Thank You

It's time to thank my son for helping me get this blog set up. You see, I don't think he knew I would ask so many questions. It must have been frustrating for him, but he never let on. Computer technology is just intuitive for him, but I'm from a different generation. There was still such a thing as a slide rule club in my high school. And, the only computer class I took in college was Fortran language programming. Does anyone remember the key punch machine? That's what we used. If PC's existed then, they were way overpriced for the average person. So thanks for all the help. Visit my son's technology blog if you would like to see how much smarter he is than his mom.

Yesterday was group stitching day. Not many people showed up. I think Spring has everyone out in the yard getting gardens in shape before it gets absolutely too hot. It was already in the 80's yesterday. Last week I told the group about starting a blog. Of course, I had to explain what a blog was and then the response was, "Why would you want to do that?". Oh well, I bet before long they will become curious enough to check it out. I bring my knitting every week, while others work on embroidery and quilting. Yesterday it was the booties I'm knitting for a baby gift. I have one finished and the other one well on the way. They were a big hit with my friends even if blogging isn't.

Baby Gifts

I finished the diagonal garter stitch baby blanket I was working on. A corner of it is pictured here along with a few of my favorite sock darners. I look for these whenever I get a chance to go antique shopping.

For the blanket, I used two strands of Red Heart Soft Baby (lilac and white) on size 11 needles and just knit the increase side until it seemed to be big enough, then began decreasing. It ended up being about 32" square. You can find a free pattern on the Lion Brand Yarn website. This blanket is soft for baby and easy care for mom...also very affordable.

For my next project, I've started these.

They are for a friend who just had a baby boy. The next picture is of a pair of booties I thought would be good for a boy, but after they were finished I wondered if the cuff was too frilly. What do you think?

Fun Hats

Here is a picture of some hats I made a while back.

The one that looks like an apple was my first knitting in the round project. The apple hat, watermelon hat and camo hat are from an Ann Norling pattern. The yellow and black hat is part of a set that includes mittens and a neck warmer. The pattern for that one came from Knit It magazine (2002). These hats are good for beginners and fun too because they knit up fast and there is no seaming. I still enjoy knitting them as much as I did when I first learned.

Wool Baseball

I just did a google search on "wool windings" and found out that baseballs are wound from wool. I didn't know that when I named this blog, but it works out well since I am a baseball fan. Opening day is just around the corner and I can't wait. Until then, my son-in-law has convinced me to participate in an NCAA March Madness tournament. The good thing is you don't need to know much about basketball or the teams--just make a guess at who you think will win. So far I still have three of my final four. Hope I survive the next round. Later today I will meet with my stitching group. Think I will work on a diagonal garter stitch baby blanket. It's best to keep it simple when there is a lot of visiting going on.

First Day of Spring

Things are beginning to bloom around here. These roses are from my backyard.

How It All Began

A couple of years ago I decided I wanted to learn to knit. My mother-in-law was my inspiration. She learned to knit as a child and continued to knit until her death a year ago. I noticed that even as she grew older she could still make the most wonderful children's sweaters, hats and mittens. I needed a craft like that-- something fun, creative and useful. I had cross-stitched for years, but I was ready for something else. So, in January 2003, with a learn to knit kit I received as a Christmas gift, I sat down and taught myself to knit. After a little practice, I ventured out on my first project--a striped garter stitch scarf made from Red Heart worsted weight yarn (two shades of blue). I don't think I've ever worn it, but I'll probably always keep it. Many projects have been made since--more scarves, hats, baby booties, baby blankets, felted bags, sweaters, socks, mittens and lots of dishcloths. I didn't keep track of these things and most have been given as gifts. So, starting now this blog will help me to keep track of my knitting projects.