February 5, 2010
Sorry about the extended absence but I had a really good reason. My grandma, from Germany, was here!!!
We had a wonderful time together but it wasn’t enough. It never is enough.
But I am back and will be catching up on blogs this weekend and even updating my own with some knitting 
January 12, 2010
I made my goal! I got Little Man’s hat and cowl done just in time to go back to school. And he needed them!
Waves Cowl:
Pattern: Soft Waves by Jan Eaton
Dates: Dec 25, 2009-Jan 1, 2010, first FO of the year!
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted
Hook: G
Notes: I was originally going to make this a scarf but i just didn’t feel like it at all, so Little Man and I had a chat and he agreed to a cowl especially once he knew it would be done quicker.
“Hat Like Rabbit’s”
We have had the book “Shall I Knit You a Hat?” by Kate Klise and this year Little Man asked me to make him a hat like Rabbit’s in the book. No Problem!
Pattern: The pattern for the hat is in the back of the book but you can also find the same pattern called The Jester Hat in The Yarn Girl’s Guide to Kid Knits.
Dates:Dec 26, 2009-Jan 3, 2010
Yarn: Crystal Palace Yarns Fjord Solid in New Snow, Bluebell and Jet Black. Just under one skein of each color.
Needle: Size 7
Notes: The pattern in the book only goes up to 3 yr old so I cast on 108 sts to make it fit Little Man’s hat. Rabbits hat is also pictured with ear flaps and ties so I had to add those since they are not in the pattern and our hat has to be “like rabbit’s”.
I also added a fleece lining for extra warmth and did a crochet edging.
The “ears” don’t stay up as well as they did for the photo but he still likes it and has worn it every day.
So while we had a warm head and neck we were still missing some mittens. We had some gloves that we bought but Little Man was very adamant that he needed mittens this year too. I got the first mitten done pretty fast but i was a bit slow on starting the second mitten and these are mittens you could easily finish in an evening at most two. So every day for three days Little Man said to me ” I really wanna wear my blue mittens but only that one is done.” Talk about guilt trip. I finally cranked out the last mitten in a couple hours.
Pattern: Super Mittens from Weekend Knitting
Dates: Jan 3-Jan 7, 2010
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted, held double
Needle: 10.5
Notes: I worked the pattern as written for the smallest size but I did have to add two more rows to the length of the hand.
Good thing I got the mittens done when I did because that same night we got a few inches of snow.
Little Man is finally all set for winter now.
January 1, 2010
Sillyness, originally uploaded by Craftydiddl.
May you all have a happy and healthy New Year!!!
December 27, 2009
Ready for the New Year, originally uploaded by Craftydiddl.
I got some good ones this year. I love my calendars, they hang all over the place and to me they are works of art that change monthly. I am especially looking forward to the day-by-day ones. They look like they have some good patterns this year.
I know most people are all about their electronic calendars but i will always love my hanging calendars.
I can’t believe in just a few days it will be 2010.
December 26, 2009
First Time Tube Socks by Ann Budd for my grandma.
Sideways Grand Cloche from Boutique Knits for me.
Aunt Maggie’s slippers by Beverly A. for my mother-in-law.
Mini Weasley Sweater Ornaments from Charmed Knits for Little Man and sister-in-law and her girlfriend.
Bella’s Mittens by Marielle Henault for me. I saw a sample of these at a yarn store, tried them on and loved them instantly. I had to make them right away Love these!!
Aunt Maggie’s Slippers for Little Man.
It’s been busy around here and the list of projects is never-ending. Little Man has been on my case because i haven’t made him any of his winter gear yet this year and i have a hat and mittens already. I know…bad mommy. I have started the scarf though and the hat will follow right after. I am hoping to send him back to school with one maybe even two items of warmth. Wish me luck.
How was everyone’s Christmas? Ours was really nice!
These are our Christmas Eve Jammies and we had them on all night and all Christmas day! Hubby and Little Man even have a song they sing when they first get their new Christmas Eve Jammies.
What great memories
Hope yours was just as great and memorable.
December 25, 2009
I hope you all had a Very Merry Christmas.
November 25, 2009
Happy Turkey Day!, originally uploaded by Craftydiddl.
Happy Thanksgiving to those that celebrate. Have a wonderful day!
November 21, 2009
November has flown by. I can’t believe Thanksgiving is next week already. Besides Halloween stuff i have posted nothing this month. It’s not like i am lacking in things to write about just slacking.
I finished my Mystery Socks a couple weeks ago as some of you may have noticed on Ravelry.
Pattern: Mystery Socks ‘09 by Kristen Kapur from Through the Loops
Dates: October 2-November 4, 2009
Yarn: Patons Stretch Socks in Kelp
Needles: Size 2 (2.75 mm) double points
Notes: Since it was a Mystery pattern and I was trying to make sure I finished each clue on time so I made no changes. When I make these again I think I will make the leg longer and use a solid colored yarn. I am very happy with how these came out and I finally have another pair of socks for my happy feet.
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A couple week ago Little Man and I had the pleasure of getting to take care of my mom’s neighbor’s cats. My mom usually cares for the cats but happened to be out-of-town at the same time as the neighbors. But that’s okay because we had great fun with the cats and Little Man fell in love with them. He was so bummed when it was our last day because he knew we probably won’t see the cats again or not for a very long time.
This is Bunky. He is very playful and likes a good petting after eating. He also likes to show off his talents on the kitty tower.
Then we have the stoic cutie pie with his socks
This is Waymore. He is a bit jumpy but if you leave him be and then let him sniff your hand, after he has relaxed, he will allow you a quick pat on his back and chin scratch.
Maybe we will see them again some time.
November 1, 2009
How was everyone’s Halloween?
We had a really great day. It started off at the orchestra hall seeing a program for kids where they played spooky songs. It was really neat and brought me back to my violin playing days. That was followed by some lunch and then home to relax a bit before the big night.
Then it was time!
Little Man had a good time and brought home quite a bit of candy!
Hubby wants it all for himself.
Time for some FO’s!
First up-Cute!
Pattern: Stella Pixie Hat by Kristen Regren
Dates: Sept. 14-Oct 15, 2009
Made for: Peyton
Yarn: Patons Stretch Socks in Sugar
Needles: US 3
Notes: I made a couple small changes. As i have mentioned before seaming is not my friend. The pattern has you knit the strap separately and then sew it on. I knew of i did that i would ruin how nice the hat was looking. Trust me I would have. So i picked up the stitches along the bottom of the hat and knit about 8 rows. Then on the side of those 8 rows of garter stitch i picked up stitches again to knit the strap piece that would go under the chin. I could have cast on the extra stitches and then picked up the stitches along the bottom of the hat so the strap was done in one step instead of two. I felt doing it the way I did gave me more control over how long I was making the piece that would be going under the chin. I also went with velcro instead of the buttons. It’s adorable! I can’t wait to see it on Peyton.
Next: Manly
Pattern: Gusset Heel Basic Sock in Socks from the Toe Up by Wendy Johnson
Date: June 12-Sept 18, 2009
Made for: Lane
Size: Shoe Size 11. Cast on 72 sts
Yarn: Patons Stretch Socks in Licorice
Needles: US 2
Notes: I love the heel on these socks. No picking up stitches!! The stockinette dragged on at times but i them done and hubby is very happy with them.
Whew! Next up should be my mystery socks. I am very close to being done.
Then I want to start some socks I saw in the new Interweave Holiday Knits for my Omi. The price went up quite a bit on the magazine, i didn’t even notice until she was ringing it up, makes me thankful for 40% off Joann coupons.
Have a good start to the week!
October 31, 2009
Grrrrrrr!!!!!
Little Man’s Pumpkin Creations
Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!
 | CrimsonPurl_Stacey on Good Reason |
 | Joanna Kostrzewa on Good Reason |
| Stacey_CrimsonPurl on Winter Gear |
 | Karen on Winter Gear |
| Joanna Kostrzewa on Winter Gear |
