Knitting again…tips, fun free patterns to get me in the mood, (not to hard)

Photo taken at Blue Grass DNR in Southern Indiana

I been totally out of the knitting spirit. For way to long, I have a load of excuses. Looking back in the times of my life when I’ve not been creative, it seems the especially emotionally draining periods leave me too tired to create, or think of creating!

My husband got me a new knitting bag for my birthday, I think that is a hint. LOL Knitting wife better than non-knitting wife? Bag is a Vera Bradley, tote in the Dogwood pattern, love the inside pockets! I’ve got it filled up already with two projects, which are both shawls/wraps. Simple and fast, I hope. *grin*

New bag and new cover on chairs, need to replace seat foam also, hopefully before two years pass!

If you struggle with lace knitting charts or have never tried them, I found this excellent blog post with videos from Emily ONeal.

I have 3 lace projects going, all are out of a yarn, which I would have never bought, but I was not close to a real yarn store and needed a yarn fix! I bought two skeins of Patons Lace, and absolutely love it! It’s fiber content is 80% Acrylic, 10% Mohair, 10% Wool, 3oz/85 gms = 485 yds/455meters.per skein. It is easy to work with and has a nice feel with a small halo. I have not washed and blocked any item yet, so I don’t know how it will turn out, but I’m loving it so far. The colors are soft and multicolored, with a gentle transition of colors that makes the lace pattern lovely.. This was so unexpected, I returned and bought another color, and then upon returning home yet another.

Photos to follow for projects, *grin*, all pattern linked are FREE! Thanks designers, we love ya!

Projects are: Citron Shawl pattern free from Knitty 2009, I’m knitting that with Patons Lace in the color sachet, which is a greens/lavender/plum mix.

Lala Scarf by Kat Coyle from the book Greetings from the Knit Café by Suzan Mischer, simple pattern yet interesting enough to keep me going, knitting this in Patons Lace in Woodrose colorway.

Third project is still somewhat up in the air, I’m considering the Lonely Tree Shawl by Sylvia Bo Bilvia with a yarn from my stash or I have two more balls of Patons Lace in a blue colorway , (in a bin in the basement so I’ll have to look at that later), that I’m considering for Sommerblau by Halbe Prinzessin. However in trying to locate more of that I ran across this: Patons Lace Sequin Yarn, I’m totally loving that!

Get Knitting!!

Review of a Kick Spindles Or Mother Marion to spin

When I made the decision to buy a Kick spindle I could find very little info on it, anywhere. Below is what I gathered, bought and my experience with mine. I could only find two being marketed, since I purchased mine I have found a third. Below is my views on the Kick spindle I purchased (Little Meggie from Heavenly Handspinning), and some info on all of the other Kick Spindles that I could locate. Links and costs are included. Review: Things I like about my Kick Spindle. 1. Long spin time, I like the addition of the ball bearing. 2. Leaves both hands free to draft 3. It's my "wheel" 4. I like using my foot, I am moving around and don't get stiff from one position. It's a very "active" type, rhythmic motion. 5. You can actually stand and use it also. 6. Great price point. 7. I have never spun on a wheel and when I sat down at one the first time, I could actually spin (some) I think this action of foot/hand coordination helped. 8. ...

Fibonacci and Knitting

Some time ago I learned that Fibonacci can be applied to knitting. If you are not familiar with Fibonacci, he was a mathematician from the middle ages. He figured out the relationship of proportions, now known as the golden ratio (or number), Fibonacci sequence or 1.618 or Phi. This sequence is seen in practically everything. I’ll link to several articles if you wish to learn more. From reproducing animals, to sea shells and galaxies, the human form and sunflowers. (Mona Lisa, Parthenon, and the pyramids of Egypt, just to name a few). This ratio is present in many, many more surprising things. The first time I used this was in my felted bag. I loved the random look of it. This pattern is The Big Bag Pattern (free on Ravelry) by Maia Discoe (link ) Below are a couple of links if you wish to learn more.. Fibonacci Numbers and Nature The Wiki and Fibonacci Mona Lisa -- Da Vinci's Use of Sacred Geometry (you tube link) In mathematics, the Fibonacci numbers or Fibonacci...

Knitted Flat Slouchy Hat Pattern

I’m still tweaking my flat slouchy hat pattern. Here is the next in the series. This is a slouchy hat pattern, knitted flat. It is easy for a beginning knitter! Super slouchy hat, pattern below…. I originally started making this pattern when I didn’t have access to my circular needles. It was fast and fun. With cuff turned up (below) Super Slouchy Knitted Flat Hat Pattern (bulky yarn) Pattern: Flat Slouchy Hat (SuperBulky Yarn) Slouchy hat knitted flat and sewn together, suitable for beginning knitter Yarn Used: Super Bulky Lion Brand Hometown USA, I used 1 and a third skeins which is about 110-120 yds of super bulky yarn Gauge: 13 stitches x 9 rows, 4x4 inches Needles: US 13 or size to get gauge Cast On: 42 Stitches Ribbing: Row 1: K1, P1, repeat to end Row 2: Repeat row 1 until, your ribbing is as long as you desire, mine is approx. 5 inches long. Body: Row1: (Knit 3, Inc 1)* repeat until end of row (total 55 stitches) (see link here, for all types of increas...

Knitting Dragonflies

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