Brenda's Crochet/Knit Diary

Moving in just over a week

2006-11-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

Sorry to have been remis, but I've been busy. Lot's to do in a move.

This next week is going to be the make or break, turn my hair gray week. The actual move is happening. Packers will be here, taking all my yarn (except what I can hide from them for something to do on the trip) and everything else.

We'll be in Alabama before Thanksgiving. YAY!

I'm still working on the afghans. It's what's keeping me sane. The loom panel one is kicking along. I'm on the last panel and have less than 6 pattern repeats to complete the panels. WOOHOO! I'll be putting it together after we're settled in. After Dec 1 when we get the rental.

Wish me luck. I'll catch you up when I get there.

Brenda

Love Alabama

2006-10-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I went to Alabama this weekend to look for a place for the family to live. We found a few good prospects, and drove around, inspecting the area.

Wow, what a beautiful place. The town is small, but large, metropolitain cities are within a short driving distance. No problem. Being from California, ALL drives are long ones, so short ones aren't a big deal.

I will have to look around to find my craft stores, but I'm sure I'll find some without any difficulties.

On the planes, taking my #7 steel crochet hook raised no eyebrows, but my meds did. They had to be in a zipper clear quart bag with the labels on them that show who they belong to. Just so you know.

What else. I'm working on the afghans still, and a filet crochet wolf baying at the moon. It's coming out really nice (and I took it on the plane to work on cause it's small).

I think that's it for now. The oldest and I are still packing. Her room today. Doing a cleen sweep and taking everything out of the room, cleaning it, packing the things she's going to keep and the rest... bye-bye.

LOL

Lots and lots to do.

Brenda

2006-09-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

My son's afghan. He likes green. This is a ripple stitch with three colors. Crochet.

2006-09-28T13:35:00.001-07:00

this is the afghan I'm making for my youngest. this is the 5th of 6 panels.

2006-09-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

Hi all... Thought I would share some of my current work. This is the afghan I'm making for my hubby. Dark Brown is on the bottom. Crochet with four colors. Hm, I should get a close up of the stich.

Boxes and Boxes of Crafts

2006-09-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone.

Yes. I'm going to be moving within the next couple of months, so I started boxing my crafts and yarn (that isn't being used for a project at the moment). So far, I have 10 boxes of yarn and 6 boxes of crafts, and that's not all of them. sigh. Lots of work still to do.

Oh, my laptop doesn't have a floppy drive and my camera uses floppys, so pictures will have to wait. grrr. I have one on the desktop, but naturally, it's acting tempermental.

I'll post asap. Mom is trying to find me an external floppy drive. Good luck mom.

Brenda

Knit/Crochet/Loom

2006-08-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

I have afghans going in all these formats.

I have a loom afghan going on the Yellow Knifty Knitter Loom for my youngest. (2/3rds done with that one).

I have a knit afghan on a round set of knitting needles. Navy Blue.

I have my hubby's afghan started on J hook. From cream to dark brown. 4 shades. Just started.

Don't forget the oldest daughter's afghan. Crochet basket weave, large squares, shades of purple, J hook.

Son's is three shades of green in a nice G Hook ripple stitch. Just started yesterday.

Let us not forget my own ghan. It is more of an ongoning montage of squares I'm making from dishcloth patterns out of bright, loud, obnoxious acrylic, double strand yarn, made on my home made rake loom.

That's what I'm working on to relieve stress.

Yes, I have a lot of stress at the moment. Sigh.

I'll take pics of them all, in progress, later today and post them, hopefully tonight.

Brenda

Howling In The Moonlight is OUT!!!

2006-08-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

LOL, Yes, I have been doing more editing and getting ready for publish dates, than yarn work. I have completed some projects, and as soon as I get a free couple of minutes, I'll post pics. But for now, check out my werewolves.

Going Nowhere 1: Howling in the Moonlight

Brenda Bryce

Genre: Shifter Paranormal

Length: Novel

Price: $5.99

Purchase NOW!!!

Lannie Michaels has had enough. She leaves her home in the city for a nice, quiet stint of sculpting in a small town called Nowhere. When her mistrusting almost fiancé catches up with her trying to get her back, so does a killer of unfathomable evil, who wants to keep them apart.

Kyle Sylia is only in town to get his mate back after a catastrophic misunderstanding. He will do anything to make her his permanently. An upcoming showing, a crazed werewolf killer, a skeptical and angry sheriff, a hunter, and hyped up pheromones, are not the way he expected the reunion to progress.

During a showing of her artwork, Lannie discovers something new about herself, and Kyle is to blame. Who knew her boyfriend had kept so many life altering secrets from her? Oh well, the sex is phenomenal, but the tail will take some practice.

Now they just have to clear the area of terror, before Lannie loses her temper and bites someone.

To read an excerpt, visit: Excerpt

Brenda

Tree Sprite is OUT!!!

2006-07-31T20:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know this is my craft blog, but heck, if I don't sell some books, I can't buy yarn.

Anyway, if you are interested, are over 18 (because the story is risque,*and monogamous*), like a little fantasy and romance, and have a little time to spare, try my book. It is available at Samhain Publishing and from there it will take you to the purchase site.

Thanks for considering it... At least read the blurb.

Brenda

Mid-November KAL Dishcloth

2006-07-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

And Last but not least, This is the mid-November Knit Along from the dishcloths group. Yes, I'm behind on my KAL's but I can go through them and catch up. I like the mid-month KAL's for dishcloths because they are new stitches for me, ect, and the first of month KAL is great for afghan squares because they are pictures (similar to the Alabama cloth I just did). So, anyway, it came out great, it has a nice chain look to it, and I think it will work great. Someone in my groups asked how we finish off. I weave my ends in back and forth along the top about 6 stitches, then weave them in the opposite way until I hit the beginning again. I've never had an unravel, but maybe it's because of the knot I put in at the end. Oh well. Happy knitting. The next KAL starts the 16th and I plan on joining. I'll take daily pictures for you.

In need of Dishcloths

2006-07-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

I decided I didn't have nearly enough cotton dishcloths, so picked up my knitting needles this week. Here is the first one I made. I used the pattern I found in the dischloths group I'm in. It was easy and actually pretty fun to make. I think I didn't do enough repeats, because it came out dishcloth size, but heck, it works. LOL.

Loomed Alabama Cloth/Square

2006-07-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

Okay everyone. I promised to tell you all about looming a square out of a dishcloth pattern. Here is my first attempt(you do not see the boo-boo up near the A). I used two strands of worsted Carron with my new rake loom, 1/2inch spacing on 5/32x2 cotter pins. I'll take a picture of the loom later today. Hubby did a good job getting the pegs in there. So, anyway, here is the Alabama Cloth from Rhonda White (dang, she does good patterns) http://www.knittingknonsense.com/index3.html I want to do them all, but I have to figure out how to make the bottom the same tension as the top. This is a TEST square which I probably will not use for the final product (an afghan of course). So, anyway, here it is. I want to mention that the only thing I did to the original pattern by Rhonda is turn the even number rows to PURL across instead of the Knit across. That's it.

2006-07-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

Oh, and this is the backside of the scarf. You can see the skull and crossbones. Again, I say, Cool, huh?

2006-07-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

Ha, good, the picture came out. Here is what the illusion looks like. Cool, huh?

Skull Illusion Scarf

2006-07-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

I have to share this really great scarf. I knit it up in about a week, six pattern repeats (the last three starting at the bottom of the pattern and working my way up to reverse the picture). Picture you say? Yes. It's an illusion scarf. My youngest loves skull and crossbones, and I thought this would be perfect for her. Two pictures will follow. Oh, here's the site I got the pattern from. It's a great one, easily followed and danged if I didn't have a good time making it. Skull and Crossbones Illusion Pattern

Panelling along

2006-06-25T21:50:00.000-07:00

Well, vacation is over, grandmother and mom have returned home safely, teens will start summerschool tomorrow, and I'm recovering from a near deadly cold.

All right, maybe it wasn't a deadly cold, but with my asthma, any cold could potentially kill me. I have been fighting asthma attacks all week, and finally my mom took me to the docs and got me on antibiotics and sterroids. I'm recovering, but I'm popping pills every two hours.

Spent the day in the recliner, watching garbage on tv, working on the 4th panel. I finished the third pattern repeat and started on the fourth. It's the first time I've been able to work on my yarn project in two whole weeks. LOL

Anyway, hopefully, with everything going back to normal, I can get back on schedule of writing and yarning.

Brenda

Forth panel in progress

2006-06-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

Having a great visit from my grandmother from Indiana and mother from Florida, but I've done little yarn work (and even less writing). I did finish the second pattern repeat of the forth panel of the Pavillion stitch afghan.

That's my update. LOL

Catch you in a few days.

Brenda

Only one repeat

2006-06-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

Only one pattern repeat is completed on the fourth panel of the Pavillion afgha. Lot's of other stuff going on which I won't be able to do for the next two weeks. Looming is something I will be able to do with my mother and grandmother here. Two weeks.

No writing, which is what I've been doing. But the house is clean. Ready for inspection. LOL

Wish me luck with the family. I'm tired already.

Brenda

2006-06-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

This is the afghan panel at full length. Pavillion stitch from About.com. I've currently started the solid black panel.

2006-06-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

As promised. Here is the first picture of the third panel of the afghan I'm making. I used one strand of the Scarlet and one strand of the Cape Cod Blue.

Finished Panel Three

2006-05-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

And I promise, I will take a picture tomorrow and post. I finished the third panel for the Pavillion stitch/ loomed afghan. I started on solid black. I will still have a red/black and a blue/black panel to complete and also a boarder which the teen has requested be black. No problem.

That and winding about a bajillion balls of yarn, that's what I've been working on. I'm trying to clean my house, and in an attempt to organize my yarn, I've been using my trusty winder and making pretty, flat, yarn balls to stack.

Hubby came in while I was winding and said, "You have a problem."
I replied, "Yes, I don't have anyone to help me wind."
He came back with... "You can't buy any more yarn for two years."
I shot back, "One year."

So, I have to use what I have until next summer. Not a problem. LOL

There's my story. Okay, pictures tomorrow.

Brenda

Bogged down

2006-05-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

I am sorry that I haven't posted. I've been bogged down trying to get my house in order. I have the first member of the family (of this generation) graduating high school in a few weeks and I am going to have company from all over the country. I'm not the worlds best housekeeper on any normal day (which you can check my cleaning blog to see where I'm at), so am working hard to declutter. :)

Needless to say, my crafting is getting the shaft. I'm too tired at the end of the day. Not to say I'm not doing any crafts, because I do take occasional breaks and will grab up a loom or something.

Anyway, I thought I would update you all. I'll have more pictures hopefully soon. I found my camera. I just need to have the time (and daylight) to use it. LOL

Brenda

Still no Picture

2006-05-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

With the week I've had, I've been lucky to actually get in any yarnwork. The third panel is coming along and as soon as I can wrest the camera from the teens, I will subject you to the efforts.

Just wanted you to know... I haven't deserted you. I've completed the book I have been working on, and it's now with my critique partner. YAY!

Okay, back to the grind. I have laundry to do.

Brenda

2nd Panel done

2006-05-14T22:18:00.000-07:00

WOOHOO!

The second panel of my daughter's Pavillion Stitch afghan is done, and I'll get a picture to post tomorrow when it's light out. I started the third panel, a one strand of Scarlet, and one strand of Cape Cod Blue and am on the 7th row. Long way to go still.

I think that's all I've worked on.

Brenda

Pavillion Stitch

2006-05-06T16:40:00.000-07:00

Since I have had so many requests for the url to the Pavillion Stitch that I'm using for my youngest's daughters afghan, I posted the link in my information bar. Look to your left and you will see an entire directory (of one item so far) called: Patterns I Used. I hope this will make everyone's search simpler. Oh, and I didn't go directly to the actual pattern, but to the site where the main directory is. HEHEHE, that way, you can find your own perfect pattern. Good luck.

I'm half done with the blue panel. Eventually, I will be done with this one and I can move on to the Scarlet/Cape Cod Blue mix. That one should look neat.

Brenda

2006-05-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

Final shot. You can see how I made a sleeve to hold the leather cover in place. The hairband goes around the sleeve with the leather cover inside it, and the Palm, holding them together. sigh. Need to figure out a better way to do that...

2006-05-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

Another shot.

2006-05-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

This is a thigh/palm holder. Don't know what the pilots call it, but I got the idea from the one they use for their checklists. It is so I can free up my hands to craft, when the patterns are on my palm. Make sense? I'll go into further detail, later. Just wanted to get the pictures up. Um, I'm sure that EVERYONE else will come up with easier ways to do this, better ways, more functional ways, but this was a quickie project so I could get back to work on the ones I need to get done. LOL. It's crocheted, single crochet, worsted weight Red Heart, and a single solitary button.

It's a yarn ball

2006-04-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

I made this on my blue loom, two strands worsted weight, ewrap for four inches, tie off one end, stuff the other with fiberfill, tie off. Ta-da! I have a weapon for the family members that isn't a dirty sock. LOL.

Strangely enough, the ball hit everyone in the house so far, but they didn't appreciate when I sang Blue Loom! (to the tune of Blue Moon).

Tomorrow is my youngests eye surgery, so I'm taking my looming with me. It will at least be a distraction.

2006-04-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

And last but not least. The new panel for my youngest's afghan. Same stitch pattern (8 repeats of Pavillion) on the yellow loom (38 pegs used) I've completed two repeats on this one. Oh, here are the particulars. Caron Yarn, Cape Cod Blue. I think it will contrast with the Scarlet and Black just fine.

2006-04-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

Four of four. This is the OM in case you can't tell. I think it looks cool, however, I may need to add a bit more boarder to go onto the afghan. Oh well, I'll figure something out.

2006-04-24T19:33:00.001-07:00

three of four

2006-04-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

hm, strangely, I can only send one at a time. That's ok, bloggers know that everything is backwards. LOL

2006-04-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

Here are the four completed squares that I have made for my afghan. I will be making lots more, and there will be no theme to this afghan. Only that the patterns were made for dishcloths. The wonderful group I'm in - monthlydishcloths - a yahoogroup, designs the best ones and danged if I can't help loading all the patterns onto my PDA and every spare minute I must work on one. The next one I'm going to do is called Arrowhead by Rainy Kimbrough. I decided instead of bouncing around, to take them alphabetically. I'll post as I complete.

Keeping late hours Knitting

2006-04-24T00:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's dark, but it's also late. My house, which we call The Cave, doesn't give me good light and the flash on the camera caused honking glare. Once it's done, I will take it outside to get natural light. Explanation. I think I've mentioned that I'm taking dishcloth patterns designed by my wonderful, fabulous monthlydishcloth Yahoo! group, and using Red Heart worsted weight, I'm making an afghan. This is an Ankh pattern designed by Corina Laraway (thanks doll, it's coming out wonderful). After I frogged a couple of rows, due to my own oopsie (I repeated a row accidentally), it is back on track and as long as I can keep working, I should have it done tomorrow or the next day, Tuesday. Oh, I'm using size 7 (4.5mm) 8in knitting needles. They aren't long enough to get in the way, but hold a dishcloth square just about perfectly. It's now nearly one am, Law and Order CI is nearly over and I have to take the teens to school in the morning. Spring break is officially over. Night all. I'll get a picture of the second panel of the daughters afghan in the morning.

2006-04-23T18:51:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my Grand Canyon Vacation and I have the first panel of my daughters afghan completed. I'm already two repeats done of the second panel. The Grand Canyon was breath taking and I recommend that everyone see it if they get a chance. Parents... wait till your kids are at least teens to appreciate it. Apparently, the younger ones don't GET the experience.

Vacation!!!

2006-04-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

Vacation!!!

The family and I are going on a short vacation. We won’t be back till Friday or Saturday. Everyone have fun while I’m internet-less.

Brenda

Day 4

2006-04-09T23:47:00.000-07:00

Here it is, nearly day 5, and I have finished the fourth pattern repeat of eight. Half done with this pannel. WOOHOO. Told the kid that if I can keep on track (which probably won't happen) I can have it completed in about 14 weeks. That would be cool. Since she has a queen bed... given to her by money'd friends... it will take less time to make the other two's afghans. Depending on their pattern choice, that is. Ok, so I have 43 inches long, and it squished up to aobut 13.5 inches wide. Sigh... LOL.

Day 3

2006-04-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

Here is the youngest's afghan after day three. I'm up to about 32 inches. Not quite half done with this pannel. Only 29 more rows till I am, though.

New Look!

2006-04-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

How do you like it?

Took all day, due to lag, but I think it's about done. Sure, I think I need a new counter, the one I have just doesn't mesh.

How I did it, since O asked before I got done...

I went to the help file... looked up the color change site, it gives you all kinds of colors and the #'s below it... I picked out the ones I liked, then went into my template. I kept the template that some intrepid soul created, and simply altered individual lines. ONE TINY PIECE AT A TIME. Through trial and error, I finaly changed the colors in the right spot, to the right ones. LOL. Or, close enough for government work.

That's it. Help files really do help. LOL

Tell me what you think. And if you don't like my colors, choose your own for your site. This one's mine.

Brenda

2006-04-07T23:18:00.000-07:00

Here is the project I'm working on now. It is for an afghan for my youngest daughter. The plan is to make 6 pannels 8 pattern groups long and then putting a boarder around it. I got the pattern from about.com in the knitting pattern stitches section. Reversible, and it's called pavillion. Works up really well on the yellow loom with two strands of worsted, on 36 pegs. It' makes it almost 15-16 inches wide (depending on how you stretch it) and the pattern looks really great. I have a brighter picture, but it didn't show the pattern as well. Tomorrow, I will take it outside and get you an accurate picture. :) This is going to take a while, so be patient. I can keep you updated. This was day 2 of working on it. There are 36 rows in the pattern repeat, and it's not a hard pattern, but you have to pay attention. I will add the precise link to the pattern tomorrow.

2006-04-07T16:32:00.000-07:00

This is the loomed afghan I made for my son. Homespun on 36 pegs of the yellow Knitty Knifter. Hm, guess it's time to weed the sidewalk.

I found

2006-04-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

I was doing a google search for something this past week and I found this particular blog, mine, in the search. Cracked me up.

Anyway. I have been trying to finish the boy's afghan that I've been making on the circular Knifty Knitter Yellow loom. I'm putting the pieces together now, and adding any extra inches to make the rows even. I will have to put a boarder around it, but I might just use the granny squares I made prior to deciding to use the loom. I will see how it looks. If not, I will just crochet a boarder. No big deal.

Ohterwise, that's about all I have done with yarn. sigh. I have so much I want to do and get done (since so many projects have been started), but my sleeping schedule is off. Don't know why, but it is. I'll get it back on track, but good grief.

Brenda

What I've been doing

2006-03-26T15:18:00.000-08:00

Not a lot of yarnwork this week. I have been dealing with contracts for my paranomal writing and all the paperwork that goes along with it. But I have been working on the last panel for my sons afghan. I'm hoping to get the panel done this coming week so I can start putting it together.

Hold on... I have to yell at the teens.

All right. I'm done yelling for now. I think I have a few minutes peace before they start again.

Anyway. I was saying... I got me this little bitty sewing machine to make straight lines. It's a Shark Euro Pro and wonder if anyone out there has used one. I will let you know how I like it. FYI: I hate sewing. I cuss when I sew, it's inevitable. I'm looking for something that will make it a little more pleasurable.

Ok, I think that's it for now.

Brenda

Sorry!

2006-03-15T23:09:00.000-08:00

I have been exceedingly busy this week. I have made a couple of dishcloths, a couple of afghan squares that the ladies of the monthlydishcloths yahoo group designed and am working on my son's soft afghan.

The reason I haven't been blogging and altering patterns to suit my needs is, I had two of my stories receive contracts. One yesterday, one today. Each from different e-publishers. I have a lot of work to do still, and it will be months till they come out, but the hardest part is over.

Now, I can get back to yarning.

Open Star 2 Knit

2006-03-09T10:05:00.000-08:00

Open Star 2
Originally designed by Lori's Gramma Pearl
Found on discloth boutique site

Open Star 2

Notes:
Yfwd: yarn forward. Just pull the yarn to the front like you are going to purl, but then continue to knit. Sort of like a yarn over (which I haven’t covered yet, but is just adding an extra stitch).
Slip 1st st over other 2 stitches: Self explanatory, but here goes. You will have three stitches on the needle -- stitch closest to the right (or the hand you are taking the stitches ‘to’) hand is stitch 1, slip the left hand needle (‘from’ needle) into the 1st stitch loop and slide it OVER the other two stitches and off the right needle (make sure the other two stitches don’t fall off too). You are losing a stitch here which you regain when you yfwd.

7x9 inch square
Cast on 30 stitches

6 inch square
Cast on 24 stitches

8 inch square
Cast on 36 stitches

12 inch square
Cast on 48 stitches

(I found that 3 stitches equal half an inch)

Pattern:

Row 1: Purl across
Row 2: K2, *yfwd, k3, slip 1st st over other 2 sts, repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 3: Purl across
Row 4: K1, *k3, slip 1st st over 2 st, yfwd, repeat from * to last st, k2.
Repeat Rows 1-4 until your square matches your template.
Bind off.
Weave in ends.

Basket Weave Stitch Crochet

2006-03-05T01:58:00.000-08:00

Got some squares done. Whew.

Here are the patterns I will be using for Basket weave squares.
I have an 8 inch and a 7x9 inch (which I freaking didn't do right and will have to redo because I did all hdc instead of dc throughout. LOL)
Pictures I will post tomorrow.

NOTES:

FPdc - Front Post Double Crochet.

BPdc - Back Post Double Crochet.

Hdc - Half Double Crochet.

All squares use H crochet hook

*These are to MY tension, my way of crocheting. Since everyone does it differently, there may be um, differences, if so, sorry.*

Basket weave 7 inch square

Ch 28
Row 1: (right side): DC in fourth ch from hook (3 skipped chains count as first dc) and in each ch across. 26 dc.
Row 2: Ch 2, (counts as first hdc, now and throughout), turn, *work FPdc around each of next three dc, work BPdc around each of next three dc, repeat from * across to last dc, hdc in last dc, 26 sts.
Row 3: Ch 2, turn, * work FPdc around each of next 3 BPdc, work BPdc around each of the next 3 FPdc, repeat from * across to last hdc, hdc in last hdc.
Row 4 & 5: Ch 2, turn, * work BPdc around each of the next 3 sts, work FPdc around each of the next 3 sts, repeat from * across to last hdc, hdc in last hdc.
Row 6: Ch 2 turn, *work FPdc around each of the next 3 FPdc, work BPdc around each of the next 3 BPdc, repeat from * across to last hdc, hdc in last hdc.
Repeat rows 3-6 until piece measures approx 9 inches from the beginning chain. Bind off.

Basket weave 8 inch square

Chain 31
Row 1: Dc in fourth ch from hook. Dc in each across.
Row 2: Ch 2, (counts as first hdc, now and throughout) *FPdc in three dc, BPdc in next three, rep from * across to last hdc, hdc in last hdc.
Row 3&4: Ch 2, *BPdc in first three sts, FPdc in next three sts. Rep from * across to last hdc, hdc in last hdc.
Row 5: Ch 2, *FPdc in first three sts, BPdc in next three sts. Rep from * across to last hdc, hdc in last hdc.
Continue rows 2-5 until you reach 8 inches. Bind off.

Basket weave 6 inch square

Ch 25
Continue same as 8 inch

Basket weave 12 inch square

Ch 50
Continue same as 8 inch

Be sure to tell me if any of these don't work out for you.

Knit and crochet stitching

2006-02-23T23:41:00.000-08:00

Boredom is bad. Bad for me. Sure, I spend all day writing, and my evenings with the family, watching tv, and crafting, I tend to want to try new things. Here is my newest.

Warm Up America has some starter patterns if you are interested in knitting or crocheting a toasty, 7x9 inch squared afghan for the needy. There are even attachment parties at Michaels Craft Stores and I’m sure there are others. Now, I read about this project during this winter and I made 7x9 inch squares of all the stitches they suggested. I learned new stitches, got rid of some leftover worsted weight yarn (that’s four ply for those of you just starting out such as Red Heart or Mainstays, check the labels), and got to feed my need for giving. I’m a giver.

There are some great sites, but none with stitches for squares of this size. It's actually a rectangle, but still called a square. *sigh* I got to thinking and decided I’m going to try to figure it out myself. I found lots of stitch patterns (a grouping of stitches and rows to form a pattern), and figured I’m smart enough, industrious enough, and pretty enough to make patterns for 7x9 inch, 6 inch, 8 inch and 12 inch squares. It won’t be easy, nor quick, but hey, I can’t write all the time. And eventually, my teens will be living their own lives which means less time in the van and more time at home.

Hopefully, you all know how to use the patterns off of the Warm Up America site, Knit and Crochet, because without the starting knowledge of how to do basic stitches and how to follow a pattern to completion, well, I will lose you and you'll e-mail me angrily. I hate angry e-mails. They make me sad. LOL

So… Get ready, Get set, Go.

Here’s the deal. Annie’s Attic has a great tutorial for several crafts. If you want me to start there, I will. Grab yourself some hooks and needles and some worsted weight yarn and let’s get some afghans made. I love afghans.

Templates: I love templates because finding my measuring tapes (I have several, but am not sure where they are at any given moment) is a pita (pain in the bottom). I took the suggestion of WAU and found an old box, then cut out a 7x9 inch template. It works great, and my youngest drew a face and named it. Erica B. Wockadoodle. Go figure, my daughter is silly. So, find an old box and a measuring tape, (yes, go look for it) and get to creating. (I will wait) It is honestly a wonderful idea. The easiest ones usually are. I still have to make 6/8/12 inch templates, but I will do that tomorrow. I have plenty of cardboard boxes.

First thing I have to admit, is while Annie's Attic has a great tutorial, I have never tried the knitted cast on which is the first thing you have to learn to knit. Without the base row, you got nothing. You can try that cast on, you’re allowed, but I use the thumb method. It looks WAY more difficult than it is. Start with big needles to learn to cast on and knit and purl. Practice with the Warm Up America Patterns. Whahoo, you’se knitting. But, if you have questions, please ask, and I will try to talk you through the problem. *I hope.*

Crochet is completely different from knitting. The first thing you have to know is to chain. That is your base. Single Crochet (sc) and Double Crochet (dc) will get you through the first few crochet squares at WUA. Make sure you check Annie's Attic's movies and stitch guides. Hey, it’s how I learned to knit and crochet. The internet is for… well, everything.

Currently, I am working on a stitch called Open Star. I am using Dishcloth Boutique for the basic stitches for the patterns for the first lots of squares. Modifying is much easier than developing and I plan to give full kudos to the artists. I don’t copyright infringe. Nope, not moi. And I expect the same of everyone.

Okay, so you are working on your basic stitches… YAY! Knock them out, and you will be ready to move on. I started before you, so will hopefully stay ahead of you. LOL

Good luck, good yarning.

Brenda

2006-02-19T20:16:00.000-08:00

These are a couple of 12 inch squares I made to send to a central individual to make into afghans for a couple of bedridden group members. the pattern is located at http://www.geocities.com/cdjsimon/waldos_puzzle.html and it took a couple of tries to get the center rings wrapped the right way. LOL. Ohterwise, it was easy. and they came out really pretty. Did I mention I like crafts and writing but my photography leaves much to be desired. As I have been told. This was taken outside. sigh.

2006-02-16T13:06:00.000-08:00

I'm in a KAL group that does dishcloths. Since I just joined the group, I'm behind. As we just started a new KAL today, I had thought I would do the ones I had missed. This is the October KAL.

2006-02-16T13:04:00.000-08:00

This is a crocheted item I am considering using for a promo item for TS3 (Johann's book) It didn't take long to make, but I am looking to speed up the time. I think I can if I can find my i-cord maker.

2006-02-16T13:03:00.000-08:00

This is the promo item I am considering for TS2, the book I'm working on now. It's a bracelet that can be worn on the wrist or higher on the arm, depending on arm size.

2006-02-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

This is a mystery Knit along square. Decorator accents group is hosting the KAL and it ended today. I love Knit alongs and want to learn to use my looms better so joined it. I l learned three things. 1: how to purl on the loom. 2: how to undo stitches. 3: how to flat stitch knit off. I really enjoyed the excitement waiting for each day's segment of the project and it came out beautifully. I used two strands of Mainstays (Wal-mart brand) of Blue Ridge acrylic yarn and the blue Knifty Knitter loom. Hubby purchased, especially for me, a set of Snap-On awl's at $35. They will last me a lifetime and repairs or replacements will not cost me anything, and probably not whoever inherits them. They are tougher (less flimsy) than the purple knifty knitter tool (which is just an awl), but they are sharp as heck. I'm going to have to file them down a little. I have two poked fingers. LOL I can't wait to make more of this square and the rest of the years offerings and create a nice toasty afghan from them.

Finished another panel

2006-02-07T22:35:00.000-08:00

I finished another section of my son's afghan. If you recall, I am ewrapping 32 pegs on the yellow Knitty Knifter loom and just going back and forth Knitting. My hubby made a straw for me out of an old pen, and it works wonderfully. No snagging, even tension, and danged if I didn't get the panel done top speed.

I have to do my KAL for tonight, but then I'm going to get some sleep.

Everything is going smoothly. Hope it stays that way. LOL

Brenda

Hubby and I are trying to be creative

2006-02-06T23:11:00.000-08:00

We are the kind of people that see things and have to see if we can make it. Right now, we are trying to make me a lap loom for afghans. I make a lot of them and if I can make them fast with the Knifty knitter way, then I'm all for it.

Also, I have started a KAL. Knit Along Loom...

Today was the first day of the KAL and I actually managed it with little problem. I am a total newbie at KK and figure that if I do this KAL, then I might just learn something and after the year, I will have a nice afghan to show for it. I know I mentioned I love afghans. LOL Here is the website for the KAL Blog.

I'm working on the boy's afghan as well. I'm on the second pannel and it is going very fast now that I have a gutted pen casing to use in place of a crappy straw. WAY faster. My arm doesn't get as tired and did I mention it is quicker?

I'm nearly done with my knitting needle roll, and I should really finish that. Sigh.

I will. But I did mail off about 6 bookmarks today. They were winnings for a chat I attended last week. I offered books and bookmarks. Two of each, four winners. Had a great time. It was actually two separate chats, so 8 bookmarks, but two of them, had been premade. The winner asked for a penis bookmark. LOL They are great conversation pieces.

Whoa! It's late, I'm tired, and I have to get up way before dawn.

I will update you all very soon and post pictures of the KAL, Roll and Afghan asap.

Brenda

Interesting day

2006-01-31T23:10:00.000-08:00

I had an interesting day.

All day, I attended a group/author chat and I got to be the author. I gave away a few items, I got to tell everyone my silly little secrets, we talked about crochet even. Seems that even yarn ho's like sex. I'm all for that. I had a really good time, and hopefully sold some books so I can afford yarn.

Tomorrow is housecleaning day. I have been slacking off, due to trying to get two books to my editor for submission consideration. I submit it, and they consider it. LOL

We will see.

As I said, tomorrow is cleaning day. I really have to figure out what to do with the mounds of yarn that are in my bedroom. Maybe if I can get it all rolled, I can stick them in the bins I have and place them neatly in the closet. LOL. At least I would be able to get to the bed. It would be an improvement.

Also, have to go through all the VHS tapes we have accumulated over the decades. There are four huge boxes of them. I will want to keep my scary movies, and a few of the others, but most, well, I think they are going to go bye bye.

Well, Wish me luck tomorrow. Hopefully, I will get done so I can work on a craft. I still have to finish my knitting needle roll.

Brenda

Website RE update

2006-01-29T23:22:00.000-08:00

Spent all weekend on the website. Check it out.... Brenda's Website

I would appreciate comments.

I worked for a little while today on my knitting needle roll, but not for long. My fingers were busy pointing and clicking.

Hm, I'm tired. It's as if mental work is as tough on a body as physical strain.

Whatever it is, I need to get some sleep. Morning comes early.

Brenda

Website update

2006-01-27T23:12:00.000-08:00

This week has been a busy one.
I'm still working on the crocheted knitting needle roll, but with everything else going on, I haven't gotten very far.

The teens are cutting into my days. Anyway, I have completely updated my Web Page and invite you to check it out. Please feel free to give some constructive criticism. Tell me what you like, what you think needs work. I'm not a website designer, I'm a writer and yarn knotter. Nowhere in my resume does it say I can do artsy stuff.

I would like it to look reasonably professional though.

So, if you get a chance, click on over there and take a peek.

Brenda

I was interviewed

2006-01-24T23:20:00.000-08:00

By a writer/reader site. Thought you might be interested in checking it out.

Romance Junkies Interview

Brenda

Ever on a Tuesday

2006-01-24T22:18:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

I've been busy with my writing, trying to get a story completed. It now is, and I can hopefully, get back to a little bit of yarn work.

I have completed several of the bookthongs as promotional gifts and will be mailing them out tomorrow. One is going to Germany. Woohoo. International.

I'm working on a crocheted knitting needle roll and it's coming along just fine. It's a bright halloween orange so finding it will be possible.

Also, my son's homespun afghan is quickly looking like one. Well, a pannel anyway. I'm doing it on the yellow KniftyKnitter loom and using 32 pegs to make a flat piece. I will make several then whip stitch them together. Then, the 3 inch squares I started making for the afghan, will be used as a border. It will be colorful, but he doesn't care what it looks like. The only stipulation was SOFT. LOL. It will be that.

I think that's all I have been working on lately. Pictures are forthcoming. OH! and I have been working on making magnets and spiral notebooks with my book covers on them. Promotional gifts.

As I look around, I don't see anything else, so you are caught up. :)

Night all.

Brenda

2006-01-16T12:37:00.000-08:00

This is what I have been euphemistically referring to as the messyghan. It is actually from a pattern I found online. The Mindless Knitting, TV Watching, Scrap-User-Upper Afghan By Joan L Hamer. I of course had to modify the pattern to suit me, and used a 13 circular needle and 310 cast on, but I followed the rest of the directions. Including the 33gal black plastic bag. I had the kids pull some yarn out of the bag on occasion, and it turned into a bit of a family project. It didn't take long, for it being doubly thick. 5 weeks from start to finish. Oh, I crocheted 5 rows of dc with homespun on the top boarder and bottom boarder for a little tension. That's it.

Link to Afghan patte

2006-01-08T20:29:00.000-08:00

Link to Afghan pattern

Okay, I received a wonderful comment today, got me to thinking. I really need to post the link to the afghan pattern. I am euphemistically calling it a messyghan, but it is actually just a knitted scrap afghan.

It was referred to as a skirt. The family has also jokingly called it a skirt, but it’s now off the circular needles and I’m crocheting borders on each end. Naturally, I will post a picture when I’m done. Nearly finished now.

The pattern is at http://www.cosy-place.com/html/8.html Enjoy.

The ski masks I did as crochet as I didn't have a pattern for knit, and at the time, I didn't have time to look. Thanks to Joan for the compliments and I don't mind about the criticism. I am a writer, I get it all the time. :)

Have a great day. I’m going back to crocheting the border on the messyghan.

Brenda

I've been having fun

2006-01-05T21:35:00.000-08:00

The other day, I finally received my yarn ball winder in the mail. The youngest and I quickly set it up on a lap board I have and went to work. Two days later, I have a plastic tote full of neat, stacked yarn, and loving the thing. Woohoo! Takes up much less room than a skein. I wish it would do pounders, but I guess I can deal with making two balls of yarn from one pound. The sad thing is that I haven't even dented my stash.

Other than playing with the winder, I've made two of the coin bookmarks that are pictured on the craft page of my website (at the bottom with the other two bookmarks) and am heading for the end of the messyghan. Sure will be glad to finish it.

My goal for this year is organization. I want to get rid of a lot of stuff – not including yarn and books – and neatly and efficiently place the things I do keep. Wish me luck. I have started, but it is a really slow start.

For now, I’m tired and getting ready to catch some shut-eye. 5 am comes around pretty early.

Night all.

Brenda

Promotional Book Thong

2006-01-02T23:17:00.000-08:00

This is a bookthong I have crocheted as a template for a promotional gift to select readers of my story that is due out soon. Check Writer's blog to find out more about the story. The thong is able to be personalized by the recipients initials being installed on one end. Colors don't matter but the gold coins are the important part. The Society 2: Midas' Treasure is the title of the story and I thought this bookthong would go well with the story. Not everyone gets one, I use it sparingly as a higher prize, and since the penis bookmarks went so well, I thought I would try a nice bookmark. Let me know what you think.

2006-01-02T23:12:00.000-08:00

HI All!

2005-12-22T16:31:00.000-08:00

Ski mask 2 (I love verigated yarn, every project is different)

2005-12-22T16:30:00.001-08:00

Ski mask one, Dot's design Ski mask

2005-12-22T16:30:00.000-08:00

Side view of Ski mask 1

2005-12-22T16:29:00.000-08:00

Ski mask 2 Side view.

2005-12-22T16:27:00.000-08:00

Messyghan 12-22-05

2005-12-22T16:26:00.000-08:00

This is the second scarf - crocheted, Mr Brown Disco yarn and coffee brown Red Heart - K hook

2005-12-22T16:20:00.000-08:00

Projects completed THIS WEEK
Knifty Knitter Red circular Loom, with Patons Brilliant Sparkling rose and Moda Dea Espree Purples. Came out soft and pretty.

Working with DPN and an epiphany

2005-12-15T22:54:00.000-08:00

I have found out that working with double pointed needles isn't as terrifying as it looks. I do have to beware the pointy parts because there do seem to be quite a few, but otherwise it is as easy as using a circular needle, with less flex.

Working on a pair of Red Cross World War I or II trigger gloves. (fingerless gloves), and am using a four set of size 5 (american) dpn's.

It's going pretty well, I think, although I am dreading the actual finger parts.

Now for the epiphany.

I knit and crochet wrong.

LOL

My projects come out right, but I hold the needles and hooks and yarn completely wrong. Well, apparently it's right for me, but all the pictures show it differently.
My crochet hook is in my right hand, knife style. Yarn being tentioned in left hand.

Knitting I hold the stitches off in the left hand, and stitches on needle and yarn in the right. LOL

Now, I saw some pictures and videos yesterday and realized that I don't do it that way. I tried their way and bombed horribly. Had to frog a bunch of stitches in my knitting. Naturally, being an intellegent girl, I went back to my wrong way and it looks great. LOL Coming along fine.

How do YOU hold your yarn and hooks and needles? Inquiring mind wants to know?

Brenda

Same Old, Same Old

2005-12-13T22:55:00.000-08:00

Evening all,

Finished up edits tonight and send them back to the editor. I am expecting to have to do more before it's done.

Now for the good stuff.

Today, I worked on the messyghan, which looks really cool. I have started knitting the center pannel for my son's afghan. He asked for a soft one (he's 15) so I am using Homespun. I crocheted several (lots and lots) of 3.5 inch granny squares (I think, maybe it's 3 inch squares), but got bored with it. So, I told him I would knit out a center for him and then border it with the squares. He said, cool. It is going to be multicolored, and a heck of a mess, but hey, he said he will have his eyes closed when using it. works for me

Hubby was home sick today, and I had to take a nap to get rid of a case of the dizzies and icky tummy. I feel better now, but still my tummy isn't up to par.

Tomorrow, I go back to working on a WIP story about a tree sprite that isn't tall and slender, and if the editor contacts me, I will have to make fixes on that.

Ok, so that's it for me tonight. Yall have a good rest and I will catch you tomorrow.

Brenda

It's Monday again!

2005-12-12T23:07:00.000-08:00

Hi all you yarn ho’s.

I have been knitting my fingers off, but don’t have a picture to show for it. I will do it tomorrow, I promise. Editing is eating up my time. LOL

I am putting a lovely collar type thing on my SIL’s shrug and the messyghan is coming along nicely. I figure I am about half done with it. After Edits go back to the editor, I will devote the majority of my time to knocking out these projects. Time is getting short.

Okay. Back to work for me. I don’t have much time before I have to sleep.

Night all. Happy yarning.

Brenda

Knitting, learned something new

2005-12-08T23:36:00.000-08:00

I learned a new stitch tonight. Woohoo.

While knitting on the Triple S Stitch Shrug, I came upon a stitch I have never encountered before and it took me a while to figure it out. Well, that and a little help from Stitchguide.com and I think I got it. Who knew. That is such a great site. I am glad they are there.

I finished the Ski hat and it looks pretty good. I need to take a picture of it so I can post the picture, but today I had to go to a seminar on how to fill out paperwork for financial aid for my Senior.

Why don’t they tell you these things when the student is a freshman, I will never know. This information is going to do wonders for my Sophomore and Freshman but my Senior, well, it’s going to be whatever we get and none of the extras. Sigh.

Ok, the rest of what’s left of my evening – probably about an hour – is going to be battling it out with this shrug. Wish me luck.

Later ladies and gentlemen. I have to go post on my writer blog.

Brenda

Busy day

2005-12-07T21:50:00.000-08:00

Today, I worked on a little of everything. The messyghan has a new color started, the ski mask is nearly done (maybe tomorrow) and I got the son to frog a quick afghan that I had started. He loves to unravel. LOL.

Friday, I have to attend hubby's company Christmas Party. Oh boy, am I excited. I went down and bought a black dress, so I am ready to go. Saturday night, I have to attend hubby's friends party. Well, get them all done in one weekend so I don't have to face any more.

I will take pictures of the items I am working on tomorrow.

Brenda

Tuesday Dec 6, 2005

2005-12-06T22:47:00.000-08:00

I crocheted today.

Working on Ski Hat and I think it's coming out pretty well. I will probably have it done by tomorrow and I will take a picture.

Not much else going on.

How was your day?

Brenda

Monday Dec 5, 05

2005-12-05T22:15:00.000-08:00

good evening.

I hope you had a wonderful, productive day. Mine was, sort of.

I worked on my messyghan (and I am working on it now), and I worked on the Quick afghan.

Sigh, I realized an hour ago, I am going to have to frog it. Bleck. A whole night's work, toast. Oh well, the good thing about yarn is it is reusable. I don't know why, but this simple pattern is beyond me. LOL. I will think of something else. But for now, all power goes into the messyghan.

Found a great site for you to check out with lots of patterns. Free Knitting Patterns & Project Gallery. It has LOTS of great links. Enjoy.

Brenda

2005-12-04T23:47:00.000-08:00

Dec 4, 2005 This is the messyghan in progress. The colors in my opaque bag have only one criteria. They are all worsted weight yarns. That's it. Otherwise, well, who knows what color I am going to pick when my eyes are closed. Brenda

Sunday Dec 4, 2005

2005-12-04T23:18:00.000-08:00

Good evening crafters.

Okay, here is what I'm working on currently.

A Triple S Shrug for my Sister In law for Christmas.

A The Mindless Knitting, TV Watching, Scrap User-Upper Afghan for someone for Christmas, haven't figure out who, and it does matter whether or not I get it done in time. For my finger's sake, I have taken to calling it the messyghan. I have a picture I took today, and will be posting it just as soon as I finish the entry tonight.

A lapghan that I can't seem to find the url for at the moment. Hopefully I will find it and I can share it with you. Don't think I am doing it quite right, but that's okay, it seems to be coming out all right.

I am also finishing up a crochet square stuffed horse pillow type of thing for my MIL.

Today, I played online and found a site that you have to play with. It is a blog of a designer and hot diggety, I am going to have to make everything! Well, after the holidays I suppose, but they are all on my list. Just to see if I can do it. I spent lots of time at Dot's Blog and I am sure crocheters everywhere will love the site.

Tomorrow, I have to work on my book, so won't be able to play with yarn till after my three teens get home. I am the shuttle bus driver for the family (it looks a lot like a hunter green Dodge Caravan, but who am I to say), and will have to pick them up. It is the middle point of my day. I get up at 5:15ish and take teens to school, do household chores until 9am, then work on my stories till 2pm. That's when I have to start picking up the teens. I say start because occasionally I have to make three trips to the school because of after school activities. Sigh. Oh well, at least I don't have them walking over the freeway where there are no sidewalks and would have to pass the truck stop on the way. It isn't the safest place, but isn't too bad.

Finally, when everyone is home and the beasts have eaten dinner, I can play with my yarn and I get a lot done. Until bedtime, I am tangled up and if you bother me, it had better not be something that I have to unwrap for.

That's it for me today. I will post the picture of the messyghan in progress then catch you all tomorrow. (or the day after)

Brenda

Saturday night, Dec 3

2005-12-03T17:22:00.000-08:00

Well, it's evening. I have been working hard trying to get some Christmas gifts done. I am currently working on a lapghan that I call the messyghan. I will give more info on that tomorrow.

Also, I received a skein of Disco yarn in the mail from Mary Maxim yesterday. I have combined the Mr. Brown Disco yarn with a Red Heart Coffee worsted and am making a scarf for my hubby's best friends wife. I will have to go to Joanne's or Michaels and see if they have the Mr. Brown Disco yarn because I will need one more skein to complete the project. It is going to be pretty I think.

I am also working on, but not for the last week, a knitted shrug for the SIL. It is a camel color since she wears a lot of brown. I should probably add a few rows on that tonight as well.

I need to get these three items done by Christmas eve and hopefully, I will accomplish it.

Tomorrow, I will find the patterns I am using for these three projects and post them here. That way the artists get the kudo's.

There is still a lot I want to do with this blog. I'm not anywhere near finished. I figure I will be posting my current projects, links to interresting projects, a wishlist of projects I would like to do, and who knows what else.

I also don't mind adding links to OTHER PEOPLES Craft blogs. Just give me a post and I will discuss it with you. I would like suggestions as well. What would you like to see, what would you like to know, what can I do to make this one more interesting to viewers?

My website has a craft page. In it are pictures and links to projects I have completed in the last little while. Writing and large projects are cutting into my completion list.

Okay, I'm off to add some rows to the shrug. Have a nice night.

Brenda

Opening Post

2005-12-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

This is my knitting and crochet diary.

Mostly it will be about what I am working on, considering, and would like to try, when it comes to playing with yarn.

I am a writer and am attempting to get organized. My mind is a torrent of voices and plotlines and I play with yarn to relax and try to get my head together. I was running my crochet/knit diary along with my writers diary, but I began to feel that the crafters weren't interrested in the writing process, and the readers weren't interested in the crafts. This way, I can put obscure craft ideas down and not get too long or boring for the readers. :)

It will, I'm sure, take a little while to get this page up and running, so be patient. I am currently working on several items and I will be posting pictures and updates. Hopefully I can get my stuff done by Christmas.

As an aside, I am currently working on two stories and waiting on second edits on the contracted story.

Will post more later. Right now, I have to make the blog look pretty.

Brenda