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!