I just wanted to share with you these great little stitch markers that I purchased at my LYS.  This was just one of those frivolous gifts that you buy for yourself because you deserve it!  They are from Hiya Hiya and if your LYS does not carry them you can find them at Amazon.

I am one of those knitters who loves to knit using pretty stitch markers.  I am actually disappointed if a pattern does not need a stitch marker.  I have some very pretty ones that I have purchased or made over these years.  These are mostly made of beads or small crystals.  I never had any that looked like little balls of yarn.  They were just too cute to pass up.  I currently have them on my needles now and they look very pretty against the pink yarn that I am using.

How about you?  Do you like to knit using fancy stitch-markers?  What kinds of knitting novelties makes your knitting even more enjoyable?

Happy Knitting!

I was so excited to make this magic ball of yarn.  I originally saw a Pin for it on Pinterest here at The Pieceful Ewe.  I only  have a few close friends and family that knit so they are able to benefit from great projects like this!

For Christmas I decided to make my friend this magic ball of yarn.  I picked up items at various stores to put inside of the yarn.  She likes that yarn which makes those lacy scarves so I purchased some of that yarn to hide the gifts in.  Of course, I forgot to save the label or write down the yarn name.

This is the yarn and the items that I hid in it.

I began by wrapping the yarn around the tape measure and then placed items on the yarn and continued to wrap around them.  I slipped a twist tie through the stitch markers and attached them to the yarn with the twist tie.

When I was done with wrapping the yarn I printed a little tag to attach to the yarn explaining what it contained.  Here is what I wrote on it:

MAGIC BALL OF YARN

This is a magic ball of yarn.  Within this ball of yarn are six little knitting gifts.  In order to claim your gifts you have to knit the scarf.  No cheating!  Do not unravel the ball of yarn to find your gifts…unless you really want to…but the fun is in the knitting

I cut it out with scissors that left a pretty edge on the paper, I hole punched one corner and tied it with red and white baker’s twine to the yarn.

The picture came out pretty dark but the above picture is the dark purple yarn with the note attached.  I did not include a pattern because this is the yarn that is lacey and there is only one way to knit it (that I know of!).  My friend enjoys knitting these so there was no need to attach a pattern.  However, if you are using regular stranded yarn you may want to include some type of a pattern for a scarf, infinity scarf, hat, etc.

This was a very simple item to make and it was a whole lot of fun looking for and buying the gifts to hide inside.  When my friend finishes the scarf I will see if she will let me post a picture of it.

Happy Knitting!

I think that knitting a swatch for a new project is the worst part of the project for me.  I recently purchased some Cotton Fleece Pink-a-Boo by Brown Sheep Company to make a vest from the Spring 2011 issue of Vogue Knitting.  Since this is actually something that I hope to wear someday I figured that I better make a swatch so that I  have at least somewhat of a chance that the vest will fit me when it’s finished.

The swatch is a 4″ x 4″ swatch knit in the pattern stitch.  I measured the swatch when I was half way through it and the length was just right at 2″.  However, when I measured the width is was just a little better than 3″.  Now what?  If I use smaller needles then the width will be fine but the length will be too short.  The pattern stitch is only used on the front of the vest and the back of the vest is stockinette stitch.  My mother suggested that I knit a swatch in stockinette stitch to see if I get the same gauge as what is on the yarn label.  If I do, I will probably stick to the suggested needle size.  If it’s not on gauge I will try the smaller needles.

It is so frustrating to have all of this new yarn just sitting in my bag waiting to turn into something on my needles and then my swatch does not come out right.  I know that the swatch usually takes at least a couple of attemps and in the end it is so worth it when the garment then fits you.  However, I just get too excited about my new yarn and I just want to start on the project.

So, now I am off to work on another swatch.  Hopefully this one will work out better and I can start my project tomorrow night.  If not, I will swatch again until I make one that works!

How about you?  How do you feel about making a swatch before you start your project?  Do you make a swatch or do you just take a chance?  I would love to hear from you!

One of my favorite hobbies is knitting.  I love the yarn, the patterns, the knitting needles and especially the accessories.  One thing that I tend to collect is stitch markers.  I really like the beaded ones and ones with charms.  I know that my knitting project is the same when it is finished whether or not I use pretty stitch markers.  I know that I don’t need to use a cute tape measure.  I know that I don’t need to use cute little sock shaped point protectors on my needle.  I just like them and they make me smile!

For me, part of the fun of knitting is the stuff that goes along with it.  I enjoy the feel of the yarn between my fingers at a yarn store, the look of my stitch markers on the needles and using a cute tape measure brings a smile to my face.  I have two Knit Kits which works out great since I usually have a couple of knitting projects going at the same time and the tools in the Knit Kit are usually enough.  However, for me, I really, really enjoy the pretty accessories too.  In the end, I usually have my Knit Kit and a big pouch full of too many knitting accessories.

When I was in Target the other day I came across these two adorable Mary Englebreit tins in the dollar rack.  I have always liked Mary Englebreit’s artwork and when I saw these cute little tins I knew that they would be perfect for my knitting accessories.

The first thing that I did was spread out all of my knitting accessories into two groups.  This way I could put together two tins of accessories and have one for each of my projects.

Once I decided which items would go where I just put them in the tins…

…and closed the lids.

I find knitting even more enjoyable and relaxing with these cute little accessories.  It is even better when these accessories are only $1.00!  So simple, yet so satisfying!

Happy Knitting!

I recently  casted on some new yarn on my needles to make a bellydance hip scarf.  Sometimes when I bellydance I like to where a hip scarf but I don’t always like the noise the coins on the hip scarf make.  I figured that this would be the perfect opportunity to combine both my hobby of knitting and that of bellydancing.

I loaded the boys into the car and we headed off to one of my favorite LYS (local yarn store).  It is one of my favorites for many reasons but one of the biggest reasons is that the owner keeps a toy box there for kids.  She lets the boys bring their toys back by the counter in the open knitting area and I can shop, keep an eye on them and also have them occupied while I am deciding on my yarns.  The boys were all too happy to go with me when I told them which LYS we were going to.

She had so many pretty yarns that it was hard to make up my mind.  I finally decided to combine a mohair and a thin carry-along yarn with sequins on it.  One of the women that work there wanted to see my final choice and when I showed it to her she suggested adding a third yarn for a little more color and she even showed me which one.  It ended up being the perfect blend of colors.  My pictures do not do the yarn colors justice but they are a nice bright blend of greens, bright pinks, turquoise and yellows.

I decided to make a triangle shaped hip scarf.  The hardest part when starting out was the needle size.  I didn’t want the stitches to be tight and small and look like a Winter scarf.  I wanted them to be light, airy and lacey looking.  I found some fantastic lace shawl patterns that would have made beautful hip scarfs but  just didn’t have the time for a project that size.  In the end, I decided on the swatch that I had done with the US19 (15.0 mm) needles.

I casted on 3 stitches and then increased at the beginning of each row.  I will just continue knitting in that pattern until the hip scarf is the length that I need.  Once I am finished with the knitting I am going to take the hip scarf to the fabric store for some trim.  While I was at the fabric store one day I came across some beautiful beaded trim in colors that would match my hip scarf perfectly.  Since I am not sure what the finished size is going to be I decided to wait to purchase the trim until the scarf is finished.  I will be sure to post pictures as soon as I finish the hip scarf.

So far, this is what I have completed.

I have a ways to go with  it yet but if I can set aside a little time each evening to knit it, I should have it done soon.

Some days are just so hectic.  Then there are times when the entire week is hectic!  This is one of those times.  We had a fantastic Easter but it was definately busy.  Even though I am up early in the morning to exercise it seems like I still run out of time by the end of the day.

Today was busy with errands and I didn’t even have time to cook dinner.  Fortunately, my mom had sent home leftovers with us on Easter so we had our Easter leftovers for dinner.  By the time we cleaned up from dinner, spent time with the boys and got them ready for bed, the day was over.

When we get so busy like this my craft projects understandably get put on hold.  Last week I started the Modern Reticule pattern that I have in my Jane Austen Knits magazine.  After I ripped it out four times I think that I am finally on my way with it.  Of course I still only have about 5 or 6 rows knit but that’s alright because I’m getting there.

The base of the purse uses a Little Herringbone stitch that I had never used before.  I had to rip my knitting out twice but then I finally figured out how to do the stitch.  After that I made a mistake because I wasn’t giving it my full attention so I ripped it out since I was only a couple of rows in.  The last time I had to rip it out I had dropped a stitch so I opted to rip it out again since I was still only a few rows into it.  I have finally settled into the pattern stitch but now I need to find the time to work on it.

Sometimes I am able to knit when the boys and I are having some quiet time and are watching a video.  Lately, though, there just hasn’t been enough time to work on any craft projects or to sit down and watch a show.  I think that this week we need to take some time and slow down a bit and have a little bit of “at home” time.  The boys enjoy holding my yarn when I knit and we are watching a show and they enjoy playing with yarn and fabric in my sewing room while I am sewing.  I enjoy having them there with me.  We just need to slow down and enjoy those little things in life and get back into our everyday routine.

I had posted here about a new magazine that I had purchased, Jane Austen Knits by Interweave Knits.  I really wanted to jump right in and start a new project but I was determined to finish my brown Cap Sleeve Coat pattern that I found in the Vogue Knitting Fall 2010 issue.

I have finally finished the back and two front pieces of this sleeveless coat!  All that is left is to seam up the sides and then add a 4″ wide collar.  My sweater finishing leaves a lot to be desired so I need to find time to sit down, preferably at open knit night at my LYS, and do the seaming.  In the meantime, my needles are available for a new knitting project!

I wanted to work on a small project so I pulled out my Jane Austen Knits magazine and decided to knit either the Modern Reticule or the Pemberley Slippers.  I really liked the slippers but I wanted something a bit more simple where the finished size was not as important so I decided to knit the Modern Reticule.

I have a lot of sock yarn in my stash so I decided on a Panda Wool yarn which is 46% Bamboo, 43% Wool and 11% Nylon.  I am going to cast on tonight and at hopefully be able to start the reticule.  I figured that this reticule would be good to have for the summer months.  It should be just the right size for my cell phone, coin purse and driver’s license.  When we go to the park or the pool I like to have those few necessities with me without having to carry a big purse.  I think that this will work out just fine.

Thanks for visiting my blog and please stop back again this week as I will post pictures of the reticule after I have had some time to work on it.  I also want to post instructions for the clothespin dolls and pictures of my close-to-finished Cap Sleeve Coat.

I should be picking up around the house…but I’m knitting.

I should be cleaning up the end-of-the-day dishes in the kitchen…but I’m knitting.

I should be doing laundry…but I’m knitting.

I should be practicing my bellydancing…but I’m knitting.

I’m sure that I will at least do the dishes and pick up around the house before I go to bed tonight but those things will have to wait until later…because I’m knitting!

Sometimes you just have to knit!

I was reading through Knitalong written by Larissa Brown and Martin John Brown and I came across the Meathhead Hat pattern. I thought it was adorable. It is made on size 15 needles with bulky yarn so it is definately a quick-knit project.

I decided to take a short break from the sweater that I’m knitting and give this hat pattern a try. I checked my yarn stash and the only bulky yarn I had was in a pink and purple colorway that I was sure that my boys would not like to wear. I decided to knit it anyhow because it was so cute. The yarn that I used was Manos del Uruguay, color #118. I’m not sure if it is a heavy worsted or a bulky yarn but you use two strands for the pattern and it knit up beautifully.

It starts out with a ribbed trim.

I then proceeded to the stockinette stitch section.

Before I knew it I was working on the decreases and was finished!

The last thing for me to do was to seam the hat and add a flower made on my Hana Ami loom.

My least favorite part of any knitting project is the seaming! If I can avoid seaming, I do. Once I completed the Meathead hat I did not see any reason why I could not knit it on dpn’s, except for one…I didn’t have the correct size. I really enjoy using my Knitpicks Harmony knitting needles but they do not appear to come in a size 15 dpn. I think that I will have to go out and purchase a size 15 dpn and try them out on this project. That way I would not have to seam the hat and that would make me very happy. Maybe I will need to make a quick run to the craft store tonight!

I am going to give the Meathead hat that I made to my friend’s little girl since she loves hats and the colors pink and purple. I am also going to have to pick up some bulky yarn to knit up a couple of these hats for my boys in a blue color to match their coats. I think that they are just too cute!! They also knit up in an evening so they are a nice short break from a bigger knitting project.

I just wanted to take this time to wish everyone a happy new year. This has been a wonderful Christmas and Holiday season for us but it has been so busy. I am looking forward to starting on some new craft projects and sewing projects. The boys are looking forward to more crafting also.

I have finally casted on the last portion of my brown sweater…again. I hope to finish it this month and actually wear it this winter.

I am planning on starting a new knit-along within the next month. I am just now sure which project to choose. I am debating doing either a project from my Jane Austen Magazine or The Great American Afghan. I know I did not keep up with my Knitivity KAL but I had not planned on Christmas being so busy. I will bring that KAL back later this year, maybe towards the end of summer. Please let me know if anyone is interested in either of those KAL’s or if anyone would like to see another KAL.

I am looking forward to doing more craft project with my boys. They are currently working on a new craft project. Their Aunt and Uncle bought them a huge Mater (from the Cars movie) which is made out of cardboard. They are able to color and decorate it and then play inside of it also. They just love it. They started coloring it today.

I am looking forward to working on my brown sweater tonight after the boys go to bed. We have a winter snow/rain storm expected to come through tonight so I cannot think of a better way to spend it than to knit a warm sweater and have a nice cup off hot chocolate.

I wish everybody a happy and healthy new year!