November 30, 2009
Mmm...Morning Bread Recipe
November 26, 2009
Felting Your Projects By Hand
This is a bowl that I felted and added a flower design. The first photo is of the bowl un-felted and the second and third are of the felted bowl.
I was doing some felting the other day and thought that maybe I should post a "how to" for those of you who haven't felted before. Although most of you probably prefer machine felting, I like to see the transformation right before my eyes. Some elbow grease is required though!
To start your wool needs to be felting wool or 100% wool, otherwise you will not get a felted result. First fill your sink, bucket or bathtub with HOT water. Place your item in the water and begin agitated the wool. It helps to add some dish washing liquid to help open the fibers and speed the felting process up.
Rub you item against the bottom of the sink, bucket or tub rub the wool against itself using your knuckles, finger nails etc... there is no need to be gentle here! I also wear yellow rubber gloves, they have little bumps on the palm that help to agitate the fibers.
After about 5-8 minutes check your process, you should see that you stitches are beginning to disappear. Shock it with some cold water then place it in the HOT water again, you may need to add more HOT water to keep the temp up.
You are the boss and can make the decision when you want to stop. Different wools felt at different speeds so it will take different time frames for each. You also don't have to felt something completely if you don't want to.
You can still block you item after it is done felting, depending what shape you want. You can let your item air dry, I place mine on the air vent to dry. Also you can use different item to help shape your item in the drying process. If you decide to throw it in the dryer just remember you have no control on how you item will shape. Also it may shrink quite a bit more.
Please remember you item will shrink, so when you are knitting it you should probably felt a swatch to see how much you will lose in the felting process.
November 25, 2009
Cherished Hand Me Downs
I am so thankful to have thoughtful people in my life, at times it feels like I am surrounded by them. About a year and a half ago when I felt like my life was spiraling downward yet again, I decided to make a change.
I am very much an introvert and feel comfort in my home, I am the type of person that could easily become a recluse in a remote area and live off the land without ever looking back.
The change I decided to make was to join a workout class. Little did I know that I would be about 30-40 years younger than the other classmates. After walking into the gym and seeing everyone, I thought to myself "how is this going to benefit me?" The title of the class was "Gentle Strength and Stretch" and after having my son about 6 months earlier I thought this is what I needed to get back in shape but then second guessed it when I saw the people that surrounded me.
The first session was about an hour and a half in length and I will tell you by the end of that class I was sweating like a pig, partly because I was out of shape but mostly do to the fact that I had a wonderful instructor who treated us all as individuals and knew that I was more capable than the elderly others.
A year and a half later having never looked back I am probably in the best shape of my life, being surrounded by people that are generations older than me, comforts me and I know that I walked into that gym room for a reason!
Unfortunately for me and for the others in my class our instructor is moving on with her career, I am happy for her and wish her all the best.
Yesterday as I pulled into the parking lot she opened the trunk of her car and handed me a bag full of 17 hand knit sweaters that she had made for her children many years ago. She had been saving them for someone special and that someone is my son! I am so grateful and thankful that there are people like her in my life, she defines true kindness!
November 24, 2009
Snake Hat Pattern
SIZE: 3-6 mos, Child 5-6.
Cap
Cast on 72 (78)sts. Beginning with a knit row, work in St st until piece measures 6 (61/2)from beginning, end with a WS row.
Shape Crown
Row 1: *K4 (4) k2tog (decrease made); rep from * – 60 (65) sts.
Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl.
Row 3: *K3 (3), k2tog; rep from * – 48 (52) sts.
Row 5: *K2 (2), k2tog; rep from * – 36 (39)sts.
Row 7: *K1 (1), k2tog; rep from * – 24 (26) sts.
Continue in this manner, working 1 st less between decreases, until 12 (13) sts remain. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining sts, and pull tightly to secure.
FINISHING
Sew seam. Weave in ends.
For Snake:
2 dpns size US 6. Work around (I-cord).
Cast on 4 sts. (After each round, do not turn work, slide sts to right end of needle, pull yarn to tighten.)
Round 1: k4
Round 2: k1, m1, k2, m1, k1
Round 3: knit 6
Round 4: k1, m1, k4, m1, k1
Round 5: knit 8
Round 6: ssk, k4, k2tog
Round 7: knit 6
Round 8: ssk, k2, k2tog
Round 9: knit 4
Continue to knit till snake reaches desired length for hat.
k2tog, k2
k2tog, k1
k2tog
cut end and pull through. Knot yarn for eyes and attach red tongue.
To attach snake to cap pin in desired location, then take a different colour to add stripes or use the same colour as snake and sew around the body wrapping about an inch or so apart to firmly attach snake to cap, sew in loose ends.
Copyright 2009.
November 23, 2009
Productive Weekend
November 19, 2009
Waiting Room Knitting Club!
November 18, 2009
Snake Hat
November 15, 2009
Ten Healthy Foods For Your Kids!
November 7, 2009
Busy Weekend
November 4, 2009
Top Ten Children's Books
#1 Where the Wild Things Are by author Maurice Sendak
Where the Wild Things Are is a story about a young boy named Max. Max has been sent to bed without dinner and chooses to wear a wolf costume to bed. Max's adventures are ones you will want to share with your children. Where the Wild Things Are is a winner of the Caldecott medal and is listed as one of the best illustrated children's books of all time. This is my sons favourite book at the moment. Out right now is the feature film.
#2 The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
This is a great story about love. Teaching our children to give and to love others can sometimes be a challenge. Read this story to your child. It is sure to be a favorite.
#3 Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
This famous bedtime story will rhyme your child to sleep for sure. Considered one of the most loved picture books this one is popular with all ages. Margaret Wise Brown, a former teacher, wrote this book about a little bunny who wishes goodnight to all his surroundings.
#4 Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
This easy to read book by Dr. Seuss is so easy to read that you will find yourself memorizing the words. This one has great rhythm and humor. If you love Dr. Seuss books you are certain to love this one.
#5 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judy and Ron Barrett
Hilarious is an understatement for this book. It is definitely a must read. This book is fun to read and even more fun to talk to your child about once you have read it. A stormy day begins this fantasy about raining food. Your imagination will run wild with this one.
#6 The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar has eaten its way into the hearts of millions of children and adults around the world. This is the story about a very hungry caterpillar that eats way too much.
#7 Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Waking up with gum in his hair is a sign of the kind of day Alexander will have. He finds his day getting worse and worse as the day goes on. This story helps us teach our children to find humor even in the worst situations.
#8 Guess How Much I Love You by author Sam McBratney
This book teaches children how to express their feelings in more ways than one. With great content as well as artwork, this award winning story will bring your children begging to hear it over and over again.
#9 Pat The Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt
Published in 1940 this story about Paul and Judy has been classified as timeless. Whether babies are learning to play peek a boo or older children are learning about their senses, this interactive book will thrill them all.
#10 Love You Forever by Robert N. Munsch
This humorous, sentimental story hardly ever leaves a reader with a dry eye. This is a simple story that will touch your heart. Love You Forever is not only a must read, but a must have for any library.