Knitting blocks

In a previous entry "Best Find for a New Knitter", I told you about a book I ordered from Crafter's Choice program. The book, Simple Knitting, shows how to make several types of knitted patterns. I want to make about 4 or 5 of each type mainly to practice them over and over again, but also to use in a knitting block afghan. I think if I do it in two yarn colors it will add even more detail.

I found two colors I really like and think will show the pattern details the best.

I think the green and gray will be nice together. I want to make several of each pattern and do so in both colors, so it will probably be 4 or 6 of each pattern.

It will be great practice for me and in the end make a really cool afghan for my living room (when I have my own place again). I won't actually start this project, I THINK, until I have the baby blanket done. I don't need another reason to slack on finishing that blanket!

Best Find for a new Knitter

I belong to a book club called Crafter's Choice (check out the website of the same name) and they discount crafting books: scrapbooking, cards, knitting, cooking, painting, quilting, sewing, so on. I saw this book and thought it sounded like it might be a good idea for me. Its called Simple Knitting by Erika Knight.

(Simple Knitting, copyright 2010)

(Check out her website at http://www.erikaknight.co.uk/ for books, and projects and all kinds of fun stuff)

Anyway I got it in the mail the other day and I seriously LOVE this book. I meantioned in the previous entry that I was a begginer knitter and this book is a MUST HAVE for all newbie to knitting. It breaks down 24 different types of stitches and tells you how to create them. Here are some examples:

(Simple Knitting, copyright 2010)

(Simple Knitting, copyright 2010)

(Simple Knitting, copyright 2010)

(Simple Knitting, copyright 2010)

I'm going to make squares of each type (like she has) and just keep practicing them over and over until I get better at them. Plus if I make enough of the squares I can make a neat little afgan out of them.

The book also shows you how to seam things together in several ways. It breaks down how to read directions and to add or subtract based on what you want to use. It gives you all kinds of data on knitting and I LOVE IT! I feel like a little kid on Christmas and I have just gotten the greatest gift ever. (even though I am SO paying for this! hahaha)
Erika Knight has a few other books out and I seriously am considering hunting them down, but for right now I just want to get to practicing... once I finish the baby blanket, or I might never finish!

Warm Booties... UGG style

My mom found this cool pattern for knitted UGG style booties. Its a very easy pattern too. (Please ignore the paper she printed it on, as she did so at the hospital and its prescription paper.) Mom found this pattern on Knitting On The Net.

For those who would like an original size version, let me know and I will email it to you.

Aren't they just soo cute? I can't wait to try them out. I'm currently in the process of starting to make a knitted blanket for my friend who is expecting. I am very slow going with it, because I like to bounce from project to project.



Blue bird singing me a song

I'm currently working on a cross stitch pattern that will, at some point, be for my bathroom theme. I have most of the leaves done and I'm starting on the acorns now, next the bird.
Here is the pattern that I got from Crafts 'n Things magazine:

If you would like it in the original size, leave me a comment and your email and I will send it along.

I had company while I was working on it. Stu was watching the floss and enjoying the warmth.

I think I have a decent amount done, but I do it kind of randomly while hunting for jobs.

If any of you know a place I can find a cross stitch pattern with pinecones in it, will you let me know? I have been looking for a while with no luck.

Thanks!