Lehmus Shawl

Started this project right after finishing Woodland (still not blocked - have to get in the mood). This shawl pattern is so nicely done! It even has a chart!

Pattern: Lehmus Shawl - english version found HERE
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Alpaca Prima
Needle: #6

The shawl is worked from the bottom tip UP! I had thought to make a Kiri or Birch shawl, but it was worked from the top down with tons of stitches to start with, and I want a large shawl and not to be limited by a pattern's size. Working from the tip up, I can make it as large as I want (or have yarn for). The return row (wrong side if you will) is easy to do - purling except for edge sts. Here’s a tip - when you’re working the purl sts on the wrong side/return row, work them loosely and the k tog sts will be easier!
I have wanted a black shawl for longest time! I spent months hunting just the right yarn. The Alpaca has just enough fuzz - not too much as a mohair would - and it will be warm even though the pattern is lace. AND it doesn't shed!

Strange Toadstools

Something new! These weird-looking, very flat toadstools are out by the back corner patio. I have never seen the like before! They look like plates, are very large and the grass grows through them - or do they grow around the grass......

Woodland Shawl finished

Here's Woodland unblocked but finished. It's not very long so it will probably be a table runner for my antique sewing machine cabinet. I will be happy with that. I didn't expect it to be very long having read other people's projects in ravelry and in the instructions, she gives her measurements with the same yarn I used.

It's very pretty even unblocked! I am glad it's done though. I did not enjoy the pattern because every row was different and the wrong side rows were all different. I could not memorize this pattern at all! It is not hard to knit - it's very easy. It's just me. I just could not keep the rows in my head!

New Avatar!

I determined it was time to update the avatar! This is a collage contained in a necklace of 2x2 glass and soldered - my first soldering! Fire/heat and I do not get along very well so I don't do much of this kind of thing - but collage I LOVE!

The piece is digital - with all elements being scanned and worked in Photoshop Elements. The lace is tatting I made, the baby is my youngest grand at age 2.

Look upper right corner for new pic!

Pucker Up!

Pucker is completed! I finally got the determination to sew those seams (my least fave part) and added crocheted edgings to hem, neckline and sleeves. Whew!

Working great guns on Woodland - it's at about 28 inches. I am getting close to the end of the ball of yarn though. It won't be a large shawl, but it will block out quite a bit as it is lace. I hope to finish the knitting tomorrow.

I have some socks that are waiting on me. Not to mention some weaving and some art work. A huge TO DO List for EVERYthing else. It was like Grand Central Station around here today between the door and the phone. The good thing? Summer is going by FAST. Looking forward to FALL already!

New Project - Woodland Shawl

I am just a shawl-knitting fool these days. Should be knitting socks, but I keep on making shawls and wraps! This is what the Woodland Shawl looks like after a couple of hours the first evening.
Pattern: Woodland Shawl
Yarn: Mega Boots Stretch - autumn colorway
Size 6 bamboo needles

I am actually 13 inches along right now - pics later - third evening knitting. I haven't been able to knit much this week. Life is getting in the way again!

Pucker Top

Finished knitting Pucker on Wednesday. Basted it together to make sure it fits before sewing seams. It does! Feels comfy, too. I am not crazy about the Seduce yarn during the knitting - it's very wiry and springs off your fingers! This knitting took lots longer than usual because of all the readjusting of yarn.
I do like the feel of the finished top though! It feels cool and soft. I think I'll be wearing it often. And here in Texas, I can wear it all year round 'cause we very seldom have "winter". It's mostly warm all the time.
Sewing the seams coming up!

Dragons Breath Band

Spent most of the morning out - physical therapy and then foraging for food at the grocery store. Before going out, I opened the front door to see how humid it was (notice I did not say IF it was humid) and it was not too bad. About 10 minutes later I was ready to go, opened the front door and it was POURING. The walkways and street were dry when I checked! Man, you know what they say about Texas, give it 5 minutes....

Anyway, I'm weaving on this band a little bit tonight. Didn't do much else this afternoon but put groceries away (still trying to rearrange some of the cabinets in the kitchen) and watch some videos on Hulu.com. I am really tired. It amazes me how tired I can get so fast.

I love this band! I want to weave a bag for it to go on on my Cricket loom with some Colinette sock yarn - Jitterbug - in RED. I have been wanting to try weaving with sock yarn. I have some black sock yarn to put with the red. That's the plan - so far. We'll see!

Pucker In Progress

New top! Pucker top by Norah Gaughan (book #4) using Berrocco Seduce yarn. (rayon-linen-silk-nylon). The hand of the fabric is fabulous! I hope to finish before summer is over. Oh HAH - when is summer ever over in Texas??
Doesn't matter - I can wear it anyway.

What I SHOULD be knitting is Socks! Just haven't been in the mood. Maybe if I get out some of my sock pattern books and patterns and look at socks in Ravelry.......

Snowy Shrug

Finished Object! This Shrug took about 7 hours or so total. Finished it yesterday. Couldn't keep it on very long - it's warm! Looks like it might be November before it can be worn. HaHa! Or, it might be a Christmas gift.

Started with this pattern downloaded from Ravelry:

Gaia Shrug
Yarn: 100% acrylic - Lion Jiffy
Size 13 knitting needles

Very interesting construction - it's made all in one piece and you sew up the "shoulder" seams. I did not add any crocheted edging. I had slipped the first stitch of each row and it left a nice enough edge to not need more.

Might make more of these later. Could even change the ribbing to something else. Hmmm.....

Jewel Tunisian Shrug

I finally got the pattern for the Tunisian Shrug in pdf format and up for sale on Ravelry! I will have it up for sale from here as well, soon.

Pics are up in Flickr - just click on the photo and it will take you there. My Ravelry name is "knittybabe" and you can see my page by going here. The projects link is on the upper right.

Working on some free patterns into pdf right now, so keep an eye out for those, too.