I'm Back with KS2759!

And let me tell you, it feels great to be sewing again. Here I am modeling my latest creation from KS2759. If you recall, I had this sweater knit fabric along with the black and white that had the same floral print. This heavier brown/blue knit fabric worked out well with this pattern. It's more like a jacket. Love the weight and feels comfortable to wear.

It didn't take me long to finish this over a few evenings. I normally like to use a contrast binding, but couldn't find anything in my stash to complement this fabric. So, I cut the binding from the same fabric and well...I could get used to doing this.



The different views

Since I don't have any plain brown or blue fabric in my stash to sew a top, I've decided to knit a sleeveless shell to wear under this jacket. I've already picked out my yarn.

Patons Shetland Chunky Tweed in Sea Ice color

I will be posting my jacket review on PR later this week.

Looking for a Bag Pattern

I found these cool looking handles at my local yarn shop (LYS). I've been wanting to sew a knitting bag for myself. I'm still searching for the right pattern. Shape is not an issue anymore. I just want to be able to use these cute handles. I did see the Miranda Bag at Lazy Girls Design that's an option. Does anyone have any suggestions for a cute knitting bag that I can sew? Maybe something quick and simple with lots of interior pockets?

My new handles for my future knitting bag


I wanted to add this picture of me modeling my new knitted garment.

Do you see a neon sign?

See...I've Been Busy...

As you can see, still no sewing. I have been busy developing skills for another hobby.


I've been working on my knitting. I just completed my first knitted garment. A simple vest. I love how the back drapes. I like looking at the backside more than the front. LOL!

I've done a review on this knitted garment. Just like I would do for a garment for PatternReview. You can head over to my 2BKnitting blog read more about this exciting adventure.

First Sewing Project for This Year

I finally had some time to sew this weekend. DH, who had a few days off, went back to work. We're 90% packed for vacation. I'm finished cleaning what I tried to get done. My sewing room is not where I want it to be. I'm seriously thinking about rearranging the room. That project will have to wait.

Back to my real projects. Here's my first sewing project for 2009. It's a wild knit print from G's. I used my TNT Stretch & Sew pattern #324: French Trim T's. I made the v-neck version without the front gathers and with the elbow length sleeves. This wild pucci floral knit is a leftover from my Jalie crossover knit top project I made a year or two ago. I used a black knit from my stash for the contrast neckline binding. I had forgotten Stretch & Sew's easy binding application. What a joy! I made a size Medium, which is really a nice fit. Not too snug and not too loose. I plan on wearing this on our vacation.


I also managed to finish my 2nd BWOF 12-2008-113 knit tunic.


On the knitting front: I'm finishing a black and white Ascot. I'm using Lion Brand Homespun yarn. For this project, I'm learning to increase and decrease my stitches.

I plan on knitting a simple cardigan or sweater sometime this year. For now, I'm practicing different techniques by knitting scarves. Quick and simple projects.

More Knitting Projects

I finally finished my 2nd pair of fingerless gloves. The first glove only took a day to finish and the matching second glove took over a week to complete. That's what I get for having too many hobbies. Good thing I forced coaxed myself to finish. I would have hated walking around with one glove on. For the cuff, I used Moda Dea 'Vision' in Princess color. I love the striping it created. For the body of the glove, I used Lion Brand 'Wool Ease Worsted Weight' in Dark Rose Heather. The two colors worked well together. I used size 9 knitting needles.


Here's a practice cable scarf. I actually finished this right before Christmas. I wanted to show off the edging of the scarf. Basically, I slipped the first stitch off (left needle to the right needle) at the beginning of each row and proceeded with the patterned stitches. Slipping the first stitch gives the edge a really clean finish. Also, I noticed the scarf didn't curl towards the wrong side. The scarf is actually not that red, but more rose color. I wanted to show the details of the scarf/stitches and ended up bouncing my flash.


Here's another cable scarf sample in the works. I'm using Lion Brand 'Wool Ease Thick & Quick' yarn in Wheat color and size 15 needles. For this scarf I'm reversing the cable. Try something different. Working with this thicker yarn is just wonderful. Makes the knitting go faster, but also the scarf has a nice body to it.


So far, I've managed to finish all my knitting projects that I started. I think I'm starting to prefer knitting over crochet. Now, I would not have made that comment a few months ago...when I was still trying to figure out the knit and purl stitches.

Yarn Projects

This morning, I took a break from my sewing adventure and went "browsing" at my local mom & pop yarn shop. I browsed through their books and touched all their yarns.

While at the shop, I purchased two bamboo circular knitting needles to eventually make this mini cardigan. I found this Easy Little Cardigan over at Craft Stylish. They give a really nice tutorial along with pictures of some of the steps.

I went over to Lion Brand's site and came across the same Easy Cardigan instructions that you can download.

I am waiting for another Lion Brand Wool Ease Quick & Thick yarn sale to pick up the yarns I need for this cute project.

Update: I just realized where I saw this cute little cardigan. It was at Deepika's blog and here at the Pattern Review-knitting message board.

In the works:
I am still working on my 2nd pair of fingerless gloves that I'm knitting in rose color. It's slow going, because I have too many hobbies in the works this week. So, what do I do? I add another knitting project.


I am getting ready to start this Easy Cable Scarf I found at Craft Stylish. I have a rose/pink color yarn that would really show off the cable stitches. It does look like a quick project and I want to master the cable stitch or at least feel comfortable to knit it without the instructions staring me in the face.

Well, back to my sewing.

My New Knitted Ensemble

Here's my first knitted ensemble. Complete with scarf and fingerless gloves/wrist warmers. All the yarns used are Wool Ease from Lion Brand. The two colors I used was Black and Denim Twist. For the scarf, I used both the Black and Denim (two yarns) to make it heavier. You can see my gloves are not the same color pattern. As I mentioned in a previous post, I was running low on the Denim yarn so I ended up knitting the cuff in that color and then finishing with the Black yarn.

The gloves are wonderful and don't get in my way when I'm typing at my keyboard. My hands stay nice and warm.

I thought these two color combinations would make a nice looking sweater for a future project (when I advance my skills). I went to Michael's to catch their Wool Ease sale. The Black was sold out. The Denim Twist was no where to be found. No Denim Twist at Hancock's either.

Well, I'm off to dig around in my yarn stash to find a rose colored yarn to make another pair of gloves.

Knitting Fingerless Gloves/Wrist Warmers

Today is my sewing day. I have several knit tops in the works. Hopefully, I can complete two of them.

Since I'm up early this morning, I wanted to post my latest knitting project.

Awhile back, I had posted about purchasing fingerless gloves at Walmart. My sewing friend, Clio, made a comment that I could easily find a fingerless glove knit/crochet pattern and make them myself. She was right. That thought stuck in my head for several weeks as I was getting back into my yarn hobby. I finally found this lovely knitting pattern over at Bernat's site.




So, here is my version (still a work in progress) of the fingerless glove. I modified this pattern by shortening the length. The overall glove length is about 13 inches. Way too long for me. My version is only 8 inches in length. Short and sweet. My ribbed cuff is knitted in black Lion Brand Wool Ease yarn for 2 inches. Next I did the stocking stitch (Lion Brand Wool Ease - Denim Twist) for about 3 inches and finished with the final 3 inches of ribbing.

That is one glove done. I am almost finished with the 2nd one. I am in the final ribbing phase. I ended up reversing the colors on this one as I was running out of the Denim Twist yarn. I had enough to make the cuff and switched to Black for the body and final ribbing. This was a great weekend project. I'm glad I was able to use up my leftover yarns from my scarf project.

I will post a picture later of my fingerless gloves and matching scarf set.

Clio...thank you for getting my creative juices going on this project.

Conquering the Cable...

...as in the cable stitch. Here's my sample. I was getting bored with just doing the knit and purl stitches. I picked my handy dandy Boye's I Taught Myself to Knit Pocket Guide and followed their instructions to do a test sample. My first attempted resulted in producing 4 additional stitches out of nowhere. I pulled my first sample apart. My second attempt turned out to my liking. With this knowledge, I plan on making a cable scarf. I've done some research and have found that some cable scarves tend to curl badly.

I think I'm going to use my sample reference and create my own cabled scarf pattern. I'll be back to post my results.

For those of you who are interested to know how I learned to knit...here's a picture of the pocket guide I am using. It's actually a kit that I purchased from Walmart at the beginning of this year. The Boye kit included this pocket guide plus a set of short size 8 needles. This booklet has taught me the basics of knitting with simple instructions with pretty good diagrams.

Diving into BWOF and Other Things

Looks like I'll be sewing something from BWOF. I have been looking over the last 7 issues I have (new subscriber) to find a simple top to make. I have decided on 12-2008-113.



Naturally, after seeing the pattern sheets I feel a real challenge to tackle my first BWOF pattern. For those of you who never laid eyes on a BWOF mag, here is one of the pattern sheets from my 11-2008 mag.




On the knitting front: I have finished the two previous posted scarves and now working on another two. I like making two at a time. If I get bored with one color, I can switch to the other scarf. This one will be for a child. I am using Vanna's Choice yarn from Lion Brand. This will be a simple garter stitched scarf.

This one is for me. I am using two yarns, one in black and the other in denim twist color. Wool Ease by Lion Brand. I love the effect so far.

I feel another productive weekend coming on. My Christmas shopping is done...no need to be in the stores or on the Internet.

I might even bake some oatmeal cookies...yum, yum.

Simply Knitting for the Month

I am doing a little side project. Since I am almost done making gifts for Christmas, I thought I would start making gifts for our local SERVE. SERVE provides assistance for families in need as well as a place to get hot meals and a temporary place to stay. My side project involves knitting scarves in different colors and different sizes to give to the families during Christmas. I am not sure how many will get done, but I feel the calling to do something special for them. I will be posting throughout the month, the scarves I knit.



The yarn I am using for this colorful scarf is Homespun by Lion Brand in Tudor color. I am using knitting needles size 11 (8.0mm). I have cast on 14 stitches, knitted (garter stitch) 10 inches, knit a row/purl a row (stockinette stitch) for 25 inches, and finish with 10 inches in the garter stitch. I just have a few more inches to knit and it should be done this evening.


I am also working on this scarf in Wool-Ease by Lion Brand in Wheat color. This is a great yarn to knit with. For this scarf, I am using knitting needles size 15 (10.0mm).




I love the design of this scarf pattern. I personally do not like having anything bulky around my neck. The stockinette stitches in the middle of the scarf results in the scarf curling towards the center...making the scarf narrow. I love it. I might have to make one for myself.

I am getting a lot of practice with the knit and purl stitches. I was a bit nervous in knitting with the light color yarn, but so far my stitches are looking pretty even.

Another Gift in the Works...Knitting

My goal this year is to make one "handmade" item for each of my family members for Christmas. I am knitting a scarf for my DH. I am using two yarns: Patons Divine (brown) and Colorado Native Yarns in 100% alpaca (brown/black). I love this combination of yarns and it's soooooo soft. I also love using bamboo knitting needles. Since I'm still learning to knit, I found the bamboo needles are easier for me hold and don't slip out of my hands. The needles I'm using are Clover Takumi size 11 (8mm).

I love this kind of hobby as I keep my hands busy when I'm away from my SM or when I'm sitting in front of the TV. I'm almost done knitting this scarf. I can't wait to get to get back to my sewing projects later today.

Mid-week Updates (and My Wedding Gown)

I wanted to first say thanks to those who sent my DH and I...congrats and happy wishes on our anniversary. We celebrated our 24th at an Italian restaurant we haven't been to before in Old Town. It turned out to be a wonderful cozy place with great food. It was nice to spend a quiet evening together.

I finally got rid of my bronchitis. Yeah!!!! I feel like a new person. Lesson learned. Go see the doctor ASAP...even though I "think" I'm getting better.

I've been "on the go" for the last few weeks. For three nights each week (over several weeks), I've been taking my camera to church and attending a Revelation seminar. I enjoy taking pictures. I never know when a picture opportunity arises...the Kodak moment. And of course, I am enjoying the seminar as well. Plus, DH is giving the lecture on Sat nights and since I'm his IT person, I get to setup his laptop & gadgets. I also show the pictures I have taken before his lecture starts. I really enjoy watching people's expression when they see their pictures up on the screen.

I'm still working on my crochet bag. I usually spend time with my yarns during football season. So, this is a seasonal hobby for me. I have included two pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Here's the front panel of my crochet bag. I love black/gray and white colors, but I have to admit it's been hard to see the black/gray yarn especially during the evening. Since I'm not spending hours crocheting but 10 minutes here and there...I tend to lose track of how many rows were completed. So counting the rows at night is not fun.


Here's the back panel, still in process. Okay, I need to count the rows today in daylight...so I can start incorporating the 2nd color yarn.






I hope to cut into some fabric before the end of this week. I'm starting to make some progress on organizing my sewing space. I can actually see a good portion of my rug now.

Before I end this post, I wanted to share with my sewing buddies my wedding gown from 24 years ago. Back then, I didn't like to sew. All this handiwork was done by my mother. Yes, all the handsewing of the Alecon lace, yards of it, handsewn by my mother. I can't remember all the pattern pieces, but I do recall selecting the sleeve pattern from a wedding pattern manufacturer from the mid-west. The skirt was from another pattern as well as the bodice from yet another pattern. The fabric, lace, and veil were all purchased at G-Street Fabrics in Rockville.

I remembered having to help with the placement of the lace as we had to use every single bit of it. The bodice front and back was covered with the lace. There was lace on the bottom of my sleeve. The lace was also incorporated into the front skirt creating a simple pattern going up the middle of the skirt and also lace was scattered in the back. The scallop of the lace was used around the bottom edge of the gown. The veil and the flowers were also handmade. My mother had made my gown a year before the wedding. So, you can imagine...no weight gain was allowed until the wedding day.

It's Time to Crochet for a Bit

So, when your sewing mojo has upped and left...what is a person to do?

Grab some yarn, a crochet hook and start creating something. That's what I've been up to. This purse I'm making is relatively simple and uses two colors (if you follow the instructions). I can really see some cool creative possibilities with this purse.


I'm about halfway through this purse project, one panel completed (front). I'm using Lion Brand Homespun yarn in Edwardian (the base-dark variegated gray) and Metropolis (the stripes-black/white). The panel consists of half-double crochet stitches which I do 16 rows in Edwardian, switch to Metropolis for 2 rows, back to Edwardian for 8 rows, and finish with Metropolis for 2 rows.

Once the panels are completed, I stitch up the sides and then stitch the bottom. Then I form the tote-like bottom: matching the right sides together, folding and bringing the bottom seam to meet the side seam. Ah...Just like the tote bags I have sewn.

I'm thinking of adding a lining, but that would require some sewing. We'll see when I get to that point. I should not have any problems finding a nice big black button from my button stash. I am not sure what I will be using for the handles. Will have to check my small handle stash.

Oh yeah, do you know that I also have a yarn stash? That's what happens when I travel and there's no fabric store in sight, but there's always a yarn shop to visit. I love yarn...almost as much as fabric. Thank goodness the yarns I have collected are small enough to store.

This purse I'm working on, we'll call it a prototype. For the next purse, I will definitely use fancy yarns from my stash.

On the health front: I've been having bouts of being sick and feeling bad, then feeling good and then finally feeling bad. I went to the doctor and found out I have bronchitis. So, I've been on antibiotics and trying to rest. Not an easy task to rest...as my mind keeps racing about the many sewing projects lined up and nothing accomplished.

This where the yarn and hook saved my sanity.