Iris' Knit n Things

 I finally completed this project!  I used all kinds of scrappy yarns I’ve had in my scrap box. She’s become my meditation blanket . Currently , I am in a mission to complete every project I have started. The excuses were never having time, well now I have plenty of it. So far, I’ve completed four. Here’s another project I’ve been wanting to complete, a before and after of the two rocking chairs . So excited with the results. As you can see in the before pictures, I am also working on repairing the deck . Looking forward to seeing the end results. 

Meet Baxter, he's a puppy mill rescue. Was a stud for over 6 years. This guy is the most stoic Yorkie I have ever met. Now that I've retired in September, he has been keeping me company. Baxter enjoys riding in the basket on my bike. We can't wait until the family park is completed, as it will soon have a Dog Park as well as other great features. I've had him for a year now. He's a really sweet dog.       I am new to retirement, and I'll have to say, the first few weeks, it took some getting used to. The feeling that I can do whatever I want with my time, was really empowering. After a month, I started doing some volunteering in my community. I found this used bike, which was brand new for only $45. I've installed a basket and now Baxter sits inside and rides around with me.  I've started some projects around the house. Like repairing my deck, which needed painting and some of the wooden planks replaced.  Brioche stitch is now my new passion.   It...

This Summer I had a visit from my granddaughter. She is so much fun to have around, so full of life and so very mischievous. She is a little like her mother but does not have a single shy bone in her body, even though she loves to say she is. I've been missing her dearly since she has returned home. Forgetting how much energy it takes to entertain a six-year-old. I must admit that after she left, I was quite exhausted. In this picture we both had our hair done, and I was so ready to take a nap. Even so, I had a great time and truly miss my little ladybug. I've not knit as much as I would have liked, currently, just trying to complete some projects I've started some time ago. A vest in silk, a cardigan, in a soft alpaca, Moreno blend, and a Shawl, using Knit Picks, Alpaca Cloud. For the shawl, I am using the EZ 100th Anniversary PI Shawl, which was free on Raverly. This will be my first-round shawl, I image you would fold it in half in order to wrap around your shoulders. I ...

Here she is finished and ready to dry.   I will be participating in this year’s West Knits, MKAL. This is the yarn I will be using. Looking forward to starting this mystery project. We know it’s going to be a shawl, and Steve West , always has the most interesting patterns, you’ll never get bored knitting anything he creates, the man is very talented. The yarn I’ll be using is by Twisted Ambition, sweet sock, in La vie bohemian, and Amber, and some burnt orange mohair that I found in my stash, which I'll plan to blend in somewhere along the pattern to give the shawl some texture.  

 I started a knit along online and it was for a huge, over 900 stitches, shawl. I had random balls of yarns I wanted to use up, so unfortunately, don’t really remember the brands names. I do know that it’s Moreno, alpacas and wool blends. Here’s the results.  I love how it looks like a stain glass in the middle portion.  This was really a special Shawl for me. It will forever reminded me of this time of deep changes and adapting to the world and this pandemic.  

Off to work. I rather knit a sweater. Happy Monday!  

 Another pattern from Cookie.  I just had a little skein of yarn, decided to make these shorter than the pattern’s instructions.  I have no red socks and it’s my favorite color.  These are so cute and perfect for keeping my toes warm. 

This was a project from WestKnits.  The yarn was a finger weight, in which I have dyed in a berry wine, and indigo blue. The yarn is alpaca wool from a local farmer. 

The year of CHANGE  ! This has been a year that is truly testing us. I say is, because it’s not over, and thus far, not giving us a break, with all the current events, and it being an Election year as well. You have to truly give thanks to stress relievers, such as, knitting or any other hobbies that help distract for a couple of hours, from the serious stuff around us.  Here’s what I’ve been doing to help me relax. I have started a garden, and it has been such a joy. Not only do I get many fresh vegetables, I get to share with friends. I tie dye shirts! This was so much fun! 

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!

Having Fun Blending all sorts of wools, and natural fibers. To spin yarn using rologs, is such a delightful experiences. If you're new to spinning, you should definitely start with a rolog. As a new spinner, the process of pulling the wool as you spin, can cause for uneven yarn. The rologs are blended on a blending board, so this makes for a really smooth transaction on the spinning wheel. The yarn comes out balance and much more even. Not to mention your spinning is faster since you don't have to stop as often to pre- draft the wool. I may make a tutorial on blending wool. Even so, I do think YouTube is already bombarded with tons of tutorials to learn the process of making Rologs.

Just wanted to say I will miss you grandma! Sorry I didn't visit you more often. Wish things were different between us. Yet I understand you loved in your own way. Fair winds. Sept 16, 2018. Puerto Rico

Come take a knitting class and learn how to knit. I'll be your instructor and would love to show you this fun and easy technique. Joann's Fabric

Is it safe to come out yet? It's been a crazy week. I wonder if the Total Eclipse had anything to do with all the crazy weather we've been getting these few months?  Normally, this is my most favorite time of the year. It's when the weather is perfectly suited to create all kinds of lovely wooly sweaters, socks and whatever my mind can conjure up. This year, I am so into vests. It's never cold enough here for most wool sweaters, but a vest can be just the thing to keep you comfortably toasty. The trick is the colors, making vest with the brightest, sunny colors, to keep you alert and ready to deal with the fact that "Winter is coming!" I've been blending wool to make wool Rolags. I sell these blended Rolags to spinners. They're so much fun to spin, making the process easier as well, since there's less drafting to do as you spin the wool. Here's a couple of pictures of some of my samples. This one is a blend of Silk, wool, and alpaca. I jus...

Can't wait to sit out here with a nice cold drink and some knitting. There's still more work to do in order to complete this project. I have to paint and seal the wood in order to protect from the weather. I will probably wait till fall where we normally get our spring like weather. Promise to post after pic of completed DIY.