Organizing free patterns

I spent a few hours organizing the free patterns I had printed. I had purchased these awesome presentation books from Barnes and Noble when they were on sale for $3 each. I regret that I only purchased two of the binders…because guess what? I still have more patterns to store and need at least one more binder!

Here are a few of the free patterns that are on my to do list to knit:

Handspun Scarf

The Amanda Hat

Silken Ease Scarf

this site has a ton of free patterns!

I knit this hat from a free pattern from Sara Gilbert, the IAD (dulles) hat. I used Malabrigo with size 8 dpn’s. A very enjoyable knit. I knit the adult large size and it is perfect!

I am knitting fingerless mittens to match in the same Malabrigo colorway. I knit with size 5 dpn’s in a 1 x 1 knit purl ribbed cuff for 6 inches, then I knit one row, then knit 3, purl 1 the next row and repeat these two rows. Then when complete, knit the sides together leaving a space for the thumb. Easy!

A hat for Jen

Here is the hat I finished using the two skeins of acrylic yarn held together.   The yarn was  given to me by Son #1’s friend Jen with the request that it become a hat, with a pom pom.   I broke two different circular needles making the hat, as the two different yarns were thick! I knit on a size 15 – 16 inch circular, simple knit stitch then K2tog on double points for crown. I then single crochet 3 rounds around the base of the hat using only the darker of the yarns.  It’s a cute quick hat!

Here’s a picture with me modeling. Isn’t that fever blister just lovely? I knew I would get one once I traveled to Colorado. I tend to get one whenever the temperature changes dramatically. I hate those buggers!

10,000 Sheep

Entertain yourself with 10,000 Sheep drawn by online workers.

My favorite is here!

WIP – It’s all about the color and texture

Not unlike many, I have quite a few works in progress. I really don’t plan to start new projects, they just happen.

I’ve only a few inches left on my corrugator scarf. This is an awesome free pattern that I plan to make several scarfs with. I just love the color and the feel of the Lorna’s and Lace Lion and Lamb yarn.

While on the car ride from Steamboat Springs and on the plane ride home from Denver, I started a second One Row Scarf in the most beautiful sunflowers colorway, a Laughing Rat Studio merino wool. The one row pattern is one of my favorites, not only because it is one row to remember, but because I love the way the finished item looks.

I had purchased about 10 skeins of recycled silk yarn on ebay months ago, and while looking through my stash, I rediscovered it. I thought, “What a pretty purse this would make.” So, I started a Himalaya Tote from Knitting Daily’s site. (A free pattern!)

When I was in Colorado, I cast off the second hat for Son #2 and I had brought along size 2 double points to give a try to my first needle knitted sock. Remember the cute mini sock pattern and hubby inspired skein I received? All went well until I got to the turning of the heel. I’m not sure I understand how to do it just yet. So I’ve put this project in time out for now. I’ve found that I enjoy knitting with double points. However, every mitten project I’ve started with them, I’ve ended up frogging once I got to a complicated part in the pattern. A hurdle I’ll need to accomplish. Which I am sure I will, I learn more everyday.

Also while in Colorado, a friend of Son#1 came to visit, and brought along two skeins of yarn. She asked me to make her a hat with it. I proudly said I’d love to! The yarn is fuzzy and thick. I broke not one, but two circular needles working on the hat. So, I had no choice but to try to find a circular needle replacement so that I could finish the hat.

There aren’t any yarn shops in my immediate neighborhood, so I decided to stop in at Michaels and see if they had the needles I needed. They did not. But, they did have one heck of a sale on yarn! My eyes were drawn to the Patons Shetland Chunky yarn. I purchased two skeins in different colors and thought about what I would make with them on the drive home.

I have printed out more patterns, purchased many books since I took up knitting earlier this year. And since I am sorta tired of knitting hats and scarves, I thought I’d look through the stack and see what I could find. One of my favorite books, Mason Dixon Knitting inspired my newest project. This book has so many inspiring patterns, it is almost always the first book I go to find a new project.

Circle of fun rug. Fast, easy pattern. And the colors I am mixing just make me smile with glee!

I do have a finished project to show! This hat and scarf was a very fast knit on 10 1/2 needles.  Berroco Hip Hop bulky yarn.

On the weaving front, I really haven’t touched my looms since I took up learning to knit with needles in October. I have had these two projects on the looms since September! I’m sure I’ll get my weaving mojo back as soon as I conquer a few of these needle knitted projects!

Now, you might say that I am more excited about the process of the projects than I am with a finished project. That may be somewhat true, but I LOVE it when I finish a project and I can strut around showing everyone (that will look) at what I have made! I think bottom line, I am a sucker for color and texture. I love having a variety of both color and texture within my creative reach.

Hubby’s arm update! It is healing, the bruising is going away and the wound is itching and hard as a rock. It’s a daily, let me see your arm today kinda thing. Thanks to all that wrote with concern!

College Visit

This past weekend, Hubby and I spent four days

in Colorado with Sons #1 and #2.

 

Hubby rented a Hummer H2, which was of course, a hit with the boys! There was talk of an off-road adventure…in which I, the Mama, gave the evil eye. Funny how the men in my life know just what will grant them Mama’s evil eye!

Our first stop was at The University of Northern Colorado, where Son #1 is a Senior. <Gasp I have a son that will graduate from the university in May> Son #1 for the first time has his own apartment, only a block from campus. It was obvious that he had spent a good deal of time cleaning up before we arrived. The bed was made, every item of clothing had been laundered AND folded, you could see the carpet in every room, etc. This picture shows Son #1’s rock and crystal collection.

One look in the refrigerator caused a loud gasp from this Mama. It contained a jar of mayo and a jug of water. That’s it. Definitely a trip to Super Walmart was in order! Off to the store we went and we filled up his fridge and Mama was once again happy.

Hubby threatened Son #1 with wanting to attend his last class of the day. I perked up that I wanted to too! Son #1 gave us both the Are you out of your friggin mind look. We walked with him to campus and what a beautiful campus it is.

After Son #1’s class, we loaded up the H2 and headed to Steamboat Springs to see Son #2 at Colorado Mountain College. Steamboat is one of this families favorite places. The air is fresh, the views are amazing and the town itself is just so wonderful! Son#2 is very lucky to live in such a beautiful place.

We arrived at the dorm and much to this proud Mama’s glee, Son #2’s bed was made, laundry was clean, etc. We took a trip to Walmart to get him some grocery’s, cause Mama likes to know that her boys are eating!

We had a lovely dinner at the 8th Street Steakhouse where you pick out and cook your own steaks. We also took a hike to see the waterfall at Fish Creek Falls.

It was a wonderful, memorable visit. It has been many years since Hubby and I have had this much time alone with the boys. I’m a joyful Mama!

to see more pics go to: HERE

One Row Scarf

6 x 60, Malabrigo , Black Forest

Size 10 1/2 needles

pattern information here

I’m off to Colorado to see my boys!  Yahoooooooo!  Have a great weekend!

Shaking my head

when you mix this

 

Testosterone

with this

You get a trip to the ER! Hubby rolled the go cart. Now, you should know, Hubby is on the wall of fame at said ER. A few years back, he had two trips to the ER, exactly two weeks apart. Not once, yes twice, he yanked the fishing pole line that was stuck in a tree and wham the lure implanted itself in his head. Once in the cheek, once on the forehead.

So this trip to the ER, I’m sitting with the gal filling out the medical information and she asks “Has Hubby been seen here before?” I smile and reply, “Why, yes…there were two incidents with a fishing lure.” She replied “Oh!, I was here when he was checked in on both of those occasions. He’s on the wall of fame here! Everyone in the ER looked at him and shook their heads!” I just smiled and appreciated the pity the woman had for me in her eyes.

So, Hubby gets an xray, and is waiting to see the doctor. He sends me out to call the producer of the show he is performing in, to let him know that 1. He is in the ER and 2. He fully intends to be ontime for the show. (He was on time and performed in a LOT of pain.)  I have to go outside to make the call, so I set down my knitting on the chair next to Hubby.

I come back in, now mind you, I’ve been gone a total of no more than three minutes making the phone call. Hubby greets me and says The doctor looked at xray and it’s not broke, lets go!” Now, Hubby has repeated these words to every single person in sight “I have a show in 3 hours, we need to speed this up.” So, I think to myself, sure, you spout off about how you want out of here as quick as possible, and the hospital staff knows that they are getting their $900 for this visit no matter what, so off with you, more time for me to do another sudoku puzzle! So, I have the, “I don’t believe you” look on my face. But, yes, he was wrapped in a ace bandage and sent on his way…wasn’t even given an aspirin.

We get in the car, and Hubby tells me “So, the doctor and nurse walk in to see me, they take one look at my hand, then they notice the knitting sitting on the chair beside me and one of them says “You’re knitting?” he he

I wonder if there is a “Shake your head syndrome pilot” somewhere in the medical research field, because I would make an excellent study.

Frugal Knitting Tools

Since I’ve taken up needle knitting, I’ve been frugal in my search for knitting tools. I purchased an entire set of straight needles from a estate sale. They are long, and mostly plastic and metal needles. I prefer bamboo needles and I knew I needed to find a set of circulars and double pointed needles. So my search began.

 

I found this set of double pointed needles on ebay. What an awesome buy! Bamboo double points size 0 – 10.5 Very nice needles, smooth and just perfect for a beginner on double points. Excellent price under $20 for the entire set! Check out the seller here.

My second great buy was made at Tuesday Mornings. A friend of mine mentioned that Tuesday Morning sold a set of interchangeable circulars that is regulary priced at $69.99 for $29.99. I saw this set in Hobby Lobby for $69.99 today.  I love this set! While I have a set of KnitPicks Options on my Christmas want list, this set from Tuesday Morning is perfect for the frugal shopper!

I’m so exited that I now own lots of needles, without breaking the bank, for just about any project I’m ready to cast on!

Postcard’s from around the world

I have 459 blogs on my google reader. Most of the blogs are knitting or fiber related. Several are blogs hosted by very artistic individuals and daily they inspire me. I wanted to share an inspirational blog with you all!

Aurora of the Foxy Art Studio had a contest for a handmade postcard. I don’t enter many contests but this one caught my eye and I am a lucky winner! I entered the contest because a friend’s granddaughter is in kindergarten and the class project is receiving postcards from around the world. Aurora’s beautiful postcard will be enjoyed by the class soon! Thank you Aurora! I’m certain your postcard will inspire the artist in the class!

If you have the time to send a postcard to the class, leave a comment or drop me an email and I’ll gladly give you the mailing information!

Check out Aurora’s Etsy shop.  The fiber pin above is one of my favorites!  You will find lots of unique items just in time for Christmas! She is so talented!