Merry Christmas!

Christmas Wrap Up

I love wrapping presents. There are so many beautiful papers.  But I also love beautiful fabric, especially the Christmas prints.   So this year I decided, why not make reusable Christmas wrap?

My family has gotten to the point where they prefer gift cards.  While that is easy for me to get them exactly what they want, I find it a bit boring.  So to make it a bit more interesting for me, I have tried to come up with a different packages for housing gift cards.  A crocheted snowman surrounded a gift card several years ago. But mostly simple little boxes, wrapped with pretty paper with ribbons and bows.

This year I decided to make an origami triangular box. I made it from simple cotton fabric printed with poinsettias.  I found the pattern on the Shabby Fabrics YouTube channel.  The instructions were easy to follow and the pattern worked out perfectly. Although it was a bit large for two gift cards, I took up the extra space with some sweet candies and chocolates.

A lined drawstring bag works perfectly for those odd shaped items, or items without a box.  My niece asked for clothes for her two little girls. Another niece asked for only money for her one-year-old and her savings account. I chose some snowman printed cotton fabric to make drawstring bags for each child. They went together quickly and easily and turned out pretty cute.  Another bag made larger from a winter print, wrapped a shirt for the brother in law. Smaller ones fit DVDs. The possibilities are endless.

Then the question was, how do I label the bag?  Standard paper sticky tags do not work very well on fabric.  Taking some scrap fabric and Wonder-Under Fusible Web, I fused two scraps wrong sides together. Cutting a mailing label smaller than the decorative traditional label, I added some extra fabric glue and attached it to the fabric scrap. This paper will help hold traditional label better.  I then cut circles for the bags and a triangle for the origami box. Using a hole punch, I made a hole in the top and attached a length of red ribbon. This year's label can be removed or a new label placed on top for the next recipient.

May God bless you and your during this holiday season and throughout the new year!!

One, Two, Three, Purl

Socks, socks, socks!


I had a new fascination with knitting socks this summer. Small and portable projects, socks can be mindless, keep my hands busy during TV, relaxing and useful. My first pair was a simple Plain Jane/vanilla pattern.  I followed a tutorial by Kelley of Knit Picks. Her 13 part YouTube video was excellent for the first time sock!

First Ever Knitted Sock

Your options are endless. The five main components of the sock can be styled to your liking and still cover your foot! The top of the sock can have a cuff, or not. Ribbed cuffs can be 2 x 2, 1 x 3, 1 x 1, twisted or any combination.  My favorite is the 2x2.


The leg can be plain or patterned. I found the patterned yarn, whether it is self striping or variegated, is better suited to the stockinette. Solid and tonal colors show the pattern of stitching, like cables and purls.  This is true of any project, not just socks. Why use the effort of an intricate stitching pattern, if your hard work is lost in the yarn color changes or texture?

Fish Lips Kiss Heel

Heels come in several styles. The first, and maybe the hardest, I learned was the traditional heel flap, turn and gusset. Then onto the Fish Lips Kiss heel pattern. This is a short row version that has become very popular. As of this writing, I have not tried the German short rows or the afterthought heel, but I will eventually.

Hermione's Everyday Sock

Vanilla Latte Socks

As with the leg, the stitch pattern can be continued down the top of the foot.  Stockinette is nearly always recommended for the bottom of the foot, but you do have the option to knit plain on the top as well.  Toes have options, too.  Round or square.

Needles and method are another choice.  Do you like to knit flat and seam, or knit in the round?  Do you knit on double pointed needles or circulars? Do you want to knit one sock at a time, or knit two at once?  Magic loop or 9” circulars?

Too many decisions?  Some are no brainers because of your experience.  Some decisions come from trying new techniques and experimentation. The best part of the whole process is that you choose!  Whatever feels best and knits well. Knitting is a fun hobby and the fabric it produces can be conservative or wild and crazy. Enjoy the process!

Fabric Stands for my Tech

Fabric Stands for my Tech

I was becoming increasingly frustrated with the stands I had for my iPad. The case I bought for the tablet is great for protection, but not so great for standing it on edge. Since I spend a great deal of time with it propped up watching videos or listening to podcasts, I needed something that was more stable. I tried using a plate stand, but it was forever catching on the case for the iPad.  Each time I went to use the tablet, the stand toppled over.  It was a balancing act just to put it back in the stand as well.

I had seen in my internet travels where you could make your own pillow stand with just a couple of seams, fiberfill and a bit of a weight.  After reviewing several patterns, I decided on the Nancy Zieman version with an alteration or two.

I practiced on the smaller version first. My phone served as the Guinea pig.  It is a simple design and took no time at all.

For the weighted bottom, I used rice. Dry beans, small marbles, aquarium stones, pea gravel, etc would work just as well to give it stability.  I made a small inner bag to hold the rice and stuffed the remaining pillow with fiberfill.


Nancy added cording to the base to keep the tech item from sliding. Since there was not a piece to be found in my inventory, I made a half inch channel for the item to sit in. I then filled to the end of the unit with more fiberfill and sealed the edge.

For the larger version, within the half inch channel is a kabob skewer, cut to width and no pointy end.  Just an experiment, but it seems to add more staying power, since I didn't have the cording.

Don't be afraid to change things around.  Patterns are blueprints, as well as guidelines. You're the designer, after all. Have fun with it!

 

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.

 

The Legend of the Candy Cane

According to legend there was a candy maker who wanted to invent a candy that was a witness to Christ.

First of all, he used a hard candy because Christ is the rock of ages. This hard candy was shaped so that it would resemble a "J" for Jesus or, turned upside down, a shepherd's staff. He made it white to represent the purity of Christ.

Finally a red stripe was added to represent the blood Christ shed for the sins of the world, and thinner red stripes for the stripes He received on our behalf when the Roman soldiers whipped Him. Sometimes a green stripe is added as a reminder that Jesus is a gift from God.

The flavor of the cane is peppermint, which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is in the mint family and was used in the Old Testament for purification and sacrifice. Jesus is the pure Lamb of God, come to be a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

So, every time you see a candy cane, remember the message of the candy maker:

Jesus is the Christ! 

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

I finished Block 10 of the Brownie Knits Blanket Along. Thank you Gina for a new challenge.  A basic knit and purl pattern that was easy and fun. I'm about halfway through with block 11. I'll show you when it is complete. This year has gone by so fast. I can't believe block 12 and the final construction is only a couple of weeks away!


I was so kindly gifted the Chuncky Ribbed Scoodie by Zoe Deterding. Thank you Amy Gibson for your generous gift. This was an awesome pattern and easily crocheted. I added the simple contrasting edge in white. 

The Simple Scoodie also by Zoe. Less complicated than the basketweave design, it still is a beautiful pattern. I added the shell edging in a buff color.
While I was in the Scoodie mood, I completed

It has been a month of crochet. Maybe that's why the November knit block isn't finished yet. 😉 The next project was the Lace Stripe Ear Warmer.  A quick project that keeps my ears warm. This cute crochet project incorporates the V stitch. The pattern called for a button and button hole. I chose to just join the ends as a regular headband. Not the neatest job I've ever done, but it works!

The latest sewing project is the Bag Minders. Walker and wheelchair safety is extremely important.

 Using both hands is essential.  Trying to hold onto your purse or shopping bag at the same time can be a tricky operation.  The bag minder will secure your bag for a helping hand.  See the demonstration video. 

Bag minders are not just for the walkers or wheelchairs.  Use it as a handle for carrying several bags at once.  Strap a bag to your cart or bicycle handles. You could even use it a plant hanger over tree branches or deck railings.  The set makes a great gift too!

Wishing each and everyone of you a wonderful Thanksgiving and joyous holidays.  In a world full of terror and evil men meaning to do harm, be thankful for all you have.  Hug a love one today and get past the family drama that so easily occurs and threatens to destroy relationships and joy.

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.

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