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April 09, 2013

Finally . . . Finished Projects

I'm sad to say that I did not complete all of my gift-giving knitting projects this year.  My daughter ended up recieving two ball of Scrumptious yarn, in a rich, dark purple.  She was disgusted, saying, "Well, I guess I have to knit my own sweater".  That was not the case, but it did take me until now, to turn those balls of yarn into this:
Another Laura Leaves Tank.  This is my favorite design to knit, and it is a good thing.  Because everyone in my family wants one.
Knit from my favorite yarn, Fyberspates Scrumptious, a blend of silk and merino wool.  It nearly flies off the needles all by itself.  My daughter will be passing through our town next week, on her way to her in-laws' house in California.  It is finished just in time for their family pictures.
The leaves, knit only on the front, are a great lace accent.  They really pop out, when a light color is worn underneath.  I hope she likes it, because she will be knitting her own next time.


My two little grandsons have quickly outgrown the little church vests I knit for them last Easter.  So, I have been frantically knitting them new ones.
Using the same pattern:  "Easton".  This is the smaller of the two.  One of the boys requested vertical stripes.  I wasn't really sure that would look good, so I compromised with this design on the chest.

The larger vest is currently on my needles.  As soon as they are both finished, I'll post some pictures of the boys wearing them.

I had hoped to use traveling ribbed stitches to shape my next design.  I've seen this done, but have never actually knit anything in this way.  Therefore, I decided to try one of Melissa Leapman's designs, to learn the process.
This is "Trompe l'Oeil" from "Knitting the Perfect Fit: Essential Fully Fashioned Shaping Techniques for Designer Results", by Melissa Leapman.  It is a wonderfully written pattern, and a book filled with designs I just cannot resist. 
Once I have completed this top and designed my own garment with traveling rib stitches, I hope to return to this book of designs, and knit many more.
You can see how the ribbing is manipulated to match the suttle curves of the body, and how it creates a slimming elusion.  This is the back piece.  When I have it completed, I'll post all the particulars about the wonderful yarn I've chosen for this project.  The lighting doesn't do the color justice.   It is a deep golden rust, rather than pumpkin orange.

It is shearing time at our house, and all of our fuzzy alpacas will soon be getting a Spring haircut.  I'll try to get some before and after pictures of them for you to see.  I'm trying to schedule a fun and informative trip to the mill for all of my knitting & non-knitting friends.  I'll post some pictures of this adventure too.  In the meantime, I better get back to my knitting.  Happy Knitting . . . . . . .

April 05, 2013

Crocheted Needle Case

The winners of my recent give-away have been located, and the prizes have been delivered.  Thanks to all of my "Followers".  Watch for my next give-away . . . . coming soon.

Our monthly "Knit Night" was held last night.  Like always, we had a great evening together.  There was lots of laughter, and a little knitting going on.
Check out this needle case.  It was crocheted by one of my Knit Night Members.  It is just perfect for holding all of her crochet hooks, pencil and sewing needles.  She is also looking for the perfect sized scissors to include.

The case is stiffened with sheet plastic, cut to size.  It is similar to the interchangeable knitting needle case I purchased for about $45.  Why didn't I think of this?  Wouldn't it be appropriate to hold all of your knitting tools in a knitted case?

It has the perfect shape and closes with a button & loop.  She is an avid crocheter, and does such beautiful work.  I'm hoping to get her to cross-over to knitting soon.  She is currently crocheting a darling little yellow dress for her youngest daughter.  A bright sunny yellow will be so cute for the summer.  I hope to have pictures of the finished project for posting when she is finished.

Like always, I have 4 separate projects on the needles and need to get at least one of them finished up.  I am knitting a "Laura Leaves Tank" for my daughter, two little sweater vests for my grandsons, a ribbed T-shirt sweater for me, and I have a newly written pattern, which needs some test knitting.  Hopefully a few upcoming camping/hunting trips and a lazy week at Lake Powell, will give me some time to get these things finished. 

Get signed up as a Blog Follower, so you'll be ready for my next give-away.  Happy knitting . . . . .

April 03, 2013

WINNER ???

I am having difficulty contacting "CONHAM", the latest winner of a blog give-away.  Conham is the winner of a pair of hand-knit, felted slippers in Women's US size L (8 - 10).  Please contact me with your mailing information, so I can get them off to you as soon as possible.  Thanks for being a blog "Follower"!

April 01, 2013

Give-Away WINNERS

Thanks to all of my blog "Followers".  Yesterday, a drawing of all "Followers" was held, and we have two WINNERS!

The Winners are:

1.  conham - winner of 1 pair of hand-knit & felted slippers, Women's US size L (8 - 10)
2.  artsy-fartsy mama - winner of 1 pair of hand-knit & felted slippers, Child's US size L (10 - 12)

Here they are.  Winners, please contact me with your mailing information, so I can get them sent off to you asap. 

These are so fun to knit.  I hope you both enjoy! . . . and thanks to all of my "Follower".  This blog is so fun for me, and I love hearing all of your comments.  There will be more "give-aways" soon, so please sign up for your chance to win.