Chèche à la sauce Shawl

 It looks like a sweet little frilly shawl for someone in a nursing home, so I added ties to help keep the shawl in the right position. It's rather frilly and fussy, but I know someone will be blessed by it.  I made it for the Prayer Shawl Ministry at our church using the "Chèche à la sauce" pattern available here.

 The shawl is crocheted using Aran yarn and a size H crochet hook. While I'm not crazy about this yarn for this project and think the pattern would be prettier in a different yarn, I had to use acrylic for this ministry project. I changed the border, added picot edging, and made the shawl longer than the pattern directions. It is a quickie project that I completed in less than a week.

Knit Ski Lodge Cap for Charity

 

 This cute "Ski Lodge cap is a quick knit with bulky yarn and size 10.5 needles. The pattern is available here and would be a fantastic project for a beginning knitter.

 

 I used Tahki "Jackson" bulky yarn. Neither pictures captures the correct color which is black with green. Obviously, my skills at photography are narrow and limited! But, it's all about this easy, fast, attractive pattern.

Scarf & Hats for Charity

 

 

 Finished on Friday! The beige/gray hat is now completed and ready to be sent with the other two hats and scarf to Knitted Needs in Denver.

The green and red hats are knitted;the scarf and beige/gray hat are crocheted. The scarf is crocheted length-wise with a couple rows of mesh, then shells, then mesh--as many rows to achieve the width you want.

 

 

The beige/gray hat uses a different shaping than I have used on other projects. The hat is worked flat from the bottom edge to the top in single crochet. The shaping for the crown is achieved by crocheting across a row, leaving five stitches unworked and turning to work back across the piece. Then turning and working the next row including the five left unworked, turning and working across. This is repeated until the hat is the size you want. Sew the seam and cinch and fasten the top. I don't know if I'll use this pattern again, but it was interesting for a one-off. It is designed for a beginner and seems to be a good first project.

 

Please don't try to battle your way through my description!! The pattern is here and my project notes are here.

 

 

This pink/red hat is made from bits of Plymouth Encore stash with the crown having a touch of mohair. This photo doesn't show the pretty stitches very well. The details are made with slip stitches. You can see my project notes here and see the pattern too.

 

 

That brings us to this hat that appears to have a basket weave texture. The angle of the light in this photo washes out the neck section, but the texture continues over the entire hat. This pattern is fun and fast. See my notes for details.

 

Do you have any FOs this week? Wishing you a happy and blessed weekend!

 

 

Wednesday WIPs

 



http://www.gsheller.com/caption

 Here are a couple WIPs that are receiving my attention which means the afghan is set aside for the moment so I can work on some gifts.





The first is a mystery KAL dish/face cloth that I plan to use in a swap. If you squint your eyes and tilt your head at exactly the correct angle...there..can you see it? There are two small garter stitch hearts in the center, one positioned above the other. This is the first time I've used "I Love This Cotton" by Lily from Hobby Lobby. This cloth is soft enough for a face cloth and feels like a brushed cotton. I wonder if the fibers would withstand scrubbing dirty dishes.                        

The other is called Christian's Hat a quick and charming knit hat that I will add to my donation to Knitted Needs in Denver. The yarn is Ella Rae yarn is 100% wool which is perfect for this frigid weather. I want to get it along with a scarf and the pink/red hat into the hands of someone who needs it ASAP!

 

 This Slip Stitch Stash Hat was indeed knitted with stash, Plymouth Encore and Bucilla Melody.

 

My current read is Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini, an interesting historical fiction that opens just before the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860.

 

So...what are you knitting and reading?

 

Crocheted Ruffle Scarf

 

 For a quickie project there's nothing quite like the ruffle (or potato chip) scarf--crocheted version-- done here with some aran weight stash yarn and an I hook.
 

 

 My model, the lovely Lailah, did not want to sit and stay. However, she executed a model's stretch in a most fetching way.
 

 

Pink is obviously her color though maybe not this particular pink item in 90-degree temps!  Good Lailah.

I'm A Logger...Up From Coos Bay Oregon.....

This Log Cabin Blanket has been a WIP for quite a while.

What is the knitting muse that inspires us to work on a specific project? Lately, it's been leading me to finish this up and get it mailed to Warm the World. :)

I started this blanket with size 7 needles to use up some oddments of a few acrylics that I had around. The colors are meshing fairly well with dark blue, cranberry, purple, white, forest green, and periwinkle.

GREAT BIG thank-yous (yooz?) to Rhonda at http://rnning2wn2.blogspot.com/ for the "Loveable Blog" award! Rhonda, you so blessed my day! In that spirit I choose to pass the award to three of the loveable ladies I've met online:

Tracey at http://fuzzybritches.wordpress.com/

Beth at http://watersedge.typepad.com/felt_like_knitting/

Moo at http://woollymoose.blogspot.com/

and

Paula at http://bassetknitter.blogspot.com/

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Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8

Hat on Pottery

Finished a child's wool hat with Tahki Kerry yarn and size 9 needles. I used ideas from three patterns: a scarf and hat set at http://www.lionbrand.com/ , a Toddler Tassel Top pattern, and ear flaps from the Iceland Earflap Hat at http://www.straw.com/ Since I had to use my phone-cam, this picture is a bit fuzzy...er, fuzzier than the hat. It will be included in the box of woolies for http://www.warmtheworld.com/

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I took my troubles to the LORD; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.
Psalm 120:1

Lamp Hat

Starting a new decorating trend soon to be seen on HGTV? Or, another completed hat for www.warmtheworld.org ? Did you choose the second? Good! This crocheted hat is based on a pattern at www.garstudio.com I added ear flaps since the Warm the World organization has indicated the popularity of this style.
Yarn: Malabrigo Chunky
Hook: size J
I added a bit of Colinette Heather mohair for interest.
Do you knit for a charity? Which one(s)? My charities are listed in the side bar.

Blessings flow.

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So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 1 Peter 5:6

Hats to Warm the World

My eyes welled with tears when I read the end-of-the year newsletter from Warm the World. So much good has been done through the hands of yarnies, so many items given those in need. It is beyond heart-warming. The newsletter might be at http://www.warmtheworld.org/ where you can read about this ministry. This project is growing by leaps and bounds.

Among the needs are hats with a reminder that teen boys like dark, solid colored hats and scarves. Another item that caught my eye is the popularity of hats with ear flaps and Shirpa hats. There are, of course, other items needed.

Today I used some chunky Malabrigo and size 10.5 needles to make the "Iceland Ear flap Hat", a free pattern at http://www.straw.com/ I added bits of Colinette mohair for fun and convinced Miss Alexandra from my doll collection to model this too large hat on her.

Isn't she just the most precious baby? I had to scrunch the hat since it is not doll-size, but she still is quite fetching!
The pattern starts with the i-cord, then garter ear flaps, 1x1 ribbing, and stockinette. It's a fun knit, however I am now doing a crochet hat with the Malabrigo just for a change of pace.
Hope your knitting is happy knitting!

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Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. Proverbs 15:22

Linkin' Lookin' and Blog

While mindlessly knitting and finishing this scarf for charity, I've come across some interesting
web sites to share. How about an advent calendar for knitters? Click in each day to find another free pattern on the Christmas tree at http://www.garnstudio.com/julekalender.php?lang=enI've already printed two patterns that I intend to make, though I do admit to being a pattern stasher like some people are yarn stashers.

Want to build your vocabulary while performing a charitable act? Go to http://www.freerice.com/ Warning!! This is addictive, but for a very worthy cause!

Here is the fantastic stripe site at http://www.kissyourshadow.com/stripe_maker.php After you plug in your colors, a stripe pattern is generated specifically to meet your color scheme. I find it very useful since I can put colors together, but the patterning gets me every time!

How 'bout some levity? This holiday site just makes me laugh at all the garish sweaters that users can create. Of course, some are quite tasteful. Since this type of sweater is not something I'd typically wear, I thought it was hilarious! Allow yourself some time at http://weloveholidaysweaters.wehatesheep.com/ and release your inner designer!!

Here's a simple knitter's ornament to make. Wouldn't it be fun to have a tree with a knitting theme? http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=211860.0

It's a snowy day in the neighborhood--sparkling, bright, and new!

Another couple of inches are predicted to fall tonight. Wonderful stay-inside sort of weather.

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Please pray for the families of the victims of the shootings at two worship centers here in Colorado.

May the glory of the Lord rise among us.***

One Day One-der

A friend and I decided to have a knitting afternoon yesterday. In need of mindless knitting --since we tend to do a lot of talking and laughing-- I grabbed a ball of Jo Sharp worsted wool and a small spool of Spice by Knitting Fever. Armed with my size 8 needles and a simple garter stitch, I managed to finish this cheery scarf for Scarves from the Heart. Now, back to the Argosy Scarf. I'm still plugging away!

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Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.
Psalm 119:1

Green on Green

Some left-over yarns went into this garter stitch scarf. Knit on size 17 needles, this scarf is made of chenille, ribbon, and Encore worsted weight in shades of green. It will be part of a package for charity.

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Rox 'n' Sox

World Series 2007

GO ROCKIES!!!!!

Finishing and Food

I finished this quickie, little garter stitch cotton scarf for our 3-year-old DGD who wanted to watch me knit...also completed a tiny yellow stockinette fringed scarf for her monkey. Alas, no pic of that one!

...finally put some small crocheted squares together to make a blankie for the Dulaan Project (See sidebar). The squares are double crochet and were slip stitched together. The border is improvised.

DH made this scrumptious meal! Ricotta cheese with some added ingredients is in the center with a piece of baguette on top. It is surrounded by slices of tomatoes. Two are topped with pesto, two with chick pea slather, and two with calamata spread. A light sprinkling of bacon pieces top this absolutely scrumptious meal.

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Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.---Philippians 3:8

Triangulating

This triangular scarf is garter stitch with ribbon in fuchsia and purple.

It will soon be on its way to "Scarves from the Heart". (See side bar.)

 

I don't mind going nowhere as long as it's an interesting path.

Sweet? Tart?

Here is a finished scarf for "Scarves From the Heart" (See sidebar.). I did 2-4 garter ridges, then a row of dropped stitches with fB Fashion "Granada" and size 15s over 11 sts.

The fiber is cotton and nylon and reminds me of the colors of "Sweet Tarts" candy. I didn't lick it, but I really don't think the fruit flavor is there. I bought this ball from a sale basket at a LYS because it is unusual and would be fun to use for a scarf. Just something different to work with...don't think I'll use it for any other projects though.

At some point --- who knows when? --- I want to use this Kureyon to make a B4 bag for one of my sisters. This B4 is just her style---I know she'll love it! Decorating the bag will be fun-fun-fun!! Look at all the variety here: http://b4bag.blogspot.com/

God bless all the children and teachers beginning a new school year!

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Those that know, do. Those that understand, teach. ---Aristotle

In the Back Yard

Here's another scarf for the Red Scarf Project made with Plymouth Encore and size 11s. Forgive its ratty appearance. Lailah did a couple of laps around the house with it before I snatched it out of her mouth and posed it for picture! The pattern was devised by Penny http://pennyknits.blogspot.com/ and is available in her post on August 16. She regularly completes projects at an amazing rate! You'll love looking at her blog!!

I'm using my "rowsary" from my SP10. This is the first time I've used it and it is very handy!! It's a beaded row counter made with beautifully shaped sterling silver flower balls. Just gorgeous! And functional too!


Let's play "Find the Puppy"!! Lailah is searching the redwood mulch to find a nice, big hunk for her chewing pleasure!

As Lailah inspects the little butterfly bush, I think it might be a good idea to wrap that hose back around the holder!

OK, kids, now let's play "Find the Teeny-Tiny Tomatoes" that make my heart sing!! See them?? Look again!! These are planted in a large pot on our deck. I'm not really a gardener, so I attempt to simplify things as much as I can. My heart sings with memories of my Nonno and Nonna's large vegetable gardens, flower gardens, fruit tress, strawberry patch---so I do make a meager attempt in the summers to do a little. My Nonna would NOT be impressed!! :)

Sad. Plain, ol' sad.

And the sun sets through the Rose of Sharon in our back yard.

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What is impossible for people is possible with God. Luke 18:27