Keepn' those iPods warm

These little sweaters not only help your electronic items look great, but more importantly, protects them.

The hoodie featured in this post is knitted from handpainted 50% wool/50% silk - the colors are beautiful!

The hoodie "body" is 3 1/2" square - enough room for a small digital camera, mp3, cell phone, etc. It stretches a bit, so there is extra room if needed.

The sleeves are totally functional, for storing earbuds or any small item, like folded paper money :o) The hood has a drawstring that can be pulled and tied if you want.

I am selling this sweater for $18.00 + shipping. I will be posting more colors, patterns, and styles in the coming days. Email me for details.

Yummy Neapolitan

I finished the Neapolitan dishtowel and it turned out just as I had hoped it would. The colors are like that of Neapolitan ice cream.

This towel measures 10 1/2 X 15 1/2 and is knitted from 100% cotton yarn

The towel is embellished with 100% cotton, micro-dot fabric bows.

The towel has been pre-shrunk and is ready to be displayed or used.

I used the "moss stitch" which gives it the same texture on both sides.

It can be purchased on my Etsy site.

Here is a bit of history of this flavor of ice cream:

Definition: Neapolitan ice cream is chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla,

side-by-side,in the same container.

This ice cream was named Neapolitan in the late 19th century, name coming from the city of origin. It is a presumed cuisine of the city of Naples, Italy. Many Neapolitan immigrants had an expertise in frozen desserts. Spumoni was also introduced to the United States as a Neapolitan-style ice cream.

Earlier flavors may have been a different variety of flavors than the three that we are familiar with today. Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry became the standard for this ice cream because they were the most popular flavors in the United States at the time this ice cream was introduced to America.

Rolled edge "warsh"cloths

Been knittin' them fandangled warshcloths -
thought I might put a few of em' out for y'all to see.

Usually I am very picky about the edges of my knitting - but I liked the idea of knitting
the cloths so they would have a rolled edges on the sides.

Rolling them up and placing them in the drawer makes for more space, for what else?
more cloths!

Knitting away

I need a bumper sticker that says "No time to blog, I have knitting to do" - or something like that.

Last week brought about a great sale at a local yarn store. It was sensory overload and I came home with some ideas, but no yarn. Some day I will take a picture of my "stash" and then it will be easy to see why I have trouble purchasing yarn, retail, that is. I do not have a problem buying yarn at garage sales, and I have gotten some great yarn that way.

As I stated in earlier posts, I am on a mission to knit hand towels that can be used for daily jobs in the kitchen, lessening the use of so many paper towels. These knitted towels are beyond absorbent, and they look so nice hanging on the oven door or on a rack.

Here is my latest towel. I call it the "oatmeal blues". I am going to post it on Etsy soon, even though it originally started out to be for me. I love the chambray bows that dress up this otherwise hard working towel.

If you are interested in this towel or one made from another color scheme, email me. I am currently working on one that will be called "Neapolitan" - once I finish and post it, you will see the connection. It seems like so many of my projects bring about visions of food, so many get named after a food that the yarn reminds me of.

You all have a great day and happy knitting!

This towel measures 11 x 15 and is knitted from 100% cotton yarn. The stitch used provides a lot of texture, adding to the absorbency. The stitch looks the same on the back as well.

The bows have been left with "raw" edges - made from 100% chambray. They can be untied and removed if necessary, however, I leave the bows in when the towel is washed. I may be necessary to straighten them a bit after they have been laundered, but the overall care of this towel is carefree. Once you have tried a knitted towel, you will see why I like them so much!

Knitting for the "green" of it

Another "find" and favorite yarn is also a good choice for the environment. I have recently been enticed by the color and feel of a yarn that is made from recycled t-shirts. This yarn is actually made from the scraps of t-shirts. Instead of t-shirt scraps going into a landfill, they are can be spun and transformed into a soft, durable, wonderful yarn. The color selection of these types of yarns are "earth happy" colors.

Discovering this fiber option caused me to pause and think what would be worthy of this yarn. It has to be something that is furthers the theme of being good for the environment. It didn't take me long to see how well this new "find" would work into my latest project - hand-towels. Having one of these towels handy in the kitchen will allow you to save paper towels for the most "yucky" of jobs.

The size is approximately 10" by 13" - just perfect for drying your hands, the oh-so many times, throughout the day. They have lots of body, which means they hold their shape. Beside great function, these towels look great hanging on the handle of the oven or on nearby hook.

I knitted a hand-towel for myself, over a year ago. It turned out great but I put it aside and forgot about it. Upon me finding it, amongst some other projects, I immediately started using it right away. Now I am on a mission to make several, they are a wonderful addition to my kitchen - in looks and function.

These towels can be purchased in several colors and each one is knitted in a different pattern stitch. I also take special orders if you have a specific size in mind. All my work is done by hand, by me, in a non-smoking environment.

These towels are also featured and available for purchase in my etsy shop.

Colors: From the top down: Dark Indigo, Linen, Denim, and Natural

"Linen" - Ridges and Squares
knitted in a combination garter/stockinette stitch

So, what is it?

In an earlier post here, and on our family blog, I introduced a lacy project that I am working on. It is turning out to be just as I labeled it, a exercise of "self" encouragement. In all my excitement of getting it photographed and posted, I failed to mention what the heck the project was. Looking back at the photo I can see that it isn't very obvious to the viewer. Toiling over it as I have, it seems obvious to me what it actually is, but not so apparent to others.

Drum Roll Please . . . . . . . . . This lacy creation is a scarf, but not just an ordinary scarf, it can be worn as a stole over the shoulders, a neck gaiter, or of course as a regular scarf.

Perhaps the dramatic introduction was a bit disappointing, after all - it is just a scarf. Admittedly, not MONUMENTALLY awe inspiring, but definitely a beautiful project that is fun to work on - - - - in between the frustrations of working through a couple of glitches.

This brings me introduce a book I came across and want to tell you about.

Last month, while shopping at SAM'S Club, I found myself checking out the all the new books being displayed. I quickly noticed a knitting book I hadn't seen before and upon opening it, was taken by more than one project that the book had to offer. I was looking for something new to knit that had more to it than a mindless pattern. This book was the ticket to solving my thirst for adventure, (okay, the patterns aren't that difficult, but they beat the seed stitch cloths I have been making lately)

So one week later, I have the book, the right yarn, circular needles, and no time to start a new project, but take the time anyway. Making do with bamboo needles, not the perfect choice for this yarn, I finally was on my way to making this beautiful scarf a reality.

The book I am introducing is titled KNITTING CLASSIC STYLE, written by Veronik Avery. The beautiful photography was done by Sara Cameron. What makes this book fun, besides all the great ideas, are the descriptions of what was behind the designing of each of the patterns. There are thirty-five different designs to create from this book and each one has come from an inspiration of fashion's past. The author explains a bit of history behind the fashion that inspired the pattern that is being introduced.

The scarf I am knitting is called Mohair Portrait Scarf and I wish I had a photo to post to show how beautifully it can be worn, besides just the traditional "wrap around the neck scarf". Perhaps when it has been completed, I can get a picture of someone modeling it - this would be the only way to fully appreciate the pleats, and "gentle undulations" it creates when worn flat over the shoulders as a stole. It is knitted on circular needles, in a tube. The increases and decreases, as well as all the lace pattern make this interesting to the eye of all admirers.

The author and crafter of this book describes the inspiration of this scarf as coming from 16th and 17th century Europe. To imagine it in more recent and familiar times, the author refers to what Gwyneth Paltrow wore in a scene of Shakespeare in Love, filmed in 1998.

The scarf was moving along nicely until the cable broke on my circular needle. Thankfully, I was able to secure all the stitches on another needle, before disaster struck. Everything is on hold until I can get replacement needles, of the required length, that will bring back the enjoyment of knitting this project.

Mohair Portrait Scarf
(more than 1/3 complete)

Hear Ye, Hear Ye .... Knitting is good for your health!

Reasons you should start knitting today. (For those of you who already knit, get those sticks a movin')

Knitting is good for your mind. The thought processes used in knitting will keep your brain exercised and healthy - think of it like as mental yoga.

Knitting is good for your body. When you knit, you can't snack. Okay, you really can, but you are not as likely to engage in snacking when engrossed in a project. If you haven't seen the Yoplait Yogurt commercial about the woman who knits to stay thin, check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAHWyoZFI00

Knitting keeps your hands and fingers nimble. Also, with the added exercise of your fingertips, your nails could grow more quickly. However, that might cause a dilemma, time out to give yourself a manicure or knit, knit, knit - you be the judge. But on that note, knitting has been suggested as a way for someone to break the nasty habit of nail biting - yuck!

Knitting relieves stress. We all have stress in our lives and knitting can help you with the release of your daily stresses. It is easy to get lost in your project - the rhythmic sound of the needles and movement of the stitches as they are moved from one needle to the other - ahhhhh, just thinking of it lowers the blood pressure. Some might feel a bit stressed as they learn the art of knitting, but it will finally become a relaxing craft for you to enjoy for years to come.

The fun begins when you are planning your project. Looking through patterns, discovering new yarns, imagining the finished product, are all part of the enjoyment.

Knitting is good for your spirit. There is a wonderful feeling of accomplishment when you complete a project. Whether is a gift or something for you or your home, that knitted item is something you created from sticks and fibers.

Knitting for a charity, like Project Linus, Hats for the Homeless, and many others, warms the soul.

Knitting can save you money. Saving money makes you feel good, right? Knitting your gifts saves money and shows the recipient that they are loved enough to have received something made by hand. Yarn can get expensive, but there isn't any need to fall into that trap. Many yarns at craft stores just as good as those from the fancy knitting stores.

Watch for coupons to your favorite place to purchase yarn - just remember to purchase enough from the same dye lot. Think about selling your knitted wares - then you have a self-supporting habit!

How cute are these "yarn" cones?
Would you rather knit than eat ice cream?
I certainly would!

Better yet, how about having your yarn and eating it too!

If yarn could be eaten, I would personally be able to feed
a small nation with the "stash" I have collected.

Happy Knitting!!!

The Little Knitters

The Little Knitters - Painting by Swiss artist - Albert Anker (1831-1910)

The little girl is knitting on double pointed needles and it appears to be a sock that she is knitting.

If you look carefully, you can even see the detail of the purl side of the knitting. (and she holds her yarn like I do)

The artist must have known something about knitting when he painted this - someone in his life must have been a knitter. I wouldn't have thought to put a project like this in the hands of this small child. That is most intriguing to me. The child sitting next to the girl is serving as a "yarn guide" - while patiently watching the yarn turn into knitted fabric.

The painter had six children, two died very young . The four that lived sometimes posed for his paintings. I tried to research if the two children in "The Little Knitters" were actually children of Albert Anker, but was unable to find that information. I did learn that Albert Anker's father, a veterinarian, had to be convinced to accept his son's desire to seek an artistic career.

So that is my art history lesson (of sorts) for today.

Have a great day!

Joy's soul lies in the doing.

Things won are done; joy's soul lies in the doing ~ William Shakespeare

I don't know if I am like most seasoned knitters, but I like to have at least two types of knitting projects available to me at all times. One, a mindless pattern that can be done at cheering at my son's basketball game or a more elaborate pattern that requires moments of silence as I k1, yo, k2 tog, pssk, (p4, k1) 3 times - my fellow knitters know what I mean.

My latest project is knitted in a lacy pattern from a mohair blend yarn. Unfortunately, there appears to be a slight glitch in the pattern so I have had to adjust it a bit, which has added a bit more spice to the project than I was looking for.

What might have made this go smoother was using metal needles, instead of bamboo. I love bamboo but it just isn't slick enough to keep the fibers from occasionally splitting while knitting. Since this is just a trial run and the project will be done in a better yarn later, I will forgo the purchase of the perfect needle until I find the perfect yarn and color.

So back to Shakespeare and the title of this post - I don't have a clue what will become of this project but working out the glitches is like exercise for the mind - brain crunches, firing of the neurons, and a sense of accomplishment. After it is completed, it will most likely be enjoyed by someone, hopefully my daughter, but my pleasure will have been in the "doing" more than the "done".

So on I knit, celebrating each row as I stitch my way to completion of this lacy creation.

Keeping them warm and cozy

It is still winter on the prairie and our furry friends can still use the warmth of a cozy sweater.

I have several knitted up and ready to keep your best buddy warm for the remainder of what winter has left for those of us who live in colder climates.

My sweaters are sized for the smaller dog, since I own small dogs. Depending on size, I am willing to consider knitting a sweater for a larger breed - contact me if you are interested in a special order. The best time for me to work on a special order sweater is spring and summer.

Due to the end of the season I am taking 25% off of the dog sweaters on my Etsy site. The sale price will not be reflected on Etsy listings, please contact me for a final price. Posted shipping charges will apply and be added to the total.

This is a great time to purchase a warm, cozy sweater for next year. Then your best friend will not only be warm, but make a great fashion statement when the north winds begin to blow. (in our case, those winds are still blowing!)

Rosie wearing "Moonlight Mohair"

Rosie wearing "Pink Cable Sweater"

Rosie loves to wear sweaters. In fact, she is the reason I got started knitting dog sweaters. It started when she got a haircut and came home and was miserable because she was so cold. When you think of it, how silly to pay $45.00 to get a dog a haircut and then need a sweater to keep them warm. Well, anyway, I went to W*l-M*art to buy my little Rosie a sweater. Not only were they not very nice but it stretched out of shape within a week. I decided to knit her sweaters at that point.

Because the sweater brought her such comfort, she comes running to have it put on, even if I am just folding it to put away. When I finish a sweater and hold it up to look it over, she assumes it is hers and comes and sits in front of me, thinking she should immediately wear it.

The reason I mention all of this is that Rosie looks miserable in the pictures above. It isn't that she doesn't like modeling the sweaters she is wearing, but she HATES to have her picture taken. Something about the camera, flash or no flash - she will not look at the camera. If I get a picture of her actually looking at the camera, it is by accident.

Treating yourself to an old-fashion luxury

If you haven't treated yourself to a hand-knitted dishcloth, you should. They are much better than those thin terrycloth versions sold in stores. 100% cotton, soft - yet durable, many choices of colors, and even some with "themes" - they make kitchen chores fun. (okay, make that tolerable)

The hand-knitted cloth doesn't have to be limited to the kitchen - try one in the shower. They are perfect for kids too.

The cloth can be knitted in a simple stockinette stitch, making it soft on one side, scrubby on the other. Other stitches can produce a thick, super scrubby, durable cloth that can tackle any household job. A selection of all the options makes for a well-equipped set of linens for your home.

Not a lot of care is needed to make your hand-made cloths last a long time. I wash mine in hot water to disinfect them. Sometimes I let them dry flat, most of the time they go into the dryer. Over time, they will fade a bit, and the first washing/drying will shrink them a little. Any shrinkage will make the knitted stitches tighter, adding to the overall durability.

Much too much information on a simple dishcloth - but do give one a try. Below are sets that can be purchased. If you are a knitter, knit a set of cloths up for yourself. You will be addicted right away.

These cloths, as well as others, can be purchased through my "Etsy Shop"
www.prairieknitter.etsy.com

Or email me directly.