Knitting Channels to Inspire

Hello Everyone!!!

I hope your Sunday was lovely? Today Mr. and I took a much needed chill day. While I was working on a needle project I was watching some YouTube. I have been OBSESSED lately with watching knitting channels. I have watched everything from how to speed knit [maybe I should just watch knitting for the super slow .. it would be more true to form] to yarn dying and I bumped into these wonderful knitters. Each people are different and have such wonderful personalities I just had to share.

This is Kristen Lehrer with Voolenvine Yarns who is a Brooklyn based yarn-dyer. Not only does her channel shows her knitting projects but also her sewing .. which I have been looking at doing some independent sewing patterns [ Lisette or Deer and Doe ] but I never know who is good. She also shares other little things in her life like finding a mug with a knit pattern, events and other pod-casters.

The next two are the author duo of Carlos Zachrison and Arne Nerjordet and these two gents are such a delight to watch. They play off each others personalities and have wonderful ideas. Their tutorials are on both knits and crochets and some of their projects use both. They also share food recipes,  garden updates and life on a remote mountain. Also, in the last picture .. the answer is yes, he is knitting multiple socks at a time. The have a pattern for 'the easiest socks in the world' .. I do not know .. it does not seem easy. *.* However, their net shopping bag looks do-able.

The last inspiring knitter is Lindsay McCoy from A Wooden Nest and she is a slow living dream come true. Her voice is soft and her Christmas Special makes me want to move in with her. Seriously!! Her daughter's reaction to the Christmas tree is precious. Her blog also shows her quiet family life raising chickens, yarn dying and sharing recipes .. I want to try her Ginger-Molasses Cookies .. YUM!

More DIY Ornaments

I truly enjoyed making ornaments this year with the Maddy. Which then really sparked my crafting bug.  I was just cruising around the net just to see if there was something I would be interested in doing either for this year [which I know I don't have time for] or next [which then I am getting ahead of myself] and I stumbled onto these fun projects on the WHOot. I am thinking the girl elf would be a cute present. In the past I have done my Advent boxes but maybe next near I might make these adorable stockings. Check out the site - there was some cute gifts to bake, crochet, and knit [the lamb pillow and baby booties are just too much].

These are a cute all hung up [theWHOot]

I mean seriously how adorable are these Elves [theWHOot]

Another Baby Mini Blanket

I love giving blankets as baby gifts and a few years ago there seemed to be that everyone I knew was having a baby. This little gem is just perfect. I cannot tell you how super simple this pattern is and how easy it is to adjust it to any size you want. This particular blanket is made for my nephew's son for when they are traveling – some blankets are too large for the car seat and makes it cumbersome for the parent to carry.  But this one is perfect for keeping baby warm without adding the unnecessary length.  This pattern is double sided so there is no ‘wrong’ or ‘back’ side … which adds to its appeal. Using the Caron Simple Soft makes the care for it easy on his parents. I started to use some leftover yarn from a previous project but I had to buy another bundle, so I am not exact as to how much yarn was used but two bundles is enough.

This pattern is a series of repetition – one row is of 4 front post double crochet and 4 back post double crochet 7 times and then 4 front post double crochet.  The next row is the opposite – working 4 back post double crochet and 4 front post double crochet 7 times and then 4 back post double crochet.  See easy – just remember to stitch around the post from the previous row and not the loops, you want that stitch to be in front/behind the previous row stitch.  If you start the row with a back post double you will end with a back post double – it seems more uniform that way and it’s easy to remember which row you are at. And having the 1^st/last double crochets keeps the sides uniform. Also try to keep your stitches somewhat loose – not too baggy but loose enough to where there isn’t a gap between the front and back posts change over. If you stitch is too tight either change your stitch (which is always harder) or just go up a hook size.

fdc=front post double crochet (yarn over put hook across previous rows post - with the post facing you – yarn over pull yarn thru yarn over pull 2 yarn over pull 2)

 bdc=back post double crochet (yarn over put hook across previous rows post - with the post facing away from you – yarn over pull yarn thru yarn over pull 2 yarn over pull 2)

dc=double crochet (yarn over insert hook in chain (NOT POST)  from front to back yarn over pull yarn thru yarn over pull 2 yarn over pull 2)

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Foundation : Chain 65 turn

Row 2: dc in 4^th chain from hook and dc across all chains – 62 dc total – chain 3 - turn

Row 3: in 2^nd post start pattern *bdc 4xs – fdc 4xs* repeat from * 7 times, bdc 4xs, dc in last stitch - chain 3 - turn

Row 4: in 2^nd post start pattern  *fdc 4xs – bdc 4xs* repeat from * 7 times, fdc 4xs, dc in last stitch – chain 3 - turn

Rows 5-50: repeat rows 3 – 4 and cast off and don’t forget to weave your ends

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Diagram Below        d=dc     f=fdc     b=bdc

Row 3: dbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbb(ch3)

Row 4: dffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffffbbbbffff(ch3)

Now if you wanted to enlarge this pattern all you have to do is remember the pattern is – 1 ‘chain 3’ and 1 ‘double crochet’ stitches for the ends and 8 ‘post double crochets’ for pattern and 4 ‘post double’ crochets for the end – because the set of stitches you start with (back post) are the set of stitches you end with (back post). Does that make sense?  Now for me it is easier to chain until it is about the size that I want … count my stitches adjust my chain to the pattern – then I chain 3 and start double crochet across. Again as long as you have the pattern you will be fine and will be able to make this pattern for either a crib, twin, queen or even a king bed or just a lap blanket for the couch.

Obsessions!

For the last few months I have been totally obsessed with three sites. I can't seem to get enough of them ... their composition and content have me mesmerized.

The first one is Purl Bee ... between this site and Ravlery my head is swimming with new projects to make. It is going to take me 40 years to finish everything I want. Unlike Raverly (which is a crochet/knit site only) the Purl Bee also has embroidery and sewing (which then kicks up my creative juices) I seem to go into hyper-mode and when I find something I want to make ... I start speaking in this high pitched voice and screech to my Beloved ... 'look at how wonderful this is!' as he calmly says 'yes baby that is cool' ... trying to pacify his overly-amped wife. But it is too late ... my eyes are glazed and I am trying to think when I can fit in the extra project. I think I am going to make the seed-stitch blanket for my bed and the cute hedgehog for Baby Bug ... I think she will like it. Now what to make for the newest Gran Bug?

The next two consist of more of visual eye candy and appeal to me as a photographer and how much I want to develop this craft.

Next is The Yard it seems to be a collection of pictures from other sites ... sort of like viewing someone's Pinterest board. All the pictures seem to have a cool, grey weather, natural living kind of vibe. Some are simple and classic (landscaping or a bowl on a wood table) to more artistic ideas (the greenhouse full of cacti) This seems to have a fresh look to old ideas of what makes a great picture.

Last but not at all least is Kinfolk Magazine this site has really solidified the idea that gathering with others isn't meant to be done over a rushed cup of coffee in an over-crowed shop. It is meant to be done in more of a European style of sitting down and enjoying not just the company but also the coffee. There is A LOT of emphasis on living quietly and simply and embracing natural surroundings ... packing a breakfast, driving to a quiet spot and seeing a sunrise on the hood of your car with your lovey. I LOVE LOVE LOVE looking at the Journal ... since there are many different contributors you get ideas of different styles. I am INFATUATED with the videos ... The Oregon Coast and The Dutch Oven Bread are my two favorites. On Youtube they have 'Volume Two'





Here is 'The Kinfolk Manifesto'

 Yes ... there is a Manifesto =D



Blanket Completed!

I am FINALLY finished this wonderful project. I have been crocheting for almost 25 years and this blanket is my true test of my talent ... not to mention my patience. I was having issues figuring out the patterns ... they are crazy confusing but once I understood what on Earth I was reading .... everything just started to move much faster. Go figure :p The one thing I like about working with repeating patterns like these is that you can see right away when something is done wrong (added a stitch or a skipped stitch) What I wanted to do today was put up some YouTube links *thank you BonnieBayCrochet* that have helped me tremendously and I hope they will do the same for you.


The 'Arrow Pattern Stitch' is used through out the blanket.

The 'Popcorn Stitch'  ... there are two varieties used in the blanket.

The 'Diamond Stitch Pattern'  I think it is the easiest and it looks really nice.

Now ... what to make next?

Right Now ...

It is gray and raining outside right now ... and I am in Heaven.  The door is open filling my home with the beautiful sounds and smells that only a steady rain fall can bring.  I Love, LoVe, LOVE the rain ... I come alive when I first get a sense that it is going to rain. My heart is light ... my spirit is filled ... my mind is quiet ~  as is my home. We are feeling a sense of calm that only winter weather can bring.  I have a napper, a reader and me ... with my fingers working feverishly on some soft yarn. With plans to go out tonight with friends and a busy schedule tomorrow with family ... we are embrasing this peaceful moment for all that it offers. I hope everyone a safe and wonderful weekend.

Baby Things

Sorry for my brief absence but I was trying to make some baby things so that when my husband went up to Denver to see family, he could take the gifts along with him.



First ... I made a super cute teddy bear but I guess I didn't take a picture. *tears* It is pattern number E2115 from Simplicity's It So Easy.  It was ALOT easier to piece together when I was following the instructions *giggles* I didn't want to use any fuzzy material or use buttons since it will be with the baby during the teething stage. I was going to embroider the face but Mr. thought the bear looked fine without the features. I did put alittle bit of lavender buds in the belly with its stuffing which might not be the best idea being it might not be able to go into the wash but it can be spot cleaned.  Overall it was an easy enough pattern that I am seriously thinking that the bear needs a sibling or two =D

Second ... I crocheted a super cute baby blanket, which I also didn't take a picture of. *o* It is similar to the one I made above. I love poly yarn just for the durability factor, it will be able to be washed, dragged, washed, drooled, washed ... well you get the point ... for a very long time. The brand I chose is Caron Simply Soft and the color is Bone. When I started the blanket we didn't know the gender of the baby and I didn't want to go blue, yellow or green and the next color that would be neutral is cream. So cream it was. It is a realatively easy small shell pattern.

Last but not at all least is this super cute knit sweater. When the kids were little ... I tried to knit. Read ... re-read ... re-re-read and got soooooo fusterated I put down the knitting needles (actually I gave them away) until I found this book Baby Knits For Beginners at the library and I thought I would give it another go. With book in tow and this new site called Youtube *wink* I sat down and knitted this pretty sweater. Yes ... it is pretty but it is far from perfect ... I never thought I would get done in time ... I think I did more undoing a row than knitting but at 1am the morning I got done piecing it together just in the neck of time since Mr. was leaving at 5am. I was a zombie at work (and a tad-bit moody too) but I got it done. It is also made with the Caron Simply Soft in Grey Heather. I really liked this book ... there are a few more patterns I want to do and I will keep you posted.



Week In Review ...

The Desesrt Dragonfly has finally done it .... I have finally joined Raverly. I don't know how I could call myself a crafter and not be on Raverly. I went in and poked around and I am eager to start on projects ... fingerless gloves, slouch hats, an infinity scarf, slippers and a few sweaters. I am thinking of making this year a hand-crafted Christmas ... this will allow me to express my gratitute with time rather than money ... well less money =D I am even thinking of wrapping them with brown paper with twine or a simple ribbon. Hmmm we will see ... I am sure I would have changed my mind like 100 times before Christmas. Nothing like waiting and shopping at the last minute and putting the item in a bag with tissues to say 'Happy Holidays'! =D

I baked a very healthy Pumpkin-Cranberry Muffin ... I haven't baked as much as I would like to due to the heat.  It is tough for me to think of cooking/baking when the temp is 115* (lately though it has been a bone chilling 105*).  The weather here starts to get better in late September - October ... up by Flagstaff the weather is already getting nicer and that is where we like to go camping (only because it is only 2-3 hours away).

 

I even colored my hair. Vanity? You bet!! When you hit 40 your natural 'highlights' seem to run rampant and my hair is naturally on the black side. I hope I will be one of those people who look good with salt and pepper hair. I went with a medium brown with carmel highlights. I like to use a frosting cap rather than the little brush ... it give me better control of not only the size of my highlight but also I am less likely to have unevenness. You can buy a frosting kit just to use the cap (but that would be $7) or get a cap at your nearest Sally's for a few bucks. This might be the last time that I go so light this year. Starting in the Fall I like do go dark brown with reddish highlights.

I have yet to master the Charlie Brown Christmas music. This is a super beginner book too.  I find tutorials on Youtube (I tell ya ... I don't know what I did before this site) but thoughs are more advanced so it is taking me a bit longer. I am just very uncordinated ... that and the fact I can't read music it takes me a verrrrry loooong time to get down a tune. I have to get my sweet Mr to write down the scales for me =D  Gosh I LOOOOVE that man! I can play a hideous tune for him and he will listen and applaud at the end. He is the greatest!!

I also made some laundry soap and put the Borax and Washing Soda in these pretty jars I got at the Dollar Tree.

Homemade Laundry Soap

Grate 1/2 bar of Fels Naptha and put in a pot (I use a stock pot ... just IN CASE it decides to get too bubbly) with 5 cups of water over medium heat. Stir slooowly until the soap is melted! This might take 5 or so minutes. Take your time ... DON'T put it on high and DON'T stir too briskly. Add 1/2 cup each of Borax and Washing Soda (all these ingredients can be found at the Walmart). Add 1 1/2 gallons of water into your 2 gallon container of water. SLOWLY add the water until your container is almost full. (I use an old Extra jug ... I don't like using a bucket) Stir a bit and leave uncapped for 24hours. This mixture will be a watery white gel. Cap and enjoy. IF you want to add a different fragrance, put 4-6 drops of essential oil to it AFTER the mixture has cooled. Give it a good shake before you use it. It is soooo simple and 1/2 cup of laundry soap is all you need for a regular load. 

Everybody have a safe and wonderful week =D



 



Christmas Gifts

A belated post I know - please forgive me but
I wanted to share a couple of items I made for a select few (with hand made gifts I only give to those who will geniunely enjoy the gift and two I only make for a few because of time constrains - this way the gift never feels like it was intrusive or a burden.) I am just so elated on how great everything came out.

I made a lap blanket for my boss (which I was so excited about that I forgot to take a picture) =o I made it with acrylic yarn, for easy cleaning, it is tan with color flecks in it - I alternated single crochet and double crochet all the way across using a 'P' hook. It came out so pretty that I am thinking of making it for my mom-n-law for her birthday (shhh don't tell her) ; D

A Few Minor Repairs

OK - So God doesn't want me to go to the Renaissance Fair. It has been raining something crazy like 8 out of the 11 weekends this year. So to occupy my time I have been - um - correcting some of my crocheted items. This sweater is sooooo super soft - it is tunic style, I used both single & double stitch (I made the body vertical and the sleeves horizontal for a different look) and I made it without a pattern & since I used baby yarn it streeeetches. So I shortened the sleeves to it falls about 2 inches above my wrist (so my watch doesn't snag on it) and I binded the neck to have more of a finish and now it is perfect!
 

 

sleeve detail

 

Next were the slippers which I have always enjoyed (this did come from a pattern) which had a whole on the bottom of one and the other starting to fray but the bottom and the sides were connected (so I couldn't just replace the soles without ruining  the slippers) so out they went and I created a new pair. Using left over blue yarn from the last slipper project I made it double soled for more cushion and then created the top a bit wider across the top and higher on the heel. I was going to make these like a pair of Mary Jane's with a strap (I think I'll try those next) but I just ended up with a regular clog style. These also have narrow elastic around the back part (in the white) so it fits more snug and doesn't slip off the heel. And I added fun flowers on the top. So far I am very pleased. Not award winning - just comfy!

 

One of the few things I believe in is to learn how to make things - create it with my own two hands. It doesn't matter if it isn't perfect - the only thing that matters is that I accomplished it. I cook very poorly (stir on low until simmer - that's not for me - thank God my Mr. is a GREAT cook), I bake well, I crochet and sew decently, the only thing I can do respectably are my bracelets (and those you'll get to see soon) but at least I try. Somewhere along the way people's fear of being judged blocks them from creating from the soul and that is very sad. My first projects were baby blankets that my sweet daughter has in her new apartment and still uses 20 years later. So pick up a ball of yarn, create something and share it with me. I won't judge - I promise. 

 

*Deut 15:10 ...your God will bless you in every deed of yours and in every undertaking of yours.*