Free Knitting Pattern Blue Ridge Shawl

Hello, my Friends! I hope you are looking forward to a happy weekend ahead!
Today I want to share one of my paid patterns, Blue Ridge Shawl, free of charge!
As you know, I love to crochet, but I also love to knit. Blue Ridge is a great pattern to make as a gift because it's knit in worsted weight yarn and it was designed to be knit with one skein of Malabrigo Worsted or Manos Del Urugay Maxima.

Be sure that your gauge is correct when you begin this shawl. If you don't, one ball may not be enough to finish it!

Here's the link to the pattern...I hope you enjoy it!
Blue Ridge Shawl

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Craft Adventure - Dying Yarn with Food Coloring

I have always wanted to try dying wool! I enjoy making yarn with my spinning wheels and spindles, so I thought it would be fun to try dying some of my handspun.  I do not have professional dyes at the moment, and the koolaid I bought to dye with has long been mixed and consumed by my children:0)
So, I looked into dying with simple food coloring and I only need 4 ingredients:

~yarn
~water
~white vinegar
~food coloring

For my little experiment, I used some hand spun and plied Cormo wool from my stash, approximately 75 yards. Cormo is extra soft and squishy when it's spun. I love it!

I also used a store brand set of liquid food coloring.  In my research, I read that food color gel can produce somewhat richer color, but I wanted to use what I had.

yarn dying ingredients

I mixed the color with warm water and a splash of  vinegar.  The vinegar helps the fiber accept the dye more quickly, so I soaked the yarn in a vinegar/water mixture for approximately 20 minutes before actually applying the dye.

I used apple sauce cups to mix my dye. These are sturdy and have many uses around my household. I filled each cup a little more than halfway with warm water, added a glug of vinegar to each one and then added my red and yellow food color.  The cup on the left has more red than yellow and the cup on the right is mostly yellow with a small amount of red.

After my yarn had soaked, I squeezed out the excess water and laid it in a 9x11 glass baking dish. This is where I applied my dyes.  This works well as it keeps the mess to a minimum.

I was pleased with the way the yarn accepted the darker hues and lighter hues as well.
So my yarn has a mottled effect throughout of dark and lighter orange, which is what I was going for....Yay!

After that, I had to heat the yarn.

I moved it and the remaining dye water to a smaller dish that would fit in my microwave.

I should point out here, there are two things that cause wool to felt, heat and agitation. Since I was using a 100% wool and had to use heat to set the dye, it was important to keep agitation to a minimum. That's why you should gently squeeze and not twist the yarn as you work with it.

This dish worked well because each section allowed for more dye water and it is easy to see that there is still more orange in the water/vinegar mixture that the yarn has not absorbed yet.
I placed it in my microwave for 2 minutes.  When it was finished processing, I took it out and allowed it to cool down completely. I then microwaved it again for 2 more minutes and checked the water.

As you can see, the water is clear, meaning all the dye has been absorbed by the yarn.  I allowed that to cool and then rinsed my newly dyed yarn in some cool water and gently squeezed as much water out as possible.

I hung it to dry for a few hours and, voila!

Hand dyed, hand spun yarn!

New Crochet Along - Ogle House Throw

Hello Everyone!

Wanted to let you all know that the Designer Crochet Along for the Ogle House Throw starts today at the Crochet World Group on Ravelry.  We will be making our first square today and I will be offering designer insight, tips, charts and video to go along with the crochet along, so definitely join the group, if you aren't already a member, and crochet with us.
We will be using Premier Yarns, Deborah Norville Everyday Soft Worsted. You can order yours here.

Happy New Year 2014

Hello, Everyone! I just wanted to wish all of you a very happy and prosperous New Year!
Mine has started well and I am happy to report that I have accomplished many tasks for my first day of this new year and am very pleased that it has started so well.  Fingers crossed that this kind of success will continue!
I have also gotten myself into a little bit of trouble…you see, over on Instagram, some of my photo buddies have brainstormed a new project idea for 2014. It is called a crochet mood blanket.
Here's how it works; participants are to crochet one granny square per day in a color that reflects their mood for the day, joining squares as they go.  I, of course, have been talked into participating…see, my box of yarn bits, hooks and notions is ready to go…..

And my first two squares are done and joined…..

See what I mean?….trouble…I have many projects in the works, so I'm feeling a little foolish for starting this one, yet, I simply could not resist the idea of doing one small crochet square each day which could ultimately turn into a lovely blanket.
I cannot promise that I will make all 365, my life has a tendency to stray into the crazy at times. But, I do promise to give it my best try, and what fun that will be, yes?
I am using Red Heart Supersaver, as I have the more of it in my stash than any other yarn.  I am crocheting 3-round squares and using soft white for the edging.  I have 2 skeins of it and should have no trouble buying more whenever I need it.
I do think I need a few more colors, though, don't you?

Dryer Balls

Just want to quickly share a project with all of you. I saw these dryer balls on Pinterest and was intrigued.  These balls are sold at various online stores and locally for anywhere from $15 to $34.
They are meant to replace fabric softener sheets, and liquids and also claim to reduce drying time by 25% for large loads to 30-40% for small loads.  I had several skeins of 100% wool yarn, so I decided to make some for myself to try relatively cost free.
I used Brown Sheep Lambs Pride Bulky in my stash.  I had about half a skein which made five 2 1/2" balls.

All I did was wind each ball by hand, place them in a large sock separating each ball with a rubber band, and wash them in hot water on a heavy duty cycle, then throw them in a nice hot dryer, and they felted beautifully. (I should note that, when winding each ball, I used a crochet hook to pull the yarn ends into the center of the ball before I felted them.)



They do reduce drying time somewhat, and are nice to have when you just need to throw one item in the dryer to remove wrinkles but I can't tell that they soften my clothes all that much.  Still I keep mine in my dryer, which can be somewhat of a challenge sometimes, as there are four of us in my family, who do laundry, and not everyone is careful about keeping them out of just dried clothes and in the dryer.  So often, I go searching.....I have heard that you can add a few drops of essential oil to these to make your laundry smell nice. I haven't tried it, though.

Big Plans

I have big plans for this hand painted roving from Woolgatherings...big plans!

I have gotten the idea into my head that I will be able to spin this (on my drop spindle) and knit a pair of socks for my husband for Christmas....what do you think?  Here is a pic of some of the spun yarn as I get ready to ply with an andean bracelet...

Next, after I plied these single with my drop spindle (2-ply), I used my brand new Niddy Noddy from Fiber Artist Supply Company to wind a skein...SO much better than using my hand and elbow! This one makes 1-yard skeins; small, but fine for the amount of yarn I am spinning right now.

So now, I have started to knit...This ball is about 30 yds, or so. I am planning to ply as I fill spindles, then knit, and so on.  I like the look of this yarn...the plying really helped tone down the acid green and bright yellow.  I think Hal will like them. I have a feeling I may be regretting these size 0 needles, though, when it gets to be October and I have only nearly finished one sock....

Spring Is Here

It has been a warm day, today...73 degrees, by my calculations (weather bug;-)) And just look at my child...t-shirt and shorts. You can't see the bare feet! I walked around outside just to take in the fresh air...so nice!











This has been my little project, today....

This is from the new Crochet Noro Book. Definitely worth every penny, a feast for the eyes.  I'm not really making anything from it yet. Just trying out a few stitches. This is Noro Taiyo Sock in color #30.  I think it should have a name, though, like Iris and Daffodil...that's what I'm calling it.  So pretty...pure stitching magic!

Distractions

...like I need one. But then, who does...at least, a little fewer of them might be helpful. But let's face it. I am, by nature, easily distracted. It's who I am, but I can't help wanting a little more order in my life.
I couldn't really sleep, so I have thus far spent my waking hours with my new toy....

I even learned a different technique to make the center. There are several videos for various kinds of centers at knitting-and.com and they are all reasonably simple. This one is called a back stitch center. I did two rounds...

Emma and I are probably going to make more of these...would like to make a small throw.  We'll see! In the meantime,  I have started a knitting project and it is one of my least favorite techniques...colorwork. But, since this one is a simple slip stitch technique, in only two colors, it isn't so bad.

Of course, this can be done in other colors, but, imho, black and white are the most elegant.

The Big Mag Project Reveal

Here is the part of The Big Mag Project I've been keeping from you.....Ta-da!

My Reader's Shawl at Crochet World Magazine, February 2013 Issue!

I am pleased as punch (and that's putting it mildly) that my shawl made the cover! I didn't know!
But, what a wonderful surprise it is! I really enjoyed designing and making this shawl. The mitred squares are soooo addictive! But, with the portability of the squares, you can bring a ball of the Lion Brand 'Amazing' yarn and your hook along to Doctor appointments or soccer games, and you're set. I hope you'll pick up your copy of Crochet World and give it a try!

Chunky Puff!

 It has been a long Summer and Fall. I have been working in earnest for the last month on several patterns and wanted to share the self-published item with you briefly. It's called 'Chunky Puff.'

It is crocheted in Bernat Chunky Big Ball in the aran colorway with a size K hook. It comes in sizes S(M,L) and works up very quickly, for the experienced crocheter.  Emma loves it, and she gets lot's of complements, too!
You can find the pattern here, on my Pattern's page or at Ravelry.

Carolina Fiber Fest

Carolina Fiber Fest hit Raleigh on May 18-20, 2012 and it was great fun! I met Kimberly Nicdao Villareal at The Buffalo Wool Company booth and she was very sweet...I enjoyed chatting with her about Bunnies and Family:0)
There was so much to see this year and, of course, you couldn't do it all in one day! So, I had to go back for a second look!

Of course, there were spinning wheels and lots of them!
This is the Ashford Country...great for spinning art bats, and the other two look like an older Ashford Traditional and a Kromski.









There was also lots and lots of fiber....

Dyed and Undyed Locks

Silk Cocoons

And yarn.....

Sari Silk

Silk

And Drop Spindles....

These spindles were at the Unplanned Peacock booth.  Let me tell you, they are gorgeous. PM her at her Facebook page if you want one....











These clever yarn bowls are from Sue Henshaw Pottery...this one was one of my favorites, with a pocket for scissors and tools....

There was even a nice lady who was painting sheep!

The artist is Conni Togel from Sheep Incognito.  So cool!

All this fibery goodness just makes me want one of these all the more....can't wait til the day I find one of these on my doorstep!

Not Necessarily Yarn

I had a busy day today, which included grocery shopping.  I have lately been making an effort to eliminate the bad kinds of fat from my diet, trying to stick with olive oil, real butter, and avocado oil. So, when I tried to find a mayo that didn't have canola or soybean oil, I had a difficult time.  Even the olive oil mayo's had canola or soybean oils in them.  So, I decided to make my own.  I found a good recipe here.  Thanks, Alton.  And, I am happy with the results.  Looks like actual mayonnaise, doesn't it?

The recipe calls for safflower or corn oil, but I used olive, instead, and it tastes fine. 
I plan to make ranch dressing with the majority of this, and save the rest for sandwiches.  At least this way, I know exactly what is in it.  No names of products I cannot pronounce and have no idea what they






Here is the yarn for my Bucket List Project, mostly Super Saver solids. The white is called Soft White. I prefer it to bright white.

And here's my first Squircle, which looked deceptively small in the project photos.  But, actually, mine measures 6" x 6", and that's going down two hook sizes to a US size H8.  I like them, though. Not sure what I am going to make with them.  Any suggestions?

Vintage Crochet

Isn't this little guy so cute? We visited Dunn, NC the other day, to put flowers on my Brother's grave. Many of my family members are buried there.  A couple of my Aunts and various cousins still live there, so we stopped to visit my Aunt Jackie on our way home.  I saw this in her bathroom and just had to snap a picture.  It is a toilet paper roll cover. It is fairly old, mid 70's, I believe.  The poor guy is close to losing an eye, but it isn't often I get to see a piece like this, as old as it is and still functioning. Cool.

Sweet Baby Noah

One of my daughter's closest friends from High School is expecting a baby boy soon. I have worked up a little cable hat for the cherub. I wanted something that Mom, Jess, could use at anytime that would also be soft and keep baby Noah warm. So I used a soft, chunky yarn in a neutral color. The little hat worked up in no time, too. It is worked on two needles and is seamed at the back.

Noah's Hat

Yarn: Bernat Chunky, approx. 65 yards.

Gauge: 3.5sts, 5 rows = 1 inch

Needle: US Size 9, Straight Needles

Size: Newborn/Infant

Stitches:

C4F: (cable 4 front) Slip two sts to cable needle and hold in front, knit next two sts., knit two stitches from cable needle. (left cross)

k1tbl: knit 1 stitch through back loop

p1tbl: purl 1 stitch through back loop

Sl1K2togPsso: slip one stitch as if to purl, knit 2 stitches together, pass slipped stitch over the two stitches that were just knit together. (Double Decrease)

Note: This hat has a 4-stitch cable set off with 2 purl stitches and a twisted stitch. The twisted stitch detail is achieved by knitting the stitch through the back loop on the right side and purling the same stitch through the back loop on the wrong side. You can find a video for ptbl here, and ktbl here.

CO 54 sts using a long tail cast-on.

Begin knitting Rib: (RS)P2, *K2, P2; repeat from * across, ending K2.

Repeat row 1 for 8 rows, ending with ws row.

Begin Cable rows as follows:

Row 1 and 3:P2, *K4, P2, K1tbl, P2; rep from *, across, ending with K1tbl.

Row 2 and 4: P1tbl, *K2, P4, K2, p1tbl; rep from * across, ending with K2.

Row 5: P2, *C4F, P2, K1tbl, P2; rep from *, across, ending K1tbl.

Rep rows 1-5 once more.

Begin Decreases:

Row 1: *p2tog, (k1,Sl1K2togPsso), p2tog, k1tbl; rep from * across. End k1tbl. (40 sts)

Row 2: P1, *k1, p2, k1, p1tbl; rep from * across. End k1.

Row 3: *p1, k2tog, p1, k1tbl; rep from * across. End k1tbl. (36 sts.)

Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread tail through darning needle and run it through all the stitches left on the needle. Cinch tightly, turn inside out and seam edges together with whip stitch. Weave in ends.

This is quick and dirty. As with any of my patterns, if you spot an error or have questions, don't hesitate to email me, leave a comment here, or you can pm me on Ravelry. I also hang out at Twitter.

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