My Creative Space - Crochet & Knit Going's On

I've done it again. Put my fingers in too many pies. I can't seem to settle to just one activity at the moment, and I'm running from project to project - doing a bit here, and a bit there. I've also realised that it has been a little while since I have shared anything with you that was in the making stages, rather than the finished result.

Here is the first one I started.

This is the second. It stalled because I want to make a liner from fabric, and I can't be bothered getting the sewing machine out - because there is a very good chance that the moment I do, Baby Starfish will wake. And he is my priority right now.

And finally  there's this little bit of string-happiness. 

It's the one that I have actually made the most progress with. 

I'm hoping to have it all done by Friday. You should come back and have a little look-see, and tell me what you think.

...And yes, I have been having a little play on picmonkey again - I heart naptimes! 

Check out what other creative peeps have been up to this week...

Little Hanger

Do you recall when I showed you this wee little bit of knitting a couple of weeks ago?
Well, I actually got it finished just before baby starfish arrived, but lacked the time and good lighting to take any photos... till now. You see both of my other babies were 10 days overdue, so when Baby Starfish arrived on his due date, some of my plans flew out the window! I was anticipating to be just hanging around for a week or so after his due date, and had thought I'd do a few posts on hangers.

So here it is...

...the first one that I made.
Knitted cover over a timber hanger.

I made it for Jellyfish as his clothing is getting bigger now, and the baby hangers aren't quite cutting it.
And I knew that with the series of  things I had made for the baby, the chances were the the boys might feel a little left out, so something made for them was in order.

Next week I'll show you another one.
S xxx

The Sunflower Starfish Baby Beanie

I want to say thank you all for your encouraging comments for both my baby beanie, and the Valentines headbands.

Since some of you were interested in the pattern, I thought I'd post it for you now before I get distracted with something else! ;)

Without further ado, I give you...

The Sunflower Starfish Baby Beanie

Fits from birth to 3 months approx.
Materials:
4 ply baby yarn (I used Cleckheaton Cocoon, that I had in my stash)
3.5mm Double Pointed Needles (The yarn wrapper says 3.25mm, but I tend to knit tightly with 4ply)
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle for sewing up the top of beanie

Cast on 100 stitches. I like the long tail method for this.
Place the stitches evenly over 3 of the DPN's and add stitch marker. (I place the first stitch on the last needle, and the last on the first, thereby crossing the threads and making a loop (you could also use circular needles if they are short enough).
Work 10 rows of 2x1 rib
Work 20 rows of knit stitch (stst)
Begin decreases
Knit 8 stitches K2tog
Knit 1 row
Knit 7 stitches K2tog
Knit 1 row
Knit 6 stitches K2tog
Knit 1 row
Knit 5 stitches K2tog
Knit 1 row
Knit 4 stitches K2tog
Knit 1 row
Knit 3 stitches K2tog
Knit 1 row
Knit 2 stitches K2tog
Knit 1 row
Knit 1 stitches K2tog
Knit 1 row
Knit 2 stitches together till the end of row

Thread tapestry needle and stitch through remaining loops, fastening off after 2 rounds (I like to know it's going to be secure).

(P.S. This is the first time I've ever written a beanie pattern - so if you find any glitches, please let me know.)

A bun warmer for my little bun.

I've finished it! (Well, to be precise, I finished it on Sunday night) The little bit of knitting that I have done for the little bitty bun that I am in the process of baking. :) The lighting is rubbish today, and I wish I had taken the time to photograph it yesterday. Alas. I also haven't blocked it. And Sarah, if you are reading this, the stitches aren't quite as even as I would like (Or you might think)... but it will keep baby's head warm! :)

This isn't the first baby beanie I have knitted, but it is one of the first where I decided to make my own pattern. Now my only problem is to figure out what kind of embellishment I should put on it. A flower? A sail boat? Grrr. Here's where YOU, my loyal readers can help out. What would YOU put on it for a girl or a boy? Pleeease, someone give me some inspiration! :)

Should I post the pattern? Would you like it? It wasn't too hard to knit up, and if you can juggle DPN's, it should be a piece of cake. Mmmm. Cake. Must make some I think...

Enjoy your day!


S xxx

My creative space - on the sticks

I actually get to show you SOMETHING that I'm working on right now... There are 3 other complete projects that I am longing to share, but the weather hasn't been cooperative for taking pictures (outsides ones), or my timing has been all wrong... so I'll have to leave you hanging on those ones (you can actually see a peek of one of the projects in the photo...).

It's raining today, so snuggling up with some yarn is completely appealing to me... after lunch I will hopefully get to it. Both boys will should be asleep then, so I will have some time to myself for a hour or so.

I started this one the weekend... and have already frogged it three times. I think  I had forgotten how to knit with DPN's... does anyone else find them a pain to work with? Give me a hook PLEASE!!! LOL Then there was the little placenta brain problem that made me cast on the wrong number of stitches (smacks hand on forehead), and while knitting and watching Grand Designs, I... um... started knitting in the opposite direction (after twisting a stitch - How did I not notice that??? I ask you. lol) Anyway... we are on the way. Hope to have this one finished by next week (I'm a slow knitter, I admit it.).

Hope your day is abundantly creative!


S xxx

See what other people are creating today over at Our Creative Spaces.

My Creative Space - Knitting and Stitching

You may well have seen that I haven't been around these parts much lately, but all is not entirely still on the creative front. I've been a bit quiet I guess, and (as you know if you read my previous post) there are good reasons for that. Right now I want to share a couple of projects that have been waiting for some attention for a while now.

First up is a little knitted throw that I made for my sister for her birthday (it's living at her home now - so I can show you ).

I used an acrylic blend of yarn that was in a boxed kit... not normally what I would go looking for, but I stumbled across it and thought it was cool (there were also a pair of 12mm knitting needles in the kit, and I didn't have a set of those, so I grabbed it!). I knitted it with one of the 12mm knitting needles, and the other was a 3/4 inch knitting needled that I borrowed from my MIL some time ago.

The second thing is a reversible bag I made for my SIL for her b'day a while back, and I just haven't shared it yet. I used some Emily Bloom Designer collection fabric for the pink side of the bag and some blue paisley vintage cotton that used to be a skirt belonging to my MIL - so it already has family history. ;)

The pattern is the same one I used here.

I have a few other projects in the works that I will (hopefully) share with you in the next week or so.
Hope your day is a marvellous one - I'm off to enjoy some sunshine with the boys while it's around (We've had such a wet Summer lately, that any bit on sun and warmth is welcome!).

S xox 

Knitted Neckie Reveal & Crochet Hearts

I promised to reveal the final product of one of my WIP list a few weeks ago - so here it is! Gifted today (so I can now post about it) to another SIL for her 30th birthday (along with a lemonade tree). We had a beautiful morning in Terrigal at the Crown Plaza in the Lord Ashley room.

The view

The neckie is made from Sullivan's yarn in black (Wouldn't you know it - I have been saving the wrapper for months now, and when I go to find it - it's gone! The yarn has grey, white, and teal mixed through with the black, and has a slubby nature, wrapped in ribbon). Buttons are charcoal grey with silver sparkles from here (the yarn was also purchased here).
I don't know if the pattern I used has a name or not (I'm sure it does), but it is just a variation of moss stitch, that seems to suit this kind of yarn. I just experimented with stitches till it looked right. It is the same pattern I used for the Mulberry Delight neckie, but with different button holes.

 The picture quality is a bit so-so... it was quite a dull morning this morning.

I also wanted to share with you a close up of the Crochet Scandinavian Heart that I have been churning out a few of (and I'm not done yet!). I have one up for grabs in my Valentines Giveaway that ends tonight 12pm DST. If you haven't dropped a comment on that post people, now is the time to do it! ;)
If you would like to make your own, the tutorial and pattern for it is here. I actually found it through Knit Purl Gurl, and liked hers so much that I HAD to make some for myself. I just wish I could have found similar colourways of yarn! Mine is made from Heirloom 4 ply 100% cotton in Red.

Appreciation Week

I have decided that this week is going to be all about appreciation.

If it's something that the past week of flooding has highlighted 

(and the on-going flooding), is that we need to let other's know what they mean to us. 

Family, friends, work colleagues... the list goes on. 

You never know what each day will bring, so wear your heart on your sleeve and let them know how special they are! :)

One of the lovely ladies in bloggy land has been super about answering questions that I have regarding sewing, and in general being supportive of creative efforts. Here is a sneak peek at what I made for her...

And while I am yarning away... here is a sneak peek at an almost finished WIP 

... it just needs some buttons. 

I will post the details for it later this week.

What kinds of things do you appreciate?

Christmas 2010 Run Down.

I totally meant to post this before I went away - but I was so busy trying to get everything finished that I didn't get back to it!

So here is a quick run down of the things that I made to give as Christmas gifts (it's safe now...)

Boxy Zippered pouch.

Knitted Washer.

I altered the pattern a bit to make it bigger. Pattern found here.

BIG bag of hand dipped chocolate coated ginger (To go with the washer)

The bag is reversible... my SIL liked the pink side best.

Beginners-bias-tape bag. 

Made with Emily Bloom designer range (the pink), and some fabric from Spotlight. Pattern found here.

Sweet Stationary Set.

I used Kikki K. stamps, some handmade paper that I had made earlier, and envelopes from here. (I can't find the finished photo - sorry!)

A crochet sock for an Iphone

This has a cross stitch heart on it, just for a little interest.

(I will post the tutorial for that in a few days - still needs a little tweaking)

And the one that I was the most impressed with - the Diana Hobo Bag.

 Alas - I didn't take any photos of the finished product!!! I can't believe it! I did find one dodgy pic on the camera per favour of someone snapping away with it, so I am sharing it with you anyway. My sister will be passing through (hopefully) in a couple of weeks - so I will try to get a better one then.

And the lovely Tania from Teek sent me the jpg for some cute little tags that she made. 

 

So several jars of Rudolph noses, Reindeer poo, and Reindeer Food (Mr. Kelp altered the jpg when he was printing to include one of our friends that doesn't like chocolate. I made Vanilla fudge instead.) later... you just have to sample a few, you know?

Vanilla Fudge for the neighbours.

My Creative Space - Thanksgiving Pumpkins

Today is Thanksgiving in the US... well to be precise, it's still Wednesday there - but in about 7 1/2 hours it will be Thursday, and a few hours after that (as I understand it) Mother's all over the east coast will be getting up to start preparing their Thanksgiving Lunch/Dinner.
Earlier this year, my friend in New Hampshire sent me a package to help me do an Aussie styled Thanksgiving on the third Thursday of May... She is also the one responsible for my taking the 'Blog Journey', as she set up this blog for me in the first place.

Anyway, as a thank you to her I have made some little Thanksgiving knitting place markers and a stitch marker. Today is the day I chose to post about it. I am sending them to her new home in Bunburry WA, as she married an awesome friend of mine last month. She arrives in just over a week - and I can't wait to have her in a similar time zone!

Welcome to Aus Jenn! I hope that home here will become just as special as I know New Hampshire is to you.

Publish Post

To see more creative goodness, head on over here.

Edit: I was talking to Jenn, and she tells me that the calendar is crazy this year, and that in fact, Thanksgiving is going to be on the 4th Thursday instead of the 3rd. Sorry.

My First Crochet and Knitted Lace

Remember these?

Well here is the final product.

A crochet cotton bikini top (pattern found here)

and a knitted dish cloth. (pattern found here)

Not by any means perfect - but I am pleased with them non-the-less.They were made to send to my friend in the US for her bridal shower (and should arrive any day, so I can finally post about it!) The hand-made tag that goes with them says "Something to wear while you do the dishes". I hope she likes them - she is a great gal with a fab sense of humour, and was also the one that got me into knitting something other than scarves and kept encouraging me to learn to crochet! Here is her old blog where you will find some of her creations, and a link to her new site.

Knitted Sock for an Iphone Tutorial

Thank you so much for all your kind comments yesterday! Being that I have only been a member of bloggy land for a few months now, I have to say, I get so excited reading your comments and encouraging words - especially when they are from people that I don't know that have taken the time to have a look at seaweedandraine AND leave a comment! (There have been a few times I have gone tearing around the house fizzing with excitement - crazy I know, but it is true). So you see, even though I haven't had the chance to meet you all, your thoughts mean a lot.

There were quite a few people commented yesterday on the phone sock, so I thought I would whip up a quick tutorial for you...

Phone sock for an iPhone

I used 8 ply yarn and 4mm needles.

1. Cast on 32 stitches (34 if they have a phone cover or if you are knitting in a 4 stitch pattern like the one below).I used long-tail cast on because I love the finish that it gives, but you could use whatever style you like. Edit: The Raspberry stitch made the phone sock a bit tight - I think if I were doing it again I would make it 38 stitches!).

2. Start knitting!
Knit what ever style you are aiming for. In the first sock I did, I just used stockinette stitch. For this one I raspberry stitch, which I found here and goes basically like this:Row 1: purl

  Row 2: K1, (K1,P1,K1 all in the same stitch), P3 tog, K last stitch

Row 3: purl

Row 4: K1 P3 tog, (K1,P1,K1 all in the same stitch), K last stitch  Some of you mentioned that it looked like blackberry stitch... I'm not entirely sure. I did have a quick look on YouTube, and this stitch is listed a few times mostly under Raspberry stitch, but they are both there. There were also a couple of different patterns listed as Black berry stitch. Call it what you like :)

3. Knit until your work measures 13cm in length.

4. Cast off.

5. Fold in half and sew together using mattress stitch (I did - but incorrectly. I have since found a good tutorial here)

6. I finished the second sock by weaving beading elastic through the top stitches to pull it in tighter and stop the phone from sliding out too easily (my SIL didn't have a phone cover, but I was working a 4 stitch pattern, so I didn't want her phone to slide out in her bag).

The first phone sock I made I stitched in some thin twill tape to make a loop as my other SIL wanted to attach a short lanyard so she can have it secured to her wrist when taking loads of files from the lab to her office. This is totally optional.

So there you have it. Piece of cake! Have fun :)

My Creative Space - Raspberry Phone Sock

I have been away from blog land for the past few days... we had a house inspection yesterday, and my creative space was spread all over the house (need I say more???), but I'll share with you some of the latest.

I finished the raspberry stitch on the weekend

 
...which was just as well, seeing as I was giving to my sister in law for her (early) birthday before she heads to Canada and the States for a month. We had a great family-day-get-together.

I have to say I actually like the pattern made on the back of the fabric

... but I would never make anything just for that - it's just too fiddly! What do you think?

Also here is the finished photo of the Slubby neckie from the list. Sorry it's upside down. I gifted it to her for her birthday also.

My Creative Space

I think I may have a short attention span this week - I have too many things either on the sticks or hook... again.

Here is a sample.
Something for my step-sister

Something for my sister-in-law

Something for my niece

Something for my Mum

I have actually finished knitting the cushion cover for my Mum, but I do need to sew the seams and add a zip before I post it off to her.

I am really excited about what I am endeavouring to do with this vintage (gifted) fabric next week!

Stay tuned... :)

Check out more great stuff at Kirsty's!