Where do my knitted items go?

Recently someone asked me how many things I knit (or crochet) do I keep for myself? After taking a closer look at what I have made over the past year--not many. I was a surprised at how much of my knitting is given away or donated to a cause. Though that's not a bad thing. I should make some things specifically for me.

Gifts for friends & family
Beret & scarf set
Syrian shawl
Red socks
Dishcloths & scrubbie sponges
Hooded baby sweater
Multidirectional scarf
Mobius shrug (2)
Triangle shawl in my handspun yarn
Novelty yarn triangle shawl
Tudora scarf
Tudora headband/cowl
Turn a Square Hats (2)
Reverse Bloom Washcloth
Hugs Scarf
Flower Child Shawl
Dzomba slippers
Swirl baby blankets (2)
Waves scarf & fingerless mitts
Wings to Heaven shawl
2 baby sweaters, 2 matching hats, baby socks, and bibs
Oliphant elephant toy

Comfort blankets
Strip for love blanket - group project for knitting friend who had cancer
Not a Granny Square Blanket - for neighbor whose mother died at Christmas time
6x6 squares (3) - part of a blanket for a friend whose husband has cancer

Charity donations
Celtic Hearts scarf size & other scarves - donated to Scarves From the Heart
Multiple hats and scarves and a Wings to Heaven scarf - donated to fundraiser to support local women's violence charities
Fire Bird Shrug & Shawl* and many cat toys - Pet Refuge
*The shawl raised $75.00 in a silent auction. :)

Other
Mountain Sunrise scarf - shop display
Acorn bag - Ravelry swap
Dumpling bag - Ravelry swap
Candy corn coasters & dishcloths - door prize

Hubby
Earflap Hat
Ribby Neckwarmer

Mine or unclaimed so far :)
Celtic Hearts Shawl
Socks (3 pair)
Walden Pond scarf
Fire Bird Shawl
Love Bird Shawl (2)
Wings to Heaven Shawl
Fireside Throw
Mittenz
Dzomba slippers (2)

This is spring? What happened?

Overnight, rain turned to snow and this is what it looked like outside this morning. Yikes!

I'm looking at the calendar and then out the window, shaking my head. This doesn't look like spring to me!

We've already started some veggie seeds for our garden. I need to get busy and start some flower seeds. I'd also like to start a planter full of greens and lettuces. When it is warm enough, I can move them outdoors to grow. We change so quickly from winter to summer, there is not much time for cooler weather crops to grow. My flower beds need cleaning out. Last week, hubby was on vacation. I had hoped to get some outside work done. Didn't happen. Most of the week it was too wet and rainy to work outside. My crocuses and daffodils are blooming. Weeds and grass are coming up in the beds too. I hope the weather cooperates so I can get outside to work on them soon.

After seeing the article on spindles in the current Spin-Off magazine, it piqued my interest in spindle spinning again. I have several lightweight spindles but I wanted something a little heavier. On the Yahoo Spindlers group people have been posting links for their favorite spindles. Someone was kind enough to provide a link for Kundert spindles. I caved and ordered one in cherry wood. It arrived last week. It's a beauty, isn't it? Given the size of this spindle, I was expecting it to weight more than the 1.4 oz it actually weighs. Measuring by my arm, the spindle reaches from my wrist to the bend at my elbow. This is a solid, quality tool and well balanced. I like that Stephen Kundert provides a hook at the whorl end and a carved knob on the shaft end. This allows you to use the spindle as either a high or low whorl. The hook is nicely centered and there is a notch on the side for your single. Given the high prices I've seen on spindles at fiber events, this spindle is a bargain at only $25.00. Go look and see if you can resist ordering one. LOL!

The Secrets of the Shawl KAL is moving along. It's exciting seeing the pictures of all the started shawls and interesting to see the yarn choices. I will post Clue 3 on Wednesday. (Sorry, the KAL is closed to new members.) Here's what my shawl looks like through Clue 2. I'm using Miss Babs Bamboo Baby sock yarn in lavender. I'm getting some great feedback from people about the design. They have told me about several sources for free charting software. I will be checking them out as this new shawl pattern is really pushing the boundaries of what I am able to do. What this means is I will have to totally rechart this pattern before it is ready to go. Since this design has no repeating lace motifs, there is a lot of charting ahead for me.

On the needles---the SSK shawl, some new cat toys, more baby bibs, and a felted bag. There are not enough hours in the day to do what I have to (chores and such) and have time for knitting, spinning, and design projects.

My Rav friend, Jamie, recently sent me some gorgeous batts she dyed and carded. (Thanks, Jamie!) I haven't had time to spin for awhile. Opening this box of gorgeousness caused the wheel to come out immediately and spinning to commence. I chose 3 of the batts. What you see on the left is one of them stripped and predrafted and ready for spinning. The middle picture shows the single on the bobbin. On the right is the finished yarn. 4.5 ounces of Corriedale blend and 499 yards. That's enough for a shawl! She also sent some brown and pink batts, a blue and green roving, and a twist of pink and peach. Lots more spinning fun to go.

Last Day to Join KAL

Just a reminder that today is the last day if you want to join my Secrets of the Shawl knitalong. I'll close the group after midnight tonight. [Membership is now closed.] Clue 2 goes up tomorrow. As an added incentive, here are the prizes that will be awarded to a few lucky people who complete a shawl during the KAL.
One prize will be “Designer’s Choice.” Another will be for the “Group Favorite.” I’ll tease you pictures of a potential third prize – award criteria to be determined. I'm open to suggestions on that third one.

The prizes are:

Green – A Cascading Leaves Shawl Kit
A copy of the shawl pattern, size 5 circular knitting needles, 1.7 skeins of Malabrigo lace weight in water green, a notebook with pen for notes, and a set of stitch markers (see pic below).

Red – A Celtic Hearts Shawl Kit
A copy of the shawl pattern, size 8 circular knitting needles, 3 skeins of Fleece Artist Blue Face Leicester DK in red, a notebook with a pen for notes, and a set of stitch markers (see pic below).

Gold – A Love Bird Shawl Kit
A copy of the shawl pattern, size 7 circular knitting needles, 2 skeins of Louet Gems Opal in Goldilocks, a notebook with a pen for notes, and a set of stitch markers (see pic below).

Here are the stitch markers that go with the shawl kits above. These beautiful stitch markers are made by my friend, Jamie. [If you're interested in purchasing some of these for yourself, contact mommabear6976 on Ravelry or email her at mommabear6976 AT yahoo DOT com. She's selling a set of six stitch markers for $7 plus $1 for shipping.]

I've been very busy getting everything ready behind the scenes for this KAL, knitting Clue 1, and working on some other projects.

Secrets of the Shawl KAL

If you'd like to join my mystery shawl KAL, click HERE. I've come to the same conclusion that everyone else has that runs these KALs--it's easier to do it with a Yahoo group. It limits the membership to those who are interested. I can easily upload pdf files of the clues for download. Plus everyone can post pictures of their progress, ask questions, etc. The first clue will be posted on Wednesday, March 25.

I will try to post a swatch chart this weekend and information about the prizes being offered.

There is no cost to join the knitalong. The pattern will be available in charted form only. (Though someone on these KALs usually will post written out instructions for those who have difficulty reading charts.)

You will need 600-1,000 yards of fingering weight yarn to knit the shawl depending on how big a shawl you want. (Though you could use other weights of yarn too.) I will offer options to knit this as a 2 triangle shawl (like my Cascading Leaves shawl) or as a 3 triangle shawl (like Wings to Heaven or Fire Bird).

The group will be closed to new members on April 1st when I post Clue #2.

Pass the word to your lace knitting friends. Come join the fun!

Shawl KAL anyone?

I'm working on a new shawl that I may offer as a free KAL. The shawl pattern would be offered on Ravelry in my Simply Simple Knits group for a limited time. Charted clues would be posted every week (?) until the project is done.

The pattern is another wing shaped shawl like Wings to Heaven with an all over lace pattern. I'm using 500 yards of fingering weight wool yarn on size 6 needles for the project. I haven't finished the prototype yet to know if this will be enough yarn or not.

I may offer a prize to one lucky person who completes the KAL project and posts pictures of their shawl. More details to come as I finish the project and finalize all the details.

If you would be interested in participating, post a comment here or on my Rav group under the Shawl KAL thread.

Happy dancing!

After 3 weeks of having the viral crud that's been going around, I'm finally feeling like a human being! Honestly, is it me or do these bugs get worse and hang around longer every year?

Some good news...

The Fire Bird Shawl I donated to the recent Pet Refuge auction (March 7) brought in some major $$$ for the shelter. Today, I heard that it sold for $75.00 in the silent auction! Woo-hoo!

Yesterday, I took a roadtrip to Threadbear in Lansing, Michigan. They now are restocked with Simple Knits patterns. I also left all of the items I've knit from those patterns for display. (Excepting Cascading Leaves which both shawls were given away.) I was unwilling to part with all of my knitting as shop samples. Rob asked me if I would consider loaning them to the shop for a month to display as a trunk show. Of course I said yes! (Picture me grinning madly!) And the yarn goodies that followed me home from the shop were icing on that cake.

I'm taking a break from lace and shawl projects for the moment. My current obsession is baby bibs. I've finished one and have started on another one. I also have a felted bag design on the needles.

I know I haven't posted many pictures of my knitting lately. That's because most of it has been items for my niece Amy. Her baby boy is due in April. I didn't post any pictures and ruin the surprise for her by seeing them on my blog. Now that they've been delivered at the baby shower on Saturday, I can give you a peek at what I made. (Psst, more to come after the second baby shower.)

The yarn I used for all three projects is I Love This Cotton! from Hobby Lobby. The colorway is aqua ombre. Two balls of it made a baby cardi, a hat, and a bib. The bib is from my newest pattern Bib-alicious! The hat is called Presto! Baby Hat! by Katherine Vaughan. It folds down flat and then pops up like a top hat. Very cute! The baby cardi is called Super Natural Stripes by Fawn Pea. The baby cardi especially got lots of ohs and aws at the shower.

BTW, they counted 8 grand- and great-grandmothers at the baby shower. If the huge pile of baby gifts are any indication, this baby will want for nothing. LOL!

A Portuguese Baby Sweater

3/3/09 I've added a few clarifications and corrections to the pattern. Don't try writing up a pattern when you have a virus muddled head. :-(

I saw this baby sweater on Ravelry recently and fell in love with it. There was a problem—it was only available in Portuguese. With the help of online translation sites and a close look at how it was constructed, I was able to figure it out. Regina TTricotar, whose blog the original appears on, has given me permission to post a translation here on my blog.

This baby sweater is worked side-to-side in garter stitch. The picture below shows what the sweater looks like before seaming and adding the sleeves. Knit the sleeves separately as the original pattern directs or knit them in with the directions I give. Seam the shoulders, add a couple of buttons, and you’re good to go!

Baby Jacket by Aldina
Translated to English (with a few additions)
by Vicki Mikulak, February 13, 2009.

Finished size: 6-12 months
(chest 17", sleeve 6.5", body 7.5" long)
[The original pattern was for a 3 months size. Use smaller needles and a fingering or baby weight yarn if you want a smaller size.]

Materials:
U.S. Size 5 (3.75 mm) knitting needles
Sport weight yarn (2.5 oz/230 yards)
I used Sweet Delight Baby - Baby Bee in Crayon Ombre from Hobby Lobby.
A crochet hook
2 small buttons

Gauge: 5.5 sts/5.5 ridges (11 rows) = 1 inch

Use a crochet cast on for matching cast on and cast off edges. This also makes it easy to pick up stitches around the armhole if you want to knit the sleeve into the armhole. (Or use the cast on of your choice.)

With a crochet hook, crochet the stitches over the needle and place the final loop on your knitting needle. Watch how to do it by clicking HERE.

Right Front:
Cast on 8 stitches. Mark the right side (RS) of your work.
Rows 1-4: Knit even for 2 ridges (4 rows).

In this section, Ridge 3 & 18 are buttonhole rows. You will increase on those rows plus work a buttonhole. On the other rows you will only increase one stitch at the beginning of the row until you have a total of 42 sts on your needle.

Next row/Ridge 3: Kf&b, knit 2, k2tog, yo, k3. (9 sts)
Increase 1 stitch (kf&b) in the first stitch of every row until you have 42 sts.

Row 36/Ridge 18: Kf&b, knit 18, k2tog, yo, k19. (40 sts)

Rows 37-38: Continue to increase 1 st at the beginning of these rows. You should have 42 sts/19 ridges.

Right Shoulder:
Knit 12 ridges even. (24 rows).

Right Armhole (RS):
Bind off 18 sts, knit to end of row (24 sts).
Knit across row.
K2tog, knit to end of row.
Knit across row.
K2tog, knit to end of row.
Knit across row.
Kf&b of first st, knit to end of row.
Knit across row.
Kf&b of first st, knit to end.
Knit across row and cast on 18 sts at the end. (42 sts)

Back:
Knit 36 ridges (72 rows).

Right Armhole:
Repeat armhole instructions above then go to left shoulder instructions.

Left Shoulder:
Knit 12 ridges (24 rows).

Left Front:
In this section, K2tog at the beginning of each row as you knit the row.
Continue decreasing each row until you have 8 sts left.

Knit 2 ridges/4 rows.
Cast off all sts. Body of sweater complete.

Sleeves:

Option 1: Cast on 40 sts. Knit 35 ridges (70 rows). Cast off all sts. Sew shoulder seam and sleeve seam. Sew sleeve into armhole. Weave in all ends.

Option 2: Pick up 40 sts around the armhole. Knit 35 ridges in garter. Cast off. Cut yarn leaving a 12" yarn tail. Fold sleeve and jacket front matching edges. Thread the yarn tail through the needle. Sew the garter stitches at the edges together by picking up a bump on the right side and then on the left side of the seam. This makes a fairly invisible seam. Weave in all ends.

Option 3: Sew shoulder seam. Pick up 40 sts around the armhole on dpns or 2 circulars. Knit in garter stitch for 35 ridges/70 rows (knit one row and purl one row). Cast off. Cut yarn and weave in ends.

Sew two buttons onto the front matching them to the buttonhole locations.

Key:
kf&b - knit in front and back of stitch (increase)
k2tog - knit 2 stitches together (decrease)

Original pattern found on this blog in Portuguese:
http://tentandotricotar.blogspot.com/2008/07/casaquinho-atravessado-da-aldina.html