Moving ...

I have made the executive decision to no longer update this blog. I seem to have a difficult time maintaining it. I have found more success with my tumblr, which you can follow the link to.

It's been real. Keep up with my homemade goodies on tumblr!

Thanks for reading :)

short & sweet {new year's resolutions edition}

My New Year's resolution.. well, they are mostly just goals (a couple being permanent life goals).. are as follows:

-Continue to make healthy decisions (I.e. working out, not smoking <-- it's been two weeks and a day!)

-Read 30 books (I missed my goal of 25 last year by 5, but I was also in school which took a lot of time away)

-Be happier (cherish the simple things in life)

That's all folks!

on the ball

I may or may not have lied about the holiday breakdown, but let's get real here.. I actually was knitting, and not just writing about it. Also, I found my camera (right where I left it in my Camelbak .. )

Here is what I've done:

Several lovelies-- a few hats, a cowl, and some mittens. There seems to be an unintentional tweed theme. What can I say? I can't resist a good tweed yarn ;) It is so cozy! Details on the FOs later when the ends are weaved in, they are blocked, and properly photographed.

I've really and truly been lagging on the project page front, but here's a little peak at a couple of sweaters I finished around late spring/early summer.

Today, I was delighted to shop Cyber Monday over at the Knitpicks website where I claimed several skeins of yarn at a low, low cost. I also threw in some stitch markers (mine grew feet and walked off somewhere ::shifty eyes:: ) and a lint shaver. My sweaters are all in need of a good shave. Hello, weekend project! My goodies should arrive later by Friday-ish, having splurged for 3-day shipping. Yay!

I leave you with a cake that I made this weekend for a baby shower. It was so fun to make a cake at home with my supplies, using actual creativity that is lost in grocery store decorating. It was delightful :) 

Have a good week!

return from hiatus

I'm baaaack. Okay, so I am in the last month of my college career. It is exciting and terrifying. I think I might be a terrible adult and that sucks. It is taking every ounce of my willpower to not completely ignore my studying and homework assignments. Two of which are due within the next week.. ah!! (Hm, I need to get on that.)

Also, I have misplaced my camera so I am very behind with updating both this blog and my ravelry page. I think it must be hiding in my room under all my WIPs and clothes. My room is far too small for how much fibery goodness I have acquired over that past 4 years at school.

Ohhh.. I'm engaged now too! To Mr. K, of course. The big day will probably be early- to mid-2013. You will, of course, get the latest details (if I can find my camera, hurumph) <-- So no ring picture for you yet, sorry.

I am greatly overwhelmed at present. I am taking every opportunity to get Giftmas knitting/crocheting/crafting done and it is my only link to sanity. I have a few things to show you, which I will capture with the camera on my phone (which isn't actually that bad fortunately! 5 whole mega pixels!)

I shall return with the Giftmas breakdown in a couple days, so come back soon :o)

pattern: quinny hat

Presenting my version of Q's hat..... photo and pattern

please excuse the state of my hair

What you will need:

• US 9 (5.5mm) and US 10 (6.0mm) circulars, 40" for magic loop (dpns, if you require them. I didn't use them.)
• About 70-80 yards (64-73m) of bulky weight yarn; I used Cascade Eco +
• 5 stitch markers (one being a different color to denote beginning of round)
• Button OR crochet hook (F) and some leftover yard from hat.

Directions:

Using the size 9 needles, cast on 72 stitches. Work in back and forth in garter stitch for a total of 8 rows.

I included a couple short rows at the cast-on tail edge to create a bit of a flair in the tab, but I think it was mostly superficial and not necessary. For those interested, after working rows 2 and 6, knit 5 sts w&t, work to end of row. Pick up wrap during next row (3 &7)

Next round: Bind off 6 sts. Switch to size 10 needles, and begin working in rib pattern as follows: (k1tbl, p1) around. 

Place marker and join to work in the round. Continue working in rib pattern until the piece measures 5"

This length just fits my small noggin, but I would recommend for those with larger noggins (bigger brains!) to add some length. It wouldn't hurt to go up to about 6".

Next round: (k1tbl, p1) 6 times, k1tbl, place marker, p1, place marker, (k1tbl, p1) 9 times, k1tbl, place marker, (p1, k1tbl) 13 times, p1, place marker, (k1tbl, p1) 3 times

Decrease round: Continuing in rib pattern, work to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, sm,  p1, sm, ssk, work to next marker, sm, ssk, work to 2 sts before last marker, k2tog, sm, work to end of round.

Work decrease round every round for a total of 12 rounds.

For the last round, continuing in pattern, work to 3 stitches before marker, k3tog, sm, p1, sm, sssk, work to end of round.

Cut yarn, pull through the remaining 14sts, and weave in ends!

Last step is to sew the tab down. You may do this using a large button or how I did it. I'll admit my method was a little unorthodox. 

Using the crochet hook and leftover yarn, chain 5 sts. Slip stitch to join in the round.

 Work single crochet, all the way around until you are unable to fit any more on circle. Slip stitch to join to first sc. Cut yarn and weave in ends.

So, with this little circle of crochet, simply place tab and circle where desired and using a satin stitch, stitch circle into place. Tie ends and you are done! 

There's my odd little trick to make a fake yarny button.

Final step: Wear your hat and get your Gleek on! (Finn Hudson required. nom.)

weekend project.

In addition my school projects, I will be trying to recreate this hat that was on the new episode of Glee this week.

 

Boom. Super awesome pixie hat. Knitting will commence after my exam at 4:10pm.

I hope to share the result with you by Sunday! Have a great weekend :o)

KP independent designer program

I didn't say anything until I knew for certain, but my pattern was chosen to be included in Knit Picks' Independent Designer Program!

 

You can find it on their website here.

I actually found out a few weeks ago, but decided to wait until the page was up on their website to share. I am just so honored, because I think Knit Picks is a truly fabulous company.

Above is the second Snowstorm. This one is knit up using KP Merino Style in Hollyberry and Fog.

Anyway, just wanted to share :o) I have a couple other FOs that I will share soon. Now I'm off to the gym (keeping up with new year's resolutions in February, for the win!) and I haven't smoked for 41 days! Also, I gave up meat for Lent. No bacon for me. Sorry pizza.

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Good day!