Noro Fingerless Mitts

I have wanted to make fingerless mittens since I started knitting a year ago.  However, it seemed I couldn't find a pattern that was basic, just to try it out.   Finally, on Facebook I found the pattern I was looking for…. Green Mountain Fibers posted a quick knit fingerless mitten using 1 skein of Noro.

Side bar…. before I continue with this knitting story, can I say how awesome it is to have a local knit shop.  A week or so after seeing the pattern on Facebook, I stopped into the shop to ask about it.  Within 15 minutes, I had the yarn and the pattern in my hands ready to knit.  I didn't have to go back to Facebook and find the post and print the pattern.. nor was it a pattern that needed to be paid for.  I love that the shop promotes projects, supplies the pattern (when available), and the yarn to complete it.  One stop shopping with people who know their stuff.  You should check them out, if you live in or are traveling through the area.

www.greenmountainfibers.com


Down from the soap box, and back to my mitts.

The pattern is called Maine Morning Mitts.  Literally it took me a couple hours to do up both mitts.  Here was my only dislike.  The shop had done it with Noro.  I had never used Noro before.  I knew it was a variegated yarn, but didn't realize how variegated.  So in the end, I have a set of mitts where one hand looks nothing like the other hand, except for shape.  In talking with Gwen, I would have needed to buy a second skein to keep the colors the same OR pulled the yarn until the color repeated again.  Novice mistake, but at least I know I love the pattern, it super simple and they are comfy cozy.

Without further adieu, here is my pics of the Maine Morning Mitts.

El Fino Circle Scarf

This was a present for myself.  It is made with Silky Wool.  It is so soft and warm.  

I followed the El Fino Circle Scarf pattern that I found on Ravelry.  To do over, I would make it a little longer because you cannot do a double neck wrap with it.

I will definitely be making another for myself. But because of the time it takes to make and the overall cost of the yarn, I don't think I would make for sale etc.

Sheepish Colors

Hannah and I had a great time at sheep and wool in VT this year.  She borrowed my phone and took these vibrant yarn pictures and of course a selfie.  What a cutie.

One is a lonely number

I had one skein of yarn I somehow ordered online from Webs.  I suspect I was doing a lot of browsing and added it to my cart in error.  I pondered for awhile what I could do with it.  And then I found the perfect pattern that required the limited yardage I had.  Thank you to Miss Hannah for graciously approving the photos and allowing me to share here…pre-teens can be rather finicky.

Cowlriffic

Whoop there it is

Another quickie cowl.  I again used the Impeccable by Loops and Threads.  I do like the cowl, but, I would love to do another one with a higher quality yarn.  It really does make a difference in how it wears and lasts.  I can tell already that this one will not keep its shape for years to come, like it would if I used something other than 97% acrylic and 3% polyester.   Good way to test a pattern though, before committing to skeins of pricier yarn.

I need to get a hat model… Yes, I have my kiddos, but they are getting to the age where photos have to be professionally edited prior to posting etc… Anyway.  I loved the colors of this hat.  I used a cheaper yarn that I got at Michaels, Loops and Threads Impeccable.  It gave me a chance to experiment with a pattern.  I really like it.  It was simple, quick, and effective for a young college girl to keep warm strolling to classes.  Enjoy 3rd daughter Kaylee.

Seven Months!!!

Oh my gosh!  Has it really been that long since I have posted!  Holy Cow!

Needless to say a lot has happened…and been crafted.

I have to say, that while my first love has always been sewing.  However, I have really fell in love with knitting this last year.  There is something about the process that is truly therapeutic for my soul.  The idea that I can take a hank or ball of yarn and turn it into something beautiful with my basic hands, is amazing.

Truly thankful for October 2012 when my buddy took the time to show me how to knit.

Random crafts

The Gaptastic cowl... Another pattern from Ravelry.

Mothers Day Doile

For Mothers Day, I wanted to make something special for my mom, but I didn't have a lot of time.  I searched ravelry for some inspiration and found some really nice doile's that are knit, not crotched.  What I ended up with was a cool Spiralen pattern from Yarn Over Lace Knitting.   They have a bunch of patterns by era and country.  It was cool.  Now mine didn't come out exactly like the picture on the pattern.. I think I knit too tight.  Also, I used Sugar n' Cream cotton white, which if you have ever used it, you know there isn't a lot of give to the yarn.  But overall, I am very pleased with the outcome, not bad for a first try.  Definitely would do again because it is something you could do in a day.

Fantabulous Before and After

Next on my task list in May was to update my picture window.  This window has been a pain in my behind since we moved in 8 years ago.  It is a 10ft bow window in an oddly shaped room and needs shorter curtains due to the heat being under it.  I had priced "nice" curtains and it was going to cost at least $100.  That is a lot for a girl who is constantly changing things up.. so for 8 years I had icky brown curtains that hid the window... Now wallah! nice bright valance with sheers in the mini panes.  Great for summer as it lets the sun in.  No pattern, just some home decorator fabric and a ruler.  Loving it.  Now to make some for winter, when I want to hide the snow outside....

Simple Afghan to snuggle with

In February I decided to make my first blanket.  I had a gift certificate to Green Mountain Fibers and couldn't wait to buy some yarn.   12 hanks and 8 weeks later, I had my first knit and purl afghan.  The pattern I got from the winter 2012 knit simple magazine and it was super easy, but fun.  And oh boy is this thing heavy and warm!  I absolutely love it.  Possible christmas ideas for family...hmmmm

Omaha Nebraska!

So on April 15th, my task was to head to Omaha Nebraska for training for work.  My biggest dilemma was that I didn't want to check luggage and needed a larger carry-on bag to carry all my knitting stuff and computer equipment.  A trip to Joann's later and I had my weekend project...project carry-on bag.
I knew I wanted something big and sturdy, so I went with an Amy Butler pattern, the Cosmo bag.  A day and half later, wallah! carry-on bag.  And honestly, I use it almost daily now for other purposes... But it was an amazing carry-on as well.

Where has time went!

Wow! It has been almost two months since I have posted!! Time flies when you are having fun.  And that I have certainly had.  Lots of knitting, a little sewing, a lot of homework... that is what has defined my free time.  Since I don't think anyone would appreciate the homework I have done for quantitative analysis or International Business, I think posting some of my completed is what I will do!

More of the previous pattern

The top photo was made for my sister in law.  It has a faux leather handle and a green interior.  She wanted something earthy and picked the fabrics herself.  I think it came out rather lovely.

The bottom photo was a Christmas gift for my husband aunt.  She loved the other two I made and really wanted one.  She has classic taste, so I chose a simplistic (to me) pattern.  The inside is red, I love red!  The handles on this one are leather held with double buttons.  I actually bought the handles at my very first sheep and wool festival that I went to with Gwen.  So I had to try them.  Divine if you ask me.

Roomy pocketbook

Ahh, so this one was a trial of a pattern... I really like the contrasting color of the inside and the outside. Has nice roomy pockets inside for all of your items.  The wooden buttons on the handles give it a country charm..The handles are made of a suede type material.  Great pattern and lots of fun to make.  This one ended up with my mother in law.  So others saw it and others had to have it so I made more.....

A few of my favorite things

I just started this blog last month, but I didn't start crafting last month, so I thought I would share some pictures of a few of my favorite things I made.  My sewing has been non-existent this month due to a knee injury (my sewing room is upstairs).

This dress was sooo cute.  I made it for my cousin's daughter that lives in Georgia.  I love the pattern.  It is really simple, but fulfilling as well.  The main part of the dress has a seersucker fabric, with a cotton collar and trim.  I would definitely make this again.  In fact, I am thinking of a little girl turning 7 who would like one...

Auction Update

Well, I am pleased to say that on March 2, 2013 both of the fleece blankets that I made went home with wonderful families.  The elmo one actually went with a home with a friend's niece.  My day was made when I was told how happy the little girl was to take it home with her.  That's what it is all about.
The Celtics blanket went home with someone, I just don't know who.  But it helped raise money for a great cause.
Now on to some other projects.

He shoots...he scores.......

This is fleece blanket number 2 that I tied off for Chris's cousin's benefit.  It is basketball season and a lot of Vermonters are Celtics fans, so I am hoping this will generate some good money for a good cause.  Was fun to make.  I have to say that I wasn't a fan of tied fleece blankets.  I really looked down on them, feeling they were so simplistic.  But honestly after having done a few of them, they are as rewarding to make as they are to use.  The double layers of fleece make it so warm and cozy.  I made my son one for Christmas and he brings it with him to every sleepover.  And the best part about fleece, it is everywhere!  And you can make a "custom" or "themed blanket with minimal effort.  I recommend this project for others.  And would make more as well.

La La La La Elmo's World...Up for Silent Auction

This is the 1st of 2 fleece blankets that I am making for Chris's cousin, Scott.  At Christmas he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer and it is spreading fast.  His friends and family are having a benefit on March 9, 2013 to try and raise any money they can to help him and his family.  At first they asked if I could make some cookies..of course.  But um hello!!! I love to sew and craft!  Let me do some more!!  What better way to spend your time than making items for such an amazing cause.  Nothing makes my heart warmer than doing things for other people.

I hope that someone sees Elmo and just has to have him for a child (or child at heart) and takes it home and cuddles up with the soft, fluffy, warm blanket.