Witch Cats Hat Finished

So, this project only took one month shy of a year to complete (granted I put it aside numerous times when I messed up and had to tear back rows. However, it is finally finished and in time for Halloween. I am so glad I picked up the floofball to put on the top, I just love it, and so do the cats.

Current (active) Works in Progress

To be honest, I have nine projects started, but I am only focusing on the following three so I can start a Tree of Life baby blanket. So, the first project, which has been going for a while and I cannot wait until it is done, is my Portucula Cardigan. This has been a true test of my patience and ability, and once it is done, I have a feeling it will be a long time before I start the grey one.

One of the aspects I found interesting was that you attach the arms and continue to work the sweater. It has been interesting as I have never made a sweater before, and of course, I start with the one that is intricate.  One change I intend to make is the length. I would like it to be longer in the waist. I hope when I block it, it will be a bit longer, this was based on the measurements in the pattern.

The next project I am hoping to get done soon is my Halloween cat hat. This was my first attempt at knitting in color works so it has been a learning experience. I have reached the decrease rows at the top, so hopefully, I will get it done before the end of the month. I even found the most adorable floofy to go on top when it is complete. Yay!

The last project is one I started at the end of winter last year, I picked up some fine, lace weight, yarn on clearance and found the prettiest shawl pattern to work it in. This project is crochet, and I am enjoying the way the pattern is coming out.

The Bewb Project

So, what is the Bewb Project? From their website:

"Welome to the Bewb Project!
How it works: From now until the end of October 2019 The yarns in this collection will be sold with a portion of proceeds going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.  To make it a bit more fun for everyone I'll be asking that you share your finished objects created with any of these yarns with me via email between now and October. Each finished object you share with me will get your name thrown in a hat for a chance to win a $50.00 Gift Certificate for this website. Also if you are on instagram we'll be using the #TheBewbProject hashtag to see what everyone is up to with their beautiful bewbie yarns! You may email me at:
WhimsicalWoodYarn@gmail.com with photos of your projects. be sure to include the pattern you used to create your lovelies.
Why Bewb and not Boob? Simply because Bewb is fun to say and Boob is overdone. We want to draw attention, raise awareness (and a few bucks) and have a good time doing it! So knit those bewbie hats and bewbie shawls with pride!
Drawing Winners will be announced at the end of October!
Knit All the Bewbie things!
Hugs and love and all the shit from the enchanted forest!"

I chose to pick up F**k Cancer 4.0 Bewbs plus the pom pom and went to Ravelry and downloaded The Bewb Project Sock Head Hat pattern. I then knit an awesome slouchy hat for my oldest, which I am modeling below.

The Bewb Project, saving Bewbs one skein at a time.

Owl Tracks Socks

So, I started a pair of socks at Pennsic War. I had hoped to get them finished there, but that didn't happen. On top of not getting them done while on vacation, I managed to somehow mess up the sock I did complete. See image below.

As you can see, I somehow managed to make decapatated owls on the first sock. I also dislike the cuff from the pattern as it kept rolling down. After finishing the second sock, I ripped out the owls of the first one and redid them. I also changed the beads used for the eyes. Now, both socks are finished, and I am much happier with them.

I cannot wait for them to dry so I can try them on! Here is a link to the pattern, Owl Track Socks.

Cardigan Updates

after repair and marking for cables

So, last night, August 28th, I finished the ribbed bottom cuff. I was all excited, then I realized somehow I misread the cast-on count while being super intimidated by the cast-on method and was 20 stitches short. Did I tear the entire thing out? No, I made a 20 stitch piece and very carefully added it to the part I had complete. It's not perfect, but unless someone is examining it up close, it's not overly noticeable.

How did I figure out about the mistake? Well, I was doing the cable layout and the pattern was way off. So I did it again, and still... off. Counted, and bloody heck! So, now I have finally repaired my mistake and got the markers in place, which by-the-way, I didn't have enough of so I used safety pins. LOL

With all this excitement, I am not sure I am ready to move on to the next step of the project! Time to watch more of the tutorial video and see what to expect in the next phase.

Okay, so I started on the cable last night (28th) and wow it was really difficult. Like, I thought I would be cross-eyed for life difficult. Finished 3 rows and I was

a sample of my color-coding

done. It looks good so far, but trying to follow the different directions was a bit insane, so today I went through my kids' school supplies and found a bag of highlighters. This should be much easier to follow now.

Other than color-coding the pattern, I've really not gotten anything accomplished on the actual sweater. I think I need a day of rest on the eyeballs after last night, but perhaps I will work on it a little more tonight while watching tv.  I hope to at least get to the next video phase, decreasing the waist, tonight.

Will see.

Starting a Terrifying Project

So, in 2015 I got this great deal and bought the Craftsy class Celtic Cables with Carol Feller. "Enjoy the knit of the Irish as you follow Carol Feller stitch by stitch to make a flattering cardigan sweater with contemporary Celtic cabling."

I bought the yarn for two different cardigans.

I printed the instructions and additional information.

I bought the needles.

I sat on all of it for three years! Holy crap, I can't believe I have been intimidated by this project for three fracking years!

So, today I decided to break out the beautiful yarn I bought in March of 2015 and the pattern. I brought up the tutorial and the first awesome thing I learned to do, is an alternative cable cast-on. It makes it so that the stitches are going in the proper direction for a ribbed edge. Beautiful!

I'm currently working on the bottom rib, but as it works up I will share my progress.

 The hardest part of the entire thing so far, taking my measurements! It's fitted, so hoping I got them right.

A quick Update

 

What I finished in April-June:

Ripples Neckware from Darn Good Yarn

Champagne Cowl

 What's in the works:
 February Mood Scarf
Temperature Scarf
Supernatural Square
Grape Fingerless Gloves & Hat
Toothless
Mom's Shawl
Gilda Wristwarmers
Joy of Rescue Shawl
Connie's Ray of Hope Wall Hanging

What's ComingUp Next:

Lollypop Farms Cat Blankets
Owl Track Socks
Pixie Moon Doll
Cloudborn Purple Socks
Crochet Knee-high Socks
Crochet Hedgehog (Susan)
Twisted Kraken Hat - Crochet
Cheerful Step Socks
Fast Floral Legwarmers
Grape Fingerless Gloves & Hat
Step Lively Beret
Blue Fingerless Gloves
Twisted Knitter Socks
Intermezzio Shawl
Water Shawl MKAL
Negan's Revenge Shawl
Slouchy Camas Hat
Druidess Beret
Through the Woods Hood
Red Stripe Socks
Celtic Triad Socks
Windowpane Socks
Unintentionally Shawl/Scarf
Baby -Tree of Life Blanket
Portacula Cardigan - Purple
Portacula Cardigan - Grey
Groot Square
Rose Quartz Shawl

Review of $10 Darn Good Yarn Box

So, I decided to spoil myself since I had a coupon and ordered a Darn Good Yarn $10 box. I was all excited when the box arrived as it contained a $19.99 set of knitting needles and crochet hook, and a ball of worsted weight roving silk that goes for $11.99 as well as a booklet with two patterns. Great deal. 

 

 

I chose the crochet pattern because it was more interesting, as soon as I started using the yarn I was overwhelmed by a strong perfume scent. I contacted them about the smell and they gave suggestions as to how to get rid of it, as well as a sweet apology. I guess the soap they use to remove the excess dye is scented. Once I could see again, and the yarn had time to air, I worked a couple of rows. The written part of the pattern was somewhat confusing, but the diagram was much easier to follow and it's coming along nicely. The colors are perfect for Gay Pride Month.

 

 

 

But back to my thoughts on the box. The other thing that was disappointing was after two rows, the color is rubbing off the hook as you can see in the pictures. I am curious as to if the color will wear off the knitting needles as quickly. I'm used to wear on my needles, I use bamboo ones all the time, but had they thought it through, they would have put the color on the other end.

 

Although there were some disappointments, you definitely get your money's worth with this box, and I will give them one more try. Will let you know my thoughts next month.

Knitting Queue for 2018 - April Update

I did not finish a whole lot over the past month, it was a rough time in our house between extended family stress, losing a beloved pet while she was having surgery, then losing another pet a couple of weeks later. I did start a couple of new projects and got some work done on my Mom's shawl (which is becomming a bigger project than I expected.)So, here's what's what for now...
 

What I finished in March:

Kayla's Kindness Monster w/Hat - Completed 3/16/18

 What's in the works:

Mom's Shawl

Gilda Wristwarmers

Champagne Cowl for Kayla

Charity hats
Toothless
Supernatural Square
February Mood Scarf   
Temperature Scarf

What's Done:

Simple Shawl - frogged

Hat & Scarf for Kye's Sock Monkey - Completed 1/14/18
Kye's socks - Completed    1/19/18
Thick Tweed Socks, dark - Completed 1/24/18
Thick Tweed Socks, light - Completed 1/26/18
Leftovers Hat - Completed 1/28/18
Cotton Candy Hat - Completed 1/30/18
VA Hat - Completed 2/18/18
VA fingerless gloves - Completed 2/19/18

What's ComingUp Next:

Lollypop Farms Cat Blankets
Owl Track Socks
Pixie Moon Doll
Cloudborn Purple Socks
Crochet Knee-high Socks
Crochet Hedgehog (Susan)
Twisted Kraken Hat - Crochet
Cheerful Step Socks
Fast Floral Legwarmers
Grape Fingerless Gloves & Hat
Step Lively Beret
Blue Fingerless Gloves
Twisted Knitter Socks
Intermezzio Shawl
Water Shawl MKAL
Negan's Revenge Shawl
Slouchy Camas Hat
Druidess Beret
Through the Woods Hood
Red Stripe Socks
Celtic Triad Socks
Windowpane Socks
Unintentionally Shawl/Scarf
Baby -Tree of Life Blanket
Portacula Cardigan - Purple
Portacula Cardigan - Grey
Groot Square
Rose Quartz Shawl

And it's March already!

So. I've been doing some drop-spinning...

 

I even made a little monster with my hand-spun yarn (the green) and I am working on making some yarn (with the purples) to give him a hat.

The only other crafty accomplishment I've done over the last few weeks is make a hat and fingerless gloves while down in VA because we brought the snow and cold with us on our visit...

 And when we got back I made a polymer Swablu for my son.

 

One month down....

Already into February. Not much completed this week, mostly working on the shawl for my mom, then this morning I find this:

Jean-Luc, our grey tiger cat, decided I needed to work on the project more, so he tried to bring it up to the third floor for me. Thankfully he only pulled out a handful of stitches, and it was a quick fix.

When I saw all the loose yarn I panicked, thinking he ripped out lots of work, but no, it was all just the lengths pulled from the skeins as he brought it up to me.

Other than this, I've not been too crafty, but then shawls are like blankets, they go on forever and each row takes an hour. LOL 

Mom, I promise I will get this done for you before your birthday. I hope. As long as Jean doesn't try to bring it to me again. Love you!

2018 Craft Update

So far this year I've finished a few things, have several works in progress (WiP's) and quite the to-do list, so here you go. I've got a lot on my plate, but having done several super bulky projects over the last couple weeks really got me in a groove!

Finished:

Cotton Candy Hat

Dark Tweed Slipper Socks

Leftovers Hat

Kye's Fire & Ice Socks

Light Tweed Slipper Socks

Sewn Sock Monkey with Knit Hat & Scarf

Current WiP's and their start dates:
Mom's Shawl (December 15, 2017)
Simple Shawl (July 26, 2017)
Kayla's Toothless - crochet (March 19, 2017)
Fingerless Gloves, Hat and Cowl Set (March 11, 2017)
Double Sided Supernatural Square (March 8, 2017)
February Mood Scarf (February 2, 2016)
Temperature Scarf (January 12, 2016)

And here's the to-do list:
Champagne Cowl (Kayla)
Pixie Moon Doll
Lollypop Farms Cat Blankets
Purple Cloudborn Socks

Twisted Kraken Hat
Cheerful Step Socks
Fast Floral Legwarmers

Step Lively Beret
Blue Fingerless Gloves
Twisted Knitter Socks
Intermezzio Shawl
Water Shawl MKAL
Negan's Revenge Shawl
Slouchy Camas Hat
Druidess Beret
Through the Woods Hood
Red Stripe Socks
Celtic Triad Socks
Windowpane Socks
Unintentionally Shawl/Scarf
Baby -Tree of Life Blanket
Portacula Cardigan - Purple
Portacula Cardigan - Grey
Monty Python Square

Light and Up by Caroline Wiens - Knit Shawl Kit

 So I finally finished my Light and Up Knit Shawl Kit by Caroline Wien and I absolutely love it. Granted, I did an extra set in the pattern, which left me short when it came to the finish and I had to buy another skein to complete it, but that was all on me. After washing and draping it over the shower rod, since I didn't have anything large enough to properly block it, the pattern opened up nicely and it is so soft. Definitely my favorite shawl yet.

As you might notice, I left off the tassels, this is a personal preference. I just think tassels are for bookmarks and graduation hats, and not much else. LOL

And here are a few close-ups:

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along - Post 22

I have finally finished the second pair of socks in the Craftsy Sock Knit-Along and it was worth it. The i-cord cuff was a bit of a pain, well pretty much the entire sock was at one point or another, but it was worth it, they fit and they look great. So happy with them.

Working the i-cord, what an interesting method

Attempting to show the cuff stretch with the i-cord

They fit beautifully

Tuesday Totals

Well, I am on the i-cord for the Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-along - Serpentine Toe-Up Sock by Lucy Neatby and hoping to have them done by end of day.

I am on the second patterned row of the Light and Up Shawl by Caroline Wiens, this one keeps getting bigger, thus taking longer with each row so I am not really sure when I will get this done. hehe

As soon as the socks are done, I will be starting Kayla's Simple Toe-Up Garter Stitch Heel Socks which are a combination of a couple sock patterns I came across.

Trying to catch up on my Temperature Scarf (was almost a month behind in my knitting) and the February Mood Scarf (still have 5 days to go but the Moss stitch takes forever to knit.)

I joined a MKAL (mystery knit-along) called The Philosopher's Stone by Erica Jackofsky (Fiddle Knits) which begins July 15, 2016. I am really excited about this, I've been interested in these MKAL's for a while and this one I managed to catch while the pattern was free. Looking forward to it!

If I finish the Light and UP Shawl in time, I hope to start (and finish) the Unintentionally Infinity Shawl/Scarf by Siew Clark.

After that...
Druidess Beret
Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-along - Windowpane Socks
Zombie Socks
Red Toe-Up Socks
Blue Toe-Up Socks
Lady Jessica Steampunk Cowl
Celtic Triad Socks
Through the Woods Hood in Blue
Baby Tree of Life Throw
Portulaca Cardigan

Looking to be a very busy year of knitting for me! What do you have going? Please share and link back. Happy knitting!

Craftsy 2016 Sock Knit-Along - Post 21

Front, Back and Side Views

So it feels as if I have been knitting these socks for forever! Okay, so it has only been since February, but still!

On the bright side, the Serpentine Socks are nearly done, just have a couple more rows of straight knit on sock 2, then the fancy cuffs. So excited to get these puppies finished and on my feet.

I love the pattern, although it takes forever to work up because of all the decreases, increases and cross-overs, it looks absolutely lovely!

If you have not been keeping up, these are for a FREE Knit-Along through Craftsy, learn to knit 3 wonderful pair of socks.

If you're doing the knit-along, please feel free to drop a link here to share your work. :)

Crochet Mouse Tube

So we got each of the younger kids 2 mice for pets. They were doing fine for a while, but the boys have gotten restless as the weather warms and now there is usually one little guy stuck sleeping out in the open while the other hogs the nice comfy bed, so I decided to make a mouse tube for each of them.

It has been a while since I pulled out a crochet hook, I've become addicted to knitting, but for this project I wanted to go back to the classic method since it would be easier to add the pipe cleaner stabilizer to it.  Keep in mind, I do not write patterns, I am not the least bit skilled at writing patterns, and this is more for me in case I decide to make another one, but I figured I would share it with everyone else in case someone wants to try for themselves.

So, here it goes...

Crochet Mouse Tube

1. With US I crochet hook and cotton yarn, cast on 22-25 stitches (or whatever size you like, these guys are smaller and I wanted to make it cuddly but you can make a larger one if you like,) join to make a circle.

2. Single crochet one row.

3. Make a pipe cleaner ring the size of the circle and attach by single crocheting around it. (yes I am a lefty.)

     

4-6. Single crochet for next 3 rows.

7-8. {Single crochet 5 stitches, add 1 stitch} around for 2 rows.

9-10. Single crochet for next 2 rows.

11-12. {Single crochet 5 stitches, join 2 stitches into 1} around for 2 rows.

NOTE - At this point you can continue to do a decrease row every other row and make an Igloo, or if you have aggressive mice like mine, continue with the tube pattern and give whoever is inside a back door to escape.

13-16. Single crochet for next 4 rows, bind off and weave in tail.

Some action shots: