Saturday, September 24, 2011

Big Changes

As you can tell, the blog is undergoing some major changes again! I wasn't happy with having to make a new header everytime I wanted to adjust the size of the borders or the body of my blog. So, I've changed it up a bit. It definitely feels cleaner and a little more streamlined to me. I've also added (and taken away) a few gadgets!

So, let me know what you guys think! Leave me a comment telling me what you think I can do to make this blog even better, because I want you to enjoy reading as much as I enjoy sharing. And let's be honest, without you guys reading, I'm just a crazy person writing to himself, and nobody wants me to be that. Right?

Also, before I forget!! I finished my first shawlette! It's the perfect size to use as a scarf. I'll probably need to get a nice unisex shawl pin, just to help keep it in place, but other than that, I'm pretty happy with it. It's the one I mentioned in a previous post that I made using the alpaca/wool yarn. Even though I still can't find my camera, I used my laptops webcam to snap some pictures, just so you guys can see a little what it came out looking like.




Okay, so the images are REALLY grainy, but I did warn you that they were taken with a laptop webcam.

Until next time!

Friday, September 23, 2011

My Newest Addiction

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have become quite addicted to Ravelry. Almost to the point of forgetting about doing anything else productive.

What makes Ravelry so addictive you might ask? Well, it's a multi-layered answer. Of course there is the patterns database where there are literally thousands of free knitting and crochet patterns to choose from, and then there are the patterns that are created and sold right there on Ravelry! Normally I wouldn't really go for bought patterns, but when you see patters for things Herbivore and The Bee Keeper's Quilt for $6 or under? Yeah, I'm all over that stuff.


Herbivore by Stephen West

Speaking of those two patterns, it brings me to the next feature that I absolutely adore. My queue. Just as it sounds, it's a place where I can queue up all the projects I want to make and have them in one, pretty organized space. Once I get enough yarn for the project, Herbivore will definitely be on my knitting needles. 

Then there are the groups and forums! One in particular has stolen my heart. It's called the Karma Yarn Swap. The premise is fairly simple. You swap yarn, notions, patterns, finished objects, ect. It's amazing! I've already participated in a few swaps, resulting in one of my sashes finding a new and loving home! I also love everything that I've gotten in return for the swaps so far! 


Thinks like this: Berroco Ultra Alpaca


And This: Hand Painted Fleece Basic Sock


And this: Cherry Tree Hil Supersock Select


They're all so amazing! I have already finished a project with the alpaca yarn, and am currently working on something with the handpainted yarn. Once I find the camera, I'll post pictures so you all can see! 

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Sew.......What's Up?

Okay, I know I said I'd try to get better at keeping up with the blog, and I was........until I found Ravelry. Oh Ravelry, you have stolen my heart! Think of it as Facebook for knitters/crocheters/spinners. It's amazing. So many projects! In fact, the reason I haven't been keeping up with the blog is because I can't seem to get away from Ravelry long enough to write up a post! But, I will try really, really hard. I promise. <_<;; No seriously.

Okay, so since updates kinda fell by the wayside, I'll fill you in on some of the things I've been doing lately!

First up are the first pieces of clothing I've ever made! Okay, yes they're for historical re-enactment, but they're still garments!



I really like this one. I happened to get really freaking lucky with the mix of fabrics I had, and I just so happened to have the perfect color yarn to weave the trim and sash with! It couldn't have turned out better!



Now this one is sooo comfortable. It's a really light-weight fabric and the facing for the neck is fleece. I LOOVE it! I can't wait to wear it more often! The sash was a bit of an experiment. I made it out of Patons Silk Bamboo yarn. It's really soft, but it has the tendency to shed a bit. It's nothing too extreme. Just something I've noticed.



Okay, I'm really excited about this bag. It's made out of leftover fabric from the first tunic, and is perfect for knitting projects or anything else I need to put in there! It has gotten a lot of use already, and I foresee it getting a lot more in the future.