Cutest Giraffe Ever!

A few months ago I signed up for a Craftsy class online to learn some new knitting techniques. It's taken awhile but I finally finished my class project and must say that it is the cutest giraffe I have ever seen :) Check out the pictures and see for yourself!

Award Winning Knits!

I am happy to announce that my original design handbag won second place!  Some of my other items were disqualified because they were not in the right category, unfortunately.  However, knitting does not have much of a spotlight at our local fair.  There are very few categories and they do not cover a lot of common knitting projects.  So, I am calling all knitters out there... Enter your projects into your local fair and together we can give knitting a spotlight!

Fair Entry

Its fair season and who does not love a good county fair?  Corn dogs, funnel cakes, carnies and bumping into all of those people from high school that you would rather just run and hide from!  I decided this year to enter a few of my latest knitting projects into the fair.  My only concern is that there were not many knitting categories so I had to make them fit which might get a few disqualified, but I am still hoping that something wins!

Favorite Felted Handbag

I published my first pattern!  Its an easy one, but was a lot of fun to put together and exciting to see published.  I am really excited to see how other people use it for their own projects.

Here is a link to it on my blog http://lemonknits.blogspot.com/p/favorite-felted-handbag.html
Here is a link to it on Ravelry http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/favorite-felted-handbag

Felted handbag

My latest project has been a lot of fun to figure out and put together. This is my first project that I have actually designed myself which was a lot of fun. I am going to post the pattern on Ravely so if you are interested, stay tuned and I will add a blog note when that's complete. In the mean time, here are some pictures!

Finished and ready to go out!

Floppy and ready to felt!

Finished Yarn Bowl!

It is such a great feeling of accomplishment when a project is finished, even more so when the project turns out well! A few weeks ago I started a yarn bowl which is intenteded to hold my yarn while I knit preventing it from rolling around on the floor prentending to be a cat toy.
Once I finished the knitting, my husband the skeptic did not believe it would actually turn into a formed object after felting. And, I must admit, that there were a few moments I began to doubt as well. But in the end, the felting triumphed!
Here is a before felting picture-

Here is what successful felting looks like-

It turned out so well, I gave it to my mom and made myself another one-

People say that felting is addictive and once you start, you won't be able to stop. I am here to say that I now know why, it really is fun knit something up and watch it become something completely different. Check back soon for my next felting project!

Quick gift idea

I found myself in a situation this week where I needed a quick and thoughtful gift for a friend and I did not want to spend a lot of money. So I dug through my over-flowing yarn basket and found 3 perfect yarn balls. I also pulled out my favorite washcloth pattern and away I went! I am pretty happy with how they turned out and hope that they were received with the love I put into them because although they were quick, I really enjoyed putting them together!
Here is a link to the pattern for anyone who is interested: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grandmas-favorite-dish-cloth

Felted Yarn Bowl

I am taking a break from my shawl and working on a yarn bowl.  You may be wondering - what in the world do you do with a yarn bowl?  It does not seem appropriate for a bowl of cereal or serving peanuts, so... what is it?  These questions and more ran though my mind until I realized the genius of a yarn bowl.  It is a way to keep your yarn organized while working on a project.  Instead of it rolling around all over the floor tangling up while you are working on a project, the bowl will keep it all nicely together.
Here are a few pictures of the project so far.  I know it does not look like much yet, but trust me, it is going to be amazing!  I am using double yarn to create a unique multi-color pattern.  Once I finish the stitching, I am going to felt it which is a new technique for me so we'll see how that goes.
I will add more pictures when I start the felting and trust me... when I finish this project, you are so going to want a yarn bowl of your own :)
Here is a picture of my current "yarn bowl" and while practical, it is not ideal.

Here is what my new fantastic yarn bowl is shaping up to be!

Shawl update

I am plugging away at my shawl, its a great roadtrip project because its pretty easy. The only challenge is keeping up with what stitch pattern to do on a row because there are two that are very similar. Stitch markers to the rescue! They keep track for me, its perfect!

New project- shawl

I am starting a new shawl that I found on Ravelry. The green original is really pretty but I decided to go with a more neutral charcoal. Its off to a slow start but I think it will be worth it in the end.

Cast on- long tail Snapguide

Snapguide is my new favorite app (well, after Pinterest). This new app helps you create short tutorials with pictures and video from your phone. This app makes my teacher heart very happy :)

I posted my first guide so check it out!
http://snp.gd/taiz4q

Long Tail Cast On

Not sure where to begin? Watch short video and you will be off to a good start!

Knitting - The Craft of Choice

This is it, my very first post on a fancy new blog and I am ready to go! I have always loved any and all craft projects and I always find myself fiddling with something new. My latest crafting passion is knitting and it is shaping up to be right up my alley.
Top 5 reasons knitting is my craft of choice:
1. Knitting requires very few tools and accessories which makes it easy to move and keep track of.
2. Knitting can be a very cost efficient craft as long as you have a good set of needles. There are yarns that will meet any budget.
3. Knitting can be done anywhere, anytime. Your latest project can accompany you in the car, on the train or even on a cruise.
4. Knitting can be a welcome distraction to keep you interest during dull conversations or during movies that your husand makes you watch.
5. Knitting offers projects that are practical as well as just plain fun!

What are your top reasons to knit?

My husband is amused by my latest interest in this seemingly antique hobby and recently bought me this book which shows his love and support of my latest adventure!