KniTaPaLooZa's Dyslexic Knitting

Elliot Baby Blanket

2007-06-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Fathers Day Weekend. We celebrated Fathers Day with a BBQ on Saturday and then Sunday we just relaxed on Sunday. Nothing like just kicking back and watching DVD's and crochetting.

My neice is going to give birth to a lil' girl in July so I have started a baby blanket for the new baby. I am about 1/2 way through with the blanket. I am doing the Sweet Dreams from Afghans AtoZ by Leisure Arts. Quick and easy with a lil texture and not to boring. I am going to be MIA until I get this finished. I have half the body done and then I need to do the decorative border. So until then I shall be a crochetting away.

Enjoy

When is a Change not A Change?

2007-06-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

I had a fun filled day with my parents. David and I started off at Farmers Market at 8am with my parents. In the photo above you see my Dad who is absolutely having a blast and my Mom and Me enjoying a morning out at the local Farmers Market. It's mid June and still the weather is comfortable. We know that the heat is only a few days away but how nice was it to be out and not be baking in the 100 degree weather that is usually at this time of the year. We found the antique rose my mother had wanted so we got that and then we also got lots of fresh veggies including Armenian Cucumbers my favorite. After Farmers Market in Bakersfield, CA we went to breakfast and had a blast. Soon after that we were off to handle their new Fountain.

The Story of the Fountain:

20 years ago my parents bought a Fountain and had it in their front yard for years. As with anything the fountain started to deteriorate with the Hot Summers of Bakersfield and the Cold Freeze of the winters so my parents decided to go and look and replace their fountain. They finally found one... The exact same fountain that was already there but this was a NEW fountain... I have to say that it does look very nice but that's my folks changing but not really changing. So the plan was to have my boys help them get the fountain and set it up. But that plan was quickly changed since one boy was up in Oregan helping a friend move and my other son was helping with his Fiance' family yard sale. So that left me to rangle up so help. Yeap! David was a given but then I roped Brently into it. We first moved the old fountain out and over to my house becuase really it was not a bad fountain just a tad bit weathered. We/They moved it from my folks house over to my house and set it all up. It looks gorgous! I luv it. Then to go and pick up the new fountain and set it up over at my parents... this is where it gets funny! The guys did not know what type of fountain they were getting. Until we got to the Fountain Store and there it was the exact fountain that they had just moved just not so weathered... LOL We joked that it was just a practice run moving the other fountain to my home. The base even fit into the previous base/rock area. the Perfect fit. My parents could not be happier. It looks great. It really was a nice day being with my folks and everything.

Afterwords David and I went over to my house and David cooked a fantastic dinner. I could really get use to that. I will do the dishes any day when someone else wants to cook. Brently, David and I enjoyed a nice dinner. After that then my oldest and his fiance came over and just kicked back and chit chatted.

It was an all around fantastic Day and now I am off to knit! Who could ask for anything more! What a great ending to a fantastic day! Oh by the way while I sit and knit tonight I get to listen to the fountain right out side my window.

Now all I have to do if find a pattern that I want to make into a dishcloth... I for see another Double Woven/ Darrel Waltrip Stitch again.

Red & White DW Stitch Dishcloth

2007-06-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

Here is my lastest creation. I used Peaches & Cream (#191 Peppermint) with a US#7.

I had asked several individuals and groups about varigated yarn and what pattern to use. I looked at all the great links that I was told about and the best that I had found was KnittingKnonsense. I had attempted to make several different patterns with this yarn but just was not happy with how it was turning out until I had asked the groups. I tried a total of 4 different patterns prior to this, frogging all of them. I finally gave the links that I was told about a good look and I ended up doing The "Infamous" Darrell Waltrip Cloth by Rhonda K. White rather then the "Lacy Round Cloth" . The pattern made the yarn stand out fantastic. I like the way that the diamonds appeared in the pattern as the rows were worked.

If you have done this pattern try it you will like it. I loved it!
Enjoy!

My New Furniture

2007-06-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

After a year of getting my life back together and after 6 months of no carpet and no furniture. I finally got it all done. I have a little painting needing to be finished but here is it so far. I got all new capret and furniture. I love it. Ignore the spots on the photos but there it is. I luv it!

My New Bedroom

2007-06-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

It is finally finished. Thanks to a dear friend David my room is all painted and put back together. I got new carpet last week. And the finishing touches of all new bedding from Linen N' things topped the cake. I love the fact that I saved over $200.00 alone just on the bedding. I am not the best painter in the business but with a little help from a friend I was able to make my room my room. Everything in it's place. Thanks David!

Carnivale Season 1 & 2

2007-06-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

Houston we have a problem. I have discovered a new series that everyone must watch. For those of you who were "Twin Peak" fans then you must watch "Carnivale". I just finished mid season 2 with only 6 more episodes left and I can only say that I want to watch them all over again. You have to see it.

Breast Cancer Symbol Dishcloth v.1

2007-05-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Knitwits-Heaven

Yarn: Bernat Cotton Tots (#90420 Pretty In Pink)

Needles: US#7 Straights

I started this dishcloth Wednesday evening. I was looking for something simple and quick to knit while waiting during my mothers surgery so I decided on a dishcloth. As I was looking for something I went to a group that I had just recently joined and asked for a pattern. I was so over whelmed with all the great patterns I was sent or told about. I would like to thank everyone for over at http://monthlydishclothkal.blogspot.com/ for letting me join your KAL and giving me the great links to all the wonderful Breast Cancer Symbol Dishcloths.

This is the first time that I have made a dishcloth out of Cotton Tots and I have to say I really like the feel of it. The only think that I might have done differently is use a smaller needle. I did not like my transitions between knit/purl visa versa. I am not sure if it was the yarn or the knitting but I will make this one again. The border on this cloth is in seed stitch which is one of my least favorite stitches ((Uptil Now)) made such a nice edging.
Enjoy and Stay tuned to more knitting adventures.

Knitting Acronyms

2006-11-14T04:30:00.000-08:00

FO - Finished Object

Frog - unraveling a projected row by row

KAL - Knit-A-Long, where a group of knitters on a forum or through a blog will all knit the same project and share their progress

KIP - Knit In Public

LYS - Local Yarn Shop

LYSO - Local Yarn Shop Owner

SABLE Stash Accumulation Beyond Life Expectency - when your stash is so large that even if you knit for the rest of your life you wouldn't be able to use it all

SEX - Stash Enrichment eXpedition - the act of going out yarn shopping for the purpose of increasing your stash

SnB - Stitch 'N Bitch - either referring to the books by Debbie Stoller, or referring to a local group of people who meet up to knit

Tink - Unstitching a project one stitch at a time

UFO - Unfinished Object

WIP - Word In Progress

WYIB - With Yarn In Back

WYIF - With Yarn In Front

YAS - Yarn Acquisition Syndrome - the inability for you to not be able to buy yarn

YMMV - Yarn Mileage May Vary, also known as YGMV (yarn gauge may vary) and YMV (yardage may vary)

much much more....

iPod Sleeping like a Baby!

2006-10-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

He is sound asleep. yeap sound asleep.

My Current Projects in My Knitting Bag

2006-10-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I could take the time to write what all projects are in my knitting bag. I am trying to complete a few of my stragling projects. I need to make a few handles and complete a few projects but I also want to cast on some new ones but I am trying to hold back...

Project 1: Lizard Ridge Throw from Knitty.com
Project 2: Mrs. Beeton's from Knitty.com
Project 3: Cabled Wrist Warmers from Doc Who
Project 4: Tulip Slippers for Zoe
Project 5: Plymouth Feather & Fan Dog sweater for Milo
Project 6: Slip Stitch Scarf using Geisha & Opera
Serveral naked knitting needles getting ready to cast on for some fun projects...

Now these are not all my WIP's but these are just the few that are in my Knitting bag at this moment. I shall not list all my WIP's since the last time I did that I got very depressed. But my therory right now is to atleast complete a few of them. Lets just say at least 1 a month. Baby Steps...

Feather & Fan 8 Foot Scarf

2006-10-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

One more completed project. Here is my Noro Kochoran #16 Feather & Fan Scarf. Very simple but I love how the yarn worked up in this one. I used a total of 3 hanks for this 8 foot scarf. I like to wear mine doubled or big looped around my neck. I just worked a simple feather and fan pattern with a 3 sts garter edge. I beleive my cast on was 24 sts on a US#10 1/2. I hope that you enjoyed me scarf.

Enterlac Pouch by Ginger Completed

2006-10-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

Here is my completed Enterlac Pouch by Ginger @ Alamitos Bay Yarn Company. This is a fantastic pattern for Enterlac. I used Noro Silk Gard #87 (I think that is the right number). I was in a hurry to finish this project so I just did a single iCord for the strap. If I were to do this again, I think that I would become much more creative with the handle. I loved the back of this pouch - it is done in a brioched sitch. Very easy and very good looking.

And here is the lining of it. I did the lining a little different. I made the bottom so that it was just not folded but more like a brown paper box. I was very please with the turn of out this one. Notice I used my labels that Ms. Linda got for me. I like the finishing touch. Hope you enjoyed it. The pattern is from gsmith[at]mac.com of the Alamitos Bay Yarn Company in Long Beach, CA www.yarncompany.com Check them out

Ms Beeton's by Knitty Bottom Bell

2006-10-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

This was a bit of a bugger. I have tryed to make these several time and I just could not get it going. I finially turned off the phones today and sat down and did it. I could not beleive that once I got past the cast on and the first row everything went really good. I was a bit afraid that it was going to be to big but after I got through the first 11 rows... wow. Wow... I did not think I could ever get this one going. I am using GGH Kid Soft and S. Charles Ritratto. I love the Ritratto and so I am off to start the outter portion. I am using the 2 circular method because me and double points just doing get along... Now I just have to find my 2-#6 Needles... This could be harder then it sounds.

Cherry Garcia aka Neck Cozy for Breast Cancer Awareness

2006-10-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

Here is my plan for National Breast Cancer Month. I am only going to knit with PINK all month. That means pink has to be included in everything I knit this month. I am a proud daughter of a 20 year breast cancer survivor and my ex sister-in-law is a 2x breast cancer survivor and a good friend is a breast cancer survivor and in memory of a dear friend.

My first project of the month is this Cherry Garcia by Helloyarn.com aka Neck Cozy. I am using Cascade Bollicine Etoile # 160 & Di. Ve Tesco # 25563. This is a great quick project, only 37 rows including cast on and bind off. I can see that these are going to be very quick and easy but fun. I love cables. Stay tuned for more adventures with yarn.

2006-09-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the lastest book to read. Yeap... "Knitting Under the Influence" you have to check this one out. A great book for all you knitters out there.

2006-09-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

Here is my lastest Finished Project: House Socks by Fiber Trends using Plymouth ColorSpun and Trendsetter Voila. I made these for Sarah. They are a quick and easy house sock. Total time 8 hours at the most. US#8 Striaghts and US#8 DPN. Give them a try yourself.

2006-08-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

Huston we have a problem... It's all Kara's fault. I have learned to spin today and I am so excited. Look this is my first attempt. I love it. I am using a turkish spindel and I love it. Look... LOok... I have lost it... I am now spinning. Can you believe it?

Starting My Pinwheel Sweater

2006-07-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

My Pinwheel! This is the famous Pinwheel by Shelley Mackie at Elann.com the free pattern is found here.

Oh how I would like to say I just started... but no. I have started this 6x Reasons: don't try to knit while being sick with the flu. You end up leaving out minor parts of the pattern. I am making an adult size with some wonderful yarns. GGH Mystik (Double Stranded - Black & Lavendar), Terra (Red Onion), Araucania Quellon (Hand dyed Lavendar, Burgandy & Black), and Noro Cash Iroha (Black & Burgandy). I am using Black as my main color but using a great hand dyed lavender, burgandy & black.

I had a rough beginning but I think I have the hang of it. The start was not big deal. I can do it.... but keeping it all the same was a the first trick. Then the second mistake after restarting it several time.... I ended up knitting in one color all the way to way too many rounds after I was to change the colors. I was going to go with it but the center color was just way to ... let's say BIG. I was not wanting to have that much lavendar. So I once again frogged it and started over.

This time I am being very careful. I made a great check off sheet so I know where I am... as If count could not tell me... but I think right now I need to use it. I also am using stitch markers to make sure that my counts and increases are in the exact spots as they are suppost to be. I am finially do my Hand Dye section which I hope to have that section done today. Cross your fingers. Well, I had better get off the computer and go back to knitting.

Keep your fingers crossed. LOL Stay tuned for more of my knitting adventures with this pinwheel.

B4 Before Felting by Knitapalooza

2006-07-17T15:06:00.000-07:00

Here is my bag. The photo was an act of luv since it is about 105 degrees outside. I could not get the colors to show up when I took the picture inside. Good old fashion sunlight did the trick. Well, I finally finished it. It was really great when I had the time to finish it. It is currently in the washing machine felting but I figured I would be to busy to post those pictures for awhile, so I had atleast post this one to show you all what I have done. The pony/crow beads are a purple iris glass, which I am dieing to see how they turn out after felting. I am not going to add buttons I don't think. But one thing that I will point out is that this bag was fun to make. Quick easy and fun. The yarn that I used was single stranded Noro Kureyon. The skein actualy had a yellow in it but since Yellow is one of my least favorite colors I removed it from the skeins. I like the way the colors worked out without the yellow. I donated all the yellow to someone that luvs yellow! I have 2 more stacks of yarn to make this bag again. One in Noro Kureyon #116 which is black/grey/brugandy with strands of green. I am going to be removing most of the brugandy because I am trying for a Black/Grey look. The beads on that one are going to be silver. I am so ready to cast that one on. But my needles are a little busy on a Pinwheel Sweater. I should be able to cast on later tonight if not first thing tomorrow. Cross your fingers.

Hose + Water + Dog + Lawn = !!!

2006-06-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Oops... guess what we found out.... Hose plus Water plus Lawn plus iPod the Labradoodle equals MUDD! Yeap... you should see the hole in the lawn from this. This picture actually looks to clean. He is black on his belly, feet, legs, face and everywhere else. But I can say he was having lots of fun! Thanks Jakub for washing him off.

Rainbow Denise Needles! MUST HAVE!

2006-06-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

I want I want I want.... Look at what some one showed me. Yes they are colored Denise Interchangeables. This is fabulous. I must have a set of these. I want these for my Birthday HINT HINT. You can get them over at Knittinghelp.com HERE. Check them out! Woo Hoo!

Mystery Market Square Color Start

2006-06-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Here is the restart of my Market Squares. But you will have to stay tuned to see what colors I am using. It is a mystery at this point. I decided to frog my last started market squares because I did not like the colors. Have you ever started a project and decided the colors you had choosen just don't look as good as you would like it to? Well that is what happen to mine and then I saw this fabulous one done by ??? I lost the info. Darn it. But I then decided on some new colors. I have completely changed the colors from the original one that I did. Oh and the little friends jumped into the picture. But I am on Tier 2. Stay Tuned to more of my adventures with this project.

Be Safe

2006-06-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

Be Safe BMM! As he leaves for his 2nd Tour. Our Weekend was filled with tears. Here is Dad helping his son check in before his departure of his 2nd Tour of Duty. It has been a hard weekend on Dad. As it has been on all of us. But Dad takes it really hard. Saying Goodbye is so frigging hard. BMM is a fantastic kid and a great soldier. He can do it! He will return to us safely. Dad and his lil' soldier!

Majolica Bag Start!

2006-06-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

Here it is. My Noni Majolica Bag Start. I am using the Red and Fuschia as the pattern calls for. Go figure. This is the first time I have followed the pattern color just because I love both of the colors. This stranding is a little hard to get use to at first. I am holding both colors in opposite hands so I am knitting English & Conteninetal. I just have to rememeber to always wrap counter clock wise. Other wise my stitches will be on the needle going 2 different directions. I like the bag but I only have the first 8 rows done. This is going to be my weekend project.

Here is the stranding close up. This bag is going to be rather thick. I now know why the pattern calls for so much yarn. I think it is going to be totally cool. Stay Tuned to see what happens with this project. Woo Hoo!

A frogging we will go!

2006-06-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

A sad day to announce. I decided to frog my current Market Squares after seeing someone elses bag. I was settleing on Purple/Lavendar/Mint Green but I just was not happy. I have decided to do it with some other colors so you will have to wait until if is finished. I have an idea and my brain is on fire so I have a feeling that I am going to cast on tonight. Now that I have the colors that I want. Hum.... it will be soo me... I am so excited. Is it normal for a person to become so excited over the colors in a bag... I think so. Stay tuned for more adventures in my knitting world