Crochet and knitting: Tying up loose ends; knitting in rounds with circular knitting needles

Aynaria 10 Comments

Sometime this weekend, I’ll be washing the crocheted and knitted bag that I’m making for my daughter’s teacher…

 

Crochet half double crochet

The bulk of the crocheted bag is complete, I know it doesn’t look like it from the above picture. In total, this bag is three foot long, of course it won’t be that length when it’s pieced and sewn together. I am positive that my daughter’s teacher will love this gift.

I truly love what she has done with my daughter’s third grade class, and I want her to know it. Well, I know she does, I’ve sent her notes and gifts throughout the year. And yesterday, I received a really nice card, with a long message from her. It felt great.

I’m still undecided if I’ll hand-sew or machine-sew the ends together, but I have a few days to make my decision.

Since the end is near with this bag, last evening I kept my hands occupied with knitting…

 

Knitting stockinette stitch circular needles 2 06 09 12

It felt great playing around with my circular needles. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was on television, and so my daughter, and I curled up in our family room, and watched the movie on our 53″ flat screen television.

I don’t need to look at my hands when I’m knitting. My hands automatically “know” where to go.

Regarding the circular needles, I’ve been using them for a few weeks. I haven’t made anything yet, but I have knitted a lot to get getting comfortable knitting with a cable attached to the ends. I’m finally over that awkward stage, and can now knit as smoothly as I do with my regular knitting needles/double pointed needles. 

I figured last evening was a good time as any to start knitting in the round with my circular knitting needles. It’s the main reason I bought them after all, I’d much prefer to knit socks, and a variety of other projects with circulars knitting needles instead of DPNs (double pointed knitting needles). I’ve knitted in the round with those many times, but never with circular knitting needles.

I’m pleased to say I didn’t find this “new process” difficult. No mistakes were made, and since I’d been practicing with the circular needles (daily) for over a week, knitting with circulars no longer feels awkward. 

When attempting something new, you need to allow yourself time to get used to the basics. I always do that before moving onto something more advanced.

Knitting stockinette stitch circular needles 1 06 09 12

If you look at the above picture, you’ll see a “jewel” hanging from my knitting. That’s my row marker. Last evening, I created it, along with others.

Since I’m pleased with how knitting on circular needles is going, I’ll be frogging this project (ripping out the stitches) and casting on something new. 

And yes, I already have ideas in mind…

While knitting with my circular knitting needles, a few  creative thoughts invaded my brain, and it was all about a gorgeous hand knit sweater… for me! The ideas were so delightful that I hurriedly sketched them on paper before they vanished. That’s happened to me when I was in my teens…I’d have an idea, sometimes they would awaken me sleep, but in all instances, I’d forgotten to write it down, and it vanished. I quickly learned to write immediately, so I wouldn’t lose the inspiration. Now, I stop and draw when I’m inspired. I’m sure I’ll be knitting that inspiration within a few months. Knitting will play the major role in that project, but crochet will be stopping by to join in on the creative fun.

Finding my happy place: End in sight; crochet & knitted bag

Aynaria 9 Comments

I’m very pleased with how the crocheted and knitted bag is turning out for my daughter’s teacher.

And while I could easily give it to her tomorrow. I’ve decided to hold off giving it to her until next week. My daughter last day of school is tomorrow, the teachers have another week.  I told Mrs. M; we’d be stopping by next week to bring her garden produce. I didn’t mention the gift. Why ruin the surprise?

Of course, this means I can add additional extras to the bag, I’m really excited. And… I’ll be posting pictures, of the bag, at some point. I’m thrilled that I’ll be able to share a few of the crafts I enjoy within one project.

You know…

I really tried to hold off on doing anything knitting related for a while. I wanted to devote most of my crafting time to crochet, and it worked for about five months. But, I didn’t hold off as long as I’d originally planned. Way too many knitting projects are calling my name, and I’m over the moon about circular knitting needles! Who knew, I’d love them so much!

Since I’m over that crochet learning hump, and have practiced and made numerous crocheted items. I think it’s ok to bring knitting back into the mix, don’t you?

I feel the quality of my crochet is at the level where it can be included with some of my knitting projects. Well… in this case it’s the other way around, since the bag is mainly crochet.

Knitting has decided to make a guest appearance on the crochet bag, and since they are now on the same level, knitting won’t be embarrassed being featured on the same project as crochet.

As I mentioned before, I’m a process crafter. I enjoy the process, more than completing the project, and so in my mind, I’m already lining up other projects for my queue.

 

With the crochet and knitted bag turning out as I envisioned, I’m definitely in my happy place!

At the halfway mark; crochet and knitted bag for daughter’s teacher

Aynaria 4 Comments

Today, I’m a bit too busy to post photos and link to other works in progresses…

But I’m moving along with the crocheted and knitted bag I’m making for my daughter’s third grade teacher.

Thus far, I’d say I’ve put about ten hours into crocheting this bag. Because of the stitching used, half-double crochet, it is extremely durable.

If you’ve been following my recent posts, the pattern I linked to was obviously a crocheted bag. But that’s just a generic pattern guide. I referenced it, so I could get a general idea about the bags height, width, and base.

I’m almost halfway through crocheting the bag, after that time I have a few things I’ll be knitting, which won’t take long at all. The final step in the process will be sewing; yes, I’m adding that into the mix too, and perhaps a bit of embroidery.

I decided not to dye the crocheted bag…

This is my first time working with Sugar’n Cream yarn . Also, I haven’t used  mulberry as a dye in years, I don’t want any unpleasant surprises.  However, I will be introducing some earth tone colors in the form of trim, and it’ll make an appearance with a few other items also. 

There is a possibility that this handcrafted bag will be completed by tomorrow, but I’m planning on giving it to her teacher on Friday, which is the last day of school…

Pulling out my hook; Crocheting bag for my daughter’s teacher

Aynaria 5 Comments

Today, after dropping my daughter off at school, I stopped by A.C. Moore and purchased this large skein of yarn; 710 yards total.

Sugar n Creame off white yarn crochet project

Lily is the company that makes this yarn, and  the brand is Sugar’n Cream, and it’s 100% cotton! Yeah! This bag can easily be dyed if I choose to do that.

 Although, I’ve read favorable reviews about this brand via Ravelry, I get such great crochet and knitting information from that site, this will be my first time working with this brand.

Judging by the crochet bag pattern, I should have more than enough yarn to create the crocheted bag. Since my clients work is completed, its time to pick up my my size J hook, and get busy. Friday will be here before I know it. 😉

Upcoming radish dip recipe; vegetarian

Yesterday, my neighbor gave me a large bag of  radishes. We’re always giving each other things… she’s been in our garden many times to get fresh organic vegetables.

You know, I was all over those radishes! I love them, and they add a bit of kick, when you include them into a horseradish dip, which works perfectly with vegetables, hotdogs, and other “dipworthy foods”.

Once things settle down, I’ll try to post at least one horseradish dip recipe. Teeni, the social butterfly, mentioned I should post one a few weeks ago. I’d commented about enjoying a horseradish dip at an event I attended. I believe I did that on Facebook.

Now of course, this means I’ll have to measure the ingredients. Uhm, yippee? Those who know me well realize I don’t follow recipes, I just know what works. Because it’s Teeni, I’ll guess I’ll actually measure what I add to the horseradish dip. 😉

Knitting (socks) with Zegna Baruffa lace-weight yarn…

Aynaria 2 Comments

There was a pasteboard box full of bright-colored yarns and another box filled with embroidery silks and sheets of perforated thin cardboard, silver-colored and gold-colored. Ma gave both boxes to Laura, saying, “You gave away the pretty things you had made. Now here are some lovely things for you to work with.” Laura was so happy that she couldn’t say a word. -The Long Winter

The Long Winter, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, is one of my favorite books from the Laura Ingalls Wilder series. I read the series when I was eight-years old, and the above passage comes from the chapter; The Christmas barrel.

In an earlier chapter, Laura’s mother talks with the older girls of the inability to have Christmas presents that year. The town had received numerous blizzards that were preventing trains from coming to replenish the two stores supplies. Laura, took the initiative and gifts her mother and her sisters with items she’s created. Pa, received some embroidered suspenders from a local hardware store. The family put their pennies together and purchased them for 10 cents. 

In many ways, I could identify with Laura. Which explains why I’ve read this series countless times, and it’s a personal account of pioneer life. She’s headstrong, has an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and she’s quite crafty….

But, there is a big difference, many of the items she made were created out of necessity. However it’s obvious throughout the series that she loved crochet, embroidery, knitting, and sewing. I don’t need to make hand crafted items for my family or those in need. I make them because they bring me joy, and I love sharing with others, just as she did….

Zegna Baruffa yarn

Yesterday, I received these three extremely large spools of soft alpaca lace-weight yarn…

And just like Laura, I was thrilled.

I was so overwhelmed; I didn’t speak for a bit. In my mind I was already thinking of how I’d use these three spools of lace-weight yarn; crocheted and knitted lace, embroidery, embellishments, shawls, and perhaps socks too; which I admit, is what I really want to use some of this yarn for… Judging by the size of the spools, I believe the yarn will last for years.

I must say, seeing large cones of yarn, direct from the spinner is quite different from the tiny hanks I’m used to seeing at Big Lots (Think Joann Fabric, Hobby Lobby, Michaels) and local yarn stores (stores that only sell yarn related items). Giant cones such as this are what a crochet or knitting designer would receive if they were creating handcrafted items for a crochet/knitwear shop.

The yarn is from Zegna Baruffa. I must admit, that I wasn’t familiar with the company until yesterday, but after a few brief internet searches, I learned….

Zegna Baruffa is one of the leading Italian spinners of knitwear yarns.

They’re located in Italy.

How did I get the yarn?

These spools were mixed within bags of clothing we receive from a secondhand store. We receive clothing from them often, and we turn these items over to other organizations in need. if you think about it, most second hand stores don’t have unlimited storage, and after some time, they’ll have to remove the items that aren’t selling, to to make room for newer merchandise.

We pick up the castoffs, and turn them over to clothing closets and loved ones who might be able to give items to those in need. Clothing closets are beneficial for those who don’t have money, since they can receive nice clothing for free. Many of the items haven’t been worn. Occasionally we’ll receive additional items, such as electronics, which is donated to the Purple Heart. This is the second time I’ve received yarn…

Crochet: Tote bag for teacher

Aynaria 15 Comments

Over the past few years, several parents in my daughter’s classes have contributed money to purchase the teacher a gift certificate.

It’s a thoughtful gesture, and I know the teachers are appreciative. Thus far, I haven’t participated in that, opting instead to do something on my own. Since I do interact with my daughter’s schoolteachers, by volunteering, throughout the school year. It gives me helpful information when it comes to giving gifts. 

Crochet paperless grocery bag

This year I’m crocheting a tote bag, for Mrs. M, my daughter’s third grade teacher.

For some, it might not sound like much, but they don’t know my daughter’s teacher. I do. 🙂 Therefore, I know it’s something she’d like.  About a week ago, I sketched a few designs I’d know she’d like, and this morning, I’ve settled on crocheting her this paperless grocery bag by Coats and Clark. The crochet pattern is free, it just requires me to purchase yarn, and set aside time to craft the item.

Although the bag isn’t exactly like the sketch I created, it can easily be modified to compliment my design. 

I’ll be making the crocheted bag sturdy, and it’ll be completed in earth tones; which she loves. For embellishments, I’ll add a few crocheted and knitted flowers to the bag. Nothing too extravagant, but just enough to add some pizazz!

As much as I’d love to make her something bright and colorful, I won’t. I know the colors she likes, and although I’m sure she’d wear the colorful bag occasionally, she would do that because I’d made it; not because she enjoyed it.

Sometimes it’s best to put other peoples wants ahead of our own, shocking I know! 😉 This is one of those times.

I want her to use something that she truly enjoys.

Photo Source: Coats and Clark

Crochet: Scraptastic hat update; pattern test complete

Aynaria 12 Comments

Yesterday, I posted the completed crocheted tam hat on Ravelry, and now I’m posting the item here. 

Crochet Scraptastic hat 1

 

Getting my daughter to only focus on the hat was a bit of a challenge, since she wanted to include all of me within the picture.

Crochet Scraptastic hat 2

But she finally realized why I  wanted just a head shot. Obviously, I wanted to draw attention to this hat. I needed pictures to post on Ravelry. And so she snapped several side shots, to capture this colorful crocheted hat. I really love the colors.

Crochet Scraptastic hat 3

My daughter does think it’s hilarious that my head is so big, that I had to modify the pattern. Mommy, I just thought of a great idea! Your hat could double as a purse being that it is so big! Yeah… the girl has jokes, lucky me, right? 

I definitely am making other hats using a similar design to the one created by Sarah Jane Designs, but since I’m no longer pattern testing. I can make the modifications that I want. 

I’m thinking it will be one of the hats I wear when I’m outside. When gardening or cutting the grass, I’m dealing with a lot of dust. Straw hats cover my dreadlocks help somewhat, but I’m still dealing with a ton of dust that I have to get out of my hair.

Speaking of dreadlocks/locs…. 

One of the comments, I received, mainly from family, is that people who wear dreadlocks don’t wash them. This conversation happened years ago, when I mentioned that I was thinking about locking my hair. 

I smiled and said…

“Following that line of thinking people of a certain race, must all act a certain way, since we know that stereotypes are true, right?” Don’t believe the hype, it’s an inaccurate stereotype. 🙂

Wearing your hair in locks doesn’t mean that hair maintenance days are over. My hair gets washed daily.  

Would that statement apply to some people? Of course, but you have individuals who forgo hair maintenance regardless of the hairstyle, and there’s  variety of reasons behind those choices too.

My relatives comments brought an interesting discussion, about stereotypes, and how we should be mindful of the way we view others/groups. Regardless of the group(s) a person identifies with; race, religion, politics, dreadlock wearers, etc.,  It’s really not fair to judge an entire group negatively, is it? Many of us dislike inaccurate stereotypes, so why would we do that to others? 

I really don’t mind when people ask me questions, even if some view the questions asked as “offensive”. I’m not offended easily.  And I also realize that at times, the questions a person asks can be a chance to educate…