Month: July 2012

Busy hands….

Aynaria 4 Comments

“Opal, whenever I see you, you’re always doing something creative!” Is what my aunt said, when she saw me in South Carolina. That aunt happens to be my favorite, and I only see her twice yearly since she lives in Florida.  “My hands need to stay busy otherwise I get bored!” was my response

And that’s the truth, the only times when my hands are are resting is when I’m sleeping…

Throughout the day, my hands do stay active whether I’m playing with my daughter, completing work for clients, working in our garden, which involves harvesting, weeding, flicking off bugs, and tilling the soil I also keep my hands active with my creative crafts. These days, most of my reading is done via audio books. I have the audio books playing while I’m doing housework, or working on a craft.

Idle hands are the devil’s handiwork

As a child, I remember hearing my mother say that a few times. You might have heard that expression too. My mothers hands are rarely idle, my father is the same way. Because it’s a motto I liked, I’ve stuck with it. Of course, part of my active time, is spent working with crafts I enjoy. That counts right?

I guess my hands need to get active with my 17″ MacBook Pro, right? I haven’t fixed that yet, perhaps tomorrow…

Just for fun, I decided to include a list of crafts that have kept my hands active since last Tuesday. I need to set up a photo editing software program on this desktop computer, so I can share the pictures here. Because if I’m honest with myself, I most likely won’t get around to fixing my laptop until this weekend.

Crafts that have kept my hands active since last Tuesday

  1. Two preemie knitted beanie hats for local hospital; for those interested in doing something similar call your local hospital and see if they accept crocheted and knitted preemie caps. Several hospitals have charity related groups that donate handcrafted items to other areas of the hospital such as PICU (pediatric intensive care unit).
  2. Knitted bedroom slippers for me. Shocking I know, I rarely make items for myself. My crafts are usually for others. I also crocheted some flowers onto the slippers. I made the slippers differently, since I didn’t knit in the round. I knitted straight, and sewed up the seams. The knitted slippers were simple to make, I used a basic rib stitch; k3, p3. The project is simple, and would make excellent Christmas gifts or “thinking of you gifts”. Next time, I’m going to get more fancy, and do something with cables and perhaps a bit of Fair isle (making patterns with different colored yarns) too.
  3. Two knitted lace bookmarks. I used the free knitting pattern Leaf me Alone… I’m Reading. They’re a bit fancier than the crocheted bookworm bookmarks that I made for my daughter’s classmates. I saw the knitted lace bookmark pattern on Nicki’s website, so stop by her creative corner and check out her knitted bookmark, she did a great job. I used my Options nickel plated needles. I must say the Knit Picks interchangeable knitting needles does a wonderful job with lace. They have the pointy tips which I adore. I’ve made two of the bookmarks, the first was given to my daughter, and the second I gave to my mother. I’ll make one for me, since I love to read also. I already have ideas on how to incorporate the leaf design into other projects.
  4. Three shawls for my daughter’s Monster High dolls; crochet was also added to these shawls – I’ll definitely have to post pictures of this, the dolls are adorable. Looking at them,  makes me wish I had some of those crocheted and knitted garments.
  5. Knitted Kindle Fire cover; one of fathers birthday presents — which is tomorrow

I’m a fast knitter, that prefers to knit at a slower pace — most of the time. Last week my hands and knitting needles were flying, which is what happens when I have a lot on mind. I’ve found that either knitting, sewing, embroidery puts me in my happy place quickly; more than any other crafts that I do. Perhaps it’s because I’ve done those the longest? Over 32 years with each of those crafts. So those are the crafts I turn to when I need inspiration, or simply need to relax. Today, I haven’t had time for knitting more than a few short rows (cast on was just 40 stitches) of a project. But I plan on knitting a few rows before I sleep this evening.

A bit busy…

I arrived home from a board meeting about forty minutes ago, and I just realized something…

For the next two years, three weeks out of each month, one of my evenings for that week, will be spent at a board meeting. I serve on three different boards. Good thing I enjoy the faith based charity related ministries and the people I’m working with right? And no… knitting or crocheting is not an option at any of the meetings. I’m an active participant.

Are they fiber worthy?

Aynaria 9 Comments

My life stays busy, and while I wish I could sit around the house and play with fiber all day, I can’t. I have a daughter, clients, a garden, I volunteer with a few ministries with my Lutheran church, I exercise, etc., You get the picture… I don’t have a lot of free time for crafts.

I enjoy making numerous crafts, many of which are fiber related (crochet, embroidery, knitting, and sewing). And while it’s true that I’m a process crafter (I enjoy the process more than the finished item) when it comes to giving away items, I’m very selective as to who receives my handmade items. After all, not everyone is worthy of a hand-crafted item. A handmade item isn’t the same thing as going to your local department store and giving someone a similar item.

About a week ago, I stumbled upon this yarn worthy diagram on Panopticon’s blog, I smiled, while reading through the yarn worthy chart. You see…I go through my own mental checklist before making something for someone I know. Before investing time into a project, the receiver has to be worth the investment.  I do make an exception… I make a variety of items for charity organizations, like Lutheran World Relief and the Mother Bear Project. I rarely know the recipient of these charity item, but these organizations I support are definitely worthy of my handcrafted items.

I love receiving hand crafted items

My favorite gifts received happen to be hand crafted items. It’s obvious the items aren’t slapped together, those who’ve made items for me put a lot of thought/time goes into making the items I’ve received. Just like I do when making items for others. And while I don’t expect a handcrafted item, I’m always thrilled on the rare occasions that I do receive them. After all, they could have easily purchased an item for me, and I would have appreciated that too.

Several years ago, I received a beautifully detailed wood crafted case to store my essential oils. I was blown away by the detail, and asked the person who gave it to me how much time was spent on the item. I knew they were a carpenter/woodworker. Oh, at least a 100 hours was the response. Let’s say I was touched, that they thought enough of me to take the time to make something I still use today. I also have a hand-sewn quilt that took much longer, but that was handed down to me, since the original recipient had passed away — but I still treasure it. And like the cabinet, and the other handcrafted items I receive, I feel blessed that someone thought I was worthy of a handcrafted gift.

Still not on my MacBook Pro; Knitting with my Knit Picks Options circular needles

Aynaria 1 Comment

Besides a quick look at my 17″ MacBook Pro, I wasn’t able to do anything else. I’m thinking it might be my hard drive, hopefully I’ll have a chance to run a few tests today to see if I’m correct. Since I do use external hard drives, I’m not worried about data loss. My hard drive information is secured in a few places. That ailing MacBook Pro is my oldest Mac computer, I’ve had it for six years now, and for the most part I haven’t had any issues, so I can’t complain.

Since all my user information is stored on my MacBook Pro there are still items and sites that I don’t have access too, and I’ve resisted the urge to attempt to retrieve any of that information from the desk top — yet. But I might have to soon.

In other news…

Renovations at our home are almost finished, the contractor is working on the main bathroom, once that is complete we’ll be able to put items back in their normal place.

Having fun with my Knit Picks circular needles

Earlier this week I knitted a few preemie infant beanie hats. Soon, I’ll be dropping them off at a local hospital. Currently I’m working on a really soft and squishy scarf buttery yellow cabled scarf. I told you my Knit Picks interchangeable needles were getting a workout.

Once complete I’ll add it into my completed projects bin. I have a nice clear storage bin that contains all my crocheted, knitted, and sewed items that are being given to someone else. While quite a few of those hand crafted items have name tags, there are other items that don’t since I have no idea who’ll receive them. And such is the case with this scarf, currently, I’m unsure of whom I’ll honor with this gift. But based on the time spent making these intricate cables, the recipient will definitely be worthy of a handcrafted item.

Knit Picks & customer service; an excellent experience

Aynaria 5 Comments

Tuesday, when my circular knitting needles arrived from Knit Picks, I thoroughly checked them out just to make sure everything was fine.

All past the Opal test with the exception of one of the size 4 circular needle tips. It was slightly bent at the part where you screw the needle  onto the cable. I could have called Knit Picks toll free number that day; 1-800-574-1323. I didn’t. But, I did call about thirty minutes ago.

Knit Picks customer service

When I was researching interchangeable knitting needles, part of my research included customer service. That, to me at least, is as important as the product. I must say the comments, I’ve read about Knit Picks customer service has been impressive, and while I wasn’t expecting to need them I’m pleased with the service I received. The customer service lady I spoke to was polite. After I gave her my #order number, and told her the reason for my call, she told me that I should receive my interchangeable needle replacement within 5-14 days. She also told me that folks on the East coast tend to receive there shipments sooner. Based on the speed that I received my Knit Picks nickel plated circular needles (earlier this week). I wouldn’t be surprised if I get my size 4 knitting needle a bit faster.

While I could have gotten my Knit Picks nickel plated needles cheaper on Ebay, I chose to purchase directly from Knit Picks, that way if I ever had any issues with the needles, based on their customers reviews, I knew I’d be able to replace an item without an issue.

Because of the awesome needles, and the amazing customer service received, I’ll definitely be purchasing from Knit Picks again.

Updates; Back online, family room renovations, and Knit Picks interchangeable circular needles have arrived

Aynaria

Today, is my first time online since early Monday morning. Why?

Renovations were going on at our place. Of course it was in the family room. Which happens to be where the desktop computer is located. I do most of my work from my 17″ MacBook Pro.  Everything in the family room was temporarily located to the living room, while the carpet was stripped, and the wood floor was laid down. Oh, the room received a new paint job too. The family room looks completely different, and now has a wood floor. Which means, our entire house has wood flooring with the exception of the kitchen and bathroom, those have marble tile. I won’t miss vacuuming or steam cleaning at all!

I didn’t feel like getting in the contractors way to hook up my laptop computer, and I didn’t feel like doing that with my desktop either. I’d be in the way after all, since the room was getting a lot of attention. Because of this, my computers were offline for four days. I logged back online a few hours ago. I must say I didn’t mind the break. Of course, during the time I was off the net, My 17″  MacBook Pro started to act nutty. I’m getting a constant spinning wheel, once I log onto the computer. I didn’t notice that until a few hours ago. Since I don’t feel like fixing it this evening,   I’ll be checking it out, and hopefully it will be back to normal soon.

Ravelry pattern testing

Of course this means I’m delayed in some of my fun projects, such a a simple pattern test on Ravelry. The pictures are there on my computer, I just can’t get to them at the moment. I can’t take more and post them on Ravelry since I’ve already given the item away. Sighs Oh well, I’ll post the pictures tomorrow, after I fix my computer.

Knit Picks nickel plated circular needles arrived

I also received my Knit Picks order, and it arrived two days earlier than scheduled! I must say that I love my Knit Picks interchangeable nickel plated needles. I’m currently working on a special case to hold my crochet hooks and knitting needles. The case will take a while to make, since I’ll be doing some intricate stitch embroidery on the case also. My overall impression of the Knit Picks interchangeable needles is great. I really enjoy the cable compared to other circular that I’ve used. They’re soft, flexible, and don’t retain a coiled shape, which is a blessing to knit with. I’ll be purchasing additional circular knitting needles soon.

I’ve already made a few items with my new knitting needles, Let’s see I finally made a pair of slippers for myself. They’re cute knitted baby doll slippers, I also made a lace bedspread for my daughter’s Monster High dolls. So yes… you could say my new Knit Pick Option needles have already seen a lot of knitting action. The fact that I haven’t knitted with anything else should be an indication of how much I like them! Straight or circular knitting, it doesn’t matter, it’s all been done with my Knit Picks circular needles.

I enjoyed my time away from online activities

While away from the internet, I did accomplish a lot of work for my clients, a ton of gardening was done, along with other yard work to keep our yard looking pretty. Oh I also read Lisa Unger’s, Heartbroken. It’s her latest book. I loved it, I’ll write a review about it soon.

Hopefully I’ll get a chance to post a few pictures of the items I’ve knitted with them, but first I need to get my MacBook Pro back to normal since I hate working on this desktop.

How to knit socks with dpns; video tutorial

Aynaria 8 Comments

Late last evening, I started working on a knitted sock; I’ll post of my beginning socks in a few hours.

Since it’s been almost twenty years since I’ve knitted socks, I decided to pick up where I left off, and so I reached for my DPNs (double pointed needles). I’m thrilled that I’m remembering a lot of the sock knitting basics, and thus far sock knitting with double pointed needles has been a breeze.

During my pre-teen years, when I first started working with DPN’s, it was slightly intimidating. What was extremely helpful was realizing that the extra needles are only stitch markers, and as long as I didn’t knit too loosely; the needles wouldn’t fall off. If you’re new to sock knitting, DPNs, need a refresher course, or are simply curious at one way socks are hand knit, check out the above video.

The Joy of Sox Linda Kopp

The socks I’m knitting are featured in the book The Joy of Sox: 30+ must-knit designs. You see the socks on the above cover? Those are the ones I’m knitting.

I just received this book yesterday, and I love it. The photos are amazing, and the patterns are straightforward. There are enough patterns available for even a new knitter to cast on. For the above socks, I’m using worsted weight yarn. Since most animal fibers make me itch, my yarn of choice for these knitted socks is a cotton and polyester blend. I’ll be using white, dusty rose, and perhaps a pale yellow? During cooler months, I like keeping my toes free when I’m around the house, and these socks also work perfectly for some of my exercises I do around the house and at the gym. While showcasing my polished toenails. 😉

Sock knit along

Oh by the way…

I’m participating in a sock knit along. I met the blogger last year on Ravelry, and only recently started chatting with him through his blog posts. What got my attention was a gorgeous cable knit sweater he was wearing in his profile picture. I love knitting cables!  A heterosexual man that knits? Yes, he happens to be one of them. More on his sock knit along, when I post my WIP socks — later today.

Designing a hook and needle case; sewing

Aynaria 1 Comment

This evening, after my tiny crochet pattern test is completed, I believe I’ll take some time to make a carrying case for my hooks and needles.

Reasons I’m interested in Knit Picks Options interchangeable knitting needles

I admit, the main reason for me to get active in making a case is my recent purchase from Knit Picks. Yesterday, I received an email stating that my Knit Picks interchangeable nickel plated circular knitting needles had shipped! I’m excited for a few reasons…

  1. Interchangeable circular knitting needles are appealing, since I can simply “add on” tips or cable length depending on my needs.
  2. I won’t have to keep going to Michaels to purchase yet another circular needle. I have plenty of those, and will continue to use them. Always nice to have backups… you know?
  3. Since Knit Picks cable lengths go up 60,” I’ll be able to start on some of my larger knitting projects, such as the knitted Coraline sweater for my daughter, the knitted Guernsey sweater for my father, and eventually I’ll knit the Sylvi coat for myself. I’ve always disliked working larger projects on straight knitting needles, since the excess weight as the project grew had no where to go, It just hung at the end of the straight knitting needles. With circulars, due to the long cable used for larger projects, the weight falls into your lap.

Judging by the tracking number provided I should receive them next week. And while a carrying case is provided with the needles, I do believe I’ll design and sew one to hold all my hooks and needles.

I have a few designs floating around in my head, and so I’ll sketch them out on paper. Since I also sew, I have plenty of fabric choices to choose from, and while I have a few ideas in my mind, I haven’t narrowed it down… yet.