A pair of fingerless mittens are all set for the holidays.  The pattern used was Susie's Reading Mitts that I found on Ravelry.  While my pattern was not exact, it was very easy to knit.  It was also was very fast.  That is the nice thing about those fingerless mittens.  The yarn I used was Berroco's Softwist.  It was hanging out in the stash just waiting for the perfect time of year to become something fabulous.  What I like about these for winter is you can make them nice and long to cover up any exposed skin.

These mittens are made up to give to friends this year.  I love playing elf.  Making the gifts and then giving them away.  It is the best part of the holidays!

I Heart Fall

I love fall AND I love new knits! Huzzah for a fun and finished knitting project.  Fall is the perfect time for fingerless mittens.  I love them.  You can access anything you need without having to sacrifice some cold hands. The pattern used was by Nutty Irishman Knits, titled Juniper Mitts. Found the pattern on Ravelry. The yarn I used was something left over from the stash. It was a heavy worsted weight yarn.  I cannot remember what I used! 

  I finished off the mittens with a fake buttonhole.  My buttons were found at the thrift store (of course!). I love that they are a great neutral color.  Most important, I use them all the time for running out, playing in the yard, and walking the kiddo to school with a hot cup o' coffee in hand. 

A long lost friend

It has been such a long time since I have posted anything about knitting.  My world has been full of sewing and crafty things going on with the kids.  I understand the natural ebb and flow of these things.  The spurts of knitting then sewing then knitting then sewing.  Maybe it is time to pick up the needles again.  While I am STILL working on these for my hubby, something of a quick knit is on order.  I think that Shroom maybe the answer.  A way to get into the stash, create something quick, cute, and have some fiber therapy at the same time.  Right now I am loving Que Sera out right now on Knitty. 

  How cute is that sweater??!!  Of course I LOVE the entire outfit.  The sweater is MUCH more of a challenge and I think when I am back in full knitting mode, it maybe a possibility.  In the meantime, I will start slow with quick projects, try to finish up what is on the needles now, and get those sewing projects done.  Sounds like a crafty house cleaning project?! 

Quick Knit For A Friend

I love the yarn from Yarn Hollow.  How lucky to live in the same town as her.   A while ago I purchased some of her yarn at a local yarn shop.  The colors were bright, the yarn was soft, but I was not sure what I was going to use it for.  Then it hit me, the fun, fast pattern Toasty by Leslie Friend would be great.  To really motivate things I decided to gift the mitts to a friend.  Needless to say, the mittens are off at their new home and they went over great! Love it when that happens!! With this project done, I can refocus on some sewing projects.  February is fading fast and I have a knit sewing project to finish!! 

My B-Day In Photo Form (It was a good day!)

Knits and Knits

Happy February!!

January was a very full month.  February is looking to be the same, minus the home paint project.  For this months sewing project we have to use knit fabric.  I have a few ideas and patterns already in my stash.  I am in the hunt for some fun material.  Lots of ideas floating in my head. Some new p.j.'s? A nice summer shirt or tank??  I will continue to research and ponder this for a couple of days and then hopefully begin soon! 

I am also ready to finish a knitting project that has been put on hold due to all this sewing and painting.  I have some yarn from Yarn Hollow (who happens to live in the same town!) which is so very soft and pretty.  To show off those colors I have been using the fun pattern toasty.  The goal is to have that done in the next week or so.  The cold Michigan weather is very motiving.

So, here is to a new month, new crafty adventures, and fun experiences!

New Knit For Monday

I finally finished up The Darkside cowl. Of course I had to knit it. It has the word darkside in it and the boys insisted that it must be cool. How can I argue with that??!! The pattern was found on Ravelry by Sarah Fama. The pattern was very easy to follow and is a pretty fast knit. You can definitely watch a little TV and knit away with this one. This cowl would not be possible without a stash donation from Ms. Carrie.

Thanks so much my friend!! Love how soft and squishy this yarn is. It is a wonderful tactile experience. The perfect choice for something to be worn up close to your face. Can't think of a better way to start off the week than with a new knit.

The Magic Of Mittens

The Bella mitten's are done!! LOVE how fast these knit up. I used Cascade LE 109 Bulky yarn for these. Knit on size 8 and size 9 needles. These mittens were gifted to a very sweet co-worker who also happens to be a HUGE Twilight fan. I think she has worn them everyday since she got them. What was fun, was that she had NO idea she was getting them. Off and running for the season of giving! Best part is giving the gift of something handmade and knowing it found a good home ;)

Unintentional Timing

Winter is looming on the horizon (although it has be BEAUTIFUL here for a Michigan November) and the idea of some fun and fast mittens has been on my mind. While perusing Ravelry I came across the pattern called Bella's Mittens. Yes, there designed to be like Bella's mittens from the movie Twilight.
It was not my intention to have these coincide with the up coming movie New Moon. (to be very frank I have not seen Twilight, I know I am the last female on the planet to have NOT seen it) I really just thought they looked like a fun (you gotta love a cable) and fast (bulky yarn) project that would do a great job keeping your hand toasty warm this winter. Maybe I will have check out Twilight and see these mittens in action. Of course I have to finish my pair and then maybe intentionally wear them out now that the New Moon is coming to theater near you.

Can't Believe This Is The End

When I read my email yesterday, I received some shocking and sad news. The best yarn shop in our city is closing. City Knitting's owner Lorilee has made the difficult decision to close her store in order pursue other things she has had to put on hold due to running the shop. Yes, the store is really closing and Grand Rapids will be minus one of the best treasures in the craft community.

It is taking a little bit of time to process all of this. The shop was always full of good people, good food, and of course good yarn. I wish Lorilee nothing but the best in her future endeavors!! So for one last hurrah I will stop by the shop and savor all that is good and wonderful about a LYS. Of course there is a small part of me that someone will step in and keep the store going. The reality of course is that the light will go off and we will be left to find a new home where we will meet new friends, enjoy great yarn, and hopefully eat yummy treats.

Back On Track

Last week was a weird one. Recovering from a tummy bug is frustrating. Thank goodness this week things are back on track. While last week was just about trying to survive, this week I am back on the crafty train. CHOO CHOO! The boys have started their turkey projects. No pictures in case certain people are reading the blog, but will post them later. The Bella mitt's are coming along great. One is totally finished, so now I just need to get the other one going. Hopefully this week I can get it all set. I am also thinking about some Christmas project idea's..... I really need to use up some scrap fabric. Maybe some drawstring bags might be a fun way to wrap up some gifts. At least things are starting to move along. Hopefully this train keeps moving at a good pace as the holiday season approaches.

Avairy Fun

Another new knit! What is going on??!! Must be cold weather time. To keep my head nice and toasty warm in this unseasonable cold weather a new knit is in order!! On Ravelry I found the super easy and very fun knit hat Felicity by Wanett Clyde. I used Cascade 220 yarn in a dark chocolate. My favorite part is the cute bird pins I found at the local thrift store. Love them!!


I am not sure what is up with that super cheesy smile on my face, but hey. It is what, it is. Hat pattern is fun and you really can easily modify it in so many ways and really customize it just for you. I understand why people are making more than just one! Also a great way to stash bust or get started on a gift for the impending holiday season.

October Wear

I finally have a new knit to post about!! I have been working on the textured shawl recipe from Orlane. Used two skeins of FABULOUS Malabrigo yarn in a yellow/gold color. It feels good to have a finished knitting project. Things have been so busy around here, that my crafty world has fallen by the wayside. Of course with the winter hibernation just around the corner, I am sure things will pick back up!

New Knits

I finally finished my new scarf for fall. LOVE it. The pattern comes by Stephen West. His pattern was great. Easy to memorize and straight forward. You can adjust the pattern to any weight yarn and tada, you have a new accessory for fall. I used sport weight yarn from Tree Frog . It is alpaca yarn that will be great for the cooler months ahead. The color green is always a winner in my book. I tried to get a close up of the pattern, but my photo skills are not so good. Also photographing yarn is really hard! I highly recommend the pattern for you knitters out there. If you want something easy, warm, and wearable for fall, check it out. You can use the link above or find it on Ravelry. Happy crafting!!

DONE!

I finished the other mitten on our way up to the U.P. and there was much rejoicing. These are a really fast and fun knit. A great way to slowly ease your way into thinking about back to school. The Chevalier Mitten pattern by Mari Muinonen (found also on Ravelry) is so much fun. This is first time I have really done a mitten. It was not so bad, and the cable pattern held my interest. I really love Cascade 220 yarn. It has nice definition, comes in lots of colors and won't break the bank. The heathers is wonderful in the green color. It has just a hint of yellow that pops against the green.

I find myself wanting to make more and more mittens. Next on the list.......Maybe these or these. Be sure that probably both will be made at some time.

She Knits!

My current knitting obsession is mittens. Mittens make great summer projects. Not so bulky, easy to take with you while on vacations and living the busy summer life. This particular project is the Chevalier Mittens by the talented Mari Muinonen. Pattern can be found on Ravelry as well. The yarn is the always fantastic Cascade 220 Heathers.

I love this cable pattern. It keeps your attention and is fast moving. The chart is simple to follow. I have one down and one more to go. That is the only problem with mittens. You have to make 2 of them!!

I am really looking forward to wearing these this fall while walking the little man to kindergarten. In the meantime my list of mittens to make this year continues to grow.

Who Done It

Finally something a little crafty to post. I finished the Who? hat by Sara Amoroso. Such a great pattern and creative way to work cables. I forgot how fun a cable pattern can be. This particular project went to a young lady who can really rock a hat. (her lovely momma took the photos!) Lately my world has been full of hat knitting. I have been asking why this is?? While I continue to ponder this question, something more challenging might be the next. Something NOT a hat would be good. Mittens might be the next thing I try and tackle. Sounds like a good summer project.

This Just In...

Another stash busting project is all done and in use. YEAH! For this project I knit up the super fast and fun Spring Beret by Natalie Larson. While the weather is warming, the mornings are still on the chilly side. Or more realistically, I just don't have the time in morning to get myself looking proper for the day. This hat solves all that! I used Rowan's summer tweed yarn. The yarn has a lovely texture and is made from cotton, which keeps the hat nice and light. I feel this yarn keeps things in tune with the season. The pattern was easy to knit, but interesting enough so you did not get board.
I love to throw this on in the mornings. Run the kids to school, run some errands, and it stays in place. You gotta love a hat that actually functions like it should. This could be the start of a beret knitting frenzy!

The Rainbow Connection

It seemed appropriate to finish up these happy and bright socks just in time for spring. The leaves are finally on the trees, the flowers blooming, and my Broadripple socks are DONE! I have been stuck in a sock knitting rut. I was knitting plain ol' stockinette stitch socks ALL the time. I discovered all of these beautiful patterns on Ravelry and my impulse to try something new became immediate.

This pattern was very enjoyable to knit. I did not need to make any modifications. It had instructions on how to knit them on 2 circular needles (yeah!) and the pattern was easy to memorize. The yarn is Noro's Kureyon sock yarn. It was given to me by my lovely sister. As with any Noro yarn, the colors are beautiful and it is fun to watch them change as you knit.

The lace pattern is very pretty and perfect for this time of year. We still have our chilly mornings and evenings here in Michigan. A little splash of something bright makes for a wonderful way to chase away those spring showers!

Chick, Sticks, and Sips....

Sipping and Knitting

We had a special Easter weekend this year. My sis flew in for the weekend and we had a gals knitting weekend. We hit the local yarn shops and then settled in to knit our day away. Actually we knit well into the night as well. Projects ranged from dishcloths, sweater, socks, and the clapotis. We worked on swifting yarns in the stash while talking and sipping cosmos. Anna and I worked hard on getting our clapotis projects started. I really love how the yarn is knitting up. Can't wait till this is finished!!

Swifting some stash!

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