Ever think you would see knitting here? I didn't! Well the other day I got this wild notion that I would teach myself to knit (like I don't have enough to do already), so I made some knitting needles out of some things I already had at home and watched you tube videos until I got the hang of it. I think I like it. I am very slow and my stitches are pretty uneven, but I can knit and purl now.
These knitting needles were super easy to make. I used a dowel rod that was a little smaller than a pencil. I chopped it in half (Using our little hatchet from the fireplace- What am I some kind of mountain woman? Shees!) then I sanded them down to a dull-ish point and use fine sand paper to get them really smooth all over so they wouldn't snag the yarn. I sharpened the other end with a pencil sharpener too and glued on these wooden beads that I had in my stash. Then I filled the other end of the bead with wood putty, when it was dry sanded it down smooth, and painted just the bead and putty with clear nail polish. Pretty easy huh? There were several videos on how to make these in various sizes all over the Internet, but I sort of used bits of each of them using what I had on hand.
The basket is one that my Granny gave me some time ago. I wanted to use it for crocheting where I could leave my yarn it it while I was working, but the yarn kept catching on the insides of the basket. So I just lined it with fabric and now it works perfectly, and it makes it very easy to take my projects from place to place too.
I lined the bag with a funky little floral fabric, added a zipper, a pocket and a fabric flower. It didn't turn out quite the way I had it planned as far as the color goes, but I'm happy with it. I guess a little funky never hurt anybody!
Comments
Loving that bag-even with the green! Course, I am biased because mint green is one of my favorite colors. *laughter* Enjoy the child free vacation, Mrs. Mountain Woman!
For my birthday my husband has given me a specific amount of money to take to a cool, local yarn shop I've only dreamed of buying yarn from. I'm trying to think of a specific item to make so I know what kind of yarn to get versus adding to an overgrown stash. I believe I'll be crocheting a granny square messenger bag I have a pattern for.
Where are you going on your kid-free trip? exciting!
Laura,
We are going to the Mountains! We go every year in January, it's always such a blast for us and the grandparents (who normally don't get the kids for more than 1 night).
I can't wait!
xoxo,
Samantha
Meghan,
I have heard so much about Ravelry from knitters that I signed up as soon as I could! I think it has been about 2 days now, but I haven't heard anything yet. I can't wait! Thanks for the tips, you have got me all excitedd!
xoxox,
Samantha
************************************************
Have fun!
MG
jenn
MG,
What do you think I should make for my first knitting project? I want to make something instead of wasing all of those stitches! The thought of a scrf right now though seems waaay to long...I need more instant gratification. LOL! Any ideas?
Thanks!
xoxox,
Samantha
*********************************************
latoniar29690,
I have read that book two or three times! It is a great book. Thankfully Molly is to the point that she reads most of her lessons now, so I get more free time. But Next year I will have to start all over with Tim needing the 1 on 1 teaching as I teach him to read. I better enjoy in while it lasts huh? LOL!
Have a wonderful day!
xoxo,
Samantha
*******************************************
If your garment comes out to 'tight' - loosen off the tension. If the stitches are too 'loose' tighten up slightly on the tension. If the garment is uneven - then put the knitting down, make tea and relax your shoulders.
You know something - crochet is something I have never learnt to do - you have nearly encouraged me to 'have a go'.... I love the puppy dog hat so much.. but still I hover at the edge of what to me is a very deep lake. Dare I take the plunge?
Ahavah
~Tami
tlb81003@normalonline.com