Wicket Stich

New Website Same Blog

2009-03-20T10:17:00.001-06:00

I am posting to let you know about my NEW website: http://wicketstitch.net Although this is not my main Blog I thought that you might want to know.

Please be sure to check out my main BLOG at http://wicketstitch.blogspot.com. I still post once a week on my Blog and will announce any new patterns there as well.

My new website http://wicketstitch.net is where you will find all my free patterns in PDF, Word 2007 and HTML format. You can print them as you like within the guidelines of the copyright.

If you would like me to print them out for you and mail them to you there is a small printing fee. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions. RaAnn@wicketstitch.net or AutumnRa@gmail.com .

NEW BLOG

2007-03-16T22:19:00.000-06:00

For all pattern created after March 7 (and all patriotic patterns)...please go to my new blog:

http://wicketstitch.blogspot.com/

You will find all my latest creations, my info posts. Comming soon: stitch markers, keychains and needle point protectors!

=)

Mistakes Abound =)

2007-03-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

Have you every created something that you were very proud of only to discover that you made a major mistake? This happened to me. I was editing and designing, knitting and crocheting, and generally keeping busy. I proceeded to upload some things to my blog and realized as I was linking things that something was not right. About a month ago someone mentioned that they had a problem getting to my Blog. I thought that it was just a mistype. I was right...I made the mistake myself! Lol

When I created my Blog I mis-spelled the word stitch. Being blind, I did not pick up on the problem until last night. I am so embarrassed!

So, now I have two blog sites: Wicket Stich and Wicket Stitch
I will be continuing my blog on the Wicket Stitch (spelled correctly) site. Please change your bookmarks to http://wicketstitch.blogspot.com/ . It will take me a little bit of time to move over all the extra links but I will get to them soon.

I am also going to open a new yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wicketstitch/ This group will be where you can obtain PDF and doc versions of my patterns.

Currently I am working on free patterns but eventually I will try my hand at selling some as well.

Coast Guard Dishcloth©

2007-03-06T22:52:00.001-07:00

Coast Guard Dishcloth©
Outline Anchor Version
by RaAnn Clegg

Materials: 100% Cotton Yarn
US Size 5

Finished Size: 8 x 8 inches

CO 40
row 1 - 4: knit across
row 5: k 3, p 34, k 3.
rows 6 & all even: knit across
row 7: k 3, p 13, k 1, p 6, k 1, p 12, k 3.
row 9: k 3, p 9, k 4, p 1, k 1, p 4, k 1, p 1, k 4, p 9, k 3.
row 11: k 3, p7, k 2, p 6, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 6, k 2, p 7, k 3.
row 13: k 3, p 3, k 4, p 4, k 1, p 3, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 3, k 1, p 4, k 4, p 3, k 3.
row 15: k 3, p3, k 1, p 5, k 2, p 1, k 3, p 4, k 3, p 1, k 2, p 5, k 1, p 3, k 3.
row 17: k 3, p 3, k 1, p 4, k 1, p 16, k 1, p 4, k 1, p 3, k 3.
row 19: k 3, p 3, k 1, p 4, k 1, p 2, k 12, p 2, k 1, p 4, k 1, p 3, k 3.
row 21; k 3, p 2, k 1, p 6, k 16, p 6, k 1, p 2, k 3.
row 23: k 3, p 2, k 1, p 2, k 2, p 2, k 7, p 3, k 6, p 2, k 2, p 2, k 1, p 2, k 3.
row 25: k 3, p 2, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 2, k6, p 9, k 5, p 2, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 2, k 3.
row 27: k 3, p 1, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 3, k 5, p 5, k 1, p 5, k 4, p 3, k 1 p 1, k 1, p 1, k 3.
row29: k 3, p 1, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 3, k 4, p 5, k 3, p 5, k 3, p 3, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 1, k 3.
row 31: k 3, p 1, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 1, k 5, p 4, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 4, k 4, p 1, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 1, k 3.
row 33: k 3, p 1, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 1, k 4, p 4, k 2, p 1, k 1, p 1, k 2, p 4, k 3, p 1, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 1, k 3.
row 35: k 3, p 1, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 1 , k 4, p 3, *k 1, p 1, repeat from *four times, k 1, p 3, k 3, p 1, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 1, k 3.
row 37: k 3, p 2, k 2, p 2, k 4, p 3, *k 1, p 1, repeat from * four times, k 1, p 3, k 3, p 2, k 2, p 2, k 3.
row 39: k 3, p 6, k 4, p 3, *k 1, p 1, repeat from * four times, k 1, p 3, k 3, p 6, k 3.
row 41: k 3, p 6, k 4, p 3, *k 1, p 1, repeat from * four times, k 1, p 3, k 3, p 6, k 3.
row 43: k 3, p 3, k 1, p 2, k 4, p 3, k 9, p 3, k 3, p 2, k 1, p 3, k 3.
row 45: k 3, p 2, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 1, k 4, p 3, k 9, p 3, k 3, p 1, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 2, k 3.
row 47: k 3, p 1, k 1, p 3, k 6, p 1, k 11, p 1, k 5, p 3, k 1, p 1, k 3.
row 49: k 3, p 2, k 1, p 4, k 5, p 11, k 5, p 3, k 1, p 2, k 3.
row 51: k 3, p 3, k 1, p 4, k 5, p 9, k 5, p 3, k 1, p 3, k 3.
row 53: k 3, p 4, k 1, p 4, k 5, p 7, k 5, p 3, k 1, p 4, k 3.
row 55: k 3, p 4, k 3, p 3, k 6, p 3, k 6, p 2, k 3, p 4, k 3.
row 57: k 3, p 3, k 1, p 2, k 2, p 3, k 13, p 2, k 2, p 2, k 1, p 3, k 3.
row 59: k 3, p 2, k 1, p 4, k 2, p 3, k 11, p 2, k 2, p 4, k 1, p 2, k 3.
row 61: k 3, p2, k 1, p1, k 2, p1, k 1, p1, k 1, p3, k 1, p6, k 1, p 3, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 1, k 2, p 1, k 1, p 2, k 3.
row 63: k 3, p2, k 1, p 4, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 3, k 1, p 4, k 1, p 3, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 4, k 1, p 2, k 3.
row 65: k 3, p 3, k 4, p 4, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 6, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 4, k 4, p 3, k 3.
row 67: k 3, p 12, k 1, p 8, k 1, p 12, k 3.
row 69: k 3, p 34, k 3.
Row 70 - 73 knit across
Bind off and weave in ends. Block as necessary.

Copyright 2007 by RaAnn Clegg. All Rights Reserved. http://wicketstitch.blogspot.com/

See my Navy Eagle Dishcloth
my US Eagle Dishcloth/Square and my Army Eagle Dishcloth

US Eagle Dishcloth©

2007-03-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

For those of you who would like just a general US Dishcloth I have created the US Eagle Square. You can see the military branch specific patterns my other posts.

US Eagle Square©
by RaAnn Clegg

Materials: Worst Weight Yarn
US Size 8

Finished Size Blocked: 8 x 8 inches

CO 40
row 1 - 4: knit across
row 5: k 3, p 34, k 3.
rows 6 & all even: knit across
row 7: k 3, p 34, k 3.
row 9: k 3, p 34, k 3
row 11: k 3, p 11, k 11, p 12, k 3.
row 13: k 3, p 15, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 16, k 3.
row 15: k 3, p 13, *k 1, p 1, repeat from * three times, k 1, p 14, k 3.
row 17: k 3, p 11, *k 1, p 1, repeat from * five times, k 1, p 12, k 3.
row 19: k 3, p 11 *k 1, p 1, repeat from * five times, k 1, p 12, k 3.
row 21: k 3, p 10, k 2, *p 1, k 1, repeat from * four times, p 1, k 2, p 11, k 3.
row 23: k 3, p 8, k 4, *p 1, k 1, repeat from * four times, p 1, k 4, p 9, k 3.
row 25: k 3, p 7, k 5, *p 1, k 1, repeat from * four times, p 1, k 5, p 8, k 3.
row 27: k 3, p 6, k 6, *p1, k 1, repeat from * four times, p 1, k 5, p 8, k 3.
row 29: k 3, p 5, k 22, p 7, k 3.
row 31: k 3, p 5, k 22, p 7, k 3.
row 33: k 3, p 5, k 7, p 1, k 7, p 1, k 6, p 7, k 3.
row 35: k 3, p 4, k 6, p 1, k 11, p 1, k 5, p 6, k 3.
row 37: k 3, p 4, k 6, p 3, k 6, p 4, k 5, p 6, k 3.
row 39: k 3, p 4, k 5, p 5, k 5, p 4, k 5, p 6, k 3.
row 41: k 3, p 4, k 6, p 5, k 4, p 4, k 6, p 5, k 3.
row 43: k 3. P 4, k 7, p 4, k 4, p 3, k 7, p 5, k 3.
row 45: k 3, p 4, k 7, p 3, k 5, p 3, k 7, p 5, k 3.
row 47: k 3, p 4, k 6, p 3, k 6, p 3, k 7, p 5, k 3.
row 49: k 3, p 3, k 7, p 13, k 6, p 5, k 3.
row 51: k 3. P 3, k 6, p 15, k 6, p 4, k 3.
row 53: k 3, p 2, k 6, p 17, k 5, p 4, k 3.
row 55: k 3, p 2, k 4, p 20, k 4, p 4, k 3.
row 57: k 3, p 2, k 3, p 22, k 4, p 3, k 3.
row 59: k 3, p 2, k 2, p 25, k 2, p 3, k 3.
row 61: k 3, p 34, k 3.
row 63: k 3, p 34, k 3.
row 64 - 66: knit across
Bind off and weave in ends.

Copyright 2007 by RaAnn Clegg. All Rights Reserved. http://wicketstitch.blogspot.com/

See my Navy Eagle Dishcloth
my Army Eagle Dishcloth and my Coast Guard Dishcloth

When you purchase a pattern or obtain a free pattern form anyone you have been granted the right to make the pattern - not the rights to the pattern itself. This means that you may make the item for yourself or as a gift, but you may not make and sell the items for profit without a license agreement from the author.

Life and Military Dishcloths

2007-03-04T19:27:00.000-07:00

Life is fun. Recently I have become so caught up in designing that I have forgotten to take care of some business that I must do. For the next few days I will not be available much...but I will be back soon!

I have completed the US Eagle Square/Dishcloth the Navy Eagle Dishcloth, the Army Eagle Dishcloth and the Coast Guard Dishcloth. The Air Force Dishcloth and the Marine Dishcloth are almost done. I am also working on a Seebee Dishcloth. If you have any suggestions for future military themed cloths please email me at: AutumnRa@gmail.com .

What is the difference between them? These are all taken from the actual logo’s of the military branches. The Navy Eagle has an anchor in it’s talons. The Army Eagle holds a branch and arrows. The Coast Guard is two anchors crossing a life preserver. The Air Force was a bit more difficult. It is a stylized Eagle with the words Air Force at the bottom. The Marines are proving to be the toughest of all. I am trying to incorporate the overall silhouette of their logo into the dishcloth.

I am hoping to have these cloths posted by the end of the week. Until then please enjoy the US Eagle Square/Dishcloth, the Navy Eagle Dishcloth, the Army Eagle Dishcloth, and the Coast Guard Dishcloth...and the Hummingbird and Butterfly too.

(Oh, on a side note: Someone asked me if the butterfly has a head. Yes it does, but it is incorporated into the center body so it is not very noticeable. The thing that sets that portion apart is the antennae. )

And finally, I am working on a Big Rig (18 - Wheeler) dishcloth and about three more hummingbirds...so have patience, theier coming! =)

Army Eagle Dishcloth©

2007-03-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Army Eagle Dishcloth©
by RaAnn Clegg
Picture courtesy of Cindy in Rowlett, TX

Materials: 100% Cotton Yarn
US Size 5

Finished Size blocked: 8 x 8 inches

CO 40
row 1 - 4: knit across
row 5: k 3, p 34, k 3.
rows 6 & all even: knit across
row 7: k 3, p 9, k 1, p 3, k 7, p 3, k 2, p 1, k 1, p 7, k 3.
row 9: k 3, p 5, k, 2, p 1, k 1, p 3, k 9, p4, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 6, k 3.
row 11: k 3, p 3, k 1, p 3, k 1, p 3, k 11, p 2, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 5, k 3.
row 13: k 3, p 4, k 1, p 1, k 2, p 3, k 11, p 3, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 4, k 3.
row 15: k 3, p 2, k 2, p 1, k 2, p 1, k 2, p 13, k 4, p 1, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 3, k 3.
row 17: k 3, p 4, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 3, k 11, p 5, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 4, k 3.
row 19: k 3, p 3, k 2, p 2, k 1, p 7, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 10, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 3, k 3.
row 21: k 3, p 2, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 7, *k 1, p 1, repeat from * three times, k 1, p 14, k 3.
row 23: k 3, p 3, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 5, *k 1, p 1, repeat from * five times, k 1, p 12, k 3.
row 25: k 3, p 3, k 1, p 7 *k 1, p 1, repeat from * five times, k 1, p 12, k 3.
row 27: k 3, p 10, k 2, *p 1, k 1, repeat from * four times, p 1, k 2, p 11, k 3.
row 29: k 3, p 8, k 4, *p 1, k 1, repeat from * four times, p 1, k 4, p 9, k 3.
row 31: k 3, p 7, k 5, *p 1, k 1, repeat from * four times, p 1, k 5, p 8, k 3.
row 33: k 3, p 6, k 6, *p1, k 1, repeat from * four times, p 1, k 5, p 8, k 3.
row 35: k 3, p 5, k 22, p 7, k 3.
row 37: k 3, p 5, k 22, p 7, k 3.
row 39: k 3, p 5, k 7, p 1, k 7, p 1, k 6, p 7, k 3.
row 41: k 3, p 4, k 6, p 1, k 11, p 1, k 5, p 6, k 3.
row 43: k 3, p 4, k 6, p 3, k 6, p 4, k 5, p 6, k 3.
row 45: k 3, p 4, k 5, p 5, k 5, p 4, k 5, p 6, k 3.
row 47: k 3, p 4, k 6, p 5, k 4, p 4, k 6, p 5, k 3.
row 49: k 3. P 4, k 7, p 4, k 4, p 3, k 7, p 5, k 3.
row 51: k 3, p 4, k 7, p 3, k 5, p 3, k 7, p 5, k 3.
row 53: k 3, p 4, k 6, p 3, k 6, p 3, k 7, p 5, k 3.
row 55: k 3, p 3, k 7, p 13, k 6, p 5, k 3.
row 57: k 3. P 3, k 6, p 15, k 6, p 4, k 3.
row 59: k 3, p 2, k 6, p 17, k 5, p 4, k 3.
row 61: k 3, p 2, k 4, p 20, k 4, p 4, k 3.
row 63: k 3, p 2, k 3, p 22, k 4, p 3, k 3.
row 65: k 3, p 2, k 2, p 25, k 2, p 3, k 3.
row 67: k 3, p 34, k 3.
row 69: k 3, p 34, k 3.
row 71 - 74: knit across
Bind off and weave in ends.
Copyright 2007 by RaAnn Clegg. All Rights Reserved. http://wicketstich.blogspot.com/
Bind off and weave in ends.

Coming soon: Air Force and Marines Dishcloths!
See my Navy Eagle Dishcloth
my US Eagle Dishcloth/Square and my Coast Guard Dishcloth

Military Themed Dishcloth Patterns

2007-03-02T18:33:00.000-07:00

There has been such an overwhelming response to my Navy Eagle Dishcloth that I have decided to release my other military branch dishcloths as well. Please check back on March 5 for the next installment in the series. I will be posting a pattern for the Army, Air Force and Marines as quickly as possible.

I do not like to post a pattern without a picture to go with it, so I will be waiting until I have knitted each one before I release that particular pattern.

Thank you for all of your support. Your comments have contributed to helping make this a worth while endeavor. - RaAnn

Navy Eagle Dishcloth©

2007-03-02T12:54:00.001-07:00

This is a time when political pressures and public opinions are changing the way that policies are handled in our government. Now I am not going to get up on a soap box here and "preach" to anyone about how things should be. I just wanted to share this with everyone to honor those of our brave soldieries who have fallen in the line of duty as well as those at home and abroad who are working to help keep all of us safe.
My brother is an Assistant HazMat Coordinator in the United States Navy. He works very hard, is raising a wonderful family and attending University with high honors. I am so very proud of him and what he is doing.
In special honor to all those who serve and for my brother...I have created this new Free Dishcloth Pattern. I hope you enjoy it.

Navy Eagle Dishcloth©
by RaAnn Clegg

Materials: 100% Cotton Yarn
US Size 5

Finished Size: 8 x 8 inches

CO 40
row 1 - 4: knit across
row 5: k 3, p 34, k 3.
rows 6 & all even: knit across
row 7: k 3, p 7, k 1, p 6, k 6, p 2, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 4, k 1, p 4, k 3.
row 9: k 3, p 5, k, 2, p 7, k 7, p 2, k 1, p4, k 1, p 5, k 3.
row 11: k 3, p 4, k 1, p 7, k 10, p 2, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 6, k 3.
row 13: k 3, p 4, k 1, p 6, k 12, p 2, k 2, p 1, k 3, p 3, k 3.
row 15: k 3, p 3, k 8, p 1, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 3, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 1, k 6, p 2, k 1, p 3, k 3.
row 17: k 3, p 4, k 1, p 6, k 11, p 4, k 1, p 1, k 3, p 3, k 3.
row 19: k 3, p 4, k 1, p 10, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 8, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 4, k 3.
row 21: k 3, p 5, k 2, p 6, *k 1, p 1, repeat from * three times, k 1, p 5, k 1, p 1, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 3, k 3.
row 23: k 3, p 7, k 1, p 3, *k 1, p 1, repeat from * five times, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 3, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 2, k 3.
row 25: k 3, p 11, *k 1, p 1, repeat from * five times, k 1, p 6, k 1, p 2, k 1, p 2, k 3.
row 27: k 3, p 10, k 2, *p 1, k 1, repeat from * three times, p 1, k 2, p 6, k 2, p 3, k 3.
row 29: k 3, p 8, k 4, *p 1, k 1, repeat from * four times, p 1, k 4, p 9, k 3.
row 31: k 3, p 7, k 5, *p 1, k 1, repeat from * four times, p 1, k 5, p 8, k 3.
row 33: k 3, p 6, k 6, *p1, k 1, repeat from * four times, p 1, k 5, p 8, k 3.
row 35: k 3, p 5, k 22, p 7, k 3.
row 37: k 3, p 5, k 22, p 7, k 3.
row 39: k 3, p 5, k 7, p 1, k 7, p 1, k 6, p 7, k 3.
row 41: k 3, p 4, k 6, p 1, k 11, p 1, k 5, p 6, k 3.
row 43: k 3, p 4, k 6, p 3, k 6, p 4, k 5, p 6, k 3.
row 45: k 3, p 4, k 5, p 5, k 5, p 4, k 5, p 6, k 3.
row 47: k 3, p 4, k 6, p 5, k 4, p 4, k 6, p 5, k 3.
row 49: k 3. P 4, k 7, p 4, k 4, p 3, k 7, p 5, k 3.
row 51: k 3, p 4, k 7, p 3, k 5, p 3, k 7, p 5, k 3.
row 53: k 3, p 4, k 6, p 3, k 6, p 3, k 7, p 5, k 3.
row 55: k 3, p 3, k 7, p 13, k 6, p 5, k 3.
row 57: k 3. P 3, k 6, p 15, k 6, p 4, k 3.
row 59: k 3, p 2, k 6, p 17, k 5, p 4, k 3.
row 61: k 3, p 2, k 4, p 20, k 4, p 4, k 3.
row 63: k 3, p 2, k 3, p 22, k 4, p 3, k 3.
row 65: k 3, p 2, k 2, p 25, k 2, p 3, k3.
row 67: k 3, p 34, k 3.
row 69: k 3, p 34, k 3.
row 71 - 74: knit across

Bind off and weave in ends.

Copyright 2007 by RaAnn Clegg. All Rights Reserved. http://wicketstitch.blogspot.com/

Coming soon: Air Force & Marines Dishcloths.

See my US Eagle Dishcloth/Square my Army Eagle Dishcloth and my Coast Guard Dishcloth

Nascar and Knitting

2007-02-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

There is a new Group in Town...Knitting Nascar Fans! We are knitting for points, talking about racing and just having a lot of knitting fun. Come check us out at the Nascar Knitting blog!

I have been a Nascar fan for just over 22 years. I became a fan when I saw my first race with my "then" betrothed. Now, nearly 22 years later I am still in love with both my wonderful husband and Nascar.

I learned to knit about 12+ years ago and I have been knitting ever since. I love to watch the races and knit. It is both exciting and rewarding to see how much I can get done during the course of the race.

My favorite drivers are Ken Schrader, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards and just recently Jeff Gordon. I was fortunate enough to be at the Dayton 500 in 1999 and watched Jeff Gordon win. I list him as my favorites as long as he "plays fair". I do not care for the drivers who are arrogant or who have those "better than you" attitudes.

So, What have I knitted recently? Using a kitchen scale I have the following info:

Week 1, Daytona 500 (Total for this week: 390):
Tasseled Lace Bookmark (my own pattern) Lionbrand Microspun, - 20gm
Fur Fun Bookmark (my own pattern) Fun fur and Crochet Cotton #10 - 10gm
Baby Hat (my own patern) Mainstay Worst Weight - 50gm
Baby Booties (my own pattern) Mainstay Worst Weight - 30gm
Gave away Caron Simply Soft- purple 170 gm & Lace Weight Yarn 110 gm

Week 2, Auto Club 500 (Potenital: 907 gms): My Driver Won!!! Matt won this race...do we get points for that too? lol

Lace Shamrock Bookmark (my own pattern) Jamie Baby Yarn 1 gm
Started a striped Baby Blanket (my own pattern) for my soon-to-be nephew and hope to have it done by the next one. This is using Mainstay Yarn. Two one-pound skeins equaling 906 gms when finished. Of course I will weight it again at that point. =)

Ideas and Time

2007-02-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

Lately there have been so many ideas floating around in my head. I have several new designs ready and I am working on making stitch markers too. I want to have hand crafted ones and if I can do well enough then I will market them as well. Work on the perpetual calender is moving forward. I have put myself on a tight leash to get bookmarks and dishcloths designed, stitch markers designed and keep up with my KAL groups.

The members in our KAL’s are so fun. I am glad that I am a part of the groups and that they accept me. I can get crazy at times. Lol

The other new thing in my life is that I am writing again. I have been asked to write for the Smart Knitter Newsletter and I have also submitted designs for publication with them as well.

Ideas keep coming and time keeps flowing...If you have any ideas for designs you would like to see me create, please let me know.

Tasseled Lace Bookmark©

2007-02-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Tasseled Lace Bookmark©
by RaAnn Clegg

NOTE: Directions are for right hand knitters.

Finished Size: approximately 3 x 7 inches
Materials: small amount of sport weight yarn
US size 3 needles, cable needle or extra dp needle

Cast on 23 st

Row 1: k3, p2, *k1, p3* three times, k1, p2, k3
Row 2: k2, p1, k2, *p1, k3* three times, p1, k2, p1, k2
Row 3 - 12: Repeat Rows 1 and 2 five more times
Row13: K2, *k1, p7, move yarn to back of work, sl 5 sts (that you just purled) from RIGHT hand needle onto a cable needle or spare dp. Hold at front of work. Wrap yarn clockwise around stitches on cable needle two times, ending with the yarn at the back of the work. Slip the stitches from the cable needle back onto the RIGHT hand needle. * two times, k1, p1, k3

Row 14: k2, p1, k2, *p1, k3* three times, p1, k2, p1, k2
Row 15: k3, p2, *k1, p3* three times, k1, p2, k3
Row 16: k2, p1, k2, *p1, k3* three times, p1, k2, p1, k2
Row 17: K2, *k1, p7, move yarn to back of work, sl 5 sts (that you just purled) from RIGHT hand needle onto a cable needle or spare dp. Hold at front of work. Wrap yarn clockwise around stitches on cable needle two times, ending with the yarn at the back of the work. Slip the stitches from the cable needle back onto the RIGHT hand needle. * two times, k1, p1, k3
Row 18: k2, p19, k2
Row 19: k3, *yo, k2tog in back loops, k1, k2tog, yo, k1* three times, k2
Row 20 k2, p19, k2
Row 21: k3, *yo, k1, sl st, k2tog, psso, k1, yo, k1* three times, k2
Row 22: k2, p19, k2
Row 23: k3, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k2tog in back loops, k1* three times, k2
Row 24: k2, p19, k2
Row 25: k2, k2tog, *k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, sl st, k2tog, psso* two times, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, k2tog in back loops, k2
Row 26: k2, p19, k2
Row 27 - 50: Repeat rows 19 - 26 three times
Row 51: K2, *k1, p7, move yarn to back of work, sl 5 sts (that you just purled) from RIGHT hand needle onto a cable needle or spare dp. Hold at front of work. Wrap yarn clockwise around stitches on cable needle two times, ending with the yarn at the back of the work. Slip the stitches from the cable needle back onto the RIGHT hand needle. * two times, k1, p1, k3
Row 52: k2, p1, k2, *p1, k3* three times, p1, k2, p1, k2
Row 53: k3, p2, *k1, p3* three times, k1, p2, k3
Row 54: k2, p1, k2, *p1, k3* three times, p1, k2, p1, k2
Row 55: K2, *k1, p7, move yarn to back of work, sl 5 sts (that you just purled) from RIGHT hand needle onto a cable needle or spare dp. Hold at front of work. Wrap yarn clockwise around stitches on cable needle two times, ending with the yarn at the back of the work. Slip the stitches from the cable needle back onto the RIGHT hand needle. * two times, k1, p1, k3
Row 56: k2, p1, k2, *p1, k3* three times, p1, k2, p1, k2
Row 57: k3, p2, *k1, p3* three times, k1, p2, k3
Row 58 - 67 Repeat rows 56 - 57 five more times.

Bind off and weave ends through. May be blocked if necessary.

Copyrighted 2007 by RaAnn Clegg. All Rights Reserved.
When you purchase a pattern or obtain a free pattern form anyone you have been granted the right to make the pattern - not the rights to the pattern itself. This means that you may make the item for yourself or as a gift, but you may not make and sell the items for profit without a license agreement from the author.

Monthly Dishcloth KAL Day 2 Mid-Feb '07

2007-02-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

Nascar Bush Series Racing is going on today. The Daytona 500 is tomorrow. I will only be in and out briefly during these races. We are big racing fans at my home. =)

Today’s KAL was only five rows. The following images were done in KnitPicks Shadow - Sunset and in Lionbrand Micro fiber - yellow. Tomorrow's KAL will be a nice lace repetition. I am looking forward to it.

Monthly Dishcloth KAL Day 1 Mid-Feb '07

2007-02-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of the February 16, 2007 day 1 KAL. This pattern has started out with a simple repeat until you came to an unusual twist.

The stitches are worked in a purl stitch and then slipped to a cable needle. You must wrap the yarn, deosil (clockwise), around stitches two times that are held on the cable needle. Then the stitches are slipped back onto the needle you originally slipped them from. This gives a tied effect that looks similar to a looped tassel. I have sample images below of how to work this.

>

Butterfly in Flight ©

2007-02-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

Butterfly in Flight ©
by RaAnn Clegg

Materials: 100% Crochet Cotton
US Size 7 Needles
Finished Size: 9 x 9 inches

CO 48
row 1 - 6 : knit across
row 7: k4, p40,k4
row 8: k across
row 9: k4, p40,k4
row 10: k4, k7, p2, k31, k4
row 11: k4, p30, k5, p5, k4
row 12: k4, k5, p6, k29, k4
row 13: k4, p14, k4, p8, k9, p5, k4
row 14: k4, k5, p11, k5, p6, k13, k4
row 15: k4, p13, k8, p1, k13, p5, k4
row 16: k4, k6, p23, k11, k4
row 17: k4, p11, k23, p6, k4
row 18: k4, k7, p23, k10, k4
row 19: k4, p11, k22, p7, k4
row 20: k4, k8, p20, k12, k4
row 21: k4, p17, k15, p8, k4
row 22: k4, k9, p13, k1, p5, k12, k4
row 23: k4, p7, k2, p4, k5, p1, k11, p10, k4
row 24: k4, k10, p10, k1, p5, k1, p7, k6, k4
row 25: k4, p5, k9, p1, k5, p1, k8, p11, k4
row 26: k4, k12, p6, k1, p5, k1, p11, k4, k4
row 27: k4, p3, k13, p1, k5, p1, k4, p13, k4
row 28: k4, k17, p5, k1, p15, k2, k4
row 29: k4, p2, k16, p1, k5, p16, k4
row 30: k4, k16, p4, k1, p16, k3, k4
row 31: k4, p4, k16, p1, k5, p14, k4
row 32: k4, k13, p2, k1, p1, k2, p16, k5, k4
row 33: k4, p6, k16, p1, k1, p2, k4, p10, k4
row 34: k4, k7, p4, k5, p1, k1, p15, k7, k4
row 35: k4, p7, k15, p1, k1, p16, k4
row 36: k4, k16, p1, k1, p16, k6, k4
row 37: k4, p6, k15, p2, k2, p15, k4
row 38: k4, k15, p1, k3, p13, k8, k4
row 39: k4, p7, k13, p4, k1, p15, k4
row 40: k4, k15, p1, k4, p13, k7, k4
row 41: k4, p6, k13, p5, k1, p15, k4
row 42: k4, k22, p12, k6, k4
row 43: k4, p6, k12, p22, k4
row 44: k4, k23, p11, k6, k4
row 45: k4, p8, k8, p24, k4
row 46: k4, k25, p8, k7, k4
row 47: k4, p6, k8, p26, k4
row 48: k4, k27, p7, k6, k4
row 49: k4, p7, k4, p29, k4
row 50: k4, k29, p4, k7, k4
row 51: k4, p8, k1, p31, k4
row 52: k across
row 53: k4, p40, k4
row 54-59: k across
row 60: Bind off knit wise, weave in ends.

When you purchase a pattern or obtain a free pattern form anyone you have been granted the right to make the pattern - not the rights to the pattern itself. This means that you may make the item for yourself or as a gift, but you may not make and sell the items for profit without a license agreement from the author.

Hummingbird in Flight Dishcloth

2007-02-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

I have been working this weekend on a couple of dishcloth patterns that I wanted to create. This is the first one, the next is Butterfly in Flight. Be sure to tell me what you think.

Hummingbird in Flight ©
by RaAnn Clegg
Materials: 100% Crochet Cotton
US Size 7 Needles
Finished Size: 9 x 9 inches

CO 48
row 1 - 6 : knit across
row 7: k4, p40,k4
row 8: k across
row 9: k4, p21, k1, p1, k1, p16, k4
row10: k4, k16, p1,k1, p1, k21, k4
row 11: k4, p21, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1 p14, k4
row 12: k4, k14, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k21, k4
row 13: k4, p19, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1 p1, k1, p14, k4
row 14: k4, k14, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1,k19, k4
row 15: k4, p19, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p12, k4
row 16: k4, k12, p1, k1, p7, k19, k4
row 17: k4, p19, k8, p13, k4
row 18: k4, k13, p8, k19, k4
row 19: k4, p20, k6, p14, k4
row 20: k4, k14, p6, k20, k4
row 21: k4, p20, k5, p15, k4
row 22: k4, k15, p5, k20, k4
row 23: k4, p21, k4, p15, k4
row 24: k4, k15, p4, k21, k4
row 25: k4, p20, k5, p15, k4
row 26: k4, k15, p5, k20, k4
row 27: k4, p18, k6, p16, k4
row 28: k4, k16, p6, k18, k4
row 29: k4, p17, k7, p16, k4
row 30: k4, k16, p7, k17, k4
row 31: k4, p17, k7, p16, k4
row 32: k4, k16, p7, k17, k4
row 33: k4, p16, k11, p13, k4
row 34: k4, k13, p11, k16, k4
row 35: k4, p16, k11, p13, k4
row 36: k4, k13, p11, k16, k4
row 37: k4, p13, k15, p12, k4
row 38: k4, k12, p15, k13, k4
row 39: k4, p12, k19, p9, k4
row 40: k4, k9, p19, k12, k4
row 41: k4, p2, k18, p1, k3, p1, k8, p7, k4
row 42: k4, k7, p8, k1, p3, ,k1, p18, k2, k4
row 43: k4, p10, k4, p1, k4, p1, k5, p1, k8, p6, k4
row 44: k4, k6, p4, k1, p4, k1, p5, k1, p8, k10, k4
row 45: k4, p12, k5, p4, k6, p1, k6, p6, k4
row 46: k4, k6, p6, k1, p6, k4, p5, k12, k4
row 47: k4, p13, k2, p8, k5, p1, k7, p4, k4
row 48: k4, k4, p7, k1, p5, k8, p2, k13, k4
row 49: k4, p25, k4, p3, k5, p3, k4
row 50: k4, k3, p5, k3, p4, k25, k4
row 51: k4, p27, k2, p7, k2, p2, k4
row 52: k4, k2, p2, k7, p2, k27, k4
row 53: k4, p27, k2, p11, k4
row 54: k4, k11, p2, k27, k4
row 55: k4, p40,k4
row 56: k across
row 57 - 62: k across
Bind off, weave in ends.

Copyrighted 2007 by RaAnn Clegg. All Rights Reserved. http://wicketstich.blogspot.com/

When you purchase a pattern or obtain a free pattern form anyone you have been granted the right to make the pattern - not the rights to the pattern itself. This means that you may make the item for yourself or as a gift, but you may not make and sell the items for profit without a license agreement from the author.

Remember to check out these great groups:
Monthly Dishcloth KAL
Monthly Bookmark KAL
Civil War Shawl KAL

=)

Angel & Lace Bookmark©

2007-02-09T09:54:00.003-07:00

Angel & Lace Bookmark©
by RaAnn Clegg 2007

This pattern can be shortened by eliminating Rows 45 - 68

Materials: #10 Crochet Cotton Thread
US #3 needles ( or smaller)

CO 16

row 1-2: Knit Across (16 st)
row 3: k4, yo, k8, yo, k4 (18 st)
row 4: k5, p8, k5 (18 st)
row5: k5, yo, k8, yo, k5 (20 st)
row 6: k6, p8, k6 (22 st)
row 7: k6, yo, k8, yo, k6 (22 st)
row 8 k7, p8, k7 (22 st)
row 9: k7, k4tog (in BACK loops), k4tog (in FRONT loops), k7 (16 st)
row 10: k4, p2, k4, p2, k4 (16 st)
row 11: k7, p2, k7 (16 st)
row 12: k4, p3, k2, p3, k4 (16 st)
row 13: k4, yo, ssk, yo, k4, yo, k2tog, yo, k4 (18 st)
row 14: k4, p10, k4 (18 st)
row 15: k4, yo, k2, k3tog (in BACK loops), yo twice around needle, k2tog, k2, yo, k4 (17 st)
row 16: k5, p3, k1 (yo double wrap is only knitted 1 time), p3, k5 (17 st)
row 17: k7, ssk, k8 (16 st)
row 18: k4, p8, k4 (16 st)
row 19: knit across (16 st)
row 20: k4, p8, k4 (16 st)
row 21: knit across (16 st)
row 22: k4, p8, k4 (16 st)
row 23: k3, yo, ssk, *k1, yo, ssk* three times, k2 (16 st)
row 24: k2, p 12, k2 (16 st)
row 25: k4, yo, ssk, k4, yo, ssk, k4 (16 st)
row 26: k2, p12, k2 (16, st)
row 27: k5, yo, ssk, k4, yo, ssk, k3 (16 st)
row 28: k2, p12, k2 (16 st)
row 29- 70 Repeat rows 23 - 28 seven more times.
row 71-72: Knit Across (16 st)
row 73: k4, yo, k8, yo, k4 (18 st)
row 74: k5, p8, k5 (18 st)
row 75: k5, yo, k8, yo, k5 (20 st)
row 76: k6, p8, k6 (22 st)
row 77: k6, yo, k8, yo, k6 (22 st)
row 78: k7, p8, k7 (22 st)
row 79: k7, k4tog (in BACK loops), k4tog (in FRONT loops), k7 (16 st)
row 80: k4, p2, k4, p2, k4 (16 st)
row 81: k7, p2, k7 (16 st)
row 82: k4, p3, k2, p3, k4 (16 st)
row 83: k4, yo, ssk, yo, k4, yo, k2tog, yo, k4 (18 st)
row 84: k4, p10, k4 (18 st)
row 85: k4, yo, k2, k3tog (in BACK loops), yo twice around needle, k2tog, k2, yo, k4 (18 st)
row 86: k5, p3, k1 (yo double wrap is only knitted 1 time), p3, k5 (17 st)
row 87: k7, ssk, k8 (16 st)
row 88: k4, p8, k4 (16 st)
row 89: knit across (16 st)
row 90: knit across (16 st)
row 91: knit across (16 st)

Bind off and weave ends in. Block.

Simple Cross Bookmark©

2007-02-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

Simple Cross Bookmark© (picture coming - not "proofed" yet)
by RaAnn Clegg 2007

Materials: #10 Crochet Cotton Thread
US #3 needles

CO 16
row 1-2: Knit Across (16 st)
row 3: knit across (16 st)
row 4: k4, p8, k4 (16 st)
row 5 - 32: Repeat row 3 - 4
row 33: knit across (16 st)
Move needle to left hand. Using a twist knot, cast on an additional 12 when you knit these stitches try to snug them up as much as possible. There will be a bit that is loose.

( see the Angel & Lace Heirloom Cross Bookmark pattern for directions on the Twist knot Cast On)

row 34: k14, p12, k2 (28 st)
Move needle to left hand. Using a twist knot, cast on an additional 12
row 35: knit across (40 st)
row 36: k2, p26, k12 (40 st)
row 37: knit across (40 st)
row 38: k2, p36, k2 (40 st)
row 39 - 52: Repeat rows 37-38
row 53: knit across (40 st)
row 54: Bind off 12 st knitwise, k2, p12, k14 (28 st)
row 55: Bind off 12 st knitwise, knit across (16 st)
row 56: k2, p12, k2 (16 st)
row 57: knit across (16 st)
row 58: k2, p12, k2 (16 st)
row 59 - 64: Repeat rows 57 - 58
row 65: knit across (16 st)
row 66: knit across (16 st)

Bind off and weave ends through. Block.

You may use a simple chain three, single crochet, chain three boarder spaced evenly around.

Copyrighted 2007 by RaAnn Clegg. All Rights Reserved.
When you purchase a pattern or obtain a free pattern form anyone you have been granted the right to make the pattern - not the rights to the pattern itself. This means that you may make the item for yourself or as a gift, but you may not make and sell the items for profit without a license agreement from the author.

Angel & Lace Heirloom Cross©

2007-02-08T22:12:00.000-07:00

This was made for a member of my Monthly Bookmarks KAL. After searching for a knitted cross bookmark, and being unable to find one anywhere, I offered to create one for her. This is the result.

Knitted on US size 3 needles with #10 Crochet Cotton, you end up with the results shown below. I think that this would be wonderful done in a laceweight or fingering weight alpaca fiber and you could even use a smaller needle for a smaller size or less lacy loops.

Angel & Lace Heirloom Cross Bookmark©
by RaAnn Clegg 2007

Materials: #10 Crochet Cotton
US #3 needles

CO 16
row 1-2: Knit Across (16 st)
row 3: k4, yo, k8, yo, k4 (18 st)
row 4: k5, p8, k5 (18 st)
row 5: k5, yo, k8, yo, k5 (20 st)
row 6: k6, p8, k6 (22 st)
row 7: k6, yo, k8, yo, k6 (22 st)
row 8 k7, p8, k7 (22 st)
row 9: k7, k4tog (in BACK loops), k4tog (in FRONT loops), k7 (16 st)
row 10: k4, p2, k4, p2, k4 (16 st)
row 11: k7, p2, k7 (16 st)
row 12: k4, p3, k2, p3, k4 (16 st)
row 13: k4, yo, ssk, yo, k4, yo, k2tog, yo, k4 (18 st)
row 14: k4, p10, k4 (18 st)
row 15: k4, yo, k2, k3tog (in BACK loops), yo twice around needle, k2tog, k2, yo, k4 (18 st)
row 16: k5, p3, k1 (yo double wrap is only knitted 1 time), p3, k5 (17 st)
row 17: k7, ssk, k8 (16 st)
row 18: k4, p8, k4 (16 st)
row 19: knit across (16 st)
row 20: k4, p8, k4 (16 st)
row 21: knit across (16 st)
row 22: k4, p8, k4 (16 st)
row 23: k3, yo, ssk, *k1, yo, ssk* three times, k2 (16 st)
row 24: k2, p 12, k2 (16 st)
row 25: k4, yo, ssk, k4, yo, ssk, k4 (16 st)
row 26: k2, p12, k2 (16, st)
row 27: k5, yo, ssk, k4, yo, ssk, k3 (16 st)
row 28: k2, p12, k2 (16 st)
row 29: k3, yo, ssk, *k1, yo, ssk* three times, k2 (16 st)
row 30: k2, p 12, k2 (16 st)
row 31: k4, yo, ssk, k4, yo, ssk, k4 (16 st)
row 32: k2, p12, k2 (16, st)
row 33: k5, yo, ssk, k4, yo, ssk, k3 (16 st)
Move needle to left hand. Using a twist knot, cast on an additional 12 when you knit these stitches try to snug them up as much as possible. There will be a bit that is loose.

row 34: k14, p12, k2 (28 st)
Move needle to left hand. Using a twist knot, cast on an additional 12
row 35: k14, *k1, yo, ssk* four times, k14 (40 st)
row 36: k2, p26, k12 (40 st)
row 37: k2, *k2, yo, ssk, k2* six times, k2 (40 st)
row 38: k2, p36, k2 (40 st)
row 39: k2, *k3, yo, ssk, k1* six times, k2 (40 st)
row 40: k2, p36, k2 (40 st)
row 41: k2, *k1, yo, ssk* twelve times, k2 (40 st)
row 42: k2, p 36, k2 (40 st)
row 43: k2, *k2, yo, ssk, k2* six times, k2 (40 st)
row 44: k2, p 36, k2 (40 st)
row 45: k2, *k3, yo, ssk, k1* six times, k2 (40 st)
row 46: k2, p 36, k2 (40 st)
row 47: k2, *k1, yo, ssk* twelve times, k2 (40 st)
row 48: k2, p 36, k2 (40 st)
row 49: k2, *k2, yo, ssk, k2* six times, k2 (40 st)
row 50: k2, p 36, k2 (40 st)
row 51: k2, *k3, yo, ssk, k1* six times, k2 (40 st)
row 52: k14, p12, k14 (40 st)
row 53: k14, *k1, yo, ssk* four times, k14 (40 st)
row 54: Bind off 12 st knitwise, k2, p12, k14 (28 st)
row 55: Bind off 12 st knitwise, k3, yo, ssk, *k1, yo, ssk* three times, k2 (16 st)
row 56: k2, p12, k2 (16 st)
row 57: k5, yo, ssk, k4, yo, ssk, k3 (16 st)
row 58: k2, p12, k2 (16 st)
row 59: k3, yo, ssk, *k1, yo, ssk* three times, k2 (16 st)
row 60: k2, p 12, k2 (16 st)
row 61: k4, yo, ssk, k4, yo, ssk, k4 (16 st)
row 61: k2, p12, k2 (16, st)
row 63: k5, yo, ssk, k4, yo, ssk, k3 (16 st)
row 64: k2, p12, k2 (16 st)
row 65: knit across (16 st)
row 66: knit across (16 st)
Bind off and weave ends through. Block.

Copyrighted 2007 by RaAnn Clegg. All Rights Reserved.
When you purchase a pattern or obtain a free pattern form anyone you have been granted the right to make the pattern - not the rights to the pattern itself. This means that you may make the item for yourself or as a gift, but you may not make and sell the items for profit without a license agreement from the author.

Knit Dishcloths Group

2007-02-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

I belong to another dishcloth group and February is my first KAL with them. This is the Knit Dishcloths group on Yahoo Groups. The KAL was to start on Feb 3rd, but was delayed slightly. This pattern is fun and simple to knit. The designer is Nathan Lamirand.

Storage Solutions

2007-02-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been very strange. I was asked by the owner of the Monthly Bookmark KAL to be the new owner. I am very honored and appreciate the vote of confidence. Well, so now my time is split between the CWS KAL, the Monthly Bookmarks KAL, my own knitting and design , my family and this site. I always did love a challenge! LOL

One of the members of the Monthly Dishcloth’s KAL asked about the containers that I store my WIPs in. (Works in Progress) I decided to post some pictures of what I do. Tracy (my DH) purchased a shelving system from our local *mart that I store my stash in. It has really helped me to see what I have, and what I need.

My crochet cotton #10, #20 and #30 I store in a "pop-up" laundry bag. This has handles so that I can carry it around the house if I need to.

The patterns I am currently working with and small projects are in a double-sided house cleaning tote. I have old ice cream containers (½ gallon round cardboard and plastic and 6 qt. plastic buckets) that I use.

I have various coffee cans that I have cleaned . I punched a hole in the top of for yarn to pass through. Usually when I use these types of containers I also will crochet or knit up a covering of some sort so that I can carry it with ease. I also use a lot of oversized totes/purses. My tools are in two very large totes and my dps are in a new roll I just sewed.

My patterns are in a small two drawer filing carinate, but my books will not fit there. I have too many and need to find some sort of shelving system for them as well. I guess, upon further thought, that you really can not have too many books can you? =)

So, this is how I try to stay organized.

Monthly Dishcloth KAL Day 4 - 6

2007-02-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

I ended up having to take a bit of time for another project and got a little bit behind in my posts. So, This is day 4 of the KAL. The pattern is turning out quite nice. Once again I have to caution you about the quality of my camera. The cloth is still the origanal pink Sugar & Cream. =)

Many thought that the pattern would end at this point, with just one more day to go. The pattern looked like it would end with another row of hearts. As we knit along the final rows of Day 5, we found a new row of hearts starting. This was going to be a Six-Day KAL! =) What fun! lol

So, for our KAL on this Day 6. I finished up the last of the rows and we have a very nice dishcloth. The sides do tend to curl just a bit, but when you are using it its not going to matter much. This was a very fun project. I especially like the way that the heart's center top is done.

This pattern was brought to the Monthly Dishcloths KAL group by Isabelle Johnson, http://tricotine.typepad.com/weblog/ . Thank you Isabelle for allowing us to use this.

February Monthly Dishcloth KAL Days 1 - 3

2007-02-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

I had a Dishcloth day today. I have been keeping up with the Monthly Dishcloth KAL but have not been able to post this until now. So we will have photo’s for each day in one post.

Day 1 of the Monthly Dishcloth KAL was very fun and quick. This pattern is a very easy one to follow. I did not find any corrections needed. There have been a few suggestions to add three K stitches on each side of the pattern. This would make a four knit stitch border on each side. I opted not to add this and to follow the pattern as written in the daily KAL.

Day 2 was again very simple and you could finally see the pattern emerging. It is hearts, very appropriate for a February, Valentines Day theme.

Day 3, today, is showing that there is going to be more than one row of hearts. With only one or two days left for this KAL, I think we can see what the dishcloth is going to look like. Again, please excuse the photo quality...the knit quality is much better. = ) See you tomorrow.

February Bookmark Kal Day 3

2007-02-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

I finished my February Bookmark and I love this pattern. With all the other projects I have going right now, it was nice to take a break and do this. I love the way the vine crosses through this bookmark. It draws the eye and keeps the mind inspired. As I have mentioned before, my camera is not the best so please bear with the less than perfect photos. At least I do have photos to break up the text! =)

The members of the Monthly Bookmarks KAL, and especially Enid, the group "mom", have been great. There is help when there is a pattern misprint or even if you just don't understand a pattern symbol or direction. This is one of the greatest groups to belong to on Yahoo Groups. This month's KAL was sponsoref by Sivia Harding, who graciously let us use her bookmark that is shown in the Knitting Pattern-a-Day 2007 Day-to-Day Calandar. She can be found at: http://www.siviaharding.com/ .

As this is a new group, so far we only have one KAL per month. This month's KAL is now over. As we work out the details there may be more KAL's to go with the quarterly bookmark exchanges. We may even expand two or three KAL's per month...but that is still in the future.

So for now we will continue to talk and visit and enjoy the wonderful company of this group. We will look forward to a great KAL next month.

February Book Mark Kal Day 1 & 2

2007-02-02T21:36:00.000-07:00

First of all, for those of you who asked, the Monthly Bookmark KAL can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MonthlyBookmarksKAL

I did not get a chance to write in my Blog yesterday as the Monthly Bookmark KAL began. Enid, the group “mom” of the KAL had asked me to be a moderator for the group and help out. I am very honored that she asked.

Anyway, yesterday’s KAL started with what appears to be a lace pattern. I am using Bernat Softee Baby Yarn in a soft yellow, on US Size 5 needles. This is the 1st day’s result:

Day 2 of the KAL has brought us to this wonderful lace climber. I love the way that this soft baby yarn give the pattern even more of a "climbing diamond" effect. It reminds me of spring days. I so very much would like the Spring to get here. =) Tomorrow starts the decreases in the pattern.

A Good Day for Knitting

2007-01-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

It is cold toady, but much warmer than it has been. My husband told me that if I am going to do all this knitting, I had better reorganize everything. So, over the last few days I have sorted through all of my yarn stash. I found yarn I purchased about eight years ago and I am just now receiving yarn that I am working on for my shawl project. He bought shelves for me and then laughed saying, "it looks just like a department store display in here!" I am so very thankful that he understand my need to keep my hands busy.

I finished my bookmark for the Monthly Bookmark KAL Group first quarter exchange. It was a pattern I was playing with and so I will not post it here until I have a pattern written up. The Monthly Dishcloth KAL Group is as entertaining as ever. The ideas are great and these members are so friendly.

Excitement continues to grow about the Civil War Shawl KAL. We now have over 90 members. This is such a good group of people and we do welcome you, even if you can not knit the shawl right now.

Well, back tot he grind stone I go. Working on Bookmark number 2, a new Baby gift for an expected soon-to-be nephew and "Big Brother" gifts for his older brothers. ( I can’t leave them out when the baby gets something now could I?)

I will be continuing to write in this Blog but as time constraints may apply, there may only be one to two entries per week. Keep checking back, eventually I will have patterns I created too.

Knitting, Designing and Such

2007-01-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

Today has been a very interesting day. I have agreed to assist the owner of the Monthly Bookmark KAL as a moderator for her group. This is exciting for me and I do hope to do a good job.

The Civil War Shawl KAL is going smoothly so far. We are lucky enough to have the author of the pattern Suzanne Pafpuff join our group.

I have been working on my own design for three bookmarks, a Shawl, another for a dishcloth and a third one for an afghan. The ideas are flowing almost faster than I can write them down, it is just a matter of getting the ideas to work right. This is very hard work. The hardest part for me is stopping to write down the instructions for what I just did. If I don't do this row by row, then I will forget later. I have already ripped my rows four times and started over again just to get the look I want and write the instructions down.

Civil War Shawl KAL - Coming March 1, 2007

2007-01-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

I have organized a Civil War Shawl KAL group on Yahoo Groups. This is a Knit-Along for the Civil War Shawl, as seen in in the Cast On Magazine, Winter/Spring Issue of 2001. This will also be coordinated with my Blog site Civil War Shawl KAL.

Please see my own sample of this project in the image near the end of this article.

Finished size: 72" Diameter

Materials used by the author: DOMY HEATHER, (100% wool) 100 gm, 475 yd skeins. She used 9 skeins (4275 yds) in Midnight.

Needle Size: US Size 6, set of dps and circulars in various lengths. The circulars will be important as the project grows in size - just to keep all the stitches together without falling off the needles. This is a very large project and it will take time. The last row contains 1200 stitches; so by that time it will be a single row for that day's (week?) KAL. There are a total of 161 rows plus 17 rows of edging. =)

Start Date: March 1, 2007 (tentative).

NOTE: There have been so many exciting new developments in fiber over the last several years. I would like to see your suggestions for substitutions in yarn and color. Members may use whatever you like for this project.

Each person will be required to purchase the pattern and their own materials. The Civil War Shawl KAL group owner does not receive any portion of the funds for the sale of materials or patterns.

The pattern is available directly from the author at:
http://fibermill.yurtboutique.com/shawl2.htm

This sample was knitted using 4 ply 100% Crochet Cotton. The same stuff I use for my dishcloths.
If you have never done lace, this is a good project to start with. The idea here is to have fun, learn new skills, make new friends (or visit with old ones) and help each other to create a beautiful shawl.

RULES:
1. Strict Copyright Laws will be observed.
2. Please Respect One Another.
3. There is no Ads and no Sales offers allowed without permission.

We will be coordinating this KAL with our Civil War Shawl KAL group on Yahoo Groups and my Blog site Civil War Shawl KAL.

Monthly Bookmarks KAL - Finished January 2007

2007-01-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

I just became involved in a very big project. Hosting a KAL for a shawl. I will explain more of this in another post. Needless to say, by the time I stopped to work on my Bookmark, I was tired and frustrated. I ended up taking the project out several times. I learned, don't knit when you can't stay awake! lol

So, after several trials and errors I truncated the pattern, making it much shorter, and finished this bookmark. It is not the best work I have done although it is a very nice medium sized bookmark. The yarn is so soft and cuddly. I am going it use it again in some type of wearable project. I decided to post it the pics, mistakes and all, to show that even something that is not done "right" can look nice, be usable and when given as a gift to a non-knitter...no ones know that you messed up but you. = )

The designer of this pattern is Vicki Meldrum and she can be found at the website http://www.vickimeldrum.com/. She is the owner the LSSK yahoo group.

KAL Monthly Dishcloths January 2007 Final Day

2007-01-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

Well I began my day by starting Day 5 of this KAL. As I was knitting along I noticed something that did not feel quite right. You see I double check myself by "feeling" the cloth, much the same way that I would "read" braille. As I double checked I found, to my horror, that I had messed up on one of the Purl cabled rows. I had three perfect Knit stitches and they occurred eight rows back in my work. I decided to be brave and for the first time I undid just those stitches and repaired the problem without taking out all eight rows! I am so proud of myself. Anyway, here is the final Dishcloth as blocked, with the closeup like yesterday's post. This is a really fun group and if you like quick projects and lots of talk, this is a good group to investigate. I can’t wait for the next KAL to start! = )

Now, on to my other projects...

Monthly Bookmarks KAL January 2007

2007-01-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

I am a member of some very good knitting groups. Well, today we started a new KAL in the Monthly Bookmarks group. This is a great group of knitters who seem to really enjoy the art of hand knitting. I am looking forward to seeing how things work out here. This bookmark is made using US size 5 needles. The pattern calls for sport yarn and all I could find in my stash was Lion Brand Microspun, in Black. That is the closest I could find (and I live in such a rural area that I can not go to the store to find more without at last a week's planning) so that is what I used. I love this yarn! It feels so soft. I made a pair of very nice ankle warmers out of it. I am going to make a nice summer top too...eventually! lol I am looking forward to tomorrow's section! Well, on to the next KAL... my dishcloths! = )

This KAL group can be found on yahoo groups at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MonthlyBookmarksKAL/

This is a new group so we may do a variety of yarns, who knows? I am used to thread so this one is new to me.

KAL Monthly Dishcloths January 2007

2007-01-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

This dishcloth is called Snowflake. It was for the Monthly Dishcloth group that I am a part of on Yahoo Groups. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MonthlyDishcloths/
I became a member on the last night before the Mid-Month KAL started. This was started and finished on January 15. This was a very fun project to do. The yarn is Sugar & Spice in a wonderful yellow, of course you can't see that with my horrible camera - but oh well. lol I used needle size 7 US and stitched this in Continental Method (left handed) which I recently taught myself with the use of tutorials found on the web. The monthly dishcloths group is very friendly. I am glad that I am a member of this group.

The mid-month KAL Day 1 started the next day, Jan 16th, and I began to work on the next project. The knit project is done daily in sections. January 16th section looked like this:

The following day, January 17th, brought us to the realization that this was defiantly a cabled pattern with the arrival of the Day 2 Mid-Month KAL instuctions. I love the feel of cables but they can be a bit daunting. lol Anyway, that day's pattern addition looked like this:

January 18 was a fun night to knit. It was cold and so I cuddled in my warm afghan. We have been getting so cold here. A week of -24F. It is now starting to warm up and I will be glad when I can turn my faucets off and not worry about them freezing. So anyway, this was Day 3 of the KAL. As you can see the cables are starting to really show themselves. This is such a fun pattern to do:

Now, after having spent all day putting together this Blog and catching up on things, I have finally had time to get Day 4 of the Mid- January KAL done. It looks like it is almost done. Maybe some finishing rows and blocking to make this a great cabled dishcloth. This is how the project looks so far ( and yes it is the same cloth...my camera is still giving me fits!):

My Start to Handcrafts

2007-01-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

I will start this by showing a few of my past projects. You will find them scattered throughout this post. The doll was a crochet gift I made for my mother in December of 2005. I altered and changed the original pattern somewhat to use crochet thread. The doily she stands on was made in 2002. The hat my husband is wearing was a quick knit hat I made last week, just as the temperature dropped to -25F. You will find a shrug/hat/scarf/shawl in a "magic scarf" style that I created by trial and error. This is my own pattern. Finally, there are two throws I have created using crochet. The grey is my own pattern and the star is a WIP.

In junior high school there was a classmate of mine who could crochet some very wonderful things. She taught me how to chain stitch and make a very cute curled worm bookmark. Then I forgot how. Life intrudes and my book reading was more important. I would loose myself in my books. After I was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder in 1993, I taught myself to crochet. I became very proficient at crocheting anything I wanted. I could look at items that were crocheted and figure out how to re-create them.

I began to have trouble with my vison and in early 1995 I could no longer see to function. I could not take care of my family and was afraid to even leave my house. My situation was becoming intolerable. The only thing keeping me from going insane was my crocheting. I have always been a visual learner but to my surprise, I could crochet with my eyes closed! I had tried to teach myself to knit but was unable to grasp the concept of how to get the yarn through the loop on the needle. It just kept slipping off.

Finally my therapist talked me into speaking with the Utah State Services for the Visually Impaired and Blind. In June of 1995 I attended classes on mobility, life management, braille and computer technology at the Salt Lake City Blind Center. I began to learn how to live again. It was so hard to be away from my family for two straight months. My children were 10 and 8 at the time. (My oldest was then 13. Having been adopted by her grandmother when she was 1, she was not currently considered one of my children by my mother’s family). This is a very important time in their lives, and mom was not around. My youngest took up the reigns of homemaker to the extent that she organized the cleaning and was cooking full family meals by the time I left for this schooling.

During the time I was away, I learned to be fully functional again. I could cook fabulous meals, clean, shop for the family and walk out my door again. I was taught the English method (right handed) of knitting at this time also, by a wonderful lady who was totally blind. She made it so simple. Because I did have some minimal vision left, the Blind Center would totally blindfold me for all my lessons. It made is so easy to learn things after I learned not to trust my eyes. The headaches from trying so hard to use what vision I had disappeared. I will be forever grateful for what that center taught me.

The only problem with all of this was that I was away from my family. You see, we are a unit and until my children recently left home for lives of their own and college we went everywhere together and did everything together. What happened to the least of us, happened to all of us. This was the "no secrets (except for gifts)", open door policy, talk around the table every night, ask any questions you might need to or want to, type of family. Not in the intrusive sense but in the support sense. We let our children make up their own minds and suffer their own consequences but when all the world around me was talking about how horrible their teenagers’ were and how bad things could get...our family just got stronger together. We never had the "terrible teens" and even though they suffered from peer pressure and the other problems that plague kids today, they remained strong. I credit this to the fact that we were participating parents. We took interest in what our children did. We were not perfect by any means but we looked at our family as a solid unit. Us against the world. Because of this our children were willing to talk to us about their problems and listen to advice. Weather they took it or not was their choice. But, even now, they talk to us a lot and ask for advice knowing that they are not obligated to act on it but that they should not ask if they don’t want an honest and blunt answer. I guess we ere really lucky when we had our two wonderful daughters.

So, I could not see my family except on weekends and with my husband’s work schedule and the fact that we lived three hours away, I went nearly two whole months with out seeing them. the handcraft of knitting and crocheting was my lifesaver to me when I thought the world was crashing in around me. For that I will always be thankful. Since that time I have expanded my knitting and even recently taught myself to knit by Continental Method (left handed). This was done with the help of the wonderful tutorials found on the web.

Now I am part of several knitting and crocheting groups and will be posting my projects here. I didn’t start taking pictures of my projects until recently so it may be slow going...but I am excited to get started.