New Ravelry Group

So hey guys! This is short shout out to our new Ravelry Group! Here is the link: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/the-knitpurl

Please join! I have created it so that we can discuss this blog and talk about crafts!
Thanks!
Ethan

Guest Star #1: Staring Jeri Riddle!

“Guest Star Blog 1”

Jeri K Riddle, a.k.a. “Minnasnowtan”

When asked why I knit, I joke that I knit so I don’t kill people, but crafting is my art and creative release. I find knitting to be very relaxing and is my go-to stress reliever. I have been known to fall asleep in my chair with a pair of needles and a skein of yarn in my lap. Believe me, it can be quite interesting to wake up and realize you have no idea where you are on your stitch count!

I guess I better say a little bit more about myself so people do not get the wrong idea and think I am a sociopath with a yarn obsession. I started knitting when I was nine-years-old, but it took many years to master it. The first project I ever completed that was usable and recognizable was a little red Christmas bell. Forty years later, I find I still do not know it all and one of my goals for the coming year is to learn and master a new technique, most likely it will be cable knitting. I absolutely love the look of cables and have done one project so far that used a simple, modified cable in its design.

I also sew, scrapbook, make hand-made paper and several other crafts. I know how to crochet, but have never mastered an even tension. :/ That said I have taught several others how to crochet and can even do so left-handed. The extent of my crocheting these days is to make simple embellishments for some of my knit projects.

I have designed a few knitting patterns over the years and my most recent is for a newborn hat that looks like the “Minion Baby Costume” from “Despicable Me.” I love the movies and collect minions as well as knit them. I have made over a dozen miniature minions for family and friends. I might try making a larger-sized one and several costume changes for it. We will see what the next year brings.

I had always wanted to make Christmas stockings for my family and so I learned how to knit socks and then designed my own over-sized stockings from there. I have also designed a ring-bearer’s pillow made with crochet thread.

I must confess I HATE seams! I honestly suck at them and will modify a pattern if at all possible to avoid them. If a pattern calls for double-point or circular needles, I am in!

I cannot call my crafting a career, but it is a passion and I always have a number of projects in the works. I am currently working on a cowl for myself using some absolutely to-die-for Irish wool my daughter gave me as a gift. (I love natural fibers by the way.) I am also working on a heart garland that says, “The Riddle’s est. 7-11-15.”

There are several other projects in the works, but I think I have rattled on long enough for a first-time “Guest blogger.” So until next time, may your stash overflow and your gauge be accurate! Happy knitting!

Guest Star #2: Staring Mary Ann Martinez!

My name is Mary Ann and I love knitting and I knit every day. I find knitting to be relaxing and I try to make it interesting by designing my own patterns or changing patterns as I see fit. I am currently working on a silk, wool and cotton tunic sweater shown in the picture below.  I call it the Summer Spun Sweater since that’s the name of the yarn made by Farmhouse Yarns.

I’m having mixed feelings about it. I think the yarn is better for lace projects. Right now the sweater looks “straw-like” and rough looking. I will continue along though and finish it anyway since I’ve already gone a long way with it.

I also have a new pattern that I published on Ravelry. It is my first pattern that I am publishing to sell and I hope people have a good time knitting the pattern. It’s called the Waving Rib Hat. Here is the link:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/waving-rib-hat

I usually sit in my bedroom and knit every morning before I go to work. I work at a software company in New York City and though I enjoy my job very much, I like being able to stay home and knit when I have free time. Listening to music while I knit is also important to me and keeps me going. I love all kinds of music. That’s all I can write for now. Thanks for reading!

Mary Ann

Weekend Recap #2

So guys last week I was busy so I did not post. Sorry, but I'm here today! This week was not as busy though. You might not know, but I design patterns, and try to put them out each week so I have been working on a pattern mostly. I do not what I will call it, but here is the picture. It is a shawl, with some eyelet lace on the side panels and cables surrounding them.   The yarn I am using is a Unknown wool brand that I had in my stash. It is dk weight and I really like working with it.

The next project I am working on is the baby sweater I mentioned in my last post. It is a size 7 in children sizes and has a cabled edge.

I really like the way the yarn is working up, It is Bernet Baby Soft Steps. If you are ever considering knitting with it, DO IT. The yarn is so soft for an acrylic, and makes a great looking fabric. This is one of my first sweaters I have knitted so it does not look that great but I think it is a good attempt. I cant wait until I get better at sweaters, because there some great patterns out there. 

So next is still a W.I.P. The dreaded socks. I wanted to say thank you to, patsy coats, for the recommendation of the sock class. I think it has helped.  These are my third pair of socks, but it seems like they are the hardest. I did 2by2 rib with 58 stitches, knitted 64 rows for leg and did a fish lips kiss heel. I am using size 2, needles which I think are making the knit a little easier, but still they are taking A LONG TIME...

I  have started a raverly group for this blog: TheKnitandPurl. So if you would want to check that out that will be great. There is a thread in there right now labeled "GUEST STARS". I am going bring a guest to post what they have been doing ever 2 weeks, so if you think you would like that please comment. Thanks for stopping by, subscribe!