JAG Walden Knits

2010-03-03T10:36:00.002-05:00

Please plan to join us for A Knitter’s Fantasy!!! Sponsored by the Northcoast Knitting Guild

Saturday, April 10, 2010 Time: 8:00am - 4:30pm Location: Chaney High School 731 S. Hazelwood Avenue Youngstown, OH

The cost is $45 for early bird registration (the cost for late registration received after March 20 is $50). The fee for Yarn Market attendance only is $3, payable at the door. Lunch and Yarn market only is $11. Only at the door registrations after March 27.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: We have obtained a block of rooms at Best Western Meander Inn for $68.00 a room with up to four people per room. Call-330-544-2378 and mention A Knitter’s Fantasy by March 25th for this price. Prices may be lower on-line. There are several eating places within a 1/2 mile radius of this Inn.

MORNING, AFTERNOON & ALL DAY CLASSES (52 total) 31 VENDORS - a gymnasium full of vendors KNITTING MACHINE Demonstrations REFRESHMENTS CATERED LUNCH FASHION SHOW FREE SWAP TABLE RAFFLE (there is an additional cost for tickets) DOOR PRIZES GOODIE BAGS CAPS FOR KIDS (donations accepted and prizes awarded for best original design and best commercial pattern)

PLEASE BRING YOUR CAPS FOR KIDS TO A KNITTER’S FANTASY !!

Members of the NCKG are making mittens to donate to a shelter. These will be on display at the event.

52 CLASSES including:

Knitted Lace Borders Knit a Triangle Shawl Angora Spinning Intro to Spinning Feather & Fan Lace Blocking Buttonholes Magic Loop “Knot” a Sewn Jacket or Poncho Beaded projects Discover Shetland Lace Beginning Crochet 2 Handed Fair Isle Purse Felted Bag Workshop

PHOTOS OF THE PROJECTS HAVE BEEN REQUESTED FROM THE TEACHERS AND WE WILL POST THE ONES WE RECEIVE TO THE NCKG WEBSITE

For more information email: infoATnorthcoastknittingDOTorg

or visit our website:http://www.northcoastknitting.org/

Registration is being mailed soon!

Over 400 people have attended this fabulous event in the past.

Class size is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to register early.

GREAT LAKES FIBER SHOW

2009-05-26T18:25:00.003-04:00

This past weekend was the annual

GREAT LAKES FIBER SHOW

held at the

Wayne County Fairgrounds in Wooster, Ohio.

From WEAVERS LOFT, I purchased MOYA

in color SUNSET

Cotton/ Rayon combination

1 skein of 260 yds. and a pattern to make a one skein sleeveless top.

At PER ARDUA FARM, Christy was knitting a felted bag on size 11 needles straight from the roving !! This looks like a fun idea, so I purchased these 4 hunks to try it myself.

Other popular booths were KNITTING NOTIONS

and the beautifully hand dyed yarn at

CREATIVELY DYED.

Toy Competition

2009-05-12T18:43:00.003-04:00

Here's the winner of last night's knitting guild

Toy Competition...

Thank you, LINDA !

P.S. My entry is the blue felted lamb on the right...

The toys are delivered to the local police department and children's hospitals.

OBI JACKET

2009-05-09T18:24:00.001-04:00

obi complete

I'm happy !!!

The only problem is that I would have liked it to be longer......

but not badly enough to rip and add to !!

Original pattern by Liz Tekus, owner of

FINE POINTS

in Cleveland, Ohio

A Day with LILY CHIN

2009-05-03T07:34:00.007-04:00

REVERSIBLE CABLES WORKSHOP for the

Northcoast Knitting Guild

with

LILY CHIN

Who doesn't love cables? Lily explained cables like I've never seen before. Using her hands, fingers, and descriptions of people that I will never forget.... I now understand cables !

Plus, she makes it so fun and entertaining.

Her NEW METHOD of charting makes it so much easier to understand and follow. You can visualize the way the knitting will look.

AND IT'S REVERSIBLE !!! It's amazing how she figures this stuff out....the secret is that it comes out reversible by doing RIBBING....

Now I'm ready to try to make her beautiful Reversible Cable Rib Shawl from Vogue Knitting Winter 1999/2000 and in the book "Vogue Knitting American Collection"

Isla Mujeres Mexico

2009-04-29T08:14:00.006-04:00

I'm back from my fabulous vacation at

Isla Mujeres, Mexico -

a beautiful island 30 min. ferry ride from Cancun.

Portals to the Self: A Woman's Circle by the Sea

I stumbled across this small yarn shop.....

met the beautiful Cecilia and her

children on the beach

and visited the Mayan Women's Beading Collective.

ON VACATION

2009-03-28T16:52:00.001-04:00

I AM GOING TO BE

in Isla Mujeres, a tiny island off the Yucatan coast in Mexico for

YOGA, RELAXATION, WOMEN'S RETREAT, SUN, BEACH, SHOPPING and

I'm delivering beads to a group of Mayan women and their small beading collective.

SEE YOU IN APRIL !!!!

Clapotis in progress

2009-03-23T07:40:00.003-04:00

Gedifra California Color
How much?
8 skeins = 840.0 yards (768.1m)
Size 8 needles

Clapotis is the winner of the "What to make next?" question.

I'm using yarn from my stash !! What a great project.

Very fun to knit and

the online spreadsheets at

soulknitting.blogspot.com are extremely helpful.

Wish me luck !!

What to make next???

2009-03-11T20:29:00.006-04:00

Inspired at my recent guild meeting.....what to make next??

REVONTULI Northern Lights Shawl

in Evilla 100% wool

OR

the one and only CLAPOTIS with Crystal Palace Panda Silk DK

CAST YOUR VOTE !!

For those of you who know me, I can't wear wool, so the clapotis in the silk looks and feels the best. But the shape of the Revontuli is nice and covers up alot! Which is easier? Both have charts and neither one uses anything in my stash !!

Field Trip !!

2009-03-10T19:35:00.002-04:00

I'm looking forward to visiting the following two places in nearby Canton, Ohio with my knitting friends

Kimono as Art Exhibit

Yarnia - Yarn Shop and Cafe

Free Baby Blanket Pattern

2009-02-22T15:27:00.000-05:00

KNITTING FOR CHARITY.ORG

I am making a baby blanket from one skein of

LION BRAND "POUND of LOVE" in color pastel green.

Here's an easy pattern for the baby blanket pictured here:

BRICKY BLANKIE

Size 8 needles, appox. 1 pound worsted weight yarn

Gauge: Doesn't matter

CAST ON 168 stitches

ROW 1: *K3, P3 repeat from* to end

ROW 2: same as row 1

Repeat these two rows once more then

ROW 1: *P3, K3, repeat from* to end

ROW 2: same as row 1

Repeat these 2 rows once more.

Continue working these two patterns until you have repeated them twice total (16 rows)

NEXT ROW: K3, P3, K3, P3, *K12, P12, repeat from*to last 12 stitches then

K3, P3, K3, P3

Repeat this row 5 more times then

NEXT ROW: P3, K3, P3, K3, *K12, P12, repeat from *to last 12 stitches then

P3, K3, P3, K3

Repeat this row 5 more times then repeat the first set of repeats 6 times (18 rows total).

NEXT PATTERN: P3, K3, P3, K3,*P12, K12 repeat from* to last 12 stitches then

P3, K3, P3, K3

Repeat this row 5 more times.

By now you should be able to see how the pattern is developing and

you should be able to continue with the pattern without more instructions.

NOTE: Finish off the blanket with 18 rows of the smaller squares as a border.

My Shawls and Scarves

2009-02-15T18:25:00.003-05:00

More completed projects

2009-02-15T18:25:00.001-05:00

My Felted Bags

2009-02-15T18:24:00.001-05:00

Women4Women-Knitting4Peace

2009-02-07T15:45:00.003-05:00

WOMEN4WOMEN-KNITTING4PEACE

The mission of Women4women-knitting4peace is to craft peace one simple stitch at a time by creating peace shawls for women and knit toys for children in areas of conflict around the world.

Founded in June, 2006, the group is now in 41 states and Canada.

Over 1,200 peace shawls have been created and sent to women in Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Guatemala, Sudan, Peru, Rwanda, and Haiti.

Shawls of any construction are welcome that somehow incorporate the number "3" which represent the creator of the Peace Shawl, the recipient, and the Divine Creator of all women. The number "3" also signifies the 3 major faiths - Christian, Jewish, and Muslim.

Each item is praised and blessed with a special (nondemoninational) prayer by the group before it is sent.

Participation is open to all, regardless of age, gender, or level of knitting or crocheting experience.

The first group formed in Ohio currently meets at the Beachwood Library. "These shawls are made with love, and each one is blessed upon completion" says Beachwood's "peace pod" leader, Iris November.

Free patterns for shawls and doll packets (with instructions and yarn) are available for your use.

Stash yarn is always welcome.

For more information contact Iris at lbrtyclub@aol.com

I am a MOBILE DENTIST !!

2009-02-01T14:29:00.004-05:00

MOBILE DENTISTS

Mobile Dentists and its Smile Programs is an innovative, on-site, school based, dental outreach provider.

Our mission is to bring state of the art, preventive dental care to those students in need in the most comfortable and effective way possible.

Many children sadly find themselves without easy and affordable access to necessary dental care. We use the latest technology in portable equipment, to provide all services directly at schools.

We set up in the classroom, auditorium, gym and transform it into a fully functional “dental office” for the day.

For those students without Medicaid or private insurance and lacking sufficient funds for a subsidized fee, Mobile Dentists provides generous grant-assistance.

NO CHILD IS EVER TURNED AWAY

for lack of resources.

Free Patterns from Rosie's Yarn Cellar

2009-01-27T18:26:00.001-05:00

ROSIES YARN CELLAR

I came across an ad in my new Interweave magazine

for this unique shop in Philadelphia ......

New Free Pattern every month....

check out this free Noro hat pattern and more....

Thank you Rosie !!

Thank you Secret Pal !!

2009-01-23T18:48:00.007-05:00

Thank you secret pal for this terrific package !

2 skeins Knit Picks Felici color "Coastal" - my favorite colors !!

For socks.....soft and yummy

Interweave Magazine Winter 2008 - fireplace reading material

Knitting Noro book by Jane Ellison - my FAVORITE yarn

Best Buy gift card.....who knows what I'll find there....

and a soft cuddly pair of lamby slippers to wear while

knitting, reading, lounging...

THANK YOU !!!

BABY SURPRISE JACKET

2009-01-10T19:27:00.001-05:00

Is too early to start knitting for future grandchildren?

This pattern is just TOO CUTE !!!

Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket

Flower Patterns Blog Brought Back to Life

2009-01-01T18:56:00.005-05:00

Many new free patterns and inspiration have been added to my blog:
Check it out and submit your patterns and photos !

FLOWERS TO KNIT BLOG

Happy Knitting 2009

2008-12-31T18:30:00.004-05:00

Ring in the New Year with 2 days of Knitting !!

Friday Jan. 2 we are meeting at STUDIO KNIT IN MEDINA

for sit, knit and chat then dinner at House of Hunan.

Saturday Jan. 3 KNIT IN starting at 10:30 AM and pot luck lunch at Mo's house in Shaker Heights.

Obi Jacket by Liz Tekus

2008-12-25T08:55:00.000-05:00

From FINE POINTS on Larchmere in Cleveland....

Here is my yarn for the OBI Jacket :

What an amazing assortment, pre-arranged in a kit.

The base yarn is ERDAL CHANINETTE 100% rayon, held together knit on size 9 needles.... .I can't wait to get started !!

Berroco Sprite
NORO Sakura
Tahki Hand Dyed Cotton Classic
NORO Ganpi Abaka Tape
Fiesta Rayon Boucle
Katia Rumba Mix
Adelie d'anny blatt
Lang Opal Color

MAINE MORNING MITTS

2008-12-19T08:45:00.003-05:00

Fingerless mitts pattern from

"The Knitter's Book of Yarn"......FREE PATTERN can be found :

HERE

YARN: Rae Jaspe Wool - 2 skeins = 176.0 yards (160.9m)

Purchased at

Studio Knit in Medina, Ohio

Notes:

Beautiful yarn. It worked out well to find the matching color sequence with the second mitt so that the two would match. I used size 8 double pointed needles (pattern calls for 7’s which I don’t have)

and it turned out fine.

Very quick knit and makes a great gift !!

GARN STUDIO FREE PATTERNS

2008-12-12T20:23:00.009-05:00

Check out

GARN STUDIO and DROPS DESIGN

CHRISTMAS 2008 CALENDAR

with a New Free Pattern added every day.

Not just for Christmas, great patterns and ideas for everyone !!

GWEN BORTNER WORKSHOP

2008-12-07T08:48:00.003-05:00

"CREATE A MASTERPIECE FROM LEFT OVER YARNS"

My knitting guild recently brought Gwen Bortner, owner and designer of

KNITABILITY

to CLEVELAND, OHIO

We all spread out our stash balls of yarn then we went around and made a "magic ball", borrowing from everyone's stash. We were told to make the lengths "RANDOM" and as we began to knit, we learned that

SHORTER lengths were BETTER.

My magic ball :

ALL ABOUT COLOR:

Gwen explained the following highlights:

1. It's easier to see color against BLACK.

2. Equal proportions are not always good and are in fact NOT good.

3. The PROPORTION of the colors is the KEY.

4. Black goes with anything.... or use a nearly black deep navy or deep brown.

HANDPAINTED YARNS:

these people really know color and will usually have the proportion right. Unwind it, look at the distribution of color lengths, the proportions.

Take a look at

LAURA BRYANT of PRISM YARNS one of the best with color in the knitting world.

HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR STASH:

Gwen says organize single balls by COLOR.

Using mulitple colors and don't know which to use next or when to switch???

ROLL A DICE, use a
RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR, try to be RANDOM.

TO KNOT OR NOT ??

I learned it's best NOT to knot, but rather work with both ends for several stitches then trim the ends. This saves having to weave in the ends as well and samples showed that you cannot tell where this was done.

Look at your piece at ARM'S LENGTH to really see

how it looks.

We went over various patterns including

"FUN WITH STRIPES", "SLIP STITCH", "BRICK", and "MOSIAC".

Gwen's 3 swatches pictured here were all made from the same MAGIC BALL of yarn (with black added to the first on the left) and each looks so totally different !

If you ever have the opportunity to take a class from GWEN, I highly recommend it. She is fun, down to earth, creative, and practical. Her only rule in class is "NO RIPPING OUT", we're here to practice and learn.

Also stay tuned for her book on ENTRELAC soon to be published.

In Memory Of Betsy Shaw

2008-11-28T11:51:00.009-05:00

Our Northcoast Knitting Guild beloved President, Betsy Shaw,

passed away last week in her sleep at the tender age of 61.

The consummate knitter, well loved by all, and very fun to be with.

I had the pleasure of being with her at Stitches East in Baltimore a few years ago and she always made everyone feel welcome at our

knitting guild meetings.

We decided to bring our knitting to her funeral, we figured she would want us to be knitting, and her friends and relatvies

were so glad we did.

Our Name is Mud

2008-11-20T17:37:00.000-05:00

Thank you to:

OUR NAME IS MUD BLOG

Check out their blog for contests and free giveaways.

I entered and just won this great handmade ceramic paperclip container

you may remember my birthday plate, signed by friends from the knitting guild....

it was made by Our Name is Mud

GIVEAWAY at A Mixed Bouquet

2008-11-08T09:51:00.005-05:00

A Mixed Bouquet of Jewelry Designs

is sponsoring a GIVEAWAY to celebrate the opening of her new ETSY shop

she's giving away a birthstone bracelet like this one

in your choice of birthstone color

Free Snowman Knitting Pattern at Knit Picks

2008-10-31T08:45:00.004-04:00

Check out this adorable new free pattern for felted snowmen from

KNIT PICKS

OCTOBER is GLOBAL FAIR TRADE MONTH

2008-10-21T20:18:00.021-04:00

Just in time for the holidays......

I went to a Fair Trade Sale at a local church near my home and I decided that buying Fair Trade is the best way to shop for holiday presents this year. I bought a beautiful hand woven headband from Guatamala.

I found a lovely lavendar soy candle made by THE ENTERPRISING KITCHEN.ORG helping women in Chicago get back on track.

Yesterday, I purchased a beaded purse made by the Mayan Women's Beading Collective at the Textile Art luncheon. I sat down tonight to write about Fair Trade goods, only to discover, by coincindence, that OCTOBER is GLOBAL FAIR TRADE MONTH.

Yes, I also bought a $30.00 tin of popcorn (outrageously expensive) from the local boy scout going door to door, but I'd much rather spend my money supporting people in need, especially the WOMEN who are feeding their entire family for a month with the proceeds from the sale of one beaded purse.

So, this holiday season, when you're shopping at Nordstrom, Target, Coach, or your local church craft show.....keep in mind FAIR TRADE. Your purchase can really make a difference in someone's life. Look for fairly traded items in stores too.

You may ask, "What is Fair Trade"?

Fair Trade is...

- The practice of buying products directly from producers indeveloping nations and developing parts of our own country.
- About helping people to become self-supporting andself-suffiicent regardless of race, gender, or religion.
- Buying goods bought directly from producers, artists, and families, NOT from sweatshops, slaveholders, or big businesses.
- Guaranteeing fair prices and fair pay to both women and men.
- An investment to improve social, educational, and medical conditions in the producers' home communities.
- When producers are paid for their products up-front to ensure long-term success.
- Environmentally safe which ensures sustainable production methods that protect the environment and cultivate healthy communities here and abroad.
- Guarenteeing no forced child labor was used in production. Many of the children once forced to work in clothing and carpet mills are now in school.

OK, now that you know what Fair Trade is, you may ask "Where can I shop for Fair Trade items?" ONLINE of course! Shop from your home, avoid traffic, save on gas in your car, don't wait in any lines! You can find items from all over the world, on some websites you can choose an area of the globe, or type of craft or product. COFFEE is a popular one, as are handicrafts made by local artisans.

FOR EXAMPLE:

SHOP THE CAUSE.ORG is a project of Women Thrive Worldwide, a non-profit that fosters economic opportunity for women living in poverty worldwide.

How about looking at ORIGNAL GOOD. It's the new product brand from World of Good, Inc. providing amazing handcrafted from artisans around the world.

Searching for clothing and accessories? Look no further than MATA TRADERS whose mission is to provide high fashion, fairly traded clothing and accessories to a growing network of socially conscious consumers and retailers. The products are made exclusively in India by women’s cooperatives.

Need a gift for a CHOCOLATE LOVER, or want to treat yourself? Try the EQUAL EXCHANGE CO-OP for fairly traded organic coffee, tea, chocolate and snacks from farmers all over the world including the United States.

According to their website, "One purchase at a time" from GIFTS WITH HUMANITY.ORG will help change the world.

One of my favorite successful sites is the KALLARI RAIN FAMILY, a self-governed coalition of Amazon artists and organic cocoa producers whose co-op began in 1997 with less than fifty families and has now grown to over 800 families.

At TWO HANDS WORLD SHOP you can find beautiful Fair Trade certified arts and handcrafts from the world's artisans. Listed by category everything from bags and purses to home decor and toys.

Here are some links to Fair Trade Shopping from SHE WHO PAINTS for more ideas and inspiration.

And last, but not least, you've got to take a look at LUCUMA DESIGNS which strives to bring you contemporary crafts and folk art to smile about. They "empower creative women and family workshops in Peru to help themselves and their community". You will be amazed at the talent and artistry.

Look for these labels when you buy:

And perhaps there's even a FAIR TRADE store in your town,

like this one here in Cleveland Heights, Ohio

REVIVE

WOMANCRAFT.NET

Now I've got to get back to my holiday shopping !!

Textile Art Alliance Wearable Art Fashion Show & Boutique

2008-10-20T06:19:00.033-04:00

I just got back from the

Cleveland Museum of Art Textile Alliance Wearable Art Fashion Show and Boutique

Here are some of my favorite designs presented: Be sure to click on the links to learn more about each artist ! The name of each is ABOVE the photo.

Blue Bridge Studio - Paula Singleton from

Akron, Ohio

Memphis George Fine Art Jewelry

Nagada Fashion handwoven textiles from Egypt

Hatsumi Yoshida born in Japan and

currently lives in Bali

Art of Cloth

the best fitting clothes, loose drape, beautiful colors, designed and made by my neighbor, Rose Corrick

Blis Boutique another one of Cleveland's favorite

Art to Wear Boutique

Fine Points

my favorite yarn shop AND clothing boutique owned by Liz Tekus in Cleveland

Front Street Studios by Julie Corcoran in Mannington, WV

Midwest Fiber Company

owned and handcrafted by Lee Ann King,

located in NW Ohio

miKNITures by Cleveland's Pavia Lewis and member of the

Northcoast Knitting Guild

Mayan Women's Collective

beautiful beaded necklaces and purses with all proceeds going back to the women in Mexico

THERE IS A SALE IN CLEVELAND HEIGHTS ON

SAT. & SUN. NOV. 22 & 23

Noro Tovesta Bag

2008-10-14T19:23:00.004-04:00

What's not to love about NORO KUREYON???

I felted this bag instead of lining it according to the pattern.

The pattern is by

Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton

from Noro: Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton Book 2

Another Cool Website

2008-09-18T08:20:00.004-04:00

Check out KNITBEADS.COM

Free patterns, beads, books, paper crafts and more !!

New Plan for Koigu Shawl

2008-09-14T11:11:00.005-04:00

I have frogged my koigu shawl and I plan to make this project instead:

Wool Peddler's Shawl by Cheryl Oberle in her book, "Folk Shawls"

Thanks to inspiration and tips from blogger Crispynoodleknits, I found this project on ravelry.

my koigu stash:

Stitch N Pitch

2008-08-04T21:28:00.003-04:00

What a great way to celebrate my birthday this year !!

Stitch n Pitch Cleveland Indians Game July 10

Louise and Laila

2008-07-31T09:11:00.003-04:00

I'm back from my 2nd AZIZA Retreat at 13 MOONS in Norwood, Ontario Canada.

Louise and Laila love their Interlacements Beaded Scarves !!

The theme for me this year was "sprouting seeds", a new beginning

Koigu Simple Yet Effective Shawl

2008-07-18T16:02:00.002-04:00

I can't think of a better way to use up my stash of Koigu - 6 skeins purchased at Love to Knit's recent going out of business sale.

I found the FREE pattern surfing around on Ravelry - it can be found at

COSMICPLUTO KNITS BLOG

The Charlotte's Web Shawl pattern intrigued me for this yarn but I decided I wanted something easier to make. I am, however, incorporating the subtle color changing blending squence from the Charlotte's Web pattern into my Koigu Simple Shawl.

2 Beaded Scarves completed

2008-07-09T19:10:00.004-04:00

I just finised these 2 beaded scarves for my 2 Canadian retreat leaders whom I am visiting again this summer.

Tiny Toes yarn from Interlacements and beads. The pattern is by Deanna Van Assche

First Pair of Socks Finished !

2008-07-06T20:52:00.005-04:00

I finally finished my first pair of socks, Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock pattern and size 2 double pointed needles. The yarn colorway is Cracked Canyon 100% merino.

Blue Moon Fiber Arts

We love to knit socks

2008-04-27T13:09:00.003-04:00

On the right and middle are 2 socks I made in recent Sock Classes.

The left is my first attempt at a real pair with Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock yarn.

And the Northcoast Knitting Guild really loves to make socks !!

Amanda's Squatty Sidekick

2008-04-19T11:18:00.003-04:00

Check out Knitting Daily.com Free patterns for Amanda's Squatty Sidekick. Quick and easy,

I knit it with Manos del Uruguay 100% wool.

http://www.knittingdaily.com/freepatterns/

Bag of Diamonds

2008-04-19T11:16:00.002-04:00

Another completed felted bag !!

From Knitter's Magazine, Winter 2005

SLIP STITCH pattern, fun, quick and addicting. I can't wait to make another one. Knit with BLACK Cascade 220 and the one and only self striping Noro Kureyon.

My bag was selected to be on the pattern page for this project on Ravelry !!

Felted Fido

2008-04-19T11:14:00.004-04:00

A fabulous quick FIBER TRENDS pattern - knit with Cascade 220 and Berroco Hush. I made this for our Northcoast Knitting Guild Toy Competition meeting in May. Then we donate our toys after prizes are awarded.

Meet CLEO !!!

2007-12-14T18:57:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we adopted this adorable 3 month puppie

a Sheltie mix female we named CLEO

from the Cleveland Animal Protective League

I'm ADDICTED to Ravelry!!

2007-12-08T08:53:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I am now on

Ravelry --- my name is smiledr710

I have been busy posting pictures and descriptions of my projects. It is so well organized, easy to use. Much to my dismay, there were no groups established yet for some of my favorite projects...so, what did I do?? I created them myself!!

My first finished vest

2007-11-24T22:33:00.001-05:00

I learned so much from making my first wearable garment that,

unlike a poncho or shawl, was actually designed to fit !!

I made 2 fronts, a back, a collar, and even

3 buttonholes !!

I used

Plymouth Encore Mega Colorspun Yarn

single strand

SEED STITCH throughout

and

Sarah James pattern #WV 301

My project was even selected to be on the Ravelry page for this pattern !!

Free Knitting Patterns at HowStuffWorks.com

2007-11-09T20:02:00.002-05:00

I just discovered another website full of

more wonderful free patterns and detailed instructions.

TAKE A LOOK !!

HowStuffWorks.com

You Tube Knitting Instructions

2007-11-04T11:27:00.001-05:00

I am so excited to see that there are so many instructional knitting videos on

YOU TUBE !!

I've been trying to make this MANOS YARN SCARF

called
"MY SO CALLED SCARF"

posted by

WINGEDSHEEP and you can find her You Tube instructions
HERE

FIONA ELLIS

2007-10-21T17:51:00.001-04:00

I recently took 2 classes from the internationally known fashion knit designer,

Fiona Ellis.

How exciting to see the actual swatches and garments that went into writing her 2 recents books:

INSPIRED CABLE KNITS

and INSPIRED FAIR ISLE KNITS.

In my "Morphing Cables" class, I enjoyed following her guidelines for making cables that change and become other patterns.

The afternoon class, "The Amazing Slip Stitch Illusion" taught us several examples to add texture and colos.... follow the directions and magical illusions appear !

CLEVELAND KNIT OUT

2007-10-14T12:28:00.001-04:00

What a great way to spend the last warm day,

85 degrees,

on the shores of Lake Erie

the Cleveland KNIT-OUT event 2007

Door prizes, demos, knitting, and more !!

I'm back from vacation

2007-10-05T17:19:00.001-04:00

For those of you who thought that I never made it back from my 50 year old

BIRTHDAY RETREAT, I'm here to tell you that,

YES I'M HERE and STILL KNITTING!!!

That's me on the right, with Laila, the goddess of

Aziza Healing Adventures.

****************************************************************************

The most recent knitting project that I finished is the

FELTED OVEN MITTS from KNIT PICKS.

A quick knit and it felted beautifully.

FIRST PLACE Winner in my knitting guild's competition: Accessories category !!

Stay tuned for my next post with pictures from this Sunday's

KNIT OUT in downtown Cleveland !!

and, last but not least,

GO TRIBE !!

On Vacation

2007-08-05T08:15:00.000-04:00

I'm leaving today for my vacation in celebration of my 50 th birthday. I will be attending a Woman's Wellness Retreat in Ontario 2 hours north of Toronto.

You can check out the location at

THIRTEEN MOONS

With no internet and minimal cell phone access, it should be a true GETAWAY.

Of course, there are 2 yarn shops in Peterborough nearby that I will visit !!

The workshops at Thirteen Moons will be lead by

Laila Ghattas of

AZIZA HEALING ADVENTURES

Dye Your Own Yarn Workshop

2007-07-21T09:21:00.000-04:00

At the recent Lake Farm Park Wool Fest in Kirtland, Ohio

I took a Dye Your Own Yarn Workshop.

I came prepared with 3 skeins of my own yarn

100% Wool Worsted from Knit Picks ready to dye.

The 3 skeins of my own should be enough to make a

felted bag and I can't wait to get started!!

We used Country Classics acid dyes which are available from
Ellen's 1/2 Pint Farm.

Ellen, herself, was scheduled to teach this class, but unfortanately she was ill and could not make it. A local fiber artist filled in and it was very enjoyable.

We dyed soft roving (I'll have to learn to spin it next!), and a silk scarf.

Spring Felted Bag Exchange Revealed

2007-07-15T17:50:00.000-04:00

Spring Felted Bag Exchange

Thank you, Deb, in Springfield, Mass

for this beautiful felted bag which arrived just in time for my birthday !!

I received this lovely lined hand embellished buttonhole bag from Deb...

and the Ball Band bag I made from Monica Knits,

(see September, 2006 entry)

was sent to KRIS in

Goffstown, New Hampshire with enough yarn (1 skein Cascade 220 and 1 skein Noro Kureyon) and some of my homemade stitch markers to make a bag of her own.

Secret Pal 10 Revealed

2007-07-15T17:47:00.001-04:00

Thank you,

LIA

from the Blueberry Capital in New Jersey,

for making my birthday even more special !!

I received my
Secret Pal 10 REVEAL package just in time for my birthday !!

4 skeins of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino to hand dye myself, luscsious Classic Elite La Gran Mohair, fun notepads which I can never have enough of, Cream Melt Burner from Elegant Choices with candles for aromatherapy,

and a set of her handmade stitchmarkers which can be found at her etsy shop....

"LadyBug Creations"

************************************************************************************

My assortment of Secret Pal treasures over the last few months went to

PATTY in Minnesota

highlights included Opal sock yarn, Koigu, a beany bag turtle (she collects turtles), the book "Knit Two Together" signed by the author and a "Share the Care" totebag which Patty says she's been using everyday for work !!

Thank you secret pals for a wonderful exchange !!

Today is my Birthday !!

2007-07-10T10:17:00.000-04:00

July 10 - the big 50

and what a celebration at last night's NorthCoast Knitting Guild meeting !!

Andrea brought me these lovely flowers

Dental school classmate from 20 years ago and fellow knitter,

Marilyn, came in from Youngstown

Mo suprised me with 2 skeins of Regia Silk Color, size 1 double pointeds,

Nancy Bush's book

"Folk Socks" and an adorable hand made certificate for me to receive

sock knitting lessons.

My sister treated us with 4 different kinds of homemade cookies and this special plate for everyone to sign from

OUR NAME IS MUD

My wonderful secret pal, Michelle, from the International Scarf Exchange sent me 3 skeins of my favorite yarn, Noro Kureyon, in a NEW COLOR.

Thank you MICHELLE !!

Now it's off to the

Ladies and Gentleman Spa at Legacy Village

with my middle daughter (the other 2 are away at overnight summer camp programs) and then a delicious dinner with my sister

and my lovely middle daughter (almost 16 years old)

SUSHI ROCK

Thank you to everyone for making my birthday special and memorable !!

Cleveland Indians Stitch N Pitch

2007-07-01T20:42:00.001-04:00

What a blast !!!

Stitch N Pitch Cleveland Indians

baseball game last week.

Beautiful summer night, great goodie bag,

a visit from Slider

and

we won the game !!

GOODIE BAG:

Clover Size 19 straight needles 16 " long

Canvas Project Bag

Boye Crochet Hook

Needlepoint canvas

Trendsetter Yarns "Fatigues" one skein

Free patterns from local shops

Cross Stitch Sampler booklet

All about "Clover" needles booklet

Knitter's Travel Guide Book 2006 published by
DirectionPress

right here in my town, Solon, Ohio !!

Wool Fest "Best in the Show"

2007-06-23T18:06:00.000-04:00

My version of the Hyphen - Boy Modular Felted bag won

BEST IN THE SHOW

at the Lake Farm Park Wool Fest being held this weekend in Kirtland, Ohio.

I also took a

Blue Ribbon First Place

in the Mixed Media category since my bag is a combination of knitting and felting.

In addition to $15.00 vouchers to use at the Wool Fest market, I also received a gift basket full of wonderful goodies from the Lake Farm Park gift shop.

I am thrilled !!!

SP 10 Contest My Yarn Stash

2007-06-16T12:53:00.001-04:00

SP 10 Hostess has asked us to post our YARN STASH.......

Cherry Tree Hill, Cascade Fixation, Patons sock yarn, leftovers !

Stitch Marker - Yarn Swap

2007-06-14T17:46:00.001-04:00

Thank you BERNIE for your wonderful assortment of goodies sent all the way from England !!

Fridge Magnet, Eskimo Wool (Garnstudio), Felted Mini Sock,
Handmade Stitch Markers,

Hand Sewn Pouch for Bits'n'bobs, Highlighter pens, and a
Scented Sachet.

YUMMY !!!

The blue stitch markers have these little crochet covered beads that she made using embroidery thread/floss, a very small metal crochet hook and some plastic beads.
They are one of a kind.

THANK YOU BERNIE for another terrific exchange!!

World Wide Knit in Public Day 2007

2007-06-10T11:24:00.000-04:00

That's me, Betsy and Mo

We had little time to Knit in Public because we were too busy

inside shopping !

Thank you to
River Colors in Lakewood, Ohio hosted our event.

We discoved the latest addition to the Cleveland Knitting Scene......

STITCH CLEVELAND

We also shopped at

Yarn Knit by Sue in Fairview Park

where everything is 40 % off for their Moving Sale !!

I picked up the book, "FELT FRENZY" by

Clevelanders, Heather Brack & Shannon Okey

I found 2 skeins of JJ's Montage Hand Painted Collection for a Lucy Bag,

Austermann Step yarn with Aloe Vera because it feels

so good,

Plymouth Encore Mega Colorspun to make the

Sarah James Adriafil Vest,

and Plymouth Encore Worsted Yarn to make the

Garter Stitch Blanket on my

To - Do List.

Also picked up some Addi's --- it was great fun !!

Spring Felted Bag Exchange Update

2007-06-10T10:20:00.000-04:00

I just received a package from my AWESOME partner in the

Spring Felted Bag Exchange.

Trekking Yarn in color Pastels and "Classic Socks" pattern booklet by

Yankee Knitter Designs.

She is inspiring me to try socks and I can't wait to knit with the Trekking,

something she knows I've been wanting !!

She also included an adorable set of sheep accessories: refrigerator magnet, note pad, and

a set of beautiful stitch markers that she made for me.

THANK YOU SO MUCH !!

I can't wait to see the bag you're making for me.

I know it will be unique and special !!

International Scarf Exchange IV "Wrap Up"

2007-06-10T10:09:00.000-04:00

International Scarf Exchange IV

grand finale...

My package arrived from Michelle in Ontario and I am just thrilled with the beautiful shawl she made for me.

In my favorite colors, made from the color Perwinkle

Hand Maiden Sea Silk hand dyed in Canada.

The pattern is Shetland Triangle Shawl from the book,
"Wrap Style" by
Interweave Press.

I also received a beautiful hand made shawl pin made in Nova Scotia,

Lavendar (my favorite) Eucalan Fabric Wash, and sheep tissues.

She accidentally revealed her name to me in an email and all this time I was sneaking peeks at "Michelle in Colorado Springs" blog thinking that was the scarf for me !! So, I was pleasantly surprised after all !!

Michelle is amazing, self taught and only been knitting for 2 years, WOW !!

Thank you Michelle !!

On the other end.......

My EDGAR Scarf from Knitty.com arrived safely for

HANNA in Finland.

Noro Ruffle Felted Bag Pattern

2007-06-07T07:52:00.000-04:00

WALDEN KNITS NORO RUFFLE FELTED BAG

Here is the pattern for the bag that I taught at A Knitter's Fantasy.

MATERIALS

1 skein NORO Kureyon

small amount of 100% Wool Cascade 220

Size 9, 10 1/2 or 11 needles 24 " circular and double pointed same size

Row counter; Stitch marker; Tapestry needle.

Dimensions before felting: Dimensions after felting:

Bottom 5 " x 5 " Bottom 4" x 4"
Height 9" Height 6 1/2"
Width 9" Width 5 1/2"
Lenght of I cord strap 36 " Length of I cord strap 23"

BOTTOM OF BAG

Cast on 16 stitches. Knit every row 30 - 34 rows (17 ridges)

You should have a square or rectangular bottom.

Pick up and knit 16 stitches along the edge of your bag – you will be picking up a single loop of yarn at the end of each of the ridges. You should be at the beginning of cast on edge.

Pick up 16 stitches using the loops at the bottom of the cast on row.

Pick up and knit 16 stitches along the last edge of your bag.

Place a marker to denote beginning of rounds.

You should have 64 stitches.

If you have more or less, it doesn't matter.

Just make sure you have the same number of stitches on corresponding sides.

BODY OF BAG

Rounds 2-9: Knit.

Round 10 (decrease round): (K2tog, knit to two stitches before the next marker, SSK, slip marker) around. 56 stitches.

Rounds 11-19: Knit.

Round 20: Repeat decrease round. 48 stitches.

Rounds 21-29: Knit.

Round 30: Repeat decrease round. 40 stitches.

Rounds 31-33: Knit.

Round 34: Purl.

Round 35: Bind off in purl.

Doing the last rows and binding off in purl gives it a little more of a bump or

distinction at the top.

RUFFLE

With RS facing, along either long edge pick up 60 stitches -

pick up all around, your number of stitches may be different.

K in front and back of each stitch across – (it will be double whatever # you picked up)

120 stiches. K 7 rows. Bind Off.

I CORD HANDLES

Cast 4 stitches onto double pointed needles. Knit the first 3 rows,

then switch to I - CORD (don't turn, slide to end).

Knitting the first and last 3 rows gives you a flat end which is easier to sew onto the bag.

When your handle is long enough, knit the last 3 rows.

Bind Off.
Make 1 or 2 handles depending upon your preference.

Attach handle strap to the inside of the bag with the same yarn BEFORE felting.

FELT

GO CAVS...CLEVELAND ROCKS !!!

2007-06-03T09:34:00.000-04:00

LeBron James Leads Cavaliers to First NBA Finals

CAVS Beat Detroit Pistons 98 - 82

"The Cavaliers, who won only 17 games the year before James arrived from just down the Interstate in Akron, will meet the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the

NBA finals on Thursday night."

"It's been 43 years since a Cleveland team captured a major pro sports title. The Browns lost three straight AFC titles to John Elway and the Broncos, and the Indians haven't won a World Series since 1948. The Cavaliers, who joined the league in 1970, now have a shot to end a drought that has spanned generations for Cleveland fans."

"Something had to go right for Cleveland sports," James said.

Secret Pal 10 Contest # 6 W.I.P.

2007-05-30T21:28:00.000-04:00

Secret Pal 10 Contest # 6

Post a picture of ALL your current WIP'S (Work in Progress Knitting Projects) and you will be entered into a drawing for a prize! Tell us when they are from, and if they are old, why they aren't finished yet!

Interlacements Beaded Scarf - this is piece #2 - # 1 is already finished - the 2 are joined with a 3 needle bind off. I started this a few weeks ago and I set it aside to work on the next.....

Lion Brand Velveteen Bunny Blanket...... a cute project, I just have to finish the head..... I set it aside after ripping out the head twice because I couldn't figure out how to leave it open to put in the fiberfill stuffing.....I started this about 2 weeks ago and should have it finished over the weekend....

Interlacements Feather and Fan Shawl with 1 skein of Rick Rack 100% Rayon yarn. A beautiful project that I started this winter but it was taking a long time to complete. I set it aside and now I'm afraid to pick it back up again because I no longer remember the pattern and I'm not sure where I left off. I decided I don't have to use the entire skein so maybe I'll get it done soon after all.

Spring Felted Bag Final Question

2007-05-26T07:41:00.000-04:00

Spring Felted Bag Exchange Final Question

Go visit some blogs for people who are

participating in this swap.

Find THREE people that you have

something in common with -

BESIDES the fact that you knit ;)

Make a post linking to those 3 blogs,

and tell what it is you have

in common with the person on that blog!

1. Deb in Massachusettes - we both are the mother of three daughters

2. SHAWNEE in Oregon - we both recently taught our first knitting/crochet class

3. KRIS in Ontario - we both love scuba diving and we are both trying to lose the same amount of weight

Thank you hostess for sponsoring this fun contest and a great exchange!!

Guild Toy Competition

2007-05-20T08:48:00.001-04:00

NORTHCOAST KNITTING GUILD

ANNUAL TOY COMPETITION

We voted on the best in 2 categories: Knit an outfit for a toy AND

Knit a toy.

The toys were then donated to a local hospital.

Here are some of the favorites with the pattern link:

Lion Brand Velveteen Bunny

I'm inspired to make one in every color !!

I made this easy and adorable

Caterpillar

The HEDGEHOG on the right is a

FIBER TRENDS pattern.

Louise made these colorful dolls

JEAN GREENHOWE RAINBOW BABIES

For more free TOY PATTERNS click

HERE

Knitting Retreat

2007-05-09T22:03:00.000-04:00

I recently returned from a weekend knitting retreat with 12 members of my knitting guild.

We stayed at the

River's Edge Conference Center in Rocky River, Ohio.

No cell phones, internet, only knitting.

I worked on this catepillar for our Toy Competition

Here are some words to describe the getaway.......

comraderie

inside jokes

women's health

classical music

problem solving (life and knitting!)

listening to a music CD parody of

knitting by Wren Ross

sharing - trading ideas, inspiration, patterns, materials, techniques

receiving and complimenting each others work and talent

What a weekend, we are already signed up for next year !!

Thank you Secret Pal 10

2007-05-06T16:59:00.000-04:00

Thank you secret pal for the most WONDERFUL surprise gift package.

2 books I've been wanting.....

"The Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook" and

"Yarns to Dye For" PLUS

2 lucsious skeins of yarn and dyes for me to use to

HAND DYE my own yarn!!

Knit Picks Lace Weight 100% Paint Your Own Merino

and

Lamb's Pride Worsted

Thank you Secret Pal !!

Spring Felted Bag Contest # 2

2007-05-02T21:32:00.000-04:00

This Week's Contest Question:

How did you get interested in felting?

I saw some felted bags on display at my local yarn shop and I said to myself,

"I have to learn how to do that!"

Did you learn it from someone, see a bag you liked?

So, I signed up for the felted bag class being offered at the yarn shop.

I have since moved on to winning some awards for my felted bags at my local Knitting Guild and I taught my first felted bag class a few weeks ago at A Knitter's Fantasy!

Post a picture of your first bag....

"you've come a long way, baby"

Secret Pal Contest # 4

2007-04-29T08:33:00.000-04:00

The oldest yarn in my stash is.......

Berroco Medley

I purchased it 3 years ago to make a free blanket pattern from the Berroco website.

I love the colors but I didn't think that the mitered squares showed up well with this yarn

so it's on hold for now until I figure out something else to do with it !

Make Your Own Stitch Markers

2007-04-28T11:23:00.000-04:00

Here are the first stitch markers that I have made.

Supplies:

Wire Cutter

Needle Nose Pliers - both ends flat

Needle Nose Pliers - one end rounded

Rainbow Glass Beads assortment

Head Pins with Beaded end (16 pieces/package)

Crimp Beads (125/package)

Toggle Clasps - medium and large round

There are several good online tutorials ......

http://www.sheepinthecity.prettyposies.com/archives/000201.html Sheep in the City

http://knittgeek.blogspot.com/2005/07/guide-to-stitch-markers.html Knitting by Geek

CROCHETOHOLIC

STITCHMARKERS.COM

http://cjsachiko.blogspot.com/2005/03/stitch-markers-la-cee-jay.html CJ's Knitting Basket

http://loxosceles.org/crafty/stitchmarkers/ Loxosceles.org

BEADED STITCH MARKER SWAP

Stitch Marker Swaps

2007-04-22T07:47:00.000-04:00

Here's a new SWAP for 4 handmade stitch markers and 2 balls of yarn ...... click on the stitch markers photo to take you to the swap blog where you can JOIN

Sponsored by:

Crochetoholic's Swap Blog

My favorite colors: Blue, turquoise, mint green, purple

My hobbies: Knitting, reading

My kitchen theme and colors: White

My bathroom theme and colors: Fish and ocean colors

My crafts..what I like: Scarves, shawls, felted bags, beaded knitting, modular knitting

My allergies: Cats, perfume

My favorite pets: Fish

My favorite scents: Lavender, Bergamot, Eucalyptus

Other stuff about me: I am a dentist. I am divorced, single mom of 3 busy teenage daughters.

Another stitch marker swap is:

The Stitch Marker Exchange

Make and receive 5 stitchmarkers from

as many pals as you like.

Partners will be assigned in June.

Spring Felted Bag Exchange Questionnaire

2007-04-19T18:51:00.000-04:00

SPRING FELTED BAG EXCHANGE

How could I pass up another felted bag exchange???

Click on the picture above to see the blog.

Knit Picks Wool of the Andes

3. What are your favorite needles to knit\crochet with?

Addi Turbo circulars are the best for the wool used in making felted bags.

Sometimes Bamboo is better if you don't want it so slippery.

4. What are the last 3 bags you knitted\crochetted (include URL for Yahoo! or flickr album or your blog if you have them!)?

My own pattern for Noro Kureyon Ruffle Bag, Lucy Bag with Interlacements Oregon Worsted, and Comfortable Sling Bag with Karaoke.

See pictures on my blog at JAG WALDEN KNITS

5. Do you carry the bags that you make, give them as gifts, or both?

I carry, give as gifts, and sell them in a local contemporary

art museum gift shop.

6. What is your favorite felted bag that you have made for yourself?

Hyphen Boy Modular Felted bag.

7. What are your favorite colors? Do you like bags in these colors or choose other colors?

My favorite colors are blues, aqua, colors of the ocean, anything self-striping.

In bags I also like black, brown, or pink accents.

8. Chocolate: White, Milk, Dark, or not so much?

Not so much.

9. Coffee, Tea, or Milk?

Coffee, green or Chai Tea

10. Do you prefer sweet or salty treats? What kinds?

Salty.

11. If you went into Bath and Body Works and could only come out with one item, what would it be and what would it smell like?

Lavender bath oil or Lavender bubble bath.

12. Do you enjoy any other crafts or hobbies? Do you collect anything?

Reading, blogging, and old button collections.

13. Are there any bag patterns you have not yet knit, but hope to someday?

Ball Band pattern, Skacel Loft Felted Bag, Rosebud,

other patterns by Two Old Bags, Fetching fingerless gloves.

14. What is currently OTN (on the needles) for you?

Feather and Fan Shawl with Interlacements Rick Rack Rayon yarn.

15. What is your most recent finished object before that?

Lion Brand Cable Comfort Throw Afghan.

16. What's cutest: Puppies, Piggies or Pixies?

I haven't a clue about any of them.

17. Do you enjoy reading? Books, Magazines, or both?

Both.

18. Do you have any children? (kid-kind or pet-kind apply!)

3 teenage daughters. No Pets. Allergic to cats and dogs.

19. What are some of your favorite yarns for other projects?

Soy Silk, Interlacements, anything NORO, Koigu, HandPainted

20. And for the final question, one I see debated all over: Novelty Yarn: Love it! Hate it! or It depends!

Novelty Yarn: I like it.

A Knitter's Fantasy April 14, 2007

2007-04-15T07:53:00.000-04:00

We did it !!

After months of planning, my

Northcoast Knitting Guild presented:

the 12th annual A Knitter's Fantasy in Warren, Ohio

Here are some highlights of the event...

Co - Chairs Mo and Sue gracefully put everything together

Ann & Louise were busy at our "For Sale" table, selling mugs, T-Shirts and note cards.

Louise also organized the 40 teachers for 51 classes.

Gloria and Rose sold RAFFLE tickets and we had terrific DOOR PRIZES.

Here is guild member, Marianne, with the clown she made for our raffle.

Thank you to Kathy, for handling the blankets and the Caps for Kids campaign.

We made 150 baby blankets which are being donated to a local Cleveland hopsital. Here are just some of them on display.

CAPS FOR KIDS is always a big success with contest winners in both the "Commerical" (Pictured on the right ) and "Original" (left) pattern categories.

I also found some double pointed needles and an assortment of sock patterns at our
SWAP TABLE.

Cleveland knitter and writer, Connie Lane, was present at the

Soft 'n' Sassy booth to autograph copies of her book,

"Knit Two Together".

Also among the 37 vendors were some of my favorite local yarn shops including.....

FINE POINTS

KNIT WIT KNITS

YARN KNIT BY SUE

YARNSMITHS

SUSAN YARNS

STITCH PIECE 'N' PURL

RIVER COLORS FIBER STUDIO

FRENCH CREEK FIBER ARTS

As a committee member, my job was to put together all the

name tags.

Teachers had flowers and committee members had a sock on their name tag.

Here I am !

I also had to time to take a class on MOSAIC KNITTING.

I actually practiced and figured out how to read the chart, thanks to the 3 generations of knitters on hand to teach and help in this class.

I TAUGHT my first class "FELTED BAG WORKSHOP".

This is a picture of the Noro Kureyon Ruffle Bag that I taught while explaining the felting process, showing examples of my bags, and giving tips and design ideas.

Here is Barbara, in my class, with a felted bag of her own made from LOPI.

I modeled my Hyphen-Boy Modular Felted Bag in the fashion show at lunchtime.

Other fashion show highlights included my friend (and fellow Dentist!) Marilyn with her

Einstein Coat. This project is on my To Do list from the book,

"The Knit Stitch" by Sally Melville.

In addition to handling the sale items, teaching, and offering her technical computer expertise in ALL the areas of our event,

Ann also had time to

show off her beautiful shawl......

and Guild Members, as group, made a SHEEP SCARF !

The pattern, from the book,

"Vogue Knitting On the Go Shawls"

is actually for a shawl, as seen here on Sue, but the rest of us made just

one strip for a fun scarf.

For more information about the NORTHCOAST KNITTING GUILD click

HERE

Spring Felted Bag Exchange Questionnaire

2007-04-13T19:23:00.000-04:00

SPRING FELTED BAG EXCHANGE

How could I pass up another felted bag exchange???

Click on the picture above to see the blog.

Here are my answers to the Questionnaire.........................

1. How long have you been knitting or crochetting? How did you learn?

I learned to knit as a child and picked it up again about 3 years ago.

2. What are your favorite yarns to knit\crochet felted bags with?

Cascade 220, Noro Kureyon, Lamb's Pride Worsted, Karaoke

3. What are your favorite needles to knit\crochet with?

Addi Turbos are the best for the wool used in making felted bags. Sometimes Bamboo is better if you don't want it so slipery.

4. What are the last 3 bags you knitted\crochetted (include URL for Yahoo! or flickr album or your blog if you have them!)?

My own pattern for Noro Kureyon Ruffle Bag, Lucy Bag with Interlacements Oregon Worsted, and Comfortable Sling Bag with Karaoke.

See pictures on my blog at JAG WALDEN KNITS

5. Do you carry the bags that you make, give them as gifts, or both?

I carry, give as gifts, and sell in a museum gift shop.

6. What is your favorite felted bag that you have made for yourself?

Hyphen Boy Modular Felted bag and Lucy Bag.

7. What are your favorite colors? Do you like bags in these colors or choose other colors?

Blues, colors of the ocean, anything self-striping.

8. Chocolate: White, Milk, Dark, or not so much?

Not so much.

9. Coffee, Tea, or Milk?

Coffee, green or Chai Tea

10. Do you prefer sweet or salty treats? What kinds?

Salty.

11. If you went into Bath and Body Works and could only come out with one item, what would it be and what would it smell like?

Lavender bath oil or Lavender bubble bath.

12. Do you enjoy any other crafts or hobbies? Do you collect anything?

Reading, blogging, and old button collections. I used to collect salt and pepper shakers.

13. Are there any bag patterns you have not yet knit, but hope to someday?

Ball Band pattern, other patterns by Two Old Bags.

14. What is currently OTN (on the needles) for you?

Feather and Fan Rick Rack Shawl with Interlacements Rick Rack Rayon yarn.

15. What is your most recent finished object before that?

Lion Brand Cable Comfort Throw Afghan.

16. What's cutest: Puppies, Piggies or Pixies?

I haven't a clue about any of them.

17. Do you enjoy reading? Books, Magazines, or both?

Both.

18. Do you have any children? (kid-kind or pet-kind apply!)

3 teenage daughters. No Pets.

19. What are some of your favorite yarns for other projects?

Soy Silk, Interlacements, anything NORO.

20. And for the final question, one I see debated all over: Novelty Yarn: Love it! Hate it! or It depends!

Novelty Yarn: I like it.

3 Generation Cable Comfort Throw complete

2007-04-12T20:23:00.000-04:00

I have mastered CABLES with this

CABLE COMFORT THROW

pattern from Lion Brand.

This afghan is made by putting 5 strips together. When checking the lengths of my strips, I noticed that, by accident, I made one longer by adding a full cable repeat.

I decided that I liked the longer length better, so I went back and added on to all the strips. This, of course, meant using close to 12 skeins and running back to JoAnn's a few times.

The afghan is for daughter # 3 who sewed up all the strips and put it together. My mother weaved in the ends. So all 3 generations took part in the creation of this afghan !

2 Hats Finished

2007-04-12T20:03:00.000-04:00

I enjoyed making these 2 hats to donate for our Caps to Kids program this weekend.

The first free pattern called

Noro Kureyon One-Ball Wavy Gravy Hat Pattern

can be found on this blog:

Strand in the Hand Patterns

I used 2 skeins of Noro Big Bebe for the second hat. This thick and thin yarn is a pleasure!

This free pattern called the

Scallop Brim Instant Hat is found on the blog:

Just One More Row

The brim on my hat did not turn out to be scalloped like the actual one pictured below,

but I still enjoyed this quick knit.

Spring Blizzard in Northeastern Ohio

2007-04-07T09:56:00.000-04:00

For those of you who aren't familiar with "LAKE EFFECT",

let me tell you about the

weather living on the coast of

Lake Erie in Northeastern Ohio.

4 days ago it was 80 degrees (which warmed up the lake) and my kids were sitting out on the patio by this table getting a sun tan and.......

now we have THIS:

I was out picking daffodils...........

and the Cleveland Indians Opening Baseball Game was

SNOWED OUT !!

It's a good stay to stay inside and KNIT !!

Passover and Miriam's Cup

2007-04-04T06:40:00.000-04:00

I held Passover dinner at my home this year and I want to share with you a new ritual whose purpose is to honor the role of
Miriam

the Prophetess in the Exodus of the Jewish people out of Egypt and to highlight the contributions of women to Jewish culture,

past and present.

Since I have 3 daughters, I like to empower and inspire them with this tradition that I hope will stay with them throughout their lives.

My father was outnumbered by all women at our seder, as my sister, my mother, my girls and I all took turns putting water from our cup into Miriam's cup

(handpainted and adorned with bells)

"We fill Miriam's cup with water to honor her role in ensuring the survival of the Jewish people. Like Miriam, Jewish women in all generations have been essential for the continuity of our people. As keepers of traditions in the home, we pass down songs and stories, rituals and recipes, from mother to daughter, from generation to generation. Let us each fill the cup of Miriam with water from our own glasses, so that our daughters may continue to draw from the strength and wisdom of our heritage."

Then we got out the tamborine and maraccas and sang together,

"And Miriam the prophetess, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her, with timbrels and with dances......to praise God for the miracle of splitting the Red Sea. So we now rejoice and celebrate the freedom of the Jewish people today."

This universal theme can inspire women everywhere.

Happy Passover to all.

Secret Pal Contest # 2 FAVORITE & LEAST FAVORITE

2007-04-03T06:28:00.000-04:00

For Contest # 2, my Secret Pal 10 hostess has asked us to post our favorite and

least favorite knitted projects:

MY FAVORITE is the HYPHEN-BOY Modular Felted Purse

MY LEASE FAVORITE is the Bowling Bag Purse from Curious Creek that I simply

could not figure out !

Yarn Harlot visits Cleveland !!

2007-03-31T17:13:00.000-04:00

I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting the one and only Yarn Harlot, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, today in Cleveland at Joseph Beth Booksellers in Legacy Village.

She is just hilarious and so clever (and also, like me, the mother of 3 teenage daughters).

Some highlights of her presentation that I took home with me include:

We're not just knitters. We are a community, a culture, a team.

Because of our knitting, we have more friends. We are smarter.

Knitting isn't just something you do, it's something you are.

There's no way that sitting around knitting is more stupid than football.

She talked about examples of "CHOKE" - "Cultural Humiliation Of Knitter's Everywhere"

and best of all:

"We can't fix the world until everyone knits."

I also took home the latest statistic that the BIGGEST group of BLOGLINE users are KNITTERS!!!

and remember, Stephanie says that

"If your friend doesn't like knitting, she's not doing it right!!"

Wherever she goes, she cleverly takes a picture of her sock in the foreground, with the crowd or wherever she is, in the background. As seen here, that's ME in the front row on the end in RED

She has an entry on her

BLOG

"CLEVELAND ROCKS" and speaks very highly about Cleveland Knitter's!!

That's my daughter # 3 in the pink working on a LUCY BAG and getting assistance from a young knitter.

YARN HARLOT is coming to CLEVELAND !!

2007-03-24T14:30:00.000-04:00

IS COMING TO

STEPHANIE PEARL-MCPHEE

signs her new book, "Casts Off" on Saturday, March 31st at 2:00pm

at JOSEPH BETH Booksellers

Legacy Village

Cleveland, Ohio

"From the best-selling author of "At Knit's End" and "Knitting Rules!" comes yet another hilarious book of tongue-in-cheek observations on the world of knitting. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts Off invites knitters of all ages, levels, and persuasions to embark with her on a journey deep into the land populated by those who are obsessed with yarn, needles, and what’ s on their needles now."

Check out her terrific blog by clicking below on the pink harlot icon

My Favorite Knitting Accessory

2007-03-21T18:00:00.000-04:00

My hostess for SECRET PAL 10 is having a contest

and has asked us to post about our "favorite knitting accessory".

For me ------- it's my NEW SWIFT

I just love the beautiful wood and spinning design. I had no problem hooking it up, now I just have to figure out how to use it !!!

Then it will surely become my new favorite accessory.

Both purchases affordable with the 40% off online coupons at

JoAnn.com

In the background you can see my computer nook, my corner station, where I spend more time blogging and doing secret exchanges online than I do knitting !!!

P.S. I have a new ball winder too!

GlitterMaker.com

2007-03-19T21:12:00.000-04:00

I just found this amazing website to make all kinds of cool glitter !!!!!

WOW, I just may have to redo my whole blog now that I know how to do this !!!!

Check it out and make some for yourself right

SECRET PAL 10 QUESTIONNAIRE

2007-03-13T07:13:00.001-04:00

Here we go......

The Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?

Hand-dyed, variegated, merino, ribbon, rayon, bamboo, silk, wool for felting.

What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

Mohair or anything "itchy".

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

Plastic round containers.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?

I learned as a child from my mother but I picked it up again 3 years ago.

Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

Intermediate

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Yes, I have a yummy Amazon wish list!

5. .What's your favorite scent?

Lavender, eucalyptus, bergamot. No incense please !

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

No, I prefer no chocolate or candy!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?

I would like to try hand-dying yarn. If I had more time for other crafts, I would enjoy making my own greeting cards or scrapbooking. I used to do needle point, cross stitch, candle making, and stained glass.

Do you spin?

No, but I'd like to try.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Oldies from the 70's, Broadway tunes. My computer plays music, I don't have an ipod.

9. What's your favorite color(s)?

Blue, aqua, turquoise, coral, indigo, aquamarine, sky blue

Any colors you can't stand?

Gray, yellow, orange, hot pink, tan

10. What is your family situation?

Divorced, single mother of 3 teenager daughers.

Do you have any pets?

No pets and I'm allergic to cats and dogs.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

I prefer scarves and shawls. I don't wear sweaters (too hot!).

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Felted bags, scarves, shawls. I'm trying to learn to knit socks, afghans and flowers.

13. What are you knitting right now?

Cable Comfort Throw Afghan, Blue Moon Socks that Rock, Multidirectional scarf, Interlacements Feather and Fan Shawl, Felted Bags.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Yes!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?

Circular needles.

Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Addi Turbo or Bamboo.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Yes, I recently purchased both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

1 year old

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Passover, Thanksgiving, Chanukah.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Button collections, salt and pepper shakers.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?

My first choice is the book, "Knitted Flowers" by Nicky Epstein or "Stephanie Peral-McPhee (the Yarn Harlot) Casts Off"

"Yarns to Dye For: Creating Self-Patterning Yarns for Knitting" by Kathleen Taylor, or the "The Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook: Dyeing, Painting, Spinning, Designing, Knitting" also look delicious since I want to try dying my own yarn.

I've also been wanting a COLOR THEORY book or reference such as the

"Pick, Point & Match Rainbow Color Selector" COLOR WHEEL.

What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Cast On (TKGA) and Knitter's Magazine

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Mosaic, reading a chart, intarsia, easy lace.

22. Are you a sock knitter?

I'm a very beginner sock knitter.

What are your foot measurements?

Size 8 or 8 1/2 shoe.

23. When is your birthday?

July 10 - I'm turning 50 this summer !!!

Stay tuned for MORE and sign ups are still open until Feb. 28.

Click HERE for the SP 10 BLOG

Flowers to Knit & Crochet BLOG

2007-03-09T16:15:00.001-05:00

I have been collecting patterns for flowers to knit and crochet. With spring right around the corner and these patterns so delicious and numerous, I decided to open a new blog called

"FLOWER PATTERNS TO KNIT & CROCHET"

Take a look !! Join the blog and be a contributor !!!

I Won a Book From Berocco

2007-03-08T15:02:00.000-05:00

I won an autographed copy of the book, "Family Tree"

by Barbara Delinsky.

Noni Bobble Bag Felted

2007-03-06T20:55:00.000-05:00

I am very proud of my NONI BOBBLE BAG. From this project I learned to knit and felt bobbles. On my next bag, I wouldn't stuff the big ones with as much poly fiber fill because it left some holes, where you can slightly see the white showing through.

I also would space the bobbles further apart.

It was not easy to sew on the handles into the thick material after it was felted.

I purchased this project as a pre-packaged kit at a booth at Stitches East and it was WAY short of the yarn amounts needed to make all the multi-colored bobbles. I emailed the shop, but sadly, I never got a reply.

Fortunately, I had plenty of feltable yarn in my stash to finish off the bobbles.

Stay tuned for MORE designs of felted bags with BOBBLES to come. Now I'm inspired to try other bobble arrangements.

The Ultimate Blog Party

2007-03-03T08:28:00.000-05:00

I invite you to join the

"5 MINTUES FOR MOM ULTIMATE BLOG PARTY"

CLICK

HERE

It will be a week long bash starting March 2, 2007 and

ending with the big prize giveaway on March 9, 2007.

Come list your blog, be inspired by others, and have a chance to win terrific prizes!!

2 Secret Pal Exchanges

2007-03-01T21:14:00.000-05:00

I just joined 2 new Secret Pal exchanges.

I was so inspired by the beautiful scarves in past exchanges, I was waiting everyday for the next one to begin!

INTERNATIONAL SCARF EXCHANGE 4

and

SECRET PAL 10

Help Me Plan My 50th Birthday!

2007-02-25T13:20:00.000-05:00

I invite you to please help me plan my 50th Birthday,

this summer, July 10th.

I really want to make it special, memorable, life changing.

I'm considering a knitting workshop retreat, spa, or

woman's wellness adventure.

Please send me your comments and suggestions.

If you've been on or know of a specific woman's retreat---

please let me know.

I'm looking for something non-religious, healthy, spiritual,

in a beautiful location

such as Sedona, New Mexico or British Columbia.

Not too remote.

Maybe you can suggest a visit to a city with lots of intriguing

YARNS SHOPS where I could shop hop and take classes.

Help me find a

the ultimate getaway by myself without children

for spiritual growth and discovery

to come back renewed, balanced and energized

Doesn't it sound FABULOUS? I imagine you'd like to join me!

The ideal trip would include both a few days at a wellness retreat for women near a city with yarn shops!! Is that too much to ask for? !

Thanks for your help in planning my milestone birthday!

More about A Knitter's Fantasy

2007-02-18T15:07:00.000-05:00

A Knitter's Fantasy

Saturday April 14, 2007

Warren, Ohio

sponsored by the

North Coast Knitting Guild

The Door prizes and Raffle items are coming in !!

Among the Raffle items are

AUTOGRAPHED BOOKS:

Sally Melville complete set Book 1, Book 2 and Book 3

"A Knitter’s Template" by Laura Militzer Bryant & Barry Klein

"Shadow Knitting" by Vivian Hoxbro

"Beyond Wool" by Candace Eisner Strick

"Hot Knits" & "A Close-Knit Family" by Melissa Leapman

"Victorian Lace Today" by Jane Sowerby

"A Gathering of Lace" by Meg Swanson

"Artic Lace" by Donna Druchunas

Hand Knit Dolls

$50.00 in Fantasy Bucks to use in the Market

Handmade Entrelac bag

Two afghan kits

AND

350 Free patterns from Harrisville Designs

There are 40 teachers and 52 classes ---- and 31 vendors.

Sale items include T-shirts, Denim shirts, Coffee mugs.

Meanwhile, here's a view of my house and the snow piled up in our cul-de-sac during the last few days and after the "Blizzard of 2007" here in Cleveland, Ohio.

A Knitter's Fantasy - Saturday April 14, 2007

2007-02-14T18:47:00.000-05:00

T-SHIRT

DENIM SHIRT

Get ready for A KNITTER'S FANTASY, SATURDAY APRIL 14, 2007

This year it is my guild's turn to put together the event to be held at the Trumbull Career and Technical Center in Warren, Ohio.

All the information you need including Classses, Homework, Vendors list, Directions, and Registration are NOW on line at our website at www.northcoastknitting.org

Click on the Knitter's Fantasy link at the top of the guild website.

Highlights will include:

Connie Lane, the author of "Knit Two Together", and a Clevelander, will be at the
Soft 'n' Sassy booth signing copies of her new book straight from the publishers.

We are selling T-shirts with the "Queue up" logo and long sleeve denim shirts with the Fantasy logo as pictured above.

Guild members who choose to, are making and wearing this FUN sheep scarf which we will model as a group during the fashion show. My scarf, pictured here with the tongue, was made from Cascade 220 black and White Sprinkles.

The pattern is from the book "Vogue Knitting Shawls on the Go". It is a modified version of the sheep shawl pattern.

I will be teaching my first class - FELTED BAGS

I have received permission of this designer to use her pattern in my class:

Noro Chan Bag

I also have put together a WONDERFUL, EXTENSIVE handout on Felting Yarns, Websites with free felted bag patterns, Book list, Yarns to add in for fluff, The Felting Process, and how to make I-cord and Flat handles.
The pattern for the Chan Bag is free and can be seen at

Magknits.com Dec. 06

I am on the committee for A Knitter's Fantasy and my job is NAME TAGS. The 40 teachers each have a lovely flower made by our guild members - here are just some of the ones we have ready.

and the 23 committeee members will have a knitted sock on their name tag, generously made by our member, Ginny Thomas.

Many of our guild members will be teaching morning and afternoon classes. Included in the class list are Lace Edgings, Socks on 2 Circulars, Stash Reduction, Mosaic Knitting, Beginning Spinning, The Magic Loop, Broomstick Lace, Needle Tatting, Mitered Squares, Lucet Weaving, and Knitting Without Needles on a Knitting Board. Be sure to check the website for all the classes and descriptions !!

In addition to the Swap Table, and a Caps for Kids contest, we have been making Baby Blanket Strips put together by guild members. We have 120 completed blankets and they will be on display and then donated to Huron Road Hospital here in Cleveland.

We will also have an ongoing demonstration of Knittting Machines sponored by the
Mahoning Valley Machine Knitters Guild.

Works in Progress

2007-02-13T22:50:00.000-05:00

ON THE NEEDLES

While we are in the middle of the blizzard of 2007 with 18 inches of snow expected here in Northeastern Ohio, over the next 12 hours, I'd like to share with you some of my

WORKS IN PROGRESS.

One skein Plymouth BOKU felted bag ready to felt. This was a kit I won at Stitches. Not my favorite choice of yarn, it ripped several times while knitting, but for a felted project, it is fine.

Lion Brand Comfy Cable Throw with Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick yarn for #3 daughter who tells me "don't knit anything else except my afghan!" One panel of 5 almost done. My first cable project, I'm now hooked on cables !!

Artyarns Super Merino Mutlidirectional Scarf. Another addicting pattern !!

My favorite and FOR ME, Interlacements Rick Rac Shawl. My first feather and fan repeating pattern project. One HUGE skein, about half way complete.

AND, Last but not least....................the NONI BOBBLE BAG is ready to felt !!! WOW ---the more bobbles I make, the more it looks like I need. Daughter #3 says, "Enough with those BUBBLES, get back to my afghan. I need it for camp in June !!"

Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival

2007-02-11T17:58:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed a wonderful day trip yesterday to the 3rd Annual Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival with a fellow member of my knitting guild.

My first class, "Diamonds of Many Colors" with

Jane Bigelow of

Kindred Spirits Design Studio

located in Franklin, PA, taught me another modular technique.

Starting with the pillow, leading up to making the Vest by Southwest Trading Company pictured below. My yarn kit for the pillow is Patons SWS - Soy Wool Stripes, but you could also use Noro or Karaoke. Knit on size 9 straight needles, this will be a great project !!

Pillow Front

Pillow Back

My pillow so far !!

I really enjoyed my afternoon class on "Basic Socks" where I made an ENTIRE mini sock during the class. Going through each step with 3 instructors on hand, I was able to complete the entire thing and now I think I understand HOW TO MAKE SOCKS. Now I can get back to my Blue Moon Socks that Rock that are on the needles.

I won a door prize for being the first one to register for the event ---

a large canvas tote bag from Lion Brand and the book, "So Simple Knits" by Hilary Mackin.

Kathy Zimmerman, the "Cable Queen", was at her booth,
KATHY'S KREATIONS

Horst Couture, from Cleveland, gave a lecture demonstrating his felting techniques and had his "wearable art" available for sale.

Decadent Fibers
sponsored a room called "The Creative Fiber Arts Class" where, for no charge, you could drop in and create a fiber masterpiece to take home or enter into their competition.

Another popular spot was Uyvonne Bingham's MACHINE KNITTING class and demostration.
Uyvonne is famous for her Translation of hand knit patterns to the knitting machine.

I enjoyed the market but, I'm happy to say, that other than the yarn kit for my pillow, the only thing I purchased was this !!

Cable Comfort Throw

2007-02-03T15:40:00.000-05:00

Daughter # 3 has chosen the free Lion Brand Pattern for the

CABLE COMFORT THROW

for her afghan.

Made from 9 skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (color Denim)

on size 13 needles it should knit up quickly.

This is my first CABLE project. My daughter said, "You better call someone from the knitting group right away, you don't know what you're doing!!"

Daughter # 1 is looking through books and patterns to choose her afghan. Meanwhile, here in Cleveland, we are in the middle of a BLIZZARD and the high temperature for Monday is only 2 degrees and negative 16 with the wind chill. We'll probably have a "SNOW DAY".

1 Yr. BLOG ANNIVERSARY

2007-02-03T15:28:00.000-05:00

Happy 1 year BLOGIVERSARY to me !!

Secret Pal 9 Revealed

2007-01-31T08:54:00.000-05:00

I received this adorable Teddy Bear in a handknit sweater from my Secret 9 Pal,

JULI from Spindale, North Carolina.

This has been a wonderful exchange!

I'm so happy to have met another online knitting friend with whom I also share an interest in reading.

She seems to accomplish many great things with the

Great Bookmark Exchange

that she started and I enjoy reading her book reviews here at:

BOOKS TO THE SKY.

A busy and talented woman!!

THANK YOU, JULI

and HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to you too!