Just One of Those Days

Last night I cast on to make a halter top for myself.  Something I don't often do - knit for myself.  I checked my gauge, my needle size and the weight of the yarn.  All was in order and to the specifications of the pattern  so away I went.

I was starting on the back of the halter and I cast on the 123 stitches required and knit the first row.  Oh gee, this was starting to look a little large for me.   I thought, well, let's give it a go and see what happens.  I continued onto the second row of the lace hem and it was not getting any smaller.  Uh-oh!!  Finally after three rows I stopped and thought I don't know who I am trying to kid but this is not going to fit me.

I held it up to me and was able to wrap it all the way around my body.  Clearly this was not working.  If I had decided to knit it in the round then I would have been just fine but that is not what the pattern called for.

Needless to say I was most disappointed as this has not happened to me before and I was actually doing something for myself.  I was hoping to wear it on a date with my husband.

Oh well, I guess I will have to revisit the pattern and modify it to suit me.

Maybe I will just go back and do those tube socks for babies I was looking at.

Keep your needles clicking.

Betty-Anne

My Dream Project

Well here it is.  I must say that to date, this is my absolute favourite piece that I have knit.  I made it for an absolutely lovely woman who is going to wear it for a photo shoot for her new CD which will be released in the fall of 2012.  I am so thrilled to have been able to help her out.  I would love to tell you who it is but I have to wait to ask her first.  :-)

The photo on the left is the stole being blocked and the one on the right is the finished product.

This stole is made with Mango Moon Di Lusso and the colour is called Midnight.  It is finished off with Mango Moon Silk Ribbon in Chiron.  And I worked with an AddiTurbo 9mm circular needle which was 100 cm long.

I quite enjoy working with circular needles and I find the AddiTurbo needles to be absolutely yummy.  They are smooth as silk.  No pun intended (since I was working with silk.)  As for the length, well I often work in the magic loop so I like to have the long needles anyway and use them for all my projects.   

This yarn and silk ribbon was such a dream to work with.  It was simply scrumptious and worked up a treat on the AddiTurbo.

No I am not promoting either of these products (and yes I did pay for it - no free lunches for me) but I did enjoy them so much that I had to tell you about them in case you are looking for tools to fall in love with.

I would love to hear what tools you enjoy and what your favourite projects are.

Find me on Ravelry at TwoStickChick!

Here's hoping your keep your sticks clicking!

Betty-Anne

Too hot to knit?

At 6:00 this morning it is 31 degrees Celsius (88 F for my American friends).  The temperature is going to be getting hotter as the day goes on.  Is it too hot for you to knit? 

I say no.  There are so many wonderful lightweight projects that you can work on that are portable and not sweat inducing.  :-)  My current obsession is baby slippers and socks for all ages.  They are so much fun to do and I am finding that everyone loves hand made socks.

I would love to hear what you are working on.  Are you knitting or crocheting?  Please post a photo as well.  

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Betty-Anne

You have GOT to be kidding me!!!,

Okay, I know that today is not Friday the 13th (that is usually a good luck day for me, by the way) but really how can it be that I do not have the needles I need.  I was just sitting down to work on a pair of slippers (magic loop method) when I discovered that despite having what appears to be hundreds of sets of needles, I DO NOT have the size I need.

Okay well technically I do have the size I need (3.5mm) but as I mentioned, I work in the magic loop method so I need a circular needle that is 100 cm long and THAT, I do not have.  Devastation.  No really, I was completely devastated.

Now, it isn't all bad, you see, because now when my BFF, Linzi, and I go out for coffee today, I have an excuse to go shopping.  I hope that I can find the needle I need.

Wish me luck.

Betty-Anne

Summer Classes and Christmas Giving

People love to receive hand knitted gifts for Christmas so now is the perfect time to learn to knit in order to prepare for fall and winter knitting.

Those gifts do not have to be ties, socks or sweaters.  You can many modern items of clothing and even toys.  I have knit dresses, baseballs, purses, as well as socks, slippers and sweaters.  I have also made a toy octopus that is a favourite of the child who received it.

Classes have begun so check out the list of classes on this website and then get in touch with me at bettyannew@gmail.com in order to arrange a time.

Talk to you soon.

Betty-Anne

So Pumped!

I am so excited.  I have been so busy knitting like crazy for friends.  I have been making more baby slippers, and big sister slippers and mama slippers.  Yes they match.  How cute an idea is that?!  I cannot take the credit for it.  My friend asked me to make matching slippers for another friend who has just given birth to her second daughter.  I am going to be posting pics later today or tomorrow.  So fun.

I am also working on a stole.  I was so jazzed by the yarn and the pattern which is very elegant that when I special ordered the yarn I forgot to order the ribbon for the fringe.  I have since corrected that but am now impatiently awaiting it's arrival.  At least it was the ribbon I forgot because I can't put it on until after I have finished the knitting so it is not holding me up any.  Oh well we live and learn.  It will be that much more exciting when it does arrive.  I have received the tracking number from the company I ordered it from and now am watching as it makes it's way from post office to post office in the United States.  :-)

I would love to hear what you are working on and how it is coming along.  Post pictures as well if you wish.

Talk to you soon.

Betty-Anne

It's All About The Babies

Well I hope you all had an amazing Canada Day.  I certainly did.  BBQ, family and knitting - what more could a gal want.

My project book is starting to fill up dramatically fast.  I am working on a stole for a new friend who needs something to wear for her photo shoot for her new CD which is coming out in the fall and I am also working on baby slippers for another friend who is becoming a grandmother (at a young age) this August.

Baby Boot Slippers

Two colour Baby Boot Slippers

She has asked me to make three pair of slippers for her new granddaughter to be and I am having a blast and so far I have knit four pair.  It really is such good fun knitting these wee things.

Baby Moccasins

Baby Mary Jane

I am so happy that three of my husbands nieces have been having babies because I will also make some for them.  Maybe I will even get to knit a christening gown.  I can hope!  :-)




Betty-Anne