How to make a knit and crochet heart purse with pom pom handle for Valentine's Day

I found this cute heart purse in my box of Valentine's Day decorations and for the life of me I can't find anywhere I posted the tutorial for it. So I thought I'd share it to the best of my recollection.

I'm pretty sure I would have started from the bottom point and did increases on each knit side working in stockinette stitch until I was happy with the the width and height of the heart.

Then to create the top two curves, working each separately decreases to create curves as desired.

Repeat for the second heart.


Seam the two knit hearts together with a chain crochet stitch using an eyelash yarn. Work the top inside "V" areas separately so you can put stuff in your heart purse.

To make the handle thread pom poms onto pieces of coated wire. Link the ends of the wire to the top of the heart where you left the purse opening.

A great book I recomend for all sorts of knitting tutorials and patterns is:

The Complete Photo Guide to Knitting, 2nd Edition: *All You Need to Know to Knit *The Essential Reference for Novice and Expert Knitters *Packed with Hundreds of Crafty Tips and Ideas *Step-by-Step Instructions and Photos for 200 Stitch Patterns
by
Margaret Hubert 



Looking for the perfect book on knitting? It's right here in The Complete Photo Guide to Knitting, 2nd Edition. This stitch guide is the ultimate knitting reference! A comprehensive how-to book about all aspects of knitting, you'll be making scarves, hats, socks, mittens, sweaters, and other projects in no time! Inside this ultimate knitting guide you will find expanded basics for all knitting techniques, from cast-on to bind-off and every step in between. Learn to knit row by row and in the round; understand knitting jargon and how to follow a pattern; learn all the methods for increasing and decreasing stitches, seaming, and adding details like pockets and zippers. With twenty new stitch patterns, this section expands to 220 in all, arranged in style categories for easy reference. Projects at the end of each section give you opportunities to try some of the new techniques you've learned while making knitted items you can use or gift to others. Margaret Hubert will guide you through special knitting topics like cables, intarsia, entrelac, Fair Isle knitting, and lace knitting. With the updated information and all new projects, even if you have the first edition you are sure to want the second edition to complete your collection.

How to cut a pair of socks and make them lace up the back

I love to cut things up, no surprise there. And I have cut my fair share of socks but always horizontally, but today I have my first vertical cut (also known as "steeking" in the sweater/knitting world). I was inspired by this page in the wonderful knitting book Wendy Knits Lace: Essential Techniques and Patterns for Irresistible Everyday Lace.

This page features a pair of socks that have a line of lacework up the back center that is so beautiful. I thought I could steek a pair of socks and add some lace trim to make them lace up the back.
How I made my lace-up the back socks:
I tried the socks on and marked the spot I wanted to cut down to and I also measured the socks while they were on me from the bottom to the top edge. I did this because I knew the socks were stretching a bit and the lace trim I was using did not stretch. It ended up being about an inch and a half longer than when the socks were off.

So all I did was cut from the top edge down to the back of the ankle.
Then pinned on the lace trim to each side stretching the sock evenly to be as long as the trim.
I sewed the trim on using a stretch stitch and slightly pulling the sock as I sewed.
I did take great care to make sure both sides of the trim matched up.
I then used 1/4 inch organza ribbon to lace the two sides back up.

Whether you like to knit your lace or you are like me and are a Sweater (knit) Surgeon I bet you will love and be inspired by the too pretty book from Potter Craft:
Wendy Knits Lace: Essential Techniques and Patterns for Irresistible Everyday Lace
by
Wendy D. Johnson

"With 20 original patterns for gorgeous lace shawls, sweaters, hats, gloves and of course socks, popular blogger and author Wendy D. Johnson provides thorough instruction on the best lace techniques for aspiring, experienced and advanced knitters. Many knitters are intimidated by lace, but with a little guidance anyone can create beautiful pieces. As she did for the toe-up sock technique, Wendy demystifies lace knitting by thoroughly explaining the basics and offering the best techniques to create the most intricate-looking patterns. She shares a wealth of tips that will help new lace knitters avoid any frustration. Twenty projects for beginners through to advanced knitters include scarves, shawls, afghans, accessories and sweaters. Ranging from a lightweight seashell camisole for summer to a thick cowl for winter, Wendy presents projects that are surprisingly easy and fun to create and great to wear year-round."

How to make recycled sweater pansy flowers

As I write this it is coming down in torrents outside my window. So it is only apropos that I be making bloomin' good flowers inspired by the equally bloomin' good book Noni Flowers: 40 Exquisite Knitted Flowers to cheer me up. I bet they will make you smile too!
I might have mention that I am on a big crazy shoe kick (pun intended) right now. One of my favorite quotes I spotted at the Glendale Quilt Show was "Cinderella is proof that shoes can change your life" Well, I took it a step (another bad pun intended). I changed the crazy shoes by embellishing them with recycled sweater pansy flowers I made inspired by knitted ones featured in Noni Flowers: 40 Exquisite Knitted Flowers.
I went to the recycled sweater stash and for this project I went to the tiny scrap bag (yup I don't throw any bit away!)
I cut out the shapes of the petals like the ones in the picture. Then I followed the directions in
Noni Flowers: 40 Exquisite Knitted Flowers on top stitching the petals together with the purple, red and white yarn.

I will surely try knitting some of these beautiful flowers as well as cut up some more sweater scraps into other flowers. There are 40 to try! If you like making flowers too I bet you will find this book as inspiring as I did!

More about the book from the publisher Potter Craft:
Noni Flowers: 40 Exquisite Knitted Flowers
by
Nora Bellows

"Designer Nora J. Bellows’s extraordinary Noni® bag and flower patterns have earned her acclaim and endeared her to a loyal following of knitters all over the world. Now, in her first book, she offers lifelike knitted flowers that rival the beauty of true botanicals. This is a collection of luscious designs and essential techniques that knitters will turn to again and again. Inside, you’ll find:


• 40 exceptional knitted and felted flowers, from Angel’s Tears Ddaffodils to ylang ylang
• 6 beautiful yet practical garment, accessory, and home projects perfect for floral embellishment
• Clear instructions for knitting, felting, wiring, and finishing your work"

Review: Knits That Fit from Potter Craft

Let me start by giving you a bit of back story. It was about the time that ponchos were all the rage that I was a producer on Knitty Gritty and I was living the knitting every minute of the day. I loved ponchos but alas I felt like I was wearing a sandwich board when I tried them on and I was not really interested in feeling like a walking billboard. Everyone else seemed to look great in them. Bummer for me. The second part of this back story was I also wanted instant knitwear. While I love knitting and do it more as a form of relaxation when I wanted a knit item I went to the land of cast off sweaters and sewed one into my new design, hence my book Sweater Surgery. And that's how it came to be.

Now to today's wonderful book I have to tell you about-Knits That Fit: Instructions, Patterns, and Tips for Getting the Right Fit. As stated in my back story big and floppy does not work on me, I like my sweater action snug and shapely. That is what Knits That Fit is all about. The whole first section is jam packed with great fitting info that is sure to make your sweater be just the way you want it. Then you get a whole bunch of the most lovely sweater patterns that you will love knitting and wearing. I haven't decided what I am going to make because so many of the sweaters have great details and shapes there is everything from hoodies to tanks to choose from! Hmmmm, off to the yarn stash to see what combo I come up with!

More about Knits That Fit: Instructions, Patterns, and Tips for Getting the Right Fit from the publisher Potter Craft:

"Stop following, start knitting! When you lovingly make something stitch-by-stitch, it shouldn’t fit like it came from a department store. However, that’s exactly what happens when you knit to fit a general size instead of your actual measurements. In Knits that Fit, you will learn how to break free from following a pattern word-for-word and start making small changes to tailor your knitwear. It’s not hard, either! You’ll be walked through all the essential ins-and-outs of taking measurements and basic pattern alteration. Before you know it you will be able to tweak nearly any pattern to better fit your unique shape. The accompanying TK patterns in Knits that Fit include short-sleeved tops, pullovers, and cardigans from top knitwear designers like Lily Chin, Annie Modesitt, Berta Karapetyan, Sally Melville, and others. Of course, each of the patterns is ready to be customized by you for the perfect fit—information on shortening or lengthening has been built right in! Whether you’ve knit one sweater or ten, this is a book that will change the way you see patterns and the way you knit sweaters. "

Book Review-The Knitter's Guide to Hand-Dyed and Variegated Yarn: Techniques and Projects for Handpainted and Multicolored Yarn

I don't know about you but I love variegated yarns.
I tend to buy multicolored yarn over solid colors. This then poses a challenge because often times the stitches I want to use won't show up with the mixed colored yarns. Well, The Knitter's Guide to Hand-Dyed and Variegated Yarn to the rescue! The Knitter's Guide to Hand-Dyed and Variegated Yarn if filled with stitches and patterns that include a single yarn and multiple yarns that really feature and accentuate all the great colors. There is even a Checkered Fair Isle pattern that comes out looking like a fabulous plaid!!! And even better it is a simple stockinette stitch! So if you are ready to kick off 2011 with some knitting projects that feature hand-dyed and variegated yarns I'll bet you will find just what you are looking for in:

The Knitter's Guide to Hand-Dyed and Variegated Yarn: Techniques and Projects for Handpainted and Multicolored Yarn
By
Lorna Miser

More about the book from Watson-Guptill:

"Cast on for your next variegated yarn project with new skills and renewed confidence

Do you covet the gorgeous colors of multicolored yarn but have been disappointed by patching, pooling, and other unintended “designs” that develop as they’re knitted?

In The Knitter’s Guide to Hand-Dyed and Variegated Yarn, hand-dyed yarn guru Lorna Miser transforms the experience of working with these beautiful yarns, whether they’ve been dyed by hand or commercially produced.

This informative stitch dictionary includes 10 simple, accessible techniques, 65 stitch patterns, and 20 projects that make the most of the dazzling color combinations and creative possibilities that variegated yarns have to offer.

LORNA MISER is the founder and original owner of Lorna's Laces, a well-known brand of hand-dyed yarns. She teaches classes and workshops on knitting technique and knitwear design at yarn stores, knitting guilds, consumer knitting shows, and yarn industry trade shows around the country. She is also the author of Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting. "

Book Review-French Girl Knits: Innovative Techniques, Romantic Details, and Feminine Designs

French Girl Knits: Innovative Techniques, Romantic Details, and Feminine Designs
by
Kristeen Griffin-Grimes

My favorite thing about French Girl Knits is the positively amazing styling and details. Whether you like big swoopy sweaters or little sassy numbers there are patterns filled with lovely stitch patterns and design elements in French Girl Knits. There are sweaters using big chunky yarns to wafty diaphanous fine yarns, all simply scrumptious and wearable. I would say these projects are not for the beginner but with just a bit of practice you could be knitting sweaters all would envy! Want to see a bit inside? Pop on over here.

From the Publisher Interweave Press-

"Superbly fitted and fashioned in luxurious yarns, these imaginative patterns follow four thematic vignettes inspired by French daily life, film, and history. Each section features dramatically different types of yarns, colors, and stitch patterns combined with timeless, figure flattering silhouettes that are suitable for knitters of all skill levels. Using innovative seamless construction methods, the need for sewing seams has been nearly eliminated by fashioning patterns in one piece from start to finish, easily allowing for adjustments for a custom fit. A handy design workshop features in-depth tutorials that teach seamless construction methods and provide valuable technical information for both beginning and seasoned knitters. Perfect for all body types, the designs are figure flattering with curve friendly waist shaping, empire waist detailing, and stitch details such as lacing, openwork, lace edgings, and bell sleeves that highlight the silhouette."

Halloween kint cuffs embellished with vintage pins inspired by the book- Warm Knits, Cool Gifts

I simply LOVE knit cuffs. If you were around me when we were in production on Knitty Gritty you know this for a fact since I was cranking cuffs out daily, well for that matter all of us were! And so when I turned the page of Warm Knits, Cool Gifts: Celebrate the Love of Knitting and Family with more than 35 Charming Designs and saw this cool argyle cuff watch band I was simply tickled that it was cool enough to get the stash out and wear them. But I was also inspired by Warm Knits, Cool Gifts to kick them up a notch. I wasn't currently in need of a watch band but what I am always doing is looking for ways to incorporate my collection of vintage pins into accessories I will actually wear. I don't seem to ever wear a pin normally. I don't know why that is, but it is.

These two embellished cuffs were what I came up with. Each cuff is knit in stockinette stitch out of a fairly thin yarn that has metallic strands within it. So I get great sparkle to coordinate with the metal pins.

A few tips on popping pins onto knit cuffs:

1. On the cat pin I poked the hardware parts of the pin back through the knitting so that the pin was flush to the knitted surface of the cuff.

2. On the spiderweb cuff I rolled the ends up so that the spider web pin didn't flop around.

Next up on my list to make is a sweater inspired by the one featured on the cover, oh and some of the wonderful mini ornaments that the patterns look so wonderful!

If it sounds like I'm a bit all over, I am. This book combines super cute patterns and projects with amazing style.

More about it from the publisher Potter Craft:
Warm Knits, Cool Gifts: Celebrate the Love of Knitting and Family with more than 35 Charming Designs
By
Sally Melville and Caddy Melville Ledbetter

"Warm hearts this winter with handcrafted gifts designed by knitting’s favorite mother-daughter duo.

With shawls to wrap up in, hats to pull over our ears, wool sweaters to keep us warm, and ornaments for the tree, autumn and winter lend themselves to knitting in a way like no other time of the year—and no one knows that better than knitting superstars Sally Melville and Caddy Melville Ledbetter. In Warm Knits, Cool Gifts, Sally and Caddy share 30 of their most inspired patterns for the seasons that are perfect for gifting.

Filled with patterns from modern designs to heirloom pieces, Warm Knits, Cool Gifts offers gift inspiration for everyone on your list. The luminous photography and clear and thorough instructions make each project an irresistible must-knit, and the options for adding personal touches are endless. As you read delightful stories from Sally and Caddy’s own knitting experience and their expert gifting advice, you’ll feel as if they are knitting right beside you. Plus their signature Fit & Flatter tips and special Techniques callouts break down instructions step-by-step, making you a more informed, thoughtful, and intuitive knitter year-round.

SALLY MELVILLE is a widely published and highly sought after knitwear designer who teaches a dozen different workshops at over 20 venues across North America every year. Her work has appeared in magazines from Vogue Knitting to Interweave Knits, and she is the author of several books, including the best-selling Knitting Experience series. Visit Sally online at www.sallymelvilleknits.com

CADDY MELVILLE LEDBETTER is Sally Melville's only daughter. She currently designs knitwear and teaches knitting classes.

Both women reside in Ottawa, Canada. "

Book Review: Jil Eaton's Knitting School: The Complete Guide to Becoming a Confident Knitter

I have taught a lot of people how to knit. But what I would say my specialty was fixing mistakes. I can't tell you how many people will drive to my house or bring their knitting or crochet to an event I will be at and hand it to me with a look on their face that screams "help!"

I think that's what Jil Eaton's Knitting School: The Complete guide to becoming a confident Knitter is in writing. It is set up "lesson style" and simply packed full of "tips".

I love tips.

There is a saying that lists are the highest form of literature, I think tips are the best way to learn.

As the title states "confidence " is key in knitting and it comes from knowledge and really looking at your knitting.
The clear pictures and description in Jil Eaton's Knitting School will instill this confidence in you.
With each project you accomplish your confidence will grow!

More about from the publisher, Potter Craft:

"When we’re knitting all is right with the world!

If you’re a novice knitter or returning after a knitting sabbatical, Jil Eaton's Knitting Schoolwill have you knitting like a pro in just 19 lessons. Jil Eaton is a knitting dynamo and she puts her 18 years of teaching and design experience, plus the know-how her popular Knit Simple “Ask Jil” column is known for, into this fully illustrated knitting primer that covers it all—from buttonholes to socks, cables to Fair Isle.

Each of the lessons features one of Jil's signature QuickKnits projects for men, women, and children. Projects include sweaters, shawls, mittens, hats, and kid knits selected especially to highlight Jil’s favorite tips and tricks for flawless knitting. These QuickKnits are designed for instant gratification, chic but simply made, with charming details providing that je ne sais quoi factor. Knitting every project will make even a true beginner feel like an expert.

Chock-full of photographs and step-by-step illustrations, along with advice on color, decorative trims, finishing, and knitting fixes, Jil Eaton's Knitting School will encourage readers to build their skills and master the craft with aplomb. "

Toe-up Socks for Every Body By Wendy D. Johnson

I love knee socks and over the knee socks but I guess it just never occurred to me to knit them. That's all changed now with Toe-Up Socks for Every Body: Adventurous Lace, Cables, and Colorwork from Wendy Knits by Wendy D. Johnson.

Really tall socks are not too easy to find, especially funky and wild types.
Problem solved-knit them myself.
Included in this book are tons of beautiful patterns and stitches that I will work toward as my goal but as you can see I am starting out swatching with a fun variegated yarn to see if I like the yarn first and then I will be moving into the fancy pants stuff!

Want to read a little "interview with Wendy" pop on over to Crazy Aunt Purl's blog.

And more about Toe-Up Socks for Every Body: Adventurous Lace, Cables, and Colorwork from Wendy Knits
From Potter Craft:
"Acclaimed knitter, author, designer, and teacher Wendy D. Johnson is back with the perfect sequel to her hit book Socks from the Toe Up. In Toe-Up Socks for Every Body, Wendy shows knitters, whether they’re knitting their first or hundred-and-first sock, how to use the toe-up technique to get the perfect fit. Not only that, she shows you that even seemingly complicated patterns are still knit just one row at a time. Go ahead! Turn your favorite knee socks into thigh-highs. Knit that special someone classic argyles. Put even the wiggliest of toes in their first pair of lacey anklets. With Wendy’s help, there’s nothing you can’t try from the toes on up. These 21 patterns cover everything from basics like materials and tools, to delicate lace, intricate cables, and fancy colorwork. Use these techniques and patterns to create beautiful socks for yourself and everybody in your life—friends and family, young and old. With the lovely photographs, helpful illustrations for cast-on, toe, heel, and bind-off options, and all-around expert advice in Toe-Up Socks for Every Body, you’ll be a well-heeled and warm-hearted toe-up knitter. About the Author WENDY D. JOHNSON is the renowned knitter behind WendyKnits.net and the author of Wendy Knits and Socks from the Toe Up. In addition, her work has been featured in many major knitting magazines. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia."

Happy Chinese New Year Crafty Blogger links and the next thing I want to knit

Is this not the funniest thing? A knit balloon animal bunny! It was in the Lion Brand Yarn booth at CHA. I love it! I sent an email to their list asking about where the pattern could be found but haven't gotten a response yet. Has anyone seen it? Please leave a comment if you have!

Cross Stitch at About.com
Since Connie can't crochet, she decided to create some Cross Stitch Doilies simple enough for beginning stitchers.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi's "question of the month" is what's your top ten list of mixed media art blogs to read regularly?

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside is in love with a free tattoo style Valentine graphic from the book Design Parts Sourcebook: Rock and Street Culture, a how-to on making a freeform monoprint, dresses folded from maps, and a lovebird puppet.

The Artful Crafter
Do you dream of designing and making your own jewelry? Here are some tips from Eileen to help you get started.

The Crochet Dude
Drew offers up a great review on the new Debbie Stoller line of yarns "Stitch Nation".

About Family Crafts
Need an easy, last-minute Valentine's Day gift or card? Sherri has some great ideas for you!

Aileen's Musings
Aileen's offering some whimsical freebie postcards for you to download and send to a friend!

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy reviews a new craft book she received: The Perfect Handmade Bag by Clare Youngs.

Friendship Booties from the book Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting

I recently got the book:
Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting: Celebrating the Gift of Knitting with 20 Beautiful Patterns
by Lorna Miser

Warm, inspiring stories, in the tradition of Debbie Macomber & Kate Jacobs. Beautiful knitting designs that celebrate special moments and relationships. Show how knitting can be the path to a higher power to guide our daily lives.

and it is just lovely!

I have a new baby in the family so I thought I would try baby booties for the first time and there is a super cute pair included in this book.
I tend to judge how easy a pattern is by how long it is.
This one is essentially 5 different rows of knitting-I can handle that for my first time bootie knitting.
I whipped them out in 2 hours while watching (listening actually) TV.
The pattern called for lovely fluffy yarn but I like to use a smooth yarn for the first time.
My all time fave is Red Heart Camo for this.
Here you have it:
I will definitely be making more of these!
There is also a way-cute bunny in the book that is definitely calling to be made!

Double sided cable scarf

I am a big fan of cables and scarves so this project combined both. But as you know generally cables don't look so hot from the back. The way to solve this is to knit them in a 1x1 rib stitch essentially. So below is the pattern but I want to write out the general concept.

Always knit the first and last 4 stitches of every row. This gives you garter stitch borders and it hangs nice and flat with no curling.

Now this scarf has a 10 stitch (5 and 5) center cable.

You knit the knits and purl the purls.

And every 5th row you do a cable always putting the first five stitches to the back, then knit the knits and purl the purls for 5 stitches, then put back the 5 stitches on the cable needle back on the left needle and knit the knits and purl the purls.

This concept will work with any number of stitches.

ROW1-4...... K4 / P1,K1,P1,K1,P1 / K1,P1,K1,P1,K1 / K4

ROW 5 K4 / SLIP 5 STITCHES TO CABLE NEEDLE TO BACK / P1,K1,P1,K1,P1, / THEN PUT THE 5 STITCHES BACK ON THE LEFT NEEDLE AND K1,P1,K1,P1,K1 / THEN K4

ROW 6-9........ K4 / K1,P1,K1,P1,K1 / P1,K1,P1,K1,P1 / K4

ROW 10 K4 / SLIP 5 STITCHES TO CABLE NEEDLE TO BACK / K1,P1,K1,P1,K1 / THEN PUT THE 5 STITCHES BACK ON THE LEFT NEEDLE AND P1,K1,P1,K1,P1, / THEN K4

I can't say I'm eager for cool weather but I certainly am ready!

Fun video By Vickie, Dave and Andrew

So the Art Director Dave Lowe, A fellow Producer Andrew Wollman, and Vickie Howell from Knitty Gritty made this fun video ya'll might like!

Enjoy.

Knitted purses with bangle bracelet handles

This was a Fire Mountain Gem's ad that ran on the back of a knitting magazine (I think) a while back and I got a bunch of email's asking for the pattern. So now a million years later....here is a rough outline of generally how to make these babies!
Supplies:
2 bangle bracelets
yarn
knitting needles in a size to make a pretty tight stitch (in other words if you are a loose knitter go down a size)

I used Iris Schreier's method of casting directly onto rings and binding off with rings. She covers these methods on her Belt episode of Knitty Gritty and in her book-Exquisite Little Knits.

Now please remember these are estimates based on me looking at my finished purses and I can't guarantee perfect accuracy, either now or when I made them since I was simply figuring it out as I went and I was makin' them fur me and I'm not so picky!

For the Green Purse:

Cast on about 13 stitches
Working in garter stitch inc 1 at the beginning of most rows . As best I can count there seems to be about 10 rows on each side of the purse and about 22 stitches along the bottom fold.
Then working back up the other side dec 1 (k2tog) at the beginning of most rows.

Simply fold the two sides together and seem them up leaving about an inch open from the edge of the bracelet.

In the second picture there is a matching cuff. That is about 19 stitches wide and 14 rows tall knit in stockinette, I have a pretty small wrist.

For this fun pink and green version a double stranded with a furry yarn, they are from Iris's yarn company-Art Yarns.

This black and white one was done the same way.

For these:
CO about 18 st.
Knit in stockinette, inc at the beginning of most rows.
After about 8 rows double strand with both the main variegated yarn and the furry/eyelash yarn for about 6 rows.
Knit with just the main variegated for about 9 rows still inc at the beginning of most rows.
Then double strand again for 6 rows and increasing.
This will make one side.
Reverse for the other side:
Still double stranding with the main and eyelash yarn for about 6 rows this time decreasing on most rows.
then about 9 rows of just the variegated, 6 double stranding and then the final 8 rows with the variegated.
No I even gave this a shot with suede cord:
CO 11 stitches
Knit in garter stitch inc for the first few rows and then it looks like I stayed at about 18-19 stitches. Then worked back the same way as before. A note on this one, You can see how the cord changed from having a white edge to it not having the white edge. I made this a design element and added a Chinese coin at the end join in the center.

Well I hope you give this a shot. I know my directions are vague but I really am a "wing it" knitter.

Great Review over at Crafzine and Knitters Invade BEA

Whoo-hoo!
Sweater Surgery got a fab review over at Craftzine!
Pop over and check it out. And while your there check out all the crafty goodness.
I "heart" Craft.
-----------------------------------------------------------
And Knitters invaded BEA (Book Expo America) and I can prove it!
This is not one, but two Stefanie's in the F&W booth! This is Stefanie Japel, author of Fitted Knits, and soon to be released Glamknits-oooh so pretty. Stefanie is one of the most talented designers I know!
And here I am with the fabulous Crazy Aunt Purl, author of Crazy Aunt Purl's Drunk, Divorced, and Covered in Cat Hair
I love reading her blog- she covers the snarky, traffic, knitting, and price of gas with photos of the cutest cats thrown in! What more can you ask for!

And signing not one , but two books-The Yarn Harlot herself-all the way from across the border!
I am so in the mood for knitting after being around all of them!

Misti Chunky Ribs & Ruffles Scarf done with skull knitted needles

This free pattern from Misti alpaca rocks and was such fun to knit on my Skull knitting needles from Punk Knits.

Thanks to the person on LA Stitch & Bitch for posting about it!

In Loving Memory-The Dad of a Crafter

Today I learned of the passing of one of my dearest friend's Dad. Lorelei and I have produced a ton of Knitty Gritty episodes together. Nothing builds a friendship like being in the yarn trenches together. I called her to invite her to this month's Church of Craft meeting. I had been missing her, but I had just figured she was out on tour being a rock star. I was so very sorry to hear the news.

So I asked the gathering if it was OK to dedicate the meeting to him. Catholics say a mass in memory of a loved one, so we crafted in his memory.

Red Heart Hat Saga-I "heart" Scissors

My Hat Saga
Being Fierce With the Scissors

By The Sweater Surgeon

I put a call out for hat patterns using Red Heart yarn and I want to thank everyone who sent me patterns.

The first one I got I went with originally. But I felt like the brim was too puffy with a 2x2 rib and since I didn't make it as long as the pattern indicated since it looked really long-it was too short.
Lessons learned: I think I knit pretty loose and FOLLOW THE D*%^#M PATTERN!

So out came my beloved scissors and snip away!

In the mean time a few more patterns were in my "In-box". One used a 1x1 twisted rib, so I tested that stitch and voila!

So after two tries, I had a happy hat wearer.

Onto hat deux.

This time I started with the twisted rib, followed the measurement instructions, finished the hat and brought it to it's wearer. Too long this time, didn't mention that would be preferable to not have a folded up brim.

Out came ye trusted scissors and snip away!

So I'm not quite sure what the moral of the story is other than, thank goodness for invention of scissors.

PS: I love the way you get a spiral at the time when decreasing!

Vickie Howell at the Knit out!

Knit and Get Lit-with a finished scarf

Last night was Knit and Get Lit at Cha Cha in Silverlake. Lorelei taught a new visitor how to knit while another simply partakes in the "Get Lit" part of the evening.

I was focused, in between fixing Lorelei's booboo's in the big scarf she was working on that is one of Vickie's designs.

Here is my finished scarf. It is simply two balls of coordinating yarn that is variegated with similar colors. Knit the first color until it runs out than start the next ball. It is a great "no paying attention" project.

It was great catching up with Candi (not pictured, but in attendance earlier in the evening.

Yes, that is a camping lantern we bring a bit more light with us. Knitting in a dark bar can pose a challenge.

A good time was had by all.