Rainy Day Projects

I really did want to post at least once a week but I am not doing well with that. When it comes to writing, I am lazy. Ask my parents...um well maybe not, they would be too happy to complain that I haven't emailed them in forever...lol

Thursday on my day off from work, we got a lot of rain. Well I kept losing my internet connection. For some reason, when it rains a lot, my dsl connection goes out. It will come back for a few minutes and then goes out again. I couldn't get in the mood to work on the bears so I decided to get out the weaving loom I bought a few months back. Its a very basic loom but the shop owner said it would be the best for learning how to weave, especially tapestry weaving which is what I want to learn how to do. I also bought a book on how to weave which C. also recommended. The first project is a sampler of different stitches. I should have done a close up photo. Its hard to see the details. I decided that I love weaving. I can't wait to try weaving a picture. Now I need to sit down and draw some sketches to get something to use for a pattern. C. told me to put a sheet of paper behind my weaving so it would be easier to see the weaving. Also if I do a sketch, I can put it behind the loom and work from it. I have some watercolor paper that is the size of the loom. I'll post more pictures of my weaving as it progresses.



I am also posting a picture of the sock I finished knitting. It was my "at work on lunch" project. We get an hour lunch at work so I take my knitting to work on after I eat. I am not good at just sitting without going to sleep. lol I have started on the 2nd sock and can't wait to wear them.

Well it is getting late so I am off to bed. Until next time, keep on knitting or crocheting.

Waiting for the cold front

Tonight I started a new project. This one is for my sister, Sheri. I decided to try out a new yarn by Red Heart. Its called Red Heart Strata. It is a self-striping yarn that creates "fair isle patterns" which is why I bought it. Its similar in weight to Red Heart Supersavor but feels a little bit heaver to me. The only downfall is the yarn is rather rough. It wouldn't be that great for sweaters unless you wore something under it.

Three guesses what my project is? lol Sheri emailed me early this morning before she went to work and appealed for my help. She needed me to make 3 of my yarn teddy bears for some children. The bears are about 7 or 8" high. I lost count how many of these bears I have made. They are so fun and quick to make. Originally the bears were made from a pattern from Family Circle or Women's Day magazine in the mid-80es. I have made so many that I memorized the basics of the pattern. I usually change patterns to suit myself so I have strayed somewhat from the pattern. I do wish that I could find the pattern though but I have no idea where I put it for safe keeping. Sheri, if you are reading this, I guess you know what my answer is... ;)

Speaking of my dear sister, I am excited to say that Sheri finally ironed out her technical difficulties with getting to post to the blog so she will finally start posting soon. I will let her introduce herself. However, I'm not sure when she will be posting yet, she um...lost her keyboard. Hey, it could happen! If you saw all the yarn Sheri has and like me, she is running out of places to store it. Then there is her cat Remy who is still a kitten and very mischievous. She came home one day to find him stretched out on the keyboard.

If you are wondering about the title for this post, I live in the Houston area and it is still hot here. Once in a while the weather man promises us a cold front which really means that the temperature drops a few degrees then is hotter than ever. It really takes the fun out of making sweaters when you only get to wear them 2 times a year. At this point, I'd be happy if the temps go down to the 70es.

Well its late and I work tomorrow so I better wrap it up for now. Until next time, Keep on knitting or crocheting.

Name the Bear Contest

Sheri & I thought it would be fun to have a name the bear contest. Sheri came up with the idea that who ever wins the contest will get a link to their blog or website added to Knit~Crochet Mania. If the winner doesn't have a blog or website, we will figure out a different prize. The main idea is to have fun. :) If you have an idea for a name, email me at keliloi@earthlink.net
I decided that the winner will be picked in a drawing. (whoever's name is drawn will win)

The cat in the picture is Katie Kat. She usually stays in my computer room when I am in it. The computer room is also my art and craft room. Katie is holding one of my projects which is a sock made out of self-striping yarn. Oh and you thought she was really knitting? Katie is very smart but she prefers unwinding the balls of yarn. lol

I recently learned how to knit the socks on two circular needles instead of the double pointed needles. I found out that it goes very quickly and it is easier to avoid the "ladder stitch" that you sometimes get from double pointed needles. The next pair of socks I am going to try knitting two socks at the same time on the circular needles. I have to force myself to make the 2nd sock and this should resolve that problem.

It is getting late, and I am so sleepy today.
Until next time, keep on crocheting or knitting.




View of the orange bear standing. You can see one of the beads I used at the leg joints.