Yes, Officer, I am wearing my seatbelt

Block 11

Block 12

Yes, Officer, I am wearing my seatbelt

So 2015 has come and gone, and I have finished every block of the BrownieKnits blanket along.  What a fun way to learn how to knit. Block 11 was a bit of lace work.  I had the most trouble with this one.  I believe it was the yarn overs that gave me trouble. Only practice will help that issue.

Block 12 was more cables combined with the seed stitch.  This was the
prettiest of all twelve to me.


Now it's time to wash, block, and sew together.  The pattern calls for it to be seamed with a simple mattress stitch.  The garter stitch edges serve as sashing, but I think I'm going to add more on my own.  Since my squares are all the same color, I thought a contrasting color made by crochet would be nice.  Maybe a darker blue, or white. Perhaps a half double crochet around each a block, crochet join, then a crochet border around the entire blanket. What do you think?  Maybe I need to stretch my knit skills to borders, but I'm not ready yet, and I just want it to be done!!

Wheat Scarf

My car project for the last couple of months has been the Wheat Scarf by Tin Can Knits. A fun and simple pattern, but with all scarves, can be a bit boring after you're halfway, doing the same repeat for miles😉. I have nearly a whole skein of the same color left over, so I was thinking maybe a hat or fingerless gloves would make a nice set.

Hubby asked for a knit hat in black.  He picked out the Antler hat by Tin Can Knits. More cables, but I'm a lot more comfortable with them now.  The black yarn is causing a bit of an issue.  My eyes are not what they used to be, so very bright light seems to be in order.  Still, it's a fun knit.

Seat Belt Pockets

Hubby also made a special request for a seat belt pocket pouch for the work truck.  He is a commercial truck driver who wears black t-shirts nearly everyday.  If an officer or D.O.T. Inspector suspects you are not wearing the seatbelt, they will pull you over in a heartbeat.  Just the other day he passed an officer going in the opposite direction.  It was obvious he was checking out the seatbelt.  The neon colors stick out like a sore thumb.

Beware: it's not just the truck drivers they are watching!





The other sewing projects I've been working on have been walker/wheelchair pocket pouches. These are great for hands free operation of your mobility device. This group will most likely end up in my local assisted living facility. They are available for special order in a color and/or print of your choosing.  Just give me buzz here or on Etsy.

 

Lady Bugs Everywhere!!

Lady Bugs Everywhere!!

Block 8

I finished Block 8 of the Brownie Knits Blanket Along. Thank you Gina for a new challenge.  The fisherman's rib was easy enough once you knew how to work the stitch.  But don't make a mistake!  Three inches into the block I noticed a mistake five stitches ago. Evidently, the fisherman’s rib does not lend itself to tinking back. I became so frustrated I frogged the whole thing and restarted. I tried to use a life line, but that seemed to distort the stitches. Hopefully it will wash and block nicely. 

Block 9

Block 9 and more cables, but this time they seemed much easier.  Perhaps because there was not as many as in Block 5, or because I felt more comfortable.  Whatever the case, I think it turned out lovely. 

Have you tried Periscope or Meerkat yet?  So much fun!  But beware, it can be addicting.  For those who don't know, both Periscope and Meerkat are apps for your phone or tablet.  They are related to Twitter and part of a social media trend of today. Periscope is the new kid and has grown by leaps and bounds.  Because of the unexpected growth, Periscope is having a bit of trouble handling the popularity. Lost connections are common place and frustrating.  But these are overlooked often times because you're having fun.  Both platforms offer a way to communicate with your viewers in real time.  The viewer types in comments, the broadcaster responds.  Meerkat broadcasts can not be replayed without a third party app.  Periscopes are available for replay only for 24 hours. Check them out and test how strong you are not to drop what you're doing when that notification sound whistles at you.  😉

Wheat Scarf

Aside from the Brownie Knits blanket along blocks, I don't have any finished knitted items this month. I do have a scarf that I'm working on called Wheat by TinCanKnits.  It is a simple "learn to knit" project that I use as my car knitting WIP.  The pattern is easy to memorize and easy to knit. 

We continue to explore Tennessee.  Husband's job took him to Signal Mountain.  He took me up there the following weekend to explore. Some very nice homes and very nice views!  We also found the Spaceship House". It looks like a flying saucer, complete with retractable stairs. Sort of reminds me of the Jupiter 2 from Lost in Space. 😱

I have been keeping busy with sewing a couple more project bags, more seat belt pockets, and dpn holders.  I fell in love with some lady bug fabric.  Can you tell?  Everything listed in my Etsy shop is available for immediate shipment, of course, but they are also examples.  Feel free to contact me to customize an item especially for you.  This form may make it easier for you to convey to me what you're looking for in material, prints, size and accessories.  

  

Cables and Hats and Bears! Oh my!!

Cables and Hats and Bears! Oh my!!

I did it!! I made my very first hand knitted hat!! The first time I used double pointed needles also.  Wow, did I feel clumsy.  I'm so excited.  Such a feeling of accomplishment!  Silly? Not for this old goat!  :)

The pattern was Barley by TinCanKnits.  It is part of a learn to knit series by The Simple Collection.  I used Vanna's Choice colorway beige.  I enjoyed the pattern, it is a simple knit.





Finished Block 5. Cables!  I understood the concept from crochet and loom knitting, but the needles made it challenging. I zigged when I should have zagged at one point. When I noticed it several rows later, I was afraid to frog, not knowing where in the pattern I would end up. Then closer to the end I doubled a couple of rows. I couldn't leave it, so I frogged. It was hard to find my place, but I think it turned out ok for a learner project. 




Recently, I had the great privilege to make a travel project bag and notions pouch for Codi Knits.  He was very enthusiastic about the new design for the notions pouch that I spoke of in my last podcast and blog post.   What a joy it was to make something for someone who would really appreciate it!  I made it right away and mailed it out.  He let me know he got it and was very pleased with it.


To my surprise, a few days later came a wonderful package in the mail. To say thank you, Mr. Codi sent a thoughtful thank you gift of fabrics and teas and notions and chocolates!  Wow! He sure knows how to spoil a girl! Isn't that bear fabric just adorable?

As I was digging around in my stash of fabric, I came across two panels of cat fabric.  I have no idea how long I have had those panels. Since I was in need of new project bags anyway, I thought they would do nicely.  I lined it in gray cotton fabric,  added a couple of handles, included an inside zippered pocket, and voila, a good size project bag I can toss in my phone and ID and I am off.




We continue to explore Tennessee.  Recently we took a day trip to Sevierville to visit the flea market and ended up at the Tennessee Air Museum afterwards.  Husband found it very interesting.  They had a huge area where they stored all sorts of planes.  I understand they take a few of them to air shows as well.

On our way to the museum, we saw that the traffic was backed up for miles in the opposite direction, to get back on the interstate.  The only thing we could figure would cause that on a Sunday, was a traffic accident or the construction that was blocking some lanes.  Not wanting to get involved in that mess, we decided to take the back roads out of town.  Wouldn't you know it, just as we were waiting for the light to turn, an ambulance went around us and turned down our route.  A mile or so down the road we were at a dead stop, for 45 minutes.  I'm so glad I had a knitting project with me! My only fear at that point was that I may run out of yarn before we got home.  :)  But I didn't, so I still have my sanity, so to speak.

 Thank you to all who watch, like, comment and/or subscribe.  Feel free to comment and make suggestions.  I appreciate the feedback.

A Pocket Just Right for You!

Have you ever said, "I like this, but I wish..."?  When it comes to your Helping Hand Pocket Pouch, customization is key.  Everyone is special.  

You can make your choices in fabric, prints or solids, number of pockets, size, etc.  The perfect Helping Hand Pocket Pouch will be made to order.  Check out this order form to make your decisions easier.

I pay special attention to ease of use. Velcro, buttons with wide buttonholes, snaps, ribbons and ties are all available for your Helping Hand Pocket Pouch. Contact me if you have a special need or request. I enjoy special orders.  

Browse through my Etsy shop to see examples of what we can do together.