New Website

I now have a new website and blog... to check it out go to http://www.knittingnerdcreations.com/.  Thanks so much.  Hope you enjoy the new site.

Burgundy Spice

Burgundy spice... I just love that name.  That is the colorway of a soft, yummy, beautiful yarn from Sandra Singh (http://www.sandrasingh.com/).  It is her 1 ply merino worsted yarn that was so great to knit with.  I just loved the feel of the yarn in my hands, it reminds of malabrigo.  I forgot to get a picture of the yarn before I started knitting a sample of a new design by Lisa Ellis (http://www.lisaellisdesigns/) that was designed for Sandra Singh.  But, here are pictures of the finished projects:

With 3 skeins I was able to complete the hooded scarf and a cowl.  Depending on how you knit, a second cowl may be possible.  The way I knit I usually end up using more yarn than most.  The pattern, which can be founds at https://id306.securedata.net/sandrasingh.com/merchantmanager/product_info.php?products_id=3422, can be made in 4 different ways.  Here is Lisa's description of this pattern:

Four simple styles, from top down to bottom up and cowls in the round or flat. Pick your style and skill level. Nothing too complicated but extremely satisfying!


1 skein makes both cowls
2 skeins make top down hooded scarf and turtleneck cowl
3 skeins make bottom up hooded scarf and buttoned cowl


Top down scarf uses provisional cast on and kitchener grafting
Bottom up scarf uses picking up sts and kitchener grafting or 3-needle bind off

Here is the Ravlery link to see more designs in more colors, http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hooded-scarves-and-cowls.  If you get a chance to knit with this wool yarn from http://www.sandrasingh.com/ I know you won't be disappointed.  It blocked really nice and the colors are just beautiful!!

Winter flame turns to spring...

I'm so proud of myself... I finished up a pretty spring scarf and actually blocked it the same day.  Funny this pattern is called Winter Flame when it is perfect for spring.

I think this is one of my new favorite scarves.  It is lightweight, made with Madelintosh Sock yarn in a very pretty raspberry (or maybe wine) color.  The pattern was wonderful and the design is just beautiful.  The pattern is a free download on Ravelry and can be found at http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/winter-flame.

Knitting Retreat...

Today was the first day of the Madrona Fiber Arts yearly retreat.  Last year I only took one class and I really wasn't that impressed.  But, this year I decided to try again and take more classes.  Today was my first class and it was a mini class on blocking your knits.  Considering I have about 7 projects waiting to be blocked I thought maybe this class would give me the inspiration to go to work on those projects.  I have to say, it was a GREAT class.  I learned some things I already knew but I learned a lot of things I didn't know about.  The instructor was wonderful, the 1-1/2 time frame was perfect and I walked out of there feeling like "I can do it".  I don't have any pictures to post from today but I hope to have all my finished, blocked, perfect sweaters done in the next few weeks so that I can finally show them off.

Now I need to go get some sleep... must get up bright and early and ready to learn some wonderful new things about socks!!

Something new...

I feel the need to knit something new... I'm tired of knitting the same old things.  But, I can't put my finger on what to make.  Any suggestions?  Maybe I need to start leaning my brain power towards designing... what to do, what to do? 

What crazy knitter made this:

Birthday Gift...

Yeah... I can post this now.  Made the coolest gift for Lisa's birthday (http://www.lisaellisdesigns.com/).  I was quite pleased with myself, even though I made a few mistakes it turned out really good and it was a big hit.  What is it?  It's a custom made, just for Lisa, tote bag with pictures of her knitting designs.  I thought it would be the perfect tote for her to take out in the field.  Here are a few pictures... what do you think?

This was a really fun project.  Will there be more to come?  The jury is still out on that one.

Picture this...

One blank canvas, one new paint brush, new paint, new ribbon, new rub-on words, fun pictures of the kids = my newest project:

Another project I worked on this weekend was a first.  I bought this project for Hailey but she didn't think she could do it.  It's supposed to be a felt penguin... I tried :)  Hailey wanted a fedora so that is what's supposed to be on his head.  I think it turned out OK for a first attempt.  It was kind of fun rolling the wool and poking it with a needle.  Good project for relieving stress or taking out your frustrations :)  How often can you poke something repeatedly with a needle and end up with a cute little project?  This may become my new stress reliever!!

These projects come packaged with everything you need to make an animal (even two or three).  I bought mine at Allyn Knit Shop (http://www.allynknitandspin.com/).  They are called WoolPets and they have a bunch to chose from.  Check it out... it's an easy project for anyone and you don't need to know how to knit.

Prairie Boots...

I finally sewed the buttons on Hailey's new slippers.  They were supposed to be for Christmas but I didn't get them done.  They will now be a "just because" gift for her since her birthday isn't until August and who wants slippers in August right?  The first picture is the folded, short boot version where I added peace buttons.

The second picture is the tall boot style where I added soccer buttons.  That way she has two different buttons of some of her favorite things.

I just love these slippers... they are so cute.  I used a washable wool since they are for a 10 year old.  The pattern can be found at http://www.cocoknits.com/knit/garments/accessories/prairieboots.html.  My next pair will be for myself out of Lamb's Pride wool.  I like the shorter version for myself so I will probably only put one set of buttons on.  I'm really not sure how they would feel with buttons up against your skin when wearing the tall version.  I'll have to wait and see what Hailey thinks when she wears them.

This was a fun pattern... you start out knitting the sole and picking up stitches and working your way up.  I really enjoyed them and can't wait to make my next pair.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  What's my 2011 story going to be? 

I've started chapter 1...

1.  Eating healthier for the sake of my kids.

2.  Surround myself with positive people and "dump" those who bring me down.

3.  Make time for myself this year and not feel guilty about it.

4.  Finally get organized, starting with one room at a time.

5.  Block, block, block!

What is your story going to be?