Crochet...Or something like that

Crochet.  I'm still not sure how I feel about you yet. On one hand, I'm pleased that I can now figure out how to do a half double and double crochet.  On the other hand...I looked through a pattern book at Barnes and Noble this weekend, and it appeared that it was written in hieroglyphics.  

Now, I know I complained about knitting when I was first learning...but...crochet really is more confusing! Some people say it is easier, and I agree.  But, it's just so...so...abnormal.  I will persevere though.  I want to make cute amigurumi and maybe start a granny square blanket once I figure out how to make a granny square.  

Jackie gave me my second lesson yesterday, and with her help I made a mug cozy made up of single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet rows.  And then she showed me how to make a cute scalloped border.

I attempted to follow a pattern last night to make a cute little crochet owl. It took me about 5 rounds before I realized I was making a slip stitch wrong, so my stitch count is probably way off.  And I kind of winged how to change colors...so I'm sure I did that wrong.  But, I am mostly proud that I figured out how to make a magic ring all on my own.  With the help of YouTube.  A French Knot for the eye though?? Yeah....that wasn't very successful. And as it was just practice, I didn't bother to add any safety eyes. 

I may or may not look like an owl

  

Needle Nook Prize Winner!

Thank you all for participating in my first ever giveaway! I am so pleased with how many people participated - I removed the comment replies so there was an accurate number of people and no duplicates.  Using a Random Number Generator, the winner is.....

Congratulations, Evelyn! I will be messaging you soon!

I hope to do more giveaways in the future, and if you're interested in donating any goodies please let me know! 

And don't forget to do some shopping at Slipped Stitch Studios and use the special coupon code KnitPurlWait15 to save 15%!

A Happy Kitty

Chloe is very pleased with her dishcloth kitty blanket I crocheted (apparently for her). 

But I think she likes the fish her daddy caught for her even better.  

Hooker in Training

"Single Crochet....Chain 3...Crud" may just become the new title of this blog.  I've picked up a hook and am putting my left pointer finger to yarn carrying use and it's not pretty. 

First, I cannot make a slip stitch to save my life.

Second, it just feels weird - and not quick at all!

But, I'm getting there.  My wonderful friend Jackie who is a talented knitting hooker (I don't think this will ever get old...) got me started on a dish cloth.  She started it with the equivalent of a crochet cast on and did a row and a half before passing it to me...and I gotta say.  I'm not doing too badly! My left hand is screaming at me wondering why I am using it but I did a whole bunch of rows.  Granted, it's only single crochet...nothing fancy, but that's OK.  I feel my grandmother, the best hooker I knew, would be proud of me.  Well. Maybe not that I called her a hooker, but grams, that's the lingo the cool kids use these days.

Amigurumi here I come!

Slipped Stitch Studios Giveaway (& Special Discount Code!!)

I have been a huge fan of the project bags from Slipped Stitch Studios for quite some time and am so happy to share this exciting give-away with you! 

SSS was founded in 2009 by the talented Laura Lundy who combined her love of fiber arts with the need to provide for her newborn child.  The business world's loss soon became the fiber artist's gain because Laura put her sewing skills to good use and started creating some of my favorite project bags along with other goodies such as her miPattern wallets (perfect for keeping your patterns close by), travel scissors, and quirky pins and magnets.   What I love about her items is that each one is handcrafted with fun, whimsical fabric and not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it's sturdy and practical too!  

Laura's products such as the miSwift Cover and miPattern Magnets have even been reviewed in the magazines Knit Simple, Crochet Today, Knit Scene and online at Knitty.Com! Recently, Laura has begun to make the transition from her Etsy shop to her new website which is much easier to navigate & quite snazzy if I do say so myself.

So, leave those ziplock bags behind and try one of these fun bags! Laura has not only been very generous to donate one of her needle nooks but for all readers of Knit, Purl, Damn! she has created a special discount code to save 15% off your entire purchase from SSS.  At checkout simply enter knitpurlwait15 (Expiration Date: October 20, 2012)

My yarn swift is now debonair

I use my Project+ bag (in the fun squirrel map fabric which is sadly discontinued) for almost all of my average/medium sized projects.  It's perfect for a one to two skein project with plenty of room to hold extra notions in the two large interior pockets.  And the sturdy handle, is great for draping over your arm while you knit!  I also have a cute Sock+ bag which I won from a give-away on the Slipped Stitch Studio facebook page back in December.  While only 8" tall, it still holds a lot! I use this bag for almost ALL my small projects and bigger ones while they are still in the early days.  This bag is in a fun winter/Christmas themed pattern...but that's OK for the rest of the year, because all of Laura's bags are fully reversible! I also purchased the miSwift Cover to protect my new yarn swift - spacious enough for not only my swift but the ball winder as well (note: winder was dissembled). 

A Needle Nook of AWESOMENESS in action

Laura sent me a very fun Needle Nook to review and give away to one very lucky reader.  I have been intrigued by these nooks for quite some time, so I was very excited to see one in person.  If most of your projects, like mine, tend to be knitted in the round then this is the product for you! From socks on the go to even shawls, simply put your needles inside the case and snap shut - the pouch keeps your work from falling off your needles while being lugged about from your day to day travels be it while commuting to work, going to the movies, or out to dinner.  Nothing is worse then going to grab your project out of the bag only to find out your rubber needle point protectors have popped off and you now have quite a few dropped stitches.  Well, the Needle Nook keeps that from happening and is fashionable too! And I absolutely love the little zippered pouch to hold notions like extra stitch markers and cable needles without having to bring your entire notion bag.  I am absolutely in love with this product and know you will be too! They retail for $14.99 but for one lucky reader it will be completely free!

One of these will be given away....hint: it's probably not the dog

Giveaway Rules:

• Open to all domestic readers and no purchase is necessary (sorry international readers!)
• One entry per person
• Leave a comment telling me about what made you decided to learn how to knit or crochet by 11:59 pm EST on Sunday October 7th. (Please also leave either an e-mail address or ravelry handle for me to contact you by!)
• Winner will be chosen and announced here on October 8, 2012 using a Random Number Generator

Good luck, friends! And remember, everyone is a winner with the special discount code KnitPurlWait15 to save 15% off your entire order from Slipped Stitch Studios

Just don't give a knit

I had the unfortunate realization tonight that it is almost October.  Which means, logically, that it is almost Christmas.  

This leaves me with an interesting dilemma: Do I attempt to knit all presents this year? Or, do I try to knit all presents wind up only making one and flip a coin to see who will be the lucky recipient?

I have a feeling there will be a lot less knitted Christmas presents this year. 

New Beginnings

Autumn is my favorite time of year.  It reminds me of fresh starts & new beginnings...of going back to school, leaves changing colors, candy apples and fall festivals.  Of carving pumpkins, drinking hot cider, and not sweating my butt off while knitting.  And most importantly, it reminds me of Nate.  

I met my life partner 4 days into my freshman year of college, and we just celebrated our 10th anniversary this week.  And while he didn't propose to me (really, NATE, what are you waiting for?!) he did gift me an AMAZING yarn swift.  Yippee!!!! Now I can cake my own yarn.  

Like the TARDIS it is both blue and bigger on the inside

We just returned from a vacation up to Maine.  We rented a beautiful, little cabin on Basin Cove in Harpswell, Maine.  And he humored me on all of my yarn journeys....if that isn't love, I don't know what is!

Love this yarn!

Cast On!

On our way up, Nate & I stopped in Portland where we ate at the amazingly delicious Duck Fat.  There was a bit of a wait, but it was definitely worth it! Have I mentioned it is amazingly delicious? Afterwards, I stopped at Knit Wit to pick up some Quince and Co yarn and needles so that I could work on the Rustling Leaves Beret pattern from the Coastal Knits book.  I am a huge fan of their Tern yarn base! It is very affordable, and just a pleasure to knit with - I picked up a skein in Stonington and a skein in Oyster.  As the beret is for my boss I figured nice, local yarn would be fantastic.

As most know, Nate and I have conflicting work schedules -- I work Monday through Friday in a normal 8:30 to 5...and Nate, who works for the hospitality industry usually works 3 pm to 11 pm. So we never see each other awake :(  It was great to spend a week with him in an area we love.  Nate was also able to help his Uncle Mark build a barn. 

Good ol' fashion Barn Raising

While the boys built a barn, Nate's mom, aunt and I went yard sale-ing where I found a knitter's yard sale! Tons of yarn and pattern books - for $8 (plus a $2 guilt tip) I snagged a circular needle case, a skein of crazy zauberball, and a ton of books (including some knitting motivational ones like the Knitting Sutra).  

Nate's mom and I also went to a new yarn store in Freeport called Mother of Purl - but more on that in another entry! Because I have a review to do :) And I'm waiting for her website to go live.

Amazing, amazing pattern

It was a pretty lazy fantastic week. We went on fun drives, went fishing, paddled out in the kayaks, and just spent time together.  And I got a lot of knitting done! 

It was also fun to have his aunt, uncle, cousin and grandfather over for a home-cooked meal complete with crabs and steamers.  I'm not a big seafood eater, but even I was chowing down on crab legs. 

As with all vacations, it is sad when it is over.  On Friday, we took a very leisurely drive down Coastal Route 1 where we stopped at several antique stores (found a yarn swift for $300!) and had fun chatting.  10 years together flew by....and I'm looking forward to another 10 more.   Now....if only he will propose (*hinthintNATE*)

So, to celebrate my decade-a-versary, I will be hosting a FANTASTIC give-away in a couple of weeks :) I am so stinkin' excited to share more details but let's just say it will be from one of my favorite companies! They've been mentioned in this blog before....so you might be able to figure it out :)  .... Have you found it?? No?? OK...Fine...I will give you a small hint: SSS.  ---pp--   s-i--   --udi-o- 

This give-away  will be launching something new I want to begin with my blog such as product reviews, yarn store reviews, etc.  As I'm a slow knitter, I'm slightly bored with the WIP and FO posts I've been doing lately....so I'm looking for a bit of a new beginning if you will!

As I type away, I will be looking forward to feedback, suggestions, and products to look into!