Hibernating…

from the cold but burning up the sewing machine.

  I started diving into the fabric stash.  I needed a pick-me-up and some instant gratification.  I started out making a table runner for Easter (now that we have a dining room table)…quick and easy way to decorate.  I got just a little carried away cutting the squares out. When I realized I had double what I needed,  I decided to make one for my Mother in law.  Her table seats 10 or 12 but when we get together once a month for family dinners, we also use 2 round  tables which each seat 8.  My husband is the eldest of 6 children.  We are a very prolific family so family gatherings resemble a clan gathering….3 generations totaling 20-30 people at a minimum.  

Anyway, back to table runners.  My MIL has 2 table runners.  One for Christmas which comes out in October or so, and is on her table long enough I don’t remember what the other looks like…but I’ve heard rumors it exists.  

So, here is her Easter/Spring Table Runner

The 2 smaller candle mats are for the round tables.

Sorry for these cell phone photos, it was a quick '”do you thing she’ll like it” pic for my SIL

Ours is also completed, I just realized I forgot to take a photo.

I decided since the dining room was covered in fabric I might as well keep going and cut out a baby quilt.  It’s made of half Hexi

This was my '’cheat sheet” photo on my phone. It sure came in handy when I was sewing those rows together.  It’s done except (you guessed it) waiting for borders and backing….

I finished cutting up those shirts and harvesting all the fabric for a log cabin quilt or split rail….I’d not decided which but thought the shirting called for an old pattern.  

Then I saw this one

Old Glory

She’s not done, needs her borders and backing which I’ll pick up today.

Since the shirting was still out ….

.

covering my dining room table I figured I’d see what else I could do with it and

Welcome to the Neighborhood

oops, I need to fix that ripple in the bottom row

is nearly done. I put it together today, the houses are 10 inch squares so it was pretty quick to piece. But that leaves me with another waiting for borders and backing.

  I need to total yardage I need for all those borders and backs & at 1 AM…my brain is not firing on all cylinders.

I’m crawling off to bed

PT in the morning and then the fabric store. 

I may even treat myself to lunch.

Technorati Tags: Katidids,sewing,quilting

Longies Stocking At Katidids

I’ve completed a few pair of longies

all range of sizes

A few Shorties

To get ahead for summer

Merino, BFL & Purewool, Trying to narrow down the stash

All are listed in the Etsy Shop &, I should have 2 pair of Large Boys done by the weekend & possibly a skirty if my hands hold out.

I didn’t think you could wear bamboo needles out but it seems I have! 2 more pair are on the way! A bit of dishcloth knitting that never made it to the shop, Rachel said she could “take care of these” for me when she visited before Christmas!

Lots to catch up on, but I think I’ll do that tomorrow!

Technorati Tags: knitting,etsy,katidids,longies,shorties

Let The Thaw Begin, with STK Longies!

I had a random skein of Plymouth Galway Chunky, it was one of those, ohhhh, I love those colors! Anyway its still pretty cold outside so this was my afternoon knit, STK Capri's for the Bumpette's summer wardrobe. Stash BUSTING!! The thaw has begun! I walked out to get the mail this afternoon and enjoyed some of God's art work! Beautiful, every thing looked as if it was encased in glass

The loud clunky cracking sound was wild. Think summer outside with ice cubes in your glass. That cracking sound? It was all around me, awesome.

The shaded areas will take a bit longer to thaw. It was one of those views you wish you could hold on to forever.....but have warmth!

Hope you find joy in your day!

2009 Goals!

This year I did not set any "New Year Resolutions" instead, I set some goals. Whats the difference? Well for me, a lot. I look at a resolution as a a concrete unchanging plan. And, when I fail to meet them I just feel awful! A goal is a set intention that is a "frame work" of intent. Resolutions are set in concrete, Goals in sand. I think as we work toward a goal our plans, wants, needs change. We grow and learn, priority's change so a "resolution" no longer fits, while, a goal can change and fit our growth & needs. I'm big on visuals so for me its the paths we choose .....in our lives, you have a planned path you want to follow but, along the way you may find it branches out to something even better & the original course no longer fits.


So, with this in mind, I've joined a few "stash Reduction" groups in Ravelry. One of them is 52 in 52. Easy to define, 52 FINISHED Projects in 52 weeks. I've added the count in my 09 completed projects bar. I'm not looking to eliminate my stash, just get it under control.
I need to see if I can find a meter to add, anyone have an idea where I can find one?

My goal is:
1. to have/average 2 UFO's in the stash basket completed a month.....until they are done. And, since I have reached S.A.B.L.E. (Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy)

2. I'm going to get my stash logged into Ravelry!! I'm about 1/4 of the way thru.

3. Reorganizing my queue of planned projects to set priorities. Gifts, wants & needs.

4. Knit from the Precious Shrine of Yarns (or my version of it)

5. Knit some for ME! ( I have yet to decide these items)

6. Learn at least new 1 thing a month, stitch, trick

7. Random acts of knitting kindness (RAK), I've been so blessed to have a stash, I need to share, I don't like to say "Charity Knitting" Lets say "Love Knitting." There are plenty of single Moms & families out there that could use a extra blanket, hat or sweater.

8. Contact the local women's half way house and see if anyone would like to learn to knit. Some times when life/bad decisions knock you down, any positive accomplishment can make a difference.

9. HONESTLY list all UFO's on the blog UFO bar

10. Figure out where I can find the progress bar "thingies" for my blog

I think its all "doable", stretching a bit for me but, doable. Any help or direction in finding the progress bars would be greatly appreciated!

Slacker Weekend, Free Baby Sweater Pattern

Its been one of those lazy laid back weekends. Erika & I spent the day running around in fabric stores looking for baby things. We found some really cute flannel, fleece and Minky for blankets. Its been a few years since I've sewn, and was very impressed and happy to see how the baby patterns improved! Now just to break out the sewing machines and serger and see if they still work!

On the knitting front, I've been slacking. Hopping from one project to the next with nothing completed. You know how you have those days where your mind just jumps from one thing to the next? I guess its a form of knitting A.D.D.!
Candi from Candi's Corner sent me a U Tube link, to teach me knitting the legs on 2 needles. I figured it out but, it will take some getting used to. At least I won't have to count the rows for each leg to ensure they are even!

And I cast on some Longies using some of my Cascade 220 stash. They will be cute but just wasn't quite what I was looking for so.....

I cast on a sweater for Baby Bump. With all the woolies I have been making, Erika asked for a machine washable sweater. I found a free pattern (I'm all about free) called "Simple Sweater" on The Complete Fabrication Blog. A sweet little sweater that will be great for a boy or girl. Since she wanted washable, I dug in my stash and decided to try out the new Vanna's choice. I've heard so many good things about it, & have a few skeins I'd picked up a few months ago.

This one is Seaspray Mist a fresh soft green. I just hope it turns out as good as its touted to be!

I just love stash knitting!

TreeHugger Shorties Completed at LAST

I LOVE these shorties. Sarah at Babylonglegs has some of the best colorways, her fibers are just so soft. I bought "Treehugger" last spring, and hated to use it. Just one of those you want to keep stashed and pet once in a while. I cast on the waist about 6 weeks ago & set it aside, I just did not want to knit this up, It's that soft!








These are Medium Shorties, I used Cascade 220 for the trim and finished in a seed stitch cuff. Wonderful for heavy wetters.
Be sure and check out her other colorways, I have a link to her website on the side bar. If your on Ravelry, look her up & say hi!






After looking at all the t-shirts and onsies again today, I decided I'd better get it in gear and start knitting for the new Grandbump. We're at the count down with 6 weeks to go, if Erika lasts that long! I played in the dye pots this weekend and came up with 2 colorways that will match ANY of the shirts made at the Baby Shower.
This one we call "Baby Bump."

Finally Longies for our own little Critter!

Butterfly Longies

The Butterfly longies are done. As much as I cant stand the finishing work I had to complete these. Once I started, I came up with about 30 different ideas for embellishment. The trouble was deciding which design I wanted! Of course I used the Sheepy Pants pattern size medium, using 100% merino wool.

A bit more stash busting!

On the way home from Indianapolis Thursday, Rachel called to tell me I left my 2nd knitting bag at her house. The bag that had my current project, the "High Meadow" longies. Shes putting them in the mail to me...........bummer.

Crazy for a Cozy Cowl Free Pattern

I've been trying to focus on winter knits, as the cold days will be here before we know it. I say that in 82% humidity and no rain in sight!

I love scarves of any kind. But there are times you just don’t want to fuss with one. Cowls are wonderful for warmth and so easy to use. No flying ends to tuck in, get caught in doors or sit on! You can smoosh down (yes, smoosh is a word and no I don’t care what Mr. Webster has to say about it!) or pull up & over your chin for those cold winter winds.

So, be it called neck warmer, neck gater, or cowl, they keep snow balls from going down your back!

Cozy Cowl is a pattern I have been thinking of since last winter. Made of 100% wool, chunky knit on size 9 needles. Cast on 25, knit pattern of your choice, to the length needed to fit over your head. Kitchner stitch together. Great stash buster for the one skein projects or, using leftover bits.

Test Knits and Wash Cloths

I know, I know, I’m stuck on dish & wash cloths but these have been so fun!
Some were test knits for Lisa Milan of DigKnitty designs.
So far I have all Grandsons & boy patterns are hard to find but, Lisa is LOADED with them. Well, She’s loaded with patterns to fit any taste!
Here are the newest that will be posted in my stores soon;

Scooter in Medium Blue
100% cotton
Red Dino, In the TUB?
100% Cotton



Olive Green Monster Truck to scrub away outdoor play!
100% Cotton


Yellow Go Cart, racing you to the tub!
100% Cotton



Set Sail in the bubbles!
Med Blue, 100% Cotton

Why do I love these was cloths so much? They are easy to launder, soft enough for babies & adults. You choose the color and pattern to meet your wants and needs! They also fill that instant gratification fix.
And every once in a while Lisa posts a free one!

What's on Your Needles?

What’s your knitting style?


I was recently in a conversation with a group of other knitters discussing various “working projects” we each had. I was amazed at the various styles & disciplines used.
Some prefer to actually start and complete 1 project at a time, others may have a few with various “finishing“ needed i.e.; seams sewn, buttons, ends woven in or blocked.

Others have up to 10-15 projects on the needles At any given time, gifts, long term projects, instant gratification project, those your not sure your going to like and are thinking of changing, projects for the long school practices or car pool lane, bus ride or car knitting (here’s hoping you’re the passenger but I have known a few……………)
I always have quite a few working. I get bored working on one and switch to another, I flip around and then have quite a few completed at once. I start on one hat and think of another color pattern and off I go hunting fiber and needles! Kind of a knitting Bright Shinny Object!

It got me to wondering how many I actually had so, here’s my list:
Lost in Music Shrug 1/3 completed
Chunky Beret 95% completed
Poppel Hat needs threads woven in
Baby Jumper- needs decorative needlework
Burgundy mitts- needs seamed and decorative needlework
Burgundy Beret, ½ completed just sitting there, as I’m not sure if I like the color work
Hood scarf combo- my design not sure I like it
3 Woodland Sprite hats- each ½ to ¾ competed, 1 week
Kimono Baby Jacket-waiting seamed 4 months
Baby Sweater, waiting button sewn on 2 months
5 Cowls need threads woven in 1-2 months
5pr Booties need sewn 1-2 months
Case in point needle case, ½ done
3 wash/spa cloths in various stages
2 pr Diaper Soakers just need draw string threaded 2 weeks
2 Gigunda Market bags 1/3 & ½ completed
That’s what I can see from where I sit. Wow! At least I can say its all knit from stash!
I’m not even opening my actual “project” tub!
What an eye opener, I do believe this is what they call Knitters A.D.D.
So, thats my almost list. what does yours look like? Are you a 1 & 2'r or do you have 5-15?
Let me hear from you!

And, the knitting language we have? Well! That’s a post all in itself!

Scrap Happy Stash Buster

A little weekend knitting

If you like knitting with cotton, you may like me may have tons of left over scrap in your stash. Not enough for a dish cloth, just a little of this and a little of that. What to do with all those partial balls? How about a Scrap Happy Stash Busting Market Bag. A bag for those quick trips when you only need a gallon of milk and leave with a bag full.( you know what I mean, Oh, I need pasta & cookies are on sale!) Inspired by the Malika Bag at Overbrewed Knits, I started playing with my scrap cotton. Not quite as deep, this one is 12 inches long and the front measures 11 inches wide. But, it stretches to 24 inches wide and 18 inches in length! Just enough for that $50.00 gallon of milk!

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY & GOING GREEN

We're "Going Green" one baby step at a time. We've been trying to reuse our plastic shopping bags, you know you have them too....... breeding in the closet. So, you have these "plastic" bags neatly folded in the back seat of your car....your ready for the next grocery trip...that's right were going to save a tree, stop global warming and bring peace on earth... and reuse the bags.
Then, you open your window...... Unrestrained grocery bags loose in a car become worse than a car full of balloons! They fly right in your face all plotting to cover the windshield. They plan it while waiting for us... in the hot car. I'm firmly convinced. Try and catch one as it flies past..grab it, slide it under one cheek, ( you know which cheek) slap at the next...just try and tuck it with the other....one ALWAYS gets away! You become the crazy lady waving her arms, trying to drive, shift & put the windows up all at the same time. They communicate ....I'm sure of it, one is always making a bid for freedom out the window, They need a warning label!
So, You make it to the store alive, grab all the bags & stuff them into one to carry, grab your coffee cup and..it spills into...the bags.
To heck with reusing the bags, I'm making some! Got home, logged on to Ravelry and found the "Malika Bag" pattern free! It's a sign! I read through the directions, quick & easy knit, O.K., I can save a tree, have a bag, and use some stash! We were on our way to the 4H auction and this was my sanity saver. I don't know about you but I can only take so many chickens, rabbits, cows & sheep ........after a while they all blend together! Anyway, my quick read of the pattern was to quick, Of course I forgot to take the pattern! The original bag has a spiral design and is wider. But, I LOVE my "Almost Malika Bag" It's unbelievable the amount of things that will fit into it. The second I lengthened the body and handles a few inches. I believe I know a few people who are still fighting the plotting plastic bags...Guess what they will receive this Christmas

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY& Having Fun going GREEN with a Free Pattern

I don’t like doing things that don’t stay done. Like dusting, vacuming, dishes (at one time I had 4 dishwashers, but they all grew up!) Nor do I like to constantly replace things we use daily. Have you ever noticed that when purchasing towels, you pay only $1.00 less for the hand towel? Really, who pays $3.00 for a wash/face cloth? I don’t mind paying for good towels, but $3.00-$4.00 for a washcloth that you get dirty? Make-up kid dirt...so, what’s the alternative?

How about making your own?

There are literally hundreds of patterns for knit and crochet wash/dish cloths. Simple patterns to intricate designs, and anything in between. The cotton is wonderful to bathe with, as the stitch patterns become an exfoliant or, more of a spa cloth. Soft enough for a baby but durable enough to scrub away the remnants of a child’s summer fun! They soften with age and just last forever! Converting my husband to these was not a concern but I thought, why not have fun with it. I was seeing lots of cutesy patterns, but not many “guy-ish”.
That is until I found the designer Lisa Milan.

Think of a sport or activity, racing to soccer she has a design. How about a Dump truck, school bus or airplane for the little guys? Gardening, to flip-flops, rubber ducky to teddy bears. Want to give the moon and the stars? Lisa has a pattern.
Handmade dishcloths last forever. The cotton believe it or not rarely stains. For extra scrub ability (is that a word?) you can use your acrylic scraps. There are nearly 350 patterns to choose from. All are accessible on her website digknittydesigns.blogspot.com. or Ravelry. Some are even free so, you have the chance to try them. Try it you’ll like it! Lisa sells her patterns for a mere $2.00 each. Purchase 5 and you get a free one!

Once or twice a month she runs specials where you buy 3 get 1 free. Every month she hosts a KAL with a new pattern in her Yahoo Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/digknittydesignsdishcloths/join.
I’ve only “known” Lisa for a few months but she has been wonderful concerning special requests for pattern designs. We belong to a camping group called “the Pampered Campers” & I wanted to give some dish cloths as gifts. Not a problem. Rocking horse had it within a day. The same cost, $2.00. She is always open to suggestions for new designs.
O.K., if you have over 300 fun design options and, it runs about .75 cents to make a face/dish cloth…why would I pay the extra for a dinky wash cloth everyone else has? Oh, Be sure and check out her holiday patterns! These make wonderful gifts and great stash busters.

Lisa has offered this Recycle pattern for FREE

Got Needles?

April showers bring May flower’s but what a way to start June. Nasty tornado went through Indianapolis this past week. My middle daughter Rachel lives there so we quickly gave her a call. They were very lucky. The storm went just north of the new house they just had built. The apartment complex they moved out of was damaged and, the complex next to it was almost destroyed. That is their 2nd close call. They lived in Evansville 3 years ago when the tornado did so much damage there! It hit a mile from their apartment and less than that from the hospital where my new grandson was in the NICU. The photo from hospital security was terrifying.
I’m beginning to think she is a storm magnate!


Reaching my May goals went out the window this weekend. Our local Coast to Coast Hardware & Ben Franklin closed. This past Saturday the contents were auctioned. Guess who scored BIG! (I went with my father -in-law, so I can blame it all on him.) I needed a few needles…..I got them………Just a few.

The entire rack!

This is just some I have sorted!

Circulars, straights& DPN’s. Boye & Susan Bates.

I prefer my Addi’s but I can suffer with these!

Need any yarn? I needed 3 colors for a few projects. I was able to purchase 2 entire sections of yarn. It filled about 5 ft of a refrigerator box. I pulled out what I wanted and have listed the rest in my Etsy store. I have been listing for 2 days and have more to go.

So much for knitting the stash down. Can you tell how much it bothers me? HA HA HA!
If you want a great deal on needles or Acrylic’s you should check it out!

I think I need a Wife!

I think I need a wife! Someone to keep me organized. My Dust Bunnies & laundry are taking over. Plants and flower’s need planted and re potted. I’ve been ignoring my house to knit, I don’t think its ever been this messy, even when all my kids were still at home.

I have been digging thru my stash and its now spread all over the house.

My goal this month has been to have all working projects completed. I’m making progress but running out of time.

There are 4 sweaters waiting for buttons, 2 jumper or sundresses still waiting on embroidery or buttons. I hate sewing on buttons, they have been sitting there for over a week . Today I will bite the bullet and get them done…..maybe.

Friends don’t let friends knit Drunk

I was cruising right along the other night on a baby jumper. Fun simple knit, using Cascade 220. I had just joined the bodice and started the skirt. On the home stretch…just finish the a-line skirt add a bit of embroidery and done right?
My good friend Johanna popped in for a bit. You know the kind of friend your closer to than family. You can say any thing to and she’ll throw your words back at you when necessary? Well, she’d been out for sushi and brought some Japanese Plum wine for me to try. I’m not a big drinker, one glass of (insert beverage) and I get a bit loopy. We each poured a glass, and it was WONDERFUL! Chatting, knitting, sipping. I was on a roll, that skirt went up so fast! After a bit Jo left, I threw the (empty) bottle away and decided to cast off in the morning.

It was the most wonky thing ever! My A-line skirt was straight on one side with a large bubble hump on the other! I frogged the evidence. This is what’s left after a great bottle of wine and fun evening knitting. I laughed so hard, and was thankful no one was home to see it. The next time Johanna brings Plum wine I'll put training wheels on her Motorcycle.

Think I’ll pour a cup of COFFEE and finish it today.

Devils in the details & the Finishing

I hate finishing things. I’ll do the big project, sew the gown, knit the sweater…..I just don’t want to hem or sew the buttons on! It’s a bit of a joke in my family. One year I bought my husband 2-3 pair of nice slacks for Christmas, for his birthday in August I hemmed them. Get the idea? My May goal is to complete any and all working projects.
My husband is still laughing. So far going thru baskets and bins I have found, (read to the tune of 12 Days of Christmas) 4 pairs of Booties , 2 block baby sweaters, 4 pair of mitts & a kimono jacket waiting to be seamed. 3 hats waiting pom poms or trim, Mossy Jacket needing front bands, 5 cell phone cozies (made last fall) & my Mini pini needing buttons (just set there for the photo). What do you think, should I add the buttons on the bottom? That’s it so far but, I have 3 more bins to go.

You've got Mail!

Don't ya just love those men in brown? They bring the best packages! This is my great buy on e-bay......no more than $7.50 each! Debbie Bliss: Simply Baby, & Baby Knits: Erika knight simple knits for cherished babies; Jil Eaton, Simple Chic & Minnies!!!! YES!!! (Stomping my feet and doing the dance, you know the one)
I was looking for "Minnies" By Jil Eaton to make "mini pini". The others....well you know its like potato chips, you can't have just one! So, course to celebrate I HAD to go to Grinny Possum & visit Anne. I picked up Cascade 220 in Flamingo for the main body, and Highland Green for the bodice and bottom. Daisy shaped buttons in the same Flamingo. It’s on the needles now so if you know of any pattern issues please let me know. Yes once it came in my home it became STASH!

Score at the Local Yarn Store!

Drooling at Grinny Possum
See what I came home with? I’m working on f.peas “Mossy Jacket”, made with Classic Elite’s Renaissance in wine. It’s an easy pattern and knitting up quickly, the borders are left, I hate the finishing work! I hadn't used the Renaissance before but I sure will again. I had chosen the blue to be borders but changed my mind. (Once you bring your purchase home it becomes stash),,,,,Right?!?!?!?

Have I mentioned my local yarn store? Walking into Ann’s is like going home. Very welcoming and warm (only there is no dirty dishes and you don’t have to dust!) Ann is just super, never pushy and great about showing all options of fibers and price range. I won’t mention the countless times she’s helped explain a project, or teach new stitches. She’s always encouraging and supportive of the craft be it, knitting, spinning or weaving. Pull up a chair, pour a cup of coffee, pull out your knitting and get to it. She’ll even provide a tissue for your drool when fondling her yarn! I haven’t had the chance to take any of her many classes but……I love reading other knitters blogs and it really saddens me to I hear horror stories of their visits to local yarn stores. Call me, I’ll take you to Ann at the Grinny Possum!

Earning my Stash

I want to play with my new "toys" so I've been a bit busy knitting the stash.

Last year a camping friend Ellen tried to talk me into knitting wash/dish cloths. I wanted to knit hats. I kept thinking about the cloths while I knit my hats. I started seeing these cloths everywhere or, patterns that would be cute as wash cloths. Checking out Ravelry, (it will be all caps pretty soon) I saw a few patterns by Lisa Millan of DigKnitty Designs. I am so hooked! Look at this, a Dragonfly, A tent & fire, and a camper!! Of all things in our line of work to not have a photo of right? I think I have about 20 of her patterns now so, you'll be seeing them here! A Spa set of a basket weave cloth and soap bag were next.