Christmas Knitting Update

Hello!!

Happy New Year's Eve!!! So, I thought I'd write a quick post about all of the handmade presents I made this year. Olivia lucked out with the most "stuff". She seemed to really like her American Girl sweaters, and she loved the hat that I made. I held up the legwarmer I made to her crazy long legs, and I was right...WAY too short!! Thankfully I went with my gut and didn't finish the second one!!

I gave my Mom her angel, even though I never got a chance to make it stand up...she liked it just the same, and might get out the fabric stiffener on her own.

I think that's it for gifts I made. I had a lot more planned out, but they never happened...oh well. I did manage to start a new sweater while I was in New England. Our friend's little guy is turning one in a week or so, so I thought he needed a sweater to keep him warm this winter. It is coming along nicely, and I am hoping to have it done and some photos taken shortly.

As for new projects on the horizon, I have another WCOBBS blanket headed my way. I started Pooh Bear and Friends back in July, and I'll be finishing him up as well. I also found out that Craig's cousin is expecting a little girl in March, so I figure I should make something to send to Boston. I was going to make another blanket like my Willoughby, but when I looked at their registry, I noticed that they had chosen pink and green as the nursery colors...hmmm...now I'm tempted to finish up The Floridian instead.

I also got lots of knitting related stuff for Christmas!!! I couldn't resist and I bought myself a teddy bear pattern book called, The Best Dressed Knitted Bears, by Emma King. The bears were too cute to pass up!!! Then, the hubby bought me all three Susan B. Anderson books!!!! I'm super psyched!!!! Finally, my In-laws spoiled me with an electric ball winder!!! I would have been thrilled with a hand crank one, but this thing is slick!!! I had to mail it to myself since it didn't fit in the luggage with all of our other new items, so I am chomping at the bit until it gets here! There's hope that my stash will some day be organized!!!! WooHoo!!!!

Well, I better end this post...the Diva is napping, the food is all cooked for our New Years Eve party at a friend's house, and I have a sweater that needs finishing...oh yeah, and I need to jump in the shower!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, and that 2010 brings you good times, great health, and lots of fibery goodness!!!

Blessings!

Sharon

Chicken talk and holiday knitting

Hello Everyone!!!

So, I'm a knitting chicken...there, I said it! Not a cute knit chicken, like these, but a chicken when it comes to trying new things! The idea of knitting socks fascinates and thrills me, but the idea of going round and round on dpns bores me!! I know, I tried...needless to say, Olivia's legwarmers are not going to be done by Christmas!!

Knitting toys was a new challenge for me, since I had a fear of dpns. However, seeing the joy on the recipient's face when you give them a new handmade toy, made it worth it!

So, I decided to tackle yet another fear...mittens! We bought a pair of mittens for Hannah a few months ago at The Bay. They are super warm, but they don't fit her!! They have a draw string, which I thought would make them easier to put on, but they still fall off...her hands are just too small. So, I hunted down mitten patterns and found this one. I LOVE the way the pattern is written out...it is so user-friendly!!! I also appreciate the fact that they make it really easy to shorten the mittens for a custom fit!!!

So, I got out Nana's old dpns and cast on. I bought some UBER-soft wool at Walmart recently, and thought it would be perfect for mittens. Yeah, I know, 100% wool...hand wash only...not very child-friendly, but I don't have to wash Hannah's mittens very often, so I'm not too concerned.

After approx 24 hours of non-constant knitting, I present...

Hannah's Hand and Heart Warmers!!!

I am quite pleased with how they turned out. There are a few mistakes in them, but nothing that is noticeable or worth frogging for. I am so excited that I got over my fear!! Hmmm...what will be next? Socks, an adult sweater...*gasp* crochet??? We'll see. I have a few unfinished projects that need some post-holiday TLC first...oh yeah, and a few unfinished projects that are still supposed to be done pre-holidays!! Yikes!!!

Here are a few of the other projects I have been working on...

First up... another American Girl sweater. This one is a wrap kimono style sweater. It took a day or so to do, and is so cute!!! It has a nice eyelet detail in the front, and buttons along the bottom. I really like the way this turned out!!! WooHoo...another Christmas gift done!!!

I also decided to make myself a hat. I wish Hannah's would fit me, since she won't wear it, but its a no go. So, I found a similar adult pattern and got knitting. It didn't take me long to finish, but once I put it on...it looked AWFUL!!! My hair is too short and too close in color to the cream...so this one is destined for someones Christmas stocking too. Dang!

And finally, here is the sweater I started for Hannah when she was in the hospital recently. I don't have much done, as I am not in any hurry to finish it. I'm making it big and in spring weight, so there's no rush. It can wait until after Christmas to be finished. It is the same pattern as Hannah's Raspberry Tart, just in one size larger and with cotton-ease instead of bulky yarn.

So, that's what I have been up to. I still have to finish (err...start) a few gifts and then make a sweater for our friend's baby's first birthday. I figure I'll tackle that one when we're home for Christmas. I'll need something to keep me occupied and out of trouble!!!

If I don't write again before we head out of the country...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Cheers!

Sharon

Me and my bright ideas

Hello All!!!

Happy December!!!

Sorry I haven't posted much lately. Life has been a bit crazy around here. Last week the hubby was out of town and I had a friend visiting, and this past week we were in the hospital with the little one. I did manage to start a sweater for her, and I promise that once I get a bit more into it, I will post photos.

Today I am writing about a new idea I had when Hannah was in the hospital. I know that many of my readers are fellow charity crafters, so I thought you'd be a good group to run this by. Please just virtually promise me that you won't run off with my idea and claim it as your own!!

So, with that said, while Hannah was in the hospital, she was miserable in hospital jammies. She begged to wear her own, but couldn't because she was hooked up to several monitors, IVs, BP cuffs, etc. When she was a baby, this was easily fixed by putting her in snap up jammies...the wires, etc could sneak out between the snaps. Unfortunately, this isn't so simple for an older child. So, she had to wear that nasty blue-green hospital gown that rode up every time she rolled over. So, while trying to calm her down, I wondered how I could modify regular jammies so they were more hospital friendly. The next time Hannah goes in, she'll be there for more than a week...and I don't feel like fighting the jammie battle with her again.

What I came up with was to make things like pants that are made of two separate pieces of fabric and then held together with snap tape. I also found a software company, Wild Ginger, who offers a free computer program that creates custom hospital clothing in all sizes!! How wonderful would it be for a child who has to be in the hospital long term to be able to wear comfy jammies in fun fabrics that don't get all bunched up when you move around?!?!

So, I am asking for opinions...do you all think this is a good idea?? I haven't approached any hospitals, etc about it yet, as I still need to make some test pieces. I am just hoping for some honest opinions as to whether or not you all feel this is a good idea or a silly one. Either way, I plan to make some clothes for Hannah's next stay...I am just hoping that maybe I can help some other little people get more comfy too.

Please feel free to post your comments...I look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions!!!

Cheers!

Sharon

Buttons...Buttons...Everywhere!

So, I was going to post this entry on my family blog, but since this one is called "Nana's Button Jar", I felt compelled to post it here instead!

Hannah and I decided to make some ornaments for the Christmas tree she keeps bugging me about! I saw this tutorial on Martha Stewart's website, and I figured we'd give it a try. Goodness knows we have enough buttons around here!

Hannah got so into the project! I was only going to post a few photos, but after looking through the ones I took, I couldn't decide which ones to post...she was so deep in thought...

And here are our finished ornaments...we decided to expand on the wreath and also do a snowman and tree.

...and the mess...ahhh...the mess...

It was worth it...don't you think???

Cheers!

Sharon

Hannah's Holiday Hat

Happy Wednesday!!!

Well, another project is done!! This one is for Hannah. I saw this pattern on Ravelry a while back, and I loved it. Too bad I couldn't find the book that it is in at my local Chapters/Indigo. So, how excited was I when the designer, Hadley Fierlinger, posted a free version for a larger hat on her blog!!! (and can I just say that her model is UBER-cute?!?!)

Since I wanted this hat to go with one of Hannah's Christmas dresses, I had to make some mods on the free pattern. I really wish I could have ordered her book and made the original in Hannah's size, but I really don't think I'd have enough time to get it done before Christmas.

So, I went down a needle size and that did the trick! It fits Hannah perfectly!! I used some Patons Classic Wool that I had in my stash, and it took less than a ball to make. The pattern calls for an I-cord cord to go through the eyelets, but I think I am gong to hunt down some velvet ribbon to make it more dressy.

All in all, this project took me three days of on and off knitting. It was super easy and super fast...or in other words, my perfect project!!! I have a feeling that I may be making a few more of these in the future!!!

Hannah refused to model it for me, so I had to "borrow" Corduroy to do the deed. He doesn't talk back, so he's the perfect model for me!!

Hopefully the Diva will come back to Earth and let me take some photos of her wearing it...if not, I'll try to snag a few at Christmas (when she isn't looking!!!)

If you're looking for a fun Christmas gift for a little girl, I highly recommend this pattern. Oh, and one more thing, it is worked up flat and seamed, so you don't have to wrestle with dpns!!!

Happy Knitting Everyone!!!

Cheers!

Sharon

Crazy Quilt

Happy Saturday!!!

I wanted to introduce you all to my 7th WCOBBS blanket!!! This one I have named Crazy Quilt. We wanted to sneak one more blanket into the Christmas delivery, so it was decided to do a Fast-track blanket. So, for this one, all of the knitters have one week to finish their section instead of two weeks. I got the needles on Thursday night, cast on when I got home from coffee with my knitting buddies, and I finished last night...24 hours...not bad. I stuck with a basic garter stitch pattern for the sake of getting it done quickly. This blanket doesn't have a stitch or color theme, so I am curious to see how she turns out!!!

You'll also notice that I changed my blog layout...again. I needed something more wintry, and I fell in love with the coziness of this layout! There's nothing better than curling up with a mug of hot chocolate or coffee and knitting the day away!! At the top, you will find some links that I have added...I still have some more work to do, so bear with me!!

Well, I'm off to work on Liv's Legwarmers a bit more. This project is so BORING!!! Round and round...round and round...it feels like they're never going to end!!!

Have a great weekend!!

Cheers!

Sharon

BeeBee the Turkey

Happy Monday Everyone!!

This past weekend, I stayed busy making Hannah a new fall toy. Susan Anderson had an awesome Knitalong (KAL) on the Spud and Chloe blog, and I had to take part!!! For those of you who have never done a KAL, here's how it works. You get pieces of the pattern and you knit as they are given to you. In this case, it was a mystery KAL, so when you cast on, you didn't know what you were making. As the pieces of the pattern are released, you slowly figure out what the finished item was. I love Susan's patterns, so I was looking forward to the surprise!!! I started a day or two late, so I had an idea of what the finished toy would be, but it was still so much fun.

So, I introduce to you...

BeeBee the Turkey!!!

(Named by Miss Hannah)

While making BeeBee, I realized that I am much better at making toy pieces than putting them together. Don't get me wrong, I can hold my own when it comes to seaming, but for some reason, my placement is never spot on. Oh well...I think that is one of those skills that comes with practice!!! I love making toys, and I can't wait to do some more.

Well, I'm off to work on some more Christmas gifts. I have one of Liv's Legwarmers done, and I need to cast on for #2. I also have a scarf to work on, some more AG clothes...ahhh...the list never ends!!!

Cheers!

Sharon

Christmas Knitting...and Other Stuff

**

I want to warn you before you read this post that it contains Christmas gifts in it...if your name is Olivia, please STOP READING!!! So far, you're the only one I've started knitting for!!!

**

So, I wanted to start off with some non-Christmas knitting, just in case my niece Olivia happens upon this post...I don't think she knows about my knitting blog, so I should be in the clear.

A little while back, I mentioned that I had started a new OBB...well, here it is. The blanket is called, “Ilanaaq”, which is the Inuktitut word for “friend”. It is also the name of the logo for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The whole thing will be done in the logo colors and in garter stitch. It is already with the third knitter...pretty cool, huh??

Next up...Hannah's Miffy. Hannah and I were browsing through patterns on Ravelry, and we stumbled upon one for a Miffy doll. She really liked it, and asked me to make her one. So, off to Michaels we went to buy some white and blue yarn. I am not 100% happy with how it is going so far. The increases say to be M1, but I think if I had kfb, I'd be in better shape. The M1s are leaving little holes, and I'm not thrilled about them. I'm not going to frog what I have done, but I will make a note on the pattern for the next time I make this one...since I am sure that Hannah will request another. I also plan to make the dress with snaps, so I can make several different colored ones.

So, this is Miffy's head. I am in the process of doing the decreases and then I have to split out the ears.

**

Okay Olivia, if you've read this far...STOP NOW!!!!

**

So, now for some Christmas knitting updates. I asked my sister-in-law, Eva, if the kids had any requests, and she informed me that leg warmers are popular back home. Okay, I can handle round after round of stockinette...but then she threw me a curve ball when I asked what color Oliva is currently fond of (it has always been purple in the past, so that's what I was expecting to hear). Nope...not purple...ORANGE!!! Yikes!!! I am not a huge fan of orange, and it isn't a real easy color to find...unless of course you count the scratchy stuff at Michaels which is perfect for little pumpkins...not so much for leg warmers.

Well, I lucked out and found some multi-colored yarn that had orange in it...and purple. So far, I am liking the striping effect, and I think the colors will appeal to an 11 (almost 12 year old) girl.

Sorry that the photo is sideways...I have no clue why this happened!!!

I still have a LONG way to go, since this is only the first one, but I figure that I'll work on them for a bit and then move on to something else...then come back to them. I am also thinking about getting another pair of dpns for this project...the ones I have are not liking the yarn. I think I need something a bit sharper at the ends.

Here is my first finished Christmas gift. Olivia collects American Girl dolls, so I thought I'd make her some clothes for them. I started off with a basic cape. I still need to find a clasp for the front, since I don't care for the I-cord look as much.

Here it is...modeled by my Kirsten doll.

It is just basic stockinette with simple increases...then you pick up stitches around the neck for the hood.

My only real mod to this pattern is that I didn't do a 3-needle bind-off on the hood. Instead I seamed it up. I really don't mind seaming, so I was happy when the directions said you could do either!!!

Not bad...if I do say so myself!!!

So, that's what I have been up to. I have lots more AG clothes to make, a scarf/hat set for one of my nephews, and who knows what else. I'll keep you posted as I move through my "To Do" list!!

Cheers!

Sharon

Yeah, I'm still here...

Hello!

I just wanted to let you all know that I am still alive! I have a few things on the needles right now, but nothing that I am overly excited about. So, needless to say, I have no new projects to show off...sorry!!!

In the meantime, feel free to head over to my family blog, http://cshgiles.blogspot.com/ to keep up to date on what I am up to.

Cheers!
Sharon

Ugh!

Typically I post when I have some new project to show off...this time you're stuck with me venting about how my Knitting Mo-Jo...Mo-Went! I have started several projects since my baby knits extravaganza, but none of them were working out. I made a hat for Hannah...and it was too small...I tried another one and it was too big...man, I am starting to feel like Goldilocks! I even tried knitting with Alice, my Alpaca yarn (named by my buddy Cara), and even that wasn't talking to me.

I did manage to start another OBB...this one is Olympics themed...photos to come. I honestly haven't taken any of it yet. I finished it in only a few days, but it has taken me 2 weeks to get up the umph to mail it out. That and I have been killing myself trying to find the perfect notebook to mail along with it. Argh! I need out of this rut and fast!!!!

So, I'm off to look for another pattern to try...hopefully to also finish! I bought some orange and green yarn at Michael's yesterday...maybe some pumpkin hats?? We'll see...

Thanks for sticking with me through the dry spells!!!

Cheers!
Sharon

Baby Goodies!!!

Meet Baxter...he's a friend of Burke Bunny. Baxter was my second go-around with the Susan Anderson Rabbit pattern. I made him as part of a baby shower gift for my friend Cara. I am so excited that her shower was this past weekend, since I have been chomping at the bit to post these photos...both on here and on Ravelry!!!

Hannah is as in love, if not more, with these bunnies as I am, so she has requested a purple one. I have the yarn already, but I think I am going to take a bit of a crafting break for a little while...keep reading and you'll see why!!

Also included in Cara's gift basket

was this little guy. I've named him Little Boy Blue, and he was created using the Presto Chango pattern.

I modified the pattern a bit, since the original had a lace pattern worked into the front panel. I thought it looked a bit to girly, so I stuck with a simple stockinette stitch one instead. I also added a little bear button to dress it up a bit.




This pattern is really cool because you can make multiple front panels for the same sweater. The entire thing unbuttons for easy clean-ups and changes. Pretty cool, huh?? Another bonus is that the entire thing (minus the panel) is made of one piece, so aside from some seaming (which I really don't mind doing), it takes no time at all to work up.

To go along with the sweater, I made a hat and a pair of booties. I am really happy with how everything turned out!!! Now I have to sit back and keep my fingers crossed that everything fits!!!

I wanted to dress up the gift tag a bit, so I personalized it and added some extra buttons and yarn. You never know when one might pop off!!!

So, I know that this is more of a knitting blog, but I made some sewn items for the basket and I didn't want to leave them out. I created this little tag-quilt out of some dog fabric I've had sitting around for a bit.

My finish work is far from professional, but I don't think it looks too bad!!!

And to match the mini-quilt, I made these three blocks. One has crinkle paper inside, one has bells, and the other makes a rattle noise. They were super easy to make and lots of fun!!!

Here's an artsy-fartsy photo of the finished basket!!

Last, but not least, here's the basket I made up from Hannah. None of it was handmade, but I thought it looked cute, so I wanted to include it.

So, that's it. Cara is really into handmade/recycled items, so I was pretty thrilled that my entire gift was handmade.

I was about to say that I am off to relax while Hannah is napping, but I realized that I have a knitting group on Wednesday and I have nothing on the needles...dang! I almost got away with having a craft-break. Oh well!!!

Have a great week everyone!!!

Cheers!
Sharon

Meet Burke...the Bunny (and some other odds and ends)

Meet Burke the Bunny. I am so proud of this latest project!!! The pattern is Rabbit by Susan B. Anderson. I was a bit hesitant to try my hand at this little guy, since it involved so many increases and decreases, etc. I still consider myself to be a scarf/blanket aka square edges kind of girl. This also involved double pointed needles for the entire project, and if you know me, you know at I think that double pointed needles were invented by the devil!!! After Burke, I am starting to rethink this theory.

His body is knit up in one big piece...a round ball actually. Susan suggests stuffing the body with a tennis ball, though I decided to stick with good old Fiberfill. Then, the legs and arms are knit on their own and stitched on, and the head and ears are all one piece. I had a few "booboos" along the way, but thankfully I figured out my mistakes and was able to trudge on.

The entire project took me 2 days to do, so needless to say, there will be many more "Rabbits" in my future. I may even pick up some green yarn and take a stab a Rabbit's best friend, "Ribbit".

Along with Burke, I knit up some booties and mittens for a friend's baby that is due next month. These will be shipped off to VT along with my Willoughby blanket.

Well, I'm off to work on a baby bib that I started for one of Craig's co-workers. It will be gifted along with Burke. Then perhaps I'll start another bunny...we'll see.

Cheers!
Sharon

And yet another...this one with a past

When you grow up in a craft family, there are
always stories surrounding crafts from the past. In my family, one of these such crafts would be my Memere's Pee-Shoes. I don't really know how to spell the name, so this is how they were pronounced.

It seemed like every time we visited my Grandparents and Great-Grandparents, we came home with piles of slippers (Pee-shoes), made by my Great-Grandmother. As kids, you never appreciate the thought and time that goes into making such things. Instead, we used to giggle at the funky color combinations that Memere would use...she may not have used the term "Stash-Busting", but surely, that's what she was doing. The photo above shows two pairs of Memere's Pee-shoes. I found them when I was cleaning out some of my things several years ago, and now I wouldn't part with them! I wear them often, and have even brought them with me on holiday to Florida, and to family functions. They are the best!!!

I had studied my slippers night after night, trying to decipher the simple construction, so I could make a pair of my own. No luck. I can follow a pattern, but designer I am not. So, imagine my surprise when I was bumming around on Ravelry and I found the pattern!! A woman found the pattern in an old pattern book from the 1940's. She also had these made for her as a child and decided to share the pattern. I am so happy that she did!!!

I printed the pattern out about a week ago and have been staring at it on the end table since. I was almost afraid to attempt it. Was it hard? No. Did I have yarn to make it? Yes. I don't know what it was...fear of messing up...fear that they wouldn't look the same? I don't know...I just had some kind of phobia about making these slippers!! Argh!!!

Then yesterday, the weirdest thing happened. I bit the bullet and decided to give it a go. Mid-way through slipper #1, I got up from my chair and went to get the mail. When I came back, one of my needles was missing. In a house with a two-year old and a cat who loves to drag my projects around the house, this shouldn't have surprised me. The only problem was that both usual suspects were sitting in the exact same spots as they were when I went outside! Where did my needle go?

Craig came home shortly after the disappearance and he and I tore apart the living room. We both took the chair apart that I had been sitting in and no luck. I was getting really discouraged and told him that apparently it was a sign that I shouldn't be messing with history. These slippers were meant to be a part of my childhood and that was that.

I decided to give the chair one more once-over. I stuck my hand deep into the lining...where I know I had already looked, and I pulled out not only my needle, but a piece of newspaper. You see, the chair I had been sitting in had once belonged to my in-laws. They had it at their house in Florida and decided that they didn't want it anymore. While it was there, Craig's Grandmother (who passed away several years ago) often sat in the chair while watching TV...or the pool boy (that's another story for another post!).

When we unfolded the paper, we saw that it was a crossword puzzle...done by Grammie, Craig's Grandmother. I honestly have no idea how it was still there!!! This chair had been to Maine and then to two houses here in Calgary...lots of moving around, yet no one ever found it!!

After Craig and I both got teary eyed for a moment, we laughed and I came to the conclusion that Grammie Sullivan was trying to tell me something. She was also a crafter, and made many items for the family. Hannah now wears the sweaters that she made for Craig as a child!!

So, long story short, I got back to knitting my Pee-shoes. I finished one last night, and I hope to finish the other today. I made them in a child's size since I wasn't sure if I had enough yarn to do an adult pair. I plan on donating them to the shelter...so some other child can get a kick out of the funky color combination on these super-warm slippers!!

I'll give more detailed info in another post when I finish the pair...but in the meantime, here is the link to the Ravelry pattern. (Aunt Maggie's Slippers)
Not a member of Ravelry?? You should be!!! If it weren't for that site, I wouldn't have found this link to my past...as well as most of the patterns I've made and talked about here on my blog!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!!! And hopefully I'll be posting soon with a finished pair of Pee-shoes!!!

Cheers!
Sharon

They're just flying off the needles!

Well, it's hard to believe, but I have another finished
project to show off!! Can you believe that I have always been known as the one who NEVER finishes anything???

My latest project is a super warm winter hat...I've named it The Berry Warm Winter Hat. Can you tell that Hannah and I have been playing a lot of Strawberry Shortcake lately? First we named her sweater Raspberry Tart and now this!!

I made it in a child size...not sure exactly what size, but it stretches quite a bit. I am planning on donating it to the Inn From the Cold. Some of the women who have recently joined the WCOBBS group have started collecting items for this local shelter.

Since I always have itchy fingers, I figured I would whip up a few things for them. I am also going to donate the winter hat I made last year. I never wore it, and I decided that I have too many hats as it is. So, it is off to someone who can use it more.

if you live in the Greater-Calgary Area and want to donate items...all of the yarn shops here in the city are collecting donations. Pretty cool, huh??


I think I might make a few neckwarmers and maybe a few more hats. We'll see...but I'll be sure to post any creations on here!!

Cheers!
Sharon

The Mini-Man Vest

Here's my latest project...The Mini-Man Vest. I started it on Friday night and finished it up this morning (minus the buttons and blocking). I am torn on this one. It is really cute, but some of my finishing isn't 100% up to par. I made it in a 18-24 month size. The original used a much smaller needle size and thinner yarn. I went with a size 8 needle and a bulky yarn. I had hoped to make it a 12 month size or so, but it almost fits Hannah. Oh well...if I decide to give it to the person I'm thinking about, the little guy will have to grow into it.

Anyway, here's the info:

Pebble (Henry's Manly Cobblestone-Inspired Baby Vest)

Made with Size 8 needles and Bernat Softee Chunky Solids & Marls

Approx Size: 18-24 months

Up next, possibly some more baby items...then some warm stuff for a local shelter.

Cheers!

Sharon

Hannah's Fall Sweater

Well, here it is...Hannah's Fall Sweater!!!

I just finished it this afternoon, and it is a PERFECT fit!!!

Hannah was so excited to try it on! Now all I need to do is find the perfect buttons to go on it. I have some plain ones kicking around that would fit, but I know that Hannah would like to pick out some special ones.

I named the sweater Raspberry Tart, since that has quickly become Hannah's favorite character from my old Strawberry Shortcake toys. That, and the colors reminded me of a raspberry patch.

The pattern was super easy...it only took me 6 days to finish, and I wasn't knitting every day on it. I must say that I am a bit sick of stockinette stitch right now!! The yarn pooled just a bit on the sleeves...one had some cream colored pooling, and the other had some raspberry color pooling. Overall it wasn't bad considering the type of yarn.

I am really pleased with the pattern, and the result!!! Now I have to find some coordinating yarn for a hat and mittens. I have enough of this yarn left, but I can't handle anymore stripes!!!

I'm not sure what's next for the needles, so I'll keep you posted.

Cheers!

Sharon

New Projects...New Yarn...New Look!

I wanted to share my progress on Hannah's Fall Sweater. The back is done, as is one of the front sides. I have cast on the other side, and I am about 20% done that...then I just have the sleeves and the finish work left to do. I cannot believe how quickly this is working up...I can't wait to see it on Hannah. I am hoping to have it done by the weekend, so perhaps a photo shoot is in order!!!

Friday we got a care package from Craig's parents. Inside were all kinds of goodies, including this AMAZING Alpaca yarn!!! It is so soft and squishy!! They also bought me a pattern for a Heart Lace Scarf...I can't wait to cast on, though I am nervous to be knitting with such amazing yarn. Hopefully I can finish the scarf before Christmas so I can show it off when we go back East.

Last but not least...I got a makeover of sorts this past week!!! Last weekend I got new glasses. I decided on a funky pair of purple glasses...you only live once, right?? Then, this past Friday night, I took the plunge and chopped off my hair!!! I went for an angled bob. It is longer in the front and quite short in the back. So far I have gotten all positive feedback about both changes...I hope everyone is telling the truth! I am still trying to get used to my lack of hair. It will take time, but I am happy I did it!!!

Here is the full transformation

My hair is messy in the "After" photo because I kept playing with it!!!

So, what did I do with my chopped locks?? Well, right now they are sitting on my bathroom counter since they cut my hair wet and I had to let it dry. Either today or tomorrow, I will be mailing off the ponytail to Locks of Love. This is the second time I have donated my hair, and I am so happy that a special child will be able to use it...seems like a no brainer to me...wig for a deserving child, or trash...hmmm.....

Well, I'm off to go work on Hannah's sweater and then perhaps she and I will go play outside. It is a beautiful day in Calgary, and I don't know how many more of these we'll have!!!

Cheers!

Sharon