A Personal Knitting Milestone

When I began knitting, I told myself that I wanted to get to the skill level that I could knit socks. 

 Here are my first pair!  

I decided that I better get a plan because knitting socks 
wouldn't just happen. So, I purchased a couple of books, the 
easiest to use by Ann Budd, called Getting Started Knitting Socks.   
I read through the book, and was stumped. I read through it 
again, and was confused still, but decided knitting socks 
might be like swimming; jump in. It took a few tries, some 
pulling out, some rereading directions, but finally they were 
finished. By no means are they perfect, but they are good 
enough. I learned two things; setting a goal with a plan 
is effective even with knitting. Second, learning a new 
knitting technique requires a willingness and the courage to 

jump in and try, even though there will be lots of mistakes, 

the learning happens in the trying.  Something happens during

the process.  The vision of the project and the techniques 

become more clear as you hold the needles and yarn in 

your hands,  something that can't happen by just studying 

the directions.

The Rewards of Giving

Not long ago I went to an open house, hosted by Melynda Bernardi of French Press Knits.  I was very excited to see her new knitting studio, which is gorgeous, and to see some of the amazing products being created by these young knitting entrepreneurs .  I was not disappointed!  I came away with beautiful yarn which has been great to work with, and some graphic art work for my knitting gifts.  Great job ladies!
I learned a long time ago, that when someone invites you into their home, you bring them a token of appreciation.  I have been knitting dishcloths and giving them with a bottle of Mrs. Meyers aromatherapy dish soap as these type of gifts.  I was concerned though, because Melynda is a talented knitter, and I wasn't sure about giving a fellow knitter a gift they could make for themselves.

So off I went to her home, with my gift in hand.  Much to my surprise, she was thrilled! She explained that of all the knitting she has done, she has never made herself dishcloths.  I was relieved and content.  Imagine my surprise when I saw her recent posting about a visitor presenting her with dishcloths and fancy soap!  Take a look at her posting on Versus.  Melynda has written a pattern for organic facecloths, inspired by me! She tells the story so much better than I can.  This put a smile on my face and a bounce in my step!  It's great when someone appreciates even the little things you do.

Felted Kindle Kozy

Currently working on refining this pattern that I came up with.
I wanted a padded covering to accommodate my Kindle and the leather cover.
I had a lot of wool left over from knitting slippers so thought I could use some
up by creating a felted cover. After I had one sample, I thought I should just
write a formal pattern; I can’t be the only person who would want this! I have
to still do a bit of tweaking to this pattern, but will have it soon. I’m loving the
way it looks and took a prototype to the Bahamas in my suitcase.
My Kindle was nicely padded and safe!

Cashmere Blend Newborn Set

These were so much fun to make!  I surprised myself, even though
Jane said all along I should try them and I could indeed do it.   One
of the best things about these is the yarn.  It is a merino, silk, and
cashmere blend that is so soft for a baby and extra special.
 I used Sublime, in an ivory shade and love how these have a vintage feel
to them,  just because of the color.    The booties came from a pattern
by Ericka Knight, while the mittens and hat came from free patterns
available on Ravelry.

Sock Loom Progress

There is progress, but I really have no idea what to do next.
I need to watch the videos to figure out the heel.  Wish I felt
more confident about where this is going.  I'm not sure how
long to make the leg or when to start the heel.  Also, the loom
pulls the stitches so tight, that it's sometimes hard to work.
They do loosen up as they drop through the loom.    The
stitches are pretty much uniform and even!
Snow day update:  Another day off, which meant more time
to work on the sock.  It's looking more like a sock but I will
decide if it's successful when it comes off the loom.

iPod Touch Sock

This ipod sock has a picot hem and 1x1 ribbing.  I used

size 2 needles and Bamboo & Ewe sock yarn from the local 

craft store.  This is a soft wool/bamboo blend.  The pattern is 

available free on Ravelry.  If you are not a member of Ravelry,

you have to sign up now.  It's free!  The only changes I made

to the pattern are that I made the ribbing 4" long and I only did

the decrease 2 times, rather than three.  I learned the Kitchener

method of graphing stitches to create a nice closing seam. This

is a gift for a friend, so now I need to make one for me and for

 the kids!  Better get to work.

Sock Loom

Saw this at Joann's and thought it might be fun to give it a try. 

It came with a how to DVD and simple calculations to figure out sock size. 

 I've always wanted to try knitting socks, but I have some trouble with the tiny needles. Right now I'm using size 2's on a project and struggle keeping the little things in my fingers. If this isn't a total fail, I will post the progress, and hopefully some socks.

Snow Day Project

The perfect snow day project!  I started these weeks earlier, but spent the
day off assembling and felting them.  So far these are probably my favorite
 thing to knit, because they always turn out great!  I mentioned the pattern
in a previous post. You can buy it on the French Press Knits site or through
the Ravelry site.  

Great Knitting Help

If you are having trouble with some of the basics, or want to learn something new, take a look at this knit help website.  It is also available in an app for iphone or ipods.  I just watched a clip on continental knitting.  Wow, I think I have been knitting the wrong and the difficult way!  It looks like it would save a lot of time!

http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/learn-to-knit

Knit Club January Progress

Barb and Sandy still working on those diagonal scarves.
The pattern is challenging if you aren't paying attention. 

Dawn's purple cowl is finally done.  Looks great, plus she
did the binding off herself!  Time to pick a new project.

This picture makes me laugh.  Jane is knitting so fast that her hands
are a blur.  The ribbed scarves she, Lisa and Mary Ann are making will
look great!  The varigated colors in the yarn are gorgeous.  Hopefully will
get a good pic of them next time.

Why Knitters Knit

Tomorrow is the next knit chick evening.  I can't wait to see everyone's projects!  I saw these cute little bags and thought they were the perfect size for carrying around those dishcloth projects.  The tag says knitters knit because they are so smart that they need knitting to make boring things interesting.  All the girls will get one.  

The Cowl

Improv Cowl design by French Press Knits

You can find this pattern on the FPK website or on Ravelry.  Look for the free pattern called Improv Cowl.   I used Cozy Wool granite, a wool blend, because I don't like the scratchiness of wool around my neck.  This was easy to do, mostly because it was in the round, and only involved knowing how to knit and purl. I only used one strand of yarn, because the yarn is already very chunky.  I followed the rest of the pattern for CO stitches and needle size.  I'm making one for Maddie for when she goes to college next year.  Not sure how well it will hold up, since it's 50% acrylic, but it was quick so I can always make another.

Bagels, Mimosas, and a Few Goofy Knitters

This would be Dawn's new project, the cowl.  After 3 starts, it finally got going but did spend a lot of time on the floor , ripped out.  Debbie had to jump in and take care of things, numerous times.   No talking while starting a new project!  Certainly was good for a lot of laughs.  Great way to spend a Saturday.

Mary Ann's first finished dishcloth and the 2nd one started.   The 2nd one already looks so much better!

Dawn's patriotic dishcloth.  I think it's going to her friend who loves 4th of July celebrations, unless her mom snags it from her first.  You never can tell; people like these enough to steal them!

Sandy and Barb's diagonal scarves are coming along nicely!  The color combinations are stunning.  Hope to see them finished in 2 weeks, when we next meet.  Sandy is using black Cha-Cha with Aegean Waters Minestrone, and Barb is knitting with eggplant Cha-Cha with Lilacs and Lavender Minestrone.

What's Next

I still have to post the headband pics and pattern, if I can figure out how to write it up.  The finished improv cowl scarves and probably the infamous slippers Rose is attempting to make will make it to the blog!  This blog, in no way will appear professional or skilled. The pics will be basic shots by a highly unprofessional photographer.  The projects are simple, knit in good company, with good friends, sharing laughter over our knitting mishaps.  Let's get knitting, ladies!  Check back to see if your knitpic appears in the blog.

Easy Dishcloths

Easy, Fast, and Durable
These dishcloths knit up super fast.  You can watch a good movie and have one done by the time the movie is over.  I use the Lily Sugar 'n Cream yarn.  Pair a couple of these with some Mrs. Meyers  dishsoap, and you have a really nice gift for your favorite hostess!  Wow, I'm starting to sound like a cheezie blogger, but it's true.  All the knit chicks love them too.  Sandy is knitting them for random people who are wanting more and Dawn says they are great for washing walls!  I don't know where the pattern originated, but it can be found all over the internet. 

Diagonal Scarf

Diagonal Scarf in Lime and Purple
This is the VOGUE scarf made using Cha-Cha yarn and Minestrone yarn by Trendsetter, which I picked up from
Knitting on the Fringe.  The shop offers some really great classes, not just in knitting.    The pattern is available at www.vogueknitting.com  Again, an easy to make scarf, an easy pattern to follow, and looks amazing, which is why I made it.  You won't see me knitting anything that's difficult.  The yarn was rather costly but it's for me, so who cares!

The Challah Scarf; Finally Done

Challah Infinity Scarf
This is a design by Pam Powers I found with the girls on a trip up north.  Cynthia's in Petosky is a great shop with  great yarns and projects.  I loved this as soon as I saw it on display, but wasn't sure if I could do it.  They assured me in the shop that this was indeed easy.   The construction was rather challenging but the knitting itself was a breeze.   The web address on the pattern is http:\\artfiberdesign.com   You can likely find the pattern there but I think it's also on www.ravelry.com.  I used smaller needles to try to make a more petite version and liked the way it came out.  The yarn is a soft, creamy colored alpaca.  Wish the pic was better.  Barb bought the same pattern and yarn.  I can't wait to see it!

French Press Felted Slippers

Crazy, but these are so easy to make!
Melynda Bernardi designed this pattern, and there is no way to go wrong.
frenchpressknits.com
I was fortunate to take this slipper class from Melynda.  She not only wrote an easy to follow pattern, but  she made the assembly of the slippers easy too.  If you are looking to make slippers, this is the pattern for you!
If I can do this, anyone can.  To date I think I have made 6 pairs and they are a wonderful treat to give away.  Looks like you spent weeks on them!
I frequently stalk the Frenchpress blog for new ideas from Melynda.  She's easy to understand.  I just recently snagged her improv cowl pattern and knitted it up in 2 nights.  It's a great wrap around!  Pics to come.

So it Begins

This knitting thing must be serious.  Starting a blog?  Why not!  Now that I have some knitting groupies to look at a blog, it might be fun.  We will post some of our projects, maybe some patterns, and postings of our fun evenings knitting together. I am sure I won't do a very good job of updating, but hang in there and don't lose interest.  I might not like blogging, but I do like simple knitting.

My goal is to continue to enjoy what I am knitting, seek out those projects that look like they were ridiculously hard, but not, and to help a few others enjoy the same.