xmas

Nostradamus lays at my feet on our bed, when I'm working with my crafts :D every day he just kicks back for a while

He didn't really want his picture taken at first, when I asked again and he did look at the camera for me that got him a big hug and belly rub :D

I love this shot the way they are laying Nostradamus looks smaller than Phoebe he's got about 50 lbs and 2 feet in height on her lol

The last few years we have as a family agreed to only get gifts from the dollar store, everyone buys one gift for each person, as we only have 10 people it keeps things affordable and fun, we spent a good hour picking out gifts....

My guys know me pretty well I got a new calculator, bungee cords for the gate, the missing color of yarn I wanted ( I needed 2 of each color no clue why yet lol ) a replacement flashlight :D AND a Real Christmas tree, we haven't dared to bring one in the house in years......
no one got ill from it, Reiki is Great :D Last Xmas we were given a tree friends had used as their Christmas tree, cute tree bigger than this one, but by the time we got it here to plant, it was too late to save it :( we tried for weeks we had to admit it was a lost cause when it kind of fell apart, poor thing was so brown.....Brent decided we do need a tree there and got this little guy :D

Mom got me a Democrat pez key chain lol

This year the guys and I decided to get some movies for our gifts to each other, we have been missing our copy of the Simpson's movie for months, tore this place apart looking for it more times than I can count, we ordered a new better copy from Amazon wide screen and no skips :D It even made it here before Xmas, almost everything we ordered did come before, not bad considering we ordered about a week before on one order and only a few days on the other :D what didn't come yet ( haven't checked yet today ) was the first Sherk movie, got all the others but not the first one lol well something to still look forward too :D

We also got a lot of music this year, downloaded some older Xmas songs Dino, Franky, Tony and Nat :D We had to get Randy Granger's Winter Colors too :D

Dinner wasn't what I would have liked, I needed to get a pair of wrist warmers done fast.....turned the food over to Brent, who is a good cook most of the time.....unless he's talking with Dad.....yeah crispy enchiladas all 4 of them :( had to pry them out lol everyone just grabbed more rice beans and chips....nachos :) .... took me a bit to get over that as I had spent a lot of time making them, a two beers at least ;) lol

hope you all got what you wanted :D

Life is Good

Wrist Warmers 3

Wrist Warmers 3
Size 8 US needles dpns or cable needles
Gauge 6 stitches by 6 rows per 1 inch done in stocking stitch
62 yards of bulky weight ( Yarn Bee’s Italia in Sienna )
A few inches of scrape yarn in contrasting color
k = knit
knit = knit to end of row
kf/b = knit into the front and back of the next stitch
k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
m1 = make new stitch by picking up bar between stitches and knit through the back loop
　
Cast on 28 stitches, join in the round
1 - 9 ) knit
10 ) ( k2tog, k5 )x 4
11 - 20 ) knit
21 ) kf/b, k22, kf/b
22 ) k1, kf/b, k22, kf/b, k1
23 ) k2, kf/b, k22, kf/b, k2, k3 from first needle
24 ) k24, k6 onto scrape yarn, slide stitches back onto left hand needle, k6
25 ) k24, k2tog x 3
26 ) k23, k2tog x 2
27 ) k23, k2tog
28 - 37 ) knit
Bind off.
　
Thumb
Pick up the stitches for the thumb by carefully removing the scrap yarn and placing the stitches on dpns as you do so. It’s easiest to use 2 dpns one for the top and one for the bottom rows. Rearranging onto 3 needles as you knit the first row.
1 ) Knit to the end of the bottom row of the thumb stitches, m1, knit to the end of the top row, m1, join in the round
2 - 3 ) knit
Bind off, weave in ends

Wrist Warmers 2

These are made by holding two strains of yarn together. I used Simply Soft in black and Yarn Bee's Playful also in black. The Simply Soft is just a bit warmer of a color, added a lot of depth. They are quick knits but very warm and soft :D

Wrist Warmers 2
Size 9 US needles dpns or cable needles
Gauge 4 stitches by 4 rows per 1 inch done in stocking stitch
78 yards of worsted weight and bulky weight approximately ( I used Simply Soft and Yarn Bee’s playful )
A few inches of scrape yarn in contrasting color
　
k = knit
knit = knit to end of row
kf/b = knit into the front and back of the next stitch
k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
m1 = make new stitch by picking up bar between stitches and knit through the back loop
2 by 2 ribbing = knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, repeat. Always purling the purl stitches and knitting the knit stitches. Continue in this manner
( )x = repeat directions inside brackets as many times as indicated

Both gloves are made the same

Cast on 32 stitches, join in the round
1 -8 ) 2 by 2
9 ) ( k2tog, k14 )x 2
10 ) knit
11 ) ( k2tog, k13 )x 2
12 - 17 ) knit
18 ) ( k2tog, k12 )x 2
19 - 23 ) knit
24 ) kf/b, k24, kf/b
25 ) k1, kf/b, k24, kf/b, k1, knit 2 stitches off of needle 1
26 ) knit
27 ) k26, k4 onto scrap yarn, slide those 4 stitches back onto last needle, k4
28 ) k26, k2tog x 2
29 ) k26, k2tog
30 ) k25, k2tog
31 - 36 ) knit
Bind off.

Thumb
Pick up the stitches for the thumb by carefully removing the scrap yarn and placing the stitches on dpns as you do so. It’s easiest to use 2 dpns one for the top and one for the bottom rows. Rearranging onto 3 needles as you knit the first row.
1 ) Knit to the end of the bottom row of the thumb stitches, m1, knit to the end of the top row, m1, join in the round
2 - 3 ) knit
Bind off, weave in ends.

Wrist Warmers 1

　
Wrist Warmers 1
Size 6, 7 and 8 US needles dpns or cable needles
Fits medium sized hand
Gauge 4 stitches by 5 rows per 1 inch, done in straight stitch using size 8
86 yds worsted weight ( shown in Caron’s Forest Green )
A few inches of scrape yarn in contrasting color
k = knit
knit = knit to end of row
kf/b = knit into the front and back of the next stitch
k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
k3tog = knit 3 stitches together
k3tog tbl = knit 3 stitches together through the back loop
m1 = make new stitch by picking up bar between stitches and knit through the back loop
psso = pass slid stitch over
yo = yarn over needle
( )x = repeat directions inside brackets as many times as indicated
　
Cast on 34 stitches, join in the round using size 8 needles
1 ) ( k1, yo, k3, sl 1, k1, psso, p5, k2tog, k3, yo, k1 )x 2
2 ) ( k6, p5, k6 )x 2
3 ) ( k2, yo, k3, sl 1, k1, psso, p3, k2tog, k3, yo, k2 )x 2
4 ) ( k7, p3, k7 )x 2
5 ) ( k3, yo, k3, sl 1, k1, psso, p1, k2tog, k3, yo, k3 )x 2
6 ) ( k8, p1, k8 )x 2
7 ) ( k4, yo, k3, sl 1, k2tog, psso, k3, yo, k4 )x 2
8 ) knit
　
Change to size 7 needles
9 - 16 ) repeat rows 1 - 8
　
Change to size 6 needles
17 - 23 ) repeat rows 1 - 7
24 ) kf/b, knit to last stitch, kf/b
25 ) kf/b, ( k1, yo, k3, sl 1, k1, psso, p5, k2tog, k3, yo, k1 )x 2, kf/b
26 ) k1, kf/b, ( k6, p5, k6 )x 2, kf/b, k1
27 ) k2, kf/b, ( k2, yo, k3, sl 1, k1, psso, p3, k2tog, k3, yo, k2 )x 2, kf/b, k2, k4 off of needle 1
28 ) ( k7, p3, k7 )x 2, k8 onto scrap yarn, slide back onto last needle, k8
29 ) ( k3, yo, k3, sl 1, k1, psso, p1, k2tog, k3, yo, k3 )x 2, k3tog tbl, k2tog, k3tog
30 ) ( k8, p1, k8 )x 2, k3tog tbl
31 ) k4, yo, k3, sl 1, k2tog, psso, k3, yo, k8, yo, k3, sl 1, k2tog, psso, k3, yo, k3, k2tog
32 ) knit
33 - 40 ) repeat rows 1 - 8
Bind off.

Thumb
Pick up the stitches, using size 6 needles, for the thumb by carefully removing the scrap yarn and placing the stitches on dpns as you do so. It’s easiest to use 2 dpns one for the top and one for the bottom rows. Rearranging onto 3 needles as you knit the first row.
1 ) Knit to the end of the bottom row of the thumb stitches, m1, knit to the end of the top row, m1, join in the round
2 ) k9, k2tog x 5
Bind off, weave in ends.

Quick Zig Zag Fingerless Mitts

The repeat is so quick and easy one afternoon and you got it :D

They are also very hard to get a good photo of not that it had anything to do with the mitts.......I had the hardest time trying to get a shot with the camera ( nothing new lol )........it was dark weather the whole week, so the cell phones even with lights on them were only so so but better than what I had so......

Zig Zag Fingerless Mitt
Size 8 and 6 US needles dpns or cable needles
Gauge 4 stitches by 5 ½ rows per 1 inch done in stocking stitch
58 yards of bulky weight ( Yarn Bee’s Icelandic Jewels in Marbled Onyx )
A few inches of scrape yarn in contrasting color

k = knit
knit = knit to end of row
kf/b = knit into the front and back of the next stitch
k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
m1 = make new stitch by picking up bar between stitches and knit through the back loop
psso = pass slid stitch over
p = purl
sl 1 = slide one stitch ( purl wise )
yo = yarn over needle
( )x = repeat directions inside brackets as many times as indicated

Both mitts made the same

Cast on 31 stitches, join in the round
1 -2 ) knit
3 ) ( sl 1, k1, psso, k2, yo, k2 )x 5, k1
4 ) knit
5 - 8 ) repeat rows 3 and 4 twice
9 ) k3, ( yo, k2, k2tog, k2 )x 4, yo, k2, k2tog
10 ) knit
11 - 12 ) repeat rows 9 and 10
13 ) repeat row 9

Change to size 6 needles
14 ) kf/b, knit to last stitch, kf/b
15 ) kf/b, ( sl 1, k1, psso, k2, yo, k2 )x 4, k1, kf/b
16 ) k2, kf/b, knit to 3 last stitches, kf/b, k2, knit the first 3 stitches off of the first needle onto the last
17 ) ( sl 1, k1, psso, k2, yo, k2 )x 5, k1, k6 onto scrap yarn, slide stitches back onto the first needle, k6
18 ) knit to last 6 stitches, k2tog x 3
19 ) ( sl 1, k1, psso, k2, yo, k2 )x 5, k2tog x 2
20 ) knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog
21 ) k3, ( yo, k2, k2tog, k2 )x 4, yo, k2, k2tog
22 ) knit
23 - 26 ) repeat rows 21 and 22 twice
27 ) knit
Bind off.

Thumb

Using size 6 needles
Pick up the stitches for the thumb by carefully removing the scrap yarn and placing the stitches on dpns as you do so. It’s easiest to use 2 dpns one for the top and one for the bottom rows. Rearranging onto 3 needles as you knit the first row.
1 ) Knit to the end of the bottom row of the thumb stitches, m1, knit to the end of the top row, m1, join in the round
2 - 3 ) knit
Bind off, weave in ends.

Winter

It's Winter yippee, now we can start our way to SPRING :D
I am not a fan of cold.....don't like snow if I have to be near it, photos are fine ;) The only good thing about it are all the knits I get to wear and make :D

I've been playing with wrist warmers, fingerless gloves and mitts, so just different coverage of the same thing lol
It's fun to see how just changing one or two things can really make a big difference. A few of the patterns use needle sizing for decreasing in size as you get closer to the wrist. I have so been loving my Knit Picks Harmony set :D mine are a few years old now and still holding up Great. I see the dpns some time in my future ;)

Okay I did think of another good thing in cold weather, cooking......I like cooking anytime but winter brings about more in house cooking, we are still using the grill too wouldn't want it to feel unloved ;) More soups and stews and baking :D

Have a warm safe Great Winter .........
Seasonal Greetings to you and yours

Lace Fingerless Gloves with after though

Lace fingerless gloves
Size 6 and 8 US dpns or circular
4 stitches by 6 rows per inch done in straight stitch with size 8 needles
82 yds worsted weight
Both gloves made the same
k = knit
kf/b
k2tog tbl = knit 2 stitches going through the back loop
k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
yo = yarn over needle
( )x = repeat directions inside brackets as many times as indicated
　

knit pattern
on Ravelry

Wrist warmers by request and other stuff

At one of our Reiki workshops a week or two ago a friend saw the wrist warmers I had on http://barbsz-lifeisgood.blogspot.com/2009/10/fan-lace-wrist-warmers.html She asked me to make her a pair .... I could pick the style.....
This Lady is the type who just lights up a room, loves glitter and fun things....but has another side, very down to Earth, caring, giving.....

So many possibilities......too many for just one pair....
As this is gift season and many knitters are in need of quick knits, I decided to go with the quicker patterns that came to mind first
The first pair, posted a few days ago...
http://barbsz-lifeisgood.blogspot.com/2011/12/quick-fingerless-gloves.html
That got another friend wanting a pair lol......just finished up with those ( will be posting in a day or so )

So far I have made a few pairs for first friend..... will be posting another of those in a few minutes :) but haven't finished yet..... I've been having so much fun with these patterns :D
It has been a bit hard at times.... as Nostradamus keeps trying to steal them lol I have a hard enough time taking a good photo of my knits without his help ;)

Oh I get to make a pair of leggings too :D :D :D the ideas.....sweet


Check this out Kelly my friend who now lives in Maine made this and sent us the photo with seasonal wishes.....very pretty :D Sending you big hugs Kelly, Bill and Abbie :D

Okay now back to my knitting :D

Doggie Sweater

Little dog is kind of picky about what she will wear. She can't have her paws going through anything at all, her last sweater had sleeves....once on it was all good but the getting on part was always a issue, hates to have her paws touched.....
She likes to have her back, belly and lower neck covered.....nothing else. Oh and the neck needs to be a pull over style.
So this is what I came up with.....
The belly flap fits a wide range of sizes, and can easily be adjusted, as every part can be.

Doggie Sweater
The body of the pattern is knit flat starting from the tail end working up to the belly flap with button holes.
The neck is low set on shoulders, made in pull over ( turtle neck style) 2 by 2 ribbing, done in the round. The legs are left “open” for ease of walking and getting on doggie :D

16 inches long by 23 inches wide ( with belly flap )
Size 9 US needles dpns or cable needles
Gauge 4 stitches by 5 ½ rows per one inch done in straight stitch
Parts of this pattern knit both flat and in the round
3 one inch buttons
210 yards of worsted weight
　
k = knit
kf/b = knit into the front and back of the next stitch
k1 tbl = knit 1 stitch through the back loop
k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
2 by 2 ribbing = knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, repeat, continue in this manner
　
　
Tail end of the body
Cast on 46 stitches
Knit 10 rows
1 ) k1, kf/b, knit to last 2 stitches, kf/b, k1
2 ) knit
3 - 4 ) repeat rows 1 and 2
5 - 6 ) knit
Repeat rows 1 - 6 until you have 60 stitches on your needles
　
Belly flap
Knit to end, increase 20 stitches using single cast on method.
K20 tbl ( to tighten new stitches ), knit to end
Knit 2 rows
　
Button holes
Knit to last 5 stitches, bind off 3 stitches, k2
K3, increase 3 stitches, knit to end
Knit to last 8 stitches, k6 tbl, k2
Knit 11 rows
Knit to last 5 stitches, bind off 3 stitches, k2
K3, increase 3 stitches, knit to end
Knit to last 8 stitches, k6 tbl, k2
Knit 11 rows
Knit to last 5 stitches, bind off 3 stitches, k2
K3, increase 3 stitches, knit to end
Knit to last 8 stitches, k6 tbl, k2
Knit 2 rows
Bind off 20 stitches, knit to end
　
Front legs portion
Knit 8 rows
K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1
Knit
Repeat last 2 rows until you have 50 stitches ( this creates a curve going up to the neck )
Knit 4 rows
　
Neck
Knit to end increase by 20 stitches and join in the round
Knit to last 10 stitches k10 tbl
Knit
2 by 2 ribbing for 4 inches
Bind off in pattern.
Weave in ends and sew on buttons.

Moon light

Quick Fingerless Gloves

This pattern is very basic, a little bit of 2 by 2 ribbing for the wrist, straight stitch body of glove topped with a simple yarn over edge. The thumb stitches are knit onto scrap yarn and worked after the rest of the glove. Both gloves are done the same.
The ribbon in this yarn gives them a bit of sparkle. The bulky yarn makes this a very quick knit.



Quick Fingerless Gloves
Size 8 US needles dpns or cable needles
Gauge 4 stitches by 5 ½ rows per 1 inch done in stocking stitch
58 yards of bulky weight ( Yarn Bee’s Icelandic Jewels in garnet )
A few inches of scrape yarn in contrasting color
k = knit
knit = knit to end of row
kf/b = knit into the front and back of the next stitch
k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
m1 = make new stitch by picking up bar between stitches and knit through the back loop
yo = yarn over needle
2 by 2 ribbing = knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, repeat. Always purling the purl stitches and knitting the knit stitches.
　
soon to be added to Etsy shop

Nostradamus loves it

Today is the first time our guy has seen snow....he doesn't want to come in lol

We don't see a lot of snow around these parts.....or at least we didn't used to. I've seen more snow down here in the last two years that the 20 before that....but it is still a pretty sight and photos are a must, so I sent André out to get a better shot with the real camera lol...

Nostradamus saw him go out the door and went with him....André on the outside of the fence......André went around to the other side, so did doggie......well André came back to the front door, doggie must not have seen this.......I go to call him in and he's gone......went out of the fenced in part of the yard ( stayed in the bigger yard ) running around looking for André....He heard me call and came right away but was still very upset running around looking for him....ran right to the other door when he didn't see him right away, wanting to go back out looking for him... he even opened the door..... André had call him back in.....he was so happy to see him safe inside lol This doggie has great heart :D