Stash busting has begun!

About two years ago I learned how to make beaded jewelry, specifically using the peyote stitch, through this great website called Communiteach. Basically, you can find people who are willing to teach you something you want to learn in exchange for you teaching them something they want to learn. I got to learn beading, and I taught knitting. I finally finished the bracelet and sewed on snaps, which was the most annoying part. But I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.


It's not a great photo, but I think it shows my favorite two features of the bracelet - its iridescence and fluidity. I don't really wear jewelry, but I really enjoyed the process of making it. And this is kind of true of the things I knit as well. I really enjoy the process of making stuff a lot more than having the final product. And this may factor into why I have had so many unfinished projects hanging around while I start new ones.

One of my stash-busting projects I made recently was this crocheted bookmark, which I probably won't use very often, since I don't read that much anymore. It was the first time I worked with such a small crochet hook and fine thread. That made it a little difficult, but the pattern itself was pretty easy and quick to make once I got the hang of it.


pattern: Fan Bookmark
yarn: DMC Cebelia cotton size 30
hook: 1.3mm

Another stash buster were these knit jar covers. Since I'm a little bit of a hoarder, I have several jars, some of which I use as vases. And this seemed like a cute and useful way to use up yarn. I also decided to learn the magic loop technique so I wouldn't have to use double pointed needles. It's a great method and I highly recommend it.


pattern: Recycled Glass Jar Covers
yarn: Patons UpCountry & Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
needles: size US 10.5 & 8

Another FO, one more to go!

I knit this mini cardi from Fitted Knits about four years ago, but didn't have the buttons. It was a fairly quick and easy knit. But it's too small, so i don't think I'll be wearing it any time soon.


pattern: Bold and Bulky Mini Cardi from Fitted Knits. Also available free at Lion Brand.
yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
needles: size US 9, 10.5 & 13

Finishing UFOs

I've decided to finish all of my projects, knitting and otherwise, that have been hibernating before starting new ones. And then I'm going to try to knit and crochet my stash before buying more yarn. I don't have too many UFOs, so this shouldn't be too difficult to do.

I think this is the first sweater I knit, and it went fairly quickly. But there was a lot of finishing up to do -- sewing seams, buttons, pockets -- so it ended up unfinished for about six years. In that time, it got attacked by moths, so I had to patch a hole on the back, which was quite annoying. But now it's done and I have a nice sweater jacket to wear in the fall.


pattern: Parka
yarn: Patons UpCountry
needles: size US 10.5 & 11

Knit Lace Bolero

This is my first knitting project this year! I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. But I feel like the weather has gone from cold to unbearably hot overnight, so I don't know if I'll get to wear it. I could barely get the pictures taken, since it's pretty uncomfortable wearing a sweater in 80 degree weather without air conditioning.



pattern: Drops 119-27
yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran
needles: size US 7