Wool Fest "Best in the Show"

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

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

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

Stitch Marker - Yarn Swap

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

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

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"

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

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 !!!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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.