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Next Project: Beulah Cardigan by Mercedes Tarasovich-Clark

As soon as I saw this cardigan in the Knitscene Spring 2012 issue I knew I wanted to knit it. I have stared at it forever and have been imagining the color that I want to knit it in. What drew me to the cardigan was the simplicity of the it, the gorgeous embroidery, and its shape (I like short-waisted cardigans.)

So, I'm thinking that I will purchase the yarn for this project this week and begin on it soon.

I think this  will be the perfect Spring/Summer cardigan to where over my dresses. The colors I'm thinking of are yellow or orange or purple. However, I am still trying to decide...

A Crafting Moment: Black History Month

I think every knitter/crocheter out there also loves to create other crafts. For me, it would have to be felted brooches, card making, and just other random stuff. Therefore, I decided to start a segment on my blog entitled "A Crafting Moment". Yes, I understand that crocheting and knitting is also considered crafting but, this will be posts dedicated to my other crafts. Ok, moving on...

At my church, I was recently given the job of Youth Director. And as Youth Director I needed to plan out our next big program which was the Black History Program. I must admit that I was feeling the pressure and stress but, after praying about it numerous times I calmed down and it was a great success by the grace of God.

The color scheme was:
Red, Green, Yellow, and Black

Materials used:
Construction Paper
Poster Board (red, black, yellow)
Elmer's Glue
Scotch Tape
Copy Paper
Manila Folders
Hole puncher

The crafts involved in the program were:
-Signs for the Timeline Skit
-Neck signs for the Timeline Skit
-Display poster board
-Table display for the entry

For the Signs with the Dates on them I decided to use jumbo popsicle sticks so, that the signs could pay homage to the protest signs used during the Civil Rights Movement. The actual sign itself was created using construction paper and stencils. I cut the stencils out with a contrasting color and used Elmer's glue to attach to the construction paper. I also glued a blank white paper on the back with their speech attached just in case theY forgot the speech. (Most of the children memorized their speech anyway.) Also, the popsicle stick was attached with Elmer's glue and then scotch tape for extra security.

For the Neck Signs with the Different Eras, I decided to use a black poster board. I simply cut out the stencils on a contrasting color and attached with glue. I then punched holes in the signs and weaved a piece of yarn through the holes. These signs were worn by the younger children (age 2).

The Display Poster Board was created with the stencils used in Black. The theme for the program was "Look Where He Brought Us From" so, I put the theme centered on the board. For a moment I didn't think it would fit but, it worked out perfectly. I then printed out Black/White photos of key moments and key individuals in Black History. (Slavery, Freedom, Segregation, Frederick Douglass, MLK, Gen. Colin Powell, President Obama, Our Pastor, and more)  I posted the pictures collage style around the words. I used glue to attach it. For the back drop of the red poster board I used a yellow board in shadow style. Since the store didn't have any green poster boards, I cut green construction paper in strips and attached with glue to continue the shadow style.

The last project was the Display Table, I wanted to contine with the theme so, I printed out pictures of key individuals in our history from the past to the present. The main photo was a picture of key individuals in our history. I used a backgroudn of yellow, green, red, and black construction paper. To get the photos to stand upright I used a manila folder. The big photo was attached to manila folder with glue. The smaller photos were attached with glue over the folding part of the folder and I then trimmed of the excess.

I hope this post has given you some ideas for your own Black History projects or other programs you may have.

More pictures:

Up close shot of the main photo. I added in the theme to the bottom of the photo.

These were the pictures displayed on the entry table.

These were the signs before holes were punched in them and the strings weaved in.

The main display board that was posted throughout out the program next to the podium.

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!

Finished Object: Elegance Doilie by Coats & Clark

I love making doilies!! If I could I would make millions but, I would have nowhere to put them. So, whenever there is an opportunity to create one I jump on it. I love that doilies are so classic and so vintage and so elegant.

Recently, I got this gorgeous ZZ Plant for my office and I love it. Its a tough and durable plant; yet, it is so lovely. I placed the plant in my window but, it was seriously lacking something. That something was this doilie.

I grabbed my booklet on doilies and decided to crochet the Elegance doilie (I love that name.)

The project worked up in a matter of hours and didn't take long at all. When it was complete, I blocked it by holding the doilie under cold water and wringing out the excess water. I then blocked it in place on my Yoga mat using straight pins. Usually, when I make doilies after it finishes blocking I iron it using starch. However, this time I skipped that step because I wanted to take it to my office immediately. I still thinks it looks great!

The yarn used was Aunt Lydia's Fashion Thread in Size 10. The color is frost green. (My fave color for doilies are cream because it pays homage to those vintage doilies from the past but, I am really feeling this green. It still came out classically elegant.)

Up close and personal shots:

Book Review: The Knitter's Handbook by Debbie Stoller

I don't know a knitter out there who doesn't own this book. It's like a required item for your knitting library. I bought this book about 6 months after I had been knitting and I loved it. Even though it wasn't the book that taught me to knit, it was definitely a book the helped me in my knitting journey.

I do love the hip way Debbie Stoller talks about knitting. And even though I am not a fan of the profanity, I got over it.



The Book Features:
The Story of Debbie Stoller's Knitting
Some History of Knitting
Famous Knitters
Basic Techniques
35 Patterns

What Could Have Been Better:
Color pages throughout
Less innuendos and colorful language

A few of my favorite patterns:
Peppermint Twist
Pippi Kneestockings
Big Back Baby Blanket
Big Sack Sweater
Pinup Queen
Little Black Top
Cowl and Howl Set

Overall, this book is a must-have for all knitters out there. I really love it and I am constantly re-reading it.

Designer Spotlight: Mari Lynn Patrick

If you buy as many crochet and knit magazines as I do you will definitely see this name pop up every time. Mari Lynn Patrick definitely makes the list as one of my FAVORITE DESIGNERS EVER! I love that her patterns are classic yet, so unique. And I love that she designs for both genres of knit and crochet.

The main magazines you will see Mari Lynn Patrick's designs in are: Vogue Knitting, Knit Simple, and Crochet Today.

One of my first wearable pieces was designed by her. It was the Versatile Vest in the March/April 2009 issue of Crochet Today. I have worn it about 3 times this winter and I even made my mother one. The next design of hers I made was The Julia Jacket from the November/December 2011 issue of Crochet Today.

Great Fact: Mari Lynn's Patrick designs have been featured in Vogue Knitting since the beginning of its relaunch.

Ok, I could go on and on about her greatness but, let me show you some brief pics of the items I made from her designs:

The Julia Jacket (crochet, Red Heart Super Saver)

The Versatile Vest (crochet, Red Heart Super Saver)

Some of my favorite designs by her:

Simply stunning!!

Photos Source: Ravelry

A Current Project: Martha Stewarts Vogue Knitting Cover Cowl

When I first saw Martha Stewart on the cover of Vogue Knitting, I figured it was time I purchased my first Vogue Knitting Magazine. I simply ADORE Martha Stewart and her craftiness. I then looked through all the gorgeous patterns in the magazine but, decided I wanted to knit the cowl that Martha was rocking because she is awesome and the pattern was gorgeous.

The designer for this cowl is Kristin Ohmdahl and she designs the most beautiful pieces that you can imagine!!! Check her out--->

It wasn't hard for me to choose the yarn for this project because I had been wanting to use Red Heart's Aran Fleck for awhile. And I always felt that cables looked best with natural colors (think ivory, white, oatmeal, etc.)

{{Side Note: I know that many hate acrylic out there and that is fine because we all have our likes and dislikes. But, I mainly use acrylic yarn because it fits my budget. Its also great for my skin because I suffer with eczema. Also, the colors and options are crazy. So, I prefer yarns with acrylic and/or cotton. Ok, I'm ending that soap box.}}

I started on this cowl in December 2011 and I have been working on it off and on. I think its a great pattern that requires some concentration--definitely not mindless knitting.

Here's a story for you: One Friday night, I thought I would have a movie marathon and work on this cowl. Well, obviously I was into my the movies more than my knitting because I had 3 miscrossed cables by the end of the night :-/ Fixing cables when they are some rows down can be a PAIN. So, I went to bed around midnight and I couldn't get the miscrossed cables out of my mind. I got back up reached for my Stitch N' B---- Superstar Knitting book and read the section on miscrossed cables. Wasn't really feeling that method.  So, I googled it and then I used the Yarn Harlot's method of fixing cables the embroidery way and I was pleased :-) I still have to fix 2 more miscrossed cables but, I think I will do it during the finishing. The lesson learned was that I am one of those people who can't stand miscrossed cables. I really couldn't get it out of my mind that entire night. I may have even dreamed about those miscrossed cables taunting me. LOL!

I am about 45% done with this pattern and I will be aiming for finishing it by the first week in March. The sad thing is I didn't even get a chance to wear it this winter. But, honestly this winter had been so mild in Alabama that the opportunity never would've arose. I made myself and my mother these crochet cowls that I simply adore. I only got to wear the cowl about 3 times this winter :-(

My progress pictures below:

The cowl is so much longer than this now but, I haven't taken any recent pics. I have about 22 inches done and the pattern requires 29 inches.

This is a good shot of my 3 miscrossed cables. Oh, how I hate em :-(

This is a picture of the correct miscrossed cable. (It's the one in the middle row in the center of that row.) It doesn't look exactly like the others but, it'll work :-)