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Circular Needles!

So when I embarked on this endeavor of trying to learn how to knit, I used what I have always used every time I try. Regular long knitting needles. And as of yesterday, I was still experiencing the same frustration. WELL...I had an idea while I was watching a tutorial--Why not try using circular needles? It seems that most tutorials I find lately on the basics have the circular needles in use, even for flat work. So, I headed out to AC Moore with m handy 40% coupon in hand, and started my search for a decent circular needle.

I am really flying blind at this point. I don't have anyone in my local circle of friends that knits, so I am just finding things out as I go. I stood there for a looooooooooooooong time debating--What size should I get? Should I get plastic? Should I get Aluminum,? Do I spring for Bamboo? GAHH!!!! Then I spied the Susan Bates Velocity Circular Needles! On the package, it says "Super Charge Your Knitting!" WOOT! SO I decided to get a size 11 (US) because the smaller needles frustrate me at this point, so I thought I would prefer a larger needle and work on some project where gauge doesn't matter.

WOW what a difference! The package said that the knitting would move a long alot faster and smoother, and they weren't kidding! I actually got a decent washcloth! Sure, it was all in garter stitch, but hey, that is all I am comfortable knitting at the moment. I am going to edge it with a crocheted edge and post a pic later. I REALLY like these needles, and certainly feel less frustrated than I did a couple days ago ;).

Stay tuned!

Just DO IT, July!!

I have dubbed this month "Just DO IT July!". I am challenging you all to just DO something that you may have been talking or thinking about doing "forever", but for whatever reason, have put it on the back burner.

For me, my "IT" is learning how to knit. I have wanted to for years, but have always found it to be outside of my comfort zone. After over 3 decades of crochet, I sure feel like a fish out of water when I pick up those needles! I love being an advanced crocheter--but man, it sure is different to be a beginner at knitting, but we all have to start somewhere, right??

I already had PLENTY of yarn in my stash to start off with, and even have a couple set of knitting needles, so all I had to do was find a tutorial to teach me how to cast on the needle. I found a GREAT casting-on tutorial HERE and I was then off and running! Next, I decided that since I have learned how to cast on, I should start with making "learning swatches" of the stitches (knitting a swatch in a certain stitch until I have the stitch down pat). I decided to start with the knit stitch. I found another great tutorial HEREand learned that when you do every row in the knit stitch, it is a garter stitch (woot! Getting the terminology down! YAY me!). Just watched how to bind off too!

So, I have finished my longish swatch. Don't quite know what I'm going to do with it, but it seems such a waste to just not do anything with it. Maybe I'll make a cute little knit cuff with a button closure, who knows.

Tonight, I'm going to make a basic knitted dishcloth or bath cloth that may have a crocheted edge. I don't know. Whatever I can make that is made totally with a garter stitch  LOL.

Biggest thing I learned so far! Going to get some circular needles. SO HARD for me to be comfortable with these long needles, and I think the circulars would make for an easier transition  to knitting. Picking some up tomorrow!
                        
Anyhoo....stay tuned! If anyone has any helpful hints for a beginning knitter who is a seasoned crocheter, please share!

Stay Tuned!

Handmade Gift Exchange Summer 2011-Magic Cloth

This is the "Magic Cloth" I sent to my partner, Kristin. It's made with 100% acrylic, and that combined with the stitch gives it a slightly abrasive nature. When this is used with a baking soda/water solution (1 tsp soda per 1 Cup of water), it works very similarly to a magic eraser on walls--hope she likes it! I compared the use of one of these to a magic eraser on my wall, and it only took just a hair more elbow grease, but it DID take the scuffs and crayon off the wall!.

Handmade Gift Exchange Summer 2011-Towel/Dishcloth Set

The Kitchen Towel/Dishcloth set I sent my partner, Kristin. The colors are pale pink and the darker pink, but for some reason, the pale pink doesn't come across too well on the pic. Hope she likes it! The cotton combined with the stitch makes them super absorbent!

Handmade Gift Exchange Summer 2011-Owl

This is the Owl I sent my partner, Kristin, for her daughter. I hope they like it as much as I liked making it!

Going 'Poo Free--my review...

Well, I am at the end of my 'Poo Free experiment. Didn't quite make it 30 days, but I am chalking that up to the heat and how my hair and scalp really need more during the sweltering times such as we have been having (upper 90's!!).I will start another 'Poo free experiment later this year when heat and humidity are no longer a factor, as it really seems to me that my hair and scalp seem to respond better when these things are not in play. I AM, however, am continuing to keep Sedona 'Poo Free , as she seems to be responding well to it, and her hair is still clean, shiny, and silky.

ANYHOOOOO...

As of TOMORROW--I am beginning a slight blog break, trying to reign in these Fibro flares! Look for more at the end of the month!