Not meant to be

I really don't think my Waffle stitch knit dishcloth is meant to be. I've frogged more on this cloth, and considering it's a dishcloth, that's absurd. I'm persisting though.

Anyway, I began a knit preemie hat, but that didn't work out (it was big enough to fit me, thanks to a stretchy cast on), so it got frogged. I really will make one, one of these days. I'm going to attempt the double pointed needles next, but it's a bit intimidating to me to think I'm going to have to keep up with 4 needles at a time. Ahh!

I will also be crocheting 2 candy corn trick or treat bags that have been requested. I'll post pictures as I can - probably when I complete them both.

I'll may also attempt yarn dyeing tomorrow, as my dad helped (ok he did most of the work, but I did a little) me build a Niddy Noddy today. What is that, you may ask? Details to follow in a yarn dyeing post. Dad also helped me make a drop spindle today, as I'd like to see how I like spinning my own yarn. I'm quickly understanding why handspun and hand dyed yarns are so expensive.

Coffee anyone?

I've been quite busy the last couple week working on coffee cozies, and my knitting.

My Knit Nuts knit and crochet group was asked by the owner (of the coffee shop we meet at) if the group would make coffee cozies for her to sell on consignment there in the shop. Between everyone in the group, we had a large number of cozies up for sale, so I only left 6 of the 14 I crocheted. Here is a picture of all 14.

Some are very basic, and some are more unique. If you see one you want, or want to to custom make you one, email me!

I've completed my first Ballband dishcloth. I made it of Peaches and Creme cotton, and have fallen in love with it. My husband and I are planning to stop by the Peaches and Creme outlet store this Friday while we travel, and I'm trying to figure out how to limit my spending!

I enjoyed making it so much, that I've cast on a Waffle Stitch dishcloth. Another member of Knit Nuts showed of a precious blanket she made in Waffle Stitch, and I just had to make a cloth.

A group I belong to on Ravelry is doing a preemie project, and we're seeing how many objects we can knit for preemies between now and October. So far, I've only cast on one hat, and am determined to complete it, even though I'm frustrated with it already.

I've fallen in love with my Knit Picks interchangeable knitting needles, and now, I want to complete set, and additional cables. Considering the set is almost $70, I'll save my pennies... I'd also like to try some of their yarn I've heard nice things about.

I've also gotten the itch to try spinning and dyeing my own yarn. I purchased the items I need to make a drop spindle and a niddy noddy (which created skeins of yarn). I can't wait to see the results of my dyeing attempts!

Sweet E's Toddler bloomers are almost completed, but I have decided I don't like them. I'm so close to completing them though, so I hate to completely frog them. But, when she grows big enough to wear them, she won't actually need bloomers. So, what to do. Hmm...

All kinds of creations

I've been up to all kinds of stuff the last two weeks.

July 20 we left for vacation. Upon arrival, we unloaded the car in the pouring down rain. After the torrential downpour let up though, we had beautiful weather the rest of the week! We spent the first several days stringing, breaking, and canning beans. My grandmother also gave my sister and I a pickle recipe, so I've made some, and we're waiting to see what they taste like.

I also worked on quite a few projects.

I made a couple coffee cozies which will soon be for sale in a local coffee shop,

a little bag for Sweet E to carry small toys in (coffee cup there for size reference),

and a cloth for her to chew on to soothe sore gums, and busted lips (that's why it is black, and not a cute girly color.)

I also began some Bloomers for Sweet E to wear with her Pink dress I just completed, and completed a poncho/shawl for her too, except for adding buttons (the same one my grandma started.)

I've also started a Ballband knit Dishcloth, and will be starting to knit a dress for Sweet E - yes, another dress.

Another project was a cosmetic bag I crocheted for my best friend for her birthday.

I received my Knit Picks needle order, and love them! They have great customer service too, and I'll definitely order from them in the future.

When I arrived home from vacation, not only had my Knit Picks order arrived, but so had my swap package! This is what my swap partner sent me. What an awesome package! There were 2 balls of Peaches and Creme yarn, two, yes, two, sets of bamboo sock needles, two dishcloths and one pot holder.

First Knit Project

Finally! Here is a picture of my first knit project - Bubbles the Fish.

He's a tiny fella, but I didn't want to get bored and discouraged, so he's only 4 inches from top to bottom. My daughter likes to chew on him for molar teething relief. Hey, at least he's useful! I also learned a yarn over stitch with him.

Meet Ups and other stuffs

I attended my first ever crochet/knit meet up at a local coffee house. It was so much fun meeting others who share my love for yarn, needles, and hooks. I was afraid I'd be intimidated and be the only one who didn't know how to knit well, but that was not at all the case! The Knit Nuts were so welcoming, and I can't wait until the August meet up. While there, I shared the pink dress I recently completed for my daughter. Someone took a pic, and since I didn't have a camera, allowed me to share it :) I'll be adding ribbon to the two eyelet rows, but haven't taken the time to do so yet.

My awesome mom and dad got a new camera, and are letting us use their old one until we save up for a new one - how great is that?!? We actually are going to have a camera to take with us on vacation next week! No worries though, there will be no salt water waves for me to dunk the camera in.

Speaking of vacation, while we're away, I'm hoping to get several smaller projects started and completed. I'm really wanting to work on things for the hospital babies since I haven't donated in a while. I always take WAY to much yarn on vacation with me, and never even get 1/4 of it worked up. I also want to work on my daughter's Teddy Bear afghan. I'm letting it get the best of me, and continue to put it off thinking the yarn fairies will visit my house and complete it for me.

I'm also awaiting the arrival of a Knit Picks order which includes a set of circular knitting needles I'll be using to make a dress next month, and a smaller, but longer set of needles for me to attempt Magic Loop on. That way, I'll be able to knit tiny things in the round, which avoids both seams and knitting with 4 double pointed needles at the same time. 2 needles is enough for me, thankyouverymuch.

I hope to have lots of exciting progress and projects to share with you when I return from vacation. We'll be gone an entire week (Monday-Sunday), and I can't wait!

Completed!

I finished the pink dress for my daughter! Yay, another finished project! I'll post a picture as soon as we get our new camera (which hopefully will be soon!)

We went to visit my grandmother for her birthday this past weekend (happy belated birthday grandma!), and she gave me a baby poncho that she'd started. I worked on it last night, and it is working up quite quickly. That is, if I can just keep working on it. I don't want to put it aside, because if I do, there's no telling when I'll finish it.

I only have one major crochet work in progress, but am actually overwhelmed when I think of what I want to start next. There are so many things I want to work on. I really need to continue working on Sweet E's teddy bear afghan. I don't know why I keep putting that off. I think it may be because it's so overwhelming to me since there are so many pieces to it.

I'll be starting on quite a knitting project Aug 1. I'm going to try and knit Sweet E a dress for next summer. What? You ask...Didn't you just learn to cast on? My answer would be, "Why yes, I did in fact. But, I'm up for a challenge." Or am I? We'll see. I'll be accompanied by another new knitter from Ravelry, and we're doing this dress as a knit-along, so we can ask each other questions.

Swap

I just mailed my first ever swap package! I joined a summer swap on Ravelry. You knit or crochet (I crocheted) a dishcloth, and mail it, and a ball of yarn, along with any other goodies, to a person assigned to you. Someone else is assigned your name, so you get a package too. How fun!