The Post With Actual Knitting Content

 I've been meaning to post a photo of the neck warmer I had been working on for awhile now.  I finally finished it a week or so ago (still not blocked though), and I think it turned out great.  I don't have a photo with it around my neck because it's been so stinkin' hot around here lately.

To the right is a close up of the pattern (there are mistakes in it, so don't look too closely) which I got free when I bought the yarn earlier in the summer.  I'll try to get a link to the pattern as I think it was something they found online.  The yarn is Clara from Manos del Uruguay and is 100% merino - super soft and smooshy! I loved working with this yarn!

I've also been working on my Old Shale scarf which I started back around the beginning of the year.  I'm using Debbie Bliss Angel Prints in the Kahlo colourway (#15807).  This pattern is super easy to knit (another free one with the purchase of the yarn) and I am enjoying the way it looks with this yarn.

The only thing about this yarn is that it is so fine that I can really only knit with it during the day (the light at my mom's isn't the best for this type of knitting) - and that's usually only when I'm not in the mood for knitting or surfing the web!

I don't have a lot left on the Old Shale scarf and I probably should have gotten another ball of this colour to make it long.  However, I suppose I could end up sewing the ends together and turning it into a cowl  -thought I don't now how well that would turn out.  I do have another ball of this yarn in a different colourway but I haven't decided if I'll make another scarf in this pattern or find a different pattern.

Close up of the pattern and yarn

I've also been continuing with my spinning lately and will have a post with that content soon.  I'm also in search of the next knitting pattern to do while I'm at my mom's.  I don't know if I have any DPNs here so I can make socks (I did bring sock yarn thinking I might have the DPNs here, but haven't looked yet).  Since I joined Instagram (my name there is shelley.snyder) I've been seeing so many pictures and posts about socks that I'm getting in the sock knitting mood again!

So, until the next post, happy knitting and spinning!

More Spinning!

Latest spinning completed July 11, 2015

I was up visiting my mom in the hospital again this past weekend, and of course I brought some spinning and knitting with me.

To the right is a photo of the completed spinning (light blue, navy, and purple).  It's the same type of fibre as the pink/purple in a previous post.  There was no mention of how much was in the wool top, nor was there mention of the type of fibre.
I managed to get this spun better than the pink/purple spinning, but there are still a few fat spots.  Overall I am pleased with the results.  I don't think I will ply this since I'm not sure how much I have, though I'm thinking I may use it for a scarf...if there is enough.  I alter it with the pink/purple spinning and then I may have enough for something.

Up next will be the pink roving I mentioned in the last post.

I should also get a photo taken of what I'm knitting (a neck warmer) to post here as well.

Happy knitting/spinning!

And, The Spinning Continues...

I finished plying part of the yarn I had been spinning.  It's just a small ball (I didn't have my ball winder with me and that's why it's not a centre pull ball).  I still have some left to do, but I need to wind it into two centre pull balls so I can ply it together.

Close up of some of the plied yarn

Once I plied, I soaked it and wound it around my arm and hand, tied it in a couple of places and tied a mug to one end to help it set.  While it's not the best spinning, I'm still pretty proud of my accomplishment.

Since I didn't have my ball winder with me last week when I went to stay with Mom, I couldn't finish plying the rest of the yarn.  I had taken some wool top with me to spin just in case I had time for it (which I did).
I don't know what kind of wool it is, nor do I know how much many ounces there were (or even a colourway).  The tag around the wool top didn't say much of anything.  I don't mind though.

I was able to get more consistency this time, though there are still a few fat areas that didn't get spun as small as the rest.  All in all, I like the job I did with this much better.

Close up of the most recent spinning

I think I'm starting to get the hang of spinning...

I don't know how much yarn I ended up with, but it doesn't seem like a whole lot. I don't think I'm going to ply this as I would end up with less than what is showing, and maybe not have enough to knit anything with.  I don't know if I have enough to knit anything with this either, but I'll see what happens in the future when I knit it up.

I've got some of the same wool top in blues that I will spin next.  Hopefully, I will get this blue spun up quickly.  I found some pink roving that I won a few years back through a contest on a knitting/spinning blog (I don't know which one now, but I'm sure I have it listed in a post from whenever it was), and I will spin that after the blues.  Whenever that is completed, I will have to get more roving as I won't have any more.

Off to wind the pink/purple yarn into a centre pull ball!

Happy knitting/spinning!

Finished Exchange Scarf #2

 Remember a few weeks ago when I was talking about the second scarf exchange I was taking part in on Ravelry?  Well, my exchange partner received the scarf (finally) last Thursday.  I was waiting until she received it before posting a photo.

I can't seem to find where I placed my pattern. I've even tried looking it up online (Ravelry, Knit Picks, Google...) and don't seem to see it.  I was pretty sure it was called Tide Pool, but searching under that name doesn't seem to be bringing anything up.  I'll keep searching for it though.

The yarn I used was Fleece Artist in the Seafoam colourway.  I remember thinking that this yarn fit very well with the name of the pattern. Oh well, as I said, I'll keep searching for it.  I'd like to provide a link to it

I've been knitting away at the Color Play scarf.  I am on the last section of it, probably about 80% of the way through.  I'll have to block it after I'm finished, and I'll be sure to post a photo of it.

I've also been looking for the next pattern I'll knit, though I'm thinking I might do another of the Irish Mesh Cowl I made when I went to Edmonton.  I need to use the needles I'm using on the Colour Play scarf, so I can't start until I've finished the scarf.

I decided to gift the cowl to my friend Janice.  She's always doing a lot for me and another friend of ours - driving us around to get groceries, going out of town shopping, to/from work, going for coffee.  She doesn't ask for gas money, so when I showed her the cowl and she said she like it and thought it turned out great, I decided to give it to her.  She said she's worn it a couple of times already this past weekend, and I'm sure she'll wear it to work some day as well.

Aside from the scarf knitting, I've been looking into trying my hand a drop spindle spinning again.  The drop spindle I have is back home in New Brunswick.  I've been looking on Etsy, and have seen some fairly cheap priced spindles, and they include some fleece to practice with.  I have been going back and forth on whether or not to get another one. I haven't made a final decision yet, but I'm leaning toward a 'yes'.  It's been several years since I first tried spinning (haven't tried a spinning wheel yet), so I would need to relearn how to do it.  I'll keep you updated on whether or not I decide to try spinning again.

Off to go work on the Color Play scarf again. Happy knitting!

Irish Mesh Cowl Completed

My Irish Mesh Cowl

This past week I went to Edmonton with a few friends.  I decided to take some knitting with me to help pass the time in the car (it's about a six hour drive, maybe more, depending on how many stops are made, and how long those stops last).  I also worked on it at the hotel in the evenings when I was relaxing after long, busy days.

I didn't quite finish it on the trip, but had 99.9% of it done. I had to finish the binding (had some of it done in the car) at home Friday evening when I got back.  I blocked the cowl on Saturday, and it was dry this morning.  I'll be adding this item to the things I'm going to donate to charity.

The pattern I worked on for the trip is the Irish Mesh Cowl pattern.  It is an easy knit, and looks so pretty!  It called for 4.5 mm needles, but I didn't have any (bought some while in Edmonton though).  I had hoped blocking would have made it a little wider and longer, but it didn't increase much.

I will definitely be knitting this pattern again.  I have more yarn (Marion Foale 3 ply, 100% wool and gifted to my by my Alphabet Scarf Swap partner a month or so ago) like I used, which is actually darker than in the photo, and with the bigger needles, hopefully I'll get a different effect (wider, longer) with the lace part "popping" more.  I am pretty satisfied with how this cowl turned out. It's the first one I've made and I'd say I had a good experience knitting a cowl for the first time.

I'm working on another scarf now - the pattern I bought in Edmonton - and will post about that next time.  Until then, happy knitting!

The End of The Striped Poppy Lace Scarf

My sad-looking Poppy Lace Scarf

After taking a few days off from knitting my Poppy Lace Scarf this week while travelling to and from Edmonton, I came back to it and knit a few more repeats of the pattern. I decided this scarf needed an early demise.

Not because of the pattern, because it's a great one.

It's early demise came from the fact that I really wasn't liking this yarn choice for it.  The self-striping sock yarn would be better used in socks, or a scarf that doesn't have a lace pattern to see.

I blocked the scarf last night, and it was dry this morning, so I photographed it and added it to my charity knitting.  The blocking didn't lengthen or widen it much, so I think this would be a better size for a child/youth, or just a short scarf to wrap around your neck underneath your coat.

I enjoyed this pattern. I didn't enjoy my yarn choice.  In the photos I've seen of this scar done in solid colours, I really loved how it looked.  I'll knit this again in the future, however, I'll be using a solid colour next time so that the pattern actually shows up.

Chalk this experience up to trial and error, lessons learned, etc.

Completed Argyle Cap

The completed Argyle Cap

A week or two ago I finished the Argyle Cap I had been working on prior to doing the two scarf swaps I was in.  I forgot to post a picture of it when I finished it, so I thought I'd add it now. 

Sorry that it's not a good photo. I was holding it up on my left hand and taking the photo with my right (which is why the hat looks a little bent forward in the picture).  I don't have any of those head forms I see many knitters use to display their completed hats, and I didn't have anyone around to model it.  So, I made do. 

The size I made was the adult small, and it fits me just fine.  I will likely be adding this to items I will donate to charity next fall/winter.

I enjoyed this pattern (see a couple of posts ago for the link from Knit Picks) and didn't find it difficult at all.  About the only problem I had was in my own knitting. A few times when I was working on the argyle section, I didn't knit the right amount of stitches in the main colour (or contrasting colour) and was off. That would result in tinking back to where I had gone wrong and fixing the mistake.  It all turned out well, though. But now that I look at the photo, I can see what looks like a possible mistake. 

This pattern has a few variations included with it, and I will likely be making those, and this one again, in the future.  I also purchased the corresponding mitten pattern (which also has the variations included in it as well), but haven't started any of the mittens yet.  I'll be sure to post photos when I do start and finish the matching mittens.

Finished Scarf - Not Revealed Yet

I have finished my scarf for the latest scarf exchange (Stashbusters on Ravelry) that I'm in.  I woke up early this morning and decided to work on the scarf.  I now have it soaking in the sink, and will be blocking it shortly.

I think the scarf turned out nice. I enjoyed working with the yarn (Fleece Artist - a Canadian company), and the pattern was pretty easy.  I couldn't memorize it, though by the end I didn't have to look as much at the pattern as I did at the beginning.  I will probably knit this particular pattern again.  I'm going to refrain from mentioning all the other details until my swap partner received the scarf - just in case she checks out my blog.  I do hope she will like the scarf!

I haven't been knitting on anything else while working on this scarf.  I think I'll sit out the next exchange and just work on my own projects for the next little while.  I really want to finish the hat I was working on before starting in these two scarf exchanges.  I've also got a few patterns (including one sent to me by my swap partner from the previous scarf exchange) I'd like to try out as well.

I'm going to keep this post short as I have a lot to do. I hope to have a picture of the scarf and hat to share soon.

Alphabet Swap Partner's Scarf

Flying Home Scarf

My Alphabet Swap partner finally received her package this week (on Monday), so I can share the picture of the scarf I knit for her.  She was satisfied with the package and said the pattern and colours were perfect for her (or something like that).  I'm glad she likes it, because I was a little worried she wouldn't.  I had no reason to believe she wouldn't, other than my own doubts about my yarn/colour choice and the blocking.

The picture here isn't that great as I had to use the flash (it was night and my apartment doesn't have good lighting for taking pictures). The colours are a little bit darker in real life.  In the daylight I think it looks really good.

I used the Flying Home Scarf pattern, a free download on Ravelry.  I really enjoyed this pattern; it wasn't too difficult, and while I couldn't memorize the pattern (it's a 10 row repeat), it was easy to follow.  I will more than likely be knitting this pattern again.

My blocking isn't that great as I didn't have anything to use for my blocking, other than pins.  I've since ordered some blocking wires from Knit Picks and will be able to use them on the next scarf I make - which  happens to be what I'm working on now.

I'll refrain showing any progress on my current scarf or mentioning the pattern for the current project since I am knitting it for my new swap partner in the Stashbuster swap at Ravelry.  This time I am only knitting and sending the scarf.  I like the pattern I'm using, and will likely knit it again in the future.  Once this new swap partner gets the scarf, I'll post a picture and the name of the pattern on here.

Aside from these scarves, I haven't been working much on the hat I'd been working on.  I am on the decreasing at the top of the hat; I'm just waiting until I get these swap scarves completed and then I'll go back and finish the hat, block it, and post a picture of it.  I do like the way it looks so far, though, and I can't wait to see the finished product.

Well, I'd best be off and get some marking done for work so that I can do some knitting a little later on this evening.  Happy knitting!

Welcome 2014!

I can't believe how long it's been since I've really made any postings here - particularly knitting related.  I just haven't had a lot of knitting motivation in such a long time, and to be honest, I just never thought of doing posts of any of my art journals (which I hope to get more into this year).

About three weeks ago at Bible study (one of the two that I attend), we were talking about spiritual gifts and taking a "test" to find out what ours were.  Well, I had mentioned about my knitting and how I had wanted to learn to make mittens (which blossomed into other items) for the mitten tree at the church I was attending back home (in case I haven't mentioned it here, in late August of 2011 I moved to northern BC as I accepted a teaching position at a Christian school).  I also mentioned that I was in a slump, or rather I felt stalled in my walk and hadn't been doing any knitting in so long.  After mentioning this, I was encouraged by the others to pick it up again and get working on it.  I mentioned that I'd like to start a mitten tree at the church (the new one I'm attending here in BC) since they don't have one, and they didn't know what a mitten tree was.  They said that if this was a gifting (craftsmanship), then I have to do something about it - I need to knit and start a mitten tree.

Since it's obviously too late now to start one for Christmas (as I had mentioned to them at the time as well), I would still like to have something set up where people can knit (or purchase items to donate) various items that can be donated to homeless or less fortunate people.  Here in the north, we will still have cold and snow for awhile and these people can definitely still use the items.  So, I need to figure out how to set something up, present it, and start collecting items to somehow (and somewhere) distribute them.  One of the members of the Bible Study group suggested the Salvation Army, which is a great idea, but I said that as far as I knew people have to buy the items they have.  I want these items I will make and collect to be given freely to those who need them - just like Jesus freely gave us the gift of salvation.

Two "2 Weeknights With Warrick" scarves

Needless to say, my motivation was re-sparked and I began working on some knitting projects within a day or two.

I chose to do an easy pattern, one that I could do without much thinking so that I wouldn't lose motivation before I got started.  I went with the 2 Weeknights With Warrick pattern, which I have done before a couple of times.  In the photo, the scarf on the left is the first one I did and finished not long after starting.  The one on the right was finished a few days ago (and it looks in the photo like I've got it backwards, LOL!  Well, at least you can see what each side looks like...).

Want to know a little secret? These aren't completely finished.  I can't find my darning needle to sew the ends in, so once I get that and can take care of the finishing touches, then they will be totally finished.

I've already started in on another scarf, though it might be one I keep for myself.  The pattern for this scarf is the Diagonal Lace Scarf, which I've also made a time or two in the past.  It's another fairly easy pattern - a 6 row repetition, and I like the way it looks.  The yarn I'm using for this pattern is Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable in Petunia.  Since I've only been knitting this pattern for a few days, I don't have a whole lot completed. But, when I'm done I will post a photo of it.

Do you have anything specific that you are wanting to knit, or learn to knit, in 2014? Would love to hear about it in the comments, and feel free to post a link to what you're working on!

Something To Keep Little Feet Warm



Size 2-4 socks

 I've had these finished for a few weeks now, but just never got around to posting a pic.

I used the flash in the picture, so the colours don't like quite right. They are deeper and darker in "real life".

The yearn is Patons Kroy Socks (stripes) in the "Mulberry Stripes" colourway. I was unsure at first if I would like this colour combination (well, at least with the brown thrown into the mix), but I think they look quite nice.

The stripes don't match up - they are fraternal twins, but that's OK too. I just hope whoever gets them doesn't mind! I will be adding these to my collection of knits that will go on the church mitten tree at Christmas.

I've started in on another pair of socks (same pattern and size). I'm only on the first sock yet, and I'm just about to start on the heel flap. I haven't really been in the knitting mood much, but from time to time I will knit a couple of rows. I've been feeling like knitting something else though - not sure what though. I've thought of doing yet another hat, but haven't started it. Thought using larger needles and bigger yarn would be nice after working on the socks.

I've also been thinking about knitting a shawl, but to be honest, that scares me. It would be small yarn again and lace - which I wouldn't be able to work on in front of the TV (which is where I tend to do most of my knitting). I've marked a few patterns on Ravelry that I'd like to try, so maybe I'll at least attempt it. I was thinking of making a shawl as a gift, and of course, one for me. I'd also be scared that I wouldn't get it finished for a long time. I don't know. I see so many beautiful shawls on Ravelry and on blogs, and I would like to try one...maybe I should just bite the bullet and start one and see how it goes.

What are you currently working on? Let me know in the comments!

Plain Jane Vanilla

Are you surprised? I've knit 3 more hats since the last post!

First off, let me say (again) that this picture was taken using the flash because it's kind of a dark and dreary day today. We're getting rain, instead of snow...but that's a story for another time.

The hat in the middle was made with leftover purple yarn from one of the purple hats I made previously (shown a couple of posts ago). The hat on the left and right was made from the same skein of Bernat Mosaic in the Ninja colourway. This yarn reminded me a little of Noro Kuryeon, where there are pieces of the strand that weren't tightly spun.

I didn't mind using this yarn, but there were a couple of times when I was casting on where the yarn pulled apart because it wasn't spun in that particular area. The second hat I had cast on 90 stitches and decided that it would be too loose. I unraveled the yarn to cast on 80 stitches instead. As I was unravelling, I got to a spot that had one of those areas that isn't spun (I know there is a name for that, but I can't think of it), and it pulled apart on me. Thankfully, it didn't waste much yarn.  Aside from that, I didn't mind this yarn.

Since the picture was taken, I added a pompom to the hat with the rolled brim (the one on the right). My mom expressed an interest in it to use when she goes out to shovel the walk (and no, she doesn't do this much, but when I'm sick or my back is acting up, she will shovel; otherwise I shovel the walk. We have someone plow out our driveway, so neither of us has to shovel the driveway, thankfully). Previously she would use a hood from a coat, but she didn't like it as it was too big and came down around her face too much (when it was tied). So, I told her if she wanted the hat she could have it. She tried it on and thought it looked OK but thought maybe it should have a pompom so it wouldn't look so flat on her head.

I'm debating on what to knit next, but I think it might be...surprise!!!....another hat. I just find they knit up quickly and I don't have to pay too much attention to the knitting - it's mindless really. I might do up some more kids socks or a scarf soon though...no promises though, LOL!

Do you have a favourite hat pattern to knit or crochet?

Honeycomb Hat

I finally finished the purple hat I was working on (see previous post). It's not difficult, but the particular stitch I did took longer for me to work at. It's an easy stitch, but for some reason I was just slow at knitting it.


The picture isn't the best, and I had to use the flash on the camera. I've adjusted the photo some in Photo Shop Elements, but the colour of yarn in the photo is pretty close to the actual colour.

Honeycomb Hat



As previously mentioned, I used Patons Classic Merino in Royal Purple. The needles were 5.0 mm circs. In all honesty, I don't really know what the sizing would be, other than to say the hat doesn't fit my head - and I don't think my head is big...maybe average sized.  I suppose this hat could fit an older child, I don't really know. I'll have to take this with me to church on Sunday and get my BFF's daughter (who is a month away from being 11 years old), and see if it fits her.

I got a gift certificate to Chapters for Christmas, and used it to buy the book "400 knitting stitches, A Complete Dictionary of Essential Stitch Patterns" by Potter Craft. The stitch for my Honeycomb Hat is found in there.  I haven't typed up the pattern yet, and in all honesty it's probably not the best pattern. I just sort of made it up as I went along.

For starters, the number of stitches I cast on may not have been the correct amount, as there "left overs" as I began my decreasing rows for the crown. For example, if I was decreasing 8 stitches and then knitting 2 together, I might end up with 5 stitches left over. I would just knit those with no decreases. I don't know if that made a difference or anything, but it may have been camoflauged because they were done only every other row (in between patterned rows). Hopefully the way I worded it makes sense. At any rate, by the time I got to k4, k2tog, I was OK with the number of stitches matching up to the decreasing.



Close-up of Pattern

 I've never created my own hat pattern before, so I took some measurements from another "established" pattern. I cast on what I thought would be the right amount (I wanted to make it a little larger than the other hats I made, so I cast on more than those ones (but not by much). The type of decrease I used was the same as in the other pattern, but I didn't know how many to start decreasing with. I think it turned out OK in the end though, but maybe if someone else looks at the pattern (when I get it posted), she might be able to tell and help make proper adjustments - even if it's just casting on a different amount of stitches instead of what I used.

I'm going to attempt to make another hat of the other pattern I mentioned in a previous post and see if it works out again as well. It's a quicker knit so it shouldn't take me too long to knit up another one. I'm going to try it using two colours and see how that looks. I'll post pics when I get the other one done, and possible share the pattern as well.

Until then, happy knitting!

Happy New Year!

Ok, so I've been AWOL since before New Year's. The reason is because of problems with an outlet that wasn't working (which the computer and router were plugged into), and my laptop hard drive decided to die on me.

So, since I didn't have computer access for awhile (about a month), I was busy catching up on my knitting! All photos on this post are of items completed since January 1st.

The first photo of 5 hats are a variety of patterns. The blue hat with pompom and the pink hat beside it were pretty much the same pattern (adapted from a child's hat pattern using the measurements from one pattern), the third hat on the top row is another Fixie Hat, and the two on the bottom are the same hat ("54") in two different sizes. After I finished the green one, I wondered why it was so small. I realized after looking over the pattern, I had used 4mm needles instead of the required 5mm. The blue hat is using 5mm needles and is adult sized.

The second photo is the pattern (the Two Colour Infant Hat) I used the measurements from for the hats mentioned above (the blue pompom and the pink). I made a hat using this pattern the Christmas before last (for the church mitten tree). I love this pattern - easy and quick to make! I decided to add a pompom on the blue/black hat, and used both colours of yarn for it. I must admit that I'm not the best at making pompoms, but then I'm just learning. They turned out OK, but I'm sure they'll get better with practice.

These two hats, to the left, are creations of my own, based on the hat above. I admit the patterns aren't all that great or interesting, but I was mostly just playing around.

I used a bright blue and navy Paton's Astra yarn for these two hats, and sized 4mm circs.

I think I'd like to try to come up with some interesting patterns to make hats like these - better designs than the ones in the photo, but that probably won't happen for awhile. I think I need to be in the mood for that. For now, I'll probably stick to patterns/designs I find online.

Though I've mostly been knitting hats (I have another one I created that I have to test again before posting the photo and possibly pattern, and a second pattern I'm working on, and will probably do another testing for that as well), I also managed to get a couple pair of kids socks knit.

These will probably fit a 2 year old, maybe a 3 or 4 year old...not totally sure. The green pair of socks was made with some sock yarn in my stash. I lost the band for it, and all I remember was that I had won it in a contest a few years ago. It was nice to work with, and I have enough left that I might be able to get another pair the same size made with it - either that or a pair or two of baby socks.

The other pair of socks (same size as the green ones) was made with some Patons Kroy Socks Stripes yarn that I got on sale not too long ago. The colourway is mexicala stripes, and I must say I like the colours used! I would never have though of putting orange and pink and purple together, but I think they look great. I'm not sure if I have enough left for a pair of baby socks, but I might be able to get one baby sock made that could be used as an ornament on the Christmas tree next year. For now, that left over yarn will probably just stay in my stash. I've been thinking of making one of those mitred sock yarn blankets, but that would take a long time to make so I don't know if it's something that will get done just yet. Hard to say.

Well, that's all the knitting I've done for now. As I mentioned above, I've got a couple of other "in progress" hats that I'm working on and hope to post about soon. I also may or may not have patterns to go with them! Maybe if someone is interested in the pattern, I may post it. We'll see.

What have you been up to with your knitting?

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?

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!

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.