What two Needles Can Do

I realized, today, that I had not caught anyone up on anything craft wise. I apologize for that. Last week was pretty busy. We had store inventory that lasted until 2am and I hadn't caught up on sleep because some puppy wants out at 7a.m. on the dot, every day. Although I still feel sleep deprived I have had a day of rest so I feel much better.

I worked on a knitted sampler scarf and finished it April 11th:

 You can't really see the designs that well, in the picture.I think it may be the color of yarn I used. There were six "blocks" on the scarf. The ends were more plain. The middle squares were a heart, paw print, music note and (my favorite) a snowflake. I really liked this pattern (free download), because it was written for fourth graders which really dumbed down some of the things that confused me. I do wish that she had explained a little bit more on how to fasten off but it wasn't anything that a bit of Youtube or a friend couldn't help with. The scarf is a little short, like I said it was designed for fourth graders so it was probably meant for their size. I have been thinking of making more (for the practice) and donating the lot to some of the elementary schools around here for kids who forget their scarf or don't have one. Recess is no fun when it is too cold.

The next project that I have been working on is kind of sleeping right now. It is the Fireside Wristlets, also a free download. I like how they are turning out. I only have the one done, and the second is slowly coming together. I take it to work, so I can knit on my lunch. For some reason, the red is really difficult to knit with. It was the last color so maybe I got used to knitting and was knitting tighter? I don't know.

I'm still having troubles with knitting on circular needles. I don't know what is up with that and if I can't figure it out, I will be posting with pictures so you can see and maybe tell me what I'm doing wrong or give me any advice. I have tried watching youtube videos for this. My problem seems to be in getting the dern stitches to slide from the cord to the needle. Maybe my cord is too long?

What projects are working on? Have you tried anything new, lately?
Let me know in the comments below! Also, check out some of my other posts! I always love hearing from you.

Remember that you are beautiful and well loved.

Two Sticks and Some String

I have decided that I'm going to try my hand at knitting, for the third time. I love crocheting but I can do anything that I have a pattern for and I have been writing patterns. I will continue my crocheting but I'm up for a...new, not-so-new challenge.

About a year ago, I went to the craft store and bought this "I taught myself Knitting" kit that came with a book. I didn't really look at it too much because I mainly wanted the needles. I worked on a make-up remover pad after getting frustrated with a scarf. Neither of which are in the book. Where those patterns are, I have no idea.

This book, scares the life out of me. To start, with the cover: The girl looks like she wants to kill me and laugh while she is doing it. If there hadn't been needles in the kit, I probably would not have bought it. She scares me.

Then, I open the book and starring at me is everything in three languages! Awesome. This certainly does not help soothe my worry about trying to make something nice out of, what looks to be, steel chop sticks and some yarn.

There is a scarf, some potholders and a...Poncho? Seriously? The poncho is the third pattern that they decide to put in a Beginner's book? I'm sorry. I'm still trying to decode K2 P2 M1...and you stick a PONCHO in the midst of that? Only a couple patterns from that are sweaters. You know, the thinks that have sleeves and holes for your head....those things. That is NOT a small project!

Granted, when I started crocheting, I went from one scarf to an afghan. But that was with one hook, not two needles! I didn't even start wearables until a year or so into crocheting. The idea that I'm going to make something that someone is going to wear, all day, is frightening especially when the reason why I stopped knitting was because I can't figure out how to pick up all of the stitches I drop without undoing the whole project!

So, here I sit, with two sticks (yes, I know they are needles) some string, and a book that I want to toss.

If you have any suggestions for a less intimidating book or pattern, please! I beg you, leave comments below. I've been searching Ravelry and found some patterns but I'm thinking they may be on the advanced side. I have size 6 and 8 needles.

Please remember that you are beautiful and well loved. Have a blessed day!

New Adventures with Yarn

Alright, I am so super excited to be able to share with you, the finished product of the CAL (Crochet A Long) shawl that we were working on. It was so much fun to work with these beautiful ladies on the same project. They helped me when I had questions and we chatted while waiting for the next clue. I love a good mystery and this project kept me anxious for the day when the next clue would be released.

Here is the finished product:

The border has sweet little butterflies! I tried to capture some in the picture above, but I'm not sure if you can see it. I did not block this (mostly because I don't know how and I don't have the room, right now. This pattern also called for beads, which I did not use because my local craft store didn't have the beads I was looking for and I'm not patient when it comes to creating something for someone. Haha!

I gave this shawl to one of my co-workers who was not having a good week. I hope that it helped to brighten her day. She likes to bow hunt and the colors reminded me of the pink camouflage shoes that we sell, which reminded me of her hunting hobby.

I am excited to start a new CAL! I am looking for one right now, so if you know a good one, let me know in the comments below!

Also, I decided to teach myself how to knit and after 15 minutes of trying to figure out how to cast on, I am getting the hang of it. Here is a scarf that I'm making. I'm not very far.

As always, have a blessed day.
Remember that you are beautiful and well loved.