On The Needles

You know that sometimes I need to work on something new feeling?

I had that this week.

I was clearing out some stuff and came across a bag that had the Dreambird shawl in it.

I knew I would never, ever finish it.

I just isn't me. 

So I pulled it out, or I tired to.

Not an easy unknit.

I decided to make myself a Lillian scarf.

The yarn is Chroma Fingering Yarn from KnitPicks.

Don't you love the colors of the verigated?

Grays to pinks to lavender. 

The pattern doesn't call for fingering yarn or size 5 needles.

I cast on double the amount of stitches.

Cross your fingers that it works out for me.

I've made Lillian before.

This one was gifted to daughter Dee last year.

She loves it.

Again, not the yarn or needle size called for in the pattern.

Will I ever make this according to the pattern?
I just might.

See what others have on their needles at Patchwork Times.

PS: the Blueberry Waffle socks from last week have been fixed

and more progress was made on toe up socks-I'm almost at the gusset.

Crochet Fever

It all started innocent enough.

The weather in December turned bone chilling cold.

I was shopping one day and found Lion Brand Unique yarn.

Oooohhh, pretty, pretty.

I bought 2 skeins.

Knowing Taylor walks alot, I figured she needed a new scarf.

I used this tutorial.

2 skeins was not enough.

I had to wait for more yarn.

It finally came in, I bought 2 more.

I finished her scarf.

Oh so soft and toasty.

On Facebook's The Crochet Crowd, I saw this challenge.

I went in and grabbed a skein of acrylic yarn and got busy.

I found the written pattern confusing but once I watched the video it all clicked.

I used a larger hook than the pattern said

 and for the smaller hat,

I just made it up as I went.

These are for Lacey and Estella.

I hope Estella's fits her.

I'll find out later today.

I love a good trip to town that involves being a passenger and lots of waiting/crochet time.

While getting the scarf yarn, I saw camo yarn and had to buy a skein.

Taylor loves all things camo!!!

I used a V stitch and crocheted until I was almost out of yarn.

She is very excited to wear this one,

I can't wait to give it to her.

What's next?

I have an afghan UFO that needs attention.

I'm going to get that afghan ready for my new to go project.

Night time recliner time is now back to sock knitting.

On The Needles

There hasn't been much knitting going on around here.

A couple more rows on Lady Kina

(one of these days it will look like a cardigan)

and a couple more rows on the sock.

That's it.

But...

Off the hook and gifted is Artfully Simple Infinity Scarf.

I forgot to take a picture of it finished and

have just sent a text begging for selfies with the 3 scarves.

Dee loved it and

Taylor said if mom can't find it, 

she has it on.

Made me feel pretty good! 

See other on the needle projects at Patchwork Times.

I am sooooo loving Judy L's sweaters.

On The (Needles) Hook

  I am half finished with Artfully Simple Infinity Scarf. I love it and will  make one for myself only it will be longer and not as wide for my fluffy figure.
I'm using 2 skeins of Red Heart Boutique Midnight.  I like the way this pattern uses all the yarn. Crochet until you run out. That works for me.

The button look may have to be remade. I tried it out and it's pretty tight. I think it's turning out very pretty and youngest daughter loves it and really, that's all that counts.

See other great Needle/Hook projects at Patchwork Times.

On The Needles...and The Hook

I am about an inch longer on the Lady Kina Cardigan.

Every time I work on it, 

I tell myself I need one of these for me!

One day while cruising around somewhere,

I came across Artfully Simple Infinity Scarf.

The videos for this pattern are wonderful

and make the scarf super easy to crochet.

Daughter DeeDee is a scarf wearing woman!

Since tomorrow is her birthday,

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

This will be another scarf for her,

it might (meaning will) be late but 

she won't care.

The button is fabulous!

It changes colors depending what it's up against.

I have 2 finished scarves for her already,

this will be a bonus gift.

See what others are working on by visiting Patchwork Times.

Every time I see Judy L's cardigan, 

I have to control my urge to start it!

You know what I mean, I know you do.

On The Needles

I love this Hitchhiker scarf! 

Love it!! 

I know I will be making this pattern again.

I am at tooth 33 and

will knit until I run out of yarn,

then call this finished.
(Afternoon change of mind, I ordered another skein.
I'll work on it until I run out, then wait for the mail.)

And I'm calling it mine!!

The yarn for the Rivel Cardigan came a couple days ago.

I'm using City Tweed DK Yarn from KnitPicks.

The color is called Orca. 

It is yummy!

55% Merino wool, 25% Superfine alpaca, @20% Donegal tweed.

It's so soft, I couldn't resist starting the gauge swatch.

It's a multi sized pattern so I need to take some measurements before I can start.

That's a good thing,

maybe Hitchhiker will get done sooner rather than later. 

See other fabulous On The Needles projects at

Patchwork Times.

I'm hoping to see what's happening at Camp Loopy.

On The Needles

Sometimes my fingers just want to knit something new. That's what happened this week.  I was going to finish this scarf and put off starting Hitchhiker but I just couldn't do it. I was also going to start Wingspan first but that didn't happen either.

The other day Judy L wrote a post about kitting up her projects. A light bulb flashed in my head. I do this with my quilting but not my knitting.  I have several projects for the near future so I spent some time getting them into bags with the instructions. (That's how Hitchhiker got started!) I guess I should learn to use the Ravelry Queue. I'm sure it's easy to do, I just haven't done it yet. Yarn is on the way for Dreambird and Rival Cardigan. Leftie needs a contrast yarn, I'm not sure what I'll use yet, that's on the list for a shopping trip.

I worked on the afghan quite a bit. Instead of procrastinating any further, I convinced myself to work on it every day for at least 1/2 hour If I do that, it will be done by the end of the month. I only have 8 squares left to finish and know as soon as I start to join the squares, I will not stop until it's finished. I'm about out of the aqua yarn so my original design using it for the first border has changed. I am not buying any more of this yarn. I'll use what I have and call it perfect.

I can't wait to see what others are working on......(this is how most of these projects got started). I'm headed over to Patchwork Times to see what else I can add to my list.

On The Needles

I have been working on some new dishcloths. 

Mine are needing to be replaced.

I have 2 favorite patterns that I laminated back to back.

They fit into my little grab and go bag.

This one is Grandmother's Favorite.

Easy, peasy but after not making any for a while,

I always forget how to do the decreases.

My other favorite is called DW Darrell Waltrip Dishcloth.

The page on Ravelry project page shows how fun using verigated yarns are.

And since you have to do the dishes, why not have a fun dishcloth!

I finished this scarf. 

I love the way it looks on Mr. Bear.

This one is now marked off the knitting UFO list.

I'm linking up to Judy L's On The Needles post at Patchwork Times.

On The Needles

The other day I was digging through my big knitting project bag that is full of smaller knitting project bags and decided to finish this scarf.  I really like the gradation of the black to white but this probably wasn't the best yarn for this scarf or I didn't start in a good place in the colors. It has a long repeat and the white section is right smack in the middle of the scarf. It reminds me of a skunk.  But it won't bother me, I'll wear it anyway.

I'm using this yarn which is nubby so it gives good texture. I will NEVER buy this size skein again!  It is wound so tight that when you pull from the center, you get the big gobs.  Since this is such a huge skein, there will be enough leftover to make the Lacy Zig-Zag Shawl.  I do have another huge skein in a different color way--black and purple--that I might use instead.  Either way, when the shawl is finished, the remaining yarn of both skeins will be headed to a new home.

I'll be happy to put this one on my Sticks 'n Strings 2013 Challenge finished list. This will be UFO #5-Finish #11.  It's looking good for me to complete 13 projects this year.  I sure hope I didn't just jinx myself.

See other great needle projects at Patchwork Times.

On The Needles

I have several knitting projects happening.

I don't want to get bored working on one thing.

That's my story.....

Last Friday was a few hours of waiting room knitting time.

I doubled the size of my Noro Bias Lace Scarf.

These socks have the heels turned and 

the gussets are about finished.

That means they can be worked on mindlessly again.

I didn't have anything I could work on and 

talk at the same time for Wednesday group.

So I started a new pair of socks.

Tuesday I bought the new circular needles I needed for Wingspan.

If I would have gotten them out of Crystal's car, 

I would have started this again on Tuesday.

But I didn't get them until Thursday and gosh,

I couldn't just let them sit idol so I restarted Wingspan last night.

See what others are working on at Patchwork Times.

On and Off The Needles

Or maybe this should be titled Under The Influence of Judy L and Denise. Both of these ladies have posted about the Wingspan shawl. So I had to go look at it and loved it and printed it. You know, just in case I wanted to ever make it. Then they both start talking about Dreambird-here and here. So far I've resisted that one but I do keep looking at it. And now they are talking KAL later in the summer. Oh Boy!  Reminds me of being asked if my friends jumped off the bridge would I follow.....probably........

What's a girl to do??? Jump!!!

So I jumped at Wingspan. I looked at the projects at Ravelry and searched out the yarn I wanted to use.  I like the way the Felici sport yarn is striping on this. (FYI this yarn is being discontinued and as of right now there are only 2 colors left.) I don't have the correct size needles so I have to start over. I'm afraid of running out of yarn. 

In the meantime, I'll work on this Noro bias lace scarf. I'll be doing some waiting room time today and that's the perfect time to make major progress on this scarf. I'm using a new to me yarn found at JoAnn's called Red Heart Boutique Midnight. It contains 6% metallic so just a touch of shiny. Sometimes you need a little shiny.

My 3S Shawl is done except for the blocking and the one place I missed when burying the ends. I'm still on the fence about keeping it or gifting it.  

Check out Judy L's Wingspan. I can't wait to see how far Denise is with her Wingspan--she's probably done--and to see what everyone else is working on. Link are here at Patchwork Times.

On The Needles

I started Ernie's vest.  

He want's a vest made from alpaca yarn but he has to wait.

I want to make sure this will fit, it's what he wants,

but most important, will he wear it.

This pattern is a freebie from Universal Yarn.

It's an easy design and is knitting up pretty fast.

I finished my scarf and grabbed some yarn to try out Potluck Mittens.

I saw these on someone's blog and cannot remember where.  Sorry.

They knit up super fast with size 7 needles and acrylic yarn.

Now I want to find some nice soft yarn and make another pair.

2 more finishes bring my total for Sticks 'n Strings 2013 to 5.

I'm sure that will slow down now that I'm on to big projects.

See other great On the Needle Projects 

here at Patchwork Times.

On and Off The Needles

On the needles is this scarf for me.  

Lion Brand Homespun Mixed Berries is the perfect color for my favorite jacket.

Quick, easy, knit every row. 25 stitches on size 11 needles.

Finished is the hat from last week using up the last bits of wool yarn.

I have worn it several times already, it's perfect for that quick trip to the chicken house. 

I was going to toss any leftover wool but I made 2 dryers balls instead.

Finished last night was this Scarf Hood.

I think a teen girl will love this.

Personally, I think once it is sewn for the hood, the scarf is too short.

But I'm not a teen girl so what do I know.

So with these 2 finishes, I am at 3 finishes for Sticks 'n Strings 2013.

JoAnn's was having a great yarn sale so I stayed away from the store.

But you can order on line and they did have free shipping.  wink, wink

I order 2 skeins of yarn to finish an afghan, yarn for 3 pair of socks (don't judge!) and

circular needles for 2 different projects.

This morning I even found this free vest pattern for Ernie's test vest.

He wants one made from alpaca yarn 

but I'm going to use fisherman's wool first to test for fit and his likes and dislikes.  

I'm linking up to Patchwork Times On The Needles. 

On the Needles

I am working with the leftover Wool-Ease from the socks I was working on while Ernie was having his first knee replacement 2 years ago!  It doesn't seem like it was that long ago.  I wanted a pair of short socks just to slip on when I have cold feet.  These will work nicely. And they are knitting up quick with 48 stitches on size 5 needles and will count as my 12th pair for the 12 in 2012 Challenge.  And will get one more bag a leftovers out of the bin.

The crocheted scarf is a super quick and easy project.  It's called Urban Shells.  I used Vanna's Choice and a size I hook.  I only made 3 ridges instead of 4.  I don't think I have any more of this yarn in the bin--I keep forgetting to look and it looks like I have to call this one almost finished or go look.  Right now it measures 54" and will work but if I have any more yarn, I'll make it longer.  If not, it will be a shorty.  I'm not buying another skein.  I don't even know how much yarn this is because it was in a ball.

Do these socks make my feet look short?  I have not idea. Before I started to decrease for the toes, I measured and I swear on a stack of Bibles that I saw 7" on that tape.  I was so excited......so I kept right on working after Ernie went to bed.  I explained that I was bound and determined to finish them Friday night so they would be done in November.  I had just finished closing the 2nd toe when he came out and I'm sitting there with tears streaming down my face.  I told him they were too short......I had re-measured and had messed them up.  The foot only measured 6".  He said to start over.  WHAT???  These are finished!  Crazy man!!!  I'm thinking of taking the toes out and making them the right size.  But until I make up my mind.  This is pair 11 finished this year.

On The Needles

 I finished the Baby Beanie. 

Quick, easy and cute.

I did modify the little top knot.

I made a 4 stitch i-cord instead of following the pattern directions.

I got past half way on this scarf.  

It won't be a hooded scarf.

I don't want the wearer to look like a skunk.

So she will be able to wrap this scarf instead.

See that gob of black yarn on the left?

This is what I really dislike about this huge skein.

Too many times, big gobs have to be untangled.

I won't be buying huge skeins again.

Blurry picture of my to go sock.

Weekend runarounds make it possible to knit quite a bit.

Now I will settle down in my recliner to get the heel turned

and the gusset knitted before it goes back into my bag.

I need to put another project in there for this weekend.

You know, just in case we have to go somewhere!

See other On The Needles posts by visiting Judy L at Patchwork Times.

On The Needles

While looking at these photos, I'm thinking maybe someone has been spending too much time in front of the tv.  Ernie doesn't like to watch the Olympics, I do.  I'll check on things during the day but mostly I watch after he goes to bed-prime knitting time.

I finished up this cute little hat I showed last week.  I didn't follow the directions completely because I used larger yarn but I think it turned out cute.  I will not be making a hat that fits Mr. Bear's super large head.

I started over on my July socks.  I decided to not give up on the gray wool.  In keeping with the guidelines of the 12 in 2012 Challenge, I will be doing the heel flap and the toes with the 2 tone yarn.

I went yarn shopping the other day to get what I wanted for Christmas gifts.  I picked up 2 large skeins of this yarn to use for 2 scarves based on this pattern.  This is the first time I've used this yarn.  I am waiting for the run of the white to appear.  I don't want this to look like a skunk with the white going right down the center of the hood.  If it does, I'll pull the white out and just make a gray scarf.  The other skein is black and pink so I'll be on the lookout when I start that one.  I do love the gradation and I don't notice it while knitting but it sure shows when I hold it out to admire.

See Judy L's fabulous project and what others have on their needles here.

On The Needles

It sure didn't take long to become Friday again.  

I am loving the new On The Needles link ups with Judy L at Patchwork Times.

I think it is making me pick up my needles a bit more often.

I am now working on my fall colored Simple Skype socks.

Not a lot of progress because I just started to work on these.

I finished these.

This pattern is called Into The Green.

You can see the design if you enlarge the picture.

One day while blog hopping, I saw a scarf called Drop Stitch Drama. 

A super fast and easy drop stitch design that uses double yarn and size 13 needles.

So I go to my yarn bin and find a skein Vanna's Choice purple and 

one lonely skein of Moonlight Mohair.

The perfect pairing for a quick project for the scarf wearing daughter. 

This took 3 evenings of a couple hours of tv time.

And reduced the yarn bin just a little.