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:

(Insert Witty Title)

Not really sure, once again, what to blog about today. The computer and Blogger and kind of pissing me off right now, so this should be short and sweet. I should have taken pictures earlier when the light was good, to show you my nearly-complete Campfire Scarf- all the knitting is done, just need to weave in ends and find some buttons! Luckily, I have quite a few months before it'll be cold enough to wear it. In other crafty news, I've been crocheting quite a bit, too. Kind of hush-hush stuff, so that's all I'm going to say right now. I started a sock last night, too! I decided to go with the Jaywalkers, since it seems to be a good starter pattern, and it has sizes, and one of them is mine! Woo! There's a wee bit of craziness with it, but that's a story for another day. Alright, I'm sick of sitting here already. See you tomorrow!

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!

Projects Update

I'm very proud to say that I've been making very good progress on my WIPs! Yesterday afternoon I finished the One Skein ruffle scarf: I ended up only using one skein of the Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky- I still have one left. I'm not sure if I want to make a matching hat, or do something completely different with it. I guess we'll see. I did a total of 15 repeats of the motif, instead of the recommended 8, and I'm happy with the length. now it just needs a bath! I also made some great sock progress- look! I made a heel! I actually knit another inch or so on the leg after I took this picture- I just wanted to show everyone my first heel! As much as I am annoyed by the short row heel and toe, I think I like the way it looks enough to put up with the small annoyances of it. I am going to try other toe-up heels at some point, though. The sock still fits well- I think my next pair I might make a tiny bit smaller, so the fit is nice and snug. Hopefully once I finish this one, I'll still be motivated to do the second one. I should- I really am excited to have a pair of hand knit socks! HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

I'm a Hooker!

Yes, it's true. I have picked up a new craft. Hooking. Er, I mean, crocheting. heehee! I'm having a lot of fun with it! I was a bit wary at how well I would be able to pick it up, as every time I have tried I couldn't figure it out. I got the hang of it, though, and like it a lot! I still like knitting better, but I like the different texture of crochet. Here is a picture of my first two projects- the square dishcloth is the one I did yesterday- you can see on the lower edge that I started offa bit looser that I finished it- I started out knittin the same way. The other dishcloth is a star shape -I thought I would go for something al ittle more challenging for my second project- that one isn't quite finished, but just a few more rows! Well, although James is a bit apprehensive about me going to Albuquerque to meet up with a group of strangers, I am going to the craft Night with the ABQ Stitch n' Bitch girls tomorrow- yaay! I'm pretty excited to meet them all ( I have been reading their blogs for a few weeks now) and have a few baby-free hours. Tomorrow is going to be busy- I have to get grocery shopping and laundry done too, and James has his painting class in the afternoon, so no help from him for a few hours. That's all for now, I have a dishcloth to finish!