:Knit:

Loopy Loops W.I.P

Nicky20 Comments

Sometimes the simplest of events, situations, circumstances, problems … whatever … can provide valuable lessons and my current knitting project is no different.

After a rough end to the work-day, I came home a little fatigued, a little close to tears and all around frustrated.  My newest character building mantra however is to leave negative work experiences at the door once I arrive outside my apt building.  I’m working harder to make my living space a peaceful space and that’s one of the things I can do to make it so.  Leave work baggage outside … shucks, it’ll be there when I get to work tomorrow anyway … why bring it home?

Once I got inside, I was a little lost at what to do to de-stress.  Silly me, knitting makes almost everything better so I picked up my needles.  😀  The pattern seemed easy enough but that seemingly simple pattern made me learn two new skills — how to do a provisional cast-on and how to seam with the kitchener stitch.  The pattern is one I bought not too long ago and the end result looked like it would’ve been simple enough to make.  It is … but in it’s simplicity lay two valuable lessons. 

The first (the provisional cast-on) I learned from this very valuable video on http://www.knittinghelp.com.  That site is an absolute resource for newbies like myself and experienced knitters.  Or at least I think so.  😀

Provisional Cast-On Video

While knitting, my work issue crept into my thoughts but rather than get upset I realized that just like my seemingly simple knitting project, there was a lesson to be learned in this.  What I found is that my work problem, when broken down, has a simplified resolution, but a resolution that guarantees that I don’t have to deal with this particular issue again.  Lesson learned — my first response was not my best response and I’m glad I walked away before saying something I couldn’t take back.  Who said knitting doesn’t mimic real life?  With both experiences, I learned new skills.  How about that? 😀

It doesn’t look like much, but here’s my current W.I.P ~ Loopy Loops.  See my provisional cast-on.  I’m loving it!!!!!  😀

The project doesn’t look like much now, but here’s a better view of the stitch pattern:

It’ll be ready on Friday, complete with the kitchener grafting stitch for F.O. Fridays reveal.  In the meantime, head over to Tami’s to see what the other ladies are working on.  They never disappoint. 😀

Puppy Love

Nicky29 Comments

At some point, I decided that Christmas 2011 was going to be a handmade Christmas.  Then I decided not, then I decided yes.  Dizzying isn’t it — the back and forth?  Yesterday I blamed the rain for my renewed interest in knitting.  Today it’s the fact that I need to de-stress and also because my hand is feeling better. 😀 At this point, I don’t even care why.  I’m just glad I could knit 68 rows of stockinette stitching without agonizing pain.

Why specifically 68 rows of stockinette?  Because 68 rows of stockinette 6 times gives me one of these:

click here for image source and pattern

I’ll get one of these delightfully cute braided balls which when completed is going to be a Christmas gift for my amazing canine friend Cinnamon aka The Cinnabunny.  See the absolute adorableness? 

How could I not give my snookums a handmade Christmas gift?   She’s my friend’s shitshu and I love her just like she was my own.  Who would have thought that puppy love would have influenced my first WIP in months (although I’ve tried to start others and failed miserably)?

As I put it together I’m going to add a bell like the one below to it so as she chases it, it’ll be loud and jingly. 😛  

Yes, I am the aunty of canine and human sweetie-pies fully in support of loud noise making toys. 😛  (If I become a parent, y’all can get back at me then).  😀

Here’s my “Puppy Love” wip:

The First Strip

The Yarn for the Other Strips

It’s been a while since I participated in WIP Wednesdays at Tami’s, but as always I’m going to say, after you’re done messing around here, head over to her blog for other inspirational WIPs from the fabulous ladies participating in the series.