Finishing projects

 

This was a great week for finishing projects. I started this beanie months ago. It sat in a basket by my chair pretty much neglected. The color is unsparing, and it just wasn't a joy to use. Still, I was determined to finish it, and now that it's done I think it looks pretty good.

I finished the second scarf for my 7th grade girls. Yes, I have started the third one.

I had enough of the uninspiring grey yarn left for another beanie. I decided to crochet this one. I still don't like the yarn, but I've used it up! I'm sure someone will like this color, but it sure looks blah to me.

Renulek's Snow Doily is coming along nicely. I just love the way this round is worked!

Weekend work

Mom and I were busy this weekend. Mom has been making blankets on her circular knitting machine, and I have been dabbling.

Mean Green Goes Pink is at the end of October. I finished this granny throw over the weekend as my donation to the fund raiser.

Mom finished this throw, which is super soft and cuddly.

I have a lot of yarn in my stash that doesn't work well with the circular knitting machine, so I'm using this book as inspiration for using up some of my yarn.

The idea presented in the book is to crochet strips that will lie horizontally instead of vertically. The strips can be any width I choose. I'm making them 40" long. My first strip is single crochet with 21 stitches. The second strip is single crochet in back look only with 30 stitches. I plan on making strips in a variety of colors and then I will mix and match them.

Renulek's Snow Doily is coming along well. Round 4 looks complicated, but it's really very simple. I am thoroughly enjoying this pattern!

Snow doily

 

I started Renulek's Snow Doily yesterday. I can't believe I have three rounds done already. This is so much easier than keeping track of where I am in a heart pattern!

School knitting

 

I have about a 25 minute break between the two high school lunches that I supervise, so I've been taking knitting with me for something to do during that time. This scarf pattern is from one of my favorite knitting books, Sequence Knitting by Cecelia Compochiaro. The book is expensive, but it is one of the best investments I've ever made. The pattern is Ruddock, one of my favorites in the book.

Two middle school girls have been asking me about my progress on the scarf on a regular basis. They're fascinated by knitting. I've started another scarf. It's easy to stay motivated with an audience!

Mistakes

 

Don't look too closely. There are two major mistakes that I made in this pattern. First, I missed four double stitches and a picot on the first ring of the first round. Second, I missed a join on the first clover leaf of the second round. Luckily, the mistakes aren't glaringly obvious because of the multi-colored thread. I know I will have to pay much closer attention when I re-tat these patterns in a solid color! The pattern is PDF Hearts Shuttle Tatting by Halyna Tkachuk from Gail Weaver on Etsy.

One thing I really appreciate about these patterns is that they are completely different. I was expecting the same center with different edges. I think these will be okay for our February display, if Denise decides she likes them. I have a feeling, though, that she will prefer them in a solid color. I haven't decided whether to use a soft pink or red. I know Denise would like the pink. What would your choice be?

School spirit

 

Our school colors are green and gold, and I decided to make gnomes for our secretaries and administrators. All are the same, and I think they're adorable!