Looming in Virginia

April??

2008-01-02T11:20:00.000-05:00

Why on earth haven't I posted since April?

Too busy? Not really.

Too lazy? Probably.

I haven't been doing much looming lately, which is also one reason why I haven't posted in such a long time. I've attempted a few things with needles and for the most part, they've turned out alright. I'm not completely happy with them, but I never am happy with my own creations.

My latest needle project is a pair of convertible mittens for my mom. I bought the Knit This kit (sorry, no link specifically for this kit) a few years ago at Target (I don't have to travel 20 miles away anymore!! Yay me!) and finally decided to knit them up. (In looking for this kit online, I see there are several things available to buy in the knitting department. How cool is that?)

They consist of an "under mitten" which is a fingerless mitten including the thumb. The "over mitten" is basically a short mitten, including thumb, that goes, amazingly enough, over the under mitten.

I'm not happy with the instructions though. The right and left over mitten were listed separately, then another section for instructions that work for both mittens. The combined instructions include buttonholes to attach the over mitten to the under. It should be rather straight forward, but the buttonholes come out in a totally different place than in the picture.

Now I'm confused (as you should be too). Was I supposed to work the specific section of the right (or left) mitten and then work the instructions for the buttonhole? Or was I supposed to work the specific instructions, jump over to the combined instructions, then come back to the specific instructions.

Now I'm REALLY confused. As you should be too!

The Easter Bunny's Purse

2007-04-17T18:50:00.000-05:00

I'm quite pleased with the way this purse turned out!

I started out by using the Travel Hat loom from Decor Accents. After a few rows, I felt was much too tight. It was almost as if it had already been felted. What fun is that??

Then I switched over to the DA AJAL and it went much faster and much smoother. I cast on only on one side of the board, doing the basic knit stitch for roughly 2-3 inches. I pulled the fabric over to the other side of the loom, putting the cast on stitches on the opposite pegs.

I pulled the stitches onto the side of the board and around and around I went! I started knitting in the round. I used the idea from Linda 2 located in the files section of Decor Accents Yahoo Groups

When I realized I was getting close to the end of the ball of yarn, I did a simple bind off along the two small edges and one long edge of the loom. On the fourth side, I knit back and forth until I simply ran out of yarn. It was a bit tight to try and take one loop and put it onto the next peg and knit off, so I pulled a few stitches off at a time onto a crochet hook I had sitting around.

Taking two stitches off at a time, I did a simple cast off with another crochet hook.

And TA-DA! The finished product! Before felting, the measurements were 11 1/2" x 6 3/4". After felting it measured 9 x 5 or so. I'm planning on heading up to JoAnne's later this week to find some purse handles or something. I need to have something to carry it on my shoulder as I usually carry my wallet in my back pocket! If I don't see anything I like, I'll just HAVE to knit up an i-cord or something and felt it!

As I said in my earlier post, I used McCormicks food coloring and vinegar. When I felted the purse, I put it into my front load washer with a pair of jeans and hot water. I didn't let it go a full cycle at first. I didn't think the water was hot enough so I threw it into a load of darks and went through the entire cycle. I still didn't care for the look of it and put it in with a full load of whites. The colors seemed to dull just a little, but I'm not sure if it was because I used a pair of dark jeans or that's just the nature of the beast with the colors fading a little. Either way, I've very pleased with my "Popsicle" purse. I do think my mom is right though: she said if I'd started the purse at the bottom with the blue, the colors would have turned the purse into a tropical feel with the ocean and a sunset/sunrise. How cool is that?

The Easter Bunny helped me dye yarn!

2007-04-08T17:36:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I have yarn. I have vinegar. I have food coloring. Would it work?

I honestly didn't think it would. I'd read tutorials about Kool Aid dying, acid dying, etc., but I'd never heard of using plain ol' food coloring. I'm sure there's something about it out there in cyberland, but so far, I've missed it. So here's how I did it.

First, while dying eggs, I'd taken two hanks of 100% wool yarn apart and put them in a pot with cool water. I understand this helps the wool absorb the dyes better. Like a damp sponge absorbs better than a dry one.

Second, I hollered at my son just in time to keep him from mixing all the dyes together! I always liked doing that too!

I'd already put a teaspoon of vinegar in each of the glass cups as per the instructions on the box of food coloring. When the eggs were taken out, I added more vinegar (although I didn't measure exactly) and I added a bit more boiling water to each cup. One set of cups had McCormicks "Neon" food colors and one set was the standard four colors of blue, green, red and yellow.

I separated the hank, with no rhyme or reason, and stuck a section of it in each cup (5 different colors). Then, I put the cups, water and yarn goodness in the microwave and zapped it for two minutes. I let it rest for awhile, although there was no set time. BZZZZZ - zapped again for another two minutes. SNORE - letting it rest for awhile. I may have zapped it again, but I really don't remember now! I finally let it cool off totally. The wet paper towels on top of the cups were to keep the exposed yarn wet. I was afraid the yarn would dry out and burn up! That would just be my luck!

As you can see, much of the dye was soaked into the yarn and the cups are relatively clear. Cool, huh?

Now, here are the results. Are they not the neatest thing?!!!?

My mom calls the color on the left, "Tranquility". But the color on the right, which I think is perfect, in my humble opinion, is popsicle". It really fits!

I rinsed the hanks and very little dye bled out. I was actually surprised. To test it further, I wrapped the hanks in a white dishtowel and wrung some of the extra water out of it. Not a single spot!

I'm not sure what I'm going to make with this yarn, but I'm sure in won't be anything to wear. The wool is just too scratchy. A new felted purse perhaps?

Remember me??

2007-01-24T18:45:00.000-05:00

Time sure does fly when you're crafting doesn't it?

I'll make this quick as I have dinner to get on the table!

I haven't done a lot of looming lately, but I've been busy, busy, busy doing some cross stitch work for my pen pal. Brenda and I have been pen pals for pushing 30 years (say it ain't so!!) and she had her first baby last year!!!! She sent out the pics of the cutey pie, Anthony, and I cross stitched the picture. I used PC Stitch, but didn't care for the colors it was coming up with, so changed the coloring to sepia.
I must admit, I think it turned out rather well, don't you?

I also want to show you my first attempt of needle knitting socks. The jury is still out on that one. It's not too hard to "ignore" the other needles that aren't being used, but it's not too easy either. Know what I mean? Naturally, since I'm my own worst critic (aren't we all?), I don't care for these socks. Of course I made lots of mistakes, but I'm not too concerned about that.
I used too large needles for one thing. I used size 4, although the instructions called for 3s. This made it much stretchier than I wanted.
I suppose I should just shut the heck up about it, but it's hard, ya know?? So, since my mom has circulations problems and can't wear tight cuffed socks, guess who's getting these!!

But, since this is a looming blog, I have to add my loomed sock!
I'm not quite sure how long I've had it on the loom, but let's just say, it's been a long, long time! I At least I'm getting close to having the toe finished! Just for giggles, I think I'm going to needle knit the matching sock to this loomed one. Then I can do my own side by side comparison! Happy Looming Everyone!

My First Sock

2006-08-11T21:29:00.000-05:00

I bought some sock yarn on eBay with the hopes of making a lot of socks. The yarn I bought was in shades of grays and white, so I used this color first since I didn't particular care for it. If I messed up, I wasn't out much.

I used the e-wrap (twisted knit? Is that what it's called now?) on a 10" Extra Fine Gauge sock loom from Decor Accents. Wonderful piece of "machinery", let me tell you!

You can see the twisted part of the heel, but then I changed to the stockinette stitch (flat stitch) because it was just plain easier and faster. It was much too loose for my liking. It took me forever to finish the socks and although I like them, they don't jump out at me because of the color. So my mom is getting them! She has trouble with most socks being too tight around her ankles, so these will be perfect for her to wear at night when her little (very little, actually) piggies get cold.

Then I started another sock with Lorna's Laces in Parfait. I absolutely love this yarn, but I have to brag about the lady on eBay I bought it from. Her name is Linda Gorman and she trades under the name "emtnestr" on eBay. I know there are other sellers out there that do a wonderful job, but I doubt very seriously I'll do much more hunting around. She is positively the best person I've bought yarn from yet. I've purchased a lot (and I do mean a LOT) of yarn from her and the most I've ever paid for shipping is a little over $10.00. And that was for several POUNDS of Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Mill Ends. Yes, I said POUNDS.

I adore my LYS, Never Enough Yarn in Winchester, VA, but Pam is almost 20 miles from me. The drive alone would cost that much in gas. It's nice to know if I pay early on a Friday, I'll have my goodies on Monday (now emtnestr is in Vermont and I'm in VA, so Your Mileage May Vary!) She packages everything in zip-lock type bags and she's wonderful to deal with (did I tell you that already?) So, if you see "Blank243" bidding on some yarn, you know I'm out for a good deal!

Anyhoo, about my Lorna's Lace sock. I'm not quite sure what I did wrong, but I frogged it. Whatever the mistake was, it wasn't major and I'm sure no one but me would even know it's there. But it's the principle, you know? Lorna's Laces is beautiful yarn, so I'm not going to make an "iffy" sock! I want it PERFECT! It tore me up to frog it, but here it is:

Eventually I will post pics of my Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Mill Ends. You're going to be soooo envious!! hehehehe

A teeny weeny attempt at updating

2006-08-11T21:00:00.000-05:00

I don't have a whole lot of projects to add right now, but it's been such a long time since I've put anything on my blog, it sure seems like it. I'll start with some of the easy things. You know, the pics I took a long time ago, with all intention of posting them right away??
I found this sweater at the Goodwill Store in Winchester, VA. I've heard a lot about recycling yarn and I knew there was no way I would be able to find 100% wool for only $4.00! Not a very good picture of the tag, but believe me, my allergies knew it was 100% wool.

The pattern I was going for was the Goncho Bag from The Authentic Knitting Board Company. For some reason, I just wasn't able to get the instructions for the bottom, so I just sewed it up.

As you can see, my son Garrett "tried it on" for me. Before felting, he fit inside - all the way. He's just a kick to have around!

Naturally, the bag is much smaller after felting, but it is perfect to carry my looms. I don't normally carry a bag, but I can't resist taking this one wherever I go. Obviously I'm not going to get it mixed up with someone else's!

The Perfect Quiz

2006-08-11T20:55:00.000-05:00

Isn't this the best quiz for all us loony loomers out there? I found it while reading Heather's Blog (great job so far Heather!) How could I resist adding it to mine? I think it fits me too. I definitely have a harsh side at times! Just ask my kids.

What kind of yarn are you?

You are Shetland Wool. You are a traditional sort who can sometimes be a little on the harsh side. Though you look delicate you are tough as nails and prone to intricacies. Despite your acerbic ways you are widely respected and even revered.
Take this quiz!

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Pattern Requests

2006-03-26T23:56:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much for the wonderful comments I've received about my shawl, cell phone case and of course, my cutie-patudy (Just how DO you spell that anyway???) son! For those of you requesting a pattern for the cell phone case, I will certainly see if I can remember it and write it up for y'all. I was winging it when I did it and although I do remember decreasing a few times, I'd be hard pressed to tell you exactly which row I did it in or how many times. But I will definitely get it for you!

Oh yeah, about that wish list I mentioned earlier. Of course my pay check was absolutely burning a HOLE in my pocket, so I ordered a few looms from DA: 80" Rake SM, Adult Hat Loom FG, and the XFG Sock Loom.

For some reason I think I also ordered a travel hat loom, but I really don't remember and I'm too lazy to go back and check my email for the order confirmation. Besides, that'll make things a bigger surprise when the package comes, right?

But, I must admit, the family and I will be eating bread and water for a few months because I also picked up another few boards from the Knitting Board Company: the 18" board , the 10" mini board and the mini board project book. I think that pretty much covers it. Pat with the Knitting Board Company said she's going to send me a NEW BOARD to try out! CHRISTMAS IN MARCH! I'm really excited! I have to get lots of projects done before April 22nd as that is the Red Bud Festival in Browntown, VA and I've been asked to do a board demonstration. That's going to be so much fun and Pat is going to be there as well. She is certainly the knowledgeable one, but I would like to have at least a few things done before then!

Hey kids - it's bread and water for dinner, and I'm afraid you'll have to fix it yourself: I'm going LOOMING!!

It's Done! It's Done!

2006-03-23T20:49:00.000-05:00

I finished my shawl last night and I think it came out very nice if I do say so myself. It works too! As soon as the last finishing touch was put on, around my shoulders it went because I was cold!

Here's my son Garrett modeling it for me:
I used the 28" board from The Knitting Board Company and Twilleys Featherspun Luxury Look DK (What does the DK mean? I've seen it everywhere, but haven't clue what it stands for!) I bought the yarn from eBay from hollickdesigns and received excellent service. Even the shipping was comparable to many of the purchases I've made from the US!

I also threw together a cell phone using Lily's Sugar and Cream in Midnight Madness. I didn't allow for stretching of the cotton so the cord is longer than I wanted. I put a couple knots on each side so that helps a lot.

It's quite a handy little gadget because I don't carry a purse. My wallet is in my back pocket, but carrying a cell phone in your back pocket isn't the greatest because if it rings while you're driving... Well, you get the idea. Visuals not needed!
Now I have a problem...

Payday is tomorrow and I DON'T KNOW WHAT LOOM TO BUY!!! NOOOOO!! I have my wish list made out, but I'm having some difficulty with the final decision! I have the following on my list:

80" Rake from DA - (small gauge or regular?)
Fine Gauge Hat Loom from DA - (what size?? More decisions!!)
Extra Fine Gauge Sock Loom - (What? Not available for sale until MONDAY??)

36" oval loom from CinDWood Crafts for either a 72" panel or 46" double sided panel

So many choices, so little money...!!

Suggestions??

A Funny Thing Happened...

2006-03-14T23:31:00.000-05:00

on the way to finishing my Knitting Olympics Project. Besides the fact the project wasn't done by closing ceremonies that is. It turns out ~ I DON'T LIKE IT! The first panel was done on a small gauge loom by Decor Accents. The second panel was done on the board from The Knitting Board Company, which is the loom used for the original pattern. Not even close!! I didn't expect it to match of course, but it was far enough off that I don't like it! Anyway, my mom has it now and she loves it. Gotta love mom, huh?

This shows the difference between the panels. The one on top was done on the DA Loom and the one on the bottom was on the Knitting Board. Big difference, huh?

So here's the finished product. Since the second panel turned out so large, I didn't even bother using the first panel and made a poncho instead. The little black do-jiggy wrapped around my neck was supposed to be a "shoulder strip" sewn between the two panels. It was waaaay too big. I guess I just started my own fashion statement by making a poncho with a built in scarf. Either way, I still don't like it. Weird huh?

On a better note, I am now working on another project with my Knitting Board loom with yarn I bought from a buyer in the United Kingdom.

Here's what I purchased:

The yarn is, from left to right, Emu Astrakhan Boucle Knitting Wool, Lister Lee ~ Midas with a Touch of Mohair, and Twilly's Luxury Featherspun made in Italy. I'm using the Featherspun for a shawl I'm making and this is it so far:

I just had to frog about 6 inches of it tonight (which is why I'm updating my blog - kinda frustrating isn't it?) because I found a mistake. At least it wasn't just about finished before I found it!

Hopefully I'll get a bit more updating done in the next few days! Oh yeah, I've decided to do something about my health too. You can follow along with that adventure on my Yahoo 360 blog. No dieting allowed though. It's one of those horrible FOUR LETTER WORDS!

2006-03-01T20:29:00.000-05:00

You Are Brownie Batter Ice Cream

You've been known to lick *everything* clean

What Flavor Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Are You?

Whoo Hoo!!! Now we're getting somewhere!

2006-03-01T20:25:00.000-05:00

You Are Karamel Sutra

Plain on the outside, but once someone gets in, they're stuck

What Flavor Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Are You?

This time I used "Deb" instead of "Debbie". Wonder what "Deborah" will turn up!

This is so funny!

2006-03-01T20:20:00.000-05:00

You Are Karamel Sutra

Plain on the outside, but once someone gets in, they're stuck

What Flavor Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Are You?

Happy Valentine's Day to ME!

2006-02-19T15:37:00.000-05:00

I always thought getting Valentine's Day candy for half price on the 15th was a great deal. But hubby came home with a box of Russell Stovers AND Whitmans. Retail price was $8.99 for each. I was tickled even more when he said be paid less than $2.00 for both! OK, so I'm a cheap date!

Here's the latest on my Knitting Olympics:

I received my loom from The Knitting Board Company yesterday. I also bought some yarn and it is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! The color is Smokey Blue and it is darker than it appears in the picture, but it's still gorgeous and very soft. I'll have to make something extra special with it as it is a little more than I usually pay for yarn, but well worth it.

The board (on the left) is made with nails (needles as the company calls them) and although it did take a bit to get used to I really do like them. I've found I point my pick downward when using this board, although I usually have it pointed up with my nylon peg boards.

The picture on the right is the front panel of my poncho made on the 30" AJAL Board from Decor Accents.
(That's it in the picure too.)

You can see the ribbing stitch at the bottom of the poncho. I'm sure the front and back will be quite different since I'm going to make the back panel on the loom actually used in the pattern! I'll fudge the numbers a little when it comes to adding the two panels together. Should be interesting!

But I've got to tell you about an absolutely FANTASTIC yarn shop I found yesterday in Winchester, VA. I've stopped by 2 times already hoping it would be opened and I guess the third time was the charm. It's called "Never Enough Yarn." The title alone made me want to stop. She also had the yarn I wanted to make the coat I have in mind from the Knitting Board Company. It's Plymouth Encore Worsted. On the color card, it's listed under "Heathers" and it's color number 355. I believe she called it Garnet (my birthstone!), but it looks more like a lavender or something like that. Gorgeous none the less! Natually, my math skills were not the greatest, so I didn't get quite enough while I was there Saturday, so I'll swing by again tomorrow and pick up the 4 or 5 more skeins I need to make the coat. And here's my gift from the store:
I can see me getting a lot of use out of this bag!

I asked the owner (I cannot, for the life of me, remember her name darn it!) about looms and she is not familiar with working with them, but she was recently asked by another customer about them. Guess I'll have to educate her won't I?! That won't be hard. Especially with as much as I've come to love looming! I'll take my looms to her tomorrow and give her a little lesson!

Thanks for looking y'all. I'm off to work on my back panel. Only a week left of the Olympics and I've got some stitching to do!!

Me? With a BLOG?

2006-02-14T18:11:00.000-05:00

Imagine that!

With that in mind, I'm going to post that, just to tell everyone I have a

BLOG!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!
I hope all you gals and guys get everything you wanted, or expected, or even demanded today! I received a nice kiss on the top of my head (which isn't hard when the guy you're married to is a foot taller than you!) After 20 years though, I've come to the conclusion that I would prefer not to receive flowers, chocolates, or gifts on a specific day because it's REQUIRED. How about next Thursday? After all, the chocolate will be reduced and I can get twice as much! Sounds like a great idea to me!
As for my Olympic Looming Project, things are going, well, interesting. The project looks great so far, but I've come to the conclusion I will run out of yarn long before I run out of project. Naturally, the yarn I'm using was bought on clearance, so I'm sure there will be not a single fuzzy morsel available if I go back to the store. Guess that just means I'll have a "dual" poncho. Or basically, a front and back. I just hope I find enough of another color in the same type to finish it!