Knitter's Nook

Want a quick, easy project?

2010-01-13T19:30:00.000-08:00

You are absolutely right....updating my blog has been long overdue. What started out as a short bloggy break ended up lasting much longer than even I anticipated. But all of a sudden following my birthday (my last post), life got way to busy, and it has stayed that way for quite-a-while. And guess what....I've concluded that things are not about to let up just yet. So, in spite of all life's business, here I am again in 2K10 attempting to talk about the craft of knitting...hoping that nothing and no one will distract me until I've posted a little something about the scarf I just finished. If you want a quick knit project, this is it!

I really love the yarn which I bought on my November 2009 trip to my home state of Mississippi....at Yarns Downtown (Columbus, MS). I recommend you make your way there for a visit (in person) as soon as you can.

In fact, I have several pictures (which were taken on a previous store visit) that show just what a wonderful array of yarn and what a magnificient haven this store is for me; I always find something different whenever I visit there.

Click on pictures for close-up, detailed view.

In case you want to know more before you visit; however, here's the web location:

Every time I visit the store, I'm like a kid in a candy store. I really get inspired just looking at all the yarn and books! It really is a nice place of retreat, and it reminds me of my blog name, Knitter's Nook. I could stay there for hours.....and that's normally what I do when I stop in.

I fell in love with the Frivola yarn, by Trendsetters, while there this past Thanksgiving holiday. Check it out for yourself right here.

[Go directly to http://www.trendsetteryarns.com/mondial/frivola.asp if you prefer, or if you have problems getting the "back arrow" to return you to my blog, as I did.]

Doesn't the yarn remind you of popcorn strung together as garland. It's fun to work with and has that soft, plush feel that's just heavenly next to the skin.

I just love the scarf, and am very pleased with the finished product.

Every new day is a day to celebrate!

2008-09-24T05:49:00.000-07:00

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So, it's my birthday!

I'm working on the honeybee stole.

2008-02-20T18:45:00.000-08:00

Current Project: Honeybee Stole from Knitspot
Yarn: Paloma – The Purled Llama Yarn Company
Color: Rainbow Glow

I’ve had a few challenges with this project. The stole is made of six sections that are symmetrical. It begins at the center back with a provisional cast-on, a new technique for me, which I chose to perform using the crochet hook method.

After figuring that out, I proceeded with section one. It initially took me a while to get into a rhythm with the pattern stitch in the first section because it didn’t seem as if my work looked like the picture on the pattern. I forged ahead, nonetheless, and indeed my stitch work began to take on the appearance of a pattern…after much knitting, re-knitting and unraveling.

Because I’m working with a finer yarn, my work did not appear as defined as the photo I was so drawn to when I purchased the pattern, and I’ve concluded that my handiwork probably won’t totally take on all the character I’m looking for until I’ve completed and blocked the entire project. Also...I hope to have sharper images by the time the stole is completed and blocked. :-)

Of course, I intentionally purchased the finer yarn to wear with this lovely, light-weight fabric dress.

I needed a color that matched the dress, and the Paloma Rainbow Glow matches perfectly and looks oh so good when you put it next to the soft lavender dress.

Now I’m at section three. Excluding getting the (PU4 bars k1) down, this has been the easiest section of all [Section two was the worst for me]. I seemed to have gotten lost many, many, many times in all those yarn-over’s (yo’s). But once I slowed down so that I didn’t accidentally drop them, this section started flowing a whole lot better.

To sum things up, I’ve learned a lot more about lacework, and I’m more confident in ripping out and recognizing stitches (the ssk’s, yo’s, knit two together, and slip one, k two together, psso’s).

Honestly, this was the first project that I came oh so close to, gladly, giving up on and saying ENOUGH, I’m defeated. I thought to myself many a time….no one in their right mind would keep working on something like this. But being the patient person that I am, I wouldn’t give up. In fact, if anyone can lock in on something or get kicked and stomped and still get up with some fight left, that’s me. Oh, the things I’ve learned about life from this project will help me to persevere even more whether through the next challenging technique or a challenge in my personal life. I’ll have a lovely, finished honeybee stole to prove that…yes, I will come out the victor.

If experience is the best teacher in life, let me avoid its long lasting hurt and pain and learn about things like perseverance, patience, and fortitude from the joys and pleasures I’ve experienced through knitting so that I may apply the things learned during those quiet hours of solitude to real life issues.

Season's Greetings!

2007-12-24T22:00:00.000-08:00

Spread love and cheer this holiday!

Wishing You...And Your Family And Friends...The Best Of All Days This Christmas.

America Celebrates!!

2007-07-02T16:58:00.000-07:00

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Lake Junaluska

2007-05-05T18:35:00.001-07:00

Camp Stitches - North Carolina 2007!

I had a great time at Camp Stitches - North Carolina! Our instructor was the best, and I learned so much in the class, Fair Isles: Everything you need to know. I met so many wonderful knitters, and look forward to seeing everyone again at the next Camp Stitches event.

2007-05-05T18:35:00.000-07:00

I'm a happy camper!

2007-04-19T20:40:00.000-07:00

....and on my way to Camp Stitches - North Carolina!

I hope to learn a lot in the class I'm taking, "Fair Isle: Everything you need to Know".

To practice on the technique, I knitted this headband.

Winter Blues.....

2007-02-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

We finally got a real blast of winter weather this week. It has been really cold for the last couple of days. The snow didn't last very long though. By mid-morning the rain washed it all away.

It was beautiful while it lasted, though.

Meanwhile, I'm still knitting...

The scarf is a simple ribbed pattern with a ruffled edgeing. The yarn is Koigu.

The hat...well, it was on last year's sale rack. I couldn't resist a $2.50 special. Anyway....I had to knit a scarf to match it.

and I've been quilting too.

~Christmastime~

2006-12-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and happiness throughout the New Year!

Let laughter, love and peace surround you and your loved ones during this holiday season.

As you can, see my stockings are completed in time for Christmas day.

This is one of the most beautiful designs I've come across.

It was wonderful to watch as the pattern design evolved.

I found it

here.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2006-11-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

In everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessolonians 5:18

SEASONS CHANGE...but my passion for knitting is constant.

2006-11-20T17:46:00.000-08:00

HELLO AUTUMN!

GOODBY SUMMER....

I've started....
...and completed one Christmas project (It's for me!).

Here's the beginning of my second Christmas stocking for my husband.

It's time to Catch-Up!

2006-07-25T03:36:00.000-07:00

Wow!

Can't believe how time has flown. We're in the middle of summer already.

Well...let's see....what have I done.....

I must say, I've been doing a lot of things, but posting just took a back seat for a while. I've got to get jump-started again.

Well...I have been knitting, but it's been slow going since I started this throw from the leaflet Springtime Throws.

One of my recently knitted items that I'm paticularly proud of is this lovely Gossamer Shawl.

I can't get over how beautiful it is and how simple it was to make. I guess it's the yarn that makes it so gorgeous....and the ruffle just adds so much femininity.

Summer-Time!

2006-07-25T03:33:00.000-07:00

To let you see what else I've been doing, here are a few pics of my garden and the results of my first attempt at home canning.

I now look forward to indulging in a few tasty treats (especially this winter) straight from Mother Earth and my own back yard.

Queen of Hearts Shawl completed!!

2006-02-14T12:55:00.000-08:00

Look at this!

I finally finished the Fiber Trends Queen of Hearts Shawl on Jan 15, just in time to wear it on Valentines Day.

I had to assemble a “make-do” blocking board, but the shawl was so light that it dried overnight. This is my first shawl….and you know what? I really like it! And the pattern is so simple. I admit I was slightly apprehensive when I first began the pattern, but soon realized that it was just a repeat pattern with no unexpected turns.

Thought I’d use my leftover scarlet Merino wool for a dishcloth. The design is so appropriate for today. The pattern is from a dishcloth knit-along that I recently joined. You can find it here.

Here's something for your heart!!

I've posted Ten

Heart Healthy Hints

to consider....and a delicious Heart Healthy

Recipe

for you to try. Enjoy!!

Check out these lovely gloves….

I began them on Jan 19, and completed them on Feb 8.
Okay….I admit I’m not the world’s fastest knitter.

Actually, the second glove went much faster than the first, after I got comfortable with the pattern. The pattern really is a simple one, and I think the gloves are one of the loveliest I’ve seen. I got the pattern here under "My Free Patterns".

I used four size 6 DPNs and Jaegar Merino wool. Many thanks to Kimberly for sharing this wonderful pattern and thanks also for your helpful assistance.

Heart Healthy Hints

2006-02-13T08:18:00.000-08:00

10 Heart Healthy Hints

Reduce saturated fat intake. Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature. Saturated fats contribute to the plaque build-up inside our arteries and help raise blood levels of cholesterol. Butter, lard, whole milk, cream, and animal fats are especially high in saturated fat. Saturated fats are also used in many snack products such as chips, biscuits, crackers and pastries. Read the labels for the lowest amount of saturated fat possible.

Use monounsaturated fats. Olive oil and canola oil are high in monounsaturates, which help reduce blood cholesterol and may help raise levels of HDL, the ‘good’ cholesterol.

Increase your fiber. Try to eat 25-35g fiber each day. You can find it in fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes. It helps lower blood cholesterol.

Think seafood. Eating seafood (75-100g) once or twice a week increases the amount of healthy omega-3 fatty acids you eat and decreases your risk of heart disease. Choose coldwater fish for the most omega-3 fatty acids: mackerel, salmon, albacore tuna and sardines or vegans and vegetarians can use flaxseed meal and walnuts.

Eat less animal protein. Try to keep your portions of chicken, turkey, pork, beef and veal to the size of a deck of cards (about 75g). That way you eat less fat and you’ll have room for more veggies.

Eat your veggies. Choose dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and greens for high amounts of folic acid and fiber. Dark orange veggies such as carrots and winter squash contain phytochemicals that also have many health benefits.

Use low-cholesterol spreads. If you use a butter or margarine spread, try one of the newer cholesterol-lowering spreads such as Benecol or Promise.

Beware of fat-free foods. These foods are sometimes high in sugar. Always read your labels. If high triglycerides are your problem, you should avoid both fat and sugar.

Go a little nuts. That is, sprinkle a tablespoon of chopped nuts on a salad or over your morning cereal. You can even snack on nuts, but watch your portion size. All it takes is one, one-ounce serving a day or five ounces per week of a variety of nuts to reap the heart-disease fighting benefits. Remember a one-ounce serving varies depending on the nut. The fat in nuts helps lower cholesterol, and they contain fiber, but don’t go overboard.

Choose fat-free dairy products. Regular dairy products (ones not labeled reduced-fat or fat-free) contain saturated fat and should be avoided in large quantities. Choose skim milk, low-fat cheeses (no more than 20g fat per 100g), and fat-free yogurt. And don’t forget soy products such as soymilk and tofu. They are healthy alternatives and do have many health benefits. Always compare products, however, to ensure you’re getting the recommended daily allowance for vitamins and nutrients.

Recipe

2006-02-13T08:17:00.000-08:00

Apple-Nut Muffins

¼ C whole wheat flour
¼ C flaxseed meal
¼ C oat bran
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
¼ - ½ tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
1 large egg
¼ C soymilk
2 T canola oil
½ C packed brown sugar or ½ tsp of Stevia clear liquid sugar substitute
½ C peeled, cored, and chopped sweet apple (golden delicious) or 1 apple
¼-½ C chopped walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 6-cup muffin tin and set aside.

Into a large bowl, mix together the flour, flaxseed meal, oatbran, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, soymilk, and canola oil. Add the Stevia or sugar and whisk to combine. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the apples and walnuts. Divide the batter among the muffin tin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake until a tester inserted into a muffin comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit in the muffin tin for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack and let cool slightly before serving.

Hello 2006!

2006-01-01T13:35:00.000-08:00

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I'm very excited about the New Year, and look forward to the experiences and challenges each new day will bring
as I attempt new techniques and projects.

So......let the knitting begin!!

By the way, I really am almost finished with my Queen of Hearts Shawl, and will soon post pictures to let you see my progress.

Have a fantastic year!

2005-11-07T17:40:00.000-08:00

Currently, I'm working on this Queen of Hearts Shawl from Fiber Trends.

I'm using Jaeger, DK, Extra Fine Merino wool. It's being knitted on a size 9 (29") circular needle.

It's progressing very well. I thought the shawl would be complicated, and I would get totally lost in the yarnovers, sk2ps, and sskps, but so far so good.

This is a project completed as a gift. The yarn is Bernat, Softee Baby. The design for the hat and booties is from my collection of patterns purchased over the years. The name of the book is "Precious Heirloom Christening Sets", published by The American School of Needlework. The blanket is from the book, "Quick Knitted Afghans", by Jeanne Stauffer. I used a pair of size 3, straight, knitting needles for the hat and booties and a size 11 (29") circular needles for the blanket.

2005-11-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Today is the birthday of my blog. It will chronicle my craft activities and other events that are important to me. Hopefully, you will find something of interest that might be inspiring to you or someone you know. I enjoy sharing information, and am often inspired by others also. My goal is to be able to look back on this date and see the growth I've experienced as I attempt new techniques and projects.