February 2009 Mystery KAL

The February Mystery KAL being modeled by a size large Palmolive Dishwashing soap bottle. Yes, that's right folks, it's an apron for your dishsoap! Bonnie had the first correct guess - well, she guessed it was an apron that is, but since she has a passion for Barbie Dolls - she decided her apron was for............well, I'll let the picture say it all:


Congratulations Bonnie - your prize will be on it's way to you!

Casting Spells project

Knitted a pair of elf slippers/boots for my "Casting Spells" project. Hope everyone doesn't faint because I:
1. completed a project; and
2. posted a photo!

--Stephanie

My Casting Spells Project

My Castin Spells project...

The book opens in chapter one... in Sugar Maple, Vermont So what better to project then a Sugar Maple design.

First I started off with the awesome orange and yellow colors of the leaves in the Fall in the Northeast, their beautiful colors can really cast a spell on you, don't you think?

And then a focus on the leaves themselves, blending with the green, after all Vermont is the Green Mountain State.

And then just a view of the two together. I sewed them together for a double thick padded square. It can be used as a pot holder or a hot pad or a very strong dishcloth. Perfect for scrubbing up the Maple syrup. LOL

Now to cast a spell on Jane so I can win the prize this month, LOL

Crochet Traveling Baby Blanket (Group #3)

Here is the starter section for our crochet baby blanket. I used Caron Simply Soft in Country Blue and crocheted in a shell stitch. This will be on its way to Patt first thing Monday morning!

MYSTERY YARN BALL SWAP (Members only)

Whoduknit Mystery Yarn Ball Swap

(For Whoduknit Members Only!)

Is anyone ready for another swap? This is one of my favorite swaps - and usually does not take a lot of time or money - something we all seem to have very little of these days. We've done this one before. If you are a new member - here is how it works:
You take one skein of yarn, or two if it's a very small skein, and wind or re-wind it up into a ball. As you wind you add little goodies to the yarn ball. Sometimes these balls look more like lumps - but that's okay! After all of the goodies are wound into the ball, you send it off to your pal along with a mystery pattern for your pal to knit with the yarn. As she/he knits the pattern the goodies fall out. Stash yarn is fine to use. The goodies can be anything from stitch markers, row counters, cable needles, handmade items, candy, charms, buttons, stamps, stickers, jokes, to $100 bills (kidding!) Once you start -the ideas will come to you! The only rule is that everything you send to your pal has to be wound up in the yarn ball, except for the pattern. Sometimes things end up sticking out - but as long as they are part of the ball it counts. Then we post photos or descriptions of the ball when we receive it, and the finished project with all the goodies when we finish it. There is no time limit on how soon you have to finish knitting the pattern you receive with your yarn- but....you cannot get all the goodies out until you do! No cheating!
Want to Play? Sign-ups begin now and end Feb. 23. You will receive your pal's name the first week in March. As always, it is up to you whether to remain anonymous or not. For some that is fun - for others it is a hassle - so do what is easiest for you. Deadline for mailing is March 31, but you can certainly mail earlier. And, oh yes, there is one more rule - you have to have fun!
E-mail me (grammieknitsatyahoodotcom) even if I already have this information, it's easier for me if you send it with your reply.
Name
Address
e-mail that you check frequently
blog address if you have one
Do you prefer to mail in the US or international?
Your promise that you will complete the swap!

Group #2 Traveling Charity Baby Blanket

Group # 2's pastel blanket is ready to travel! I knit the first section with Bernat Satin. The pattern is Quilted Diamond. It will be on it's way to Danielle tomorrow!

Traveling Charity Baby Blanket - Group #1

Second section done! I used Vanna's Choice Baby yarn in Baby Boy Blue in a basket stitch.

Casting Spells Contest winner

Contest Winner - Patt! Congratulations!

You can enter this contest even if you have not been able to read the book. Just click on the Barbara Bretton links on the sidebar and begin your investigation. Caution: There may be some slight spoilers, but you won't find out Whodunnit! PM your answers to me (grammieknits@yahoo.com) by January 31, 2009.

1. What is the name of the town in which the story takes place?
2. Where was the rocket scientist from?
3. Who was the owner of the Cut & Curl?
4. What is an Orenburg Shawl?
5. What trick did Chloe show the buyer of the Orenburg Shawl?
6. How many visitors were staying at the Inn?
7. Who did Chloe go to her Senior Prom with?
8. What family is Chloe a descendant of?
9. What is Chloe's wine of choice?
10. What were the names of Chloe's cats?
11. What was Chloe's favorite kind of cookie?
12. Where did the Stallworth's learn much of what they knew about the mortuary business?
13. What are the ingredients in Barbara Bretton's Snowy Day Cream of Celery Soup
14. Where does Barbara Bretton live?
15. What is the name of Barbara Bretton's Yahoo Group?
16. What 'free stuff' is Barbara Bretton giving away?
17. What is Barbara Bretton's 'secret' to writing a book?
18. Where does Barbara Bretton like to spend as much time as possible?

Group #1 Traveling Charity Baby Blanket

Here is Karen's section of Group #1's baby blanket.

I love the bright yellow color and the pattern. Now to decide what I will add to it!

SANTA CRUISE PROJECT

I finished my Santa Cruise project earlier than the last day of the month this time. I have so much more knitting to get completed for swaps and for MOI!!

Sooooo... I went to my bedroom and what did I spy? Someone was in my bedroom eating chips. AND they left them on the bed for me to clean up. See for yourself.

Close up of those chips on my bed.

Violet The Guilty Sheep

**PRESS RELEASE**

Violet the Guilty sheep was arrested on January 21st, 2009 for the theft of a Violet colored blanket. Thanks to the brilliant detectuives, the Dunnit's, Violet was caught red (or violet) handed with the goods on her back. It was "sheer" astute detective skills that kept this crime from unraveling and brought this mystery to an end, even Sherlock Holmes would have been proud.

Hugh Dunnit was quoted saying " It was just a matter of sewing the pieces together, even the smallest clue played a part in this tail."

Violet the sheep admitted to her guilt but smiled as they took her away saying " Can you blame me, I mean really, this blanket matched my eyes perfectly."




Violet was sentenced to community service, she will be donating wool to local yarn shops for the rest of her life.

Clue #6 - The Mystery is Solved!

Open up Evidence Bag A and take a look at it. You should have a rectangle that looks something like this:
See the four little rectangles on each corner of the larger rectangle? Those are legs and the purl side of them should be facing you.

Now - fold the right side of the rectangle over to meet the legs on the left side. Now you have a body with four legs - right? Weave the stitches on one side of the rectangle together - this is the front of the body. The legs are still dangling. Fold them in half and roll them up and weave them together. Then sew up the bottom seam and stuff the body through the back end. If you have fiberfill use that - if not, you can use the leftover yarn from Suspect #1, then sew it up.
Next remove Exhibit B from the evidence bag. This, in case you haven't noticed, is a head. Make a running stitch around the edges, stuff lightly and pull tightly. Remove the ears and tail from evidence bag C and sew the ears onto the head. Use the brown yarn to embroider eyes and mouth. If you don't know how to embroider, just make an X for the eyes and a straight line for the mouth. Sew the head to one side of the body and the tail to the other. In evidence bag D, you have, of course a sweater. Try it on your sheep. Sew a few stitches up the front and slip it over his head. Turn the garter stitch rows down to make a collar. Sew the back seam up leaving a hole for the tail.

This pattern is adapted from Frankie Brown's "Sheep in Sheep's Clothing" - I re-wrote the pattern and made some changes, but if you post a photo of your sheep, please give credit to Frankie Brown (pattern on Ravelry).

And here is the guilty sheep. He broke into the yarn shop and stole the wool to make himself a sweater. But don't be too hard on him - he lives in Maine and he was cold! Take good care of him. You might want to make him a few more sweaters - or better yet - some friends to play with!

Hope you enjoyed this Mystery KAL!

My 'training' diary

Had lots of errands today......the truck got an oil change, and a bath - getting ready to pile the miles on it for the next 5 months. And we picked up another pallet of pellets (say that really fast!! LOL). And then we had to see a movie - poor hubby has had movie withdrawals over the past few months.

So just did a walk around the neighborhood - but clocked in 1.6 miles!

And for the second day in a row, decided I really really need new walking shoes....

A Whoduknit Mystery KAL

Lt. Hugh Dunnit and his brother Howie Dunnit, along with their sister Ms. Dunnit have a new case for you to solve. They are trying to find the culprit who made off with a very large stash of yarn from a local yarn shop. Your assignment, if you chose to accept it, is to follow the clues to determine who the perpetrator is. In order to receive your clues you will have to log onto the WhoDuKnit Yahoo group using your security code. You will receive one clue a day for 7 days beginning Thursday, January 15. Each clue will require less than one hour of investigative work. When you think you have solved the case, send a private message to Ms. Dunnit c/o grammieknits@yahoo.com. If you are correct, you will be eligible to receive the reward that has been posted by the owners of this LYS.

Here is some preliminary information that you will need to solve this case:

Suspect #1: White, off-white, or cream colored, knitting worsted weight yarn,
approximate weight - 2 oz.

Suspect #2: Variegated, self striping or solid color worsted weight yarn -
approximate weight - 1 oz.

Accomplice: Brown or black yarn - approximately one yard.

Weapons: Size 3 straight knitting needles, a darning needle, and 2 stitch markers
Optional weapon: Crochet hook around a size E - (this weapon is not required for solving the crime)

You will also need:
4 evidence bags (plastic baggies or envelopes will work too)


You do not have to sign-up to join this KAL, just gather up your supplies and log in to the WhoDuKnit Yahoo Group for your first clue on Thursday, January 15!

Holiday Swap Package from Joyce

Look at all the goodies in my package! Not included in the photo is a mini-sock ornament, some chocolate, recipe, and pattern. Thanks, Joyce!

Joan in West Texas

Smilia Snow Project

Well the closest thing I made this month regarding SNOW was this snowman hat and scarf set.  I guess if you have ans "Sense" at all when in the "Snow" you'll be smart to sport this set, ya think?

Smilla project

Here's my project for Smilla...a knitted snowflake that I'll add to my dishcloth collection. Pattern is a freebie from Berroco though I made it with Sugar n Cream yarn.

My favorite ornament!

This year I would have to pick my little Blue Crab. I think it is adorable. And that is just what we will be having for Christmas dinner.

Ugliest House Decoration entry

This photo was just taken today. It is of the trailer across the street from me. I think she paid $150 for that santa last year. This year she added the stockings. Any way this is my entry for the Ugliest house decorations contest!

Smilla Project and Favorite Ornament

I made snowflakes for my Smilla project - about a dozen of them from the pattern on the Drops Designs Countdown to Christmas Calender. This one was crocheted with a silver metallic crochet cotton. It has an amythest colored bead hanging in the middle, which is hard to see in the photo.
If you haven't been counting down the days at Drops Designs - go on over and catch up. The patterns are darling, and although I won't get any more of them done this Christmas, I may start on them in January for next Christmas!

And for this year's favorite ornament, I would have to pick this darling ornament made for me by Sharon.

Favorite Ornament

I had a really hard time choosing a favorite, but I finally settled on this little needlepoint angel. I stitched her more than 25 years ago. She reminds me of my three red-headed daughters, all grown now with families of their own.

Joan in West TExas

Project for Amilla's Sense of Snow

Well, this little guy is more whimsical than bleak, but what better project for Smilla's Sense of Snow than a snowman?! He is knitted and felted, with beads for arms.

Joan in West TExas

Holiday Swap

I have been so spoiled by Sharon C.!!!!!!!!1

Look at this adorable ornament that she made for me - It is so precious, I just love it!



And the rest of my spoils...I am totally overwhelmed. The book is Slayride by Dick Francis, published in 1973 (I remember that year well LOL) I can't wait to read it. The recipe is for Light Ginger Cookies - these are my DH's favorites but he's only had store bought until now - won't he be surprised when I actually bake him some? The green you see in the picture is a package of Christmas tree peeps (the package has been opened since the picture was taken) But there is more - much more! The yarn is Zen Garden in my favorite shades of blue. I've never knit with this yarn before and it feels so soft, I've been sitting here squeezing it! And there were two knitting books in the box - One Ball Knits, which has been on my wish list for a long time, and a vintage (there's that word again!) knitting book, Sasha Kagan's Big & Little Sweaters and some fabulous colorwork designs. The kind of book you just want to look through again and again. Okay - I'm not done yet! Some sticky notes in the shape of a J, a Christmas pencil with gingerbread men erasers, a tiny notepad, a needle gauge, Christmas stickers, and a touching note telling me how much she enjoys the Whoduknit group -OMG - like I said I'm overwhelmed. Thank you so much Sharon.

Favorite ornament

Our tree is very eclectic. We have so many ornaments (700+ . . . my very anal husband has them inventoried . . . he is just a tad OCD) that I only buy dated ornaments for the kids each year and only when we find something unusual or special. We bought this ornament in Celebration, Florida, in a tiny little shop. Dave wouldn't go in the store because of the smells (candles, perfumes, etc.). So we found this little room in the back that was Christmas Central. I made the kids go out and get Dave because I knew that he would go nuts. We bought four or five ornaments. This is my favorite:

Thank you Heather!

After reading today that Heather had mailed the box on Saturday I was pleasingly surprised to find the box on the porch when I came back from lunch!

Dont know if you can clearly see everything - Joanna Fluke's Candy Cane Murder (I enjoy all her books so know I will enjoy this one) -a very intriguing calendar Thomas Barbey Photomontages - cookie mix with whisk and dishcloth (will make this for the grandkids) - jergans hand cream which I can use year round but especially now - foot spa (and if you read my blog you will know that I wish I had had this with me this weekend) - tissues for someone jsut finishing a cold! - M&Ms in the tube (such a great storage case!) - lip gloss - and the best of all - a handmade angel for my tree!!

Thank you so much - I feel spoiled!!!

My fave ornament

These are stitchmarkers that I made but I am also using them on my tiny tree as Christmas ornaments. cute huh? Hugs Patt

Ornament Contest Entry

Although not gold plated, or cut from Waterford Glass this ornament is priceless to me, and certainly my favorite this year. It is the hand print of my first grandchild,who is now 6 months old, and this her first Christmas.

Beeba Made

Can't wait for next contest

Ohhhh what a nice box of goodies Vigdis sent for contest prizes!! CAn't wait for the next one.

Hugs Patt

Prizes! We Have Prizes!!!

When Vigdis told me that she was sending some things for the Whoduknit prize locker along with something for me to keep - I had no idea she would be sending so much! Her package arrived from Norway today along with a note saying I get to pick some things for myself and put the rest in the prize locker. Just look at all the goodies. There are also some knitting books, cross stitch books, and some of her beautiful stitch markers and dpn holders. Thank you so much Vigdis for your generous gift to Whoduknit (and me!). We Love you! Be watching for new prizes in the prize locker for the next contest!

Swap Goodies from Danielle

I found a moment to take a picture before embarking on a business trip. My goodies from Danielle include:

• The obligatory hand-crafted ornament wishing me "joy"
• A great holly-patterned paperback book cover with built-in bookmark
• The book A Catered Christmas (it's going with me on the plane!) Yummy recipes included in the back of the book.
  
• A bookmark reminding me to be young at heart
• Soft yarn in Christmas-y colors. I don't think I'll have time to do something up this year, but I think a scarf in time for next Christmas. (Too soft and pretty for socks!)
• A great Christmas bracelet that mimics ornaments. I always wear theme jewelry to work near Christmas. This will be perfect!
• Glass stitch markers. These remind me a lot of old-fashioned ornaments or tree lights. I'll be using them all year. They are really pretty.
  
• Recipe for Friendship Squares (mmmm!)

A truly enjoyable package that got me right into the holiday spirit. Thank you so very much, Danielle!

Sharon C.

Dead Until Dark Scarf

Well heck, since we're still posting today, here is my rather uninspired vampire project. Yes, it's another scarf, already tested in the New Jersey cold on a business trip. It does cover the neck all up and toasty warm. No one will suspect your other-worldly activities! (I would have liked to do one of my favorite series more creative justice but just too much travel and work to manage.)

Dead Until Dark Project

Well, I'm jumping on the wagon with yet another neck cover-up, LOL. Mine is just a simple scarf, all garter stitch (I've found that one or two extra shifts a pay period are not very conducive to crafting - or housecleaning, but who cares about that? - so I needed a quickie!). I had this yarn at the bottom of a tote and I only vaguely remember buying it - I'm not a big fan of eyelash yarn but I love the color. And with 4 more inches of snow coming tomorrow, looks like I can use it more than Sookie, LOL. ~ Valerie K

Dead Until Dark Project

I finally finished my Dead Until Dark project. It is a scarf called Love Bites. I found the pattern on ravelry. It is a free pattern. It seems most people want to cover the "fang" bites from the vampires. I decided to embrace the fang bites instead. This scarf consists of two sets holes twice throughout the length of the scarf which represent those fang bites. There are also three sets of dropped stitches. I used yarn I purchased on my alpaca tour this past fall. It is mystery yarn meaning it is what was left over from the large drum carder at one of the farms we visited and it was then hand spun. There was 312 yds 108 gm.

Here is the yarn in a skein when I first purchased it.
Here is the scarf partially finished.

Here it is finished.
Here is a close up of the holes which are yarn overs and knit together.

Oh, No! Not Another Neckwarmer!

It seems as if this was a no-brainer project. Poor Bill; Sookie will have so many neckwarmers he won't be able to get his fangs on her. Mine is made with Malabrigo merino, which is oh-so-soft. I used the My So-Called Scarf pattern. I really like how it turned out, and there was enough yarn left over to make a pair of fingerless gloves (which I left at school). I can see why so many people swear by Malabrigo. It's incredible yarn! Teddy is a sweet model, isn't he?