Regency Lace Shawl

I figured it was about time to write about the shawl. Counting the two times I reworked my first shawl, this is my fifth one to knit. I absolutely love this shawl pattern. It's graceful and warm yet lightweight enough that it doesn't feel cumbersome. The pattern is fairly simple to knit and it gets easier every time. As always, I used Lion Brand Homespun yarn, this time in the color "Regency." I originally made it to sell at our village craft fair but, seeing as no one was interested, it's mine now. =)

Six White Aprons

Last October I received an order request on my shop (currently down) for six white aprons. Sense and Sensibility has a lovely pattern for an Edwardian apron that I have used extensively. The lady who requested the order from me was needing the aprons for a Jane Austen Festival taking place this month in Australia. What an exciting opportunity! I agreed to the order and quickly got busy planning for the project.

Filling the order was a good experience for me, albeit a nerve-wracking one. Ordering fabric online has never been fun, but this one was a definite hassle. The shipping transit caused quite a delay, too. The huge bolt of white cotton fabric I ordered ended up being extremely lightweight and almost sheer -- not at all suitable for an apron! To my suprise, however, the lady who I was doing business with said the fabric wouldn't be a problem for her. What a relief!

By the time I finished the second apron, I was down to a system and had worked some kinks out of the pattern. Then things got busy with Thanksgiving and Christmas and I had to lay aside my sewing for days at a time. As it ended up, I finished the last apron and got them all sent off to Australia by January 11. What I thought would be a fairly simple order ended up being a two-month ordeal! (whew)

I absolutely love this pattern -- although, to be honest, as I was working on that last apron, I was not feeling at all kindly towards it. (chuckle) Below is another apron I made and sold on my shop last year. The fabric I found (at Wal-Mart, in person =) was simply perfect for this pattern. Durable and dark-colored fabric is ideal for aprons. I'll definitely be looking for more like it the next time I get to shop for fabric.

Ocean Ripple Broiche Scarf

I knitted this scarf last winter for the purpose of selling it at the Christmas craft fair. As it ended up, no one bought it so it made a wonderful Christmas gift for a very dear lady named Mrs. Jensen. =) Except for the color, it is identical to the scarf I knitted for the previous year's craft fair (see it here). I used the Berlin Scarf pattern in broiche stitch from The Purl Bee, and I used one of my very favorite yarns, Lion Brand Homespun in "Seafoam." I have always loved the variety in the colors and sequences of Homespun. This color reminds me of rippling ocean waves (something I just can't wait to see in a few months, by the way!)

Thrifted: Crochet Afghan

Last summer, I was given some crocheted afghan pieces that a friend had bought at a yard sale for pennies. There was a good amount of needlework in three different styles and colors. Black with yellow and red which looked so awful, I pitched them. (chuckle) White with green and pale red; there's not quite enough pieces to make an afghan so I think I'll see how they go together as a pillow.

And lastly, as pictured, peach and purple. At first I was skeptical. The colors really didn't suit my taste. At least it would be a fun project, I thought. But once it started coming together, I couldn't believe how cute and cheerful it was! Just looking at it makes me smile.

Cozy Handwarmers

I knitted these fingerless mittens for myself about a year ago. I use them every morning during the cold months (which is just about seven months out of the year).

I plan to (eventually) share the pattern I developed for these fingerless mittens. I made mine with a long cuff (about four inches up my wrist) so they add some extra warmth and tuck under my sleeves better. The other end reaches my knuckles. You can't see in the pictures, but I cabled the tops -- just to make them pretty. =)

I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease yarn to knit these, a wonderful blend of wool and acrylic. Wool-Ease is probably my favorite type of yarn! I've used it a lot. The colors I used for my handwarmers are cranberry, dark rose heather, and blush heather (aren't those lovely names?)

My Needle Box

Two Christmases ago, my mom gave me this sweet little needle box. It's the handiest thing.

No more scurrying around and wondering, "Now where did I put those silly needles???" The base is magnetic so they're kept safely in their place.

Scarlet Lace Shawl

Last month, I closed down my handwork blog, so from now on I plan to post about my crafty endeavors from this blog. I have many projects to catch up on eventually. Hope I don't bore anyone too much. =)

It is rare indeed that I have the opportunity to plan a project and "physically" look for yarn for said project at the same time. I usually have to order my yarn online, something that drives me mad because I have no idea what exactly I'm buying! =) Viewing a resolutionally-poor photo of yarn and seeing/feeling yarn in person are two entirely different experiences. Last summer, I found a booklet of knitting patterns in the yarn aisle at Fred Meyer's in Fairbanks. (Ha! Yes, I do spend a lot of time in that department whenever I shop.) It had a wonderful collection of patterns I knew I would use, and a beautiful lace shawl pattern in particular caught my attention. I was right there and nothing was stopping me from finding the perfect yarn for this lovely shawl. It made me glad. =)

This shawl took a good deal of time to complete but it was well worth it. It is so warm and cozy and it drapes beautifully. It feels like a dream! I gave this shawl as a Christmas gift to a dear lady who comes to church. Nothing make me happier than knitting something special for someone dear to my heart!

PATTERN DETAILS

Source: Knitting Made Easy by Red Heart (booklet available for download!)
Title: Garter and Lace Wrap
Yarn: Red Heart Soft
Color: Cherry Red

Hidden Artistry

Do you enjoy making things and being creative? I never imagined I would take such delight in such a variety of crafts or even remotely achieve satisfactory results. I've always been rather depressed by my lack of artistic ability. I joke that my talented older sister somehow robbed me of mine. =) Working with my hands brings me such joy. I am pleasured to discover that I have a bit of artistry hidden in me. I love to find news ways of expressing it.

Perhaps you are like me. Maybe you have a sibling or a friend who excels at their every endeavor with (seemingly) effortless ease, while you, on the other hand, struggle along, mustering every ounce you've got in your frame and aspiring heart, only to fail time and again. (sigh) Such doomed failure is enough to discourage even Michelangelo, you muse in desperation. I must be daft. I simply do not get it.

Don't give up, young lady! Do you reckon--perchance, mayhap--you might be striving to achieve a task our gracious Lord has not given you a talent for? Well, that explains it! However, you are not excused to give up entirely.

Think, now. Is there any particular skill that catches your interest whenever you hear about it, or whenever you espy a glorious piece of that particular handiwork? Have you ever sighed, Oh, I wish I could do that. You will never know until you try if you might just have a talent in that area, bestowed upon you by the Master. Do some research online; find a few books with clear instructions and quality illustrations. When you begin you may take off like a bird on the wing--or you may become terribly discouraged and disappointed by failing efforts. True, true! your endeavors might run completely awry, leaving you to pull out your hair is frustration, eyes bugged out and nerves raw. (Trust me, I have been there and I have done that.) It might not be enjoyable at first but "let patience have her perfect work," dearie (James 1:4).  Remember, trying and usually failing the first--and second, and third--attempt is all a part of learning anything new, whether it be a new math problem or a new sewing technique. If you "do with your might what your hands find to do," the Lord will bless your efforts.

The Merry Maid's Apron

I have long admired clothing of the past. Shawls from the Colonial period. Modest, graceful dresses from the Victorian days (no style of dress, I believe, could possibly be more feminine and lovely). Especially tidy-looking aprons from the Edwardian era. One day, watching The Masterpiece Theatre's absolutely perfect rendition of Pollyanna, I adamantly promised myself that I would one day find a pattern for and sew an apron from Edwardian era. Soon thereafter, when blissfully perusing Sense and Sensibility Patterns, I found it! And, a few weeks after I received my pattern in the mail, I created my very own Edwardian apron.

The sewing process was a delightful undertaking. It went together so quickly. And, oh -- it is the most comfortable apron I have ever donned! I despise aprons that tie around the neck. Whenever I wear such aprons I feel as though I'm in a perpetual tug of war. (chuckle) The Edwardian apron feels so natural, you wonder it's there. I have but one qualm regarding my particular apron, however. When I selected the material, it was in haste, and so I did not realize until later that it was a very lightweight cotton. Therefore, when I wear my apron over dark clothing (as in the photos below), it is very... obvious, shall we say. =) Ah, well. We do learn from our mistakes. (Such mistakes tend to drive perfectionists mad, however. =D) Nevertheless, I can say one thing I can say to the material's credit: wearing a long, full apron in the hot summer heat will be less oppressive.

Ironing Board Cover Tutorial

At last! The project I have long been anticipating is complete!

One becomes aware, suddenly or gradually, of the ill repair of certain items about the home. An ironing board cover is mayhap overlooked more than any other object, but -- oh! when at once one becomes aware of its drab and filthy state (yick!), one is determined to rectify the problem. And promptly.

A dear friend in a larger Alaskan city has been so gracious and faithful to shop for my family as we are able to buy few things in the village (at an exceptional price). However, when purchasing particular items, it is not possible to know exactly what we will be receiving as the specifics of the item is determined by another. =) Upon receiving the fabric in the mail, how happy was my surprise to see what our friend selected. Daisies I specified, but  the colors I did not. Yellow and green were exactly the colors I had hoped for! A blessing indeed.

This project was so fun and blissfully simple! After reaching a general understanding from online tutorials, I adapted the process to suit my preferences. I am sharing my instructions in hopes that they might be helpful to someone.

Craft Fair Projects, Part 1

Hinted at in my previous post were some projects featuring buttons. I'm pleased to present several recently knitted items created specifically for a craft fair which took place in my village last month. Keeping in a constant (and frantic!) knitting mode for an entire month was a challenge, I must say. I'm ever so glad I was able to accomplish what I did, however! =)

Above and to the left is a red and purple iSock, made respectively with Microspun and Cupcake yarns, an ideal item for protecting iPods and iTouches. sold After arriving at a basic idea for the construction, I guessed my way through the piece. The main body was knitted in the round and finished with kitchner stitching. At the back of the opening, I picked-up-and-knitted slightly less than the total width, allowing space on either side for an earbuds cord to pass through. Lastly, I crocheted a chain hole for this iSock's perfect button (after I laboriously hunted for that same perfect button for a good twenty minutes =D). For the record, I don't own an iPod--but I almost wish I did since my iSock pattern turned out oh so cute!

A Beautiful Button World

I adore buttons!!! What could be cuter? Two days ago, my stash was quite unimpressive. I was in dire need of a sizable amount of attractive buttons (for a specific purpose which shall be revealed within a few days), so I made an online purchase of a tidy sum. Amazon.com is a wonderful "store," folks! It's been a lifesaver for my family since we can't just go on a shopping spree any old time we'd like. =) However, online shopping has its faults. It's difficult to be sure that the item you intend to purchase will be satisfactory. The only sense available to you is sight, and often even that allowance is hindered by poor photography. I was hesitant concerning the buttons I found on Amazon. The bargain was excellent, however, so I deducted that the purchase was worth my money. In conclusion, I was thoroughly delighted upon rapturously beholding my beautiful buttons yesterday. Foof-A-La Bag-O-Buttons are to be highly recommended, as well as this superior Button Bargain.

Needy Hearts

Here are the three final pairs of mittens I made for the Moldovan orphan children. These were fashioned for tiny hands (between five and eight inches in length). In all, I was able to knit fifteen pairs in all different sizes and colors. Fifteen... so few among the 300 children. How I wish there were some way I could have knitted enough mittens to warm each and every pair of hands!

This week, we received a current prayer letter from the McCurdy's, the missionary family in Moldova that we support. I love reading missionary letters! There is no excitement equaling that of hearing of the Lord's work in different countries, of the souls that are being saved and of the lives the Holy Spirit is changing. The McCurdy's told of their plans and preparations for the Christmas program they will be doing at the orphanage next month. Many of the teenagers in the orphanage will be a part of the play which they will be putting on. They included several photos taken during last year's Christmas program. It was sobering to actually see how many needy children there are in that single orphanage. So needy for daily comforts we take for granted. So needy for family and security and love. Because of the McCurdys' faithful outreach, they are being told of the Savior's love and how they can be adopted by the most wonderful Father there is, a Father to Whom they can go to for every need and in every circumstance! If you think to, please keep the McCurdy's and their orphanage ministry in your prayers. Especially pray that the Lord will work in many hearts during the Christmas program.

Mittens for the Children

At this point, I've completed ten pairs of mittens for my special project. The results of work are such a blessing. I can't say how very much I have enjoyed creating these mittens, stitch by stitch by stitch. So far, no two pairs are alike in color. I'll not bore you with the specifics this time -- yarn is only yarn, after all. (chuckle) I believe the pictures will be sufficient.

A Birthday Bear

 

Today is my little sister's birthday. Already she is eleven years old. As she grows in height, I feel as though my five-foot frame is shrinking. Another three inches and she'll have passed me up! (chuckle)

I'm so thankful for my little sister. So often I fail in being the big sister she needs. So often I find myself irritated, impatient, and short toward her. The Lord is daily teaching me to be lovingly patient. "Charity suffereth long, and is kind." Oh, how very lovingly patient the Lord is with me!

After Bonnie opened her other presents this morning, I told her to look inside my pink knitting bag. Hidden in the bottom, buried beneath balls of yarn, was the white fuzzy creature that you see in the photos. She was very pleased and, as all little (and big) girls do exclaim, "Awww! How cute!" She promptly named him Snowball.

I had such fun creating the little six-inch fellow! My rough idea for it was inspired by a crocheted bear pattern. I plan to make more cuddly creatures in the future. As number two is being constructed, I shall encipher my pattern and share it here once completed.

Wouldn't you just love to hug it? =D

Charity... beareth all things.

A Card for My Mother

 

I made this card for my siblings and I to give to our mom on Mother's Day. I had not creatively played with Mom's stash of rubber stamps, myriad of delightsome patterned papers, and other pretty doodads in quite some time, therefore my evening of construction was most enjoyable. I performed this deed sneakily so as to prevent Mom's beforehand discovery. When we presented it to her, she hadn't a clue as to when it was made. (giggles with glee)

I also crocheted a bitty purple flower to tie about the envelope. By the by, purple is my Mom's favorite color, and it is mine, as well. =)

I thank the Lord for my wise, loving mother who has been a faithful helpmeet to my dad and has followed him as he has led our family in God's will. She has been cheerfully flexible and has willingly "made do" and "done without," a priceless attitude for a missionary's wife in the Arctic. She takes joy in serving God and reaching out to the people He has called us to. "Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy." (Prov. 31:20) I'm thankful for her constant prayers, instruction, and encouragement. I love you, Mom!

Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Beaded Blooms and Butterflies

I've been meaning to share these photos for some time. These different barrettes, featuring native beadwork and tanned moose hide, were created by different Athabaskan Indian ladies of an Alaskan village on the Yukon River where my family lived for a few years. I have admired the lovely designs and bright colors of these barrettes so many times. I enjoy wearing them, too. =) They are very intricate and so skillfully made.

Snug Fingers and Toasty Toes

 

I've finished two more pairs of mittens recently. This pair is for my little sister. When she saw the rainbow of yarn colors I have to chose from, she asked if I would make her a different-colored pair. So, the rose-colored pair are set aside for a little girl in Moldova.

PATTERN DETAILS 

Title: Toasty Knitted Mittens
Yarn: Lion Brand "Cupcake" and "Baby Soft," and Red Heart "Soft Baby"
Colors: Sugarplum, Blue and White Pompadour (two strands together), and Powder Pink

These mittens are for my little brother, who, in fact, is much bigger than me. (chuckle) I had to increase the pattern quite a bit so they would fit his large hands. I was wondering what colors I could mix and match to create more masculine-looking mittens--it seemed all the coordinating yarn colors I had were frilly--so I'm glad these turned out well. =) 

PATTERN DETAILS 

Title: Toasty Knitted Mittens
Yarn: Lion Brand "Wool-Ease" and Baby Soft"
Colors: Oxford Gray, Navy, and Cream

 

Below are my dad's socks which I completed nearly a month ago. They required quite an amount of knitting as they reach the knee. I had never before made gussets nor had shaped a heel, so the first sock was a challenge. Once I got all the details figured out, though, I had so much fun making them! The second sock took only three days to complete. I highly recommend the book I followed (see details below). The precise photos and in-depth instructions were very helpful to me. 

PATTERN DETAILS

Source: Getting Started Knitting Socks by Ann Budd
Yarn: Lion Brand "Wool-Ease"
Colors: Oxford Gray and Forest Heather

Mittens for Me (Yay!)

 

I finished my second pair of mittens, begun Thursday, yesterday evening. This pair is for me, specifically designed according to my passion for purple; I just love them!!! These are done in a wide Fibonacci stripe sequence (4, 5, 7, and 9 rows). I'm going to begin another pair this evening... still deciding on the colors.

 

As you can see, my dear little ktty sneaked into the photo. (chuckle) Duchess loves soft, cushioned things and the blanket I was using for a background was no exception. Isn't she a beautiful kitty? (below)

PATTERN DETAILS 

Title: Toasty Knitted Mittens
Yarn: Lion Brand "Cupcake," "Wool-Ease," and "Babysoft"
Colors: Sugarplum, Violet, Pink and White Pompadour (two strands together)

Warm Rosey Mittens

 

Two days ago, I finished these mittens which I began knitting last Friday. They're my first pair and I'm very pleased with them! These are for my younger sister who rather enjoys their coziness. I did these in a Fibonacci stripe sequence of 2, 3, 5, and 8 rows rotated among my three colors.

My current project is another pair of mittens for myself (purple and pink, my favorite colors! =).Once I finished these, I'll be knitting as many pairs as I'm able -- as I find time -- for orphans in Moldova. The McCurdy's, missionaries in Moldova, have a ministry with a local orphanage. They give presents to the children every Christmas; just recently, I was approached about knitting different things for this purpose. I'm ever so glad to put my needles to such a good use! 

As soon as I'm able to take pictures I'll post photos of a pair of hunter green socks I made for my dad. I'm pretty excited about those! =) I can't wait to make more. 

PATTERN DETAILS 

Title: Toasty Knitted Mittens 

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease 

Colors: Rose Heather, Seaspray, and Mushroom