teething star

I had a tiny whim on my over stretched budget one day--I wanted to buy a bit of the glow-in-the-dark yarn by Bernat for my kids. I decided if it was pricey, they'd each get to choose a color and I'd do something fun. That is exactly how it turned out, and I made small animals that were blurry in their pictures--a dragon and a "melon ball" kitty. Then, I was perusing the Bernat site looking at patterns which is a desparate addiction for me--ahem--and I found a star pattern using that yarn. Of course, I got to thinking about it and changed it up. Rather than using the glowy yarn, I used their Cottontots (something I bought that same day since I wanted to experiment with some different yarns for upcoming baby gifts).

I've decided this makes a most perfect teething toy when not stuffed. My baby boy finds it so easy to hold and chew on versus the hard platic toys or bulky washcloths or whatever else there is. I can also easily add enough yarn length to attach it to strollers or car seats--safely.

Baby blanket

Here is the baby blanket I knit for my second son.

I knit it before I knew he was a boy - we were surprised at birth - so I picked colors and a design that would work for a girl or boy. I used this lovely yarn. I don't have a link to the pattern - I found it in a library book. By the way, the library is a great source for free patterns. Yes, I'm cheap but I have yet to pay money to buy a pattern. Of course it helps that my aunt and uncle own this shop and are very generous. :)

Slippers

Here are two different patterns of slippers I knit last month.

Number one (made for my older son) was super easy. I did a tiger design because he requested it. You can do whatever color scheme you want.



Number two (made for my younger son) was harder but not too difficult for those who know how to use double pointed needles (a skill relatively new to me).

Here he is modeling them. I love that my kids are still young enough to think handmade things are the best. Hopefully they'll keep that appreciation for years to come!

Hello from the knitter

Hi. My name is Laurel. And the picture above is of one of my favorite things to shop for - yarn. I am not normally someone who enjoys shopping (I know, I'm one of the rare women and my husband is glad for it!)

I guess I'm the odd one out here. I do not know how to crochet but love knitting. I began about 4 years ago and haven't looked back since.

When someone wants to begin to learn knitting, the best beginning project is a scarf because you can do a simple garter scarf that looks good but is very easy. I made at least 5 scarfs for my first projects. I now have ventured out little by little and enjoy the challenge of learning new stitches. The web is full of very helpful videos for new stitches or techniques. For me, I must see something new before I can learn to do it myself.

Baby Gear

I have been blessed to have many friends recently who have had babies. Since I'm not fortunate yet to have any of my own, my friends' kids are definite bright spots in my life. When you visit my house, you will find a fridge so covered in photos that it can be hard to tell the actual color of the fridge unless you look at the bottom. I love stitching something soft for the new blessings that join our group. I just finished a few more for a baby girl due in October.





This blanket is from a Vanna's Choice Baby pattern I found on the "freebie" pattern pad at Michaels. You can get a lot of really great patterns for free at craft stores and Wal Mart. While they are always "conveniently" next to the yarn you'll need for the project, you can usually find fairly good substitutes.









The bib, burp cloths and wash cloths are from Lily's Cream n' Sugar patterns I found online at www.lily.com. They're all made with cotton yarn so they wash easy.

The blanket, of course, took the longest. But, I've discovered that if you do all the centers, then the middles, then the outside, it goes a lot faster. I've also learned you should always stitch the squares and strips together on the WRONG side to avoid the bumpy lines that show up otherwise. If you have a suggestion for avoiding bumpy seams altogether, please let me know. The others stitch up fairly quick as they are flat with the same stitch repeated for the pattern. The bib required some improvisation because I have a hard time stitching right to left for the left side neck hole. But, they make easy, quick, last minute gifts if needed. Enjoy.

Introducing Bluehose

I'm Bluehose, the other half of Cjoy's creative side. Yes, I know what a bluehose is (you can find out at www.presby.edu) and am very proud to have been one since 1994. Cjoy invited me to share in this blog about crocheting as it's a love of mine. I started four years ago while my husband was on active duty with the Navy. I decided I needed a hobby and should teach myself how to do something. Both my mom and grandmother knit, and while I understand the concept, my fingers have never quite mastered 2 needles. A single hook, I can do. I started with a great beginner book that promised to teach me to crochet in 10 minutes a day and even had a few simple patterns in it. No pun intended, but I got hooked pretty quickly. Over time, I've learned how to read the pattern and It's easy enough that I can do it while watching TV, yet produces beautiful gifts for loved ones. Over time, I've gotten brave enough to venture away from single stitch afghans to multi-yarn blankets, burp cloths & bibs, hats & gloves & scarves, coasters & placements, napkin rings, and prayer shawls. Although it's become an expensive addiction, and my husband now rolls his eyes when he hears I'm going to the craft store, I love to help others pick up this great hobby. I love it when they discover what they can make and look forward to the next project. I'm excited to join you and Cjoy on this fun adventure.

September's Charity

Each month, we want to try to "sponsor" a charity. This is a goal, and may not be a complete reality, but we will try.

Our intent is to encourage our readers (and ourselves) to make something for somebody else. If you choose to make something and give it to a different charity or someone you know in need, you've still met that goal. You will hopefully find a growing list of charities we especially like in the sidebar if you would like to do this but for a different cause.

This month, I'm especially drawn to the idea of making scarves for participants in the Special Olympics. I appreciate the simplicity of the requirements and the heart behind it. The following are some basic instructions, but you can read more about it here.

No special patterns or skills are required to create a scarf. Beginners,
schools, scout troops and other local groups are actively encouraged to
participate. "Our only rule," says Blizzard, "is that the scarves are knitted or
crocheted by hand using delft blue (885) and white (311) Red Heart Super Saver
yarn, because these colors perfectly match the Special Olympics logo and were
chosen specifically by the World Winter Games organizers."

Coats is providing a knitted pattern and a crochet pattern but any pattern
from basic stitches to complicated colorwork and stitch patterns may be
used. Personal notes from knitters and crocheters who want to send their
best wishes to the athletes are encouraged and should be firmly attached to the
scarves, which will be handed out before the Opening Ceremony.

Completed scarves must arrive by January 15, 2009, and should be sent
to:
2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games Scarf Project
3150 West Main Street
Boise, Idaho 83702