Here's What's New

I learned a new stitch pattern with this hat. It's a one-by-one birdseye stitch (k1 with MC, k1 with CC). At first I was just dropping one color and then picking up the other...way too slow. Things went faster when I figured out how to knit with one color in each hand. What started out to be a headache, ended up being fun. If you want to try this hat, you can find the pattern in Vogue Knitting Caps & Hats Two.

See the shiny new Apple thing in the background. It's my new computer--a gift from my husband. My son, aka MacMan, is drooling over it. Does it seem fair that the person in the family with the least amount of computer knowledge now owns the best computer in the house? Don't worry, I'll share. It's the least I can do to pay you back for all those computer questions I keep asking over and over again. Love this laptop!

That's Not A Hat

Oh, I'm still knitting plenty of hats. But, I did manage to find time to knit this bag. I didn't mention it until now, mostly because I forgot to take any "before" pictures. Here it is finished. It is a plain version of Chic Shopping Bag from the book Pursenalities by Eva Wiechmann. I like the rectangular box construction. The size (about 14"x11"x3") will be good for toting small quilting or embroidery projects (I would use it for knitting projects, but it's not for me). I added an inner pocket to hold small items. Also, to give some support to the bottom, I cut a piece of plastic to fit. I read somewhere to use quilting template plastic. I found some for about $3 a sheet, but I decided to use a plastic placemat I had at home instead. I think it probably cost less than $1. Those flexible cutting mats would work well too and they are also very affordable. This bag will be a thank-you gift for a friend who is teaching me to quilt. She is a talented quilter who loves to share her craft with others. She is also very generous. She let four of us use her patterns, thread, needles and raid her stash for our fabric. Then, has patiently answered all of our questions over and over again. What a great friend!

Dulaan Knitting

One more hat finished for the Dulaan Project and one almost there. I really like this spiral rib pattern. It is simple to knit and fast too. And, the result is a little more interesting than a traditional rib. I followed the instructions for recommended needle size, but used a heavier weight yarn (Lion Brand Wool-Ease worsted weight). I think it is big enough now to fit young children, not just babies. You might be interested to know that the doll cradle in the photo belonged to my grandmother. I think her father made it for her when she was a little girl. She died at the age of 99 only a little over a year ago. So, I would guess the cradle to be at least 90 years old. I'm honored to have something of hers she cherished enough to save all these years.

Knitting For Others

Here are some hats and mittens I've been working on for the Dulaan Project. They will be personally distributed to children in Mongolia this fall. Many of you already know about this worthy cause. For those of you who don't, be sure to check it out. Knitting for charity is a great way to help others and fun too. My first experience with charity knitting was just recently when I sent a donation of several 7"x9" swatches to Jennifer at Major Knitter for some Warm Up America blankets she is assembling. She is still accepting swatches and yarn donations (Red Heart) or you can contribute directly to Warm Up America. I encourage you to find a charity that sparks your interest and start knitting! I think you will find it very rewarding.

Yes, I'm Busy

Too busy to knit? Almost, but I have managed to work a little on some mittens. Hope to get several pairs completed for a charity project. More on that later. I also found some time to felt the clog. I thought about waiting until I could get more yarn to make the mate, but the suspense was killing me. It turned out well. A little wide but I think it will work.


What's been keeping me busy? One act play competitions. My son is in his high school play. They are performing Macbeth (he is Macbeth) and must keep the performance to 40 minutes. What a challenge. They've done a beautiful job and have advanced twice. Now they will compete at the region level. Way to go Needville! At each level there are six plays. One judge watches them all and advances two. I watch them all too. It's a long day starting at 1:00 p.m. It takes some time for the plays, awards, critiques and then the long drive home. Each time it's been about 1:30 a.m. before my head hit the pillow. I don't do well on that amount of sleep, but I wouldn't miss it. (Robyn, wish I could have been in two places at once. Dad said you did a great job. I will treasure your story forever.)


Last night the church youth group had their monthly devo at our house. About 25 people crowded into our small living room. Beautiful singing, good fellowship and homemade chili. It was a good time. Tonight I'm hosting our bunco group. The way we do it, the hostess provides a meal and the prizes. So, twelve for supper tonight! I'm serving salads and strawberry short cakes. The good thing about hosting two events back-to-back means I only have to clean the house once. Just wish I was operating on more sleep.

Funny Shoe

Pre-felted objects always make me laugh. I don't know if you can tell how really huge this clog is (about 16" long) Hopefully after it is shrunk, it will be closer to size of the store bought one next to it. Gauge in not really as important in felting as in regular knitting, but it was far enough off from the pattern that I had to switch to the next larger size needle, especially since I want a very thick fabric with no stitch definition. Seems to be the right proportion now. The only hold up--not enough dark brown yarn to knit the mate. There's little chance I will find the same dye lot since I bought this yarn last summer in Colorado. Good thing this clog has a double sole. I can use any color I want to make the inner sole and no one will know but me.

Texas Knitters

I made this dishcloth in honor of being added to the Texas Knitters webring. You can find the free pattern here. And, for all of you non-Texans there is a free pattern for your state too.

All Boy

They're finished and I'm happy with the result. Cute, but definitely a boy's shoe. On to the next project.