Knitting with KyleAnn

It's All in the Name

2011-10-04T14:20:00.001-04:00

Dawn from As Sweet as Cinnamon wants to know why the different blogs are named what they are. She is even holding a contest if you are willing to blog why your blog is named what it is. Go here to link up your post for the contest.

When I started my blog, I already had a website called KyleAnn's Kreations. I was a fledgling knit designer and showcased my new and kustom knit and krochet designs. I didn't think I could call my blog the same name (I wasn't computer-savvy enough then to know I could, but also wanted to avoid confusion), so I named my blog Knitting with KyleAnn (it's all about me, you know!)

Of course, back then I wasn't into quilting yet, but I saw no reason to change the name. Although, if someone were to come up with a name that I can't resist, then I just might consider changing my blog name! If you have a suggestion on what I could rename my blog, leave it in a comment below! Be nice, tho! This is a family-oriented site. :-)

Back from N.C. and Progress!

2011-09-13T19:12:00.000-04:00

Tom and I spent nearly a week down in the mountains of North Carolina - just 10 miles away from the Tennessee border. We were at one of the TVA lakes (Hiwassee) at the "cabin" of Tom's cousin and his wife, Michael and Ann. They spent the weekend there as well. We had a wonderful time. It was so beautiful there, so relaxing, and the weather cooperated. Thanks, Michael and Ann!

I spent most of the drive down, during the visit, and the drive back knitting on the 3-to-2 Any Gauge Sweater I mentioned in a previous post. The back is just a rectangle - knit on the bias. And I got it down! Yay!! And I have started the front. Here is a picture of the back on the blocking mats I bought from KnitPicks.com. I can't wait for it to dry. Hopefully it won't take too long to finish the front and I can get it on the mats. In the picture, the black/white tweed looks gray. I think i will make 3/4 length sleeves for this sweater.

Almost finished with the laundry from the trip. Better go get it done!

Block Swap! and contest

2011-09-04T17:28:00.002-04:00

Encouraged by my daughter-in-law, Mary, I joined a block swap on the internet. There are five other people in the swap. We all listed our favorite colors and our dislikes, and now we make a 12" (finished) block for each of the others. I just finished my first! And I LOVE it!!! I'm really going to hate mailing it, but I must.

I now have a few entries on my Quilt Book Club blog. If you are having trouble posting a comment, make sure your name is in your comment and set your ID as "anonymous". I now have to approve all comments, but at least they are being posted without error messages! If you name is not in your comment, I will no longer be able to approve it. And remember, you have four opportunities to win the drawing, so make sure you make a separate comment for each one that applies to you!

Hope to see tons of entries!!

Time for a New Knitting Project

2011-08-31T21:44:00.000-04:00

Peggy Shawl by Heartstrings Fiber Arts

I haven't been knitting much because I am having to re-train my left hand. But I finally completed another Peggy Shawl that I started in February with a sport-weight yarn. Been playing a little with another shawl in a DK yarn. Now I am going to try a tried-and-true sweater pattern. It's the 3-to-2 Any Gauge Sweater by Heartstrings Fiber Arts. I have made several of these but have, (throat clearing), outgrown them. They are such a joy to make - so easy and fairly quick. You can use any yarn with appropriate size needles to create the sweater that correctly fits YOU. No worries about meeting gauge, etc. You really ought to check it out!

3-to-2 Sweater

I have no idea what the yarn is that I am going to use. It's just a HUGE cone of yarn, probably synthetic, MAYBE a blend. It's a black/gray tweed and I am using size 7 (US) needles. Don't know how long my hands will last, but I will certainly give it a try!

New Blog!

2011-08-29T10:28:00.000-04:00

I have created a new blog for an online quilt-along! Be sure to check it out and tell all your quilting friends - there is even a give-away contest! If the "blog" link does not work, go to KyleAnnsQuiltBookClub.blogspot.com.

Great Day!

2011-07-12T19:13:00.000-04:00

Had SO (maybe that should be SEW) much fun today! Three of my quilting "buds" came over for a sew-in. Loretta, Peggy, and my beautiful granddaughter, Jenn, brought their machines and a project or two to my house and we sat and sewed all day.

My goal for the day was to make a cover for my major expensive (50 cents!) pocket calendar. Used my quilting software to print off a foundation pieced pattern for the Ohio Star block - but I wanted it to be three inches square. I thought foundation (paper) piecing would be easier than cutting those tiny pieces and sewing them together. I am very pleased with the result!

Thanks, guys, for a great day!

MY chair

2011-07-03T23:39:00.000-04:00

Sorry, Mom. It's MY chair! Guess you'll have to sit on the floor!

Love my featherweight!

2011-06-30T19:00:00.001-04:00

Today's been a relatively quiet, yet productive, day. Had my last insurance-paid therapy this morning. :( I will miss the therapy, but I will miss my new friends more. We all had so much fun (why should physical therapy be miserable?).

Cut fabric for the July fabric swap at Goodtime Quilters in Circleville. Cut the July mystery quilt for Always In Stitches. Then I brought out the little Singer Featherweight I just bought from a friend. It's SO cute! Nothing fancy. Only does straight stitch. But it's small and lightweight, making it easy to tote to sewing events. Got it all cleaned up (it really needed it!) and started working on a quilt.

Then prepared Homemade Gourmet Skillet Lasagna for dinner. Didn't have everything it called for so made lots of substitutions. It's tasty. Tom and I are sitting and eating it now. [Deep, contented sigh] Can you feel the relaxation and satisfaction?

Prize Winning Student!

2011-06-29T10:51:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS to Kay Melvin, who took a first place ribbon at the Pickaway County Fair on her bag from the Felted Tote class at Always in Stitches! (Along with several other ribbons on items she made!!) Good job, Kay!

Quilting Can Be Therapy Too!

2011-06-28T15:52:00.000-04:00

As you read in my previous post, I had a wonderful "quilting weekend." Granted, most of the sewing was done on the machine, but I had a lot of "fine motor skill" practice on the quilt pictured on the previous post.

On Monday, some friends came to my house to sew and we had a lot of fun! I did not use my machine yesterday. I did hand-sewing. I had to finish the binding on another jelly roll quilt. This quilt was done in scarlet and gray fabric, with a little white and black thrown in for good measure. I made it for the brother of one of my therapists, John. Joe, who is currently in the hospital with Stage IV cancer, is also an OSU fan. John, on the other hand, is a Michigan fan. So I had double the fun making it!

Sewing the binding on did require fine motor skills with my left (sore) hand. With the quilt being approximately 68x50, I got lots of therapeutic practice (with plenty of breaks).

As you can see in one of these pictures, I also quilted in a cancer ribbon in one corner. The others are of John receiving, and proudly displaying, Joe's folded quilt.

Thank you, Heirloom Quilters of West Jeff

2011-06-26T19:47:00.000-04:00

A friend invited me to join a weekend quilt retreat in Piketon, Ohio. Her mother is a member of Heirloom Quilters of West Jefferson, Ohio, and the guild had opened up their retreat to other quilters. There were a couple members from the Mt. Sterling guild there, and my daughter-in-law, Mary, went with me. These women are lovely people and they were each-and-every-one making beautiful quilts. Mary and I were made to feel very welcome and we had a wonderful time.

Before my surgery in March I had started a Fun and Done quilt named Easy Diamonds. This pattern is, indeed, an easy and fun quilt to make. Basically, you quilt-as-you-go, sash-as-you-go, and self-bind. When you are done, well, you are done! Having said that, I didn't get it finished before surgery. I took it to the retreat with me this weekend and it is DONE! YAY!

None of these pictures show the colors at all well. I used 3 shades of gray and 3 shades of red. The sashing/binding/backing is a dark charcoal.

Thank you, ladies, for a wonderful weekend and for new friendships.

New Project from 1 Choice 4 Quilting

2011-06-21T14:21:00.000-04:00

1Choice4Quilting has a Quilting Book Club. Basically, they pick 3-4 projects from the book and you have a month to complete each project. This month's selection is Posie Patch from Modern Basics. Here is mine - ready to be quilted by next week It's not a great picture and SO doesn't show the colors at all well. But it's the best I can do right now.

Little Wallet

2011-06-17T23:08:00.000-04:00

Always In Stitches just got in a new pattern - a sewing card - for the Little Wallet. It's so darned cute! They made up about 20 kits. I had some scrap fabric with me so I made one out of my scraps. Now it matches my Kindle cover that I made and it will hold my Bluetooth that I keep misplacing. The picture on the left is the inside, or "opened up" view. On the right is the closed or outside view.

Physical Therapy (aka Pink Ribbon) Socks Finished!

2011-06-15T23:30:00.000-04:00

Here are the socks I've been working on! John got a preview of them on Tuesday before I was finished putting the pink ribbons on, but I will give them to him tomorrow. I had a lot of fun designing and making them. Excited that I can knit a little, though not up to my usual standard. But it's progress!!! (Doing the happy dance!)

Something Old, Something New

2011-06-13T18:26:00.003-04:00

I mentioned in an earlier post about making a pair of white socks with pink ribbons for the mother of one of my physical therapists. My hand hasn't healed enough for me to get the tension correct to knit the ribbons in the socks, so am using the duplicate stitch to add the ribbons. Work like this goes much more smoothly, and easier, if you use a darning egg. I remembered the one my grandmother used - doesn't look like an "egg" at all, but is perfect for this project.

My grandmother was born in the late 1800's and died in the early 1970's. So that gives you an idea how old this "egg" is. At first, all I could think of was how pleased my mom would be to know I am using it. Indeed, I wanted to call and tell her! I still have many moments like that. But I am sure she knows anyway. :-) Don't you?

Great New Giveaway

2011-06-07T12:35:00.003-04:00

1 Choice 4 Quilting is another getaway! Go to their blog for all the details and to see their great new line of fabrics and new notions.

Quilting the Jelly Roll Race Quilt

2011-05-31T20:21:00.003-04:00

I am having too much fun with this quilt! As you can see, I have started quilting it. I really want to finish it tomorrow, but I have physical therapy tomorrow for my hand and will probably not be in any condition to do much of anything. :( However, we'll see. In the meantime, I really like the quilting pantograph I chose and the way it looks on the quilt!

DONE (but not in 35 minutes!!!!)

2011-05-29T21:13:00.004-04:00

Participating in the Jelly Race at 1 Choice 4 Quilting was WAY fun! Even if you aren't interested in the contest/race, I encourage you to check out their blog and review the pattern for this quilt. She was so imaginative in incorporating Indy 500 race preparations with the instructions. Great read and delightful project.

Here is my Mr. Wonderful holding up the completed quilt top. I used fabric strips that my daughter-in-law, Mary (Quilt Genius) cut for me and made into a jelly roll.

Jelly Roll Quilt Contest!

2011-05-29T16:57:00.002-04:00

Do you love Jelly Rolls as much as I do? Check out the Race Day Contest at 1 Choice for Quilting. It's a really cute idea, based on Indy 500 racing and offers a great way to make a quilt really fast using a Jelly Roll or your own 2-1/2" strips. I'd tell you more, but the website covers everything much better than I ever could and I have to get quilting! I have less than 24 hours to complete my quilt so I can enter the contest, although the website says the fastest done was 35 MINUTES!!!! Oh my! I better get sewing!

Knitting is Therapy!

2011-05-25T19:42:00.003-04:00

After my cast was removed following the surgery on my thumb, I had to have physical therapy. I was told that most insurance companies will only pay for 70%-90% recovery. I informed the therapist that I expect 100% recovery and I don't care what it takes! I told them that knitting and quilting are very important to me. So they had me bring in my knitting so I could show them what forms of dexterity are required. That was a couple weeks ago. Now I have progressed enough that knitting is part of my therapy homework - along with massaging the scars with Vitamin E cream to help stretch the ligaments and exercising my wrist with 1# weights.

One of the therapists has a twin brother who was very recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. :-( John (therapist) was asking me how long it takes to make various articles. Then he wanted to know what I would charge to make a pair of white socks with the pink cancer ribbons for a woman who wears a size 7.5 shoe. His mom? His sister-in-law?

I never gave him an answer, but when I got home, I ordered a cotton-blend sport yarn. It arrived today! So I got busy designing the chart for the pink ribbon and cast on the socks. I have about an inch done, but my hands are exhausted and sore, so i need to quit for now. Hope to have time to work on the socks tomorrow! I will post pics when I get a little more done.

Blogger's Quilt Festival

2011-05-16T13:17:00.004-04:00

My daughter-in-law (Mary of Quilt Genius and Our Hoppy Place) is always finding neat websites and blogs with fun and interesting posts. The most recent is Amy's Creative Side post about her Blogger's Quilt Festival.

So far, my all-time-favorite quilt I have made is Debbie Caffrey's 911 quilt, so named because someone who made it thought they counted 911 pieces. I don't know if they miscounted or if I made a different size, but there were well over 1100 pieces!

I made this at a quilt retreat, spending about 36 total hours on the pieced top. My son, who dropped by the retreat site to say "hi" to his wife, even stitched a few pieces. :-) She (Mary) is truly a genius, especially when it comes to colors. Determined to move me out of my comfort zone, Mary selected batiks in orange, yellow, and a pink? magenta? (The picture is really BAD!) BUT, I did get a first place ribbon at the 2010 Goodtime Quilters Quilt Show in Circleville Ohio.

Last day before heading home!

2011-04-28T15:35:00.004-04:00

Weather is really yukky today. But we are not about to stay cooped up in the condo, no matter how nice it is! Not raining - yet - but the wind is ferocious.

We drove into town (New Bern) and found yet another quilt shop. Woo-hoo! The N ew Bern Fabric Center is a very nice shop with wonderful staff, and they are the local Bernina rep. There was a Pfaff dealer down the road but they weren't open. At the fabric center, I picked up some seersucker to make me a summer dress and some quilt fabric as well.

After that, we headed to our main destination for the day - the New Bern Antiques & Collectibles Mall. Nice shop! A lot of stalls for individual/independent vendors to display their wares.

We were deceived by the size - it seemed small from the outside - but it has several wings! I found a Spode thimble to add to my collection and a Pfaltzgraff cake plate (for $5!!!) for a friend. Not a bad day!

Got back to our condo to find a message from the welcome center - the weather is to get rather ugly and we need to be on the watch for it! OK. We can do that.

All right, no more posts till we get back. Happy weekend everyone!

More of the"tourist thing"

2011-04-28T15:28:00.003-04:00

OK, it is now Wednesday. This time, we drove to Aurora to the Fossil Museum. Very small, seemingly dead town, but a nice little museum. Seems to focus mainly on sharks. To be fair, they do have other exhibits, but those were in the minority. Across the street they have the Fossil Museum Learning Center where they have exhibits of fossils that they believe to be 500 million years old. AND, they have a small parking lot filled with gravel, sand, seashells, and fossils that you can dig through to see what treasures you can find. nuff said!

Doing the "Tourist Thing"

2011-04-27T10:15:00.012-04:00

OK, yesterday's weather was a bit "iffy". In fact, it rained off and on most of the day, but that might have been our "new" location. Tom and I drove about 45 min to go over a bridge to one of the islands, not far from the Outer Banks. Atlantic Beach to be exact, to the historic site of Fort Macon. By all accounts, this fort was really a kind of a waste, protection-wise, but it's certainly interesting. Look it up sometime! And wouldn't Tom be great as the next Vanna? lol

But I forgot something! (How on earth could I?) BEFORE we went to Fort Macon, we stopped by one of two quilt shops in the area (Morehead City). Sew It Seams is a charming little shop filled with brights and batiks - loved it! Didn't buy anything there, but wouldn't mind going back.

After visiting Fort Macon, we drove back to Morehead City to another quilt shop - The Quilted. This shop is half designer fabric and half quilt shop. Beautiful fabric! Brights, Orientals, Batiks. Picked up some fabric there. She had a beautiful quilt that she had designed and made for their shop hop 2011. SHOP HOP!! Did you hear that? I couldn't believe they'd already had their shop hop, but it seems it's the first week of February to help beat the winter doldrums. (Shall we compare "winter doldrums" notes?) But I gotta figure out the dates - looks like the hop is held Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, and Mon. Hard to get a condo for those days. it's usually Fri to Fri, Sat to Sat or Sun to Sun. hmmmmmmmmmm

Well, anyway, after that we ate lunch at Cox's - good home-cookin'. Tom and I shared the pot roast with baked sweet potato and corn (asked for carrots, but that's OK). Then on to our next adventure . . . . . . . .

The Ma ritime Museum in Beaufort. It was interesting, fun, short, but want does one want for free? The museum's focus was on Blackbeard and his ship, Queen Anne's Revenge.

After that we were two tired little puppies, so we decided to take the free ferry back to the mainland. By this time, the wind is really picking up. If we were required to stand on the deck, it would have been quite interesting. As it was, the captain (or whatever you call him) was finding it quite challenging to line us up with the dock so we could drive off. The wind just wasn't cooperating.

Obviously, we made it back to the condo for some rest. See you tomorrow!

Cap'n Tom

2011-04-25T14:28:00.004-04:00

Went for a walk before lunch, after the meeting at the Rec Center to welcome us and tell us all about everything available in the immediate area and fairly close by, as well. We can even get on the ferry to the Outer Banks, if we choose.

Well, we spent part of this afternoon on a sailboat with Captain Melinda. She is one awesome sailor. Very enjoyable sail on her 43-foot sloop. Center is a pic of Melinda talking to one of the other passengers. You can't tell from this pic how TINY she is. She has sailed this sailboat to the Bahamas and back, by herself. Above is Tom, enjoying the cruise.

Below is Cap'n Tom! Actually, he was the helmsman. He spent a good 45 minutes steering after we were in full sail.

It's been a glorious day! Beautiful, sunny, nice breeze, great day for sailing!! Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

New Bern, NC

2011-04-25T10:25:00.003-04:00

Home of Pepsi-Cola! It's beautiful down here!!!! Warm, sunny, interesting. Our condo is on the Neuse River. Sorry, no beach! There is a pond right outside our unit and there are a total of 3 "observation decks." Here is a picture of me, last night on the deck right outside our door.

There is a trail around this particular pond that is about 5/8 mile long. Tom and I have walked it a couple times already. You know Tom, he's already ridden his bike (included with the condo) seveal miles.

We have no internet in the condo - have to go to the recreation center behind our unit (couldn't get connected, though, until one of the staff helped me!) or back to the welcome center - over 5 miles away.

We attended a wonderful Easter service yesterday morning at Tabernacle Baptist Church in New Bern. Saturday, we walked around historic downtown New Bern. Saw the pharmacy where Pepsi Cola was first made. There are several different tours we want to check out, too. Shortly we are going on a sailboat around the river. Don't know if it will take us to the ocean or not.

Getting lots of reading and resting done! We've been fixing Homemade Gourmet-very easy, very quick meals. So far, we've fixed Corn Chowder and Tres Queso Breakfast Skillet. Yummy!!!! And Saturday, we picked up fresh produce at the Farmer's Market for a great salad!

Gotta get off here and start having fun! Watch for more tomorrow!!!!

Scarves and Shawls

2011-02-25T17:17:00.004-05:00

I haven't posted anything about the Sausalito scarf since my last trip to the frog pond. (deep sigh) Well, it is FINISHED! and I love it!!!! The scarf is feather-light and oh-so-soft. I am very pleased with it. :-) If this yarn isn't in your LYS yet, it will be soon!

Now that I am done with the Sausalito scarf, I needed something else to work on during TV-time with hubby. So I started my 10th (yes, TENTH!) Peggy Shawl, designed by Jackie E-S of HeartStrings Fiber Arts. Jackie describes this shawl as "An easier-than-it-looks triangle shawl featuring feathered radiating columns of subtly textured lace." And it is easier-than-it-looks! I recently taught a class featuring this pattern to a group of knitters who had not yet accrued much experience in knitting. Their results are impressive!

I love learning!

2011-02-10T22:02:00.005-05:00

Yesterday afternoon was my day to work at the quilt shop. Had a good day, got a lot done. Then realized that last night was the class on Cathedral Window Quilts. I had notice this class when the class list was being drawn up and was mildly intrigued, then promptly forgot all about it. Then Brooke arrived at closing time to set up for the class. Don't know what grabbed me, but I immediately called my Mr. Wonderful, told him he could say "no" and promptly gave him all the reasons to say "yes." He so didn't mind if I took that class so I did. Here is completed step 1:

Doesn't look like much, yet! My completed step 2 didn't photograph well because of the black fabric and not-so-great lighting, so Peggy held hers up for me. Here it is, although it is not yet pressed:

And here is the first completed "window" -

far from perfect but a lot more fun than I thought it would be. And please don't tell my daughter-in-law that this means I am learning the basics of applique!!!! She has always encouraged me to learn and I have dug in my heels. I'm thinking I might like it!!!!

I will another picture when I get the other 10 "windows" done.

One last trip to the frog pond!

2011-02-06T20:23:00.005-05:00

Well, I think I have finally found a lace stitch that I am satisfied with. But when charting it, I made a mistake, and so, for the first several repeats I made a mistake. Throws the whole thing off. So will frog this one last time, and then I think I am ready to make - AND FINISH - this scarf. Still enjoying this yarn and it is still forgiving. I think Crystal Palace has a real winner with this Sausalito!

Rip-it, Rip-it

2011-02-04T21:13:00.002-05:00

When, oh when, am I going to be satisfied with a lace motif? Had about 7" done and just frogged it all - again! Wonder how much more this yarn is going to forgive me? I've frogged a ton of times already. (deep sigh). Maybe I'll go through a stitch dictionary and see if something strikes me . . . hmmmmmmm.

On another note, I made two blocks today for the 2012 raffle quilt for the Goodtime Quilters Guild of Circleville. Each star is the Ohio Block and, if I remember correctly, there are to be about 72 blocks in this quilt. I also finished quilting a shop sample. Will take it in and have the "Binding Queen" - Pat - bind it. AND, I got the directions written up for the Double Diamond class I get to teach at the GTQ retreat in March. Is it a sin to have this much fun??

OK, back to the stitch book.

Back to the Frog Pond

2011-02-02T12:14:00.004-05:00

Got up this morning and picked up my knitting. Decided I wasn't all that thrilled with the stitch I had chosen to ripped it all out. Started again. Once it is blocked, I think I will like the "new" stitch better. It's hard to see the lace in this picture, but after it is blocked, the lace should be much more visible.

Love Sausalito!

2011-02-02T07:47:00.003-05:00

Well, I started playing with the new ball of Sausalito yarn from Crystal Palace Yarns last night! Love it, love it, love it. I am working on a very easy lacy scarf but keep changing my mind how I want it to look. Sausalito holds up well to frogging! lol But I now have about 4 inches done and I love the drape or "hand" and I am pleased with how soft the scarf feels. I'm still thinking this yarn would make great socks.

New yarn to play with!

2011-02-01T18:05:00.004-05:00

My goodness - 2 posts in one day!!! I received a ball of yarn in the mail from Crystal Palace Yarns. It's their new Sausalito yarn and I can't wait to play with it. It's really soft - and durable, with fiber content of 80% Merino Wool and 20% Nylon. I am going to play with a lacy scarf but I am thinking this would make nice socks, too. The good news is that first shipments of the yarn should arrive mid to late February - in other words - SOON!

Will try to post progress of the scarf. Think I'll make another mug of tea and start knitting!

Never say never!

2011-02-01T12:35:00.002-05:00

My dear daughter-in-law, Mary, and a friend, Holly, have decided they are going to make the Dear Jane quilt. They suggested I join them and my response was, "never! no way, no how!" Wellllllllllll, they have completed their first block and posted about it on their new blog, OurHoppyPlace.com, and I now I am intrigued. I am going to have to try. Need first to decide my colorway and Mary is my color expert. She and my son just left to celebrate their anniversary and will be gone a few days, so may need to wait till she gets back. However, that block is SO calling to me that I may have to start without her.

Be sure to go to their blog by clicking on the word "blog" and check their progress! You might even want to be a "follower" of their blog.

Vacation and Knitting - they go well together!

2010-10-02T10:48:00.004-04:00

Back in Hilton Head - this time with 4 other couples. Knit most of the way down on an entrelac scarf using Crystal Palace's Mochi Plus yarn. LOVE this yarn. It's really scrumptious. Love the feel and it works up quickly. This is not a great picture of this beautiful yarn called Jessica's Crayon Box. Imagine the scarf done in crayon colors - it's a WOW!

Hello from Hilton Head

2010-04-27T15:51:00.006-04:00

This is an awesome week. A neighbor and friend arranged for us to use a condo right on the ocean beach. We have been walking, and walking, and walking up and down the beach - rain (well, OK, sprinkles) or shine. This morning we slept "in" - got up at 8:00. Went for a 4-mile round trip walk. All I could think of is what a glorious, beautiful morning! As we tramped down the beach, I kept praising God for all He is and Who he is. Tom and I found all kinds of "treasures" left by the outgoing tide - perfect, complete shells, small to tiny crabs skittering in the sand, "pods" left by whelks full of minute whelks. Then Tom and I decided to run around the island and see what there is to see. Ended up, at all places, at an outlet mall. Walked around every store and then celebrated with double ice cream scoops in waffle cones. Mine was - guess! Cappuccino Chocolate Chip, of course!!!! We've already had mini-ham & cheese frittatas and herbed red potatoes with ham and swiss cheese - both using my Homemade Gourmet seasonings. Delicious! We fixed a huge salad that will last us the whole week and are enjoying it with our neighbor, who has a condo 2 floors above us. Yesterday, Tom took me to the Island yarn shop because, silly me!, I only brought one project- and it's DONE! Am now making some crazy socks out of Jelly Beanz yarn. Lots of fun, lots of rest, lots of sun, lots of love, lots of God's creation. What could be better than this! The attached video, if it works, doesn't have any titles, but I think you can figure everything out!! :) (actually there are TWO videos because I am too technologically challenged to have it all in one!) LOL

Sock Class Finished

2010-03-31T10:11:00.006-04:00

Had a GREAT sock class. Everyone finished their first sock and most got their second sock finished. They did such a great job and we had so much fun! Here are the "models" of the finished socks . . . .

The next class will be a Learn-to-Knit AND MORE class at Always in Stitches (Ohio). This 8-week class will start with the basics - cast-on, purl, knit, bind-off; garter stitch, stockinette stitch, cables, chevron/ripple stitch, feather & fan lace, seed stitch, and more. I'm really looking forward to this class - we have SO much fun!

Taos Scarf

2010-03-30T22:00:00.008-04:00

I never got around to posting pics of the finished scarf, so here they are!

Easy Scarf

2009-12-29T22:41:00.005-05:00

I needed a break from socks and Christmas stockings, so I have started the super-easy "Cameo Faggot Stitch Scarf" on the Crystal Palace Yarns website. The pattern calls for an Aran-weight yarn and large needles. I am using Taos from Crystal Palace, a worsted-weight yarn and size 11 needles. I think it makes the stitch motif more obvious.

The pattern is a 3-stitch repeat, so you can easily make it as wide or as narrow as you want. You only need to adjust the amount of yarn required. It's a lot of fun and a very easy, very quick knit.

Book Finished!

2009-12-28T19:13:00.003-05:00

Well, it's been nearly a year since my last post! The book-on-cd is finally finished and published. Yippee!! See the post below for more information or contact your local yarn shop. I am SO excited. I received my copy and I am so proud. :-) Several of the patterns are mine, but those of the other designers are really awesome!! Absolutely beautiful! Some intricate, some simple, some lacy, some with several colors, some plain. But all are great. (can you tell I'm excited????)

Exciting news!

2009-03-13T18:26:00.005-04:00

This is the one of my new designs - called "Cherokee Rose Sock" that will be featured in a forthcoming book "50 Socks - 50 States" to be released on CD, with previews at the June TNNA show. The publisher, Dr. Laura Andersson of Sirius Knitting Publications www.SiriusKnitting.com is collaborating with Susan Druding & Crystal Palace Yarns, who will also be distributors. This is Volume 3 of the "Friendly Socks" series of books, which are multi-designer compilations. You will be able to find more pictures and details at http://SocksandMorewithCPYblogspot.com and http://siriusknitting.blogspot.com, as well as www.Straw.com and here on my own blog. The CD only release will run $24.95 [plus shipping from Laura 50SocksBookBySiriusKnitting@gmail.com ] as well as from many yarn shops (no ship fee)!

Free Pattern

2008-12-24T14:27:00.002-05:00

I was having fun playing with the Mini Mochi Yarn from Crystal Palace. The yarn was named for the owner's cat, Mochi. :-) So I thought it would be humorous to make a "people" collar instead of a cat collar, and asked my good friend, Karen, to model it. :-) Click here for the free pattern.

Making progress!

2008-12-09T12:24:00.002-05:00

I made a mistake in my numbers and made the first Mochi Eyes socks (with CP's Mini Mochi yarn) WAY too big, so I frogged it and started again. It's taking shape!!

Christmas Ornament

2008-12-06T15:43:00.003-05:00

At the FatQuarters (Grove City OH) Guild meeting on Tuesday evening, everyone was given an ornament to make! They are SO cute. They were designed to be embroidered, preferably the buttonhole stitch, but I was in a hurry, so I used some of the quilting sts on my machine. And then glued a star to the center.

Mini Mochi

2008-12-03T17:03:00.005-05:00

I'm playing with the new Mini Mochi from Crystal Palace. I really like it! It's so soft and makes up so cool. It's a single ply, self-striping yarn that comes in some vibrant colors! I'm so excited. When I get the socks done, I want to make a "hugger" (half choker/half collar), I think. And I'm using new bamboo circs from Crystal Palace instead of Clover. I like the CP ones better!!!

I can't believe I did it upside down!

2008-12-02T16:32:00.002-05:00

FO!

2008-11-30T12:24:00.003-05:00

I finally finished the Toe-Up Panda Sup Twist sock!! The yarn is rom Crystal Palace and the color name is "Mint Print." Despite the broken size 1 bamboo circs. It's all blocked. Now I need to finish writing up the pattern! :)

Quilting

2008-11-29T11:41:00.004-05:00

I've been playing with the "antique" quilting stitches on my Pfaff 2058. This is the wrong (non-public) side of a pocket on a tote bag I'm making. The stitches show up really well here since the backing is not pieced and is a dark color with light thread. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T16:26:00.005-05:00

WOW! I can't believe I haven't posted anything since JUNE! You know what they say - time flies when you're having fun, and I've been having a blast! LOVE being retired. Just too busy, though!

I've been playing with the new Panda Superwash from Crystal Palace. Love that, too! The yarn is soft and easy to work with. I'm so excited they came out with a superwash sock yarn!! I started this sock with a lacy rib leg, but it was way too loose, so I frogged the leg (it's a toe-up pattern) and am trying a small cable. Here's what I have so far! (It's too soon to tell if the cabling will be tight enough.)

Charm Party Tote

2008-06-21T11:50:00.002-04:00

Well, I finally finished it! I cut out the pieces probably well over a month ago, but it's been just the last couple days I've been able to work on it, get it quilted, sew it up, etc. but now it's done!!! Yippee!!!!! (Considering I took the pic with my cell phone, it's not to bad!) :-)

Pay It Forward Knitting Style

2008-06-10T09:31:00.004-04:00

I joined in this fun project from GrammieKnits. I can't wait to see what happens!

How it works:
I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don't know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

Please send your private information to me via email at: KyleAnn@columbus.rr.com with the following information:1) Color(s) you like2) Color(s) you do not like3) Your mailing address ~ international knitters are welcome to play4) Your blog urlThe first three people to comment here and then email me will receive a confirmation from me letting you know the "fun has begun"! Once you receive the confirmation you will need to post the Pay it Forward challenge on your blog so the fun can continue.

He ain't heavy - he's my brudder!

2008-05-26T09:54:00.002-04:00

2 quilts

2008-05-24T13:40:00.006-04:00

I have a good friend whose 4-yo son was diagnosed with autism
about a year ago. I wanted to do something special, so I googled for autism. I found out that the logo for autistic children is the puzzle piece. So I designed the little quilt on the right. Someone told me later that an autistic logo quilt has already been designed, but I haven't been able to find it on the internet.

However, you can't give one little boy a quilt and not give his little brother a quilt, so I designed the friendship star quilt on the left for his little brother. The fabric used is the same fabric as that on the right - it just doesn't show up as well, perhaps because it has no red in it.

8th Grade Dinner

2008-05-12T19:52:00.003-04:00

My granddaughter's school hosts a dinner for the 8th graders as they "transition" to high school. The 7th graders help with set up and decorating and staff help prepard the food.

Here is Jennifer, about a week or so before her birthday!

Jennifer's First Quilted Bag

2008-05-12T19:45:00.003-04:00

My dgd, Jennifer, now 15, has never sewn before. She came over one evening after a tragic event at her school and found my ddil and me sewing tote bags. Jenn decided she wanted to make something, too. I found a pattern for a cute Mini Charmer bag. I showed her how to cut out the squares and she did it all herself. Then, using my (brand new) sewing machine, I took her through the construction, step by step. She pressed open her own seams. The bag is on the left and the "inside" is pictured on the right. Over all, I think she did a very nice job!

Soakers

2008-05-11T21:21:00.005-04:00

Soakers are back! If you aren't from that era, soakers are knit or crocheted in wool and used over cloth diapers. A grandmother who teaches in one of the schools in the school district from which I retired has twin grandchildren, about 19-months-old. Momma wants to use soakers but doesn't knit or crochet. A mutual friend suggested grandmother call me. Here are the soakers I made for little Sebastian out of Lion Brand Wool Prints and the pattern is Curly Purly soakers, a free internet pattern. One of my teddies in my Bear Parade on my stairs graciously agreed to model.

Celebration! Socks

2008-05-05T15:34:00.005-04:00

I have fallen in love with Crystal Palace’s Panda Silk, especially the variegated colorways. The Fern (#4005) reminds me of the lush, verdant greens of Spring and Summer and of the celebration of new life. What better way to celebrate my husband’s affirmation of life since the recurrence of his cancer than to create a sock that can be worn by either of us. This pattern/kit will be available in June for members of the Yahoo group, Sockathon.

Panda Silk DK!!

2008-04-14T21:08:00.003-04:00

I love Panda Silk. I love DK. Ergo, I adore Panda Silk DK!!!! Here is a "hugger" I made - part collar, part choker. This DK is a dream to work with. Very luscious. I used Size 6 (US) needles and got a gauge of 6 sts / inch. :-)

More Puffin Slipper Socks

2008-04-14T21:05:00.004-04:00

Remember the slipper socks I made for my friend about a month or so ago? Well, I've now made them in size medium and large! And I have a request for 3 more pairs!!! I'm going to teach them how to make these. LOL

Blizzard '08 - March 08, 2008

2008-03-26T22:37:00.000-04:00

Well, we've been in blizzard conditions for about 18 hours now, with about another 8 projected before it switches to "winter storm" conditions. Snow depth in my community right now is about 10", but other parts of the county/state have more. There are over 300 closings around the central part of the state.

What a wonderful day to knit!!! We are fortunate that we still have power, meaning heat, TV/radio, etc., although I'm still in my "jammies." I'm being "bad" because I am working on my entrelac shawl design with the Crystal Palace Merino 5 rather than finishing up the kimono. I must, must, must make myself get it done! All I need to do is finish the band and sew it on! Why do I allow myself to get so side-tracked??? I am not going to allow myself to cut out my next "charity" quilt until I finish the kimono. I'm not, I'm not, I'm not!

Card Trick - March 07, 2008

2008-03-26T22:34:00.000-04:00

Talk about creating a monster! The friends who "turned me on" to quilting have done just that. I have some quilt software (EQ6) and have been playing with it. While scanning through a book on how to make quilts, I saw a picture of a block called "Card Trick." I fell in love with it! I could just picture it in primary colors, made out of flannel for a little boy. (One of the local quilt guilds makes charity quilts for children. Can't remember the name of the organization.)

But anyway, I played with the Card Trick block on the EQ6 software and made the design, cutting templates, etc. for the quilt top you see here. It was so much FUN! I still have to get the batting, back it, and do the machine quilting and then it will be done.

The picture on the right is the design drawing and the left is the actual quilt.

But first, off to work on some of knitting! I'm designing an entrelac shawl using Crystal Palace Yarns' Merino 5 (a superwash wool), and it is working up beautifully! And it's so soft!
I just love retirement!!!!! Especially today, when we're in the middle of a snowstorm, with a possible accumulation in the double-digits! It's nice and cozy and safe and warm in my house with my yarn and my quilt.

Once upon a time - February 27, 2008

2008-03-26T22:33:00.000-04:00

this is a short "story" written in the summer of 2003.

Once upon a time, there lived a lady who was not too old and not too young – she was just the right age. She belonged to several knitting lists – not too many, not too few, just the right number. Since she wanted to make the May sock from one of the knitting groups, she searched her stash for just the right yarn, not too thick, not too thin, but just right. She chose a shade that was not too dark and not too light, but just the right shade. She cast on the right number of stitches, not too many, not too few, just enough, for two socks on two circs.

The next day she had to go to the doctor’s office and took her knitting with her. Her wait in the office was not just right or too short – it was too long. But she did manage to knit the entire foot of her sock, not too long, not too short, but just the right length – 6.5” Then, OH NO, she hadn’t planned for a visit that was too long, and didn’t have her instructions with her! What to do?
Well, the doctor finally came and the visit was not too long and not too short, but just right to cover the situation. So she went on her merry way to have lunch with her son. Driving down the freeway, not too fast, not too slow, but just the right speed, she heard a POP! and then the van swerved. She pulled off to the side and discovered a flat tire. No one stopped to help – not too many, not the right number, but too few! No one. So she called her son for help and started changing the tire herself. As she was nearly finished, someone finally stopped and finished for her.

When her son arrived, she followed him to the local tire shop, which she discovered was the actual shop where her DH had bought the tire two weeks before. The shop said it would be about an hour before the tire could be replaced, which gave her enough time for lunch – not too long, not too short. However, when she got back, the van was not finished, it was not even inside the shop. And no instructions to work on her knitting. What to do? What to do?

She called her “bestest” friend!!! The friend signed onto the internet and pulled up the sock pattern. The friend read just enough instructions for her to do the heel – not too much, not too little, just the right amount of instructions. She happily knit one heel and then the van was finished! So she packed up her knitting and went quickly home.

She remembered she had a library book in the van that needed to be returned, so she stopped at the library. It didn’t take too long or too short a time to return the book, but just enough. When she went back to the van, she discovered she had locked her keys inside! Oh dear! What next? Then she remembered that the rear hatch didn’t lock properly. She lifted the hatch and all the alarms when off! She crawled through the van, got her keys, and unlocked the van and drove off. When she finally returned home, she wondered, “What next??”

First Quilt in Progress - February 20, 2008

2008-03-26T22:32:00.001-04:00

It's a Mystery Quilt from the Fat Quarters Quilt Guild, started by my friend Karen Lane and her sister, Kristina Gutierrez and meets at Always in Stitches in Grove City OH the first Tuesday of each month. Patty Estadt designed this one and my new daughter-in-law, Mary, selected the color families. I had a lot of fun piecing the Mystery Quilt Top and am now learning a LOT the HARD WAY about machine quilting it!! I'll post another pic when it is completed.

Pink is for February! - February 13, 2008

2008-03-26T22:28:00.001-04:00

A very dear friend from church just had her 5th child. She mentioned the other day that her hormones are so out of whack that she hasn't been warm since Andrew was born (and that's been at least 6 weeks ago now!) She specifically mentioned that her feet are always freezing! So when I saw the CP "colour" contest (see http://socksandmorewithcpy.blogspot.com/), and that February's color is pink, I remembered the pink Puffin yarn from CPY that I have and thought instantly of making Debbie some slippers.

Debbie is a very petite, feminine woman. So I thought that instead of plain ol' slipper socks, I'd make a pair with a cable around the cuff. And since I didn't want to fool with ribbing, I decided to do seed st on either side of the cable so that the fabric wouldn't roll. Liked the look of the seed st so much that I decided to to the rest of the sock that way. I used the EOP (eye of partridge) heel flap so that the ridges of the traditional heel flap wouldn't conflict with the seed st. The EOP, however, didn't show up the way I'd hoped!

This slipper sock was a surprisingly quick knit - especially in view of the fact that I started the day with a severe migraine (so bad that I was not capable of driving home after Bible Study!) Fortunately, I'd already "pictured" what I wanted to make and the actual knitting was of the "no brainer" variety. Just set to automatic pilot and GO! And after taking enough meds and the peace and CALM of knitting, I'm feeling much better now.

The scans are kinda washed out - picture a nice, soft, baby pink.

A Quilting First - February 08, 2008

2008-03-26T22:25:00.001-04:00

I am learning to quilt. I found a box of quilt pieces/blocks that my grandmother made and these are anywhere from 60 to 100 years old. Gotta talk to someone who knows about these things!

Anyway, I want to work on her quilt pieces, but I don't know what I'm doing. So I joined a local guild - Fat Quarters Guild - here in Grove City and they are nurturing me through the process. Tracie needs a new cover for the pad on top of her grandmother's cedar chest and I thought I'd get brave and make one in the same color scheme as her Amish-made quilt. With the help of the guild and another friend, here is my first finished quilt piece. It's so far from perfect (yes, I cut off the points deliberately, a MAJOR no-no in quilting) and the actual quilting was a quick-and-dirty process, but it's done. I love it, I'm proud of it, and I think Tracie will love it, too. 'Course, she can't have it till after the March Show-n-Tell at Fat Quarters! lol

Fun afternoon - December 28, 2007

2008-03-26T22:23:00.000-04:00

My granddaughter is on the left and Sarah is on the right, learning to purl.

A New Shawl Pattern! - December 28, 2007

2008-03-26T22:21:00.001-04:00

I found another fun, easy shawl pattern! It's from Knitted Shawls, Stoles, & Scarves by Nancie M. Wiseman. I'm making the "Lavender Linen Lace Shawl" in pale yellow Egyptian cotton. The pattern calls for a size 4 needle, with the cotton works better with a size 5.
Today is my wedding anniversary! My hubby is helping a friend out, and when he gets home, we're going out to celebrate. Right now, for 14-yo granddaughter, Jennifer, and her friend, Sarah, are over her knitting. It's a lot of fun and very relaxing! I'll post a picture shortly.

Peggy Shawl - December 27, 2007

2008-03-26T22:17:00.000-04:00

What a wonderful way to wrap up a year. Crystal Palace has posted pictures of the Peggy Shawl that I made with their Kid Merino (really luscious, luxurious yarn!!) You can see all 4 pics on the same page at http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns/scarves/kidm-lace-peggy-shawl.html. Thanks, CP, for this opportunity!!!!

This is the shawl that I have made MANY times, designed by Jackie E-S of HeartStrings Fiber Arts. I have used various weights and types yarn, but the Kid Merino is the most spectacular! The Peggy Shawl is my first *real* experience with lace shawls. I was totally intimated until I found this pattern. Now it's like creating a monster. I have made other lace shawl patterns, but this remains my favorite. It is now like an old friend and when I need a "comfort knit", I pull out this pattern, whatever yarn "speaks" to me, and appropriate needles. then, VOILA! I'm one happy camper.

Bummed - December 16, 2007

2008-03-26T22:16:00.000-04:00

I got in 3 straight hours of knitting tonight on the Kimono. There was a play at church and we got there an hour early to get decent seats. The play itself was 2 hours long. I got 11" done on the kimono. Got home, and discovered a dropped stitch from earlier on and had to frog 12". I'm now done frogging and tearing out my hair; will take a DEEP breath, and knit on!! The good news is that this will be beautiful when it is done.

Ready to Wrap! - December 15, 2007

2008-03-26T22:14:00.000-04:00

I was able to finish Tom's shirt!!! He thought I was working on the fleece jacket I made for his younger son. I purchased 3 ties that will go great with this shirt, and as you can see, placed one on the shirt for wrapping. The other two will each be wrapped in separate boxes. I'm pretty sure he has no clue. He knew I was having trouble finding decent apparel fabric (I want to make me some blouses, too). He was running errands when I got it cut out and when I did the majority of the sewing. He's hard to buy for and very hard to surprise, but I think maybe I just might have succeeded this year.

Another Peggy's Shawl finished! - December 15, 2007

2008-03-26T22:11:00.000-04:00

I'm so glad I changed from Nora's shawl (Wrapped in Comfort) to Peggy's Shawl. It really seems to show off the colors better with this particular yarn. Cheri (modeling the shawl) was thrilled to get the finished shawl in time for her to present it to a dear friend for Christmas.
I have some Panda Silk from Crystal Palace in Nutmeg (#4002), one of the new colors for 2008. It is BEAUTIFUL! (check out the yarns at http://www.Straw.com) I can't wait to make a shawl with it, but can't decide on yet another Peggy's Shawl, the Nora shawl, Scotch Thistle Lace Stole (by Jackie ES of HeartStrings Fiber Arts), or Ivy Trellis Lace Stole (also by Jackie). Oh, decisions, decisions, decisions!!!!!

But first, I must finish the Merino Frappe Kimono, which Crystal Palace is featuring as one of the Ample Knits. It's beautiful, too!!!

I'm also taking time out to make a People Cozy by Lion Brand. It's a "wearable afghan." Made with size 50 needles and 4 strands of yarn - 2 different colors of Wool Ease Thick & Quick, 1 of Homespun, and 1 of Wool Ease. It's fun, and it's fast. I also need to get some socks designed. On top of all the Christmas holiday activities, taking a cake decorating class, working as a consultant with the schools, and volunteering with the schools once a week. Not to mention the heavy schedule of classes I am giving in January! My goodness, just typing all this makes me tired!
It's snowing right now, but it's supposed to turn to rain tonight, and then snow again tomorrow. I need to finish sewing the silk shirt I'm giving my Mr. Wonderful for Christmas. My son, Dean, and his fiance Mary, are going to Louisiana for Christmas with her folks, so we are celebrating tomorrow with them. The rest of the family will also gather on Christmas Eve, as usual. So now I need to get some gifts wrapped and finish decorating the tree!! It's up, with lights, but that's all!!!!!

Two More Projects! - December 01, 2007

2008-03-26T21:59:00.000-04:00

Today's been a busy day! Went to the Mid-Ohio Knitting Guild's (MOKG) "retreat" at the Whetstone Library. I was working well on "Nina's Ann Arbor Shawl" from the book Wrapped In Comfort by Alison Jeppson Hyde. In fact, I had only two pattern repeats left and I would be done! AND THEN!!! My cable on my circular needle broke and the shawl feel off. And, of course, I didn't have a lifeline!! I couldn't get all those YO's picked up, stitches were running, and I ended up frogging the whole thing. Fortunately, I had taken another project along - the Merino Frappe Kimono from Crystal Palace - http://straw.com/cpy/patterns/merinof_kimono.html. I'm making it out of Merino Stripes with Merino Frappe for the front/collar band. As you can see, I got a lot down in just a few hours. It goes quickly!!!!!

However, the Nina shawl is for a friend at church. I called her and told her the bad news, but she was quite philosophical about it. I told her I was going to start again today, but that it would be a totally different shawl. That was fine with her. And, of course, you should be able to guess what I've started (2nd picture) - OF COURSE!! PEGGY'S SHAWL. I think this is number 5 off that pattern. Or is it number 6?????

FINISHED!!!! - November 30, 2007

2008-03-26T21:55:00.000-04:00

As you can see, I am blocking the beautiful Peggy's Shawl (designed by Jackie E-S of HeartStrings Fiber Arts, made with Kid Merino from Crystal Palace Yarns). It is now 8:23 p.m. (EST) and the shawl is so lightweight, so gossamer, so beautiful, that I have no doubt it will be dry by morning. The picture is a little washed out - new camera, new computer, old knowledge. As I learn more, I'll be able to do better.

Progress Report! - November 25, 2007

2008-03-26T21:54:00.001-04:00

This is a not-so-wonderful picture of a beautiful shawl. You may remember when I first started it. This is Peggy's Shawl by Jackie E-S of HeartStringsFiberArts made with Crystal Palace's Kid Merino in Strawberries and Limes. It is so light and airy, gossamer, if you will. It's nearly done and then I can block it. I'll post a pic of the finished shawl.

Tote (Diaper) Bag - November 24, 2007

2008-03-26T21:52:00.000-04:00

My daughter, Tracie, and I belong to the yahoo group, KnitNPlay. It's a knitting exchange group that replaced the KnitExchange. Currently, it is a VERY small group, but ListMom is hoping it will grow. Our first swap is a bag swap. My partner likes relatively large bags, so when Tracie found a diaper bag pattern on the label of Caron Simply Soft, we both knew this was the pattern to make for our partners. It is roomy enough for a fairly large project, with pockets to hold accessories, needles, etc. For me, making it was rather slow, because it is made with double strands of yarn and the Twisted Stockinette Stitch, meaning that every knit stitch is worked in the back loop. I just couldn't get a rhythm going and it really aggravated my hand and wrist. But that twisted stitch gives it a body and sturdiness. I'm rather pleased with the completed project. But now I have to get it into the mail!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update on Silken Ease - November 24, 2007

2008-03-26T21:50:00.000-04:00

Here is a beautiful picture of the Silken Ease, taken by Crystal Palace Yarns. It shows the purl side of the work, which only proves that it's beautiful as a reversible scarf! (total modesty here, of course! )

Kid Merino! - October 01, 2007

2008-03-26T21:48:00.000-04:00

Crystal Palace has done it again! They're just coming out with Kid Merino (28% Kid Mohair, 28% Merino Wool, 44% Micro Nylon) - another to-die-for yarn. I'm making Peggy's Shawl (by Jackie E-S, Heart Strings Fiber Arts) with this yarn, and it's going to be like gossamer. I can only imagine how beautiful it will be when it's completed and blocked! This particular color is #432 - Strawberries and Limes.

Silken Ease - September 21, 2007

2008-03-26T21:47:00.002-04:00

Last week I completed the scarf I designed with Crystal Palace's new Panda Silk. This is another luscious yarn they have created, this time with bamboo, superwash merino wool, and silk. It is lovely to work with, too! The pattern is an easy lace pattern that makes up quickly. Panda Silk is ideal for this scarf! I can see me making shawls out of this yarn, too. I know someone who is making a pair of socks from it - they must be fabalous on the feet! Soft, but sturdy. Yep! having lots of fun here!!!!!

Satisfying Day - September 01, 2007

2008-03-26T21:47:00.001-04:00

Still working on the scarf - have about 18" or so done. Tracie and I met a couple ladies from the knitting guild for lunch at Bob Evans (Tracie was able to eat their vegetable soup - had to remove the beef). Then we went to 3 yarn shops. I was a BAD girl!!!!! But they had some sales and some yarn kept calling my name and telling me what type of sweaters I could design and make. When I got home, DH asked me if I *really* needed more yarn, and I said Yep - for the kind of sweaters I want to make. LOL

Since Tracie did the driving, I was able to knit, knit, knit (one shop is about an hour away).

Panda Silk! - August 31, 2007

2008-03-26T21:44:00.000-04:00

Crystal Palace Yarns has done it again! A new "Panda" yarn has been hatched - Panda Silk. It has the durability of bamboo (52%), the stability of superwash Merino wool (43%), and the luxurious softness of silk (5%). A 50-gram ball has approximately 204 yards and can be machine washed (gentle) or handwashed. I'm playing with designing a pattern for a scarf out of this luscious featherweight yarn. If I had the time and the confidence, I'd design a lacy shawl. This yarn is LOVELY!

FO for me! - July 18, 2007

2008-03-26T21:43:00.001-04:00

I rarely make anything for me. But July is going to be "my" month. My beautiful daughter, Tracie, had surgery on July 11. The hospital she chose for her surgery is about 2 hours away. I stayed with her, in her room, during her hospital stay, while her hubby, Don, stayed home to take care of all the dogs and to make sure my granddaughter, Jennifer, got to the orthodontist to get her braces on her teeth.

I have a friend, Karen, who is a reference librarian here in my community. Also a knitter and crocheter, she often brings me books she has checked out and lets me ooh and aah over them. One such book is Knitting Sweaters from the Top Down: Fabulous Seamless Patterns to Suit Your Style, by Cathy Carron. I rarely find more than one pattern in a book that catches my interest, but this book has several!

I had some bulky yarn that would be perfect for the sweater called Nest. Not quite enough, so DH and I went shopping for more yarn before I left for my daughter's hospital stay. I started the sweater on the way to the hospital, since Tracie drove down. All during her surgery and the hospital stay, I worked on that sweater. It is a really quick knit and turned out nicely. You can't see all the detail in this picture, so you really need to look at the book. BTW, I have since bought that book - it's definitely a keeper!

Tracie says I won't wear this sweater, that it's too bulky for me. When the weather here turns cold, we'll see if she's right!

2008-03-25T21:10:00.000-04:00

Peggy Shawl - July 18, 2007

Some of you know that I started the Peggy Shawl during the Columbus TNNA (end of May, beginning of June). I was using Nature Spun by Brown Sheep, but didn't really like the fabric it was creating. So off to the frog pond! I started it over with Kolibri, an Egyptian cotton by Dale of Norway. Love the fabric!!!

I'm not usually a lace shawl knitter. But as the designer, Jackie E-S of HeartStrings Fiber Arts states on the pattern, the Peggy Shawl is easier than it looks! And it truly is!!!! This shawl has been a definite success story for me; fun to make and a relatively quick knit. I had to order blocking wires from KnitPicks.com so that I could successfully block it. Now it's done. I like it so much I have started another with a thin boucle. The detail/lace won't be as prominent, but it is making up nicely, too.

What is interesting to me is that I rarely make the same pattern twice. Don't know if it's ADD or what. But this is the second of Jackie's patterns that I like enough to repeat. I love her 3-to-2 sweater. I've made two from it and have a third on the needles. And I'm thinking of making a 4th one in ribbon. The premise of this pattern is that you increase 3 sts over 2 rows. It's a bias knit sweater that always gets lots of compliments. Check out Jackie's patterns at your LYS! I think you'll like them as much as I do!

Does anyone recognize this? - July 14, 2007

2008-03-25T21:07:00.000-04:00

This shawl pattern was a freebie on the internet several years ago. After a couple computer crashes, I lost the directions. I've tried "googling" but I'm not getting anywhere. I would love to complete this shawl if I can just find the directions. It's done in a sport or DK weight yarn and it uses an 18-row pattern repeat. Please email me if you think you can help me. THANKS!

Finally Finished! - July 05, 2007

2008-03-25T21:04:00.000-04:00

One of the groups I belong to, AtMyHouse, has UFO Monday. Every Monday, you are encouraged to pull one of your probably many UFOs out and work on it. My dear daughter, Tracie, tries really hard to get me to work on at least one UFO before starting a new project (nice idea, but . . . . ) Any way, Monday (7/2/07) I did just that! I had come across a pair of socks (2 socks/2 circs) that I had started over a year ago (two years ago?????) I had gotten to the point where one heel had been turned but not the other. Took me a few minutes of looking very closely to figure out which heel pattern I was using, and then I got down to business. Worked on it some more Tuesday and also Tuesday evening when 5 of us got together at a local Bob Evans for an informal Knit Nite. Took it with me yesterday when we went to some friends at Indian Lake. Spent the day there and knit most of the day. Finished the socks last night right after we got home. YIPPEE!!!!!! Now to decide if I want to start designing a bag somone asked me about or pull out a shawl that's been driving me nuts (I want it DONE, but I don't want to work on it) LOL, or start a new shawl. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

FORGOT! my Maizy socks - July 01, 2007

2008-03-25T21:02:00.000-04:00

My goodness, I finished the model for my Walking in the Corn shorties that I made with Crystal Palace's Maizy back in MAY!. I love that stuff! It has a luscious feel to it and is quite comfortable. Easy to work with, washes beautifully!!!!! It can have a tendency to split if you use needles with too-sharp points, but I'm finding that most yarns do!!! The socks have a ribbed arch for a more comfortable fit. Contact me at KyleAnn@KyleAnnsKreations.com for pattern information.

Washcloths! - June 14, 2007

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Bobbie; my daughter, Tracie; and I are all members of the KnitExchange, a yahoo group. This month's swap is for face/dish cloths. We've been quite busy, as you can see. It's been good therapy for me as I recover from my knee surgery (had a HUGE benign tumor removed from above my knee cap). Can't to see what the 3 of us will receive from our partners.

Entry for May 20, 2007

2008-03-25T20:57:00.000-04:00

I wanted to experiment with a new heel style, and boy am I sorry! not only does the black heel stick out like a sore thumb (please excuse the mixed metaphor!), it produces a square at the bottom of the heel - and mine is round, thank you very much. LOL Plus I am going to make the cuff about an inch longer. I will probably need to do a black/white stripe, since I have only 1 ball of white and my feet are size 9!

I really like the yarn. It's much nicer than Fixation - I was thrilled with the way it washed! Still soft. Not at all like washed Fixation. And it dried nicely just laying it flat to dry. This blog will only let me upload 1 pic at a time, so will add the before-and-after pictures of the swatch in a minute.

The picture here has shadows which look yellowish, but they truly are only shadows. I love the EOP heel flap and the tubular cast on. Just thought I'd share the picture before I actually frog.

Yarn from Bamboo, Corn - what's next? May 05, 2007

2008-03-25T20:56:00.000-04:00

Well, as you know, I comleted my Circus Chevron socks, made with Crystal Palace's Panda Wool - a lovely bamboo/wool/nylon blend. The pattern will be available to the yahoo group, Whenever (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/whenever/) in JUNE!! (oh my goodness, where has time gone????). It will then be available to others after August 1.

I recently acquired some Panda Cotton and Crystal Palace's new Maizy. Cool stuff!! The Maizy is 62% Corn Fiber, 18% elastic Nylon AND each ball has 204 yards. I'm playing with it now. I have only 1 ball of white and 1 ball of black, so I am thinking of making a "shorty" or "cropped" sock with stripes, and solid heel and toe. I'm going to cast on as soon as I get off here. I can picture the socks in my mind, but can't find a good name. Maybe I need to come up with a few ideas and do a poll! Yes! That's what I should do!!!!!

I'll keep posting my progress - check back soon to see how they are coming. I'll try to post progress pictures, too, but will definitely post the finished socks.

Finally Finished! - April 10, 2007

2008-03-25T20:55:00.001-04:00

Too many projects, too many deadlines! But I finally finished my Circus Chevron socks! I just love the Panda Wool from Crystal Palace! With its 46% bamboo, 43% wool, and 11% nylon content, it feels so luscious! Can't wait to see how it washes! Can't wait to wear the socks!!!!! The color of this yarn is called Circus (#9575) and the pattern is Chevron, hence its name. Now, when I get a chance, I want to try the Panda Cotton!

2 Socks/2 Circs Tutorial - March 31, 2007

2008-03-25T20:53:00.000-04:00

I belong to yet another Yahoo group called WhoDuKnit (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WhoDuKnit/). This is a group that reads a mystery each month and then creates a project based on a character or something from the book. The April 2007 mystery selection is Crewel World by Monica Ferris. Crewel World is a needlework and yarn shop in a small town in Minnesota. One of the main characters, Godwin, affectionately known as "Goddy," makes all his own pure white socks out of 100% cotton, due to skin sensitivities. He also makes all his socks one-at-a-time on double-pointed needles. Poor Godwin has not yet learned the "new" technique of using circular needles to make both socks at the same time.

To help Goddy, and group members, learn this technique, I have created a picture tutorial. You can find it at http://KyleAnnsKreations.com. I've been told that a few people can't get the pictures to open. Join the WhoDuKnit group for the tutorial in Word 6.0 format, and read some good books, create some fund projects, and meet new friends!

More earrings - March 13, 2007

2008-03-25T20:51:00.000-04:00

I recently posted my beaded crochet earrings on a tatting forum (it now also has knitting and crocheting!!) I joined recently (http://ecraftworld.com/) and one of the members challenged me to convert the crochet pattern to tatting. I haven't learned to shuttle or needle tat yet, but I have been learning to cro-tat. Here's my attempt to make beaded cro-tat earrings.

"Dainty" Earrings - March 05, 2007

2008-03-25T20:50:00.001-04:00

I am having TOO much fun making crocheted earrings! This pattern is from JPFun.com

MY Mitts!! - March 03, 2007

2008-03-25T20:48:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned before, my daughter and I own the yahoo group called KnitExchange. The current swap is for gloves/mittens/mitts. You can see some of my mitt creations in earlier blog entries. But this morning, I received the mitts Alanna made for ME! And I LOVE them. And the package came with some other goodies, like CHOCOLATE and some Mary Kay SatinHands hand cream (if you haven't tried this, ya oughtta!!!!)

Crochet Beaded Earrings - March 03, 2007

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Taking a bit of a break from my sock knitting! One of the yahoo groups I belong to is AtMyHouse, a crochet and knitting related group, with lots of fun exchanges. A brand new exchange is the jewelry exchange. Here is an earring I made for my swap partner.

Panda Wool - February 28, 2007

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Have you tried the new Panda Wool from Crystal Palace? It's LUSCIOUS! I have 2 balls of the color Circus,#9575. I love the feel and the texture of this yarn. The fiber content is 46% bamboo, 43% wool, and 11% nylon and has about 170 yds/157 m per 50 g ball. Panda Wool is so soft!! I've already started designing a pair of socks with it that I'm calling Circus Chevron (see the picture). A very good friend of mine has some of the Panda Cotton and she is equally enthralled. If you don't have a favorite LYS near you that carries CP yarns, you will want to "google" to find who does. It's worth it!!!!!

Snowday #5! Beaded Mitts - February 14, 2007

2008-03-24T15:05:00.000-04:00

3 snow days last week, 2 this week. Tomorrow I will be required to go to work, regardless of conditions. But I have been working on a mitt pattern, to help out my daughter (Tracie) on one of her exchanges. We chose a wrist-warmer pattern by Jackie E-S of HeartStringsFiberArts.com. Jackie has a way of creating something exquisitely beautiful, but deceptively easy. Pictured here are her Simple Beaded Wristlets. Tracie needed to make the mitts a little larger. Jackie's suggestion is to do another repeat of the design, but unfortunately, this would have made the mitts too big. Instead, we chose slightly larger yarn. I think the results will be perfect. After finishing the first mitt, I discovered a mistake. Rather than take it apart and frog back to the mistake, I will simply make the same mistake on the other wristlet.

Well, I better get off here and get busy on that other wristlet - I still have socks I need to finish designing for Laura Andersson's next Friendly Socks book!

Fair Isle Tam - February 12, 2007

2008-03-24T15:01:00.000-04:00

It sure was nice having those 3 snow days last week! And they say there is a distinct possibility of having another one tomorrow, although I am not keeping my hopes up. Better to be pleased than to be disappointed!

One of the yahoo groups I belong to is AtMyHouse, a crochet and knitting group. I coordinate some of the exchanges - Hat/Cap, Poncho, and Choker. Using the technique for fair isle that I practiced when I made Mary's mitts, I made the tam you see here. Not the best picture - it's still on the dinner plate that I use for "blocking" and it wouldn't totally fit on my scanner. The gray yarn is all light gray - no dark around the edges. That's just shadow.

Because I decided to do K1, P1 for the edging, I used the tubular cast on. Makes a really nice finished edge that you can also insert elastic thread into to adjust the fit if necessary. I learned the cast-on technique and made the design from the book, "Knitted Tams" by Mary Rowe.

BTW, Mary says she loves her mitts. Says I can't have them back, even if I want them!

"Easy" Wrist Warmers Done! - February 07, 2007 - 7:13 p.m.

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As you can see from the picture, the finished product looks quite small, but as you can also see, it fits beautifully! Now I'm really into mitts all of a sudden. :) I have some patterns by Jackie E-S of Heart Strings Fiber Arts that I can't wait to make! But first, I need to make a hat of some kind for another exchange partner. I'm thinking of making a tam with the yarn that's left from Mary's mitts.

More on Mitts - February 07, 2007 - 3:43 p.m.

2008-03-24T14:58:00.001-04:00

Mary's mitts were made out of two colors from Plymouth's Encore DK. Controlling both yarns in the same hand was a revelation to me and resulted in the most even "Fair Isle" I've ever made!
If you are looking for a super simple - and quick - fingerless mitt pattern, check out the book "Not Just More Socks" by Sandi Rosner. On page 28 is a pattern simply entitled "Wrist Warmers." This pattern produces a mitt that is about 6" long and looks deceptively small. I just finished the first one and it looks like it might, maybe, fit a child. But I tried in on, and it feels wonderful! Can't wait to get the second one done. When I do, I'll scan my hand wearing one with the other beside my hand so you can see the difference. I'll post that pic here.
Since I've been knitting for SO long, and because circumstances earlier in my life forced me to learn to knit without looking, I can now read while I knit - unless of course it's an intricate or lace pattern. I have a whole series of books from Guideposts about various women in the Bible. These last 3 days off work (yes, no school again today!), I have been a reading and knitting FOOL! I've read 3 books and am now starting my 4th! Next, I'm going to read Lillian Jackson Braun's latest "The Cat Who....." book.
Happy knitting!

Mary's Mitts - February 06, 2007; 9:09 pm

2008-03-24T14:55:00.000-04:00

Just finished Mary's mitts! There were a lot of fun to make and went quicker than I thought they would.