Thought it might be fun to do an End of the Year Recap to see what I have accomplished in 2011:
*Mom's Winter Scarf
*Grandma's Scarf
*3 Baby Hats donated to Pregnancy Center
*2 Baby Bibs donated to Pregnancy Center
*2 pairs Eco Baby Booties donated to P.C.
*Baby Mitts donated to P.C.
*Scarf for T
*Hubby's WAY too big Hat
*Baby Cocoon for A
*My First Mittens
*A's Owlie Sack
*Striped Baby Hat gifted to friend
*A's Matching Hat
*2 Funky Baby Shower Bibs
*Leaf Socks\Hand Mitts
*A's Coming Home Hat
*2 Apartment Warming Dishcloths
*Baby Shower Hat
*A's Sun Hat
*Swap Gift Bag
*Hawkeye Scarf
*Cup O Jo Coffee Cozy
*Owlie Sack for Baby Shower
*Snowflake Dishcloth
*Ballband
*Hanging Dishcloth
*Grandmother's Favorite Dishcloth x2
*Fingerless Mitts for Swap
*Harry Potter Scarf
*C's House Socks
*Pumpkin Hat
*2 Bow Belts
*A's One A Day Vest
*Petal Bib
*Flower Headband
*Bow Headband
*Puppy Hat
*A's Mitts
*Jingle Bells Hat
*Cabled Baby Beanie
Grand Total of: 48 projects! I had no idea I had knit that many things in one year. You might find it boring to read, but it sure pumped me up!!!
Stay tuned for a complete re-vamp of YOP list!
12.26.2011
11.28.2011
Massive Knitting Update!
It has been awhile since my last post and I've been busy! A 20 hour road trip has been helpful :0) You have been warned, this post is picture-heavy. :O)
First is a Puppy Hat made for a high school friend's baby...but not this baby. This is the beautiful baby girl who received the Owlie Sack earlier this year. Since Baby G has not made his or her appearance yet, Miss T modeled for the camera. My friend seemed to like it quite a bit...she even requested adult size hats!
The baby shower was for two of my high school friends, however, one is currently on bed rest and was unable to attend. These are the gifts for her baby girl:
Petal Bib from the book One Skein. Still needs some blocking...
A Bow Headband. The band is crocheted and the bow is improvised from this pattern. 
Flower Headband. Simple garter stitch for the band and this pattern for the knit flower.
I already posted the vest but here it is in its completion! He is wearing this EVERYDAY as it looks like it will not fit long!
And finally, the Jingle All the Way Hat! Minus the bells...to be added soon!
mmm...I wonder which items he will be wearing for his six month pictures? :0) Thanks for sticking with me through all the pictures!
First is a Puppy Hat made for a high school friend's baby...but not this baby. This is the beautiful baby girl who received the Owlie Sack earlier this year. Since Baby G has not made his or her appearance yet, Miss T modeled for the camera. My friend seemed to like it quite a bit...she even requested adult size hats!
The baby shower was for two of my high school friends, however, one is currently on bed rest and was unable to attend. These are the gifts for her baby girl:
Petal Bib from the book One Skein. Still needs some blocking...
A Bow Headband. The band is crocheted and the bow is improvised from this pattern. 
Flower Headband. Simple garter stitch for the band and this pattern for the knit flower.
I already posted the vest but here it is in its completion! He is wearing this EVERYDAY as it looks like it will not fit long!
And finally, the Jingle All the Way Hat! Minus the bells...to be added soon!
mmm...I wonder which items he will be wearing for his six month pictures? :0) Thanks for sticking with me through all the pictures!11.13.2011
Year of Projects Update
I have another post coming soon that has completed YOP items and pictures, so here is an update on my list:
Christmas 2011 (due dates for projects in italics)
*Aiden's Afghan (WIP)
*Fingerless Mitts for Me
*Pillowcase for Bedroom
*Socks
*Ballband Dishcloth
*Leg Warmers--inspired and motivated by a fellow blogger and Blog A Long member
The In Case I Finish List
*Sweater for Me
*Learn how to knit entrelac
*Coffee Koozie
*Breast Cancer Dishcloth
*Baby Sweater\Vest
*Windmill Bag
*Baby Feet Dishcloth
YOP Completions for November:
*Petal Bib and 2 Headbands
*Jingle Bells Hat
*Baby Vest
Changes:
*Eliminated 1 Hat
*Eliminated niece's legwarmers...maybe after Christmas I'll work on them...
*Likely going to be a few more eliminations as a few friends have asked for some Christmas gifts...
The Tally:
11/31
**************************************************************************************
A reader suggested adding all other items completed that are not mentioned on my Year of Projects list to make me feel better about not getting very far on YOP items:
Other Items
*Snowflake Dishcloth
*2 Grandmother's Favorite Dishcloths
*Hanging Dishcloth
*Fingerless Gloves
*Pumpkin Hat
*Cable Footies
*Puppy Hat
*2 Baby Headbands
*Mittens for Aiden
*2 Bow Belts
Christmas 2011 (due dates for projects in italics)
*Yarn Swap Gift--August 1st
*Hawkeye Scarf--September 1st
*Owlie Sack for Baby Smith--November 1st
*Special Occasion Scarf for Grandma Faye--December 25th (WIP)*Owlie Sack for Baby Ruyter--December 1st--Changed to Headbands and Petal Bib
*Jingle Bells Hat for Aiden--December 1st
*4 3 Secret Christmas Scarves--December 25th (only NEED to make 3) (WIP: 1 down, 2 to go!)
*1 Secret Christmas Scarf--December 25th (May be eliminated...)
*3 Hats--December 25th (For: Joshua, Jason, Daniel) One hat has been eliminated...
*Hanging Dishtowel for Z--December 25th *Leg Warmers--4 sets for my nieces...not entirely sure about this, but my husband thinks it would be neat, so I am adding it.
*Aiden's Afghan (WIP)
*Fingerless Mitts for Me
*Pillowcase for Bedroom
*Socks
*Leg Warmers--inspired and motivated by a fellow blogger and Blog A Long member
The In Case I Finish List
*Sweater for Me
*Learn how to knit entrelac
*Breast Cancer Dishcloth
*Windmill Bag
*Baby Feet Dishcloth
YOP Completions for November:
*Petal Bib and 2 Headbands
*Jingle Bells Hat
*Baby Vest
Changes:
*Eliminated 1 Hat
*Eliminated niece's legwarmers...maybe after Christmas I'll work on them...
*Likely going to be a few more eliminations as a few friends have asked for some Christmas gifts...
The Tally:
11/31
**************************************************************************************
A reader suggested adding all other items completed that are not mentioned on my Year of Projects list to make me feel better about not getting very far on YOP items:
Other Items
*Snowflake Dishcloth
*2 Grandmother's Favorite Dishcloths
*Hanging Dishcloth
*Fingerless Gloves
*Pumpkin Hat
*Cable Footies
*Puppy Hat
*2 Baby Headbands
*Mittens for Aiden
*2 Bow Belts
11.08.2011
...One A Day...
Hold your Hats! I FINISHED the first of two One A Day projects!
Well, no, not technically. But take a look!
See what is missing? That's right...BUTTONS! I need to pick out and sew 5 buttons and then it is FINISHED!
I really wanted to wait to show it off but I couldn't. I have wanted this project completed for awhile now but kept pushing it off. Until a reader told me about a project she had to rip b\c her baby was now ONE! That did it for me. In the car we go to Sioux Falls and I fervently began working on it. At that point, I was probably at the third buttonhole or so. Two days later, here it is! I am amazed at how fast it knits up...why didn't I just sit down and finish it a month ago?!
A keeps rolling onto his tummy while he is falling asleep and has yet to learn how to roll back, so between flipping him onto his back again, I worked on it.
Hopefully I will have the buttons on and him in it SOON!
Oh here are the details:
Plymouth Encore Worsted
Sz 7 Needles
As for my other One A Day project, A's Afghan, that is taking a break until after Christmas. I think my new One A Day project is a Harry Potter Scarf. I want to make 2 more as Christmas gifts and think this is the way to get them done!
Yay for One A Day!
Well, no, not technically. But take a look!
See what is missing? That's right...BUTTONS! I need to pick out and sew 5 buttons and then it is FINISHED!
I really wanted to wait to show it off but I couldn't. I have wanted this project completed for awhile now but kept pushing it off. Until a reader told me about a project she had to rip b\c her baby was now ONE! That did it for me. In the car we go to Sioux Falls and I fervently began working on it. At that point, I was probably at the third buttonhole or so. Two days later, here it is! I am amazed at how fast it knits up...why didn't I just sit down and finish it a month ago?!
A keeps rolling onto his tummy while he is falling asleep and has yet to learn how to roll back, so between flipping him onto his back again, I worked on it.
Hopefully I will have the buttons on and him in it SOON!
Oh here are the details:
Plymouth Encore Worsted
Sz 7 Needles
As for my other One A Day project, A's Afghan, that is taking a break until after Christmas. I think my new One A Day project is a Harry Potter Scarf. I want to make 2 more as Christmas gifts and think this is the way to get them done!
Yay for One A Day!
11.02.2011
...One A Day...Tuesday Tallies
...One a Day...
Not even close! This project has been seriously neglected and is only worked on when hubby and I are driving together, which has not been very often lately! I need to get this done otherwise A will have outgrown it!!
It goes so fast but I just cannot bring myself to work on it. Then again if you read my YOP post, you will know I have been busy gift knitting. Must recommit to working on it! A's afghan has taken a period of hibernation until after Christmas. That's okay right?
Not even close! This project has been seriously neglected and is only worked on when hubby and I are driving together, which has not been very often lately! I need to get this done otherwise A will have outgrown it!!
It goes so fast but I just cannot bring myself to work on it. Then again if you read my YOP post, you will know I have been busy gift knitting. Must recommit to working on it! A's afghan has taken a period of hibernation until after Christmas. That's okay right?
Week...?\End of October Recap
I have been M.I.A from the blogging world lately! By the time I am settled into my chair for the night, I look at my laptop or my knitting\crocheting...and judging by the lack of posts lately, you can tell which one has won that battle! Hope you are comfy, this is a long post!
I have been very awful at my YOP list. SO many gifts have popped up! Several baby shower items PLUS a little special item AFTER they enter the world, birthday gifts, a MUST MAKE NOW project for A, and a few "would you make this for me?" projects. PLUS! Planning a party for my friend getting married, parent dedication with A, early Thanksgiving and planning our trip to North Carolina to meet my biological father and his family for Thanksgiving! All very exciting! All keeping me on my toes! PLUS! A is 5 months old and learns new things everyday!
I think I will have to take this into account for next year's YOP list (I already have a list started! Isn't that crazy! Then again, if you are a YOP member, you do too...you know you do.)
Here is what I have been working on:
You might remember these from a few posts back...they are the Cable Footies by Leigh Radford. Made for a friend (who has happily received them, wonky toe decreases and all):
Do you see the bad toe? Ugh. She did not seem to mind too much (thanks C).
Here is the MUST MAKE NOW item for A:
Can I add just one more??
Only because you need a close up of the hat.... ;)
I have also been working on this as I have a lot of friends that are expecting right now. It didn't turn out very well:
The bow is really wonky (yep, that is my new word) plus I am not good at crochet. (determined to get better!) So I am working on my own made up pattern...hopefully will have pics of that soon.
So here is my Lack-Of-October-Recap:
Christmas 2011 (due dates for projects in italics)
Top 6 Blog-A-Long Picks
*Aiden's Afghan (WIP)
*Fingerless Mitts for Me
*Pillowcase for Bedroom
*Socks
*Ballband Dishcloth
*Leg Warmers--inspired and motivated by a fellow blogger and Blog A Long member,
The In Case I Finish List
*Sweater for Me
*learn how to knit entrelac
*Coffee Koozie
*Breast Cancer Dishcloth
*Baby Sweater\Vest (WIP)
*Windmill Bag
*Baby Feet Dishcloth
6/33 Completed...well. It's better than LAST month! I can't be too upset as this list has been neglected d\t gift knitting. But Christmas is creeping up and I am afraid I will have to cut some items out after I prioritize the Christmas knitting.
Thanks for checking in! I have a few more posts to write, check back later!
I have been very awful at my YOP list. SO many gifts have popped up! Several baby shower items PLUS a little special item AFTER they enter the world, birthday gifts, a MUST MAKE NOW project for A, and a few "would you make this for me?" projects. PLUS! Planning a party for my friend getting married, parent dedication with A, early Thanksgiving and planning our trip to North Carolina to meet my biological father and his family for Thanksgiving! All very exciting! All keeping me on my toes! PLUS! A is 5 months old and learns new things everyday!
I think I will have to take this into account for next year's YOP list (I already have a list started! Isn't that crazy! Then again, if you are a YOP member, you do too...you know you do.)
Here is what I have been working on:
You might remember these from a few posts back...they are the Cable Footies by Leigh Radford. Made for a friend (who has happily received them, wonky toe decreases and all):
Do you see the bad toe? Ugh. She did not seem to mind too much (thanks C).Here is the MUST MAKE NOW item for A:
Can I add just one more??
Only because you need a close up of the hat.... ;)I have also been working on this as I have a lot of friends that are expecting right now. It didn't turn out very well:
The bow is really wonky (yep, that is my new word) plus I am not good at crochet. (determined to get better!) So I am working on my own made up pattern...hopefully will have pics of that soon.So here is my Lack-Of-October-Recap:
Christmas 2011 (due dates for projects in italics)
*Yarn Swap Gift--August 1st
*Hawkeye Scarf--September 1st
*Owlie Sack for Baby Smith--November 1st
*Special Occasion Scarf for Grandma Faye--December 25th (WIP)
*Owlie Sack for Baby Ruyter--December 1st--Changed to Headbands and Petal Bib
*Jingle Bells Hat for Aiden--December 1st
*4 3Secret Christmas Scarves--December 25th (only NEED to make 3) (WIP: 1 down, 2 to go!)
*1 Secret Christmas Scarf--December 25th
*Kindle Pocket--December 25th
*Mittens for Mom--December 25th
*Hats--December 25th
(For: Kyle, Joshua, Jason, Daniel)
*Hanging Dishtowel for Z--December 25th
*Leg Warmers--4 sets for my nieces...not entirely sure about this, but my husband thinks it would be neat, so I am adding it.
*Aiden's Afghan (WIP)
*Fingerless Mitts for Me
*Pillowcase for Bedroom
*Socks
*Leg Warmers--inspired and motivated by a fellow blogger and Blog A Long member,
The In Case I Finish List
*Sweater for Me
*learn how to knit entrelac
*Breast Cancer Dishcloth
*Baby Sweater\Vest (WIP)
*Windmill Bag
*Baby Feet Dishcloth
6/33 Completed...well. It's better than LAST month! I can't be too upset as this list has been neglected d\t gift knitting. But Christmas is creeping up and I am afraid I will have to cut some items out after I prioritize the Christmas knitting.
Thanks for checking in! I have a few more posts to write, check back later!
10.20.2011
Yarn Preferences?
Taking a break from my regular (ha, regular?) posting topics to ask a question.
Some background info first:
I signed up for a couple craft shows. Ever since I was young I wanted to participate in them. (Only then, I probably wanted to color or paint pictures. Or sell mud pies.) So I am finally doing it. They aren't for a year so that gives me plenty of time to build up a stock of items. I am wanting to focus on baby\child items and here enters my question.
I want to offer quality items but also do not want to break the bank when it comes to yarn selection.
So, to those of you who are full of knowledge regarding baby yarns, which brands do you suggest? Which are a good quality for the price? Also, which offer the best yardage for the price? I am definitely wanting to use yarn that is machine washable. If you had to chose your personal top two, which would they be?
And to the readers who do not knit\crochet, if you were to purchase a hand-crafted item of the yarn variety, would you be picky as to the materials used? Do you prefer to buy something and know that it is made with good yarn or could you care less, as long as it is adorable?
Thanks for reading and helping me get started!!
Some background info first:
I signed up for a couple craft shows. Ever since I was young I wanted to participate in them. (Only then, I probably wanted to color or paint pictures. Or sell mud pies.) So I am finally doing it. They aren't for a year so that gives me plenty of time to build up a stock of items. I am wanting to focus on baby\child items and here enters my question.
I want to offer quality items but also do not want to break the bank when it comes to yarn selection.
So, to those of you who are full of knowledge regarding baby yarns, which brands do you suggest? Which are a good quality for the price? Also, which offer the best yardage for the price? I am definitely wanting to use yarn that is machine washable. If you had to chose your personal top two, which would they be?
And to the readers who do not knit\crochet, if you were to purchase a hand-crafted item of the yarn variety, would you be picky as to the materials used? Do you prefer to buy something and know that it is made with good yarn or could you care less, as long as it is adorable?
Thanks for reading and helping me get started!!
10.10.2011
Year of Projects--Week 14 \ Tuesday Tally
C from S.F. S.D, you are NOT allowed to read this post...well you can, but your belated b-day present will no longer be a surprise.
I have been side-tracked this week from my YOP as I have been making these for the above-mentioned birthday gal!:
I should be on the second one by now, but I had to rip out the decreases and a repeat as they were much too big! Then started the decreases again. Still too big. Ripped decreases out again and another repeat. FINALLY!! They looked much better! This pattern is called Cable Booties and it is from the book One Skein by Leigh Radford. Really easy pattern, might make myself a pair!
I have been working on A's Vest for One A Day...here's my small progress.
Slow n Steady!
I have been side-tracked this week from my YOP as I have been making these for the above-mentioned birthday gal!:
I should be on the second one by now, but I had to rip out the decreases and a repeat as they were much too big! Then started the decreases again. Still too big. Ripped decreases out again and another repeat. FINALLY!! They looked much better! This pattern is called Cable Booties and it is from the book One Skein by Leigh Radford. Really easy pattern, might make myself a pair!I have been working on A's Vest for One A Day...here's my small progress.
Slow n Steady!
9.27.2011
...Searching for Online Yarn Shops...
The other day I was asked what I collect. That is a really hard question for me to answer! So I started thinking about my hobbies and at this point, knitting is really my only hobby. So, to answer her question, I said "yarn".
Before A was born, I was usually at a hobby store or my LYS looking at and sometimes purchasing yarn. Now a trip to these places is only 45 minutes away, however, since having a baby, these trips have gone down greatly (I must add I am totally okay with that b\c I love my baby!). And thus I have been looking for online stores that have good quality yarns, decent prices and are easy to work with. It's just more convenient to place an order online if I know what I am looking for than it is to plan an entire trip with A!
One site I have been looking at ordering from is www.Sandra Singh.com. I found her site through Ravelry and bookmarked it to check into at a later date. As Christmas is approaching, I need to start purchasing yarn for the gifts I am aiming to make. Her site is easy to navigate through, which is a huge plus to me. She features a good variety of yarn, both familiar and unfamiliar to me. I like seeing brands that my LYS does not carry! She also offers many patterns, knitting books\magazines AND she has a promotional offer called Customer Creations. If you knit with the items you purchased from her site, she will add a $5 coupon to your next purchase! And if you know me at all, you KNOW I love COUPONS!
I have an order placed for some Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Indigo for my mom's commuter mitts. If you check out her site now, all Malabrigo is on SALE! And you KNOW how much I love SALES!
If you are like me and need to shop more online for your hobby of yarn, I VERY MUCH suggest checking out her site.
Before A was born, I was usually at a hobby store or my LYS looking at and sometimes purchasing yarn. Now a trip to these places is only 45 minutes away, however, since having a baby, these trips have gone down greatly (I must add I am totally okay with that b\c I love my baby!). And thus I have been looking for online stores that have good quality yarns, decent prices and are easy to work with. It's just more convenient to place an order online if I know what I am looking for than it is to plan an entire trip with A!
One site I have been looking at ordering from is www.Sandra Singh.com. I found her site through Ravelry and bookmarked it to check into at a later date. As Christmas is approaching, I need to start purchasing yarn for the gifts I am aiming to make. Her site is easy to navigate through, which is a huge plus to me. She features a good variety of yarn, both familiar and unfamiliar to me. I like seeing brands that my LYS does not carry! She also offers many patterns, knitting books\magazines AND she has a promotional offer called Customer Creations. If you knit with the items you purchased from her site, she will add a $5 coupon to your next purchase! And if you know me at all, you KNOW I love COUPONS!
I have an order placed for some Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Indigo for my mom's commuter mitts. If you check out her site now, all Malabrigo is on SALE! And you KNOW how much I love SALES!
If you are like me and need to shop more online for your hobby of yarn, I VERY MUCH suggest checking out her site.
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