Peacefully Knitting

Just a progress report!

14 05 2012

I’ve been bad this past week and haven’t been too devoted to my knitting, but I am slowly making progress.

First, my Oaklet is coming along nicely and I really love the deep dark browns in the colorway, called Dark Chocolate. Each time I look at my progress, I seem to have a craving for chocolate covered caramels! I’m just about ready to start the lace portion, so the following photo is about three days old.

Progress photo of Oaklet

My Vodka Lemonade is coming together as well but I have neglected it terribly! So far I’m still working on the increases in the sleeve section. I really do like Thea’s design for the sleeve section, gives it details with a bit of texture.

Progress photo of Vodka Lemonade

I’m hoping to get both of these projects completed by the end of the month so I can concentrate on my two Craftsy classes – Knitting with Beads with instructor Laura Nelkin and The Perfect Fit Seamless Crazy Lace Cardigan with instructor Myra Wood. I have two lace projects that I want to attempt this summer, and one has beads!

I have found quite a few cardigans and sweaters that I want to knit this year, as well as years to come. One brand new design that caught my eye today incorporates two elements I love, knitting and crochet. Evelyn Siatra‘s new release, Silk Knitted Jacket with Crochet Embellishments, is quite stunning and shows how we can use crochet as a lovely edging to any style garment.

Courtesy of Creations by Eve

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

Comments : 6 Comments »
Tags: Cardigan, craftsy.com, KAL, knitting, shawl
Categories : All Knitting, KAL, Lace Knitting

And the winner is …..

13 05 2012

I want to thank all of you for entering my recent giveaway featuring Skipperdee designed by Julia Farwell-Clay of Moth Heaven.

Please remember you can find more of Julia’s designs online at Ravelry and on her website, Moth Heaven. You can also find her online at Twitter.

Photo ©Caro Sheridan – Used by permission by Julia Farwell-Clay

And the winner is …… Entry#11, Rachelle of Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. Congratulations Rachelle, you will love this pattern!!!

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: giveaway, Julia Farwell Clay, knitting, Skipperdee
Categories : All Knitting, Pattern Spotlight

Knitting with beads, a new adventure!

12 05 2012

Recently my friend Bonny told me that she was taking a Craftsy.com class learning to knit with beads and that she just finished making a beaded cuff. I love beads and I love how they fit into crafts, especially with knitting.

Since one of my goals is to knit a few more shawls this year, I decided to enroll in Laura Nelkins Craftsy class , Knitting with Beads, the same online class as Bonny. Like all the Craftsy classes, you can start and go at your own pace, which I love!

Courtesy of Craftsy.com

A Note from Laura Nelkin, Instructor of Knitting with Beads

Beads add texture and surface interest to your knitwear, making this class perfect for anyone looking to add some sparkle to their knits. In addition to my exclusive patterns for a dynamic cuff and two multi-sized shawls in both lace-weight and fingering-weight yarn, my online class, Knitting with Beads, shares with you the techniques you will need to incorporate beads into any of your projects. With these new skills, you will become the independent knitter you’ve always wanted to be. Join me in this class, get my patterns, and enjoy a whole new level of knitting!

Last year I attempted beads in a hand-spun shawl and I really love how it turned out but haven’t done anything since. I knitted Multnomah by Kate Ray and added beads on the right side row with 181 stitches before the increases. So, I did this: k5, k1 w/bead and repeated up to 2 stitches before marker. I then repeated this step on the 2nd half and loved it! To me, beads just make your shawl shine and by adding a special touch, it becomes very unique.

You can find out more about this project on my Ravelry project page and on my project page with Craftsy!

My Sea Colored Multnomah

I’m very excited about this class and think it will hone my skills not only in using beads, but in knitting shawls. Do you enjoy knitting with beads? If so, what projects have you made incorporating beads?

If you love learning new crafts and more, be sure to check out Craftsy other classes to!

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

Comments : 9 Comments »
Tags: beads, craftsy, knitting, laura nelkin
Categories : All Knitting, Tips & Techniques

Update on my 2012 Resolutions ….

11 05 2012

The last day of 2011, I made a list of goals for knitting projects for the new year. Sometimes I get a bit carried away with goals, and this is one of those times. After going back and reviewing my goals, I now realize I won’t be able to keep the majority of them, but that’s ok, goals are good for me!

So, here’s what I planned for 2012:

Knit at least 4 pairs of socks
Knit at least 8 shawls – I joined Romi’s lovely Pins & Lace Club, this will ensure I do this!
Knit at least 4 lace scarves
Knit 2 sweaters – one for me and one for my Mom
Create at least 6 new designs to include, hats, scarves and wraps
Learn new techniques such as two a time socks, Fair Isle/Colorwork, toe up socks
Development an understanding of lace knitting and hone my skills
When I join KALs (knit along) or SALs (spin along), I will be dedicated and I will finish what I start
Spin more fiber to create gorgeous handspun for knitting projects – I now have 3 wheels and they need to be put to use! I joined the Raverly Group, 12 in 2012 , which has a goal to spin 12 pounds of fiber over the year and I belong to the Spin a Shawl group. I think both will help with this goal.

I haven’t done too bad, but I have to admit, I’m way behind on my knitting. So, here’s what I’ve managed so far:

One pair of socks - Nutkins the very first of the year. I still have two sock projects on the needles, Tanis Vorticity and Cabled Lagoons. So I really should get these two projects of the needles so I can at least be close to my goal!
One shawl completed – A Second 198 yards of Heaven and one shawl on the needles, my Oaklet. Hmmm… way behind on this goal. I received two club kits from Romi’s Pins & Lace Club and lovely skein of fingering weight from a dear friend, but still behind on my shawl goal.
For scarves, I’ve managed to knit one that turned into a design. My Los Verdes, a textured lacy scarf. I also did a test knit for Meghan of Meghan Knits, a great lacy cowl called Wanted. I will add this to my goal of scarves, so I only need 2 more for the year.
I’m excited to finish one cardigan, my Cotton Raglan and I have Vodka Lemonade on the needles. I still want to knit a sweater or cardigan this year for my Mom, so I might be able to do this!
I’m way behind on my goal for new designs this year, but as mentioned above, I did release a new scarf pattern.

As far as the remainder of my goals, I’m enjoying learning new techniques when it comes to knitting, especially garment construction and fit, as well as toe up socks. I decided not to stay in the 12 in 2012 group on Ravelry as I will not be able to spin 12 pounds of fiber this year. My spinning has been taking a back seat as I’m very much into my knitting, but a friend from England just sent me the most beautiful fiber that has enticed me to finish up my Romney that is currently on my wheel and start spinning the luscious yummy blend of Shetland and Silk.

Did you set goals this year? If so, how are you doing?

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

Comments : 10 Comments »
Tags: goals, knitting, spinning
Categories : All Knitting, spinning

Yarn Along ~ Knitting with a bit of reading !

9 05 2012

Two of my favourite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny from Small Things

I’m currently working on two knitting projects, Vodka Lemonade by Thea Colman of Baby Cocktails and Oaklet by Megan Goodacre, a.k.a. the Tricksy Knitter. I’ve been working on the cardi at night and the shawl in the morning, which is really working at nicely. Now that I’ve finished the collar and have started the sleeves, I really love how my Vodka Lemonade is starting to look. My Oaklet is coming along nicely too and I really like the deep dark browns in the yarn.

As far as reading, well that’s been going slow as I’ve been outside enjoying the weather and working in the yard. So, I’m still reading the Poyson Garden by Karen Harper. I really have been enjoying this book and hope to be able to finish it by the weekend so I can dive into Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon .

Happy knitting!

Comments : 5 Comments »
Tags: book, cardi, knitting, reading, sweater, Yarn Along
Categories : All Knitting, Yarn Along

Creating a family recipe corner!

8 05 2012

Do you love to cook and have family recipes that have been handed down? Or do you have a few handwritten recipes that you treasure that are from a Grandparent, Mom or someone dear to your heart?

I have the good fortune to have quite a few of my maternal Grandma’s hand-written recipes, as well as my Moms, which I treasure. I asked my Mother-n-law if she had any recipes from her Mom or her Mother-n-law that I could have or make copies of. I was so excited to get three recipes that were her Moms and a couple of hers, which I copied. She is still looking for my husband’s paternal Grandmothers recipes, which I hope she can find.

With these treasured family recipes, I decided that it would be neat to use shadow boxes to create a family recipe corner. So, I purchased four shadow boxes, scrapbook paper and cooking tidbits for scrap-booking. Since this is May is National Scrapbooking Month, I was able to hit great sales at Michaels and Joanns for the items I needed and sent approximately $40.00.

I’m so excited about how they turned out and now I have five yummy recipes hanging on my kitchen wall as follows …..

Tennessee Jam Cake and Cornflakes Chews from my maternal Grandmother
Brown Sugar Pound Cake from my Mom
Sour Cream Enchiladas from my Mother-n-Law
Beef Stew from my husband’s maternal Grandmother

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting,spinning and crafting!

Comments : 8 Comments »
Tags: family, recipes, scrapbooking
Categories : Tips & Techniques

Pattern Spotlight: Skipperdee !

7 05 2012

As you can tell, I’m madly in love with cardigans, especially when they are knitted all in one piece. I was so excited to see a lovely new bottom-up design hit the Ravelry pages this past week and had to share.

Skipperdee designed by Julia Farwell-Clay of Moth Heaven has created a gorgeous cardigan that has a lovely cabled design edging the top and the cuffs.

This cardigan was inspired by a long standing interest of mine in all those beautiful sideways cable sweaters, and my frustration with the way they fit me. This cable will not bind at the shoulders, and the sweater fits and feels great on the body, whether buttoned up or not. ~ Julia Farwell-Clay

The Facts: I truly love that this project is seamless, worked flat and then joined at the yoke with the arms worked in the round and then completed all in one piece. I also love that Julia has provided finished bust sizes that range from 33 3/4″ to 54 3/4″, making this cardigan perfect for just about all shapes and sizes.

Knitters will enjoy very well written easy to follow instructions that includes a chart for the cable stitch design found on the cuffs and the yoke. Julia has also included detailed notes on special stitches used for her design, as well as excellent finishing techniques, abbreviations and a sweater schematic showing all measurements. This project is perfect for an intermediate to an advanced knitter.

Materials: For this project you will need 6 to 11 skeins of Spirit Trail Verdande ( 75% Superwash Merino, 15% Cashmere and 10% Bombyx Silk) or approximately 1,320 to 2,420 yards of any worsted weight that will match the gauge of 19 stitches and 28 rows to equal 4″ over stockinette, a size US 5 and a size US 7 needle, 8 buttons that are 3/4″, stitch markers and a darning needle for weaving in the ends.

You can find more of Julia’s designs online at Ravelry and on her website, Moth Heaven. You can also find her online at Twitter.

___________________________________________________________

Today is Julia’s birthday, so she is celebrating by offering one free PDF Download of her new design, Skipperdee to one lucky blog reader.

To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment, and do be sure to leave a means of contact if your email does not automatically attach to your comment, for example your Ravelry ID or Twitter ID.

This giveaway is open to all ~ meaning, it’s open to international blog readers too !

The deadline to enter is Saturday, May 12th at 4:00pm Arizona Time. The winner will be selected by a random number generator and will be announced on Sunday, May 13th . Please note that the winner will receive their PDF download of this pattern directly from Julia via Ravelry or via email.

So who wouldn’t want to win a free copy of this wonderful new design!

Thank you for entering ~ this giveaway is now closed!