At times I get in the zone and can start knitting different projects within the same time and never have one finish. This is something that a lot of us knitters suffer with. Often referred to as #KnitADD or #KnittersADD. That's because we can actually start several projects and have many projects on our needles and don't actually finish a project until months later or we need a certain needle for another project, and instead of buying a new pair of needles, we just complete the project that the needle was on. I remember one time I was searching high and low for one of my many size US8 needles. I couldn't find one pair! Then I adjusted my pattern to accommodate a size US9 needles and I couldn't find one pair of those size needles either! These sizes are my favorite sizes to us when knitting and I think I might have six or eight pairs of those needles, and I was ready to go buy another pair for this project. Then I took a look at all of my UFO's (un-finished objects) on my craft table, and there were my needles with projects that I have started but hadn't finished. I looked through to see which one was closest to being done and finished it so that I can use those needles. I have to admit that I do get a sense of accomplishment after completing a project, but the real sense of accomplishment is seeing the smiling faces of those that receive my handmade gift. Like this beauty below! She is so adorable that her picture blew up my Instagram page. Her mom told me that the unicorn lovey was the first toy she grabbed to play with. That meant the world to me! This is why I knit.
Knitter's Survival Kit...Do you have one?
Thank goodness for my knitter's survival kit! I went car shopping with bae this weekend and I'm so glad I came prepared. First of all, car shopping is one of my least favorite things to do because it takes forever! You can literally be at the dealership all day negotiating and it can be sooo frustrating. At least it is for me.
When I go car shopping withough my knitter's survival kit
As I work on my patience, I seem to lose all of it when it comes to the dealership. So, when I knew we were going over there, I decided to put together a little survival kit to help me get through it. Knitting always makes time go faster and at the end, it felt accomplished! Like, I can take over the world!!!! *insert evil laugh here*
My knitter's survival kit
So, what's inside my knitter's survival kit? Well, it changes depending on what I'm working on. This kit contained, water for when I get thirsty, two projects (a sock and a shawl like thangy I'm still figuring out), stitch markers (four different sets because I like having options), measuring tapes (not sure why I had two in there, but you never know), stitch holders and different size needles. If you don't have a survival kit, put one together as soon as possible. It will save a life! lol
Bae caught the knitting bug...
A Different Type of Bug
With all the knitting projects I'm working on and being back in my knitting groove gave bae the idea to design some knitting shirts or should I say knitta. He has done such a great job with these shirts that I can't help but share it with everyone I know! The sayings have a hip hop vibe/slang to it and just so darn creative! Even more awesome, the shirts are officially a part of his clothing line! Woo hoo!! Check-out some of the shirts in the Knitta line:
A Yarn Will Be What It Wants To Be
Have you ever purchased a yarn and thought you would shape it to be one thing, but when you start it just didn't look right so you had to rip it out? Even if you were just making a swatch? Did you have to try different stitch patterns and shapes before you found what the yarn wanted you to create it to be? Well, I might be the only one that goes through this, but this was my experience with this yarn.
I got this yarn from West 7th Wool at DFW Fiber Fest (of course) and fell in love with the gradient colors. I am all into gradient colors now, and it was beautifully pictured as a shawl. So, I thought I would make a shawl with the yarn, but instead of a simple triangle shawl, I would try something a little different. It will still be a triangle shawl, but with a design going down the spine. I tried it, and this is how it came out...smh.
No bueno senorita!
Most would think that it looks fine, but it just didn't feel right. I was determined to make something with the yarn because I loved the feel of it and how it easily glided on my addi knitting needles. I also liked the way the colors were working together, but a triangle shawl it was not going to be. I thought about making it a crescent shawl...nope. I thought about making it a half circle shawl...nope. I even thought about making it a simple triangle shawl like it was pictured when I first saw it...nope. I ripped it out over and over again, then I left it alone for a few days. I picked it back up and tried again. Finally, it became what it wanted to be. I just had to stop fighting and listen. Not that different from life, is it? We fight to be in a space that is not a good fit, and when we finally listen and change, we end up being where we're supposed to be and feel like a ton of weight has been lifted.
What did the yarn become? Stay tuned! Pictures coming soon.
Happy Hour? Yes, please!!
Ok, I'm going to mention DFW Fiber Fest a lot in the next couple of weeks, so get ready. I can't help it because I found so many lovely things. Like these darling stitch markers! I mean, how cute are they? I love that they are not only cute, but they speak to my heart. Knitting goes great with wine, margaritas, martinis or whatever adult beverage you prefer! Knitting is so versatile!
My glasses now match my stitch markers.
Got wine? I sure do!
“I just want to drink wine, knit and take naps. An ideal every day life”
Why do I love these? Well, they are not bulky as they seem in this picture. At first I thought they wold get in the way of my knitting, but they don't. They are just as effective as any plastic stitch marker that's out there, but these are way more adorable. It's also a great conversation piece! I can't for the life of me remember the vendor I purchased these from! Do you know? This vendor also has other themes like, The Wizard of Oz and I think even The Walking Dead. I need more of these creative stitch markers!
Yep, it's going to be that kind of week. :)
If you're looking for a good, fun read.
On a high
Two weeks ago was DFW Fiber fest and I'm still on a yarn high. It was so wonderful to meet knitters, crocheters, spinners, Indie dyers and all other yarn lovers. It was very inspirational to hear stories from people who left the corporate world to do what they love.
I received a large durable bag (as if I need another bag, but I need another bag) that can fit lots of goodies I purchased at DFW Fiber Fest. Check out some of my stash below. You will have a sneak peak of all the lovely yarns and trinkets I got my hands on in my next posts. I even started making something beautiful with a gradient yarn I purchased from West 7th Wool. I joined them at their knit night and got more goodies from their beautiful shop!
Part of my yarn stash from DFW Fiber Fest
“Asking a woman how much she spends on yarn, is like asking her age. You’ll never get the true number.”
One of the purchases I'm really excited about is this book. I can't wait to get started! More reason to buy yarn :).
Endless possibilities!!! Ok, not endless but over 6,000+!
I dream of Gumdrops
I love knitting this baby blanket for a friend. The colors are coming together so lovely and the yarn is very soft. It proves that you can create amazing things with affordable yarn. Especially for babies. It's important to create something that will be machine washable and dry-able. Laundry is a never ending task with babies :)
This project has been on my needles for months, and I finally am motivated to finish projects that are on my needles because 1) I have to make room for the new yarn I'm about to purchase at DFW Fiber Fest this weekend, and 2) it's hard to find a needle to cast on a new project if they are all occupied with WIP's (Work In Progress).
This baby blanket was very easy to knit. Especially in such a colorful yarn, because the yarn does all the work. Making it seem complicated. The amount of time and effort put into this blanket is just as if not more than any other project. Like a complicated hat or a knitted sweater or jacket. The colors worked beautifully!
The pattern is a simple seed stitch pattern worked over an odd number of stitches, finished with a single crochet edging all around and then a block edging stitch made with a set of double crochet for an extra added finishing touch. I think the edging gave it a pop! I love this edging and use it in the majority of baby blankets I make.
Here's my exact pattern:
Level: Beginner + (crochet skills required for edge)
Yarn: Red Heart Yarn - Gumdrop (3.5 balls)
Needles: Size 8US
Crochet hook: G (4mm)
CO 131 sts
Row 1: K1, P1, K1
Repeat Row 1 until desired length (36"x52")
Once desired length is received, BO (bind off).
Edging
Row 1: With crochet hook, SC (single crochet) evenly around blanket with three single crochets at each corner.
Row 2: Ch 3, skip first 3 stitches, *1 DC (double crochet) in next st, Ch 3, 3 DC around the post of the DC, skip next 3 stitches; Rep from * all around the blanket, Ch 3, slip stitch on top of first stitch.
Don't forget to block!
