Secret Project Revealed

First off, sorry about the layout on the last post. Still trying to figure out blogger. Anyway, I finally finished my secret project, and I hope you like it as much as I do.

On June 5th, I happened to be off and caught General Hospital. Elizabeth was wearing a cropped cardi in green that literally revved my creative juices. I then went to my fave clothing website, Anthropologie, and lo and behold there she was! Now, i don't know about you, but I can't afford to spend $88.00 on a sweater even if it is adorable. The next best thing is to make your own-which I did.. I went to the thrift store and found this sweater, albeit a bit scroungy, and ran home and washed it. (Happy to say that all the stains came out!) Next came the motif research, and I found this....http://www.patchworkcrochet.com/doilies.htm.

I furiously went about crocheting the wheels...I was on a mission! I used vintage thread that I bought on a previous thrift store outing. Here's her unveiling..and the best part? Only cost me $2.00. I think I'll wear her to work today. BTW, this is my 3rd Anthropologie knock off. Gosh, I love their clothing!

Crochet is for summertime

I promised an update with pics, and so you shall have it. Last month was killer for me. I got to see concerts at a local amusement park. First it was kicked off with Da Man!

A fantastic show and I got some good pics for a change...sure does help to sit close...I've noticed this camera refuses to function at night events. Oh sure, you can take pics, but it's a waste of time. Found that out last year. Anyway, then a couple weeks later I saw Three Dog Night-without Chuck Negron. A web search revealed he's gone out on his own. The remaining two "dogs" really belted out the old tunes, and I wish they would have played longer. Tonight I'm going to see KC and the Sunshine Band. Yeah, I'm old school when it comes to my musical taste.

On the knitting front, it's been silent. I gave up on Japel's Spicey Tee, and the VK lace cardi. Just couldn't get motivated. However, I did want to post a picture of what my parents brought me back from CA. After reading about the Prince of Knitting, I was fixated on getting some of his pattern books. My mom and sis finally found 3 at the Kinokuniya Bookstore. Yes, the instructions are in Japanese, and no I don't read Japanese. Thankfully, my mom can translate for me.

Crochet you say? Yep...that's the name of the game for me right now...here's a work in progress of Rowan's Joy. Sorry for the crappy photo...the stupid thing kept curling...definitely will need blocking. That's the back and the left front. My only concern at this point is whether it will actually fit around the neck. I've ripped out the neck twice since I wasn't getting the dratted gauge, but you know, that's always my downfall. However, this has become interrupted because I found a new secret project to begin, and it involves this.....I've got to make 16 of these suckers, and I'm already worn out. But I'll remain diligent because I think the end product will be worth it.

Lastly, I wanted to share a few of my most favorite thrift store finds. On Wednesdays, it's 50% off everything, and I ran across these 2 sets of cross stitched pillow cases. I fell in love! They had never been used, and they were only .50 cents a piece. I have been searching for vintage embroidered pillowcases forever, and could never find any. But, these will do just fine. My first craft I really become obsessed with was embroidery, and a childhood friend and I used to sit on her porch in the summertime and embroider dresser scarves and pillowcases. It's a shame someone thought so little of this person's work to donate them to the thrift store like some unwanted trash. Oh well...one man's trash is another man's treasure!

No Picture Friday

Very inventive title, no? I've been meaning to blog and do have pics to show, but currently am feeling under the weather. Twice a year I can look forward to a sinus infection. I have the energy of a turtle.
I went to knitting group on Wednesday night and had to call it quits early. That really bummed me out since it's the group that only meets once a month. Anyway, just thought I'd let everyone know that I am currently crocheting "Joy" from Rowan Spring/ Summer 2007. I'm only on the back, but it's great for mindless crochet, and allows you to chat in a group and not lose your concentration. I am inspired to do crochet when I visit a super knitter/crocheter blog's like this... http://myknittinworld.blogspot.com/. This gal is amazing!
Have you seen the latest Knit 1? The dress is beautiful! I would love to make it, but there are no craft stores around here that carry LB organic cotton, and I would like to see this yarn in person before I made a purchase.

I Must Have a Thing for Stars

I thought I'd share one of my secret passions...I love quilts. Back in the '80's, I use to watch public television so I could catch Georgia Bonesteel making lap quilts. I have 2 of her books...alas, I am not a skilled or talented quilt artisan. As you may also remember, I love to go to thrift stores. All I can say is Eureka!!! I scored !

This first one was in a bad state, and I spent 4 hours painstakingly sewing up all the tears, but when hubby saw it, he fell in love. The original price was more than I wanted to spend on something so tattered, so I waited til half off day, and snatched it up as a surprise for him. This one matches our decor perfectly.

This second one, unfortunately, had to be repaired, too. I love the colors and thought I could use it as my tv watching blankie. It has that whole denimish chambray thing going for it.

This last one I had to have! It is handmade, as was the first one, and it is in perfect condition! No stains or anything. Uh...I paid $4.60 for it. Yes, score! You may notice that someone else is in the photo. You try taking photos of quilts when your Maltese wants to play ball!

And then, this is for everyone who probably thinks I don't knit anymore...a finished back of the VK lace cardi. This sucker has been something else as far as gauge goes...I surfed around, and no one else has had a problem...anyway, I am knitting the largest size and am now afraid it might be too sloppy. If I have to reknit the back I will scream, so stand by to cover your ears.

Have you tried the new Diet Coke Plus? It's the one with vitamins added. The flavor was too similar to Pepsi for me...Coke, you gotta stick to the original recipe for DC...we all remember the fiasco with New Coke, now don't we?

Yep...I've got the goods!

I've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the "new" LB Cotton Ease...FINALLY, Michael's got it and I couldn't wait another millisecond to get it! I bought Berry, Violet, and Terracotta. Next time, there'll be more !

Yes, It's Really Me...

Sorry to say there are no pics, but there will be. My excuse? Work, work, work...yuck! I knit when I can and am frustrated that I haven't finished anything. I am currently knitting the Spicey Tee from Stephanie Japel's book, Fitted Knits. I love her patterns, but I must say, I must be a dummy. I have ripped this sucker 4 times, and I still have way too many stitches. In checking for errata, there's nothing there. The folks in the KAL haven't discussed this one, so I can only conclude that it's the knitter and not the pattern. Yikes!
I do have some new stuff to share, but again, I want to show it in pics. My Little Man is doing well...translation? He still bites and barks, but he's so darn cute you overlook it. I'll have to post a new pic of him, too.
The Patons pattern I was working on is about three quarters of the way done, but I don't have progress pics. After the Spicey Tee, I may crochet something from the latest Rowan book. As I like to say....it's always something.

Happy Knitting New Year!

Well, I don't know about you, but New Year's (as I've gotten older...ahem) has been considered "amateur night" around here. What do I mean? Well, it's a time when some people feel it's ok to get totally stinking drunk, and perhaps drive. I like to stay at home and get into my "toys". And quite frankly, it's some time off from the retail hell in which I work.

I finally got a chance to visit my LYS, and do sit and night. People, it's been months...and after feeling the knitting vibes, it put me into action. I think it's just what the doctor ordered as I've been in a crazy slump. Even though I have returned to work and have some cash to buy, I'm not. I figure I've been heavily stashing for 3 years, and I just better make do. So, what have I cast aside to start?? As you may remember, I was working on my second go round of the RPM socks, and they are the right size now....I'm on the toe decreases of sock #1..but like I said, after being with my lovely knitting friends, I got the itch to start something new... It's the "Must Have Cardigan". I love this pattern! I decided to use Plymouth Encore since I can't bear to wear wool....my first attempt was WAY too small...so I started again. Too bad I got so excited that I misread the pattern...as you know, it's called a new design element. If you look closely at the left side (panel a), you'll see that I forgot to cross the cable. Live and learn....and no, there won't be ripping since there's a good 6 inches there and my time is so limited.


I would like to address Michele who left a comment on my last post. (I love comments) I love to take pictures of my new pup, and various and sundry things, but I have this phobia about sharing too much personal info on the net. So, he shall just remain to be My Little Man...aka MLM...and here's a new one for ya cause he likes to have his pic taken... (truly he loves the attention, and doesn't care too much about my knitting projects...when he sees me get it out, he likes to chew the yarn. Bad Boy!) That's it for now, but I promise to be better for 2007...ok, I'll try. Oops! One last knitterly piece of business...every year I keep saying I'm going to make a list of the new things I have learned, and I never do it...(slacker!)..this year is pretty pathetic...the only new skill I learned was the long tail cast on--Thank you, Roz!
Everbody have a a great New Year!!!

Happy Turkey Day!

I promised an explanation as to why I've practically disappeared from the blogging world, and well, here it is... As many of my devoted readers know, my beloved dog of almost 10 years died in January of this year. The grief really was overwhelming...and starting in April, I feverishly hunted for a new pet. I tried the Humane Society, the county pound, the local papers, the internet, and the pet stores. I spent hours calling the animal hospitals, but still no luck. After several months, I called an ad in one of the free papers, and I think I was the first caller. This poor little boy had been shuffled around...he was a gift to this woman's son, and he didn't want him...nor did the mother. The minute I saw him, I knew he was coming home with me. He will turn one year old in December. The only thing I can do these days in my spare time is play with him! BTW, he thinks yarn is food....ah..yet another excuse not to knit.--but I am. I ripped out the sock, and I'm starting over. Anyway, this year, I have something wonderful to be thankful for..."my little man."

What's Up, Doc?

Here I am, the horribly negligent blogger finally blogging after weeks of absence. I have 2 reasons as to why I haven't..ok, really one..which I'll post about next time, but I tried to post before Halloween, and stupid blogger was down! Imagine that! Since I have gone back to work (Yuck!) I am on a flex schedule, and most times, it's so late when I get home, I don't knit or blog. I miss reading what everyone's been up to. Also, it's been killing my social life...no more knitting group for me.--at least not lately. Hey, if this post doesn't come out looking right, it's not me...I keep trying to start a new paragraph, and the cursor disappears! Obviously, blogger is having issues today, too. Just my luck. Ok, what I have been doing or not doing in my case. Well, I finished one of my RPM socks, and it's really too big. A rippin' fest for later. Since that happened, I started a "vintage" sweater pattern and the back is almost complete. I'm not so sure I'm likin' it. Worst of all, I want to knit Rusted Root from Zephyrstyle. Sigh...it's a style right up my alley...but it would also require a trip to the yarn shop (far away one) for the desired Cotton Fleece. Don't know when and if that's going to happen anytime soon. I recently found a sweater at the thrift store that I want to unravel to knit up the wrap top in the latest issue of Knit 1......the sweater is very pilled and needs a shavin'--mine broke when I started using it. I had to make a special trip to Joann's for a new one. Have I done the shaving yet? uh-no! Oh yeah....and my mom is about to wring my neck about those socks I've never finished for her. Again, I need to go to the yarn shop for the right length circs, but I haven't had a chance. Why oh why can't I win the lotto and stay home and knit?

Start Spreadin' The News!

Out blog surfin' and found out that Lion Brand will be bringing back Cotton Ease! Yea!! The best part? They say they will be bringing out new colors!! I can't wait. Here's where I saw the fantastic news....http://cnp71203.blogspot.com/

This one's for you, Ling!!

Wow! I actually have 2 readers to my measely little blog...Just leaving a comment has really made my day, so as I said in the title...Ok. My second entry for the month. Yea! And...(drum roll, please)...I have some FO's for ya!

All the talk I did about this one, so here she is in all her glory...may I present...Molly Ringwald!

This was one fast knit. I finished it in August...that I do remember...took me 2 weeks. I used a #5 circular needle and 5 balls of Jaeger Monte Cristo. I was going to wear it to an interview the other day, but it was a no go...I looked terrible--not the top's fault, let me tell ya.

Then, as I may or may not have mentioned, I decided to design my own top...a vest. I couldn't believe how good it turned out. Alright, I admit, my inspiration was from Anthropologie. If you go to their website, I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out! I used my beloved LB cotton ease, but this time I used #6 straights, and I gotta say, I prefer knitting this yarn on 6's instead of 7's which is what I always used to use. The fabric is much tighter and not so droopy. Live and learn, right? Yep, I finished this in August, too.

I decided to clear away one old project I had started..socks. A simple, k2, p2 using some of the Bernat Sox yarn I got in Kansas City last year...in army hot. Because they are made from 2 different dyelots, the striping effect came out totally weird, but I'm still happy with them. Since they aren't twins, they will have to be "kissin' cousins". Ha!

So since it appears I've gotten my knitting groove back, what will I knit? I've already started another pair of socks! The new Rebecca has some great patterns, but I wasn't ready to tackle anything in there yet. Matter of fact, I'm considering another self design! We shall see...

What's the occasion?

Can you imagine? I am blogging after over a month's absence...it's horrible, but I do have my reasons. When you feel out of sorts, nothing stimulates you. 2006 has definitely not been my year, and I'm feeling it. Within a month or so, I may have good news to report, but instead of jinxing myself, I'll leave it unsaid (unwritten) for now.
I have been busy with the crafting, and I do have FO's, but laziness has prevented me from photographing them...and sometimes I don't feel like wrestling with blogger. I finished Molly Ringwald from Knitscene, and if you haven't knit it, you must. The directions were the most concise I have ever experienced. I also finished a vest of my own design. The other self design lost it's steam due to unending ribbing. I am so close to finishing my filet crochet top...however, I overdid it, and my arm, wrist-whole right side of my body is killing me, so I gave it a break. During this time, I started another one, too. Yeah, I am overzealous at times. Currently, I have whipped out another unfinished project-a pair of socks-that I'm hoping will restimulate my interest in knitting.
Sewing? Yep...I finished my Duro dress, but all that's left is the handhemming, and honestly, I'm not up for that drudgery. I am almost finished with a shorts set, but I think the type of jersey knit I am using has too much stretch, and therefore the results have been rather disappointing. The best laid plans...yada, yada, yada.
Hope this post makes my one reader happy---you know who you are, K!

Finished Object Friday!

Since I am sitting around today waiting on the phone repairman, I figured I better get off my duff and post--I hope my reader(s) enjoys this one.
As you know, I've been on a sewing exploration. I learned to sew in 7th grade home-ec, and sucked at it. I'll never forget that horrid jumper I made, and was forced to wear in a school fashion show! I still get chills every time I think of it! In the late 80's, I decided to give sewing another try...I sewed like a mad woman. Was I any good? Nah....but I did enjoy it. Of course, then I decided to learn to knit, and sewing was lost to me again. What inspired me to have another go at the machine was a dress I saw at Forever 21, and well, I should have bought it. It was a sellout at the local stores, and on their website. I even saw 2 being auctioned off on ebay....listen, I was so desperate, I asked my sister to check in CA, ok? Yes, that dress haunts me. So, I said, forget it...I'll try to sew some stuff.
First up, a bevy of blouses...(sorry all the pics are so dark. What does a girl have to do to get a decent shot of her handiwork???) The right hand corner is an apron top I made and drafted the pattern myself. The one on the right is a New Look pattern, and is made with some fabric I got at the thrift store for 99 cents. Lastly, another one I semi drafted...it was a copy of another top I have from Forever 21. Unfortunately, I goofed and made the bodice too short. I suppose if I had the body of a pre-teen it would fit...uh...not that I'm so buxom as it is. The thing I loved about it was the fabric. It's a jersey knit Cranston Print I got for $1.80.


Two dresses I've done. The one on the right fits me unbelievably well...with my sewing you never know what you're gonna get. Anyway, it's from a Butterick pattern I bought in the early 90's that I never used. Isn't the fabric great? Again, I found it at a thrift store for about $3.00. It was the fact that it had a border print...yes, it's a jersey knit....I love that. The other dress is so cute I could scream...it's from a McCall's pattern dated 1969....There's a little belt that fastens around the back with one button. I made it in strawberry fabric I got at Joann's for $6.00. I think it must be a linen blend because it wrinkles like nobody's business. I had to modify the pattern a bit to accommodate my big butt. BTW, I love anything strawberry related and have a collection including switchplates made from wood that I got from the annual Strawberry Festival.

Lastly, I just finished this blouse yesterday. I know it doesn't look like much in the photo, but trust me, it probably came out the best thing I have ever made. There is a method to my madness..I saw the fall catalog for Anthropologie and there was a blouse very similar to this one for $98.00. I decided to make my own. Then, in the ad, the model has on a vest...I am in the process of knitting it... it's Molly Ringwald from the latest Knitscene. (I've done a lot of blog surfin' and it seems like I'm the only one making this one.)

As I promised before, here's a photo of the scoop neck tank I crocheted from lustersheen in winter red, and then the mango mesh tank from lustersheen in jade--both patterns from Crochet! The fit on the mesh tank is fantastic! I can't wait to wear it. Don't hate me, ok? But the yarn for the mesh tank was from the thrift store and I only paid $3.00 for it. All this destashing is great for the soul....Phew! After all that you'd think I was done...NOT! As I said, I'm working on Molly Ringwald and I'm crocheting a shell from a 1970's pattern I found on the internet. Yesterday I cut out another dress, and the plan is to cut out another one tomorrow after I go to Joann's! I figure if I keep up this pace, I actually might get my stash under control someday!

Yes, It's a Knitted FO

This is a knitting blog, and I have been a delinquent blogger. I don't know if it's because I've become too lazy to post or if it's because I feel like I'm cheating since I haven't been knitting. Oh, there's been crafting going on, just not knitting. Anyway, instead of bringing everybody down emotionally, I'll try to make this as snappy as possible.

I had a dog. A very wonderful dog. He died in January of 2006. All I could do was knit socks....so I "designed " these socks to commemorate his life. I call them "Butterflies Are Free". I used butterfly eyelet stitch from my trusty The New Knitting Dictionary and did a picot edge. They were done on size 1 circs in Bernat Nylospun. Dull color? Yeah...because I felt dull...it took me until this month to finish them. Ok, enough sadness....you didn't come to this blog for all that!



As I said earlier, my other crafts have keep me busy and have captivated my interest. I am currently enjoying crochet and sewing projects. I finished a summer top yesterday(sewing) but haven't photographed it yet. I finished the red lustersheen tank top and should have posted that as a FO, but again, haven't taken out the camera. Next time I will. I promise. Oh, and I've been back to the thrift store for more treasures! Here's a peek... A bag of patterns for $3.13! Many months ago, there used to be patterns in bags every weekend--it seemed. Then it dried up. I finally hit it, and almost all of them are my size! Can you believe it? Must have been sewing karma.

Summertime Heats Up The Crafting

Maybe because it's sooo hot outside, it "forces" me to enjoy all my crafts. I have finished a few things...and without further ado...

My yellow crochet top made from a free pattern from the Sugar and Cream website. For being a very elementary knit-cheter, I think it came out pretty good. I used an F hook and Aunt Lydia's Baby Denim Crochet. It took about 1 1/2 balls. I think it's a good first project for someone looking to make a garment. Oh, and it was such fun to sit and watch my sister crochet on this when she came to visit in May. Every time she comes to visit, she watches me work on an assortment of projects. She always asks if she can work on them...unfortunately, her leisure time is very limited because of her work and work schedule, so she can't get back into her crafting. But it works for me because I don't mind if she wants help! Gets the project done quicker...and oh, the memory!

I don't know about you, but I'm one of those people who when they see a neat idea, they immediately want to jump on the bandwagon. Yeah, that's how I started sewing again. About 2 weeks ago, I saw this dress, but didn't buy it--long story. I LOVE this print...anyhoo, I've also been reading the wardrobe refashion blog, and the idea hit me. I bought a woman's size 3X caftan and used the bodice part of a Simplicity pattern....and...Voila! I made up the rest of the dress by eye.

Caftan from thrift store-$3.50

Knit fabric for lining-$2.21 ffrom Hancock's

Simplicity pattern-$2.49

Yea for new dresses! It was a grind ripping out the original dress, but I'm totally pleased with how it turned out. I haven't sewn a garment in at least 12 years. I really wanted contrast ribbing like the green dress, but I wasn't able to find any. Neither of the 2 fabric stores had any. It bummed me out, but what can ya do? I might add some sort of belt with the pink fabric I have left. I forgot to add that this is jersey knit fabric which is so great cause there's no ironing.

I do have a knitted FO, but I think I'll blog about that next time. How about seeing what I'm into now? To the right are my camo socks in a simple k2, p2 rib. But oh no! What do we have here?? Why it's another crochet tank made from vintage Red Heart Lustersheen. If you don't have this magazine, I totally recommend it. There are at least 3 other projects in this issue that I'm going to try. The magazine is Crochet!.

BTW, the back is done.

The House Of Horror aka It's Not 6/6/06 Anymore

Things around here have been pretty funky lately...almost like there's a ghost or demon spirit hovering. First, I come home from work, and the house is HOT. The hubbo says, "I think the compressor is going out on the ac because I heard a bunch of grinding noises. I'm thinking...OH NO! A compressor is expensive to be replaced. He wanted me to hear the "grinding", so he turned it back on. The long and short of it? AC is working....and great, I might add.

I guess the refrigerator was jealous of all the attention, so it decided to act up. On my day off I returned home from running errands, to find a HUGE pool of water all over the kitchen floor.---easily cleaned up, but when you opened the fridge, it wasn't as cool as it should be. When hubbo returned home from work, he was furious! Who wouldn't be? Anyway, we decided to call an appliance repair guy the next day because luckily I was off the next day and could wait around for the repair guy. In the interim, I called my dad, and he and my mom came over to take a look see. The upshot here? The leaking stopped on it's own, and the fridge is ice cold again! And you people always wonder why I'm so frustrated.

Now, on with the knitting. Yes, it's a FO! These are mistake rib socks made from acrylic-yes, I said acrylic-yarn from Italy that I got in a bag of thrift store yarn about a year ago. The yarn was simply called...Filato Acrilico by filo d'oro. I used size 1 circs and they fit beautifully! I'll say it again...I love how the heel flap came out looking like fair isle! The irony of all this sock completion? Won't be able to wear them for maybe 6 months or so. The new job has bad ac and it's HOT in there! It's sandals all the time!


I don't think I've ever mentioned this one before. I've had this pattern book for awhile and had coveted this one--even setting aside some of my beloved Cotton Ease for this. When I started experiencing problems with my Rebecca powder jacket, I decided to cast on for this. In the pattern, it stated they wanted you to use "swiss darning"...ok, in English definition is duplicate stitch, and I knew for a fact that is not what needed to be done for the neckline. I took it to my once a month group, and it was decided that it should be tubular cast on....Huh?? Couldn't figure it out. Then, when I finally had a day off, I went to the Monday night group, and someone suggested it might be an I-cord bind off. Possibly. Finally, my "knitting guru", Kathleen showed up and well....see? It's a beautiful neckline! Grafted off! I never would have figured that out on my own! She told me that alot of the Katia books ask for this bind off...that was good to know since I have a few of those pattern books, and had never cracked them open to look. Anyway, a HUGE knitterly thanks and a shout out to Kathleen. If you didn't know-and ya probably don't-Kathleen talked me thru the techinique of socks on 2 circs over the phone after I first met her.

I have made little progress on the yellow crochet top, too...and well, I've been trying to complete sock #2 of my secret sock knitting. I already know what's next....my mom's socks. I keep promising her I'm going to finish them, and she keeps asking for them. It's actually become quite humorous. If you've been reading the blog, you know this has been going on for what? A year?
She has the patience of a saint!

Unfinished business due to new business

I am unable to blog and be as knitty as I would like to be these days. Why? Because I started a new job, and my schedule fluctuates so much that I can't seem to get in a routine. The worst part? I can't socialize with all my knitting friends, and that saddens me. :( I miss the stories and their projects. But what can I do? I gotta work...

Anway, I have been trying to work on stuff....hence, the unfinished business.
What you see in the upper left is my start on the ruffle vest from knit 1, the finished back of my crochet tank, and the never seeming to be finished creamsicle socks. Ya know, this working has somehow cut into my creative juices, and I'm not as inspired to finish. Guess it has to do with missing my peer's knitterly comments.



But, check this out...http://wardroberefashion.blogspot.com/ This is such a cool idea and I am lovin' every second of reading what everyone's doing. Go....check it out!

Crochet Frenzy

It's been awhile, but since my last post I have made some headway...guess you just have to take a step back every now and again to get the machine in motion. Major frustration has been the mood around here, so as I mentioned, I started a new project. It was going to be a simple knit..just a 3 x 3 rib short sleeve summer top....HA! The knitting gods didn't like that! The instructions tell you to knit 6 rows in elastic rib and then use swiss darning. People....this is so like what??? They don't mean duplicate stitch since we are talking about the back neckline. I asked my "advisors" at the knitting group last week and they suggested that it might be tubular cast off. Ok, so I read the instructions for that...seemed like it might be right. Then, I tried it, and it can't be right! Now what???? I feel like I just learned how to knit like 2 minutes ago and the instructions are in some alien language. HELP!!!

Now, I did finish the crochet top that I had to completely rip out the back and redo....I apologize for the crappy picture. I tried to get it so you could see the filet design, but couldn't. I'll probably have to try it again....maybe if I am modeling it.







My post title is crochet frenzy, and it appears that I am in one...this is my latest WIP which is destined to be a summer tank top. It' a freebie pattern from the net so let's see how this goes. Because my sis was here visiting from CA, I let her work on it...it's up to the armhole shaping. Not bad for 1 day's work, huh? While she's been here we went to a bunch of fancy schmancy retail stores (translation: super expensive) and I saw a veritible ton of crocheted clothing! I guess 2006 is the summer of crochet. Everything I looked at, I was like..uh..I could probably make that. So, now that's what I'm trying to do.

Now, in knitting news....I realized I had never photographed this summer cropped tank top I made in the summer of 2002. It turned out to be huge, and I kept thinking I would find someone at work to take it off my hands. I never did. Now it's going to be frogged and will be transformed into the ruffled bra top from the latest issue of "knit 1". Yea! Save money and get a new cute top out of the deal! I love when that happens. Although, wish me luck since I've apparently really p-o-ed the knitting gods.


And I'd also like to say that this issue of "knit 1" was much better than the last one. I love the green cardi, and will knit that a little later on. Plus, I love their idea about the purchased lace and crochet to make the tunic top. Very ingenius. The only quandry I'm in now is...when will I get the time to do all this??

So not newsy

This has been a horrible week! I didn't bother to take a photo of what is now the back of the crochet top. The assembly of this thing had me in a quandry, but today I figured it out, but still had to tear the %^& apart.
If this wasn't bad enough, and trust me , it threw my mojo into a tail spin, my Rebecca summer cardi is TOO SMALL! Yeah...I know...gauge...whatever!! So I ripped the back out, and will have to make some adjustments. Luckily, there is more than enough yarn.
I have been totally uninspired to knit anything. The other 5000 WIPs just aren't cuttin' it, and with some I am very close to a finish. So what's a knitter to do? Start a new project. Problem is, I'm still not gettin' gauge. Maybe I should just shut up and go read.

Keeping my promise

Ok, I have photos for ya today. First, a FO--crochet tank top . I know I'm no expert, but it did fit, although a bit large around the bust, but all in all, a fast project. The pattern is from McCall's Needlework Spring/Summer 1976. I used an F hook and 5 skeins of Lily Cotton-All that I had in my stash. (Technically, that means I can add 5 skeins to said stash, right?) I started this on 4-28 and finished on 5-2. Faster than knitting, I tell ya.



Now for those of you who've been into all my thrift store yarn purchases, I now bring you the rest of it... 6 skeins of Columbia Minerva "Linspun" in cream and a heathery gray. This yarn is 85 % acrylic and 15% linen. I have no earthly idea what to use it for...oh, and a couple of lone balls of unknown sock yarn, I guess. The next is my wool! 13 skeins of Brunswick Germantown in shamrock, dartmouth green, and cherry smash. (Love those color names!!) Anyway, remember, all this was part of one trip! And I forgot to say that these will eventually become a felted bag...maybe the booga bag.

And, I also stated in my last post that I had acquired a new knitting bag...so, here's a pic of it, too. Brand spankin' new from the same thrift shop!! Does anyone know if this is a designer bag? The inside has a tag that says "KMQ Collection". I guess it really doesn't matter, but was just curious.

Am I driving you crazy with all the pics? Ok, last one I promise....my latest WIP...filet crochet! I gotta say, this works up so fast, and now I think I'm addicted! Have you seen the latest Tahki Crochet booklet? There were some really cute patterns in there. Since I'm just starting out, I'm going to work with all these vintage ones I have first. Oh yeah...I already boo-booed this one....I didn't get gauge nor had I bothered to measure, so I will be doing a few new "design concepts" instead of ripping out!!