My Latest Passion - Designing Knits

I have loved knitting for a long time. Some periods of time throughout my life, I've put down the needles to do other things, but they have always been there, waiting for me to have time again to pick them back up and knit again.

Not too long ago, I stumbled upon Ravelry, a website for yarn lovers of all kinds. Those who knit, crochet, weave, etc. gather on this website to share patterns, yarn, and unite other interests in beautiful projects as well as sharing their lives with other yarn-focused crafters. This group of crafters has renewed my passion for knitting and inspired me with a new one - designing my own knits.

I never thought of doing this before. I always figured some knitting gurus created patterns for me to follow. But I've realized lately that I can create my own. :) How exciting! I've started off with some small stuff and am learning different techniques as I go. Sometimes I look at other patterns to get some ideas of how I could start something or a way to do a stitch pattern. Sometimes I just make it up as I go. I've even been making up my own charts (by hand). I'm hoping that as I progress I'll be able to and brave enough to tackle larger projects.

I need to have a lot of patience for this. I've learned new cast on methods and practiced them multiple times till I think I've got it. And while the knitting goes on, I've decided to change things which means wripping it out and starting again or tinking back to the place where I need to make a change. A lot of times the projects have to get started again and again until I'm happy with it.

Lots of Ravelers design their own patterns and give them away or sell them on the website. Some day I hope to get to that point and be able to sell my own. It's getting it all written up with good pictures that slows down the process for me right now. I get the pattern written down by hand, knit up the item, take some pictures, and then get blocked by my own desire to craft more rather than typing it up.

Are you inspired to create your own designs? What would you make that you haven't been able to find? Do you think you could brave it and take an idea out of your head, scribble it on paper and create it on your needles? 

Summer Sweater KAL - July 16

Alright, I think I am starting to find some balance to my knitting. :) It feels much better. When I'm not working a little bit on all of them I find myself feeling overwhelmed by the projects that aren't getting any knitting time. So it's much better to be doing a little bit on all of them each week.

After getting a few more rows done the sleeve sts are off the needles and waiting till it will be there turn. Thinking I will be working on it again probably Wednesday and get further down the body section.

 

Summer Sweater KAL - July 10th

Another week and a little more knitting on my sweater.

Does this happen to you? You have some projects on the go, then you add a couple others, and next thing you know you've got more knitting than you can handle. This is what I feel like right now. I've got too many projects and not enough time to knit them all. So I've tried to pick a day or two a week to work on them. For my sweater, it's pretty much one day a week for now until I can get some other knitting items off my needles.

How are you doing on your knitting? Are you overwhelmed with too many on the go? Or are you a one project at a time knitter?

Summer Sweater KAL - July 1st

So I joined another KAL with luvinthemommyhood. It's a great group on Ravelry. I had such a fun time doing the Top KAL, I wanted to do another one with the group. And I'm having fun doing another Wendy Bernard pattern.

What I love about designs by Wendy is that they are top down creations. I find that it's easier to make it fit just right. You can try it on as you go along and adjust it as you go. Do you want it longer here and shorter there? Do you need a couple extra sts or do you need to get rid of a few more? It's all doable to get the perfect fit.

I'm working on the Indigo Playmate Cardigan in a lovely steel colour. The yarn is divine. Here's a couple pics of what I got done on my first night of knitting.

 

A Summer of Knitting

I don't know about you, but just because the weather is hot, it doesn't mean it's time to put down the needles. There are so many great little projects to do like critters and dishcloths that can go with you to the beach or poolside. If you're blessed with air conditioning in your home, the variety of projects never ends.

And, I'm still knitting. Been so busy knitting and sidetracked by my kids and husband that my writing has taking a place on the back burner. I have been thinking about writing but every time I go to write, I get distracted by something else.

But I'm putting it back on the agenda. Hopefully I can get into a better routine that's more balanced and allows me to do all the things I want to do, not just the things I have to do.

Got a few things on the list of knitting projects and will probably add a few more. ;) I'm playing in Nerd Wars again on Team Writer and have enjoyed the first Round of this tournament. Also working on a dissertation project this time. Need to find more time to work on that. I joined a Sweater KAL and started knitting my second Wendy Bernard pattern. My daughter asked me why I was knitting a sweater when it is so hot in the Summer. I explained that Summer was the perfect time to knit things like socks and sweaters since you can have them completed by the time you need them in the Fall. She said she was afraid her feet were going to get cold and wondered if I could knit her some socks. Time for another trip to the yarn shop. ;) Also working on a few other things to send to friends. Better hurry those up so I can get them in the mail.

Off to do something with the monkeys now that it is officially Summer Break. Hope you enjoy your day. Hugs.

Schedule for my Projects

I feel like I'm missing some of my projects. lol Seriously! Not sure if I have too many on my plate or what, but I keep thinking I'm forgetting about ones I should be working on. So I'm putting together a rough schedule so I can keep track of what I've got to work on and what's coming up, as well as ideas for new ones. Fun, fun!

And here's a peek at a couple buddies I made to help me cheer on the Flyers during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

 

Happy Easter!

I have been such a slacker when it comes to this blog. Been so busy having fun in Nerd Wars, I've forgotten to share all about it. lol So following is some of the fun from the last two months....

February

  
March

 

And a Happy Easter to all of you!
Here is a basket full of Bunny Nuggets....