Diamonds and Cloth

Happy Friday Everyone!  I love this time of year, but there is soooo much to do!  Grass to mow, weeds to pull, plus all of the normal household things that need to be done.  Then trying to find time to read, knit/crochet/bead.  It’s a good thing the days are longer. (ha ha)

Here are a couple of things that I have managed to get done.

Three diamond facecloth  by Lynne Love

From Projects

 I used Lily Sugar’n Cream Naturals in the color Terra Firma and size 7 needles.

Emerald’s Lace Bath Set by Tabitha’s Heart is available as a free Ravelry Download.

From Projects

I used Peaches and Creme Ecru and size 7 needles.  Several people on Ravelry suggested using ssk for the decrease instead of skp.  I tried this on all of the above items and liked it very well.

Hope you all have a nice weekend!

She-Knits Mystery Bag KAL – part 2

I can not even tell you how much fun I am having doing this kal.  I am learning some new techniques and I so enjoy that.  Plus when I only get one clue a week, I don’t feel the guilt sometimes caused by working on something else.

I’ve been working with yarn in my stash and then I bought the gray.  I am liking it so far.  I may not felt it, I like the size that it is.  Will decide later on what I want to do.

From Projects

Tomorrow the 3rd clue comes out and it sounds like it will be the rest of the body.  I hope so, I’m looking forward to working on it.

Modern Blanket – part 2

It’s Friday!  I so enjoy the weekends, even if we’re super busy it seems like it’s a relaxing busy.  Usually no schedules – get up when you want, eat when you want, etc.

Miukat, when you visit this is for you (I know you don’t need it anymore).  I saw this little guy when I was mowing today and thought of you.  (It’s a toad if you can’t tell).  The rest of you will have to read Miukat’s blog to find out about frogs/toads.

From Just Because

O.K. on to the knitting.  Here is the progress so far on my Moderne Blanket

From Projects

I have decided to do a throw size and am pleased with the progress so far, I’m just starting the 4th strip.  Such a nice relaxing knit when my concentration is needed elsewhere.

Hope you all have a wonderful, safe weekend!

Happy knitting!

She-Knits Mystery Bag KAL – part 1

I joined a group on Ravelry called She-Knits Mystery Bag KAL.  The 1st clue came out last week.  I’ve never joined a kal before with the intention of keeping up, so this time I’m going to give it an honest try. 

Here is a pic of the 1st part completed – the bottom of the bag.

From Projects

I’m using Patons Classic Wool (doubled) and a size 10 needle.  My bag will be smaller, but that’s o.k. the original one looks to be quite large.

2nd clue comes out tomorrow.  Yay!

This kal is closed to new membership but she’s already talking about a kal2, kal3 etc.  Sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun!

Stuffed Kitty

Just thought I’d share.

Here is a picture of one of my cats “stuffed” into my knitting basket.

From Just Because

I couldn’t believe he got in and actually slept in there!  He’s around 14 lbs. and is doubled over in this picture.  Doesn’t look comfortable to me, but he slept in here several days in a row.  Cats are so flexible.

This is the cat that started the whole basket sleeping idea, she fits much better.

From Just Because

Happy Friday!  Hope you all have a nice, safe weekend.

Modern Blanket – part 1

I have started the  Moderne Log Cabin Blanket that is in the Mason Dixon Knitting Book.  This pattern really appeals to me at the moment, I hope I will be able to see it through to the end.

I decided to use Vanna’s Choice yarn for the project.  It is readily available, affordable and washable.   So far I like working with it for this project.  I decided on size 7 needles and again I like the fabric this makes.

From Projects

My color choices are Pearl Mist and Taupe.  I will be using Espresso for my third color.  There are so many colors that I like, but I decided to try and keep this blanket a neutral color so I can use it in any room.

Will post pics as I get the different sections completed.  Now that I’m blogging about it I will have to finish it!

Drops Bag – Bag A Month

I belong to this group on Ravelry called Bag A Month Club.  Every month they nominate and then vote on a knit/crochet bag to work on for the month.  It’s a lot of fun and I see bag patterns that I somehow missed seeing on my own.

The knitting bag for the month of June is 109-13 Bag with Pleats from Drops Design.

From Projects

I haven’t knitted “pleats” before so this was a new experience for me and I enjoy trying something new.  I used two skeins of Caron Simply Soft in the color Deep Teal Heather and size 10-1/2 needles.  The pattern calls for bulky yarn and since I’m trying to knit from my stash I used two strands of the simply soft held together.  I think it worked rather well and gives you a nice firm bag.

From Projects

I used 1/2 yard of bee fabric for an unexpected surprise for the lining and added a button flap for a closure.  I did a single crochet flap over 6 stitches because I just wanted to get finished at this point, but you could always make a knitted one.

On the handle I worked 2″ of seed stitch as per the pattern and then I worked the seed stitch in the round until the last 2″ and then went back to straight seed stitch.  I did this because I didn’t want to do all of that seaming.  The bottom is also seamed, which was good practise for me. 

If I were to make another I would do the bottom a little different.  I would co 54 stitches and knit 4/5 rows, pick up two stitches on the sides and 54 stitches on the cast on side for a total of 112 stitches and then work the pattern from there in the round.  It would save a little time and I wouldn’t have the seam at the bottom.

Here’s a picture of me in the background – had to lift those fingers to keep them out of the way – lol.

From Projects

Fanned Rib Scarf

Here is the latest scarf that I’ve made.  It is called Fanned Rib Scarf by Jane Davis and is published in Knit Ponchos, Wraps and Scarves.

From Projects

I used one skein Cascade 220 Superwash and size 9 needles.  The color is more of a green/blue but doesn’t show up well in the picture.

Even after blocking the scarf curls.  I think I may play with the pattern stitch another time and see what might work better.  It was a fun knit and worked up very quickly.

Happy knitting all!

Paints Neck Warmer

I have been in a scarf making mood.  I think it’s because I’ve finished all of my projects and I like how that feels.  The weather is warmer and we’ve resisted turning on the a.c. plus I have all of these one or two skeins of yarn and this is a good way to use them.

This pattern is called Cashmere Neck Warmer by Sarah Keller. It is available as a free Ravelry download.  It is also published in the 101 Luxury one-skein wonders book.

I used size 9 needles and one skein of Caron Simply Soft paints in the color Sunset.  I really like the color of this yarn but did not enjoy working with it on this pattern, it was very hard on the fingers.

From Projects

This is a picture of the back which I liked also.

From Projects

I wouldn’t mind trying this pattern again but with a softer yarn.  It’s very easy to memorize and makes a great travel project.

Happy Friday!!

Scarf Necklace I

This pattern is called Scarf Necklace I by Rosemary Hill.  I used about .5 skein of Elsebeth Lavold Classic AL in the color Pinewood and size 9 needles.

From Projects

This is such a fun quick knit.  I made the pin myself by putting beads on a coilless safety pin.