I Love To Craft

Looming Demonstration @ Girlfriends

2010-03-07T09:01:00.002-06:00

On February 18th I did a demonstration for the local Girlfriends group in Trenton. I think everyone enjoyed it and I might even have a few converts to try out looming soon. I'm planning on having some craft meeting get-togethers in the near future besides looming maybe we can work on crocheting and knitting (for whichever craft they know or want to learn) and maybe scrapbooking or card making. I'm hoping that eventually we can come up with a charity project that we can work on together or all make the same thing to send somewhere, that it is needed. They are alot of good projects out there to choose from, so when it comes time to make a decision I think I will put up a list of possibilities.

I first talked a little bit about the history of loom knitting, which is thought to have started back with the early North American Indians with finger knitting, and then on to sticks with short sticks in a row. In fact the earliest knitting rake was found made in Germany in 1535. (This is information I've found on the internet and in loom knitting books). Then I talked about the many different looms available now and how I got started. I first started with the Knifty Knitter Round Loom set of four brightly colored looms. Then I moved on to their set of Knifty Knitter Long Board Looms and then slowly branched out to handmade looms from Decor Accents and CinDWood Crafts. The differences in the different looms such as the Knifty Knitters are plastic and the others are usually made of wood. There are also differences in the gauges of the looms, which is the size of stitches that they make. The Knifty Knitters are more of a large gauge, wider stitch and can use bulky yarn easier too. Where the others come in a wide range: small gauge, fine gauge and the really small extra fine gauge (which is what they use alot for socks). Then I had to show them my attempt of a sock on the extra fine gauge XL loom...which I've decided I need more patience and time to actually ever get one done, I can't even imagine a pair! Ha! ha! But I do plan on trying to make a pair of socks sometime this year on one of the larger looms instead and see how that goes. And there are also a few weblinks with instructions on how to make your own looms...which I have been lucky to have a woodworking neighbor to make me a few too!

I showed the many different knitting looms I have (which if you look back at one of my past entries you can see all of my looms that I've stored on a door). We talked about the different looming that you can do on the Round looms, which you can either do a full circle (which makes a tube) or back and forth (which they call flat panel looming). Then on the Long Looms which are board looms or sometimes rakes. Board looms usually line up the pegs on both sides of the two rows and you can loom stitches back and forth which makes a double knitting thickness, or you can loom in the round or like you do on the round looms. Rake looming is what I usually do when I'm doing a flat panel on a long loom.

Plus I showed the many different tools that I have accumulated through the years, alot of the tools are the same that you might use for needle knitting or crocheting. Some of the tools I have are: Row counters, Scissors, crochet hooks, tapestry needles, stitch guides, stitch markers, measuring tapes, picks or hooks to use for your knitting loom. My favorite hook is actually a tool that my husband says is a O-ring pick, but there are several out there and the different loom makers also have different picks of their own too.

I showed several of the books and booklets that I have accumulated over the years and a few DVD's that I have. Plus I had some of the patterns that I have got over the internet too. Then I did more of a show-n-tell of some of the many projects that I've made: hats, scarves, potholders, purses, prayer shawls, swiffer pads, scrubby-o's, etc... Plus Jean K. and Sonya T. also had some of their projects to show that they had made too. Jean shared her experience with using "any" yarn that you have on hand to start with. Her first hat I had told her she could use whatever yarn she had on hand...we didn't realize it was probably rug yarn...very bulky and thick, but it still was a great learning experience for her. And I think one of her sons really liked the warm hat that she came up with! Sonya had alot of different hats she had made her grand daughter and also an afghan she had made for her son.

I ended my demonstration by giving out some handouts of "Grammie's Newbie Links" from 10/22/06 and then also a handout I had made with links called "Video Help for Looming Stitches and Pattern Help" (which I ended up updating it and making it into a PDF file, so it was easier to go to the links). The the lucky participants got to put their names in for a drawing of prizes. I had a Swiffer pad & Scrubby-O; a washcloth & soap sack; and then I also had a Beauti Control little sample set in a zip-up back with a relaxation CD (for their own personal spa) and I had three more Scrubby-O's too so gave them away too.

We had a fun night, Jean K. also had a very nice devotional on Joy...having joy and sharing joy with others. And now that I'm typing this up finally I'm thinking maybe I should maybe put my demonstration online...with pictures of what I showed. Maybe that would help others too.

Looms, Looms everywhere looms!

2010-01-06T09:04:00.008-06:00

This last year I decided I needed some way to store my looms. And since the last few years I've acquired several looms for different projects, I was puzzled on how the best way for me to store them would be. Because they are all different sizes and shapes they don't seem to fit well in boxes that I have to store things. But since I have been making one of our extra bedrooms more of a craft room I decided I could use the door of the old toy closet. I first thought of peg board, but I really didn't want to buy something new and then I would've had to figure out how to install it. Then I saw the commercial for these hooks, that are easy to take off as well as put on. They don't leave marks on your walls...and since this all may be moved soon I didn't want marks where they weren't needed.

You must first have a clean surface. I had a friend help me put the hooks & looms up. So we would wipe our surface, dry it and then get the hook ready. I also kind of laid out how I wanted to put them up, on the floor...so I kind of had a plan. I decided the Knifty Knitter Looms are the most colorful and thought they would look neat on the out side of the door.

The hooks I used are called "Command" hooks by 3M, they come in several sizes: Small, Medium and Large. I used some of each, but mostly I used the Medium size, especially for the Knifty Knitter looms. The large one's I used on the heavier wooden looms and sometimes the looms used two hooks, especially the Infinity Board looms. The Medium size holds up to 3 lbs and I think the Large size would hold up to 5 lbs (I don't have the instructions now, but it says on the front of the box). I bought the value packs that had 6 hooks and 12 strips (which basically gives you an extra strip if you make a mistake on where you want your hook).

After we wiped our surface down with Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol and let it dry. Kelly would get the strips ready on the hook, and I would hold the loom up to where I wanted to put it. Then we would take the black liner off of the mounting strip and mount the hook...holding it in place for 30 seconds. Then you need to wait an hour before you put the looms on the hook to store...otherwise they might fall off and you have to restart the process. Also if you end up putting one in the wrong place, they are easy to take off. You just slide the hook cover up to reveal the base and removal tab. Hold base and pull straight down on the tab slowly. You will probably stretch about 12 inches and the base should release from the wall. Throw the old sticky tab away and put your hook either in storage to reuse later or get one of your extra adhesive strips and reinstall your hook on the wall.

You can find these hooks at several places besides Walmart & Target I also found them at all of the lumber/home stores like Home Depot, Lowes and Menards. At the home improvement stores I also found that some of them put them on sale every so often. Plan ahead if you are going to use these hooks and count all of your looms so that you have plenty of hooks on hand for when you go to putting them up.
After you get done with the front of your door, now it's time to do the back of your door. My other looms which some are homemade from my friend Kirk and other's from Decor Accents Looms & CinDwood Crafts and some miscellaneous, are all wood so I put them all together on the back of the door. The door has space between the door and the shelves, so I had plenty of space for the looms to hang without hitting the edge of the shelves.

Well hope this gives you some ideas on how to store your looms! You could also do something like this with peg board and peg board hooks. We have one room in our house that one wall was covered with peg board...I use to store some things on it. But since it is more a dining room/office/music room I really didn't think my looms would look that great there.

I'm also going to show you my yarn storage...as you can see I need to stay away from the yarn stores for awhile! Ha! ha! I like the boxes that are see through, makes it easy to see your different colors and yarn pretty good. But I also use duct tape and mark both ends of my box as to what kinds of yarn are in the boxes. For example: Dishcloth cotton yarn, homespun, chunky, Red Heart yarn, sock yarn, Simply Soft yarn, etc... That way when I'm needing a specific yarn I can find it a little easier. But as you can see I need to either get more projects done or get my clothes out of the rest of the closet! I guess I better get busy looming!!!

Now if I can just get my scrapbooking supplies and albums organized too. Now that would be an accomplishment!

Have a good day...stay warm and Happy Looming! or maybe I should say Happy Crafting!

Knifty Knitter's new Promotion...

2010-01-03T21:29:00.006-06:00

I forgot to tell you about the new promotion that Knifty Knitter from Provo Craft has released just this last month in December of 2009. You can purchase their new "kit" which has the flower loom, the red round loom, the green round loom, pink long loom (10 inch), finishing needle, knitting hook tool, project booklet and a FREE Project DVD (which is only available with this offer so far) for $19.99 + s & h. If you click on this picture you can go to their website and watch their infomercial and read all about it. I've ordered one...don't know why, except I want to have the DVD! I already have the looms, but you never know when you might need an extra one or two. LOL After all sometimes I have 3 or 4 projects going at one time...and more then one need the same loom...that's when an extra one is called for! It's supposed to take 4 to 6 weeks to get here by regular shipping (although you could pay a little more and get it faster if you want), so I'm patiently waiting to look it over.

Some of our wonderful looming ladies got asked to be in the infomercial and also have been the author's of some of the patterns offered on the DVD. Isela Phelps, Bethany Dailey, Jenny Stark, and Shannon Erling, all got to help with this project. Isela & Bethany tell all about it on their own blogs "Purling Sprite" and "GettingItPegged" (which you can find their links here on the right of my blog). Once I get mine, I will give you a little more detail about what the DVD holds, and what I think about it.

So if you don't already have your own looms yet, this would be a good time to get some! Especially now that they are including a DVD with it! I'm hoping that some of my friends will become more interested...so we can loom together! Until then...I still have alot of "loomy" friends from the internet. And oh...the projects they all make! There are so many to choose from it can just make your head spin on which one to make next. I suggest for those who are new to looming to start with hats and then scarves...then start venturing out from there.

Today was another cold day, starting off with a little bit of snow again. It's 8 degrees now this evening around 10 p.m., but they say it could get down to -12 to -17 degrees overnight. Brrrr! I guess we better bundle up good with some extra blankets! I've been keeping the laundry and dishwasher busy today, just in case the freeze would freeze up our pipes!

DH came home tonight and decided he would go ahead and open up his Christmas present afterall (he was going to wait a little longer to use it, but decided he couldn't wait). Curious about what he got? He got a Kitchen Aid Classic Mixer, with all the ingredients to make his favorite cookies..."Chocolate Chip". So...we've just had a very yummy dessert! Now he's planning on mixing all kinds of food! Who knows...maybe I won't have to cook for awhile! he! he!

Well, it's getting late and tomorrow will be another busy day. Have a good week and Happy Looming!

Start of a new year...2010

2010-01-02T19:54:00.011-06:00

Today has been a very cold day! When we got up the temperature was -10 degrees and this afternoon when we went to town for a little while it had went all the way up to 9 degrees...whoo hoo! And it looks like the rest of the week is going to be cold every day...so I guess I'll just have to dress warm.

I have been working on a baby afghan for a friend of mine's first grandbaby on the DecorAccents 30" ADJL Small Gauge. I am using only 1 strand and using the loom as a board loom. I am using the Caron Jumbo Prints 10 oz. yarn with the Baby Rainbow Ombre colors (which is a light pastel colors of blue, green, yellow & white). So far I only have 41 rows and it's about 9 inches long, so I have a ways to go yet. I am using the Honeycomb Knit Stitch (which is found in the Provo Craft booklet "Knitting with Knifty Knitter III" on pg. 3.) This stitch really isn't hard, but you just have to keep track of your rows to help you remember which way to do your wrapping.
Pictures of it so far...

Yesterday we celebrated a belated Christmas with my mother and mother-in-law. We had a pretty good afternoon and since we already had spent Christmas day with my mother-in-law...we just did gifts with mom. Our big surprise is what we got her from my sister & her husband and us...a fake fireplace...or rather an electric heater that looks like a fireplace. She seemed surprised and liked it, but poor hubby had to put it all together. He's here with all of the pieces and then of course with the final product, now if mom can figure out where she wants it!

Then I also gave her a prayer shawl for Christmas, which I made on the DA Prayer Shawl loom using the original prayer shawl pattern. I used Homespun yarn from Lion Brand, the color is called "Nouveau". The yarn is very soft and when it's wrapped around you I think it's nice & warm. It is 98% acrylic with 2% polyester, so it should wash good in the laundry, but I'd still put it in a large laundry back so that the yarn wouldn't catch on something and pull apart. I also gave her a heart shaped pin to use to fasten it if she wanted to.

Next time I will try and recap some of the things that have went on in 2009 and some of the looming projects that I've done. Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Happy Looming!

I know I've been absent this year...

2009-12-29T21:40:00.002-06:00

Hi all...I hope you have had a good year in 2009 and are getting ready for a wonderful year in 2010! I apoligize for being absent all year...it's not that I haven't had several things to blog about, it's just making myself sit down long enough to put down my words and load my pictures. But that's my New Year's resolution...to start updating you more on what is going on.

I have pictures of several projects that I have made this year and want to show them all to you, so the next few weeks I will start adding those in. I also have been trying to figure out ways to store my looms and my scrapbooking supplies and I will show you some of that as well.

I will be giving my second "talk" or "demonstration" on Loom Knitting in January at the local "Girlfriends meeting. So I may practice some of it on you ahead of time and see what you think...you can send comments or suggestions to me.

It's very cold here and snow is on the ground everywhere. Luckily they do have the highways clear and most of the local streets in the town nearby...so I have been able to get out and around where I needed to.

Happy Looming everyone...I'll start some pictures tomorrow.

Sorry...been way to busy with family & holidays

2009-01-07T08:50:00.002-06:00

Hi all...
I really need to catch everyone up on what we've been doing the last month. But even now I really don't have the time. Although I will try and make time soon and put several of our pictures on my page as well. I was able to finish up a few of my looming projects for Christmas, so I will tell you more with my pictures, hopefully sometime this week.

Right now I've been trying to get caught up on the many emails that I have missed on several of the email loops that I'm on. One of them had a very interesting link to helping with frogging a project. They called it their "Lifeline" or rather insurance for knitter's. While I haven't used it yet, it sounds like it would work out pretty good on the loom as well. Here is the link for the site: Lifeline on Heartstrings FiberArts. I'm printing it out for future reference and also bookmarking it...maybe you should too. Anyway it sounds like it would be better then ripping everything out.

Have a great day and don't give up on me...I'll update everyone soon.

Having Spa Fun...

2008-12-02T16:14:00.002-06:00

I have been busy since last month, trying to get my looming projects done. I had planned on giving several things for Christmas that I have loomed, but it seems some projects take me longer then I had planned. And of course just life in general...trying to just keep the stuff done I need to do.

We did enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner with my mom, my mother-in-law and my husband's aunt at Lakeview Restaurant. They had several of the traditional food that you expect like: turkey, dressing, noodles, sweet potatoes, ham, mashed potatoes, rolls. But they also had LOTS of salads, other vegetables, and several desserts too. And Allie had made her wonderful Creme Brulee and Chocolate Brulee...delicious! ;o) But I'm afraid I spent the rest of the afternoon...just vegging (and of course doing laundry) and did a little looming.

I thought I'd let you know that right now I'm a Beauti Control Consultant. So far I haven't had any parties yet...don't know if I will later on down the line or not...we'll see. I first got into this to take advantage of their low cost for their kit and since I was wanting to buy several of the products in the kit I decided to go ahead. Plus I'm also having fun ordering some presents for Christmas time too! ;o) But I want to share with you their great products...if you live close to me, just email me and we can arrange getting your order from me. But if you live far away, you can order online from my beauti webpage...which also helps me out too. The link for my Beauti Control webpage all you need to do is just click here. But I hope my friends know they can give me a call/or email and they can come over and we can have our own mini spa together anytime...you just have to give me a call to make sure I'm home! ha! ha!

I think my favorite product that they have is the Brown Sugar Spa Holiday Set...it just smells wonderful! But I also like the skin care products they have, I am using the Skinlogist Sensitive Skin products and my face looks & feels so soft! The longer I've had the products, the more I use and the more I like. So come over & play! ha! ha!

I want to wish you all Happy Holidays. I hope you all have a good time. I'll try and get some more pictures taken of my projects soon. Until then...
May you remember the true meaning of Christmas....Christ our Lord. May He watch over and take care of you. Share your love of crafts & hobbies with others too...

Fun day in Amish country...

2008-10-24T21:52:00.004-05:00

Today one of my good friends took me out for a belated birthday or rather a girl's day out! We made the rounds and went to the discount grocery store and found a few bargains. Then we went to the Amish store and got a few "snacks" and I even picked up some Hickory Smoked Swiss Cheese for dh. Then we had lunch at our favorite spot and had Hot Beef Sandwiches and split a Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie...YUMMY! ;O)

Then Babette also gave me my present...it's a beautiful shawl/scarf made my Natalia. Babette's mom had got one for her and she knew I'd like one too. You can check out her website called Natalia's Knitting she lives in Brookfield now with her husband. And I lucked out, I wore black today...so the shawl went well with my top and jacket. I can't wait to see what else I can wear it with. It is mostly black and silver, but has some gold/copper and turquoise accents of color in it as well

After lunch we went to a few other shops in the area, primitives, candles & antiques. I seen alot of cute stuff...but need to change our decor before adding anything new (or rather I need to clean out and get rid of stuff).

Anyway...just wanted to tell Babette...thanks again...I just love it. Dear hubby wanted to know why I was so dress up tonight when he came home...he didn't think I needed to dress up just to stay home. ha! ha!

Interesting Anniversary...

2008-10-21T16:26:00.014-05:00

Hi all! We just celebrated our 28th Anniversary this weekend! Dear hubby called home on Saturday and decided that the moisture was just too high to combine corn after all, so he said "Get on the internet and make a reservation in the city." And so he didn't have to tell me twice...the funny thing is that Hotwire called 15 minutes later and said our motel was overbooked! And wouldn't you know it, they only had one other choice for that area and it was two star...which could be questionable. So instead we called the Hampton Inn we knew about and it was close to an Outback. But Hotwire was real nice and gave us some credit $$ to use the next time we book something with them, we've always had good luck with them so this was a surprise, but it turned out fine.

I guess I'm getting good at packing in a hurry because by the time dear hubby got home, I had showered and changed and had almost everything packed to go. Of course I had to pack my looms...just to work on awhile in the car. I did a little bit on my dishcloth "Born to Dance" that I'm test knitting for Karen...for some reason I am getting so slow on the smaller gauge looms. Then I started doing a prayer shawl the morning we left, while I waited around and of course did a little on it in the car too.

We had such a wonderful dinner Saturday night...we walked over from the hotel. Weather was nice too! We started the evening off with one of their famous "Blooming Onions" (you can't go there and not have one). And then we enjoyed a yummy seafood dinner...with Lobster tails, steak, shrimp and scallops...I wish we could eat seafood every day...and afford it! ha! ha! Oh well...anniversaries are just once a year so we need to celebrate a little special.

Then Sunday morning we just had a little coffee & tea at the hotel...thinking we might go out for breakfast. But we decided to have a early lunch instead and tried out the new restaurant at the Bass Pro. It was called "Islam orada Fish Compan y Re staurant" so we got to try out some more seafood for lunch. I had the Islamorada Portofino and dh had Fried Jumbo Shrimp with hand-cut chips....it was ALL so good! And the atmosphere and reggae music playing in the background was nice too.

But all too soon we needed to come back home and start combining corn again. But it went pretty good that night and since it didn't rain on Monday we got finished with that field of corn...which was the last field of corn to do. Hubby ended up moving to his next field of beans and finished the small patches around that area of the farm today. So it looks like I'll be learning how to combine beans next.

I hope you enjoyed my pictures and my "farming wife" experience...ha! ha!

New loom at DecorAccents, check it out!

2008-10-14T08:11:00.005-05:00

Wonder Sock Loom

DALooms has something wonderful to share with you! Wonderful news my loomy friends, the Wonder Sock Loom is back and better than before! Lighter weight, beautiful as ever and smooth, just the quality that you expect from a DA loom.

Isela has been a little quite lately and for good reason, she has been testing some new products...lots of new products. Why? Well, it's October and it's their Anniversary Month at http://www.decoraccentsinc.com/and usually they have something spectacular every year and like most of their customers know, we want to keep bringing us the best loomy stuff.

Anyways, a year or so ago Sam introduced the Wonder Sock Loom but he had a heck of a time producing it, at one point due to a mistake, he almost lost his thumb, but he is stubborn, it is one of the Phelps traits, and he persevered and kept searching for new tools and ways to make it possible to make this loom. He succeeded, he found new tooling and materials and the Wonder Sock Loom is back!

Meet the new and improved Wonder Sock Loom: lighter weight, same tight gauge as our sock looms, ei: 18sts and 20 rows=2 inches. Come check it out at DA go to the New products box (right hand bottom corner) or go directly to the Wonder Sock Loom.

So please go check it out and help me out at the same time, because I think it would be neat to win one of these looms. The first way I get an entry is by having their information here on my blog, but you can help me out with the second way...if you will leave a comment on her blog that you heard about their new product from my blog I will receive another entry (so I'd really appreciate you telling Isela & Sam that "JackieA sent you from "). Also if you are a lover of the loom, and you are looking for a sock pattern, Isela has just introduced a new sock pattern called "Pom Pom Socks", just look under the Oct. 10th entry and click on the words to download your copy.

Have fun reading through my blog...if you haven't before and Have A Great Day! Plus...thanks ahead of time for helping me out...don't forget to leave a comment so I can get another entry in the contest!
ja

I'm a farmer's wife...

2008-10-13T23:14:00.005-05:00

Here are some pictures of yesterday...and he's already threatening to put me back in the combine the next time he is able to go to the field. Of course it's going to have to quit raining so much of the time!

Well...believe it or not, I guess I've finally crossed over. Dear hubby got me in the combine this weekend to help him with harvesting corn. Now you need to understand that I'm a "town" girl and really have never "helped" much on the farm and we've almost been married 30 yrs. But since I'm the new hired hand...I've been learning several new things this year. It's kind of stressful driving that big thing...even though I have plenty of room to turn around! (ha! ha!) I guess I didn't do too bad for my first day by myself...at least I was keeping the truck filled enough to keep dear hubby running back & forth to unload. Of course he still managed to get in and ride along with me some...saying he was just getting the end rows for me...but I think he was just trying to keep the rows straight.

I did drive the tractor with the harrow on it earlier, when we were planting beans...I'll have to see if I can find the pictures of me driving the tractor this year too! (another small feat for me!) Unfortunately the rains came and pretty much flooded most of the field that I helped with. Oh well...that's life on a farm, you never can rely on perfect weather...God always ends up wanting to make it a little interesting...instead of easy!

Hopefully this week I can take a little time and catch everyone up on the different projects that I've been working on. Happy Looming everyone!
ja

Finished Pinwheel Dishcloth!

2008-08-16T22:06:00.004-05:00

Today I finally finished the last part of the pinwheel dishcloth. I've decided this has been a very good project for me to have worked on. I got to use my fine gauge (fg) sock loom from Decor Accents and used 17 pegs on the loom to make the six different wedges. The pattern was from Isela Phelps, and is in the current issue of Loom Knitters Circle online magazine for Summer 2008 on pages 26-29.

I finally learned how to do short rows, which is basically decreasing your stitches. I think this will also help me out when I start my first pair of socks.

Then I also learned the kitchener stitch, which was grafting the last row to the cast-on row.

We were also doing this as a loom along on the egroup "decoraccentsinc" and Isela made two videos for us to watch to help those who like having something visual to look at. You can find the videos on her website at Decor Accents and click on "Blog" and you will find them on that page.

Now that I'm done I'm going to join my group in the Monthly Loom-a-long on ravelry for August 2008. They are working on the Schooner Socks pattern from Loom Knitters Circle online magazine pg. 19-20. So far I just have the first two rows on my loom done. Plus I ordered the wrong loom (well maybe?), but I ordered the biggest efg sock loom, which is 80 peg and the pattern calls for 64 peg loom instead. But Isela said as long as my loom pegs could be divided by 4, I could adjust the pattern. Then I bought yarn at a yarn store in Des Moines and now I'm worried the owner might have steered me wrong. She said that the skein I bought would make 1 pair of socks (knitted) with enough extra left over to maybe make another sock. I'm just hoping it makes at least the one pair. But I'll tell you more about that next time and maybe have a picture or two to show you.

Sorry I take so long in between blogs...I need to start getting into a routine and at least once a week update my blog site and ravelry. First I'm going to have to figure out how to store pictures for each of these sites, without going over the "free" limit.

Need the link for the Blogiversary, don't you?!?

2008-07-27T22:31:00.003-05:00

This is where you need to go for the Blogiversary...couldn't get the link to load earlier...don't know why. In fact I tried again at the beginning of this post and it still is not showing so you will have to copy and paste it in your url bar and then click go to go there...here it is: http://gettinitpegged.com
ja

2008-07-27T21:30:00.007-05:00

Well I'm going to try and join in on the blogiversary for Bethany's blog at this is her first year anniversary for her blog! And I want to invited you to join her too...if you do, please leave my name (JackieA) on her comments so she'll know that you came because I invited you.

I have not only enjoyed reading her blog, but also many of her creative patterns that she has for sale and FREE for the knitting looms. Bethany does a great job explaining how to do the projects and if you are on her eloop on yahoo you can also join in on the loom-alongs with some of her patterns too!

Right now I am working on the arm chair caddy pattern and have finished the first 1/2 of it. It has been a little challenging...but seems to be working up good. Also this weekend I stocked up on yarn for the Braided Cable's Bag and the Spa Set which I hope to get started soon. She'll be doing the Spa Set next for her loom-along project, just in case you want to join in with the group.

Bethany has asked those of us who have blogs to do a little questionnaire and put it on our blog...with our answers (of course). Anyway I guess I'll give it a try...although I think some of these questions might need a longer answer then what I have time for tonight! You can also do this too on your blog or if you don't have one leave it in her comments. If you have a blog, let her know where to look for your answers and don't forget...I invited you to her P-A-R-T-Y! OH, before I forget she has PRIZES to GIVE-A-WAY if you are a participant.

So...let's party with Bethany! Here are the questions, I'll try to put my answers in a different colored font (but if it doesn't work...don't forget I'm still a newbie when it comes to blogging).

What was your age when you first discovered your love of yarn? What (or who) was it that introduced you to all that fibery goodness? I learned to knit when I was 9 yrs. old, but didn't stay with it too long. I made a few slippers then, that's about all though. Then when I had my first child I got a chance to join Master Yarn Council class on crocheting. At the time I didn't know how to crochet, and I was supposed to know all of the basic stitches, but I was lucky and had a very patient and caring teacher who let me join & learn anyway. So I've crocheted gifts, when I have had time for the last 20+ years. In October of 2006 I bought my first set of Knifty Knitter Round Looms and since then I have been "hooked on looming". I just love it!!!
If you could sit down with anyone in the world to have a little knit along, who would it be? I wish I could sit with my friends and family (and my internet friends as well)! So far my friends and family that are nearby like my craft and admire my work and enjoy any gifts they might receive, but none of them have been interested enough to start learning to loom too. I think it would be fun to be able to get together with someone and loom...once a week...or once a month. Just sharing in the craft together!
What is your favorite comfy place or position in which to work with yarn? We have a sectional couch that has a chaise lounge on one end...I like to sit with my feet up and my yarn and project all spread out.
Like our heroin in the story below, do you ever dream about soft fuzzy goodness? Or how to do a particular technique you’d never thought of while awake? I've dreamed before that I won some contest and didn't know what my winnings were going to be. Then the next thing I knew...a bunch of people showed up in my house (like DIY network) and they made me my own craft room...all organized and stocked for my two favorite crafts...Loom Knitting and Scrapbooking! I was in seventh heaven...and all the yarn was included for any project that I had saved on my computer.
What type of loomer/knitter/crocheter are you? Loomer -- Intermediate/ Knitter--Beginner/ Crocheter--Adv. Beginner Do you like long involved projects, or quickies full of fast satisfaction?A little of both. I love making afghans and seeing the completed project and thanks for the gift afterwards. But I also enjoy making quickies, especially when you want to make something for a friend or family, but you don't have alot of time to do it.
Have you ever guiltily postponed dinner due to your involvement with a project? Isn't that what happens when you get involved with crafts?
What is your ultimate goal in your yarn life? I would like to be able to give friends and family all gifts made by me at the same time....not years or months apart!
Do you have a favorite snack you like to munch while working with yarn? If I have some...I like M & M's (plain or peanut)...yum!
What is your all time most favorite yarn tool/accessory that you absolutely could not live without? My blue handled pick that dh bought for me in the tool section.
What is your favorite movie? It's hard to pick a favorite...I love all kinds of movies, just watched "Last Holiday" with Queen Latifah (sp) and it's one of my favorite that she is in...showing we CAN do it...
What is your favorite book as an adult Like movies I LOVE BOOKS! I love all kinds of mystery books: The Cat Who...books/ Cookie Mysteries/Agathe Christie, etc... …and what was yours as a child? I've always loved to read I liked many books when I was younger: Myth's about Ancient Gods/Sherlock Holmes/ Edgar Allen Poe/ Little House on the Prairie, etc...
What are you working on right now with your yarn? Right now I'm working on Bethany's pattern for the Arm Chair Caddy, I'm about 1/2 done.
Is there a special project that you’ve been just dying for someone (or yourself) to design? So far there is nothing else I can think of...the possibilities of all the patterns that are already are out there from Bethany, Isela, Robin, Graciea, etc... I can't keep up with what I'd like to do now! There is always a new pattern...that I want to do it too! ;o)
Did someone invite you to join in on the party today? Bethany, herself invited me to join her party...so I didn't want to miss out! Happy Blogiversary Bethany at on your FIRST YEAR!

Well Bethany I hope you and others enjoyed my answers...you made me think too much for the end of the day. Especially since I've been out of town and just got home! Hope you had a fun day!
JackieA

Mother's Day has come & gone...

2008-05-14T21:19:00.004-05:00

Well Mother's Day has past...but I thought I'd share what a nice day I had!

I got up early with my hubby and we had homemade cinnamon rolls (which I had bought at the Farmer's Market). They were delicious! ;o)

Then when my daughter got up...she wished me a "Happy Mother's Day" and offered me my cute little gift! I just love Teddy Bears! I've enjoyed looking at it...through out the day since then.

Then I got ready and went to church at Cornerstone Church in Chillicothe. They had such a nice service Sunday...besides the uplifting music in the beginning...they recognized the graduating Seniors in the church with a Bible and the Youth Pastor's wife sang a song just for them "I Hope You Dance" and Kaylee D. did a lyrical dance along with it. Stan gave such an uplifting sermon as well about "not worrying"...which I think is hard for all of us mom's not to do...can't seem to help it sometimes, it was called "Faith Mom" (you can listen to the audio if you'd like). Also they took up a special offering for those who are suffering in Myanmer for cyclone relief, you can also give online from their website if you are interested. After church I called hubby to see what I needed to do...he said, "Come home!"

So I had a nice surprise when I got home. Brian had made omelet's for lunch...I just love omelet's...with cheese, tomatoes, green onions and bacon...yum..mm..mm (making me hungry again!), plus we had a little extra crispy bacon and cottage cheese & tomatoes. After lunch my daughter picked up all the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen for me. It was so nice not to have to fix lunch, or clean it up!

I relaxed some in the afternoon...watching TV and knitting on my loom. I finally finished up the scarf and a hat to match it. Here's a picture of it on my styrofoam head. I used the Knifty Knitter pink long loom for the scarf, then the hat I used a homemade loom that Kirk made me that is the same size as the green round Knifty Knitter loom, except my pegs are closer gauge then the Knifty Knitter.

Later in the afternoon our son called and wished me a "Happy Mother's Day" too. Too bad he couldn't come for a visit, but maybe another time. Later that evening dear hubby took me to Applebee's for supper. I had the Shrimp 'N Parmesan Sirloin... I had soo much good food Sunday I was about to bust! ha! ha! What a nice Mother's Day!

Now I'm starting on my third block for the afghan...I'm a little slow, but have been busy other things this week. I using black for my yarn this time, so hopefully it will show the design well...we'll just have to wait and see when I have more of it done.

Happy looming...have a good day! Hope you had a Happy Mother's Day too!

Still trying to keep up on looming projects...

2008-05-06T18:46:00.004-05:00

I know, it's been a few weeks again since I've wrote anything. It just seems hard to sit and tell you everything that I think you might be interested in. As you can see I found a cute outfit to go with the bonnet I made. Hopefully it will all fit her! Plus I kind of slowed down some on my looming projects, because I couldn't find supplies! How disappointing it is to go to the local Walmart store and find out they don't have any purse handles, can't find elastic thread, and even sport weight yarn is very limited. I would think that since they now carry the Provo Craft Knifty Knitter looms and accessories/booklets that they would carry more of the actual items you need to do the different projects that they have...not even thinking about the other projects that are out there too.

This last week Isela Phelps announced her new book will be coming out soon, and you could order an advance copy, and she (the author) would sign it for you too. So knowing I just don't hardly have any looming books or patterns (ha! ha! ;o) ) I just had to order myself one. You can check it out on her webpage too if they still have some in stock. The name of the book is: No-Needle - Loom Knitting Pattern Book (38 Easy No-Needle Designs For All Loom Knitters). This is a follow-up to her wonderful "Loom Knitting Primer". Then I continued to look at her new updated website and noticed that they are now selling the keepsake looms (which is a small loom/keychain they had originally made for a big craft show they went to earlier this spring), many of us loomers begged them to make more and sell them! So I guess they listened to their customers...again.

As you know I finally finished looming my Aspen Baguette, but until this weekend I hadn't been able to find purse handles to finish the project up. Luckily dh decided we needed to look for parts in the city...so we ended up going and spending the night. Unfortunately we called and went to several places looking for a gasket for his truck, but never was able to find the right one. At least he was able to get one on order by Monday...so as soon as he got everything back together he has been in the field trying to get caught up. But he was so nice and took me to a couple of craft stores, where I finally found some purse handles and some sock/sport weight yarn. But wouldn't you know it, I forgot to look for the elastic thread...so maybe next time. Plus I got some quarter print pieces of cloth for my liner...and if I measured right they should work and maybe even be a little more then I need, but for a $1.49 each I thought I would try them. I am not much on sewing...so we'll see if my sewing machine will let me sew up a liner for my bag.

I've decided if I can get this pattern and liner, etc... down good---I can then make some more in different colors for friends/family for gifts. Or at least some of the other patterns I have for purses will be easier to follow, now that I've learned how to do cables.

I also finished up the 2nd block for the Afghan Project 2008. It is a basket-weave design, and really shows up well with a solid color. It is also made with the red round Knifty Knitter (31 pegs) loom, and you work the project as a flat knit, instead of working in the round. I now need to get caught up and do the 3rd block...before they start the next block!!! I think part of the reason I keep dragging my feet is I can't decided which yarn to use, or what color...I have to "think" about it too much. I had originally thought I would just use yarn from my scrap basket, but I'm little unsure when I pick up one of my balls of yarn if I have enough to make the square. Plus you need to use 2 strands of worsted weight yarn and it's easier to just use a skein...pulling from both ends instead of finding two balls the same color. (sometimes I only have one ball of a color).

made...it was pretty loose and I made the miI also have been making a new scarf for my daughter...since she got the first scarf I everstake of using different types of yarn together. Or maybe it just doesn't hold up well in so many washings. I'm using the pink long Knifty Knitter loom/board and doing the Ponto 1 stitch, which you can find at Analu Tear Manual. I took a picture today, I just finished one skein of the Red Heart Super Saver yarn - Zebra is the color. It is a variegated black/grays and white. I don't know if she has decided on fringe yet or just leaving it plain at the end. This is a very easy stitch to work on the board looms...and as you can see it gives a nice even type of garter stitch. I think the scarf will take almost 2 skeins, to get the longer length that she likes...so I still have a little way to go yet, before it's finished.

Another rainy day...

2008-04-25T22:36:00.006-05:00

Here is the finished bonnet...front and back and side ways...
One of these days I will figure out how to move these pictures around, where I want them. Until then I guess you'll just have to bear with me. The bonnet worked up real nice, and the yarn is soft. Plus since it's cooling off again here in Missouri, maybe their little girl will get some use out of it. Brian said it is supposed to get down to the 30's tonight...brrr! In fact I guess all weekend it is going to be chilly. I guess we got spoiled, we had about three days of 60's and 70's...which I wish it would've stayed that way...especially since it's almost May!

I also got my purse (Aspen Baguette) tightened up better on the cable stitches. Isela said I probably should've used 2 strands of the yarn instead of one...for it to have been comparable to the yarn the pattern called for. Plus we both think I should've tighten the stitches while I was working the row better. But I will tighten them, and then knot them...and since I'm going to have a liner I'll just leave them loose (since it will be covered up anyway. But I didn't get a chance to go shopping in town today, so I'll have to wait and pick up some handles maybe tomorrow and maybe some material for the liner as well.

Poor hubby may have to help me again with my sewing machine. The last time I used it...the tension was way off and we had trouble adjusting it. Plus I'm no seamstress...ask anyone in my family, they'll tell you...keep Jackie away from the sewing machine! LOL ;oP

I really need to start on my other blocks for the Project Afghan 2008, that we are doing in Loom Class. So I guess I'll leave you for now.

Finished looming my bag today...

2008-04-24T16:51:00.005-05:00

Well I finally finished looming the Aspen Baguette and binded it off the loom...using the basic bind off like Isela Phelps video shows. But I messed up and didn't check on my handles that I have on hand...they are the wrong kind, just handles. I need to have the D-shaped purse handles instead. So I guess I'll wait until I have a chance to go to town and get some. Until then I need to figure out exactly how to tighten up my cables...they are too loose I think. In the patterns pictures it doesn't look like you have any loose, it just looks like knitting wrapped around knitting. I guess I'll have to experiment with the crochet hook tonight and see if I can tighten them to look better.

Also it only took 1 skein of Paton Shetland Chunky Tweeds, which was 85g/3 oz (it is 72% acrylic/ 25% wool/ and 3% Viscose...approx. 123 yds.) The color I used was called Biscuit Beige (it has flecks of blue and brown in it).

Also I forgot to mention that last week when we went to the city I was able to pick up a copy of Simply Knitting (printed in England) at Barnes & Noble. So I got a free pattern counter with my magazine too. It was a little pricey, since I don't really needle knit, but it had an article about sock yarn...which I found interesting. And who knows...maybe I'll figure out how to convert a pattern or two to the loom. It cost $10 .... so I don't know if I'll buy another one, although the next one is supposed to come with a neat yarn holder (with 3 holes), it's called a Yarn Tidy Bag...supposed to help keep your yarn tangle-free. Or maybe I should re-learn to needle knit too...nah! ;o)

Appreciate any hints you might have for me with my cables. Happy Looming!
JA

Another day...

2008-04-23T16:15:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to tell you, that upcoming on Loom Class (yahoo groups) they will be doing a class on Baby Bonnets, pattern by Pam Keville. It will start on 4/27...running until 5/3 and then they will also offer Baby Booties class on 4/29 until 5/3...so you can make something special for the little girl in your life, or a special gift.

This was one of the first classes that I took when I joined Loom Class...it was wonderful...fairly easy, although I'm sure I asked several questions at the time. The teachers are also nice and patient, and when they are busy...other "student's" help each
other out!Also Loom Class is working on an Afghan Project 2008...where they work on a different block, every few weeks. So far I've finished the 1st block, which was "Diagonal Ribbing Stitch", but I need to get block 2 & 3 done soon...before I get too far behind. The 2nd block is more of a basket weave stitch, called "Flowers in my Baskets Square" and the 3rd block is called a "Lattice Block"...so far they have had the patterns written out and then they also try to have it in chart form too, I've decided I like the charts.

Then I need to finish up my Aspen Baguette.....I think I'm down to knitting the last 12 rows...so hopefully it will go fairly quickly. But I think my cables look a little loose, so I need to tighten them up and then I think it would look best with a liner on the inside. So I may attempt that, or I may twist a "friends" arm that sews to make one for me! ;oD

It's another nice day today, but they are talking like it might start raining sometime later today. While I was trying to do my blog today, I watched "Hairspray" on DVD...it was pretty cute! I can't believe John Travolta played the mom. There is alot of cool music and dancing and pretty good acting too! But I would say it's more of a 'chick flick'...I really can't see hubby watching it, especially since it 'breaks' into song every so often. Oh well...I needed a little something light to watch anyway.

Well I really must get back to my looms and try to finish up some projects today. Wishing you a Happy Looming day...

Signs of Spring....

2008-04-17T07:21:00.004-05:00

Finally seeing some signs of spring....I am soooo ready! It seems like it has been a long winter here in Missouri. I am very tired of the cold weather! I look forward to the sunshine...warm weather...and hanging out clothes and bed sheets on the line (that may seem weird, but I love the fresh smell from drying outside).

Now if I just could get in the swing of a full spring cleaning mode! But one thing I need is several days in a row, where it will be nice and warm (no rain or wind storms in the forecast). Then maybe I'd feel a little more perky...these cloudy days just don't seem to get me in the mood.

Of course dear hubby said last night that "someone" should mow the yard soon...I wonder who "someone" is???? Ha! ha!

Well...speaking of work...I probably better get busy with laundry, dishes or something! Too bad the magic cleaning fairy doesn't exist...I'd love for someone to come in a wave their magic wand...or like Samantha on Bewitched used to do...just wiggle her nose. Wouldn't that be great??? Oh well...we can dream can't we? Have a great day!

Finally found something to help rotate pictures!

2008-04-17T07:10:00.002-05:00

Yeah! Today I was looking through Mozilla and seeing what add-on programs they might have and found "Image Assistant", which is a Firefox add-on. After you download the program you can use your mouse and right click and a menu will pop-up and then you choose open image. This then gives you their toolbar to work with the image and luckily rotating an image is one of the choices. Then once I got the picture the way that I wanted it...I just saved it.

Then of course I had to upload it again to my blog, and then move the picture where I wanted it. But at least it helped some.

Sometimes I think I would be better to actually make my blog in Dreamweaver and then post it that way. I don't remember having quite this much trouble putting pictures and text where I wanted them...but it's been awhile since I've used it...so I'd probably have to re-learn everything anyway. I just wanted an "easy" way to put down my thoughts and projects! So here I am!

Thanks for those who have tried to give me helpful hints...Jeannette I did have my pictures rotated in my camera, but when they uploaded from the SD card...they were back to the orginal way. Oh well...at least I found an option that works...even if it does take a little extra time. I wish blogger would just let you right click and put your image where your arrow key was...that would make it so much easier!!!!

Projects I've worked on in March and April (so far)

2008-04-16T19:58:00.015-05:00

Been a little busy with family and friends this last week...one really nice thing was dear hubby & I got to go to the city for a wedding reception for friends of ours...son! Plus got to spend the night in a nice hotel...and sleep in for a change. Much needed rest & relaxation...and the party was great!

I thought I should let you know what I have been working on most recently. The main thing that I finished up was my daughter's afghan that I made on the infinity (of S-Loom) in brown colors. I made one earlier for my son for Christmas and also entered the pattern in DA's Fall Contest. I was soooo lucky to win a $100 to spend on merchandise from Decor Accents Inc. I had so much fun figuring out what to order (and then spending some of my money too!), I ordered the prayer shawl loom, the 30" adjust-a-loom & end pieces, a new pick, two of the new books that are out "Learn To Knit Cables on Looms" and "More Knitting Wheel Fashions". But I show you those some other day!

Anyway the 1st one I made for my son I used Caron yarn One Pound (Black #503) and (Claret #562). This yarn has no dye lot and is 100% Acrylic and is Worsted Weight, 4 ply/16 oz. or 453.6g.

The 2nd one I’m making is for my daughter with the yarn from Bernat Camouflage Ombres in the color called "Outback" (it's variegated brown & tans) and then also another One Pound skein of Expresso. I used between 3-4 skeins of the Bernat yarn and 1 skein and part of another skein of the One Pound Expresso yarn. It also seems like that the 2nd one is a little bigger...I guess I must've loosened up a little more on my knitting the second time around.

Both of these afghans are over 5 foot long as you can see from the pictures and they are around 43-46 inches wide. It takes me awhile to knit these on a loom, but you got to remember that I don't just sit and loom all day...and sometimes I don't have time to loom at all for several days. So it might not take you as long to make one as it did me. ;o)

I've also started working on another prayer shawl, with my new prayer shawl loom. I'm using the pattern that came with the loom (and it's also on her website). The only thing that's different is I'm using a small thickness type yarn, so I'm sure it's going to take a little while to actually finish it up. But I didn't want anything too heavy, something that I could wear during spring or on a cool summer night. The yarn I'm using I got from my scarfette pal at Christmas, it is Moda-Dea Dream Solid...Color is Nutmeg. It feels so soft and dreamy...must be how it got it's name!

Then in Loom Class at least two of the ladies are going to teach us different stitches in the next upcoming months and then towards the end of November, early December they will tell us how to put them all together. So far I have finished block #1, which was a diagonal rib block and they have started block #2, which is the basket weave block and you can also add many different embellishments to it if you'd like. You can also look at the blog that tells you all about it with links for the patterns as well. Each block is supposed to be 12" X 12" and so far we use 2 strands of yarn as one, and they are using the red round knifty knitter loom to make each block. I have also learned that I do like using the knitting charts when working on projects like this and it helps to have a magnetic board and magnifying line tracker to keep track of the rows.

I'm also working on the Aspen Baguette purse by Isela Phelps which has made me learn how to do cables! That has been a little hard since I had never done any pattern's with YO's (yarn overs) before. And for some reason my brain just kept trying to make them hard, but they are not. Luckily I’m on the DA’s eloop and asked about the stitch that I was having problems with….and thankfully Isela saw my question and was able to answer it.

This is for the 6 peg stitch cable or C3F. What I did was knitted the flat stitch, then e-wrapped the 1st peg. Then knitted the flat stitch, then e-wrapped twice on the 2nd peg, and then
repeated what I did on the 2nd peg on pegs 3-4-5 and then knitted the flat stitch and e-wrapped (once) the 6th peg (the last one), then I went ahead and did the next stitch so that the ewrap on the 6th peg would stay on…it was a purl stitch (the 7th peg with the purl stitch).

Then I went back and took each of the e-wraps off of each peg, one at a time. But I did NOT knit the ewrap stitches (I didn’t take the bottom loop over the top loop or loops). You can look at my loops, that are rather big behind the other knitted stitches, this is before you move the stitches around to make the cable.

My cables may be a little too loose, I won’t be able to tell until I’m finished. The pattern says you can adjust them with a crochet hook and weaving them in secure, tying a knot if necessary, because you would make the knot on the inside. As you can see I'm using the green round knifty knitter, but be sure and follow the pattern closely because I've noticed it's easy to forget if you need to knit or purl on a stitch...especially if you get interrupted when working a row.

If you are on Ravelry.com you can look me up, my id there is "ilove2craft". I'm still figuring out how to use the many options on there, but I want to highly recommend their site if you like to do looming, knitting or crocheting. They have a tour that you can check out before you get signed in as a member...it's FREE! But you do have to sign up and wait for them to send you an invitation, but it usually doesn't take long...they even have a place you can check to see how long you might have to wait.

Well...it's getting late and I need to finish up for today. Wishing you all "Happy Looming"!

Sharing a little of my first experiences with looming...

2008-04-08T17:23:00.013-05:00

Well I seem to have neglected my blog...I guess life just keeps us busy. Plus I just don't know where to begin. I would like to show you all the different projects that I have done so far, but I haven't always been good about taking pictures of them. But I will share what I do have. Plus I also want to share the many different looms I have picked up along the way since I first started this craft. I have several which I still haven't had the time to loom on yet, but hope to soon.

Today I will show you some of my looms and tools that I use. The first set that I bought was the Knifty Knitter's (the round set). Shortly after that I acquired the spool loom (the small pink one) and also the flower loom (which does have removable pegs). Of the Knifty Knitter's the first set has the small blue loom (this has 24 pegs), the next one in the set is the red loom (this has 31 pegs), the next one is the green loom (which has 36 pegs) and then finally the last one in the set is the yellow loom (which has 41 pegs). These are all in what they call the regular gauge, which mostly uses 2 strands of worsted weight yarn when making items.

I also found out there was a DVD available online from americanknitter.com, it is called "Round Loom Knitting", which I ordered. It helped alot when I started, because I could actually "see" how the stitches were done, how she worked her pick, etc... I guess you could say I'm more of a visual learner when it comes to this craft. On the DVD they have four lessons and a bonus lesson on how to knit with needles. Lesson 1 is "Hats" - changing colors, creating a brim & pom-poms. Lesson 2 is "Scarves" - sizing, closing ends on a tube scarf and adding fringe. Lesson 3 is "Slippers" - looming flat pieces, and closing a heel. Then the last Lesson 4 is "Socks" - which shows how to make vertical color patterns and creating a heel.

I still haven't done lessons 3 & 4, but it is on my to-do-list! You will be amazed of how many patterns & projects are out there for you to make! Plus the many different ways of doing them too. And not only that there are some very talented ladies out there...who come up with all of these ideas. It seems to me they must have several hands attached...because they are always making something new!

The first few items I made on the loom were hats! Some with a brim and some without, some were knitted 1 over 1 while others were 2 over 1. Then with hats I used various yarns: variegated, solid, and eyelash yarn. After making several hats I had to make scarves to go with some of them...using various patterns and colors. I also attempted leg warmers, but could never quite get the size and yarn to work out for the person I was making them for.

Before long I found my first yahoo group about loom knitting...it was loom class, and many others followed shortly after that. The first project I made in "Loom Class" was a baby bonnet, and after I made the first one I found out that friends of mine were having grandchildren so I ended up making 6 bonnets....different colors...different yarn. I even made one with the cotton yarn (that you usually think to use for dishcloths), because the expected baby was going to be a late spring baby.

I just loved doing the class! You signed up for the class, downloaded your pattern for the item, got your supplies ready and started your project. If you had a question about how to do a stitch, or anything else related to the project you could just ask. Typing your post and then sending it to the group you would receive all kinds of help...either from the author of the pattern, or teacher, or other loomers. It was a fun learning experience, and I ended up with a beautiful handcraft gift as well as the experience to make more.

The first book that I would recommend is Loom Knitting Primer by Isela Phelps, besides having 30 different fun projects to do, it has very good illustrations & directions. Lots of pictures and drawings and also charts. Plus towards the back it tells you a little about board knitting as well and as some felting projects too. You can also purchase it at her families website: Decor Accents Inc., her husband makes many wooden looms with nylon pegs. Plus she also has lots of instruction...written and illustrated on her website and even videos of some of the basic stitches as well. (Once you get acquainted with the looming community you will find she is one of many talented ladies I was talking about.)

Well, that's all for today...hope this helps you a little if you are just getting started. Check out the links on the side for the different Yahoo groups and some of the websites of the vendors that I have either used myself, or they have come highly recommended. Be care...it can be an addiction...you want more looms, more yarn, more, more, more... ha! ha!

Another good place to go is so far their membership is free, you just need to sign-up and then wait for your invitation. I was lucky mine only took about two weeks or less. It is a place for anyone that does crocheting, knitting, or looming (any yarn craft it seems). They have a tour that you can take that explains it and shows you what all it can do. My children told me it was a little like "facebook" if you know what that is...except more for adults with a yarn/craft addiction. One thing I like about it compared to my yahoo groups, is that you actually get to see pictures of your 'friends', that is if they loaded one on. You can look at the different projects they are working on and many other things too! I can even have a link to my blog and it shows any updates that I make. There are groups to join there too...I'm in a few. One of the groups does a knit-along or rather loom- along once a month, where we all work on the same project together....or at least we all try. Sometimes I have so many projects I'd like to do, but just don't have the time!

Well...that's it for today! Happy Looming and God Bless...hope you have caught the looming bug!
JA

PS: Sorry for the sideways pictures...I guess I will have to tweak them ahead of time and save them after I've rotated them. I couldn't figure out how to do it any other way in blogger.

Dishcloth is all...done...

2008-03-18T20:46:00.006-05:00

Well I finished up the "Pieces of My Heart" dishcloth yesterday. I must admit I did have a little trouble remembering how to do the crochet bind off, but it all worked out. This is the first thing I've made with the fine gauge (1/4") and I really like the look of it! (even if I do say so myself...LOL)

This is the first dishcloth that I have made...I'm sure the more you do the faster they go. Plus I found out, you want to be careful and not work on something like this with a design and talk at the same time. If you do...you might end up like me and have to frog some of your stitches (rip-it, rip-it), but luckily I didn't mess up very much.

I'm planning on giving this to my neighbor...since he was so nice to make the loom for me. Now I need to figure out which project and which loom I'm going to do next.

Getting a little more looming done this weekend...

2008-03-16T22:12:00.004-05:00

This weekend I decided I really needed to start something on some of my new looms. My neighbor made me a wonderful adjustable loom with the fine gauge (1/4") and used cotter pins for my pegs. I have been looking forward to trying the fine gauge, but wondered if I'd like it because it will take longer to make something. So I decided I would try to make a dishcloth, which was on the Loomin Dishcloths group on Ravelry for February as a loom along. So here are some pictures of my work-in-progress. I am on row 52...so I'm almost done!

I want to thank Stephanie McElheran for the very pretty pattern! Plus she did a nice job with her instructions they have been fairly easy to follow. I have also found that the more rows I work, the easier the knit and purl stitch (like Isela has us do, not the e-wrap). Plus it does make a nice tighter stitch. The dishcloth called for the following materials: fine gauge loom or dishcloth rake with a minimum of 38 pegs; approx. 200 yds. 100% cotton worsted weight yarn and then of course yarn needle, scissors and a crochet hook. I used Peaches & Creme that I bought at Walmart, it has approx. 122 yds. per skein, so far I'm still on the first ball.

Well...I just wanted to share what I had done so far. Hopefully I can finish it up in the morning! I already have plans to start some other projects on some of my other looms, just trying to decide which ones to do first. Happy Looming!

Found my shawl pictures...

2008-03-07T08:55:00.002-06:00

I finally found my pictures that I took of the shawls I made in December for friends (one was for my secret sister, one for a neighbor friend, and then one for my pastor's wife). One of the ladies on Ravelry had asked about prayer shawl patterns, although this isn't a prayer shawl pattern...I used it as one. My feeling is that you can take any shawl pattern that you fancy and make it prayer shawl...by praying over it while you are making it. You can check out the prayer shawl ministry here at: .

Anyway I thought I would try to add my pictures here on my blog too...it's a learning experience. You can get the pattern from Provo Craft's in their pamphlet/booklet entitled "Knitting with the Knifty Knitter II...A New Experience in Knitting". I bought mine at a Walmart store, back in the crafts department. The pattern is called "Metallic Shawl", it's located on page 10. This is done on the Yellow Knifty Knitter Round Loom, and I used a solid color of One Pound Caron Yarn and then a skein of Jo-Ann's exclusive Rainbow Boucle (I used the variegated blue, and then red on the other one..the solid color was black, because I thought it brought out the colors more in the variegated yarn). I also did not use the whole skeins on these...but I'm sorry I can't tell you how much was left over.

Some other added notes I made to the pattern, was that I made the shawl at least 58" to 60" long, then I added fringe to each side. As you can see I made it as long enough to go from wrist to wrist and around the shoulders, for me (because the friends I made them for were similar in height). I also did the single crochet bind off with 2 single crochet stitches on the slip stitches (ends) and then added my fringe.

For the fringe it called for 7" pieces of yarn for fringe, but here is what I did. My hubby had an end piece of wood that he had cut, and had me try it out for the fringe. I just wrap my yarn around it (both strands) 4 times and then cut off the top. Then taking those pieces and folding them in half, I take a large crochet hook (J or K) and make a slip knot with them (make a loop in the middle, then take both ends and pull it through). My board is 9" (vertical) x 6" (wide)...I use the 9" to make the fringe for this, because I like the long fringe. Plus I only do 1 set of fringe at a time...wrap it, cut it, and then put it on the shawl, this way I don't have alot of loose yarn laying around. I have also tried to take a picture of the end of the blue shawl to show the fringe and will try to add it here too.

I apologize...I don't have any idea on how to put pictures where I want them. So feel free to give me hints on how to do it, or where to look for the information. I just see you can choose left, center, or right...but it puts on top of your daily blog...instead of where the curser is in the text. Well have a good day. Happy Looming!

New to the Blogging Community

2008-03-04T07:18:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone...
I have decided to try my hand at blogging. I love to do crafts, so that's why the name for my blog. Right now I am mostly working with the knitting looms, rakes and boards. I made LOTS of hats at first, but several months ago I started learning how to make other things as well. It's amazing the ladies that are out there...that have patterns for almost anything you can think of, and they are willing to share their talents with others.

I am still learning new things and wishing for more time. I hope to share some of my pictures of the things I've made so far and projects that I will be working on in the future.

I also like to scrapbook, but haven't seemed to find the time lately. But hope to start working on pages again sometime soon.

Well...I need to quit for now...household chores keep calling! Thanks for looking my blog over.