Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Bobbles and UFO's

Do you ever have projects that you start and put aside?  They call them UFO's (Unfinished Objects) in the knitting circles and I have more than my share. 

The one that continues to haunt me is an afghan that I started for my daughter when she was in college that is unfinished 10 years later. That has got to be my oldest UFO, and I have many more.

But, recently I picked up and complete a pillow cover that began last winter.  I knit this with two strands of worsted weight wool and it was my very first project utilizing the bobble stitch.  I admit, that I was hesitant to try bobbles, but I was amazed at how easy they really are. Although they take some practice with tension, bobbles can be used in so many different patterns to add texture.

I thought that making flowers with them would be unique and fun.  I added a bit of creative cable work to make the stems to create a field of flowers.  I used 5 stitch bobble for the center and worked 3 stitch bobbles for the surrounding petals.

Making Bobbles: (5 stitch) worked on a background of reverse stockinette stitch

Make 5 stitches from one stitch ( Knit in front and back of same stitch 2X and in front once more)
Turn knitting work toward you (working on the back) Knit 5 stitches
Turn knitting work toward you (working on the front) Purl 5 stitches
Turn knitting work toward you (working on the back) Knit 5 stitches
Turn knitting work toward you (working on the front) Sl 1, K2 tog, Pass slip stich over, K2 tog, Pass slip stich over.

Work the same for 3 stitch bobble only make 3 stitches from one stitch and only Knit 2 tog and passover once at the end.

There is a great feeling of accomplishment when picking up a forgotten project and I am so glad that I completed this one. 

I took a break while writing this entry and went to find my daughter's afghan.  Her major in college was International Relations and I had a vision to incorporate flags from several nations into the afghan.  It looks like I only completed 3 nations and half of 3 more. Perhaps digging it out is one step closer to completion.....

Hopefully you will dig out some of your UFO's and get them completed this summer. 

Until next time, keep your needles clicking!

Monday Quote of the Week

"Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step; only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find his right road." -- Dag Hammarskjold

Today's quote is hosted by joystclaire  and features Clouds on the Horizon, a fine art photograph taken in Northern Michigan.

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Small Zig Zag Cables

It has been a busy summer so far and it is only the beginning of July!  We are just coming out of a week of hot and humid weather and it seems rather odd that 80 degrees would feel cool.  I guess after a week of temperatures in the high 90's that 80's would be a relief. 

Even though it is hot now, it won't be long before we are turning on our furnaces and lighting our wood stoves.  Fall will be here soon enough, so I keep knitting warm wooly goodness even in the heat.

This weeks featured stitch is a small zig zag cable stitch.  I like how they look when worked in multiples as they really give a zing to the zig zag look.

I  used this stitch to make another ascot style neckwarmer (yet another one of my recent obsessions). This handknit neckwarmer is made with the softest of soft merino wool in one of my most favorite shades of yellow. 

This stitch is worked in multiples of 3 + 1

Row 1: (Wrong Side) K1,  * P2, K1 repeat from * to end
Row 2: P1, *C2F, P1 repeat from * to end
Row 3: Same as Row 1
Row 4: P1, *C2B, P1 repeat from * to end

Repeat these 4 rows

This is a great stitch to add into an area that you need some filler stitches such as borders for a larger cable design.  I already have another neckwarmer started using this as the edging. 

Knitting Tip: If your stitches look uneven, aim to make stitches close to the tips of your needles so you are less likely to stretch them.

Until next week - keep your needles clicking and keep cool!

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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!