Semi-Crafty Knitter

FO: Kilkenny

2009-11-06T08:35:00.004-05:00

This hat is adorable and I can't wait to put it on my niece's head this weekend. I will be sure to get some more pictures then.

Pattern: Kilkenny by Woolly Wormhead
Yarn: Sublime Yarns Extra Fine Merino Wool DK
Needles: US 3
Started: October 30, 2009
Finished: November 4, 2009

As I mentioned before I had gauge issues. I solved that by casting on for the extra small. The baby's head measured 13 inches at a few hours old and I really wanted a hat that would fit. On the train home the other day I realized that I had knit it 3 inches before starting to decrease which is the small size. At that point though I had to just deal with it because there was no way I was picking back half and inch.

I had major issues picking up dropped stitches on this one due to the pattern. As much of a pain it was to get started on this hat, the end result sure is cute. Although that is possibly because tiny hats are just adorable.

Knitting and PIE!

2009-11-04T08:38:00.004-05:00

Let's start with the pie. I wasn't feeling well on Friday so I took a day off. I loved watching the Halloweenie Ellen show. The perks of calling in sick! I lazed about the house all day and then my husband came home. I decided I wasn't really feeling up to leaving the house to go with him to the supermarket, but I thought I could handle some pie. I have been promising him some homemade apple pie for weeks now.

Although I made him peel the apples before he left. It seemed to me that I had to many apples in that pie plate, but I don't really know because I have never made apple pie before.

It isn't really that hard, just a little bit of prep work. I didn't like the crust that much, but the middle sure was tasty! I had one happy husband Friday night.

This is my second attempt at a baby hat for my new niece Claire. I had some needle issues, but I hopefully fixed that.

I realized something in my kitchen yesterday morning. There is way more sunshine in the AM now so I might try to actually get up when my alarm goes off and take my knitting pictures then.

Some of you may have noticed I have been posting less. I was feeling a little unsure about blogging so I decided to cut it down to three times a week. I hope that cures whatever issues I have, so thanks for sticking around.

Book Update - October 2009

2009-11-02T08:37:00.003-05:00

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
One of those books that I have always meant to read. I had started this book a few times but could never get into it. It is not my favorite Jane Austen book. The wordiness of the characters got to me, also their morals got on my nerves, but it is a classic.

The Ladies Lending Library: A Novel by Janice Kulyk Keeger
I disliked this book. It is about Ukrainians that immigrated to Canada. This took me a while to figure out. It is set at a lake during the summer. The women watch the kids during the week and the husbands come up on the weekends.

These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901 by Nancy E. Turner
Loved this book. I would recommend this book to everyone. It is written in diary format, but you don't even notice it after a while. Sarah describes her travels with her family across the territories. I was sobbing at the end and very happy to have finished the book at home instead of on the train.

South of Resurrection by Jonis Agee
A woman goes home to the south after having fled as a child. The town is fighting about its future. Much conflict over the debate of selling out to the hog farms. This book was okay, didn't hate it or love it.

Sarah's Quilt: The Continuing Story of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1906 by Nancy E. Turner
I need to read these books with a tissue box. This is the continuation of "These Is My Words". It is still written in diary form, but I know I when I write in my diary I don't include complete conversations. I sat down to read during lunch on Saturday. Three hours later I had finished it. It is that good.

The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian
I have read two other books by this author and to be honest I probably won't read anymore. This book had a really odd connection to the book "The Great Gatsby". I can't say I enjoyed it that much.

Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History by Erik Larson
I read Erik Larson's book "The Devil in the White City" and loved it, so when I saw this at the library I had to grab it. It is the account of the great hurricane in Galveston. It was a very descriptive book.

Why can't it just be easy?

2009-10-30T13:36:00.001-04:00

Wednesday night I cast on for Kilkenny (minus the ear flaps). I decided to go with the needle size recommended, which is US 3. I sat there knitting along slowly as I am not a fan of DPN's for an hour or so. Thursday morning I grab it to bring with me to work. I am walking to the train station and I start to think about sizing.

I cast on for the for small size which was for a head circumference of 14 inches. I am not sure the reasoning of this but I do know I was stuffing my face with Halloween candy at the time so my math might not of been correct. Since I know my niece's head is 13 inches and I want to give this to her Monday I can't figure out why I am making a hat that is to big. I know they grow fast but I don't think they gain an inch on their head over a week.

I get on the train and proceed to try to measure my gauge. I at first think I am getting 9 stitches per inch because I have issues counting, especially garter stitch. When I realize I am not getting an 8 inch hat I settle on 5 stitches per inch. So I will be getting a hat in the medium size. NOT what I was aiming for.

At lunch I head off to the yarn store to get some US 2 needles. Looking at the rack I see the 2's and realize they are really really small, at least compared to the 3's. Hmmm.. Why is the jump from US 3 to US 2 so much larger than 3's to 4?

I went home and ripped it all out. I cast on for the XS size with my US 3's. I want to be able give my niece SOMETHING she can wear right now. If they start putting hats on her now maybe she will grow to like them... because all babies I have ever seen rip them right off.

Is planning more fun than knitting

2009-10-28T15:37:00.003-04:00

I probably spend more time researching knitting patterns and yarns than actually knitting. Is this a common occurrence?

I don't like the baby hat I started this weekend. So what did I do but spend a crazy amount of time researching hats this morning. I fell in love with Wee Woolly Toppers by Woolly Wormhead. I am leaning towards Kilkenny and Buzzbee, but I might leave off the ear flaps on Kilkenny.

Then of course I saw some baby booties over at The Purl Bee and who doesn't love booties. These at least look like they just might actually stay on and I think I have the book at home. Score!

At least baby items are small and if you actually knit on them quick!

Weekend in the Kitchen

2009-10-26T11:35:00.000-04:00

First thing Saturday morning I popped a cake in the oven. It was my father-in-law's birthday Sunday so of course he needed a cake.

One of my better cake decorating attempts, ruined I might add in the car. The stop layer slid off and cracked. Still tasted good though. I also forgot the candles, but he didn't seem to mind.

Next up some pumpkin muffins. Which I my husband inhaled they were that good.

Then with the left over pumpkin Sunday morning I whipped up some pumpkin pie oatmeal. While it was tasty I think we prefer the Amish Baked Oatmeal.

I also made up a double batch of stuffed shells. Now that took some time, I always forget about the filling of the shells in my prep time.

At least I was successful in the kitchen, because I wasn't craft wise. I decided that since the baby certainly isn't going to fit into the hat yet I can finish that this week. Then she doesn't need a blanket till she gets home, which is Tuesday so I bought myself a few days. I did cast on last night for a tiny hat though she has a little 13 inch head. I don't think I like it though and might have to find something else. Any suggestions for a easy newborn hat?

Claire Noelle, a perfect early birthday gift for her grandfather don't you think.

Flowers and Presents

2009-10-23T10:25:00.002-04:00

Look what my lying husband got me Wednesday night.

I say lying because he told me he was going to get his dad's birthday present, but he just went to the flower store and came home. I was trying to call him on his cell phone to let him know a skunk was trying to make a home next to our driveway. I didn't want him to get sprayed or something when he came home on his motorcycle because I could not get that skunk to move. I tried everything, I guess it just wasn't scared of a woman shaking a box of au gratin potatoes at it. So then I tried the car alarm, it still didn't move (although it made all the neighborhood dogs bark) but when my neighbor had some pizza delivered that did it, go figure. Then he comes driving up and pulls out some flowers from his saddle bag. What a sweet sneaky husband.

I spent a crazy amount of time last night wrapping three presents for kids who are just going to rip it off in 5 seconds. I think I did this to compensate for the fact that I am not done with the baby blanket or hat. We aren't going to tell this to my sister-in-law though, she is going to think we forgot them at home. If she even cares since I am pretty sure her newest child will be stealing the spot light. On Sunday however they will be done. I was a little stressed last night and figured I can finish them Saturday. I do have most of the sewing done for the blanket. So that is a plus.

I have a problem

2009-10-21T08:57:00.002-04:00

I dislike finishing things. I have a few knitted items sitting around that just need the last little details to be done. Things like buttons, collars and ribbon. I think I even have some slippers that need their suede soles sewn on. I have issues people.

I was home alone Saturday evening and decided to finish the knitting for the baby hat. I picked it up and realized I had finished the knitting I just needed some scissors to snip it off from the ball of yarn. Which then made me stay up late blocking it, because we all know it takes a while for woolen things to dry, especially for the impatient.

The hat is dry now, but have a sewn it up. I think you can guess the answer to that. But I will tonight AND I will be sewing a baby blanket. Really I will...

Cookies and Snow

2009-10-19T08:40:00.002-04:00

I was without internet this weekend. It is amazing to see how much you depend on something when you are without. Even just to check the weather or find a recipe. My brother was finally able to come over Sunday to fix it for me. I raved about how he helps people in his birthday post last month. I didn't mention that he is also the go to guy for every one's computers. A very handy man to have in the family I tell you. Especially since my service provider was unable to help me as it was something I did to the computer.

My brother was making fun of me, saying how the Semi-Crafty Knitter couldn't update her blog. I told him I was more worried about not being able to make changes to my Fantasy Football league (not that it matters because I am in last place anyways). That was a mistake because now my brother and husband find the fact that I am in a football league extremely funny.

It snow/rained on Sunday. Not something you see in mid October very often.

One of the first things I did when the internet was connected was read some blogs. I happened to read a friend to knit with first. I was suppose to making dinner, but somehow cookies got in there first! Very yummy ginger snaps, especially with milk.

Beyond Excited

2009-10-16T08:51:00.002-04:00

We took a trip to the library this week. I dragged my husband along because he keeps complaining he has nothing to read. We brought home a bag so heavy I made him carry it.

I discovered a new section at the library. It was right next to the knitting section that I visit every time I stop by. There has been a fascination growing about embroidery. I have floss still from my childhood and I am feeling the urge to give it a try.

A few weeks ago I found the Hand Embroidery Network. They post a stitch a day and every time I see the new stitches I have a stronger and stronger urge to give it a try.

Last night this came in the mail. I was practically jumping up and down with excitement. I even made my husband look at it in detail, let's just say he was kind enough to humor me. It is the ornament kit from Posie Gets Cozy. I don't' think the kits are available anymore, but the patterns should be soon.

To bad I don't have a single needle. Although that might be a good thing. I have to make a baby blanket this weekend or my sister-in-law will never let me live it down.

Must get it done!

2009-10-14T15:15:00.004-04:00

I had the house to myself on Sunday and I declared it a no TV day. I get amazed sometimes at how easy it is to waste time watching TV. Hours can slip by and you basically watch nothing of importance.

I brought down my sewing machine and some supplies to the dinning room in hopes to motivate myself to finish my soon to be niece's baby blanket. The baby is coming next week whether I am ready or not. There is also a certain baby hat that I have also yet to finish and I have no good excuse as to why it is not done.

Unfortunately my Sunday produced no baby items. I did iron the fabric and lay it on the dinning room floor... I also painted my hallway did laundry and even exercised, but I did not sew. Maybe tonight.

Lovelies

2009-10-13T08:45:00.001-04:00

Look what I got to play with last night. Although I had to give it back.

My new to knitting co-worker and I went to our LYS on Friday. They were having a 20% off sale, I left with a bunch of yarn and she left with nothing. However Monday she went over there solo and came back with 5 skeins of Malabrigo. I am jealous! I offered to take it home and wind it up for her. My husband looked me and then looked at the yarn and said does she think she is getting that back.

On another note, the sun is setting earlier and earlier and I don't like it one bit. It makes it extremely hard to take pictures in the evenings. This was very evident last night as I am trying to find the best light with 5 skeins of yarn in my arms wandering room to room.

This is what I settled on. Last week we ripped out the odd shelving in the office closet. I want to install adjustable shelves. While empty and mostly white it makes a perfect light box. Don't forget to take that floor lamp and angle it right in front of the yarn though or it will still be dark.

I am pretty excited about this closet. It is a decent size as the office is technically a bedroom. There were tons of holes though and I spent a long time spackling on Sunday. I want to make it look nice in there before we install the new shelves. My husband thinks I am nuts, but why do I want to look into the closet and see ugly holes and badly painted walls. Men just don't get it.

Brainstorming

2009-10-12T08:35:00.001-04:00

My nephew will be three in January and is no longer in his crib. He actually has this adorable little person bed. So he doesn't need his crib bumper anymore. His mom cut it up and gave it to me in hopes I could sew it up into something because he absolutely loves it.

I can't decide how to sew them up. I was thinking a little pillow maybe. The difficult part is that the animals aren't the same size. Some are longer than others so they don't line up. That blue dino at the top, his spikes touch the cut edge so with sewing it will ge cut off more.

If only they stayed in their squares. I could try to do a wall hanging, but he doesn't have a whole lot of wall in his room. The mail fabric is a green fleece. I might try to get a complimentary fabric connect all the creatures. There are four different critters and I think there are two or three of each. Any other possible suggestions?

Perfect Day

2009-10-11T08:31:00.004-04:00

We went to the fair yesterday. I have to say I was insanely excited about this all week. I watched the weather hourly because there was some pesky rain that wouldn't go away.

This sand sculpture amazed me. They started it September 26th and hoped to finish it today. I guess the two sculptors work 10 to 12 hours a day on it. The details were amazing.

I was smart enough to get discount tickets before the fair started. Luckily this little guy was exactly 36 inches. Although he clearly wasn't enjoying that ride. Poor Dad, Colin was in tears by the end.

However this time that smile says it all!

I had 22 ride tickets and only went on two. It was worth it though, the kids had a blast. Tyler and I went on the Ferris Wheel (his first time ever) and I have never heard that kid say awesome so many times.

That green hat came in handy as I was very visible, there were so many people there. The two weeks the fair runs did not get the best weather so Saturday was pretty busy. While I am sure I would of enjoyed the fair with just my husband, it was great going with our family.

FO: Foliage

2009-10-09T08:35:00.004-04:00

I tried two days to get a decent picture of this hat.

Without a flash they just look blurry.

With a flash you can't see the lace details, just my forehead.

Then I tried using the timer thinking that would help the no flash blurriness. Clearly that didn't work.

This is what happens when you ask your husband to help you. Yes he is trying to give me bunny ears.

Pattern: Foliage by Emilee Mooney
Needles: US 10 and US 9
Yarn: Araucania Nature Wool Chunky colorway 134
Started: October 3, 2009
Finished: October 6, 2009

I could knit this pattern again. It is a fast cute knit. I have knit the chunky version before and felt that it was a tad short for me, so I added two rounds to the body. I am not sure I would do this again because it made the yarn overs to close together right before the ribbing. Which I am sorry you probably can't see in the picture. Regardless I love it and will be looking forward to using it next week when it is suppose to get colder. I am already itching to knit another hat.

My sister asked me if I frogged the other green hat I knit to make this one. Nope, I just have a crazy amount of chunky weight green yarn in my house. Seriously, a lot... I still have two skeins of this color left. Then another ten of another color way. It is a good thing I like green.

Christmas....Already

2009-10-07T13:42:00.004-04:00

Is it to early to be thinking Christmas?

Not for me. I will have all my Christmas shopping done by December 1. That is my goal, so I better get started now! The shopping madness always gets to me, so I last year I tried really hard to get everything done before December, shopping wise. It was wonderful! Simple Mom already has her christmas countdown going. I am not that organized, but I can appreciate it.

I ordered this ornament kit from Posie Gets Cozy and am super excited to give them a try. I found this new blog that focuses on gift wrapping. I think this year I will try to get some plain paper and pretty it up. Then for those gifts that just drive you crazy trying to wrap... these might fit the bill. I also found a neat way to make your own bows. I can't wait to give this a try. Lastly we can't forget the tags! Opps, let's not forget holiday cards either! I have been changing my mind for weeks about what I want to make this year. It is a good thing that planning is right up there with doing.

Almost There

2009-10-06T08:40:00.001-04:00

I tried my hardest to finish my hat last night. However things like ironing got in the way. I wish all clothes could be wrinkle free by magic!

This hat is a really quick knit and I love the finished product. This will be the third time I have knit it. I added two extra rounds of the body because I remember it being a little short for me. I will also probably add an extra round of ribbing. It will definitely need to be blocked a little so maybe Wednesday you will get the final pictures.

I am grateful for...
* Yarn sales at my LYS
* Friends to talk about books with
* Fairs
* Trader Joe's chocolate
* Christmas inspiration

Best TV for Knitting

2009-10-05T08:42:00.003-04:00

I am sure most of us knit a bit with the TV on. As you know there are some programs or movies that are better knit to than others.

As I have said before, I love National Parks. Last week it came to my attention that there is a PBS series about them. I highly recommend checking out The National Parks: America's Best Idea. I am enjoying the history of the parks and how they came to be. I am utterly amazed at what they are today, especially since every generation there is some force (usually human) that tries to exploit the parks.

My husband tells me that theses aren't new, that he has seem then before. I know I haven't heard about them before and they are currently being aired on PBS, so it works for me. I have seen episode one and half of episode 5 and have enjoyed knitting to them.

Check them out!

Stuff of Interest

2009-10-02T09:20:00.000-04:00

I don't have much going on today so I thought I would share some links that interest me.

Papered Light Switches
Straw Flowers
Pumpkin Pie Bites
No Shampoo
Free Fonts

Stay tuned for Monday though I just might have another hat for you.

I am grateful for...
* Never having to take out the trash
* Hot chocolate on a chilly night
* Orange Mums
* Movie dates with the husband
* Healthy checkups

Book Update - September 2009

2009-10-01T10:20:00.002-04:00

Knitting Under the Influence by Claire LaZebnik
This was a quick read. My husband borrowed it from my Local Yarn Store when he bought me some birthday yarn. Typical story about three women who get together to knit every week.

The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon
Yet another 1000 page book. This is the 5th book in the series. It is set in North Carolina in the 1700's and has it all war, romance and time travel. The author just published the 7th book in the series.

Jane Fairfax: The Secret Story of the Second Heroine in Jane Austen's Emma by Joan Aiken
As I have mentioned before I am like a magnet for Jane Austen spin offs and continuation novels. This one follows the character Jane Fairfax from Austen's novel Emma. Which I don't think I have ever read, but I have seen the movie. It was a fun read.

French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano
I remember this book being much talked about when it first came out. It covers the logical ways that French women look at food and maintain thier weight. It included some recipes.

Practical Demonkeeping by Christopher Moore
I enjoyed some of Christopher Moore's later books, but this one just didn't do it for me. While the story was just as crazy and far fetched as his following books, this debut novel fell short for me.

I squeezed in two audio books this month.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
I think this was just made into a movie. It is about a doctor who gives away one of his twins at birth because she has Downs Syndrome and tells his wife she died. I enjoyed listening to this book a lot.

That Old Ace in the Hole by Annie Proulx
I picked this up at the library mainly becuase it was 6 discs instead of the 14 for Memory Keeper's. I didn't realize that the author also wrote the popular book "The Shipping News" and "Brokeback Mounatin". It was a very descriptive book. It takes place in the Texas Panhandle. The main character is sent there to find property to buy for hog farms. The book is more about the descriptions of the people and land. I was skeptical when I first started listening, but quickly got hooked.

FO: Stella's Hat

2009-09-30T08:55:00.003-04:00

I cast on for a hat Friday night.

Monday night I cast off. Gotta love those quick knits. Unfortunately I needed some time to come to terms with the fact that is to big. Way to big, it slides down to almost over my glasses if I let it.

Pattern: Stella's Hat by Melissa LaBarre
Yarn: Araucania Nature Wool Chunky
Needle: US 8
Started: September 25, 2009
Completed: September 28, 2009

A word about the picture. I asked my husband to help me take some pictures last night. Yeah he sucks at it. So self picture it is. I tried really hard to get a good aerial view, but that is beyond my self picture capabilities

I sorta knew from the beginning that the hat would be to big, but us knitters are quite good at ignoring suspicions like that. I didn't realize it would be this big though. There are no gauge measurements in the pattern so I just went with the recommended needle size. I do like the hat though and would of loved to wear it if it fit, it was an easy fast knit.

I think I might try to felt it a little bit. My only concern with that is I am not sure which way it will shrink more. I will have to do some research on that one before I try it. Maybe some hand felting would be best. I will let you know what I end up with though.

Last September Birthday

2009-09-28T08:40:00.004-04:00

Today is my Dad's birthday. We had a joint family birthday party last night since my brother and Dad's big days are so close. They don't seem to mind, with two different kinds of cake who would complain!

My Dad has a knack for building things. The big project he undertook this year was building a deck. My parents decided they wanted to expand their deck, so they tore down the old one and replaced it with a beautiful mahogany deck. I have never seen my dad be so proud of something before and he has built a lot of things over the years. When we were kids, he built us what we called "The Club House". It was an elevated house with a sand box under it, painted to match the house. We loved it. He also made us an ice skating rink in the yard one winter. Oh the things us kids remember.

My father takes an idea any idea and tries really hard to turn it into a reality. I recently had a cousin tell me he didn't like it when I was born, because fun Uncle Dave wasn't around that much anymore. It's a wonderful thing when you have touched each and every single one of your family and friends over your 57 years. Happy Birthday Dad!

52 Weeks Update 2

2009-09-25T08:32:00.005-04:00

I can't say I have been that great at remembering to snap a picture of myself every week. In looking at the ones I do have, you will notice a similar pose in many of them.

But I am enjoying the project. In real life I am always behind the camera. This is giving me an opportunity to include myself a little more in the memories.

I am grateful for...
* Friday's
* Getting a thank you from my husband when I least expect it
* Dove dark chocolate
* Chilly mornings that allow me to break out the hand knits
* Talking crafts with friends

Being relaxed and happy

2009-09-23T09:27:00.002-04:00

Over the weekend I sent my sister up to my craft room to make some beverage labels for the baby shower. She comes down and tells me that she is in love with my craft room. To be honest I haven't spent a whole lot of time in there since we moved in.

That is going to change. I sat down to play with my stamps and punches this week. I have two family birthday's coming up this week and needed some cards. While I was sitting there creating I realized how relaxed and happy I was. I love that I have my own space in our house.

As small as it is, it serves my purposes wonderfully. I hope to spend more time in there soon. I still have a few baby blankets to sew and I want to organize my supplies a little better. I am loving my new frog punch I got for my birthday. My all time favorite stamp site is Impress Rubber Stamps. I really wish they had a location over here in my area.

Justin's Birthday

2009-09-22T09:25:00.004-04:00

Justin is my younger brother, the middle child, the only boy. Today he turns 27 and couldn't care less that it's his birthday.

I know my mother has brought out all her Happy Birthday gear for him, as he is living it up with free rent at home. He has been at home for a while now trying to start a company with my Dad, so its not like he is some unemployed loaf. Actually the opposite it true, my Dad got him in on some consulting which to say the least can be lucrative. But it can't hurt to still have your mom cook dinner for you and do your laundry!

A few years ago Justin bought a truck (a big truck). He had big plans for this truck as he likes to go off road with his Jeep and you need something to pull the Jeep to locations (it has huge non road legal tires). Well he doesn't have the trailer to do this yet, so he gets to help everyone he knows move things instead. My parents, his girlfriend, me, my sister, basically if you have met him he will help you move things. You need to haul a furnace out of your basement, Justin and his truck will be there. Huge rock in your yard you need moved, call Justin. Some ancient shrubs with mega roots, hello Justin. Broke your motorcycle and need a tow, Justin is always around.

So what I am trying to say is that my brother is the best. He is there for you when you need him and loves his family and friends. My sister and I are lucky we got such a great brother. Happy Birthday Justin, even though you don't care, we do.

This year I was able to snag a decent picture of my brother alone, unlike last year.