Forgive me...I'm obsessed with clothesline bowls/baskets!

And another basket....ummm, at least this one is a little different....it has a lid!

Not quite as crude as my first. I guess it's true practice makes perfect.

I made this one for my daughter. I may make one for my friend Elaine.

I am still knitting my vest and so far have the back done. Pictures soon!

Happy knitting everyone.

Mags.

Fabric covered clothesline basket

I was just playing around on the internet when I saw these fabric covered bowls/baskets and I wanted one.

Since mine is a first attempt...it's really rough.

I had some fabric strips, and so I just bought some cotton clothesline. If you decide to make one do buy cotton..nylon covered line isn't recommended because you will break your sewing machine needles!

You cover the line with your fabric and do a section of about 12" to 18" and then using a zig-zag stitch start forming your bowl or basket.

Wrapping the line with fabric and cutting the strips was really time consuming....at least for me!

If you decide to make one, look on the net, there are lots of tutorials.

You know, I think I will try to make a tote bag, although really I should try to stay focused on one project at a time!

Happy knitting everyone.

Mags.

22.5 degrees

While I was waiting for my yarn order I decided to cast on something. I was debating knitting socks or a scarf.

I wanted something not too big, not too complicated and would work using wildly variegated sock yarn.

I bought this yarn from http://www.littleknits.com/ and as it was such a good deal I couldn't pass it up. That was when I first started knitting socks and I've had it for ages.....I just didn't know what it wanted to be.

Some patterns don't work with yarn this colourful, but this one is a perfect marriage of yarn and pattern.

Yarn:-Opal Neon Colour#1932. This is a mix of blues, reds, pinks and a little purple.

Needles:-Sz#3

Pattern:-http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/225-degrees

This is a free pattern and I loved knitting it. I started with 3 sts and I stopped at 349sts.

I was afraid I would run out of yarn and I wanted to do the lovely little scalloped edge. This little edge looks a lot like crochet but it is knitted. I had 10 grams of yarn before I started the scallops and 4 grams left after I cast off.

All in all a lovely mindless knit.

I will give this scarf to Lindsay, our waitress at our Saturday morning knitting group. You see I have knit something for everyone and Lindsay does love a scarf.

I finally got my yarn I had on order and I have just started my next project....yeah!!

Happy knitting everyone.

Mags.

Roses Socks

I started these socks last April and only finished them today. I almost didn't get them done!

I used a pattern from "The Mitten Book." by Ingrid and Inger Gottfridsson.

I charted it out and it worked. I did a tubular cast on and ribbing on top of the toes to match the cuff and heel.

Yarn:-Opal Uni colour Brown. Lang Jawoll superwash colour pink/red.

Needles:-Sz#1 and sz#2. I used the #2 for the colourwork.

Right now I have nothing on the needles although I have some yarn on order.

I don't know who will get the socks...maybe Cath.

Happy knitting everyone.

Mags

Loose ends..minions and socks?

Have you all seen the movie "Despicable Me?" I know, I know it's a kids movie, but the grandsons recommended we watch it over the holidays and we all loved it and give it "5" stars!

The "Minions" are all for "world domination" and really adorable. I showed the boys a free pattern for "Minions" I loved on Ravelry and wouldn't you know it they asked me to make them one each!

I will say this again...my hat's off to these folks who can create a pattern after watching a movie etc....I'm in awe of your talent!

Pattern :- http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/your-own-personal-minion

This is a free pattern. Thank you http://kat-knits.blogspot.com/

Needles:-Sz#5 DP's as these are knit in the round!

Yarn:-This pattern calls for Aran weight yarn. I used Colinette Jitterbug, colour "Sunflower Susie," for the body, and Zoe Sock Shalimar, colour "Juniper Berry" for the bib overalls. I used the yarn doubled. I only used a little of both plus I used a few strands of black for the hair, shoes, hands.

This was an easy pattern. I had googly eyes and I glued them to shank metal buttons for the eye. Both boys asked for the one-eye version!

I know the boys will love them and use them in their own plans for "world domination!" (hee, hee.)

These socks are for my favourite son-in-law who is very patient. They were part of his Christmas present and very late.....

Pattern:- Ribbed for Lou...

Needles:-Sz#1 DP's

Yarn:-Zoe Sock Shalimar. This was the mystery yarn for the "Ludvine" knit along shawlette but it wasn't working for me as a shawl and I love how Lou's socks knit up!

I also love how this yarn washes and wears!

I think I'm up to date on everything.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday..I know I did.

Happy New Year.

Happy knitting.

Mags.

Wine felted bag

Finished finally...I'm meeting Elaine in the morning at the 'Bagel Shop' to exchange gifts so thank goodness I'm done!
Pattern:-Felted "No Rules" Bag by Robin Smith
Yarn:-Araucania Nature wool Chunky. Colours, wine, cranberry, black. I love using chunky it makes a lovely dense fabric.
Needles:-Sz#9.
This bag measures 9"x13." With the handle it measures 15"x13." I added a felted flower.
I do like this bag. I don't know why it took so long to finish. I think I may need to take break from knitting...we'll see how I feel in the new year!
I still have to finish Lou's socks. I have a pair for Cath.. The wee boys are getting no knitted gifts this year and I'm sure they won't mind. I made a bunch of cookies and a pumpkin roll for them so they'll be over the moon!
Happy knitting everyone and I hope you finish all your special projects on time!
Mags.

Crafty coin purses.

My girl friend Elaine is always on the lookout for thickened wool sweaters/cardigans for me since she knows I love to felt and recycle them. I usually save the buttons too. This is a partially felted cardigan she gave me during the summer.
During Thanksgiving my daughter took me to a big Jo~Ann store in her neighbourhood. This store has so much stuff compared to the one I go to in Pennsylvania....I went wild gathering up things I thought I might use.
I spied these little coin purse frames, and bought a couple as I always wanted to try to make a coin purse using felted wool.
I used this tutorial for guidance
http://annekata.blogspot.com/2010/08/tutorial-diy-hand-sewn-coin-purse.html
I used the felted sweater for the outer body of the coin purse and some batik remnants for the lining.
I would have to say the hardest part was attaching the purse frame. I had the sew on type and I used embroidery floss. It was hard to center the frame and I couldn't find much information on how to attach it. Ah...brute force and ignorance wins every time! (Ha ha.)
I love how these little purses look but I'm not sure if I'll ever make any more.
I'll give Sarah (one of my Saturday morning knitting friends) the one with heart...she loves to felt and loves recycled stuff and I'll keep one for myself!
I know you're wondering about my Christmas knitting....well...I'm not making much progress and time is flying...
Happy knitting everyone.
Mags.