Location
"Where do you like to indulge in your craft? Is your favorite arm chair your little knitting cubby area, or do you prefer to ‘knit in public’? Do you like to crochet in the great outdoors, perhaps, or knit in the bath, or at the pub?"
Where do I knit/crochet? Everywhere!! Of course! I knit in the car (not when I am driving), doctor's offices, waiting for tests, waiting for meetings, basically everywhere I have to wait, in bed, on the couch, in the backyard, at the playground, at dance classes waiting for the girls, etc.....
I have not knitted in the bath, that could be a problem since I mostly use wool. I have knitted in the bathroom though when the kids used to take baths when I was on lifeguard duty.
All this knitting everywhere has been mostly positive. Of course their is always someone somewhere who has to make some snide comment. I just let them go. They may be bored out of there mind waiting so maybe they are just jealous that I have something to do. = )
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Knitting and Crochet Blog Week-Day 4
A new skill.
"Is there a skill related to your hobby that you hope to learn one day? Maybe you’re a crocheter who’d also like to knit? Maybe you’d like to learn to knit continental, knit backwards, try cables or attempt stranded colourwork."
Yeah well I guess I already covered this on day 2. Color work and steeking. I can do colorwork, Fair Isle, where you knit with different yarns, not little bobbin of yarn (called Intarsia). Personally I have done intarsia and to me it is a pain. the little bobbins of yarn always get tangled and I wind up spending more time untangling them then actually knitting. Which just may be the reason that Skywalker's flame sweater never made it. At one point there were 9 different bobbins in a 6 inch knitting area. I am designing a sweater for him that will be similar but I am going to use fair isle. I have taught myself to use knit using a yarn in each hand so for me it actually seems to knit faster,
=)
"Is there a skill related to your hobby that you hope to learn one day? Maybe you’re a crocheter who’d also like to knit? Maybe you’d like to learn to knit continental, knit backwards, try cables or attempt stranded colourwork."
Yeah well I guess I already covered this on day 2. Color work and steeking. I can do colorwork, Fair Isle, where you knit with different yarns, not little bobbin of yarn (called Intarsia). Personally I have done intarsia and to me it is a pain. the little bobbins of yarn always get tangled and I wind up spending more time untangling them then actually knitting. Which just may be the reason that Skywalker's flame sweater never made it. At one point there were 9 different bobbins in a 6 inch knitting area. I am designing a sweater for him that will be similar but I am going to use fair isle. I have taught myself to use knit using a yarn in each hand so for me it actually seems to knit faster,
=)
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Knitting and Crochet Blog Week-Day 3 All Tooled Up
Wild Card
"Do you have a particular knitting/crochet tool or piece of equipment that you love to use? Maybe it is an old pair of needles that used to belong to someone special, or a gorgeous rosewood hand turned crochet hook that you just love the feel of? Write about why you love it."
Well as you can see I have several.
The first is the the two wood slats towards the top. That is part of my hand made swift. I had seen the plans online and ask my mom if her friend could make it. Oh he could alright. In fact he made two. One plain (that is what is in the picture) and a fancy one. It is so much easier to ball yarn up. So I love my swifts because it make my life a little easier.
Next up is the metal knitting needles and the crochet hooks (which there are more then pictured) all the way to the right. Those were my Mom's. She almost got rid of them. She had put them in the garage sale pile and I took them. Sorry Mom couldn't let you do that. =) I use to use them. I use circulars needles now to help my hands but I still have her needles and always will. The needles live in a needle wrap I made for them so they are nice and protected. The crochet hooks I still use along with.....
The other set of crochet hooks. They were my Grandmother's. After she passed they were in a box given to me. I was the crafty one after all. I use them too. They have the old hook on the end. It is just a different shape but for some reason I can crochet faster with this style.
I love how when I use my mom's or grandmother's needles or hooks I feel connected. I miss both of them very much. My grandmother has passed away and I do not get to see my mother as much as I would like (no crying mom) but I can connect to them in this small way. I do have my own crochet hooks but I only use them if I do not have the size in the others. Yes I am very sentimental.
Last is the wooden knitting needles. They were a splurge. I love knitting with them. Something about the wood is just so yummy. =) Yeah I know that really doesn't make much sense but other knitters most likely know what I mean.
"Do you have a particular knitting/crochet tool or piece of equipment that you love to use? Maybe it is an old pair of needles that used to belong to someone special, or a gorgeous rosewood hand turned crochet hook that you just love the feel of? Write about why you love it."
Well as you can see I have several.
The first is the the two wood slats towards the top. That is part of my hand made swift. I had seen the plans online and ask my mom if her friend could make it. Oh he could alright. In fact he made two. One plain (that is what is in the picture) and a fancy one. It is so much easier to ball yarn up. So I love my swifts because it make my life a little easier.
Next up is the metal knitting needles and the crochet hooks (which there are more then pictured) all the way to the right. Those were my Mom's. She almost got rid of them. She had put them in the garage sale pile and I took them. Sorry Mom couldn't let you do that. =) I use to use them. I use circulars needles now to help my hands but I still have her needles and always will. The needles live in a needle wrap I made for them so they are nice and protected. The crochet hooks I still use along with.....
The other set of crochet hooks. They were my Grandmother's. After she passed they were in a box given to me. I was the crafty one after all. I use them too. They have the old hook on the end. It is just a different shape but for some reason I can crochet faster with this style.
I love how when I use my mom's or grandmother's needles or hooks I feel connected. I miss both of them very much. My grandmother has passed away and I do not get to see my mother as much as I would like (no crying mom) but I can connect to them in this small way. I do have my own crochet hooks but I only use them if I do not have the size in the others. Yes I am very sentimental.
Last is the wooden knitting needles. They were a splurge. I love knitting with them. Something about the wood is just so yummy. =) Yeah I know that really doesn't make much sense but other knitters most likely know what I mean.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
knitting and Crochet Blog Week-Day 2
Inspirational Pattern
"Blog about a pattern or project which you aspire to. Whether it happens to be because the skills needed are ones which you have not yet acquired, or just because it seems like a huge undertaking of time and dedication, most people feel they still have something to aspire to in their craft. If you don’t feel like you have any left of the mountain of learning yet to climb, say so!"
Hmmm I had to think on this one. Like I have stated before I have this need to learn everything there is. I see no reason why to wait until I am better to learn how to do something. I do not believe in that. So I had to really think on this one. I am thinking steeks.
According to Wikipedia - In knitting, steeking is a shortcut used to knit garments such as sweaters in the round without interruption for openings or sleeves until the end. After completing a tube, a straight line is cut along the center of a column of stitches, in order to make room for an opening or place to attach another piece. The steek itself is a bridge of extra stitches, in which the cut is made, and is usually 6-10 stitches wide. This technique was developed by the knitters of the Shetland archipelago and is particularly associated with Fair Isle sweaters, although it can be used for solid colors as well.
Yes you actually cut the knitting. I think it is a little scary to cut into it but if you use the right yarn (that would be wool - stickier the better) You can sew i guess you would call them safety line or even crochet them so the stitches do not unravel. I have read about people not doing either and just cutting away. I have never used Shetland yarn before but I have read that it is very sticky so if you drop a stitch is doesn't run.
Now steeks are used in Shetland sweaters (yeah I know duh!) and I think many of them are absolutely beautiful. The ones I really like are worked on really small needles and well I do not think my hands would be able to handle a whole sweater. I can barely knit socks anymore. Plus I really want to do colorwork. So I guess I could combine it all into one sweater.
The hardest part will be to find the right pattern. Anyone know of any?
Ok I searched Ravelry (what did us knitter do before Ravelry?!?!) I found this one
Folklore Yes I know it says sold out but I can buy it on Ravelry. I am thinking using handspun for the color work, maybe.
Icelandic Star Need to scroll do to it. I would change it a little bit, like taking out the color work band by the waist. I do not need any extra attention in that area. I also have this issue already.
Fugl Yes I know that a guy is wearing it but there is a woman's version too. I would have to buy the book.
Hela Which is free. = )
DROPS design 116 Also free and I could make matching socks!! Plus people on ravelry have taken the sock chart and put it on the cuff. I like this idea. Only problem is that this pattern uses sport yarn and size 2 needles.
Enid I might have this issue too.
Northern Lights but without the dots.
So now which one? = )
knitcroblo2
"Blog about a pattern or project which you aspire to. Whether it happens to be because the skills needed are ones which you have not yet acquired, or just because it seems like a huge undertaking of time and dedication, most people feel they still have something to aspire to in their craft. If you don’t feel like you have any left of the mountain of learning yet to climb, say so!"
Hmmm I had to think on this one. Like I have stated before I have this need to learn everything there is. I see no reason why to wait until I am better to learn how to do something. I do not believe in that. So I had to really think on this one. I am thinking steeks.
According to Wikipedia - In knitting, steeking is a shortcut used to knit garments such as sweaters in the round without interruption for openings or sleeves until the end. After completing a tube, a straight line is cut along the center of a column of stitches, in order to make room for an opening or place to attach another piece. The steek itself is a bridge of extra stitches, in which the cut is made, and is usually 6-10 stitches wide. This technique was developed by the knitters of the Shetland archipelago and is particularly associated with Fair Isle sweaters, although it can be used for solid colors as well.
Yes you actually cut the knitting. I think it is a little scary to cut into it but if you use the right yarn (that would be wool - stickier the better) You can sew i guess you would call them safety line or even crochet them so the stitches do not unravel. I have read about people not doing either and just cutting away. I have never used Shetland yarn before but I have read that it is very sticky so if you drop a stitch is doesn't run.
Now steeks are used in Shetland sweaters (yeah I know duh!) and I think many of them are absolutely beautiful. The ones I really like are worked on really small needles and well I do not think my hands would be able to handle a whole sweater. I can barely knit socks anymore. Plus I really want to do colorwork. So I guess I could combine it all into one sweater.
The hardest part will be to find the right pattern. Anyone know of any?
Ok I searched Ravelry (what did us knitter do before Ravelry?!?!) I found this one
Folklore Yes I know it says sold out but I can buy it on Ravelry. I am thinking using handspun for the color work, maybe.
Icelandic Star Need to scroll do to it. I would change it a little bit, like taking out the color work band by the waist. I do not need any extra attention in that area. I also have this issue already.
Fugl Yes I know that a guy is wearing it but there is a woman's version too. I would have to buy the book.
Hela Which is free. = )
DROPS design 116 Also free and I could make matching socks!! Plus people on ravelry have taken the sock chart and put it on the cuff. I like this idea. Only problem is that this pattern uses sport yarn and size 2 needles.
Enid I might have this issue too.
Northern Lights but without the dots.
So now which one? = )
knitcroblo2
Monday, April 26, 2010
Knitting and Crochet Blog Week-Day 1
Starting Out
How and when did you begin knitting/crocheting. Was it passed down or learned form a book?
Well my Mom taught me to knit and crochet. I remember I was around 5 or 6 and I was the type of child that got bored easily. Today it would be called ADHD. My mom was always crafting something. Knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, cross stitch and sewing. Those are what I remember. She taught me all of it. I joke it was to keep me occupied and out of her hair. I am not sure which she taught me first but crochet was easier for me. I did knit a little and even have one of my first finished projects. It was a bag I made for my grandmother. I laugh each time I look at it and being the grandmother that she was she kept it for all those years and when she passed it was given back to me.
I kept up with the crochet over the years in I guess you would say bursts. I always had big ideas just couldn't sit long enough to finish them. Plus I was always doing something. I don't think I ever learned to just sit = )
I can tell you that when I was pregnant with my first I crocheted like a bandit. I had hyperemisis gravidium which basically means I couldn't stop vomiting. It was morning sickness on steroids. I lost 40 pounds my first trimester. I had a PIC line in my arm and that is how both of us got feed, by IV. I made severals blanket including one for Hubby that was nothing but double crochet on big hooks using 3 strand of yarn held together. That puppy is heavy!!!! Skywalker had at least four blankets by the time he arrived. Then with each of the girls as soon as I knew I was pregnant off to Michael's I went. I didn't know there was something called a yarn store back then.
I think Drama was about 3 when I was looking through a magazine that had both knitting and crochet in it and this was the time ponchos were back in style and there was a beaded one that Drama like and asked me to make it for her. It was knitted and I had not knitted since I was little. There was a very basic learn to knit section in the magazine and just skimming through it it all came back to me. Which surprised me since it had been almost 25 years since. Well I was off. I haven't stopped since then. I also learned as much as I could. I have this habit of jumping into something fully, it is like I need to know everything that there is to know. I do not listen to what people say too. I read many comments about cables and lace being very hard, honestly I think they are easy. Now I am not saying that they are not hard for some people it is just I think all the comment turn people off to even trying them. I have taught people to knit and showed them how to cable and I have heard so many times "that's it?!" Though I am the one who has always formed my own thoughts and not listened to others peoples comments.
I have also discovered natural fibers which are really much nicer to work with. I have a stash that is full of very yummy yarns and love working with them. I have learned to spin so I can make my own yarn. I find all of this to be fun and relaxing.
How and when did you begin knitting/crocheting. Was it passed down or learned form a book?
Well my Mom taught me to knit and crochet. I remember I was around 5 or 6 and I was the type of child that got bored easily. Today it would be called ADHD. My mom was always crafting something. Knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, cross stitch and sewing. Those are what I remember. She taught me all of it. I joke it was to keep me occupied and out of her hair. I am not sure which she taught me first but crochet was easier for me. I did knit a little and even have one of my first finished projects. It was a bag I made for my grandmother. I laugh each time I look at it and being the grandmother that she was she kept it for all those years and when she passed it was given back to me.
I kept up with the crochet over the years in I guess you would say bursts. I always had big ideas just couldn't sit long enough to finish them. Plus I was always doing something. I don't think I ever learned to just sit = )
I can tell you that when I was pregnant with my first I crocheted like a bandit. I had hyperemisis gravidium which basically means I couldn't stop vomiting. It was morning sickness on steroids. I lost 40 pounds my first trimester. I had a PIC line in my arm and that is how both of us got feed, by IV. I made severals blanket including one for Hubby that was nothing but double crochet on big hooks using 3 strand of yarn held together. That puppy is heavy!!!! Skywalker had at least four blankets by the time he arrived. Then with each of the girls as soon as I knew I was pregnant off to Michael's I went. I didn't know there was something called a yarn store back then.
I think Drama was about 3 when I was looking through a magazine that had both knitting and crochet in it and this was the time ponchos were back in style and there was a beaded one that Drama like and asked me to make it for her. It was knitted and I had not knitted since I was little. There was a very basic learn to knit section in the magazine and just skimming through it it all came back to me. Which surprised me since it had been almost 25 years since. Well I was off. I haven't stopped since then. I also learned as much as I could. I have this habit of jumping into something fully, it is like I need to know everything that there is to know. I do not listen to what people say too. I read many comments about cables and lace being very hard, honestly I think they are easy. Now I am not saying that they are not hard for some people it is just I think all the comment turn people off to even trying them. I have taught people to knit and showed them how to cable and I have heard so many times "that's it?!" Though I am the one who has always formed my own thoughts and not listened to others peoples comments.
I have also discovered natural fibers which are really much nicer to work with. I have a stash that is full of very yummy yarns and love working with them. I have learned to spin so I can make my own yarn. I find all of this to be fun and relaxing.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Need to get my act together
Sometimes I and things just get crazy around here and with so much that needs to be done and I want to get done it becomes overwhelming and then hardly anything gets done. (wow there is a run on sentence..) I get ideas and if I do not either start it or at least write it down *poof* it is gone.
So to try and get the writing juices going.....
Karen blogged about an upcoming week of blogging of knitting and crocheting. I went and checked it out and I signed up.
It is Eskimimi's idea and well I like it. I have checked out the topics and they are interesting and the ideas are already starting to turn. I am not saying what they are for the surprise factor. (yes I know if you wanted to find out you could just click and go find out but I leave that up to you)
Now I am off to write somethings down before I forget them
= )
So to try and get the writing juices going.....
Karen blogged about an upcoming week of blogging of knitting and crocheting. I went and checked it out and I signed up.
It is Eskimimi's idea and well I like it. I have checked out the topics and they are interesting and the ideas are already starting to turn. I am not saying what they are for the surprise factor. (yes I know if you wanted to find out you could just click and go find out but I leave that up to you)
Now I am off to write somethings down before I forget them
= )
Friday, April 9, 2010
Birthday yarn
= ). It has been months since I have gotten yarn and this was a
splurge. It was so much fun and Hubby teased me because it took me
over 5 hours to decide what I wanted. I just couldn't make upy mind.
So here is what I decided on. The first four are Malabrigio and it is
a silk merino mix (50/50) mix. Mmmmmm. I have a few ideas for it. The
grey is Cascade 220 in grey heather. I picked this as a back up,
thinking I would need it for a project I was working on. Of course
since I did get an extra one it turns out that I didn't need it. Oh
well I am sure I will use it for something. The bottom two are Lorna's
laces in Shepherd Sport in colorway (love the name) Zombie BBQ. Thank
you Mom =)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
At last check
was 83 degrees!!! A few years ago it snowed this time of year. The
weather is so screwy that I can not believe people deny global warming
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