A Bit of a Break

So I'm taking a bit of a break from knitting and crochet. I've whipped out several projects in the last couple of weeks, and I need a break. When I come back to it I have a "To Do" list to finish so those'll be up here eventually. So without further ado, the To Do list.

1. Shrug for a college friend (yarn picked, not started)
2. Relaxation scarf (started, probably will never finish)
3. A couple of crowns just for the heck of it (need more yarn in apropriate colors)
4. Sam's Birthday Present (still needs pattern)

So you can see I have a lot of work to do on all this. Maybe I should prioritize and get the important stuff done first...

Finally!

So I finally finished Andy's Sweater for the contest. And I must say it is adorable! I ran out of yarn again so I begged some dark green off my sister (green is the one color I don't have) and knit the rest of the sweater with that. I really like the contrast between the light body and dark sleeves, hood, and pocket. The little shamrock just gives it a little extra for St. Pat's day. Ok it won't let me upload another picture, so all I've got is the front.

(I don't know if I mentioned this, Andy is my mother's peekaboo doll. I just dress him up.)

Just a quick update

I know I updated yesterday, but I wanted to let all of you know that Clara May's birthday presents were a hit. And not just with the baby, Grandma was really getting into the knit book! Well I just wanted to leave you a quick note to say how it went.

An early St. Pat's update

Yesterday I joined a knitting contest for a guild on Gaiaonline, so I've started on my St. Patrick's day knitting and crocheting. For the contest I'm making a hooded sweater for the peek-a-boo doll. I think it's time he got out of his Christmas outfit. During St st breaks, I crocheted a bunch of shamrocks and started decorating my bedroom. Pics below!

Just a note: I ran out of yarn on the back and used another skien that I thought was the same color, I didn't realize the shade was off until I took the picture. Thankfully, that's going to be hidden by the hood.

Sadly, yes, that is the extent of my decorations at the moment. Give me a couple of weeks.

Sick and Tired of Sick and Tired

So anyone who has seen me in the last few days will know that I've been sick all week. Never the less I did finish all of Clara May's presents last night. All that's left is to sew a few things down. I absolutely adore the crown I made her, I'm thinking of making one for me. Links for the bear, book and crown are below the pictures. Sorry the last one is a bit dark, my flash makes it impossible to see it.

(Henry the Penguin volunteered to wear the crown.)

http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTbookofknitty.html
http://phoebe.gleeson.us/2005/07/12/knitting_updates_crown_pattern
http://members.tripod.com/~JillMC/teddy.html

Birthday Blues

So this past Sunday I was informed that I was invited to the birthday party of the daughter of a friend of mine. The person that told me this, who shall remain nameless *cough*Sam*cough*, has had my invitation for over a month, and the party is Sunday. Needless to say I've gone nuts making presents. I'm giving her a whole slew of things, since this is her first birthday. I made a book for her with little knitted swatches and what stitch they are, I'm making a little pink teddy bear, and I think I'm going to make her a little backpack and a crown. And I have four days to get these done....

In other news, I found a new comedian that I like. Bill Bailey, he's the off-the-wall crazy comedian that works music into all of his acts. Thanks to my lovely little sis for sending me links to some videos of his shows. Well, I have Music Theory homework to finish, and a bear to knit so I'll post the links where I found the patterns and stuff later when I have everything done.

Presents

Hey All!

So, yesterday was the now infamous christmas party, so I bring to you an update! I've been wanting to put up pictures of peoples presents for a month now and finally I get my chance.

First up, my friend Sam's scarf. (Modeled by my lovely sister) It's a novelty mohair blend yarn, that I thought was going to be enough for a scarf, but it ended up a little short. I thought that the color would be perfect for her and I was right.

Next is the heart scarf I made for another of my girlfriends. (Modeled by me this time) The yarn was a soft acrylic that I've actually fallen in love with, I have about 4 skiens of the red in my stash. Kind of a fun project, making all the hearts got annoying after a while though.

And now, the shrug I made for my third best friend. (My sister once again modeling) I used the "Shrug This" pattern in the book One skien wonders, but changed the yarn to make the shrug a little warmer. I added a contrasting colored stripe towards the bottom, which you can't really see, and a crocheted trim.

And finally, because this was not only a regular gift exchange, but also a white elephant party. Meet the white elephant. (He looks pinkish because of my afgan) This cute little guy is completely cheap acrylic I found at a garage sale, and polyfil stuffing I kidnapped out of my mom's stash. I've tried making another elephant since, but its turning out looking more like an aardvark.

First Postage

Well, I have finally jumped on board the craft blog train. Welcome to Hooks and Needles. Hopefully I'll remember to update this on a regular basis. For now a picure and a pattern. I found several patterns for these the other day when I was searching for a felting pattern. I naturally jumped at the chance to use an unusual medium, and got rid of some of the grocery bag surplus in the back room.

The Bag of Bags

Materials

"Yarn" Made from loops of plastic bags

US Size 15 circular needles

A tapestry needle with a larger eye

CO 80 st, Join being careful not to twist stitches

Row 1-3 Knit

Row 4 K15 BO10 K30 BO10 K15

Row 5 K15 CO10 K30 CO10 K15

Continue knitting every row until you reach the desired depth, mine was shorter only because I ran out of plastic bags I'm allowed to use. Once you have it as long as you want to make it BO all stitches. Fold in half with the handles in the center, turn inside out and sew seam using prefered stitch. Turn rightside out and you're ready to go!

Yeah, the pattern is short. I like to keep them short and sweet so they're easy to memorize. I hate carrying a pattern around everywhere, so the easier something is to memorize the more I like it.