Plowing Through!

Ok, well I found a lovely ball of Homespun in my stash and decided to make a garter stitch scarf (seeing as though it is the only thing I am comfortable doing!). Knitting is still so foreign to me though, and I am finding that my left ring finger goes numb! Probably because it's not used to being used so much! I'm SO dominantly right-handed that using two hands for something is really *work* for me LOL. Still plowing through, though! Hoping to finish this scarf by the end of the month, I really can't knit for *long* periods of time like I can with crochet due to the hand fatigue, but I'm sure in time I will. I also have several crochet projects to work on as well. Have to get Kimmie's framed crochet owl done for her birthday (pic in the future-can't spoil her surprise on the *off* chance she would actually read my blog...snicker...), and also making a couple sun hats, and want to finish another item for Sedona's birthday. WHEW! 

At any rate, still EXTREMELY happy with these needles, and loving that it goes MUCH smoother with them.  I think the one thing that I REALLY want to learn to knit are socks, but baby-steps...baby-steps...

Leaving for the beach on Sunday, WOOT! Very excited to be going back with the kids, and can't wait to take Kimmie. She loves Assateague, and she would love being at the beach with Alex and Sedona. 

Trying to decide what kind of project I will be taking with me to work on. Kimmie picked out some cotton with a 70's inspired colorway today and asked for some washcloths from it (Here is the colorway, it's by Bernat, and it's from the *Peace & Love* collection - called "Psychedelic")

I also want to make a giant Granny throw for the couch with some stash yarn. We'll see, just have to keep the hands busy on the trip, because Bruce likes to hog the driving on our trips ;).

Pinterest!

I am now on Pinterest! Check me out!

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!