Such A Wonderful Day

Today is Monday and have I decided to take the day off from work. Its a grey, blowy day and I couldn't be more pleased to be home. Originally it was to extend for our anniversary weekend (one year!) but I forgot that Hubby's at school all day so its just me and the pets.

This morning I dropped hubby off and ran a few errands. You know, grocery shopping, library, the dog park, etc. When I got home I cleaned up the house a bit and was finished with all my obligations before noon. So I lit a fire and pulled the dog bed out to the living room. Cooked up some lunch, poured a glass of wine (I'm such a lush) and curled up in front of the tube while the animals curled up themselves. Everyone was in their happy place. I actually kept having to poke the cat because he snores so loud.

                          
It's been FAN-tastic. A very good day today.

As I was feeling very good about myself, I thought there couldn't be a better time to start a new personal best in knitting. Knitting in the round. Until now I have only been knitting glorified squares. Today's project was a fingerless glove with thumb hole. And I am pleased to report my first project came out very similarly to the picture I was copying. Have a look.

I got the pattern from Knitting New Mittens and Gloves by Robin Melanson. I didn't find it easy. I kept having to look up instructions for all the knitting lingo on the internet, but that's ok. It's how you learn, right? If I finish the other glove before the season is over, I will be very proud of myself.

Resource for Bored but Beginning Knitters

When I was planning my wedding I came across some book that had a bunch of wedding-related knitting ideas. Mostly favors, gifts, etc. But this one also had a wedding gown. Can you imagine knitting a wedding gown?!? I think I would sooner pluck out my eyes and play ping pong with them.

I've been knitting on and off for about a year, and I enjoy doing things that are basically glorified squares (dishtowels, washcloths, coasters, etc) To the right we have a pretty basic scarf that I started for my mother-in-law last Christmas and didn't finish until yesterday. (I know, I'm bad. Especially since it was supposed to be her Christmas present and then her birthday present. Oh, her birthday is in April. Sorry Carla. ) I will have to make her a more interesting one someday. But hey... it was made with love. Still, I can't imagine knitting a sweater let alone a wedding gown (in case you didn't catch that from my eye-plucking comment.) Anyway, I digress.

I found this great book that shows you how to make really interesting looking scarves that aren't too complicated and don't loose my attention span. It's called Knitting New Scarves by Lynne Barr. It's got some really fun ideas on how to make something more than a glorified square. So if you like knitting, check out out. Winter is a-comin'. Now I just need to go get me some new yarn.

Recycled Textile Idea

Over the weekend I attended a textile recycling class at a local non-profit called The Giving Tree and they showed me a really great way to use those old shirts and rags that are taking up useless space in your closet and make them into new things such as bags, rugs, or... coasters. But you do need to have a basic knowledge of knitting or crochet.

1) First, extract that old shirt out of your husband's fingers, because he never wears it, despite his pleading. (Just kidding, Hubby actually gave me this one, but I have plans for some of the others with holes in them.)
2) Trim off the hem at the bottom, the sleeves, and the collar. You can use a regular fabric scissor, obviously, but I found it to be much faster and easier to use a rotary cutter and a mat.

3) Then cut the fabric into one continuous piece, about 3/4" thick using a zigzag motion. (I was cutting parallel to the seems.)

4) Once you're finished, wrap the fabric into a ball and you are ready to knit or crochet.

I used large knitting needles for this project. I'm not sure what size, but they are 10.0 mm thick.

One shirt produces 3 coasters, with a bit leftover. I wasn't ready to do a whole rug so these worked out well. Other ideas are pot holders, reusable grocery bags, rugs, or heavy blankets for the foot of your bed on cold winter nights.

So dig out those old shirts, rags, or sheets and remake them into something new! It's really easy if you already have a basic knowledge of knitting and crochet, and it's a inexpensive way to make gifts.

Bodacious Thanksgiving Scarf

Ahhh, Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving. I love the food, the family, and the relaxation. While Hubby watched football this afternoon, I was finally able to finish the scarf I started back on our honeymoon. I'm still a newb when it comes to knitting, but I think it turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself. 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!