Sunday, February 27, 2011

Baby Set is Finished


The slip stitch baby hat I've been working on came off my knitting sticks this evening to complete the set for a special little baby boy due in June.


The first thing I did was dress up Baby Boy Doll in the outfit. He takes size 6-9 month baby clothes and I was pleased that all of the items fit him, including the socks (he has such chubby legs!).


His expression doesn't reflect it very well, but I think he feels quite handsome dressed up in the colorful little clothes. (He probably won't want to part with them come baby shower time in April.)


Oh, and just as I predicted, a Chubby Chirp has magically materialized in my home.


She flew right into the Easter Basket...


...where she joined Bunny Nugget, and they have become fast friends. There's room for more...let the magic continue. ~CJ~

Friday, February 25, 2011

Bunny Fun


Feeling much exuberance for the coming of spring and Easter on this snowy day. Little Miss Bunny Nugget grew from my knitting sticks, and found eyes and pom poms in the basement stash. 


She’s looking for friends. Chubby Chirp (grown from Holly’s sticks) might come for a visit tomorrow. That is, if the roads from Logan aren’t covered in snow.
It’s entirely possible that a colorful family of little bunnies, birds, and chicks might magically materialize over the next few weeks.
Hippity, hoppity, Easter’s on its way! ~CJ~

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

A Treasure Remembered

Deep in the darkness of my basement closet, wrapped in a 28-year old plastic bag, lay a forgotten and unfinished afghan. Recently, I unearthed it and brought it upstairs into my sunny room. 



When I pulled this treasure out of its bag, I noticed a typewritten note I had composed (yes, on a real typewriter, not a computer) pinned to the afghan...




Does anybody recognize this stitch?...



If you said hairpin lace, then you are 100%, exactly correct. That part, I do remember. And something about a crochet hook. But that's about as much as this old brain can recall.  

Its colors are officially lemon-yellow and lime-green, which happened to be my favorite colors when I was a youngster. They were inspired by my (also) favorite - yellow and green M&Ms (which have been around much longer than 28 years). I had so many favorites when I was young.

If you read my note in the picture above, you know that my grandma had a hand in getting this afghan as far as it got (before I stuffed it away). Grandma B is famous in our family for the beautiful afghans she crocheted for her loved ones. She crocheted me a hot pink (another one of my favorite colors) king-size bedspread when I got married. And she crocheted each of my four children a baby blanket when they arrived into the world.

I am now a grandma myself, just as I predicted in my note. These are still favorite colors of mine, and in 2011, I could care less what might be "in style." I still love this unusual and beautiful blanket.

It means so much to me that Grandma B's hands helped to shape its weave. You see, she's passed on, and I miss her. When I see this blanket now, I don't think of Home Ec. or my obsession with yellow and green M&Ms when I was 12, I think lovingly of Grandma B, and her willingness to finish this ambitious project I started so young (and which very much overwhelmed me in no time - what was I thinking?). She had the patience to make blanket after blanket, one stitch at a time.  



I love her dearly, and this treasure which I have unburied, brings sweet memories of her.



I've decided that no more yarn or stitches are needed to make this blanket any more useable, enjoyable, or finished. I will tie up the lose ends and let Grandma B's work complete my blanket. This is enough. And it won't go back down to the basement. It will remain in my room to warm my shoulders and brighten to my sprit. Another beautiful blanket worked on by Grandma B to be enjoyed by a loved one. Thank you, Grandma. I love you. ~CJ~

Monday, February 21, 2011

Look What's in My Basket!

The weekend brought yarn and knitting fun! The best kind of weekend! Holly took me to a fantastic yarn store in Logan on Saturday. It was so elegant (really!) and stocked full of the most exquisite yarns and amazing design books. We wandered the floor, stopping at each shelf, and I think we may have touched every brand of yarn there! I came out with some colorful sock yarn...for me! I'm so excited to make myself purple, pink, and red socks! I LOVE LOVE LOVE these colors!


And while I was visiting Burd and Holly, she started a little baby sweater in a darling lavender yarn, with just a little help from me. She's a newby knitter and not afraid of anything. Look at her go!





That was Saturday. And here are text pictures of her progress that I received from her yesterday and today!









Isn't Holls amazing? She just has the button panel and collar and then she's done! And who will be the lucky recipient?! By the way, this is the Baby Sophisticates sweater I posted here. It's such an easy and fun pattern.

Back to my socks...my plan was to knit two at a time on one long circular set of needles. I bought the book 2 at a Time Socks a couple of weeks ago. So I tried out the method with some extra yarn. What a tangled mess of cables and yarn I made. The book warned me not to get discouraged with the tangles, and to just keep going. But after 4 rows, and a huge mess, it occurred to me that it would be a so much easier to just get a second set of dpns and work the first and second pair of socks at the same time on two different sets of needles. Duh! Just alternating socks every inch or so, or with every change of the pattern.

So I gave up (which is very uncharacteristic of me!) on the circular needle thing. I'm sure it works fabulous for a lot of people; it's just not for me. And I went to town with my new yarn on size 2 dpns. Only I just have one set at this time, so the second sock will come later.   


The good thing is, the book has some beautiful sock patterns that I haven't seen before, so I'm happy I bought it, afterall. I'm using one of its patterns for these socks. It's a simple knit 3 - purl 1 ribbing. I'll get more creative another time. There is enough color variety in my yarn for interest. I didn't want to over-power the great colors with a busy stitch.




Yes, I plan to have happy feet with these socks!




By this evening, I've turned the heel and I am knitting the foot. The yarn fascinates me. It's colorway ranges from deep purple, to fushia, and bright red. These are some of favorite colors!  



It's fun to have something new in my basket, and it's a treat to be knitting for ME this time! ~CJ~

UPDATE: A day after making this post, Holly sent me a picture of her FINISHED baby sweater!


Knitting worked its magic once more. This little sweater hooked Holls so fast! I'm so proud of her. She is a knitting MACHINE and loving it! There's no telling the projects that are in store for her in the future. She's off to a lovely start! ~CJ~

Friday, February 18, 2011

Sticky Time!


I've been having so much fun knitting a set of baby items for a gift. So far I have knitted a sweater, socks, and mittens. This is the start of the Colorful Slip Stitch Baby Hat that matches the mittens! And this is the last piece! (Although I probably won't be able to resist knitting more of the sockies!)

The pattern comes from Mittens & Hats for Yarn Lovers. I'm really enjoying the slip stitch. There's no way to for boredom to find its way into this project. I am constantly changing colors (four, to be exact) and altering stitches. I have to stay on my toes!

The slip stitch pattern is repeated every four rounds, changing colors every two rounds. It's worked on a 16" size 6 circular needle. I started the hat with the main color of green and worked 2 rounds of the rib stitch, before starting the slip stitch pattern.



Then, the slip stitch pattern starts with red yarn...



Knit the 1st round, and purl the 2nd round to begin the pattern.


Next comes yellow for the 3rd and 4th rounds of the pattern: 3rd round is knit 1, slip 1, throughout. Then the 4th round is purl 1, slip 1 (with yarn in back) thoughout.

On to blue now, and start the pattern again. Round 1, knit. Round 2, purl...


It's green's turn now...round 3 (knit 1, slip 1), and round 4 (purl 1, slip 1 wyib)...


Isn't it looking colorful and fun?! I love it! 


It's a very satifsying stitch with all the variety! Easy, and definitely fun to watch develop.


Well, this is as far as I got before it was lights-out time. It was so tempting to stay up and finish the little cutie. Dang my alarm clock in the morning! It's brutal! 

More to come...Happy Friday! ~CJ~

Thursday, February 17, 2011

The Storm's Gift

A storm has been brewing for a day. The south winds blew fiercely and the temperature rose into the 50s. Thunder and lightning roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth (as Max would say).

That was yesterday, late afternoon, and I was busy rearranging my second-floor bedroom, absorbed in creative chaos (most likely inspired by the vigorous storm!).

Then night fell and all became suddenly still. My bedroom fun concluded...sleep called out.

I peeked through my blinds and the sky was so bright and light that it could have been afternoon, not night! Below me, the world was silent and newly covered in a thick coat of beautiful white snow. The swift storm’s goodbye gift.


And it was freezing again…brrrrrrrrr!!!! I’ve been so looking forward to the green of spring, but early this tranquil morning-after-the-storm, I enjoyed the white of winter’s return once more.


I stepped out into my miniature back yard and took a few pictures of the snowy wonderland, as the sky began to awaken.


I knew it wouldn’t be long before the sun’s warm rays melted the snow off the tree limbs and then the grass; it was a rare and peaceful moment I wanted to capture and remember.


It would have been the perfect day to play hooky from work and sit at home with my knitting…the blinds pulled up, the sun streaming in, the snow glistening on the trees through the windows, and my purring kitties snuggled next to me. But, somehow I ended up at the office. Oh well, the image was truly lovely, if only a daydream. And this beautiful, snowy day, even at work, is such a gift! ~CJ~  

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Fun Find #2


I wasn't in the market for a new set a dishes when I went to Costco the other day. Isn't that when the best finds find you? When you're not looking for them?! These flowery little beauties were too delightful to resist. It's kind of like bringing spring right into my home.



I love the colors, the flowers, and especially their square shape. All of my dishes were round. These are my first squares! Square bowls, even! The small plates are the perfect sandwich size - I've already tried them out!



So, if you're wondering what they're called, here's the info: Laurie Gates Garden Party Melamine Dinnerware Set. $25 at Costco. Just thought I'd share my fun find! ~CJ~

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Sunny Surprise!

Some moments are unforgettable, in a really good way. I got to have one of these moments yesterday...one that took my breath away. A moment I want to always remember.

I walked into my home after work and there on the dining room table, standing so tall and smiling at me, were a dozen huge, happy, beautiful, bright, oh-so-fragrant, yellow roses. They took me by such surprise, all I could do was stand there motionless and marvel at their beauty for the longest time.



And then I saw the note on the vase from my cowboy-son Rob wishing me happy Valentines Day and telling me he loved me. My mom-heart melted to feel so very loved.


Isn't that the most beautiful unfolding rose?! I love the spiral of the petals in the center. Amazing!

It’s such a great movie to imagine in my mind...the getting of the roses. The big, oh-so-handsome cowboy driving in his tough truck to where flowers are sold. And the choosing...for me, mom. Of all the flowers...roses, yellow roses! Huge, tall, sunny, yellow-my-favorite-color, roses. And tiny pink flowers interspersed in the greenery. Roses that would practically knock me over with their beauty, and put the biggest smile on my face. Roses that would take a large chunk out of his wallet. Sunny roses that would mean the world to me.

And the getting home of the roses. Carrying them into his truck, setting the vase next to him on the seat, and protecting it with one hand from falling over while he drives home. And the happy roses swaying along in the bumpy truck, tall enough to see out of the truck’s windows and smiling in all their glory at the other drivers on the road.


Or maybe he enlisted the help of a friend (probably one cowboy friend, in particular) and the roses got to sit on the friend’s lap, even higher, and block the friend’s view of the road ahead as they showed their happy blooms to all who would take a glance. I imagine Rob (and friend) had a smile on the way home too. (Truly, it’s the stuff movies are made of! Two tough cowboys in a loud truck, rambling along with a huge vase of yellow roses! Who is the lucky girl?!)

And carefully taking them out of his truck and bringing them into our home...placing them on our table next to the bay window, where they would get plenty of light, and where I would be sure to see them as soon as I walked in. And writing a special note to me.



It makes me so happy to think that my son did this generous and loving thing for ME! Because he loves me...and wanted to show me just how much...on this very special day. Thank you, Robbie. Words can’t describe how much these gorgeous roses mean to me! Long after they are gone, I will remember how happy you made me today. I love you, forever and ever! ~Mom~

4N72FDJYU3X5

Saturday, February 12, 2011

UFOs Brought Out of Hiding

My UFOs (unfinished objects) have been haunting me in my sleep. Calling out for attention. I don't know what it is about Saturday mornings...last Saturday I was compelled to wash my blinds and windows. Today, when I woke up, I felt the call of the UFOs. So I rounded them up and studied my unfinished work. First, a hemstitching baby bib and blanket... 



Next, some cross stitch items that were destined to be ornaments, jar covers, or framed for wall...








It wouldn't take much to finish these. Now that they're out of hiding, I'll give them some time now and then.
 
And, last, a very old (and stained) embroidery kit that I started when I must have been a teenager...



I remember this project well. I bought it because it reminded me of my littlest brother and sister, who were toddlers when I was a teenager. We had so much fun together. I felt like their second mom. But, of course, nobody could take my angel mom's place! I was still sister to them. 





I don't know if I can get the stains out of this piece. But it's worth a try. If I would someday finish this, it would means so much to me. Those few years when my brother and sister were little were such happy times. This brings a smile to my face, even now, unfinished.   



These UFOs must feel much better now that they've had some recognition!

I felt the pull of the hemstitching hardest this morning... 








I sat in bed and crocheted while I watched the room brighten with the sun. In no time, I'd completed the first round on the unfinished bib. Now, I just have the second rounds left in yellow on both the blanket and bib. 





I have made many little hemstitched baby blankets and bibs. Maybe it's a Utah thing, I don't know. The fabric for this set is particularly adorable.



Cute little frogs, turtles, and chickies parade around on the front. And on the back are colorful waves.

I started this set about eight years ago, and one day something in my life caused me to forget about it, and I put it up in a closet to wait for its resurrection...today. It's like finding an old friend again. A few evenings on the couch in front of some fun movies, and it will finally be done and ready to pass on to a new little baby. What fun!

My knitting sticks deserve a little rest, don't you think? ~CJ~