The Beginning of Sahara Short Sleeves

After taking a brief break from knitting and making the needle case, I decided to start my Sahara short sleeve top for the summer. I made sure I read over the pattern several times before starting to make sure I could do all the knitting techniques. I have been collected all the materials I would need, but I still have not been able to find some 16" US size 6 circular needles or double pointed needles locally. I also had trouble finding 24" circular needles in Greensboro. I checked several different crafts store, but no luck! So I have been using 29" needles in place of the 24".

The pattern calls for US sizes 6 and 4, but when I checked the gauge using the Rowan All Season Cotton yarn, I needed to use US sizes 8 and 6 to obtain the proper gauge. So far the top is looking great! I am on the other hand having problems with the circular needles curling up as I knit. I don't know what to do about that. I will have to do some type of Google search to see if anyone can help me.

Spring Knitting Needle Case

I have wanted to find a better way of storing my knitting needles, so I got the idea to create a case of my own. Yesterday, I visited one of the local craft stores in my town and purchased one yard of pretty spring inspired pink and green floral fabric, some ribbon, and one yard of fusible interfacing.

I spent the whole afternoon working on it, but I think it turned out really well. I have to admit I'm not the best sewer. Some of the lines to created the needle slots are not straight, but who cares, it still looks good and serves it's purpose -- TO STORE MY NEEDLES!

Bear No. 2 is Here

I finally finished my second Baby Bobbi Bear last night at around 11:30 pm. I left him on the sofa for my son to find completed. I was upstairs when he found him, but believe me I heard him! He ran back upstairs and said "Momma, brown bear is here!"

Started: Friday, March 16, 2007

Finished: Saturday, March 24, 2007

Spring Cleaning and 95% Complete

Well, I know I haven't posted in a few days, but I have been busy doing some Spring cleaning around the house. I manage to clean all the carpet in the house -- up and downstairs and I won't even talk about laundry! I can say I am not looking forward to cleaning that carpet any time soon.

Despite all the Spring cleaning, I did find time to knit. The second bear that I am knitting for my oldest son is 95% done. All he needs are the ears and a face. I was going to make me a bear also, but thing I am all beared out for now.

Plus some wonderful yarn I won on eBay arrived today. It is Rowan's All Season Cotton yarn is the color Misty. It is a gorgeous light heather gray. I plan to make my Sahara Short Sleeve sweater with it. I can't wait to start!

A Continuing Process

I know I am going on and on about these bears, but they are the most charming bears you will ever knit! As you can see, I did finish both legs and I am about to start on the neck and head. The only things after that is to stuff him and put the arms on.

I have to say that the second bear is coming out a little better than the first. The stitches that I had to pick up for the bottom and legs, look much cleaner and tighter. I am very happy I purchased this pattern and so are my boys!

Setting A Goal Works in Knitting

I set a goal for myself last night to finish the front and the back of my second bear and I did and more! I also finished his bottom. My goal for tonight is to complete both legs. I know I can do it!

Stitch ya later!

Baby Bobbi Bear No. 2

Well, I started on my second bear for my son. He asks me everyday, "Is my bear ready?" And I have to tell him, "Not yet!" I have completed the body and just started on the front this morning. I am going to try to complete the front and back at least today. Maybe if I set better goals of completion, and can become a faster knitter.

It's not that I really want to knit faster, I want to make more projects. I have some many projects that I want to make, but I just can't seem to find the time or be able to work on a project quickly enough. My husband says if I knit to late in the evening, I am guaranteed to fall asleep in the middle of a row. And the sad thing about it is he is so right!

Well, enough chatting. I have knitting to do.

Done in Six Days

Well, I just finished Baby Bobbi Bear and it only took me six days. He turned out great! This blue bear is for my youngest son. The yarn I used was left over from the baby blanket I crocheted for him when I was pregnant.

The entire time I was working on the blue bear, Jalen keep asking me for his brown bear. Now I have to start on a brown bear for my oldest son. I am very proud of myself for completing this project, because I did have some trouble following the pattern. But you can find some really helpful notes about the pattern from the Blue Sky Alpacas site.

Started Friday, March 9, 2007

Finished Thursday, March 15, 2007