Just Fetch?

If I start a project after 9:00 p.m. the chances of something going wrong are very high. I told myself that I would just cast on and do the actual knitting the following morning, but my love for knitting cables urged me on, and so I just kept knitting.

The pattern is Knitty's Fetching, but I completely skipped the row where I was supposed to work the cable at the top and by the time that I noticed I had cast off and woven in the ends.
Afer much deliberation, I decided to "act" like I did it intentionally and make the other glove in the same erroneous manner.

Let me say, since they are for Ivy (the young lady that I taught to knit) who is cold at work and needing her fingers for typing, I think this is better because the glove does not impede one's ability to type effectively.

I used the yarn called for in the pattern--Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran-- and after blocking, they are very soft and have a nice sturdy feel to them. I will definitely use the yarn again. I don't know if I will make the gloves again. For the most part, it was exceptionally easy. The problem came with the thumb gusset. HOLES. Although I twisted the picked up stitches, I still had to use my yarn for weaving to close the holes. If I make them again, I will pick up 3-4 stiches on the sides rather than 2 to ensure that there are no holes.

When it's all said and done. They are fun to knit and super-d-duper quick. I recommend the pattern with the knowledge that you will have to make some modifications.

Because of my error, I have a little more than 6 yards left and only used one ball. I had purchased two, just in case. I am at the very end stages of a baby hat that I really like and plan to post pics of it tommorrow.

Have a blessed day!

Birthday Goodness

My oldest daughter turns 20 tomorrow. Since I'm all about bags these days, of course, she will be receiving one amongst her birthday goodies.

Before I opened my Etsy shop, I knit about four cabled bags and rather than put my business name on the tags, I decided to put the recipients name on them. So, using Shrinky Dinks for the inkjet computer, I made a sample tag. Since that time, the CPSIA laws state that plastic items have to be tested, which can be very costly. Rather than test, I pulled these little purses from my Etsy shop. Anyway, all of that was just to say that I remembered the little tags that I made and also used a Shrinky Dinks sheet to personalize Paige's bag.

cute little (unsellable) purse

This is a very fun project. I used Microsoft Publisher to design the tag. You want to make or print your image 3 times larger than you expect it to be. When you're about done, set your oven to 250 - 300 degrees. Cut it out, I find that a rotary blade works best. If you don't have one, scissors will certainly do the job.

This next two pictures were taken for scale. The tag is huge before it shrinks. Also, it is important to set your picture to transparent or make the ink as light as possible. Once it cooks, it turns quite a bit darker. If you want a hole in it, it's a must to punch it before shrinking because the plastic will be too hard afterwards.

I heart crafting. I wonder if anyone who knows me ever expects a store bought gift? How about you? What percentage of your gift giving is hand crafted? This is not a rhetorical question. I'd like to know. Really.

Is There a Statute Of Limitations...

...on giving birthday gifts?

I sure hope not, because this gift is shamefully late. There is a dear young lady that goes to my church who will be the recipient of this gift. I instantly thought of her when I saw this little mesh thing-a-ma-jig to put your tea into. She likes to drink tea and hot chocolate and stuff. So, once I purchased the tea thingy I thought "why not make a teacup cozy"?

I bought the buttons for a baby sweater but didn't use them. It's good to have inventory, or stash, or some people just call it stuff, 'cause you can just go shopping in your own house. ;)

I can say that while I try to never say never, I won't ever make this again. All those ends to weave in for something so small. That is why it is two birthdays late. Oh, my hand is over my mouth! I have now told how pitifully late the gift is. Oh Well, happy belaaaaaaaaaaaaaaated birthday Ashley! To everyone else, have a wonderful Wednesday.