I'm all for trying new things, but there is one thing I don't think I'll ever do:
Knit a sweater from my dog's hair.
What about you? What is one thing you'd never do?
Knitting
September 22, 2009
March 25, 2009
Pretty Umbrella Motif
Skyline Chilly posted a very sweet Umbrella Motif on her blog on Monday:
Photo by Skyline Chilly
I can just see this simple image on the front of a light-weight spring sweater. You can see some of her other motifs here, and you can buy her original knit patterns here.
In other news, Mick becomes a U.S. citizen today! You can read about his naturalization interview here.
March 17, 2009
Felted Bowls
On Friday I was going through my jewelry drawer and I found a felted bowl I made at Christmas which I put on my nightstand to hold my jewelry when I take it off at night (not sure why it was in the jewelry drawer instead of my nightstand, but I had a good reason for moving it at the time).
This bowl was made from variegated wool (Manos del Uruguay). I liked the project so much I knit a larger one for a Christmas present for my grandparents. I put candy in the bowl because they like to have a bowl of candy on their coffee table.
The pattern I used was from One Skein: 30 Quick Projects to Knit or Crochet
Knitted Felted Bowl Pattern
40 Years Felted Bowl
Spring Colored Felted Bowl
Felted bowls are great stash-busters, and they're quick and easy. In other words, the perfect project.
Knitting not your thing? Don't worry, you can crochet felted bowls too.
Finally, if you don't have the time or desire to do it yourself, Papaververton Etsy makes and sells gorgeous felted bowls.
March 13, 2009
Felted "Sugar" Eggs
As a kid, there were three great things about Easter. First, Lent was over, and that meant it was time to PAR-TAY. Second, it meant a basket full of Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs, which to this day I cannot resist. And third, it meant pretty sugared eggs with miniature panoramas inside.
Which brings me to today's selection: Sugarless Panoramic Eggs and Egg Box by Anita M. Wheeles, via Whipup.
Visit PopKnits to see the complete tutorial for how to make these precious eggs. When I saw them, it filled me with such nostagia I got a little weepy (well, there's been wine involved, and you know how that goes). But I suddenly realized why I am so enthralled by these tiny little woodland scenes--I have alwasy loved dollhouses, miniatures, and panoramas, and these fit the bill wonderfully.
Plus, they have no calories.
I'm not a felter, but since I joined Etsy I have a new appreciation for this art, especially miniature felted animals. For example, KaysK9s has such a cute shop I almost can't contain myself.
March 11, 2009
Flock it to Me, Baby
The new issue of Knitty.com came out today so you know it was a happy day in the West household.
The issue is heavy on scarves and socks, but one pattern stood out so much I had to write an entire blog post about it.
photo from knitty.com
This is such a sweet pattern. Can you imagine what a lovely baby gift it would be? I just love it. I'm almost tempted to knit one just so I can hang it over my bed. Or better, maybe I'll knit one to hang over my writing desk (of course, that's in the bedroom, so I may as well hang it over the bed).
March 06, 2009
Two Things (No, Three)
There are two things that interest me about this video:
First, as a continental knitter myself, I am very interested to see how to do a Norwegian Purl stitch. I'll probably never use it since I'm so used to purling the other way, but it's still nice to see a new technique.
Second, I have wanted to knit a Palindrome Scarf for a long time. This video reminded me that I actually need to sit down and do it before winter is completely over.
Now for something completely different. The other day, I read this: The 48 Minute Rule. I've been doing it for two days now (3 or 4 48 minute blocks a day) and it totally works. Which is good because I was going through a serious motivational rough patch with Diary of Bedlam.
March 03, 2009
Knitted Chair Cover
I found this on Ravelry today:
This Not-So-Ubiquitous Knitted Chair pattern by Yuvinia Yuhadi answers a question I'd never actually asked: How does one make a boring white plastic chair into unique and attractive seating option?
I am so relieved to have an answer.
February 23, 2009
Odds and Ends: Freebies
There are a few of things I'd like to call to your attention:
First, This Young House is featuring a great freebie this week. It's a lovely bamboo lamp, courtesy of Shades of Light. If you're interested, hop on over and follow the directions in the post about entering (contest ends at 8pm EST on Feb 25).
Second, Jennifer Tallapeneni, the author my favorite knitting blog, has a wonderful hat pattern featured in a new book called Tops & Toes. To promote the book, there is a blog book tour and the second stop is Jennifer's blog. Check out the interview here. I love reading about the design process, and Jennifer is a great designer.
Third, if you can get over there super-fast, U-Handblog is having a "name-that-bag" contest. However, it ends on Feb 24 (and keep in mind she's in the UK), so hurry up!
Good luck!
February 18, 2009
Knit Ring Box
This pattern perfectly combines two things I love: jewelry and knitting.
Not only is it a perfect stash-busting project, it is such a neat way to further personalize a gift of jewelry, whether you make it, like me, or buy it.
As if this wasn't enough, I took a little browse through NeedleNoodle's Etsy shop and I was mesmerized.
Bluebirds? Check.
Sushi? Of course!
So. Much. Fun.
I am off to buy some patterns now. See ya!
February 11, 2009
Boomer the Sumo Wrestler
I don't crochet, but this is pretty darned cute:
Boomer the Sumo Westler @ FreshStitches.com
Actually, the entire site is pretty great, and a good argument for adding crochet to my list of hobbies.
Just what I need. Another hobby.
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