Remember to not take things to seriously.....

http://www.youtube.com/v/EX73rYxDpvU&rel=1

Yarn weights......a quick reference:

Standard Yarn Weight System

Categories of yarn, gauge ranges,
and recommended needle and hook sizes

Yarn Weight Symbol & Category Names
Type of Yarns in Category	Fingering 10-count crochet thread	Sock, Fingering, Baby	Sport, Baby	DK, Light Worsted	Worsted, Afghan, Aran	Chunky, Craft, Rug	Bulky, Roving
Knit Gauge Range* in Stockinette Stitch to 4 inches	33–40** sts	27–32 sts	23–26 sts	21–24 st	16–20 sts	12–15 sts	6–11 sts
Recommended Needle in Metric Size Range	1.5–2.25 mm	2.25— 3.25 mm	3.25— 3.75 mm	3.75— 4.5 mm	4.5— 5.5 mm	5.5— 8 mm	8 mm and larger
Recommended Needle U.S. Size Range	000–1	1 to 3	3 to 5	5 to 7	7 to 9	9 to 11	11 and larger
Crochet Gauge* Ranges in Single Crochet to 4 inch	32–42 double crochets**	21–32 sts	16–20 sts	12–17 sts	11–14 sts	8–11 sts	5–9 sts
Recommended Hook in Metric Size Range	Steel*** 1.6–1.4 mm	2.25— 3.5 mm	3.5— 4.5 mm	4.5— 5.5 mm	5.5— 6.5 mm	6.5— 9 mm	9 mm and larger
Recommended Hook U.S. Size Range	Steel*** 6, 7, 8 Regular hook B–1	B–1 to E–4	E–4 to 7	7 to I–9	I–9 to K–10 1⁄2	K–10 1⁄2 to M–13	M–13 and larger
* GUIDELINES ONLY: The above reflect the most commonly used gauges and needle or hook sizes for specific yarn categories.

Animated Knitting Help....SO cool:) I-cord Bind Off video too !!

I stumbled upon this really great link for knitters. I am going to use this with my pattern customers, when they need a little extra help:

Here is a list of the animations:

• Short Row with Wrap
• Yarn Over
• Forward
• Backward
• Purl into Back (Pb)
• Cast On Double Method
• Kinc increasing from right to left
• Kbinc increasing from left to right
• Making an Increase working an increase between 2 stitches
• Working CAST ONs at end of row
• Icord single method
• Binding Off 2 pieces together
• Pickup Stitches along side of edge
• Pickup Stitches in slipped stitch edge
• Duplicate Stitches

www.dnt-inc.com/barhtmls/knittech.html

Having trouble with my i-cord bind off? Try this video from you-tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEVRngEGNvc

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I just listed my new pattern, The Felted Doctor bag on ebay and etsy. Here are the details:This one is great for all those beautiful buttons out there:) The button on the model is actually from a pony tail holder.

The bag is designed to sit upright on its base. I hate it when my purse tips over:)
It is an advanced beginner level pattern...you will use strait needles for the entire project. Some simple seaming is required and I have written a full set of instructions with an illustration on how to get the most professional look possible. There is also a stitch guide provided.

AND you can always contact me via email if you need any extra help:)

The main model in this listing was knit using random stripes and I just love the results. Each color was knit for 2 rows. I choose to make the side NOT match the front so that you could see how it is put together. It is very simple to make your stripes match up if you wish as shown in my denim blue and brown model.
The pattern provides you with easy to follow step by step instructions to create the basic shape. YOU DECIDE ON what color(s) you want to work with and the extra embellishments (for example: stripe details and buttons).
You will use size 10.5 needles and 650 yards of worsted weight wool.
The U- shaped handles are easy to find here on ebay and at most craft stores:)
Measures about: 7"h (not including the handles) x 11.5"w x 5"d

Well now, the lazy blogger is back.

I have had a few really fun things happen with my designs:
I got my felted basket pattern included in the "2008 Pattern A Day" calendar. Check out
January23rd!

AND

Nicky Epstein included one of my tips in her latest book, "Knitting Never Felt Better"
















Here is a link for the book:http://vogueknitting.com/books/product_info.php?products_id=156

AND

I had my felted duffle pattern (see my previous post) included in the book, "100 Purses to Knit or Chrochet". They renamed it "Felted Stripes"(I know, I know...the cover picture is SO ugly! Oh well....LOL!!!)

I have seen them at Target, Amazon, Ebay, Borders and Barnes and Noble. How cool is that?

I am so lazy with this blog. Forgive me blogging Gods!

I have been writing a lot lately...just not here. I have developed several new felting patterns:

The felted duffle is my GREATEST (hey its not rocket science or a cure for cancer) achievement to date. The rights to it have been purchased by Sterling Publications c/o Rita Wiess. It will be in "100 Purses to Knit and Crochet" due out this Novenber!








I also finished my felted Hobo pattern and have sold a ton of on ebay and around town. Here are the details:
Need a new way to applying beautiful and unique buttons?
The pattern requires a little over 600 yards of wool to create this chic sporty pattern.
It is knit with size 10.5 strait, circular needles and double pointed 10.5's. This size needle will cause all of your stitches to disappear after you have felted your duffle. Most patterns use size 11 or larger leaving visible stitching. They also make you use two strand of yarn which really prices up your costs. I use only 1 strand with my patterns. They are just as strong and have a very nice "hand".
When people at art shows examine my handbags up close and I have to explain to them that these are actually hand knitted. They get this funny little confused look on their faces because if the lack of visible stitches.
The finished bag measures 4.5 inches deep by 8.5 inches long and about 9 inches high. I easily carry around my 2 average sized wallets, my cell phone, 3 mini photo albums and sunglasses within this purse.
It could also be used as a knitting project bag for small to medium sized projects!

You can find gorgeous buttons all over the place: at almost any craft store, fabric stores, thrift stores and on Ebay, of course! I love to find antique glass buttons.

These cute little drink holders are perfect for those of us who suffer from ADK (Attention Deificit Knitting). I can make one while watching a movie and they make awesome teacher gifts. Here are the details:

Everyone has a little cell phone or digital camera in their purses these days. I have the cutest pattern for toting them around. You can slip the hugger into your purse, carry it around as a mini purse or use the optional strap to loop it through your belt.
It makes a fantastic drink hugger because of the insulating properties of wool.

Knit it in your favorite team's colors!
I can make one of these in a couple of hours. I am a very fast knitter but even beginners will find this an easy project to complete.
I use my scrap bits of wool and novelty yarns to create these cuties. They are very inexpensive to make!
I like to give these huggers out as thank you gifts for my kids' teachers and the school staff who make their learning so much fun. If a neighbor does a last minute favor for me, they get a cool hugger!
Leave the fur off to give it a more masculine sporty look.
Sew some sweet little felted flowers onto it for a whimsical touch! I have a felted rose pattern that I can include at no charge...just request a copy when you pay! Or whip up an i-cord to make daisies!
It is knit with size 10.5 strait, circular needles (optional) and double pointed 10.5's. This size needle will cause all of your stitches to disappear after you have felted your hugger. Most patterns use size 11 or larger leaving visible stitching. They also make you use two strands of yarn which really prices up your costs. I use only 1 strand with my patterns. They are just as strong and have a very nice "hand".
When people at art shows examine my felted goods up close and I have to explain to them that these are actually hand knitted. They get this funny little confused look on their faces because if the lack of visible stitches.
The finished bag will hold a soda can for the smaller size and a 20 oz. battle in the larger size.

And then there is the felted basket for those of who have WAY TOO MANY felted handbags.Do you have enough felted purses???
But cannot stop felting???
Here is an idea!:

The leather straps were taken from an ugly old Wal-mart basket!I have included detailed instructions for knitting straps for this basket.This pattern will provide you with the basic basket pattern! You get to decide on the color(s) or addtional embellishments (like the geometric pattern in my model) that you want to use....

We all need to be more organized. No need to ordinary. Everyone needs more places to put their knitting stashes and magazines!

Knit with 100% new wool (worsted weight) that is hand knit and then washed in to a rich felted material!!

The basket measures: approximately 7-8"h x 30" in circumference/11-12" diameter.I was recently inspired by the designs of Nicky and by an ebay crocheter (seller ID Melissam). They both made bagsadorned with felted flowers. As usual, I researched my different ways to created these blooms and then came up with a different (and simpler)way to get the same look. Since eyelash yarn is "out" I have included the felted roses instructions with my clutch pattern:

I wanted to try to felt a drawsting bag with ruffles. I usually use worsted weitgh yarn with 10.5 needles. But that made the bag to stiff. So I bought a DK/sport weight yarn from Knit Picks called Palette. I purchased the sample for around $50.00. It gave me one ball in every color available. I could easily make 6 drawstring bags from this sampler! An amazing value! This bag can be worn as a backback, tote, or slung across the torso as a messenger pouch: pictures to come later

And I am still working the kinks out of this large messenger satchel:pictures to come later

A good look at the handles pattern. 

The hand blown glass handles. The black beads are made from onyx and the pink rondelles are dyed Howlite. 

The final product! 

Sampler Bowl 

Just opened an eBay store for my purses/VA. State Fair entry:

I have WAY TOO many purses....so I thought I would give eBay a whirl. My patterns do well there. I am calling it Pipp'sPurses. I put 11 listings as of today (including my 2 patterns). I sold this Hawaiian bag on the second day it was opened for $85.00. When I last checked it I had 4 "watchers". Show me the $$$$$$$$$$$$!!

I put 2 of my 'prototype Hobo's' up for sale too. I have developed another version which I need to photograph for all to see and review....I like better. The shoulders feel more functional and the flap/closure is thicker. I think I worked out the strap problem as well:

One of the owners of the local knitting shop, The Knitting Basket, took me aside about three weeks ago and suggested that I make a bag for the VA. State Fair. Well, here is my entry:


On my screen the photo has a bit too much blue in it. I am going to take a set of cigar box handles and thread some watermelon colored beads onto them. Wish me luck!

I have been helping my folks move and man am I tired. Also, I had my 10th wedding anniversary and my 38th birthday.......I need a nap really bad. Is it just me or when you see a cat sleeping this peacefully don't you just want to muss up its fur?

Another geology lesson: Felted Novelty Yarn Cat Bed. And will Rudy use it? NOooooooo...  

Mamma's Baja

Momma got back!
Materials used: Filatura Di Crosa in Porto Cervo Print from a pattern found in Easy Knitting, Summer 2005: Shore Things. Super soft and comfy for sleeping in and as a pool cover up. I am about 5'8" (I was 5'9" before the 3 kids!!!)and it in long enough to cover my rump....Mercifully.

The pattern is worked from one sleeve to the next. It actually uses 4 different colorways of Porto Cervo Print in simple striping pattern. It was very easy to follow. Finding enough of the yarn was the hardest part.

Momma's Baja: Front View 

Hobo pattern prototype: needs steriods! 

Back view: comb your hair!!! 

Striped Surfer Girl Baja Sweater

Striped Surfer Girl Tunic: front view
I "improvised" this pattern for little Emma. Months ago, I had a bunch of Manos Del Uruguay cotton Stria without any idea of what I was going to do with it. I love the yarn but it is a little fragile. It is like a boucle with a thin string holding the cotton fibers together. It washes just great in the machine. I was a little afraid of bleeding. In my house, if it doesn't wash in the machine it isn't going to be around for long.
I just finished a beach Baja in Filatura Di Crosa Porto Cervo Print (see Easy Knitting/Summer '05/Shore Things) for myself and decided that Emma need one too! So I used my tired little brain to convert the pattern from an adult woman's scale to a 7 yr. old's. The thing I love about stripes: it helps motivate me. I tell myself to just do a little more with the promise of, "I'll stop after this color is done!" and then just keep saying that color after color until I fall asleep. Does anyone else sleep with his/her knitting? The thing I hate about stripe: All those ends that need to "disappear".
She looks great..But then again, she would look great in a potato sack.

who threw out the cat?