Recent projects

So, actually I've made many a thing since I last posted. But I feel in the mood to post again so I'll just share a couple of recent projects.I'm pretty proud of this homespun pillow. This homespun yarn was something I started, then forgot about for like a year then came back with renewed interest. Hooray for not total abandonment! I got the pillow at Hobby Lobby and sewed the knitted piece on. I love the colors of this yarn (which is merino wool, ooo fancy). Multicolored yarns are more fun to spin because you don't know how it will look knitted up until you actually do it.

Frida also appreciates how this pillow really classes up the chair. She also enjoys that it really brings out her kitty eyes.

Another little project is baby sized. This is a soaker pattern, free on ravelry. Love me some free patterns. This is the first time that I did a nice clean kitchener stitch & I'm pretty proud of myself. It finally clicked for me, so now I won't avoid patterns with the kitchener anymore. This was a fun quick knit and I will definitely be knitting more. Its especially good for using up bits of wool in my stash.

Finished Hew!

I actually finished this last weekend. I apparently did something wrong around the back neckline causing it to be baggy, but worry-not I fixed it. I'm not really into ripping out stitches once it is finished. I just folded in on the shoulders and sew that in. That probably makes not sense but- I think it is respectable looking. I actually wore this little combo to work, although with dress pants- not jeans. And I totally got an unsolicited comment from someone who assumed it was store bought!

Going for a little walk in downtown Plano, to buy some wine! Here are some back shots. As you can see the back neckline is still a little on the baggy side. But on the whole I love it! Its also really cute over little summer dresses! And the Elisebeth Lavold Silky Wool is not itchy on my shoulders, definately a plus.

The color I chose is very similar to Canary Knits original, although I used a thinner yarn. Summers in Texas are rather warm so I need something lighter.

Baby Knits & Embroidery

I have alot of preggers friends and co-workers lately. And I've been looking for the cutest knit patterns that are quick and attempting to stock-pile gifts. SO when it comes time for the shower, I am ready and don't have to pull something together really quickly. Saartje's Bootees are my new favorite baby knit! They are so quick and actually really fun to knit. Plus they are really stinkin' adorable and I love picking out matching buttons! These buttons are easy to see in the photo but are white with little flowers, vintage from my button collection.

The recipient will be some close friends of ours, if they have a girl. If not, I'm holding onto them for someone special.

I have another preg friend who is due this month. She was preg in my wedding :) She is having her 3rd boy so she really doesn't need anything. But baby Nathan deserves a little something of his own. The blue hat is my Little Man knitted hat, I varied that pattern by making a 1x1 rib.
The embroidered rubber ducky is a simply a pic I found on google and then free-handed directly onto the onesie. I added a little duckie on the sleeve for good-measure. I need to get these in the mail pronto!

WIPs & New Charity Knit Project

WIP#1: Minimalist Cardigan

The last sleeve!! This whole project is done in moss stitch, which is beautiful yet tedious. I have found reasons to knit many smaller projects in between. But now I'm on my last sleeve, I must. finish. soon.

WIP#2: Chris v. 2007
I make my husband a winter hat every year (I think he decided this) and every year the hat is a little different and shows my progress as a knitter. Chris picks out his own color every year and is surprising particular about it.

This year he chose a crayola green. Its really pretty and varigated, and its all ribbed. I will share the pattern after it is finished. I also think I should show the progress in Chris Winter Hats, that would be neat.

AND now onto my new charity knit project:

I will be knitting Warm Up America blankets for Hope's Door Women's Shelter and I will need help. If you are not familiar with Warm Up America, please visit their website for more information. Basically, you knit (or crochet) 7'' x 9'' squares to donate and they are assembled into blankets for people in need. Receiving a donated blanket is more than just keeping warm, its knowing someone cares. I think this is a great idea. I am going to knit, collect, and assemble the squares into blankets and deliver to the women's shelter.

Please help me out!!

Knitting & Crocheting patterns can be found here. Or you can make up your own.

I don't have any color restictions. Baby colors are welcome, as I will be making smaller baby blankets for new moms and toddlers.

If you are interested in participating please email me at: heather1082 AT hotmail DOT com. Title the email: warm up america.