FOR THE LOVE OF THE CRAFT

Balloon Tying Creations 2

2011-01-21T09:08:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Balloon Tying Creations 2 is out and the cuteness level has been stepped up. Once again there are 10 patterns included in a handy vinyl folder. Check with you Local yarn shops.

HOLI AMIS

2010-07-20T06:18:00.001-07:00

HoliAmis are approximately 7" tall. Knit in the round on size #1 double points, with Frog Tree Sport Weight Alpaca. They also call for Fun Fur (for the hair), so check your stash! They have a wire armature so you can pose them or secure them to your Christmas tree!

SHEEPY TRIM HATS AND MITTS

2010-07-20T06:12:00.001-07:00

5 patterns using the fabulous Taiga by Schulana. I was so excited when I found this yarn, I couldn't stop at just one design. When knit up the Taiga looks just like sherpa. It is wool for added warmth. The model is my niece, Christy. Isn't she cute!

JoJo Cap

2010-07-08T07:58:00.000-07:00

JoJo Cap is made with worsted weight (Sample shown uses JoJoLand Rhythm). The brim is knitted in as you go so there is no sewing after your done.

DooScarf

2010-07-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

This is a cute summer scarf made with cotton (sample shown uses Origami). The pattern is a one size fits all but has instructions for both DK weight and worsted weight yarn.

Yarn Harbor in Duluth Minnesota

2010-07-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

Hand delivered my trunk show to Yarn Harbor. Spent a few hours with the girls there knitting. Everyone was so nice (of course knitters always are)! Got a few pointers on how to clean a dirty fleece to prepare it for spinning. Thanks to Kathy for having me.

Upcoming Events - Zandy's

2010-02-09T19:30:00.000-08:00

I will be at Zandy's (check the shop list on my blog for location and phone #) on Sunday, February 28 from 1-3 pm with all the Balloon Creations from my latest booklet. I will be demoing how to tie the Balloon Creations and will be happy to answer any questions you may have on the patterns.
Hope to see you there!

Balloon Tying Creations are here!

2010-01-25T13:43:00.000-08:00

Knit a single tube using sock yarn, and simple increases and decreases. Tie it up and create a whimsical balloon creation. 10 patterns included in a handy wallet with knitting and tying instructions.

New Ami - Squeek

2009-12-14T20:50:00.001-08:00

The latest in my Ami line. Squeek the mouse. Comes in a kit with eyes, felt and wire.

Patterns for CiDAmi accessories

2009-08-31T11:58:00.000-07:00

If you have seen my display at any of the shows you've seen the little accessories that I knit up for the display. I got a lot of requests for instructions so I am posting them here. They are all simple instructions and use the same needles that you use for the Ami's with the exception of the pond.
INNERTUBE (2 colors): With color A, CO 18, divide onto 3 dp needles to join
*knit 18 rnds
switch to B, knit 1 rnd, p 6 rnds*
Switch to A, repeat from * to * 4 more times
Bind off, stuff and sew ends together to form circle
BEACH BALL (4 colors): With color A, CO 2 sts, worked in rows
Working in stockinette st, increase 1 st on each end every knit row until you have 12 sts
Work 5 rows of stockinette
Decrease 1 st each knit row until you have 2 sts remaining.
Bind Off
Repeat these instructions for each color. You will have 4 sections when finished. Sew together into ball. Stuff before closing completely.
WATER WINGS (1 color): CO 10 sts, divide onto 3 dp needles 3/4/3 to join
knit 28 rnds
Bind off
Bind off, stuff and sew ends together to form circle
TIRE SWING (2 colors, you will need a small crochet): With color A, CO 14 sts, divide onto 3 dp needles to join.
Knit 70 rnds
Bind off, stuff and sew ends together to form circle
With color B and small crochet hook, chain approximately 80 sts (or desired length). Finish off and repeat 2 more times.
Tie the crochet chains around tire at 1/3 intervals.
POND (3 colors) The pond is felted using Frog Tree worsted weight wool and size 10.5 dp needles, switching to 10.5 circular once it gets large enough: With color A (blue), CO 8 sts, divide evenly onto 4 dp needles to join
Increase 8 sts evenly every other rnd until you have 144 sts total
Switch to color B (tan) and continue increasing 8 sts evenly every other rnd until you have 184 sts total
Switch to color C (green) and continue increasing 8 sts evenly every other rnd until you have 208 sts total.
Bind off and felt. Optional: Add needlefelt waves and grass to add more dimension to pond.

Ewe Fashions Errata in sock pattern

2009-08-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

Errata
Sock pattern:
Under the gusset instructions, repeat rnds 1-2 until 28 sts remain.
Toe: before beginning kitchener you will have 6 sts on each needle.
Hat:
Last rnd of hat is [k2tog] around (8 sts)

CiDAmis

2009-07-05T22:15:00.000-07:00

These are so much fun! I have several coming out. Each has a wire armature to make them completely poseable. I'm selling them in a kit which includes the wire, eyes, and felt (if required).

2009-07-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

Fuzz E Wuzz E

2009-05-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

These cute little bears are so soft and cuddly. They are made with Frog Tree Sport Weight Alpaca and then brushed to a lovable fuzziness after you are finished knitting.

Slip Stitch for Peace

2009-05-24T21:26:00.000-07:00

The peace sign is the new black for this year. This design is created by switching colors every row and slipping stitches so you never have to carry more than one color at a time. Uses sock weight yarn.

Ewe Knit Fashions

2009-05-24T21:22:00.000-07:00

I was having so much fun with the sheep pattern, I couldn't resist making accessories for her. The Ewe Knit Fashions Pattern includes the hat, socks & sweater. They are all made with sock weight yarn so it's a good opportunity to use your sock yarn scraps!

Ewe Knittin'

2009-03-30T22:37:00.000-07:00

This knittin' Ewe is so cute! She is made with a skein of Plymouth Yarn Heaven/Yellow and a cream 100% wool (sample is Ella Rae). Comes in a kit with the eyes and the little bamboo knitting needles.

SocMocs

2009-03-03T21:09:00.000-08:00

These fun slippers are knit in one piece with the slipper portion knit with 100% wool (feltable) and the sock portion knit with a 75/25 acrylic/wool blend so that it won't felt. Pattern is for ladies sizes sm/med/lrg.

Sheepy Trim Hat

2009-03-03T21:06:00.000-08:00

This cute felted hat is made with Frog Tree Meriboo as the base yarn and Heaven by Plymouth (yellow) for the trim. It mimics the look of the suede hats that have become popular lately.

Blue Heron Knittery

2009-01-15T21:17:00.001-08:00

My trunk show has been at Blue Heron Knittery recently. Sarah was nice enough to send me this photo of one of my petal people sitting next to a little fairy house that she made. My little petal person is not going to be happy to have to leave her cute little house behind. Maybe she can visit again. It will be like a little time share for her. Thanks for the pic Sarah!

New Day Slouch Hat

2009-01-12T09:46:00.000-08:00

Popular slouch styling. Made with Berrocco Cuzco. 1 skein of each of 3 colors (you can get two hats out of this).

Vintage Boo Bear

2009-01-12T09:41:00.000-08:00

This is Boo Bear. He is made with Frog Tree Meriboo Yarn which is a merino bamboo blend that felts fabulously! It gives a really unique finish to the felted fabric that goes beautifully with the vintage styling of this bear. Boo is approximately 10" tall and uses 3 skeins of Meriboo (1 cream, 2 color)

This Years Hot Hat

2008-12-09T20:30:00.001-08:00

SLOUCH HAT
Made with Frog Tree worsted weight alpaca. All the rage this season.
Check out the list down the left of this blog to find shops that carry my patterns.

Trunk Show Now Playing at Mary Lue's Yarn & Ewe in Mankato

2008-11-13T23:44:00.000-08:00

Dropped off my Trunk Show today at Mary Lue's Yarn & Ewe in Mankato, MN. Quaint and lots of character. It's located in the old downtown of Mankato. Peggy (pictured here) has a great selection of yarn, buttons and closures. Some fabulous hand spun yarns from local spinners (I splurged on a skein). She also stocks a large amount of Needle felting supplies. If you live in the cities it makes a great day trip (I'm lobbying my knitt'n posse for a trip down when I pick up my trunk show). Not only do you get to visit a great yarn shop but, added bonus, you pass Emma Krumbees Bakery and Restaurant en route on 169 in Belle Plaine (MMMM!) You also pass through St. Peter where there is a woolen mill. I have never been there but their website says they give group tours if you call ahead, so you could really make a day of it!

Thanks to the Double Ewe

2008-11-13T23:17:00.000-08:00

Just picked up my trunk show from the Double Ewe. I managed to arrange my drop off and pick up times to coincide with open knitting so I got to visit with some of the DE gals. Had a great time (of course). Nobody's better than knitters at making people feel welcome. Thanks to Kelly for having me!

BOHO BANDANA

2008-11-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

The Boho Bandana uses chunky weight baby alpaca. The sample was made using Misti. Knits up in a couple of hours so would make a great christmas present. With 1 skein of main color and one skein of trim color you can make a couple of them.

NaySay Suri Scarf

2008-10-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

Here I go with the Frog Tree brushed suri again. It makes a lovely long scarf which are very in style this year. Knits up quick on 10.5 needles. Thanks to Tina (and her twin) for modeling for me!

Jingle Claus

2008-10-21T18:17:00.000-07:00

This musical ornament is made with Frog Tree sport weight alpaca. It is made to fit over a bell which is included in the kit along with the eyes.

Li'l Knit Box #9 Snowman

2008-10-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

OK, This is the cutest box pattern yet! The top hat version is made with my current favorite yarn, Frog Tree Brushed Suri. The other is made with Dalegarn Baby Ull. Kit includes 2 boxes and enough eyes and buttons for two.

Trunk show at Double Ewe Yarn Shop

2008-10-21T18:10:00.000-07:00

My show is currently at The Double Ewe yarn shop. It will be there for a few weeks if you want to check it out. Stayed and knit with the ladies at the Double Ewe after I dropped off my show and had a lovely time. They seem like a really tight knit (pun intended) bunch.

Upcoming Trunk Show

2008-09-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

My trunk show will be at Yarn Garage beginning Sept. 16. Check it out! If you've never been to Yarn Garage it's worth the trip. Steven has a very eclectic shop. I always tell people that at Yarn Garage you don't find it, it finds you.

Whispy Wristers

2008-09-09T06:00:00.001-07:00

These soft and feminine wristers are made with luxurious brushed suri by Frog Tree. They can be rolled down to cover your entire fingers and thumb for those colder days!

Sex in the Twin Cities Hat

2008-09-09T05:57:00.001-07:00

Fedora style hat. Uses a double strand of Sedona by Tahki which is a worsted weight 90/10 wool silk blend.

Hollywood Scarf

2008-09-09T05:54:00.000-07:00

Reminiscent of the old fox pelt stoles. The scarf uses Feeling by Schulana for the fur and either Lasetta by Lana Grossa or Pure Merino by Berroco for the base fiber.

Lukes Life

2008-08-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

Check out this blog http://krafttrek.us/luke/ A fellow knitter made a mouse from my Thora Lee pattern and has named him Luke and whisked him away on a world tour. You can see photos of him in all the various locations she's visiting. Way cute!

Stitches Midwest

2008-08-17T16:03:00.000-07:00

TRUE BLUE FIBER FRIENDS will be featuring my patterns at their booth at Stitches Midwest. They are at booth 826 so if you go look for them!

"LKB Series" Halloween Boxes

2008-08-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

This is the next in "My Li'l Knit Box" Series. They use sock weight yarn and are perfect for using up your scraps. The kit comes with the the two little wooden boxes. Great for a little gift or make your own collectibles!

#5 & 6 in "My Li'l Knit Box" Series

2008-07-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

Just out today! Hope you likey.

New "My Li'l Knit Box" Series

2008-06-18T17:54:00.001-07:00

HatBoxes 1 & 2
HatBoxes 3 & 4

These are the first in a series I am calling "My Li'l Knit Boxes". These are hatboxes and I have flower boxes and bug boxes to come. They were designed to showcase all of our beautiful sock yarn that noone ever gets to see inside our shoes. They use small amounts of sock weight yarn so they are perfect for that little bit of leftover we always have after finishing a pair of socks. Each kit has the pattern for two Li'l Knit Boxes and includes 2 wood boxes and 2 stickers to place on the inside lid to document the creator, yarn, date, and who the socks were made for. Create your own collectibles!

Next Trunk Show YARN HARBOR, DULUTH

2008-06-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

My next trunk show will be at Yarn Harbor in Duluth, MN. I'm excited to have an excuse to drive up there. I just love Duluth! My display will be there starting July 3rd.

2008-06-09T17:14:00.000-07:00

Picked up my trunk show from Zandy's. She had a ladies night out where she featured my Change your socks purse and is planning a class for my Radar cap. It was fun to get to meet Zandy and see her shop. Thanks for having me!

Next Trunk Show ZANDY'S

2008-05-06T00:10:00.000-07:00

I'll be heading to Zandy's in Burnsville on May 16th for another trunk show and will be there through the Memorial Day holiday. It will be the first trunk show with my new Change Your Socks Purse pattern and the Bear Binkie. Both have been very popular in the early going. If you'd like to see the knitted samples swing by Zandy's!

Change Your Socks Purse

2008-04-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

I saw these at a store made out of manufactured socks and decided they would be so cute made with hand knit socks that I had to make up my own pattern. It took me a couple of weeks to find a source for the purse frames but mission accomplished! Don't worry the pattern is going to include the frame.

BearBinkie

2008-04-28T06:51:00.001-07:00

So cute and snuggly! Bagy Afghan size but I've been kicking around making one in an adult size for myself!

Truffle the Chocolate Bunny

2008-04-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

The latest addition to the menagerie. He's a little late for Easter but keep him in mind for next year. Thanks to Patt for test knitting, and to my new friend Katie (Straying Power) who I met on Ravelry and is a fabulous tester. Lots of insightful input!

Hi Carla Jo!

2008-04-06T20:31:00.000-07:00

My dad says he's going to twist your arm until you look at my blog so I thought I could at least greet you. Don't let him give you any crap when he's there. And for sure don't play him at cribbage (he cheats!)

Welcome Three Kittens needle arts

2008-03-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

I had a lovely time yesterday meeting with the ladies at 3Kittens yarn shop. I am happy to add them to my list of shops where my patterns are available. If anyone hasn't been there for awhile you have to check it out (my samples will be there for a trunk show starting April 1). They've rearranged everything and it looks fabulous. They have a great selection of needles. Thank you to Cis and I hope you're feeling better.

"Elf Sock Yarn" A tragic tale with a happy ending

2008-03-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

At Christmas time this year there was an uproar at the north pole when the elves decided they wanted to knit socks instead of paint tires on the toy cars and trucks. Santa, in a fit of anger threw all the little skeins of elf sock yarn out into the snowbank. In an attempt to rescue the yarn, Sarah the sock sensei was called in and, along with her sidekick Thora lee, flew with all haste to the north pole and saved all the yarn before it was lost forever under the snow.

Sarah and Thora lee returned to the LYS where they were greeted as heroes. A meeting took place and it was decided that a contest would be held to test the design skills of the followers of the sensei by using the elves sock yarn to make socks (or an item of their choice). Tuesday was the grand culmination of all their labors. At the celebration a vote was taken (we are a democracy after all) and awards were given to the winners.
To reynee for "the best use of ugly"

To Kathy for "The best use of pattern"
To Patt for "The best non sock entry"
and to yours truly for the "Viewers choice" and "Best use of color" (Since I was the photographer you'll have to use your imagination here).

Awards were handed out by the Sensei with the assistance of her young apprentice, Helen.

After the ceremony the group made merry with a plethora of tasty treats supplied by all the loyal followers.
Elf sock cookies. Cute and oh so delicious!

Strawberry cake. The strawberries went on a little sliding expedition, but it tasted fabulous!
At the celebration it was announced that Mrs Claus in her anger was holding out on the nookie until Santa made ammends with the elves. Of course, he apologized to the poor, hurt elves and set up a sit and knit for the elves every tuesday afternoon. At the news a loud cheer went up at the celebration. And they all lived happily ever after.

All About Yarn Trunk Show

2008-02-03T23:17:00.001-08:00

Here are pics from my first trunk show at All About Yarn. It was really fun getting to meet people and get feed back on my patterns in person. Thanks to all my friends who came to support me. I love knitters!

RADAR CAP

2008-01-31T21:25:00.001-08:00

My version of the half pipe hat. I have to quit taking my pics in the middle of the night so I can find other models. Thank goodness for photoshop so I can scrape a few wrinkles off. Thanks to all my test knitters (Margaret, Mo, Patt, Helen, Deb)!

Le Peep!

2008-01-24T23:12:00.001-08:00

Here's my latest. LePeep. These are so cute and knit up in just a few hours.

Twisted Thoughts

2008-01-24T23:00:00.000-08:00

Someday I'd like to have a yarn named after me, and then I can design something really awesome with it and name the pattern CiD and then model it in a magazine. And the caption can read. CiD, wearing CiD, by CiD, with CiD. Is that confusing?

SLIP OF THE STICK- corrections to Cabbie Cap

2008-01-15T06:54:00.000-08:00

Corrections are for large size only: After round 23 you should have 168 sts instead of the 164 that the pattern states. Then on round 37, again for large size only, you should k19, k2tog around, instead of the 39 on the pattern.

All About Yarn

2008-01-08T07:08:00.000-08:00

I am happy to be adding All About Yarn to my list of stores. I will be having a trunk show at their store on February 2, from 11am to 1pm. I'd love to see you all there! Click on the link below to their website for directions.

Hooded Cowl

2008-01-03T09:28:00.001-08:00

I have finished the Hooded Cowl Pattern. I love it so much I made four of them for christmas presents! It keeps your neck warm like a scarf and you always have something handy to cover your head on the really cold days. And it doesn't give you hat head!

Purls of Wisdom

2007-12-20T23:54:00.000-08:00

Before kitchenering socks, don't forget to put on your helmet and goggles. After all, safety first!

Into the Fold

2007-12-14T07:33:00.000-08:00

This is my sons girlfriend, Suzy. I'm planning an evil takeover using yarn as my secret weapon. This is her latest project. Isn't it fabulous!

Purls of Wisdom

2007-12-06T23:23:00.001-08:00

Whenever possible, use knitting terms and abbreviations in regular conversation.

Purls of Wisdom

2007-12-06T01:13:00.000-08:00

Every time you're knitting and someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with that.

2007-11-20T20:08:00.000-08:00

Our little knitting community lost someone very special yesterday. Irene was a bright spirit in all of our lives and we will miss her more than can be said. I have decided to rename my angel pattern in dedication to her. She will be BellaIrene in loving memory of our most mischievous angel.

Rudy, Elfred, Angel

2007-11-18T01:39:00.000-08:00

Hello yarn enthusiasts, I have started a blog in response to multiple requests for information about my patterns. I haven't completely figured out this whole blog thing so be patient with me. This first post is basically a test but I am going to try to put up photos of my latest patterns because they are christmas patterns and time sensitive.