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more knitting and crocheting
I ordered the yarn for Meredith’s curly-twirly scarf and the hat I’m going to make for one of Holly’s daughters who’s too young for a scarf. For the hat I’m going to use the “stars” pattern from Susan B. Anderson’s Itty-Bitty Hats, with a few modifications of my own.
Sydney’s hat will be lavender: 
I’m hoping the yarn will arrive this week, even with the New Year’s holiday. I would like to get Sydney’s hat done before we leave for Colorado since I have to follow a pattern. I can do the twirly-curly scarves from memory, so they’ll be easy to do in the car on the drive to Colorado. Although, at the rate I’m going right now, there won’t be any curly-twirly scarves left to make on the drive to Colorado. What I really need to be working on is Angie’s wedding afghan ~ I’m enjoying making the scarves so much though because they’re so easy and so fast. It’s all about instant gratification, don’tcha know!
finally, a poncho
A couple of years ago, when ponchos came back into fashion, I started looking for a poncho to make for myself. I can’t even begin to tell you how many books, magazines, and websites I have searched looking for just the right poncho pattern. I’ve probably looked at hundreds (and hundreds) of patterns. Finally, I have found what I’ve been looking for!
I wanted to make myself a poncho that I could just throw on anytime I needed something over my shoulders to keep them warm. My fibromyalgia causes my shoulders to hurt a lot, almost constantly. I have found if I keep my shoulders warm they don’t ache quite as much. I’ve been using the ThermaCare patches that are made for the neck and shoulders as portable heat pads basically ~ but they are a bit expensive (I cut one patch in half and use a half on each shoulder, but still…).
There are a LOT of poncho patterns out there, let me tell you! I’ve been looking for one that is cute without being trendy OR too old fashioned, warm without being solid, light without being too airy, and long enough to cover my shoulders without being too long or too short. I know, it’s a tall order to fill. This morning I had some time to sit at my desk and fiddle around because we were having our carpets cleaned, so I started looking at poncho patterns (again). It doesn’t really matter to me whether it’s a knitted or crocheted poncho ~ I figure I’m being picky enough as it is about the poncho itself, so I can be a little bit flexible as to which method I use to make it.
During my search this morning, I came across the pattern for this capelet:
It’s perfect! I’ve already started crocheting it.
It’s not everyday that I come across a crochet or knitting pattern that has a stitch or step in it that I’ve never even heard of, much less done. I don’t mean that as a brag ~ it’s just that I’ve been knitting and crocheting for 30 years, and there aren’t a lot of things that can be knitted or crocheted that I haven’t tried. Well, ok, I admit I’ve never knitted or crocheted undergarments or a bathing suit, but that’s about it! 
This pattern calls for a double-base chain, which I’d never heard of before. I followed the instructions, and actually it’s really easy once you figure out what you’re basically doing is making your beginning chain out of single crochet (sc) stitches. Weird, I know, but it works, and I’ve learned something new!
I’ll post a picture of my new poncho/capelet once it’s finished.
joanne’s scarf
curly-twirly scarf (crochet version)
I’ve been whipping up some super cute, super easy curly-twirly scarves. They curl back on themselves around and around, and are just adorable. So far I’ve only crocheted them, but I’m going to work on the knitting pattern for them this weekend. For now, here’s the crochet pattern:
340 yds. worsted weight or light bulky weight yarn
crochet hook size H
crochet hook size I
gauge isn’t all that important since it’s a scarf
Scarf:
With smaller hook, ch 141.
Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across to last ch, 3 sc in last ch; working across opposite side of foundation chain, sc in each ch across, working 2 sc in last ch; join with sl st in first sc. Turn. (282 sc)
Rnd 2: Change to larger hook; ch 2, turn; hdc in first st, hdc in next st, *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st; repeat from * around; join with sl st in top of turning ch. Turn. (423 sts.)
Rnd 3: Change to larger hook ~ repeat Rnd 2 (635 sts).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, hdc in first hdc, hdc in next 2 hdc, *2 hdc in next hdc, hdc in next 2 hdc; repeat from * around; join with sl st in top of turning ch ~ 847 sts.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
It takes me about an hour to make one of these scarves. They’re quick, easy, and exceptionally cute!
Once I’ve figured out the knitting pattern I’ll post it. I’ll try to get some pictures to post, too. I’m fighting a fever and migraine today, so I probably won’t get around to that until tomorrow at the earliest. I’m going to go rest now!
January 5, 2008 ~ I’m finding that the lighter weight worsted yarns work best with this project. The yarn that has given me the best curl so far has been Bernat Soy. I used a G hook for the foundation chain and first 2 rounds, then switched to an H hook for the last 2 rounds.
cute little snow gnome
Susie Anderson posted a picture on her blog of a cute little snow gnome she has knitted. She was bombarded with questions about where to get the pattern for this little guy:
You know, people amaze me sometimes. I did a small bit of research on the internet using Google and was able to find the information about ordering the pattern for the gnomes in about 3 minutes. If you’re interested, here’s what I found:
http://www.simplyknitting.co.uk/page/simplyknitting?entry=alan_dart_s_gnomes1
I’m not sure why people won’t/don’t/can’t do the research to find something as simple as a knitting pattern or book on their own. Honestly ~ less than 3 minutes!! Anyway, there’s the link if you want to order the pattern and make one of these incredibly cute gnomes for yourself or a loved one. I think they’d make great Christmas gifts. I ordered the pattern, but it won’t be here until after Christmas, so I just might start working on them as gifts for next Christmas. When I knit or crochet gifts, I have to think WAY ahead!
rosebud cardigan
I got the cutest pattern for a little sweater for one of my teddy bears. It’s the Rosebud Cardigan by Susan B. Anderson, and it matches one of the hat patterns from her book Itty-Bitty Hats. Since I am a lover of all things teddy bear, you know I just had to have it!
Isn’t that absolutely adorable?! I started it this morning, but only got about 2 rows done before it was time to head to church. You can rest assured that I will be working on it this afternoon!
This is the first pattern of Susie’s that I’ve used ~ I have Itty-Bitty Hats and Itty-Bitty Nursery on order (they should be on my doorstep early this week). The first thing I noticed about this pattern is that it’s very well written ~ very easy to understand and follow. The next thing I noticed is that Susie actually admits that she ties knots with the ends of her yarn when she changes colors or finishes a project. I’m sure Elizabeth Zimmerman rolls over in her grave everytime someone does that ~ but I absolutely have to applaud Susie for having the guts to actually admit in her writing what we know we all do but are too uptight to admit! I laugh when I tell my knitting students that I actually tie off the ends in my knitting ~ trust me, that’s supposedly a huge no-no in the knitting world. I’ve done it since I started knitting though, and I’ve never had any problems doing it. I’ve been knitting for 30 years now ~ I started very young ~ and honestly I’ve found that my pieces look better when I tie off the ends rather than weaving them in.
If you’re looking for a cute project, this one fits the bill. I’m considering getting the pattern for Susie’s Surefire Hat, but I’ll probably save that for another day when I’m “jones-ing” for a new project.
Now all I need to do is teach myself how to knit Continental style. After 30 years of knitting English style, I’m not sure I can learn Continental well enough to actually do a project and have it turn out looking good, but I’m going to give it a try. Someday. For now I’ll continue with my English style, even if knitting in seed stitch takes me twice as long as it does for someone who knits Continental. I really do want my teddy bear sweater to turn out well!
wedding afghan
Shh! Don’t tell my niece. I’m making an afghan for her and her groom as a wedding present.
note to self: it’s harder than it looks
I have endeavoured upon my first ever felt project. Hmmmm ~ now I’m sort of wishing I had just bought a few more skeins of yarn instead!
I have been “crafty” all of my life. Not artistic ~ the joke around my house is that Roger and I don’t play Hangman because neither one of us can draw a stick figure. But crafty ~ you know, cross stitch, papercrafts, scrapbooking, ceramics, pottery, decor, knitting, crochet, even a little macrame’. But this felting gig? I’m not so sure about this.
I have never learned to sew. I wish someone had told me 25 years ago that knowing how to cook, clean and sew would come in really handy once I got married. But no one told me that ~ in high school we were led to believe that cooking, cleaning and sewing were beneath any woman with half a brain in her head who could do more than those menial tasks.
Being a teacher, mom, wife, homemaker, chef, nutritionist, chauffeur, disciplinarian, discipler, maid, laundress, cheerleader, domestic engineer and all around domestic diva has had its challenges. I’ve taught myself how to properly clean a home, how to cook nutritious meals that actually taste good, how to properly discipline my children, and how to run a home and family in general (I’m NOT the head of my family, that job lies completely with my husband ~ but I am in charge of the daily goings-on in my home; chief juggler, if you will). And still, I have not learned to sew.
Someone might say, “But Trish,” (isn’t it always the but that gets you?), “honestly, that felt wall hanging project is just a couple of blanket stitches and lazy daisies. What’s the big deal ~ those aren’t so hard!” Well, maybe not for you, but for someone who has difficulty just sewing on buttons, those stitches are challenging!
Note to self: those felt projects are harder than they look. Buy with caution ~ and be prepared to learn how to do those blanket stitches evenly!
beautiful paper box
My email & bloggy friend Meredith at Life at 7000 Feet has posted a tutorial for making a beautiful paper box. Click here to see it.