Crafty Buckeye

Hibernating

2010-01-05T19:14:00.001-08:00

For the time being you can find me over at 2BuckeyesInCinci while I get back into the habit of blogging again.

Be sure to follow me over there! Lots of knitting and general craftiness going on!

OY!

2009-08-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

I've been a terrible blogger lately. I'm sorry. Between starting 2 new projects, travelling to California, Hosting our annual Summer Party, and being downright tired, I've been a slacker on teh internetz. I need to be better. The picture taking has gone down as well :( But now that the weather is getting cooler (thank heavens!) and things tend to sloow down for me after summer I'm hoping to be back to normal.

I have been busy knitting though!

Sneak Peak of what's on my needles:

Back of my checked hoodie finished, currently working on the front.

Got a magic loop and am attempting socks! again! Going much better than before and I'll have a brand spankin new pair of Twilight socks soon! Yarn, Book, and Magic Loop was birthday gift from my Dad and Family :) Yarn is Knitpicks Imagination in Mermaid Lagoon.

Bella Mittens! Had to have some, just like Bella! Not The Original but close enough!

Mine

Movie

And what is OFF the needles AND blocked!

Clapotis!

yes, I've joined the masses and completed a viral knit :)

I've got quite a bit still planned for the next couple months and doing a choice few christmas gifts! Definitely need to get organized and start rolling on those!

Frogger

2009-07-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I frogged my first project yesterday. It was bittersweet.

Remember my Happy Socks?

Well, I wasn't so happy with the first one since it was just a wee bit too small. That and I never got past the ribbing on the second one. So sadly, my first Happy Sock took a dive in Frog Pond yesterday.

I'll have to find another pattern that isn't plain old stocking stitch to hold my attention. I'll also hopefully be trying Magic Loop and 2 at a Time so as to avoid the dreaded SSS (Second Sock Syndrome)

But my birthday is this week and I've requested a few sock knitting helper things- yarn, needle, book- from my dad (courtesy of knitpicks!) so the yarn may start turning back into socks some time next week!

Check In for Fun Hoodie

2009-07-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

So it was a rough last few weeks but I was able to get into Lambikins last Sunday (7/5) for some quality knit time with the ladies. I went with intentions to work on the Clapotis and Swallowtail, and I ended up leaving with a new project, new book, and the largest 1 times yarn purchase I have ever made. Everyone was working on this hoodie and I wanted a piece of it. I've watched countless projects done in classes and knit-alongs and I'd never jumped in. Until now. After seeing the Einstein coats, I wanted a squishy, lucious sweater/coat for myself. Enter Rowan Cocoon "aka Racoon" after a couple squeezes I couldn't let go. I went with an oatmeal and a red wine color. Knitting this up it is delightful. A little bit splitty and hairy because of the mohair but the resulting piece is unbelievably soft and warm. I've never felt anything like it. Christina swears that I will finish the object. I'm part of the Knit-A-Long on Sundays now so I have plenty of support and motivation. I can't wait to be able to wear this! (She also assures me it. will. fit!)

Oh and it's chunky yarn and Size 11 needles so it's moving along quite nicely!

This is a better representation of the color

I didn't tell the hubster how much I spent till later... much later.

Pattern: check-in-for-fun-hoodie-pullover from Big Needle Knitting
Yarn: Rowan Cocoon

Needles: US 11 Circulars, Metal

My Ravelry Project Page!

UFO's

2009-07-16T00:30:00.000-07:00

Okay so let's take a minute and assess where I am with certain projects and what I have going on. I'm already contemplating frogging my first Happy Sock and trying a different pattern since it came out a teensy bit small.

On the needles:

Swallowtail Shawl Slowly but surely. Charts make me go blind
Check In Hoodie (New project I started... more on this later)
Fetching Seriously... I need to finish this. Only half a mitt to go!
Clapotis 2 more repeats and then decrease and finish off. Finish soon I hope!

Okay so that's not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be.

Coming up... my first large yarn purchase. Help!

Whew!

2009-07-15T07:46:00.001-07:00

Where does the time go?

A lot has been going on the last couple weeks...

I put down my knitting for 2 solid weeks and it was torture.

It wasn't until last week that I was lucky enough to go to Lambikins on Sunday and able to take the time and put needles in my hands again.

I've got a few projects going on now, along with a new one (of course) so I'm hoping I can organize myself here shortly and get back to regular posting here on Crafty Buckeye.

For now, I'll leave you with my assistant.

She'll keep an eye on things till I get back.

Swallowtail Shawl

2009-06-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

So I have been wanting to do another lace project since I cast off and blocked my Japanese Feather Wrap. I had my eye on the gorgeous FO's of the Swallowtail Shawl that I'd seen all over Ravelry. My family has been going through some rough times since last week with my Papa who is in a nursing home. It seems that it is going to be a roller coaster ride and this project is going to be therapeutic for me, as well as (hopefully) comforting and therapeutic to it's recipient- my Mama. I chose a blue shade that reminds me of Papa's eyes, and his flannel shirts that he wore ALL THE TIME. It's light and delicate but a striking pattern that is absolutely lovely. I was able to cast on Monday night and made my way through the set up and starting the budding lace. It's my first time with charts so that was proving to be a challenge but now that I'm getting into it, it's getting easier to remember what symbols mean what.

it's already taking shape!

She has no idea that I'm making this for her so let's keep it a secret- kay?

Also, Saturday 6/6/2009, my Mama and Papa celebrated their 57th! Wedding Anniversary. They are truly amazing and wonderful people and I am so thankful that I can witness such a wonderful testament to Marriage.

(Photo from 4/6/09- Papa's 86th Birthday, note the flannel shirt :) )

Pattern: Swallowtail Shawl

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn, Baby Alpaca Lace, 1071

Needle: Crystal Palace US 4 26'' Circular
My Ravelry Project Page!

Dishcloth Dozen

2009-06-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

Here is my May swap stuff.

It's the spiral scrubbie I posted about before. As well as another dishcloth I made from the Lily book I picked up a while back. Good Stuff.

BAM- May

2009-06-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well I survived, but barely. This was a really confusing pattern in the way it was written. Neither myself, nor Vickie could get it completed that night. And we usually have no problems! After all is said and done, it's a pretty square. But I don't know that I'd do the pattern again, if I did I would need to rewrite it in a traditional form so that it was easier for me to read.

Pattern: Hint of Spring by Sally Ives

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver- Gold, Red, Teal

Hook: J

My Ravelry Project Page!

BAM- February... Again

2009-06-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

So I didn't like the original February square because it used 2 weights of yarn, wasn't square, and just looked a mess. So I reworked it.

But I may rework it again because the other squares I'm making have a gold yarn in them vs. the yellow... but if I redid this one then I would have to redo the March one since it's all in the yellow. Hmmmm. Not sure.

Pattern: Two-Tone Square by Dayna Audirsch
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Hook: J
My Ravelry Project Page!

Scrubbie, Tribble, Tawashi

2009-06-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

So everyone raves about these adorable little dishcloth scrubbies! (aka Tawashi, aka Tribble) Well, I decided to give one a whirl on Sunday night and it was delightfully easy and quick. Other than trying to figure out how in the world to get it from a flat parallellogram to a scrubbie was beyond me. After looking online and finding the knit version I decided to document my crochet version as a good reference point.

Step 1- complete your parallelogram ending with an odd row. (Pattern called for 21 I think I could only get 19 rows since I ran out of yarn)

Step 2- bring Side 1 and Side 3 together and slip stitch using live yarn

Step 3- Use your long tail end to weave in and out of the edge of side 2 (Repeat for Side 4)

Step 4- Pull the ends tight to close the holes

You can weave the ends back through the other side and make a loop for hanging or just weave the ends in and Voila! a Scrubbie!

Pattern: Spiral Scrubbie

Yarn: Sugar 'n Cream, Potpourri

Hook: H Hook

My Ravelry Project Page!

Test Pattern- Athena Headband

2009-06-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

So among the other groups on Ravelry I am a member of the Free-Pattern Testers group. You may remember the Door Knob Cozy that I did a while back.

Well I decided to give it a whirl again, this time choosing a great, easy knit pattern from Cassie Miller. It was my first time using ICord (sooo easy!) and I whipped this up last week using some of the Stretch Socks yarn I had on hand. And a pink hairband. Duh, have to coordinate!

Testing is complete and Cassie has it up for sale in her Ravelry store!

Pattern: Athena Headband by Cassie Miller

Yarn: Patons Stretch Socks in Sugar

Needle: US2 DPNs

My Ravelry Project Page!

Swaps!

2009-05-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Of course I have to share the awesome Project Bag Swap Package I received from Jen!

She says she loves the bag and case I made her but I'd say I was the one that got spoiled!

This terrific sewn AND knit project bag

Handmade Stitch markers from Recycled Vintage Jewelry

Lovely pink dishcloth

The whole shebang! Yep, I'm spoiled and I love it!

Thanks again Jen!!!

Swaps!

2009-05-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

So one of the most awesome parts of being in the Ravelry Community is the swaps! You can find them for any and everything and more!

I was a part of the Project Bag and Dishcloth Swap and it has just finished. I wanted to share the project bag and bonus needle case I put together for my swap partner GuinnessGoddess.

It was the first bag I made and I'm super proud and was delighted to send it to Jen.

Basic tote

of course you have to have pockets! Where would your notions go? and cell phone!

and since I had some leftover fabric I whipped up this needle case as well.

Pretty awesome swap set if you ask me! I almost kept them for myself... but I didn't want to be on the naughty list as a bad swapper so off to their new home they went!

There will be more of these in my future though... definitely!

Dishcloth Dozen

2009-05-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

So I completely forgot to post March and April!

March

April:

Both were just basic SC dishcloths using Dishcloth Cotton yarn. Simple but effective. :)

The Clap... I've caught it

2009-05-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

So along with the other 11,367 people on Ravelry that are making/have made this lovely French woman inspired scarf, I had to hop on the Clapotis train. (that's clap-o-tea) I'm doing a smaller version using 4 balls of Crystal Palace Merino 5. It's a lovely iris colorway with bits of purple and green. I fell in love as soon as I saw it and knew it would be perfect for this. And since I'd wrapped up 2 projects last week (Japanese Feather and BSJ #2) Of course I had to cast on something else instead of knitting on the other WIPs I have sitting in the house.

I've started with the set-up rows and a total of 4.5 increase sections instead of the recommended 6.5 I also think I'll only be doing 10 repeats of the straight rows instead of the 13. This pattern is left up to interpretation on how large or small it wants to be that I am accomodating to the yarn and amount that I have. Basically as long as you stick to the rule of fifths you will be fine. (calculate your yarn yardage or weight- divide by 5 and allocate your yarn accordingly: that's 1/5 for the start/increase section, 1/5 for the decrease/end section, and 3/5 for the straight rows)

As of today I had the set up/ increase section completed and 3 repeats of the straight rows done. You drop stitches on purpose! ON PURPOSE! To create these pretty gaps in the fabric. I'm loving the color variations so far and the pattern couldn't be easier to memorize.

Photo taken at 3.5 increases and no dropped stitches yet. Color is more purple than the photo allows.

Pattern: Clapotis, Knitty Fall 2004

Yarn: Crystal Palace Merino 5

Needle: US 8 Circular

My Ravelry Project Page!

Gifted- Baby Surprise Jacket

2009-05-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to seaming the BSJ, weaving in ends, and sewing on buttons. I couldn't find any cupcake buttons that I really loved so I went for some tropical fish. Luckily, mom and dad live in Cali so I deemed it appropriate!

Baby Quinn could be arriving as early as this weekend so I'm hoping the package found it's way safe and sound and made it's arrival before She did!

Hopefully come fall we can get some pictures of Quinn all bundled up! Since she isn't born yet, I'm hoping it will get LOTS of use since it can grow WITH her!

My Ravelry Project Page!

FO- Japanese Feather Wrap

2009-05-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

I did it! I finished my lace shawl and in plenty of time for the wedding! I finished the actual knitting and weaving ends on Tuesday 5/12 but the blocking was done on Thursday 5/14 so that it could dry in time before we left on Friday.

Truly an amazing work of art and I would recommend it for anyone!

This shawl was a collaborative effort in the fact that the yarn was gifted from Agnes, the Eucalan was gifted from Tonia, and the pattern was a stroke of genius from Anne. I couldn't have done it without any of them!

Without further ado:

Before Blocking

Blocking

Finished!

Pattern: Japanese Feather Wrap- Knitspot

Yarn: Fleece Artist Nyoni, Blue Lagoon

Needles: US 8 Crystal Palace circulars

My Ravelry Project Page!

BAM- April

2009-05-08T00:30:00.000-07:00

I'm still keeping up with the BAM challenge. I barely made it last month but I made it! April 29th. and it was actually the easiest pattern to date oddly enough. It's a gorgeous square and I'm tempted to do it many more times in a scrapghan when I find time... but I doubt that will happen!

Pattern: Waldo's Puzzle

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Hook: J

My Ravelry Project Page!

Moving Right Along

2009-05-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

So I have 9 days until the wedding. Oh, I forgot to mention- I was asked to be the guestbook attendant for the couple :) So I'll be super excited to show off my fabulous handiwork. Well, if I can get it finished that is!

As of today I've got 4 more pattern repeats to complete. I am hoping to finish Monday at knit night so that I have plenty of time to block it and keep working on my other projects. Of course I'm a procrastinator so I wouldn't feel right if I didn't leave myself just minimal time to complete. My friend is due in less than a month- sometime this month according to her dr. so I've got to finish (and really thats all that needs to be done is the "finishing") so that I can share the goods here with you!

Back to the wrap:

It's looking gorgeous and I'm still not bored with the pattern. Anne Hanson is an amazing designer. Stop by and tell her so!

Here she is as of Tuesday night... slightly less than halfway done.

Isn't that pattern beautiful? I can't wait to see it blocked!

Fetching

2009-04-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

Of course I had to start another project. I've been working slowly but surely on my Japanese Feathers wrap but as soon as I cast off the Baby gift for my friend (shhh it's still a surprise!) on Sunday night and I had to put something else on the needles. Enter Fetching...

I bought my first skein of Malabrigo Worsted last night (in Holly Hock) as my reward for working 10 rows on my wrap. I can't believe I lasted this long and oh my it is glorious. It's a beautiful purpley pink color. Got about 24 rounds done last night and it's already a fairly good size. This will be a quick and easy project and I'm all about the instant gratification! What a change from the fingering weight for lace and socks!

Pattern: Fetching
Yarn: Malabrigo in Holly Hock
Needles: Metal US 6 DPN
My Ravelry Project Page!

Gift Tags

2009-04-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

So of course this blog can't be all about me right? Well, yeah it can but I'll not be greedy.

Derya from the UK (Laylock on Ravelry) created and shared these wonderful gift tags. I myself have already saved the pdf and can't wait to use them on my first gifts! (First of which I would love to share but it's a secret and the mum may be lurking... so you will have to wait)

Anyways, these adorable tags are adorned with 3 different designs and contain garment care symbols on the back that you can customize with the type of care your item requires!

Please go check her site out, print some tags and spread the hand-made love!

Replica

2009-04-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

I was given an absolutely adorable crochet hat that belongs to Michael and asked to replicate for the other 2 boys in the family. Lucky for me it was a fairly basic double crochet hat with a bill. I'd say I lucked out when I found the. exact. yarn. at Walmart while doing some grocery shopping. Working up the first hat took a little bit of time to get the gauge right and number of stitches but the other 2 were started and completed while riding up to Columbus for Easter. Yep, that's right 2 hats in 1.5 hours. And that includes the frogging of an almost complete hat because I decided it was just a wee bit too small.

I give you the original:

And the first replica. Your eyes do not deceive you, they are 2 completely separate hats. Pretty darn close if I do say so myself!

And here is Cade modeling his new hat.

Fits like a glove. Needed a little more room for all that hair!

Yarn: Red Heart Fleck- Aran

Hooks- J and K

Pattern: Improvised

My Ravelry Project Page!

Japanese Feather Wrap

2009-04-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

I have decided to make something for myself for a change. Well scratch that, start and COMPLETE something for myself. We (the hubs and I) are going to a wedding in May. Instead of going and buying yet another dress for another wedding I decided to change it up. I'll wear my LBD (Which I have yet to wear in black, only red) and make myself a lovely wrap/shawl and dress up with new jewelry- Cookie Lee of course!- and shoes. My friend Tonia recommended that I try a lace pattern by Anne Hanson and I fell in love with Japanese Feathers. I was struggling over choosing a color that I truly loved in a weight appropriate for the pattern that I almost scratched the project completely. Until Agnes came along. She made an absolutely gorgeous JF of her own and graciously offered to send me her remaining skein. 820 yds of Blue lagoon Nyoni awesomeness! I received it on Friday after a rough Thursday so it completely made my weekend and had me in good spirits. Not to mention the mailman arrived in time that I took it with me to show off at Lambikins. Agnes is good peoples, and I can't thank her enough for her generosity.

Isn't it gorgeous?!

I started it immediately on Friday and bought some new bamboo circs to get started (yes another set of US8's). The yarn knits like a dream. I'm 100% enamored! In 2 days I've completed a full 28 row repeat and 7 additional rows. Right now it looks like ramen noodles but a little stretch shows the lovely waves. I'm so excited by this project that I have no fear it will be done in time for the wedding.

My Ravelry Project Page!

Update: I worked on it again last night at Knit Night and have almost 2 full repeats finished. With 10 repeats total and at this pace I should be done over a week before the wedding. Plenty of time for blocking!

Gifted- Baby Surprise Jacket

2009-04-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

I gifted the Baby Surprise Jacket to my cousin yesterday. His son just loved it to pieces and it fit great! He still has room to grow with it and I'm hoping he gets plenty of wear. The sleeves are short enough that a long sleeve t would keep him warm enough during the spring and then a short sleeve t will be cool enough in the summer. I hope they love it as much as I loved making it!

And of course I got lots of baby hugs and kisses in return!

My Ravelry Project Page!

BAM- March

2009-03-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

We had our monthly meetup on Wednesday so that Vickie and I could complete our squares. This month's square proved to be particularly difficult. Either that or we were just too into Idol to pay enough attention. Vickie threw in the towel at row 5 and will revisit on her own time. I pushed through and got all but the last 2 rows finished that night. I wrapped it up Thursday during lunch and I can mark March off my list!

Pattern: Winter Dream
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Cornmeal
Hook- J
My Ravelry Project Page!

Door Knob Pocket

2009-03-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

I volunteered to be a pattern tester in the Free Pattern Testers group on Ravelry.

My first test pattern was this adorable Door Knob Pocket by Wiste!

I whipped the whole thing up last night during the Obama Press Conference. It was a quick and easy project, fairly mindless and a lovely escape from the longer and more complicated projects I've been undertaking.

Pattern: Door Knob Pocket

Yarn- Red Heart Super Saver in Teal, Orange, and Yellow

Hook- G

My Ravelry Project Page!

Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket

2009-03-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

I've purchased my first EZ book (The Opinionated Knitter) and completed my first EZ pattern. I know I join the other 592,847,202 knitters out there that agrees she is a genius. A fantastic pattern (though slightly difficult to grasp as it's not written like a normal pattern row by row) that amazingly turns out just how she intended. Trust the pattern. It works!

I made the jacket for my cousin's son Skylar, who will be turning 1. I have not made anything for him and felt he was very deserving and would be too cute in this jacket. I used worsted weight superwash wool (your welcome Winky!) So that Dad can throw it in the wash and not worry.

It took 1 week from start to finish. After a disastrous start, Christina was able to get me on track with starting out with the right number of stitches! Cast on at Monday Knit Night 3/16, seamed and sewed buttons on at Monday Knit Night 3/23.

Of course I couldn't have done it without Chloe's help... now I see why I have cat hair in my knitting :)

Buttons are oh so essential and Lambikins had the perfect ones! Pewter hippos adorn this baby and I think they look adorable! And at $1 a piece I couldn't beat it!

I love this jacket!

Pattern: Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket

Yarn: Cascade 200 Superwash, Plymouth Yarns Sara Superwash

Needle: US 8 Circular 24''

My Ravelry Project Page!

Teeny Turtles!

2009-03-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

So of course I love my niece and nephew to bits. I've never made any toys before yet I've always been intrigued by the construction and just mooshy over how cute the amigurumi patterns are! Well, I've made my first toys 2 weeks ago. And they are delightful. And easy! And just too cute to boot!

Emme's Teeny Turtle

Cade's Teeny Turtle

Emme's was done on Friday night and Cade's was done on Saturday afternoon. I'll definitely be making more of these guys soon! (Already had a couple requests for them and to help someone make one as well :) )

Pattern: Tiny Striped Turtle
Yarn: Sugar N' Cream for the Shell, Caron Simply Soft for the head/feet/tail
Hook: F
My Ravelry Project Page- Cade!
My Ravelry Project Page- Emme!

Happy Socks

2009-03-24T13:17:00.001-07:00

Well, let's see. We left off on 2/27 and shortly after that I completed my first Happy Sock!

I'm beyond thrilled with it. It's even got a bit of red at the tip of the toe. Makes me Happy!

I immediately cast on the second sock but sadly the ribbing is just boring me to tears so it sits hibernating for now. Perhaps I'll pick it up a bit here and there till that dreadful ribbing is done.

Long Time!

2009-03-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, long time no see!

I've been keeping super busy with lots of crafty things and I'll be posting project updates shortly!

First I've got to figure out where I left off and go from there...

Block a Month- February

2009-02-27T12:13:00.001-08:00

44. participate in and complete BAM challenge for 2009

Vickie and I met up on Wednesday night along with my mom and Tracy for our monthly Block dinner/visit. Tracy graciously hosted and we had a lovely dinner of whole wheat pasta, meatballs and sauce, along with some garlic bread and wine.

Vickie and I settled in to work on our blocks while Mom and Tracy sat on the couch mocking us. It was business as usual.

Here is my finished February Block, it's a bit wonky but I'm hoping once I join it, it will stretch out and lay flat:

Pattern: Two- Tone Square
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver- Orange, Some really old Yellow Yarn that Vickie had in her bag
My Ravelry Project Page

Dishcloth Dozen

2009-02-27T11:41:00.000-08:00

So I must have really wanted to make dishcloths this month. I only needed to do 1 for the swap and yet I ended up with 3 in a matter of speaking.

I give you what started out as my February cloth for the Dishcloth Dozen Swap:

Pattern: Be My Dishcloth

Yarn: Winter Berry

Needles: US6 Circulars

My Ravelry Page!

I love the pattern and think it is super cute but the variegated yarn just did nothing for it. Off to the frog pond it went. I'll try again with a solid.

I then decided to go with a repeat from last month. The Grandmother's Favorite. But either I can't read or subconciously chose to disobey the pattern because I only did K1 YO for all of the increases instead of K2YO. I ended up with half that had 2 stitches around (the top in the photo) and half with 1 stitch around (the bottom half) and I just couldn't send it out to someone as a gift. I'll still use it and love it even though it's lopsided.

Pattern- Grandmother's Favorite

Yarn- Cotton in Winter Berry

Needles- US6 Circulars

My Ravelry Page!

So I used what was left of the Winter Berry and decided to try a new pattern from my Lily book called Kitchen Kolors! I knew I wouldn't have enough for the entire thing so I brought in the sage green and since snelson says she loves green I thought it would be a nice contrast. It was my first time working something in this manner with leaving stitches unworked and I found it to be repetitive and easy to remember.

Pattern: Beach Ball Dishcloth

Yarn: Winter Berry and Sage Green

Needles: US6

My Ravelry Page!

Addiction

2009-02-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

Man, people weren't kidding when they said to be careful when knitting socks- that they may become addicting. I'd say I'm an addict now. I worked on my sock again on Monday at Lambikins and finally reached 7 inches for the leg. Onto the heel flap.

No problems here back and forth back and forth. I finished it on Tuesday at lunch and went on to the heel turn. Major problems. Okay not major but I was unhappy with the fact that I miscounted and didn't follow directions so I ended up with some spacing issues. I frogged the heel turn last night and redid it. Onto the gusset. No issues here only I've found that on my one side where I picked up stitches I've got these straight lines of color. I don't know. I'm sure I probably picked up in either the wrong spot or only picked up 1 loop. It looks fine and I'm going to chalk it up to a personality quirk of my Happy Socks.

Here is what we are working with as of today:

(Please ignore the chubbiness of my ankles/calfs... this was an eye opener for me! Thank goodness I've started going back to the gym...or I'm hoping it was just an unflattering angle... but I'm going with no on that one.)

Swanky Knitting

2009-02-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

After realizing my mistake of mis-referencing the lovely handspun finn in my header I found that Amy (aka midnightowl) has a blog of her own called Swanky Knitting.

She posted an entry regarding her inspiration for the yarn which she named Bollywood Nights.

I think it's wonderful- you should go check it out.

New Header!

2009-02-13T11:38:00.000-08:00

See that new header up there?!?! That delicious yarn, my friends, is a handdyed/handspun yarn by *MidnightOwl! Now I'm by no means a connoisseur of fine wines, fine food, or fine yarn. But I know a yummy yarn when I see one- and THAT is yummy yarn! When I saw the picture I knew it would be perfect to liven things up here at craftybuckeye.

Now speaking of gorgeous handspun yarn- Joanne at Shunklies! has some equally intoxicating yarn herself.

Joanne is a "a traditional craftswoman based in the countryside of Yorkshire, England." according to her etsy bio and she knows what she is doing! She has a wonderful shop and offers a variety of things from hand crafted yarns, to clothing and bags of her own design.

Now my yarn stash is measley compared to some of the intense collections I've seen on Ravelry. And since I'm new to the crafting community I feel I still have time to make wise decisions on fibers for my projects. I love acrylics, yes I said it. I do. They are cost effective, washable, pretty much indestructible, and they are what I learned with- So I'll always have a place in my heart for them. But after being exposed to such beautiful yarns in my LYS and looking at the fabulous creations from independant dyers and spinners such as Joanne, I am finding myself coveting a lot more natural fibers now! When my stash is able to grow yet again, I'll definitely be looking to add some of her handspun merino!

Look how pretty!

*Edited to fix reference

Dishcloth Dozen

2009-02-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

I joined a group that specializes in swapping Dishcloths. They are great fun projects that are quick and actually useful! The group is fantastic because it doesn't matter if you knit or crochet or sew or do magic! all are welcome to participate. I've participated in the Round Robin and the Mystery Swap and am now an active member of Dishcloth Dozen Group A!

How does it work? There are 12 of us. Each person is assigned a month (I'm July!) Each month you make a dishcloth and send it to that person of the month. Then when it is your month you receive 11 beautiful handmade dishcloths from the group. It is such a great idea and I'm happy to be a part of a group that is full of such positive and talented people.

I was however a slacker for January. Unfortunately I had my cloth finished long before the end of the month but I didn't send it until last week. I would blame the snow, but I can't since it didn't come till the end of the month.

Anyway, here is the cloth for saclements in January.

Pattern: Grandmother's Favorite

Yarn: Sugar N Cream Ombre- Country Side

Needles: US5 Circulars

My Ravelry Project Page!

Thermis

2009-02-10T08:03:00.000-08:00

Now that I think about it, I never shared what I've done with Thermis. As of now it is still a UFO, but only because it needs to be seamed and buttons added. Oh then blocked. Of course, the blocking.

Anyways, She looks great- Don't you think?

Too bad it's now 60* so she may not get worn until next winter but I'm still proud!

Happy Socks

2009-02-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

Lisagh over at Grosgrain Garage makes the cutest socks! Naturally I want some too!

Since the first attempt was teeny tiny, I started my first "me" sized sock last night at Lambikins. I'm using my Trekking and praying that I don't srew it up and ruin the gorgeous yarn! I'm sticking with just 1 strand for now but if I can get good at this I would love some 2 toned like Lisagh did :)

I am using Yarn Harlot's Basic Sock pattern from Knitting Rules! Cast on 64 stitches and though I was worried about it fitting I tried it on last night and it fit! I only did a little over an inch of the 2x2 rib since I am so slow at it and just couldn't take it anymore. But once I started on the leg it was going MUCH quicker :)

After 2 hours of knitting at Knit Night, and another 30 minutes or so at home. Here is what I have so far:

Doesn't it make you Happy?

First Sock!

2009-02-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

So that sock I mentioned that I worked on in the last post? It's finished!

It's a mix of a couple different patterns as I was just trying to learn construction. This sock will never have a mate. Methinks it will become an ornament for our Christmas Tree or for a family with a new baby girl for her first Christmas. :)

Knitting a sock was not nearly as daunting as I thought it would be. It was surprisingly easy if you put faith in the pattern. As I was working on the heel flap I gave looks of concern to the women at the table and they assured me, just keep going, it will be like magic. They were right!

Yarn: Patons Stretch Sock in Sugar
Needle: DPN-Crystal Palace US 2
Started: 1/31
Finished: 2/8

Socks and a Trip to LYS!

2009-02-10T07:29:00.000-08:00

So I've decided I want to try socks! I went to my LYS Lambikins Hideaway for the first time on 1/31 with the intent of trying socks. I had some Patons Stretch Sock yarn in Sugar that I really liked and needed some double point needles and a little direction. I found Lambikins tucked away in a cute building about 8 minutes from my house. As soon as I walked in I was in love. There were women chatting and knitting around the table and yarn OH! THE YARN! was everywhere on display for me to admire. I was recommended a set of Bamboo US2 DPN's by Crystal Palace and I was ready to go. I was welcomed to the table and as I cast on and the women realised I'd only been knitting a short while they were surprised yet very supportive of my undertaking. Working with the DPN's was difficult at first but once I got a few rows in I got comfortable and was a-ok. I got the ribbing done and starting on the leg by the time I had to leave. As I was packing up to leave I fell victim? to an ENABLER! Mary was lovely enough to show me some gorgeous red yarn that Leslie was buying and then led me to THE BOX! of sock yarn. I grabbed a skein and didn't let go. Thus is how I purchased my first. ever. "good stuff." sock yarn.

I give you Trekking XXL in colorway 165.

I will be making my "Happy Socks" with this.

It's been too long!

2009-02-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

Wow, it has been far too long since I've been around these parts. But have no fear! I've been knitting like it's my job. I'm completely enamored with my needles and yarn and unfortunately my crochet hooks have taken a back seat. They do get some love at least once a month with my BAM challenge and every now and then I pull them out to keep pluggin away on some older projects.

I've got a couple of updates coming up soon!

Thermis!

2009-01-14T07:45:00.000-08:00

61. purchase a knit pattern from Ravelry

In honor of my trip this weekend to NYC, along with the fact it will be a blistering 18* most of the weekend I found, and purchased this stylish and (hopefully) quick and easy pattern to keep my neck warm while sightseeing in the city! (Only $2.49!) I've got a skein of Paton's with this pattern's name all over it and I can't wait! If anything I can get started today/tomorrow and wrap it up on the plane. What else am I going to do for 2 hours? Well, I suppose I could sleep but who wants to do that when you could be crafting?!

Get the pattern here

Block a Month- January

2009-01-13T07:01:00.000-08:00

44. participate in and complete BAM challenge for 2009

Last night I officially started number 44. I will be making the Ravelry block as well as the filler block each month and hopefully by the end of the year I'll have a fabulous 4'x6' afghan :)

Pattern: Mandala
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver- Reef Stripe
My Ravelry Project Page

Cables

2009-01-09T13:10:00.000-08:00

15. knit something with cables

Well let's not hesitate and start working on crossing things off shall we? I started this Hot Water Bottle Cozy on Wednesday night. I learned a new way to cast on and also used 2 circular needles for the first time. This project was all about firsts. It's almost finished and I'm hoping to cross it off the list over the weekend.

After 2 days of knitting- almost finished. Something clicked- all of a sudden my hands aren't fumbling with the needles anymore and I'm not confused between knit and purl :) It's about time!

Aren't the cables lovely?! They are surprisingly very easy- Jump right in and give them a try!

Pattern: Rachael's Hot Water Bottle Cozy

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Teal, Gold, Orange, Red

My Ravelry Project Page

Baby Steps- an Introduction

2009-01-09T12:55:00.001-08:00

This blog will be an outlet to document my crafty attempts. Yes, I've got 2 other blogs that suffer from a lack of attention so why would I create yet another blog? I got the crazy idea to creat a 101 in 1001 list with items solely related to crafting, yarn, needles, hooks, fabric, etc and felt the need to document each and every one of them. You can find related information regarding most projects I'll be working on on Ravelry.com

As of now the list is incomplete with only 62 items.

Any suggestions to reach 101 would be greatly appreciated :)

101 Crafty things in 1001 Days!

From date: Friday, January 9, 2009
Resulting date: Friday, October 7, 2011

Knitting Projects (Must be FO to cross off)
1 knit a scarf.
2 knit a hat.
3 learn to knit socks.
4 knit a pair of gloves.
5 knit a pair of mittens
6 knit a traditional fisherman’s cable sweater.
7 knit a hand bag.
8 knit a market bag
9 knit a blanket.
10 knit a hoodie.
11 knit 5 dishcloths.
12 knit 24 blocks from 200 Stitch Patterns for Baby Blankets
13 knit something with a fair isle/intarsia pattern
14 knit something with lace
15 knit something with cables
16 knit a pair of baby booties
17 knit something to be felted
18 knit a stuffed animal
19 knit a blanket to donate to Project Linus
20 knit a pattern purchased from Ravelry
21 knit 2 non-dishcloth Christmas gifts for 2009
22 knit 2 non-dishcloth Christmas gifts for 2010
23 knit a korknisse
24 knit a baby blanket

Knitting Techniques
25 Bobbles
26 Cables
27 Double Pointed Needles
28 Circular needles
29 Lace

Crochet Projects (Must be FO to cross off)
30 crochet a blanket
31 crochet a hand bag.
32 crochet an amigurumi.
33 crochet a scarf.
34 crochet a hat.
35 crochet a pair of gloves.
36 crochet a pair of socks.
37 crochet 5 dishcloths.
38 crochet a market bag
39 crochet 25 motifs from Beyond the Square
40 crochet 25 blocks from 200 Crochet Blocks
41 crochet a pineapple pattern
42 crochet something with thread
43 crochet something using my smallest hook
44 crochet something to be felted
45 crochet a blanket to donate to Project Linus
46 crochet a pattern purchased from Ravelry
47 participate in and complete BAM challenge for 2009
48 participate in and complete BAM challenge for 2010
49 crochet 2 non-dishcloth Christmas gifts for 2009
50 crochet 2 non-dishcloth Christmas gifts for 2010
51 Crochet a 6'' doily
52 Crochet a doily larger than 12''

Crochet Techniques
53 Bobbles
54 Cables
55 Tunisian Stitch
56 Lace

Sewing/Quiting (borrow machine or buy new one)
57 sew a knitting bag.
58 sew a set of placemats.
59 sew a quilt.
60 sew 2 pillowcases.
61 sew a pair of pajama pants.
62 sew a hand bag.
63 sew 2 aprons.

Other
64 establish crafting space/desk in spare room
65 teach 1 person to knit
66 teach 1 person to crochet
67 purchase a knit pattern from Ravelry
68 purchase a crochet pattern from Ravelry
69 create 4 beaded stitch markers
70 purchase "good" sock yarn from a LYS
71 create a journal/blog to document this listjournal all knitting, crochet & sewing projects on this list
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