I just found this blog, I think i was reading posts in my creators of crochet daily digest on yahoo. And this thing this girl made is AMAZING:


Those are KNIT lemmings. Jumping off a KNIT cliff. And swimming in the KNIT ocean!!! Is that KNIT-F'ing cool or what??!! There are more detail shots on her blog and they will leave you speechless.

By the way, she also has patterns for sale that are very kawai'i.

Fourth? blanket panel has hearts. In progress. Oops. Forgot to take a picture.

In search of kona coffee beans for the dedicated soldier sock knitting maven. Looking into Halawa swim classes for oldest right after school ends next month. And prepping to post a few more items to my etsy shop, Yarn Confections.

Am currently using this lovely but extrememly fuzzy organic cotton, bulky yarn that I got off eBay a while back, to make a multi-paneled blanket for hubby. I'd actually like to make his out of wool, as the stitch definition is clearer, but I had loads of this lying around and it is so very soft, so....

I hope it's less fuzzy after the washing. The fuzz is really bothering my nose as i knit with it. But after just two weeks I am already almost pau with two panels. I think I overplanned when this yarn first came in. Pored over Vogue stitionary 1 and 2 for hours trying to choose just the right designs to go with each organic color. Filling pages and pages in my knit planning notebook with notes and calculations. This time I just flipped though the stitches and picked. I already knew I liked the oxo pattern as the recipient would be a loved one. I want to try a leafy one too, in keeping with the organic theme, but the yarn texture may decide otherwise.

Here is the oxo pattern, unblocked, as it is still OTN.








Next are the two panels side by side; although this is not the final order.
The first, brown panel is in a feathery looking pattern. My kids love how the panels feel and are already trying to wrap themselves up in the strips.

I just bought a yarn ball winder off eBay as my arm got tired that last time I wound the green ball. Now I have to make a swift. YES, I said MAKE.

The weather pixie shows sunny skies but it's been raining off and on all day. Got wet walking into that open all the time exercise place, dropping my kid off at school, picking my kid up from school, getting the mail, moving the car. No laundry hanging today.

Latest, coolest projects: TRIVETS. All-cotton, multi-stranded, ocean themed trivets.
Crab pattern from crochetroo on etsy
with 5 strands and a P hook.
Sand dollar used 3 strands. Free pattern online.
Fish used size 17 needles and 6 strands. Made two and slip stitched them together. Free pattern online.

I gotta tell you, these were FUN! My smart friend K tasked me with making here three trivets of varying sizes, with specific dimensions to fit her pans, and gave me free reign from there. At fist I was going to make the Hot Out of the Oven potholders using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky Hand Dye. I've been dying to get that yarn! But then I thought about washability as well as thickness, and I came up with using lots of strands of dish cloth type cotton yarn. Using 6 strands for the knit fish was quite a tangly challenge! But the results were better than expected. I worked from fresh balls each time, so as to avoid running out of yarn mid-way and having extra ends to weave in. If you don't use beads, these trivets are squishy soft, thick, and machine washable and dryable - definitely a bonus.

I realize I'm only posting weekly now. Found that in posting more often, I was spending too much time surfing the net instead of doing whatever task I had turned the computer on for in the first place. This way, at least I have planny pitchas to share.

Have also learned that if I'm lazy and don't take the pics using hubby's tripod, the image is not as clear. Just can't get around that in micro mode with the slower shutter speed.

Feverishly trying to finish up lesson 2 of 3 of my TKGA Basics correspondence course begun last May. Got sidetracked by all other knitting and crocheting goodnesss. That and the lack of readily available light colored wool in Hawaii to work the swatches in.

Anyhoo, biggest pair of Big Black Socks, sized 14 after wash & dry are done and shipped off to some lucky big guy.

Bookmarck exchange recipient's package also sent out. Forgot to tack picha.

Hubby ordered bookmarks to send to clients. I chose a freebie octo pattern found online and crochetroo gecko.


The wings are off etsy. Very fun to maker, harder to rig up. I removed middle section and extra cast on stitches after lace pattern pau so would fit my child. That and removed one pattern repeat. This pattern is so beautiful i think i'll make a sweater thing out of it at some point.

BBS

The gigantigous, humongufying supergallopagus Big Black Socks are almost pau. Just the toes of both to finish. Actually just the toe of one. Will kitchener the first one shut when I am absolutely sure they are both the same length. These are size 15. These may be the last pair of BBS is do. My hands really hurt from knitting them after each session. The foot is knit very snuggly in larger yarn than the cuff for more durable wear.

I saw a picture of a widow sleeping in her sleeping bag next to her husband's flag-covered coffin the night before the funeral. And I just felt so sad for her, for the other families who'd lost people in this war. Knitting these boring socks is also a reminder to me to be thankful for my blessings and that my husband is safer for not being military. We don't think about it that much, but as Americans, we pay a heavy price for our freedoms.

Taking a break from endless rows of tiny, black sock ribbing on size 1 needles, I knit this:
Yes, it's a pie. Needed something completely frivolous.
Pattern: Dad's Blueberry Pie by Jennifer Tallapaneni
Yarn: Red Heart
Needles: size 6
I was supposed to use size 8 needles on the top crust but missed that part when I was going over the directions. I've been wanting to make this thing forever, but couldn't find the occasion. Then my kids were driving me crazy yesterday so I decided to finish it up instead of yell any more at thems.

This thing was so fun, I wanna make all kinds of colors now!

Pie, Bacteria, Baby, and Kid
I feel like I'm always trying to post this as fast as I can before am needeed by a kid.

The soldier socks are taking forever because I'm using only size 1 needle and cast on 80 stitches! There's a reason knitters don't make big people socks all the time! I just thought some big guy could use a pair of big black handknit socks from the states. I am seriously wondering if I can pump out two pairs of these puppies. Maybe I'll change the ribbing to make it novel the next time around.

I have joined a real live, VINTAGE, stitch n bitch!!! This group has been meeting for 20 years! They are listed in the Department of Parks and Recreation adult classes in my area. Currently they meet at the community center every week! I am so thrilled! I think I probably knit the most far-out stuff: creatures and such. Not sure they had knit socks before but they are fun to hang with. (My kids are screaming at the top of their lungs right now but they ain't bothering me so I'ma happy!)

Had to knit a last-minute gift for a two-year old and this is what came out of my yarnage:I'm thinking of naming it after the Staph bacteria I recently read about that is penicilin resistent, can cross the skin barrier, and can lead to a flesh-eating bacerial infecton. If that doesn't freak you out, I don't know what will. This critter is bigger than the other bacterias because it was for a younger person than the other recipients. I used Caron Softee Chunky and size 4 dpns. The little leggies are in double stranded Caron Simply Soft on same dpns.Before working on the bacteria, I tried making this blueberry pie slice. But it was taking too long so I stopped to whip up the bacteria. After, I finished the filling. Now to do the crusts. I have wanted to make this thing for a while, but what r ya gonna do with a fake slice of pie?! It sure is more fun than that black sock ribbing, I tell ya.
And this is my youngest's newest baby. She doesn't want the hat that goes with it but will settle for a diaper. I'd like to modify the velcro attachments to buttonholes for faster finishing. The baby is adorable, smaller than its older sister made for the older sister. I think she needs a piko (belly button in hawaiian). This is the third baby I've made. They are fun and fast.
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft, but with Lisa Souza deep purple sock yarn for eyes
Pattern: Oli's Baby by anapaulaoli.etsy.com
Hook: F

And last but certainly not least, this is why I stay home:Just think, I'd miss this stuff if I worked outside the home. In a SANE environment.

Soldier Socks!
I recently started knitting big black soldier socks for socks for soldiers. The organization run by Kim Opperman sends handknit socks to soldiers oversees. Button on my sidebar. She wants mostly black socks the soldiers can wear under their boots, but colored leisure socks are accepted as well. So this is my third pair of BBS (big blac socks). First time with Knit Picks Essential and Swish for the thicker foot.

Yesterday my kid actually sat in a box and sang her heart out. I have video. It was so cute. Very few video of the second kiddo, mostly of first. Taking her to nap now. Hopefully. Then to pick up older one from school. It's raining so i can't kick the kids outside and tell them "go play!" Since the bigger one is into art, watching less tv, thankfully. Little one, however, started asking for the boob tube more often, what with the rain.

Socks!
Been working on socks for my dad, what with the weather being cooler lately. Everybody could use more socks. Also I felt bad that the only handknit socks he owned and apparently wore all the time, are this garish pink grey and blue color. Cute on a girl but lots silly on my dad.

This is the first sock. It is a beautiful brown Regia stripe color in an Eagle wing pattern. Full info. to be posted upon completion. The red heel and toe are because my mom complained she wouldn't be able to see the sock on their wood floor.

And I think my sister's received her bunny, so here is the original posting.

You Tube!
Have you seen this awesome phenomenon?!! It blows my mind that I can learn the twisted german cast-on in real-time from someone NOT IN THE ROOM. For any craftser or do-it-yourself-er, the possibilities of learning things via video with the easy accesss of the internet are endless! Endless I tell you! I am so excited about this! Of course I'm gonna search for knitting stuff, but my husband can look for survival techniques, my kid can search for clay crafting, anything! More prurient learnng opportunities run through my mind as well but it's the online yarn manipulation knowledge that I will mostly peruse. Ya right. Really!

I get so engrossed in other people's sites I forget to post my own! Or run out of kids-not-pestering me-needing something-fighting with sharp instruments-time.

Finished another bunny for youngest. Added flower necklace after pic.
Pattern: Lion Brand freebie
designed by one of my favorite amigurumi designers roxycraft!
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Hook: F
This is the first time I've used buttons for eyes. Since it is not going to a baby I figured was ok. Kinda cute. Haven't bought thouse safety doll eyes yet. Those really make amigurumi look so kawai!

Another bacteria. Waiting to see which of my family members will make a request. Otherwise, goes in the nonexistent-but- really-should-have- standby-gift cache.
Pattern: Knitted Bacteria by loxosceles
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Needles: size 4 dpn

Fish are for bookmarks!
Pattern: (off etsy but cannot find link now) Crochetroo designs from Australia - Queensland rock -pools and beaches
Yarn: sock yarn in stash
Hook: don't remember, sorry. Did bunch in a crocheting frenzy one day while kiddos playing outside.
Loved using a bead in the crochet, even if it was only one each.

Knitted bacteria lady has kindly sent me her site address for any interested in also trying. Thanks!

Also working on thing for Sis's 20 something birthday but bogged down by pattern errata...

More Bacteria!!

These for the children of two nurses. My husband kept the pink one. They are so fast and easy to knit! The kids are still patiently waiting for theirs.

Newly gifted:

knitted bacteria!!
pattern: Knitted Bacteria by Beth Skwarecki of knitty.com Nautie fame (her blog no longer features this pattern, sorry, folks)
yarn: mostly Caron Simply Soft
needles: size 4 dpn
These were SO FUN to make! My husband wanted them as soon as he found out what they were. He has requrested a bunch for his nurse friends' kids.

and

Flower Power bracelet from crochetme
yarn: Lion Brand Microspun and Sugar n Cream for flowers
hook: F
notes: The bracelet turned out too long but doubled it could easily become a ponytail decoration or baby bracelet. I could have used more contrasting colors to bracelet to make effect more striking.

and

It's a giant insect thing!
pattern: Phil from Jungle Bugs by Melissa Mall
yarn: Red Heart - the thing is actually blue but the flash makes it look purple
hook: G
Red Heart is stiffer and slightly thicker than Caron Simply Soft so I used the hook called for in the pattern versus the one size smaller hook I usually use. Another fun critter to craft. Another covetted by hubby and kids. A winner! Of course, another gifted away, to my kids' great disappointment. I've promised to make more for said offspring but you know, it's hard to see the fruit of your labors tossed about, left on the ground, kicked, sat on, forgotten, and all those things you know the gift recipient will probably do as well, but at least I won't have to pick it up, put it away, or clean it!

I think this is a mag knits pattern. In Lion Brand cashmere. The baby recipient apparently enjoys it. I am happy. The other pics of her are SO cute! It will fit her for a while. Good, considering only gets cold enough to wear a hat for maybe two months out of the year over here.

I wanna knit myself a sweater but by the time I start thinking about it and trolling for yarn and pattern, the cool weather will be a distant memory before the sleeves are even cast on. Ah, but that cascade 220 sale at ben franklin got my juices going. Found great cabled bag pattern requiring only 2 skeins of cascade AFTER the yarn sale was over. But there goes my excuse to buy even more yarn. It's a beautiful bag, don't you think?! And it was FREE! Click on image to go to her webpage.

Two things

Finishing last minute girl gifts (gifts for girls between the ages of 7 and 12) and working on last-minute little boy gifts (between 1 and 4 yrs.). Those little boys are hard to knit for if I've already given them my standard wash cloth and soap set! I guess I could always change the design of the wash cloth and the book given with it.

First pic of a choker, using the fastening button as the centerpiece.

The second pic here is of a knitty thing that looked fun to knit. I used big yarn and a FUN color! It still needs a face and neck shaping, but my older daughter has seized it for her very own and refuses to allow it a face. Could be disturbing...I thought initially to gift these critters to the little boys, but worried about long appendages causing some choke/barfing episodes and changed mind.

In any case, a purple one with lime hair and tail is in the works. Hopefully, with a face.

These are both Walmart yarns. Bernat, i think.

I should be bathing. Myself. The kids. Or shopping for groceries for tomorrow's dinner. Or some other useful gettng ready for Christmas thing. Instead, I'm doing stuff like this quiz about my accent (see sidebar) and cleaning up my bookmarks folder on mozilla. While the kids fight and not get ready for bed. Ah me. Well. See, it's all the fault of this excellent book I didn't read but readily discussed at my Moms Club book group today:

Finding out that we just have to let our kids have play space and play time and let them try and let them fail and and...just be there for them to become happy, well-adjusted individuals. That and, get a pet, help them feel part of some kind of community or group, and a few other really key things thay my friend K had the total skinny on. Highly recommended book. Now I HAVE to read it. She and I both wanted to wave it in our mother's faces and say "see! see how you warped us!!" I guess that's a little disturbing. But honest!

But there are finished object pictures to share:
beaded choker






dinosaur washcloth & soap


dino wash cloth and choker (not a set)


wristlet






I wrapped all our pesents in this brown craft paper with a simple, boldly colored purple ribbon and it was SO EASY! Usually I moan and express great anguish over bulk present wrapping. I get stressed, my back hurts, and the gifts come out looking like my kids wrapped them anyway. With the craft paper, I was so arted-out over the lovinly hand-crafted things inside, that I just wanted something simple, fast, easy, and preferably low-cost (read FREE) to gift them in. The plain paper was perfect. The kids helped decorate it before and after wrapping, SOMETIMES, but there was a lot of little things to wrap and after awhile, my eager artists wandered away. So I happily completed almost all the gift-wrapping for friends' kids in a few evenings, while listening to harry potter on CD, and a few knitting-related or harry potter related podcasts. I LOVE podcasts. They are the coolest things ever for this book-on-tape girl.

I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO REGULAR WRAPPING PAPER AGAIN.

More FO for Christmas
This digital pic taking at the macro setting is tricky! The shutter speed is slower so I have to hold the camera still longer and there's no flash so there has to be adequate illumniation for the picture to come out right.
First pic at right is a bunch of dino wash cloths piled on top the baby gift octopus, with the red beaded choker on top. The colors looked so striking together. Too bad all going to different peoples.


Tyrannosaurus and Brontosaurus dino wash cloths for some lucky little boys, to accompany the board book How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague. I bought a slew the last time I ordered from Scholastic Books.