Katie's Knit Knat

I would like to send out a quick THANK YOU to my wonderful Secret Pal Angel. I love the package. I had to pick it up at the post office and I could not wait to leave the building to open it. my youngest was with me and she had a fit over the wonderful things that you sent for my girls. I will take a picture as soon as I get home. I had to stop at my mother's house to post this as my computer is still boxed up from the move. I hope to have a picture later today to post when we come back for dinner tonight. I hope that you all have a wonderful day. I have been getting a little crafting done in the pick up line at school and I made a ribbon bulletin board for the studio and I hope to get another one made this afternoon. I hope to have pictures of them also to post.

taking a break

2006-08-31T12:02:00.000-05:00

I will be taking a break for the next couple of weeks until I get the new studio up and running. and I will be back and I hope that you come back and read again. Thanks for looking. Katie

Busy, Busy, Busy

2006-08-19T12:20:00.000-05:00

Over the past week I have been so busy that I have had no time for crafting that amounts to anything. I am trying to pack up 2 years worth of amassed books and crafting magazines. I did not realize that I had so many. After the move I might be putting up a few for sale or trade. I also had to change the building that I am getting because the builder was unable to get the other one on the schedule in time for me to be out of my retail space. I am not getting a pre-built building that wil be on location mid-week, next week. I am really excited and look forward to the change of pace and location. My class list will be expanded to include:

Basic Sewing
Intermediate Sewing
Art Quilt techniques
Beginning Knitting
Beginning Crochet
Beading
Drawing and Painting
Slab-formed Pottery
Painting on Clay

The last three classes I have taught previously at a private school and I look forward to going back to these classes.

A new path for me

2006-08-11T08:20:00.000-05:00

A lot of you know that I own a retail shop. Well as of the end of this month I am closing the storefront location and opening a smaller studio space closer to my home. It was not an easy decision but it needed to be made for a lot of reasons, and so I decided that with the end of my lease that I would move to a studio location. I am having a studio built and I am hoping that it will be ready for me to move in in the next couple of weeks. It is a 16' x 20' building with a second story office.

This is the exterior picture that the builder has supplied. And here is a few shots of the interior but the stairs will be mirrored so that the door is not at the end of the stairs.

Here is a picture of the loft area that I plan to use as my office.

I will still be selling yarn and other knitting supplies, and I will be adding fiber arts items such as fabric and kits for handbags, mini quilts, needlework and cross-stich and embroidery.

I will also be adding back a few of the classes that I did not have at the shop such as Ceramics and slab-formed Pottery (I have a kiln in my garage that I will move to the studio).

I would like to say thinks to my new secret pal. I will post pictures of the beautiful yarn as soon as I can fined the camera cable.

A ramble of a post

2006-08-01T09:09:00.000-05:00

I know I have been away for a while. My oldest daughter started school Friday and as you can expect it was a cry fest on the kindergarten hall. She did real good on the first and the second day but this morning she held on so tight, and she did not want to let me leave. To explain a little more her classroom is on the back hall of the school and so she asked me to walk her to class and she asked me to eat breakfast with her today and after I walked her back to her room and she was determined that I was not going to leave. I feel like such a bad mom because I left her crying in her class. Ok I wall get on with the real reason that you read this blog. I have been crafting alot over the past few days just to keep my mind off of her being away from me. I picked up the book Fabric Art Journals, by Pam Sussman, and the current issue of Quilting Arts Magazine. Both of them has inspired me so much that I started a mini Applique quilt and I hoep to be able to complete one per week while she is in school. This quilt is title "hope" I do not know whay this came in my mind but it did and so that is the name that stuck. It is almost complete. I have the top appliqued and now I am adding embroidery to it in the form of seed stitches and the word HOPE. The Background fabric is White Muslin.

surfing the blog world

2006-07-21T11:22:00.000-05:00

I have been out surfing the blog world today and I found more than a few interesting sites out there. here are a few of my favorites.

hop skip and jump
hello my name is heather
little birds
kraft-o-la
red felt flower
ring-lo I love her lables I really need some of those for my things.
pyglet I love the frogs they are so cute.
wish thimble the button rings are so cute that you just have to check it out.
my little mochi love the cupcakes and the softies
while she naps this is a very cute blog and the header is just too cute.
twelve 22 has xome very cute ideas.
this post at Molly Chicken really caught my eye.

I have been very busy this week as I have been making topsy-turvy dolls for my girls. I have two complete except for the hair and I have a square softee, and a Wee from Wee-wonderful almost complete. I hate to post with out a picture so here is a flower from the boquet that I recieved last week.

WOW

2006-07-14T16:04:00.000-05:00

I was calling the Denise Schmidt Quilts office to cehck on carrying their fabric in my shop and I actually got to speak with Denise. I could not believe it, she was very nice and I might be ordering some of their fabric for sale in my shop. I also found out that if you would like to try some of their fabrics they have a Scrap bag that you can order to get a taste of their fabrics. I will post pics soon. have a good weekend.

can't think of a title

2006-07-12T08:47:00.000-05:00

I found some great templates here. they are for paper crafting and much more. I really think that some of the shapes would make great appliques for a quilt or bag. I found them via Karla's Korner, she made some very cute envelopes out of magazines with the templates above.

So much fun I made it twice

2006-07-11T13:38:00.000-05:00

Fancy I really love this bag. every time I look at it, it makes me smile. I first made this bag a couple of years ago and I thought after I sold it, that I should have kept it for my self. I did not think I had enought fabric but last week while going throught my fabric stash I found enought to make me one of these for my self. I named the firstbag the Anastasia Bag after my oldest daughter, so I guess this it the Anastasia II. It is the size of a Diaper Bag and it is great for me to go the park with the girls because I can take a small picnic and still have room for a change of clothes for each. I love the print and after I bought the fabric I started to see a lot of ready made bags made out of the same fabric and so many people wanted it I could have sold a lot of them had I been smart enough to buy the whole bolt of fabric.

For Shelby

2006-07-11T11:44:00.000-05:00

1) What is your favorite season of the year?

Sprin because I love when the flowers are just starting to bloom

2) Where is your favorite vacation spot?

the beach I love it but my DH prefers the Mountains

3) If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?

New Zeland

4) If you could pick any job, and be paid well, what would it be?

a mother because I think that this is the most unappreciated job out their, but I enjoy being one but I would love to get paid well for it.

5) If you were going on vacation for 1 week, and had to take ONLY one project with you, what would it be?

a blanket because I know that it would last the whole week.

6) If you won a shopping spree to your favorite Yarn shop, what would you get?? Prism Light stuff and Prism cool stuff. I love it so much but I could never afford it.

This is too funny

2006-06-30T15:35:00.000-05:00

Mini Magnet Mania

2006-06-29T15:42:00.000-05:00

I have been going magnet crazy today. I made 96 (yes you read that right, 96) mini glass magnets. Here they are on the display board read to go in my shop. These 4 are going to my Colorific pal for the July Black and White Swap. Sorry for the blurry picture.

Thank You's Abound

2006-06-28T14:25:00.000-05:00

I would just like to say thiank you to my One Skein Pal for the lovely skein of art yarns supermerino I love it. Also I would like to think my swap partner from swap bot for the lovely package for the june colorrific swap-o-rama I love it. My girls took it apart before I could get a good picture. and thank you to my swap-bot pal from the I love magazines swap. she sent me 2 cross stitch mags and one paper art mag all the way from Protugal.

What I've been up to

2006-06-28T11:58:00.000-05:00

The road trip ended up to be to Florida. I had a job to take a camper to Deland, FL and so we spent the night at the beach in Daytona. My dad decided that he wanted to be the one to drive so I was able to knit and do a few little sewing projects in the truck. I made a few treasure bags out of sock yarn. I decied that I will never make sock but I had so much sock yarn I had to do something with it so I made up a patter for a little drawstring treasure bag.

I made 3 of them over the weekend, and I made a cute flower pin out of 3 x 2 inch scraps of fabric. I cannot stand to throw any piece of fabric out and so I used the pieces of fabric from the Denise Schmidt scrap bag.

Everything that I took for crafting on the trip was in this bag. I sold creative memories a few years back it has three outer pockets , the large one with the logo is big enough to hold my denise needles. the other 2 pockets have yarn in them. Inside it has three more pockets in the front and two more in the back. In the front I have my Scissors and small Fabric Pieces and more yarn. I managed to get a few white Hankies to stitch and more yarn in the back pockets. There is also a three ring binder in the center that I filled with sheet protectors that come from the Scrapbook section of the craft store, and I was able to fill them with my DMC floss and fabric pieces and a few patterns.

My Weekend Preview

2006-06-22T11:18:00.000-05:00

I have been have a wonderful week with no school to worry about. I got a C in the class and an A for the Chair Project. Yipee. This weekend looks like it might be a road trip weekend. My DH is out of town heading to San Antonio, Texas , and someone called and need a RV moved from north of Atlanta to Wichita, Kansas and I will be doing the driving. the girls and my Mom and Dad will be riding with us and I think that this will be fun because the girsl have always wanted to go on a road trip with Nanny and Paw. I will keep you updated. My dad will drive some of the time so I will be able to knit some. My DH has my Camera so I am going to post a few of our camping pictures that I have neglected in posting. (I hate to post with no pictures)

This cool site

2006-06-21T12:24:00.000-05:00

This post is for the cool swaping site called Gimme your Stuff. I would love to swap all kinds of American stuff with you.

Fabric Fat Quarters
American Candy
Tazo Tea
Spices and other food items
fashion, craft, and home decor magazines
local newspapers
postcards.

I am looking for:

International Craft Magazines (knitting, sewing, quilting)
Craft Supplies
Candy
local Newspapers
Fashion, and home decor magazines
teas
postcards

Schools Out for the Summer

2006-06-17T10:54:00.000-05:00

I turned in my final this morning and I am now out of school until October and I feel like jumping for joy. Here is the pictures of the chair as promised. My 225 lbs DH is the model in the last picture. I think he was afraid it was going to break while he was in it.

Thrifting

2006-06-17T10:31:00.000-05:00

My DH was so nice to let me stop at the Thrift shop that is on the way to my shop this morning and I made a few purchases and I know there are at least a few of you out there that love the thrift as much as I do. I love these type of little booklets. They are loaded with tons of little sewing tips. I also pick up a few sewing patterns for a swap I am doing with a friend.

I also happen to notice thse McCall's Needlework, one is form 1981 and the other is 1995 and the Family Circle Knitting is form 2001.

A Couple of MS Living form 1999 and 2000 I love the Christmas Issues because the have some great projects.

And these cute little mini candy jars that I think will make some very good bead holders.

All for only $4

Happy Thrifting

Ok I am still alive

2006-06-16T15:06:00.000-05:00

I know I can't believe I let a week go by with no post. I have been so busy with school. My Final is due tomorrow. I am having to build a chair that will support 200 lbs out of cardboard (yes, I said cardboard). It is comming along very well I have the legs and seat complete not for the back. I am attempting a dining chair. I have been getting some knitting in while my DH drives me everywhere, my car has a problem with the battery cables so it will just die and not start back up. I have completed the baby blanket and I gifted it before I took a picture. I am almost done with a baby bib that I started yeasterday. I have not seen the Mason Dixon book so I decided to make up my own pattern. It is turning out great. I will post the pattern tomorrow after I get my final turned in. I have also been sewing I made my DH a Saddle Horn bag for Part of his father's day gift. I also have been putting my carder to good use blending fibers for sale in my shop. After this class I will be taking a break from school for a few months and I am so excited I hope that I can get a lot more crafting done my shop is looking bare. I have also added a few more swaps to the swap-bot site. Here are a few of the one's that I started

School

2006-06-09T12:59:00.000-05:00

I feel like this class is driving me crazy. It is a model making class and this was one of the projects that I had to make this week.

Violated

2006-06-07T09:27:00.000-05:00

I was at work in the middle of the day and my DH called and he had just arrived at home and found that our home had been broken into. We know think that he came up while they were there and scared them off because they left everything laying in the bags that they had it packed up in. As far as we can tell nothing is missing, but we did have a very big mess to clean up. They kicked in our back door and precceded to trash my house. I am just thanksful no one was at home when they came in. The sad thing is, is that they think is was a couple of teenagers and my dh coming home made them run. Sorry to be a depressing post I really just need to get it off of my chest.

One good thing did come out of it. I rearranged my Living Room so that when I come home I will not have to see the same arrangement that it was in when it happened , and remember they way that it looked.

FIL Update

2006-06-07T09:25:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to let you know that my FIL went back in the Hospital on Monday for possible rejection of his new lung, We do have good news as of this morning that that have been able to reverse it and he will be able to come home this afternoon and this could be the first of many of these episodes and we will have to get used to it. I really appreciate your prayers in the matter. Thank you all

Japanese Craft Book

2006-06-01T13:54:00.000-05:00

book-16, originally uploaded by Six And A Half Stitches.

ISBN: 4579109813

I have created a slide show of pictures from the book Handmade Zakka le duvet doux

A Couple of bags and a blanket

2006-05-31T14:17:00.000-05:00

My sewing machine had been busy lately. Last week I sewed the race car blanket for a birthday present for my Nephew's 3rd birthday. I decieded that I wanted a new purse to match most of my summer outfits, and that is the orange one and the long blue bag is the new knitting bag that I designed. It is called the "Knitn' Carry".

Cades Cove, TN

2006-05-30T16:03:00.000-05:00

We spent three hours here on Monday and I thought that these pictures turned out great. So, I decided to share them with you all.

And the Winner is . . . . . . . . .

2006-05-26T15:15:00.000-05:00

For the Vacation Contest the winner is Teresa of Maggie Grace Creates. Please e-mail me with your address and I will send you the yarn . Thank you all for the comments I hope that you have

I forgot my Blog Anniversery

2006-05-26T09:06:00.000-05:00

It was May 16, I began this blog on May 16, 2005 and I can't believ that I have been doing this for over a year now. This is a feat for me because I normally cannot keep up with a journal longer than a month. I don't think I would have been able to without my readers and your comments. Thank you for making this year fly by.

I might just take this also

2006-05-25T16:03:00.000-05:00

After seeing this post over at Molly Chicken I might just get back to making cute patches I might just have to take my stitching kit with me. I love these and I think I might just have to make a few to go on the purses that I am working on.

What should I take on Vacation (Contest)

2006-05-25T13:54:00.000-05:00

I will be leaving on Saturday morning to go on vacation. I have a 4 hours drive each way and will be camping the whole weekend. I plan on packing the following:

My Denise Needles
My summer sweater project
A original scarf pattern that I am knitting up for the shop
and a choice between two other projects

A mystery shawl [3 different yarns 1 skein each and #15 needles] (1)
An original Felted Bag [1 base wool yarn,3 skeins and 3 different novelty yarns (2)

Ok, I need help with the last two which one should I take. Let me know by picking either #1 or #2

I will throw the names in the hat tomorrow afternoon [Friday, May 26 at 4pm]

All picks need to be in by 3:30pm est to count.

One Skein of Novelty yarn: Please pick a color from the following list and list it in your post.

Blue
Red
Purple
Pink
Green
Black

It's the SOUL PATROL

2006-05-25T09:58:00.000-05:00

My favorite won last night Yipee, Yipee. I was about to jump out of my seat. I love the way he sings, he needs a few dance lessons but he can sing.

The Arts & Scraps Swap

2006-05-24T15:22:00.000-05:00

I participated in the Arts and Scraps Swap at Swap-Bot and this is the loot that I recieved from Robin. It was a pacakage full of items for collage and shadow box art, I love the items and now all I have to do is get a few shadow boxes and get to work. Here is one detail shot. Here is another upclose shot. I got buttons, beads, chips, ATCs, antique postcards, and so many other cool things. Thank you Robin

Another interest sparking post

2006-05-23T14:33:00.000-05:00

This is a Japanese Craft Magazine and I think this one is one of the best issues that I have seen.

Japanese craft books

2006-05-23T14:14:00.000-05:00

I really love these books and magazines and I hope that the pictures inspire you as much as they do me. This is handbags and I love this books and plan on making a few of the bags from this book.

I am sorry that these are so small but I could not get them any bigger without losing my sidebar.

I have been Surfing

2006-05-18T14:17:00.000-05:00

The World Wide Web that is. I have been checking out various Japanese websites in the hunt for the perfect inspiration. After a few hours I set back and decided to draw up some Items based on what I had saw. Well here it is.

Week 6 of Whip up

2006-05-18T12:42:00.000-05:00

Week 6 And I decided to make something for this contest. This is the Geisha Bag: I created a foundation pattern out of a canvas fabric and then I pieced the fabric on it using the foundation method of quilting. I then put decorative machine stitches on each seam line. I also added beads and buttons as a detail to the front top of the bag.

The ribbon handle was attached with ribbon tabs and D-rings, and lobster clasps.

This bag was very fun to make and I really enjoyed the process.

The buttons that are on the bag are the ones that I recieved in the button swap on Swap-Bot

My Podcast

2006-05-17T10:28:00.000-05:00

I have just started a podcast and I have a new blog just for this podcast. http://katiesknitknatpodcast.blogspot.com and here is the feed for the podcast.

Inspiration Day

2006-05-17T09:33:00.000-05:00

This bag was found on the Jaca Jaca Site. I think the idea is great for using up the scraps in my fabric pile. I also have a Sizzix Die Cut Machine, from my scrapbooking days and I have the Paper Doll Punches and it would be so easy to make the clothes for this bag. I thought I would post a few links that I find inspirational.

Denim Bags
Great links and more Translated
Jaca Jaca this is a handmade botique that has great ideas for small items
More Bags

These are all Japanese websites and you might want to use Google Language tools to Translate the pages for you. I find the pictures are better that the words because the meaning gets lost in translation.

A Wonderful Mother's Day

2006-05-16T11:06:00.000-05:00

My wonderful DH and daughters gave me the most womderful Mother's Day Present, that a Fiber Nut would want. I think that most of my friends will think that I am crazy for making such a big deal about this gift. I do know that most of my fiber friends will know why. It is a Stauch Petite and I did have to try it out last night. I works great on the Llama Fiber that I have to spin up. I was able to card enough to spin half a bobbin full of yarn.

Sitting Here Crying

2006-05-13T09:46:00.000-05:00

I am sitting here at my desk crying, my DH just called and told me that we have a buyer for my Baby. Well she is not a baby anymore, but she was my first baby. I have had her longer than I have had my children. I am talking about my horse Legs by the way. We had been saying that we were going to sell her for the past couple of years and we always backed out because no one wanted to pay the amount that we were asking, even though she is worth every penny. So today we had somene call and offer us more than we had been asking for her and we decided to take the offer. He is going to deliver her and pick up the check in the next hour, I don't even get to say goodbye. I will get visitation :-) she is only going about 15 min form our home and will become a hunter jumper horse.

I just had to again

2006-05-13T08:46:00.000-05:00

Your 80s Heartthrob Is

Michael J. Fox

Who's Your 80's Heartthrob?

This is right I love Michael J. Fox when I was younger. I saw this in so many different places that I do not know who to credit.

American Idol

2006-05-12T12:17:00.000-05:00

I have not post on how much I like this show because I did not want to get into who I liked best and who I didn't like. Well I will say I really like Taylor, but this week I almost cried when I watched this. I cannot believe he is gone. Chris did Elvis so well , and hit every note perfectly and still kept a sense of his own style that he should have been in the final and I will miss him. You can see a recap of the performances of this week here

Converted Pants

2006-05-12T10:53:00.000-05:00

Converted Pants, originally uploaded by knitknat1021.

I made this skirt froma Pirn of Blue Jeans and I love it. This was prior to washing to fray the edges My five year old was nice enough to take this picture for me. That is the reason for the headless shot

Father -in-Law Update

2006-05-11T15:20:00.000-05:00

I thought I would let you all know that as of Yesterday it has been a week since My FIL recieved his Lung Transplant. He is doing very well and will be coming home early on Monday. He has completed each step ahead of scheldule.

He came off the Ventelator in less that 24 hours
out of ICU in under48 hours
His drain was out in less that a week
he was up walking in under a week
and he will be coming home under the normal 14 day stay.

Thank you all for your prayers over the past few months and I did not post about this any earlier because I wanted to make sure that he was doing good before I told anyone else.

Second Book is on is way

2006-05-10T16:04:00.000-05:00

Here is the second book from Yes Asia. I thought that this book looked interesting so I decided on it also. ISBN: 4277413307

Coming soon from Yes Asia

2006-05-10T15:58:00.000-05:00

book-16, originally uploaded by Six And A Half Stitches.

ISBN: 4579109813

After reading Crafting Japanese so much I decided I had to Splurge and get a couple of Japanese Craft books and this one is on it's way form Japan to me via www.yesasia.com

New Swap

2006-05-10T14:57:00.000-05:00

I have just set up a new swap on Swap-bot and I thought that I would tell all my readers about it. Here is the details:

You will make a Handbag or Tote Bag out of fabric and fill it with items to help someone learn a new craft.
The themes for these can be one of the following: *
Needlework *
Knitting *
Crochet *
Cross Stitch *
Beading *
Jewlery Making
You will send a book on the new craft, and enough items to complete one or two project form the book.
The Value for this swap is $40- $50
When you get your swap partners name you will have 3 months to get to know this person to get an idea about what to send, and have time to collect the items that are to be included in the tote bag.
To keep postage cost low I would like to limit this swap to USA AND CANADA ONLY PLEASE
If you would like to sign up for this or any of the other great swaps on Swap-Bot all you have to do is sign up for a FREE account.
Here is the swap info

SP7 Questions and Answers

2006-05-10T13:12:00.000-05:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I love Ribbon Yarn What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Cheap Acrylic, I love anything else I am not that picky I just don't like Wal-mart yarn.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have a Denise Set and I use whatever is around
3. How long have you been knitting? 6 years Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Intermediate
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes it is in my Sidebar
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) Citrus
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Yes Very, Favorite candy? Twix, Kit Kat,
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Sew, Make Handbags, Quilt, Do you spin? Yes
8. What kind of music do you like? DC Talk, Toby Mac, Super Chick, Switchfoot, Lifehouse Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I have an I-Pod
9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? I love Spring Colors and Autumn Colors, I also the combinations of Pink and Green and Pink and Brown. Any colors you just can't stand? Dull Colors
10. What is your family situation? Married 2 daughters. Do you have any pets? 5 horses, 2 dogs (outside), 8 Chickens, 1 Guine Pig
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear scarves
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? anything with chunky yarn (quick Knits)
13. What are you knitting right now? about 8 things, ( a sweater sample for the shop, a shawl for Shae, ababy Blanket, a wrap for me,etc)
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I love them and I love making them
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I have a Denise Set and I love Bamboo
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? I have both
17. How did you learn to knit? I taught myself while on Bedrest with my Oldest Daughter 6 years ago
18. How old is your oldest UFO? Over a year a Cape that I started for my daughter.
19. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
20. Is there anything that you collect? Buttons and Ribbon
21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Any Japanese Craft Book Crafting Japanese Has some great ideasWhat knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Interveave Knits, and Crochet
22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Intralac
23. Are you a sock knitter? Sometimes What are your foot measurements? Size 7.5 shoe
24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) October 21

Just a little chat

2006-05-02T17:31:00.000-05:00

Swap Bot Update

2006-05-02T14:55:00.000-05:00

I have added a few more swaps to the Swap Bot web site and here are the ones that I thought you all might like to join.

Journal Swap
Random Button Swap
Fat Quarter Fabric Swap
To Knit or To Crochet
Yarn of a Certain Color
They all have different dates and you can sign up for a free Swap-Bot account and join your choice of swaps from me and lots of others.

Swap-bot swap

2006-04-27T19:18:00.000-05:00

I have created a swap over at swap-bot to swap Creative Journals. you can fine out more information about the swap over here. and It is free to sign up with swap-bot and you can join all kinds of swaps not just mine. I do hoep that you join because it will be fun and I look forward to seeing everyone's journal creations.

Pictures from a few busy days

2006-04-27T12:43:00.000-05:00

Pictures from Destin, FL , We ate at Pompano Joe's and here is a picture of the girls in front of it and a couple of pictures of the sun setting that were were able to watch from our dinner table. On the way back on Tuesday I took a few more pictures coming through Thomasville, GA

What I have been working on....

2006-04-27T10:11:00.000-05:00

Here are a few picture of the items thaf I have been working on over the past few days.
The first picture is of a Bottle cap pincushion and a knitted flower and a few mini pincushions that I plan on making into flower pins or I might make then in to hairbows I still have time to decide.
The second picture is of a super large tote bag that I decied to make because I need an extra bag for my yarn purchases that I make when I am away on vacation. (it is as big as it looks)

I just had to

2006-04-26T16:13:00.000-05:00

This is my favorite group and I really wish that they would get back together they were better together than they are apart.

Pincushion Challenge

2006-04-26T12:59:00.000-05:00

I plan on making a pincushion for this challenge.
I really what make this and the free template is here.
I really like this one also, the template is here.
This Whip-Up Tutorial is reall good for this project as well.
I have used this one to make a pincushion. The picture is on my camer but I do not have to cord so I will updated this post tomorrow.

A few busy days

2006-04-26T12:41:00.000-05:00

I must say that I have a very eventfull weekend.

Sunday, after church we left for St. Augustine, FL to pick up a Motor home to take to Destin, FL.
On Monday we picked up the Motor Home and I started out driving it and my DH was driving the truck,pulling the 5th wheel trailer.
After about 20 miles I decied I needed to be in the truck and not drive the MH
After we swaped we drove to with in 1.5 hours of our destination and the MH started to over heat so we had to stop for a while and let it cool down.
:-) I found a shopping mall to park in front of. I got to go shopping on this trip. YIPEE.
After we got back on the road it looked like everything was going to be fine until we were only 60 miles to the drop off point and the MH died. It would go no further . We did make it to a truck stop so we were able to park it.
We had to leave the motor home at the truck stop and continue to Destin with the 5th wheel trailer.
We made it there with no more problems and while my DH was getting it parked and set up I was able to take the girls to the beach. I forgot my camera so no beach pictures this time around.
We decied to find a unique place to eat that we could not find at home and we ended up at Pompano Joes. ( I was planning on putting a picture here but I left my camera cord at home this morning)
Pompano Joes is directly on the beach and the windows are open and your tables are right under them and you are able to hear and look at the waves while you are sitting there and we were able to watch the sunset from our dinner table. It was very beautiful.
We were planning on comming straight back home at the beginning of the day but with all the unexpected events of the day we got a hotel room right off I-10 and decided to get up early and head home.
Tuesday, as we were getting ready to leave we recieved a phone call from a company that my husband handles all of their transporting need and they neede him to pick up a trailer in Tallahassee, FL so we headed back their to pick it up and after a few stops along the way we made it home a day late and a few dollars more in our pocket , at 9pm
The good news out of it all is that I did get to knit most of the way and I have my top down sweater knitting to below the armhole so I do feel like I have got something done and I finished half of a book that I picked up on the trip. I was also able to try out a few new yarns that I have gotten in at the shop.
I hope that I can have pictures loaded tomorrow. I have been doing other crafting than just knitting during Use What You Have Month.

I may just have to Crochet

2006-04-21T10:14:00.000-05:00

After seeing this I think that I might just have to pull out my crochet hooks again. I was taking a look at the spring issue of this I think srochet is cool again . In other news I have started a sweater. It is a top-down short sleeved reglan. I am using this pattern as it is just my size. I am planning on using the edge design from the Pink Frosting pattern to make it unique. I am doing it in Tatamy Tweed in Lime Tweed from Kramer yarns. I really like the way it is knitting up and I am Using What I Have. I will be teaching a class tomorrow on the Cheveron and Feather Stitch pattern I have 5 signed up but I will take 7 so I am not sure what is going to happen, I love teaching this pattern because it is fun to see it come together. I always start the class by letting them make two swatches on size #8 and #10 needles so that they can see the diffrence in each and decide on the one that they prefer. I use a verigated yarn to show off the rows. I will post a picture of the swatch after the class. On the spinning side of things, I am now processing 20 lbs of Llama fiber and I really have my work cut out for me because it is dirty and I don't mean just dirt I mean veggie matter and wood chips. At least I am getting paid for this work. A lady came in my shop and asked if I would take it and spin it for her and I said yes prior to checking out the fiber (my bad). But it is carding up good. I hav a set of small hand cards, so I have my work cut out for me. I will give an update.

Charity Project update

2006-04-19T09:26:00.000-05:00

I would like to say think you to:

Mira in NY
Beth in Roswell , GA

For sending yarn I plan on adding it in this weekend

This is great

2006-04-18T13:45:00.000-05:00

Check this out It is a great how to for flowers. and simple decoration for any project.

From My Swap buddy

2006-04-18T13:39:00.000-05:00

the goods, originally uploaded by rubycrownedkinglette.

This is the items that I recieved from the Use What You Have Materials Swap.

Check out the Use What You Have photo pool

Belated thanks

2006-04-18T13:29:00.000-05:00

I would like to thank my Use What You Have month Secret Pal for the wonderful box that I recieved last week. I think the camera bug ate the picture because I cannot seem to find the picture but I will link to the flickr one that she uploaded. I love all the fabric and I have made a fabric corsage out of it and I plan on making a canvas bag out of the white canvas fabric and I hope to handpaint the design on it and do some embroidery on it also.

Lookie Here

2006-04-18T09:52:00.000-05:00

I found Kat's Contest and so here is the five places that I have knit other than my home and the LYS .

Church Business Meeting
My cousin's Wedding Reception ( I was trying to get a gift done in time for another cousin's b-day)
On the beach (Myrtle Beach, SC) on our ladies retreat
In the Grocery Store Check out line
While Getting a Pedicure

A little explination

2006-04-15T14:58:00.000-05:00

I thought that my readers deserved an explination, as to why I have not been posting much knitting content.

I am working on my first knitting book
I have only been knitting projects for this book
My writing has consisted of chapters in this book
I hope to have it in stores by christmas

I hope that this is enought explination for my lack of significate knitting content.

PS. I am still working on the charity project also and I hope to have anothe rin progress picture next week.

I hope you all have a good weekend. I have a Birthday party to throw for my now 4 year-old Shae.

Podcasts that I love

2006-04-14T10:34:00.000-05:00

I have become quite hooked on listening to podcast while I knit and I have a few favorites that I would like to share.

There are lost more out there and check out I tunes as it seems like new ones pop up every week. I will post any new ones that I here about as often as possible. (don't forget, even if you do not have an I-pod you can still listen on your computer)

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend.

Better Late Than Never

2006-04-13T15:31:00.000-05:00

We spent the last weekend in Savannah GA and at Tybee Island. This by the way was my girls first trip to the beach. I will post more tomorrow as I have to run now.

Charity Project Update 2

2006-04-13T15:10:00.000-05:00

Here is an update and a change of format in the design and I hope that I can get it finished quicker with this design. This picture was taken on Sunday and I have a few more blocks added.

I would like to think everyone that has sent yarn for this project and I hope to be get alot more done on it tonight.

I would like to send thank you's out to a few that have sent in yarn. I have to get a picture of the yarn that has been sent in so far.

Keri from GA
Carol from Honolulu
Mira from New York
The Yarn of the Month Club
Niki from NC
I have had a few more but the bags are in my knitting basket at home waiting to be added to the quilt.

If you see your name and you would like to be linked please email me and I will post your link.

Julia's Bag

2006-04-13T12:02:00.000-05:00

I think I found the pattern. Here It looks like it is an adaptation of this fiber trends pattern with flowers added. I was think that this pattern would fit the size correctly . I am thinking about making this with some of this yarn in butternut

Yippee Look what came in today

2006-04-12T13:19:00.000-05:00

I am now selling these in the shop and so I now own my own set of these wonderful needles. I have been wanting these for so long.

Art Class

2006-04-11T15:05:00.000-05:00

I am taking a New Art Class and here is the project that I just submitted for this week's assignment.

4 years ago today

2006-04-11T15:01:00.000-05:00

I had a very special gift. Mckenzie Shae Born at: 12:25pm 6 lbs, 5 oz.

The Peachtree Handspinner's Guild

2006-04-04T16:03:00.000-05:00

I was invited to attend their retreat at Salem Campground this past weekend and I went for a few hours. I made a few news friends and saw an old one. I really wish that I had tacken more pictures, I am in the blue sitting beside Anne Hall . I was welcomed by all and I really wish I could have stayed all weekend. I did a little spinning but I was mostly the Social Butterfly, of the day walking and watching and talking to everyone. This was my first Spinning event and I had a blast. I really think I will have to go to the Fall retreat. Hey Regan if your are reading this it was nice to meet you.

Use what you have month

2006-04-04T15:41:00.000-05:00

I have started this month off on the right foot. I am making my daughters a doll each from the book, Knitted Babes. I have finished the body of one and started adding the hair. and the first half of the body is complete for the second one. I am also planning to raid my fabric stash and make at least 5 handbags over this month, I would also like to make a wallhanging that has been in the concept stages for a couple of years now but I think that I might be able to pull it off this month ( or at least get it started).

Chicken Salad

2006-03-30T14:56:00.000-05:00

I came up with the recipe last week when I was wanting to use some spring veggies. So here goes:

1 can of chicken (drained)
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/4 cup minced green bell pepper
4 tbls mayo (I used Duke's brand)
2 tbls lime juice
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon parsley (dried)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Mix everything but chicken together in a bowl. Add chicken breaking it up and then serve with baked corn chips.

Looking for a good Sock Pattern

2006-03-29T14:35:00.000-05:00

I am looking for a sock pattern that uses one skein of Lion Brand Magic Stripes Yarn I have this is the Colorway Jelly Bean Stripe. Which is the bold primary colors and I am thinking about legwamers also but I need a good pattern. I would really appreciate your suggestions.

My SP7 Pal

2006-03-28T16:53:00.000-05:00

I do not know her blog address yet but Heather of Texas thank you so much for the wonderful packages. I love the Knit Picks yarn that you sent me this month. I got 3 skeins each of of the colors above. I think I might make me a summer tank out of it. I love how soft it is. and the colors will make a great stripe. Please send me your blog address so that I can get to know you.

Charity Project

2006-03-28T14:53:00.000-05:00

Here is an updated with what I was able to ge completed in a little over 2 hours off and on over the weekend. I really think that now that I have the pattern for each square/diamond memorized it is going quicker. I have 2 more colors that I can do before I duplicate a color. I really appreciate the response that I have gotten from everyone that would like to send wool scraps. The squares are 1 inch by 1 inch and so this is going to take alot more squares than I had originally planed but I think that it will look great.

PS. I am also thinking about making one out of Acrylic as a companion piece because I had such an overwelming response from people with acrylic yarns. So if you have acrylic yarns and would be interested in sending the scraps I am going to do a Striped one on my machine and get it to national headquarters sooner than this one.

Charity Project update

2006-03-25T15:54:00.000-05:00

Here what and hour can do I have completed 3 squares/diamonds and one triangle. But, you can get the idea for the concept of what it will look like if you have a good imagination. I am going to have to weave in along the way or I am goin gto have so many ends that it will take forever to get it completed. Original posted located here: http://katiesknitknat.blogspot.com/2006/03/artcharity-project.html

2 Sweater & 2 Evenings Later

2006-03-25T15:49:00.000-05:00

This is what happens when I go to Goodwill on 50% off day. I bought 3 100% wool Sweaters and had 2 of them unravelled in 2 evenings later. This is how much wool I got out of it. I love recycling sweaters. I feel like I am able to use what is a reject and make something nice anf useable out of it.

Art/Charity Project

2006-03-24T14:40:00.000-05:00

I am working on an art/charity project. It is going to be a knitted charm quilt, and it will be raffled off to raise money for Quilts for Kids (a non-profit charity that turns disguarded fabric into quilts for children that are terminally ill or in shelters) I have a few people that have already donated yarn scraps and I am looking for more it does not matter what weight of yarn it is but I am only going to use wool. I will be knitting 2'x2' squares and diamonds from the scraps using the Domino Knitting technique. It will be shown at various exibits around the southeast and anyone who sends yarn that is used in the quilt will be named in the map of the quilt with the yarn being noted and the name of the contribitor. I am going to be starting this over the weekend. I now have enough donated to complete 10 squares and I need enough to complete 200-300 squares. I would like to finished piece to be 40" x 40 " or 60" x 60'' depending on the number of yarn scraps that I get turned in. If you are interesting in sending some yarn for this project please e-mail me and I will send you the address where to send it. I plan on posting in progress pictures as it is being worked up. (the Sraps can be as short as 10 to 20 yards to work into either a square or triangle.) Thank you in advance for helping with this project.

Talent Show

2006-03-24T14:36:00.000-05:00

We had a Talent Show at our church last Saturday, and the girls decided to sing in it, We had a great turn out and had 15 kids and 8 adults. This was our first Talent show so I think that it will get bigger each year. I guess that I am a little bias but aren't they cute.