November 25, 2006
The Snake Becomes Hat!
It seems like I've been knitting forever on the brim of this hat... and this morning I finally started working on the crown. It's a good thing, too. because the time is growing short until I am due to give the hat away to its recipient. It is going well, and is fairly mindless knitting as usual, which is a good thing, because this time of year can be so stressful. I can't believe the holidays are coming so fast! I hope to be completed with the knitting on the hat by this time next week so I can do the felting process. That in itself can take days! And I don't have much time to get it right. Help!
And this is the pin I've selected to adorn the finished hat. I hope it has enough "Bling" to match the personality of the person who is receiving it!
Knitting DOES Rule!
I may be a latecomer to the party on this one, but I just bought Knitting Rules!: The Yarn Harlot's Bag of Knitting Tricks yesterday, and WOW! As usual I am enjoying Stephanie's wry wit, along with her "Pearl"s of wisom! It's not a hugely solid knitting reference book in the way that "Kniting for Dummies" or "Vogue Knitting" is, but I'm definitely learning a few things along the way... while laughing at the same time! A home run, if you ask me! Be sure to add this one to your Santa list...
November 16, 2006
The Big Blue Snake
I just cast on a couple of days ago for my next hat project, and this one has a deadline! Oh no! Deadlines spell doom for sure, but I'm gonna give it a good effort to get done in time.
Once again I am using the Fiber Trends AC-01 Hat Pattern, but for an added twist I am doing the wide brim version. I'm also not sure yet how I'm going to embellish the finished hat, whether I'm going to knit a hat band or do something with fabric or flowers or jewelry. It's the little embellishments I do at the end that I like best, and the things that make them unique and interesting. I certainly don't have a long time to think about it, though, so hopefully I will decide soon!
I'm also working on a knitted long stocking cap, which I am doing in a colorway that will make it look like a Santa hat. I don't have enough of it done yet to show, but when I do have some of the cabling done I'll snap a photo! But of course I have to finish the blue snake first! December 7 is the big day when this needs to be done. Wish me luck!
Knitting Resources
About Me - If you really GOTTA know who's writing this blog...
Got Feedback? Visit the Guestbook
Work in Progress: Aran Sampler Rainbow Blankie - Click this page to see all the cool designs that are going into this project!
Finished Object Gallery - This page doesn't have a lot on it! I'm notorious for not finishing projects. But check back from time to time as I just might surprise myself!
Trish's Knitting Library - This is an assortment of knitting books and related materials that I've enjoyed, so I thought I would share them with you.
Trish's Knitting Links - I surf a lot for knitting resources so I thought I'd start compiling my discoveries here. Check back often!
The KnitList - This is probably one of the oldest and most comprehensive knitting resources on the Web. There are literally thousands of members, and people are always ready to provide information and help.
KnitTalk - and if you're sick of the Knitlist and just want a warm fuzzy place to chat about knitting, try this group on for size.
KnitHatsNow - A mailing list devoted to people who love to knit hats! We maintain an always-growing list of free hat patterns available on the web.
KnittingScarves - A mailing list devoted to people who love to knit scarves! We maintain an always-growing list of scarf patterns available on the web. Crocheters are welcome, too.
Knitty - Very creative online knitting magazine. Great patterns and really great articles. Best of all, it's FREE.
Trish's Knitting Tips
Knitting Small Round Objects Without Double Pointed Needles (a.k.a., "The Magic Loop") - Learning this technique revolutionized the way I knit! The booklet which describes the technique in detail is published by Fiber Trends and is available through a huge variety of knitting retailers. I also found that I learned the technique on my own pretty well visiting this website: How to Knit Small Circumferences Using One Long Circular Needle.
Recently, I've found a website called Knitting Help.com where the Magic Loop technique is demonstrated. Click on the Advanced Techniques page to find the video.
My Own Patterns
Cables and Eyelets Scarf -- I put this pattern together and I'm enjoying it a lot so far! Of course, my sample is still in the UFO pile, but the pattern is a lot of fun to knit.
Fancy Cabled Braided Scarf -- My first pattern! I love cables, and I love this scarf. I hope you enjoy it, too!
Commercial Knitting Resources
The Yarn Market - My current favorite yarn store. A wide selection of beautiful and fun yarns.
Knitpicks - My other favorite yarn store. This one carries tons of accessories and doo-dads I can't live without! Recently, Knitpicks has begun carrying their own house-brand yarn. The reviews are good and the prices can't be beat! Be sure to check them out.
Denise Interchangeable Needles - I love these needles and I use them exclusively. I have two sets! The needle sizes range from 5-15, and the cables can be combined to make almost any length. I find these needles lightweight and easy to work with.
Favorite Knitting Blogs
WendyKnits - This one is a hoot to read and contains lots of info on really interesting projects! But, Kudos to Wendy's tip on Cabling Without a Cable Needle. I've read many directions before, but this one was the one that caused my "light bulb" to go off.
Archives
Visit My Other Sites!
Day Family on The Web - This is our family website; check often for updates on the kids and other news.
Parents with Disabilities Online - This is my project I manage for parents with disabilities. I really enjoy providing resources, information and support to families like ours, so that they know they're not alone.
Birtles Shorrock Goble - Founding members of the Little River Band, who have reunited and gave me the honor of doing their website!
Beeb Birtles' Official Website - The pleasure has been all mine to manage the web site for the life and times of Beeb Birtles, a founding member of the Little River Band.
DOT Disability Resource Center - This is where I work, and I also do the website for the office.
Powerscape, LLC - this is the website for my brother's business, which specializes in commercial power washing services.
©2004 Patricia Day; All Rights Reserved.
E-mail Trish: Trish@trishday.com