Monday Quote of the Week

In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock."

-- Thomas Jefferson

Today's quote is hosted by WineRosesDrunknFrnds with

this beautiful original oil painting:

Jasper, Alberta

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Triple Cable Neckwarmer

Today I'm going back to basic cables and am featuring a new knitting pattern available in my etsy shop.

I've been offering new stitches each week and I must say that cables are still my most favorite to work.  This Triple Cable Neckwarmer pattern is a fast and easy knit using larger needles and 3 strands of yarn for a bulky look.

For all my patterns in my etsy shop click here

On another note:  My knitting group has started a challenge for their members.  The criteria is that it just has to be a challenge for the individual and we each have a year to complete it. I have chosen a pattern from Kristin Nichols - Color by Kristin book and this will be an intense challenge for me. 

I wanted a project that would incorporate mixing colors and to learn new techniques, so I chose Southwest-Style Sleeved Wrap.  Not only is this colorful, but it requires the use of steeking, which frankly scares me to death.  But my knitting group friends assure me they will help me along and hold my hand while I do it.  Thank goodness we have a year to get this done!

Steeking:  Cutting an opening after you have knit.  Click here for a tutorial from knitty.com

This pattern is worked in the round with 341 stitches on each round and it takes me about 45 minutes for each round.  This will definately be a year long project.  I'll keep you posted on my progress in future posts.

Here is where I am at so far:

Wish me luck!

Until next week - happy knitting!

Constableville Craft Fair

I went to bed on Saturday night listening to the pouring rain beat down on the roof in between the thunder and lightening worrying about Sunday's craft fair.  It seemed that it was doomed to be a complete wash out as there was no drying up in site.  When I woke up and started loading my car it was still cloudy but it wasn't raining.  At that point that was all I could hope for.

But as the morning progressed the day cleared up and turned out to be a beautiful day!  I really enjoyed my day at Constableville Antique Car and Craft Show.  The people were fantastic and the weather couldn't have been better.  I met up with some of my vendor friends from last years shows and met some vendors I hadn't met before, including a sweet gal that raises alpacas. 

Overall, I'd say it was a wonderful day!

Wooly Wednesday

This felted wool bowl in forest green was just added to my shop today.

I hope you like it!

Monday Quote of the Week

"The only job where you start at the top, is digging a hole." -- Anonymous

Today's quote is hosted by:
 
"Work Horse"  by PistolesPress on etsy

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Slip Cable Cross or Cable Fabric

Good Morning ~  Today's stitch is a bit of a challenge.  You don't want to be multitasking or watching a heart-wrenching movie while working this one as you just need to pay attention to each row and make sure you are counting right.  At first I found it a little awkward but once I got going on it, I just loved the resulting pattern. 

I incorporated this into a knit pillow cover pattern that I just love.  Basically it is two knit squares laced together, so it isn't a daunting project that will take forever, but it does show off your skills!  This pillow would look great in the guest bedroom or on a couch or chair in the living room.

The center panel is worked in todays featured stitch surrounded by cables and other textured stitches.

How to work Slip Cable Cross Stitch:

(Multiples of 4 + 1)


Row 1: (right side): K1, *sl 1 pw, K3, repeat from * to end
Row 2: *P3, sl 1 pw, repeat from * to last stitch, P1
Row 3: K1, *C3L, K1, repeat from * to end
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: K5, *sl 1, K3, repeat from * to end
Row 6: *P3, sl 1, repeat from * to last 5 stitches, P5
Row 7: K3, *C3R, K1, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K2
Row 8: Purl

Repeat these 8 rows

Additional Notes:
C3L = (cable 3 left) slip next st onto cable needle and hold at front of work, knit next 2 sts from left-hand needle, then knit st from cable needle

C3R = (cable 3 right) slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold at back of work, knit next st from left-hand needle, then knit sts from cable needle

I really love the result of this stitch combination and think it would be fantastic on an afgahn or baby blanket.

I have the pillow knitting pattern available in my etsy shop. Included in this pattern is a handy check-off grid so you can keep track of each and every row for perfect results.  This pattern has been tested by another knitter for accuracy.

Next week I will be at Father's Day Craft Fair and Car Show in Constableville NY and will not be featuring Sunday Morning Knit Wit. I hope that if you are in the area, you will stop by this historical place.  Vendors as well as antique cars will be all over the lawn of this beautiful building.

This is a day filled with fun for everyone. Visit the beautiful gardens, tour the home, find something wonderful at the silent auction and enjoy the variety of food. It really is a fun day!

Until next time, keep your needles clicking!

Wooly Wednesday

These colorful felted wool bangles are fun and funky!  Light as a feather but bold and beautiful, the only thing missing is the bangle sound.

Soft Yellow Felted Wool Bangles:

Vibrant Pink Felted Wool Bangles:

Purple Felted Wool Bangles:

Wednesday Wooly Wit:
How many sheep does it take to knit a sweater?








Answer: I didn't even know they could knit


Enjoy your day!

Monday Quote of the Week

Todays quote of the week:

"Some people grumble because roses have thorns; I am thankful that the thorns have roses."

-- Alphonse Karr

This beautiful Rose Painting is by ChatterBoxArt ~  A great find on etsy. com and a beautiful selection of original paintings.  A definate must see shop on etsy!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Trinity Stitch

I fell in love with this stitch recently because of the fabulous texture and pattern. 

It is worked in multiples of 4 +1 and 4 repeating rows.

Row 1: (Right Side) Purl

Row 2: K1, *(K1, P1, K1 all into next stitch, P3 Tog) Repeat to last stitch, K1
Row 3: Purl
Row 4: K1, *(P3 Tog, K1, P1, K1 all into next stitch) Repeat to last stitch, K1

Repeat these 4 Rows

I used this stitch in two new neckwarmers worked in the ascot style.  I used this stitch in the pass-through loop on each one.

Ribbed Ascot Neckwarmer in LemonGrass Green:

Grey Cable Ascot Neckwarmer:

Both are availible at Valerie's Gallery on etsy.

Until next week - keep your needles clicking!

Fiber Friday ~ Yellow and Green Felted Wool Bowl

Fiberific Friday!

Today's spotlight is this soft yellow and green felted wool bowl:

Enjoy your Friday ♥