It Starts With A Ball of Yarn…
These are just some of the many yarn projects I have completed, in the past few years.
Crafting from yarn is always a joy for me. 🙂
Crocheting and knitting are two of the most rewarding and relaxing hobbies I have ever pursued.
The interest in yarn crafts is at an all-time high right now and there’s no sign of that declining. And for good reason. Crocheting/knitting can be a very meditative experience.Many beautiful and quality items can be made for a reasonable price.
A hand knit or crochet gift is so special. It could even become a treasured family heirloom. Until you’ve experienced the process of taking yarn, working with it, following a pattern (or one you make yourself)and then seeing the finished project, you will only then understand the satisfaction of this wonderful, creative experience. The popularity of yarn crafts for people of all ages is proof of that too!
If you need help getting started there are oodles of free online patterns, instructional videos, classes and knit/crochet groups are gathering in homes and classrooms, all over the world. And a great way to connect with new friends, wherever you live. Lion Brand is just one of many,online resource with hundreds of free patterns, instructional videos, a good selection of yarns, tools and much more.It’s easier than you might think to get started.
When I tried crochet for the first time many years ago, I ended up learning just from practicing and following photos in a crochet book. I didn’t know any other “south-paws” who were “hookers” LOL at the time. When I’d watch a right-handed person crochet, it always looked so awkward and confusing. So with determination and hook in hand, I stayed up most of one night and finally “got it” myself.
The crochet granny square throw (first photo in the collage above) was my first real attempt at crochet. I still have and use this lovely blanket.
Here’s to the Joy of Creating With Yarn!!!
PS: This is a revised version of a previous post I shared at one of my former blogs: Take a Happy Break. I hope you enjoy it for the first time, or as an encore read! 😉
Enter to Win This Beautiful Sweater Kit :-)
ISN’T THIS A BEAUTIFUL SWEATER?
Rowan is giving away two of these sweater kits in the lovely teal blue shade that’s shown in photo.
Looks like an ideal beginner project too. 🙂
Contest closes on October 8th, so enter soon! Open to US AND Canadian residents.
Easy to enter and to share this contest too (if you want to share!) 😉 at Google Plus etc…
Good Luck and Happy Knitting!
PS: I’m back to working on my Walk in the Park Cardie this weekend.
What are you making right now?
On the Needles: Simple Faroese Shawl
I ♥ knitting shawls! 🙂
I recently found out about “faroese” type shawls, which are those shaped to stay on your shoulders without a shawl pin required. Click the link above to read more on Wiki about the traditional faroese shawl pattern, which is the inspiration for many of the newer (and easier) versions of these classic shawls, including the lovely one pictured above.
Is a pattern from the talented: Susan Sarabasha (aka Smokey Blue) and available for download over at Ravelry for only $1.99.
What a bargain and proceeds go to the American Humane Society or local pet shelters, even better!
I’m making this shawl in KnitPicks Stroll Tweed in the Dill Heather shade:
I have 2 skeins of yarn, 460 yds. in total, which is enough to make the shoulder-sized version.
You can easily customize this pattern to make it a full- sized shawl if you prefer. But I like the look of the one in the photo, as it is. I think it’s just the perfect size and what a plus to have a shawl that you don’t actually have to keep a hold of or pin, when wearing! 😉 Shawl wearers, you know what I’m talking about. LOL
A big thank you to Susan for allowing me to share this lovely pattern and photo here.
Stop by Susan’s Ravelry page to see all of her other wonderful patterns too. A great selection to choose from.
What are you making right now?
Happy Knitting and Weekend!
Top 10: Cable Knit Patterns
I ♥ doing knit cables! 🙂
If you’ve never tried them, they are actually a lot easier than they look.
Hope you enjoy this lovely collection of cable knit patterns, courtesy of Fiesta Cat Yarn Co.
I think the wreath is my fav. 🙂
Cabled Yoke Pullover (Patons)
Cable & Seed Socks (Tina Lips)
Cables & Lace Afghan Square #7 (Kay MacLaury)
Cable Cozy (Brandice Allen)
Cabled Front Cardigan (Kathy Perry)
On the Needles: Slice of Autumn/Spring Shawl
I’ve usually got at least one (sometimes 2 or 3…) knit or crochet projects on the go.
Right now I also have several finished projects that I need to get photographed, to share here and at Ravelry.
One of my current works in project is this lovely shawl:
designed by the talented: Kay Meadors, who has graciously allowed me to share these photos of the finished shawl here:
I’m making mine in a lovely soft mauve yarn:
I purchased this yarn at one of my fav yarn sites: Knitting Warehouse
(click to read my review of their site and great prices).
One skein of Patons Lace (498 yds.) is all this shawl requires, I love that! 😉
With circular needle, pattern download and yarn, this shawl is costing less than $20. 🙂
It’s NOT all wool but it sure looks like the “real deal” and based on previous experiences with wool blend yarns, I also don’t think blocking will be too difficult when my shawl is completed.
I’ve got about 20 rows to go but these are LONG rows at this point as the shawl is getting bigger and bigger; the final row has over 300 stitches, so if I get a couple rows done each time I sit down to knit at this point, I’m happy. 😉
If you’d like a copy of this wonderful pattern (and yippee….no mistakes that I’ve found so far, that’s often not the case with knitting patterns) stop by Ravelry and get one to download. While you’re there, check out Kay’s other beautiful designs.
I’ll share a finished photo this spring, when I’ve got this one OFF the needles and something perfect to wear with it too. 😉
What are you making right now? I love to hear about projects in progress!
Happy Knitting!
Trend Watch: Cuddle Up & Get Cozy
Fall definitely is on the way, my fav season of the year. 🙂
Here are some lovely autumn “finds” from the Fiesta Cat Yarn Co. blog.
What is your favorite season and why?
Solid Jersey Twist Headband (ThreeBirdNest, $24)
Vintage Cardigan Sweater (Raxclothing, $30)
Crochet Apple Cozy (According To Panda, $12.34+)
Knitted Mug Cozy (TheLeftHandedHooker, $14.50)
Cozy Fleece Throw / Stadium Blanket (Doodlegirls, $22)
Cacao Chokola Hot Chocolate Mix (flyingbirdbotanicals, $8.75)
Top 5 Knit Kitchen Decor – Pattern Links
**SOME MORE GREAT PATTERNS SHARED BY FIESTA CAT YARN CO>**
I WANT TO MAKE THAT LEAF WASHCLOTH. HOW COOL IS THAT?
HAPPY KNITTING AND WEEKEND! :<)
1: Out of Its Own League Jar Cozy (Chelsea Barefoot)
2: Rug (Lily / Sugar’n Cream)
3: Leafy Washcloth (Megan Goodacre)
4: Kitchen Towel (Wool-Tyme)
5: Teapot “Cosy” (Alexis Layton)
Goodies in the Mail: Fall Knitting Projects! ;<)
Received this yarn order from Knitting Warehouse a couple of weeks ago and once again, the knitting needles are clicking here!
I feel lost without at least a couple of yarn projects on the go (can you relate?) 😉
When all this yarn is used up, I will have:
A beret, pair of gloves, neck-warmer for me and two pairs of socks for Joe.
I’ll post photos and pattern links, as they are completed. 🙂
I’m really happy with the patterns I’ve chosen this time; hope they all turn out as well as expected.
What are you working on right now? I love to hear about projects in progress and those completed.
Happy Crafting!
PS: If you aren’t familiar with Knitting Warehouse, click through to read my review about this company.
They have great prices and an extensive product line for all kinds of yarn projects. I’ve been happy with all my orders from them.
Another Stash-Busting Project: Bow-Knot Scarf
I made this Bow-Knot scarf recently from some black worsted-weight stash yarn that I had.
It was a very hot day when I had this photo taken, hence the inappropriate clothes worn with it. LOL 😉
I do think it will be very nice to wear for the winter though.
An easy project, would be perfect for beginners and didn’t take much yarn either. Nice gift idea too!
If you’ve been looking for another stash-busting project for your own “yarn pile” you can check out the pattern here.
The only slight error I noted in this pattern, was on the first line that starts with: NEXT ROW, line should have read decreases NOT increases stitch. No biggie but if you’re new to knitting you might wonder about that. 😉
Happy Crafting and Knitting!
Happy Autumn too! 🙂
Top 5 Fall Gloves – Free Knit Patterns
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOME NEW FALL KNIT PROJECTS, CHECK OUT THIS GREAT LIST OF GLOVE PATTERNS POSTED AT FIESTA CAT YARN CO.
I’VE ONLY KNIT A COUPLE OF PAIRS OF GLOVES SO FAR BUT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO KNITTING MORE AND SOON. GLOVES ARE A SLIGHTLY CHALLENGING BUT FUN PROJECT. :<)
HAPPY KNITTING!
1: Commuter Fingerless Mitts (Stephanie Sun)
2:Ginger & Wasabi (Kirsten Hipsky)
3:Lobster Claw Bicycle Mittens (JanaFalls)
4:Toast (Leslie Friend)
5: Fallberry Mitts (Anne Hanson)
VEGGIES, YARNS & TAILS 