This. is. so. cool.
Thank you, DKD for sharing this with me so that I can spread the joy.
March 30, 2009
March 28, 2009
For all that is good and pure...it's done!
Yay! I reformatted the blog background to be a little more personal. I liked the cute scrapbooky ones that Becky and Jenna and Katy have but wanted to incorporate some other types of crafty looks. Well, there were too many things to choose from, so I just took a picture of some of the boxes that organize various crafts in my craftroom.
Thanks to The Cutest Blog on the Block for the mini tutorial! The size didn't work for me so I had to mess with that, plus it took me a while to figure out what I wanted (or, rather, what I really didn't want). Ten or so versions later and we arrived at what you see. In any case, after many hours of scrutinizing way too much over something so simple looking it is done!
Certainly there will updates, but maybe not for a while.
Thanks to The Cutest Blog on the Block for the mini tutorial! The size didn't work for me so I had to mess with that, plus it took me a while to figure out what I wanted (or, rather, what I really didn't want). Ten or so versions later and we arrived at what you see. In any case, after many hours of scrutinizing way too much over something so simple looking it is done!
Certainly there will updates, but maybe not for a while.
March 26, 2009
Seedlings!
Our garden has officially begun.
I've got snow pea, lettuce, and broccoli sprouts. I'm so excited to plant a garden this year - because I've never done it and don't yet appreciate how hard it probably is, plus I have hope that we can actually get some edible produce out of the deal. You can almost see the things growing...between yesterday and today there's a marked difference! Maybe in the next few days we'll also have pole beans, zucchini, carrots, and green onions. Yum.
We also planted a slew of perennial seeds with which we'll try to fill in the copious amount of bare dirt we have. And by bare, I mean laden with weeds. That's one struggle. The other is that most of this area is on the north side of the house where there is little sun and even less drainage. We're trying to save money by going the seeds route - but the savings might be used right up if we have to install gutters. We'll see. The next few weeks will have to bring about those kinds of decisions...
For now I'll bask in the satisfaction of having sprouts AND the re-emergence of the lily I almost killed over the winter. It was in a pot at the front window all winter where it seemed to be slowly dying. I would water it sometimes and then pick off whatever dead leaves were loose and eventually, all the dead leaves were gone and there was just two short green stalks that have proceeded to thrive now that they're no longer impeded by the other crap. It's horrible, but this is kind of my gardening M.O. Don't treat the plants too nicely and hope they become hardy enough to withstand inconsistent watering and alternating periods of scorching sun/no sun. I'm treating the seedlings much nicer. For now.
I've got snow pea, lettuce, and broccoli sprouts. I'm so excited to plant a garden this year - because I've never done it and don't yet appreciate how hard it probably is, plus I have hope that we can actually get some edible produce out of the deal. You can almost see the things growing...between yesterday and today there's a marked difference! Maybe in the next few days we'll also have pole beans, zucchini, carrots, and green onions. Yum.
We also planted a slew of perennial seeds with which we'll try to fill in the copious amount of bare dirt we have. And by bare, I mean laden with weeds. That's one struggle. The other is that most of this area is on the north side of the house where there is little sun and even less drainage. We're trying to save money by going the seeds route - but the savings might be used right up if we have to install gutters. We'll see. The next few weeks will have to bring about those kinds of decisions...
For now I'll bask in the satisfaction of having sprouts AND the re-emergence of the lily I almost killed over the winter. It was in a pot at the front window all winter where it seemed to be slowly dying. I would water it sometimes and then pick off whatever dead leaves were loose and eventually, all the dead leaves were gone and there was just two short green stalks that have proceeded to thrive now that they're no longer impeded by the other crap. It's horrible, but this is kind of my gardening M.O. Don't treat the plants too nicely and hope they become hardy enough to withstand inconsistent watering and alternating periods of scorching sun/no sun. I'm treating the seedlings much nicer. For now.
Knitted Stem Rose
This knit flower may not be the color of any actual flowers in existence. Oh, well.
Stem Rose
by Egret Effects (Theresa B)
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Height: 11.5”
Width: 3-4”
MATERIALS
[C1] Lion Brand Wool (100% wool; 85 g/158 yds). Color 178 Dark Teal; GAUGE
Doesn’t matter!
PATTERN
Large Petal (make 3)
Using straight needles and [C1], cast on 24 sts.
Using this key…
A = Purl
B = K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1
C = (K1, ssk) twice, knit to last 6 sts, (ssk, k1) twice
work rows as follows:
A
B
A
C
A
B
A
C
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
Bind off all.
Medium Petal (make 2)
Using straight needles and [C1], cast on 16 sts.
Using the same key as for the large petals, work rows as follows:
A
B
A
C
A
B
A
B
A
Bind off all.
Small Petal (make 2)
Using straight needles and [C1], cast on 2 sts.
Using this key…
A = Knit
B = Kfb all
C = K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1
D = K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1
work rows as follows:
A
B
A
C
A
C
A
D
A
D
A
Bind off all.
Stem
Using DPNs and [C2], cast on 5 sts.
Work I-cord for 40-50 rows, depending on how long you want the stem (pictured is 50 rows; about 8”).
Still working in I-cord fashion…
- K1, kfb, k3
- K3, kfb, k2
- K5, kfb, k1
Turn work and purl
Turn work and k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1
Turn work and purl
Turn work and bind off all.
Now pick up 3 sts on the open side of the base of your I-cord increases and work rows as follows:
Purl
K1, kfb, k1
Purl
K1, kfb, kfb, k1
Purl
K1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1
Purl
Bind off all.
Make the stamen using [C3]. Pick up 4 sts at the base of the inside of one of the flaps and knit I-cord for 5 rows.
Bind off all.
FINISHING
Sew the petals onto the base of the stamen one at a time, starting with the small petals. Unless you want the flower to be wide open, make a few stitches higher up to attach the petals to each other. Make sure to leave a small opening at the top of the stem to put in your pipe cleaners or wire.
Felt the whole flower. If you felt things really small and tight, you might want to feed the wire into the stem beforehand. Otherwise, feed it in afterwards.
Clip the wire a bit longer than the stem is and stuff the top end up into the flower or stamen to add support.
Sew the green flaps to the base of the flower to cover the wire and opening. Put a rubber band around the petals until they're dry.
If your wire or pipe cleaners aren’t strong enough to hold up the heavy flower, you can add a decorative wire around the outside of the stem, as pictured. Any bead store should carry memory wire that is really thick and holds its shape. The pictured flower has memory wire made for a choker that has been wound around a stem-sized tube to re-shape it (it’s hard, wear gloves!). You could add beads to it if you like some sparkle, or you could wind real or silk leaves into it if you like something more organic looking.
CLARIFICATION
Danielle asks:
Hi there, firstly thanks for the great pattern. Im right in the middle of making my first flower and im stuck... could you please explain to me exactly where i should pick up the stitches for the top of the stem. I'm new to picking up stitches so i apologise if im being an idiot!
You are most certainly not an idiot...the problem is more likely that I am not a pattern writer. I should've taken pictures of the work as I was going, but since I didn't, I have tried to answer your question via illustration. I'm so sorry. The "V" marks are supposed to be knit stitches and the flatish "U" shapes are purl ridges. Don't pay any attention to how many marks there are - it is no indication of how many stitches there should be. You can click to enlarge it. I hope it helps!
Stem Rose
by Egret Effects (Theresa B)
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Height: 11.5”
Width: 3-4”
MATERIALS
[C1] Lion Brand Wool (100% wool; 85 g/158 yds). Color 178 Dark Teal; GAUGE
Doesn’t matter!
PATTERN
Large Petal (make 3)
Using straight needles and [C1], cast on 24 sts.
Using this key…
A = Purl
B = K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1
C = (K1, ssk) twice, knit to last 6 sts, (ssk, k1) twice
work rows as follows:
A
B
A
C
A
B
A
C
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
Bind off all.
Medium Petal (make 2)
Using straight needles and [C1], cast on 16 sts.
Using the same key as for the large petals, work rows as follows:
A
B
A
C
A
B
A
B
A
Bind off all.
Small Petal (make 2)
Using straight needles and [C1], cast on 2 sts.
Using this key…
A = Knit
B = Kfb all
C = K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1
D = K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1
work rows as follows:
A
B
A
C
A
C
A
D
A
D
A
Bind off all.
Stem
Using DPNs and [C2], cast on 5 sts.
Work I-cord for 40-50 rows, depending on how long you want the stem (pictured is 50 rows; about 8”).
Still working in I-cord fashion…
- K1, kfb, k3
- K3, kfb, k2
- K5, kfb, k1
Turn work and purl
Turn work and k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1
Turn work and purl
Turn work and bind off all.
Now pick up 3 sts on the open side of the base of your I-cord increases and work rows as follows:
Purl
K1, kfb, k1
Purl
K1, kfb, kfb, k1
Purl
K1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1
Purl
Bind off all.
Make the stamen using [C3]. Pick up 4 sts at the base of the inside of one of the flaps and knit I-cord for 5 rows.
Bind off all.
FINISHING
Sew the petals onto the base of the stamen one at a time, starting with the small petals. Unless you want the flower to be wide open, make a few stitches higher up to attach the petals to each other. Make sure to leave a small opening at the top of the stem to put in your pipe cleaners or wire.
Felt the whole flower. If you felt things really small and tight, you might want to feed the wire into the stem beforehand. Otherwise, feed it in afterwards.
Clip the wire a bit longer than the stem is and stuff the top end up into the flower or stamen to add support.
Sew the green flaps to the base of the flower to cover the wire and opening. Put a rubber band around the petals until they're dry.
If your wire or pipe cleaners aren’t strong enough to hold up the heavy flower, you can add a decorative wire around the outside of the stem, as pictured. Any bead store should carry memory wire that is really thick and holds its shape. The pictured flower has memory wire made for a choker that has been wound around a stem-sized tube to re-shape it (it’s hard, wear gloves!). You could add beads to it if you like some sparkle, or you could wind real or silk leaves into it if you like something more organic looking.
CLARIFICATION
Danielle asks:
Hi there, firstly thanks for the great pattern. Im right in the middle of making my first flower and im stuck... could you please explain to me exactly where i should pick up the stitches for the top of the stem. I'm new to picking up stitches so i apologise if im being an idiot!
You are most certainly not an idiot...the problem is more likely that I am not a pattern writer. I should've taken pictures of the work as I was going, but since I didn't, I have tried to answer your question via illustration. I'm so sorry. The "V" marks are supposed to be knit stitches and the flatish "U" shapes are purl ridges. Don't pay any attention to how many marks there are - it is no indication of how many stitches there should be. You can click to enlarge it. I hope it helps!
March 21, 2009
Mischief Managed: Just so cute
Penny likes to nest.
The bed (against your legs and under the covers especially), the blanket/pillow on the living room couch, and any kind of laundry pile are her favorite places.
I've been working on a few projects that I'll share soon. Penny usually tries to sit with me, totally ignoring my strands of yarn and various needles - except when they poke her. Or she rolls on the floor, trying to scent her toys; sometimes pausing a few feet from them so she can suddenly pounce and "get it." She never used to entertain herself - until she stole her favorite ball from its rightful owner. If she's really bored and she knows where her toys are but can't get to them, she will whine until you realize that's what she's looking for.
She is sitting next to me now, and I think she just ate a ladybug.
The bed (against your legs and under the covers especially), the blanket/pillow on the living room couch, and any kind of laundry pile are her favorite places.
I've been working on a few projects that I'll share soon. Penny usually tries to sit with me, totally ignoring my strands of yarn and various needles - except when they poke her. Or she rolls on the floor, trying to scent her toys; sometimes pausing a few feet from them so she can suddenly pounce and "get it." She never used to entertain herself - until she stole her favorite ball from its rightful owner. If she's really bored and she knows where her toys are but can't get to them, she will whine until you realize that's what she's looking for.
She is sitting next to me now, and I think she just ate a ladybug.
March 19, 2009
Accoutraments for all your vices
Diverging (once again) from regular blog content, I have to share the greatest gem yet found as we clean out my grandma's house:
Yes, decades ago, some people sat in a office brainstorming product ideas and came up with a mug instructing you to drink and smoke. "Hey, I know...let's pair the phrase with some folk-arty painted fruit!"
And yes, if you flip the lid of the mug upside down, it is an ashtray.
Yes, decades ago, some people sat in a office brainstorming product ideas and came up with a mug instructing you to drink and smoke. "Hey, I know...let's pair the phrase with some folk-arty painted fruit!"
And yes, if you flip the lid of the mug upside down, it is an ashtray.
March 17, 2009
A Different Kind of Bear
Gasp! I've veered from my usual bear pattern! I don't know what came over me and I feel a bit unfaithful...
This bear is from the Bubby pattern on Knitty. He's super cute, but the neck is so skinny I had to use a pen to stuff the head. He's much smaller than my usual bears from LMKG - the small ones that I used lighter yarn and size four needles for (like this pattern) all came out to be about the same height as Bubby (about 7") but they're more substantial. Anyways, Bubby is cute; I'd make him again.
Sweet Stuff: Lollishops new look
I like to think that girls and women are not predisposed to the adoration of lace, ruffles, and the color pink. But predisposed or not, sometimes I just like cutesy stuff. A local crafter has opened an Etsy-esque shop devoted to "the frou-frou friendly marketplace" and recently updated the homepage, which now neatly pulls out some key items to peruse and highlights featured sellers. Click here to check out some ribbons and curls!
March 16, 2009
Sweet Stuff: Olive's pillows
Um, awesome. Words cannot describe how much I love pillows. In every place my husband and I have lived, I've asked him if I could have a pillow room. Unfortunately, they don't really build living spaces with appropriately sized rooms for such a use, but I'm collecting pillows anyway.
Sunday Baker, I'm excited to announce, found Olive on Etsy and loved her pillows so much that she's doing a give away that anybody can enter. Click here if you want in. This is my favorite Olive pillow:
And this is the pillow prize for the lucky drawing winner:
Sunday Baker, I'm excited to announce, found Olive on Etsy and loved her pillows so much that she's doing a give away that anybody can enter. Click here if you want in. This is my favorite Olive pillow:
And this is the pillow prize for the lucky drawing winner:
Shrug
So other than hats and mittens, this is the first piece of clothing I've ever made. Ok, there have been leg warmers, too. But that stuff doesn't count. I'm obsessed with shrugs - I guess because I'm obsessed with layering - and I've bookmarked about 85 different ones to make. This one is a super easy design by Peony Knits. You can find the pattern here.
I used Wool-Ease Chunky and a larger needle size. I did check the gauge (and proud of it, even though I FAILED) but the finished product came out smaller anyways. It fits me, but just barely and it would really work better for an adolescent girl. Ah, well. It took less than a skein to make so I can always try again.
I used Wool-Ease Chunky and a larger needle size. I did check the gauge (and proud of it, even though I FAILED) but the finished product came out smaller anyways. It fits me, but just barely and it would really work better for an adolescent girl. Ah, well. It took less than a skein to make so I can always try again.
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