Japanese Knitting/Crochet Books

I found another wonderful aquisition at my local Saver's store. A bunch of knitting and crochet books. The only problem is, some of them are Ondori books, which are printed in Japanese. I love some of the designs in these, but have absolute no idea how to translate them, or have them translated. I will be posting a pic of them later (my stupid camera battery died), but if anyone has any ideas or suggestions, please let me know. I'd really like to make some of these designs.

Quick Post about Spring

I know I've been slacking off on my blogging, and it's my own fault. I need to set aside some time for my blog. But lately, it's been very difficult to find time. Every time I sit down at my computer, a timer goes off, the dryer beeps, my son needs help, it starts raining, the phone rings. . . .it never ends.

Another thing that I have discovered about spring is that sales have stopped. Not dropped off, stopped. No one is buying anything. It does get quite depressing. Even with my new love for bead crochet, playing with those glass beads of liquid color, and seeing the beauty of the project emerge as I create it, nope, I still feel down.

I know it's just a phase, and it will pass, but I hope sooner than later.

Wow, does time fly!

I just looked and realized it's been almost 2 weeks since I've last posted! I never did get the rest of my stash treasure find I got at my local Saver's store. Well, here are more pics:

Some incredibly wonderful yarns. I might use some of them for hats, which I feel a design pull to start creating some. I love hats. I love to wear funky, sparkly hats. I have a favorite I was given as a gift, which I will post at a later time, but I'd love to create a similar one, maybe with more glitz and glam. Onto more yarn stash enhancements:

My Newest design up on Ravelry

This is my newest facecloth/washcloth design freshly put up on Ravelry. Thermal Washcloth is a quick and easy pattern that I enjoyed creating. I hope you like it!

Incredible stash find!

I went to my local Saver's store (similar to Salvation Army Store) and found a HUGE plethora of wonderful yarn at amazingly low prices! This post is full of pictures which do not show the beauty of these yarns. I don't even know what half of them are, there are no tags, but the ones with tags, I definitely recognized, like Koigu and Dreams in Color and J Knits, just to name a few. You never know when you are going to find a gem in these stores! Now, onto the pics!

Wow there's more pictures than I originally thought! I'll have to post the rest tomorrow! LOL

A few book reviews

OK, here they are as promised: The Beaded Edge by Midori Nishida and Crochet Jewelry by Sophie Britton.

This is a fantastic book about crocheted, beaded edging and trims. What great ideas in here. The instructions are well written and the pictures are beautiful. Definitely something to consider adding to my library of books. I can see adding beaded edgings to lots of my knitted items!

And Crochet Jewelry is a lovely book with great instructions on actually beading and crocheting jewelry (like the title didn't give it away, right?)

The necklaces and earrings depicted in this book are to die for. Great looks, and very direct instructions.

These books, plus a few others, have inspired me to pick up my crochet hooks again, as you could have told from my previous post with the orange bracelet. I do love both these books, but alas, I cannot have everything I want do to money contraints. I'm going to have to renew them again, I guess... hehehe.

Phew, it's amazing how time flies!

Well, I haven't posted here in a while. I can't believe its been over a week, though! Well, anyways, first things first. What I've been working on. I'm starting to dabble in a little bit of crochet jewelry. Here is my first test, in worsted weight yarn.

As you can see, it's very basic, but I do intend on embellishing it. With beads. I *love* beads! and it will have a button closure. My second project is for a baby's pacifier bag. I saw some at TJMaxx and thought they were the cutest things! Inspired me to see if I could knit some of those cuties! Here is a test sample, not sure how I like it though.

It's not doing what I want it to, so I'll probably rip it back and start it over. Well, that's all for now! I have to go vote! I'll be posting 2 book reviews tomorrow.

New Design available on Ravelry

Well, I actually finished writing up my pattern for my new design "A Crooked Mile Fingerless Mitts".

It is currently for sale on Ravelry EXCLUSIVELY. I hope everyone likes it!

Creating a design

I think the most difficult part of creating a new design is the actual writing of the pattern. That, for me, takes the longest. Sometimes I have to start the knitting part 3 or 4 times, or just scratch a design outright, but none of that seems as brain crunching as writing it. I'm currently starting to write out my "Crooked Mile Mitts", and it is going to be a little more complex due to the fact that the mitts are mirror images of each other, and will have separate instructions for each mitt. Now that will take a bit longer than usual. And I am a procrastinator, so this is not a good combination....

A little stash enhancement and Doberman thoughts

Bought more size 6/0 seed beads from Ebay. I love the yellow color. I'm quite drawn to yellow lately. It's going to be the main color in my mother's gift. I've finally figured out the design, and will begin working on it today. I just wish there was more time in the day!

Now, onto Doberman thoughts. I was just wondering how one short haired Doberman

could possibly produce as much as hair as he does! I feel like I breath it! It's all over the place! Here is just a sampling of the clumps of fur found around and about the house, including upstairs, where he NEVER goes!

Phew, I'm glad I got that off my chest! Heh heh.

Despite my cold. . .

I was able to work on my fingerless mitt pattern.

This one is a little more complicated due to the fact the left mitt is a mirror image of the right, so the pattern is different for each mitt. But I love the way it's coming out, and my DS likes it too, so not just a feminine pattern. Extremely stretchy also. Too bad I lost the paper for yarn identification. But, oh well, I know it's cotton, worsted weight, and washable. I can weigh it when I'm done to get an approximate about of yarn.

This little bag is a gift from my sister, www.couturecontessa.etsy.com. It is completely beaded and has a satin lining. How she finds these beautiful gems is a mystery to me, but I'm not gonna complain if I get to keep some for myself!

Hopefully I'll be loading my pattern this week, so keep your eyes peeled!

2 Book reviews and the birth of a new project

Well, here I am, just like I said. Today is a much slower pace than yesterday, thank goodness. So, onto The Harmony Guide to Aran Knitting, an older book with great pattern ideas. They even have some sweater combinations premade, just waiting to be knit into a cozy sweater. It is an older book, from 1992, but I think I'll try to find it cheap.

Being a paperback, the pages seem to pop out from the binding, which is a total bummer.

Now, onto a book I already owned, but didn't look through quite as closely as I would have wanted. This was a jewel found at the local Saver's store. The Complete Stitch

Directory, printed in 1988. This does have crochet, embroidery, and needlepoint in it, but the knitting part is great. Some very unusual stitches that I haven't seen before, and will definitely be incorporating into some mitts, and perhaps a smartphone cozy.

And, last but not least, my newest project. I love the color of this cotton yarn, but alas, the identifying paper is lost. I have no idea what brand or color it is, just that it is cotton.

Yes, those are my favorite Knitter's Pride Cubix double point needles. I just can't keep from raving about them!

Tomorrow it is supposed to snow, so I'll be posting.

Not much time today

I didn't have any time to knit today. Too busy. I promise a good post tomorrow. About a Harmony Guide book. Really. You can trust me.

Wendy Knits Lace and project update

I finally got Wendy Knits Lace in from the library. I haven't been disappointed in any of Wendy D. Johnson's books, and it looks like this is a winner too.

I've gotten through the beginning part, but have yet to get to patterns, cuz there is so much information on correcting lace knitting mistakes, which, for me, is a frequent occurance. So being able to fix things without having to rip back is a great thing!

I'm sure once I get to the patterns, I'll be totally amazed! Another book I will be putting on my wish list. (I WISH I had more money! :o )

On a different note, I did take apart my mottled purple mitts. The pattern just wasn't coming together. So, it's back to the drawing board. But I think I will save the purple yarn for a hat. I have an idea floating around in my head for one, and my niece did request a purple hat.

Oh, and I did want to mention I loaded another pattern onto Craftsy, so please take a look!

Interweave emags

Well, I did it. I ordered the 4 Sock Knitting Emags from Interweave Knits. They were on sale for $3.99. I just couldn't pass it up.

http://www.interweavestore.com/Quilting/Magazines/eMags.html?SessionThemeID=16&a=ofr120207

I have knit socks in the past, both top-down and toe-up. On dpns and on 2 circulars (I haven't mastered Magic Loop yet, though). I think I might be ready to design some. I do love the Lion Brand Wool-Ease Worsted weight yarn. Great for socks. I've used it quite a few times, actually. I like cozy, warm, soft socks, and this yarn really works nicely for that. Hhhhmmmm. I just might try that after I finish my purple mitts...

My newest project

Now that I've finished my shawl (which I love), I was inspired to start a new fingerless mitt. I am using Lion Brand's Vanna Choice, but I'm not so sure the mottle color will show the cable and the beads. Yes, this design will incorporate beads, my first!

I like the yarn, and the way it feels. But the color is another question. At least for this particular design.

My last Nicky Epstein book should be delivered today. My favorite of the 3 three I ordered, figures it's the last to be delivered. But, I did find another book I've just about fallen in love with. I might save up to get this one too. Knit One Knit All Elizabeth Zimmermann's Garter Stitch Designs A really nice book.

Since I knit that shawl, I've been itching to create my own pattern, so maybe I'll do that after the mitts are done, if I don't rip them out before hand.

Oh, and I wanted to thank the people who bought my patterns on Craftsy this weekend. Totally made my day! It was my first sale!

I did finish my shawlette

I did finish my shawlette. Here is a pic. I like how it came out, but am reconsidering adding the beads.

I will add a small button, which can button in any of the eyelet holes.

I also did receive my Epstein books from Amazon (in paperback, it was cheaper). Here they are, and they are really terrific and inspirational for a million different ideas of creation.

I also wanted to show the sampling of dog toys my doberman leaves around on the living room floor for me to trip all over. Just imagine this time 5, not including the little pieces of white Nylabone left behind on the carpet which are truly plastic burrs and stick to any and everything!

Supposed to be relaxing

So, interspersed (when I can fit it in) I play the Nancy Drew PC Games. Currently, I'm working on the Wolf of Icicle Creek. I like playing these, and find it helps me relax. EXCEPT in this case! I have to shovel off the top of a frozen pond while marking the thin ice. NOT HAPPENING! I keep falling through. This may be the proper time to visit the Her Interactive BB and find a cheat! LOL

Onto knitting news, my new Nicky Epstein books (2 of the 3 I ordered) should be delivered today. I can wait! I got them from the library originally, and loved them. I did have to save to get enough money to pay, but finally Whoooo Hoooo! I'll take a pic when they arrive.

A quick update and stash enhancements!

Here is my progress on my shawlette. Once it's complete, I will be adding beads to the angled edge. I just haven't decided what beads I should use. Clear? Red? I'm not sure. This is my Valentine's Gift to me. I really like the feel and weight of it. It's knit will 100% cotton yarn, which is nice so I can wash it. Also, here is a pic of the great things I found at my local Saver's store.

Some wonderful old Hero circular needles which are plastic, but have a metal core. And some great Classic Elite yarns! Beautiful!

New Store!

Wow, I'm so excited! I just found out craftsy.com will now be selling patterns, so I'll be loading up some of a my patterns here! I think I'll try to have exclusive patterns for this store and see what happens. Whaddya think? Should I do exclusives or should I just keep them all up? I'd really like to know.

Double purchase

Don't you just hate it when you discover you've purchased a book you ALREADY OWN? I did this with "Knit With Beads Stunning Shawls & Wraps". I found out I already bought the book! Now I have 2! Really quite irritating, cuz I could have gotten a book I needed! Oh well. Could be worse, I suppose.

A little something something for me!

This Lacy Baktus is my Valentine's Day gift to me! Of course, I had to change it up! LOL So I'm knitting it in worsted cotton and will be applying (after completion) a lovely beaded edge. I think I'm going to make myself another one for Easter, but more drastically changed. Since Easter is very early this year, I think I'll need it!

Snow Day

Yes, it snowed like the dickens today. Got quite a few inches of the fluff. I did get some work done on the hat I'm making for my niece. I am using a pattern, but I've already changed it, and probably will do a few more changes. It does have a knitted on i-cord edge on both sides, which I thought was very clever. I will definitely keep this in mind for an upcoming pattern. When I finish Sarah's hat, with all it's tweaks and changes, I will post a pic. I will say, I intend on adding some crystals to it. Should be quite the sparkler.

The Vogue book review

OK, so I started at the beginning of Vogue Knitting Knitopedia The Ultimate A to Z for Knitters not knowing what to expect. This book was published in 2011. It is broken down alphabetically (obviously) and has a "definition" for each knit-related word. There is some good information in this book, but dragging through the rest of the pieces of data, i.e. Offinger Management Company, does get rather extraneous. The instructional information is precise and to the point. There are usually pictures to accompany said instructions. However, a lot of it is stuff I really don't ever intend on needing or using. For the listed price on the inside of the cover $34.95 US, I wouldn't plunk it down. Sorry Vogue Knitting, I truly love your other stitionary series, but this one Not so much.

Review of book from Library

I *finally* got "Vogue Knitting Knitopedia the Ultimate A to Z for Knitters" from the library. I've been waiting for ever, it seems. I just got it, so it'll take a bit of time to look through it, I hope. Unless it's a dud. Then, it will be a quick scan.

My replace for metal needles with concrete cords

I tweeted yesterday about a circular needle (size 10 1/2) that had a stiff and totally inflexible cable. Well, I dumped it (why should I keep something I detest?) Here is what I am using instead, in a size down (my choice).

These are my wonderful KnitPicks interchangable needles. Why I tried that piece of crud first, I have no idea.

I also wanted to show my new favorite book:

Great information, with lots and lots of pictures. I got it for a steal at Amazon.com.

testing from Kindle Fire

This is only a test.

Falling down on the job

Boy, I'm terribly sorry about falling down in keeping up with posting. (That sounds weird, doesn't it?)  Currently, I'm designing (or trying to design) some stitch markers that go with my patterns.  Not quite as easy as I thought it would be.  But, coming along.  Of course they will have some bling on them. I'll post a quick pic later.