Knitted kitten

Well, I'm not sure what I think of my first knitted kitten, but it was fun to make anyhow! Do you think the eyes look scary? Some have said they do! The directions said to embroider a face after it was sewn together. I can see how easier it would have been to do, before it was stuffed, which is what I plan to do on the next one. Yes! I plan to make more of them! Much more! lol

Knitted hat and kitten

I bought some Lantern Moon circular needles yesterday from the local yarn store for $11!! I had to choose between four different brands (if you know me at all, you'll know that I'm very indecisive!) and I'm very pleased with these.   I wasn't sure what to think of them at first, but I love them now! The wood  is very smooth and easy to knit with. Sometimes the yarn snags a bit on the ends where the circular part starts, but I think a lot of that has to do with the yarn. I am finding it extremely hard to knit with since it snags like crazy!

If I wasn't so anxious to try out this pattern, I would have ripped it out by now. In fact, at one point, I accidentally increased by one and wasn't sure where my error was. I  thought I was going to have to start all over which was making me angry since I had worked on it most of the afternoon.

I started out this morning and worked on Nick's socks. I got a few rounds done (about half an inch) when I got confused as to which row I was on and still don't know. I need to google some information about it and see where I messed up. I am however really liking the needles. I thought it would be harder to knit with such tiny needles and yarn but it's not bad. In fact, I'm really liking the shorter sized needles which surprised me because on my other needles I preferred them longer.

Anyways, later on in the afternoon, I located that knitted kitten pattern I found months ago and tried to knit a cat. I'm not sure what I think of it but will post up a picture when I'm finished with it. All I have left to do is put a face on it. I tried embroidering a face for it, but should have done it before I stuffed it. (but I was just following directions...)

So, I've got these three projects to keep my busy this weekend while Nick's at work. I am hoping to have something worth taking pictures of by Monday.

Until next time!

Socks and circular needles

I bought some smaller sock needles here this week and plan to use the sock yarn that I bought last year. I am still making the gauge but once I get started on it, I'll post some pictures up. If I can remember I'll post up pictures as I go so you can see it from start to finish.

I'm using this book and also looking here for tips along the way.

I'm going to try and knit them with a shorter cuff than the ones I made before and if all works out these should fit Nick. If, he doesn't mind the crazy colors!

I also bought my first circular needles size 8,  32 inches long.  I've never knit with this type before and anxious to try them out tonight. Once I get more familiar with using circular needles, I may try to knit some socks but that won't be for a long long time! I got these needles to knit a hat for Nick- something he's been asking about for awhile. I plan to use some of the Homespun yarn for practice and then buy some gray Encore yarn. Nick wants his hat to match his scarf which is what I used for it.

Until next time!

Crocheted Basket

So, I have really been enjoying my new crochet hook from Brittany that I bought here. The biggest thing I have noticed is that my hands and wrist don't ache. Normally, I can only do a couple of stitches before I have to stop and massage my hands or shake them a bit. Last night, I was playing around and crocheted a basket and realized when I got done that my hands didn't hurt once!! I will never go back to metal hooks again!!!

Here is the basket I made. I tried looking at a pattern but gave up when I couldn't figure it out. Instead, I used the same technique when I make my sudsy sacks and was pleased with how it turned out. (for my first one anyways)

Now, I'm working on a another basket but making it more oval shaped. I also may try to use something to stiffen it with but haven't decided yet. Anyone got any ideas for that?

The yarn I'm using is Red Heart Fiesta yarn which was in the stash I received last week.

Joplin trip with grandma

This is the second time that we've gone to Joplin with grandma. And both times have been splendid!

The first time we went we stopped in at Colaw RV to pick up a few parts for the camper. It was neat to look around the store but, I have noticed when I visit a new place with a lot of stuff that I spend more time running around overwhelmed by it all that I don't fully enjoy looking around. I know I missed several aisles by just being in awe of everything.

We have always seen their ads in the paper for campers and were thinking at first that we should have looked there before buying the one we did, but glad we didn't. There prices were pretty high and most of the campers had roof damage, mold and rotted flooring. It was actually good for us to see them though, because it made us really appreciate our place.

Then, we stopped at Fox Farm foods, my favorite store! I was running low on my Thai sauces and noodles. I had to, of course, pick up a few ounces of my favorite herbs for teas. I had also been looking for a rose quartz stone for some time and found one there for 99 cents! I never would have thought they'd sell them there. I just love the way the store smells. It's like I'm in Thailand.


Then, it was off to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Grandma and I got the char grilled chicken wraps and by the time we were done eating we were so stuffed! They are bigger than they look.  Of course, we made ourselves worse by enjoying a peach shake for dessert.

Nick wanted to stop at a few guitar stores to try and find a music stand. Grandma and I sat in the car and waited for him. I was so full I didn't want to move!

We stopped in at Michael's and tried to find a frame for a painting that grandma made. It was an odd size but surprisingly they had one frame. We also stopped in at Hobby Lobby to look for frames. They didn't have any at all. I had to look of course at the yarn. I didn't buy any though since I'm trying to use up what I've got. I have my eye on a few skeins at the local yarn store anyways. Can you guess???

Then we went to Hastings and looked around. I like their magazine selection. I almost picked up a knitting magazine but decided not to. I really like Creative knitting magazine but several of the knitting gals from the Kansas club, Sheep on a stick, shop here.

Today, we stopped in our usual stores. Fox Farm, Hastings and Hobby Lobby. We went to China Taste for lunch in Carthage. I love that place! Nick and I had been a year ago and they were exactly like I remember them except better. They had California rolls out on the buffet today. I ate almost a dozen of them! They were so yummy!

Then we went to the mall and walked around. I found this cute make-up bag that I plan to use for my knitting accessories. I love it! It's black and zippered and says Psalm 119:64 on it. I'll post a picture of it on my craft blog tomorrow.

Nick bought himself a music stand that he found at one of the guitar stores. He's really gotten quite good at playing the guitar. I love hearing him play.

Once we got back to Milo, I had Nick run me into Nevada so I could pick up some more double pointed knitting needles.

I started knitting a sock tonight and I'm surprised at how much I remember since it's been awhile. (more thoughts later)

It's been a long long day and now I'm ready for bed!

Until next time!

Brittany Crochet hook

It never occured to me that Brittany made crochet hooks. And why not? I've seen them on their webpage before.

So, I finally went to the local yarn store today and picked up a size "H" which is the size I use the most.  By the way, I heartily recommend shopping local if you can for all your knitting and crocheting needs.

The hook part is a bit difficult getting used to because it's hard to get the yarn to stay where you put it, but so far I love it! I like the way it feels in my hand. And did you get a look at it? It's so pretty!

Now on to crochet some sudsy sacks!

Yarn donation

So, I went through the new yarn stash again and started thinking of all the things I wanted to knit and crochet next.

Looking at the stash: (sorry the picture looks a bit blurry)

Not to say I won't change my mind later, but here's what I've decided so far:

The 3 skeins of Red Heart dark blue yarn towards the back on the left side is the exact color I was wanting to buy to make my crochet towel toppers. I have been collecting towels to make for the past few months.

Next the Mary Maxim white skeins in front of them I was going to use for a few towel toppers as well.  I'm pretty sure they are more of an off white color which matches some towels I found today at the dollar store. I'm not sure what I'll make with the rest of it. I do have a knit pattern for a cat that I was thinking my niece would like. Maybe some ornaments for christmas as well... Hmmmmm. I'll have to think about it awhile longer.

The purple bumpy yarn reminds me of Lion's brand Homespun yarn. Any ideas for what I can do with it? The black mohair yarn next to it, I plan on double stranding it and using it for my scarf. (the one I was going to make last year but never did) It's got some gray in it so it will be perfect to go with the gray Encore yarn I love so much! It will match Nick's scarf but with the two strands it will be enough to tell them apart.

There is a black colored Lion Brand Homespun and a variegated one on the same column. I tried to knit that teddy bear again using the black but could not figure out the pattern. Maybe a black cat?

Starting at the back of the second column is Red Heart Fiesta in cream and pink. (the pink is between the four balls of cotton- 2 green, red, blue) I don't know what I'll do with these yet, but any leftover yarn from it and I might crochet a few hacky sacks.

The four skeins of mercerized cotton I want to crochet or knit a bag. The kind with the holes in it that stretch nicely. I found a crocheted pattern for a produce bag but have yet to figure out how to do the adjustable loop.

I'm going to have a fun weekend teaching myself some new things!

Next is some purplish colored Mary Maxim yarn. It came in the same bag with the white ones. My niece loves the color purple so I wanted to make her something with them. I'm just not sure yet!

And lastly is more Lion Brand Homespun yarn. The skein that hasn't been used yet, I'm going to knit a hat with. I found an easy cowl pattern awhile back and now I can't find the pattern for it, but if there is enough I'll use one of the other skeins for it.

Well, that's what I think I'm going to do with this yarn. Who knows what I may come up with next?

Keep checking back here to see what I've been up to!

The yarn came in this really cool bag:

I'm going to start using it for my knitting bag to take to the meetings with.

And, Karen- if you're reading this: Thank you!!!!!

Until next time!

New yarn stash

The coolest thing happened today. One of the knitting ladies from the knitting club asked me if I was interested in some free yarn! Of course!!! This wasn't even the lady that said she had some for me the last time we met.

There was a huge kitchen sized trash bag full of yarn. All different colors and weights. I sorted through it when I got home and have already been dreaming of the different things I plan to make with some of it.

I've been wanting for some time to branch out and knit items other than dish cloths, but haven't had the money to buy any other type yarn. And I had been so focused with using up my cotton yarn stash that I hadn't even thought of anything else. The timing is great because I am about out of my cotton yarn. I have as many dish cloths that I want out on etsy right now. Maybe a few more designs...

I didn't realize how much I was used to knitting with non-stretchy yarn until I was playing around with some of the new stuff It will definitely take getting used to but I'm looking forward to it, that's for sure!

Give me a week or so and I'll have some pictures to share of my newest projects...

Until next time!

Hearts and birdhouse dish cloths

I've really been enjoying knitting with my size 6 needles. I don't know why. I think it's because I can make two dishcloths with a ball of yarn and the image seems to stand out more with the tighter weave.


Here are three dish cloths I knit within the past few days using up some yarn in my stash.

The neighbor's pup refused to move out of the way of the picture! lol

I am really wanting to buy more yarn but I have so much that I need to use up first. Not sure how long I can last though!

Thanks, Fly lady!

Well, it's about time. I finally have learned some techniques that have stuck with me all week thanks to fly lady. In the past, I've spent the weekend cleaning up the place only to have it messy the very next day. My biggest problem I think is not putting something away when I'm done with it. And before I know it the place is a wreck! Sure enough, though, when I get done putting everything back where it goes, it's all clean again.

So for the past week I have been very careful with putting things away the minute I am done with them. And the results? A clean home. Always able to find exactly what I'm looking for whenever I need something. Which is usually rare around here! In fact, a few times I searched high and low for an item only to find it in its proper place surprised and forgotten that I put it there in the first place!

So, thank you fly lady! Now, I can spend more time knitting and less time cleaning over the weekend.

Just a few minutes a day keeps the mess away!

First etsy sale!

I'm excited!! I just got home after a long shopping day at Walmart. (don't get me started on the remodeling!) I walked in exhausted and just wanted to go to sleep.

But I cooled off with some water and decided to check my email. A note from paypal awaited me and brightened up my day. I sold my first item on etsy! And with luck, it's only the beginning!

Now, I know what I'll be busy doing this afternoon and tonight. Crocheting more sudsy sacks to add to my listings.

When I go to Kansas City at the end of this summer, I plan to find some organic cotton yarn and see if it'll be worth it to make some sudsy sacks from it. The yarn is three times if not more than what I'm paying now and I don't want to charge much for the things... But I'll just have to see... I might just get it on sale or with a coupon and when they're gone they're gone!

Until next time!

Needles and yarn

The needles that I prefer knitting with are Brittany needles. I buy them from the local yarn store. The prices are very reasonable and since I've made the switch from metal to wood, I'll never use metal again! I love the way the wooden needles feel in my hand, not to mention the fact that the yarn doesn't slip off the needles.

I also like the fact that the needles are made in the USA. They are a family company committed to using recyclable materials for their packaging. The needles are made of birch. The best part I love about the needles is that they come with a five year guarantee against flaws and breakage from normal use. For more about this great company go here.

The yarn I've been using for my sudsy sacks and wash cloths/dish cloths is Peaches and Creme. (unless otherwise noted) The peaches and creme yarn is made in the USA. To learn more about the company go here.

Lupine dog collars

When we first got Milo we went through a lot of dog collars. Most of them he outgrew very quickly while others just simply fell off. Then, I discovered Lupine dog collars. The thing that sold me on them was that they were guaranteed for life, even if chewed! Who can beat a guarantee like that!? They come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

Fern and Rouser

Rouser is much bigger than Fern. I think he hogs the food when they eat. I've heard him snarl and growl at her before. You can tell a difference when you look at them. Fern is so much smaller than he is. Course, she was tiny when they got them to begin with but it's like Rouser grew and Fern stayed the same size.

Those puppies chew on everything! Garden hoses, bags of trash, you name it, they've probably sampled it! lol They were even found peeling up a dead toad in the middle of the street the other day! Ewwwww! Of course, they tried to bring it to me as well.

They have another dog too, Cider. He's such a great dog too! If there is one nice trick they taught him it was "Easy." When you give him a treat and don't want your hand bit off, tell him, "Easy" and he will pull his lips over his teeth and ever so gently take whatever you are giving him. But watch out, if you forget to tell him that, you may lose a finger or two!

Sometimes I think I really want a dog of my own. I'd spoil him rotten! But then I come back to reality. Our lives can't handle a dog right now. We want to do some traveling eventually for up to 3 months at a time. It wouldn't be fair to kennel a dog for that long. So for now, I'll just have to make do being happy with the neighbor's dogs.

Rouser and the bicycle

The other day I was talking to Rouser (one of our neighbor's beagle puppies) through the window in the bedroom which is raised since we live in a fifth wheel camper. The more I talked to him the more I laughed because he kept turning his head from side to side trying to figure out where I was. I went into the living room to tell Nick about it and just a few seconds later, we heard him barking. We went outside to see what was up, only to see him staring at the bicycle which leans up against the camper right below the bedroom window with his fur standing on end.

It was hilarious! I guess he couldn't figure out why and how the bicycle was talking to him!

Order finished for Magnolia Health and Home

Here is the order I finished yesterday for Magnolia Health and Home.

All you SE Kansas folks, be sure to stop in and see the products! They also sell other wonderful items such as soy candles, herbs, teas and more!

Ballband dish cloth

As promised, here are some pictures of the ballband dishcloth I made awhile back. I used variegated colors on them but plan to try changing colors on the next batch.

I have just been busy filling my order for Magnolia Health and Home. I had written a few days ago about having five sudsy sacks done but I found a better pattern for them so I had to start all over!

The good news is that I have finished all ten of them and have only three wash cloths left to do. I plan to finish them this weekend and mail them out on Monday or Tuesday.

Here are the ballband pics:

You can buy ones like it at my etsy shop.

Paton yarn

Today at the knitting meeting I go to on Mondays, the lady from the yarn store in town brought with her some yarns on clearance. They were mainly 100% cotton. I bought a skein of some pastel blue/green and white yarn by Paton. I love it!! I'm just sad that she won't be carrying it anymore! No 100% cotton yarn at all. She said it was because no one was buying any. I understand she has to keep what she sells in her store and not what sits on the shelf, but I would rather buy from her than buy from other places. I'm just going to try and get more before it's all gone.

I've gotten so used to knitting with cotton that I find it hard to knit with anything else. I get the feeling that those in the group think I ought to branch out and make something other than dish cloths,  (based on their comments to me) but I just enjoy it so much! I don't know why. I don't know if it's because they are a small project that I can do in one sitting. Heaven knows how many projects I've got started and stashed away with no desire to finish them. There just isn't enough room for that in the camper!

Here's the sudsy sack I made with the yarn. I love how soft and smooth it feels. I can't wait to try it out!

Find them for sale in my etsy shop!

I got the pattern here.

Soap saver

I love to crochet sudsy sacks or soap savers. Whatever you call them... They are great to use because when your soap gets down to a sliver and starts to break up, you just add a new bar in and suds up! No wasted soap! You can also use the sudsy sack to scrub with.

But don't let sudsy sacks be limited to just soap! My neighbor uses hers to keep her cell phone in.

I do plan on crocheting some cell phone sacks but they will pretty much be the same thing. Use your imagination! I've used mine to hold my digital camera in since they stretch.

For some great soap to stuff in your soap saver, click here.  This soap is awesome!!

Magnolia Health and Home

One of my favorite stores in Kansas, Magnolia Health and Home, has ordered a batch of wash cloths and sudsy sacks from me for their store. I have been busily knitting and crocheting the past few days. I'm using camel (color) for the wash cloths and the sudsy sacks are going to be white. So far, I've got 5 sudsy sacks crocheted and 4 wash cloths knitted.

Tomorrow my goal is to knit two more wash cloths which will leave me with only 2 to do on Monday. The sudsy sacks are so easy to crochet that I plan to have the rest done by Tuesday.


I chose to use a size 6 needle for the washcloths to give it a tighter weave. They come out to be 7 inches.

I'll post some pictures when I get the batch ready to mail out. If I don't forget!

My Etsy

I finally created my own etsy shop. I could not have done it without the help of my dear hubby. Thanks, Nick! You can find my shop here. I'm hoping to add more items to it weekly if not every couple of days. So, keep checking back to see what's new!

I have hardly done any knitting lately and had been focusing on crocheting sudsy sacks. It's funny because I never enjoyed crocheting before but now it's as relaxing to me as knitting. And I like that I can have several projects going at once because the crochet hook doesn't stay attached to my project.

Later this month, I'm going to teach a friend to knit a rug using fabric strips. That sounds like fun!

Until next time!