Friday, October 5, 2012

MORE THINGS FROM MY NEEDLES

As promised here are some more things I have been knitting.   It keeps me busy trying to come up with new class ideas.  I like to have students make something but most important are the skills I try to build into each project.  I am continuing with one new project each month.  All are easy and can be completed before Christmas to give as a gift.   This pillow case with the lace edge makes a wonderful gift for someone who seems to have everything.  The pattern with soft points does not require blocking and I am doing a lace "shorthand" to teach that system for a pattern.  Sometimes it is easier than using a chart.



Pulse warmers are a great small project with or without beads.  I like to make the ones like the cream with lots of garter stitch above the lace edge.  Sip this part under your sleeve and fold back to make a cuff.  I think they are quite pretty.  The beaded one is lots of fun and you only have beads on every other row.  Therefore none of the beads are right next to your skin.  I was quite surprised to find out how warm they made me feel.  Perhaps it is all in my head who knows but a fun to knit project.



Now here is a quick and easy gift.  Purchased stretch gloves and you add a fancy cuff.  Perhaps using yarn you made the matching scarf with or something left from the stash.  I have been quite surprised to see these "fluffy" yarns back in the market place.  "Everything old is new again!"

Until next time keep those needles busy!!!!!!!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

TRYING TO DO BETTER!

I certainly have been neglectful for ever so long.  It is time I posted a few pictures of my knitting and such.  I guess sometimes my schedule gets a bit hectic and I just do not think anyone is interested in what goes on in my little life here in the hills of Pennsylvania.

Will try and catch you up on a few things.  It has been a very busy summer and fall looks to be no no different.  One reason I find I can get back and be more efficient is that taking pictures is no longer such a big job.  No more taking the picture and then plugging the camera in and about 4 more steps on top of that.  Now with the new I-phone hubby gave me a couple weeks ago as a great birthday present this is oh so easy.  Snap, send to my email and you have it.

I have been teaching some interesting classes here are a couple.  From Betsey Beads the Twilight necklace.  I used a heavier yarn from Berroco called Seduce.  Blue green beads and then purchased a real silver and turquoise clasp.  I loved doing this.  Hardest part is stringing the beads.


I found that most of the shawls I love so to knit are very light weight.  Yes warm but not warm enough for where I live.  So I knit this one this past week from Universal yarn called classic shades.

This is an easy fun knit if you don't get all excited about a lot of short rows. My suggestion is that you practice the yarn over short row.  It is easier and faster and works beautifully.

My upcoming class this Saturday will be a button version of a mitered neck warmer.  Quick and easy and such a lot of fun.  If this is a pattern you wish to have just let me know.  It is my personal one and I shall share if happily.

Now enough for today.  I will try tomorrow to back track and show you some of the knitting I have not mentioned before.  As well as some family news.











Wednesday, February 8, 2012

A FEW LEFT OVERS



At Christmas time I was on over load and also some of those I give gifts to read this blog so nothing was posted. Will show a couple now. Ah the tea cozy for my friend Nancy. We met as we both belonged to the same college sorority. (years apart to be sure). She is a great love of a pot of hot tea. What is not to love. So I thought for a tea lover and someone who adores Victorian what could be better than a crazy quilt tea cozy. I have quite a stash of ribbons, fancy fabrics and lace. You might be interested to hear the cream lace came from France about
WWI. It belonged to a friend of my Mothers and when she left the large family home was going to toss it. Thank goodness Mother saved it for me. I use it a lot of special things. Then there are Violets which is the right flower, pearls also. The colors lavender and maroon. All the right things and even a sterling crest from Mother's charm bracelet. Nancy was pleased so I shall share the pictures with all of you. I do things other than knit once in a while.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Thank you for your patience!





Those of you who like to know what I am working on have been so patient. I have had a busy time of year. First it was Christmas where I made most all of my gifts and taking pictures just did not happen. Then the new year arrived and I have been busy working on my classes for the coming year. I promise pictures and soon.

Some personal knitting to be sure. Then I have worked at getting rid of a ton of stuff in my yarn room. Ebay has kept me busy and I will do more in a couple of weeks. Feels good to have sorted and found new things to keep me busy.

My current projects have been can you believe it something for me: the white hood+scarf. I love it and our weather has been cold here. I used a fantastic yarn that is wool and tencel. The sheen is wonderful and the yarn flew through my fingers. This one I keep and wear.

Then the doll outfit for Miss Lillie, I loved using the free pattern on the Crystal Palace site and the bulky mochi yarn. Amazing what the color did particularly on the hat.

Then the sad projects chemo caps. I always feel fortunate that I can do some little thing to help friends who are having to endure this procedure. So there are two hats. The aqua one in from Panda Silk which is so soft and nice silk and bamboo, I just know it will feel wonderful. The dark blue hat is Cashmerino. Very soft but with some warmth. ( it looks better on trust me) Guess I need to get a head form to try on these hats.

I just can't seem to find the hours in the day that I need to keep up but I shall do my best to keep you posted on what I am knitting. Sewing will wait a while now.

If you have questions about patterns and the like you can send me a message. I shall try and help you. Just not enough time to hunt up the links right now.

Hope all of you in blog land are doing well.