Busy Weekend

Good Morning,

What a beautiful day it is here today! The sun is shining, and the snow is melting off the roof...feels like the beginning of Spring! I'm so sorry I haven't posted as regularly as I had planned. We've been busy around here! Lots of trips into the city lately. We had to take our Lab to the vet on Thursday to get a staple in her leg checked, then Friday I had a doctor appointment, and we went wedding dress shopping with my sister...which went very well. She might have even found "the dress"! She's going to do a little more looking around still though, but it is gorgeous! I tried on some bridesmaid dresses as well, but we didn't find much that suited our tastes. We need to do some more looking around for sure in that area! Today we are going to look through the engagement photos of her and her fiance that they got taken the other day, and I need to do some baking, finish off my elefante, and find a bit of time to have a "girls day" with my sister. Now that I've written it all down, I think I might have to move a few things to tomorrow to fit it all in!

I'm also planning on setting up a sewing/knitting area in my bedroom so that I can have everything right handy when I need it. I'll try to post some pictures when I have it all done. It will be so nice to have an organized craft area. I can hardly wait to get started!

I did finally finish my Be Mine Socks!! I will try and post a better picture soon since it's sunny out today, I can get a better shot. I'm SO glad to have them done. They feel like little clouds on my feet! But I do not think I would do the two-at-a-time method again. Actually, I think I will do an experiment, and try a different pair of socks on dpns and then judge if I think it's a faster way or not. That would be the best idea I think, and then I get an excuse to knit more socks!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and a great finish to the Ravelympics!! I will hopefully have some closing ceremonies pictures to share with you all on Monday.

Happy Knitting!!

Break Time

Good Afternoon Knitters,

I never knew knitting could be so taxing on oneself! My wonderful Mother took notice, and set up a canteen station for refueling. Doesn't it look like a lovely selection? It took me a while to make up mind, but I decided on a nice mug of gourmet maple hot chocolate :-)




I didn't know if I could pull myself away from the sock knitting long enough to have a snack, but then I thought how a nice little sugar rush would help with the knitting speed.

The mitten cookie looks extra delicious!!

Yum! What a nice snack! Anyone want to join me for a break??

Knit One, Purl Two!!

Emmie says "Come on, you can do it!!"

The animals would like to give you all a little team support! If you're lacking in some cheer, they are here for you!

Cassie says "Never give up!! You're a star, you're a winner!!!"

Mittens says "I'll do the napping for you, you just keep on knitting."

"Knit one, purl two, Itty Bitty Knittys, Whoo Hooo"

Monday Morning

Marley Hat - finished a couple of days ago.

Hello Knitters!

How was everyone's weekend. Do you realize we have passed the half-way mark for the Ravelympics already?? The time seems to be flying by! I think this week calls for some serious knitting time. I got a couple of Itty Bitty hats done on the weekend, so now I basically only have to focus on the socks and the elefante this week. I'm making myself (at least for now) finish these projects before I start anything else. If I can get them done with time to spare, then I will think about casting on for something else. I seem to be getting distracted from my intended projects with all these other cute ones that keep coming my way.


Like I said, this past weekend was more productive for me. On Saturday I went with my Mom, Sister, and my future brother-in-law to a bridal expo a couple of hours away from here, so I got a good amount of knitting time while in the car. I finished a Ribbons hat and almost a Bunny Tail hat in that time. I spent Sunday working on the last few bits of the Bunny Tail and then turned the heels of my socks, and started the gusset decreases. I'm not sure how this week is looking for having much knitting time, but I have a feeling I'm going to have to sneak it in as much as possible!

Well, I'm off to the city for an appointment with a decorator. I hope everyone is making good progress on their projects! Have a wonderful week everyone!

Happy Knitting!

Just Keep Knitting, Just Keep Knitting...

Good Morning Everyone!

I'm sitting here typing with a very tired puppy napping on my lap. She went to the groomers yesterday and is now wore out! I was trying to do some work on my socks, but she gets upset when the yarn hits her in the head...which always seems to happen. So I thought I'd write you all a little update while she's sleeping.

I got another repeat of the heart cable pattern done yesterday on the socks, which means I now only have one more repeat and then I can work and turn the heel and begin on the foot part. I'm very excited about that! I can hardly wait to turn the heel! :-) It always seems like you're getting somewhere after that.

Tonight is the men's snowboard halfpipe competition, so I thought while watching that I'm going to begin my Marley hat - since it is in the hat-halfpipe event - I thought it was fitting.

Yesterday I made 8 loaves of white bread, since we were out. This was my first time making it without the help of my Mom, since she had to take Emmie to the groomer. I started out nice and early, and got as far as where I had 10 cups of flour mixed in and was just letting it rest before I kneaded it. While waiting, I thought I should say a quick prayer that it turned out good, and while doing so, I remembered that I forgot to add the oil. It was almost like the Lord was like, 'You forgot something'! So I ended up having to throw away the entire batch and start again! I ran out of regular flour, but I did have some bread flour on hand and used that for the last little bit of the kneading. But I had another problem on my hands. I had put the dough from the first batch into a garbage bag, and because of the yeast in it, the bag kept growing and growing, and I would punch it down and it would grow again...it was just not good! Finally I moved the bag from the kitchen to the garage and haven't looked at it since...hopefully it doesn't blow up or something! That would be quite a mess!! The second batch turned out good though, so all is well.

Tonight my Mom is going to a bridal expo with my sister and her fiance, so I'm in charge of making dinner for Dad. I haven't come up with any ideas yet, but lets hope and pray I have better luck with it!!

I'm off to work on the socks for a bit. Have a great day everyone!!

Happy Knitting!!!

P.S. This week - February 15-21 is Random Acts of Kindness Week. What a perfect time to show people how much you care. :-)

Bluebird of Happiness

Good Morning Knitters,

How did everyone's first weekend of the Ravelympics go? Mine went quite well. I got three finished projects under my belt, and even got two of the four repeats of cable pattern done on my socks. I had been so focused on getting things ready for the Ravelympics, that I almost forgot it was Valentine's Day! So Sunday morning I quickly searched out some patterns and whipped up some gifts for my Mom and sister. Dad was easy, he just wanted a raspberry pie! I made Marisol mouse for my sister, and Bluebird for my Mom and I also made them each a Heart from Mochimochi Land. It was nice to take a break from the socks and do some quick, easy knitting.

This is the mouse, I thought it looked so cute...almost like a world traveller!

On Sunday, Mom and my sister were back to their cheering for Team Itty Bitty Knittys. Since skiing was part of the competitions for the day, they thought they would hop on their skis in support and do a little cheering.

They are again wearing sweaters made by my Grandma.

Skiing seems to come naturally...must be the Finnish and Norwegian in us!

Go Team, GO!!!

They are great supporters and seem to be having a blast cheering us on! I love seeing what new thing they've come up with each day. They help keep me in a good mood when the knitting starts getting tough...I hope they do the same for all of you!

Happy Knitting!!

Ravelympics 2010 Begins!!!

Hello Knitters,

How was everyone's Ravelympics opening ceremony cast-on last night? Mine was great! I started my Be Mine Socks. So far, it's going well, although I'm finding it a lot slower and more tedious than if I was knitting on dpn's. I think it's going to take me a bit to get used to the two-at-a-time method. However, it will be nice to have both done at the same time!

Since I'm the only knitter participating in the Ravelympics at my house, I cast-on by myself...I did watch the ceremonies with my Mom and sister though, which was nice. I must say, way to go Canada!! I think we did a great job!! It made me proud to be a Canadian, and I will honestly admit, I even shed a tear or two. But anyways, this morning I was explaining to my Mom about the cast-on parties other knitters had and she thought since I didn't have any knitting buddies, I should at least have some very enthusiastic cheerleaders. So she and my sister came up with the idea of making signs for the Itty Bitty Knittys group to help cheer us on.




They thought it only appropriate to don their Nordic ski sweaters, hats, and mittens (made by my amazing knitter Grandma...she's Finnish) and climb the biggest snowbank in our yard (to look like they were on the mountain) and do some cheering. "Whooo Hooo!!!"

Then, they came up with the idea of running with the torch to light the cauldron (my Mom has always wanted to run with the torch, it's been a lifelong dream of hers, so this was the next best thing!!). Here they are running down the lane, passing the torch.

Here comes Mom!!!

Now it's my sister's turn.

Then they got the bright idea of having two torches like in the real Olympics so they could light the cauldron in unison. (by the way, the torches are made from construction paper cut to look like flames which are taped to US 19 wooden knitting needles...keeping in the spirit of the games.)

We like fire in our family, so they thought it was a good idea to actually light their paper flames on fire and light the cauldron (which is our outdoor stove).

So as you can see, it's been a very eventful and creative day here today. I can't wait to see what they have planned for tomorrow! All you Itty Bitty Knittys out there, know you have two very excited supporters here cheering us all on!!

"Whoot Whoot"

One Down, One to Go

Hello Knitters,

As you can see, I finished the sock!! Yay!! It turned out much better than I thought, and yes, it does actually fit. I think it will soften up a bit more after its washed and blocked, making it fit even better. I've already started on the second one, even though I don't really look forward to all the cables...I find they take me so much longer to do. However, I did learn how to cable forward without a cable needle. Cabling backwards is a bit too hard for me without the needle still...I drop the stitches, and then that takes up more time going back to pick them up. I'm hoping that the second one will go quicker because I now am familiar with the pattern....we will see.

As I said the other day, I was planning on going to pick up my yarn for the Ravelympics today, but this morning my little Yorkie is sick, so I have to postpone the trip till tomorrow. We're not sure if she got into something, or if it's from stress. She was scheduled to get her teeth cleaned tomorrow, but that will now have to be rescheduled as well. I have no problem with staying home today though. It's a beautiful sunny day outside, and I have a lot of cleaning I need to do around here, and the sooner the better. I want to get everything done and in order before the Ravelympics start so that I can have more undivided knitting time!

Well, that's all for today, I need to get to that cleaning! I'll leave you with a photo of Emmie practicing doing the conga line for the wedding reception :-)

Have a great day!

Socks and the Ravelympics

Hello Knitters,

How is everyone's week going? Mine is going well. Today I've spent a good portion of time working on a pair of socks, well actually the first sock of the pair. After making the Wedding Planning Footies for my sister, I've been itching to make another pair of socks. Although this time I wanted them to be a little more complicated. After looking through countless pages on Ravelry, I finally decided on Caribbean Coolers by Laura Stapleton. The whole Caribbean name just drew me in...now I'm working on the foot of the first one, and I'm liking it quite a bit. I haven't tried it on yet to see how it looks...hang on a sec, I'll do that now so I can better describe it to you................Ok, I will be honest with you, that was a little tight coming over my ankle, there was a slight moment when I thought it wasn't going to go on. Now that I've got it on, it looks cute. I can't tell if it is too tight, or if that is just the pain from having my foot shoved into a set of double points....hmmmm. Well, I'm going to finish it anyway and then try it on again. I've got this far, I can't give up now!! I will let you know how it goes...I'm sure the twitter updates will keep you posted hour, by hour...

On to more uplifting and exciting news....the Ravelympics are coming up in just 3 short days!! I'm eager for them since they will be my first ever. I joined the Itty Bitty Knittys group, and I have my projects all picked out. Now I'm just waiting for the yarn I ordered to arrive. Mass cast-on time here will be at 9 pm on Friday. I should be going to pick up the yarn on Thursday if all goes well. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you what my projects are going to be! For my "big and challenging project" I chose the Be Mine socks from 2-at-a-time Socks by Melissa Morgan-Oakes - 1. because I've never done socks two-at-a-time on circular needles, 2. they look to be a bit more complicated then a regular sock, 3. they are just too cute! and 4. it's the month of February, need I say more? My second project is going to be Elefante by Susan B. Anderson, I had to chose this one because he is just too cute, and I've been wanting to make him for so long. And my third project is the Rainbow Marley from Itty-Bitty Hats also by the amazing Susan B. Anderson. And today I decided that if I get all my projects done and still have some extra time, I might whip up a Bunny Tail for one of my little cousins. While at the yarn shop on Thursday, I think I'll just pick up some yarn just incase ;-) Are any of you participating in this year's Ravelympics??? I think it's such a fun idea! What a great way to use your time while watching the Olympic games.

Well, I should be getting back to that sock. Have a great evening everyone!

Lovestruck #2 and Wedding Socks

Hello again,

How was everyone's weekend? Mine was quite nice. I got to spend a fair amount of time finishing off some knitting which to me is always a good way to spend a weekend. Yesterday, I decided to knit up another Lovestruck in red because I thought the first one was getting a little lonely. They look quite happy together now, and ready for Valentine's Day don't you think? This really is a super quick pattern...I must have whipped him up in about 2 hours.

Another thing I got done were these socks. When my sister got engaged I decided to knit her a pair of wedding planning socks. I'd really liked the "Family Footies' pattern in Nicky Epstein's book Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch, and since she likes ankle socks, I thought it would be a perfect match! She really likes them and even wore them yesterday while doing wedding planning with her fiance. These were my first adult sized pair I've completed . I never knew sock knitting could be so much fun! I'm now on the lookout for patterns everywhere.

I made her do a little poising for the blog :-)

Now, I would like to introduce you to "The Love Frog." He is made from the Ribbit pattern by Susan B. Anderson for Spud Says! with the addition of the heart from Mochimochi Land. I knit the heart out of cotton instead of wool so it's not felted. I made him for my sister and her fiance. His job is to remind both of them of their great love for each other during the stressful times in the wedding planning ahead ;-) She took him to work today with her, and I hope he is having a good day!

Well, I'm off to search for a good sock pattern, I hope you all have a wonderful day!

A Little Play Time

Good Morning,


I just had to share this with you. Sunday morning my yorkie Emmie had to have some quality time with her Mom:

Getting a little fiesty

Wait, time out, what was that noise??

I wore myself out with all the fiestiness, now it's time for a long Sunday afternoon nap!

Engagement!!!

Hello,

Today I will get back to my update of what has been going on here over the last few weeks....One of the most exciting things that happened was my sister got engaged!! Her boyfriend of two years proposed last Saturday. We are all very excited, although not nearly as much as she is. I call her my little lovestuck-bride-to-be..this is where I got the name for the Lovestruck pattern! When I finished him and seen his little love eyes, he reminded me of her! I couldn't think of a more appropriate name.

W are now into the planning phase. I've adored weddings since I was a child, and this one will be the first for my immediate family. Since busy season is starting at her work, she's asked me to be co-planner with her (as well as her maid-of-honour!!). I'm very honoured and excited! So far the date is set for October 23rd. We are praying for a beautiful fall!

The picture up above is of the cupcakes I made for her when she got engaged. I put little wedding rings tied together with ribbons on each one. Whenever something exciting happens, I feel the need to bake something!

I have a feeling we will be in "wedding mode" here for the next so many months! I hope you all don't mind my occasional wedding related talk! I'll try to keep it to a minimum!

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend, I will be back on Monday with a continuation of the update!

Take care!

P.S. hop on over here to check out a free pattern preview on Spud Says! Too cute!!

Lovestruck

"There are three things that remain - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love."

1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT

Hello Knitters,

Since Valentine's Day is fast approaching I had to share with you this little pattern I made yesterday. It's super fast and easy which means you can whip one (or more!) up in plenty of time. I knit him out of worsted weight cotton, but you really could use any yarn and needles you would like to make him larger or smaller to suit your taste. Enjoy!

Lovestruck

Finished Measurements: 3 1/2 inches wide by about 3 1/2 inches tall

Materials

Yarn: Bernat Cottontots (100% cotton; 100 grams) or any worsted weight yarn would work - Country Pink

and small amounts of Bernat Cottontots - Wonder White and Lion Brand Cotton - Black (or just use any small amounts of worsted weight yarn for feet and hands)

Small amount of fiberfil

Needles: US 7 double-pointed needles

Tools: Yarn needle, scissors

Abbreviations:

k - knit

p - purl

m1 - make one by inserting the left needle from the front to the back under the bar in between the stich on the left needle and the stitch on the right needle and place the bar onto the right-hand needle. Knit this through the back loop.

k2tog - knit two together

psso - pass slipped stich over

sl - slip

ssk - slip two stitches separately as if to knit, knit these two stitches together through the back loops

Pattern

Heart Body (Make 2)

Using 2 double-pointed needles as straight needles, cast on 3 sts

(RS) Row 1: k1, m1, k1, m1, k1 = 5 sts

(WS) Row 2 and all even numbered rows: Purl

Row 3: k1, m1, k3, m1, k1 = 7 sts

Row 5: k1, m1, k5, m1, k1 = 9 sts

Row 6: Purl

cut yarn and leave on needle.

Using 2 other double-pointed needles, repeat the above so that you now have two pieces for the top of the heart.

Join the two pieces together by on row 7 of the current piece you are working on: k1, m1, k7, k2tog (do this by knitting the last stitch from the current piece together with the first stitch from the first piece), k7, m1, k1 = 16 sts total

Row 8: Purl

Row 9: Knit

Row 10: Purl

Row 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, and 23: k, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 - 2 sts will be decreased in each row. When completed row 23 you will have a total of 5 st.

Row 25: k1, sl, k2tog, psso, k1 = 3 sts

Row 27: sl, k2tog, psso = 1 st - cut yarn and thread through yarn needle and pull end through loop.

Weave in ends then take a piece of yarn and thread onto yarn needle. Whipstitch both pieces together, leaving a small space, stuff with fiberfil and finish sewing together.

Arms and Legs (make 4)

Cast on 4 sts and work i-cord for 2 1/2 inches - bind off. Sew onto body using the picture for a guide.

Feet (make 2)

With black yarn and two double-pointed needles used as straight needles cast on 6 sts

Rows 1-8: *k1, sl 1* repeat to the end of row

cut yarn leaving a 8 inch tail and thread through yarn needle. Take knitting needle out of stitches carefully and gently form a tube by squeezing slightly near the bottom of the piece. Draw tail through live stitches and then turn the piece inside out so the right side is facing outward. Gather the top tightly and stitch closed. Taking the tail end, sew the foot onto the end of the leg.

Hands (make 2)

With white yarn, follow instructions for feet, and when complete, sew onto ends of arms.

Face

With the black yarn threaded on yarn needle stitch on face using picture as guide.

Congratulations!! You are finished!! Now find someone who needs a little love in their life and pass him on!