This book is chock full of 40 designs for flowers of all sizes, colors and shapes! They are all so very beautiful. The best part is that most of them, even though they look complicated, are very easy! You can leave them ‘raw’ or felt them, felting the flowers seems to make them seem more realistic as the stitches disappear!

A few of my favourites:

I love the little pansies!!

These lilies are so realistic I think someone would be shocked to know they were knitted especially the felted version on the left!

I tried my hand at the English Bluebells. So very easy!! I didn’t do too badly..

(sorry I haven’t got a finished picture.. I used them for something special!)

If you are looking for a quick unique Mother’s Day gift why not knit mom up a bouquet? They last a lot longer than the real ones!

I give this book two thumbs up!

And the winner is!!!!!

Chris B!!

Chris I will be emailing you to get your address! Sorry the rest of you will have to buy a copy!

I have these looms that I would like to find new homes for. They are simply sitting around here getting dusty. Don’t worry, it may look like a lot of looms, but I still have my favorites!

Have a look, make an offer, and I will get back to you!

Thanks for helping me with my spring cleaning!!

DA Looms, 34 pegs, pegs are 1/4 inch apart. Make me an offer! Add $3 for shipping in U.S.

DA Looms Thumb/mini sock loom, the pegs are 1/4 inch apart.

Would go great with the above loom for making mittens.

$4 includes shipping!

Markman Farm Loom, adjustable. 144 pegs. 68 on long sides, 4 on adjustable sides. Add $10 for shipping.

(retails around $50)   SOLD!

In the Attic Loom set

Adult large, and small hat looms and youth hat loom. These are the nice flexible ones! (I have the tool around if I can dig it up, no promises!)

(I could not find these for sale anywhere to get a retail price!)

Make me an offer!! add $5 for shipping!  SOLD!

Knifty Knitter Large Gauge Knitting board.

Make me an offer!

Add $4 for shipping.

Markman Loom

Adjustable loom large  gauge. This one is great for placemats, rugs, hats made with chunky yarns!

There are 60 pegs total, 24 on each long side and 6 on each adjustable end. I have the loom tool for this one (probably two tools if I look)

Pegs are 3/4 from center to center, and the pegs themselves are 1/4 inch in diameter.

Please make me a offer, and add $9 for shipping!  SOLD!

DA Looms little fine gauge loom keychain!

$5

Includes shipping!    SOLD!

This is a lonely side from a Markman Adjustable loom. I broke the other side, when our couch landed on it!

It is the nice maple base with the pine pegs. It has 68 pegs they are 3/8 inch spacing. The base board is 30 inches long.

It can be used as is as a knitting rake, or if you happen to have had a loom face a similar fate, then It can restore your loom to full use!

Make me an offer!! Please add $7 for shipping.  SOLD!!

Knifty Knitter Flower loom, and i-cord loom

Make an offer on each separate, or as a set! Add $2 each for shipping!

SOLD!

I think that is it for now!!

I will be using this cash to get a crank knitter so I can work on making hats with my kids club kids and youth at church for our hat and mitten tree this year!! Help me help them cover that tree with hats!!

I am asking $20 $15 per scarf, that will include shipping in the US.

Please email me at Denise@Knitchat.com if you are interested in a scarf. This is a first come first serve sale.

I prefer PayPal, but would be able to accept a check or US Money Order if you prefer to pay in that manner.

The ones I have available are:

Chelsea Hooded Scarf (100% wool)

Trafalgar Self-Fringing Scarf (100% acrylic)

Soho Neck Warmer  (Wool Ease, wool acrylic blend)

Bloomsbury Chain Link Scarf (100% wool)

Camden Scarf (100% acrylic)

Piccadilly Scarf (100% wool)

Throughout the week I am going to be re-evaluating my knitting loom and knitting board ‘collection’ as well. I need to weed a few looms and boards out, so look forward to that listing hopefully next Tuesday!

I have been catching up on other things though. Sleep for one.. and you can tell by the fact that the laundry is caught up, and many of the floors in the house are clean, and the kitchen counter is cleared up more regularly. So, that’s a good thing!

Next week is spring break for us here so I plan to catch up on some knitting projects.

1. Easter Sweater

2. Ozark Mountain hat

3. Other hat

4. Nebula test knit

Those are the main ones.

I also have some reviews to write. So that will happen then as well.

Wish me luck!

They are looking for sponsors for this 30 Hour Famine..

Here’s what they said about what they are doing:

We are really excited for this event! Last year we did the same thing, and it was such a touching event, most of the videos and the facts made us mad at the world! Like one, “To satisfy the world’s sanitation and food requirements would cost only US$13 billion- what the people of the United States and the European Union spend on perfume each year.”

That is just horrible! TO think we could stand a year without perfume, but nobody does, they don’t usually think that the food they just threw out was something that someone in Africa could easily benefit from.

Our youth group is trying to raise enough this year so that three children can eat for a year, all that from us going without food for only thirty hours. Please help if you can!

To sponsor Azia please  click here

To sponsor Jaxom  please click here

To sponsor Brian Click Here!! *he really needs sponsors to catch up with the kids!!

If you want to learn a little more about the 30 Hour Famine first, please click here.

And thanks to Isela I can sweeten the pot!! If you sponsor either one of my kiddos she is willing to throw in a free pattern from her pattern shop, or you could pick one from mine as well.(just click on the pattern gallery link above!) This offer good now till Sunday!!

Please leave a comment on this post letting me know you donated, I will verify, and then send you the details on how to get your free pattern!

Last week Azia and I went to the book store to get the 2nd and 3rd books for her for her birthday. While we were there we looked through the illustrated movie guide book. While thumbing through it I saw a photo of the actress who plays the main character, Katniss, in a really nice knitted blue cloche. I thought COOL! I am going to knit a Katniss hat so I can wear it to the premier of the movie and be the coolest mom ever..

So I looked at the photo, made a quick analysis of the hat design, pretty simple looks like it’s made with Lion Brand Homespun, yeah I can to it! Our next stop was JoAnn’ Fabrics of course (hey don’t look at me that way we WERE going there anyway! Azia wanted some zebra stripe fabric!) So I picked up two skeins of the proper color (it was on sale AND I had a coupon!) and took it home.

I sat down and figured out an initial pattern plan, and started knitting.

I wanted to verify a detail on the photo of the hat so I went online to see if I could find it.

I did.

My excitement deflated like a popped balloon when I realized the photo was not a picture of the actress as Katniss.. NOPE! It was her in her role in the movie Winter’s Bone (also an excellent film, though a little dark)

Well DRATS!

I dropped that hat like a hot potato and didn’t pick it up for days, nearly a week in fact. But then I decided to pick it up again and finish it.

Here is is:

Waddya think?

I am going to finalize the pattern for needles next week, and also work on a loom knit version.

Once the pattern is up for sale I will be using $1 from each sale to go to Art Feeds. This is an organization based in Joplin, Misouri that helps kids through art. They were there both before and after the tornado and even after when they lost everything as well. there picked up, carried on and helped in the way they knew best by using art for the kids to work through what happened to them.

Having seen the destruction first hand, I have been looking for a way to help out.

The rest of the sale will go toward me attending a training session for Brethren Children’s Disaster Services.

I think this is fitting because both Winter’s Bone,(which took place in Missouri) and The Hunger Games are stories about kids who by their circumstances have lost much but persevered, and made their lives better, but in real life no kid should have to do that on their own. So I’d like to help.

So please look for the patterns next week. I hope to have details about the charity when I find it, and help me make a difference!

I have some projects going on, and some stuff I have finished, so I have things to talk about!

Stay tuned!!

To top that off, our transmission in our van went. This has left us without a vehicle.. save the motorcycle. And with me being sick I haven’t gotten out to finish some necessary shopping!

I was mulling this all over, and decided to make a favorite dinner.  As I got things out I realized I couldn’t find any butter.  I searched the refrigerator.. nope.. the freezer.. nope .. the downstairs freezer.. there was margarine.. not really what I needed but it would have to do. Then I needed an onion.. looked in all the normal spots.. nope no onion. So I got the folding step stool out  (yep I am short.. ) and got dried diced onions out of the cupboard. They would have to do.

But I found that God just didn’t want me to ‘make do’ this first night of Hanukah. So He went all Jehovah Jireh *on me! After I washed the skillet and had put a little margarine in it I happened to look up (remember I am short) and there.. up on top of the refrigerator was the EXACT amount of butter I needed. I hadn’t seen it there before… weird..

Then I stepped over to the pantry closet to get something and POP.. out falls an onion.. the EXACT size onion I needed. Well.. ok then!

On a day I am struggling to figure out how I am going to get everything done, pay for this car repair  and if I am ever going to just get better and feel 100% God is showing me in his own little way that indeed he will provide what I need.

Thanks.. I needed that.

*The Lord will provide.

WHAT TIMING!

I love it there are 21  projects to knit down this stash  have built up and I think I have enough odds and ends to make each project at least once if not more!

There are also handy guides to help you combine colors and to use multiple strands of thinner yarns together to make up larger gauges thereby using up that stash yarn even faster!

So many of them just scream out KNIT ME!!! My favorite is the Puzzle Play blanket! A super colorful blanket made of puzzle pieces! It’s so colorful and fun.

The book is divided up into three sections by general weight of yarn, thin, medium and bulky so you can just go to your stash, pick out the appropriate weight yarn and go!

I can see some stash busting in my future and a cleaner leaner yarn closet as a result! Thank you Melissa Leapman for writing this book just for me so I can get cleaned up!!

Here is the article: Click here

Everywhere I look BIG yarns are big this year! Which is a boon for us loom knitters as many of our looms handle super bulky yarns very well!

There are many new big bulky yarns out this season to full fill your need to go with this trend and they are quite nice! I have had the opportunity to handle a few of them.

One isin the new Martha Stewart line:

Lofty Wool Blend this one is a nice bulky yarn which is soft.. but not too soft. It would be great for hats and other accessories. It measures out at 26 yards a ball so count on buying at least two or more to make any projects. It’s quite nice and I have a couple balls of it that I am going to knit up in the next week. So look for those items soon!

Another of the big yarns out this season is Link by Berocco . This yarn is BIG! It’s a chainette yarn so it’s like knitting with big I –cord! There are some nice patterns with it and measuring in at 32 yards you get a teensy bit more than Lofty Wool. There is a nice pattern for a short scarf that only takes up one ball, and I am sure you could use it for either yarn!

Being a big Malabrigo fan (even before I found out my brother was going to Uruguay to do mission work) I am also excited to learn that they have a super bulky offering in Rasta! Loove their yarns they are super soft and beautiful!

Isn’t it pretty?!!

Of course recently when walking through Joann’s I have seen some SUPER bulky fleecy type yarns among others. I was in a bit of a rush so I couldn’t investigate but hey that just gives you an excuse to go to the yarn store!

So embrace the bulky nature of our knitting looms this season and go for it!  Cant wait to see what you make!

Broken up into  sections this book covers the various aspects and reasoning behind craft activism and the people who practice it.

First  up crafting a statement! From yarn bombing to quilting and knitting for a cause or to promote a message there are so many ways crafters can make a statement!

Then on to re-crafting the past. Crafters are keeping old ways alive, see how in this section!

This section features one of my favourite craft bloggers: Ellen Bloom

Next, there is crafting for a cause. Crafters are some of the most generous people I know! Supporting many different causes all around the world! See how some crafters are stepping up and helping others. Again another one of my favourite bloggers is featured in this section the venerable Norma!

The fourth section covers crafting to reduce, reuse, and recycle!! See the creative ways that crafters are using things that would be simply thrown out! There are some great new ideas in here that I want to try! I need to get to the hardware store!!

The last section covers community. I have to say nothing brings people of different nationalities, religions ideologies like craft. In my secret plan to make our own country better I dream of teaching everyone in congress to knit.. Then they might just get something productive done.. eh?

Well actually this one will be 2 of 9. I am planning out a little introductory project for newbie loom Knitters. Designed to get me to stop needle knitting for a bit to continue to rest my left thumb.
So far, it’s almost working
So this will be one square for a blanket. Having been inspired by the "Hexapuff" craze on Ravelry, I thought I would work on a bit of a loom knit version.
The yarn I used for this square is the new Martha Stewart Crafts yarn Alpaca Blend.
I was sent a few samples as well as a Martha Stewart Knitting and Weaving Loom set.
The yarn is delightful! I will definitely be getting more!
The loom set is wonderful! It is so versatile and easy to use! I can easily see this being my new go to loom!
I am planning a little video review, along with a fun little free pattern some time in the next few days.
So keep an eye out for that and more squares as well!

Resistance is FUTILE! You will be i-loom-inated!!

Enter the book Wendy Knits Lace :

You have seen that I have knit a couple of her Elizabeth’s cowls! They are wonderful!!! Easy, and the lace pattern is easily memorized. SO.. I have stuck my toes into the depths of lace in this book!

There are 20 lovely patterns in this book. From cowls to scarves and shawls, socks and some super cozy afghans and sweaters this book has it all and I feel confident that I could make any of them! That is a big deal for me!

For my loom knitters.. this book is worth a look, I can see that a few of the patterns could be done on the loom. First off Elizabeth’s Cowl could be done on the loom, the Lace Stripe Scarf  and Cranbourne Scarf could also be done on the loom.

There are a couple sock patterns that lend themselves pretty easily to the sock loom, and if you have an adjustable sock loom the Vintage Knee socks are doable as well.

So if you are a loom knitter who is looking for a bit more to make I do recommend you take a peek and see if anything interests you in here!

I really didn’t do TOO Much knitting. I have to say.. It’s just so hard not to!!

Maybe I should pick up a thumb brace support thingy at the drug store and that will annoy me into not knitting. We’ll see..

For now I am writing a couple book reviews that are long overdue and seeing if I can figure out the new blog theme I want to use!

That might keep me out of the yarn, even though I have piled up some project ideas.. and am still obsessing over making that darn Rhinebeck sweater! I don’t know why this year that need just has grabbed hold of me!

I have been having some pain in my thumb so this week I have ‘sort of’ take a break.

It’s hard, not knitting.

The cable guy was here yesterday and I had nothing to do while I waited on him to install the new services.. It was hard.. I was impatient, I was bored, I was a bit grumpy.

People are constantly looking at me knit, and saying they wouldn’t have the patience to knit.. I always reply: “knitting is my patience” and it’s SOOO very true!

There is nothing like taking a few days off to show me just how true that is!

Anyway. I don’t want to irritate my thumb more, but I really want to make a Rhinebeck sweater this year! So I am doing an easy knit and I think I will try making some of it on the loom I just got to help lessen the strain on my thumb.

I was sent a Martha Stewart Weave and Knit Loom set! It’s genius. I will do a full report on it later.  I also received some of the new Martha Stewart yarns! They are looking pretty good! So once I have the chance to play with them I will also give you the skinny on them too!

For now I think a couple more days of rest will help this old thumb out.

First up, my Rustic Autumn Shawl:

Well.. mine is not so autumn-y it is more summery with the rainbow yarn!

The details: This is a needle knit, the pattern can be found here: Click here

Yarn: Kauni Strikkfasthed 8/2

Colorway EQ

Bought at The Clay Purl in Nashville IN

Knit up on my Addi Turbos!!

I used exactly one ball of yarn, and had about 24” left over!! YES!! NO LEFTOVERS!

This was an easy knit, anyone who is a beginner with shawls should try this one out!

Love the pattern!! It was a fun knit!

Next up: Elisabeth’s Cowl from Wendy Knits Lace

This is one of the introductory patterns in Wendy’s new book. An easy lace knit, even I didn’t make any mistakes on it!! Which is impressive!!

I have it pinned up on a piece of cardboard to block right now, I need to get some ‘action’ shots of these!

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease. (not sure of the color it is variegated browns very pretty)

The pattern can be found in the book Wendy Knits Lace

This is also a needle knit, I am happy to say that this lace pattern is an easy one to do on  a knitting loom! No translation needed other than for a K2Tog, move your stitch to the right and for a SSK, move your stitch to the left!

And of course you want to keep your stitches LOOSE when working lace on a loom!

I have leftovers. Grr. It tool less yarn than the pattern called for.

I would definitely knit this one again it’s a nice easy fast knit. I made it in two evenings!

I will give it a try sometime soon on the loom!

I am playing with some small projects on a new loom, I will give you all some more information when I get a thumbs up from the loom maker!! So look for that soon!

Well the cast went up on Monday I just got the chance to listen to it today! There are a lot of great tips on relieving stress on your body and arms while you knit or crochet!

Also of course the interview with yours truly.

You can listen to it here: Yarncraft Episode 98

Ok … it’s still hard to listen to myself on recordings even though I had to do it weekly at my last job!! It was sure fun to do the interview!

In any case if you haven’t listened to it yet enjoy! Let me know what you think!

HOME at last!!

I am not finished with the knitting project I took along. Since Brian severely sprained his ankle right before we left and I had to do the bulk of the driving..

More on the trip later.. and on the knitting for that matter!

Hey! It fits! YEAH!

Sometimes you just have to laugh!

While getting ready to head out to our church’s district conference, I have been cleaning. (I hate to come home to a messy house, don’t you?)

In the midst of cleaning I kneeled on the broken axel of a matchbox car. Of course it was rusty too what broken matchbox car axel isn’t rusty?  It went in the whole way.. about a half an inch (sorry to gross you out)

My last tetanus shot? 13 years ago!

Off to the doctor! Two Band-Aid’s and one shot later It was all good. Sorry no picture of the offending object. The nurse practitioner tossed it in the sharps box!

Well with the boys at camp for 3 days the house stayed clean for more than 24 hours. So that was good because my knee hurt!!

Fast forward to yesterday. Off we went to pick up the boys at camp, where Brian proceeded to step in the hole dubbed the ‘ankle breaker’ Well you saw the pictures on my wordless Wednesday post.. off to the urgent care and x-rays and new crutches. He is feeling better but this leaves the driving chores to me!

Meanwhile.. back at home… Azia was being AWESOME and staring the boy’s camp laundry. Unfortunately something went wrong and when the washer went to drain it went ALL OVER THE PLACE!

Apparently it was a flood of massive proportions. She and Jaxom took quick action and got the washer stopped, and sopped up the mess. They did great!!

So, I am off to get him to write out some lists of what we need to pack, so I don’t forget anything!

I have a Finished Friday of a little craftiness to show off tomorrow! So look for that!