Knitting Dragonflies

This pattern is from Bags That Rock . Yarn is Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted. I picked two of the kettle dyed variegated skeins that complimented each other. (or so I hoped). This pattern is very easy, and suitable for a beginner knitter. It was a fast to knit, the “propeller” patterns on the purse are done in duplicate stitch. This was the first time I even did it, super easy. After felting I decided to use purchased handles, because I wanted this purse to keep its shape. I usually line my purses and put a strip of pockets across each side, for organization. I had an enormous amount of trouble finding a fabric that “made me happy”, of course the one I found was pricy but worth it. It is a batik fabric with trees on it, I also used a two way zipper, what the heck I’ve already spent more than I planned on. Giggles I was afraid this pattern might make a purse that was too flat and not hold enough, as you can tell, I like to be prepared for anything, guess it wa...

The Star An excellent card for a knitter to draw. Enter into your knitting or spinning without fear, you will be able to guide your hands to your satisfaction. The Star card generally suggests serenity, assurance, and hope. The maiden, who has the blue sky and stars around signifies guidance and comfort. The waters running from the maiden's pitchers are never-ending. There is an abundant supply of love and the cycles of life run smoothly along the currents of peace, and the gardens are fertile. The sky is clear with a hue of blue, which is a symbol of inspiration, creativity and aspiration. She pours out healing waters in dimensions of time: pouring out a pool in the present time, and pouring out a healing river that runs through our future days as well. The Tarot is a deck of cards that originated over 500 years ago in northern Italy. Although the Tarot was first used in a game called Triumphs , it was quickly adopted as a tool for divination, and popularized by occul...

Spring quickly turns into summer.  We have had so much rain here, I feel like I am living in a rain forest, upside to that is lush growth of the garden and flowers. The air is heavy, even at 80 you perspire, and, as my friend pointed out, everything you stick in your pockets come out damp. This spring I began with my first felted purse, I am still carrying it and love it. This quickly turned into an obsession. Fast forward to now, and I have numerous skeins of yarn, patterns and friends that I have drug along in my felt mania. I’m going to try to arrange a “felting party”, some friends, (yes all of my friends have had knitting needles thrust at them), some wine, snacks and a Saturday on the deck. Knitting and felting a purse is a great project for a beginner knitter. No matter what style of purse you prefer there is a pattern out there, or you can tweak one. Pick your color, or colors and your off. Mistakes disappear, a way too big knitted sack appears and the fun really...

I like this Etsy Seller and Blogger, Create A Thought, shop here , and she blogs here. She creates journals, greeting cards and other items. I have a fondness for journals and cards, when we are so quick to send an email, it is nice to receive a card in the mail, and put your thoughts down on paper, along with some doodles. I like her Art Book Journal Kit It includes everything you need to make a journal yourself or would be a nice gift. Price $10.00 Good for a knitting journal? This Funny Frog Mini Journal is a good size 3x5 I would put it in my purse and have something pretty to scribble my lists in. Price $4.40 She has many more and other interesting items. Take a look.

Kool aid dyeing looked so fun. And me with three skeins of handspun. This is the first attempt at spinning and plying on my first wheel, a Lendrum. This was some merino that I purchased at a fiber festival. I bought about 16 oz. my plan was to use this to practice with on my first wheel.  I had no live person to teach me, but many online people , in addition to You Tube. Usually when I have a day off from work I have a long to-do list. Well I still have that list, but decided that today was going to be a fibery day!  After reading some on the internet and asking for some advice, I was off to buy some Kool Aid. I thought I wanted yellow but decided on orange. Right now, I am cooling the water, but I am anxiously waiting to see how it looks! Technorati Tags: Kool Aid Dyeing , Handspun yarn , knit , spin

From BibleGateway Psalm 147:16 He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. Psalm 147:15-17 (in Context) Psalm 147 (Whole Chapter) Proverbs 31:19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spin dle with her fingers. Proverbs 31:18-20 (in Context) Proverbs 31 (whole chapter) Exodus 26:1 [ The Tabernacle ] "Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn , with cherubim worked into them by a skilled craftsman. Exodus 26:1-3 (in Context) Exodus 26 Judges 6:37 look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said." Judges 6:36-38 (in Context) Judges 6 (Whole Chapter) I would be interested in fiber related text from other Holy Books, if you know any, please feel free to share them! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quran ht...

Happy Mother’s Day. So many families are non-traditional now. No matter if male or female, young or old, you “mother” someone. (maybe even, or especially your pets) So Happy Mothering Day to all. A little chilly this mother’s day, perfect weather to throw on my Sursa shawl from Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton - Book # 2. I first found this on The Knitting Blog by Mr.. Puffy the Dog. This pattern is easy, fast and looks great, made with Noro. Look on Ravelry for many different looks. I would make this again and again. Great for a gift also. My May give away is…some lace weight yarn, I have lost the label to it. I believe it to be either Rowan Kidsilk Haze Spray, it is 25g, or something similar it does have some mohair in it and the color is variegated. Leave me a comment here and at the end of May I will draw and ship it out to you. I would also love to know what you make with it. Good luck! May your knitting needles fly as fast as Dragonflies… Technorati Tags...

May you knitting needles fly as fast as dragonflies...

Everyone who knits frogs, why do you? I tend to frog when I don’t think the yarn, needles or pattern are not working to my satisfaction. Not when I’ve made an error. I like to think I creatively incorporate my errors into my patterns. I like to let mistakes lie for a bit, let your knitting sit overnight, often in the middle of the night, or during a dog walk, I can come up with a improvisation to allow me to continue. If the error is not obvious to anyone but me, I often let it go. Can I make it into part of the pattern, add some design, or shaping? Or just outright ignoring it, especially if in an underarm or other inconspicuous area. I even found a dropped stitch once that I couldn’t ladder back up and tacked it down. I also take into account how far along I am, if not far, well I’ll rip it out, almost done. Start thinking creatively. Of course if you are going to “see” the mistake every time you look at your item. Definitely rip it out and fix the problem we must be at p...

After my first attempt at a knitted wire birdhouse, see pattern link on sidebar, I decided to try another. They are easy quick and fun, and I’m starting a series of them now. Knitted Wire Birdhouse #2 Using size 13 needles And 26 Gauge Floral Wire , I used silver approx .94 cents Two sheets of Foamies , choose your color (9 x 12 inch sheet) approx .65 cents each Optional: crochet hook, size K, (any large size will do, gauge not important) Warning: Please be careful of wire, it is sharp and can poke you, causing injury. Ouch.. Cast on 25 sts, loosely, I used the single cast on. Knit every row. The house is constructed with the cast on and bind off edges, being in the front and this will form the entry hole. While knitting you have to stretch out the wire and smooth in down, it will be very stretchy. When you reach your desired length pull and flatten it down. Similar to “blocking” Knit until it measures approx. 12 inches. You can turn the piece around and se...

Thanks for all of the entries for the Sockotta yarn, with out more suspense the winner is…..Ikkinlala from Canada! Please send me your addy and I’ll post it off to you! Next fiber related drawing coming up soon. May your needles fly as fast as Dragonflies.. Technorati Tags: sockotta sock yarn give away