Something New

Last month I met with knitting bud Millie to learn how to make a fringe beaded bracelet. We had such a good time that we met again this past Saturday and was joined by Nancy another knitting bud and very good friend of Millie. She's been beading for years and is a wealth of knowledge where beading is concerned.

I learned how to do flat peyote stitch by weaving a narrow band bracelet using size 8 seed beads in black, teal and silver. I finished it Saturday night and even though it's not perfect I love the colors and plan to make some wider bracelets in other colors.


Before I left Saturday we decided on our next project and I left with a list of supplies to order. I wasn't planning to start or invest in another hobby but beading is something I've been interested in for a long time. I really like the idea of creating pieces to go with my wardrobe so I'm sure beading will pop up more frequently on this blog.

Yesterday I finished the first Woolly Wormhead hat I've made in months. I love her patterns and innovative designs.





Specs:

Pattern: Brownie from Twisted Woolly Toppers
Yarn: Cascade 220 Spring Granny Smith
Needles: 6 US
Size: Child's medium (17 inches)

I followed this pattern as written. No mods were needed.

I picked my Aeolian Shawl back up. I can't believe it's been almost a year since I last worked on it. I've already worked the first agave repeat so there's not a whole lot left to do. The slow part is adding the beads with the crochet hook. I need to reduce my wip list so this is a step in the right direction.

Cleaning Up

The craft room is in disarray and was slowly becoming the catch all room for all sorts of things. While cleaning and straightening up today I came across a hat. It's the Windward by Woolly Wormhead.


Specs:
Pattern: Windward from Going Straight - A New Generation of Knitted Hats
Yarn: Queensland Collection Kathmandu DK
Needles: 5 US Colonial Rosewood
Dates: Unknown, didn't track.

Progress is proceeding quite well on the Melon Shawl. I had to get a shorter addi Lace. I was knitting with a 47" which was way to long and picked up a 32" today. The pattern is very easy to memorize and works up quickly. The Kidsilk Night should make a beautiful and elegant shawl.



If you get a chance check out Wee Woolly Toppers. The patterns are adorable and perfect for little ones.

A Different Take On Hats

Sometimes you just can't resist temptation. I fought the urge to knit a Woolly Wormhead hat as long a I could. My recent issues with the Skyline jacket gave me the excuse I needed. On Friday I started the Marrow Joe, finished the knitting on Saturday and grafted and blocked it yesterday. Today I added the pompom and now have another hat for the "hat basket." This hat can easily be knitted in a day, but I took my time and worked on this and the baby sweater this weekend.




Specs:

Pattern: Marrow Joe from "Going Straight - A New Generation of Knitted Hats" by Woolly Wormhead
Yarn: Idena Juvell in the blue/rose/green colorway and Idena Villmark in Navy
Needles: 5 US Colonial Rosewood
Started: January 24, 2008
Finished: January 28, 2008

I started hat #2, Windward, at work today in Queensland Collection Kathmandu DK. Not sure if this is the right yarn and once again will reserve judgement until I've got a little more done.

This year I'd like to stretch my wings a little more and finally get around to completing and submitting my Master Knitting Level II package. Last year I focused mainly on socks and would like to focus more on garment design. I've got some ideas floating around and only time will tell whether I'll be able to bring them to fruition.