Needles; WIP; Projects

I have become increasingly frustrated that I don't have the right knitting needles when I want to start  a project. UGH! :(   I must figure out what needles to get.

I have had my eye on the Addi circular interchangeable needles and also the Knitters Pride needles.  I do have some Hiya-Hiyas and Chiaogoo circulars but have not tried the interchangeable ones.  I also saw another interesting brand called Signature Needle Arts.  They seem to be very high end.   If you have a set of interchangeable and like them- let me know!  

There are so many decisions like; lace tip, regular tip, long or short needles, material the needles are made out of.  My head is spinning.

I tend to save and skimp on things for myself and don't care much for makeup, hair stuff, and don't get my nails done etc...  However, there are a few things I will splurge on and knitting needles are one of them!  I just need to figure out which ones. I want to make a smart purchase that I will be happy with for years to come.   

I have a set of double pointed needles from Knit Picks.  I used them to complete the toe on the sock I am working on following Pam Chatfield's youtube video.  They are made of wood and this set is the 4inch size. 

I have also found a couple more knitting vlogs that I enjoy watching on YOUTUBE.  Check them out if you get a chance.  They are Emily Estrada- Fibre Town; Stitch Addiction Podcast; Stockinette Zombies; Kimberly Jones; Knit Girllls; YarnGasm; Kay Jones. 

I ran out and bought some double pointed in size 3 just so I could start the Sockhead hat.  The only ones I found were Clover bamboo size 3 double pointed.  I think I like circular needles better.  I am still a bit new to the double pointed needles. 

WIPS; Project bag; Wraps; Stuff

I am so happy I received my order from Kathys Dolls and Crafts from Etsy. I ordered a crochet hook wrap and a large project bag.  I have the Clover Amour hooks and they fit perfectly.  I also have one regular Clover comfort hook that fits too.

She makes the wraps to hold the regular or larger hooks and also double pointed needles.  I love mine and recommend them because they are well made and reasonably priced.  The large project bag is adorable with a cute sheep print. 

 

I bought some more sock yarn to start a sock yarn hat.  I have seen some people making them and they turn out really good.  Its called Sockyarn Hat on Ravelry by Kelly McClure.

I also got some fabric at Joanns to make a little project I have in mind.  If it turns out I will show it next time:)

My other works in progress are a crochet ripple blanket; and a crochet shawl/wrap.  I also want to try a knit shawl called "Saroyan" I saw an instructional video on Very Pink Knits on youtube. 

Speaking of Youtube I follow quite a few vlogs.  Here is a list and if you know of any I might like please let me know!  bobwilson123; camcab147; Debi Y.; Kathy Napoleone; Pam Chatfield; GimmieYarn418; Very Pink Knits; Good Knit Kisses; Margaret Olander; Virginia Galligan.  I learn so much about knitting, looming, and crocheting by watching youtube.  Its nice to see other that have similar interests and see what they are working on.   Take Care!

Yarn Store Review; storage; and time to craft!

This summer I visited San Antonio, Texas and stumbled upon a wonderful yarn shop called Yarnivore.  I looked up local yarn shops and checked out their websites.  I narrowed it down and went with Yarnivore.  I have to make good use of my time because my family doesn't want to go yarn shopping for very long on vacation.  It was everything I hoped it would be.  It had a great selection of yarn, friendly and helpful staff, and plenty of comfy chairs to relax and check out the selection of books.  If I had more time I would have stayed all day and knit!   Check it out if you get a chance www.yarnivoresa.com

When I got home from the trip I came up with an idea for my yarn storage.  I decided to get rid of my china and used my old cabinet.  This way I can see it and it doesn't get dusty or ruined by my kitty cats!  I don't miss the china at all:)

I have been trying to simplify and organize so I have more time & money to do the things I really want to do.  I would definitely like to have more time to knit, sew & read. Since work is full time and so is family -it can be difficult to find a balance. 

First I cut things out so I can have more money and less stress.  I got rid of was cable TV.  We got a ROKU and stream free TV and have a Netflix account.  Then got rid of my expensive fancy cell phone with Verizon.  OK I kept the fancy phone... just unlocked it and went with Net10 carrier.   Now my bill is 65% less monthly.  I have also been selling things around the house on ebay & garage sales.  This brings in money and gets rid of clutter at the same time.

Getting organized doesn't happen overnight but cutting the bills and the clutter has given me more money, time, and less stress!  That translates into more knitting, sewing, and reading:)
 

 

WIP and Hobby Lobby finds

My name is Michelle and my blog will include my hobbies, recipes, travels, books, and of course four legged friends. Right now I have one dog and enough cats for each day of the week.  

My current interests are crochet, knitting, looming, and sewing.  I have also been into smocking, dollhouse miniatures, and many moons ago...macramé (which by the way is due for a comeback).  It could happen:)

I have been crocheting for years but finally picked up the knitting needles for the first time this summer. I had always wanted to learn to knit but just didn't think I could. I want to thank Pam for inspiring me to take the plunge!

My first knitting project was just practicing knitting and pearling. Now I am working on a sock on the 9 inch circular needles.  I know that might be a bit ambitious but I am determined.  I have started over a few times but I think I am finally getting the hang of it.  It made it easier when I realized you can "tink" or knit backwards to get out of a knitting mistake.  That really helped me on the ribbing section when I goofed. 

I was out and about today and saw this gadget by Yarnology at Hobby Lobby.  Thought it was pretty cool.  It is a decorative useful little thingy.  On the package it says its a creative closure. 

Use it to keep shawls, sweaters, scarves, belts, and sashes closed or in place. .  Also use to accent  hats, ponchos, and pillows.  They come in many different colors. The one I got feels like hard plastic with a texture on it.  Some of the others felt like metal and had a metallic finish. 

I also got a plastic case by Sewology from Hobby Lobby.  It holds crochet hooks, scissors, or other notions and keeps them from getting lost or poking through my purse or bag.