More Christmas-stuff - curtains

I don’t have Christmas curtains. I prefer to make the curtains already in place more Christmas curtain like by adding some decorations. No broken bones and the decorations take less space than curtains (at least they should…). Lower medical bill and lower rent. Or perhaps the reason rather is that it is easier and more fun to make and change attached decorations than changing curtains.

I showed you the snow stars earlier and this decoration is based on the same idea of crocheting single motifs. This time I linked red motifs together using large white and small golden beads on a piece of thread. Very simple.

Chili red Christmas reef

Decorating a reef is like decorating a cake, but instead of eating it, you keep it, and hang it on the door. I like the chili red color and find it very suitable for Christmas decorations. The crocheted lace is very old, and since I didn’t want to cut it I made the big flower on top, holding it together with a brooch. The last piece was an angel of glass. Couldn't decide if it made the reef over decorated or not, but decided that it is not possible for Christmas reefs to have too much decoration. ;)

My first subversive cross stitch

…is a Christmas gift for a family member. Settling in her first own apartment I believe she needs some kitchen equipment with attitude! I found the pattern in “Subversive Cross Stitch” by Julie Jackson, one book from my amazon.com oversea treasure. Nothing for sensitive persons, but everyone else that likes cross stitch will enjoy themselves. I would say it is a good book for a cross stitch newbie as well, because it gives cross stitch basics, a nice alphabet and some lovely frame patterns. You can find some of the designs on

http://www.subversivecrossstitch.com/

My first quilt

I’ve finally finished my quilt that I started earlier this fall. The critical part was choosing the bedding. The next critical part was attaching the bedding in between the front and the back piece. It was not difficult, but it was exhausting since I had to tack all pieces together by hand, before quilting on the machine. Quilting definitely belongs to the category “not instant, but plenty of reward”. My dopamine neurons in VTA have been highly active the last week! ;)

I can truly recommend making quilts. I cannot find a more creative way of recycling without using a crochet hook! ;) This particular piece that I made for my niece includes about 5 dresses and fabric leftovers from plenty of other projects. Quilting is especially good if you (like me) are having a hard time getting rid of old out-fashioned clothes with nice fabric...

A soft crochet Christmas start

Excuse me, will you, for being such an early bird. I started crochet snowstars from white cotton yarn, and suddenly I found myself in Christmas land.

If you like to crochet you probably have some patterns for tablecloth that are built up by plenty of motif that look really good on their own. Crochet one motif adding a chain loop after the finishing, and you have a pretty ornament for the X-mas tree.

I tried to crochet one motif in metallic yarn which made the motif a bit larger, and found that some of the beads I had at home fitted perfectly in the middle circle for some of the motifs. I also crochet plenty of white cotton motifs in different shapes to pin on our wine red living room curtains, representing snow stars that are said to all be different. That is also one way for me to use all of the patterns I have, I don't have any use for a dozen crochet mini place mats...

Creativity is like love; the more you give, the more you get!

Thanks Kim, for great words.

Halloween cakes

Before I jump over to Christmas I have to finish off Halloween for this year. As you may see, I put the most of my efforts on the cakes: Dark Maul Chocolate Cake, Spiderman Cake and Insect Muffin. For the chocolate cake, I used powdered sugar and a Darth Maul face pattern. For the carrot cake, I melted dark chocolate and draw a spiders net using a spoon. Not entirely easy… Last, but not least, I decorated some chocolate muffins with marshmallows and lickerish cut into pieces to make the eyes, and formed the legs of candy strings.

Lot of chocolate, there was.

Back to the Fantasy

Padmé's waredrobe offers inspiration for anyone who likes wearing dresses, but I find it hard to picture myself in any of her costumes. I guess I simply prefer jumping around as an elf, and for that purpose, Eowyn and Galadriel from Lord of the Rings suits me better. It is more medieval, but with glitter added (me like!!). For everybody that feels the same way as I do, Simplicity patterns has created something strangely resembeling patterns for dresses of Arwen, Eowyn and Galadriel. Twice. Check them out at simplicity.com # 4940 and # 9891. They also have patterns for costumes suspiciously similar to jedi robes and outfit for male Lord of the Rings Heroes...

Another easy knit: Pulsvärmare/Wristwarmer

Wristwarmers are for you with aching wrists, and for you who like personal accessories. The idea is so simple that extensive instructions aren’t needed to get started.

You need a thin wool yarn, I usually use Indicita Alpaca. You also need small glass breads that are large enough to be thread on the yarn. The first thing you need to do is to thread all beads onto the yarn, otherwise you will have to cut the yarn to thread on more beads later on. The easiest way is to take a sewing needle and sewing thread and make an eyelet. Lay the end of the yarn through the sewing thread eyelet. Thread the beads onto the needle and pull them over to the sewing thread that link over to the wool yarn. If you can’t guess what I'm trying to say, check my figure to the left.

Use rather thin knitting needles, around 2 mm. Cast on 30 or so stitches, depending of the length you would like for your wristwarmer. Knit every row pulling the beads forward on the yarn. On every second row, randomly drag a bead in place between the stitches while you are knitting. Bind of when the knit measures the circumference of the wrist and sew it together forming a cylinder.

Instead of adding the beads randomly, you can use a pattern for the insertions. Patterns are of course found in books, but you may as well make some yourself. Take a graft paper and get started!! You can also use ordinary cross stitch patterns, since the insertion of a bead follow the same rules as making a cross-stitch. One thing to remember is that the first pearl added on the needle is the last one on the knit. For multicolor patterns I recommend making a schedule in which order to add the beads before you start treading them on.

Just a cardigan…

A less galactic project that I’ve finished the last weeks is my cardigan on 8 mm needles. I decided to make it a bit different from the original design, replacing the buttons with a broche, adding box arms and making a different collar.

Long time no see

I've been in a galaxy far, far away and rather absorbed by the Obi-Wan costume. Today it made its entrance at the science fiction fairs in Stockholm. A much loved one made a great job making the belt and finding the boots. The costume is still lacking a a jedi robe, so that will be my next project. Seems he can defend himself without. :)

One lovely source for everybody that gets inspired by the Star Wars saga it the book Dressing a Galaxy – the costumes of star wars. The pictures of Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan made my work so much easier. The jacket design is really simple, and one day when I am friend with Photoshop I will give you a chart.

Use the force on Halloween – dress like a jedi!

Halloween is soon knocking on our doors, and for this year science fiction theme at our place, it is time to make the costumes. Mine is mostly done, so I will put my time and energy on making – Obi-Wan Kenobi. We have bought rather thick Egyptian cotton for the outer shirt, which I will start with. Here is a great homepage with practical ideas for making the costume. Check it out! ;)

http://www.jedi-academy.com/ep1_kenobi_tips.html

Skip the sewing, make it one piece!

As I told you, my grandmother taught me to knit, making cast on, knit and purl stitches and casting of, when I was a kid. Since then I’ve been learning more knitting skills through help from my mom and simply experimenting. Knitting is a mathematical thing, and I’ve been using my brain mostly, enjoying knitting a lot. One book that a much loved one brought back to me from the states was “knitting in plain English” by Maggie Righetti. I started reading it a few days ago and got amazed. The author describes almost every step in knitting. And even though I figured out most of it before, some things aren’t that obvious. For example, most patterns describe the knitting of the right and left front and back separately for a cardigan, simply because they quite often are knitted using a machine. But if you aren’t using one, you might as well knit both front and the back in the same time on a circular or flex needle. Less sewing is always appreciated, especially when knitting in bulky yarns. So, when I started the knitting of this cardigan, I simply cast on all stitches for right front, back and left front except for the 4 edge stitches that would be used for sewing the pieces together. I marked the transitions between the different parts to be able to make the decreases according to the pattern (except for the armhole, where two stitches less per side should be cast of).

If you learnt knitting skills by experimenting you might like this book as much as I do. The author is a rather old lady that has her own ways. But since I’m not a native English speaker I don’t bother about the complaints of an odd language.

A simple shawl

First time knitter? This is a project for you! Find a mohair yarn, or other thin yarn, or a mixture of several yarns. Use 20 mm stitches and cast on 3 stitches. On the next row, knit* 1, increase 1 by making a loop (or any other way you prefer), knit 1, increase 1, knit 1. Second row: knit 1, increase 1, knit the loop from previous row, knit one, knit the loop, knit 1. By now, you have 5 stitches. Continue with knit stitches and increase 1 stitch after the first stitch and before the last stitch every row. When the shawl measure the desired size, bind off. Add some fringes if you like.

If you want to make something even simpler: cast on approximately 30 stitches. Work in knit stitches to the desired length, bind off.

The nice thing with this shawl is that the large stitches hides every uneven move and make the shawl look lace-like.

* ”räta” in Swedish, check the “step by step knitting” link to your right for instructions

Fitted knits by Stefanie Japel (book review)

I love this book, simply because it is different in the way it is written. The author expects you to modify the patterns after your own body measurements, and she gives you the tools to succeed. I think that the title makes people believe that the designs are made to make you look fitted, but when I started reading I realized that that is not her point. She wants your knits to fit YOU! (and I like it!). In the open state, it is a very logic book with a clear aim (she just happens to be a scientist in geology), and I like most of her designs a lot.

If you think I am too optimistic about books, it is probably because I judge them from the authors aim, and not from my own expectations. I would like to see all books present a clear aim on their cover, so that customers don’t need to be disappointed. Books are in general good for what they are intended, which isn’t always evident from the cover...

Another thing that determines if a book is good or bad is errors in the patterns. All books have errors, it is more a question of easily found and updated errata. There is a correction pdf to download on Stefanie Japel’s homepage. It makes it a little easier… ;) http://www.glampyre.com/fitted-knits-errata/

Knitting on the overweight edge

As I told you earlier, I ordered Nicky Epstein’s “Knitting on the edge” for a much loved one to carry on his transatlantic flight, despite the extra hardcover weight. Was it worth it?

The author wanted to make a single source that collected all her edgings. The chapters are; ribs, ruffles, lace, fringes, flora, and points and picots. This is a book for anyone who likes to make own designs and who wants new inspiration to make edges that adds something to the knits. There are some finished designs in the book that I don’t believe that anyone would knit, they are simply not fitted, but she definitely fulfils her edge-aim. The book is simply a collection of 350 patterns on edges, but if that is what you are looking for, it is good. (I haven’t looked into her other two books on edgings, but I believe they are more oriented to 3D or pattern knitting.)

At first I was pretty bored when looking in the book. Then I realized that I was thinking about several different knits I would like to do, being inspired by the edgings in the book… So yes, I believe it was worth the extra hardcover weight.

What to do with rags or other emotional things

I had a quilt cover when I was a kid that simple washed out after several years of wear and tear. Having to strong bonds to it, I just couldn’t throw it away. Some years ago I found the solution, to tear the cover into strips, and crochet a bag.

This is how to do the “Extreme makeover bag” of something you just can’t throw away;

Tear the left-over fabric into strips; about ½ inch or 1-2 cm wide (the amount needed is of course dependent on the desired size, my bag is made of 4 meters washed out sheet fabric). Choose a needle that is large enough to crochet the strips. Make a chain almost as long as you would like the bottom to be. Continue in single crochet* around the chain making increases at both ends every row. When the bottom is the desired size, continue to crochet row after row until the bag is large enough. For handles, either fasten pieces of rope, or use a chain with single crochet. For closure, use a crochet eyelet and a button or bead (or stone with hole like on the picture, I found it during a language class in Hastings -94. Sometimes it takes a while to find the use of some things…).

* “fasta maskor” in Swedish, if you are having troubles, check the “step by step crochet* link to your right.

Click on this link every day!

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/

In addition to the link for donating a mammography, there are links for giving a book, combating hunger, and saving an animal. All with a singel and free "click"!

Book treasures

A much loved one has returned with my treasure; 13 books of knitting and other creative hobbies (mainly cross stitch). And some science fiction related cookbooks (no comments…).

One book with plenty of inspiration is “simple knits with a twist” by Erika Knight. On Amazon it had got lousy comments, and I got this copy for almost nothing. But it is a “Swan”; it contains so many amazing projects that are really something for anyone that like to think outside the box. And I am NOT thinking about the pink poodle. Why use yarn for knitting when there is so much else to use? This book show us one way to save the world piece by piece and to have fun while doing it.

Pick up the large stitches and get ready for the cold

On the northern hemisphere it is getting more and more chilly outdoors. This is the perfect time to knit something warm to cosy down into. Knits for grown-ups take a bit longer time than knits for kids. One way to speed up the knitting process is to choose a thicker yarn for larger needles. I found this really nice cardigan (click on the titel link or see the Drops Design link to the right) knit on needle size 8 mm. 100 rows per piece make the cardigan a fast knit.

Happy Halloween! (or: All about sculls)

When it comes to yarn, there is a need to be a bit ahead of time, so that the projects get ready in time. The nice thing about it is that it prolongs the holidays. And now it’s time for Halloween!! I found these hilarious projects on Lion Brands homepage (follow the link to the right, the patterns are free if you register). The use for a felted witch hat is rather obvious, but what to do with a felted skull? I had a great discussion with K about it. We could find three reasons why sculls are so popular right now.

1. Johnny Depp

2. It’s a reflection in the time we live in

3. The awkward/ugly-pretty contrast you get if you add glitter to the sculls, which is very popular right now.

Here is what to do with a felted scull:

Crochet the scull in pastel pink and add some paillettes in gold!

or

Use fuzzy acid-green fabric and give it a Mohawk (tuppkam)!

or

Trim the bottom edge with fringe (fransar) and put it on a bedpost or hat stand!

Yarn leftovers; find me an Angel!

My aunt gave me this angel when I was a kid. It was cute then, and still is in spite the fact that my cat loves chewing on everything similar to a ball of yarn. She catched the angel from the Christmas tree and had a really good time ripping it apart until I did my Baywatch saving of the leftovers… Anyway, yarn angels are pretty safe nowadays, because she has become to fat to catch anything at all from a Christmas tree.

If you want to make your own cat friendly angel here is how you do it:

You need: yarn for the angel's dress (arms and body), yarn for the angel's hair, 2,75 cm compressed paper balls for the head, metallic paper for the halo, and pens for making eyes, nose and mouth.

Cut the yarn; for body 18 cm, 30 pieces; for arms 15 cm, 20 pieces; and for hair 15 cm, 25 pieces (the number of strands will vary with the thickness of the yarn). Cut a 3 cm circle ouf of the metallic paper for the halo. Cut one hanger of the “dress yarn” approx 20 cm. Make two knots in the middle of the arm-bundle. Lay the hanger thread around the middle of the two knots, pull its two edges trough the hole in the compressed paper ball. Put the body bundle in between the arms and head and drag the hanger thread to fit. Put the hair bundle between the thread, make a knot. Glue the metallic plate onto the back of the head so that the hair falls evenly in the back. Paint eyes, nose and mouth.

Where do you need an angel? On packages, in Christmas trees, for decoration of wine bottles… You will find a place for as many as you make.

The yarn angel chewing cat of mine!

Overweight – how much inspiration can you bring on a transatlantic flight?

I’m waiting impatiently for a much loved one to come home from the States. First of all, to se him, of course. Secondly, to check out the books in his luggage. I want to know how much inspiration I could find in 10 kilograms (or 22 lbs) of books… I’ve put rather much effort on selecting books to get the most inspiration out of the weight as possible. One of few hardcovers that I ordered is Nicky Epsteins “Knitting over the edge”, because I’m very curios of her books on edgings. Otherwise I mainly chose paperbacks – more books for less weight.

Speaking of books on planes... Passing security in New York, the security staff after the X-ray dived into my bag in search for a BIG solid box, with much resemblance of a bomb. She found the item immediately: a large hardcover book with the titel "Psychoneuroimmunology" on it. Religious fanatic? It's my Bible anyway. ;)

Cleaning up my act (recycle by extreme makeover)

I made a bolero a year ago. Not checking the gauge, it turned out a bit strange and I decided to “unmake it”. What to do with a few balls of once already used yarn? (Or a few balls of never-used yarn.) That doesn’t fit for wrapping packages? (Thick wool normally doesn’t...) Knit a baby cardigan! No babies around? Knit for a doll. No dolls around? Put the knits in a bag together with the other baby knits. By then, it’s not classified as yarn anymore, making room for new balls of yarn and another project… ;) My strange bolero will soon be reborn as a X-mas red wool cardigan with glitter red effect yarn, size 6-9 months. I can recommend mixing wool and glitter, it makes a different but not to pretty surface.

Keep on messing up!

Since even a much loved one messes up sometimes (even though he claims it is not as bad as when other family members do it) I have covered out kitchen table in transparent plastic tablecloth. It’s very practical, but has a rather cold feeling to it. My solution was to make –washable- tablets for each person. I used pure linen as it is a very nice fabric to work with. Decide the size you would like, add 2 cm approx (for the edging) on each side before you cut. To speed up the sewing, I use the iron to prepare the seams; Fold 1 cm at the edge at the short side, press. Fold 1 cm again, and press. Sew the edge in place. Repeat for the other short side and for both long sides. Here comes the fun part!! Get some textile paint, and paint! Fix using the iron according to the instructions on the bottle. The tablets are now mess-proof, being machine-washable (but keep the linen out of the tumble dryer).

Window pearls

How about a white crochet table cloth soaked in sugar and dried? With pearls on (i.e. a window star). It may sound a bit strange, but it’s actually a more sophisticated version of the heart on the picture shown. To make the heart I simply formed the heart shape out of 1 mm steel thread, and used a thinner thread to wire the pearls on.

To make the crochet window star; Crochet a ‘small’ (‘lagom stor’ in Swedish) table cloth with cotton yarn. There are plenty of patterns to choose from out there, so pick one with a size and design that you like for your window star. (The star on the picture is 20 cm approx.) Or maybe you have one at home that doesn’t want to be hidden under a vase or lamp somewhere or forgotten in a drawer.

To make the star stiff; Boil one cup of water with one cup of sugar and let it cool. Brush the sugar water onto the star until it is soaked. Let it dry. Embroider on some pearls if you like. Hang it. Done!

My grandmothers house is a good place for crocheting. :)

Where to go (or Vote the Yarn Lady for President!)

If you live in Stockholm, or just happen to go there once in a while, I recommend a visit to the Yarn Lady. Her little shop of yarn is like heaven for everyone who is looking for a place with inexpensive and beautiful yarns, with a kind soul who helps with tricky patterns. Helena is the Angel of Yarn Heaven and you find her at her store A’Faire, which means “to do” in French. It’s located on Västmannagatan 56, the street behind Gustav Vasa church when you follow Odengatan from Odenplan. Say hi from Anna. Give her some time and you will find a heart of gold.

Mothers and books, with some Catholic Church procedures

I need to make a confession. A much loved one is heading for the States to visit his much loved mom. I have already described my envy for all of you who live in the States and can order from Amazon without paying postage. So, I decided (with support from a much love one) to order a few books to a much loved one’s moms address, so that he can bring them back to me. Books are custom free so I am not committing a crime. Except that a much loved one will have to carry eleven (11) books from Maryland to Stockholm… Some of the books I am looking forward to get in my hands: "501 quilt blocks" (yes, I've started quilting!), and "Knitting in plain english". Thank you V, for lending me your address!