Fair Isle Knitting

I love, love, love this hat (second photo here) from zeitgeistyarns. How gorgeous! This makes me want to head to my LYS, redeem my GC and learn some tips on fair isle knitting. How, exactly, do you keep the different color strands from twisting up into eachother?! Any advice from seasoned knitters out there?

This hat is just the right inspriation for me to get going on this.

Ravelry

So I just found ravelry. I signed up for an account (username: attheendofthisrow) a couple of months ago, but really got into it the other night. It is a computer-loving knitters dream! I have entered a few projects so far, but I can see this becoming an obsession for years to come. I haven't started entering my stash yarn yet, but that might actually be a really helpful tool for keeping my yarn purchases in check, and those skeins that literally fall to the back of the closet front-and-center in my thoughts. The queue for 'to do' projects in brilliant too. I used to keep track of my ideas on a paper on my bulletin board, but I never kept enough info.; I always forgot a blog address, or pattern name and so just kept adding new projects. This queue keeps track of it all and the best part is you can link directly to other knitters that have finished projects with that same pattern to keep you motivated!

I also love having the instant feedback from other knitters, including designers. As an example, I posted a message on the pattern forum re: the mystery baby bonnet. Within the day I had received 5 responses that directed me where to go to get a copy of the pattern. I couldn't believe the rapid, and helpful response, I got to my question.

Pledge Handmade

Inspired by TT, I've taken the Esty Handmade pledge. Here's why. Go and check it out for yourself. Very inspriational and given the state of the economy it may be one of the most fiscally responsible things to do this year. And if I can't do the handmade thing for everyone on my list (not enough time), then I pledge to buy local as much as possible.

quilts, tutus and lonely knitting needles

I think that my needles will be looking for new owners soon if I don't start to pay more attention to them. This week has been about finishing up some quilt and other sewing projects. I was able to complete the second of the lap quilts for my girls - a BTRS easy lap quilt that uses some fabulous Amy Butler prints.

I also completed the quilt for my swap partner and I will get it in the mail shortly. I've only posted a little preview photo as I want it to be a surprise for her.

Tuts were also in order this week as both girl have requested to be ballerinas for Halloween. So, with some inspiration from here and guidance from here I endeavored on making some. Sewing through ribbon and 8 layers of gathered tulle is more difficult than I imagined! I went with a machine sewn design as I was not too sure that the no-sew examples out there would really hold up in the long run. I am glad I did. These tutus have already been around the block on bikes, raked leaves and been party to jumping contests off the living room couch. I have to say, they are holding up! I can't, however, get a photo for the life of me. Maybe when the big day arrives the girls will be more willing to pose. I purchased some cream colored leggings and log sleeve t-shirts from Target to go underneath and they both have pink slippers that I can dress-up with some ribbon to look like ballet slippers. With crowns and wands from the dress-up chest I think the girls will be ready for trick-or-treat.

Last, but not least, my knitting. I am still working on some socks and once those are done I will return to the little sweater to finish it up. I also ordered EZ's knitter's almanac this week and cast on for the embossed leaves socks - size 1 needles are indeed small!