FOs and Notre Dame De Grace Sweater

First up, I am very excited that the Notre Dame De Grace sweater is almost finished. I am working on the collar and then I need to sew the sleeves in, weave in the ends, sew on the button and ta da --- fini!!
I am using Elann's Highland Chunky yarn in colour 727 - spiced wine, size 5mm needles and am making size 40. It is nice and roomy which is how I like my sweaters.

Next up is the preemie sweater I started a few days ago. I have 4 to make and this is the first one completed. It will fit a 3 - 5lb baby and is teeny tiny compared to a newborn sweater.
I am using Patons Early Arrival pattern leaflet and James C. Brett Kool Kotton.

I have started another "girls" sweater and will post a picture when I am a little further along.

Here are a couple of pictures of the finished baby quilt. The blocks were made by a friend who decided not to finish her queen size quilt. Thanks, Kirst!!! I am sure a couple of babies will be very happy to receive your work :-)
It is 36" x 36" and has pretty floral flannel on the back.

Finally Sock Pictures

Finally, pictures of the socks I know you have been waiting for ... or did you forget that I promised pictures. I almost forgot so I am sure you have!! They are knit with Panda Wool (wool and bamboo) on two 2.25mm circs, two at a time. I made the pattern up based on the article by Anne Budd in the Summer Interweave Knits magazine. You can find a similar sock pattern designed by Wendy.


















And while I was out taking sock pictures there was a pretty butterfly that was having a snack on our butterfly bush. Isn't she pretty!
















On another note, a wonderful gal at our church is pregnant and will be having quadruplets (yup you read right, 4 babies) in November. The church is having a baby shower for her the middle of August and I decided yesterday that I would knit some (4 to be exact) preemie sweaters and hats for her. Nothing like leaving things to the last minute!! She is not telling what the sex of the babies are .... so I figure if I knit 2 boys and 2 girls outfits then the most I would have to knit once they are born is two more ... and I know a wonderful charity that would accept the extra two. Am I crazy or what !?! No, don't answer that LOL!!

One limit I put on this is that I need to knit these from my stash --- now you have to understand that my stash is not that big compared to others out in blog land (though my DH would disagree) so the 4 outfits will all be out of different yarn and be different patterns. To tie them together I am using the same buttons on all four. Here's the first one started. The pattern is from Patons Early Arrival leaflet and James C. Brett Kool Kotton machine washable, DK yarn.

Still working on the Notre Dame De Grace pullover. The back is done and I am now working on the front. Pictures next time!

And I finished a baby quilt for HAIN. Pictures of that next time too ....

Vacation Knitting

I am very pleased with the amount I got accomplished on the Notre Dame De Grace pullover. 2 sleeves were completed on the trip to and from Yellowstone and most of the back and part of the front were completed at the beach. I decided to work the front and back as one piece up to the arm decreases. I don't like seaming so the less seams the better! Here is the front and back of the sweater at the beach. DH is in the background flying his kite. As you can see he has his jacket on. It wasn't very warm though the kids still went "swimming".

Here's me knitting. I love seeing pictures of blog postees (is that a word?) so here is one of me. Wind is blowing and it is cold but I can't sit and not do nothing.

Since we arrived home I was overwhelmed with all the started (not finished) projects I have. I made these preemie booties to go with the hat which was finished a couple of months ago. There are so many other things to finish as well. I have decided that I will work on charity items during the "work" day and my personal items in the early morning and after dinner. I am hoping this will keep a balance in my life of personal and charity work.

HAIN Newsletter -- the summer edition is out. There are free patterns and some wonderful articles.

Afghans for Afghans is requesting baby hats (10" to 15" circumference), baby socks (no booties), and blankets at least 40" x 30". Due date is September 2007.

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggidy Jig

Yes, arrived home today and am happy to see all my "stuff"! I will post about knitting adventures in a few days but for now a few Yellowstone pictures ....

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Well, just one automobile for me! I will be on vacation for the next few weeks so enjoy blogland without me :-)

I finished the green panda wool socks, but you will have to wait for a picture since the camera is packed.

For pictures, I decided to make this sweater from the latest Interweave Knits magazine. And chose Elann's chunky highland wool in colour spiced wine. It's a gorgeous heathered red/brown colour. Sleeves are started.

There are quite a few really nice sweaters in this magazine and a really great tutorial on toe-up socks by Ann Budd. Her charts are what I used for the green socks I just finished. The charts allow you to knit with a variety of yarn weights and sock sizes. Very handy!

Hope everyone has a wonderful few weeks!

4th of July

Happy 4th of July to everyone. Please stay safe and be careful around the fireworks!! We are going to a BBQ this afternoon and haven't decided what we are doing tonight! We may go to some local fireworks -- I know my girls are voting for that LOL!

My socks are coming along. I have turned the heel on both of them and am now working on the legs. It seems to be going so slowly but I need to keep reminding myself it has only been one week since I started them and I am almost done both!

And a cute puppy picture. This is before his haircut. I will try to post an "after haircut" shot soon! He's pretty shaggy here.





Creative Spiritz

Socks and Baby Dress

First up, as promised, socks! Here is the panda wool that I am using to knit the first set of socks. Panda Wool is 46% bamboo, 43% wool and 11% nylon and oh so soft with a little bit of sparkle. I am using 2.25mm needles and a pattern called double eyelet rib found in The Harmony Guide to Knitting Stitches. An old book that my mom gifted me when I was in college -- ages ago!

I am trying to knit two socks at once on two 24" circular needles and am not sure that I am liking it. It seems like a lot of fiddling with the needles but I am sure I will like it when I am done and have a pair of socks to wear (or gift, I haven't decided yet).

Next is the preemie dress I was working on last post. It is complete and I knit a bonnet to go with. The Heart2Heart dress pattern is by Mary Glynn and I knit it with Bernat Softee Baby on 3.75mm needles. I couldn't find bonnet pattern with the gauge I was using so I made my own. It looks like it will be about the right size to fit a 2-3lb preemie. This outfit will be going to HAIN but first I want to knit one more preemie outfit for a boy using this gown pattern that I found by Libby Wilson.

Happy Canada Day on Sunday to all Canadians!!

Happy Wednesday

My kids are happy anyway! It was sunny and warm here today, a great day for their first day off for summer holidays. They had a friend over to occupy them. Hopefully this is how the rest of the 8 weeks will be :-) The kids are happy and I get to knit, knit, knit (and maybe sew)!
Socks are finished. Yeah!! These were knit with Plymouth Classics Sockotto yarn on 2.25mm needles using Deby Lake's Tidal Wave pattern. I have to tell you that this yarn is not very soft. It is 45%cotton, 40% superwash wool and 15% nylon. It must be the cotton content that makes them a little "harsh". Not that I don't want to wear them ---

But I ordered some other sock yarn from Little Knits and it is oohhhh soooo soooffftt!! I got to touch and feel it today -- 4 balls of panda wool (40%bamboo, 43% wool and 11%nylon) and 1 ball of Fleece Artist's basic merino socks in Lily Pond --- Yummm. Of course I had to start knitting a pair of socks with the panda wool. I will show you a picture next time

Also started on the needles is a preemie dress. This is just the skirt so far (almost done). This is Mary Glynn's Heart2Heart pattern. I have made one before and her pattern was very easy to follow and the dress turns out adorable. I am using Bernat SofteeBaby yarn in a mottled pink and white colour

Til next time, keep on knitting :-)

Today It's Knitting

As promised here are some finished (and not so finished) knitting projects. As an aside I have one of the star quilts layered and ready to quilt and the other two star quilts are now pieced into tops. Yeah!!

First up, some knit baby hats. These hats will be given to our church's caring ministry for families of new bundles of joy. I hope it is a blessings to them.

From bottom left going clockwise ---
* Blue and white hat pattern from P2Designs and is knit with James C. Brett Kool Kotton (very soft cotton yarn);
* My own pattern knit with Paton's Astra yarn;
* Hat pattern by Lenore English knit with Paton's Astra yarn;
* And last, very cute hat by P2Designs and knit with the Kool Kotton. There is a sweater and cute socks that go with this hat.

And on the needles for myself (what a concept) is a sock. Knit in Plymouth Classics Sockotta colourway Sun Kissed. I am using Deby Lake's Tidal Wave Sock pattern. You can see the pattern much better on her picture than mine. These are short socks to wear in the summer. Did I ever say that I am always cold. It needs to be about 75F before I can take my socks off so they will definitely be worn (if I get them done in a timely manner that is).

Are you looking for sock patterns?? Check out Knitting Pattern Central. There are tons of free patterns there -- so many you would never need to buy another pattern or book (unless you like the eye candy all in one place)!

Actual Quilt Making

I have been inspired -- I am not sure by what but I have been working on some quilt tops.

The first is from donated fabric with cute pigs on the farm fabric. I had meant to make sawtooth star blocks but ended up sewing the wrong colour corner squares onto each flying goose. I wasn't about to rip it all out so I changed the pattern. I think it turned out very nice. I have the backing washed and am ready to layer and quilt. Maybe today! This quilt will go to ECEAP preschool program at Encompass in North Bend, WA.

The second quilt has blocks that were donated to me by Kirsten about 2 years ago. Am I slow or what!?! She had started this gorgeous quilt and had about 15 star blocks, 10 alternate blocks (don't know what to call them) and then quite a few pieced setting triangles. It looks like the blocks would have been set on point. Anyway, this quilt took very little time to put together and I have 2 others (a little bit bigger) with stars and alternate blocks to still put together. These will turn out to be about baby size so will go to Heavenly Angels In Need when I am done.

More finished knitting items next time :-)

Just Popping In

Just wanted to post a quick note that I finished up the dress and bonnet outfit for Heavenly Angels In Need. It is small newborn size (6 -7lb baby) and the pattern was from BW Creations which doesn't seem to be available anymore. Barbara -- where did you go? I really like her patterns! The yarn is Softee Baby.

I finally had to make a list of things I want to knit. I found myself coming up with new ideas and kept getting off track.

Question for you: How many charities do you donate to?

I am currently donating to 4 and find myself overwhelmed occasionally. They are all great causes with immediate needs which initiates the problem for me -- which one is the priority? Anyway, just some food for thought and I would enjoy hearing your comments on the topic! Have a great Monday!

Helping the Afghan People

Want to help the Afghan people? Check out Afghans for Afghans or Bev's Baby project.

A Finished Quilt

Wow ... this is a momentous occasion. I actually finished a quilt that was worked on only by me. A couple of years ago I would have finished 4 or 5 by this time in the year but knitting has really taken over from my sewing. Not that I am complaining! Knitting is more portable. And I can finish baby items much quicker than a quilt --- ahhhh, instant (almost) gratification!

Also finished and off the needles is the pair of socks I was knitting for the Dulaan project. And started is a sweater. I am hoping to have the sweater done in another week so I can box up my items and get them off to F.I.R.E. If it isn't done then it will be a good start on next years items or may get donated to Afghans for Afghans if they have a need. It will definitely be used somewhere to keep yet another child warm --- there is such a great need on this planet for warm clothes!

I am still working on the newborn dress. The skirt is almost finished and then I will start the sleeves (I will post a picture next time).

I have about 10 yards of fleece that I want to cut into baby blankets and then edge in crochet. That will be my next project, as well as some newborn hats for our caring ministry at church. I have a never ending list!!

7 Random Things

Thanks Candy!! I've been tagged to list 7 random things about me and then pick 7 others to tag. First the rules --

Each person tagged gives seven random facts about themselves along with the rules of the game, as well as tagging seven others by listing their names as part of the blog post and leaving a blog comment for the tagged individuals to let them know that they've been tagged.

1. I learned to knit when I was about 12. My mom tried to teach me but I was sooo tense and my stitches so tight I would end up in tears. Eventually I figured it out and now it is a passion.

2. I was born and raised in Penticton, BC Canada as was my dad. My grandparents moved there in 1912 so you could say our family are old timers :-) I never moved until I went to college.

3. I took CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Manufacturing) at a technical college and worked at an engineering firm and computer company before moving to the US.

4. I learned to quilt on my own in 1998 after moving to the US. I had a 1 yo at home and didn't know anyone so started quilting to keep my sanity.

5. This is hard, coming up with 7 things. I am a pretty private person LOL! (does this count?)

6. I used to do cross stitch but gave it up when I started quilting. 2 hobbies is plenty for me (and my husband would agree).

7. I have one sister and one brother both younger than me. (Can you tell I'm having a hard time coming up with ideas?!?) My family and my husbands live in Canada -- we are the only rebels!

I'm not tagging anyone. Maybe I will think of someone later, but most of the blogs I read have already been tagged!

We had an awesome time camping and I will post pictures in the next couple of days!

Knit For Dulaan

Since I posted those YouTube movies I thought I would also update you on all the items I have knit for The Dulaan Project so far. The due date to have all items in to F.I.R.E. is July 1st so I am hoping to have may box ready to mail by June 15th. Finished for Dulaan are one Steppe Sweater size 8/10, one red raglan sweater size 6/8, one v-neck cardigan size 4/5, three hats, and one pair of baby booties pictured below with the finished sock.

That said -- I started a new pair of wool socks size 6 and want to start and finish a size 6 pullover sweater. One sock complete and the other started (just barely).

I have a bunch of fingering/sock yarn in 100% wool that I thought I would make socks out of but it is not machine washable so won't be a good choice for my family (I don't do hand washing LOL!). Doubling this yarn up will make a nice worsted weight yarn.

We are headed camping this weekend so I hope to get the socks finished up and a good start on the sweater.

Why I Knit for the Dulaan Project

So Much Started

Sorry I haven't posted for quite a while. I have been busy (who hasn't) and I just haven't had the time -- or the desire -- to post. Since the last time I posted I have started 3 new projects and finished one of them today.

Afghans for Afghans had a challenge to make baby socks and hats to bless mothers for mothers day. I decided Friday that I wanted to make at least one set and the due date is May 25th. Nothing like leaving a project to the last minute. They are done -- now I just need to get them in the mail tomorrow. Hopefully they arrive by Friday! The socks are from P2Designs striped ribbed socks and the hat is made up by casting on 84sts, k2, p2 ribbing for 3" and then k6 rows purl a row, knit a row, purl a row until the hat measured 6" then typical decreasing. One more baby will be warmed!

The next project I started a couple of weeks ago was a burial dress. I have been reading on the HAIN forum of so much need by hospitals for burial outfits (very sad) and decided I needed to make some of these up. I am sure it would be much faster to sew them, but I just don't seem to have the energy and my sewing skills just don't measure up (in my opinion) as much as my knitting does. The pattern is from BW Creations which doesn't seem to be active anymore. It is knit in one piece with the back open. The skirt is a pretty eyelet pattern.

And the last item that I started about a month ago was another baby raglan cardigan sweater. I love making these, they work up quickly and turn out so cute! The pattern is by Carole Barenys and I am using some pastel sport weight yarn and pretty pink heart buttons.

I am planning on finishing the burial dress first though I still have the pink "waves" blanket I need to finish knitting. I think I am about half done with that. And the quilting/knitting group at our church has the opportunity to knit hats and booties for new arrivals through the Caring Ministry. So far no one has offered to help so I may need to knit a few of those quickly as well.

Hopefully there will not be as much time between now and the next post. I will do my best to update you on what is happening in my crafting life!!

Baby Hats and More

The basket (box) is finished for In The Fields Mininstry's fundraiser auction. All the proceeds go to help drill for fresh, clean water in Uganda. It is hard to see what is in there but it is packed full of goodies. I made 2 wash clothes, hat and booties, fleece blanket with crocheted edging, and a double layer flannel receiving blanket. Also included is some goats milk soap that my sister makes -- yummy stuff. And I found this adorable box with a Noah's Ark theme from the Paper Factory. The lid is 3D which is very cool (in my opinion LOL!).

In other crafting news, our church hosts a "ministry fair" once a year where all the different ministries can set up a booth and then attendees can walk around and see what the church is up to and sign up to participate. The emphasis is on participating since we are all called to serve God. I set up a booth for the quilting/knitting/sewing ministry and had about 8 new people sign up who are interested in joining us. That really fires me up to come up with new ideas for what we can do as a group.
Our current project is making a quilt for a family who lost their teenage daughter last summer in a tragic accident. Our group is making a quilt from some of her clothing. It has definitely been a challenge with all the different size squares/rectangles that we needed to use and then using a comforter for a backing. It will be tied since I don't want to fight with it trying to machine quilt it. I know it will bring comfort to the family!

I came across some beautiful knit baby hats by Lenore English the other day. 5 of them to be exact. I have made the first three (which are displayed in our booth) and also a pair of booties to match the basket weave ribbing stitch hat. They all turned out adorable! Thanks Lenore!!!

Where did the week go?

I can't believe it has been another week since I last posted -- where oh where is April going? I am thinking that the busier I am the faster time goes!

I have to say I haven't accomplished much in the past week. The pink waves baby blanket is coming along and I did manage to pick up more yarn so I can finish it. It is about 12" long so only 24" more to go.

I stumbled across Judy's Knitting Patterns yesterday. Oh my, she does some lovely designs. If you want to knit a Christening/Burial gown she has the most gorgeous patterns. There is also a little Tuxedo sweater for boys that is adorable.

For an easy baby sweater check out Carole Barenys' Top Down Seamless Raglan. Knitting on the Net has finally posted her pattern again. This is the pattern that I have used to make my newborn baby sweaters. It is easy to follow and works up quickly. She also has the most adorable baby booties to go with the sweater.

Speaking of baby sweaters, check out the Mitred U Baby Jacket that Megan Mills designed. This is another "must try" to add to my list. Thanks Megan!

Heavenly Angels In Need (HAIN) has posted their newest newsletter (warning large PDF file). Check out the beautiful dress that Mary designed on page 4.

Out O' Yarn

Well, not really!! One bootie is finished, but I ran out of white yarn. Darn! I ordered some more (and a few other items of course) from JoAnn's online because they have the Patons Astra yarn that I like to use. It should arrive on Monday so I can finish up the booties to go with the hat.

In the mean time I finished one baby footprint washcloth -- it turned out adorable and I will definitely make this pattern again. And have the LOVE washcloth in the works. All these items are going in a basket to be auctioned off and the proceeds to support In The Fields Ministry.

Baby Footprint Washcloth
Yarn is Peaches and Creme 100% cotton
Needles size 4mm

Love Washcloth
Yarn is Sugar 'n Cream
Needles Size 4mm

Today, my daughters and I are going shopping for some other purchased items for the auction basket. They are excited to help pick out things and it instills in them a heart for giving. Even if it isn't their money they are spending LOL!

Fun Links--
Diaper Cover (Soaker) knit pattern by cyntergnomes. Wouldn't this little soaker be cute along with a little dress or longish sweater. I like that she has sizes for newborn up to toddler.

Slipped Stitch Baby Blanket knit pattern by Barbara Breite. This blanket has wonderful texture and is really easy to knit. I love the pastel colours she chose but wouldn't it by cute in more boyish blues, purples or greens.