Pushing the limits - time limits.

I am busily working on a scarf for a Christmas gift. I usually don't cut it this close with handmade gifts but I think I will get this completed in time.

The yarn is so nice - might have to make a second one at some point.

Needles clicking again

There are several projects in need of my attention but I wanted to get a towel started from the linen warp I purchased. I like the way it is working
up.

A tisket a tasket . . . .

. . . . lots of felted hearts in a basket.

I have been perfecting how to knit a nicely shaped heart, one that would be felted. So far, the shapes are not consistent, even if I follow the same number of stitches, increases/decreases, and sometimes even the same yarn gives different results. I am felting by hand and then letting the washing machine finish up the job. For the most part, I am happy but will tweak my pattern before I write up the directions and call it as perfected as I can get it.

One thing I tried, and liked the result of, is a row of crochet to join the front and back. The variegated heart above, on the bottom, is my first attempt of that, verses weaving.

Once I get the result I am looking for, I will list them on Etsy.

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!