Warning! Warning!

This is a long one. I've been trying to post since last week, so I've got a lot of catching up to do. I've had a pretty productive couple of weeks. The fi and I went to Hershey Park a couple of weekends ago. The place was packed. They kept closing down the rides and the wave pool. We weren't happy at all. Dorney Park was much better, plus they had a lot more water rides.

Since my last post I casted on for the Saarjte Bootees. They were my train project. You know, I only knit them on the train going to and from work. I finished them in 2 days. A bootee for each day. LOL. They are a great project if you have leftover yarn. Depending on how much you have left, you can probably knit quite a few. I barely used any yarn at all.




I also ripped out the baby blanket I started for one of my knitter friends. I was bored with the pattern so I found this doily pattern online and I'm trying it out. I like it so far and there's enough in the pattern to keep me motivated since I'm working in the round. I'll have pictures of it soon.


I casted on 2 Fridays ago for the Purl Bee Beret and finished it this past weekend. I love this beret, and the variegated pattern of the yarn. I used Trekking on size 3 needles. I'm thinking of making a scarf to match, but I'm decided, as I would have to use this yarn on the ends of whatever scarf I decide to make. I don't want it to scratch my neck, if you know what I mean.






















I also got a chance to work on my shaped lace tee. The back and front are complete and I'm finishing up the sleeves. I'm just about to bind off and put the whole thing together (yeah!!!!) I want to wear it to my dad's birthday next weekend.

Has anyone started their holiday knitting yet? I picked out yarn and a pattern for my mom for Christmas. It's #23(the shawl collar pullover by Adrienne Vittadini from Vogue Winter 2004/2005. I'll have pictures soon. I'm also thinking of knitting the fi something, but I haven't decided yet.

I also need to get back to my wedding knitting. I have 1.5 shawls to make, finish my mom's and my handbags. I found a pattern on ravelry for a knitted garter belt. My mom said she'd give me the something blue(ribbon) to weave into it. I'm also thinking about knitting the fishnet knee-his from Knitting Lingerie Style, but turning them into thigh-his and putting the lace edging from the basic sock pattern on the top of the fishnet socks. I don't know. Anyway, should I make anything for the guys? I figure it's the fi's job to take care of them. While I'm on that thought, does anyone know where I can get a hand blown beer meister (I know I'm spelling it wrong)? I sang at a wedding once where the groom gave them as presents to his grooms men. They were one of a kind blown glass that look almost like a hollowed out horn. Two of the guys in our bridal party are beer drinkers, and I know they'd like it.

Before I sign-off for today, I have to give a shout out to my Secret Pal for SP11. She got in contact with me last week and seems pretty cool. I can't wait for her to spoil me. Oh, and Amanda, I didn't forget. I'm thinking of candidates.

I'm going to leave you with this link today. It's different ways to treat your hair naturally. Has anyone ever tried any of these? The fabric softener one scares me. I have done the mayonnaise on the hair and that works. I also tried the baking soda tip(mixing a little in when you shampoo your hair to get rid of any build up in your hair. It works. My hair felt lighter afterward. Even the fi made comment when he saw me. You know, "Did you do something different with your hair? It looks nice. I like it". Anyway gotta go. Have a good one!!

Secret Pal 11 Questionaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love alpaca, silk, cotton, cashmere. Any yarns that are organic or natural. I’m allergic to wool, but since I started spinning I’ve been able to handle it a little better. I can handle organic wool that hasn’t been treated or superwash wool.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have a needle case that a family friend made for me for the holidays, and a plastic bread container.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting for 7 years. I learned at my local LYS. My skill level is between intermediate and advanced, but there is always something new to learn, and I love the challenge.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Yes
http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/1GLC4WI60DLUD/

5. What's your favorite scent?

Anything that smell clean/fresh or like citrus

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Not really. I do like Swedish Fish, spearmint leaves and chocolate on occasion but I don’t crave them.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I do spin (love it). I also sew, and make handmade cards. I just took a class on calligraphy the other day. I also just bought a kit from Sublime Stitching the other day to try my hand at embroidery.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I love classic house music, disco, music from the 80s(because I grew up on it), smooth jazz, classic rock(Journey, Foreigner, Chicago, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, etc…), R&B, Maroon 5, Corinne Bailey Rae, Brand New Heavies, Incognito. My computer can play mp3s.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

Sky Blue, Burnt Orange, Blood Red (the dark one), Army Green, Black, Chocolate

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I am engaged. We are getting married in 2008. I have 2 dogs (14 almost 15 year old beagle and a 3 year old schnauzer/poodle) My fiance has a Lovebird, so I count him too.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes to all 4. =)

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I like to knit everything. Right now I’m in a sweater mood though.

13. What are you knitting right now?

I am starting to work on a couple of ideas for 2 new original designs I’m also working on the Shaped Lace Tee from Knitting Lingerie Style, and today I’m finishing up knitting the Saartje’s Bootees I started yesterday. They are so cute and a great project for leftover yarn.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Oh yes

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

It depends. I love circular needles. I prefer addi turbos or inox needles. I only like to use bamboo double pointed needles. I also like plastic needles for traveling.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Yes to both. The fiance (I call him the fi) gave them to me for my birthday this year.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

I don’t like to answer this question because I’m ashamed, but I have a sweater that I never finished and it’s about 6-7 years old.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Buttons. I started my collection last year when I cut the bottons off of some old coats that I had to throw away.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I have a subscription to Vogue Knitting. I’m thinking about getting one for Interweave Knits. I would like to try my hand at a Japanese pattern. I have a wish list on Amazon.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I’m sure there are. I’ll have to think about that one.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes I am. I wear a size 9.5 shoe

23. When is your birthday?

May 30th

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

Yes I am. Andrea670

Apple of Our Eye Pattern

Apple Of Our Eye
Designed by Andrea Jennifer


Finished Measurements

14, [16, 18, 20] inches

Materials:

Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran: 1 red, 1 brown, 1 green

#6 circular needle 16 inches, and #6 double pointed needles, #8 double point needles (for leafs only), 1 stitch marker

Gauge: 5 sts to the inch on #6 needle.

Definitions

co – cast on

bo – bind off

k – knit

p – purl

k2tog – knit 2 stitches together

2 x 2 ribbing – knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches

ssk – slip one stitch knitwise, slip the next stitch knitwise, insert left needle into the fronts of both stitches and knit them together

yo - wrap yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front counterclockwise before knitting the next stitch

sl1 – slip one stitch

psso – pass slip stitch over stitch you just knit

Directions:

CO 66[76, 88, 98] stitches in red. Place stitch marker and join to work in the round. Work in 2x2 ribbing (K2, P2) for one inch. Inc. 0[1, 0, 1] st at beginning of next row. Work in knit stitch until work measures 4.5[4.5, 5, 5] inches.

Hat shaping (Decrease rows) *Please note that somewhere in this next section as the stitches get harder to work, switch to double pointed needles.

*K9, K2tog repeat from * to end.

*K8, K2tog repeat from * to end.

*K7, K2tog repeat from * to end.

*K6, K2tog repeat from * to end.

*K5, K2tog repeat from * to end.

*K4, K2tog repeat from * to end.

*K3, K2tog repeat from * to end.

*K2, K2tog repeat from * to end.

*K1, K2tog repeat from * to end.

At this point keep knitting 2tog until you have 4 stitches left. Switch to brown yarn and make and i-cord for 6 rows. BO.

Leaf pattern (Compliments of Nicky Epstein’s Knitting On The Edge. Thank you Nicky.)

Leaf with stem (Make 1)

CO 3 stitches with #8 needles.

Work i-cord for 5 rows. On next row inc a stitch each end. Purl back. 5 sts.

Row 1: K2, yo, K1, yo, K2

Row 2 and all even rows are Purl

Row 3: K3, yo, K1, yo, K3

Row 5: K4, yo, K1, yo, K4

Row 7: SSK, K7, K2tog

Row 9: SSK, K5, K2tog

Row 11: SSK, K3, K2tog

Row 13: SSK, K1, K2tog

Row 14: Purl

Row 15: SL1, K2tog, PSSO

Leaf: ( Make 3)

CO 5 stitches with #8 needles

Row 1: K2, yo, K1, yo, K2

Row 2 and all even rows are Purl

Row 3: K3, yo, K1, yo, K3

Row 5: K4, yo, K1, yo, K4

Row 7: SSK, K7, K2tog

Row 9: SSK, K5, K2tog

Row 11: SSK, K3, K2tog

Row 13: SSK, K1, K2tog

Row 14: Purl

Row 15: SL1, K2tog, PSSO

Place two leaves. together wrong sides showing and sew them together leaving and opening to turn inside out on to right sides. Complete sewing together. Do the same thing to the remaining two leaf pieces. Embellish hat with leaves by attaching stem part of leave to hat. Then attach other leaf to the edge of the stem part of the leaf you just attached. Enjoy!!

Note***This hat can be made in yellow (Lemon Hat), orange (Orange Hat), and green (Lime Hat).

© 2006 Designed by Andrea Jennifer. All rights reserved. No portion of this pattern may be photocopied or reproduced by any means without written authorization.

Apple of Our Eye

I designed this pattern at the end of last year for one of my church members that was having her first baby. Since everyone is gearing up and getting in the mood to knit some winter knits, I thought I'd add the pattern to my Sidebar. The pattern is pretty easy and knits up in no time. Hopefully I'll have it up by this evening.

Apple of Our Eye

Sizes: 14[16, 18, 20]

Materials

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran: 1 red, 1 brown, 1 green

Yarn Substitution: Any Aran weight yarn that gives you 5 sts to the inch in St st gauge.

Needles: US 6 circular needle 16 inches
US 6 double pointed needles
US 8 double pointed needles (for leafs only

Supplies: 1 stitch marker

Gauge: 5 sts to the inch on #6 needle in St st

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

I'll make a slight correction

to my last post. I said I wasn't impressed with the new issue of Vogue Knitting, the 25th Anniversary. I love the interviews, and no, I haven't read them all yet. I guess what I wasn't too crazy about was the pattern section. I thought there could have been more. The issues this past year have been fantastic, and compared to them, I was a little let down. I will admit, there were 1 or 2 I did like. The big sweaters I'm really not crazy about. I know they are getting ready to make a big come back, but let me tell you, they are not flattering in any way.

I know 2 in 1 day?

I just had to come back on and ask this question. Has anyone seen the new issue of Vogue Knitting (25th Anniversary Issue)? I received mine this week. I haven't read it yet, but at first glance, I'm not sure I'm impressed. Let me know your thoughts.

Happy Friday!!

Well, it's been a while. I've been spending most of my time on Ravelry, listening to podcasts (they're great to listen to while knitting), and finishing up my sample knit for KnitPicks.

Ravelry is lots of fun. There is so much to do and it is very time consuming. I still have not put my stash on it yet. I keep freaking out about all the pictures I have to take. It's definitely a work in progress.

I don't know about anyone else, but I love listening to podcasts. A lot of them are very informative and entertaining. There are things from teaching different and new techniques, book reviews, yarn reviews and designer interview, just to name a few. There is always something new that I've never heard of. Case in point, I was listening to Episode 12 of Knit Picks and they were teaching the technique of Steeking. I was like what's that? Here it is, it's the art of knitting a sweater in the round and instead of doing the decreases for your armholes, you just knit your garment straight up, (knit a tube) and then cut your armholes out with scissors after sewing in a few stitches with your sewing machine to protect yourself against those live stitches. It's a useful technique to learn and can be used in many different ways.

Say for instance you have a pullover that you weren't too crazy about. Pull out your sewing machine. Stitch down the front of the pullover 2 times and then cut down the center in between the 2 stitches. Fold back the area or pick up the lives stitches and either knit or crochet a border down the 2 front pieces on the edge and you now have a cardigan.

A co-worker of mine had asked me to knit a few caplets for her grand daughters a while back. She gave me their measurements fully aware that they were much larger than the sizes the girls actually were. She wanted them to be able to get a couple of seasons out of them. When they put the caplets on, the girls were floating in them. I didn't want to knit the caplets over, so I pulled out my sewing machine, sewed a couple of lines where their arms could come through, added an extra button at the neckline and the caplets were salvaged. Eunny gives a good tutorial on her blog on steeking as well as Knitty and Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Around.

Anyway, I'm just about finished my project for Knit Picks. Here's a sneak peek.



I'm shipping it off on Monday. Yippee!!!! I can get back to my shaped lace tee from Knitting Lingerie Style. I want to wear it while I'm in Florida at the end of the month.

I also just signed up for another Knitalong, hosted by Robin of course. She's great!!! This time it's for Teva Durham's book Loop-d-Loop, and Loop-d-Loop Crochet. I don't own the crochet book, but it's on my list. I can't wait to cast on, but I guess it would help if I picked out a project first.

I'm also trying to decide between these next 2 crochet projects. Let me know which one you like better. They are both very similar, just the backs are a little different. The first one is More Than an Apron and the second is Tunic. I first saw Tunic on Carrie's blog which I found through Ravelry. Thanks Carrie. Anyway, let me know which one you like better.

Toodles!!