More Hats

 For the last couple of weeks, I have been busy working on a few more baby hats to add to the church's mitten tree. I took the previous items I had made last week and added it to the items that were already put on/under the tree. Actually, there are two trees and a manger. I'll try to take a picture of it to post at a later date.

The pattern I used for the hats posted here is the Fixie Hat (this is a free Ravelry download).  I really enjoyed knitting these hats! They are very quick and easy to make. The one to the right was made using left over yarn from my Newfoundland mittens, and took only a day to finish - though I wasn't knitting at every single minute of the day.

The hats to the left were also made this week. The one on the right was made last weekend, though I only worked on it very little Saturday evening and finished it up Sunday afternoon while visiting with my BFF. The hat on the left took longer as I only worked on it off and on throughout the week (i.e. a few rows here and there). I finished it up this afternoon. 

The yarn I used for the two hats on the left is Bernat Satin in the Luxury Ombre (left) and Empress (right) colourways. The needle size was US 8 (which I think is 5 mm), though I probably should have gone with the US 7 (4.5 mm) recommended in the pattern. To be honest, I don't think I have 4.5 mm straight needles...though I might and just can't find them. I don't think they turned out too badly with the size I did use though, particularly for the hat in the first picture.

In both photos, the colours aren't exact as I had to use the flash. Also in the first photo, you can see a little of the tail that I hadn't sewed in when I took the photo. I only noticed it after, but thankfully it was before I took them to church.

I think I'll work at my thrummed mittens next. I haven't worked on them since I started them as I was wanting to get some items knit up for the mitten tree. Now that I have, I can continue with the thrumming, and hopefully my experience with them will be a good one!

What are you currently working on?

Strawberry Smoothie

I know I said in my previous post that I was going to work on some thrummed mittens. Well, I did cast on and began to work on the cuff, but I felt guilty.

I've had this scarf on the needles for some time (probably since the beginning of this year, or spring at the latest), and thought that I should really finish it up before this winter came and went.

The pattern is the One Row Handspun Scarf by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, aka "The Yarn Harlot". The yarn I used was Lamb's Pride from the Brown Sheep Company, in the Strawberry Smoothie colourway (at least I think that is the colourway according to their website...I lost the band some time ago so I can't say for sure, but it does look like what they show for that colourway). I just used one skein, so it's not an overly long scarf, but should be fine. Also, I haven't blocked it yet, so it will probably gain some length then.

I've made this particular scarf two or three times before, and enjoy knitting it. It is VERY easy to make, and is basically mindless knitting. It's also a quick knit - well, quick if you don't put it down and wait for long periods of time before picking it up again! I know I'll make this pattern again at some point because of the easiness and the quickness for knitting it (hmm, does that last sentence even make sense? I "quickness" even a word?).

I am putting this scarf with the other items I'm putting on the church's Mitten Tree this Christmas. It should be going up soon, though I'm not sure when. I was looking at the items I've made this year, and there isn't much to donate - 2 scarves, 1 baby hat, and 3 pairs of baby/toddler socks. I suppose every little bit helps, though. Maybe I'll try to quickly make a pair of kids mittens, or couple pairs of baby mittens to add to the pile - or maybe another baby hat.

At any rate, I haven't really been doing any knitting lately (let alone this year) because I haven't been in the mood I guess. Hopefully that will change and it will pick up - especially with the colder weather and snow we'll get this winter. That might be what I need to get me going. We did have a little snow a couple weekends ago, and it did stick around for awhile. Today, however, it's gone - melted from some warm temperatures and a little rain. According to the weather forcast the day before yesterday, they are calling for more snow this coming week (though that could change of course).

Ok, I think I'll end this post here and go choose the yarn and pattern for the next child or baby item to make so I can add to the donation pile!

What's on your needles?

Get Thrummed!



When I grow up, I want to be thrummed!



Ok, so I've been bad and haven't done much knitting. I did start a shawl (a simple garter stitch) that I'm thinking of giving to one of the elderly ladies at church - that is if I get it finished before winter is over! I forgot to take a photo of it when I had the camera out a bit ago. I don't have much done on it though, so it would be pretty boring.

Remember in one of my earlier posts I had mentioned that I wanted to knit a pair of thrummed mittens? Well, the other day I made my way to an LYS and bought some yarn & fibre to start said pair of mittens (see photo to the right).

I bought 2 bags of the fibre - the emerald green (or is it kelly green?), and some saphire coloured blue. The yarn you see in the photo (with a pretty piece of green fibre to look like a bow) is Lett-Lopi. I've never used this kind of yarn before, so I hope it's a good one.

As you can see, I've just started the mittens - one row knitted so far. I'm not sure if these will be for me or if I'll gift them or donate them. I picked the green fibre just in case I decided to keep my first ever pair of thrummed mittens that I made. That way, they'd go with the new red winter coat I bought about a month ago.

Well, I'm in the knitting mood - I'm anxious to get thrumming! I'll try to post some photos along the way, unless I get them finished before pulling the camera out. Until then, happy knitting!



Hats Off To You!



Preemie Hat

 I had this little hat on the needles for awhile. I was just waiting to get DPNs in the proper size. As it is, the ones I did get were the next size up because I couldn't get the right size. I don't think it affected the pattern or size too much though. I tried to knit tighter, so I think that helped a bit.

The picture's not great, but I don't have anything to put a hat on for a good photo. For this one, I had my mom stick her hand inside and hold hit up that way. I also had to use the flash, so the colours are a little lighter than what the yarn actually is.

The pattern I used was Preemie Hats for Charity by Carissa Knits.  I've used this pattern before - it's quick (because it's so small), and an easy knit.  There are about 4 different alternatives on this pattern print-out - Heart Version, Diamond Version, Striped Version, Ribbed Version. I followed the pattern for the Striped Version, except I kept using the same yearn and didn't alternate with another colour.

This hat will be going in with my other items for the mitten tree at church. I'll definitely be making more of these for the mitten tree. 

I've also been working on my scarf some. I had originally gotten 3 skeins of yarn for the scarf, but since it's made from wool, I think I might just use 2 and then block it to create some length. It's definitely going to need blocking, because the sides curl under. Hopefully it won't take too much longer to get the scarf finished, and blocked, and then get some photos of it up here.

What is your favourite item to knit/crochet/craft? Let me know in the comments!

Newfoundland Mittens - Completed!

Finished Newfoundland Mittens

So, for about the last week, I've only had the thumb on the second of the Newfoundland mittens to finish. Every single day I would think about knitting that thumb. Every single day I would pull my knitting bag out and keep in the living room, handy, for when I had the urge to knit. And hoping Tinker Belle wouldn't get into the yarn or pull out a mitten to play with. She loves wool!



This past week, however, I didn't knit. I wanted to knit. But, I just didn't have the energy to do so - even for something as small and simple as finishing the thumb of a second mitten. Something that wouldn't take too long to do.



Tinker Belle & the mittens



I've been tired all week. That's because school started up last week - well, nine days ago now - and I've been getting up at 6:00 every morning, just in case I get a call to teach that day (I want to be prepared so that I won't have to rush and try to shower, dry my hair, and get make-up on with minimal amounts of time. I can't do it. I'm not wired to do it. And that's my story, and I'm stickin' to it). Typically in the run of the day I end up needing (yes, needing) a nap; and those naps can end up being two or two and a half hours! Already today, I've been up close to four hours, and I am dragging and need to go back to bed - and I will at some point.

Last night, while I watched the season premier of Survivor (only the second season I've every watched) with my mom, I pulled out the mittens, the pattern, the required yarn, scissors and tapestry needle, and I knit that thumb. And I finished that thumb! The mittens are now completed!

I used Patons Canadiana yarn in black (main colour) and...well, I'm not sure of the other colour as the wrapper seems to have been discarded. Anyway, that second colour is a nice jewel toned shade, with blue, green, purple, pink repeated. I went to the Patons website to see if I could find it, but didn't see it shown.  The pattern for these Newfoundland Mittens was very easy and quite quick to knit. I enjoyed the time spent knitting these, and will more than likely make more pairs in the future. The Ravelry link for them can be found here.


I really love how these turned out!

With the Patons yarn, I think I used 4.0mm needles (really need to measure them again so that I'll know), and the result was a nice snug fit. I adjusted the thumb a little by picking up stitches to total 22 (including the 7 that were on the holder), knit four rows, then decreased to 18 stitches and finished the thumb.

Up next? I'm not totally sure. I was thinking more mittens (for a child this time), or socks (again for a child - or even more baby/toddler socks). I was also thinking I should finish the scarf I'd started earlier this year, which will no doubt be for me know since I somehow managed to lose my favourite scarf I'd worn for a couple of winters (the one my Scarf Exchange Pal knit for me). I really have no idea where it went to. I had it at school one day in the spring when it was still cold, put it in my bag and by the time I got home, it was missing. I think it must have fallen out - either that or one of the kids stole it. I hate to say that, but with this particular school (a middle school), it's quite possible. So, I will need a new scarf to wear this winter. The pattern is easy, so if I stick to it and not lose my knitting mojo again, I should have it finished in no time. It's already half (or a little more than half) finished.

I'd love for you to leave me a comment and let me know what you are currently working on, or your most recent finished item. Feel free to leave a link to your blog so I can check out your FOs!

Things I Want To Make

I want to make thrummed mittens! I have thought about this type of mitten for a long while, and never felt like I'd be able to make them. Well, after surfing the web and Ravelry, and finding patterns and lots of pics of these mittens, I've decided to make some in the future - like maybe this fall.

I need to wait until I start working again (supply teaching) to get some money as I need to get roving for them. I have one day of teaching booked so far - the second day of school! From what I've been told in the past, the first few weeks of school are pretty slow for supply teachers...not much work. Hopefully I'll get more soon as I am getting low in funds!

Inside of thrummed mitten

Both of the photos on this post were taken from this Ravelry link from the Yarn Harlot. Stephanie's pattern for these cool...or should I say warm...mittens can be found on her blog (scroll down for the pattern).


I will be knitting up some mittens soon, possibly for myself, but we'll see. I'll be doing Newfoundland Mitts by Creative Whimsy. I've go the yarn ready and waiting, now just need to cast on - hopefully later today!

Second One Done

Got the second baby/toddler sock finished a short while ago, so I thought I'd get the photo posted while I had the opportunity. The picture's not the greatest, but I was just getting a quick shot of the socks.

These will go in my bin of items for the mitten tree at church this Christmas. I don't have much in there right now, so I'll have to get cracking and work on some mittens, more socks, hats, etc. I've got a baby hat in the works (need to find my matching DPNs to finish it off), and a couple of scarves on the needles, though one of the scarves will probably be mine. Sadly, I lost my scarf somewhere when I was teaching this past winter (late in the season), so I'll probably keep one of them for myself - unless I actually get another one finished for myself.

One Down, One To Go

Ok, so I finally got one little item done - and technically it's not done yet. I only have one so far, and I need the matching one to make the pair complete. I'll be starting the next in a little while, and hopefully I'll either have the mojo to finish it tonight, or tomorrow at the latest.

I'm using the pattern mentioned two posts ago (the usual pattern I use for baby/toddler socks). I'm using Paton's Kroy yarn in a dark charcoal colour. In the photo, it looks like light grey, but it's not. It's actually looks closer to black.

Well, back to the other sock. I'm watching, "You've Got Mail" for the umpteenth time, so I have ample opportunity to work at it. 

What are you working on? Let me know in the comment section!

Been A Long Time

Wow, has it ever been a long time since I've been on my knitting blog!

I lost my knitting mojo for such a long time. I would pick it up and try to knit, but was lucky if I'd get a couple of rows/rounds on a project...even the small, instant gratification type projects. Then, I ended up with sciatic problems and it got quite bad. I ended up pretty much only being able to be pain free by lying down - sitting and standing, and for a little while, even walking, hurt.

In early July, it finally got so bad (after being to the doctor twice and waiting for an MRI and to be referred to an orthopedic surgeon). I couldn't move without having excruciating pain, so had to call an ambulance to take me to the hospital. They gave me three injections (vallium, a liquid form of ibuprofen/pain releiver, and a muscle relaxer), and within half an hour I was able to move around. I also had prescriptions for some some meds to take at home to help - pretty much the same things as the injections (except the vallium), only in pill form. I'm fine now and don't have any pain - though sometimes a little stiffness and can feel the muscles tensing up at times.

The last few days I have felt my knitting mojo slowly coming back. I haven't pick up any of my projects yet, but I've got some baby/toddler socks (like the ones in the previous post) beside me today that I'll work on today. I've still got plenty of WIPs waiting in the wings as well.

Hopefully I'll get something done and photographed to post on here again soon.

More Baby to Toddler Sized Socks

I finally finished another pair of Baby to Toddler Sized Socks by Miriam L. Felton. I used the same yarn I did in the post a couple prior to this one. I still have tons of the yarn left over and I think I'll probably make a hat or two from the remainder. However, I might retire the yarn into my stash for awhile and make some more of these socks at a later date.

The childrens pair of socks I mentioned in a previous post are still in the works. I am nearly finished with the first sock, but decided to work on this pair first.  I worked all week (except Friday because schools were closed to what had been an impending storm), so I didn't work on them a lot this week, just off and on.

I have also been scanning different patterns on Ravelry and printed out several over the last few days.  Mostly the items were for children or babies, though I did print off a few hat and sock patterns for adults as well.

Up next, I'll probably slowly work at the child's socks that are currently on the needles, and I found a nice baby blanket pattern I might start as well...either that or work on some hats.  Not entirely sure what I will work on though. 

Happy knitting!

Another Two Weeknights With Warrick

On Friday, just moments before the cauldron was light at the 2010 Olympic games in Vancouver, I finished binding off the Two Weeknights With Warrick scarf I had been working on.

This is actually the third scarf I've made from this pattern.  It's super easy and quick to knit.  I was telling a friend of my mom's that I was knitting this scarf, and told her that it's the same pattern I used for Mom's scarf (her friend had previously mentioned that she liked Mom's scarf), and she asked how to make it.  I briefly told her, but I don't know if she'll remember how to make it or not.  So, I figured what I would do is give her the copy I had printed out and used.  I can always get it off Ravelry again if I make another one of these scarves.

I used two skeins of Paton's SWS in the Natural Raisin colourway (yarn I had in my stash); needle size was 4.0 mm.  I'm going to add this to the items I will put on the mitten tree at church next Christmas.

I've also been working, on and off, on another pair of baby/toddler socks and children's socks (pattern links in the previous couple of posts).  I've just started the ribbing on the first of a pair of the baby/toddler ones, and I'm on the foot of the child's socks.  There's no real rush for these, so I'm just knitting a few rows every now and then.  When I'm finished, I'll post pics.

More Socks!

I was a knitting machine this week!  I completed two more pairs of socks - one toddler pair, and one child (size 2-4)!

The first picture is of the toddler socks I made.  It only took me a couple of days to complete them because I wasn't constantly working on them every minute.  The yarn I used was Bernat Sox, but I seem to have thrown out or misplaced the wrapper so I'm not sure of the colourway.  The pattern I used was the same as in the previous post. The yarn you see in the background of the photo is the beginning of the child's socks I finished today.

For the child's socks, I used Knit Picks Parade. I had this yarn in my stash for a few years now.  I'm not sure of the size of needles, but I think they are about 3.0mm or 3.25mm.  I couldn't find my needle gauge that measures the size of the needles.

The little girl I made the child's socks for is not quite two years old.  The size are supposed to be 2-4, so they will be big on her, but she can grow into them at least.  I hope her parents like them!

As for what I will knit next, I'm not really sure. I might continute to make some more baby/toddler socks, or child's socks because the Bernat yarn still has lots left - it is/was a 100g ball I believe. I can definitely make lots more baby/toddler socks with what is left!  I do have the scarf I've been slowly working at for the past year. It would probably be wise to finish that project up!

Other than knitting, I haven't been doing a whole lot. This past November I graduated from university with my Bachelor of Education and got my teaching license.  I've been doing some supply teaching since then, but unfortunately I'm not getting a whole lot of work yet.  I did get one and a half days this past week, which is the most I've had in awhile.  Some weeks I get a day or a half a day, and there have been a couple of weeks where I had no work.  I also applied for a part time job doing ESL work for 3 hours a week.  That was about three weeks ago.  A week after my interview I hadn't heard anything so I emailed the man who did my interview and he said they still had some interviews the following week but they would let everyone know that weekend.  I didn't hear anything that week, and that Friday there had been a snow storm so I thought maybe they had to cancel interviews for that day and maybe they'd have them this past week and decide this current weekend on who they wanted to hire.  If I don't hear anything this weekend, I am going to assume I didn't get the job.  I'm leaving it all up to God though; He's got a plan for me, even if I don't know what it is. I just need to trust Him!

Well, heading off to relax now, and maybe do some more knitting - though I don't know what I'll work at yet.  I'll find something!  Happy knitting!

First FO of 2010!

Finally, I finished a knitting project! I just haven't had much of a knitting mojo for awhile, though from time to time I did do some knitting - just not much. 

I started these last week.  The first sock I started but had set aside until Friday. I started and finished the second sock on Saturday.  The pattern I used was the one I've used in the past to make some baby/toddler socks.  It is the Baby to Toddler Sized Socks by Miriam L. Felton (www.mimknits.com).  I LOVE this pattern - it's so easy and quick to knit!

Yarn used: Paton's Kroy
Colourway: I believe it's charcoal or charcoal gray
Needle size: bamboo 2.0 or 2.25 mm (I got the needles when I was in Korea and it says 2, but they seem a smidgen bigger than 2.0)

I have enough yarn left to make at least one more pair of these socks, and maybe a second pair.  However, I set that yarn aside and picked up something more colourful (I believe it's Bernat Sox, but I don't remember offhand) and started on another pair this size.  I'm to the point of decreasing at the toe area, then I'll kitchener stitch them closed and start the second sock.  I might have a chance to even get to it tonight!

I gifted these socks to a friend from church. She and her husband just had their third child - a little boy, born this past Christmas day!  They are a big on him, but that's OK.  She's going to use them over other thinner socks he has to keep his little feet warm. She also asked if I had time if I could knit another pair up for her daughter (she's nearly two).  I made her daughter and oldes son each a pair last year, but she lost one of the socks belonging to her daughter.  I have to find the right size needles before I can start, but I'm hoping to do those this week. 

Well, I think I will head off and work on those other baby socks and/or search for the needles to make the bigger socks while I have some knitting mojo!  Hopefully I'll get them done soon, and when I do, I'll be sure to post pictures.

Happy knitting!

Oops!

Wow, it's been awhile since I posted here.  To be honest, I haven't done much knitting lately.  I've worked some on a scarf that I still haven't decided whether or not it will go to a friend or into next year's accumulation for the mitten tree at church.  I've nearly finished a baby hat, but need to find my DPNs in the corresponding size it's being knitting with on circs, and I cast on for the first sock for a child.  Other than that I just haven't been feeling like doing any knitting - or much of anything else for that matter.

I'm not giving up on knitting, or posting to this blog, and I promise as soon as I get some knitting done I will post a picture...though I suppose I could post pics of the WIPs...

Anyway, hope to be back posting here soon.  Feel free to check out my other blogs - links are on my sidebar.

Happy knitting!