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.  

  

It's Been a While!!

Brownie Knits Block 6 

It's been a while!

Brownie Knits Block 7

I finished Block 6 and all caught up!  Thank you Gina for a much easier block after the cables block. This was easy to memorize and an easy knit. I may have made it too long. Blocking will tell.  I can always rip back a few rows.

Block 7 was released a week or so later.  Again, an easy block.  I followed the written directions, rather than the chart.  I just wasn't ready to learn that option.  I'm sure I'll get it eventually, in combination with the written directions.  In crochet, I used them in combination.  They are very handy, especially when the written instructions are a bit confusing.

Cooler Liner/Pot Holder

I picked up the crochet hook for the first time since March. Husband wanted a liner for his cooler to absorb the condensation from the ice packs. Last time I used a dishcloth pattern, but this time I thought I would make it a bit thicker. I choose The Best Crochet Potholder by Heather Tucker.   I've made this pattern before for potholders. It creates a very thick and dense fabric.  After the first row of single crochet, you actually crochet two rows together for the rest of the project. Easy and quick, check it out.

Corner to Corner

Corner to corner baby blanket.  I've never done this technique and really enjoyed the process. I started the with a huge ball of Jo-Ann's Rainbow Sensations. Not really knowing how much yarn a baby blanket would take, I just thought a big ball would do a small blanket. Wrong!  This yarn was part of my stash and out of production.  Since it was a discontinued line, I went searching for some left overs on Ravelry. A gracious Ravelry member sent me her leftovers, however, not quite enough. I stumbled upon the “revised version” in Jo-Ann’s. Although it is still a number 5, it seems smaller. Can you tell the difference from the stitch marker to the corner?

I put this into hibernation since I didn't have a designated recipient and hadn’t decided on a border. Now that my niece is due in August, I decided to add the basic border demonstrated by Mikey of The Crochet Crowd.

Perk Me Up

I finished the Perk Me Up cowl written by Erin Donahue of GimmeYarn418 on YouTube.  It was an

easy knit, especially for a beginner. The pattern was super easy to follow and came with a chart. I've never knit from a chart before, but because the cowl is knit in the round, I found myself using the chart automatically. I used Caron's Simply Soft in soft pink.


Seat Belt Pockets!! Seat Belt Pockets come in three styles: The Two Pocket Bi-Fold, the Three Pocket Bi-Fold, and the Three Pocket Tri-Fold. The bi-fold two pockets are good size and will hold my iPhone 6. The tri-folds are more snug

around the belt making the pockets a bit smaller and tighter. The three pocket items have a full size pocket on the back. I like to use mine for a notions bag when I'm not traveling. All of these Seat Belt Pockets attach with magnetic snaps for an easy on/easy off operation. Each style will fit around the shoulder belt and can be positioned where it is most comfortable for you. But don't limit this item to your car, it can be snapped around the strap(s) of a shoulder bag, luggage or project tote.


I put together a couple more project bags. These are a bit smaller than the trave bag. I like this size for the smaller projects, and they can double as a purse. Throw in a wallet and go! The inside pocket is perfect for your DPNs.

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.

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