With just a little left over yarns, no real idea in mind, this is what came out!  Kind of cute, warm and lots of character for a headband. 

back view

Close-up of the crocheted flower in the middle.  Added some french knots with a coordinating yarn to tie everything together.  Although the pattern isn’t perfect, the overall effect was a winner. 

Made these last week.  Found a wonderful knitting shop and discounted yarns, yea!

Here’s another shot.

I was able to get in some knitting time… and finished the hat/beanie.  The design looks good, but still working on the decreased top.  Haven’t blocked the hat yet, so that’s what all the curling is about.

I’ve made a lot of hats, cowls, headbands, bags and toys.  

I’m off and running, designing that is.  As sewing comes and goes, for profit that is, knitting and crocheting for others has been picking up.  I’ve been practicing for months (more like years now) and I’m ready to make/design for a fee.  Some people think that it’s impossible to make any money from knitting and crocheting, but when you add up all the potential, I’m gonna give it a go.

Olive Green Cowl

This is a cowl that I made in worsted weight yarn, size 6 circular needles.  Used yarnovers to create the “eyelets” and made a I-cord for the drawstring.  As you gather up the top, which creates a ruffle,  you can adjust how loose or tight you want the cowl to be.   The more you gather the top, the warmer you’ll be.   Bottom of cowl  just naturally rolls up.   

New Hat Under Construction

Just started this hat today.  I only have a few inches done, but decided to put it on waste yarn and check it out.  Seems to be coming along, yet looks ridiculous in the picture.  The hat will fit like a beanie when I’m done. 

I’m using a twisted german cast on, just a bit different from the normal long tail cast on.  From everything I’ve read, this cast on will help out with the “roll” that I’ve gotten on other hats I’ve made with this type of ribbing.

Since I enjoy knitting with both hands, faire isle seems to gives me a break from aways using my right hand.  Saw the technique on a video and fell head over heels for it.  I’m right-handed, but it’s really not that hard to do.  As fas as the hat itself, I’m knitting 2 stitches from each color, switching back and forth, nothing fancy.  Every few rows I like to change things up, that way I don’t get restless.  Planning to finish that hat this evening or tomorrow.

What do you think?  Leave a comment for me!

Impromptu pic, don’t look at the room!

I was given a bunch of fabrics, love that, but what to do?  Sometime I get a stash of stuff that even I don’t know what to make of it, but this bright  neon orange fabric  just begged to be made into a candy bag!

I wanted to keep things simple, but that’s just not the kind of thing I seem to sew lately.  So, the ordinary bag  became  much more involved.  The only thing I’m not happy about, limited time to enjoy the bag out.

Here’s the scoop.  Crazy neon orange fabric, black netting, stabilizer, a bit a batting for the handle, a couple of buttons and some scary embroideries.  That’s all it takes to make something out of nothing.  It’s a bit more involved than that, but once you have an idea in mind, it’s really fun.  My intentions were very simple in the beginning, a candy bag.  Maybe the kids can get a couple of uses out of it, different parties and such. One thing for sure, it will be a keeper for future use.

Didn’t even think of taking pics along the way, sorry.  You can see some  of the supplies before and after.   If you look close, you see some of the netting that burned!   And of course….. the finished product! 

Let me know what you think. 

• Lace (8 sts/in – size 1 needles)
• Fingering/Sock (7 sts/in – size 2 needles)
• Sport (6 sts/in – size 4 needles)
• DK (5.5 sts/in – size 5 needles)
• Worsted (5 sts/in – size 7 needles)
• Aran (4.5 sts/in – size 8 needles)
• Bulky (3.5 sts/in – size 10.5 needles)
• Super-Bulky (2.5 sts/in – size 13 needles)

Working here and there, out side of teaching that is.  You kind of just have to go where the money is, to support the hobbies!  Making book covers, headbands and tring to publish a few patterns, there’s just not enough hours in the day.  If you have a cool job for me, please call me at anytime and I’ll make it happen! 

Pillows are wonderful gifts.  It’s obvious, but pillows are just the best.  Weather you make a fancy pillow, embroider it, or just use up some old fabric that you just can’t seem to part with, pillows are your friend.

I like to make pillows that have an opening on the back.  So when I found this chart, I thought I would pass it along.

Great info.

Like I said earlier, I didn’t write the chart, but it’s wonderful. 

Enjoy and check out the site where I found this.  www.modabakeshop.com

It is a sewing class, but sewing is really just a part of what we do.  Each time I come to class, I’m inspired to do better.  Sewing is the beginning, yet we seem to make this special bond while in the process of learning to take measurements, reading patterns and talking about our animals.   We come to class in all different frames of mind and sewing skills, but through laughter and an open mind, we share kindness and wisdom along the way.  I know that I’m the teacher, but sharing what I know  just makes me feel better about everything.

As classes are starting to fill up again, I’m continually delighted when a get a chance to tell/show new perspective students about sewing class. Even before I can tell a new student about class, one of the kids prouds shows off what their working on.   Because we are in such tight quarters with Joann’s, it’s easy to see all the wonderful things that can be made in class. 

Today’s projects:  overalls, purses, blouse, shirt, skirts and more.   Maybe some pics?  Let me know what you think.

Friday, a day of peace. 

 A simple dinner, candles and a blessing.  I think I can do that. 

                                                                                                                                          The Great North American Afghan

These are some of the squares that I’ve been working on over the past few months.  I would like to say that I’m making steady progress, but my life just seems to take priority over knitting.  Each square will be blocked, so the overall afghan should be just lovely when it’s done.  It’s funny, when someone sees that I’m taking on the afghan, they think it’s a big deal.  I suppose that I feel that you just take on one thing at a time.  If I were to look at the entire afghan and know that there are over 20 more blocks to make, I’d be over whelmed.  I just take one block at a time and enjoy the process of learning and sharing with those who would love to see.

To me, learning to make socks, crazy huh? that’s a big thing.  I’m half way done with my first pair of simple socks, so things are headed in the right direction, knitting that is.  I’ll post a few pics of the socks soon.