Iris' Knit n Things

Exploration Station Here's the completed project. I love Westknits patterns. Not my best color combinations.  I don't know why, but this pattern just makes me feel so happy when I wear it. It's so carefree, and wild.  Steven West's patterns are creative, and I adore his color ideas. Its so liberating. https://westknits.com/

Sewing Fever This year is going to be the year that I will complete a sewing project at least once a month. I made a mental promise to complete at least one sewing project a month. My list of things I want to make has gotten totally out of control. I have patterns, fabric, notions, and thread. Everything to complete every pattern I planned to sew. Everything, except. Time. Well that's about to change this year! I will  conquer those patterns, even if it's just  20 minutes a day. Once a month I will have something to show for my efforts, as well as, put a dent on my fabric stash.  So lets start with my first project for this month. Simplicity pattern 2766. What I love about this pattern is you have several items to choose from. The skirt, pant, dress, blouse, and long jacket are what I plan to sew. I started with the dress. I like the retro look of this style of dress.  The blouse can go with both skirt and pants, that's two outfits...

What will I do now that your gone Outlander?! I know? I'll make little caplets just like the one Claire wore on the show! This pattern is from Lions Yarn. I made this, and my mother simple fell in love with it. She even sleeps with it on. So to say the least, I am going to have to make another one, for both my mother and for me. Great thing this pattern is so easy you can crochet it in two hours with some chunky yarn. This is the one I made for her Birthday. You think she'll like it?

Sophie's Universe is wonderful! This is a wonderful crochet pattern of a Mandala. A mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe. So if you're into meditation, this is the project for you! I love this pattern, it's fun, colorful, There's no way you can ever be sad and crochet this project. Not to mention what a great way to get rid of all those little ball of yarns in your yarn stash. The pattern is from Dedri. This pattern has taken the world by it's colorful strings. Everyone is making it , or is planning to make it. You'll find the pattern for free on  http://www.lookatwhatimade.net/free-crochet-patterns-tutorials/  

Hat and more Hats! Sometimes I just want to knit hats. It doesn't get very cold around here, so when it does, I can't wait to try on my hat collections. Here are a couple of my current knits. The pic in the middle is what's on the needles below. This is actually for a co-worker, who really liked my hat and request one for herself. I don't normally knit for anyone unless a special occasions, or if someone commission me for a project. Not too many people knew how to take care of wool. Since it requires hand washing and air or flat drying. Everyone want to throw everything in a washer and dryer. Which will ruin the wool by turning into felt or shrinking. I have a couple of orders for hats with fake fur ball, which are going to be adorable, can't wait.

Happy Chinese New Year! There's always something exciting going on in the Knitting or Crochet world, YouTube is filled with tons of wonderful tutorials. I love that the younger generation is picking up the hobby and adding their personal touch to the technique. One of my new discoveries, and now favorite, is Stephen West from West Knits. He is so colorful, and an absolute genius. You will never get bored with his' patterns. Currently, I've started this pattern for a shawl, called Exploration Station. This pattern will defiantly keep you on your toes.  Also an excellent way to use up some of those skeins of yarn that you would probably never have thought would go great together. Check out his YouTube channel, or some of his patterns on Raverly.  I am hoping to run into him in any of the many fiber shows he attends. Stephen West you Rock!