This Is What I've Been Up To....

I haven't posted in forever....sorry Cat. :P I am finally posting on the blog. YAY!!!!! So, here's an update on what I've been up to lately.

This is actually my second Clapotis . I'm using some Noro Kureyon that I've had for several years. It is pretty scratchy but the colors are just so vibrant that I'm quickly getting over the whole scratchy thing. I think it will soften up with use and I expect it to get lots of use.


This a little girl's lacy scarf. It was inspired by a pattern I saw on Ravelry but unfortunately I can't remember exactly which pattern it was. It's basically a feather and fan type pattern just done with fewer stitches. I had some Caron Simply Soft and I thought this was a cute way to use some of it up.


Next up...the Skull Illusion Scarf that I'm making for my youngest son. It's getting pretty close to finished but I get bored pretty easily with this one. It can be done relatively quick but I keep putting it down for other projects.


This was my first Clapotis . My sister claimed it before I even got the pattern going and now that it's done...she loves it. I broke the rules and used acrylic but believe me...it is wonderful. I used I Love This Yarn from Hobby Lobby in Mid-Green. I did the pattern exactly..all the repeats and it took me a little less than 2 skeins.

My youngest modeled for me...Thanks, Girlfriend! The scarf is so soft and smushy. It's just thick enough to be nice and warm without being bulky. As soon as the I get the Noro Clapotis finished...I will be making another with more I Love This Yarn.


And, FINALLY....photos of my socks! I wear these socks all the time. It is so true that hand knit socks feel so much nicer than store bought socks. These socks fit like a glove and they are so comfortable that I sometimes forget I'm even wearing them.


A little close-up of the heel which I love. I will make more socks for me....with cute heels to wear with clogs. Not that anyone else will ever notice but you just never know. :P

I hope everyone has been doing well. I'm sorry I haven't been around and haven't been doing my usual blog hopping but that is also going to change. I miss everyone and seeing what's knitting.

We finally got some snow around here last week (5 inches...WOO HOO!). I've got some pretty good photos to share soon....just have to finish editing.

Hugs to everyone and I will be around to visit all of you soon!!!

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year....wishing everyone lots of hugs and happiness for the new year. I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday. Spend some time with the ones you love! Hugs!!!

Merry Christmas....Happy Holidays

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and for those who don't celebrate Christmas....Happy Holidays! I hope you all have a safe and happy time whatever you do.
Lots of hugs!!!

Christmas Candle Cloth & Towels Freebies

Just a quick freebie for Christmas before I forget...again. This is my Christmas Candle Dishcloth as requested by Shirl. She likes to pretty her cloths up so feel free to embellish or not. The pattern doesn't include instructions for the little sparkles but you can add them where ever you choose if you'd like to do that. I'm also including the patterns for the matching towels....these haven't been tested yet so if you do them and find any errors...please YELL! Enjoy!

Christmas Candle Dishcloth

©Designed by Melanie Thompson

Test Knit by Shirley Smith

US Size 6 needle

100% Cotton Yarn

Cast on 46 stitches

Rows 1-5: Knit

Row 6: K6, P34, K6

Row 7 & All Odd Rows: Knit

Row 8: K5, P36, K5

Row 10: K4, P38, K4

Row 12: K4, P9, K20, P9, K4

Row 14: K4, P7, K24, P7, K4

Row 16: K4, P6, K26, P6, K4

Row 18: K4, P9, K4, P3, K6, P3, K4, P9, K4

Row 20: K4, P7, K7, P2, K6, P2, K7, P7, K4

Row 22: K4, P6, K8, P1, K8, P1, K8, P6, K4

Row 24: K4, P5, K8, P2, K8, P2, K8, P5, K4

Row 26: K4, P6, K6, P3, K8, P3, K6, P6, K4

Row 28: K4, P7, K3, P2, K14, P2, K3, P7, K4

Row 30: K4, P7, K1, P4, K14, P4, K1, P7, K4

Row 32: K4, P15, K8, P15, K4

Row 34: K4, P15, K8, P15, K4

Row 36: K4, P15, K8, P15, K4

Row 38: K4, P15, K8, P15, K4

Row 40: K4, P15, K8, P15, K4

Row 42: K4, P16, K6, P16, K4

Row 44: K4, P18, K2, P18, K4

Row 46: K4, P17, K4, P17, K4

Row 48: K4, P17, K3, P18, K4

Row 50: K4, P18, K2, P18, K4

Row 52: K4, P19, K1, P18, K4

Row 54: K4, P38, K4

Row 56: K5, P36, K5

Row 58: K6, P34, K6

Rows 59-63: Knit

Bind off and weave in the ends.

Christmas Candle Hanging Towel

©Designed by Melanie Thompson

Not Tested Yet

US Size 6 needles

100% Cotton Yarn

Cast on 68 stitches

Rows 1-7: Knit

Row 8: K4, P60, K4

Row 9 & All Odd Rows: Knit

Row 10: K4, P60, K4

Row 12: K4, P20, K20, P20, K4

Row 14: K4, P18, K24, P18, K4

Row 16: K4, P17, K26, P17, K4

Row 18: K4, P20, K4, P3, K6, P3, K4, P20, K4

Row 20: K4, P18, K7, P2, K6, P2, K7, P18, K4

Row 22: K4, P17, K8, P1, K8, P1, K8, P17, K4

Row 24: K4, P16, K8, P2, K8, P2, K8, P16, K4

Row 26: K4, P17, K6, P3, K8, P3, K6, P17, K4

Row 28: K4, P18, K3, P2, K14, P2, K3, P18, K4

Row 30: K4, P18, K1, P4, K14, P4, K1, P18, K4

Row 32: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 34: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 36: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 38: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 40: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 42: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 44: K4, P27, K6, P27, K4

Row 46: K4, P29, K2, P29, K4

Row 48: K4, P28, K4, P28, K4

Row 50: K4, P28, K3, P29, K4

Row 52: K4, P29, K2, P29, K4

Row 54: K4, P30, K1, P29, K4

Row 56: K4, P60, K4

Row 58: K4, P60, K4

Row 60: K4, P60, K4

Row 62: K4, P60, K4

Row 64: K4, P60, K4

Row 66: K4, P60, K4

Row 68: K4, P60, K4

Row 70: K4, P60, K4

Row 72: K4, P60, K4

Row 74: K4, P60, K4

Row 76: K4, P60, K4

Row 78: K4, P60, K4

Row 80: K4, P60, K4

Row 82: K4, P60, K4

Row 84: K4, P60, K4

Row 86: K4, P60, K4

Row 88: K4, P60, K4

Row 90: K4, P60, K4

Row 92: K4, P60, K4

Top Decreases

Row 93: K2tog to then end. (34 stitches)

Rows 94-97: Knit

Row 98: K2tog to the end. (17 stitches)

Rows 99-102: Knit

Row 103: K2tog, (K1, K2tog) to the end. (11 stitches)

Knit 31 rows

Top/Buttonhole

K2tog, K2tog, K1, YO, K2tog, K2tog, K2tog (7 stitches)

Knit 5 rows

K2tog, K3, K2tog, (5 stitches)

Bind off and weave in the ends.

Christmas Candle Flat Towel

©Designed by Melanie Thompson

Not tested yet

US Size 6 needles

100% Cotton Yarn

Cast on 68 stitches

Rows 1-7: Knit

Row 8: K4, P60, K4

Row 9 & All Odd Rows: Knit

Row 10: K4, P60, K4

Row 12: K4, P20, K20, P20, K4

Row 14: K4, P18, K24, P18, K4

Row 16: K4, P17, K26, P17, K4

Row 18: K4, P20, K4, P3, K6, P3, K4, P20, K4

Row 20: K4, P18, K7, P2, K6, P2, K7, P18, K4

Row 22: K4, P17, K8, P1, K8, P1, K8, P17, K4

Row 24: K4, P16, K8, P2, K8, P2, K8, P16, K4

Row 26: K4, P17, K6, P3, K8, P3, K6, P17, K4

Row 28: K4, P18, K3, P2, K14, P2, K3, P18, K4

Row 30: K4, P18, K1, P4, K14, P4, K1, P18, K4

Row 32: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 34: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 36: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 38: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 40: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 42: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 44: K4, P27, K6, P27, K4

Row 46: K4, P29, K2, P29, K4

Row 48: K4, P28, K4, P28, K4

Row 50: K4, P28, K3, P29, K4

Row 52: K4, P29, K2, P29, K4

Row 54: K4, P30, K1, P29, K4

Row 56: K4, P60, K4

Row 58: K4, P60, K4

Row 60: K4, P60, K4

Row 62: K4, P60, K4

Row 64: K4, P60, K4

Row 66: K4, P60, K4

Row 68: K4, P60, K4

Row 70: K4, P60, K4

Row 72: K4, P60, K4

Row 74: K4, P60, K4

Row 76: K4, P60, K4

Row 78: K4, P60, K4

Row 80: K4, P60, K4

Row 82: K4, P60, K4

Row 84: K4, P60, K4

Row 86: K4, P60, K4

Row 88: K4, P60, K4

Row 90: K4, P60, K4

Row 92: K4, P60, K4

Row 94: K4, P60, K4

Row 96: K4, P60, K4

Row 98: K4, P60, K4

Row 100: K4, P60, K4

Row 102: K4, P60, K4

Row 104: K4, P60, K4

Row 106: K4, P60, K4

Row 108: K4, P60, K4

Row 110: K4, P60, K4

Row 112: K4, P60, K4

Row 114: K4, P60, K4

Row 116: K4, P60, K4

Row 118: K4, P60, K4

Row 120: K4, P60, K4

Row 122: K4, P29, K1, P30, K4

Row 124: K4, P29, K2, P29, K4

Row 126: K4, P29, K3, P28, K4

Row 128: K4, P28, K4, P28, K4

Row 130: K4, P29, K2, P29, K4

Row 132: K4, P27, K6, P27, K4

Row 134: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 136: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 138: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 140: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 142: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 144: K4, P26, K8, P26, K4

Row 146: K4, P18, K1, P4, K14, P4, K1, P18, K4

Row 148: K4, P18, K3, P2, K14, P2, K3, P18, K4

Row 150: K4, P17, K6, P3, K8, P3, K6, P17, K4

Row 152: K4, P16, K8, P2, K8, P2, K8, P16, K4

Row 154: K4, P17, K8, P1, K8, P1, K8, P17, K4

Row 156: K4, P18, K7, P2, K6, P2, K7, P18, K4

Row 158: K4, P20, K4, P3, K6, P3, K4, P20, K4

Row 160: K4, P17, K26, P17, K4

Row 162: K4, P18, K24, P18, K4

Row 164: K4, P20, K20, P20, K4

Row 166: K4, P60, K4

Row 168: K4, P60, K4

Rows 169-175: Knit

Bind off and weave in the ends.

Playing Catch Up...

I'm sort of back among the living again. Today I feel a little better after fighting a nasty stomach virus. I originally planned this to post yesterday but was interrupted when the youngest started her round of this dang "bug". She was up and down all night with a sick tummy and now my youngest son is putting in his time. Bless their little hearts. I was really hoping it would pass them by. So far, the oldest two are the only ones not affected. I sure hope this is over soon.

On a brighter note...here's a few of the things I've actually managed to finish during my absence from blogging.

There's actually two of these little bags for some little girls in the family but I don't have a photo of the other one yet...same thing, just different colors. This was done with the pattern Ceron form Toggle Knits. Super quick knit and so easy. Always a good thing. :)

This is the Knitted Snake Puppet Scarf which I think is only available as a Ravelry purchase. It's a pretty easy pattern but I had to think a bit when I was seaming the mouth part...it worked out so it's a safe one for all us blond knitters. If I figured it out...anybody can. :P This is a gift for my little cousin...hopefully he will like it.

This set was done for the newest little cousin. She is about 9 months old now and so cute. I used a vintage pattern for the mittens that can be found here . The hat pattern I used the Cable Baby Beanie from Sweater Babe. I should have done a little pair of cable booties and then it would really have been an awesome set. :P


This is Officer Lemon. He was a gift for the Resource Officer at my youngest daughter's school. He's good at his job and the kids all love him. His last name is Lemmons so the kids naturally decided to call him Lemon...what better gift could we have made for him? lol According the the daughter...he thought it was cute and liked it very much.

These next two scarves I whipped up for a project a friend is doing....The Bridge Project . Sandy is a sweet person and she invited me to join the Ravelry group so I had to get a couple sent to her ASAP. These things will go towards helping a group of homeless people (mostly men) who live under a bridge in Central Ohio. It gets so much colder up north than it does down here in the South and I hate to think of these people with nothing to help keep them warm.


This is my favorite of the two..it was done with Lion Brand Thick & Quick in Butterscotch. I used the Scrunchable Scarf pattern which has now become a favorite pattern. It's almost mindless and with this bulky yarn...man, does it knit up fast! I'm pretty sure there will be more of these in the future. I wasn't too sure how it would look in the bulky yarn but this was a really nice surprise.

The next one I just cast on and knit until I ran out of yarn. This is Lion Brand Home Spun. I bought this so long ago and was planning to knit a little lapghan but just never got around to it. Since Sandy asked for mostly manly colors...this was the first thing I grabbed out of the stash. It also turned out to be a nice surprise. I wouldn't have thought to use it for a scarf but it is soooo soft and squishy. Hopefully they'll both help keep someone warm during these cold winter months.

If any of you have any scarves, hats, mittens or gloves stashed away with no intended purpose or just have a little time to whip out something....knit or crochet...think about Sandy and The Bridge Project. The goal is 100 of each item. She has counters on the blog to keep us updated on how things are going.

I'll try to get back soon and catch you up on what's been happening in our neck of the woods. Hope everyone is well and the "bugs" stay away from you all. For all of you who are getting snowed under....remember we take all the snow donations you want to blow down this way. It had been crazy weather lately.....last few days in the 70's! By Monday....back down to the 40's. You never know how to dress. :P

Stay safe and lots of hugs to you!!

Surprise!

Hello, hello!!! Didja miss me? :) I won't go into all the yucky details...Mom was sick again and in the hospital but she's doing so much better now and things are getting more normal. It just had me really worried and at my wit's end with the holidays coming up too. But, not to worry...you can't keep us knitter's down for long.

I have some new designs that I'll be posting for free as I get back into my blogging. I have to get them all sorted out...lost my place and need to get it all organized. I hate when things get crazy!

I have been knitting amid the chaos....got to get photos of everything and get them posted too. I just finished a baby blankie for my sister to give to a friend at work. She picked it up this morning and I realized after she left...I didn't get a photo! :P Oh well, it's just a blue version of the previous pink blankie with the horrible to knit with Baby Clouds. Man, am I glad that is over. lol


This is the cowl I finally finished. I cast on so many different ones and just couldn't find "the one". This one is written to be knit in the round but I did it flat and seamed it since that seemed to go faster for me. Sadly, I don't know the colorway of this yarn....it's some I had left over from a long time ago. I'm pretty sure it's Lion Brand Wool Ease.

The pattern actually shows up really well but with my blurry photos...it's hard to tell. I used the Seaweed Cowl by Elizabeth Blake. (Rav link) I love this cowl!! It's reversible and looks nice on either side. I tried to link to the blog for those non-Ravelers but the site isn't available right now.


I have made nice progress with my Christmas knitting....hope to post photos soon...they don't read the blog so it's safe. :P I also have an alligator scarf OTN and may cast on another cowl of some kind soon.

I just had my cell phone upgraded and added texting so my oldest daughter is teaching an old dog new tricks. I think I have the hang of it but I have no clue about all the text lingo...she has a lot of work to do. lol I'm trying to figure out how to operate all the little features of the phone...oldest daughter says she can't even figure that out so I think I'm in trouble. :P

I had an awesome day yesterday out thrift store hopping with Froggie. We even hit the towns around us for some new finds. We did really well I think. I actually snagged a Coach purse for $3.oo! I couldn't believe it! Then in another store...I found a nice Dooney & Bourke purse for $1.5o! I got some fabric scraps cheap which I think will be great for lining bags or small projects like pin cushions. It was a good day! :)

Well, that's about enough for now. It feels great to be blogging again. I hate that I feel like I've lost touch with my bloggy friends. I haven't commented in so long on other blogs and I miss you all so much. I will be commenting again...you have been warned! :P I hope everyone is having great weather and good luck.

For those who do....please say a prayer for Wendy and her hubby Jack. He is going to be having open heart surgery and they need our prayers and support. She's trying to be strong *which she is* and hold down the fort while they go through this together. Being strong for the sake of family is a hard thing to do and can take a toll on a person....that I can relate to....so please remember them.

Hugs!

Pumpkin Dishcloth Freebie

I thought it was about time I shared another free pattern. Just my way of saying "Thanks" for hanging around and reading my blog even though lately I really stink at keeping it updated. :P
So....here's a little pattern for you that's appropriate for the season and the upcoming holiday. The pattern is written for one color like the first photo but for those of you skilled in changing colors...the second photo is also an option. For those who aren't...don't feel alone...I am not a color changing skilled knitter either. Thanks to Shirl for the test knitting...otherwise I wouldn't have that second photo. :P Hugs!

Pumpkin Dishcloth

©Designed by Melanie Thompson

Test Knit by Shirley Smith

US Size 6 needles

100% Cotton Yarn

Cast on 47 stitches

Rows 1-5: Knit

Row 6: K4, P39, K4

Row 7 & All Odd Rows: Knit

Row 8: K4, P39, K4

Row 10: K4, P9, K21, P9, K4

Row 12: K4, P7, K3, P3, K5, P3, K5, P3, K3, P7, K4

Row 14: K4, P6, K3, P3, K6, P3, K6, P3, K3, P6, K4

Row 16: K4, P5, K3, P3, K6, P5, K6, P3, K3, P5, K4

Row 18: K4, P4, K3, P4, K6, P5, K6, P4, K3, P4, K4

Row 20: K4, P3, K4, P4, K6, P5, K6, P4, K4, P3, K4

Row 22: K4, P3, K4, P4, K6, P5, K6, P4, K4, P3, K4

Row 24: K4, P3, K4, P4, K6, P5, K6, P4, K4, P3, K4

Row 26: K4, P3, K4, P4, K6, P5, K6, P4, K4, P3, K4

Row 28: K4, P3, K4, P4, K6, P5, K6, P4, K4, P3, K4

Row 30: K4, P3, K4, P4, K6, P5, K6, P4, K4, P3, K4

Row 32: K4, P4, K5, P3, K5, P5, K5, P3, K5, P4, K4

Row 34: K4, P6, K4, P3, K4, P5, K4, P3, K4, P6, K4

Row 36: K4, P8, K3, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, K3, P8, K4

Row 38: K4, P10, K3, P2, K3, P3, K3, P2, K3, P10, K4

Row 40: K4, P12, K15, P12, K4

Row 42: K4, P17, K4, P18, K4

Row 44: K4, P18, K4, P17, K4

Row 46: K4, P19, K4, P16, K4

Row 48: K4, P39, K4

Row 50: K4, P39, K4

Rows 51-55: Knit

Bind off and weave in the ends.

Trick Or Treat Memories

I was going to delete this photo and then I thought....WAIT! This is my brain after all this Halloween excitement. :P Am I ever glad that this is over.

The resident Trick or Treater....my ghost. I have no idea why she wanted to be a ghost but I didn't argue. This costume cost $2...twin size bed sheet at the thrift store. Woo Hoo! She insisted on having a bow on her head but it was a clear plastic bow so you can't see it unless you're up close. It made her happy so that's all that matters.

This was in someone's yard on our route during the night and I thought it was pretty awesome. I had a really hard time getting the photo....couldn't get a clear one no matter how hard I tried. It was pretty busy and fast moving along the road so I didn't have much time anyway.

This is a little better but the Pirate was going back down into the treasure chest at this point so you still don't get the full effect.

I did no decorating this year myself so I thought I would include the pumpkin from a friend's front porch. You gotta have at least one pumpkin. My Ghost had fun and got plenty of candy she doesn't even need so I guess it was a good night. We finished of with some scary movies and pizza...no cooking..YAY!!! I hope you all had a great Halloween. This is hopefully our last one to go out Trick or Treating.

I've finished my snake scarf and I'm working on some cute little cable cuff mittens for my cousin. It's a vintage knitting pattern and it knits up so fast. I have now learned to do cables on the needle. YEAH! Then I am on to a hat to go with her little mittens. After that...not sure. I'm just happy to finally be making some Christmas knitting progress.

Hugs!

Happy Halloween!!!

Myspace Graphics, Halloween Graphics at WishAFriend.com

Just A 'Lil Bragging...

I mentioned in the previous post that my son had won 3rd place in the local paper's Halloween Story Contest and today I checked and they had his story posted on the website. *so cool* Being a Mom...we feel this uncontrollable urge to brag so here's his story for your Halloween reading pleasure. :P They give them the first part of the story and they have to make up the rest. His part is in bold print.

Wayne just barely heard his mom’s voice over the video game he was playing.

“Stay out of the snack jar,” he heard her say. “I’ll only be gone a half an hour, and I’ll be bringing supper back.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Wayne murmured to the computer screen as he heard her car pull out of the driveway.

He soon paused the game and headed to the kitchen when the lure of the jar became too much.

“I’ll just have one,” he thought, as he ran up the stairs to the kitchen. “Mom will never know.”

The jar was always filled with cookies and mini candy bars and snack cakes. He didn’t know what to grab. Maybe he’d get one of each.

As he stuck his hand in, he looked into the side of the snack jar, which was made of heavy, bumpy glass that distorted and blurred the contents.

“Aaaigh,” he yelled suddenly as he saw what was in the jar. He tried to jerk his hand out, but …

…Something had grabbed his hand. He struggled to pull his hand out, but he couldn’t break free. Instead of trying to pull his hand out, he picked up the jar, and smashed it on the counter. He saw what was grabbing his hand, “What is that???” he yelled. It was another hand, but not just any hand. It was very bony and a weird shade of green. Its fingernails were long and sharp as if they’d never been cut.

“Oh! My God! It looks like it had just been ripped off!” said Wayne.

After a few seconds, he realized that he’d ripped it off, and that it also had an owner. “Where’d that hole come from?” He was speaking of a strange hole where the cookie jar was. He’d never noticed it before, but it seems to have been there a long time. He opened the bottom cabinets and saw that there was nothing there but a little door in the back. “Hey, I think I see a light in the door!”

As he went to open the door, he heard a beastly shriek. He jerked away, but went back to opening it. He placed his hand on the doorknob. It was warm, as if someone were just touching it. He opened it, the light went off, and it was pitch black. He stared into the darkness of the doorway, and something reached out and grabbed him. He was being pulled in! “Help!” he screamed, but there was no one to help him.

“Wayne, I’m home,” said his mom, as she walked in the door. Seeing his game still paused, she figured he was in the kitchen. She looked, and he wasn’t there. She looked everywhere and couldn’t find him. She looked, and looked, and looked but still couldn’t find him, not yet aware, that she never will.

Third place
Skaterboy
8th grade