Something Old, Something New.

This sweater is not actually that old. I started knitting it in January and finished weaving in ends about two weeks ago. I wouldn't call it finished because man, I can not figure out how to close this sucker. This was also the hardest thing to photograph, granted I am almost always shooting the pictures myself and that makes it even harder, but for some reason this was really hard. I just finally gave up.

Me looking dreamy. Close up of the collar

The low down

Pattern: I made this up. After searching Ravelry for patterns that matched my yarn/gauge I used several as guides but ultimately knit til it fit, divided for sleeves and body and then as I went shaped it just so in the middle so the fronts would meet. When all was said and done I didn't like it so I added a ruffle. For some reason this sweater reminds me of a Frilled Neck Lizard, so I'm calling this the Frilled Neck Cadi.

Yarn: Noro Taiyo

Gauge: 4 stitches = 1 inch

I did not put any buttonholes and now I have no idea what to do about how to have the cardigan close. Any Ideas?

Out of desperation I enlisted the help of my 4 year old. Can you tell?

I have no idea whats going on with my hands here but this one one of the "best" shots of the sweater.

On to the something new!! As I mentioned in my previous post I finished everything I had on needles and was waiting for yarn for my next project.

Light purple silky wool

It came last week and I jumped for joy when I opened the package.This yarn was better than expected! I love the pale lavender color and it's going to make one great summer top. Stay tuned.

Spinning in the Sun!

Not perfect yarn. I need to spin more often

I ran out of things to knit (i.e. my yarn has yet to come for my next project) I didn't know what to do with myself. I couldn't sew outside, well I guess I could have hand sewn something but no.

Insead I hauled out my spinning wheel, an Ashford Joy that I got in 2003 or something like that. It took me awhile to remember what I was doing but it came back to me, sort of.

I was in my driveway/patio spinning while the kids played.

Slap Dash Toolbelt

Last week I found Loki trying to tie up his tools around his waist with my jump rope, but he kept yelling out "Oh NO! They just keep falling". To calm him down I told him I'd make him a tool belt. Um, ok so I made a promise of sorts and had to set about making a Loki sized tool belt. Oh boy, what did I get myself into?

Notice the "digger" in the background?

He was inspired to bring his tool belt outside for it's first test run.

I call this belt "slap dash" because I just made it up as I went and tried to get it done as quickly as possible. I measured his waist and added a couple inches for the fold over velcro fastener, but did not account for the space the tools would take up so it's a bit snug.

I used a canvas fabric for the belt part and a quilt weight fabric for the pockets and loops. I hot glued a velcro button closer so that it would be something he can put on and take off all by himself.

I think I'm going to have to make a second one for his lil' brother. So I will take another run at making a toddler tool belt and may try my had at a blog tutorial about it (if it turns out).

What? I'm just working on this car here.