Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Two New Bags

I love my Knitting Needles bag!



It was such a quick and easy pattern. I used Patons Shetland Chunky in Dark Olive, about 2.5 balls. The wooden needles are 9mm, and the lining is Amy Butler. The thing I was looking forward the most about making this bag was trying out my new sewing machine. I have to say, it was a lot harder than I thought it would be! I hadn't touched a sewing machine since grade 8 home ec., so I had to read the manual cover to cover. I'm not going to tell you how many hours it took me to sew two pieces of fabric together, 'cause it's really embarrassing! I'm so pleased with the result. Now I have to convince Hubby I need to join a sewing class.

I also got this little cutie from Schrodinger Originals:



On a completely different topic...have you heard about homeschooling being declared illegal in California? I don't know all the details, and as far as I know you can continue to homeschool without fear the government coming after you, but still. It's very scary, the way society is now. I know there are a few homeschooling moms that read this blog from California, and I just wanted to let you guys know, you and your children are in my prayers!

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Snow, snow, go away!

When the weather went to 11 degrees the other day, and a lot of the snow melted, I seriously believed that the snow was behind us.

I was wrong:





That's our neighbour needing a boost. We didn't make it to church this morning. Hubby couldn't dig us out in time!

Friday, March 7, 2008

More baby knitting...

A few weeks ago, I was at Walmart browsing around the baby section. I spotted some simple flannel burp cloths, and thought to myself that I'll be needing lots of those. Then I looked at the price...$9 for 2, tiny rectangles of fabric! Ha! Forget it! I immediately went over to the craft isle and grabbed an armful of Handicrafter cotton.

That was a few weeks ago...this is now:



Pattern: Baby Genius Burp Cloth from Mason-Dixon Knitting

Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter, 2 balls per cloth.

Needles: 5mm

I'm very pleased I have such pretty cloths for baby to spit up on, but I'm so sick of Handicrafter now!

Also on the needles are some vests from Debbie Bliss' Essential Baby:




Tuesday, March 4, 2008

What's the fastest way to finish a project?

Frog it!!

I frogged three projects this week. I ran out of yarn for the baby socks in my last post, so I frogged my sock scrap blanket to finish them. I don't know what I was thinking, starting that blanket. It would have taken me a decade to collect enough scraps to complete it.

I also scrapped the Graduated Rib sweater that's been in my closet for more than 2 years.



I actually really liked this one, and was hoping I could finish it to fit over my big belly. But my knitting has improved a lot in just 2 years. The stitches were all wonky and the ribs were loose and messy. It was beyond saving.

Finally, I frogged the Brea bag. I liked this one too, but it was quite small, and such an odd shape, that I don't think I would really have any use for it. I used the yarn and started the Knitting Needle Bag from Bag Style. I really like the berry stitch; very cute!



A few days ago it was -11 degrees...yesterday it was +11 degrees. I really hope that's it for the really cold weather. My winter coat barely fits anymore!