I did it as well. Feel free to do this meme as well, and let me know. I'd love to see which things you've done!


Copy, paste, and bold what you have done!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Gone rollerskating
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse (lunar eclipse)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise - Does a Nile dinner cruise count?
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Acted in a play or performed on stage
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa - Egypt in Feb. 2008
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - It's Girl Guides in Canada, but same thing
62. Gone whale watching (not yet, but hopefully this year)
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book - not a whole book yet, but a short story in an anthology, as well as a chapter in a book by several authors.
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Won money
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous - Lou Diamond Phillips
92. Joined a book club
93. Had to put someone you love in Hospice Care
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a safe and fun-filled New Year's Eve last night. I got to spend the evening with Richard Dean Anderson (sigh)...mind you he was on the screen of my laptop while I enjoyed viewing him on Stargate SG-1! I also did a little knitting while watching the DVD.

Well, I had wanted to get my mittens finished before midnight, you know, so I could add them to my list of completed items for 2008. However, such was not the case. I did get a lot of the second one done last night, though. I'm not overly satisfied with the way I chose to close the top though (Kitchener Stitch). I should have just pulled the yarn through like the pattern called for. However, I didn't particularly want them coming to a point either. Also, somehow one mitten is a little roomier than the other. I think I must have knit it with a looser stitch...

The pattern I used was Mittens for Children & Adults (pattern #NN106) from Sandy's Needle Nook. I made the Ladies size using Briggs & Little Heritage yarn, and 4.0mm DPNs.

I got up today and found it was storming. It started through the night (the snow started up around 9:00 or 10:00 pm) and it continues as I type. It's definitely a good day to stay in, wrap up and keep warm and do some reading and/or knitting - or watching RDA some more ;o).

So, this morning I finished off the second mitten and had my mom pose for them outside. She wanted to get the front walk shovelled off, and I offered to do it but she declined. She didn't want me to hurt my back again. However, she's not as young as she used to be so if it's too heavy, I don't let her do it (even if it means putting out my back again). She said if she got too tired that she would stop and have me finish it. Thankfully, the entire walk wasn't drifted in. Towards the driveway, there was little to no snow; it all seemed to be mostly around the front step area.

I finished work on Monday and have the rest of the week to myself. I started on another Tube Scarf (see the previous post) while at work, but haven't worked on it since. I may pick it up later on and work on it, or I might start something new. Maybe I'll see if I can find a nice scarf pattern on Ravelry to use with my Malabrigo my SP13 spoiler gave me! I can't wait to knit that up - the colours are soooo pretty, and the yarn is so soft!

Well, just wanted to give a quick little update. I wish you all the best for 2009, with