update! Knitting, crochet, teaching!

Helloo any and all readers!
I've been busy over these past months, years, weeks etc. doing random things, getting married and getting a job at my local Michaels Teaching beginning knit and crochet!
I am currently being certified by the CYC (Craft Yarn Council) and even if I have to stop teaching at Michaels, I hope I can take my certification elsewhere in the future!

Been working on christmas gifts of late and made a hat as a commission for my husbands coworker.
I wanted a quick hat but couldn't find anything I liked with the needles I had on hand.
So i just made up my own and heres my leap into designer-dom

something I always wanted to do!
I really like the combination of Large and small stitches too!

heres the free pattern!

Large and Small Winter hat
 Materials
US11/19 circulars (16")
US 8 DPN (but it may look better with 10's
Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick Solid ( any super bulky should do.)
Abbreviations:
CO: Cast on
K:Knit
P: Purl
CL: Cable left: put next 3 on cable needle, hold to front, k3, k3 from cable needle
k2tog: knit two together

ON US 11 Circulars Cast on 64 stitches ( i use Long tail)  and combine,
Do a k2,p2 rib for about 5 rows (about 1")
Switch to US 19 circulars
row 6:  p3, k2tog, k5, *p3, K6* until end.
row 7-9, *p3, k6*
row 10:  *p3, CL*
row 11-14: repeat level 7
row 15 repeat row 10
row 16-17: repeat row 7
Switch to smaller DPN (you need 5 for the large amount of stitches (I used 8;s)
row 18: repeat row 7
Row 19: knit
Row 20: *k7,k2tog* repeat across, if there is 3 stitches left after last  k7, k3 tog
odd rows 21-33: knit
row 22:  *k6,k2tog*
row 24: *k5, k2tog*
row 26: *k4, k2tog*
row 28: *k3, k2tog*
row 30: *k2, k2tog*
row 32: *k1, k2tog*
row 34: *k2tog around* 7 stitches left
cut 6" tail and weave through remaining stitches.

I think it would also look good as a cinched top. and you could knit the remaining rows after rows 26 and cinch it, (I may do it if I need a hat real quick!)

happy knitting!

Mystery Cal Catchup #2

here is day 3

and day 4:

If I do another Ill edit this post but my wrist and fingers are barking. 

Year of Swatches 2013 KAL

http://yearofswatches.blogspot.com/

So while I'm starting while they have 15 already but I decided to do this Mystery Knit A Long.
US10 1/2 caron Pound of Love in light blue (looks teal in my pictures from my phone)

It looks fun and what they have so far is neat looking. 

finished the first day:

and the second:

I hope to complete at least two a day until I catch up Maybe 3. 

Its pretty fun!

TTFN!

Book review: Knit Your Socks On Straight

I was excited when I was approved for an ARC of this book. I love to knit and have had an aversion to knitting socks, although not because of circular or double pointed needles, but they seem a bit tedious (no matter how gorgeous the pattern was) and I can't imagine wearing something I painstakingly knit on my feet, with like shoes. This book has slightly changed that view. 

Upon opening the book, I immediately look at the table of contents, the patterns have such cute names (jelly bean, wrapped in hugs and Coffee Break) and were colorful. 

The beginning of the book has a nice explanation of why she wrote the patterns and then the book (novice knitter afraid of double pointed needles).  In devising these patterns she devised her own seaming technique so the socks look nice and natural. 

The socks are knit from top to bottom and she places the seem often on the side of the foot and leg. 

She clearly advises swatching. It needs to be washed and dried as if it was your own sock to measure shrinkage and the like. I suggest before and after pictures with a ruler. 

I really loved that her suggested Cast On Method was the Continental/Long Tail Cast On. Its a personal favorite of mine. To keep your edge nice and loose she also suggests casting onto two needles at once as you want the top of sock loose enough to stretch out a bit. 

The explanation in the beginning of how the heel is knit is a great help for people who haven't knit socks before or wonder how would this be accomplished on straight needles. It was reassuring that she has thought of all the questions readers would have.

Throughout the book advice is given on how to fix mistakes you have made which is a great help and reassurance. 

Instructions are clear and easy to understand, techniques laid out in the beginning for guidance, with the usual glossary in the back. 

The first few patterns are a little boring for those more experienced in knitting but they better and more intricate as you go along. Some seem a little silly, but most are so fun and stylish!

Favorite patterns to look for:

(pictures in the book all credit to photographer)

Moccasocks- I find these ridiculous but they look like so much fun, especially as gifts or to wear all around the house.  They are made to fit above skinny jeans so they are definitely with the times. 

Coffee break- 

I just love the colors of these socks and the frilly edge is delightful

Slainte -

These are gorgeous socks and with the cute buttons on top I can't wait to try this pattern!

Winter Delights : Gingerbread men and snowmen - 

definitely something I'd knit in winter, the colors are so cute and cozy, the top edges are frilly and stylish.

Carnegie Hall -

They did indeed save the best for last. These are adorable, it looks so perfect and incorporates crochet edges for frills. The Bow is wonderful and adds that perfect little touch on a black tie affair for your feet!

Overall! 5 out of 5! I can't wait to try some of these patterns!

instructions are clear and helpful.

20 patterns is a great amount and I definitely want to try Knitting My Socks on Straight!

I will be posting my projects from this for review as well soon!

First up is the Project Your First Socks. 

You can pre-order the title here!

http://www.amazon.com/Knit-Your-Socks-Straight-Inventive/dp/1612120083

It will be Published June 5th, 2013