A few finished projects

One of my bosses ordered an afghan for his mother, the Vanna's Choice 8-Color Afghan. I started it on March 21st and finished it on April 15th. It is made up of 48 squares instead of the original 36 called for.



I also made a few bath items from the Annie's Attic Pamper Yourself booklet. I was able to get it in PDF format from e-Patterns Central, which I love being able to do (no books lying around to trip over). So far I've made the bath mitt, body puff, and soap holder. I believe the back scrubber will be next.

Here's the soap holder made with Lily Sugar'n Cream Cream color and an H/8 hook:



And the bath mitt made with Lily Sugar'n Cream Sunshine and Cream colors and an H/8 hook:



And the body puff made with Elmore Pisgah Peaches & Creme in Gumdrop, with a bit of Fiesta since I ran out of the Gumdrop, and an H/8 hook:



The bath items were easy to make, but the body puff got a bit awkward to hold, especially since I have small hands. It was also a bit more time consuming than I would have liked but it's a good project to pamper yourself with.

A note on e-Patterns Central, when you order the PDF patterns, they are stored in your account so if you ever need them again, they are there waiting for you. They mostly have individual patterns but also have some booklets and magazines (knitting, crochet, beading, etc.). They have patterns for knitting, crochet, sewing, quilting, plastic canvas, cross stitch, and crafts.

Shorah Y'all!

A new knitting project

I'm a bit behind posting this but I finished the second Irish Hiking Wrist Warmer on 5/23/08 and have been wearing them ever since. It started to get warm here and then yesterday morning, it snowed again. Most of it was gone by noon but has stayed cold since and the "warehouse" where my cube is stays a bit chilly.

After work today, I stopped by the Unraveled Sheep yarn store in Sandy. My sister Jessica asked if she'd failed in her mission and Verla (the owner) asked what that mission was. "To keep me out of here!" I told her. Of course, she then showed me the new sock yarn that had just come in and I was so tempted but I was looking for yarn to make the Spirogyra Fingerless Gloves by Lynne Vogel. I ended up selecting some Noro Silk Garden Lite, colorway 2029 which is variegated with green, pink, purple, and orange. It is wonderfully soft and is made up of 45% silk, 45% kid mohair, and 10% lamb's wool. Verla showed me a purse made with this yarn that had been put through a wash cycle. It had softened up even more with barely any shrinkage.

I also showed Verla my finished wrist warmers and she said I was doing great for a beginning knitter.

The photo below shows my start on the Spirogyra gloves after the first six rows of ribbing. Next row starts the actual pattern. A pretty good start for a second knitting project!



I'll post more photos as I progress.

Spirogyra pattern at Knittyspin: Spring 2008 - free pattern
Spirogyra page at Ravelry

Shorah Y'all!

Weave-It Purse

I was going to put this purse pattern up at Ravelry as a PDF file, but since it is so simple, I decided to just post it here and link to it at Ravelry. I originally made the purse for a 2005 fiber arts class at the University of Houston - Clear Lake and it makes a fun purse for a little girl, or, when made with less garish colors, could even be a sweet party purse.

This little purse uses squares woven on a Weave-It Loom along with crocheted straps. Weave-It looms can be found on eBay and at flea markets or antique stores, but newer versions of this type of loom can be found at Buxton Brook Looms and Hazel Rose Looms. You can also crochet or knit 3.5” squares instead. Different weaving patterns can be found in several books and downloads. You’ll find links to these sites at the end of the instructions.

• Queue up on Ravelry

Supplies:

Loom: Weave-It, Weavette, or Hazel Rose 4” square loom and weaving needle
Yarn: Sample uses Red Heart Kids Solid: Navy, Lime, Orange, Pink, and Yellow
Button: 1” button to match yarn used
Fabric: Approx. ¼ yard matching fabric for lining
Crochet Hook: I/9 or size to match selected yarn

Body:

Weave 2 plain weave squares each of the lime, orange, pink, and yellow yarns.

Weave 1 patterned square of the navy yarn. (See the eLoomaNation site for some patterns.)

Note: If you use a thinner yarn, you may need to double up when warping the loom and weaving, otherwise the holes will be too large.

For front of purse, use the navy yarn to whip stitch four squares together, one each of the lime, orange, pink, and yellow. Repeat for back of purse.

Place the navy square in the center of the purse front and sew it to the front using the navy yarn.

Place the front and back together, wrong sides together. Use the navy yarn and stitch three of the sides together, leaving one side open. Note on the sample that I used a very simple in and out stitch over two threads. It doesn't have to be perfect either.

Strap:

With navy yarn, attach with sc to the front right corner loop of the front piece. Sc in each of the next 4 loops at the top of the woven square. *Ch 3, turn, 1 dc in each dc across.* Repeat from * to * until strap is as long as needed. Sample strap is 20" long. When strap is long enough, attach with sc to the left corner of the back of the purse (see photo below).

Closure:

Closure is made separately then sewn to the back of the purse.

Ch 10, turn, ch 2, hdc in each ch across, turn, ch 2, hdc in each ch across, turn, ch 1, sc in each hdc across. When you reach the end, ch 1, sc in end of first row of hdcs, ch 10, sc in end of next hdc row, fasten off.

Place finished closure at back of purse, on the outside, centering it over the top two squares. Use the navy yarn to attach it securely to the back.

Button:

Fold the closure over to the front of the purse and mark where the button will go using a straight pin. Attach the button at the marked location.

Lining:

Measure the purse width and height and add 1" to each measurement, for example, purse is 7" sq + 1" = 8". Cut two squares of the lining fabric using the measurement just taken. With wrong sides together, sew three sides together using a 1/2" seam. On the open end, fold down the edge 1/2" with the raw edge on the wrong side. Turn the pocket right side out and put inside the purse. Line up the top folded edge of the lining with the top of the purse, making sure the folded edge is below the loops of the woven squares. Sew the top of the lining to the purse top edge. It can be hand sewn, but a machine sewn stitch will be stronger.

And that is it!

Links to sites to purchase small looms and instructions, or find free patterns, etc.

• Buxton Brook Looms – Basic instructions online and flip book: Modular Textures: Patterns for the Weavette® & Weave-it Looms with 30 patterns
• Weavies – Weavies One book, 16 projects
• eLoomaNation – Exploration of small looms, history, download PDF versions of old Weave-It booklets and user guides for different versions of the small looms
• eLoomanator – Blog for the eLoomaNation site, ideas, patterns, and more.

Shorah Y'all!

Sante Fe Phone Cozy ...

I showed my first cozy to several co-workers and one said that she wanted one, so this evening I pulled some yarn out of my stash (I'm looking for projects to use up some of my stash) and made her a phone cozy. The yarn is a discontinued Lion Brand Jiffy (color: Sante Fe). When I was in Houston, Michael's had them at a large discount because they were being discontinued and I bought all they had.

Anyway, while making this cozy, I realized I'd made an error in my original pattern and was able to fix it. Hopefully, Amanda will love it (although I'm not that crazy about the beads I used but they were all I had). Hmmm ... may have used too much color correction on the photo ... ah well.

Shorah Y'all!

Tangled Thread Project #3 Errata

Oops ... update to strap instructions for cozy - see red text below.

For cell phone or mp3 player, ch 22 (or more if longer strap is needed), hdc in third ch from hook, ch 1, sk 1 ch, hdc in next ch (buttonhole made), hdc in each ch across, join with sc in sc on other side of stitch marker on the back side of the cozy (do not join in same st as marker).

Pattern post here and PDF file on Ravelry has been updated as well.

Shorah Y'all!

Tangled Thread Project #3

Yes, I know, I posted a project yesterday but I'd been wanting to make a phone cozy and since my internet connection at home was down, I pulled out some yarn that had been lying around for a while and started in on the project. The pattern is extremely easy and can be modified to make cozies for small game systems, like PSP and Nintendo DS, mp3 players, or even purses.

• Queue up on Ravelry
• Download PDF

Accessory Cozy or Purse

Quick, seamless cozy for any accessory: cell phones, mp3 players, PSP or Nintendo DS system, or even a purse … just adjust the beginning chain to fit the accessory and start crocheting up! The cell phone cozy is just big enough to hold your phone, a credit/debit card, and a few dollars extra. Attach to your belt loop and head off for shopping or a day of fun at the boardwalk.

I wrote these instructions as I made the cell phone cozy so please let me know if anything needs correcting, especially for the game system cozy or purse.

Supplies:

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Worsted Weight (version in pattern uses Autumn Print) or any other similar weight yarn; can also double up a thinner yarn. Variegated yarn works wonderfully with this design.
Buttons or Beads: Coordinating with yarn, large enough to hold strap and flap closed.

Crochet Hook: I/9 or hook to match selected yarn

Base:

For cell phone or mp3 player, ch 11 (more if item is wider, less if smaller) sc in second ch from hook and each ch across to end, sc 3 in first ch and continue around with a sc in each ch to last ch, 2 sc in last ch, join with sc in first sc. Mark as RS near last st of round.

For game systems, ch as many ch as needed to cover length of accessory, plus 1 ch, sc in second ch from hook and each ch across to end, sc 3 in first ch and continue around with a sc in each ch to last ch, 2 sc in last ch, join with sc in first sc. Continue around with sc in each sc and two sc in each of the three end sc. Join with sc in first sc. If base is wide enough to fit the end of the accessory with a bit of room to spare, continue to body, otherwise, do another round. Mark as RS near last st of round.

For a purse, decide on how high, wide, and long purse is to be. For beg ch, subtract an inch from the length and crochet a ch to that length. Sc in second ch from hook and each ch across to end, sc 3 in first ch and continue around with a sc in each ch to last ch, 2 sc in last ch, join with sc in first sc. Continue around with sc in each sc and two sc in each of the three end sc. Join with sc in first sc. Continue crocheting in the round until base is as wide as needed. Mark as RS near last st of round. Make a not of width of base as this will be needed for flap.

Note: As you add scs for body, the piece will start to curl up. If needed, flip the piece so that the RS stitch marker is outside the piece … or fasten off and provide a local faerie or your favorite house pixie with a sweet bed.

Body:

For cell phone, mp3 player, or game system, crochet in the round with sc in each sc around until body is long enough for the accessory to fit in comfortably with room to spare. Stop before the side of the cozy on the same side as the base stitch marker. Lay piece flat and mark st at each end.

For purse, continue until body reaches the needed height. Stop before the side of the purse on the same side as the base stitch marker. Lay piece flat and mark st at each end.

For a cell phone or mp3 player, if adding a strap, continue placing a sc in each sc until you reach the st before the first marker, sl st in that st (not in the one with the marker in it).

For a purse, if adding a strap, continue placing a sc in each sc until you reach the second st before the first marker, sl st in that st.

For all, if skipping the strap, continue placing sc in each sc until you reach the stitch marker, remove marker and sc in that st. Do not fasten off and skip to flap section.

Strap:

For cell phone or mp3 player, ch 22 (or more if longer strap is needed), hdc in third ch from hook, ch 1, sk 1 ch, hdc in next ch (buttonhole made), hdc in each ch across, join with sc in sc on other side of stitch marker on the back side of the cozy (do not join in same st as marker).
If not making a flap, sl st in same sc as marker and fasten off. Skip to bead/button section and add side bead/button only.

For purse or game system, decide how long strap needs to be and ch as many sts as needed for length. Attach with sc to second st before marker on other side, on front side of purse. Sl st in next sc before stitch marker, sc in same sc as stitch marker, hdc in first ch of strap and in each ch across. At end of strap, sc in same sc as stitch marker, sl st in sc after stitch marker (back side), sc in next sc, hdc in first hdc and in each hdc across. At end of strap, sc in second sc after stitch marker (back side).

Flap:

For cell phone or mp3 player, continue placing sc in each sc on back side of cozy across to second st before marker. Do not sc in st before marker. *Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across to sc before strap*, ch 1, turn. Repeat from * to * four more times (6 rows).

*Ch 1, turn, decrease over next 2 scs, sc across to last 2 scs, decrease over last 2 sc*, ch 1, turn. Repeat from * to * until only 3 sts remain.

Ch 3, turn, skip middle sc, sc in last sc, ch 1, turn, 10 sc in loop, sl st in first sc of last row of three, fasten off. Button loop made. Weave in ends.

For purse or game system, continue placing sc in each sc on back side of purse to last sc before strap on other side. *Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across to sc before other side of strap*, ch 1, turn. Repeat from * to * until flap is twice as long as the width of the base (you did remember to note
that down, right?).

*Ch 1, turn, decrease over next 2 scs, sc across to last 2 scs, decrease over last sc*, ch 1, turn. Repeat from * to * until only 5 sts remain.

Ch 5, turn, skip 3 sc, sc in last sc, ch 1, turn, 15-20 sc in loop depending on how many you like, sl st in first sc of last row of three, fasten off. Button loop made. Weave in ends.

Note: If loop for purse is too small or large for the selected bead or button, increase or decrease the ch for the loop and adjust how many scs in loop to match.

Buttons or Beads:

Attach a button or large bead at side of cozy/purse, opposite of where strap is attached. Fold flap over to front and mark where button/bead should be to go through loop. Attach the button or large bead at that location. See image below for example of placement.

Please do not distribute this pattern without permission, instead, send them here or to the pattern page at Ravelry. You may sell what you make using this pattern as long as it is not mass produced (i.e, a few items at a craft show are okay). If you'd like to sell more than a few items, please contact me. Making items for personal use or as gifts or donated to charities is not restricted at all.

Enjoy!

Shorah Y'all!

Tangled Thread Project #2

My second Tangled Thread project is a fun Watermelon Purse I designed for a class a few years back. I'd love to see what you folks do with it!

• Queue up on Ravelry
• Download PDF

Watermelon Purse

Supplies:

Base and tie: Small amount of medium worsted weight green yarn.
Body: Green eyelash yarn, such as Lion Brand Fun Fur Lime, Crystal Yarns Fizz in Electric Lime or Grass Greens, etc.
Seeds: Lion Brand Fancy Fur, Firecracker Red or Party Pink
Top: Small amount of medium worsted weight pink or red yarn (select yarn color to match the Fancy Fur color selected)

Crochet Hook: I/9

Base:

With green yarn, ch 5, join with sl st, ch 2 (beginning hdc), hdc in same ch, 2 hdc in each ch around, join with hdc, hdc in same st. Continue placing 2 hdc in each st around until circle is 3.25-3.5” across. Fasten off.

Body:

Row 1: Join green eyelash yarn with sl st to last hdc on bottom piece. Ch 3 (beg hdc plus 1 ch), *hdc in next hdc, ch 1*, repeat from * to * around. Join with.sl st in top of second ch of beginning hdc.

Row 2: Ch 3 (beg hdc plus 1 ch), *hdc in next hdc, ch 1*, repeat from * to * around. Join with.sl st in second ch of beginning hdc.

Row 3: Sl st in first space, Ch 3, hdc in same space, ch 1, *hdc in next space, ch 1, hdc in same space, ch 1*, repeat from * to * around, join with sl st in second ch of beg hdc.

Rows 4: Ch 3, *hdc in next hdc, ch 1*, repeat from * to * around, join with sl st in second ch of beg hdc.

Row 5: Repeat row 4.

Row 6: Ch 4, *sc in next hdc, ch 4*, repeat from * to * around, join with sc in first sl st.

Row 7: Sl st in first space, ch 4, *sc in next space, ch 4*, repeat from * to * around, join with sc in first sl st.

Rows 8-10: Repeat row 7.

Row 11: Sl st in first space, ch 3 (beg hdc plus 1 ch), *hdc in next space, ch 1*, repeat from * to * around, join with sl st in second ch of beg hdc.

Row 12: Ch 2 (beg hdc), hdc in each space and hdc around, join with sl st in second ch of beg hdc.

Rows 13 & 14: Repeat row 12. Fasten off at end of row 14.

Seeds:

Row 15: Join pink or red Fancy Fur with sl st in any hdc. Ch 2 (beg hdc), hdc in each hdc around, join with sl st in second ch of beg hdc. Fasten off.

Top:

Row 16: Join pink or red ww yarn with sc in any hdc, sc in each hdc around.

Row 17: Ch 2 (beg hdc), hdc in each sc around, join with sl in sec ch of beg hdc.

Row 18: (Tie row) Ch 3 (beg dc), dc in next hdc, ch 1, *dc in next 2 hdc, ch 1*, repeat from * to * around. Fasten off.

Note: If you find that you have an extra or one too few hdc when ending this row, adjust the last set of dc by putting 2 dc in one hdc or skip two hdc instead of one at the end.

Tie:

Measure the circumference of the top of the purse. With green ww yarn, make a chain the length measured plus 12”. Fasten off.

Loop the chain through the top row of the purse, leaving about 3” of the end of the chain at the beginning. Halfway around, leave a 6” loop hanging out and continue threading the chain through. At the end, knot the ends together. To close the purse, hold both loops in one hand, wrap other hand around the loops and pull down.

Note: to make a stronger tie, make the chain with two strands of yarn.

Use the purse as is or add a simple lining.

Other fruit suggestions:

Strawberry: Use Lion Brand Fancy Fur Firecracker Red for the body & seeds section, with red ww for the base and top, and green for the tie.
Red Apple: Use a solid red eyelash yarn for body and seeds section, with red ww for the base and top, and green for the tie.
Green Apple: Use a solid green/lime eyelash yarn for body and seeds section, with green ww for the base and top, and green for the tie.

Or how about a blueberry or a lemon or ….

Please do not distribute this pattern without permission, instead, send them here or to the pattern page at Ravelry. You may sell what you make using this pattern as long as it is not mass produced (i.e, a few items at a craft show are okay). If you'd like to sell more than a few items, please contact me. Making items for personal use or as gifts or donated to charities is not restricted at all.

Enjoy!

Shorah Y'all!

Finished ... one knitted wrist warmer

I'm a couple of days late with this but I finished the first wrist warmer on Thursday evening and started on the second one yesterday. The photos below show the finished wrist warmer. The first is before I sewed up the side and the second shows me modeling them. Not bad for a first finished knitted piece.






Shorah Y'all!

Irish Hiking Wrist Warmers

So ... yesterday, I frogged the dishcloth as it was too boring (I can't stand doing repeats of the same stitch for hours on end) and started making the Irish Hiking Wrist Warmers by Delia Rau (Ravelry Pattern Page). I picked this pattern because I'm obsessed with wrist warmers, I had the right weight yarn, and the knitting needles matched the only pair I've been able to find in all my boxes.

The photo below shows the first wrist warmer after I'd finished just over 2 repeats of the pattern. I'm hoping to finish the set within a couple of weeks, in between everything else that is. I'm using the yarn left over from making Britney's socks and it is so soft!



I have to stop browsing the patterns at Ravelry. I'm finding so many wonderful patterns that I'll never be able to make or wear. (sigh)

Shorah Y'all!

Cris' Arm Warmers

I've almost finished the first arm warmer for Cris, just need to sew up the cuff and weave in the ends. I'm now starting on the second one and on a set for myself in a smaller yarn. Hopefully I'll remember to write down the pattern as I go this time!

The image below shows the full arm warmer:



And this one shows the detail on the back of the hand:



I'm quite pleased with myself at the moment.


Shorah Y'all!

First Knit Washcloth - in progress

Okay, so my first real knit project is about a third of the way done. The scarf I tried to knit a couple of years ago doesn't count since I never got past the first few rows (due to frustration).

I'm making a washcloth from the Annie's Attic Cheery Dishcloths to Knit, using the Pistachio Nut Surprise pattern with Peaches and Cream Lemon-Lime cotton yarn. I got the downloadable version of the booklet from e-patternscentral.com and was using a different pattern from there but I had to keep frogging it and got a bit frustrated. This pattern is a bit less complicated and going quite well.



Shorah Y'all!

Aha! Mild Success ...

Here's my first attempt using Continental knitting ... the edges are wonky but I think I did admirably for a first try.



Shorah Y'all!

I shall overcome ... knitting

So far, knitting, other than basic knit and purl has eluded me ... and even that much makes me throw what little I've accomplished across the room.

However, I'd heard about Continental knitting and did a few searches on Google, found a few nice videos and illustrations, and I like it much better than English knitting. I never got throwing the yarn and with Continental knitting, I can hold the yarn much like I do when crocheting which comes more naturally to me (and is easier on my carpal tunnel syndrome). So far, I've just done a few rows of knit stitch, which I keep dropping stitches on and having to frog, but this just might be what I need to get my head around knitting.

Not that I'll ever give up crochet, far from it as it is my first love, but I see so many knitted items that I would love to make and always have to pass them by ...

We'll just have to see how it goes from here ....

Oh, and Ravelry is evil ... totally addicting but with wonderful people, and I'm learning tons. You can find me there as "fignations."

Shorah Y'all!

Grateful for choices

With the first anniversary coming up of the Trolley Square shooting here in Salt Lake City, I was reading an article on one of the survivors (Surviving a day at a time) and it makes me even more grateful for the choices I made that day.

I rarely talk on the phone while driving but on February 12, 2007, I had called my father on my cell phone. I was paying particular attention to where the cars were around me so I didn't do something more stupid than I already was. By the time I got off the phone, I realized that I was several miles past my exit so took the next exit I could. I headed east and came upon a span over the road that said "Trolley Square" and looked to my left and saw the shopping center. "That looks like a cool place," I thought, "maybe I should go in and see what's there." I was about to get into the turn lane when I looked at the clock and remembered that my dog would be frantic by the time I got home, so I changed my mind and continued driving. Time: 6:32 pm

Shooter begins rampage killing five and wounding four. Time: 6:44 pm

I arrived home, took the dog for her walk, fed her and the cat, and settled down to do some work on the computer. Time: 7:00 pm

Turned the TV on to watch the news and heard what had happened. If I had turned instead of going home, I would have just entered the square when the shooting started. Thank God for choices, dogs, and watching over me. Time: 7:30 pm

Turquoise Socks Photo

And finally a photo of the finished Turquoise Socks.

Shorah Y'all!

I hate being sick

This is the third time this winter I've had bronchitis and I'm tired of it. I need to find some ginseng tea.

Shorah Y'all!

Im in!!!!!

Woohoo! My invite to Ravelry finally came at 1:42pm MST and I've been madly joining groups since and even started a group for crocheters in Utah. The site is totally addicting and boy am I in trouble now......

Shorah Y'all!

Anxiously awaiting Ravelry invite

As of yesterday evening, I was #94568 on the Ravelry invite list, signed up on 1/25/08, and only 190 potential Ravelers were in front of me.

I finally had to close the antsy page for the site since I kept refreshing the page and seeing the numbers of those behind me creep higher ....

Fortunately, Trillian notifies me whenever I get new mail ....

I feel like the lady in the commercial standing in front of the locked store and muttering "Open Open Open!"

Shorah Y'all!

Turquoise Socks Finished

Finally finished the turqoise socks yesterday!!!! Britney is going to have her husband take a photo of her wearing them and I'll upload it once I have it ...

Now I get to finish the socks I started for myself. I'm finishing up the toe on the first sock and then will need to weave in the ends and sew up the back seam.

Shorah Y'all!

Arm Warmers in progress

This morning I sent off the afghan to my aunt and a pair of blue wrist warmers to my mother. I also went to Michaels to pick up some yarn for a pair of arm warmers for a friend. She wanted a variegated yarn in cool colors and I found the Patons SWS yarn which is a wool/soy blend. The Natural Navy color was perfect so go several skeins of it.

I started the arm warmers with an I/9 crochet hook and am crocheting single crochets in the back loops so I get a nice ribbing. As I went along, I noticed that the yarn made nice stripes as I went. Since the wrist part will be done in the round, I'm eager to see how it looks.

I also found that I really don't care for the Boye crochet hooks. The hook end is too rounded for my taste. I usually use Susan Bates hooks but didn't have one in the correct size.

The turquoise socks are still in progress and I have about 5" left to go before I start on the toe section.

Shorah Y'all!

Back to the Turquoise Socks

I'm making progress on the second sock of the Turquoise sock pair. I'm currently down to the ankle area with another 1.5" to go before starting the heel. If I'm lucky and don't get distracted with Second Life or Uru or Sudoku, then I just might get it done this weekend.

Shorah Y'all!

Finished 8-color afgan

Woohoo! I finished the 8-Color Afghan last night - my first ever afghan and while I could have done a bit better joining the squares, it's not bad for my first one.

I'll be taking it to work to show some of the ladies and then will mail it to my Aunt Sharon over the weekend. Aunt Sharon always remembers my birthday and sends something at Christmas as well. I hope she enjoys using the afghan during these cold Chicago winters.

(Dar does happy dance!)

Shorah Y'all!

Arrrrrgh! Snow!

Over the weekend it was fairly warm, snow was melting nicely and this morning it was a bit windy but nothing bad. At work, I'm in the back "warehouse" so can't see out any windows. Jess and I decided to go out for lunch and hit a complete whiteout when we opened the door ... I need new tires very badly - no tread on snow/ice is not good.

Shorah Y'all!

Photos of 8-color afghan squares

I'm not quite finished with all the squares but I went ahead and finished one each of the last three squares so I could take pictures. Click on the images to view larger versions in my Picasa gallery. I'm quite proud of these squares and love the way the colors work together.

Square 1

Square 2

Square 3

Square 4

Square 5

Square 6

Square 7

Square 8

If I'm lucky, I'll have the rest of the squares done this weekend and can washing and blocking them and start sewing them together by next weekend. I'm thinking that this will make a great gift for my Aunt Sharon ...

Shorah Y'all!

Tangled Thread Project #1

Periodically I'll post a project that I've tried out and can recommend that others try as well. I'll try as much as possible to post free projects that I've found so they are easily found and won't cost you anything to get except for printing them out.

These will be posted as a Tangled Thread Project along with links to the project.

The first Tangled Thread Project is the Vanna's Choice 8-color Afghan which can be found online at JoAnn.com and is shown below. The pattern is suggested for an experienced crocheter but is really simple enough for an intermediate crocheter to make. The colors are so jewel-like and are gorgeous together. It works up fast (I can make four squares an evening) and the Vanna's Choice yarn is a joy to work with. I'll post some photos of the squares I've made as soon as I can.

Pattern correction:

From:

Rnd 4: Join C in any ch-3 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), [1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc] into same sp, ...

To:

Rnd 4: Join C in any ch-3 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), [1 dc, ch 3, 2 dc] into same sp, ...

Tips:

1. I found it easiest to crochet all four rosettes for each color set first, then the next color in the set, then the next color, etc. This allowed me to finish each color for a set before moving on to the next color.
2. When starting the center rosette, place the yarn end next to the chain loop and crochet over it as you go. This will automatically weave in the yarn end. Do not cut off the end of the yarn until after the rosette is completed and the other end yarn is woven in.
3. Once each rosette is completed, weave in the yarn end down through one of the petals and then through the center ring loops. Go the opposite direction that the beginning yarn end was crocheted into the loop, holding the first yarn end as needed to keep it from pulling. When you reach the point where you started the first treble crochet, go under a few more loops and tug lightly to close up the gap. Trim both yarn ends.
4. After completing row 3, weave in the beginning yarn end of row 2. Do not weave in the yarn end for row 3. Instead, hold it against the top of the row and crochet over it as you add row 4. Do the same for row 5.
5. When starting rows 4 and 5, start at the opposite side of where you ended the previous row. After joining the yarn, lay the yarn end for the current row along the top of the previous row and crochet over it as you go. When you get to the yarn end from the previous row, crochet over it as you go (tip 4 above). This will leave only the yarn end from row 5 to weave in with a needle. Suggest weaving in the end for row 5 in the opposite direction of the beginning yarn end.

Shorah Y'all!

More snow pics

More photos of the snow and icicles around our apartment building.

This is the snow pile next to our building from where the snow plows pushed the snow off the parking lot. My sister is standing next to it and she is about 5'2" tall.

These are some very artistic icicles hanging off the roof of our building. Our apartment is the one on the bottom.

I love the way the snow piles up on the branches of this tree although when it gets a bit warmer, I have to make sure my hood is up. The tree seems to know when someone is under it without a hood up. Brrrrrrr!!

More icicles on the building across the parking lot.

A bit different than Houston, eh?

Shorah Y'all!

Lotsa snow

We barely made it in to work today and really shouldn't have even tried but by the time I realized it, I was already halfway here. The roads and interstate are in terrible condition and I have no tread on my tires .... The snow is supposed to stop this afternoon and hopefully the snowplows will have been around to clear the roads. I only made it halfway into a parking spot before I hit too much snow and had to stop. So my car is sticking out into the driving area of the parking lot. The photo below is of the parking area in the front of the DAZ offices.



Shorah Y'all!

Of all things to happen ...

The Wool-Ease yarn I bought is the wrong kind! I needed the Chunky and they only had the Thick & Quick which I didn't realize until I got it home and started working with it. (sigh) Well, I know I can find some project to use it for ... maybe a dog sweater for Kaylee since we have to keep her fur short and Shih Tzus don't have a lot of body fat to keep them warm when outside. Kaylee loves to roll around on the beds and her fur gets so matted that the groomer has to almost shave her. Keeping her fur short helps some with that although she looks so cute with the long fur!

Anyway, I went to Jo-Anns after work yesterday and while they had the Chunky yarn, they did not have it in Grass, so I got two skeins each of Spice and Bluebell. So, instead of having a green wrap, I'll have a multi-colored one with three color rectangles.

The Homespun wrap I'm working on has also evolved. I decided to go ahead and use up the Homespun Baroque yarn in addition to the Nouveau yarn and will be alternating between the two colors. Since the Baroque is a purplish color, I'll probably give it to my sister Jessica after I'm done. It does get cold in the apartment even with the heat going and it will make a warm wrap for her.

Shorah Y'all!

Dr. Who Scarf

If you are a fan of Dr. Who, there's a site you might want to visit - http://www.doctorwhoscarf.com/ - where you'll find color charts and yarn recommendations for knitting your own Dr. Who scarf. Of course, if you crochet, you could make one as well. There are even photos of one of the real scarves along with color comparisons between it and one the guy made himself.

Am thinking that this might make a good project for my Ultimate Sweater Machine once I reduce my stash and allow myself to buy more yarn.

Shorah Y'all!

Wrap photos

The photos of the pale yellow socks are just too washed out so that will have to wait.

Below is a photo of part of the wrap made with the Grass Wool-Ease. It is 22.5" wide and when done will be around 60" long but is currently only 24" long.

I stopped by Michael's after work and bought four more skeins of the green for $5.99, a dollar cheaper than the regular price at Hobby Lobby which greatly surprised me.

The Homespun shawl is about 24" wide and will also be 60" long when completed. At only 8" long right now, I have a ways to go still.

Shorah Y'all!

Using up my stash

Finally found the Hobby Lobby south of Salt Lake City and found a knitting machine from Innovations that you crank the handle on. Had a 40% off coupon so decided to try it out. Still not sure if it's worth the effort though. I also found some Chunky Wool-Ease for $2.99 because they were messed up looking. Only two skeins were available for that price and I decided to make a shawl using a prayer shawl pattern I found at the prayer shawl site. Using a large crochet hook and each skein makes 12" of shawl so I still need 3 or 4 more skeins. When I ran out of the Wool-Ease, I pulled out some Lion Brand Homespun that I'd had for several years and started another shawl with it using the same size hook. The yarn is a bit more difficult to work with but so soft! I didn't finish the turquoise socks this weekend as I decided to start a shorter pair to see why the ankle section was a bit snug. I'll post photos of these new projects as soon as I can.

I have tons of yarn in boxes just waiting to be used so I'm determined to not buy more yarn (unless it's needed to finish a project) until I've used up some of what I have already. I have oodles of the Red Heart Classic Yellow and Star Brights Print yarn so have plenty to make blankies and sweaters for local charities.

Shorah Y'all!

A link and a soap box

A favorite link:

If you haven't visited I Can Has Cheezburger then you are truly missing out on an lolcat smorgasbord. You'll quickly become addicted so don't say I didn't warn you.

A pet peeve:

Faucets in bathrooms that are so close to the back of the sink that you keep hitting your hands against the sink ... why can't they make the faucets longer for better hygiene?

Shorah Y'all!

Sock and Granny Afghan

Last night I started on the second sock for Britney and hope to finish it before next Monday. The finished sock is shown below and I'm quite proud of it for my first crocheted sock ever.



So far I've completed five squares of my green granny square afghan using the Lion Brand Vanna's Choice yarn I mentioned in a previous post. The squares haven't been blocked yet but that will come later. I just love the color combination! Can you folks tell that green is my favorite color?



And now back to working on some of these projects ...

Shorah Y'all!

Photos of current projects

As promised, there are some photos of some of my current/recent projects.

I went on a granny square dishcloth binge although these are nice enough to use as washcloths. I gave away several to some neighbors for Christmas and they loved them. I used cotton yarn and a fairly large crochet hook.

The office can get quite cold, especially for those sitting near the front entrance so I made myself and my sister some wrist warmers. I usually wear a light pink pair made with fine worsted, but it is too light to photograph well and needs to be washed since I wear them constantly.

The images below show a green pair I made in a heavier worsted weight yarn. The pattern is from Ruthie's Crocheted Accessories booklet but I increased the length from the default 12 rows to 20 rows and added a second row at the top above the thumb opening. My next set will be for a coworker and then I'll work on making some gloves with no fingertips.

The following project is a either a lap blanket or wrap I'm making on a knitting loom. The pattern switches between a ribbed stitch and a reverse ribbed stitch which makes "holes" in the pattern. The detail below this image shows the pattern.

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I don't have photos yet of the green granny square afghan but I'll have one soon.

Shorah Y'all!

Almost two years ...

Well, it's been almost two years since I updated this blog and I must stop procrastinating about keeping it up!!!

I've been very busy this last year after leaving my job at Boeing, where I worked on the Space Station Program for 16.5 years and started working for DAZ 3D as their QA Manager. This meant a move from Houston to the Salt Lake City area in December of 2007. A few months ago, I wiggled my way out of the manager's position and am now happily ensconced as the lead technical writer where I get to write/update most of the software documentation. Talk about bliss!

I've also been hard at work with some crochet projects and a cross stitch project. I made some wrist warmers for myself and my sister and a coworker wants me to make her a pair as well. I'm also making a pair of socks for another coworker that are long enough to cover her knees. I've never made socks before but am quite proud of the results so far.

I also discovered the new Vanna's Choice yarn from Lion Brand and fell head over heels in love with the colors. I've started a granny square afghan using the honey, pea green, dusty green, and olive colors. Absolutely gorgeous!!!

I'll post some photos of the projects as soon as I can but I've lost the recharge cord for my camera ... I may have left it in Seattle ....

Shorah Y'all!

Just a note ...

I really need to get off my duff and update my blog ... maybe this weekend. I've spent the last week rebuilding my computer after having to reformat my C drive when a site I went to messed up my WinXP install. I thought I'd saved all my e-mail files but looks like I missed something and have lost quite a bit of e-mail data, including receipts and serial numbers. Ah well ...

In the meantime, take a look at my cousin Marci Oleszkiewicz's blog where she shows some of her art - http://marcipaints.blogspot.com/

Shorah Y'all!

Back on the Floor Loom & DragonCon

I've started back on the floor loom finally. I'm still having some pain in my calf that I don't think should be there so it's slow going. I'll be making an appointment soon to talk with my doctor about it. I'm thinking I may need another sonogram to see if the blood clot has broken up completely or not.

I'm also working on a crochet project for class. It's supposed to be a filet crochet curtain for my dining area to match the table runner, but I think I'm making it too long. I'll probably start over and cut off one row of the design. I need to start on two more projects as well and finish up my class notebook. I have until the end of November to complete everything.

I'm also starting a new class in a couple of weeks, Crafts and Art History. Looks like we'll be doing some pottery and papermaking and other crafts as well.

Over the Labor Day weekend, I'll be at DragonCon in Atlanta, Georgia. I'll be doing two one hour panels on Bryce for DAZ and helping out at the Art on Demand booth. I'm really looking forward to this as I've never been to DragonCon and wasn't able to go to SIGGRAPH for DAZ because I didn't have enough vacation days saved up since my hospital stay.

I also purchased an ostrich egg from The Ukrainian Gift Shop (http://www.ukrainiangiftshop.com) and am making up new dye jars today. I'm short on some of the dyes so ordered more of those as well. I'd forgotten how messy making the dyes was and my hands now look like a painter's cloth. They'll take a few days to slough off the skin that is dyed so until then I'll just have to walk around with dyed hands. I'm used to it though so tend to ignore it but I do get some odd stares from people. I'll start out doing some chicken and goose eggs in order to get back into it before even attempting to start on the ostrich egg.

That's it for now.

Shorah Y'all!

Go for Launch!

Well, NASA has announced that the Space Shuttle will launch on July 13, which is a real relief to all of us working the Shuttle and Station Programs. Even with the Shuttle grounded, there's been lots of work to do, like software to code, test, verify, deliver, and uplink. So we've been busy but it's so good to finally see this happening.

On the weaving front, sister Jessica has moved back in with me to attend a local community college after two years in Mississippi with sister Darlene and attending a CC there. She's going to try a weaving project after I finish my class projects.

Shorah Y'all!

Tablerunner in process

I've finally made some progress on my tablerunner. I have the loom all dressed and about 30 inches of it woven. There's a flame stitch that started out from my misreading the treadling draft, but I liked it so continued with that for just over 15 inches, then switched to the correct treadling to get the Periwinkle design.



You can see more images of the process at my site (along with a better version of the photo above) - Tablerunner pics - click on Next until you reach the tablerunner10.html page.

I'm really enjoying working on the Schacht Table Loom especially since I purchased the stand. Since the loom is an older one, I had to buy a drill bit (already had the drill) and drill holes for the stand. I used a trick I've seen on different woodworking shows and placed tape on the drill where I needed to stop. Worked beautifully.

Shorah Y'all!

A little progress

I haven't posted in a while but have been keeping busy. I finally got the thread wrapped on the warping board (the first time I've used it since I got it for Christmas) and on to the loom. Tonight, I finished threading half of the heddles with 170 ends of a green Tencel. The other half is also green but should go faster. My mistake was tying the sections of the cross with the wrong thread and causing the warp threads to pull against it so it's taking longer to do this than it should. The weft will also be Tencel in a natural color. I'll be posting some pictures as soon as I use up the roll of film. I can't find the cord to connect the digital camera to the computer so can't use it yet.

I should be able to get back to my scarf on the floor loom soon. I bought more fishing weights to put on the #2 harness since it won't drop by itself. I'd love to let my brother-in-law get his hands on it to fix it.

On the home front, my birthday was last Wednesday - the big four-oh - and sister Jenny and two of her friends came to visit me this weekend. We went to the Kemah Boardwalk Sunday evening and they treated me to lunch and dinner. Sylvia helped me bring boxes in from the garage to unpack while Jenny and Colleen took a nap (the lazy bums!).

Shorah Y'all!

Looms and Gardening

Some of the members of the Weaving message list on Yahoo have been discussing how their looms have taken over their houses. Now I only have two looms, one is a floor loom that is in my bedroom while the new table loom is currently in my dining area but as soon as my stand comes in from Schacht, it too will go in my bedroom. The craft room is way too small to put the looms there and with the computer desks in the living room, I just couldn't handle having the looms in there as well.

Now on to the house. One of my coworkers gave me a $50 Home Depot Gift Card as a housewarming gift so I stopped by HD the other day but really didn't find anything I wanted then realized I could rent a tiller for the back yard. (Was that a run on sentence or what? :P ) I want to plant some wild flowers in the area where no grass is and it's too slow to do it manually. The flowers will be there as a temporary soil retainer until I can afford to really landscape the yard.

Whatever contractor they had lay down the grass did a terrible job. It's lumpy, with low and high spots that we keep tripping over. Plus, it's St. Augustine grass which I don't care for ... well, actually ... I don't care for grass at all. So I need to do a design for the yard that gets rid of as much grass as possible. Most of the bushes they put in front of the house will go as well but the forsythia bush and the live oak tree will stay (love oak trees). I also want to find a dogwood tree that will grow here. The ones I'm used to and love from Alabama just doesn't seem to like this area ... probably too "mushy" of a soil or something.

A pond is another thing I've always wanted to have and a swing and lots of flowers and maybe a small vegie garden as well. We'll see what happens.

Shorah Y'all!

Back to Weaving

Yesterday I stopped by the Mall of the Mainland here in Texas City. It's literally across the street from the development I just moved in to. I purchased a small Bible to fit in my purse and the gentleman at the counter invited me to the church meeting that they currently hold in the back of the store. The church my parents helped start back in the early 70s started in a storefront, so I just might go tomorrow.

Today I was up by 9:15 am but only because my boyfriend is a morning person and thinks that I should be up by then (I detest mornings). Anyway, he came over to see the new house then I headed out to La Porte after he left. Of course, now that I'm not in Clear Lake anymore, the trip is a lot longer than before. I was going to the Upstairs Studio where I get most of my thread and supplies for weaving. I needed some more heddles for the Schacht Table Loom I won on eBay and a floor stand for it. I also got some flat shuttles for the floor loom so I can return the one I borrowed from the University of Houston - Clear Lake. The studio also gives me a discount because I'm a student (woot!).

On the way, I stopped at the sporting goods store in Seabrook for some fishing weights. The #2 frame on the floor loom doesn't like to drop and it breaks the rhythm when I have to push it down manually. My brother-in-law is determined to fix that plus repair part of the base that UPS broke in transit. He thinks he can get it to work more smoothly and I sure hope he's right.

I need to decide on a final design for my pillows and get the warp strung up on the warping board. Of course, I still need to find my bobbins which are packed away somewhere in the garage. I purchased some 8/2 Tencel from Camilla Valley Farm, a Spruce Green and a Natural. I'm thinking I'll need to double up the warp at the sides for strength and am considering sleying two threads per reed. Otherwise the weave will be too loose and I'll be more likely to pull in too tightly.

For now, I need to work on a tutorial so the weaving will have to wait but I'm one step closer to getting back to it.

Shorah Y'all!

Deafening Silence ...

I'm not that fond of sports ... I do like playing soccer and volleyball (I have a wicked serve), but I don't like watching others play that much. I do however, enjoy watching a good game of golf.

Don't ask me why, I just do.

Somehow, the deafening silence before a swing followed by thunderous applause reminds me of a Shuttle launch.

You're standing there, just a few miles away from the launch pad which is lit with spotlights from all directions. It's about 3 or 4 am and the announcer comes over the speakers starting the final countdown. The murmur of the crowd stops and you can feel the tension crackling in the air around you. As the countdown continues, you see the engines and boosters flare to life, smoke begins to pour out from under the shuttle as the flames hit the water below. And finally, as "One" still echoes from the speakers, the vehicle slowly and majestically begins to lift from the pad.

The sound beats into your chest making it hard to breath but you still shout along with everyone else. It's a triumphant and glorious sound. As the shuttle continues its ascent, everyone holds their breath until the boosters separate. The sighs of relief are followed by more cheers and clapping. The sound of the rockets burning above you can still be heard. Your whole body is still throbbing from the sound waves that hit you from the launch itself and you find that you're crying. Thankful that the shuttle and occupants are safe but remembering those who didn't make it.

I wish I was there with them, winging my way to the Space Station, then back to the moon and on to Mars.

The journey must continue my friends. Man aches to learn, to journey, to explore. Don't let the dream die.

Shorah Y'all!

Searching for Family

Being restricted as to my activities, I found the geneology GEDCOM files I'd started several years ago. I have several geneology programs including Generations Family Tree from Sierra Home. Unfortunately, Sierra has dropped support for the program so I'll either throw it out or see if Half Price Books will give me a couple of dollars for it. I also have GenoPro Gold and Legacy and I think I'll stick with them.

After checking over the data and making some updates, I exported the GEDCOM file and sent it on to the The Oleszkiewicz Project. Of course, I have my Riggs family information in the file as well. I looked at a few records at the Ellis Island site and found a few family members listed so will need to add that information soon. I'm waiting on my mother to send me more information that she got after her mother's death last year and hopefully can get some from my father's sisters.

One of the most interesting family stories is of my Great-great-grandfather, Joseph Blachowski (1871-1910). According to my Grandmother, Joseph "disappeared" after his wife, Josephine Swiatecki, Jr. (1873-1929) bore him ten children. It was assumed he was dead until his youngest son Leon tracked him down through an insurance policy. He found that Joseph had left Josephine, moved east (to Ohio I think or Pennsylvania) and remarried, without having first divorced Josephine. The children of his second marriage were given the same names as the children of his first marriage.

On my father's side, there's the Great-Aunt who sold moonshine and the Great-great-Uncle who had Narcolepsy and was almost buried alive. The family thought he was dead and placed him on ice (literally) until he could be buried. At the gravesite, the coffin was opened for a final viewing upon which he sat up and looked around. Everyone fled except for the preacher who was too terrified to move.

On my mother's side, I'm Polish with a bit of French and Jewish, while I'm Cherokee, Irish, and German on my father's side. When my parents met, my father shaved once every two weeks - ever seen an American Indian with a beard? As he got older, he was finally able to grow a beard and mustache.

That's all for now.

Shorah Y'all!

The Cloth's the Thing

Let's talk about my obsession with weaving this time.

We take cloth for granted more often than not. We no longer have to make it ourselves or wait for weeks for a precious bolt of cloth to cross the country. We don't need to reuse worn out clothing to make quilts. We can buy clothes ready made or find cheap cloth at the local fabric store. Yet some of us still feel the need to weave cloth for blankets, pillows, scarves, and more.

I was hooked on weaving long before I ever got the chance to actually learn so when I found out that the Fiber Arts class I was taking would teach me how to weave, I was ecstatic. Halfway through the class, I decided that I had to have a loom of my own. I found some plans but the cost of the materials was more than I could afford, although cheaper than a purchased loom. I turned to eBay and found a homemade loom that I won the auction on. After putting it together, I started on a project only to have the threads keep popping, so I pulled the warp off and started on a scarf project using Wool-Ease yarn. My brother-in-law has done some tweaking on the frames, cords, and treadle tie-ups but is convinced he can make it better. The number 2 frame doesn't like to drop and I may need to add more weights to the bottom of it to help. The wooden dowel holding the pulleys seems to be too large and so doesn't turn well in the holes. Fixing it will have to wait until I finish the scarves and that won't happen until the blood clot in my leg is gone.

You can see the loom in my Weaving gallery.

On March 12th, I won another auction on eBay for a Schacht Table Loom. An older model than they currently sell, but still in good shape except for a crack on the right hand side of the castle that can be fixed. Plus, the levers are attached from right to left while I prefer from left to right. I've already purchased some natural and dark green 8/2 Tencel for pillow tops to be made on the table loom. This will also give me the opportunity to use the warping board my brother-in-law made me for Christmas last year.

It's extremely fascinating to watch the strands of warp thread slowly filling with the weft thread to create a pattern as you press the treadles or select levers to raise and lower the threads, then throw the shuttle from side to side.

Once I'm allowed to weave again, I'll post my progress on the scarves and pillow tops.

Shorah Y'all!