Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Home Renovation - Back Stairs

For those of you who have been following me for awhile, know that we have been renovating an old farmhouse for the past 6 years. In short, we have spent the first 2-3 years tearing it appart and are now in the process of putting it back together. 

It is definately a slow process and probably so due to lack of time and money.  And sometimes due to just needing to take a break from it. 

But, we do seem to be moving along on the back stairs, which is part of the entry room / pantry.  This is an odd shaped room / hallway.  We removed the old non-standard stairs and Daryl re-built them to standard step-up sizes (the old ones were about 9 inches high each and it was almost like mountain climbing just going up!)

He stained and sealed them and all that is left in this room is some more stain / sealant on the remaining wood work and a coat of paint on the walls.  Then we can start moving in some furnature. 

Monday, March 29, 2010

Monday Quote of the Week

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must
keep moving."

-- Albert Einstein

And from kazoriginals ~~ Albert himself!
 
 

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Open Weave Panel

Good Morning Knit Wit followers.  As I sip my second cup of coffee this morning watching the sunrise, I am dreaming of the days when I can bring my knitting outside and listen to the birds sing to me as I knit.  But I find myself next to the wood stove yet again.  Although spring has come, Central NY has not yet noticed.

Today's stitch is an Open Weave Panel lace, which is very easy and is worked by repeating only 4 rows, so it is easy to memorize. 




I used this stitch in a pair of fingerless gloves





Here is how to work the stitch:

Row 1: (right side) P2, Sl 1, K1, PSSO, YF, K3, YF, K2Tog, P2
Row 2: K2, P7, K2
Row 3: P2, K2, YF, Sl 1, K2Tog, PSSO, YF, K2, P2
Row 4: same as Row 2

Repeat these 4 rows

Try a panel for yourself and see how easy it is.  I found that there was a fun rhythym going on with the needles as I worked this stitch.


I have visions of making some really cool window treatments with this  stitch, but sometimes I get a bit over-enthusastic!  We will see if it ever happens.

Next week is Easter, so I will be taking the day off from posting knitting patterns.  But don't forget to come back April 11th!  I have three fun mixed up stitches lined up for April. 

Friday, March 26, 2010

Forget Me Nots - Felted Wool Bowl

One of my favorite felted wool bowls

And now that spring is coming, I just love it more!



Go to valeriesgallery.etsy.com to view more felted goodness!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Double Eyelet Rib

Good Morning!  The snow is melting and it really truly is looking like spring today. 

The featured stitch this week is the Double Eyelet Rib stitch.  This is very popular and is seen in many patterns including baby sweaters and afgahns. 




Row 1: (right side) P2, *K5, P2, *repeat from * to end
Row 2: K2, *P5, K2, *repeat from * to end
Row 3: P2, *K2Tog, YF, K1, YF, Sl 1, K1, PSSO, P2, *repeat from * to end
Row 4: same as Row 2

Repeat these 4 rows


I used this pattern in two different bags ~ 

This handknit shoulder bag is knit with chunky yarn.  I really like the look of the larger eyelet. 



I made this version for myself to use when I go to my Zumba class.  It is perfect for a towel, water bottle and a couple weights.   Be on the look out for the pattern for this bag as it will be released soon!




Next week ~ Open Weave Panel
 
Until then, happy knitting!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Faggoted Lace Panel

March is certainly here in Central NY ~  The wind has been blowing and howling all night long.  And that wind has melted so much snow that I can start to see patches of grass in spots now.  Oh, Spring is coming!

Today's Knit Wit pattern is Faggoted Lace Panel.  It is super easy to do and it a nice stitch to incorporate into an area that was just plain knit.   I've used it to make some fun to-go cup cozies or water bottle sleeves.  Now that Spring is here and we are on the move a bit more, keep a few of these in your car to keep your coffee from burning your hands and your water from sweating. 

My newest knit coffee cozy is is in a lovely mint green and knit with a bit chunkier yarn.



The Knitting Stitch is Faggoted Panel Lace and worked over 9 stiches with 4 repeating rows:

Row 1: (right side) P1, K1, P2Tog, YF, K1, YF, K2Tog through back, K1, P1
Row 2: K1, P7, K1
Row 3: P1, K2Tog, YF, K3, YF, K2Tog through back, P1
Row 4: same as Row 2

Repeat these 4 rows



 
I also have the pattern for the coffee cup cozy available on etsy as well.  This is a super easy pattern and the best thing about is that it takes very little yarn.  It is the perfect project for all your left overs - whether you keep what you make for yourself or give them as gifts. 
 
The pattern is worked on double pointed needles and I have included a grid so you can mark off each round as it is completed to ensure perfect results. 
 
 
 
Have fun with this very easy lace pattern. 
 
Next week ~  Double Eyelet Rib

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

HandKnit Coffee Cup Cozies

Here is a new coffee cup cozy  - I'm  not sure if this is purple or blue.  The yarn really looked blue in the store, but once I got it home, it looked  more purply. 

Either way - it's a fun cozy!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Staggered Fern Lace Stitch

Here is it March already  and time to introduce some lacy designs ~ The lace that has rhyme and reason to it, not the crazy lace that happens due to dropped and missed stitches. 

I'll start out March with Staggered Fern Lace for two reasons ~ One, it just looks so springy and Two, it's not as difficult and it looks.  In fact, it is super easy if you just keep track of each and every row.  Check here for a fun idea in row counting.

I made this lovely spring and summer scarf simply by knitting the fern stitch.  By that I mean that I added nothing else, so you can use the stitch instructions below to make a fun little scarf.   This one in mint green is perfert for spring and summer as it is knit in a soft cotton/linen blend. 




Don't be afraid of working lacy patterns ~ I admit that they did look daunting to me at first, but once you get the rhythym they are not difficult at all.  Just always make sure you keep track of the rows.

Here is the pattern ~


Row 1: (right side): P2, K9, YF, K1, K3, Sl 1, K2Tog, PSSO, P2
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: P2, K10, YF K1, YF, K2, Sl 1, K2Tog, P2
Row 4: Purl
Row5: P2, K3Tog, K4, YF, K1, YF, K3, YF, K1, YF, K1, Sl 1, K2Tog, PSSO, P2
Row 6: Purl
Row 7: P2, K3Tog, K3, YF, K1, YF, K9, P2
Row 8: Purl
Row 9: P2, K3Tog, K2, YF, K1, K10, P2
Row 10: Purl
Row 11: P2, K3Tog, K1, YF, K1, YF, K1, YF, K1, YF, K4, Sl1, K2Tog, PSSO, P2
Row 12: Purl


Repeat these 12 rows


Have fun with this stitch!  Make little swatches to sew up in an afhgan or mix it into the front of a basic sweater pattern.  This design is a classic.

Next week is a simple pannel lace and a to-go coffee cup cozy!