On the Hook & Needle Project Update

Usually I only have one or two projects each for crochet and knitting in-the-works, but since I had taken a handful of classes in July at Anna's Yarn Shoppe, I have more than that.  Plus I started a few fall projects that I shared this week on the blog HERE.

Crochet: Frost Scarf

If you do not have the link for the pattern, check out my previous post HERE.  I worked several weeks on this project, only a few hours a day and I'm not quite done.  After awhile, I became bored with repeating the same row over and over again.  It really is an easy pattern if you know basic crochet stitches.  I did find that I would stitch looser or tighter at different times when I would work on this.  Though I think I can get away with this minor "problem" as the bottom is wider then the middle and I will be blocking it in the end.  I just have to be sure to make the bottom on the other side of the scarf wider then the middle.  This will give it a different effect than the pattern intended, but it also makes my scarf more unique - it is handmade after-all.

Knit: Winter Berries Wrap/Scarf

I really love the look of this pattern and the mock cabling.  You can read my previous post HERE.  Once I learned the new stitches in this pattern it was not a difficult pattern.  I found that the way it was written (having to go back and forth to look at the decorative pattern and the main pattern) made it more difficult than actually knitting it.  I must have knit the first 10-15 rows about 5 times!  By the time I started over a 6th time, I was able to continue in the pattern and I did manage to rip out my mistakes.  However, I usually had to rip out 4 rows to finally be able to start again in the pattern.  Not sure why I ended up having to rip out more than a row to fix a mistake in the previous row, but it was good practice in fixing my mistakes.  Now I am finishing the last part of the pattern, which is not descriptive enough for me (as a beginner knitter) to make sure I am making the correct decreases in the pattern.  Once I can figure this out, I have the final edging and it will be complete, before blocking.

You can see the mock cabling starting to develop

Two Great Fall Scarf Patterns

Among other projects I have in the works or have already finished, I am working on two scarfs for the Fall.  The first pattern is crochet and can be made in other colors the yarn comes in, but I choose the Autumn color (Harvest Moon) as it reminds me of the changing colors of leaves.  The second one is knitted and the design has a beautiful leaf pattern to it that I am working in a gorgeous fall green color.  There are several other knitted projects with intricate leaf designs that I have on my list to make at some point.  Most of them are on Raverly, so if you haven't joined you should.  There are great patterns both free and to buy.

Scarf 1: Sophisticated Scarf by Red Heart in Crochet

Follow my progress, new photos and notes HERE. You can find the pattern HERE.  The picture doesn't do the actual color justice, but you get an idea of how the scarf looks.

Scarf 2: Daphne

Follow my progress, new photos and notes HERE.  You can find the pattern HERE.  So far I have only finished the repeat of rows twice and already you can clearly see the leaf pattern developing..  It will look even better once it is blocked

Must-Have sewing supplies

I learned to sew and cut fabric with the typical sewing scissors, but in the last few years as I have taken up sewing again I found that the scissors are cumbersome.  It doesn't matter if the projects are small or large, using the scissors is not the most convenient cutting tool.  I decided that I would invest in a rotary cutter, which will also be useful if I decide to make any quilts.   Luckily Joann's had the rotary cutters and mats on sale for 60% several months ago, so it was meant to be.

I have used the rotary cutter for all my sewing projects this year and have been extremely happy with it.  Cutting through fabric, fleece and other thicker materials is a breeze.  The Fiskars cutting mat and ruler are great tools to use with it and my thumb doesn't hurt after cutting all the fabric!  Oh, and you can cut straight lines very easily, no eye-balling it.  My next big project is my knitting and crochet tote bag, but that's on hold while my sewing machine is serviced.  I would recommend investing in a rotary cutter if you are a avid sewer or quilter.

Tip of the Month: Knitting Supplies & Tools

If you are new to knitting or already knitting, you might have seen all the different supplies in the knitting aisle at your local craft store.  Sometimes, especially as a new-to-the-craft beginner it can be overwhelming when you are looking for your supplies.  So I am here to help you sort through some of the supplies and tools to get you knitting.  And it's okay if you want to try knitting with a knitting kit that includes some of the basic supplies.

Knitting Needles:
These are the main necessity to knitting (unless you have chosen to Loom Knit).  There are three main types of knitting needles: straights, circular, and double-pointed.  Circular needles can be fixed or interchangeable; I like my interchangeable ones, but some of the larger needles are fixed only, so I have both.  In addition, all three are made of different materials, the typical choices are acrylic, nickel, bamboo/wood, and sometimes plastic.  It really is a personal preference as to which material will work best for you and no matter what you read, there are pros and cons to each.  If you can, I would recommend going to a local/specialty yarn shop and seeing if you can try out the different materials.

                    Straights: Great for most projects and come in varying sizes and lengths
                    Circular: Necessary for knitting in the round; great for most projects, especially large projects
                    Double-pointed: Necessary for knitting socks and other patterns that call for them; can be  
                    useful for fixing mistakes

Stitch Markers and Holders:
You will need stitch markers and they come in varying sizes and shapes.  The size you will need will depend on the needle size you are using for your project and you can buy a set with multiple sizes.  Whether you choose circular or triangular will be a personal choice; I have both, even "fun" ones in a heart shape.  You will also find locking stitch markers (the teal-green ones pictured below) and split ring stitch markers (not pictured).  Locking stitch markers are great for crochet, fixing mistakes in your knitting and some knitting projects, so far I have not used them in my knitting projects.  Split ring stitch markers are great if you need to mark rows, decreases/increases or mistakes.  And stitch holders do exactly what the package says - hold stitches, these also come in varying sizes (1 larger and 2 small are pictured below).  You will also find brass or metal stitch markers that have charms or beads on them - I call these designer stitch markers, and these will also work for most yarns.

Point Protectors and Stoppers:
For me, I only had a few stoppers that were my Grandmother's and for my first few projects I have not used them.  Now that I have started larger projects, stoppers come in handy when I set my work aside or take it with me.  The stoppers will "stop" your stitches from falling off your needles and also prevent your needles from poking through your bag.  Point protectors are similar to stoppers, but can also be used on double-pointed needles.  Again these come in varying sizes and shapes, so be sure to buy the correct size based on the needle size you are using for your project.

Other accessories:
Yarn needle (also called tapestry needles) - You will need these to weave in ends or sew pieces together when you are finishing your project
Tape measure - Necessary for measuring your gauge swatch and measuring your projects
Scissors - To cut yarn
Sticky-notes - Great for marking your point in the pattern, notes or keeping track of the number of rows completed
Pen/Pencil - Necessary if you are marking your rows or other notes in the pattern
Yarn Sleeve - Basically a yarn sleeve is helpful to hold yarn together and I haven't used these often, but before you go buy any try this simple project.  If you buy any single garlic cloves or pearl onions, save the mesh bag and trim both ends off.  Now you have a yarn sleeve, just like the ones you can purchase.
Cable Stitch Holders - If you decide to knit cable patterns you will need cable stitch holders.  The most common style (pictured below center) are the hooks, but I have seen two other styles in yarn shops.
Knitting Project Bags or Yarn Holders - There are so many styles that I will discuss these in a separate post later in the week.  Basically these are just bags to carry your project and yarn.

There are other supplies for knitting you can purchase, but I find that the tools I have discussed above are the necessities for knitting most projects.  If you buy hanks of yarn, you will need a yarn swift and ball winder to wind your yarn into a ball (Do Not try to knit or crochet from a hank of yarn).  And if you start buying needles in all sizes you will need a knitting needle case to carry all your needles.

Happy Knitting!

On the Hook: Crochet Frost Scarf

Besides knitting projects, I have a few crochet projects I am finishing.  One is a poncho with Lion Brand HomeSpun yarn, while the other is the Alpine Frost Scarf from the Best of Interweave Crochet book. You can also purchase the pattern individually at Raverly.com .

Anna's Yarn Shoppe chose S. Charles Collezione's Luna yarn, which is absolutely perfect for this project. I love the Luna yarn as it is a solid color with a bit of the metallic glitter and is a mohair-silk blend.  If you are new to crochet I would not recommend working with mohair as it can be tricky and if you make a mistake it can be very difficult to take out several stitches.  And if you use the Luna yarn in white the scarf resembles snowflakes.

The pattern itself is not very difficult once you get the stitch because it merely repeats the stitch.  We made a minor alternation to the pattern dimensions to make it more of a scarf than a scarf-wrap, which I will be adding to my raverly project page..  This will also be my first crochet project that I will need to block, but the blocking will enhance the appearance of the pattern stitches when complete.

You can follow my progress and notes as I work on the scarf at Raverly.com .  I will be posting photos as I finish the project, so stay posted for that.

Best of Interweave Crochet - Alpine Frost Scarf

Knitting lace patterns & circular needles

Recently I signed up for a few knitting classes and two were lace or mock-cable pattern stitches (the Winter Berries Scarf).  I love looking at all the wraps, shawls, scarfs and other knitting patterns that involve lace stitches and I think "Ooh, that looks difficult".  Now, I'm only a beginner knitter and have only completed a couple of knitting patterns, so these projects will be my first attempts at lace knitting.

Here is my knitted rib stitch for a cupcake pattern.

Pieces of the cupcake, a combination of crochet and knit

Cupcake is finished

Obviously taking on a wrap or scarf in lace knitting is a huge challenge and probably not something some instructors would recommend.  For me, I understood the stitches involved and can make a knit and purl stitch.  Everything else is a variation of these two stitches.  Some I find to be tricky, like knitting behind or purling behind.  But practice makes perfect.

So far I have completed a few rows of the repeated pattern stitch for the Encantada wrap (from the book Destination Alchemy) using an Artyarn instead of the Alchemy Haiku yarn.  I love the colors and the feel of the Haiku, but felt that it might be slightly easier to work with the Artyarn for this particular pattern.  The type of yarn you use for a pattern can really make or break a pattern.  Though there is a fine line when you are on a steep learning curve.  The finer, thread like or higher percentage of mohair or angora can make it very difficult to work with if you are a beginner.  It's not easy for me to correct my mistakes in knitting as I can in crochet, but mohair can stick and make taking a stitch out (whether it's crochet or knitted, makes no difference) very difficult.

Now for circular knitting needles.  I have always seen the traditional straight knitting needles, until I asked a well-seasoned knitted, did not understand the versatility of circular knitting needles.  From our conversation, I learned that circular knitting needles are great for projects that require a large number of cast on stitches or end up with a large number of stitches made; for those with weaker wrists joints/muscles since it keeps the weight of the project in the center as apposed to one side; and can be easier to knit with since you do not have long sticks hitting your arms as with traditional knitting needles.  So if you are thinking about getting circular knitting needles, I would recommend it.  Currently I have 3 projects on circulars and I am happy with using them, though I would recommend getting interchangeable ones.  Mine are from Knitpicks, but there are may different companies that make interchangeable circular needles, and it really is a personal choice whether you want acrylic, nickel or wood/bamboo.  That's not to say you shouldn't have straight knitting needles, I still use those for some projects.

So if you are joining the Raverly or NobleKnits Olympic knitting games you should get started.  Happy Knitting.

On the needles: Winter Berries Scarf/Wrap

This pattern was introduced in one of my knitting classes and is my current (among other) projects I have started in preparation for Christmas.  At first I thought the pattern would be very complicated, but in reality the stitches are easy, it just a matter of reading the pattern and making sure you have enough repeats of the "decorative" pattern stitch. And there is no cabling in this, it is a "mock" cable the way the stitches are made. Check out the blog for this pattern and more by Marjorie D. 

You can follow my progress or add it to your projects list on Raverly.  For the ruffles I plan on using a nice glitter/sparkle yarn in combination with my main yarn to add some sparkle to the pattern.  Pictures will follow as I progress in the project.

And if you are a beginner knitter, as I am, don't be afraid or intimated by these type of projects.  It is possible to work on intricate patterns, just take your time.  Happy knitting!

Winter Berries by Marjorie D. 

No-sew Produce bags

Yes, I found a no-sew produce bag project.  Actually there's very little you have to do to make this and even the novice crafter can make their own produce bags.  I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner.

It's simple.  Save the bags from the onions and garlic you buy at the the grocery store or Costco.  Remove the label, make sure the inside is clean (there are no onion peels inside) and 'poof' - you now have a reusable and washable produce bag.  So easy.

July's inspirations

It's already the middle of July and I still have so much more I want to accomplish before the end of the month.  As I try to stay cool in the heat and still complete my list of projects, I wanted to take a moment and share a few links that inspire me this month.  Don't worry I will be sharing my projects as I complete them.

I really like some of the Wire and Wire-wrapped jewelry - A Tree Necklace and X-mas tree earrings

For the fall I am loving some of the crochet and knit wraps and shawls.  I even have a few classes I am taking to expand my beginning knitting skills and learn to knit lace patterns.  Here's two of my favorites: A bamboo wedding shawl  and radiant eyelet shawl

As for sewing I have been admiring a few headbands.  This lace one which would be great for some of my lace fabric scraps.  And this fleece one for the winter, though I am not sure if I will embellish it with a flower or not.  I think the fleece headband combined with this fleece hat (in adult size) will be a perfect project to use the fabric from my old jacket.

And finally I think I need to sew up a few of these gift bags before the holidays arrive.

For now I will leave you with this beautiful day lily that was blooming in my garden.

Working in the Garden and Harvesting Lavender

All my hard work has slowly rewarded me with fresh vegetables and fruit from my garden.  A have a small bowl of sweetheart cherry tomatoes, 1 yellow straight-neck squash and a few bell peppers.  The melons have taken over the trellis and are in full bloom.  A few little melons, as pictured below are starting to grow, I can't wait to harvest fresh melons later in the summer.  My zucchini and straight-neck squash have been growing slow this year compared to last year.  I harvested several zucchini's last year before my tomatoes were even blooming, but that's not the case this year.  Hopefully I will have a nice crop to cook with later in the summer though.

There are few additions to my garden this week:  I planted a mix of sunflower seeds that I recently was given and am working on re-planting my lettuces.  The other project that has taken several days of work was harvesting my French and English lavender.  Both were basically done blooming, so I cut off all the blooms then did a bit of trimming on the plant.  It will grow back larger than it was before I trimmed it, so don't be afraid of some trimming, just don't go crazy and kill it.  After cutting the blooms, it is necessary to bundle them in about handful sizes and tie with string or vegetable twisty-ties.  Hang each bundle up in a dark, dry (can be cool) place for a few days.  Once the lavender is dried, you can use the lavender as it is or strip the blooms off and use in crafts.  French and English lavender work well because they have the lovely lavender smell, most Spanish lavenders do not.  Do not use lavender that has been sprayed with any chemicals or pesticides for culinary purposes.

Watermelon

Melon vines

First Eggplant

Straight-neck squash

Early girl tomatoes

New Links and Favorites for May

This month I thought I would share some of my favorite finds and links, maybe you will be inspired too.

My next sewing project (once I find the fabric/colors I want): Here

Great craft idea for tin cans and 4th of July or Memorial Day: Here

I want to braid my hair like this for the summer time: Here

This dessert would be very festive for 4th of July or Memorial Day: Here

And my favorite quote for the month is:  "Gardening is cheaper than therapy, and you get tomatoes"

I have been spending a lot of time in my garden, getting everything planted and watching my plants bloom.   But I have gotten back into my crafts.  Here's one I recently finished.

December Already?

Can you really believe it's December already?  I've been super busy since Thanksgiving and I'm hoping things will settle down soon.  So be prepared to see more posts of the projects I have been working on.

I have mentioned crochet hats several times, and I will finally get the pictures posted.  And I already have new crochet projects in the works.  Now I have been working on some sewing and those will be up soon too.

If you are looking for gardening and cooking ideas, tips and such I have those too to post.  Especially since I have a ton of green tomatoes!!

Finally, I have some new reviews of some recent outings to share with you.  I'm always looking for new traveling ideas.

So much to post and so little time at the moment.  Stay warm out there, it's been freezing temperatures this week here in Northern California.

Re-Purposing Glass Jars

I am always looking for ways to recycle or re-purpose.  Here's one item that can be used in many ways; Glass Jars.

What can you do with glass jars?  Any glass jar - used spice jars, candle jars, canning jars, etc. will work.  I usually soak the labels to loosen those that are stubborn to remove.  With candle jars I use a candle warmer to melt any remaining wax (which I then pour into a smaller glass votive with a new wick).  And I usually hand wash or put in the dishwasher to clean the glass jar.

Now you have your glass jar ready for projects.  Have a messy desk? Can't find those rubber bands or paper clips?  Organize them into glass jars.  You can even paint and label the jars if you are creatively inclined to.

What do you do with used spice jars (not the plastic ones)?  Clean them up and then you can use them to store your own dried herbs, other spices, spice mixes or rubs and any other small craft item (like beads).



I also use jars for storing my rice, grains, beans, nuts and other baking supplies.  Being able to see the item and having it labeled makes it so much easier to find  in my pantry.  I love the rustic look too.  These jars look great and do not cost very much.  You will also save money by buying the dry beans instead of canned beans and avoid BPA in canned foods.  These make great gift ideas as well.  Measure ingredients for cookies, brownies, hot cocoa into the jars, seal, add a nice cut fabric or a ribbon and a label.  Now you have a great gift item straight from your kitchen to theirs.

Now let's organize the bathroom with your glass jars.  Store your band aids, Q-tips, cotton balls and any thing else you would like.  If you have a beach/ocean theme decor you can hot-glue a seashell to the top.  I even display some seashells that I found and collected as a child.  Very simple decor that also is unique and memorable.

Need some other ideas for your glass jars? 

- glass pebbles

- needles

- beads

- toothpicks

- buttons

- bath salts

- birthday candles

- bookmarks

- paint brushes

- nails, nut, bolts, etc.

I would love for you to share your idea.  Photos are even better.  So what do you do with your glass jars?



It's Fall and that means Pumpkins!

Fall, here in California, means apples and pumpkins to me.  I love the delicious smells when baking and cooking with both ingredients.  Today though I want to talk about pumpkins, I'll save the apples for another day.

Most people think of pumpkin pie at their holiday table or carving Jack-O-Lanterns.  But there are so many more recipes you can cook with pumpkins.  I could spend hours going through all my recipes that involve pumpkins.  There are also so many decorative ideas that pumpkins can be used for, besides a carved pumpkin.

What does that mean, you ask?  Hand-blown glass pumpkins.  These are not your typical decorative pumpkins.  Don't get me wrong, I have the lighted grapevine pumpkins, as well as others both ceramic, fabric and other material types on display in my home.  But these hand-blown glass pumpkins are the most unique ones I have seen yet.

I made a day of it with my Mother and went to the art center event in the Bay area to see these hand-blown glass pumpkins.  I love most things made of hand-blown glass.  From my own travels, I have a Norwegian hand-blown dog, Venetian glass pendants and earrings and now Bay Area pumpkins!  If you don't have anything made of hand-blown glass, I would highly recommend finding a piece.  The price is worth it when you have a piece of art that is unique and will hold many memories of the trip or day.

Here's is a tiny preview of the pumpkins I saw.

Large or small in every color of the rainbow.  There were too many to choose from, but I finally found one that called to me.  I can say it is happily on display for the season.

Now I do have one more project that involves pumpkins.  And that involves carving pumpkins, not real pumpkins, but the craft pumpkins you can buy at a local craft store.  I found that carving pumpkins each year as a kid is great fun, but now it's kind of a waste of a good pumpkin.  There are two patterns in particular that inspired me, a German Shepherd dog and stars.  Last season I found a magazine that featured patterns of various dog breeds that you can use to carve pumpkins.  The German Shepherd is quite intricate and I expect it will take me a while to carve just one pumpkin.  The second was a picture of stars in different sizes carved around an entire pumpkin.  Eureka!  I knew that I wanted to carve a few craft pumpkins with these designs to light up on display in my house for the holiday.  This season I think I will be able to get to the project, since I bought the craft pumpkins on clearance last year.  (just another way to save money).  So stay tuned for that project!