IT'S BEEN QUITE SOME TIME!!!!

Well, as most of you can tell, last year "must have been" my year off when it comes to crafts. The list I posted below, the things I wanted to accomplish in 2008....well, NONE of them got accomplished.

However, this year has already been a "New Year" and a fresh start for me and my crafts.

I have finished the January 09 KAL, which is done through the Monthly Dishcloths Group




This was my first project for 2009 anyway. Since that time, I have organized my patterns (crocheting, knitting, sewing, miscellaneous and quilting). I came across this beautiful scarf pattern that I bought this past summer when John and I was in Myrtle Beach and stopped in a fiber/yarn shop. It was a pattern that the owner came up with and gave me a copy of if I purchased a skein of yarn. Needless to say, I ALWAYS can use a skein of yarn. It so happens the skein I used for the scarf is the actual one I bought from the shop owner. I think it turned out pretty cool. What do you think? Notice the eyelets on each side of the "V"! How cool. I will definitely be using that pattern again.





Then there was the Lion Brand (free pattern) Chevron Scarf that I did. It turned out really WARM, GREAT AND LONG. For me that's a plus because as tall as I am it is hard to find one that is long enough to go past my "chin"! Anyway, I did it in a Lion Brand Wool Ease "Thick & Quick" yarn and it is definitely quick and warm; both to knit and to wear. As for the pictures, well, since I did it in black it didn't photograph very well, but I think you can get the idea!






Well, that's all I have for now. I'm currently working on a multi-directional scarf, and the mid-month Dishcloth KAL, so stay tuned for some new pics in the next few days/weeks.

I also have WIPs, which I am working on and will get them out and start working on them here soon too. So....until next posting....keep those needles "clicking"

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well it has been quite some time since I have posted, but one of my resolutions for the new year is to post more often and to accomplish more "finished" projects. So, on that note a list of things to finish:

1. Log Cabin Afghan
2. Heartbeat Sweater
3. Dishcloths (several)
4. Hanging Towels
5. Multi-directional sweater
6. Scarves (several)
7. Felted purses
8. Casserole Dish holders
9. 2-3 quilts
10. Quilted purses

OK....well, once I get all of these accomplished I will start a New list!

So, until next time.............keep those needles, crochet hooks, and sewing machine peddles moving!

SOCK UPDATES

My first Magic Loop Sock








My first DPN sock Progress:





At this point in my "sock knitting" experience, I think I am actually enjoying the DPNs best. However, I am wanting to get these done so I can try to do two at once. We will see how we progress here and when I get them off the needles.

LOG CABIN AFGHAN UPDATE!

Samantha Landreth's Prezzie!

 
 
 


Of course now that Alex has been born, his "BIG" sister Samantha has to share her time with mommy and daddy with Little Alex. So, I decided to make her a "purse/cradle" for just her. That way she too will get something, and not just her little brother, Alex. AND....this she won't have to share with her little brother.

I found this pattern on the internet, and did a little bit of modifying, wasn't real pleased with the pattern itself, but was pleased with the outcome. I hope you can see the actual baby doll that I was able to find to fit in the cradle. The skirt of the cradle just flips up and the strings draw it all together and she (Samantha) can just carry it around, take it to the store, or on car rides, and it is her own little purse.

I have a feeling I will be making more of these! What do you think?

Mason Dixon Sweater!

 
 

As you can tell from the pictures above, this is the baby wrap that I made from the Mason Dixon book. I did make the hat without a pattern, using a 2x2 (k/p) ribbing and stockinette stitch for the remainder of the hat. The ensamble turned out pretty good. I am just hoping it will fit little Alex!

Baby Bibs

 

These bibs were made for Baby Landreth. The one on the left is a "grandma's favorite" dishcloth pattern converted into a bib pattern. The one on the right came from the Mason Dixon knitting book, which I absolutely LOVE and have enjoyed making so many things from, as you will see in the next post!

Baby Afghan for Baby Landreth

 

This baby blanket was crocheted from a pattern I found in one of my monthly crochet magazines I receive. I also did some minor alterations and added the border of my choice and I think it turned out pretty good.

Magic Loop Toe Up Sock (2)

Magic Loop Toe Up Sock (2)
Originally uploaded by kattykatwoman

Another view of my "toe-up" magic loop sock. I have been trying the "Crazy-Toe-and-Heels" on two circular needles, but that has been a wash so far.

Magic Loop Toe Up Sock

Magic Loop Toe Up Sock
Originally uploaded by kattykatwoman

OK....now that I have a "blurred" picture....but, I think you can get the jest of what's going on....I have a "toe up" sock started using the Magic Loop method. I LOVE this toe....but, have a few problems with it. The actual right side of the sock is on the "inside" when I'm knitting. Is that how it is supposed to be? AND I get confused as to which needle is the top and which is the bottom when "turning clockwise", or if I lay it down and come back to it. Any suggestions on how to keep this problem straight?

Log Cabin Blanket Started (1)

Log Cabin Blanket Started (1)
Originally uploaded by kattykatwoman

This is a picture of my "log cabin" afghan that I have started after one round. It is so enjoyable and relaxing to knit this pattern. I am going to continue to add my scraps as long as they last then will begin using some of the "REALLY OLD" skeins that I have in my stash.

I DID IT!....MY FIRST GARTERLAC DISHCLOTH!

Well, what do you think? Not bad for my first one! It was fun too, once I figured out the second row...then it was a breeze. Of course in order to figure out the second row John (my WONDERFUL husband) had to read the directions to me and then pointed out that I wasn't picking up stitches correctly.....so, after we worked through that....it was smooth sailing....he was such a GREAT help!

ANOTHER CROCHETED BABY BLANKET

These are two pictures of the latest "crocheted" baby blanket that I have recently finished. I was lucky enough to finish this the weekend of John's last airplane contest in Clinton, Indiana, prior to my falling and cracking my left ankle....AGAIN!

My Modular Dishcloth

Well, this is my 1st modular knit (with needles) dishcloth! It is far from perfect, but oh was it ever FUN. I even joined a Yahoo Group to learn more about modular knitting. I am so looking forward to learning more and experimenting even more. I hope my next project is a scarf!

Heartbeat Sweater

I have started the "Heartbeat Sweater" and will show you my progress to date:

The below picture was taken approximately 2 weeks ago. I have gotten more done on it since, but have not taken any more recent pictures yet.




The below picture was taken approximately a month ago, once I decided what yarn to use.



I am hoping to have this sweater done before the end of this month so I can start working on Christmas gifts that I want to have done for friends and family!

DISCHLOTHS I HAVE MADE RECENTLY!

Above are some dishcloths I have done since my last post. The orange one is a "Daffodile" from the Monthly Dishcloth KAL Group for May 2007, the varigated is a DW dishcloth pattern and the last (but not least) is a ballband dishcloth done from the Mason Dixon knitting book. These three are just a few of the most recent ones that I have finished.

This is my booga bag that was needle knitted (with a few minor adjustments to the pattern.......to make it bigger). I used Paton's SWS Wool yarn, which knitted up REALLY nice. However, you REALLY have to watch it when felting. I left it in the washer for 10 minutes, because the last purse I felted I left in for 5 minutes, and honestly could have used a few minutes more probably. All in all, it is a BEAUTIFUL purse and I plan on carrying it. Not to mention, everyone at work love it too. How about you?

MY LOOMED BUNNY PURSE

This is my first loomed bunny purse. I have made this one for my niece, Rachel, and will be making one for my granddaughter, Jessica. I know that when they receive these they will love them, what do you think?

NEW PURSES IN THE FUTURE!

OK....I have to show off some of my "E-BAY" finds....I got this box of BEAUTIFUL Mode-Dea Cache yarn in the mail yesterday! It is GREAT for felting and I am planning on making purses with it. I should be able to get at least four purses if not more, depending on sizes. I am so excited I can hardly wait to get started using it. But, I wanted to show it off and let you all see my new find!

PROJECT COMPLETED....just needs felted

This is a (shawl loom) loom knitted flap purse with a flat bottom and 5-stitch I-cord. I made this purse out of Paton Merino wool yarn using two strands for the entire purse. The flat bottom was also done on the loom. I will be felting this purse, and hope to embellish it with some hand stitching, and will provide pictures once felted and completed.

February Dishcloth KAL

These are pictures of the February Dishcloth KAL. It was a series of six hearts. It is a little hard to see, unless you look REALLY CLOSE, but the pattern is there. The second KAL for the month is still being worked on. I'm afraid I have to frog it and start over. Seems I didn't do the knit behind and yarn overs right. At least mine doesn't look like those that have posted theirs on the KAL blog. You can see them here: http://monthlydishclothkal.blogspot.com/

Baby Kimono Project........in progress

This is a Baby Kimono from the Mason Dixon knitting book (http://www.masondixonkal.blogspot.com/). It is being knitted on a set of KnitPicks Interchangeable knitting needles. They are so WONDERFUL to use. I debated for over a month on which ones to purchase and I believe I made the right choice. I have several people I know who are expecting babies this year and am planning on knitting gifts for them. I will post a picture of the finished Kimono once I am finished, which I hope will be by the end of the week. This is such a simple and fast pattern.

Crocheted Baby Blanket is finished!

I finished up the crocheted "Hooded Blankie" for a friend of mine on Saturday. The pattern came from the December 06/January 07 issue of "Crochet Today!" It was very easy and quick to crochet. I'm sure I will try it again, especially since I know of three more babies between the first of March and mid-late June that are going to be coming into this world.

FORGOT TO TELL YOU ABOUT THIS!

I have also finished a "needle knitted" towel for the kitchen. It turned out absolutely beautiful. It still needs blocked and a button put on it, but as soon as I get that accomplished I will photograph it and show you all how it turned out.

Been Awhile...BUT, I have been crafting!

This is a "toe up" sock that I have started and am working on to finish. It is coming along quite well, just taking a while because I have a couple baby items that I've been working on.

















I am also working on a hooded baby blanket for a friend who is due February 12th. I think it is turning out pretty good. The next one I make however I will definitely knit.

I have also purchased the Fiber Trends Adult Clog pattern http://www.fibertrends.com/viewer/patterns/AC33x.html and am anxiously hoping to get started on these rather soon. However, while I was at my FAVORITE LYS I purchased some hanks of Cascade 220 to make a "Booga Bag" on the loom. http://www.nancysquiltshop.com/boogabag.html




So, as you can see, I have been quite busy and am PLANNING on being even busier.

I have also been asked to "test knit" a baby sweater for Authentic Knitting Looms and am going to get that started first. It will come in extra handy seeing how I have several friends and co-workers who are either pregnant or their wives are pregnant. So, I will continue to post my progress as things progress. PLEASE stop by and check out what I'm up to often.

Thanks, and I love to hear from you as far as comments...

GO COLTS!.....BEAT THOSE BEARS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

I hope each of you had a GREAT holiday season.

Now that the holidays are over, and things are getting back to normal (at least they will once John and I get over the flu) I am starting a lot of new projects and will be posting pictures as they material.

So.....to each of you....I hope you come back by and check out my blog periodically, you never know what you may see!

Dixie