Friday, March 23, 2007

These are two muffs I made for a dear friend's granddaughters. They were lots of fun to make!!!
Easy peasy.
I'll give the pattern for the pink one and you can make modifications?
Supplies: Fun Fur Worsted Weight Yarn 4 size 6 DPN needles (or what ever you feel comfortable knitting with, the six's were tight, but doable)
using knit CO , cast on 36 stitches 2 yarns together (or any amount divisble by 6).
Knit until "muff length" or you get tired of the fun fur.
Break Fun Fur, leave worsted weight yarn
Row 1: p Row 2: *k3,p3* Row 3:*k1,p1*
Repeat Rows 2 & 3 until when lining is folded over it is about 1 inch less than the muff length. This part is tricky. You want to now insert the lining into the muff, and you might have to actually take off the needles to do this, but take it slow and be patient. BUT, I just realized that if you turned the muff inside out BEFORE you started the lining, it would be MUCH easier to do....just play with it. The end result is the lining inside the muff, and live stitches are next to the CO stitches.
Now, one by one, pick up one of the CO stitches, and K the first stitch on the needle together with the CO stitch. I use the K2tog bind off method for nearly all my bind offs as it is VERY stretchy and loose.
In a rhythm it goes like this:
1. Pick up 1 cast on stitch and put on left needle
2. Knit CO stitch together with first stitch on left needle
3. Repeat 1 & 2
4. 2 stitches on right needle
5. K 2 sts on right needle tog by placing left needle in front of both stitches and knit.
6. Repeat 1-5 until all the way around. 7. Break yarn, pull through loop, and tuck the tails into the muff and you are done.
Not terribly sure how "kosher" this is, but it worked for me and it was SECURE.

Monday, March 12, 2007

Bleah...lol...I keep letting my batteries die before I take pictures....

But the two muffs for the little girls are done. I finished them last night.

I co 36 sts for the smaller one and I think 42 for the larger one.
I k in a circle till they were "muff length".
And then dropped the fuzzy yarn.
I then did a p row with just the foundation yarn
then I did the "sock of doom" pattern. As much of a bad taste I have with Yarn-monkey's efficiency in running a contest. That sock of doom rib is really good. Stretchy, warm, and squishy!!! :) You need to make sure that your CO stitches are divisible by 6. And then round one is k3 p3, round 2 is k1p1 and thats it!!!

I then slip the ribbing into the exterior, and this is the fun part.
I put one of the co stitches onto the needle, and k that with the stitch I'm going to bind off, then I k 2tog. The one I am lifting is on the fuzzy part of muff. Once I get batteries AGAIN...i'll post how I do it!!!

Monday, March 05, 2007

Hey all....I was barely in the "knit off"...before I got so frustrated with how poorly it was run. (VERY poor communication).

So, I thought...shoot, I'd like to have a competiton, to either put my money where my mouth is and really SEE how difficult it is.....and then I'll be forever quiet, or do it, and learn and have fun with it...lol....

So....for the KnittingHelp.com Stashies I created a spreadsheet, but ANYBODY can participate. Discussion Forum

It's basically your name (nothing identifying) and then you update the spreadsheet with your completed projects for the month. I'm toying with prizes (fun ones).....

email me (mine is on the spreadsheet) with YOUR email and I can send you an invite to the spreadsheet. It is a google spreadsheet, and I'm a google member so if you need an invite to gmail or google, let me know...(try and sign up without it first, but if you need one I've got pleanty.)

This is for all completed projects, big or small, stash yarn or purchased yarn. Equal opportunity. Very Happy lol....

you can click on the link below to take a look see of the format and to get my email addy to join.

We will be having prizes, but for right now.....I have NO idea as to the prizes. Might be computer buttons if I'm poor for that month, might be pretty stitch markers that I've wanted to get my hand in trying...the looser might buy the winner something, or the winner might buy the looser something....lol..each month will be something different, and we'll switch it all up!!! :)

Answers to Questions:
1. The spreadsheet starts in January, but for prizes and such we'll "officially start" in March.
2. You MUST email me or PM me WITH your email so I can send you the link. I need to put you in as a "collaborator"

Completed Project List

Sunday, February 11, 2007

I got this from Sock Monkey's website. She's in a secret pal dealie. I'm not but the questions were fun anyway!!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love working with wool....but I like the uber soft baby acrylics, and the cottons for socks..I guess scratchy acrylic isn't for me.


2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have 2 things. One is a pitcher from when I was with At Home America. That is for the straights, and the other is a little "One stroke painting" box that I made a while back that has my DPN's and circs in it.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I started knitting when I was a kid. Didn't do much more than cast on, and knit a few rows before my lack of attention got the best of me. But about oh, 3 years ago, I got the bug. :) Haven't really stopped since. You can check out my latest and "greatest" at www.catonsvilleknits.com Fun things there. :) I really consider myself an intermediate, but there isn't anything that I've NOT been able to do. There is lots that I've just not tried yet, lace knitting, 1 sock on 2 circulars, STEEKING.....just that word scares me!!! lol....

5. What's your favorite scent?

Chocolate, baby's heads, pine trees

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Oh yeah, chocolate chocolate chocolate
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I quilt and scrapbook. I get enjoyment out of both, but nothing's "touched" me like knitting has.


9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? Yellows, greens, pinks, and I do NOT like Orange!!!

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
TOO MANY PETS!!! 2 cats, 1 dog, 2 lizards, and dad's cat



11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

You bet!!


12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I really like quick projects, ones that take me only a day or two to knit.


13. What are you knitting right now?
I've got TOO many things OTN right now

Gramma's muffler
Gene's pot holders
Roy's Hat
Cheri's baby's sweater (I hope to finish that tonight, however I did just find some softer yarn that I might make instead since it's so quick)

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
If they are made in love!!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
My absolute favorite needles are the circular I think they are nylon? I LOVE LOVE LOVE those. I just got a 10.5 the other day...they are so slick to work with, but they are vintage, and I've not seen any in the stores.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Nope, just the hands and the back of a chair..
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Oh my....I've got a couple blankets that just aren't doing anything for me anymore.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
4th of July!!

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Umm..needles????

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

No subscriptions anymore, but I'd like an Elizabeth Zimmerman book someday.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Socks on 2 circs, and maybe the magic loop, but I'm not as enthralled with that or some reason.


22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?\

Yep, size 6 shoe

23. When is your birthday?

July 6
Ok!!! Done :)

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Yesterday's and today's knitting was FUN.

Cas wanted a "green patrick's day hat" from the stash yarn that Connie and I got. So I made him a stocking hat!!! it was WAY fun to make. :) I forgot to get a picture of it before I sent it down, but it is SOOOO cute...I asked Connie to forgive me for "dressing him funny", but I just couldn't help myself. Mike wants a red one!!!!!!!!!!

I've joined the KH "year of the stash", and since joining, I've added to my stash about 3 fold, but, according to the "rules", I'm OK, as I didn't actually PURCHASE the yarn, it was given to me. But that seems really like breaking the rules....but I did only pick colors that I know that I'd like for sure, and colors that I think that would really do well in baby items. :)

Saturday, February 03, 2007

New Website

I've got my new website up and running.

It's the same address www.catonsvilleknits.com but it is more of a real site, rather than just a blog. The old one was VERY difficult to navigate, so this hopefully will be good!!!

I've got OTN, Gramma's muff, Doris's blankie/wrap, Don's Wrap oh and Gene's hot mits.

Those hot mits just have the thumb and the joining to do..you'd think I'd just get it DONE..but I've misplaced the pattern, and you know how that goes!!!

I've also joined the KH 2007 stash busters. :) I'm tickled because this will give me purpose in getting rid of my sash. :)

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

I can't believe I've been letting my knitting slip out of my hands without getting pictures of them!!! UGG..I had some really cool and fun things that I did for people this winter season.

Well, no more!!! :) I'll be sure to get some good pictures up soon of my new creations.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Our preschool teacher is taking care of this abandonded kitten. It is 2 weeks old, and getting fed by an eye dropper.....he's mostly white with these butterscotch splotches on him.!! What a FUN thing to have in the pre-school classroom Posted by Picasa

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Bonnet Posted by Picasa
Booties Posted by Picasa
Aiden's Gown Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Cutie Bunny



I can NOT believe how easy this was. Took just a little bit of time to do. If you crochet you'd be able to do this too...just a square. The pattern is on the sidebar, under 2006 Completed projects

Monday, March 27, 2006

This weekend

Weekend is OVER, and I can take Monday to recover!!! It was nutso crazy..I so totally want to crawl back into bed, but no, the people in my house that I lovingly call FAMILY would disown me if I didn't get to the grocery store.

Today's Word: Hatfields and McCoy's. I saw the word Hatfields on a dumpster in front of a renovation, and need to look up the WHERE it came from. I know it means fighting families, but need to find out the history. So here it is!!!

The Legacy

The gown is done, just needs the finishing work. Looks like the baptism won't be till June, so I have time to take a break from it. I am making a bunny now for some mindless work. Then I HAVE to get going on the quilt for Pat. I just want to finish all knitting first before I get to it.

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Thursday's find

HOW do things just jump into my hands to purchase? I went to Michael's to purchase size 1 circ's. Ok....really, what WAS I thinking??? No such luck....Hmm...let me see what they DO have...OH.....Size 10.5 DPN's. :) I really LIKE clover. I really am NOT a needle snob. I don't HAVE to have the Addi's in bamboo AND turbos...really really I don't. I want to make some cell phone cases with left over yarn, and needed the size 10's to do that.

Once the 3 things that are on my needles are OFF, away I go!!! I can't wait. :) I've double counted the row to start the border on the gown today at scouts. I'm going to go around a couple more times to be double sure that I have it right, and then the panel will go, and what I get done on Saturday, will be what I get done on Saturday. I'll be at the doc's office a couple times tomorrow (Eyes, and GI apt), so I'm sure I'll have time to knit. AND I plan on doing a fair amount tonight!!!

So, I got a set of needles, and a set of crochet hooks, so I can finish Rachel's poncho and Connie's poncho with some flair and flourish. :)

Note to self: the BIG ORANGE BUTTON is the one to "publish".....NOT the "save as draft" button...lol....

Monday, March 20, 2006

Photography Lesson
Ok, walking out the door now, but wanted to be sure to pass this on!!!

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Chessie, My knitting helper of late....brown kitty, WHITE Baptismal gown don't go together very well. I'll need to head up to church with tweezers and wrap it THERE when I'm finally done with it. ACK..I just realized the shower is next weekend. I'd LOVE to have it all done by then!!! That way I can get onto other things. A friend said, keep knitting those prayers into the gown. I LOVED how she put that. :) whoohoo...light at the end of the tunnel!!! :) Posted by Picasa
Me, as I probably normally look. Old glasses are on top o' da head because I just couldn't SEE up close. Rachel snapped this pic of me. WHERE did that 18 yo go????? sigh..... Posted by Picasa
Old Glasses....hmmm...I've had the new ones since Saturday, and DH hasn't noticed YET. Posted by Picasa
New Glasses... Posted by Picasa

Friday, March 17, 2006

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!!

Ok....not such a big deal in the house...we don't do much here...kids didn't go to school, so even they didn't get caught up in the hooopla

My crazy non-knitting update first...

Rachel, home AGAIN today
Mike, home AGAIN today

I will for SURE need some quiet time to just plain regroup.

Rachel IS fine, "just" a virus that will eventually run it's course. The doc was confused a bit because she didn't fit really any symptoms of what was going on in the world.

Knitting update:
Was able to get good knitting in while waiting for the doctor!! I've figured out the lace pattern, I just hope the math won't kill me trying to figure out the 10+1 stitches I need!!! It would be SOOO divine if it just really worked out!!!

Fun link:

http://www.frontiernet.net/~cdm/age1.html


You said your birthday is 7 / 6 / 1968
which means you are 37 years old and about:

51 years 8 months younger than Walter Cronkite, age 89
47 years 0 months younger than Nancy Reagan, age 84
44 years 1 month younger than George Herbert Bush, age 81
36 years 9 months younger than Barbara Walters, age 74
34 years 8 months younger than Larry King, age 72
28 years 5 months younger than Ted Koppel, age 66
25 years 0 months younger than Geraldo Rivera, age 62
22 years 0 months younger than George W. Bush, age 59
17 years 0 months younger than Jesse Ventura, age 54
12 years 8 months younger than Bill Gates, age 50
7 years 10 months younger than Cal Ripken Jr., age 45
2 years 0 months younger than Mike Tyson, age 39
2 years 1 month older than Jennifer Lopez, age 35
7 years 6 months older than Tiger Woods, age 30
13 years 11 months older than Prince William, age 23

and that you were:

33 years old at the time of the 9-11 attack on America
31 years old on the first day of Y2K
29 years old when Princess Diana was killed in a car crash
26 years old at the time of Oklahoma City bombing
25 years old when O. J. Simpson was charged with murder
24 years old at the time of the 93 bombing of the World Trade Center
22 years old when Operation Desert Storm began
21 years old during the fall of the Berlin Wall
17 years old when the space shuttle Challenger exploded
15 years old when Apple introduced the Macintosh
14 years old during Sally Ride's travel in space
12 years old when Pres. Reagan was shot by John Hinckley, Jr.
11 years old at the time the Iran hostage crisis began
7 years old on the U.S.'s bicentennial Fourth of July
6 years old when President Nixon left office
3 years old when Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace was shot
a 1 year old at the time the first man stepped on the moon