New projects!

I started this cable front sweater about a week ago -
This is the back -

 And this is the beginning of the front -

 

This is the pattern picture -

From this magazine -

I could not find the pattern on Ravelry, sorry (I did look!).
The yarn I am using is Schaefer yarn bought at her outlet store. She said it was "one of a kind" (at the time maybe, she might have more now?) I bought all she had. It was not even labeled! It is very soft and I love the colors.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And here is the beginning of a berret -

with this yarn -

The pattern is "Urban Necessity Tam" by Colleen Michele Meagher, ravelry pattern - HERE

Knitting Book review -

4.5 Stars!

ABOUT THE BOOK -

This beautiful new book of functional, stylish designs for babies contains over 20 unique knitting patterns for sweaters, cardigans, vests, dresses, blankets, bootees as well as a cosy wrap for mum.

Combining true comfort with contemporary design, in a world where time is precious and clothes are often mass-produced, Danish knitwear designer Vibe Ulrik Sondergaard has produced a delightful range of garments that are worth investing time into. Many of the designs focus on texture and shape in solid colours, and all aim to be comfortable for babies.
Beautiful stitches, quirky details, classic shapes and lush yarns are combined to inspire others to create their own unique garments and accessories.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

Vibe Ulrik Sondergaard studied fashion design at Kingston University. She has also studied in Copenhagen and at the Brooks Institute of Photography, Santa Barbara, California. Vibe currently lives in London and works for Zinc Design Ltd, designing and producing hand-knitted swatches that are sold to fashion companies in New York, LA, Paris, Barcelona and London. Design credits include Nicole Farhi and trend forecasting agency Kjaer Global, London. Vibe’s first book, Labour of Love, was enormously popular.

MY REVIEW -

All together now - AWWWWWWW! Isn't that cover adorable?

There are a lot of really cute patterns in here. I would have to say, I like most of them! Which is really rare for a pattern book. There are really nice color pictures, several for each pattern. And there are a nice variety of sweaters, jackets, vests, and accessories.

So... why the 4.5 star rating? Well being from London, England - all the patterns are in metric! I know, I know that's what you get when you get a book from an author from another country. It could be worse, I have had pattern books totally in another language before! Its not terrible it just makes it kind of a pain in the neck to have to do the converting.

Most of the patterns are either lace or cables - and I love cables and lace! So I really liked all the patterns in this book, but some people might not like it. The patterns look a little more challenging, and I like that also, being an experienced knitter.

I have this book in the form of an e-book. I just ordered it from the library so I can really take a look at it. I might try one of the patterns to see how it knits up. I'll let you know when I do.

Thank you Netgalley and Anova book group for sending me this great e-book to read and review!

Fun Friday!

I LOVE these pictures! They are all from - "Its about Time"
Check out this site! It is a very nice blog!

And then I have to end with a beach picture!

Slipper sock (with reinforced knitted sole)

Last year I knitted little "pocketbook slippers" for the girls in my daycare. This year the boys wanted slippers! Which really surprised me, because they don't really care about things like that. But two of them asked me to knit them slippers. I was so thrilled, I said OK!

This is the pattern I used (orig. sent to me by my mom) - HERE

Besides having to knit it in pieces and sew it together, which I hate, it is actually a very easy pattern! I can knit one pair in two days.I did NOT use the polar knit yarn, I just used a bulky yarn.

This has a nice thick sole so they should last a while. The only thing I didn't like (besides the sewing) is the sole is squared. I think it should have been rounded on the edges so it fits the slipper top better. I might try to tweak the pattern a bit and see what I come up with.

But - the biggest reward - The boys LOVE them!

Introducing... Leedra from "Heirloom Goods"

Leedra and I have been internet friends for a few years now. She is a wonderful, talented knitter and pattern designer. She also has many other talents, including photography and stained glass!
Be sure to check out her websites (links after the interview).






1. What part of the country are you from and how long have you lived there?
I was born in the Clarkston, GA area, and lived there until I was 18.  At that time I moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, and have lived in East Tennessee the last 42 years.

2. Do you have a favorite place in your house to knit?
Weather permitting, out on the screen porch.  Otherwise, currently in the living room, but we are about to begin an addition that will be a large room.  This room will be large enough to have a sitting area, my large desk (which is where I design), and a needle felting area.  There will also be a 8 x 10 closet for my yarn and needle felting supplies storage.
 
3. Seriously - how much yarn do you have in storage right now?
This may be a low estimation, but I would say 400 skeins.
 
4. How long have you been knitting?  How did you learn?
I attended formal knitting and crochet lessons 44 years ago, but knitting was an occasional craft for me until 2009.  I just knew very basic knitting and purling, maybe even crocheted more than knitted, until 18 years ago when I completely stopped crocheting.  In 2009 I had some more formal knit training and became obsessive about knitting at that time.  Almost immediately I began tweaking just about everything I knitted and then started designing.  I released my first pattern in 2011.  I currently have 11 designs available, with the 12th to release in early October 2013. 
 
5. What are your favorite things to knit?
I have two favorites and they are totally opposite from each other.  I love felted items that I can add my 'One of a Kind' creations to the felted item.  The 2nd is lace and more lace, but with fingering weight yarn.
 
6. What have you never tried knitting before but would like to?
Lace knit with lace weight yarn.

Tell us 5 quick facts about yourself -
1.  Christian wife, mother and Granny.
2.  Breast cancer survivor.
3.  A nature photographer, with flowers and butterflies being my true specialty.
4.  Stained glass artist, that has not made stained glass in 5 years.
5.  In 2011, I retired as a supervisor from the telecommunications industry after 40 years.

Leedra, thank you so much for letting us into your life so we can get to know you a little better!

Please take the time to visit Leedra at all her different sites and check out her original patterns that she has for sale. 
Heirloom Goods
Photography by Leedra
Ravelry Store
and on a more personal note - Leedra's Photos for Fun

A while back I knitted the child's dress she designed. It worked up real nice! The pattern was clear and easy to follow. This is the only pattern I have tried by Leedra but I can recommend it! There are a couple of others I would like to try and well as making another of these cute dresses!

Fun Friday!

Oh my gosh! This is so true!

Mood Socks finished!

I finished my "Mood" socks from the book "Silk Road Socks" by Hunter Hammersen.
This is a great book! And I loved making these socks.
You can't see the pattern as well due to the colors of yarn I chose. But I love them.

Mood socks cont.

Hopefully I will be finished by the end of the week.

The link for this pattern on Ravelry - HERE

Fun Friday!

Some weekly knitting funnies for you -

Now that's desperate!!! LOL (the hubby might like this one!)

And finally -

 

Hahahahahaha! I don't know why but I laughed hysterically at this one!