Knits and Tats

My shawl is very close to being finished. I am working on 'Harvey' from the book Sock-Yarn Shawls, by Jen Lucas. This is my first attempt at making a lace shawl. I pulled out my first 3-4 starts, before I got the hang of it. Then I figured out how to read a simple chart and learned the value of a life line, all the while learning how to read the stitches on the needle. These lessons should be invaluable in improving my knitting. I have about 6 more rows of the lace pattern then the final border, after which will be the lesson in blocking.

Here is my progress (1/2 of the shawl):

Harvey

Sock-Yarn Shawls

Patons: Krory Socks FX 

Color:57210

I managed to complete several sets for earrings, and a pendant that I used for Christmas gifts. The ds count was the same but the threads were different and so was the final size. I used several size 20, Lizbeth Threads and some DMC Fil argent, Art. 285, the beads were seed beads from my stash.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

The Knitting Bug

I can hardly believe the date of my last post to this blog. It didn't feel as if I had been away that long. I know I've worked on a few things since July. Maybe I can find the pictures and do a 2014 round up later this month.

Last month I was required to work some very long hours. When I got home there wasn't much energy left for creativity. I did manage to knit a few items. They will be used for birthday and Christmas gifts. Most of the patterns used were from Ravelry.

Purple: Mobius, Vanna's Choice, 145 Eggplant

Mulberry Mix: Hat POP! , by Kristy Vine, Red Heart Super Saver

White : basic beanie, Bernat Deniumstyle

Pink Hat: Red Sparkle Hat by Elena Chen, 

                       Scarf: The Big Easy Scarf by Lee Samsami Stein

Vanna's Choice, 101 Pink

The Mobius was an experiment. I wanted to use up some left over yarn from another hat I made, so I decided to try Cat Bordhi's Mobius Cast On. The other hat didn't make the photo shoot. It was hiding somewhere on the couch. The first row of the Mobius was a bit fiddly, but after that it was fun to watch it grow. For this first trial I simply knitted 4 rows then purled 4 rows until most of the yarn was gone then bound off. I have already added a few patterns to my wish list on Revelry, As soon as my new yarn arrives I will be deciding which one to try first. 

I used Silfoxes Tatting stitch count to make this set. I haven't gotten the beads just right but I am happy with them and will be making a few more.

Lizbeth size 20, Color 633

Seed beads from stash

I need to finish my ends and add some findings to make a pair of earrings and a pendant.

Next post I hope to share the shawl I am working on.

Thanks for hanging in with me and continuing to stop by,

Gwen

Happy Fourth

The start of a handkerchief edging.

Card from this week's card group.

Happy Fourth!!!

April Wrap Up

I got more crafting done this month than it would appear. I made 2 teapot sets from SVG Cuts. The Victorian Teapot set was for a friend and the teapot from Tea For You and Me is mine. Will have to take a picture to share next time. I made some Easter cards and my first Card in a Box. The cards were off in the mail before I realized that I had not taken a picture of either one. Hopefully I will remember next time. What I want to share today is one of the teapot sets and a few tatted crosses that I managed to take pictures of.

Honeybee Tea SVG Kit

SVG Cuts

(Just noticed their latest design is a Card in Box. Can't wait to try this out. Yeah!!!)

Pattern: Free-tatting

Thread: Lizbeth sz20 , white

Though most have gone the way of electronic readers, I still enjoy making bookmarks. I enclosed one of these in few of the Easter Cards I sent out. Hope the recipients will find a use for them. I also made one in DMC sz80, green tatting thread, that  I used as a pin on Palm Sunday. I had to tweak the pattern, diagram and tatted model but, I love the way they turned out.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Tassel Angel

Tuesday was International Tatting Day. Tatters all over the world tried to spend some time tatting and of course eating chocolate. After work and a Guild meeting I didn't have much time for tatting but I was able to work up this little angel. I had made the tassel earlier for another project but didn't use it. This was a quick tat, I love the results. These will make great gifts, ornaments, gift tags etc.

Tassel Angel

Big Book of Tatting

Designs by Darlene Polachic

wings and halo Lizbeth sz 20 white

tassel DMC pc sz 5

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Tea anyone?

It helps to pay attention! I am reminded of this every time I pull one of these stunts.  When I look back on my last post, I can see where I went wrong the first time. My initial join to the teapot was in the wrong spot and that throw everything else off.  When did I notice this, you may ask? When I got to the last join I would answer. This realization led to this:

So I was brave girl (not so much) and got the scissors out and remedied the error. Now my teapot looks like this.

Thanks Martha for a lovely pattern. Now to find a teacup.

Thanks for stopping by,
Gwen

Teapot and Stash

My teapot is finished. Well.... sort of. I finished the teapot but decided to add Martha's inside motif. I am using the Navy Blue Lizbeth Sz 20 from my latest stash enhancement, along with 2 of the new shuttles. I wanted to try the Sunlit and New Clover large. I am definitely a post shuttle kind of gal, so I am loving the size and feel of the new Clover. I think I have found my newest favorite shuttle. Though I think the Sunlits will come in handy with the size 80 thread and with Celtic patterns.

 I am half way through with the inside motif so I should be able to post a truly complete project soon.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Jan 29

I want to make a 3D Christmas Tree so I got out my books and found one this pattern. In my first attempt I made mistake that would make it hard to join in the other parts. Soooo I am keeping this as a stand alone ornament and will start over as soon as I remember where I stashed my book.

My next project will be Martha Ess's Anything Teapot.  I have all but the handle and back portion done.

 

Lizbeth size 20 Color 121

Aside from tatting I have been playing with a new software program from the Andy at Make the Cut. Popup Card Studio (PCS)  makes it very easy to make popup cards and other popup architecture. Some users have made some amazing designs since the software launched at CHA. I wish I had more time to play. Here is my first card using Popup Card Studio.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen