New Beginning

The new year has brought some great "New Beginnings".

Things have been going great at work, and as one project ends, another begins.  I'll be moving to another office this week, and can't wait to get started on a new project.

January was also my turn to host my "Book Group".  A great bunch of ladies who meet monthly to discuss some of the latest great reads.

I've been a part of this group for over 10 years, and have enjoyed every minute of it.  This month we read "The Baker's Daughter", a story about a Baker in Germany during World War II, and how his daughter made her way to a little border town in Arizona.

It was a very interesting story, and even included The Baker's recipes for many baked treats.  I didn't have time to practice these recipes for our dinner that night, so I just used some of my trusty recipes for baking hot rolls, cinnamon rolls and orange rolls, to go along with two kinds of soup and salad.  You can see that my dining room is too tiny to accommodate 10 people, so we set up the table in the living room.  The night was a great success!

"Knit Nights" and knitting classes have been going great too.  I've made some fun new friends, and have introduced some very talented ladies to the art of knitting.  I'm sure they are all on their way to becoming fabulous knitters.  We'll be meeting again on Thursday, February 7, to share some Valentine's treats and great conversation.  I hope you can all come!

I purchased a new female alpaca for my husband for Christmas.  Her name is Victoria Cupcake, and she is the prettiest young girl.  We plan to have her bred in the spring, and she is sure to produce a high-grade fleece and some high quality off-spring.  I seem to have misplaced the picture of her, so I'll hope to post a picture of her soon.

The "pillow pads" I made my grandchildren for Christmas, are getting a lot of use.  Although Alivia is little small to fill her's up, I'm sure she'll grow into it eventually.  These girls are watching a new movie  . . .

. . . and were soon taking a nice nap.  Their Mother was certainly glad for a little time to herself.  She has been learning to sew, and made several little "Super Hero" capes for Christmas gifts.

This is "Super Zeke" wearing his on Christmas Eve.

Here is what is on the needles.  Another "Laura Leaves Tank", knit of Fyberspates Scrumptious in Purple.  This yarn was a gift to my daughter, which didn't get finished in time for Christmas.  She was really excited about it, and should be wearing it by Valentine's Day.

This has been a really successful design for me.  Everyone seems to want one, and I can only knit them so fast.  You can get the pattern at:  Ravelry.com

I also started a new design for my husband.  Years ago I knit him a sweater that he has worn and worn.  He loved the shape and feel of the sweater, and has worn in on many hunting trips.  He even tried to drag it out to wear to my company Christmas Party, which didn't make me too happy.

So here is the new version.  It is made of a chain-cable, a mock cable and a column of raised knit stitches, which are knit in the row below.  The color is a charcoal gray, and the yarn is Knitpicks - Andes del Campo (Mystery Heather), 100% Highland Wool.  It is sure to look a lot better at the company Christmas party, and next time I'll be wearing a smile too.

This is the Lotus Baby Blanket I just completed for the baby girl expected by my Son in May.  We can't wait for her to arrive.  My daughter-in-law chose the pattern, and it was really fun to knit.

Although the finished blanket is square, it is knit in-the-round on a circular needle.  Starting with a lotus flower in the center and radiating outward with the flower petals.  I just couldn't resist knitting some little baby booties to go with it.

I couldn't resist knitting a second one in blue.  This one is going to a cute young Mother in my knitting group.  She is expecting a baby boy in March.

Once you figure out the unusual cast-on for this lotus flower, you just want to keep making them . . .  I think I see this flower as the beginnings of cute beret too.  But, that will just have to wait awhile.

Well I guess it is time to get back to knitting.  Happy Knitting . . . . .

Welcome 2013

As the year ends, I am once again . . .so relieved that my Christmas knitting is over.  Every year I say I'm not going to do this to myself, and every year I do it again.  I guess I'm just a "glutten for punishment".  However, I did finish on December 21, so there was plenty of time for enjoying the season.  A lot of sickness this year limited the partying that took place.

In addition to the 24 pairs of felted slippers (seen in a previous post),  I also knit the following:

The "Emery" tank.  This is my latest design and pattern, which was knit for my daughter, Alex.

It was completed back in November, but because it was a Christmas Gift, the pattern was not published until last week.  If you are interested in purchasing the pattern, or just reading more about it, it can be found at: Emery Tank.  It is knit out of my favorite yarn right now, Fyberspates Scrumptious in the color, Cornflower.  Alex was so excited to get it.

Alex was also the recipient of my second "Cabled Embrace".  She loved my green one, and requested this one in a light-heathered gray.

This is such a fun pattern to knit, as it is knit sideways, in two simple pieces, and then seamed up the back.  I was too lazy to do the kitchener's stitch and simply used a 3-needle bind off.  I thought it gave the design a nice finished look.

In addition, I knit my husband a sweater from Bruce Wienstein and Jared Flood's Book, "Knits Men Want".  A fabulous collection of men's knitwear patterns, that like the title indicates, MEN WANT.  It is always a challenge to find knitwear patterns that men actually like.  I've knit several sweaters from this book, and these sweaters are always worn often.  In addition to the great knitting patterns, Bruce talks about why men are so picky about their knitwear. His stories are great!  Bruce is a trained Chef and Jarod a professional photographer, so the pictures are great too.

I started this sweater back in 2007, and as it is knit in Fisherman's Rib and because my husband wears such a large size, it was quickly set aside for Christmas knitting.  I was happy to pick it up again this year, and to actually be able to complete it, although it weighs about 30 lbs. and was a challenge the lug around.  My husband loves it, but I haven't been able to get him to pose for any pictures.  Hopefully, I'll have some to share soon.

I also made 5 of these "Pillow Pads" for my Grandchildren to take to sleep-overs.  I was inspired by Pinterest.

Made from a twin size sheet and 4 standard pillows, they make a great place for the kids to lay when watching TV.

The pads accordian fold and are secured with an attached ribbon, for easy transport to Grandma's house, and since I was able to purchase matching pillowcases, I added a 5th pillow to go along with them.  My daughter and daughter-in-law are talking about making them for use in a tent, when camping.  I think this is a great idea.  When the kids spill on them, they pillows can easily be removed and everything tossed in the washing machine and dryer.  We have already tried this out, since the kids were all sick this year.

Although they did consume some space in the minivan, on the long trip home from Grandma's house.  . . . and yes, that is a bike wedged between the girl's two carseats.  Nola was plumb worn out and was having a much needed nap!

Well Christmas is over, and I have cast on for two new projects.  Another "Laura Leaves Tank", which was given as a gift in the form of two hanks of yarn, and darling little yellow baby blanket for my Grand-daughter, who is due to arrive on May 21.  That will make 6 (4 girls & 2 boys).  Could life be any better?  I'll have pictures of these projects in my next post.

Happy New Year . . . & Happy New Knitting!

2012 - Apocalypse or Christmas?

Thanksgiving was a lot of work, but well worth the effort!

My darling Granddaughter came over the night before to help me set the tables . . .

. . . and make the little turkey favors.

My hubby had the great priviledge of peeling 20 pounds of potatoes.  He looks like he is about to fall in the sink.

My Sis and Bro-in-law made the yummy rolls.

Everyone arrived at about 2:00 pm.

and by 3:00 we were all stuffed, and ready for a nap.

Surprising enough . . . . we were ready for pie by 4:00.  It was a great day.  Thanks to all who came, and for all of their help on the dinner.

We were up early on Friday morning, with all of the grandkids.  Eating Grandpaca's chocolate chip pancakes and dressing warmly for our Christmas card photo session, up in the mountains.

It was cold, but sunny, and my Niece took the pictures.

We had lots of fun, and Zeke did most of the driving.

It is now on to Christmas (or the Apocalypse).  I'm betting on Christmas.  I've completed the second round of felted slippers (15 pair in all).  The second bunch jumped into their packaging, before I had a chance to take a group picture.  Two sweaters are blocking and will be wrapped soon.  I cannot show these to you, however, since both are gifts and one will be my next published pattern.  Watch for the "Emery" tank in January.  I've also been doing a lot of sewing for the grandkids and neighbors. 

We held "Knit Night" on December 5.  We had a fun & relaxing evening, sharing treats and knitting projects, and exchanging gifts.  Lots of fun knitting tools were given and received.  Joan brought her finished "Laura Leaves Tank".

It turned out beautifully.  You can read her project page at:  http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jsmartinez/laura-leaves-tank

Joan agreed to test knit this pattern for me, and I've seen her wear it.  It fits her perfectly.  Adding a little waist shaping can certainly improve the finished look and fit of a garment.

The lacey leaves are a quickly memorized repeat of 13 rows.

January will bring a new "Knit Night" on Wednesday, January 3 at 7:00 pm.  In addition, The Advanced Knitting Class has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 9 and The Beginning Knitting I Class will be repeated on Wednesday, January 23.  Let me know if you are interested in attending.

Thanks for stopping by and reading about my knitting life.  I appreciate everyone's support and hope to have some fun give-aways early next year, so check back often.  Merry Christmas & Happy Knitting New Year!



SO VERY THANKFUL

As I've watched all of my "friends" on Facebook post their daily gratitude item, it has made me think about all of the things in my life that I am so grateful for.  Most of all, I am so thankful to be ALIVE, and as I pass my seven-year milestone, as a cancer survivor.  I'm sorry to say that it took cancer to make me realize just how precious life is. 

I am also so thankful for friends and family.  How could you possibly get through life without them?  As a passion to center everything around, I am also thankful for "knitting".  It grounds me, helps me relax and keeps my brain active and creative. 

The Christmas Slippers are all complete and tucked into their Christmas wrapping.  They are sure to warm some toes and provide a little indoor skating on hardwood floors.

Remember this little knit bodice from my last post?  Shara has been attending my knit classes, and has certainly taken to the craft.

Here is the finished product.  Shara sewed this cute butterfly fabric to the knit bodice, to make it into a darly little dress for her niece.  Knits and fabric make a beautiful combination.  Lucky little Lyla will be dancing in it soon!

Tiffany has been busy too.  She crocheted this beautiful blessing shawl in pink and white.  What a nice compliment to a sweet baby on her special day.

Tiffany made this one too.  I wish she was my Aunt!  Megan looks beautiful too, as she holds her little cousin.

Alex knit this twisted cowl.  It is so warm and cozy.  Of all my children, I never expected her to be a knitter, but I was wrong!  She does a beautiful job.

This isn't the best picture, as the white yarn caused a glare, but if you look hard, you can see the cabled design.

Thanks to all of you, from our "Knit Night" who were willing to share your completed projects.  I hope there will be many more to come.

I couldn't resist showing my newest great-nephew, Gunner.  He is all decked-out in the little sweater I knit for him.  Such a cute little boy. 
I'll be cooking a huge turkey with all the trimmings in a few days, and spending precious time with friends and family.  The next day will bring a Christmas card photo shoot with my niece, the photographer.  Some "black friday" shopping is sure to jump into the mix, along with a lot of sewing, to finish up more Christmas gifts.  I'll have to show these to you after Christmas, as I don't want to ruin the surprise.

Thanks to all of you who take the time to share my life!  I wish you all the Happiest Thanksgiving, and the most relaxing Holiday Season.  Happy knitting . . . . . .

Christmas Knitting Projects

It is that time of year . . . again!  Time to knit as many Christmas gifts as I can possibly move across my needles.  Every year I tell myself I'm not going to go crazy, but I cannot help myself . . . I always do it.

My craziness is well under way.  Here are a few of the items I am trying to complete in time for gift giving:

"Lil" Christmas Hats.  This pattern is free and available at:  Ravelry.com.  I didn't knit the hats for gifts, but rather designed the pattern and knit the samples for my daughter to sell and make a little extra money for her Christmas. 

There are several styles and sizes.

If you are not a knitter, the hats can be purchased at:  The Coats Closet for $15 each, or at Salon Mousse (807 Ft. Union Blvd., Midvale, UT - 801-255-6922), starting on November 24.

The hats are available in sizes Newborn to Age 10, and will keep your little ones warm all through the Season.

I've been teaching my grand-daughter to crochet, and dug up one of my favorite patterns to teach her.  It was a mitered hot pad, similar to one pictured above.  She has been crocheting away, in hopes of having a set to give her Father for Christmas.

As you know, I hate to crochet.  So . . . I developed a knitting pattern for this "Mitered Hot Pad".  The pattern is written for 6 and 8 inch squares.  They are durable and if knit in acrylic yarn, they can be machine washed and dried.  A good thing for me, since most of what I cook ends up splashing on the hot pads.

You'll be amazed how a 4 or 6 inch tube can be sewn into the perfect flat square.  They are double thick, so they really protect from hot pans and oven racks.  I'm sure my neighbors will love getting these for Christmas!

Just like in years past . . . I have received many requests for new felted slippers.  I have been knitting them assembly style for the past week.  They have been virtually flying off my needles.

Last year I wrote a pattern for a crocheted version of these felted slippers, in hopes of saving myself some time.  They worked out great, but I still liked the knit version best.

This year I found an even better (faster) pattern.  These are called "Duffers", and this is how they look, before they are felted.  These are 5 pairs for my 5 grandchildren.  Duffers by Mindie Tallack is a pattern that can be knit in 19 simple rows.

Duffers are also a lot easier to control in the felting process.  Here are all 5 pair, felted.  The two-tone slippers are for the boys, and the solid slippers are ready to have their roses attached.

The roses are all felted and ready to be sewn on the girl's slippers.  These roses are easy to knit and felt, and a free pattern can be found at:  Ravelry.com.

The roses and leaves look like this, before felting.

These are the completed slippers I've made for some of my friends.  They are toasty warm on the toes, on a cold winter night.

"KNIT NIGHTS" have been the best.  I've made some great new friends and a few classes have brought out some extremely good knitters.  This little bodice will have a cloth skirt attached for some lucky little girl.  Shara did a beautiful job knitting it!  She is well on her way to being an excellent knitter.  She has caught the "bug".  I hope she can afford the "yarn stash" I can see in her future . . . .  I can't wait to see the finished product, and I'll be sure to share it in a future post.

I've still got a vest, 2 tank tops and 2 pairs of felted clogs on the needles that must be completed and some ready for mailing by Thanksgiving, so I guess I better quit blogging, and get back to knitting.  Happy Knitting!