Thanks to my fabulous cousin, Cassandra, for sending me a copy of the article from the December issue of Sasee, A Sheep On My Back. She said the article reminded her of me. It reminded me of me, too. Seriously - I could have written it myself. The photo even includes a little skein of Cotsoy - just like the little skein I just had to purchase because it was so darn cute.
See any of yourself in the article? ;)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
2008 Crafty Resolutions: A Review
As the holidays rapidly approach and a New Year is right around the corner, it's time to take a look at my 2008 Crafty Resolutions and see how I did (and what I can cram into the last couple of weeks).
Last time I checked on it, it was October.
1) Finish the following UFOs:
Update: The infamous shawl. It's still in pieces and I can't figure out how to put it all together with some kind of edging that makes sense. Does someone want to adopt this project?
2) Make, block and stiffen 25 snowflakes (and yes, the two I've already made count toward the 25)
Update: Not gonna happen in 2008. Is it worth keeping on the list for 2009?
3) Learn to knit socks on double pointed and circular needles.
Update: So freakin' close to getting this resolution done. While I didn't learn to knit socks, I did learn to knit which in itself is a pretty great thing. Socks next year for sure - I've got oodles of sock yarn just waiting to be used!
4)Organize my yarn, books and other crafty supplies in the new craft room
Update on this one - A couple weeks ago, I reorganized all my yarn and all the other crafty stuff stored in the craft room. It's so much easier to find things now. I also created a three-ring binder with all the patterns I've printed out. It's a much better system than cramming everything into a file folder (the previous system).
5) Make a shawl from the Amazing Crochet Lace book
Update: If I can finish KMP's second baby blanket before Christmas, I'll try to start the shawl on the train ride up to New England. But really - it's not looking good that this will happen.
6)Go to MS&W 2008 (this is a no-brainer)
7) Complete the following new projects:
Update:
Just because a lot of my resolutions went uncompleted, I did accomplish quite a bit in 2008. The aforementioned learning to knit is a big one as well as designing and selling my first crochet patterns. Given the number of unexpected pregnancies, I was also uber busy with baby blankets (especially the knitted one that I should have crocheted). I also managed to visit a bunch of local yarn stores across the country. All in all, a productive year with 21 completed projects and even more yarn added to my stash.
I've got my list of 2009 Crafty Resolutions started and while it does include a number of uncompleted 2008 resolutions, it also has some fun, new ones. Stay tuned!
Last time I checked on it, it was October.
1) Finish the following UFOs:
Purple Dream BlanketCoasters and Coffee CoziesEight Pocket Two-Tone Carryall Tote- Spiral Pentagram Motif Shawl
Update: The infamous shawl. It's still in pieces and I can't figure out how to put it all together with some kind of edging that makes sense. Does someone want to adopt this project?
2) Make, block and stiffen 25 snowflakes (and yes, the two I've already made count toward the 25)
Update: Not gonna happen in 2008. Is it worth keeping on the list for 2009?
3) Learn to knit socks on double pointed and circular needles.
Update: So freakin' close to getting this resolution done. While I didn't learn to knit socks, I did learn to knit which in itself is a pretty great thing. Socks next year for sure - I've got oodles of sock yarn just waiting to be used!
4)
Update on this one - A couple weeks ago, I reorganized all my yarn and all the other crafty stuff stored in the craft room. It's so much easier to find things now. I also created a three-ring binder with all the patterns I've printed out. It's a much better system than cramming everything into a file folder (the previous system).
5) Make a shawl from the Amazing Crochet Lace book
Update: If I can finish KMP's second baby blanket before Christmas, I'll try to start the shawl on the train ride up to New England. But really - it's not looking good that this will happen.
6)
7) Complete the following new projects:
- Make at least 1 blanket for donation (charity TBD)
Baby blanket for Mindy Jr.- Crochet a rug from the yarn bought at the 2006 MS&W
- Complete A-Z pillows for baby Brodie
- Crochet Christmas stockings (but this one is a bit iffy)
Update:
- I'm going to mail the hat I made for charity in place of the blanket. I did order some yarn for a charity blanket - which will probably be made in 2009.
- The A-Z pillows have been taken off the list. The A pillow I started has been frogged. The bright acrylic yarn will be used for some other project.
- A rug and Christmas stockings? Seriously? It's not gonna happen.
Just because a lot of my resolutions went uncompleted, I did accomplish quite a bit in 2008. The aforementioned learning to knit is a big one as well as designing and selling my first crochet patterns. Given the number of unexpected pregnancies, I was also uber busy with baby blankets (especially the knitted one that I should have crocheted). I also managed to visit a bunch of local yarn stores across the country. All in all, a productive year with 21 completed projects and even more yarn added to my stash.
I've got my list of 2009 Crafty Resolutions started and while it does include a number of uncompleted 2008 resolutions, it also has some fun, new ones. Stay tuned!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Completed Project: Afghan of the Sandman - Blue Edition
Last thing I knew, it was November. Then all of a sudden - ::Doppler effect sound:: - it's December. How the heck did that happen??? I still haven't painted the advent calendar (though Sean is enjoying the candy) but I did finally finish the Afghan of the Sandman blanket for KMP's soon-to-arrive baby boy. I finished it the Sunday after Thanksgiving and sent it, a surprise baby shower presentation, and some cute little onesies a few days later. According to USPS, the package arrived yesterday but I haven't heard anything from KMP or her DH.
Here's the Afghan. The final size was approximately 32.5" square. All details can be found on Ravelry. Click on the photos for close-ups.
Just like the last afghan, this blanket didn't really come together until the border was added. I do so love this pattern and I hope to make a version of this one for all the babies, plus one that Mom and Dad choose.
Here are the onesies I sent, too. They are just Gerber onesies (size 0-3 months) with iron decals I got at Joann's. Aren't they funny?
Sadly, the knitted baby blanket still isn't done and I honestly can't see it being done until after Christmas. It's now a bit too big to take with me on my commute and since I'm not allowed to start a new project until this one is done, I'm reading instead of knitting on the train. I'm not even sure if I'll need a third skein to finish it or not. What I do know is that I'm not knitting a baby blanket again anytime soon. Crocheting is just sooooo much faster and I like the results more, too. I have half a mind to frog the blanket I started and just crochet one in like a week.
The next baby I know of is due in May. Mom and Dad are Irish and have requested a green blanket. They won't know the gender of the baby until the big day so green will be a neutral, fun color for either boy or girl. I'm thinking of getting 4 different greens of Vanna's Choice yarn and perhaps doing some crocheted cable work on the blanket. If anyone has a good pattern book for crocheted cables, please let me know.
For now, back to the knitted blanket I must go before anything else is started.
Here's the Afghan. The final size was approximately 32.5" square. All details can be found on Ravelry. Click on the photos for close-ups.
Just like the last afghan, this blanket didn't really come together until the border was added. I do so love this pattern and I hope to make a version of this one for all the babies, plus one that Mom and Dad choose.
Here are the onesies I sent, too. They are just Gerber onesies (size 0-3 months) with iron decals I got at Joann's. Aren't they funny?
Sadly, the knitted baby blanket still isn't done and I honestly can't see it being done until after Christmas. It's now a bit too big to take with me on my commute and since I'm not allowed to start a new project until this one is done, I'm reading instead of knitting on the train. I'm not even sure if I'll need a third skein to finish it or not. What I do know is that I'm not knitting a baby blanket again anytime soon. Crocheting is just sooooo much faster and I like the results more, too. I have half a mind to frog the blanket I started and just crochet one in like a week.
The next baby I know of is due in May. Mom and Dad are Irish and have requested a green blanket. They won't know the gender of the baby until the big day so green will be a neutral, fun color for either boy or girl. I'm thinking of getting 4 different greens of Vanna's Choice yarn and perhaps doing some crocheted cable work on the blanket. If anyone has a good pattern book for crocheted cables, please let me know.
For now, back to the knitted blanket I must go before anything else is started.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The Holiday Spirit is in the Air
I'm supposed to have both blankets for KMP done by next Saturday. Egads! Good news is that I'm working on the border of the Afghan of the Sandman (round 4 of 10) so that may even get done today or tomorrow. Bad news is that I'm only one or two rows into skein 2 of the knitted baby blanket. Worse news is that the blanket looks way too long and may require a third skein. This means I've got to get it done and check the length and if necessary, buy another skein and keep knitting. So I'm suspecting I won't have it done in time to mail out on Saturday. I am hedging my bets by including some cute little onesies with funny iron on decals (details to follow in a future post - including photos).
I'm also feeling extra crafty and the holiday spirit is definitely in the air. I've got Christmas music playing as I type. I made applesauce and cranberry sauce today for Thanksgiving. The house smelled wonderful with cranberry, apple and cinnamon wafting through the air. (Note - if you don't have orange zest to add to simmering cranberry sauce, a shot of Triple Sec will do the trick nicely.) I've got the menu planned out for Thanksgiving, too. I'm not hosting this year, but I have plenty to prepare to bring down to dinner. Spinach dip, veggies, pumpkin squares, a crab ball with crackers....::drooling::
I'm also putting together the Christmas gift lists - what to buy and for whom - so I can keep an eye on the sale ads and online deals. It will be a leaner Christmas this year so I want to buy just the right things at the best prices. Speaking of a lean Christmas, the hopes of buying a new fake tree to replace my old, little tree have been put on hold. Instead, I found a more affordable holiday project. I bought a wooden advent calendar from Joann's which I'm going to repaint and include candy and/or little gifts for Sean to open each day until Christmas. I'm hoping this creative project will make up for not getting a new tree, ornaments and decorations. It is definitely cheaper ($30 for the whole project). I'll work on it next weekend so photos to follow.
Thank goodness I'm only working Monday and Tuesday and will have 5 days to work on all this craftiness. So much to do and so little time.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I'm also feeling extra crafty and the holiday spirit is definitely in the air. I've got Christmas music playing as I type. I made applesauce and cranberry sauce today for Thanksgiving. The house smelled wonderful with cranberry, apple and cinnamon wafting through the air. (Note - if you don't have orange zest to add to simmering cranberry sauce, a shot of Triple Sec will do the trick nicely.) I've got the menu planned out for Thanksgiving, too. I'm not hosting this year, but I have plenty to prepare to bring down to dinner. Spinach dip, veggies, pumpkin squares, a crab ball with crackers....::drooling::
I'm also putting together the Christmas gift lists - what to buy and for whom - so I can keep an eye on the sale ads and online deals. It will be a leaner Christmas this year so I want to buy just the right things at the best prices. Speaking of a lean Christmas, the hopes of buying a new fake tree to replace my old, little tree have been put on hold. Instead, I found a more affordable holiday project. I bought a wooden advent calendar from Joann's which I'm going to repaint and include candy and/or little gifts for Sean to open each day until Christmas. I'm hoping this creative project will make up for not getting a new tree, ornaments and decorations. It is definitely cheaper ($30 for the whole project). I'll work on it next weekend so photos to follow.
Thank goodness I'm only working Monday and Tuesday and will have 5 days to work on all this craftiness. So much to do and so little time.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Yarn Shops in Columbus, Ohio
A fabulous wedding was preceded by a trip to 2 of the 3 yarn shops in Columbus, Ohio.
First stop was at Knitters Mercantile located at 214 Graceland Blvd.
Located in a strip mall, I was a bit hesitant to enter but it was a hidden gem to discover. A well-sized store with some of the most friendly yarn shop staff I've ever encountered. The whole store exuded zen. The rows of shelves of yarn drew you in to explore all the colors and textures. Now - to point out yet again - I am by no means an expert when it comes to all brands, blends or types of yarn. I just know what I like. And let me tell you - I liked waaaaay too much in this store. One of the friendly staff members asked if I needed any help and she pointed me to some locally created yarn by Tuscan Grove. I just couldn't resist it! The colors were so gorgeous that I could have bought many skeins - instead I settled on this one.
It's 100% superwash merino wool in what is termed the Venice style (more info on their web site). The colorway is called Fresco and I absolutely love how the purple compliments the autumn oranges and yellows.
Knitters Mercantile also had a great selection of notions, hooks and needles and a good selection of books and patterns. I happened by the sale rack of books and picked up a fun box of crocheted bag patterns. At 50% off, this was a great find.
You'll also see a advertisement card for Knitters Connection 2009 which will be held in Columbus June 17-20, 2009. Though I'm not sure that I'll actually be able to go, I did join the group on Ravelry.
The store also has a table in the back for classes. While I was there, a knitting class was going on. The teacher was so patient and was explaining things in a way that all the students seemed to understand. Seriously - if I lived in Columbus, I would take classes and be at this store all the time. It had such a homey, relaxed and inviting feeling. I felt as though I could have hunkered down in one of the chairs and crocheted or knitted away for hours. It even had a "Crochet Friendly" decal from Interweave Press near the front door. It's a definite must see if you're living in or just visiting the area.
The second stop was at The Yarn Shop located at 1125 Kenny Centre.
Located in another strip mall-type location, this store was much bigger than the last. It included tatting materials and lots of embroidery. It was also a bit brighter (more windows) with higher ceilings. It definitely lacked the homey feeling I so enjoyed at Knitters Mercantile. The selection was wide but I can't say that I was wowed by it. There was a lot of synthetics and yarn that I've seen at other stores. There were a few gems here and there but I wasn't as drawn in as I was at the previous store - but that is not to say their selection was lacking. The hook, needle and notions selection was amazing - everything you could possibly need was there. There were oodles of patterns and books plus a huge selection of speciality buttons. They also have a play area for kids to occupy themselves while parents are shopping.
I was a bit turned off by the staff at the store. They weren't nearly as friendly as at the other store. The one person giving some instructions to a new knitter was actually quite aggressive and rude to her student. Had she been trying to teach me, I would have called her on it and/or got up and left. Perhaps this was the student's fifth time trying to learn and the instructor was just frustrated. Then again, the instructor struck me as being more of a knitting snob rather than a frustrated teacher. Do you know the type I mean? The women who seem to love knitting but they use it as a way to show how they are superior to others. For example, if you asked what a 2x2 rib pattern is, they would look down their nose at you as if you were not worthy of speaking with them. That's the kind of vibe I got from her.
Those somewhat negative impressions aside, this was still a really great store. I just know that I personally wouldn't make it my regular LYS if I lived in Columbus. I did end up making a purchase of some fun Harry Potter themed sock yarn. It's not like JK Rowling needs more money but I couldn't resist the commercial tie-in to sock yarn.
It's by Opal, a German company, and they have a whole series of the Harry Potter sock yarns. The one I bought is the colorway for Dumbledore. I giggle when I look at the label because it's in German and looks like "Halibut Prince" (in German - Half Blood Prince is Halbblut Prinz).
Though I didn't make it to Heavenly Creations, the two LYS stops were really great. I'd highly recommend a trip to both if you're in the area.
First stop was at Knitters Mercantile located at 214 Graceland Blvd.
Located in a strip mall, I was a bit hesitant to enter but it was a hidden gem to discover. A well-sized store with some of the most friendly yarn shop staff I've ever encountered. The whole store exuded zen. The rows of shelves of yarn drew you in to explore all the colors and textures. Now - to point out yet again - I am by no means an expert when it comes to all brands, blends or types of yarn. I just know what I like. And let me tell you - I liked waaaaay too much in this store. One of the friendly staff members asked if I needed any help and she pointed me to some locally created yarn by Tuscan Grove. I just couldn't resist it! The colors were so gorgeous that I could have bought many skeins - instead I settled on this one.
It's 100% superwash merino wool in what is termed the Venice style (more info on their web site). The colorway is called Fresco and I absolutely love how the purple compliments the autumn oranges and yellows.
Knitters Mercantile also had a great selection of notions, hooks and needles and a good selection of books and patterns. I happened by the sale rack of books and picked up a fun box of crocheted bag patterns. At 50% off, this was a great find.
You'll also see a advertisement card for Knitters Connection 2009 which will be held in Columbus June 17-20, 2009. Though I'm not sure that I'll actually be able to go, I did join the group on Ravelry.
The store also has a table in the back for classes. While I was there, a knitting class was going on. The teacher was so patient and was explaining things in a way that all the students seemed to understand. Seriously - if I lived in Columbus, I would take classes and be at this store all the time. It had such a homey, relaxed and inviting feeling. I felt as though I could have hunkered down in one of the chairs and crocheted or knitted away for hours. It even had a "Crochet Friendly" decal from Interweave Press near the front door. It's a definite must see if you're living in or just visiting the area.
The second stop was at The Yarn Shop located at 1125 Kenny Centre.
Located in another strip mall-type location, this store was much bigger than the last. It included tatting materials and lots of embroidery. It was also a bit brighter (more windows) with higher ceilings. It definitely lacked the homey feeling I so enjoyed at Knitters Mercantile. The selection was wide but I can't say that I was wowed by it. There was a lot of synthetics and yarn that I've seen at other stores. There were a few gems here and there but I wasn't as drawn in as I was at the previous store - but that is not to say their selection was lacking. The hook, needle and notions selection was amazing - everything you could possibly need was there. There were oodles of patterns and books plus a huge selection of speciality buttons. They also have a play area for kids to occupy themselves while parents are shopping.
I was a bit turned off by the staff at the store. They weren't nearly as friendly as at the other store. The one person giving some instructions to a new knitter was actually quite aggressive and rude to her student. Had she been trying to teach me, I would have called her on it and/or got up and left. Perhaps this was the student's fifth time trying to learn and the instructor was just frustrated. Then again, the instructor struck me as being more of a knitting snob rather than a frustrated teacher. Do you know the type I mean? The women who seem to love knitting but they use it as a way to show how they are superior to others. For example, if you asked what a 2x2 rib pattern is, they would look down their nose at you as if you were not worthy of speaking with them. That's the kind of vibe I got from her.
Those somewhat negative impressions aside, this was still a really great store. I just know that I personally wouldn't make it my regular LYS if I lived in Columbus. I did end up making a purchase of some fun Harry Potter themed sock yarn. It's not like JK Rowling needs more money but I couldn't resist the commercial tie-in to sock yarn.
It's by Opal, a German company, and they have a whole series of the Harry Potter sock yarns. The one I bought is the colorway for Dumbledore. I giggle when I look at the label because it's in German and looks like "Halibut Prince" (in German - Half Blood Prince is Halbblut Prinz).
Though I didn't make it to Heavenly Creations, the two LYS stops were really great. I'd highly recommend a trip to both if you're in the area.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Off to the Great State of Ohio
Sean and I are headed off to Ohio for a wedding on Saturday. We're driving there so I should be able to check out one, if not all three, of the yarn stores in Columbus.
Heavenly Creations
1188 W. 5th Ave.
Knitters Mercantile
214 Graceland Blvd.
The Yarn Shop
1125 Kenny Centre
I should also have quite a bit of time to work on the two blankets for KMP during the drive up there. Both blankets have got to be done this month because she's due in December. Plus, ANOTHER friend is prego. I think she's due in April.
Will I ever finish the BUBBLES bubbles wrap??? Not if the rate at which my friends are breeding continues. :)
Heavenly Creations
1188 W. 5th Ave.
Knitters Mercantile
214 Graceland Blvd.
The Yarn Shop
1125 Kenny Centre
I should also have quite a bit of time to work on the two blankets for KMP during the drive up there. Both blankets have got to be done this month because she's due in December. Plus, ANOTHER friend is prego. I think she's due in April.
Will I ever finish the BUBBLES bubbles wrap??? Not if the rate at which my friends are breeding continues. :)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
A Sigh of Relief
Dear America,
Thank you for not f-ing up the election this time. I really appreciate it. Good job.
Thanks,
Sam
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Completed Project: Knitted Meg Griffin Hat
Hope all had a wonderful Halloween! Here's the hat I made for my costume - the title says it all.
See any resemblance?
Say it with me now -- "Shut up, Meg!"
Details on my Ravelry page.
See any resemblance?
Say it with me now -- "Shut up, Meg!"
Details on my Ravelry page.
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