Knitting in the City......

Learning to weave...

2012-01-17T22:54:00.001-08:00

My BFF let me borrow- well she isn't using it or planning on using it, so she said I can borrow it forever. I like the arrangement, it is hers- if she ever wants to use it. But I can use it all I want. I made a scarf a while ago. So I know how to use that one. I am taking a weaving class and I will learn to weave on a 4 harness loom! I am really excited- we will also go the process of designing. It is a beginning class, but I have intermediate and advanced to look forward to:-) Next time I will take pictures of the room and my loom, it will be my loom for this semester!!!!

Going backwards to move ahead

2011-03-12T13:58:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with a pair of socks in 2007, I have wanted to make them, but they are knee high socks, which I don't wear. I have thought of these socks often and have recently cast on. The socks are enterlac, which I have made a few small things in. Entrelac Socks - Interweave"

I have only cast on and done the toes. I kinda got scared of messing up the enterlac once I got to that point. So I cast on with cotton, figuring a face cloth/wash cloth would be a nice practice piece. I also got to thinking that I should learn how to knit backwards- imagine not having to turn my work any more. I really like and it isn't as hard as I thought it would be. I also noticed that my tension is pretty even and my gauge has loosened up some. I am a tight knitter- so although as you can see going backwards can help you move forward:0)

I am always planning on updating.

2011-01-29T12:42:00.000-08:00

I don't know why it is such a pain for me to sit down and write. I always knew that writing isn't my thing. I mix present and past tense. I make typos, after I write I don't want to proof read. I have noticed that when I read other people's blogs, they do the same things! Well they do a considerable job better, but they do make little mistakes. I know that shouldn't make me feel any better- but it shows me they are not perfect and if helps.

I have a ton of pictures that I took:) I went to Rhinebeck Sheep & Wool Festival in Oct 2010. I will have to post pictures of that. For anyone that doesn't know it is "heaven" for any fiber artist. The spinning tools, the knitting and crochet items, weaving tools, and I am sure I am forgetting some fiber crafts.

For my not posting in forever- I can't think of any other updates that I should do. I do have project pictures and notes- but I try to keep those on Ravelry. So in short- I am going to try to keep this up. Yet, this is me and my dislike of writing isn't going to vanish any time soon.

Sheepy Kitty

2009-10-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

I have been knitting and spinning, but I have also succumbed to the world of dyeing. My family keeps telling me why don't you just dye already- all the time. I was gathering quite the lovely stash of my own dyeing, but I finally started selling some at Sheepy Kitty:

Sheepy Kitty also has a blog that hopefully I will do a better job of keeping up to date. It is really hard for me not to keep my stuff for me, but I have to be realistic. I if I am going to spin and/or knit all the stuff I have, I have not time for anything else.

2009-04-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

I thought I had updated this in March, but I just noticed that I my last post was the last day of February. I have been busy, only I feel like I haven't finished anything. I have been stressed out lately with taxes. I don't do taxes for profit- I do it as a favor to my family. To add to that I am self employed and I have to get all that stuff together. Every year I say I am going to do a better job of keeping everything in order, but I seem to forget that before I actually do it.

I have been trying to spindle spin:

I haven't yet finished my navajo plying of this fiber:

Then I have way too many WIP's going on. I had stuck to only working on 1 project at a time so far this year. I recently cast on a few too many projects, the end of the school year is coming up and the kids want to give teachers gift. I have Arianne's sweater going on:

The color is a charcoal and not the washed out color that it is.

Then I am making a Clapotis for one teacher:

Then for another it is a: One Skein Stole (Ravelry link) This is a swatch- I haven't taken a picture of it since I cast on.

Last but not least I started making these felted booties for my nieces baby:

Seaming the bottom to the boot is really difficult, so that is what is keeping the boots from being done. Then I made the adornments from the wrong color so I have to re-knit those.

All but the boots are farther in progress than the pictures. I need to finish something soon!

Stitches West

2009-02-28T17:48:00.000-08:00

I am very happy with all that I got at Stitches West:0) Do you see all my goodies. I got 2 sweaters and a tops worth and of yarn from Miss Babs Superwash Merino that is so soft & squishy. I really didn't want to buy much yarn, but I also got an amazing deal on un-dyed sock yarn- so I got that. That was all I bought. I am very proud that is what I limited myself to. I did buy fiber, that is what I am allowing myself- fiber. I have to have fiber to spin right? I bought a baby slipper kit to for my nieces' newborn baby from Pick Up Sticks
I even bought an ear light, my family is teasing me over that one, but they get mad at me for having to watch movies with some light. So now I hope we will both be happy:0)

There where a lot of great Vendors there. I do have a few favorite. But because I am into spinning. My favorites are Urban Faunaand A Verb For Keeping Warm. I feel bad because I only bought one little thing at Urban Fauna, but they are great. Jamie & Blas are really nice people. In San Francisco we only have Urban Fauna or Carolina Homespun. The later is terrible- in so many respects, they act as if they are doing you a favor by gracing you with their presence. I haven't heard one nice thing about them- and I have talked to quite a few people. Sad really. But that is just one reason why Urban Fauna should do well.

2009-02-08T13:57:00.000-08:00

Opps I forgot to add the picture of the sock in the last post. I have gone in and edited it. I have been working on sample socks and I have spun some!!!

I do not have the picture of this batt. I have more fiber to make more though. It does sparkle.

Bulky yarn from a batt

dkKnits- this will become a Thorpe link for those on Ravelry

I am knitting, really I am.

2009-01-29T19:39:00.000-08:00

I have been working on WIP, only to decide when they are done that I don't like them. I have frogged them and not even taken a picture. I have been sample loom knitting socks, but I can't show those. I finished this sock on the loom, but now for me to make the partner.This is the Chevron Sock pattern listed on the side. The colors are off on this. I need to figure out the lighting!

I am in Stitches mode, I am going to go this year. I am working and stashing money here and there so that I have a budget, only what I have saved, and I don't have to feel guilty about it. I am only going to the market. Maybe next year with experience under my belt I will try the classes. The only problem is classes fill up so you have to book early, I am not that organized. We will see. I am super excited. I am going to stitches.

Free to a good home

2008-12-31T23:35:00.000-08:00

She may look sweet and at times she may act sweet, but I am so ready to get rid of her. Oscar loves her and every bratty, terrible, destructive, thing she does- HE LAUGHS!!! I keep telling myself, she has to get better. I mean it can't get any worse. We went away for the weekend, we had a party for my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary and she was home alone- well with the big dog in at night and our other cat. MIL came in and fed them, and to give a little attention if they want it. There are now new tares in our leather couch, blankets where spread around and a few cords where chewed on. I know it was not the big dog or the other cat- countless years of weekends and they have done nothing before. This is little miss naughty's 2nd weekend home alone, 1st out of her room. She was good for a few days after we got home. Then last night she forgot that she was being good. It started with her attacking my spinning, which is normal. Then I put it away and went to knitting, which I also had to put away as she is going to bite a hole through my needles- yes I would move her away. But when she is going to do something, she is going to do it. Then she got inside the couch, generally she does this and tries to attack you from within. But last night she got in and started doing her nail sharping. I could not get her out!!! Finally I gave up and went to bed. The other pets all followed me, as they all love to sleep with me, especially when Oscar stays up late and they get me all to their selves. Someone being the "group" kitty that she is follows. She keeps attacking all the pets and me through the blankets. I kick her out of the room countless times and she pushes the door open and comes on back to repeat her ritual of tormenting each pet and myself. Oscar tries to take her, but in the he ends tells me "Isn't she so sweet, she wants to be with you!"

Ugh, if I had to deal with her before I had kids, I would not have had any kids. None of my puppies or other kittens where like this. If I could only remove the blind fold she put on Oscar! But he loves her and adores her. Sure we will not have any furniture soon, but who cares- he has his little kitty. Well my New Years resolution is to try to to see her like he does, but it sure isn't going to be easy.

On pins and needles- not knitting related.

2008-11-12T11:16:00.000-08:00

My oldest baby is having surgery today. It is not one of my kids, but the last of the pets that I had before kids. I was fortunate to have my childhood pet around when I had my children. Poor Tiny had to be put to sleep when Arianne was 4 and Logan was 2. We had 3 dogs prior to having kids. Tiny was the first to go. I need to scan a picture of her as all my photos of her are prints and no digital. Then Oct 2006 we had to put Thunder to sleep.

Tinyka, said like Tiny-Ka as a puppy looked just like Tiny and was her size, is having dental surgery. I know that it is not as bad as some other surgeries, but she is being put to sleep for the surgery and she is 12 years old- which is something for a big dog. I can't help but worry. I can't wait for it to be time for me to pick her up. She had surgery 2 years ago and I made plans to pick her up and to take care of her that evening. I ended up having a work emergency and was not able to pick her up- DH did and had her at home. He called me and told me to hurry home as all she kept doing was standing at the kitchen window staring out. When I got home she cried and cried. I calmed her down and she went to her bed and crashed. Every now and then she would wake up and look for me. As soon as she would see me, she would put her head back down and go to sleep.

Spinning, knitting, and more spinning

2008-11-04T23:05:00.000-08:00

I am just loving spinning. I have gotten tired of a fiber, I have learned that spinning a fingering/sport yarn takes longer than a worsted weight. I am spinning this from AVFKW

I also fell in love with this fiber from Girl on the Rocks. I bought this at Color a Fiber Festival. Will post pictures when plied.

I have been working on this for the girl- I am done with 1 sleeve more than this picture shows.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-08T16:17:00.001-07:00

New things poping up...

2008-10-03T16:12:00.000-07:00

First we have added Kilala to our family. I am so out numbered on who I need to take care. What was I thinking. Although Kilala is sweet- she is a demon at times too. Just like her name sake. She makes one so angry, then with her sweet little purring or loving nuzzle, she makes you melt. Here are both little babies on my lap- no room for knitting.

Next I joined FreeCycle a few weeks ago, with the intention of decluttering. A few things that we could use have come up and I responded, but I didn't get an answer back. Finally yesterday I was working and was by my laptop and just happened to see a knitting machine come through. I responded as soon as it came through- I figured I wouldn't get it again. Well guess what- I got it:0) I can't wait to try it. She said there was a lot of response for it, so if I don't like it- I know someone else will take it. It has a video and everything! I bought one. I over paid on ebay and it was missing stuff:( No directions or anything. I can't wait to try it out. I need to quit working and work full time on crafting:0) Like that is going to happen!

Finally- good things happen in threes. Decor Accents has just announced a Wonder Sock Loom, in order to make socks with sock yarn you need an extra fine guage. No one else makes them. Up until now you had to order a different loom for every size. Now they have one loom you can use to make multiple sizes. Here is the info on the Wonder Sock Loom. If you visit, leave a comment letting them know I told you about it:0)

Green Merino

2008-09-16T16:33:00.001-07:00

DSC00299
Originally uploaded by naominova

I finally got to spin a little. I tried spinning the first fiber that I bought to use with a spindle. I kept having it break off and then I couldn't get it started again. So I figured I would try this, which is a merino as well, only it is prepared a little differently. So after working on my wheel for a little while I learned that I should hold my fiber down from the orafice and not straight out from it. The wheels that I used before where like that. But the Lendrum is at an angle, as are some other wheels, so you hold the fiber lower.

I was thinking that my wheel hated me, but now that I have figured that out- I am happily spinning. I wish that I didn't have to work or clean or anything else- so I could just spin away:0)

It's here!!!!

2008-09-13T08:04:00.000-07:00

I ordered my wheel several weeks ago, but it was on back order. Everyday I would check to see if it was back in stock, but no luck. On Wednesday night I check email and had an email confirmation from UPS, I thought what could this be from? I saw that it was from WoodLand Woolworks. I was so excited. It was to be delivered on Friday. On Friday I didn't want to leave the house, but I also realized that I could wait all day for nothing. I didn't want to take Logan to school. Instead of out usual walk to school- I drove. A 10 minutes drive was less time than the 40 minutes it takes for me to walk him there and then walk back.

The time arrived and my packages came, it turned out we could have walked.
I opened the boxes, but I needed to clean the house, so the spinning was going to have to wait. I got a Lendrum Complete Double Tredle.
Last night I tried to spin, but it only lasted a few minutes. First Ricky, our cat, decided that my lap was calling him. Then Maya, lap dog, saw that Ricky was on her lap and had to come over and try to squeeze on. There is no way I could have taken a picture- my camera was not within reach. I gave them some attention and moved them from my lap. Ricky was happy to lay by my side, but Maya was staking claim to my lap. Finally she settled down in her bed, and I got in a few more minutes. I got in like a total of 30 minutes, but it felt really good. I noticed that with this wheel my spinning was finer. Also I need to work on not over twisting. But all in all after not spinning for long, having a month break, and my first time using this wheel- What did I expect. I never even tried it before I ordered it, so I need to get more of a feel for this wheel. I really do like it and my feelings of what I wanted where right. Now to escape the pets to get some quaility spinning time in.

SF Sock of the KAL

2008-09-09T22:42:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we had our monthly meeting. We meet for coffee, knit, and visit. We had some people that couldn't make it, I missed last month. But here are the socks from everyone that was there that had finished their socks- lovely right? Mine are the brownish ones on the side. I am still trying to finish items- but besides the nutkin I have cast on a pair of leg warmers for the girlie girl. I need to work on finishing Logan's sweater and socks. Logan's socks need another inch of ribbing and his sweater needs the neck and to be seamed together. I am hoping to get those done this week and to do the remaining leg warmer. Monday I am casting on Wicked in the most beautiful Silky Malabrigo in the color Plum Blossom. I am just dying to swatch it, but I have to finish at least one of the above mentioned projects. I am really going to have to work on having a 2 project maximum- but then again, who am I kidding!

Urban Fauna Studio

2008-08-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

We had a brick and mortar fiber store open!!! Yesterday was the opening. It was very busy. We had to be there for the opening. I have been trying to spin for a while on a spindle and recently started on a wheel. Here in San Francisco we have a , as in 1, spinning vender that is not very nice, makes up her hours as she feels, and in general I don't see why she does what she does if it is such a bother to her. So it is very exciting! It is a small store with a ton of stuff. It is more spinning/felting related than a yarn store. But we do have other yarn store here in SF, but we don't have a fiber store. Above you can see the goody bags that they gave to all the customers, if you made a purchase they gave you a bag. I have 2 in the picture above because by 11 year old daughter spent her own money and purchased some stuff too. My purchases where mainly fiber a few fiber tools. Also there is the goodies from the goody bag:0)

The where a ton of people there so I hope that business goes really well for the owners. The line took forever, the software they are using is good- once it is all set up, but there is bound to be a few qinks on any opening day. They had some demo's going on and had mini-cup cakes to help you pass the time. Here are the pictures of the line and the demo.

Now to show you the store and it's wares. I did not get to capture everything as there where a ton of people and the store is little.

Crocheted Maya

2008-08-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

Maya's color is really hard to find. Her wrinkles will take more work and her nose is the same color as her. I will make another one with revisions. Maya likes it, she took its head off once already. I have a few projects and my spinning to fill my time. It was a 2 night project- I might be able to do it in one night depending on the movie. It has it's cuteness but it is not what I wanted.

Making a skein

2008-08-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

It is closer to being yarn that it was before!

Plying on wheel

2008-08-11T11:42:00.001-07:00

Look how good it looks while plying and on the wheel it is so easy- I have not tried on a spindle if it is like spinning.

Plying on a wheel

2008-08-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

I am really loving spinning. My knitting/crocheting has taken a back seat to my spinning. I tried on a spindle, it was okay. I just love spinning on a wheel. First the plying

It's not pretty, but it is mine!

2008-07-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

Learning to spin on a wheel!!!!

2008-07-31T19:12:00.000-07:00

I am taking spinning classes- it is very cool in that we get to take home a wheel each week and have homework to do. The first week we carded fiber and treaded the wheel. The second week we got to spin!

KAL- Sock A Month

2008-07-31T18:57:00.000-07:00

I found a knit along to knit a sock a month. I have yet to knit with any group so I figured this would be kind of cool. I took Arianne along with me, just in case so I would not be lonely. Arianne likes to look a t patterns and find things for me to make her. We had a nice time and I got to meet knitters. We had coffee and then went yarn shopping.

I have been knitting

2008-07-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I last posted. As everyone, work, kids, and life are always consuming my time:0) I am actually pretty lucky so I can't complain.

I am trying to work on knitting ADD, it is really hard to see a project all the way through. I have completed 3 hats, 2 needle knit and 1 loom knit. A felted yoga bag, it is too small.

I am working on a sweater for my son- I need to finish it up before he has out grown it. I frogged a pair of socks for him recently as he has grown. I am not casting anything else on the needles until I have finished:
Sweater for DS- working on last arm, need to finish neckline, and then seem up.
Socks for DS- frogged first pair- 70% done, this time I have finished the toes- knitting the pair.
Socks for DD- 1 sock is done. Having the second sock syndrome.
Sweater for DH- only finished the ribbing for the front.
2 Monkeys- The principal and a teacher asked me for a Bono - see blog post below, I have 1 Bono 50% done.

I know that if I go through my stashes I will find more things that I need to finish, but I think the above is a good goal for me to get through before I let myself cast on a new item.

Bono

2008-03-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

The kid’s school mascot is a monkey. His name is Bono El Mono. Bono is introduced to kids in Kinder and he is a very naughty monkey that the kids learn how to behave from. When I saw the pattern of Benny in Amigurmi: Super Happy Crochet Cute, I thought of Bono. I started to follow the directions, but there are quite a few typos- it is frustrating, so I ended up using the picture as my guide. I donated Bono to the school silent auction and he is now in his new home:0)

I put the school logo on his shirt which kind of made Bono, Bono.

Stitches West

2008-02-24T21:35:00.000-08:00

I have only known about Stitches West for a little while. The first time I heard of it was last year when it had just ended. I did not know what it was called, only that it was a yarnaholics heaven. I have checked magazines and asked at LYS's, finally I found a group in Ravelry called Stitches West 2008. How exciting, finally I could go. I checked the web site and marked my calendar. I visioned the booths of yarn, needles, and accessories. I dreamt what I could make with the all the yarn that would call to me. Stitches is now over:( I did not make it.

Maya had a skin problem return from last year. Poor Maya is becoming a hairless Chihuahua again. I am taking her to the Vet that I grew up taking my pets to, after spending a small fortune last year at another Vet. I live in San Francisco and the Vet is in Napa. I had to take Maya to the Vet this weekend for a re-check. Any trip to Napa means I have to spend time with the Family, plus my son loves to visit. I was hoping to come home drop the kids off and head to Santa Clara to at least spend a little time, but realized that Maya's Vet bills have taken my yarn budget, and them some, for the year. What fun would Stitches be if I can't afford to buy anything.

DH talked me into going to WonderCon. It was his money and the my son is an Anime lover. The kids had a great time and DH bought me a couple of t-shirts, one Wonder Woman and one Betty Boop. Will post pictures soon.

Next year my mom, a non-knitter non-crocheter said that she will go with me to Stitches West so I will not have to go alone:0) Stitches West 2009 or bust!

Fun goodies

2008-02-04T13:12:00.001-08:00

Isn't she cute!

2008-02-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

This is a little butterfly with her strawberry house. This is an adorable crochet pattern from anapaulaoli My dd put the beads on the top of the strawberry. I wanted to use different colors but she wanted the ones used in the pattern. DD gave this one to her friend, I hope they are happy together.

My baby is all grown up!

2008-01-26T22:58:00.000-08:00

My little Maya is a full grown puppy. I didn't want to get another dog, but I am so glad that my brother gave her to me.

Logans sweater

2008-01-26T22:32:00.000-08:00

This is the front and back of the sweater I am making for Logan. I have been working on this forever. I ordered the yarn based on the pattern. I then went and custom size it, Logan is a little chunky- not a mens small and not a kids large. I then realized I did not have enough yarn so I ordered more from KnitPicks. Then I noticed I had twisted the stiches when I was knitting, so I frogged it. I cast on again, lost my cable pattern and had to frog again! I am finally 1/2 way done with 1 sleeve, the front, and back!!!! But I started a sweater for Maya and have made 4 hats. My project list is ever growing and Raverly is taking up more and more of my time.

Bad bad blogger

2007-12-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

I know that I should post more often. I keep planning the update to the blog- I want to make it more me and less template. I know that code- but with work, kids, and pets- I need to knit from time to time. That leaves little time to redo the blog.

I have a lot of finished items, but no pictures of most. I really need to get better at taking pictures then wrapping and not wrapping and giving away before I think I should have taken a picture. I made on needles a baby sweater and matching hat, baby socks, dish clothes, baby hats, a few scarves. sweater for DD, baby blankets, slippers, backpack, and a purse. I started an account on flicker so I will have to add a link on the side bar to that.

The kids are gone

2007-07-12T21:23:00.000-07:00

You would think I have plenty of time to knit with the kids being gone. They left for Guatemala on 6/20. It feels like they have been gone forever! I still have 2 more weeks to go. I have been working a lot, which keeps me busy- but it keeps me away from knitting. I finished a few things and started even more! I am working on a 3 sweaters right now- 1 crochet, 1 loom, and 1 on the needles. I want to start Grammie's mesh bags, I searched for the yarn. I have a bag to felt going that I started last year on a loom. Then I have 2 different socks going on 2 looms. I completed a scarf, a pair of slippers- I still need to felt 1, 2 dish cloths, 1 bracelet, and a few baby hats. I have way more going than I have completed!

New member to the family....

2007-07-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

Almost a month ago we adopted Blue- a cat from the SPCA. Then a few days later my brother gave me Maya- a 6 week old Chihuahua. After 2 weeks it became obvious that Blue was not going to mesh with our pets: big dog and cat. Blue was getting to aggressive with the pets and with us, so we took her back:(

Maya is now 9 weeks old and is always looking for something to chew on. Maya hates being outside, I have never heard of this before. She has a little more time before I can socialize her with other dogs, but I really hope she starts to like nature. I have no pictures of her walking around, as she doesn't walk she runs. So here she is:0)

A year of Arianne.

2007-06-06T11:48:00.001-07:00

Arianne is now 10, time flies by so quickly!

Log Cabins Squares on a loom

2007-03-24T16:42:00.000-07:00

Traditional version:

I had a few people ask me about making a log cabin square, the one pictured below is crochet. I also know how to loom them, but I crochet much faster, which I need to do- 64 squares for the afghan exchange. While doing the squares on a loom is not hard, to me it is a little time consuming because you have to do a little extra. My version of a log cabin square, you work with balls of yarn and knit straight through. The traditional log cabin, you move the square around an knit as you go. I messed up with the colors on the traditional square- the colors and I forgot to bind off and had to go back do it. Please let me know if I need to change my wording, I hope it is not confusing.

My Version:

Baby Gift

2007-03-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

I set out to make a baby present for a preemie. Once I finished a new born sweater, I thought this is way to big. Graciela pointed out she had a preemie pattern, so I made this. I messed up on the newborn size as I didn't understand where to put the ties. I also needle knitted and loomed a few hats in different sizes. I hope they like it.

Knitted Hearts

2007-03-07T20:45:00.000-08:00

I made this back in January and part of another one. I am not sure if I should stuff them or make a little purse with the larger one, coin purse with the smaller. I need to finish them and do something with them! They were needle knitted from a pattern in Interweave Presses Holiday Issue. The pattern could easily be converted, but beings it is not my pattern- I can not post anything on it. Any advise on what I should make them into?

Current Sock

2007-03-07T20:37:00.000-08:00

This is the current sock I am trying on the loom. It is from Sensational Socks- which is a needle knitting book that is great. I am sure these will take a while to do, as I have to many things going on.

Twinkle Toes

2007-03-04T14:08:00.000-08:00

I have made and frogged these several times on needles- twinkle toes, don't you love them. I finally caught on that I *think* the pattern is wrong. The part that I think is wrong is at the end. There are 40 stitches and then you decrement 10 stitches, but are expected to have 24 left. I checked the other sizes and they all have the wrong amount left- based on my math. I am not sure what I am reading wrong. I figure I have to be wrong or someone would have caught it. The decrement is to K2tog or P2tog. Those decrease 1 stitch each time- thus worked . I am pretty sure that I can make them on the loom, not using this pattern, as I am pretty sure you can make them without incrementing and decrementing. But I need to try it out. So I think these are going into storage until- I have time to do them or figure out what I did wrong.

Chevron Sock Pattern

2007-03-02T23:41:00.000-08:00

I love to do puzzles! I spent 2 months figuring this pattern out- later I saw directions for a Chevron pattern on a loom. But I did figure it out:) Anyways here is the pattern at long last. I love making them, but I really dislike writing. I wrote this many times and changed it. Today I realized my pattern was only for 64 pegs, so I rewrote it to include others. I really hope that you are able to understand my logic, please keep in mind this is my first pattern to write. Any tips and not to harsh criticism is appreciated. The pattern is in 2 parts. PartI is Toe Up Socks and Part II is Chevron Pattern. You can make this pattern leg down, you can make the pattern just on the leg part, and I am sure there are other ways that you can customize it. That is part of my reason for making it in 2 parts. The pattern is written for looms with 48, 56, 64, 68, 76, and 80 peg looms. If your loom has less or another number please let me know and I will try to help you. It is difficult to make the pattern on the upper foot part in looms with less than 44 pegs. This pattern could also be knitted as a flat panel. I tried this pattern on a bulky yarn with the KK and I did not care for it, but it might turn out better with another type of yarn. Let me know if you make anything with this- I would love to see pictures. I need to add to the pattern that the yarn I used is Cascade Fixation in the picture below, I am in the process of making one in Trekking Self Striping yarn.

Completed projects

2007-02-25T21:32:00.000-08:00

I have actually completed a few things in all this time since my last post. I have been very busy. I made felted slippers- on needles. My first time felting. They had some lines on them when they were done, I am not sure what I did wrong.

Before: After:

I signed up for an Friendship Afghan Square Exchange with the KKEX
I have to make 64 afghan squares and I am going to make 1/2 of them like this, and I have not settled on what the other 1/2 will look like. I have 12 completed so I need to get going. Each person will recieve 2 squares and I am sure it will be a very cool afghan.

Then I signed up with TTT on Markman Looms yahoo group to make 100 preemie hats. Here are some that I have made. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with 64 squares to make and 100 hats, but it will keep me out of trouble! I just have to remind DD who keeps piling onto her wish list.

To the dark side....

2007-02-25T21:04:00.000-08:00

I am such a PC girl, but I am changing teams. I will be using both X and XP- I need to get used to this before I make the leap with Vista and X. I need to learn networking with Mac's better, I am so used to Microsoft. But it is a beauty isn't it? Beings most Mac's are white or silver, I am sure you can see why this is titled what it is- I can't have Apple fans thinking I am talking bad about my new baby:0)

I do have my sock pattern done, finally but it is not easy to get- the only reason I have the picture above, is I just imported it. I will post it as soon as I have finished switching over, as my old laptop has been backed up and is ready for its voyage with Vista, hey a girl has to play..... I have to learn this stuff as it is what enables me to keep buying yarn;0)

One pound apples

2007-01-01T21:09:00.000-08:00

We went to this really cool asian grocery store yesterday. I bought the kids these cool lunch boxes where everything has a space in a container. They have really cool food jars where you can layer the food, but we went the lunch containers, will have to snap a picutre soon. What I did take a picture of was the huge apples I bought. I is 1lb and the other is a little over 1lb. Here are both the apples with a regular apple so you can the difference.

Baby Booties

2007-01-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

I made these baby booties with needles for my niece’s new baby. I have never used this technique before, but it was very cool. It was double knit, so when I opened it, there was a pocket. I got the pattern out of Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I so impressed with them, that I only took a picture of then in the stage and gave them to my niece without taking a picture. I have some samples that I can take a picture of, but the have a few errors on them! The one picture is the flat piece that is knitted and the other one is a peek into the pocket.

My once a month post

2006-12-13T22:24:00.000-08:00

I have been busy like everyone else. Arianne had her Davies performace last night it was a sing along. She worked very hard, all the girls in the SFGC did.

This was Arianne's first performance. I am so proud of her. She is doing well in school, taking music lessons- claranet, attending the chorus school, and playing basket ball. I just hope that I can keep up with her:0) She has a ride to chorus for the time being, but driving her and her brother around is getting to be quite a task. But just as long as they are doing well.

Logan had his winter performace this morning. He did quite well with his dance.

My attempt at making fingerless gloves

2006-11-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

While I am in a posting mood:0) I figured I would try a pair of fingerless gloves, I was asked to make the kids principal's costume. He was a monkey and I thought that fingerless gloves would be great. I ended up not having time to make these, as I learned a few things in trying. The reason I did not use anyones pattern- is I wanted to have the thumb a be more than just an opening. I am close, and the next time I should have it. We will see when I get the chance as I need to get a few other things done.

My recycled sweater project

2006-11-13T14:06:00.000-08:00

I have washed this sweater 3 times to felt. It was an XL J. Crew sweater. It had a ribbed pattern that still shows some. I need to buy matching tread before I cut it up to make the backpack- I have been so excited about doing this, but I have not had the time. It is a deep rich color that is a little washed out here. Do you think I should do the lining in black, which I have or find a old shirt at the Salvation Army-where I bough the sweater for the lining?

A few finished projects

2006-11-13T13:04:00.000-08:00

And a few that I am working on. I have a picture if my completed sock that took me forever to work out the stitches, I will type up the pattern this week and post it. I still might undo the ribbing and make it k1 p1, instead of k2 p2. But I do like them, and Arianne has already claimed them:0)

Here is a slipper sock I made for Arianne, I made one to small so I have to redo it. She can't wait for me to finish it, I should as it is a quick project.

Here is the sweater I am working on for Logan. I have made these on the KKII's, I really like the double knit fabric that this makes. I have to do the sleeves, seam it together and add a zipper. I was suprised in how quick this was, I did up to this point in a few movie viewings over a weekend.

PDF Downloads

2006-11-10T15:42:00.000-08:00

With the help of Kansas I am know able to post info for downloads. I have only listed directions to make a single rake so far, but I have been emailed by people asking for a few different things so I will add on as I go along.

Exchange.....

2006-11-06T21:13:00.000-08:00

I partciapted in my first exchange with KKnex

The kids where so excited when they saw the box, but it was for me:0)

Arianne was so excited to open everything with me, and it was such fun. Just look at the goodies I received!

Arianne was so hoping that the pictures in the bag where from the wonderful person that sent me the exchange, here is a picture of all the loot unwraped.

I received a lovely scarf with the left over yarn and enough yarn to make something else that matches it, a beautiful wash cloth in purple, soap- 2 different kinds, candles, nice picture bag, dark chocolate herseys kisses, loom pick, and a package of N post its. My favorite is either the scarf or the wash cloth- until now I do not own 1 hand/loom knitted item. I have always made for other people. Thank you Laurel- I really love everything!

New toys....

2006-11-02T21:20:00.000-08:00

I ordered myself a few new toys and the waiting for them to get here was something else. I got a 30" FG ADR from Markman Farms and a 12" AJAL FG and an oval 8" EFG sock loom from Decor Accents. I have yet to use the Markman Farms loom, it was what I wanted the most, but I have not had time:( Lynn includes a book, in plastic covered pages for you with patterns. I just think that is the coolest thing. I am going to be making a felted backpack or a an bag on it. I have worked on fingerless gloves on the 12" AJAL - I want a thumb on it. I almost have them how I want them, but not yet. Don't you just love them?

Regrets.....

2006-10-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

Lovely Thunder, who looked part bear.

I am sorry for so many things. I am sorry for not spending more time with you. I am sorry that I did not pet you more often. I am thankful that you were such a loving pet and you always forgave me. I just hope that you forgive me for this one last time, but I just could not stand to see you suffer any more. These are from the last few precious minutes that I had with you. You will always be in my heart.

Baby wash cloth

2006-09-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

Some time back someone was trying to figure out the Grandma's dishcloth pattern. I made a baby one and it was pretty easy. But I only went up to 20 stitches and it came out as a tiny baby wash cloth. I will more than likely frog it, but with the lack of time I have had lately- I feel like I have to look at what I have gotten done:0)

Current Socks

2006-09-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

I have spent months trying to work out a cheron pattern for my socks. Here is the progress of this sock, I did some durning a movie and apparently some of my center line is off, so I am going to have to frog part of it. This is my first time using Cascade Fixation yarn- so we will see how I like it.

Moving, back to school, and camping

2006-09-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

I did not realize how long it has been since I posted anything. I have worked on Logan's sweater, I have froged it for the 4th time! Maybe it will be done before he out grows it:0)

I have yet to unpack everything from moving, I really feel like just donating everything, but then I will have to go out and buy what I already had.

Beings I have no completed pictures of projects I will just post a couple of pictures from this past weekends camping trip- Yosemite area. It was cold at camp, but so very nice any place you found the sun.

Soap sachet

2006-08-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

I have spent over a month trying to get the (K1, YO,K1) in same stitch figured out on the loom. The stitch in the center is supposed to a stitch and not just a strand of yarn. I know when I finally get it, it is going to be a duh moment- I just wish it would come sooner and not later. I finally figured I would make something useful in figuring this stitch out.

Woven Chain and French Knots

2006-08-20T18:21:00.000-07:00

I realized that I have not posted any thing other than knited items. Here are two piece of jewerly that I have made- The bracelet is my favorite.

I have yet to glue the end knots, so I have not attatched the clasps, but this is a stand of purple purls for Arianne.

Band heel sock

2006-08-20T18:16:00.000-07:00

I like the heel, but I am going to have to frog the socks, the heel added more than I thought it would and I did them toe-up so- They will be frogged. I did these last week, but forgot to post them:0)

WIP's

2006-08-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

I finally took pictures of all my WIP's, I think there are a few still stuffed away, like my crocheted afgahn that I have worked years on, I do a few feet and put it away for a few more years. After I took the pictures I ended up frogging a few:0)

Quiet time...

2006-07-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

I am trying to gather all of my WIP, so I can see what I need to do to finishe them. For some reason the finishing, sewing something up, or the weaving in of ends is where I end and start somehthing else. I am going to take a picture of everything so I can see just what it is I need to do and see if it motivates me to finish!

Tonight we went up to Twin Peaks and watched the Cities fireworks display! We had the pleasure of freezing our behinds off and seeing several different shows. I think next year we will go to Oakland for theirs- as it looked so much better than San Francisco's.

My new loom.....

2006-06-21T22:42:00.000-07:00

I just finished my dish cloth rake. I am very happy with it! It is not like it is really very special, and there are things that I will do different next time. But hey, it was fun to make and my family all thinks I am nuts:0)

So little time, so much to do!

2006-06-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

Arianne is going to be in the SF Girls Chorus, it was liking opening a college acceptance letter! She was so excited she got in. I finally finished her plastic bag swim bag and so here she is with it. So to celebrate here she is with it!

Busy, busy, busy....

2006-05-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

I know everyone is busy. There is always just so much to do. I have redone the frog and I need to take a new picture of it. I made some hats and matching scarfs that I gave to the school for a silent auction, I didn't get a chance to take a picture of them:( In place of posting craft work I am going to post a pictures from Sunday where I spent the day at the beach with the my 3 babies, only 1 has 4 legs. The bridge is the Golden Gate just in case anyone wonders which one it is.

Frogging the Frog....

2006-04-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

I got this Bernat Velour yarn,

it is lovely- but breaks easy. I wanted to make a frog with a mouth that opens- thus the red. I only have 1 skein of the green- and I still need to make the arms and legs. I am thinking of frogging this and making it smaller- as the body looks to wide. I am going to play with it a little more and then figure out what to do.....

First post

2006-04-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

I am working on a teddy bear with moveable arms/legs. DD and I are working on making hair scrunchies, she has no patience for knitting. Wish us luck. I did take a picture of the poncho I made for her. I did it in a weekend. Now to make a matching hat.