A little every day?

I think I'm going to try and post something every day.  Or almost every day.  Not because I have anything new or exciting to share, but because it keeps me motivated.

Yesterday I finally found a set of needles that I think will carry me through a plethera of projects.  I got the Options Interchangeable Harmony Wood Circular Knitting Needle Set from Knitpicks.com.  Since the set only includes US sizes 4-11, I purchased additional tips US size 13 and 17 for a project I will be working on soon.  I think I'll be pretty happy with this set.  After I've had a chance to use them, I'll let you know how it goes.  My goal is to try the Magic Loop technique instead of using dpns (at least for right now).  I'll delve into dpns at some point, but for now, it eliminates the need to buy LOTS of needles.  I can also use these needles as straight needles by knitting back and forth, thereby cutting cost again! :)

Although I'm happy with this set, a drawback is that it only includes cables lengths 24" and 32."  If I ever want to knit in the round for a hat, I will need a 16" cable.  So I went on ebay and found what I was looking for.  They are KnitPro items.  Interchangeble short tips and short cables.  These are from the UK and fit the Harmony Set.  So all-in-all - a successful shopping experience.  The other knitters on Ravelry have helped me a ton in sorting through this all.  It can be so confusing as a new knitter trying to find the right tools and materials. 

And, to top it all off, I was able to find a copy of Itty Bitty Hats.  I had one on backorder from Borders, but being the impatient girl I am when it comes to recieving purchases, I went in search of another seller.  I was able to find a copy on Amazon from an independant seller.  YAY!  And the total cost was less, which I appreciate. 

So I should have something new cast on very soon.  :)  Maybe a hat, maybe a toy, I'm not sure yet but I can't wait to get started!

Too fast?

I'm wondering if I didn't jump in too fast with some of the projects I'd like to attempt in my knitting adventures.  My first project, Pengu, turned out pretty well, I think.  Not the same as the original, but I'm okay with that.  My son likes him which is the most important thing since I made the toy for X!

My next attempt was going to be another toy, except that all of the projects I had picked out used double-pointed needles.  I have never used dpns before, and frankly, I'm a little scared of them.  I've heard they're hard to get used to, but once you do, they work really well.  There are other options besides using dpns, but I've never tried them either.  One method is magic looping.  Now, I've taken a look at a couple videos, and I -think- this is something I could handle.  Now my problem is, I have no circular needles!  I've been planning on purchasing a set of needles so that I don't have to wait to start a project or run to the store for lack of the right tools.  The set I'm looking at is an options pack where I can use circular needles as intended or as straight needles.  Now I just have to order them.

So my next problem becomes the needles size required for some of these projects.  None of the needles in the set I'm going to order are quite small enough to use for magic looping.  Boo.  So I'm a bit frustrated.  I changed the project several times to find one that would work, and I keep coming up against obstacles.

So, I finally landed on "Grumpy Old Bear," from Susan B. Anderson's Itty Bitty Nursery, to knit next.  I've cast on some very pretty worsted weight blue yarn from Dark Horse Yarns, which I think will give him a cozy, soft look.  This project should be simple because it's just using garter stitches, which I think I've mastered pretty well.    And although I'm content with this project, I'm disappointed because there are other things I'd rather do first.  In time, I spose I will get the hang of it. 

Different people have suggested practicing using dpns with practice yarn and no particular project, but I don't want to spend my time practicing when I could actually be making something to gift or keep and enjoy.  :\ BUT, with that said, I am enjoying knitting this bear.  I plan on giving it to my mom as a Christmas present.  She collects bears and I think she'd enjoy having a handknit one to add to her shelves.  I also would like to knit her a braided scarf to accompany it - using the bear as part of the ribbon/decorations on the outside of the gift. :)

I'll be sure to post pictures of the finished project.  I look forward to seeing him completed.  And until then, I'll keep hunting for the right needles and the right project to test my skills at while working in the round.

Pengu, the Penguin

Meet Pengu.  So named by my husband.  No, he's not black and white with cute little orange feet, but I like him this way.  The yarns used were sooo soft.  Especially the yarn used for his "coat" and feet.  I can't remember what yarn I used, other than it was 100% cotton.  I'll have to look it up and post it later. 

I had a few issues in constructing Pengu, but I think he turned out great anyway.  This is the Penguin pattern from Susan B. Anderson's book Itty Bitty Toys.  I made a few small changes other than color.  Instead of straight stitches for the eyes, I did a satin stitch so the eyes were round.  Since the coat was striped, a straight stitch was hardly noticeable so I either had to go with bigger eyes or no eyes at all. 

Second, I think (from comparing mine to the picture in the book), Pengu's beak is smaller and sharper.  I did this to make sure none of the fiberfill was seen under the head. 

My son has already enjoyed playing with Pengu.  The feet have gone in his mouth on several occassions.  And because the tail and wings/flippers are stitched down, there are many places for his little hands to grab on to (he's only 8 months old).  Which makes this a great toy for younger kids and babies whose motor skills are still developing.

Pengu was an easy knit, I thought.  I think I was more....frustrated isn't the right word...flustered with attaching parts than the actual knitting.  Simple garter stitches were all that was needed. :)  Yay for my first finished project! :)

My KnitFit

So I've done it.  I closed my eyes and jumped in, head first!  Done what, you may ask?  Knit.  Such a small word - only 4 letters.  But it encompasses so MANY things out there.  When I first think of knitting, I picture an old woman in her rocking chair, with a ball of yarn at her feet, perhaps with a kitten entwined in the strings.  In reality, that's not what I think about knitting.  I know lots of people who knit, young and old.  My grandmother knit.  She loved knitting us all scarves to wrap ourselves up with and keep warm in the winter.  I think it was a small pleasure in life for her that she had a scarf to match every coat she owned. :)

An very good friend of mine knits - at least she's known how since before I knew her.  And she's probably much better at it than I am! Haha  I know women who have knitting groups, who knit and gossip while drinking wine.  Maybe some nights there's more wine consumed than yarn knit, but that doesn't matter.

It can mean socks, shawls and sweater.  Afghans or throws or hats.  And toys...yes, definately toys!  I don't plan on going too crazy to start with.  Now that I'm soaked, I'll think I'll climb out of the pool and dip my toes in the edge.  Trying a few simple projects while I work my way up. 

I've always had some interest in learning, but figured I should concentrate my talents on only a few things at a time and not go around with all these half-finished projects.  Well, the window of opportunity finally arrived.  Sometime between March and May, my sewing machine broke.  The pedal doesn't work.  So...needless to say, sewing came to a standstill.  I had to mooch off my mom and use her machine so I could make my sister's quilt for her birthday.  And until I have a replacement, not much sewing will be done.  Yes, I can still borrow Mom's, but I'd rather be able to pick up my craft whenever I want, and not have to leave the house or inconvenience Mom by taking her machine.

So I asked a few people and went to the bookstore to pick out my "How To's."  Let me tell you - it's hard to choose between all the books when you have no idea what you're looking for.  I had been online and viewed several books, most of which raved of being great for beginners.  So I perused those at the bookstore and picked a few out.  And that's when it happened.  I found a book on hand-knit toys.  I had no idea what a garter or purl stitch was at this point.  I didn't know the difference between continental or English style.  I had no clue (and I'm still figuring out) about gauge and yarn weight and needles.  All I knew was that I liked this book and was determined to make something within it! 

Tomorrow will be one week since I've picked up my needles and yarn.  I'm hooked.  I've got a few projects picked out and started.  I'll post pictures of my progress as I go along.  I know I'll make mistakes.  And I know there will be some things that will take me forever to figure out - but that's half the fun.  To learn something new and expand your imagination. :)

So wish me luck.  I know I'll need it! 

RL
p.s. By the way - the book I'm so excited about is Itty Bitty Toys  by Susan B. Anderson.  She's amazing - her patterns are wonderful and uncomplicated.  Talk about inspiration!

I also went home with Chicks with Sticks Guide to Knitting and Teach Yourself Visual Knitting.  Between these 2 books I picked up the basics - I'd recommend them both.

Little April Shower

Drip, Drip, Drop

Little April shower

Beating a tune as you fall all around

Drip, drip, drop

Little April shower

What can compare to your beautiful sound?

Beautiful sound, beautiful sound

Drip, Drop, Drip, Drop

Drip, drip, drop

When the sky is cloudy

Your pretty music will

Brighten the day

Drip, drip, drop

When the sky is cloudy

You come along with a

Song right away

Come wit your beautiful music

Drip, drip, drop

Little April shower

Beating a tune as you fall all around

Drip, drip, drop

Little April shower

What can compare with your beautiful sound?

Drip, drip, drop

When the sky is cloudy

You come along, come along with your

Pretty little song

Drip, drip, drop

When the sky is cloudy

You come along, come along with your

Pretty little song

Gay little roundelay

Gay little roundelay

Song of the rainy day

Song of the rainy day

How I love to hear your patter

Pretty little pitter patter

Helter skelter when you pelter

Troubles always seem to scatter

Drip, drip, drop

Little April shower

Beating a tune as you fall all around

Drip, drip, drop

Little April shower

What can compare with your beautiful sound?

Drip, drip, drop

Little April shower

Beating a tune as you fall all around

Drip, drip, drop

Little April Shower

What can compare with your beautiful sound?

Beautiful sound.

So the title of the blog really has nothing to do with the context within the blog.  And the title of this post - well - it's not really April. :) Rather, this song has always been a favorite of mine.  For those of you who don't recognize it, it's from Disney's Bambi.  The very beginning of the movie.  When I was little I could never understand what they were singing except for the very first 2 lines.  And although most people may think of dreary, cold days when rain is mentioned, I rather like the rain. 

I don't like days and days of it, but a couple rainy days don't really bother me much.  And this song has energy to it, which I like.

So now to get to the point.  I decided I needed to have a place where I could share my experience of crafting with people.  I indulge myself in several types of crafts from cross-stitch to quilting and sewing, to beaded jewelry, to scrapbooking, and finally to knitting. I get so darn excited about all the projects I'm working on, as well as the process while I'm at it.  I really just want to share that.  Even if no one but me reads this blog, I think it's a creative outlet for myself. :)

So be prepared to see a random collection of things I'm trying my hand at.  Right now, that would be knitting.  With perhaps a little sewing thrown in! :)   And probably a little bit of odd ramblings here and there.  But so be it! :)

RL