Holden Shawlette

Holden Shawlette by Mindy Wilkes


I had my eye on this shawlette for awhile. Being that I am fairly new at knitting I wasn't sure if I could knit lace yet. However, this pattern is quite easy to follow and the stitches are simple. Like I said, I am new to knitting so I find charts difficult to understand and avoid any project that has them right now. With that said, I did make a few mistakes. There is quite a bit of counting involved in the pattern. I lost count several times and had to find ways to either increase or decrease stitches. Some of the mistakes are noticeable but I made this for myself so I wasn't about to start over. I will make this again. I'm confident that I have the pattern down.

I am envious of those who are quick knitters. I have read several posts where people have finished this shawl in less than a week. It has taken me 3 weeks but I did it. It my first knitted lace project as well as my first completed project using sock yarn.
-actual finish date Monday 3/11/2013

The Rundown

• Great looking shawl
• Easy to follow pattern (has both written and charted instructions)
• Simple stitches
• Have to keep count of rows and stitches

Notes:

1. Use markers to point out the center stitch
2. Use markers to point out the lace parts (I didn't do this but I wish I had)
3. Use a row counter (especially for the stocknette part)

FO Fridays Waffle Stitch Blanket

Finally finished the waffle stitch blanket. I decided to name it Letgo My Waffle Stitch Blanket. I just love it! The texture is great and it is so warm.

Tuesdday Top List #2

Tuesday Top List #2

Top 5 Reasons to Learn to Crochet
5) It only requires you to work with one hook at a time.
4) Crochet hooks seem to cost less than knitting needles.
3) There are just as many items to make in crochet as there are in knitting.
2) Crochet project tend to be little faster to make than knitting.
1) The basic stitches of crochet (sc, dc, treble and such) are fairly easy to learn.

I learned to crochet years ago. A woman I worked with showed me on stitch the single crochet (sc). With the help of youtube I have learn many more stitches. From what I see online there are not as many crochet blogs out there compared to knitting ones but we are here and on youtube. Crocheters and knitters are a community of people who will usually offer you advice or help if you ask. It takes patience to learn anything new. This is a craft. A hobby as well as a skill. It is not for everyone and that is okay. But if you had tried it and abandon it not because you didn't like it but because you couldn't get the hang of it. Try it out once more. With blogs, Youtube, and groups both physical and online there's a lot of support to help you.

Sharing Sunday #3

Sharing Sunday #3
When people think of knitting and crochet they still conjure up images of Grandma. However, grandma had to learn at some age right. There are all ages of knitters and crochet-ers. It does seem that there are more females into the craft than males now-a-days. I think this is because boys and men don't see many "manly" men with yarn and needle/hook. Well here on Sharing Sunday, I would like to share reasons why men should knit. 1) It helps with dexterity. It has been used by physical theparist for people who have and damage to their hands 2) It's pratical. You can use what you can make 3) Women take notice..ladies you know we do! 4) It's just plain FUN!

Here's a video: Real Men Knit

Work in Progress Wednesday #2

I forgot today is Wednesday! No matter, I am still working on the same projects. Plus I started work on my first knitted item. It is a garter stitch blanket on #9 needles using my favorite yarn color Red Heart Peruvian. A picture will come soon. I am only on the third row.

Another thing I am working on is series inspired by another blog's weekly feature. At least once a month I will link a weekly feature from that blog with a project of mine. As if I don't have enough projects going on but it will be quicker projects such as hats and scarves.

Sharing Sunday #2

Sharing Sunday #2

I would like to share with you a cute cardigan pattern. It looks pretty darn simple to make. This is one that I will be making soon. The pattern is called Peanut Butter and the knitted verison is called Jelly...awe. I don't think I would be exaggerating if I said that beautiful crochet cardigan patterns are hard to come by. Crochet stitches can be quite bulky depending on the yarn so finished garment pieces can look a bit awarked. This not the case with Peanut Butter. The only hard part is choosing the color I want to make it in. I will keep y'all updated. Hope you like the pattern for more info about it click here or you can find it on Ravelry. Pattern cost $6.50

Work-in-Progress Wednesday #1

meme from Tami's Amis and Other Creations

This is my first work-in-progress Wednesday post so let's get to it. I have yarn that I purchased at the beginning of the year and even last year. In an effort use them, I have started projects. So I have a few projects that are started.

In the picture below from left to right:
Granny Ripple - I am liking this pattern. It is my first granny ripple. I love granny squares so I knew I would like this. The colors are tan and a multi rose (muted pink,white,brown,green).
Solas Caomh - This has been around for awhile. I love the pattern. The original pattern is for a baby blanket I added to the pattern so it is huge. Bigger than it needs to be so it will probably to awhile to complete.
Diamond Cable/Waffle Stitch Blanket - I got this pattern from watching Mikeyssmail on Youtube. I like the way it is coming out with this particular yarn (tell you about this yarn and other multis in another post). Plus I am just loving crochet cables right now.
Waffle Stitch Blanket - This is the traditional waffle stitch. I love this pattern and will definitely make another blanket or scarf. Ooooooh I just thought about it....it would make a pretty cool border.
Entrelac Blanket - This is made with baby yarns. I think it was Lion brand One Pound. It will be the multi being shown and a spring green color.

*Not shown: An improvised pattern from a blanket I saw in a magazine, another Solas Caomh, Rings of Love from Youtube