Off the Loom

the purple knifty knitter loom

2010-02-21T20:20:00.001-07:00

I started a new project to learn how to double knit using the purple Knifty Knitter long loom. I found an excellent free Classic Stripes Scarf pattern over at DA Looms that Isela so graciously donated. It is perfect for learning how to knit on the long loom. The pattern includes great photos and instructions on how to wrap the long loom for the stockinette stitch, how to change colors, how to finish the beginning edge, how to bind off, and how to add fringe. This will be a good first long loom project, and I'm enjoying how fast you can wrap and knit on this loom. I like that there is no wrong side on this scarf. It's turning out wonderfully thick and soft.

rib brim hat

2010-02-21T19:27:00.020-07:00

I first saw this rib brim hat at a blog called

A Knifty Knitter's Journal and wanted to loom one also. A crown shaping method was used instead of the gather method, and I wanted to learn how to decrease, so I thought this would be a good project, plus I really liked the looks of this hat.

I loomed this hat on the KK green loom using Baby Alpaca Grande by Plymouth Yarn. Navy was used for the main color, and grey was used for the stripes.

Here is the pattern for anyone who would like to loom this hat:

Cast on 36 stitches using the crochet cast on method.
Brim: Using the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Knit 2, purl 2 every row until brim is 4 or 5 inches, approximately 26 rows.
Body: Using the knit stitch, knit every row with main color for 5 rows. Switch to stripe color and knit 2 rows. Knit 2 rows with the main color. Switch to stripe color and knit 5 rows. Knit 2 rows with the main color. Switch to stripe color and knit 2 rows. Switch to main color and knit the remainder of the body for 3 inches or approximately 16 rows for medium size. Body of the hat should be a total of 26 - 27 rows.
Crown: Using stitch markers, divide the loom into 4 sections of 9 pegs each. Number the pegs 1 - 9 in each section.
Knit from peg 1 to peg 9 and then turn at peg 9 and knit back to peg 1 as in a flat panel. Remove the loop from peg 3 and hold on to the loop (I slip the loop onto a crochet hook). Move the loop from peg 2 over to peg 3. Place the original loop from peg 3 and place it back on peg 3. You now have two loops on peg 3. Move the loop from peg 1 to peg 2. Remove the loop on peg 7 and hold on to the loop. Move the loop from peg 8 to peg 7. Place the original loop from peg 7 and place it back on peg 7. You now have two loops on peg 7. Move the loop from peg 9 over to peg 8. You now have 7 loops on the pegs. Knit two rows (knit the two loops as one) from peg 3 to peg 8, turn and knit peg 7 to peg 2.

Remove the loop from peg 4 and hold loop. Move the loop from peg 3 over to peg 4. Place the original loop from peg 4 and place back on peg 4. Move the loop from peg 2 over to peg 3. Remove the loop from peg 6 and hold loop. Move the loop from peg 7 over to peg 6. Place the original loop back onto peg 6. Move the loop on peg 8 over to peg 7. There are now 5 loops left. Knit two rows (knit the two loops as one) from peg 4 to peg 7, turn and knit peg 6 to peg 3.

Continue to decrease stitches until you have one loop left. Cut 12" from the working yarn, take the last loop off and pull the 12" yarn through the loop with a crochet hook. Tighten. Repeat decreasing on remaining 3 sections until you have 4 triangles. Stitch the 4 sections together using the mattress stitch.

Looming Through the Psalms:

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights." Psalm 18:32, 33

shaping a hat crown

2010-02-16T19:42:00.005-07:00

I've been working on a practice hat to learn how to shape the crown instead of using the gather method. Since there are 24 pegs on the KK blue loom, I sectioned the loom off into four sections of 6 pegs using stitch markers. In the first photo there are two triangles after decreasing the stitches.

The hat is taken off the loom with four triangles that

will need to be stitched together to close the crown.

This is what the completed practice hat looks like

after the triangles are stitched together.

Isela on her Purling Sprite Blog has a tutorial on

this decreasing technique that I found helpful.

A video of the mattress stitch used to sew the seams

together can be found here at KnittingHelp.com.

on the loom again

2010-02-09T10:21:00.008-07:00

There's something new on the loom again. I thought I'd dust off my Knifty Knitters and do some experimenting. I have to say, this Alpaca wool is luxurious and wonderful to work with. What could this new project be? We'll see...

Almost ready to remove from the loom.

Where there's one project on the loom, you can be sure there's another one close behind. I'm making this item on my CinDWood adult 1/2" gauge hat loom (51 pegs). I wanted to see how the exact same project turned out on a smaller gauge. The Knifty Knitter green loom has a 3/4" gauge.

crocheted blanket completed

2010-02-05T11:23:00.006-07:00

I'm not sure how procrastination can get the best of us at times, but almost a whole year has passed since I completed this blanket. I enjoyed crocheting this blanket that is now affectionately loved by two precious little girls. I haven't been looming or crocheting since I completed this project, but the desire is beginning to manifest to pick up the looms and hooks and get busy with these hobbies again. I'd like to get into needle knitting as well. One of my aunts got me started when I was a girl, so it would be nice to become reacquainted.

Looming Through the Psalms:
"And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness." Psalm 17:15

blog prodigal returns & loomed prayer shawl

2009-03-16T12:52:00.010-06:00

It's been ages since I last posted, 2 years and 3 months to be exact. I decided it was time to re-instate myself with this blog and with looming. I feel as though I'm starting over with learning this craft. I also took the plunge and gave this blog a total makeover which has been a tedious ordeal. I went with the updated editor including a new look, and most of my right-hand side links and additions had to be added again.

I finally took the prayer shawl off the loom. It's embarrassing to admit the shawl was on the loom for years and was haunting me to be completed. In my haste, it turned out a little short, but still functional. It was made using this pattern for the loom with my modded Markman Farm 18" RG adjustable rake. I've added the prayer shawl loom to my wish list for my next prayer shawl.

Looming Through the Psalms:
"I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me." Psalm 16:7,8

new beginnings

2006-12-31T15:00:00.001-07:00

This is the start of new beginnings with my attempts at learning how to crochet. New beginnings for a new year. It's supposed to be a baby afghan. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to frog it because I started off doing the double crochet stitch incorrectly. When I was creating this stitch, I was placing my hook into the front stitch instead of taking it all the way through the whole loop. It makes a pretty pattern, but it definitely was a slower process. Then when I went to add new yarn, something went wrong and you can see the one edge was decreasing in size. Well, we learn from our mistakes, right?

The holidays have been great, full of lots of sweets and treats. It's been wonderful to have my daughter home from L.A. for a 2-week visit.

Happy New Year!

12 days of christmas mystery

2006-12-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is one of the most exciting things that has ever happened to me at Christmas. Someone who is remaining anonymous is delivering packages to me daily for the 12 days of Christmas. This started last Thursday, the 14th, and a package has arrived every day since then. Package 7 arrived yesterday with instructions to only open one package a day. Well, I opened #7 which was a huge box that contained another box labeled 8th day I had to wait to open today. The 8th box was a box that contained a box labeled 9th day. I have to wait until tomorrow to open this box. The mystery continues. . .
So who could this incredible mystery person be? I wonder if I'll ever find out. Whoever you are, I feel very blessed and thankful that you would shower me with so much love. You are a very special person!

Here's what I've received so far:
Light blue sweatpants with matching hoodie jacket, a microwavable lavender scented neck wrap from Bath & Body Works, Harry London dark chocolate caramels, a cherry almond candle, Bigelow body products, a Brookstone wine opener, and a bottle of Korbel Champagne. Wow! Every gift is perfect. I wonder if this has anything to do with the message I gave a couple of weeks ago at our women's coffee mug/cookie exhange. The message was Jesus, the Gift that Keeps on Giving!

Here's the box for the 9th day of Christmas. I have to wait until tomorrow to open this one.
Along with a very curious kitty, I opened the box for the 9th day of Christmas. Inside this box was another box labeled the 10 day of Christmas! Now I have to wait until tomorrow to see what the 10th day holds. The mystery continues. . .
Another box within a box for the 10th day of Christmas. We shall see what tomorrow holds. I have a feeling that I'll be unwrapping another box tomorrow that will contain the 12th day of Christmas box which will have the real prize. To be continued. . .

Oh my, I opened the package for the 11th day of Christmas, and it's an iPod nano! Okay, now I'm stumped because it has to be someone that knows I wanted an iPod. I only told one person, my hubby. Hmmmmm. . .
Wow, an iPod. Whomever you are, thank you! Hopefully, I'll get to thank you in person tomorrow, Christmas day.

On Christmas day my mystery person along with her family arrived at my home to deliver the 12th day of Christmas gift!
Drum roll...drum roll...drum roll. . .
My awesome gift bearer was my daughter's boss from when she worked at the tanning salon. Her name is Katrina. The 12 day gift was a KK set and yarn. Yay! Katrina, I love ya. You're an amazing person! Thank you so much for all these great gifts.

sugar cube dishcloth

2006-12-17T09:59:00.004-07:00

Lion Brand Yarns sends out an e-newsletter and they usually include a knit stitch of the week. The stitch was called "sugar cubes." I thought I'd try and convert the pattern to the loom and make a dishcloth using this stitch. I loomed this one on my DA extra small 3/8" gauge WonderLoom. It turned out pretty close. The yarn was Sugar 'n Cream 100% cotton, hot green, but I think this pattern would look pretty in any variegated cotton yarn as well. Once I wash and dry this cloth, it should set the stitches. I wrote Lion Brand Yarns to ask permission to post the converted pattern on this blog, but haven't heard back from them yet. As soon as I do, hopefully I'll have permission to post it. The pattern calls for repeats of 8 rows. I did around 8 1/2 repeats for the cloth to measure approximately 8" x 8". On a larger gauge loom you may not need as many repeats. I used the knit stitch and to bind off I used the basic bind off.

another miracle scarf

2006-11-01T17:00:00.007-07:00

I made this miracle scarf for a friend who did some wallpaper repair work on our motorhome. She didn't want any compensation for the work, so I thought I'd make her a gift in exchange for her generosity. These scarves really do make nice gifts. Her face just lit up when I gave it to her.

The scarves are easy to do. This one was e-wrapped and loomed on the KK green loom using three skeins of an Indigo print Lion Brand Fun Fur trimmed in Champagne. I bound off using the super stretchy bind-off found at this yarngear.com link.

Looming Through the Psalms:
"LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?
He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken." Psalm 15

in loving memory of my dad

2006-10-20T12:17:00.000-06:00

My father, 85 years old, passed silently away on the morning of Wednesday, October 11, 2006. He died 23 days short of his 60th wedding anniversary.

A copy of his obituary written by my sister, Sandra Rufolo:

Oreste J. Rufolo (Ernie), 85, was born in East Harlem, N.Y., on March 17, 1921.
He died in Morristown, N.J., on the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 11, at CareOne.

Rufolo was a World War II veteran, having served under Gen. George Patton in the European Theater. He was part of the Allied Forces that liberated France from the Nazis more than 60 years ago, a tale he loved to recount.

Ernie attended Benjamin Franklin High School in East Harlem under the tutelage of renowned public school teacher and social activist, Leonard Covello, who established the school in 1934, and as its principal, ran it as a community-centered school, based on his innovative theory that the public school required close interaction with the community. The school was the first to embrace cultural pluralism and to recognize the importance of immigrant children, at the time Italians, to retain a pride in their native cultures while adjusting to America. Ernie graduated from there in 1937 at the age of 16 with an A+ average and later from City College of New York. He also attended the University of Grenoble in France after the war.

Ernie was an engineer for American Machine & Foundry for approximately 20 years, with whom he was transferred to York, Pa., in 1964. His designs were numerous, among them the AMF snowmobile, or Ski Daddler (he designed the head lights), design work on the Phoenix breeder reactor located on the campus of the University of Michigan, and design work on the M1 tanks still being deployed into military service today. He was also employed by BMY.

Ernie was fluent in four languages. He was a bird and tropical fish enthusiast.
Among his other hobbies were reading and doing The New York Times crossword puzzles in ink.

He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Rufolo, three daughters, Linda and her husband Leonard, Park City, Utah; Sandra, Long Island, NY; Lori and her husband John, Madison, N.J.; five grandchildren, Alexandra, Katherine, Laura, Dylan and Thomas; a brother, Anthony, Annapolis, MD and a sister, Dora of Murray Hill, New York City; and numerous nieces and nephews.

pegboards and lace

2006-09-30T21:25:00.000-06:00

My hubby surprised me in August with this new pegboard he had made for me. Our friend Jim did a fantastic job. It was waiting for me when I arrived home from a family visit back east. We finally got around to hanging it up today, and I placed all my looms on it. The only loom that is not on it is my Penny dishcloth rake. Looks like I have a lot more room to fill it with more! It measures 5 1/2' x 4 1/2'. It's exciting to see my ideas for a loom room coming to pass. All I need is a looming table and some shelves for all my yarn that's everywhere at the moment.
When we moved our daughter to L.A. in July, I got to spend some time with my sister-in-law. She showed me old chests full of beautiful crocheted table cloths and doilies that were crocheted by her mother and grandmother. She said their hands moved incredibly fast when they crocheted. When she saw how much I loved the crocheted items, she gave me this beautiful purple doily. I found the perfect place for it, adorning my mother-in-law's photo from when she 17 years old. How appropriate that this gorgeous doily should be with its creator. My sister-in-law also sent me a wonderful birthday present. All this yummy Alpaca wool. It is incredibly soft. My daughter bought me the fine orange and purple Alpaca yarn. I just have to find projects for it all. Shouldn't be a problem!
This is the store the Alpaca yarn is from. I got to visit it when we were in Los Angeles. Boy, am I ever tempted to fill my empty corral with some yearling Alpacas!

looming update

2006-09-25T17:53:00.002-06:00

Well, I can't believe it's been over a month since my last post. Life just gets busy, and unfortunately I don't have much time for looming these days and keeping up with this blog. I wish I didn't have to go to work so I could spend as much time as I can to loom, I love it that much. One of my friends liked the pawprint and 3 crosses dishcloths and asked if I was selling them. I'm not selling them, but I enjoyed making these two dishcloths for her on my new DA extra small gauge WonderLoom. I usually use the crochet cast off for the dishcloths, but this time I wanted to try the basic removal method I found on Isela's How To Video Link. I really like the neat edge you get with this method.

Pawprint Dishcloth

3 Crosses Dishcloth

I'm still working on this prayer shawl on my 5/8" regular gauge adjustable Markman Farm Loom. I'm using 60 pegs. Hopefully, I'll finish it before the holidays. It takes 3 skeins of yarn and I just started my 2nd skein. I'm using Homespun Prairie.

extra small gauge wonderloom

2006-08-19T12:07:00.001-06:00

Click on photo for larger view.

I received my Decor Accents ESG WonderLoom today. It's beaufiful, and I love the design of this loom. The gauge measures 3/8". I just love this size gauge and can't wait to make some goodies with my new WonderLoom.

what kind of yarn are you?

2006-08-17T20:50:00.000-06:00

I took this quiz I found on Lisa's blog.
It turns out I'm Cashmere. Try it and
see what kind of yarn you may be.

What kind of yarn are you?

You are Cashmere.You are sophisticated and luxe. You can often be found in high-end boutiques and hobnobbing with the upper crust. You are one of the beautiful people and you don't let anyone forget it!
Take this quiz!

Quizilla |Join
| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

empty nest

2006-08-01T19:01:00.001-06:00

Alex in her new L.A. cottage/apartment

My hubby and I are now officially empty nesters. On July 22, we packed up a U-haul trailer full of our daughter's belongings and headed off for Los Angeles. We set everything up for her in record-breaking heat. I thought we were all going to melt! We just arrived back home a few days ago, and I'm having my moments of sadness. It's hitting me now that I'm here and not hearing her voice or seeing her everyday. Alex will be attending the L.A. Film School in Hollywood. It's an intensive year-long program.

Here I am, the mom with Alex and her boyfriend, Chad.

Mother and Daughter

seed stitch border dishcloth

2006-07-29T19:03:00.002-06:00

Seed Stitch Border Dishcloth

Materials Needed: Fine or small gauge round loom or rake, loom knitting tool, 100% cotton yarn, crochet hook, yarn needle.

Cast on 35 sts or odd number of sts.

Row 1: *k1, p1, k1* repeat from * until end of row.
Row 2: *p1, k1, p1* repeat from * until end of row.
Row 3: *k1, p1, k1* repeat from * until end of row.

Row 4: p1, k1, p1, k to last 3 sts, p1, k1, p1.
Row 5: k1, p1, k1, k to last 3 sts, k1, p1, k1.

Repeat rows 4 and 5 until desired length.

Then finish with 3 rows of seed stitch:

*p1, k1, p1* repeat from* until end of row.
*k1, p1, k1* repeat from * until end of row.
*p1, k1, p1* repeat from * until end of row.

Bind off using crochet method. Weave in ends.

I'll send this dishcloth to my daughter. Most of the dishcloths I made I've given to her for her new apartment. We just moved her to Los Angeles, and arrived back home last night. It's weird having an empty nest.

Looming Through the Psalms:
"Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!" Psalm 14:7

the unveiling

2006-07-20T10:51:00.000-06:00

Our never-ending yard project is complete at least for now!
This is how our yard looked at the beginning. A complete transformation has taken place. The last project remaining was the deck. Remember the ugly red paint and the damaged wood?
Well, this is how it turned out after the Deck Doctor arrived! It's like I had a new deck installed. The redwood is absolutely gorgeous!

The Deck Doctor comes to the rescue!

Here is a photo of the whole crew at work. Several sanders were used at the same time. This is what the redwood looks like from years of weathering. It's amazing to see the transformation and the beauty of the wood after it is sanded. This was the first time I had actually seen the reds and blondes of the wood since we bought our home. The deck had never been kept up with by the original owners, so the wood was always grey.Here's another view of the deck and completed landscaping.

My rock garden.

The plants have lost their flowers since I planted them, but they will be in bloom next spring and summer. I planted Flox, Irish Moss, Lemon Thyme, and Ice plants. Eventually the plants will spread and grow in between the rocks.
My husband built these flagstone steps for me. I think they turned out pretty cool.
A great place to loom! My works in progress include a dishcloth and prayer shawl.

long-tail cast on

2006-07-11T16:16:00.000-06:00

Let's try doing the long-tail cast on together.

1. Wrap your yarn two times around your loom. This will give you the "tail."

2. Make a slip knot at the top of the tail.

3. Place the slip knot on your starting peg.
4. Now take the yarn (working) coming from the skein.

5. E-wrap the peg to the right with the working yarn. Lay the long "tail" above the wrap and pull the wrap over the long tail (knit off).

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you reach the last peg. You are now ready to begin knitting your first row using your working yarn.

new Markman 18" RG adjustable rake

2006-07-09T14:54:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I received my 18" RG (5/8") adjustable rake from Markman Farm. I planned on using this rake to make prayer shawls. I wanted a loom that would be versatile and not specifically designed just for prayer shawls. The loom has to have at least 60 pegs in order to make the shawls, so I decided on this 18" RG adjustable rake.

The product list stated 52 pegs for this adjustable rake, and with the additional 4-peg end pieces, I would have my 60 pegs. Wrong! I didn't calculate that once you removed the 2-peg end pieces and placed the 4-peg end pieces on, you would only have 56 pegs, not 60. What to do?

Well, my lightbulb moment came at 2:00 a.m. last night. What if I combined both end pieces giving me an additional 12 pegs. I took the longest hex bolt and put it through both pieces. It would work. Only thing is the end of the hex bolt didn't come through to the other side. I needed a longer hex bolt.

Do they make them longer? Sure they do, and they have them at Home Depot! I bought two 5 1/2 " hex bolts and some extra wing nuts. They worked! They're the perfect length, and I have my 60 pegs. Now I can keep my "baby", and we'll have very happy looming days together.

The End

2 more dishcloths

2006-07-07T21:56:00.003-06:00

I seem to have caught some kind of dishcloth fever. This one is the Three Crosses Cloth originally created by Rhonda K. White ©copyright 3/20/05 and converted by Linda Perata ©copyright 7/06. I loomed this cloth on Lynn Markman's FG 3/8" adustable double rake using 100% cotton yarn and the new knit stitch. If you would like the converted pattern for this dishcloth, just leave a comment and I will email it to you.This cloth is called the Ripple Dishcloth found at Loomin Cat's Haven. I love the ripple pattern in this particular cloth. I loomed this also on Lynn Markman's FG adjustable double rake. The pattern looks lovely in a variegated yarn. I used Peaches & Creme 100% cotton yarn in "gumdrop."

What's unique about an adjustable double rake is that you can loom two dishcloths or projects at once. If you get bored with one, you can always start on the other.
I love this rake. The wood is gorgeous and I like using the open-top pegs.

Looming Through the Psalms
"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me." Psalm 13:5,6

pawprint dishcloth

2006-06-30T10:55:00.006-06:00

Knitted Paw Print Cloth
©3/05 by Rhonda K. White

Used by permission from Ronda K. White
Pattern converted to the loom Copyright © 6/06 by Linda Perata

This pattern was done on the loom using Isela's knit stitch and purl.

Materials used: 100% cotton yarn, ¼” fine gauge dishcloth rake, crochet hook for binding off, and yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Cast on 36 stitches

1: Purl
2: Knit
3: Purl
4: Knit
5: p3, k30, p3
6: knit across
7: p3, k30, p3
8: knit across
9: p3, k13, p4, k13, p3
10: knit across
11: p3, k11, p8, k11, p3
12: knit across
13: p3, k9, p12, k9, p3
14: knit across
15: p3, k9, p12, k9, p3
16: knit across
17, 19, 21 & 23: p3, k8, p14, k8, p3
18, 20, 22, 24: knit across
25: p3, k9, p12, k9, p3
26: knit across
27: p3, k10, p10, k10, p3
28: knit across
29: p3, k5, p3, k3, p8, k3, p3, k5, p3
30: knit across
31: p3, k4, p5, k3, p6, k3, p5, k4, p3
32: knit across
33: p3, k3, p6, k4, p4, k4, p6, k3, p3
34: knit across
35: p3, k3, p5, k14, p5, k3, p3
36: knit across
37: p3, k3, p4, k3, p3, k4, p3, k3, p4, k3, p3
38: knit across
39: p3, k4, p2, k3, p5, k2, p5, k3, p2, k4, p3
40: knit across
41 & 43: p3, k9, p5, k2, p5, k9, p3
42 & 44: knit across
45: p3, k9, p4, k4, p4, k9, p3
46: knit across
47: p3, k10, p2, k6, p2, k10, p3
48: knit across
49: p3, k30, p3
50: knit across
51: p3, k30, p3
52: knit across
53: p3, k30, p3
54: knit across
55: purl across
56: knit across
57: purl across
Bind off loosely with crochet method using one chain stitch in between.

Looming Through the Psalms
"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me." Psalm 12:5,6

heart dishcloth

2006-06-27T13:02:00.006-06:00

Click on photo to enlarge

What better way to say, "I love you," than to give a special person in your life a heart dishcloth. Penny of aloomyplace.com converted this pattern. Her website is no longer available, so I will post the pattern in this post. I did this one on Penny's 1/4" fine gauge rake using 100% cotton Sugar 'n Creme. Part way into looming this dishcloth, you can see where I switched to Isela's new knit stitch. I like this stitch much better than the flat "U" stitch. The new knit stitch looks more uniform like needle knitting. Isela's mini-movie of the stitch can be found here.

Looming dishcloths seems to be the craze lately, and I'm hooked as well. I just love watching the pattern appear as I'm looming. Cathy of Loomin Cat's Haven has been converting many needle-knit dishcloths over to the loom. Her husband also makes a dishcloth rake with a gauge that you can loom the perfect dishcloth on.

I converted the paw print pattern and it's in process right now. I'll post the pattern and photos soon. Lovely knitted dishcloths by Rhonda K. White copyright © can be converted and found at her website, KnittingKnonsense.

Thanks for visiting!

Single Heart Dish Cloth Loom Pattern

Supplies:
Worsted Weight Cotton
Loom Tool
Yarn Needle
Dish Cloth Rake

Cast on 35
Row 1: Knit across
Row 2: Purl across
Row 3: Knit across
Row 4: Purl across
Row 5: Knit across
Row 6: Purl across
Row 7: Knit across
Row 8: P4, K27, P4
Row 9: Knit across
Row 10-19: Repeat Rows 8 & 9
Row 20: P4, K27, P4
Row 21: K17, P1, K17
Row 22: P4, K27, P4
Row 23: K16, P3, K16
Row 24: P4, K27, P4
Row 25: K15, P5, K15
Row 26: P4, K27, P4
Row 27: K14, P7, K14
Row 28: P4, K27, P4
Row 29: K13, P9, K13
Row 30: P4, K27, P4
Row 31: K12, P11, K12
Row 32: P4, K27, P4
Row 33: K12, P5, K1, P5, K12
Row 34: P4, K27, P4
Row 35: K13, P3, K3, P3, K13
Row 36: P4, K27, P4
Row 37: Knit across
Rows 38-47: Repeat Rows 8 & 9
Row 48: Purl across
Row 49: Knit across
Row 50: Purl across
Row 51: Knit across
Row 52: Purl across
Row 53: Knit across

Open bind off:
Cut your yarn leaving about a 20” tail. Thread a yarn needle with the tail and remove with open method.

Run the needle down through loop on peg 1, up through loop on peg 3, down through peg on loop 2, up through 4, down through 3, up through 5, down through 4…continue to end, finish and weave ends.

Looming Through the Psalms
"In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: Flee like a bird to your mountain." Psalm 11:1

one word about "me" - just one

2006-06-23T08:26:00.000-06:00

One Word...meme

Seen over at sedulous Isela's and lovely Margene's, the One Word comment!

Please leave a one-word comment that you think best describes me — it can only be one word long. Then copy and paste this into your blog so that I may leave a word about you.

Ready, set, go!!

completed triangle shawl

2006-06-21T20:54:00.001-06:00

Click on image for larger view

I completed the triangle shawl today. I think it turned out nicely. I used the pattern on Gail's blog. Gail used DA's prayer shawl loom in this pattern, but I don't have that particular loom, so I used the yellow KK loom. I e-wrapped single strand 1 over 1 using Red Heart Plush in Wine. I was surprised to see that the shawl knitted on the yellow KK loom turned out as large as it did.

This is what the shawl looked like before I added the 10" fringe. To make the fringe, measure a piece of cardboard the desired length of the fringe you'd like to add. Wrap the yarn around the cardboard as many times as will fit. Cut the yarn on one end of the cardboard.

Fold the fringe strands in half forming a loop and use a crochet hook to pull the loop through the edge of the garment. Pull the ends of the strand through the loop and tighten.

Looming through the Psalms
"Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless." Psalm 10:12

more yard news

2006-06-21T20:39:00.000-06:00

Yesterday our hedges arrived. Lots of holes were dug. Have any of you seen the movie or read the book, Holes? Yep, that's what digging all those holes reminded me of! I wouldn't mind finding a treasure!

Here's my hubby using the tractor to bring the topsoil over to where we need it. I've never seen him on a tractor before.

Today, all the hedges were planted and the giant garden box filled with topsoil. It's coming together nicely. I can't wait to get my rock garden in.

on the loom and in the yard

2006-06-17T00:57:00.000-06:00

I thought I'd try and learn how to loom a triangle shawl. I found a pattern with instructions that I really liked at this blog. This pattern teaches you how to increase and decrease, so it's a great learning tool. I'm doing this one on the yellow KK loom using Red Heart Plush in Wine. The yarn is giving this shawl an antique look, almost like it came out of granny's attic. I'm just about ready to start the decrease to shape the other side of the triangle. Hopefully it will turn out.

So what loomer doesn't have at least three projects going on at once?

This yarn has my name on it. I just had to get it! I think I'll use it to make another triangle shawl if this first one turns out. I'd like to use a larger loom though. I should call this shawl the "Linda" shawl.

And for our never-ending yard project, a couple of friends came over and helped us install the retaining wall today. It was a little on the cool side, so it was a great day for working outside.

Thank God for friends who will lend a helping hand when you need it.

Bean enjoying the day.

The retaining wall is complete. We need to add the plants and topsoil. It's almost like I have a giant garden box now. I'd like to add a rock garden to this slope as well.

new looms and projects

2006-06-14T12:57:00.000-06:00

Yay, my Markman Farm 18" fine gauge adjustable double rake arrived a couple of days ago. The rake is a gorgeous oak with open-top pegs. I ordered the extra end pieces for it too. I also ordered Lynn's 4 oz. Cedar Eucalyptus|Lavender bee balm I used to wax the loom. Now it has an incredible fragrance. Lynn's having a free shipping sale until the end of this month. I love this rake, and I've started a dishcloth I wrote a pattern for converting from needle knitting to the loom. It's my first experience in pattern writing, so we'll see how it turns out. Even though Lynn lists this rake as a fine gauge, the pegs aren't spaced quite as tight as my 1/4" fine gauge looms. These pegs are spaced 3/8" so my guess is that this rake is closer to a small gauge. I also ordered the small gauge Wonderloom from Decor Accents Inc., and can't wait to receive it.

I started another dishcloth the other day on my fine gauge dishcloth rake. These dishcloths provide the practice I need as far as learning new stitches, following a pattern, and working on my tension. I was using the flat "U" stitch, but what ends up happening is my stitches turn out incredibly tight no matter how loose I think I'm wrapping. I have a difficult time lifting these tight loops over the pegs. I found a video that Isela did for the knit stitch which is a similar technique as doing the purl stitch, only in reverse. That makes sense since the purl stitch is just the other side of the knit stitch. Anyway, I ended up switching to using the method Isela demonstrates in the video, and I love it. The stitches turn out much more uniform and helps me with the tension. At first it was taking me a lot longer to do, but I have found a rhythm with it and it's going much faster.You can see where I made the switch to the knit stitch on this project. Hopefully it won't be so obvious after I shrink the dishcloth. No worries, it's just practice, and the dishcloth will still work even with the imperfections.

This is what can happen if your stitches are too tight. The yarn broke! I was using DA's wood knitting tool that is really sharp and made for fine gauge looming and SNAP, the yarn broke in two. I had to start over. Such are the adventures in loom knitting.

never-ending yard project

2006-06-11T18:16:00.000-06:00

I thought I'd post some "before" photos of our never-ending yard project that's been going on for almost a year now. It all started last August when our septic tank decided to back up on us. We had no idea where the septic tank was even after repeatedly asking the original home owner several times. Well, needless to say, it ended up being a major ordeal. We first had to call roto-rooter to "buy" us some time to make numerous phone calls to the appropriate people that could help us. After many phone calls, Roto-Rooter who "bought" us some time, an excavator who made a nice 8' x 15' trench, and the pumper who completed the job, we had a nice little mess in our yard. Since I always wanted a stone patio installed, I decided this would be the perfect opportunity to get my "dream yard." We had the patio installed last November just before winter showed up. I had no idea they had to make it so high. We also decided to have a white pergola installed since our yard has a perfect southern exposure with absolutely no shade. When spring arrived, we noticed that some of the bricks were disintegrating, so the whole patio had to be replaced! One thing has lead to another, so now we have to repair and refinish our deck and do landscaping. Hopefully, this won't take up the whole summer.
This is what some of our railing logs look like. This is the ugliest stain I have ever seen. It all has to be sanded off and the wood refinished.

Just look at all those spindles that have to be sanded! These are just on part of our deck. The railing also wraps around to the side.

Here is the raised patio that will have to be landscaped. We have to bring in around 14 yards of topsoil to finish filling the hole that sunk from the trench that was made. Sod will then have to be laid. We will use the remainder of the topsoil around the edge of the patio and plant hedges. I'm thinking of adding a rock garden as well.

This is the white pergola we had installed. I love it. It provides some shade for a very sunny backyard.

We also had the paver company install this spa pad for a future jacuzzi.

Another "before" photo of the stone patio.

Back to looming, I've been trying to convert some knitting stitches. I was experimenting with one on the loom today and created a swatch. This one is called a basket weave stitch. It would make a great stitch for an afghan.

my grandmother

2006-06-03T07:42:00.000-06:00

Today I opened an email with an incredible surprise. My cousin's wife sent me this photo of my maternal grandmother, Josephine Scaramella. It was a very emotional experience to look upon my grandmother's face for the first time. It's like looking into a mirror image. I definitely see my sisters, Sandra and Lori, in her. I never met my grandmother because she died giving birth to a son over 70 years ago. What saddens my heart is that her premature death left 6 daughters and 2 sons without a mother. And I never got to know the love of a grandmother.

black & silver hat

2006-05-31T19:19:00.003-06:00

One of the projects I wanted to loom was the basic hat pattern from the book, Knitting Wheel Fashions.
It looked more like a beret style hat, and I just loved it. I had to improvise on the yarn, so this hat didn't turn out exactly like the one in the pattern. I couldn't find the Red Heart Fiesta Black/Gold. I think I can order this yarn online, so I may redo the hat using this specific yarn. I made this black and silver hat on the green KK loom using Caron Simply Soft black and Caron Glimmer black. I made a brim first and then used a stitch called the double wrap. I used a pom-pom maker called the Doodle-Loom to create my first pom-pom.

Looming through the Psalms
"I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders." Psalm 9:1

completed mesh bag

2006-05-24T17:53:00.002-06:00

I took the mesh bag project off the loom the other day and then added the chain crocheted drawstring and handles. I turned this bag into a backpack. It will be great as a summer tote for towels and other lakeside items. I would say beach items, but we don't have any beaches where I live. This flat bottom bag has been such a fun project. It was made on the yellow loom using Peaches & Creme cotton yarn in Potpourri. The instructions can be found at the Yahoo LoomClass site.

Looming through the Psalms
"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" Psalm 8:3,4

papaya-limelight mock crochet hat

2006-05-17T21:26:00.003-06:00

I finally finished my Papaya-Limelight mock crochet hat. It was done on CinDWood Crafts 51-peg 1/2" gauge round loom using Caron Simply Soft Brites in Limelight and Papaya. The first 5 rows are done using the purl stitch. The Papaya-colored section of the hat was done using the mock crochet stitch. The download for the stitch can be found here.
For the last 5 rows I used the flat "U" stitch and then gathered the top.

Looming through the Psalms
"O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure.
My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart." Psalm 7:9,10

more puppy pics

2006-05-17T21:09:00.000-06:00

Well, we picked up our little Chi boy on 5/3/06 right after our Zion's trip. Here are some more photos. We named him Ace. He turned 9 weeks old on Mother's Day. He's so much fun, but a lot of work too as you can imagine!

His first night

Ace's checkerboard pattern

More pics to enjoy

Mother's Day - 9 weeks old

our new boy

2006-04-27T22:17:00.000-06:00

Emmett & Checkers

Our new Chihuahua boy is on the right! The breeders call him Checkers because he has a checkerboard pattern on his back. It was love at first sight when we saw him for the first time yesterday. He is soooo adorable, and we can't wait to take him home.

projects off and on the loom

2006-04-27T17:36:00.002-06:00

What a difference a gauge makes. The flower dishcloth on the right was made on Cindy's combo loom regular 1/2" gauge, and the same pattern was used for the yellow dishcloth on the left made on a fine gauge rake from markmanfarm.com. The pattern for the spring flower dishcloth can be found at www.knitchat.com.

I still need to complete my mesh bag. All I need to do is a few more rows of the single mesh stitch, 3 rows of 2 over 2, cast off using the crochet method, whip stitch the i-cords into place, and my bag will be complete.

blog fog

2006-04-25T18:21:00.000-06:00

So here is my blog fog. Cool, huh. I first saw this on a friend's blog, who saw it on her dad's blog who saw it at snap shirts where you can do your own blog fog and order a t-shirt too. I like some of the words that my blog fog produced like mountain, miracle, mystery, and weaving wife. Try it and see how yours turns out.

analyze that

2006-04-23T14:32:00.002-06:00

This is my handwritten pangram. A pangram is a sentence that contains all the letters of the alphabet, the most famous being, "the quick brown fox" sentence. I was to write this sentence out, take a photo of it, sign it, and post it on my blog. I'm not sure what happens next, but I think a handwriting specialist may be visiting my blog to analyze it. I saw this on Isela's purling sprite's blog who saw it at Mim's blog, who saw it here.
The next step is to add a comment over at Logtar's blog that I posted this handwriting meme at my blog.

a hat for joseph

2006-04-23T14:17:00.004-06:00

Joseph has been very patient waiting for his new hat. Weeks ago I made some scrunchies for his sisters, and the hat I made for him on the red loom was too small. He's been waiting ever since for a new one. I presented this hat to him today, and he was so excited to receive it finally.
It was knitted on the green KK loom using the University of Michigan colors, blue and gold. The gold brim was done in the garter stitch.

"Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love." Psalm 6:4

delivery from a loomy place

2006-04-22T13:03:00.001-06:00

I'm so excited. My 12" fine gauge dishcloth rake and Markman Farm loom tools I ordered from aloomyplace.com arrived today! Yet, another project is looming overhead. I just used the bee balm Penny sent with this order to bring out the beauty of the cherry wood on this rake. It's gorgeous! I love this bee balm so much I'll have to order more of the Cedar Eucalyptus/Lavender balm from Lynn at Markman Farm.
I can't wait to get started on my heart dishcloths. I'm going to do the flower dishcloth from the Spring KAL in a solid color this time.

mesh bag progress

2006-04-22T10:35:00.000-06:00

Click on image to enlarge.

The mesh bag is coming along nicely. The flat bottom has been completed. After knitting 5 rows of 1 over 1, you start the modified mock crochet stitch. This is a lovely stitch and will move along quickly. If you are interested in making this project, join the Yahoo Loom Class and then go to the files section. The pattern is listed here for members.

signs of spring

2006-04-21T16:43:00.000-06:00

Because of the altitude we live at, our spring comes when blossoms are falling off the trees in most places. It is always such a treat to drive down the canyon from our mountain home and see the signs of spring in the big city. Salt Lake is alive with spring with her blossoms, warmth, and bright flowers. Yes, this season of newness was blossoming all over.
I was really looking forward to this trip today because I had a unique opportunity to meet with a very special person I've been corresponding with online. Suz is a volunteer loom instructor who started the second loom class assignment at our Yahoo Loom Class Group. The assignment is for a mesh bag. Now, if anyone knows much about me they know that I love bags, so I got right on this assignment. Last night Suz told me to cast on 15 pegs on the yellow loom and knit a flat panel of 29 rows, and then we would meet in the morning so she could show me how to do the flat bottom for this bag. Wow, what a treat, one-on-one tutoring from one of the looming pros! It can't get much better than that. What a luxury because most of what I have learned so far has been self-taught instruction through reading, Isela's videos, internet loom patterns, and much trial and error. I have not taken a class, so no one has actually shown me what to do.

So here is the beginning of the mesh bag I started last night. When I was knitting the rows, something clicked, and I realized that in order to make the flat bottom I bet I was going to have to stretch this panel and place the end and side loops on the empty pegs. I was right.

I made one of the I-cord handles with this new gadget I bought last week called the Wonder Knitter. I have made the I-cords on the blue loom, and I got a kick out of making it with this cool gadget. It's faster than the loom and fun. I got a little carried away, and I think it may be too long.
So, here we are, Suz and me at the SLC library coffee shop. I'm on the right displaying what the flat bottom looks like after you stretch the loops onto the empty pegs. Suz also showed me other time saving tips and looming tricks of the trade.
By the way, libraries certainly have changed over the years. This new library is an incredible glass atrium building housing shops like The Salt Lake City Roasting Company and The English Garden, kid-friendly spaces, art galleries, museum and all kinds of nooks and crannies. Definitely a place you could spend all day in.

crack open those books!

2006-04-18T22:29:00.000-06:00

Besides loom knitting, working as an instructional aide, and family responsibilities, I'm also a student. I'm enrolled in an online Early Childhood Education program. I've neglected my studies for this new-found hobby, but I need to get motivated to complete what I started. Only 5 more classes and I graduate with a degree! Cheer me on. I need the encouragement.

boa scarf

2006-04-17T18:37:00.002-06:00

This boa scarf was knit on a regular 1/2" gauge 12" oval panel combo loom. I used Bernat Boa Emu and Isela's scarf pattern. What's nice about this size boa is that it can also be used as a belt.
This scarf went to one of the teachers at the school I work at.

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:11-12

sunday brunch

2006-04-17T18:01:00.001-06:00

We went to a place called Cisero's on Main. They had a buffet style breakfast and omelets made to order. Yum. Did they have to place those incredible peanut butter cookies at the front of the buffet, and why was it I joined Weight Watchers two days before Easter?Omelets made to order.

My daughter, Alex.

easter celebration

2006-04-17T17:14:00.000-06:00

Easter - a time for celebration, pretty flowers, friends, family, and food. As Christians, we celebrate the resurrected life of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is our hope and the good news of the gospel.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-5

shopping spree

2006-04-15T16:51:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I went a little crazy over a yarn sale at Roberts. I just couldn't resist. Now, I have to find projects for all this yarn. I think I'll be busy for awhile! I purchased the pricey sock yarn at this cool yarn shop in Salt Lake called Soul Spun Yarn. This store was our last stop. I figured I needed to take out a loan for everything I wanted to buy there. They offer knitting and crochet classes, so I'm considering signing up for the crochet classes. I wish they had looming classes, but they didn't seem to know what I was talking about. They had one KK green loom there that had to be dusted off. Hee, hee.

special delivery!

2006-04-15T14:12:00.002-06:00

My new Decor Accents, Inc. sock looms arrived today! I'm doing the happy dance! They are gorgeous and come with a hand-waxed finish.

Here's what my goodie box contained: Two sock looms, one fine 8.5" gauge and one extra fine 8" gauge, basic loom knitting and care instructions including sock instructions, one yarn guide (I'm just learning how to use one of these, and I love it), and this beautiful ergonomic wood loom tool.

This is the sock yarn I purchased yesterday at Soul Spun Yarn in SLC. I wanted to use the Lion Magic Stripes, but I felt it wasn't stetchy enough. A good selection of sock yarn isn't easy to find in our neck of the woods. The consensus is still not definite as to whether the size 8" gauge for the x-fine loom will be a fit, so I'll be knitting a sample swatch ring using both the e-wrap and flat "U" wrap to see which method fits my foot. I can't wait to start using these beautiful looms.

Thanks, Sam, for doing such an excellent job, and both you and Isela for your patience with my order.

sampler hat

2006-04-15T12:08:00.001-06:00

Here is a teeny sampler hat I was working on late last night. I want to try this hat pattern in the new book I bought, Knitting Wheel Fashions by Leisure Arts. It's such a cute hat that looks like a beret when completed. There's an interesting stitch it calls for that I've been trying to practice. It also has decreases for the top. The stitch is called the double wrap. I have never heard of it, and the directions are a little confusing. Using two strands of 4-ply yarn, you wrap the pegs 3x. Then you lift the bottom loops over the two wraps. It then says to lift each top wrap off the peg making a loose stitch. Well, I tried that and what happens is the loop that you lift off the peg ends up becoming a dropped stitch and unravels. I tried lifting the remaining bottom loops up and over the pegs, and it does end up producing a loose stitch that has an open weave. If I stretched the hat out more, you could see the open weave I'm talking about. It reminds me of the mock crochet stitch in a way. I'm not sure if I'm doing this double wrap correctly, so if anyone has this book and can give me some pointers, I'd appreciate it. I'll try making the hat and see how it turns out. It's very cute.

rainy day

2006-04-14T22:33:00.000-06:00

So what do you do on a gloomy, rainy day? You go yarn shopping and sign up for Weight Watchers!
My friend, Jamie and I did just that. I started Jamie looming a couple of weeks ago, so now she is my looming buddy and my weight loss support. I'm so glad I have her as a friend. She has become a loom-knitting zealot as well, and it's great to share our like passion for this craft.
I'll post photos of my new goodies and yarn stash tomorrow.
I got a great deal on Denise's book, Learn to Knit on Circle Looms. They had it at Roberts Crafts, and I used my 40% off coupon on it. I can't wait to try out all the wonderful projects in this book. Denise, would you like to come to Utah for a book signing?
Roberts also had another loom project book called, Knitting Wheel Fashions, by Leisure Arts.

doll for a cause

2006-04-09T18:58:00.000-06:00

I named her Nama

Today I bought one of these dolls at church to help support my friend, Savannah, who is trying to raise money for a missions trip. She is 13 years old, and here is her letter:

Dear Friends and family,

I have recently made the exciting decision to go on a mission trip with an organization called Global Expeditions, a part of Teen Mania Ministries. For more than 17 years, they have taken thousands of teenagers to countries all over the world. This year, I want to go to panama. Global Expeditions is a ministry totally dedicated to reaching my generation and equipping us to touch the world through missions. I cannot think of a better way to spend my time than sharing the Gospel with others and seeing my life changed as well. Panama is located in Central America where my team will be based out of the city of Panama City. I will be leaving on July 11th and returning home on August 5th. I will be busy ministering through drama, street evangelism, sports, VBS and tribal ministry. The total cost of this trip is $2355, which includes all expenses: airfare, accommodations, food, and training.

In Order to make money for my exciting adventure next summer I am making dolls. These dolls are dressed in the Panama colors, red, white, and blue.The suggested donation for a doll is $25 plus shipping. Any amount you wish to contribute helps. This is a suggested donation; if your heart leads you to give more I greatly appreciate your generosity, if you are not able to cover the suggested amount please simply send what you can.

If you are interested in buying one of these precious dolls, you can e-mail me at:

pinky_pie@campcoker.com

Feel free to check out global expeditions at there website www.globalexpeditions.com If you can't support me by buying a doll please support me and my whole team with your prayers* Please note, young children should not play with these dolls because they have small parts*

Spring KAL Mystery Day 7 - Solved!

2006-04-09T18:37:00.001-06:00

Well, here it is, the long awaited answer to this mystery Spring KAL. My dishcloth is completed and off the loom, but what is it?
Someone give me a clue because I can't figure this design out! Here are three views:

View A
View B
View C
It's a flower!

Thanks, Tina!

I Am a Rose

2006-04-09T08:23:00.000-06:00

Which Flower Are You?

I am a Rose:

I am creative, sensual, passionate, and bold. I pour my heart into everything I do. Alluring and gifted with strong charisma, I easily draw people in with my animal magnetism.

Symbolism: The rose has always been a flower heavily loaded with symbolism. In general it symbolizes desire, passion, beauty, and enchantment.

Take this quiz to find out what kind of flower you are.

Spring KAL Mystery Continues - Day 6

2006-04-08T21:00:00.000-06:00

Day 6 and 36 rows completed for the Month of Spring KAL:
I figure there are two sides to every story, so I'll show you both sides of this project and you decide what this mystery pattern is.

Exhibit A - Side 1

Exhibit B - Side 2

There's a mystery object in the left-hand corner of Exhibit B. Can you guess what it is?
I'm not any closer to solving this pattern, and I believe tomorrow is the big day for the mystery design to be revealed.

Spring KAL Mystery Continues - Day 5

2006-04-07T22:20:00.000-06:00

Day 5 and 30 rows completed for the Month of Spring KAL:

I hope I didn't take a wrong turn somewhere! I'm really not sure what this is. A flower maybe? What do you think?

Spring KAL Mystery Continues - Day 4

2006-04-06T23:56:00.000-06:00

Completed Day 4 and 24 rows of the Mon th of Spring KAL:

I'm not sure about the basket theory anymore. I think I may see wings developing. What do you think? Use the comment section to cast your vote.

One of My New Projects

2006-04-06T12:08:00.000-06:00

I just love the colors in this new scarf I'm making. The colors remind me of fallen leaves from autumn trees. I got this yarn on clearance for $3.00 a skein called Sensations Mink in Cheetah Orange. This yarn is so soft and full. When I started working with it, I noticed that one skein yielded around 6 inches. When I checked the amount, it's only about half as much as the Fun Fur even though it looks like there's more. (Note to self: Put your glasses on in the store and check the yarn amounts.) Yikes, I didn't think I could find this yarn anymore, but I called JoAnn's and they had more at their other store, and they'll hold some skeins for me until I can dig my way out of all this snow! Hee, hee!

Snowy Day

2006-04-06T12:01:00.000-06:00

Okay, so it's April 6th, and it's snowing like crazy here. I guess it's a good day for looming and catching up on my reading and studies.

Bean is not too happy with this weather change. He doesn't like the cold.

New Dishcloth Rake

2006-04-06T11:53:00.001-06:00

I purchased this awesome hardwood dishcloth rake the other day from Penny at aloomyplace.com. Penny no longer makes these rakes, but Lynn Markman sells them at her website at www.markmanfarm.com
I can't wait to receive it and start looming some pretty dishcloths from the patterns Penny has on her site.

Spring KAL Mystery Continues - Days 2 & 3.

2006-04-06T00:01:00.001-06:00

Here it is. . .Days two and three and 18 rows later of the Month of Spring KAL Mystery. I think I may see something forming. What do you think? Is it an egg, bunny, flower, basket, chick, duckling, or none of the above? Leave your votes in the comment section.

Click photo for larger image.

Three Hats & Soap Bag.

2006-04-04T19:51:00.001-06:00

I finally finished the hats and soap bag for my friend's mother who has cancer. Even though I had some trouble with this project, throughout the looming process I was reminded to pray for her. I pray she is blessed by these gifts.

I modified the soap bag from the first one I loomed. I liked the purl side, so I turned it inside out. I also crocheted the top with a single crochet and two chain stitch to give it a delicate edge and make loops for the drawstring. I added pony beads to the ends of the drawstring. Soap was added from Mountain Body Cosmetic Deli and Spa.

"Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer." Psalm 4:1

Scenic Drive.

2006-04-04T19:40:00.000-06:00

Today I went to see a friend to help her get started with looming. The drive was breathtaking, so I pulled over to take a picture. The Heber "Alps" are incredibly majestic. It caused me to reflect upon the beauty and majesty of our God.

"O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind." Psalm 104:1 - 3

The Mystery - First day of KAL (Knit Along)

2006-04-03T23:20:00.001-06:00

Today is the first day of the monthly KAL at Isela's Loom Knitting Knit Along. It's called "Month of Spring." This is my first KAL, and I'm excited to be involved with it.
We receive partial loom knitting instructions daily for seven days, and on the seventh day, the mystery pattern reveals itself. Mine will be a dishcloth. Here's what day one looks like, with the first 6 rows knitted. I'll keep you posted as the pattern evolves.What do you think? See anything yet? It could be anything from a spring theme ; a flower, a chick, duckling, or bunny. All I see is a garter stitch. The mystery continues. . .

New Looms!

2006-03-31T22:19:00.001-07:00

Here they are! My new looms from CinDWood Crafts.
I knew if I went over there, I couldn't come back with just one loom.
Here's what I bought:

Baby Combo 1/2 inch gauge - includes two looms, a 21-peg and a 36-peg loom.

Youth Hat Loom 1/2 inch gauge - 51 pegs

Youth Large Hat Loom 1/2 inch gauge - 55 pegs (This one is the equivalent for the KK green loom.)

12 inch Oval Panel Combo Loom 1/2 inch gauge - This loom will make a youth size hat and/or make up to a 12 inch panel piece on the panel portion of the loom.

Cindy is a delightful person. She took a lot of time with me, showing me the looms she felt I would be interested in, explaining the function of each one. She's a very generous person too. She gave me lots of freebies including the loom knitting aide, four picks with my choice of colorful grips, the project manual, and discounting the loom package. Thanks, Cindy, you're awesome!

Now all I need to add are projects for these beautiful looms. I can't wait to try them all out. Looks like I'll be busy looming for a long time!

Yarn Alert and Other Ramblings.

2006-03-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I really have been looming since March 20, but I've run into a few snags (pun intended) along the way! I've been trying to knit three chemo hats for a friend's mom who has cancer, so I chose this ultra soft yarn called, Lion Suede Prints. This is such a beautiful yarn, but has been the yarn from hell to work with. I started a hat with it, and the stitch was so loose, that I had to do a flat stitch, then I placed the project in my yarn bag so kitty wouldn't mess it up. When I went to go take the hat out of the bag, the yarn was a complete mess that wrapped its way around the loom. I stayed up until around 3:00 a.m. trying to unravel things but to no avail. The whole project was frogged. I took it to JoAnn's to show them what happened to the yarn, and they exchanged it for another skein. I was surprised and thought, how nice BUT, I still need to work with this yarn. Ouch!
After I started the hat over again and was almost ready to finish it off, I came back from work to discover the whole project was on the floor extending down the hall, into my bedroom and the Suede yarn in a mess. I was in shock. I'm not sure who the culprit was, Bean the Chihuahua or Rajah the cat. I managed to get it all unraveled. I think I needed an unraveling myself!

I've gotten as far as knitting these two hats. The one with Fun Fur actually looks better on the purl side, so that may be a do-over, and the other knitted with the Lion Suede turned out a little long. I used a garter stitch for the brim and then flat stitch, then switched to a "U" wrap stitch for the crown since my fingers were about to fall off from trying to get the loops over the pegs while doing the flat stitch. This has certainly been a learning experience.

On a lighter note, I purchased my first upgrade loom today from Decor Accents, Inc. It's the fine gauge adult sock loom. I can't wait to receive it and start making some socks.
Tomorrow, I'll visit Cindy in Salt Lake of CinDWood Crafts to purchase some hat looms. I don't want to attempt making another hat with the Lion Suede unless I'm working with a smaller gauge. The 1/2" gauge should be what I'm looking for in a hat loom so I can work with some finer 4-ply yarns yielding a tighter weave.

Completed Mock Crochet Hat.

2006-03-20T00:20:00.002-07:00

Well, here it is; the completed mock crochet hat. I'm pleased with the way it turned out for my first try, and hope to make more in many different colors. I just love this stitch. I used the green loom and started with the tail end cast on, knitting a couple of rows of K1, P1 for the ribbed brim. Somehow it didn't turn out quite right. I stitched the mock crochet for around 6 inches, and then did 5 rows of the 1 over 1 stockinette stitch. Directions for the mock crochet stitch can be found here.

HINT: Don't do what I did trying to end the last three stitches after every round. I literally stayed up all night until 5:00 a.m. trying to figure out why I was getting large holes down one of the rows.

"But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill." Psalm 3:3,4

Mock Crochet Hat.

2006-03-18T20:33:00.002-07:00

I'm trying to learn how to do the mock crochet stitch. I saw these hats on
Kids, Cats, & Knitted Hats and on American Girl in Italy's blog.
I just love them and had to try and learn how to
make these attractive hats with this stitch. Here's
the start. I'm not sure what I do to that K1, P1 stitch
for the ribbed brim, but I don't like the way it turns out.

Our Precious Children.

2006-03-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

Aren't these children beautiful? We love them. I thought we'd pose with the kids wearing our Knifty Knitter Miracle scarves. These are some of our precious first graders in our ESL class. I'm on the left, and the teacher I work with is on the right. Today was pajama day, so that's why some of them are in p.j.'s just in case you thought we were having a sleep over or something!

St. Patrick's Day Miracle Scarves.

2006-03-16T00:10:00.001-07:00

Well, finally I completed the two miracle scarves created on the green loom with Lion Brand Fun Fur Prints in Citrus and solid Lime. I'm pleased with how they turned out. One will be presented to the teacher I work with. The other, I actually get to keep. I have to say they take a lot longer than one hour to complete. I'd love to make more, but I think I'll give my hands a rest for the moment! I definitely recommend the super-stretchy bind off from www.yarngear.com for the finish. I feel the crochet bind off method that Provo Caft recommends would be tedious.

"Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. . .

Blessed are all who take refuge in him." Psalm 2:11-12

Miracle Scarf in the Making.

2006-03-12T08:31:00.001-07:00

I started one of two "miracle" scarves I'm making for St. Patrick's Day. One I actually get to keep and the other I'm giving to the teacher I work with. I told her a surprise was coming. You can find the directions for this scarf at Provo Craft and at LoomKnitting.com (scroll down - it's called the Flexible Scarf). Any beginner can do this. Click on photos for larger view.

Six Scrunchies and a Hat.

2006-03-12T00:51:00.001-07:00

I promised our worship leader's girls some scrunchies. I made six so they could each have their choice of three. For their son, I made this hat. This is my first KK hat. I was going after a denim look. I used the red loom, so I'm not sure it's going to fit him. I can always make another one. I purled 4 rows first for a trim, and then switched to the stockinette stitch 3 over 3. The yarn was very thin 4-ply. I used a combination of Caron Simply Soft in Grey Heather and DK Country Blue. The 3rd strand was Mainstays (Wal-Mart's brand) in Blue Ridge. This brand was a very thin 4-ply.

For the scrunchies I used the blue loom and e-wrapped 10 rows with a 1 over 1 stitch.
For the thinner scrunchies I e-wrapped 6 rows. Ten rows really makes a very thick scrunchie.
To remove the scrunchie from the loom, make a brim and place the bottom row of stitches over a thick hair elastic and then place the loops onto the pegs. Do not place the hair elastic onto the pegs. Then knit over. I used a crochet hook and lifted the first peg loop onto the crochet hook and pulled the second peg loop through. I then did two chain stitches. Continue with this pattern all the way around doing two chain stitches between removing the loops. When you get to the last loop, cut the working yarn and pull this through the loop. Weave ends in.
I used a combination of different 4-ply Red Heart yarns mixed with Lion Fun Fur. The Turquoise scrunchie was made with Parfait Lion Boucle' mixed with Lion Turquoise Fun Fur. One of the scrunchies was Red Heart Fiesta and NoBo Butterfly I got for $1.00. The green scrunchies are for St. Patrick's Day made from NoBo "Josephine"-10.

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." Psalm 1:1-3

Looming Through The Psalms

2006-03-11T16:10:00.000-07:00

I will be looming through the Psalms. There are 150 Psalms in the Bible. Each new looming project I complete will contain a verse from every Psalm. My goal will be to complete 150 looming projects that will bless others. Photos of the projects for Psalm 1 will be posted soon.

Cats, yarn, and looms.

2006-03-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

Where there's a loom and yarn, there's always a kitty! Rajah has not left me alone since I started looming. I think he wants me to make him something!

Yarn Alert.

2006-03-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't had much luck with Lion Homespun and Bernat Softee Chunky yarns.
These yarns were a pleasure to work with, but the moment you washed the items, they looked like they were around 10 years old. The photo on the left is the Chihuahua sweater made with Homespun Candy Apple.

The photo below is of the socks made with Bernat Softee Chunky. Care instructions for both yarns stated they could be machine washed and dried.

What a night last night!

2006-03-04T09:54:00.001-07:00

Hmmmm, was it a full moon?

My hubby and I went out for dinner to a great little kosher restaurant. Incredible food. Anyway, throughout the dinner our car alarm continues to go off (very embarrassing).
Then, we get home, and our garage door doesn't open. We blew a spring! Great. Blowing garage door springs on a weekend is a very costly affair. The garage door repair person is working on it as I type this.

It gets better! 2:15 a.m., our 20-yr-old daughter calls hysterical because she's caught in a foggy, blinding snowstorm, and doesn't know where she is on the road. She's by herself trying to get up the mountain canyon from S.L.C. to Park City. Now, I'm hysterical because I thought she was with her boyfriend, and he was driving. Nope, she's alone. I manage to move out of fright mode and send up a few prayers. My hubby goes out looking for her and was about to call the State Trooper when he spots her. She was a lot closer to home than she thought when she called. She was that disoriented. Thank God, He brought her home safely.

Freaking out about the garage door this morning, I prayed the expense wouldn't be too bad. I get a call from hubby a few minutes later, and tells me the repair service called, and they were going to give us a break on the weekend pricing. Thank you Lord! I read this just this morning before the miracle call:

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.

"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Soap Sachet Bag - Completed.

2006-03-03T13:27:00.001-07:00

I completed the sachet bag today knitted with 2 strands of Peaches & Creme 100% cotton. Instead of making the I-cord, I crocheted a 2ft. chain with a size I hook using 3 strands of the cotton yarn. I ran out of time to do the I-cord for the drawstring. I'm going to go to this cosmetic deli and spa and purchase some lavender bath salts to place inside the bag. This bag will be sent to a lady who is suffering from cancer. I was thinking the lavender fragrance will be calming.

Click here for pattern.

Soap Sachet Bag - Part 1

2006-03-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight I experimented with the neater edge casting on method for this bag, not that it really needed it because a cuff will be made, but I wanted to see how it would turn out. I took a photo of it before I made the brim/cuff. It does seem to have a tighter edge.

Below is a photo of the brim that will make a casing for the 2 foot I-cord drawstring. See, the I-cord is coming in handy already. Now I just have to figure out how to get the cord into the inside of the casing. This should be interesting.

Included in this photo is my notebook I created for all my Knifty Knitter instructions, stitches and patterns that I have been collecting.

Getting Ready Goodie Basket.

2006-03-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

I've done some shopping in the past few days to prepare for some upcoming Knifty Knitter projects!

Projects include:
1 soap sachet bag
Hair scrunchies
1 heart square
2 "just-for-fun" St. Paddy's Day scarves
1 hat to practice the mock crochet stitch

I'm hoping the hat turns out like the one in the photo on Kids, Cats, & Knitted Hats.

To be continued. . .

So what's an I-Cord?

2006-02-28T20:27:00.001-07:00

In all the looming reading and experimenting I'm doing these days, I came across something called an I-cord. Well, I was interested in learning how to master the skill of I-cording, so I tried my hand at it. Now, here's the blast from the past part of all this. If you're my age, you'll remember using a wooden thread spool (Do they even make those anymore?) that had nails hammered on the top. When I was a little girl, we would make these I-cords from these wooden spools. It all came back to me when I started experimenting with this loomy new-found skill. We would make the most colorful cords, wind them around, sew them together, and make hotpads and potholders. I think I remember making a little rug for my dollhouse with mine.
So, these I-cords can be made on the loom. It looks kinda funny at first, but then when it gets long enough you give it a little tug, and walla, it's perfect. I guess you can use them for straps, ties, and other embellishments. You can learn how at this site: http://www.decoraccentsinc.com/Free_Loom_Knitting_Instructions_s/47.htm

Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin

2006-02-27T05:50:00.000-07:00

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND
The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit. John 3:8

Words from the Lord through Marsha Burns:

February 27, 2006: There have been places in your life experience where spiritual blindness has kept you from seeing My truth. For, there are dark places in your soul that have not been brought to the light and bondages that have not yet been broken. But, now come to Me in earnest, seeking complete redemption from all that has taken you captive, and you will be released from this darkness. Assuredly
I say to you that your light shall break forth like the morning, and your healing shall spring forth speedily, says the Lord.

Isaiah 42:6-9 "I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, and will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the Gentiles, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house. I am the LORD, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved images. Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them."

from: http://ft111.com/

Knifty Knitter Chihuahua or Small Dog Sweater Instructions.

2006-02-26T19:47:00.002-07:00

This sweater is not my original creation, but I have used it to make sweaters for our daughter's Chihuahua, Bean. I found this KK Chihuahua sweater pattern on a forum for Chihuahua owners.

Knifty Knitter Chihuahua Sweater Pattern

By: Goldie

I wrapped the yarn very loosely around the pegs. I actually started with the red ring (one ring up from the smallest), and it was too big. If your doggy is 4-6 lbs., the small jig with a normal weight yarn, normally wrapped, should work great.

When I got the length I wanted from the bottom of the sweater to the front legs, I estimated where on the ring his legs would best fit. I decided to leave the center 4 stitches solid and the next 4 to each side as his leg holes.

So, stitched the first 2 (the right half of the center 4) normally, cast-off the next 4 stitches, re-wrapped those 4 posts (for the next time around starting stitches) and continued around till I got to the other 4 leg-hole stitches and did the same for them.

Continued around a couple more times with the very loose stitches then tightened up the stitches for the neck and did the tighter stitches for enough times around to be the right length.

Detailed Instructions for Leg Holes:

(Each number represents a loop on a peg, '0' is a peg with no loop on it)

You have your 4 pegs you want to cast off...
(-1- -2- -3- -4-)

Move the peg 2 loop to peg 1
(-1,2- -0- -3- -4-)

Knit the original peg 1 loop over the peg 2 loop that's now on peg 1
(-2- -0- -3- -4-)

Move the peg 1 loop back to peg 2 (where it started)
(-0- -2- -3- -4-)

You now have one (peg 1) stitch cast off.
(-0- -2- -3- -4-)

Repeat 3 more times
(-0- -2,3- -0- -4-)
(-0- -3- -0- -4-)
(-0- -0- -3- -4-)
(-0- -0- -3,4- -0-)
(-0- -0- -4- -0-)
(-0- -0- -0- -4-)
(-0- -0- -0- -4,5-)
(-0- -0- -0- -5-)
(-0- -0- -0- -0-)
When you are doing the row with the holes in it, instead of wrapping all the posts with the yarn, only do up to where you will be making the leg holes. Cast off those stitches (as explained above). Wrap those now empty pegs and continue as normal. So by the time you've gone all the way around, you will still have 1 loop around each peg. The loop at the new leg holes will be a fresh loop like when you did your very 1st row.

Starting off - casting on:

Beginning Loops:

Go around all loops two times:

Grab lower loop:

Move over upper loop and peg:

One row finished:

Long enough to start leg holes:

Working in leg holes –

You have your 4 pegs you want to cast off...
Move the peg 2 loop to peg 1
Knit the original peg 1 loop over the peg 2 loop that's now on peg 1
Move the peg 1 loop back to peg 2 (where it started)
You now have one (peg 1) stitch cast off.
Repeat 3 more times:

Finished sweater:

Tico (Goldie’s Chi) modeling:

I have also added another method as well for making this sweater.

Method #2 for small dog sweater:
For this method you would start with the neck and then knit the rest of the body to the desired measurements for your dog.
E-wrap the blue 24-peg KK loom and knit over.
You can make a brim by knitting 3" or 4" and then reaching inside the loom and place each loop from the bottom row over the corresponding peg. Pull the yarn loops on the bottom of the pegs over the ribbing row and over the top of the pegs. Continue wrapping the yarn and pulling over the pegs until you reach the desired measurements for your dog's neck. It turns out as a cute mock turtleneck. Instead of making a brim for the neck, you could use a ribbing stitch.
I used a 1x1 ribbing stitch K1, P1, K1, P1 for 10 rows.

After knitting the neck using either the ribbing stitch or making a brim, you then proceed to use a 1 over 1 stitch until you reach the length you would like to add the leg holes according to your dog's measurements. Use the leg hole instructions for method 1. Continue to knit over for the body until you reach your desired body measurements for your dog. Our male Chihuahua required 6 more inches of knitting before completing the sweater. Use the super-stretchy bind off to remove the completed sweater from the loom. Explanation for the super-stretchy bind off can be found here.
Scroll down and you will see the instructions for the SS bind off.

Wisdom from the Psalms

2006-02-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Psalm 22 :2
O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.

Prayer is a tricky thing, It was never meant as a "gimme' list by which we can get things from God. It is not a gripe time to vent frustrations and woes. It is not a time to show off our piety. Rather, it is a time to draw close to God in order to be open to His will and guidance. So often we feel that God is not listening because we don't get what we ask for. We want results immediately, and we decide beforehand what we will accept as an answer and what we will not. Who says that we get to make the rules?
The Lord hears us, and His is true to answer us, but He always measures His responses according to His divine wisdom. He knows what is best for us, even when it doesn't agree with what we want. It is natural and human to doubt the Lord sometimes. He understands that. Just don't give up. The Lord breaks through our desert spots, to comfort us when we cry.

Prayer:

Lift me, Lord, into Your loving arms. Grace me with the sweet memory of Your care, that I might never doubt You in times of trial. Amen.

http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/devotionals/

Help send a friend to Panama.

2006-02-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

You can buy one of these dolls to help support a friend. Her name is Savannah, and she is 13 years old. Here is her letter:

Dear Friends and family,

In Order to make money for my exciting adventure next summer I am making dolls. These dolls are dressed in thePanama colors, red, white, and blue.The suggested donation for a doll is $25 plus shipping. Any amount you wish to contribute helps. This is a suggested donation; if your heart leads you to give more I greatly appreciate your generosity, if you are not able to cover the suggested amount please simply send what you can.

If you are interested in buying one of these precious dolls, you can e-mail me at:

pinky_pie@campcoker.com

Birthday news.

2006-02-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

Today is my sister's birthday. She was almost born on my mother's birthday!

Happy birthday, Lori!

Fish Bowl Warmer?

2006-02-25T23:32:00.000-07:00

Photo used by permission

The possibilities are endless with the Knifty Knitter! The fish bowl warmer is a must see. . .
http://tibswolf.blogspot.com/

Crochet Genesis

2006-02-25T22:24:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is. My first attempt at crocheting. It's supposed to be the strap for the beach towel back pack pattern in the Knifty Knitter I instruction booklet. I used a size H/8-5.00MM crochet hook and crocheted a chain of 100 stitches and then did a double crochet stitch down and around the end and back up the back side of the chain. I believe I pulled the tension on the chain too tight. It should be around 25", but it turned out to be 14". Oh well, it was my first try. The yarn is Peaches and Cream 4 ply worsted weight 100% cotton.

Those KK socks.

2006-02-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, so they don't really turn out like socks on the Knifty Knitter. They're more like slipper socks. I used the pattern on Yarngear.com. Check it out by clicking on the title of this post. I don't like what happened to this particular yarn I used. They got all fuzzy and wierd the first and only time I washed them. I would like to purchase a loom with a small gauge someday for making socks.
Hmmmm, more looms to buy. . .

Some Knifty Knitter Projects.

2006-02-25T21:58:00.000-07:00

Here's our daughter holding her Chihuahua, Bean in his KK sweater.

Birthday news.

2006-02-25T21:50:00.000-07:00

Today's my mom's birthday.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

The Knifty Knitter Craze

2006-02-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

I think my 20-yr-old daughter may be getting a little worried about me. She says I'm starting to do "granny" things. Granny things? I think she's referring to the fact that I have been spending a lot of my time trying to learn how to knit with these looms. So far I've made a few sweaters for her Chihuahua, a scarf, and the slipper socks.

Today, I just may have learned how to crochet. It's in the embryotic stage, but it's a start at least. I guess today was a day for trying out new things.

Blessings,
Linda P.

First Things First

2006-02-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

This is my very first blog creation, ever. I love the concept, and hope that others will join in eventually.
I'm a spiritual person, by that, I mean I'm not a judgmental religious person, but someone who has a relationship with God through His Son, the Lord Jesus. Anyone can accept His invitation of fellowship through His Son, but I do not advocate forcing my beliefs on others. God never did that with me, and I'd like to treat others with that same respect.

I first got into the idea of blogging when I picked up a funny little loom gadget called the Knifty Knitter around two weeks ago. Through much research and interaction with other loomers on the net, I noticed that some of these loomer people had the nicest blogs with photos, loom knitting patterns, and other posted interests. I thought, well, why not try my hand at blogging . I thought it would be nice to have a record or journal if you will of my evolving skills with loom knitting. I'm also interested in learning how to crochet.

So, here's the beginning of a new adventure.

Blessings. . .
Linda P.