Pink Afghan Getting Longer Now!

Pink Afghan Getting Longer Now!
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

I'm still working on that pink baby afghan. So far, it's 30 inches long, but the pattern calls for 44. Will it never end? I put my new baby doll with the afghan so you can see how big it has become.

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".

Marvin and Granddaughter Hailey Brooke

Marvin and Granddaughter Hailey Brooke
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

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!

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!

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. :)

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.

Thick Warm Socks for My Hospital Stay

Thick Warm Socks for My Hospital Stay
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

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.

Getting Ready for Surgery!

Bummer! I went to the doctor yesterday, and found out that I have to have surgery at the end of February. I have two massive fibroid tumors in my uterus and an ovarian cyst. They have been causing a lot of pain and trouble for me, so it's time for a hysterectomy. I did some research on the internet yesterday, and found some support groups. I also joined some yahoo groups to help me through the process.

I've never had surgery before, so I'm quite nervous about it. The only time I've gone to the hospital was when I delivered my three sons. Now, I'm going to deliver a uterus instead. lol

I found a knitting pattern on www.knitty.com for making a knitted uterus, so I might try to knit one up before I go. I can hang it on my door as a decoration just for fun. I'll need something to make me smile when I'm there. Here's a link to the pattern: http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTwomb.html

I'm looking for some other things to make as well. I might make the really long socks that go up to your thighs. (I know that hospitals get really cold sometimes). http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTverytallsocks.html I'm thinking that knitting lots of socks would be a good idea. I might make some of these basic tube socks as well. http://www.frugalhaus.com/homepage/tubesks.htm I think those would be quick to knit. I just found another quick knit sock pattern that looks toasty also: http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/quicksocks.html But, I think the Cottage Slipper Socks on the Lion Brand Webpage look the warmest and thickets. http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/kwe-socks.html

Heck, I might just make them all!

I think I'll make a wrap or throw also to keep my body warm. Those hospital blankets are pretty lousy.

Back to the knitting room!

Lego Knitting Machine - Way Cool!

I just found the coolest knitting machine on the internet. It was made with Legos!

Here's a link to the video of the knitting machine in action.
http://homepage.mac.com/aklego/iMovieTheater23.html

Valentine's Day Knitted Baby Hat

I was just doing some searching on the internet to try to find some free knitting patterns for Valentine's Day. There is not that much available really. Then I remembered the cutest hat pattern I used once for making a roll-brim baby hat with a top knot. Here's the link to the pattern: http://www.vintageknits.com/babyhat.html


I think that pattern should be available when you do a search on Google for Valentine's Day patterns.

Moda Dea Cache - Poncho Plan

I just got some Moda Dea Cache yarn on sale tonight at Michael's for $3.00 a skein! I usually sells there for about $9.00 a skein, so it's quite a deal. I got 3 skeins, but I'm going to have to go tomorrow to get 2 more skeins, because I just found a pattern for a poncho that I HAVE to make! I think it will be gorgeous with this yarn. It was designed for a different yarn, but it looks like this will work. They are the same gauge, and they are both wool. Here's hoping!

Here's a link to the pattern: http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/charles/charles.html

And here's a link to my yarn (same color as the ones I just bought - Wink):
http://www.herrschners.com/products/product.aspx?sku=710064

Cool Old Lady

coololdlady
Originally uploaded by Kae Tay.

I found this photo on www.flickr.com How cool is that old lady? lol

Cornbread and Buttermilk

I know I'm a country girl, but tonight it has been confirmed. One of my favorite foods is cornbread and buttermilk mixed together in a bowl. It is SOOOO GOOD! I thought it was something that lots of people ate, because my whole family ate it when I was growing up. We had lots of country food though, because my step-dad raised all kinds of vegetables in the garden.

My sister and I had to help in the summer heat, planting seeds, "dusting"* plants, watering plants, picking beans and snapping them, picking and shelling peas, picking corn and shucking it, picking okra and slicing it to be fried, following the tractor and picking up the potatoes that popped up from the plows. It was torturous work in the southern heat. There were occasional breezes that came through the field, and we would each stand with our arms raised to welcome the coolness. Yes, the work was hard, but the food was wonderful.

My mother would can and freeze everything she could. She made homemade pickles, canned vegetable soup, tomatoes, and tomato juice, froze corn and peas, canned green beans. That pressure cooker was constantly whistling during harvest time. On the days she made pickles, the entire house smelled like vinegar - yuck! But the pickles were good, as well as everything else from our garden.

Tonight I decided to make some cornbread, and was getting so excited about it, because I knew I had some whole buttermilk in the fridge. I set the buttermilk out on the counter so it could come to room temperature while the cornbread was cooking in the oven.

I went down the hall to talk to Marvin while he was watching tv and playing on the computer. I laid on the bed and said, "I'm making some cornbread." He said, "Oh no! You're going to have cornbread and buttermilk again aren't you?" I said, "Of course - it's one of my favorite things to eat!" He was completely grossed out.

When the cornbread was ready, he followed me to the kitchen and watched me take it out of the oven. I cut off a big slice and put it on a plate for him, and helped him butter it real good. Steam was rising from the bread, and the butter melted fast - it was delicious! I had some with him, and we both gobbled it up.

Then, I reached for a bowl to get some more cornbread and Marvin just ran out of the room yelling, "Yuck! I know what you're going to do." I ignored him, cut off some cornbread and crumbled it in the bowl. Then I picked up the warm buttermilk and poured it over the cornbread, stirring it up with a spoon. When the buttermilk mixed in with the bread, I added a little more buttermilk to make it the right consistency.

I carried the mixture to the craft room, so I could sit in my rocker and eat it while watching HGTV. Marvin came in the room saying, "Gross! I love you, but I can't stand to watch you eating that." I said, "Then why did you come in here? Go away, so I can eat my delicacy in peace."

I thoroughly enjoyed my cornbread and buttermilk. The cornbread was just right - no sugar added, just natural. If you add sugar to the cornbread, it doesn't taste right with buttermilk. I've had that sugared cornbread before, and it only tastes good by itself. You have to follow the recipe on the mix that doesn't call for sugar. That's the only way to make it right if you intend to add buttermilk after it's cooked.

After my meal, I decided to look on the internet to see how many others out there enjoy cornbread and buttermilk like me. Not that many, apparently. The only references I could find were "soul food" websites. lol

Oh well, I don't care who likes it or who doesn't. I'm gonna keep eating it until the day I die, because I love it!

* for those of you who don't know, "dusting" plants is putting "sevin" dust in an old sock and shaking it over the plants to keep the bugs away. Yes, it's a pesticide.

My First Real Skein of Homespun Yarn

My First Real Skein of Homespun Yarn
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

I have been learning how to spin now for about 6 months. After many ugly attempts, I finally have spun enough to make a full skein that looks decent. I got the wool in an auction on eBay, and initially spun it WAY too tight. Last night, I ran it through my spinning wheel again in the opposite direction to loosen it up a bit. Then, I stretched it out in a swift, got it wet, and let it dry overnight. This morning, I was able to take it off the swift and it looks pretty good! It's just a single ply, but it's thick enough to be a worsted weight, so I guess I'll just use it as it is.

Josh's Afghan with Chenille Border Added

Josh's Afghan with Chenille Border Added
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Here's the final photo of Josh's afghan, with the chenille border attached. The border is so soft, so it adds a a nice textural quality.

My First Afghan

When I learned to knit about 2 years ago, I asked my oldest son what he would like for me to make for him. He doesn't like sweaters, and I had already made him a knit hat, so he asked for an afghan. An afghan! That's huge!

But, I determined to have a go at it. I decided to make it a small afghan that he could use while sitting at his computer, since he LOVES to sit at his computer.

I started looking through patterns, and was getting frustrated, because they all looked so complicated. I asked Josh what colors did he want me to use. He chose Black and Blue, his favorite colors to wear. I looked through my stash of worsted weight yarn, and found several skeins of blue and black. I then decided to add some white to the afghan to add some contrast to those dark shades.

I found one pattern that looked interesting, but I would need to make about 25 squares and stitch them all together. Stitching seams is not my favorite thing to do, and I really didn't want to do it for 25 squares, so I decided to make my own design. I decided to make 5 continuous strips of knitted squares, then I would only need to stitch 5 strips together! It was still a pain, but better than the first option.

Here is the finished product! It turned out pretty good.

I made the first strip by knitting a square using Harris Tweed stitch in blue, then changed to black and did a square in garter stitch, then changed to white and used moss stitch. Then I added another black square, and blue square. Then I bound off those stitches.

Then, I made a little chart of how my squares would be arranged on a slip of paper. I then continued to make strips, using the chart as my guide.

I laid out the strips on my bed to make sure I had made them right, then I attached them side by side with easy crochet stitches. After that, I took this photo, because I was so proud to finally finish! (I started making this afghan about a year ago!)

After taking the photo, I looked at the afghan again, and decided to add a border around the edge. I used a different yarn for that - Lion Brand Chenille Thick and Quick. That yarn was so soft, and the color black really enhanced the whole afghan.