The Memorials in Concert

The Memorials in Concert
Tonight, I played keyboard for our church's gospel quartet, "The Memorials". It was fun!

They sang for the Hornet's Nest Chapter of the American Business Women's Association in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"Gotta Touch It" Baby Blanket

I just finished making this super-soft baby blanket. I designed it using all chunky yarns that are machine washable and dryable. I just can't keep my hands off it! I'm sure the baby will enjoy touching it too.

Sandy's "Gotta Touch It" Baby Blanket
Gauge: About 2-3 stitches per inch. (Chunky yarns)
Finished Measurements of Blanket: About 36 inches square.

Yarns: (you can substitute any color combination you like)
Color A - 1 skein Red Heart Bright and Lofty – Beach
Color B - 1 skein Lion Brand Velvetspun - White
Color C - 1 skein Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick – Pine 182
Color D - 1 skein Lion Brand Velvetspun - Light Blue ("Bluebell")

Needles:
U.S. Size 13 circular needles (21 inches long)

Start by casting on about 50 stitches.
Knit every row, with this color plan:
20 rows Color A
10 rows Color B
10 rows Color C
10 rows Color D
6 rows Color A
10 rows Color D
10 rows Color C
10 rows Color B
20 rows Color A

If you want, you can add a border of single or half-double crochet all around with one of the yarns. (I used the Wool-Ease Thick & Quick for my half-double crochet border.)

Beautiful, Fast and Fun to Touch!

Here is a view of the blanket, before weaving in the ends and adding a border:

And here is a close-up of my half-double crochet border:

Listen to Me Play Piano!

FINALLY! I have been wanting to put sound files on my website for the LONGEST time. I worked and worked, and finally figured it out.

http://www.geocities.com/unkoine/Midi_Files.html?1151049856310

Last night, I stayed up all night recording pieces that I wanted to put on the website. It was hard, because I kept making mistakes and had to record them over and over again. I'm still not completely satisfied, but at least I have some music files completed.

I'm most happy with "Venetian Boat Song" by Mendelssohn. I just love that piece.

I've been playing piano since I was 11. I'm 42 now, so that's a pretty long time, I guess. Piano is my best talent, I think. I also play organ and I sing. I just thank God that I can make my living doing something that I love to do. It's a real blessing.

I've been a church musician for the past 27 years, and a piano teacher for the past 7 years. I also perform for wedding, funerals and special events. Life is good.

I won!

This past week, I entered a "contest" of sorts. A friend of mine from a knitting forum (www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/forum/) was giving away an extra copy of Interweave Knits.

I won! :)

http://whimsicalknitting.blogspot.com/

You know, this makes me want to give away some things too. It sounds like fun!

Finished Handknit Saguaro Top!

Finally! I've been working on this sweater now for over a year. I put it away over the Fall and Winter, and pulled it back out this Spring. Now, it's finally done! My very first sweater. I'm proud.

The pattern was in last year's Knitter's Magazine (Spring 2005). It's called "Saguaro".

Handknit Sweater Close-Up

Here's a close-up of the detail on my first handknit sweater. There is a half double crochet border on the sleeves, collar and hem. I'm happy with the final result!

The pattern was in last year's Knitter's Magazine (Spring 2005). It's called "Saguaro".

Handknit Socks - Stripes

Here is the updated progress on my handknitted socks. I've finished the heel and gusset, so now I just have to get the length to match my foot before I do the toe shaping. It's going well! I love how the stripes are matching up color for color.

I'm a happy knitter!