Some Love for Moms

*If you are Nikki and we haven't made it to your house yet, STOP reading NOW!*

My first project on the Silhouette was this Mother's Day card. I made two versions, one for each mom (mine and Rich's). Very simple and easy, but I wish I had distressed the edges for a bit more interest. I was more excited about using my Silhouette and not thinking about design as much.

I also made this bracelet for Rich's mom. I think it screams her name and I hope she likes it. I was trying to go for pink (her favorite color), but the oval bead choice was limited and it turned out more purple. This was my first experience knitting with beads and I am addicted! I am very pleased with the result. Lena immediately fell in love with this bracelet and keeps telling me she wants me to make her one for her birthday that is coming up.

I haven't finished up the gift for my mom, yet. I will say it involves using my Silhouette. Assuming the project I have in mind currently is the same project I end up finishing.

A Sad, Sad Day

I've had the materials for a crocheted table runner for over 5 years. I finally decided to get to work on it. After many, many hours, I have finished 12 motifs (the pattern calls for 21, but I am making it to go on my entertainment center, so I may have more or less depending on the needed length).

Right after finishing up the 12th motif, I folded it over (as always) to put it away. Only to discover this horror:
Can you see it in the crummy picture? See how the edges are uneven? Somewhere along the way I tightened up my tension so it is not consistent throughout. I always fold it up when I put it away, so I'm not sure how I didn't notice the problem earlier. The sizes are enough different that I don't think blocking will be a good solution. I have to rip back the entire table runner and start again. It may very well go back into a box for another 5+ years. I just can't bring myself to undo all of that work. . . yet.

A Workout for My Brain

Remember my argyle project that I'm attempting? I decided I'd better put those needles on hold and do a swatch with cables before proceeding. This came after having to rip back the argyle project 3 times.

In my stash of projects I've wanted to do (and want to do) I have a pattern that claims to be great for the novice cable knitter. Essentially you make swatches involving various types of cables and then sew them together to make soft blocks for baby. I started to attempt this endeavor tonight and between trying to read the 3 charts involved, keep them straight in my mind as I turn my swatch from the front to the back, count and keep track of whether I'm on the CN in front or CN in back. . . my brain is fried! I've managed to complete a whopping 4 rows involving the cable in about 2 hours. You can't even begin to see the cables, otherwise I would have included a picture of my progress. I might also add that the 3 charts involved each have a different number of rows involved in the pattern, so I have to begin repeating their patterns at different points in the project!

I'm starting to think that my original argyle project is easier than this practice project and may be reversing the order of completion. Of course, perhaps I just chose the wrong "swatch" to begin with. There are 6 of them, as there are 6 sides to a cube to complete the baby block. You would think "A" would be the easiest side, wouldn't you? I must admit, though, it's been a while since something has presented my brain with such a challenge. My analysis class in college was probably the last time I really had to work to wrap my brain around anything. Alright, I will embrace the challenge and strengthen my brain. Or go crazy in the attempt. . .

Creating with the Silhouette

I spent some time playing with my Silhouette today. I am loving it! I can't wait until I can try it with fabric. For now, I'm contenting myself with making various cards. Here's what I made today:

Since I used a dark color for the card, I added an oval in the center of the cards for writing messages.
I'm not sure if you can tell, but I've used 2 different shades of green for these 2 cards. This second one is my favorite of the two and is going to a very special home.

I think if/when I use this design again, I will probably put a brad in the center of the flowers.

Knitting Adventures

I've been very excited about knitting the past while. I'm not sure what brought it on. I recently found a book on knitting with beads and was instantly addicted. It helps that the projects are fairly quick to finish and are gorgeous. I've been feeling a bit bored with the basic stockinette and garter stitches and wanted to take my knitting to the next level. The beading helped accomplish that a bit.

Last night I started my first argyle project (my first intermediate level knitting project). I LOVE argyle! I always have. I'm a bit apprehensive since it involves cables and knitting from a chart, neither of which I've attempted previously. I have crocheted from a chart, though, so I hope the transfer comes easily for that point. Alas, the projects are all gifts to be given in the next month or two, so no pictures yet. Fingers crossed the argyle works out! I already had to rip out a row after using the cable needle and I hope I don't have to do that again. It's a bit daunting ripping out a row that has stitches crossed from previous rows. At least for this novice it was.