A Place for Everything, and Everything in Its Place

Finally, I feel like I am a little more organized with my knitting supplies. I at least have a home for all my hooks and needles. Here is a picture of my cases, all hand made (except for the little red thing to the right, holding my DPNs, that was a $1 purchase at JoAnn's I saw while waiting in line).

The crochet hook holder (left) was made using a Berocco pattern, with a felted based (Paton's 100% wool) and a lacy holder (Lion wool - from stash). It was a quick make, and felted nicely. I tried to give this to my grandma, who has crocheted for many, many years. Unfortunately, she is unable to crochet much more, as her hands have been bothering her with arthritis, so she told me to keep it. She then handed over all but 3 of her hooks for my sister and I to split. She seems so pleased that we have both picked up knitting, and that I taught myself to crochet. Between my grandma and I, I think my sister will pick it up as well. I was in South Dakota last weekend for my grandpa's 80th birthday, and the three of us sat side by side and went over the basics, and really enjoyed ourselves. After all the afghans and doilies my family has gotten from my grandma, I know the benefit and joy of hand made blankets!

The knitting needle case is the pattern from the Stitch n Bitch Handbook. I love the funky fabrics that I got on super clearence at JoAnn's. It makes the case really fun, and definitely one of a kind! This was my very first sewing project, believe it or not! I did not take "home ec" in high school, and though my mom sewed all of her clothes growing up and then sewed pretty little dresses for my sister and me when we were young, she never really passed the craft down to us. I decided to make this case about 3 months ago, and was going to hand sew all of it, but the first 2 pockets done by hand made me realize how cumbersome this would be. Knowing that I would be traveling home to my parents for the Memorial Day weekend, I took the opportunity to get this done...via machine!

My mom was so open to helping me out with the machine, and we used an old bed sheet as "practice" before actually stitching on the real thing. She patiently showed me how to follow a straight line...difficult if you are using a sewing machine for the first time, I realized. After doing a couple of practice runs, I was ready...and somewhat flawlessly sewed all the pockets. We then did the "how to sew a corner" lesson. Though my mom could very easily gauge the 1/2" seam, I on the other hand, had to have some sort of drawn lines to get me to the corners, and turn, and continue on. I seamed the base and flap, and wasn't too crooked with my lines. Mom was impressed, and proud! The next task was doing the top stitching...which proved a little more challenging. I had gotten a little too confident in my new sewing skills, and though most of the top stitching went well...going across the top of the case was not good. I was very crooked and wavy with my line, and the 6" opening that was left to turn the bag right side out ended up being not too even. So out came the seam ripper. I was discouraged, but Mom continued to encourage me, stating that for this being my first sewing project, having to only rip this one section was pretty darn good. Going back the second attempt was much better...thanks to Mom's encouragement, and probably the food in my tummy from dinner, and maybe because of the break away from the machine while eating dinner. Finally...one more line of stitches to sew the flap to the base and the case was done! I sewed on the ribbons, and Mom and I admired my finished project! Success!!

Honestly, I don't know what was more fun...actually sewing something for the first time on a sewing machine, or having my mom be there to help me every step of the way. Its pretty much a tie! Thanks Mom, I love you!! And I think I need to get a sewing machine... :)

Shhhhhh....it's "Top Secret"!!!

I finally finished my first large, wearable project!!! Aside from a couple of scarves, and a couple of hats, I have not made anything large and wearable, so here it is!! "Top Secret" from knitty.com

This sweater was so fun to make. It is done all on circular needles, so that means, no seaming! Which I was excited about. Underneath the arms was the only place that seaming needed to happen, and they were actually seamed using three needle bind-off, which I like a lot. I used Paton's Divine for the yarn, and the recommended needle size. The yarn, contrary to it's name, is not so divine to work with. It is an acrylic/wool/mohair blend, and the mohair is a little too fuzzy, and makes stitch definition difficult, especially when trying to count for the increases and decreases. But all in all, I really like it, and though we were at almost 90 degrees yesterday, maybe I will just have to crank the A/C really cold and wear it around for a while!

Hello...?? Is Anyone There??

As a fairly new blogger, I am not sure how often to write on my site, but 2 months (almost) between postings I know is not an acceptable time frame! Well, I hearby promise that I will write more often, but refuse to give myself a time line of sorts...so we will see.

Since my last posting, a lot has happened in my life that has prevented me from thinking of things to write. I am not sure how personal to go on my site...I want you to know me, but do I want you to really know me, you know? Well, anyway...at the very end of February, my grandfather, who has been battling for 8 years with myelodysplastic syndrome anemia (MDS), entered into hospice care, and two weeks later, succumbed to his long battle. Although we knew this time was approaching, it was very difficult. During that two weeks, I was 600 miles from my family in South Dakota and Iowa while I was living in Chicago. The one thing that did help me from going absolutely stir crazy was knitting and teaching myself to crochet. The pics in my previous post of the crocheted washcloths were the products of my nervous energy. I am happy that I have learned both crafts, and realize now what stress relievers they can be.

About two days before my grandpa went into hospice, I decided to make another life altering change, and split with my live-in boyfriend of three years. In one week, my world was turned upside down by these two events. I was completely shelled out. A lot of crying, praying and hoping for things to look up ensued. My ex was wonderful during the time we were waiting with Grandpa, and I couldn't ask for a better friend. We moved out the end of April, and thankfully continue to be friendly and supportive of one another.

My knitting took a back seat to all of the preparation surrounding the move, and finally, I had to take a hiatus...forced, I am quite sure! That was unacceptable, so I gave myself a reward system, pack for a while, knit for a while, pack a little more, knit a little more. For anyone who knows me, and knows me well, also knows that I am a little bit of a procrastinator. So needless to say, most of my packing got finished in the two days prior to moving day.

Now that I am finally settled, I am back in the groove of things. Finally, thankfully. I am about 2 inches away from finishing Top Secret from knitty.com...I will post a picture later this week. I have ventured into my first pair of socks courtesy of Miss Wooly Knits... (http://knittingbunny.blogspot.com/2007_04_20_archive.html) who has a great tube sock pattern that makes socks, especially the first, not so scary! Thanks! Here are a couple of pictures of my sock...in progress






I also got brand new furniture last week. I am pretty excited about this as well. I have never had "brand new" furniture before, always some crap handed down from a family member or a friend. I found a discount furniture center that sells clearanced furniture. So I got my furniture for about 50% of original cost, which I thought was a helluva deal! I am so excited about it that I want to show it off...I hope you don't mind!! I am eventually going to center my decorating around the color scheme in the pillows. It is kind of difficult to see, but the general idea is there!





This is my couch...

And this is the love seat!! (Sorry about the back lighting!)

These pictures and my sock pictures were taken on the cell phone as my digital camera is still packed away. I also do not have a computer at home yet...yes I am blogging at work, you do it too!!! So I don't really have a great way to upload real pictures, so cell phone pics will just have to do for now!

Happy Monday to you all, and have a great week! I will blog ya later!