Ravelympics

Yes I have joined the many ranks of ravelers in the Ravelympics. I have entered one event, WIPs Wrestling. I have like 4 projects that need to be finished before people beat me up. So this will be a good time to do so.

Projects :

Entrelac Wrap - Crochet

Classic Sweater for Guys - Knit

Lacy Days of Summer - Crochet

Textured Blanket - Crochet

I hope to cross the finish line, Aug. 24th, with all projects complete. Even with the ends weaved in.

Justina is practically finished. Just have to do the back waist and put it together and sew on buttons. I know I will have to line it so I will be looking for fabric. At least I know I will wear it in August. I'll try to have some pics soon.

More Knits

Hey everyone! This is my new project. The Justina skirt from Berroco. I saw it on "my life in stitches" and fell in love. I don't think I even saw this before while checking their website. Then again I don't really look for skirts there. Anyway, I love it and find it very easy. And when things are this easy I make many mistakes. Hopefully, it turns out the way I like it. I'll put a pic of my progress up later.

I am also working on a wavy tube top from here. I'm using Bernat's cotton and its pretty good. I hope to finish this soon. Its also easy. I've never done this wave pattern before, but its going well.

I also start classes today, but I will keep you all posted on my progress in knitting and crochet.

Flowers and Projects

These are the flowers I received on Administrative Assistant Day. I was so thrilled to get them. This is the first year I ever celebrated it. I really didn't expect to get anything. They even gave us a continental breakfast and a candy apple. Then it was back to work as usual.

Everyone is coming to my desk to see these flowers and giving advice on how to take care of them. I just hope no one tries to steal them. They may get kidnapped any day now.
















This is the front of my babydoll from "Crochet Me". I think it is really turning out well. I want to finish it in another week or so so I can move on to the Geometry Dress in new issue of "Interweave Crochet".




















This is the back.



I hope everyone is enjoying some good weather. Its perfect here in the "D". Unfortunately, I hear that the temp will go done to the 60's, but it beats 40 as a high.

Star Day at City Knits

After shopping around for yarn for my new winter hat, "The Schwartz Hat" from the movie
"Christmas Story" ( I found the pattern here) I got the chance to sit and chat with none other than Brett Bara, editor of "Crochet Today" magazine and Candi Jenson, author.

Above is Candi signing a book for JoAnne. Unfortunately, I didn't catch her in the photo. Candi is such a nice person. She explained how her "Crochet Bags, Crochet Hats, Crochet Scarves" books were all die-cut and were done by hand in China. Its one of the better jobs there because the room they work in is air-conditioned. We all felt bad and she didn't want to have here books done that way, but they explained to her that its providing a very good income for the workers and like I said before its air-conditioned and considered a better job.


This is Bret listening to a story along with a customer of CK (City Knits). I find that like Candi, Brett also is easy going. She explained that new episodes of "Knit and Crochet Today" will be airing this September. (Check your local Public Television listings) Its currently not being showed because they are shooting new episodes.
I enjoyed talking to them and having my books signed by Candi and my magazine signed by Brett. I can't wait for the new episodes to come on. But, until then I have my magazines and Candi Jenson books to read.

I was invited!!!!!!

This is a very quick and short post to inform you all that I am officially on ravelry. I was debating whether or not to join, but I finally made the decision and I am so very happy I did. I am enjoying setting it up and adding friends. One of whom is the very own Vickie Howell of Knitty Gritty fame. I love that show and can't wait for it to have new shows on DIY Network. If you have not visited ravelry or joined I think you should. It is such fun.
I promise pics on the next post.

Cables and more cables

This was the cutest thing I found on the net. It is a cabled wallet and I found the pattern at: craftingcasualty.blogspot.com
I used Encore worsted and I really like how it came out. I borrowed a button from my mom's sewing box and I think it looks ok. It only took me a couple of hours to make seeing that I started it at work and didn't have a cable needle with me. How did I make this lovely cable you ask? I used a handy dandy straw. Yes, a straw. Go figure. It held up beautifully.

This is the tank top from Creative Knitting. I love the Gems "Opal". It does work up nicely. And my stitch markers I got from Etsy are real cool. I finally got a chance to use them and I am so happy. This pattern is so easy. I'm already up to the straps and I just started last week. Now my next project will come from "Crochet Me" and its the nice tunic in Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece. Can't wait to start that.

To Die for Projects

The new Vogue Knitting magazine came out for Spring/Summer and I saw this dress in it and said, "I am so making this for when I get married". How can you resist this dress or the shrug or the cardigan? But, the dress had me drooling the most. I hurried to the book store and bought it. I haven't bought the yarn for it, yet. Its lace done with a DK weight yarn. Just have to make this bloody thing.

To the right is the very next project I will be working on. I bought some Opal "Gems" yarn in "Robin" and hopefully things work out for me. I just love this tank. I don't know about the edging. I will try it and see if I actually can deal with it.