Chrysalis to Monarch

I forgot to take pictures of the lovely little Chrysalis to Monarch reversible toy from Susan Anderson's book, Topsy-Turvy Inside-Out Knit Toys.  Each month I host a new KAL in the Itty Bitty Knits forum, and this one is the butterfly. :) My son's kindergarten class just finished a butterfly unit where they went through the life cycle of the butterfly, starting with the caterpillar so he was super excited about his toy.  He decided it would be gifted to his teacher when it was finished.

This morning it was put in his backpack and hauled off to school before I thought to take any pictures!  Instead, I have a video of my little miss transforming the toy while her brother was resting on the couch after school yesterday. :)

We'll see if this works!  If not, that's okay, at least I tried!

While I'm at it, I'll give you a few details.  I used all yarn from my stash - just dark green, lighter green, orange and black.  It could have been finished on a Saturday afternoon but since I only have time to knit during the week while the kids are occupied or in bed, it took me a few nights.  But SUPER simple and adorable!  If you're looking for something quick and fun, this is a must for your pattern collection. :) (And a fun learning tool for your kiddos to boot!)

Winners!

I hope you all had an enjoyable week this last week. Thanks to everyone who visited and left a comment on the giveaway.  It was fun to hear from everyone.  

After a fun (but somewhat busy) night trick-or-treating with the kids, I appreciated being able to sit down in the quiet with my iPad and draw winners for the giveaway.  The winners are...

Renee Anne!!  Renee, you have won a set of sheep stitch markers, in the color of your choice!  I hope you enjoy your little flock! :)

and Kepanie!!  Stefanie, you have won the set of pink cherry blossom stitch markers seen below!

Hooray for our winners!!  I will be contacting you on Ravelry for your address and then I can send out your stitch markers! :) 

Thanks again to everyone for checking out my shop and giving me their support.  I so appreciate it! :)  

Hitting 100 Giveaway!

Hi Friends!

It's me - Rae Lynne. I've been gone a long while again.  I won't pretend that I'm going to get back into regularly blogging, but for occasions like this, I'm glad I have an outlet to share with you.

If you're here, reading this post, it's likely it's not because you regularly check to see for new posts (if that is why you're here - you're awesome and I appreciate you checking in!) - rather it's likely you're here for the giveaway.  And I'll get to that in a minute.  First a little background.

Some of you know that I have an Etsy shop.  It started with me selling some needle cases.  I loved making them, but just didn't have the time to keep making them - especially with two kids.  I eventually switched to stitch markers.  Sheepie ones to be specific.

Sheep Stitch Markers - Set of 5 - Clear

Sheep Stitch Markers - Set of 5 - Assorted Colors

These have gone over really well - knitters really seem to enjoy these fibery friends.

While preparing for a current swap on the Itty Bitty Knits forums, I was inspired to try the "sharpied mug" thing you see all over Pinterest.  I did a mug and a notions dish (I'm purposely not sharing pictures since my swap partner hasn't received her package yet). I loved how these turned out.

The Hubby took a look at them and told me I should sell them in my shop.  I love his enthusiasm and support but also know he's a bit bias.  I asked a few friends, and they concurred (thanks ladies!!).

The question then became what a better method would be for decorating these mugs and dishes.  As I've come to find out, permanent marker doesn't always stay permanent, especially glazed ceramic.  I worried that I'd go to the trouble of decorating these things, sell them, and then have everything get washed away a short time later.  (Not good for business!)  I eventually settled on (non-toxic) enamel paint.  This is much better.

White Sheep Coffee Mug/Ceramic Black Cup

Pink Sheep Notions/Trinkets Dish

All this to say - there are new items in my Etsy shop!

 Black Swirls Design 2 Stitch Markers

Turquoise Cherry Blossom Clay Stitch Markers

I shared the news on Instagram and Ravelry and had a great response. :)  Which is really why you all are here now!  Because of how well these new items have done, and the increased traffic to my shop, I have hit and passed 100 sales!!  Woohoo!!

So to celebrate, I'm hosting a giveaway.  I'll be giving away 2 sets of stitch markers.  One set will be a set of my sheep stitch markers.  I will contact the winner to ask what colors they'd like their flock to be.

The second winner, will get a set of my new clay stitch markers (seen below).  They're about the same size as the sheep stitch markers.  Light, simple and fun, they're a great way to dress up your knitting.

Pink Cherry Blossom Stitch Markers

So check out my shop, then come back and leave a comment -  say hi, tell me what you like in the shop, or just tell me you'd love to win some stitch markers! :)  Please be sure to leave your Ravelry name or email address so I can contact you if you win.  I will keep the giveaway open until 10pm CST on Thursday, October 31, 2013.  I will then post the winners on November 1, 2013. :)

Good luck!

p.s. If you're interested in ordering something, but you don't see it in the shop, convo me and we'll work something out!

Chevron Chapeau

It's been ages (again) since I last posted anything here.  If you're here, thanks for being so awesome and checking in now and again. :)

I'll admit that I haven't knit much lately.  The mojo hasn't been there and if I picked up my needles more than twice in one week, that was a lot.  But it seems to be slowly coming back.

I sort of kick-started it last week when I had the pleasure of test-knitting a hat for a friend.  Suzanne (knittingknirvana) of the Knitting Knirvana Video Podcast just released a new hat pattern, Chevron Chapeau.  When she asked for volunteers, I jumped on the bandwagon.

I told Suzanne I'd be happy to knit any of the smaller sizes, knowing I'd be more likely to finish that size in a timely manner for her.  I was selected to knit the "child" size, and I was able to start and finish it in just a few days.

My intention was to knit a hat for Lovebug.   I hadn't knit her anything new in awhile and a child-size hat meant it was something she could grow in to.  My kids have sorta big heads. They don't look overly big, but both my kids are at the top of the growth charts, which translates into needing bigger clothes and accessories than you might originally believe.

Since it's spring and we should be having sunnier weather, I wanted Lovebug's hat to reflect that.  I normally go for darker, richer shades but this time I opted for white and yellow.  I used Cascade 220 Superwash in Winter White (33.5g) and Spud and Chloe Sweater in Pollen (23.5g).  In worsted weight, small hats knit up quick!   You can easily knit this pattern with only a small amount of yarn, no matter the size hat you're knitting up!

I really wanted to take photos outside of Lovebug playing in the yard or at the park or on a walk or something with her new hat, but the weather just isn't cooperating.  We've had dreary, rainy, cloudy days and while that's great for our state, it's not so great for getting that perfect shot outdoors!  So we made do in the entryway with the door open.

Lovebug's hat is big on her, but like I said, I figured it'd work because she has a big head.  I think she looks pretty darn cute, the pattern and the colors really suit springtime.

But I had to put the hat on Squishy and snap some photos so that you could see how nicely it fit a 4-yr-old's head. The hat is comfortably snug and easily covers his ears.

I really like the way the top of the hat comes together and is one of my favorite parts.  Squishy loved the hat so much he tried to tell me this was his hat.  I had to confiscate it from him after the photoshoot.  I promised to make him his own, after he picks out his colors.

Suzanne has designed a wonderfully versatile, fun and easy pattern that could easily become your next go-to pattern for hats.  Definitely check out the pattern page HERE.  And I apologize up front that this is so late in coming but if you buy one soon, you can even take advantage of a coupon code.  Normally the hat will sell for $4, but if you enter coupon code "thankyou" you'll get $1 off.  I think that's pretty great!  The coupon code is valid thru April 13, 2013.

A big thank you to Suzanne for letting me test her pattern and share with all of you!

FO Parade

Are you ready?  This is going to be a long one.  Mostly filled with pictures and little explanation.  Today is the day for the FO Parade!

I mentioned earlier this month that I just couldn't stand to think about blogging for each project I've completed since the last time I'd written.  I'd forever be behind.  Instead I'm just giving you the highlights - a picture or two, the pattern name, yarn and needle size.  I'll let you know where the knit now lives and perhaps a comment about the piece, but that's about it.  So don't fret about needing to read a lot.  And if you make it to the end, thanks!! :)

Dungeness Shawl by Samantha Kirby - Test Knit
US 4/3.5mm; Knit Picks Stroll Tonal, Pearlescent & Knit Picks Stroll Solids, Heathers and Twists, Merlot Heather

This is probably my most "neutral" shawl since it's brown and cream.  I adore this shawl! :) (There's also a matching hat if your'e interested.)  And if it's not obvious, it stayed with me!

Quaker Ridge Shawlette by Susan B. Anderson
US 7/4.5mm; Knit Picks Stroll Sport, hand-dyed by me in a teal gradient; complete with ruffle and red & gold beaded edge

This shawl is super warm in sport weight yarn.  I like wearing this shawl with a pin instead of just wrapped around like a scarf.  This also remained at my house.

Christmas Bell by Debbie McGrath
US 4/3.5mm; Lion Brand Vanna's Glamour, Ruby Red & Diamond

This was for the December Ornament Swap on the Itty Bitty Forums and went to live with Patty (pattytrish on Rav).  Super simple and extremely quick.

Stripey Stocking Cap by Susan B. Anderson
US 9/5.5mm; Cascade 220 Superwash, Shire & Christmas Red Heather

Knit for Janie's (Ratch on Rav) grandson as part of the Advent Swap on the Itty Bitty Forums.

Simple Wristlets by Haley Waxberg
US 11/8.0mm; YoSpun Handspun (thick & thin) that my sister gifted me for my birthday

This was a wristlet pattern that I modified into mittens.  The yarn at it's biggest is a bulky weight and I probably should have gone up a needle size as they are a little tight.  But they are extremely warm and I love intentional mismatching that happens. :) (And they're special since it's yarn from my sister.) They're mine.

Waiting for Winter Mittens by Susan B. Anderson - Test Knit
US 8/5.0mm; Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, Thistle; size medium

Test knit for Susan, these are my go-to mittens for the season.  Shelter is extremely light and floofy, but surprisingly warm.  I like to layer them over fingerless mitts for extra warmth. Mine as well (do you see a pattern here?)

Yarn Cloth by Theresa L. Jones
US 5/3.75mm; Knit Picks Dishie Solids, Clementine

Knit for Janie (Ratch) for the 2012 Advent Swap.

Barn Cat by Susan B. Anderson from Spud & Chloe at the Farm
US 3/3.25mm; Lion Brand Vanna's Glamour, Diamond, Platinum & Ruby Red

Knit for Janie (Ratch) for the 2012 Advent Swap.

Felted Wreath Ornament by Joan Ferguson
US 7/4.5mm; Cascade 220 Superwash

Knit for Janie (Ratch) for the 2012 Advent Swap.  The pattern says to felt the wreath after knitting is complete, but you can also leave it as is, which is what I decided to do since I only had superwash yarn on hand.  Extremely fast with cute results.  I don't mind that it's not felted.

Homewood by Thayer Preece
US 6/4.0mm; Knit Picks Stroll, Navy

I knit this for my friend Tonya who designed a logo for the Itty Bitty Rhinebeck meetup in New York this year (that's a whole story in itself!).  She's great and let's me knit her things for the work she does for me occasionally!  You can check out some of her work HERE.   And below are the logos she designed for some buttons and other things.

(By the way, if you haven't noticed, you'll see that I've used a lot of Knit Picks Stroll...it's a great yarn and I highly recommend it!)

Modern Rib Hat by Susan B. Anderson
US 7/4.5mm; Cascade 220 Superwash, Charcoal & Christmas Red Heather

A replacement hat for my brother.  He requested a new one when his original hat was lost.  I cannot turn down a custom request from him - it makes me really happy when my family truly appreciates and use my handknits.

Prickly by Melissa J. Goodale
US 2/2.75mm & US 2.5/3.0mm; Knit Picks Stroll - Handpainted, Punky & Tanis Fiber Arts Blue Label Fingering Weight, Seabreeze

Knit for Janie (Ratch) for the 2012 Advent Swap.  Picture courtesy of Janie.

Lined Beanie by Heather Kinne
US 5/3.75mm; Knit Picks Comfy Worsted, Fedora & Pomegranite; Men's size

Another hat for my brother, this one as a Christmas present.  I'd already planned this hat when he asked for the other hat.  So he got 2 this year!  LOVE this pattern.

Clockwork by Stephen West
US 5/3.75mm; Knit Picks Gloss Fingering, Kenai & Valley Yarns Charlemont, Indian Turquoise

Knit for Tara (taralyn1104 on Rav) as a Christmas gift.  I didn't have enough of the Kenai to make it the main color so I reversed them.  Definitely a different outcome but I still like it.

If you're here, you've made it to the end....I told you it was a long one!!  I've got a list of WIPs that I'd like to share, but I'll save that for another day.  The list is somewhat extensive, but enjoyable nonetheless.  I've linked each FO to my project page, design and designer.  You can find more details on my project pages, or leave a comment about what you'd like to know more about and I'll be sure to get back to you.  If you leave your Rav name, I'd be happy to message you on Ravelry.

A New Year, A New Start

I've been saying over and over and over again that I'll be better at blogging.  I always mean it when I say it, but I'll also admit that other things just become more important.  Life is busy with two littles in the house and when I do have a free moment, it's usually spent with some sort of craft in my hands, instead of the computer.  (That is, when I don't fall asleep putting Lovebug down for her nap or for bed....)

While there are a ton of things that I've done since my last blog, I just don't think I'm going to catch up telling you about them all.  So instead, my plan is to do a little showcase of all the finished knits from my last post.  I'll tell you what it is and where it's going (or gone), and some of the little details, but I'll also make sure to link to my Ravelry project pages so if you're really curious, you can go and get the details there.  You don't have to be a member of Ravelry to see my project pages as long as I share the link with you. :)

Then I can start fresh from here on out and not feel like I'm always behind trying to catch up.  Instead then I can just fill you in as things happen.

And to those of you who come and check now and again to see if I've written, thanks for returning! :)

Click for Babies

This post is going to be short and sweet as I don't have a lot of time to write at the moment.  For any of you who watch Katie (jetgirl1313) from Knittin' On the Fly, you know that she collects hats for the charity, Click for Babies.  The idea is to knit purple hats and donate them so they can be distributed in hospitals for all the new babies that arrive.  The charity and hats are meant to bring awareness to The Period of Purple Crying.  Essentially this all relates to infant crying and the risks Shaken Baby Syndrome.   Babies born in the month of November each receive a purple hat.  Click for Babies is specific to certain states, but I know that when my daughter was born in November, in Iowa (even though we aren't a Click for Babies state), she received a purple crocheted hat, along with a bunch of information about the Period of Purple Crying.

So Katie hosted Click for Babies and received an amazing number of hats that she donated in Maine.  Last year I didn't get the chance to knit a hat, but this year, I did!

I used the Otis Baby Hat pattern, which has 3 cables evenly distributed around the hat, which come together at the top in a really neat way.  The hats had to be at least 50% purple, which wasn't a problem for me since I had a couple different options to choose from.  I'd won a giveaway awhile back and received some Universal Yarn Bella DK in a light lavender purple, so that's what I used.  The hat turned out very soft and sweet.

I booked it to the post office (I finished the hat just days before the deadline) and rushed it out to Maine, along with some sheepy stitch markers for the giveaway Katie was hosting in conjunction with the charity drive.

I'd really like to knit this hat again as the cables really add some visual interest.  I'm really impressed with the way the cables were brought together at the top without interrupting the pattern.  Very slick.

Okay - time to fly!  Lots to do today!!