I've Been Knitting :)

On and off for the last couple of months I have been knitting beanies! 

So far, I have one completely finished and another on the needles. I'm not sure if it's just me, but it takes me quite a while to knit. Crocheting I can finish in a day, but knitting is a little harder on my fingers :( However, I personally prefer the look and, in my experience, the longevity of knitted beanies over the crocheted ones. 

Both of these beanies follow a basic pattern of a 3" ribbed band and 7" of stockinette. The total length is 10". I plan to reopen and stock these items in my Etsy shop in the next couple of months. 

The first beanie is made with Patons Classic Wool in Natural Mix. The second is a combination of Patons Classic Wool in Royal Purple and Deborah Norville's Serenity Sock Yarn in Teal Tease. I love the look of combining the solid with the variegated yarn. 

Just in case you were wondering, the needles are Knit Picks Rainbow Wood Circulars and the cute sheep stitch marker is one I've had for a while and can be found here. 

When creating and then selling wearable knitted items, I strive to use natural fibers and basic patterns to suit everyone. 

The Patons Classic Wool is one of my favorites to work with, besides the fact I can't just throw it in the wash :) 

The basic pattern leaves room for personality. I have an idea in my head of creating detachable bow, heart, or pom pom brooches to embellish the hats, so that is a near future task I have to tackle. Let me know what you think!

Be on the look out for more color options in these basic beanies and I will let you know when the shop reopens! 

Love. Peace. Happiness. 
B  

Knit/ Crochet Essentials

As with any craft/ hobby there are certain "essentials" needed to create a beautiful project. Personally I dabble in just about every kind of art and crafty thing there is, so I have a lot of essentials :) However, for the time being I thought it would be a good idea to list and show how I store my knit and crochet essentials.

I carry along a clear view zippered case from Knit Picks with me always. This is their Tool Pouch from the Knitting Project Bags line. I absoutely love this bag! Sturdy, small yet big size, and zipper were winners for me. I throw this bag in my purse where ever I go. I do not have a knitting bag as I also have to tote around a 3year old, lol, so that's enough for me :)

I keep (from right to left):

• View Sizer purchased at Knit Picks- handy ruler, needle sizer, and magnifying glass
• Steeking Scissors purchased at Knit Picks- pointy tip, sharp, cover
• Plastic Darning Needles purchased all over- for sewing and weaving with bulky yarn
• Emergency Fix Keychain purchased from Knit Picks- dual sided crochet hook for picking up dropped stitches, adding on tassles, etc
• Tape Measure purchased at dollar store- measuring :)
• Curved Daring Needles purchased at Michaels came in two sizes for weaving in ends and sewing, great twist on closure
• Cable Needles purhased from Hiya Hiya- cabling
• Extra Yarn great for holding onto live stitches ie: sleeves
• Altoids Tin purchased at drug store- breath freshners??? :)

Of course its not for mints! This handy dandy tin is filled with knitting notions!

All these useful little gadgets would always be lost with out this tin.

• Bobby Pin I found that this common object is 100x better at holding crochet stitches than the Slip Stitch Markers
• Stitch Markers in 3 different sizes for knowing where the beginning of your round is in circular knitting
• Slip Stitch Markers in 2 different sizes and 4 different colors for crochet
• Row Counter from Lion Brand- counting rows, I attach mines to a stitch marker with a ball chain
• Locking Stitch Markers from Hiya Hiya- these safety pin look alikes are perfect for knowing where you are
• Darning Needles purchased all over for those pesky ends and sewing  
• Point Protectors must protect those knitting needle tips and keep work from sliding off!
• Interchangeable Needle Key for both my Boyle and Knit Picks Harmony Circular knitting needles
• Wire Yarn Stranding Guide purchased from Knit Picks for intarsia which I have yet to master

I hope this helps the newbies and also the seasoned knitters and crocheters.

Love. Peace. Happiness. 
B