Christmas Cloths...

It's taken a lot longer than I expected but I'm so happy to finally have finished everything. I battled with myself over which designs I was going to include in my Christmas Cloths but in the end I just couldn't leave any out. There are two different sets this month to choose from.

Here are the two different sets. I added an extra cloth in each download so there are 7 cloths in Set 1, and 7 cloths in Set 2. I can't find all of the labels to the yarns that were used at the moment but I will edit this sometime today or tomorrow and add all of the colors to this post.
I made each written pattern with a corresponding chart for the dishcloth. From the sets that I've already made, I've managed to get about 2-2½ cloths out of one ball of Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid Yarn. Though you can use any kitchen cotton you prefer.


These were a lot of fun and fast to knit up. I think start to finish both sets were completed within aweek with almost no free time. I know they are going to make great stocking stuffers.
The pattern is available as a PDF download and priced at $3.25. You can obtain this pattern if you are a Ravelry member by clicking the "Buy Now" button below the pictures. The Christmas Cloths are also available in my Pattern Store here as a Ravelry Download. Each picture will bring you to its Ravelry page.

I should probably start working on some socks for the Advanced Knitting class I'm teaching in December. Maybe even start writing up a pattern to a baby sweater I designed last year. Or I could just sew up some quick ornaments for the tree. I think for now I'm just going to enjoy the rest of this Sunday with the family and do some Christmas shopping if its warmed up a 'lil outside. We're all finally feeling better in this house. I've also started using Twitter if anyone follows it.

Still Knitting...

Everything is slowly starting to come back to normal around here. Vic and the kids came down with another illness for the season. We've been battling a stomach bug at my house for the better part of the week. You know those sick days, the ones where your doing laundry every second of the day... as it happens. I haven't had too much free time to myself. Still trying to finish everything up for the Christmas Cloths, a few more test knits, a photo shoot, some Photoshop pdf designing and the pattern will be ready to go in a few more days. I even have the next set I'm publishing ready to pattern and knit up as soon as I'm done with these. So excited about those! There's something for everyone. ;) I'll try and post up a 'lil peek later this week. OK I'm getting back to my nighttime knitting. Everyone is sleeping. Finally.

Progress...

Today was entirely devoted to my babies. Tomorrow is going to be almost all knitting with the next pattern sets. I still have to work up most of the cloths and then photograph them. Knitting them is the most fun after designing the graphs of course. I've already fallen in-love with them and can see that they're going to be the perfect stocking stuffers for most of my family. Vic is away on business for the rest of the week so getting the time needed to finish everything might be a little difficult. Most of the time when I have a deadline to meet I sit on the floor with the kids and we camp out in the living room watching movies and reading books all day. I'm hoping by Friday or Sunday the latest I should have everything ready to go.

Centro Sock..

So many things have come up as of late between the kids and the holiday's that I'm behind on the Christmas Cloths. Hopefully by the end of this next week the patterns will be ready. I finished some car knitting the other day and wanted to share. My phone needed this.

1. IMG_3569, 2. IMG_3551, 3. IMG_3546, 4. IMG_3562

Yarn: Moda Dea Sassy Stripes in Crush*
Needles: Size 1 (2.25) Two Circulars

*I decided to omit the red stripe color, it seemed too overpowering for the variations of pink that I fell in love with.

Super Easy. Cast on 40s and knit a 2x2 rib for several rows then knit st st for the length of the phone. About an inch before the bottom I decreased like the toe of a sock, every other round 4 times. Grafted. Love.

I have my sticker...

I took a nice walk to the local school near my Mother's house with the kids this morning. I wanted to go early so that when Vic came home from work I could sit with them while he votes. Theres still a lot of time all over the country. Every vote counts and remember, if you're in line when the polls close, you have a legal right to vote. Let's make some history!

Now where did I put that candy...

Yes. How exactly does one lose a 25lb bag of Trick 'or Treating booty? I know I brought it in the house, I'm sure someone moved it. Or is holding it for ransom. We had a great time going around our neighborhood collecting candy on Friday. My Mother even came to join us for half the journey.


Ella was Minnie Mouse and looked absolutely radiant in this ensemble. She actually liked the costume a lot and got a kick out of herself in the mirror before we left. Unlike..


My 2yr old Pirate. He fought with the outfit for awhile before he realized that it didn't bite. Since it was his first real time going out with all of us from door to door he wasn't sure what to expect. Every time I went to knock on another house he would scream and cry for fear that I was going inside. Poor thing. Everyone ended up having a great time and now all we need is chocolate.. I think my Mother took it.

Belated Birthday Gift...

So my best friend's daughter has been asking me for a doll (With purple!) since her birthday. So many things have come in the way of free crafting these days. We moved earlier this year and I kept telling myself that I'll get around to it as soon as the dust settles. During the summer I started sewing again when Ella was finally sleeping through the night but I haven't really been consistent. My Internet went out the other night and I decided to take some time and fire it up again. Here we have "Bella" as Sarah named her. Having read the Twilight series I'm quite pleased with her choice of name. Maybe I'll make her an Edward. ;)


Just a simple and really fast pattern. I think start to finish it took me about an hour. I drafted out a doll pattern on paper, traced it on some fabric, pieced it together and sewed. Stuffed and wove in some hair. Embroidered the eyes and painted on the mouth, blush and eyebrows. Sarah was so thrilled and had to play with her hair.


On another note I'm excited to start teaching knitting classes at
A. C. Moore this Wednesday. There are youth and adult beginner as well as intermediate classes and workshops during the month of November. During December in addition there will also be a 2-part Intro to Sock Knitting class that I will also be teaching. I've taught knitting to friends and family for many years now. It's a great feeling to be able to share this craft with others.

Winter Wonder Cloths...

I had some extra creative bursts of energy this week. I wasn't sure I would be able to pull it off either. With the entire house out of commission due to the cold that I kind of brought in, theres been a lot of extra chores and cuddling. I have been working on the Winter Cloths for awhile now but really sat down this week to finish everything. I'm in love with them. They came out so gorgeous and photographed so beautifully that I think I might just keep these for myself.


So much went into these cloths. They were definitely a family affair. I almost had to re-knit the snowman because my son hid it on me before I finished knitting up the others. We found it in the toy basket a few days ago. I'm thankful to have such a supportive family that allows me do what I love.


I'm really behind on blogging at the moment. There are so many projects I want to share. I'll try to get some pictures up later this week. I took a quick trip up to Boston this weekend with some good friends. The weather stayed nice until the drive home, but it was relaxing to get away.


A lot of people have been asking about the colors I use on my cloths. I'm going to have to admit that I really haven't payed too much attention to it and I apologize. I did have a bag with all of my yarn labels in it but DH has apparently thrown it away. I probably shouldn't point fingers. :) Instead I will list the names of all the yarns used from now on.

In this set I have used (in no particular order)

Lily Sugar'n Cream Solid : 01215: Robin's Egg (Turquoise)
Lily Sugar'n Cream Solid : 00026: Light Blue (Blue)
Lily Sugar'n Cream Solid : 00083: Cornflower Blue (Blue)
Lily Sugar'n Cream Solid : 00001: White (White)
Lily Sugar'n Cream Solid : 00007: Ivory (Off White)
Peaches & Creme Solids : #24 Williamsburg Blue (Blue)

I'm still going to try for another cloth set or two by the middle of November. If I could have my way I would publish two different Christmas sets as I'm having a lil' trouble choosing which designs to include. There are just so many. Holiday knitting and crafting is in full swing at my house these days. Hope I can finish on time.





Here is a preview of the download. It follows the same format as the Thanksgiving Cloths from earlier this month. The pattern is available as a PDF download and priced at $3.25. You can obtain this pattern if you are a Ravelry member by clicking the "Buy Now" button below the preview. Thanksgiving/Autumn Cloths are also available in my Pattern Store here as a Ravelry Download.


There are six patterns all together. I made each written pattern with a corresponding chart for the dishcloth. From the sets that I've already made, I've managed to get about 2-2½ cloths out of one ball of Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid Yarn. Though you can use any kitchen cotton you prefer. If I do gift these cloths they will end up in a pretty basket like in the picture above and hopefully be used as festive washcloths.

Sick Days..

The wedding was truly beautiful. I made the shawl deadline with not even a minute to spare. I finished at midnight, exhausted. It was a very chilly Saturday and the Bridesmaids dresses we're not very giving in the warmth department. For the first time I might actually believe that you can get sick from not being dressed properly. I am sick as a dog. But very happy to be done with many things that were looming over my head. I can now relax with my children for a couple weeks designing the next few sets of cloths and leisurely start all my holiday knitting. Blueberry Tea has become quite a friend these days.

I managed to finally get around to finishing a scarf I started awhile back. Just simple garter stitch, 40s across and knit it until it reached about 6ft. Great therapeutic and mindless project. It's a very long scarf which I wanted to be able to wrap around my neck a few times, and share it with the husband without him calling it "feminine". I knit it with this yarn. It was so soft and warm it had to be a scarf. Used size 10 needles and added tassels for some character.


I'm also finishing up a few pairs of socks for my Ella. Shes such a great baby. Both my children we're loving newborns, and then happy babies and have grown into affectionate and curious toddlers. I've still to this day never seen a child smile more than my son. My daughter is much too smart for her ripe old age of 12 months. Shes about to ask for the car any day now, I feel it. I'm going to blink and she'll be 17. Being in my late 20's I'm so proud to have such wonderful children and I appreciate everything that they have taught me. I'm going to leave you with the angelic face my sleeping girl before I go lay down.


Hope everyone is good.

Halfway To The Finish Line...

Almost... I've been knitting somewhat non-stop for most of the past three days. I need to have it beaded, finished, washed and blocked by Thursday night. Oh boy, when I say it like that it feels impossible. I have a headache and I think I might be coming down with something but theres just no time to worry yet. If I am going to get sick it better happen after Saturday. Here's a few photos of the Icarus so far.



On a brighter note, Ella is now getting her second tooth on the bottom and adding to the headache. :0) Poor thing, we've tried just about everything but thankfully her teeth don't seem to bother her too much at night and sleeping is good.


Just to break the monotony last night I cast on for some 18th month socks for Ella and knit them up for a little before I felt guilty and picked up the shawl again.

I'm taking a small break after this weekend and then start more holiday knitting by the end of the week. Christmas, Hanukkah, and Winter Cloths are coming soon.

Just Another Friday..

Today is my birthday. I had a relaxing day (sort of) with my children. I finished a lot of work on the computer during nap time and the fourth showing of "Cars" that my house had today. Vic is working late so I'm guessing there might be dinner outside of our kitchen tomorrow night.

I finished up the Thanksgiving Cloths with an autumn flare a couple days ago but only got around to designing the pdf. and uploading the pictures this afternoon. I'm so pleased with how they turned out. They're way too cute I can't stand it. Now I can put everything aside for the next week and start that darn Icarus. It has to be finished by Friday night, the rehearsal dinner. Yikes! Keep me in your prayers. Its going to be super lace knitting 24/7 this week. Here are some pictures of the finished Thanksgiving Cloths:



Ella's birthday was on Monday, one day this week I will try and post up some pictures of the mess we all made of her first birthday cake. It was wonderful. I'm truly amazed at how fast time goes by. All the more reason to take more pictures, more videos, and spend more time everyday with them. I'm so blessed this birthday.



After the wedding on Saturday, (if I make it, ha) I'm going to start on some Winter and Christmas Cloths that many people have been asking for. I know how holiday knitting can be. I'm quite behind myself this year. Still staring at that un-finished scarf and the un-blocked sweater. Oh, and the three balls of sock yarn that I planned for making Ella three 18month pairs for a little Socktoberfest of my own. We'll see, they should knit up pretty fast.






Here is a preview of the download. It follows the same format as the Creepy Cloths from last month. The pattern is available as a PDF download and priced at $3.25. You can obtain this pattern if you are a Ravelry member by clicking the "Buy Now" button below the preview. Thanksgiving/Autumn Cloths are also available in my Pattern Store here as a Ravelry Download.

There are six patterns all together. I made each written pattern with a corresponding chart for the dishcloth. From the sets that I've already made, I've managed to get about 2-2½ cloths out of one ball of Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid Yarn. Though you can use any kitchen cotton you prefer. My friends mother prefers not to use them as dish cloths, claiming that they're too pretty. Instead they've become festive coasters around the house and decoration around the dinner table for hot plates.

Carving Pumpkins...

With a little unexpected free time yesterday my son and I decided that it was time to carve our first pumpkin of the season. The carving took a few hours but I can't wait to end up with some pumpkin bread this weekend. Victor helped by helping me scrape out the pulp and then picking out the seeds to roast in the oven. Then I free handed a haunted house scene with some clay carving tools and an X-acto knife.


This Sunday will be our family party for Ella. I still need to find her a dress for this wonderfully cold weather we've been having here in New York.





I'm in love with it. I read somewhere that if you can find room in your refrigerator to keep it cold when not on display to preserve its freshness. I'm going to see if I can shift the milk and juice around. I also don't carve all the way through so that air never enters the pumpkin.


On another note I'm so excited to start seeing the finished Creepy Cloths that are being posting on Ravelry. They all look great!

Icarus No.1

Time is moving so incredibly fast these days. Is it October already? I have 16 more days to finish the second installment of my Icarus' for my best friends wedding. Can I do it? I have to. Deadline knitting has never been one of my favorite things in the world. I keep putting it off and starting other projects. I have a scarf on the needles, two hats, and a sweater for my daughter. Just finished the Cobblestone for my son yesterday. I've even started putting together the Thanksgiving and Christmas Dishcloth sets I would love to publish this month just to keep my mind off of that second Icarus.



Anyone ever have to knit something they didn't feel like knitting? How did you keep it interesting? I loved knitting the lace, don't get me wrong, but one was enough for awhile. The finished shawl came out beautiful. There were so many beads that it became trying at the end. I think that is what I'm dreading the most. I haven't taken any pictures of it other that when it was blocking. Just waiting for when hopefully I finish the second shawl.





Tomorrow I have to finish decorating around the house and Ella has a Well Baby Dr's visit. She'll be a year old on October 6th. I also have to plan her party this week. then maybe I'll start the shawl... Maybe ;)