Another Hobby....

Not that I need another hobby but I think I've caught the sewing bug. Saturday I had some friends over for a winter craft night. We made box bags to hold small knitting projects. These bags are sold all over etsy and I've bought a couple myself before I realized how easy they were to make.

This is the first one I made with Michelle's help. I love the material, who doesn't love chickens ;o)


The second bag I made all by myself on Sunday. These are sooooo fun to make.


The best thing about these bags is they can be made using fat quarters. If your interested in making one there are some great tutorials here, here and here. I cut my fabric 14 inches by 18 inches and I used a 14 inch zipper. I cut the ends off of the zipper after I sewed over the ends. I had not sewn in years so if I was able to make one anyone can make them. Have fun if you decide to make one.

Ravelympics 2010

So I've decided to join the Ravelympics and compete in two categories. First is the WIP (the work in progress) category. I have lots of socks that I need to finish up and get off my needles so I can knit up the tons of sock yarn that I have (I'll show you that at a later time ;o). First up I need to finish the mates to my Sinuosity sock and my Cookie A Monkeys. I love that pattern. Both yarns are Hazel Knits Artisan Sock, one of my favorites.


Next, these socks were actually suppose to be done for Halloween but there is always next year. my Little Pumpkin socks (Ravelry link). Such a fun pattern and of course Malabrigo sock yarn is to die for.

I almost forgot about these. They are beautiful but I had to put the cables down for a little bit. I was so proud of myself when I finished the first sock. I have about 20% of the second sock done. These are the Cozy Cable Socks (Ravelry link). I extended the pattern down the heel because I wear clogs and I thought it would be fun to show the cables off.

I don't only knit socks although that's what it seems like lately. I also joined the Designer Original Dance.

This competition gives me 17 days to design and knit an original item. I can swatch before the Olympics but can't cast on until Feb 12th. I'm excited to see how I work under pressure. 17 days seems like a short time but when I was in college I always waited til a day or two before a paper was due to start. Am I crazy or is this the kick in the pants I need to finish my next design? Guess we'll find out.

Etsy Favs #2

I have hunted for a wrap top that was flattering and wasn't too low cut. Most of the ones that I tried on were either way too expensive or when worn throughout the day ended up gapping open and exposing things I didn't want to expose. I was hunting around on Etsy and found this top at Lirola Designs. She has so many beautiful dresses and tops that are made out of jersey material. I figured I would give it a try and order a top. I ordered a custom top, which doesn't cost any more, and gave my measurements.

Excuse the hunched shoulders in this picture. Trying to work the tripod and set the timer didn't give me a lot of time to get in position. Anyways, it took about 3 weeks for me to get the finished top. It was packaged beautifully and best of all I received a 10% off coupon to use with my next purchase. I will definitely be back for more.

I should mention that this is actually a faux wrap top. The ties can be worn several different ways. You can see the other ways here.

All in all I love this top. I am planning to order one in the Mysterious blue colorway. The only thing I would change is slightly longer sleeves and maybe a little wider on the bust so it lays more like the original top. The top is beautifully constructed and was made to the measurements I provided.

Etsy Favs #1

Usually this time of year I reflect on the knitting that I accomplished last year. Since I've actually knit a lot more than I've blogged I've decided instead to share one of the new Etsy shops that I found last year.

I was searching for a unique gift to give my knitting friends in our Christmas gift exchange. I was looking for something that was affordable and would work as stocking stuffers. I found Savor and thought that the beautiful handmade soaps would be the perfect gift.

I wanted to make sure that the scent that I chose would appeal to anyone, so I contacted Lisa who helped me pick the perfect scent. She also reserved my order and made sure that I received it in time for our gift exchange. Great customer service!!! I decided on the Gateau Au Citron scent in the Creme Fraiche whipped soap. The scent smells like fresh lemons. Perfect for me because I have perfume allergies and can't do any floral scents. I also purchased My Boyfriends Tshirt which is the jar that is open above. Smells just like cotton.

The Creme Fraiche is very sudsy so you don't need to use a lot. As you can see the jars are literally filled to the top. I will definitely be back to Savor to pick up some of the sugar scrubs and bar soaps.

More of my Etsy favs to follow. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sinuosity Socks ..now available

The Sinuosity Sock pattern is finally complete. I decided to make it available in multiple sizes which required a little more test knitting than I had planned.

$5.50

Gauge:
Light Fingering - 8 sts and 12 rows = 1 inch

Sizes: S, M, L

S - 7" foot and leg circumference
M - 8" foot and leg circumference
L - 9" foot and leg circumference

Socks will stretch 1 - 1.5 inches to accommodate a larger foot and leg. If you have a larger instep be sure to go with the longer heel flap so your socks fit properly.

Shown in size M. Model wears a US size 8.5 - 9 shoe, medium width.

Materials:
US size 1 (2.25mm) double pointed needles

Yarn -1 hank Destination Yarn (America the Beautiful Collection - color Sea) - Jeanne dyed up some of the Sea color so head over and get yours before it's gone.

Tapestry needle

Click the buy now button to purchase and download a pdf version of the pattern. Please note if you are using your checking account to make your purchase you will receive the pattern once the payment has been processed. If you don't have a paypal account that's OK you can make a purchase without an account by using a major credit card. If you are a Ravelry user you can also purchase it through my pattern store.

Every attempt has been made to produce a high quality pattern, free of errors.

Enjoy!!!

Sinuosity.....is the winner

It was a hard decision and I changed my mind too many times to count. I decided to go with Sinuosity as the name for my new pattern. Thanks again to everyone who participated. Yardsailor, Jenny, Jersey and Debbie send me your email so I can send you a copy of the pattern as soon as it's ready. My email is in the side bar.

Kitten with a Whiplash send me your address so I can send you a hank of the beautiful Destination Yarn in Sea. Jeanne was nice enough to dye up another batch and I believe she will be dying up some more so it is available when the pattern is released.

Pattern will be available soon.

Change of plans.......

I have decided to nix the blog poll idea and choose the winner of the pattern naming contest myself. Sunday Nov 15th I will announce the winner. Yardsailor, Kitten with a Whiplash, Jenny, Jersey and Debbie you will all be receiving a copy of the pattern. The winner will also receive a hank of Destination Yarn.

Thanks again everyone for participating.