What's Knitting (And Crocheting!)

Contrary to the recent activity on this blog, it is still about the crafting! I have been knitting, but not as much, since I have this huge sewing project going on. (FYI: I don't think I'm going to do a separate dress diary, but just put posts for it in their own category, and make you guys deal with it.) Conducive to my summer knitting goals, I've been working on some projects that have been sitting waaay too long. First off was finishing this amigurumi: I've had the bits and bobs for this one all done for a while, just needed to finish stuffing and sewing her together. Cute, huh? I originally had planned to send her off to someone, but Monsterette took an instant liking to her, and has claimed her as her own. (No kidding, I had to wait until she was asleep and sneak it out of the bed to take pictures.) The yarn is Caron Simply Soft in lavender. I suppose if you really want the pattern info and are too lazy to go look at my Ravelry projects page for it (or don't have Ravelry), I'll give it to you. Next up is one of three or four preemie hats I crocheted, all which just needed the ends woven in: They're all identical, so I only took pictures of one. Kind of cute, though! And they're itty bitty! It's hard to imagine there are wee little babies born with heads that small. I should've put a quarter or something in the picture for reference, but I didn't. You'll just have to imagine. They do fit inside the palm of my hand, though. Last, but definitely not least, is my new favorite project. I'm stunned by it every time I pick it up, and I know it's going to be gorgeous when all is said and done: This is the Celtic Cable Neckwarmer pattern, and it ROCKS. The little cables are actually kind of fun, and I love how it is turning out. I actually started this the first time at one of my Tuesday night Stitch n' Bitch meetings, but had to rip it out, due to cable-reversing wonkiness. (Ah, what we lefty knitters have to do to make cables look right!) At any rate, it's a nice, challenging knit that I'm enjoying. Now, because I can, a few close-ups to say goodbye:

More Robins

For some reason, I just can't seem to get robins off the brain! I decided to branch out a bit more into the world of amigurumi, and this is what I got: I must say, though, that this robin is particularly cheeky. After only a few photos, it tweeted something at me angrily (sorry there's no translation, I don't speak tweet) and turned to leave: I was rather shocked by the wee bird's attitude, especially because it's made of wool and stuffing. All I could do when it jumped up onto the planter was stammer and take another photo: Shortly after this picture was taken, the little robin sighed (well, I think he did), tweeted what I assumed was goodbye, and flew off into the warm afternoon breeze. Who knows where he his heading? I do hope he ends up happy in his new home, wherever that may be. If you want to make your own cheeky bird, here is the pattern. I wish mine had that same fat, rotund look as hers, though. Oh well, he's gone now. See you tomorrow!

Crazy Happy Crochet Fun!!

So, I've been obsessing about amigurumi, which are small, simple, crocheted "dolls". Since I'm not very good at crocheting (or following crochet instructions, for that matter), I decided to start with something small. I finished this little guy in about 2 hours last night: This is a Gabu. You can find the free pattern here, if you want to make your own! Very simple, and kind of fun to do. I need to get some eyes, though, if I'm going to be making more amigurumi. Yes, there will be more. Now I just need to figure out what to do with them! I really kind of love him. He's cute, and his wee little beady (well, buttony) eyes watch me from his perch above the computer. Cute, huh? Tomorrow: Spinning! Mine, even! WOO!