4-27-05
I am knitting a round baby blanket in pastels.
Also, have an afghan with teddy bear on it that is crocheted that has to be finished. Also, crocheting an afghan with roses cross-stitched on it. And plenty of projects in my head to be done! Busy aren't I?

I just completed a knitted baby blanket and some bibs & burps to go with it. I got a book a while back called Folk Vests and I'm dying to make some of them for myself...maybe that will be the next project.

JJKnitter, yes, you are! How is the Teddy Bear on the one afghan made? Your projects sound like they're fun to do.

msmeow, I've seen that Folk Vests book and was really taken by the patterns. Let us know which one you pick as your first project from it. I just ordered the Folk Shawls book, which should be coming in May. I almost bought the two as a pair, but decided to spend the money for Barbara G. Walker's First Treasury instead.

I have done one cute teddy bear afghan a few times. My pattern is all single crochet on the back loop with the shape and details of the teddy bear outlined in dc's that are made on the front loop of the row below. Soo cute. All one color. Goes very slowly since it is basically sc, and you cut the yarn at the end of each row, making a fringe, never turning the afghan to go back and forth.

Just finished 2 layettes for a grandson of an employee and a baby soon to be born to our kids' friends. Grandpa is a cowboy type, so I made cowboy booties, an afghan, a sweater and matching booties, another kind of bootie, and edged a flannel receiving blanket. For the friends' baby, I made an afghan; hat, booties and sweater to match; and a bunny hat from a pattern that Donna shared. I like to crochet the afghans, but prefer to knit the sweaters. I am also still working on my thread crochet banquet cloth, and will probably be doing so for at least another year since it goes slowly and I keep putting it away to make layettes. I am also making flowers and mufflers for Katiedid's house, but since she wants unique flowers, and I am not a unique crocheter, I think it will be mostly other things than flowers.

4-28-05
Hi Wendy Sue (pretty name!)
The teddy afghan is done in afghan stitch (crochet) and
the teddy is cross stitched on it. I love doing this kind
of afghan.

I just finished a crochet bear afghan that was done with yarn in a filet crochet pattern. It turned out so cute I think I'll make another to have on hand for the next baby. I have been busy making felted purses the last few months. They are such fun to make. I also knit a purse with strips of fabric that turned out cute. Next project? who knows, can't wait to try something new, any suggestions?

I'm not working on anything right now. Sigh. I can't decide what I want to do next. A scarf, something bigger like a sweater, or some socks! I really need some inspiration. Yesterday I was all ready to start working on a scarf and then I got busy with something else and it took me all day. I have to go to town today, but maybe tomorrow I'll get busy and get started on something.

I just finished my very first knitted thing--a felted tote bag. I was a bit nervous about that felting part so I ended up searching the net for advise and that's when I found this forum. Well I felted it this morning and it turned out well, I think. I've got it blocked and drying right now. What fun it has been! Prior to that I was making these little crocheted beanie animals from an old Luster Sheen book I have. Now I'm not sure what I'll do next. Maybe another bag as I've found many cute and simple patterns.

Isn't felting fun? I like it, too. My friend just showed me a cute little bag she adapted from a pattern in the book "Pursenalities".

I restarted my mohair scarf (present for my daughter-in-law) in feather and fan, made progress on the striped stocking hat for my brother. I found my missing project, the summer sweater. I am also restarting a shawl for the third time. The needle size keeps going up - 10 to 11 - to 15. My friends keep telling me to use larger needles.

I finished my 300 flower pins and now I am working on a tote bag made from plastic shopping bags. Also making a Fun Fur Stripe scarf. (the new yarn that self stripes.)

I just finished this tube top, and I'm starting a sweater for my husband.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Knitting Fiend

I'm making an afghan with a heart motif, very common, you've probably seen it. It's five strips, 3 with popcorn hearts, the other two kinda plain, I think. This is my second crochet project. The other was a baby afghan that turned out well. This one... I finished the second heart strip, and, surprise, they're not the same length. I obviously changed how tightly I was working over time. It gets funnier. I laid the 2 strips side by side - and I mixed them up and don't know which one I did last. So, did my gauge get bigger or smaller? Duh.
I'm just going to forge ahead and aim for something in between the two, and maybe fudge when I join them. Even if I have to rip them, at least I'm getting practice.

I had that experience with an afghan done in strips. They were not all the same length. I eased, stretched and fudged to make them match.

I'm working on two afghans...One for my nephew for his wedding the Najaho afghan they like forest green and christmas red but didn't want it to look christmasy!!! didn't use christmas red used autum red and dark sage and sage the dark sage is a dark green I'm liking it hope they do...and then last fall I started a mile a minute afghan for my DIL 4 panels two matched 2 didn't I've worked and worked and worked to get them to match think they do but I'm afraid to check then I ran out of one color was able to have a store order it for me ever want to scream at a project? I got some fun fur yarn to make a scarve for a proclien project that I'm working on but am afraid its too bulky but do want to make a scarve for these critters (snow babies) stand about 5-6 inches high body out of fur and the cutest faces felt mittens any ideas? and I want to learn how to knit and or crochet something more than afghans. But that looks scary. and don't know what to start on love that felted look in the hats. the yarn store that ordered my yarn has the felted hats displayed and said that they are easy somehow I wonder
Sheila

OK, Donner, where did you get the idea to make a tote bag out of plastic bags?

I'm almst finishede with the wool lady's jacket. I was on a trip and didn't bring along the finished parts to put them all together. I dashed into Walmart and grabbed some yarn to start on Knitter's mag, spring, Blue Ridge cardigan. I called for silk worsted weight, I bought acrilon worsted, hopefully it's close. I'm trying to hone my skills and speed to take on some jackets I saw in Jean Frost's book Jackets. So many lovely jackets there, I couldn't resist. I don't know if I can call myself intermediate yet. I'm trying. I have carpal tunnel in my right wrist but I'm not giving up.

I am working on two sweaters, one a bulky Lopi type with the Reynolds Blizzard yarn and one a cabled dressier type with a thin cotton yarn. Hope they come out fitwise.
BUT............I have been looking and looking at the Folk Shawl book, and Wendy, I think I read in another post that you bought it. Have you made anything yet? Now that you have it home do you still think it's worth owning?

rosie, I haven't made anything yet from it, mostly because I am making my first garter-stitch shawl to get the feel of making a shawl, having never made one. You bet I'll use it. I might start with one of the many fisherman's scarves before making a shawl from the book. They are all very pretty. I am wrapping up my brother's stocking hat now and have my mother's vest to get started with, or I would start doing it soon. I'm very happy I got the book, even though I can't tell you what the patterns are like to knit, just yet. I look at the patterns in a lot and daydream.

I'm starting another felted bag using Lamb's Pride Worsted in this beautiful sable color. The handle is an i-cord that you twist prior to joining, and it gives it a very classy look. I've decided to make bags for my sisters-in-law for Christmas this year. The first bag I made, which I gave to my my mom for Mother's Day, only used knit stitches the whole way through as I was knitting in the round. The one I'm working on now has other techniques I'll get to try, like picking up stitches and making an i-cord for the handle. I know they are still really basic things but it will all come in time! If any of you know of any links to bags/totes you've seen I'd love to have a look!

Oh, Rosie, I'm sorry. I must be tired. I was talking not about the Folk Shawls book, which I ordered but haven't received yet, but Stahman's Shawls and Scarves. They are Seamen's scarves, by the way, not fishermen's.

kindrat, that handle sounds neat. It must stay twisted after felting. The pattern for the only bag I've felted was from Fiber Trends. There was a felting workshop here recently, and they made bags with i-cord that went through holes in the bag.

Wendy

Wendy, the first bag I made was from Fiber Trends, too, and I was just into my yarn shop and saw that they had many new patterns in that looked fun. I'm REALLY interested in making a pair of felted slippers--I think they look so cozy! I saw some bag patterns on the internet that used the i-cord like you are describing.
By the way, you do twist the handle before felting...
Deb

Terrapots, I got the main idea on tv, can't remember the show but I can find the site if you want. I cut the shopping bag handles and bottom off then cut into strips around and around like peeling an orange, tie ends together. Everyone loves the Hobby Lobby bags the best, Wal-Mart comes in second. I use purchased handles to finish. If you want more information let me know.
Donna

Yes, Donna, I'm really interested in this. Mainly because my daughter lives in SF and they are talking about charging for grocery bags. They would be neat to make for her (when I find the time) if they are not too bulky. What do you use these totes for?

I just started a baby afghan called "Sleepytime Seashells" from a book I picked up with 33 knit baby afghans. I'm using worsted weight in "soft sage". It's a lovely stitch pattern. Don't know anyonw who's having a baby right now. I like to make some things up and put them in my "gift barrel". Then when I need a gift, if I'm lucky, I don't have to scramble to get something done.

Donna, I love sage and choose sage-colored yarns a lot. That's the color of the mohair scarf I'm making. I also am making a Crystal Palace cotton chenille flower washcloth for a "gift pool," for Christmas. I finished my shawl made of Trendsetter Dune, and have gotten a lot of compliments on it, even with a mistake in it.

Another staff member is having a baby. So away goes my banquet cloth. My friend is crocheting the afghan from varigated sport yarn and I am knitting booties and a sweater from a matching pink. We always split our layette that way but use the same or coordinating yarns. Always looks like a beautiful set.

I recently took to trying my luck at crocheting doilies, and made several, which turned out great. Now, I am making crocheted snowflakes, for my Xmas Tree, this year. However, I am not sure what to use to stiffen them. Any suggestions?

Lucia the Knitter...

A poet who knits!
What a great combination
Clever, thoughtful gal

Susan

Betty,

You can use sugar starch, craft glue with water, or thick starch.

I'm crocheting granny squares from scraps of wool yarn, mostly tapestry yarn. I will assamble it into an afghan when I have enough - I have about 80 done and need at least 120.

Netla, I made one of those once and it was quite fun to use the scrap yarn that way. I made it in the 70's and still have it.

I just finished the scarf below from Baby Alpaca yarn. It's the first time I've used yarn that didn't come from Michaels!

{{gwi:1576327}}

Oooohh.... that looks nice and soft. Nice pattern and a wonderful job. Nice even tension.

That scarf is unbelievably beautiful!!!

I am working on the knitted replica of you know who's famous Poncho. I do not understand the K2tog(yfwrd) twice.Does it mean yarnovers? I just don't know. If any one can help please email me at claudehdg@comcast.net.
Thanks, LilyB

I've been busy lately. Finished three baby blankets - one with a graph of Nemo, one with sports balls, and one a smaller size of an aran pattern I used for an afghan. Three afghans for bridal showers - the aran pattern, heart motif, and large basket weave from Vanna White's book.
For an auction at the college for scholarships I am donating two scarfs made with Homespun, a book cover/purse, a wine bottle cover, and two plastic bag holders (made about 15 of those last Xmas). (My other donation is brownies since food sells better.) Did one plastic bag holder with an anchor pattern for a boating friend (made a pillow last year) and am now thinking of doing wine covers in red and green -- not for Xmas -- but for Port & Starboard after I finish the lighthouse bookmark which is giving me trouble since I rarely work with #10 thread and a 7 needle :-(

wanted to add these photos

Love that Nemo blanket. Here are two skinny scarves I made from trellis yarns.

{{gwi:1576330}}

Cheryl

What a bunch of talented people we have here. Love the Nemo blanket. Nice scarves. I want to see more pics.

OMG. those blankets are too cute. I just started crocheting and i am on my second scarf. it is a gift for the holidays (yikes) i hope i finish by then. my grandmother used to knit everything and i loved to watch her. hopefully i will get better with time :) I am sooo in awe of all of you and your beautiful work

Sheilajoyce

Thank you so much for giving me some ideas on how to stiffen my crocheted snowflakes. I will try all three and see which one works best for me.

Disaster has struck! Normally I would be baking, last-minute shopping and meal planning now, but I'm on crutches with a fractured femur (thigh)for 6 weeks!!! It's so frustrating, and I don't even know what we'll be doing for our holiday dinners. Cooking is really difficult on crutches. What a bummer! My family is helpful though.

The only good thing (you guessed it)--I can crochet a lot because I'm sitting so much. Working on a baby blanket with leftover yarn, making stripes.

Best wishes, all!

Socks, I'm sorry to hear about your injury. How did it happen? I hope you're not in too much pain. But more knit/crochet time can't be all bad, can it? I never get sick, but I've often said I wouldn't mind being just sick enough that I had to stay home from work with the ulterior motive being that I could spend my time knitting and crocheting.

I'm glad your family is helping out. Try not to stress too much about everything.

I just finished the knit round ripple and am rather pleased with myself. Crochet is a walk in the park for me. Any large knitted item is much more of a challenge for me. And it was knit on circular needles and the whole time I kept thinking, "It's not gonna be big enough", because I couldn't stretch it out to look at it. But once I bound off all the stitches and blocked it, I see it's just right. Finished the bonnet last night and hope to start the booties tonight. DH took a picture of the blankie for me, but hasn't posted it to my site yet. You bet I want to show it to you.

I also started another crocheted round ripple in the colors of Mary Maxim's Peaceful Pastels. I just happened to have all of the colors in the exact yarn it called for in my stash - except the peach, which of course, is the third color, so I'm at a standstill. Lots of places around here carry Bernat Baby Coordinates, but nobody carries the peach. So I had to order it from Joann's. And how could I order just the peach? I mean, you know, I had to order at least $30 worth to get my free shipping, so I ordered some more yarn. Call it my Christmas present to me!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

LOVE the pictures!!

Catlover

I just started my first SOCK yesterday! The pattern is a basic one. The yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Wool hand-dyed, "Georgetown" 100% superwash wool. The colors are teal/ lavender / indigo / blue / pale green. Beautiful! Had to cast on four times because I kept making mistakes with the little tiny US #2 needeles. They are made of bamboo and it was like knitting with TOOTHPICKS! Am now on the # 3 needles and that is much better. Anyway, the yarn is absolutely awesome! Can't wait to get to the heel, gusset, and toe! I envision a wardrobe of beautiful 100% wool socks in my future lol! Catlover

Thanks, Donna! I injured my leg twice, the second time stepping backwards down a step I didn't realize was there. I don't recommend doing that! LOL!

It's a real drag being stuck on crutches, but you are right about the crocheting. It's the only good thing about being injured. I can crochet and knit without feeling I should be doing something like vacuuming!

I'm making a baby blanket of some left over yarn; of course there wasn't enough so I just had to order more from Herrschers. So today I'll start something else.