Birthday Yarn

Noolie sent me a skein of Great Northern Yarns 70% Mink 30% cashmere yarn for my birthday in June and I immediately began scouring Ravelry for the perfect pattern to use up every last yummy morsel.
I finally decided on Lacy Baktus.

This is the softest most delicious yarn evah'!
The pattern is quick and easy and now I have an awesome scarf to wear as soon as the weather turns back to coolness (0h Please God, let it cool down soon!)

The girls (2 cuties that I've been babysitting this summer) had a good time modeling and there was a slight struggle for scarf ownership, but I traded some cookies to get it back safe and sound ;)

I need to get some more of this yarn!

June Post way late.

I've had these pictures ready to go for weeks now, but have no motivation to do the words or any linking. But really, can I just post the pics? mmmnn, think not. So, I'll do some words and trust that if anyone is really interested they can look the projects up on my Ravelry page, k?

First, 2nd and 3rd pics are crochet or knit baby cocoons for a photographer friend of mine. No pattern, I was just making it up as I went along

2 washcloths from the Monthly Dishcloth KAL on yahoo groups

This was a great easy no brainer project- a stockingnet stitch blanket out of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece. It was made to replace a little boy's lovie blanket that was loved to shreds. I really hope this one gets the same treatment. There is nothing better than a well loved knit
Finally I did Mom-mom a pair of anklets for her birthday in the beginning of June

Now I need to tell you about the Awesome Sweater I knit for Nelkin Designs- but I'll do that later ;)

In Reverse Order

Because this is how blogger loaded them and I have not figured out how to move them on the new laptop.... (new OS, and the the touchpad are giving me fits)

I've been doing a ton of knitting this year, really look:
A mini reversible duck to bunny
'I used some Cotton Fleece and Patons (gold for the ducks bill and feet) and us 5 needles.
It was totally rockin cute. I say was because yesterday Paladin grabbed it off the breakfast bar and "loved it up". One ear is mangled on the bunny and the bunny face is messed up. Plus its covered in dog spit now. gggrrrr, not like the floor does not have 10 bones and dog toys littered around, Pal has a thing for handknits and handspun.

I wrote a crochet cowl and fingerless mitts pattern for Schaefer yarn Miss Priss.
Its a fun project and you can get both out of one skein! The pattern will come out sometime in the fall.

I knit the Snuggler Model for Nelkin Designs

What a great hoodie! I really had a hard time giving it back. I used Schaefer Heather in Indigo. The fabric has such a delicious feel, totally yummy. My only problem was that I knit it in a medium and have not been a "medium" since before the boy was born ;) I had a friend model it and was was in love with the lace on the sleeves and the pocket!
The pattern is great, the lace makes it fun and I'd love to do another in my size. Seriously, I'm gonna knit a sweater for ME this year.

I did a soaker too for the friend of a friend-
Patons classic wool in bright red and I added some crocheted butt ruffles! too cute!

I've been knitting the dishcloths from the Monthly dishcloth KAL group too- I'm going to try to do them all this year (and get the stash down) (all Ravelry links) So, that's 6 already! go me.

All in addition to being sicksicksick, working, babysitting and dogsitting! But at least I have a good (?) working laptop now so I'm hoping this will let me blog more often..... maybe:) we will see...

Not dead yet

Seriously, I cannot believe its been so long since I posted. But I have been "Twittering" (much fun) so anyone who was checking would not be worried with my blog silence.

Things are crazy as usual. DH working from home a lot (and hogging the pc, really does he need his pc AND mine when he's working?), preschool, personal assisting, babysitting and contract knitting. Plus the twins- Here is a pic of Paladin hanging out on the toy bench. Not even 5 months old yet and he's 50 lbs. Shea is not far behind at about 46 lbs now. (her pics are too blury, she will not stay still) He still gets up at 5am EVERY DAY. This puppy will be the end of me.
Noolie, my totally awesome friend up in Maine sent me this:

a cup holder for my Ladybug spinning wheel!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so totally thrilled, I've spent a bunch of extra time at the wheel JUST SO I CAN USE THE HOLDER. Yes, I'm easliy amused and completely geeking out. She is a totally rockin friend, what else can I say?

I finished another neck cozy with leftover Fleece Artist yarn from my Monkey socks. I'll just link to my Ravelry deets.

Hedwig socks with my Opal Harry Potter yarn-

5 lucky penny holders from Mom-mom. She likes to give them to the ladies at work for birdal showers and stuff.... I didn't even put these in Ravelry-

And the Thrummed Mittens for Little Cat D

Add to that eleventy million dental visits that started with me JUST getting the old fillings replaced and ended with 2 crowns and root canal and there you have it. Do you know how much it costs to get a root canal? In DE it costs $1195. That's JUST the endodontics (root canal guy). And my dental is already maxed out for the year with the crowns and replacement fillings.
sigh.

I may be destashing sooner rather than later.

I think all this is a pretty good excuse for not posting in over a month? right?

Beanie Baby Sleeping Bag & Spinning

Just so you don't think I've fallen off the face of the world, a quick post.

I've been mostly spinning this week....

The pink/blue/white is 85 yards worsted thick'n' thin spun. This was roving that Amanda dyed for me in her dishwasher! (drop her a note and she might do some for you!) The maroon is 38 yards fingering/sport again from Amanda . She sells her stuff on Etsy ! Go look! Green & purple is about 16 yds worsted and 40 yds fingering from MDSW batt. The *Party in a Bag* purple/blue/glitter from MDSW. Spun and gifted to Scooter. I never even made note of the yardage Bad Blogger.

A knitted FO for Little Cat D-
And this is so cute the Mayor wants on for one of his toys.... a Beanie Baby sleeping bag! Its a free pattern. Super easy, super cute and a great way to try double knitting if you have not before. Its late so I'll find the links and update later... (its later and I've updated.....)
Tomorrow is the last day of busines at the shop. *snif* Next week I'll be helping out with power tools taking down shelves and things.

Hands

I'm interupting my recap of MDSW to show Kristy my hands.... Knitting (Tulip skirt in Bernat Pink Camo for the Princess)
Spinning on my NEW GOLDING CELTIC SPINDLE! I lovelovelove this spindle. The wool is from Amanda and is spinning up sweet! I'm hoping to get a fingering weight for socks. My spinning is still pretty inconsistant, but between the new spindle and the excellent wool I may pull this off!
A, I'll need some more of this, PLEASE! (did you know she sells batts on Etsy? Yummy stuff!)

Can't talk now

Here is the Moncia top with Tulip skirt on the model at the shop. The felted ballet slippers are missing buttons in this picture.
The Ballet slippers with buttons-
3 squares test knit for Susan at knitalittle.com
2 pairs of Ruby Slippers crocheted fora pre-k friend and a hockey friend.
The Mr. is sick (again) and the week has been crazed (again or as usual). I have tons more to show and even more to knit (knit boss loaded me up with jobs). If you sent me an email this week, I'm really sorry I will get back to you. eventually.

Stay tuned for the March drawing winner and the April prize announcement! (Spare Squares, remember?)

Luv U, buh-bye

Birthday Shrug

In a mad rush, I "designed" a shrug to go with GEM's birthday Tulip Skirt. I finally realized earlier in the week that the Bernat pink camo yarn was not coming in time for me to make a 2nd skirt so why not make her a little matchy something?

After much talking , consulting and web searches I came up with this:
She looks thrilled, right? (end of party and tired of Auntie RC dragging her around for pics) I was still knitting it as she was unwrapping her other gifts. doh!

Still, it came out just like I wanted.. a little fitted so its not too fiddley. The same easy care yarn and its pink. There ya go.

If I can decipher my notes and get a bit more time, I'll post the recipe.

Coming Soon- even more FO's !

Tulip Skirt

I noticed this skirt when Trish over at Knittin' and Lovin' It knit one for her daughter. Of course I could NOT get any of the Bernat Pink Camo yarn like she did, anywhere locally or on the web (all on back order. Pink camo is HOT now. Who knew?)So, instead of waiting for my back ordered yarn to come in I knit one up in Bernat Denim Stlye for GEM's bday (daughter of good friend JEN) at the end of this month. Just in case the camouflage does not come in time.

Pattern: Tulip Skirt Creative Knitting - March 07
Needles: Denise 8's 24" & bamboo 6's 16"
Yarn: Bernat Denim Style - Wethered Rose

This is so cute an quick I'm knitting another out of Cotton Fleece for the spring window display! I'm going to do the Monica top in Knitty to go with and maybe some felted ballet slippers.
What do you think?

Merry Christmas!

Hi Mom, its done.

Yes, its a Christmas stocking. Yes, I know its February. This is for my mom to give as a Shower gift (they know they are having a girl and have already named her...).. I'm not thrilled with my duplicate stitching and it was a big old butt pain getting the name to fit the front, but I think it works OK. Not great, but OK.I do love Santa's face... so Furry & Merry!

Now, back to my regularly scheduled knitting.... but wait! C**P. I think I need to make a gift for the same shower (even though I was not invited). Something small, quick and possibly something I have not done before.... (because I LIKE making myself crazy)

The Trouble with Tribbles

I'm totally ripping off Abigail's post from yesterday. She made them look so cute, I could NOT help myself! I did these all yesterday with leftovers from other dishcloth projects. Quick and easy, just how I like'em! (plus great knitting for the doctors office... the Mayor has "The Cough" so off to the pediatrician's office we go)

Here are some Spa Slippers I crocheted for the Spa Knit on Saturday. Everyone who came into the shop got to put a ticket in the bowl and a random winner was chosen at the end of the day! Fun!
I really need to get my WIPs organized and prioritized. I have way too many projects going on right now and feel like I'm spinning my wheels. Plus I need to knit a Christmas stocking for my mom to give as a gift it needs to be done in the next 2 weeks.... I guess I should start working on that first...
Just one more tribble........

Mock Moc

by any other name is still a Dickey!

The "OMG its freaking COLD" panic knitting continues. Finally little something for myself because, I still have to walk the dog and HE doesn't care, he has a fur coat. So I noodled up this-
I was going to call it a Tricky Dickey (let's see how many hits that gets me!) but when I showed DH, he said "Cool! A Mock Moc" So there ya go.

Its perfect. Exactly what I wanted... just a bit to cover my neck and tuck in my shirt. See? Ignore the fact that I am wearig a t-shirt, I was too lazy to change for the photo shoot.
Even better, it took only ONE SKEIN! Just a hair under 85 yards to be exact. Here are my leftovers and notes.
I decided to share, after all its cold lots of places and knitters & their famlies need to be warm. Also, these would make great gifts if I do say so myself!

Mock Moc
Yarn: Maggi's Merino Aran, 50g 85 yards (or any yarn giving you approx 5 spi, your mileage may vary)
Needles: 16 inch size 7's
Gauge: approx 5 stitches per inch
Notions: stitch marker, yarn needle

Cast on 80
Place marker & join to knit in the round
K2, P2 around for approx 2.5 inches (I got 14 rows)
bind off 10 stitches (shoulder)
K2, P2 over the next 30 stitches (leave them on your needle)
bind off 10 stitches (shoulder)
K2, P2 over the next 30 stitches
TURN and K2, P2 back
Keep knitting K2, P2 back and forth in rows until you have about 4.5 inches and Bind Off

Re-attach yarn on the leftover 30 stitches and K2,P2 for 6 inches or until you are almost out of yarn and Bind Off.

There are so many ways you can vary this... change the yarn, do a K1, P1 rib, or even maybe some ragaln increases and short rows for the section under your shirt!

If by some chance anyone knits this, send me a picture, OK?

Don't forget, Can you spare a square?

Can you spare a square?

Train of thought........

There are a bunch of people on the MonthlyDishcloth yahoo group who have posted that they knit 2 cloths at the same time. I thought, "Brilliant!". But do I really need a second cloth?

Remember I knit a bunch of fun fur hats for Kate? Well, before I committed to sending them out I wanted to check with MY local children's hospital (where The Mayor has unfortunately spent some time) , AI dupont Hospital for Children (Wilmington, DE) if they needed fun fur hats. Nope, not hats but they DO need blankets. Oh.

Anyone see where this is going? Yup. 2 cloths at once and I get squares to make blankets for the children's hospital! "Brilliant!"

Here are my first 2 squares:

ASL I Love You My idea is to add one of these squares into each blanket. The blue is cotton, the pink is Wool Ease

Next up is the Monthly Dishcloth KAL:

Don't you love the hearts? Both are knit in Wool Ease.

There are so many cute dishcloth patterns, flowers, butterflies, cars and trucks. These blankets would be perfect!

Next on the train of thought......

I could use some help. Why not post this on the Internet? Anyone have an extra square they can spare for a kids blanket?

Better yet, lets DO THIS ALL YEAR AND HAVE MONTHLY DRAWINGS!

So here is the deal:

I will collect squares 8x8 or 9x9 (face it, dishcloth knitting is not perfect and if I get enough I can match them up). If you are interested, email me at cbast25 at yahoo dot com and I'll send you my snail mail address. Put squares or dishcloths in the subject link.

The squares should be washable (kids, ya know?) cotton, wool blend, even acrylic, you get it.

For each square you send you will get a ticket in the bowl for the monthly drawing. Prizes will include (but are not limited to) yarn, jewelry, handmade stitchmarkers, handspun yarn, etc.

Prizes will be drawn the last day of the month and posted for all to see. (first drawing to be, um, the end of March?)

What do you think? Anyone? Anyone? Can you spare a square? Please?

*** note added 2pm... the moderator for the dishcloth group posted this request to the Yahoo group and HOLY COW! I have had tons of people responding! Knitters ROCK!

If you would like to send a square you can send it to my work address: (or email me )

Spare Squares c/o

Technicolorsheep

16 E Eagle Rd.

Havertown, PA 19083

Baby its COLD outside

In a panic because of the extreme cold coming & here this week, I knit mittens and a hat for the Mayor. (because this is how my brain works) His previous mittens were a bit small and I wanted them longer in the cuff so new were in order.
I knit mittens with a longer cuff and sized to fit me, then felted them to a smaller size. These will fit this year and next! They will be super warm even when wet. I'm thinking I should do a cord to attach to his coat.... but 5 is an iffy age for mitten cords... what do you think?

The hat came out a bit larger too, sigh. It will fit for a while. I know better and yet keep making the same mistake and not trusting my knitter instincts. Really, how hard is it to take 10% off the spi x head circumfrence?
I wanted a hat with ear flaps and got a helmet hat. Oh well, it works.

Projects:
Felted Mittens for the Mayor
yarn- Cascade 128
Needles- Denise 10.5
Pattern - mostly from the Knitters Handy Book of Patterns, some of my own preferences.

Helmet Hat
yarn- Cascade 129
Needles- 9's & 10's
Pattern- again some from the Knitters Handy Book of Patterns, some my own preference and I estimated the the ear flaps by putting the hat on his head and marking where I wanted them to go!

**note I really need to make a note in hat section of the book to decrease ALL cast on's by 10%. My hats may fit better.More tomorrow.............