melknits

Looks Like the Ocean

2006-02-12T10:41:00.000-08:00

This is probably my favorite bag so far! I had to include my big seashell in the picture, because this bag reminds me of the ocean. I used 1 strand of Cascade 220 in torquoise and 1 strand of Manos del Uruguay in varigated shade of torquoise and greens held together. The pattern I used was a variation of the Pink Lady Bag from Designs by Shelley. The dimensions are (without the handle) 5" tall and 8"wide. I have had so many compliments on this bag. Now I need to get an outfit to go with it! Or knit a cute little sweater or tank top!

A Unique Baby Wrap

2006-02-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

My friend is having her third baby any day now. It will be her second girl. I wanted to do a little blanket for her, but I was not very excited about all of the pastels in the baby yarns. So, I went with the Stria by Manos del Uraguay. It is so soft and the colors are very vibrant. The bummer is that it has to be hand-washed in cold and dried flat, but it is so beautiful that I could not do this blanket in anything else! I love the contrasting colors.

So, I gave it to my friend along with a couple of very cute burp cloths made out of cloth diapers with ribbon sewn on the ends. Another friend of mine makes them, so I gave her some of the yarn and they matched great. Very cute! My friend was thrilled and even her husband said how cool it was! (Note: the beautiful tulips in the background are from my hubby for our 10th anniversary!)

I will definitely use this yarn again, except it will be for something that I can wear!

Late Christmas Gifts

2006-01-21T20:24:00.000-08:00

Yes, it has been a while since my last post. But, I have been very busy with work, kids, etc. These bags were started before Christmas for my sister-in-law and niece, but they were not completed in time. I was about a week late getting these out, but that gave me time to take pictures! Anyway, they were both made out of Cascade 220 and another novelty yarn for some fun! The purple is a beautiful color called "Wisteria" and the black is, well, it's black! I used the Booga bag pattern, but modified it a bit to change the size of each bag. It was fun to see how they turned out!

Secret Pal Gift!

2005-12-14T22:44:00.000-08:00

Wow, did I ever get spoiled! My secret pal, Leah, sent me all of the goodies below! Included in the package was:

sock yarn - probably enough to make 3 pairs, the ball is beautiful hand-dyed in deep purple, green, teal, a book with a bunch of patterns for my pups, a notebook, pen, and sticky notes (which my son has claimed), a calendar, a candle, bath fizz, a collectable doll (which my daughter has claimed for her room already), oh and I can't forget the chocolate, mmmmmmm!

This package was loaded with great stuff, and I truly appreciate everything! Thank you, Leah for your generosity, you were a great secret pal!

Another Gift 2

2005-12-14T22:29:00.000-08:00

And here is the finished look! This one felted faster than the red bag. I think the water was hotter with this one that with the red bag. I think the kids teachers will really like their gifts!

Another Gift

2005-12-14T22:27:00.000-08:00

This is the other bag for my son's teacher. I used Galway in a Christmas green color. I added a gold metallic ladder yarn around the top of the bag.

Teacher Gifts 2

2005-11-27T19:25:00.000-08:00

And here it is finished. The top was going to fold over, but I didn't like the way it looked. You can still see the stitches a little bit, but it still came out nice and firm.

Teacher Gifts

2005-11-27T19:22:00.000-08:00

So, my kids wanted me to make felted bags for their teachers for Christmas. Here is the first one, pre-felted. I use Galway double-stranded and added in some Lion Brand novelty yarn. It took a while to felt and I probably could have kept it in longer, but I think it came out fine!

CHECK OUT MY LOOT!

2005-10-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

My secret pal did a great job shopping for me! My favorite colors, chocolate, a new knitscene magazine, a purple Tinkerbelle fleece throw, ect. Woo-hoo!! Thank you, thank you, thank you Secret Pal!

Markers from Mom

2005-10-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

As promised, a picture of the markers from my Mom!

Finished Booga Bag

2005-10-19T22:54:00.000-07:00

Felted and ready to go! I am really excited about how my first felted bag turned out! I already have the yarn for 3 more bags! Hee Hee! I will show this one off at work tomorrow!

First Felted Bag

2005-10-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

Here is my first felted bag, obviously pre-felting! I love the way the colors came together. I used Lambs Pride chunky and 1 skein of Noro. I can't remember the number, but they went together really well. I wasn't sure how those two would felt together, but it came out fine. The Noro shrunk down more than the Lambs Pride, but the blocking evened everything out nicely! The bag needs a little more drying time and then I will post a finished picture!

Now, for something really funny! I got the last set of my stitch markers from the stitch marker swap last week (picture to come later). And it just so happened that the last person sending me markers, was none other than my Mom! We both got a good laugh, and my Mom did a great job keeping the secret!

I got a present!

2005-09-16T23:10:00.000-07:00

These came yesterday from my Stitch Marker Swap Pal, Kelly. They are so pretty and purple is my favorite color! Thanks Kelly!

I'm twisted!

2005-09-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

So, I am at my Mom's house yesterday, and we made a shocking discovery! I have been knitting my garter stitch twisted! I have been wrapping the yarn from front to back. Now, keep in mind that I am still a newbie, so I guess I kind of have an excuse. But I have 3 projects going that I have to finish in this twisted garter stitch, or they will look funny! Oh well, live and learn!

SP6 Questionaire

2005-09-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you? I guess I am a yarn snob. I have only done one project with Lion Brand.
2. Do you spin? Crochet? No, but would like to learn some day.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.) None!
4. How long have you been knitting? Started knitting in May 05, so 4-5 months.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) Anything fruity, especially tropical scents.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? My downfall! Love chocolate!
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I just started sewing.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like most types of music, especially mainstream, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, Coldplay, etc. Yes, my computer and stereo play MP3s.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? I love neutrals, browns, purples, greens.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I am married, 2 kids (8 and 5), teach full time, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 1 fish, and 1 hermit crab.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know) Live life pleasing to God, so when I stand before Him, He will say "Well done, good and faithful servant."
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I am not sure yet. So far I have knitted with alpaca, wool, and a cotton blend. I like them all so far.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Not sure.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? I have several at the moment: a sweater for me, an alpaca scarf for the hubby, and felted bags.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I like it all so far.
17. What are you knitting right now? See #15
18. What do you think about ponchos? I probably would not wear one, a wrap maybe.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? I just started using circulars, right now I am still more comfortable with straights, until I get used to the circulars.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Bamboo and aluminum
21. Are you a sock knitter? No, but would like to learn.
22. How did you learn to knit? My Mom taught my daughter, so I had to learn so I could help her. My sister is a knitter, too.
23. How old is your oldest UFO? 3 months
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? I love Tinkerbell and my favorite animal is a dog.
25. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
26. Is there anything that you collect? No
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Creative Knitting
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on? Anything by Rowan, or any books with felting patterns.
29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another?? Not right now.

Back to work and school!

2005-08-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

Well, after a great summer break, the kids are back to school (my baby started Kindergarten!) and I am back to work! Needless to say, life has become instantly busy! So, I decided to start another project, because I have too much time on my hands :) This is a scarf for my hubby. I am using size 5 needles, the yarn is 100% alpaca (that I got a great deal on). I am doing a simple 4x4 rib. I started it with a garter stitch border and stockinette inside, but I didn't like how it was looking, so I frogged it and started over. I think this will be much better. The yarn is really soft and warm! I hope to have this finished by the beginning of October.

Markers from my Pal!

2005-08-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

These are the markers I received from my pal Carol! I love the summertime/beach theme! That happens to be my favorite time of the year, and we do spend a lot of time at the beach year round. Thanks Carol!

Stitch Marker Questionaire

2005-07-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

Do you prefer shorter or more dangling type of markers? I like the dangling type of markers.
Is there any kind of markers that you would absolutely NOT want to recieve? No, I can't wait to see what comes!
Colors you like most? I love purple!
Colors you like least? None!
Would you prefer markers for smaller or larger sized needles? Either would be fine. I really don't have any fun stitch markers, so any size would be great.
Do you want your sender to reveil themselves when there shipped or at a later date? I think it would be fun to find out who the person is when I receive the markers.
and How would you like to find out if at all? Same as above.

Spree Sweater

2005-07-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to finish this, so I can wear it! This is what I have so far. I am hoping to finish the back piece tonight or tomorrow so I can start on the front. It is a lot of knitting! I love the colors of this yarn, It is called "Tundra" and it is really soft! Jessie wants me to make her the same sweater when I am finished with mine. The smallest size would work for her, although it will be a little big at first. But, it will leave some growing room!

We Have Sinks!

2005-07-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah! the sinks are in! And they work. We just need to finish some trim work in the bathroom and it will be finished! We still have more work to do in the bedroom, but it will be really nice when it is done!

Sinks anyone?

2005-07-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

You can't tell in this picture, but the bathroom is a pretty green called "green tea." I've heard that green is a soothing color, but it would be nice to have a couple of sinks! This will be great when we are finished, I wish I had a before picture on the "monster" bedroom/bath. It was boring and dingy!

Just another view

2005-07-07T16:31:00.000-07:00

The tile should be finished tonight. We just need to grout and seal it.

"Other" Projects

2005-07-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

So, the last room in the house to be painted, redecorated, etc. is the master bed/bath. Well, this is how we spent the 4th of July weekend. So much for making a lot of progress on the sweater I started. This is current status of the room, hopefully it won't take much longer so I can get back to my sweater!

The Green Bag is Finished!

2005-06-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

Now on to bigger and probably more complicated things! I think this turned out really cute for my first project! It is a pattern called Bon Bon. I can't remember what book it is out of, but my mom has the book. I used a chunky wool from Lion, not the best, but cheap in case I messed it up! Anyway, it worked out and I have a cute little bag to tote around!

Poof Scarf

2005-06-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

We started this one for Jessie to knit, but it was difficult for her to work with this yarn. So... mom had to finish it for her! It was fun to make! The scarf was knit with Crystal Palace "Poof". This yarn is so soft! I would love to have a whole blanket with this stuff!

Jessie's Creation

2005-06-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

This is one of the 2 bookmarks that Jessie knitted for her teachers! Not bad for an 8 year old! We included a gift card to Barnes and Noble and her teachers were thrilled.

My Preciousssss!

2005-06-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

I have been asking for this for a long time, well 5 years, if you consider that a long time. Anyway, my birthday was last weekend and I had a nice surprise. A beautiful ring with everyone's birthstone! 14 K gold and real gemstones! What a great hubby I have! The picture does not do it justice! One problem though, I have to take it off when I am knitting, because the yarn snags on it. Oh well, it could be worse!

Still Grading Projects!

2005-06-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

I am still working on grading those projects! I didn't get anything done over the weekend, due to a camping trip at the beach! So, hopefully I will be able to pick up my knitting project this weekend and finish my green bag! I need to get it done so Mom can help me sew it together!

Eenie, Meenie, Minee, Moe

2005-05-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

After spending the weekend tending to a sick kid, I am in a quandry! What to do? Project on the left, or projects on the right? I really need to get one done, but I really want to do the other! Choices, choices!

My Helpers

2005-05-19T15:20:00.000-07:00

Maggie and Jefferson (the one sitting up) Awwww! Aren't they cute!?

The Green Bag

2005-05-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

Here it is! The top has a couple more rows of stockinette that will be folded over to the inside of the bag. I finished this side, but I think I did the stockinette rows a little too tight, because it is wanting to curl. Oh well, that part will be tucked and stitched inside so hopefully it won't make too much of a difference.

I think it is turning out ok for my first project!

Weekend Distraction

2005-05-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

This is what took up my time last weekend. I learned how to lay tile! Hard work, but what a beautiful end result!

Now to debut my first, yes first project that will actually end up as something (I hope)! It is a little bag, purse thing. I think it will be fun to carry it around. My daughter will probably want one, so she will just have to make it herself! Hee, Hee, Hee! Ok, the picture is not wanting to join this post, so I will have to do a separate one.

Picture Problems

2005-05-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

Grrrr! I am trying to post a picture using Hello, but obviously I am missing something. Yeah, the picture! Gotta love computers! Anyway, I am spending more time than I should, trying to figure out this picture thing.

First One!

2005-05-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

May 16
So, to keep up with my Mom and sister, I too started a blog! I will have to figure out how to add my pictures, so you can see what Jessie and I are working on!