Monday, February 27, 2006

Sandy's Wrist Warmers from Sock Yarn


Wrist Warmer #1 is complete!
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Sandy's Wrist-Warmers from Sock Yarn

Materials: 1 skein of Sock Yarn.
(I used Fortissima Colori Socka Color yarn, 50 gram ball.)
Size 2 double-point needles.
Size 2 straight needle for casting on.

Gauge: 30 stitches and 42 rows to 4 inches using a Stockinette Stitch on US Size 3 needles. (from the yarn wrapper)

With size 2 straight needle, cast on 64 stitches.
Divide stitches on 3 double point needles (20 sts on 2 needles, 24 sts on a third needle), join. Place a marker at the beginning of round.

Work in ribbing of k2, p2 for 3 inches.
Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round). Work 8 rounds even.
Next Round (Thumb Gusset) - Work to within 3 sts of marker at end of round, place another marker, inc in next st, k1, inc in last st.
Knit 2 rounds.
Next Round - Work to marker, inc in next st, knit to last st, inc in last st.
Knit 2 rounds.
Repeat last 3 rounds, working in same manner having 2 sts more between increases in thumb gusset until there are 21 sts in gusset (between markers).
Next Round - Work to marker, and place the remaining (gusset) stitches on a small holder or safety pin or thread.

Cast on 5 sts at the end of working needle, and join to beginning of round, skipping the thumb gusset.
Knit every row for 1 inch.
Bind off. Edge will roll.
(If you prefer, you can do ribbing instead for an even bind off edge.)

Place the 21 sts from holder on 2 needles.
Pick up and knit 5 or 6 sts from body of finished mitt.
Knit 1 round.
Next round - Knit even, knitting 2 sts together at the section where you picked up stitches earlier. This will help the thumb gusset lay nicely.
Knit every row for 1/2 inch. Bind off.
This edge will probably not roll since it's so small and fits nicely around the thumb.

You're done!

Wrist Warmer #2 on the needles


Wrist Warmer #2 on the needles
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.
Here is my finished wrist warmer, and the second one started on double points. I love the way the yarn sparkles! I also love the way the stripes make "piano keys".

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Marvin and Granddaughter Hailey Brooke

Here is my sweet husband, holding his even sweeter new grandbaby, Hailey Brooke! I couldn't go to see her because I just had my hysterectomy surgery this week. I'll be going there soon, though! Until then, I'll be knitting and sewing baby things.

Baby Hailey Brooke


Baby Hailey Brooke
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.
Baby Hailey Brooke is finally here! She is the daughter of Katie Davis, who is my step-daughter. So, that means, I'm a granny now. Neat! My husband Marvin is the proud grandfather. Hailey weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces, and was 22 inches long. Way to go, Katie!

Monday, February 13, 2006

Blue Velour Pants - Finished!


Blue Velour Pants - Finished!
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.
I finished sewing these blue velour pants last night. They are so soft, and super comfortable! They were such a pain to sew, though. Golly, I didn't realize how hard velour would be to manage at a sewing machine. I had to push the fabric along to keep it going with the presser feet, and it caused so much static electicity with the thread! Whenever I finished a seam, I had to wet the thread to keep it from sticking to the body of the sewing machine.

Vintage Glass Collection


Vintage Glass Collection
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.
Here is most of my antique glass collection. I don't have a lot, but I really enjoy looking at it. Marigold or Amber Carnival glass are my favorites. I also like Peach Lustre Fire King dishes. I also have 4 teacups and saucers in that design. I love to have a cup of hot tea every day, and when it's poured into a fire king cup, I enjoy it even more!

Friday, February 10, 2006

Josh with Afghan


Josh with Afghan
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.
Here is my son, Josh. He came to visit me today from college. We had pizza for lunch, and had fun talking. I was on the computer in my bedroom, and Josh came in and relaxed on the bed to talk to me. I said, "Can I take your picture with your afghan?" He said, "I don't care." So, down the hall I went to grab the afghan and throw it on him. I don't think he moved an inch. :)

Thursday, February 09, 2006

Cutting Out Pants Pattern


Cutting Out Pants Pattern
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.
Here I am, cutting out a pair of pants to sew. It sure is nice to have a fold-away cutting table in my new craft room. Thanks Mom!

I'm making the pants for my recuperation at the hospital and at home after my hysterectomy.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Thick Warm Socks for My Hospital Stay

I've almost finished knitting these nice warm socks for my hospital stay. I know I'll be needing them, because my feet always get so cold!

Hysterectomy Time!

I called my doctor's office today to schedule my hysterectomy for the end of February, and told them that I would like to get the surgery as soon as I can, because I want to be recuperated in time to play organ for Easter! I would hate for the church to have to settle for a substitute during that holiday.

So....now my surgery is just one week away! My uterus will be removed on Valentine's Day. (Talk about a romance-killer!) But, at least it will be taken care of now and I can move on with my life.

The other option for surgery is the first of March, which is just too far away. I'm sure I would not be ready for organ-playing by Easter if I choose that date.

So, circumstances are dictating my life now. I'd better get cracking on knitting those socks! I'm almost finished with one pair of very thick socks with Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick yarn. They look just like Christmas stockings! I don't think I'll finish my wrap in time, but at least I'll have plenty of things to knit during my recuperation.

I'd better resort to sewing instead - it's faster. I'll make some pajamas and house dresses to wear while I'm healing. Those will be easy to make.

I'll miss playing the organ at church, I'm sure. The good thing is that when I go back, we'll be playing exciting Easter music!

Wish me luck.