A Little Piece of Handmade Cape

Life changes are a given just as going from knitting to crocheting it goes back and forth.

I saw this little cape done a different way and loved it, so, I thought I would do something different. Being the first try at this pattern the color change sure makes a difference. I have plans to add some other detail and am going to try it in a different stitch and yarn. Still working on the little teal sweater from last couple posts. I think the sleeves going round and round with dpn's kind of got to me, still working on it though and hope to have it done soon. After all it is for one of my grand daughters, being only 3, they tend to grow out of clothing as fast a weed reappears after a rain. Speaking of the garden, not good, we didn't get much rain so it went fast. I did manage to get a lot of green beans and tomatoes so can't really complain. Working the cape in Red Heart in Gray for the body and Yarn All Things You in Soft Rose from our local craft shop Pat Catan's. Both are simply worsted weight acrylic yarns. I treat my first attempt like a test pattern and from there decide the changes, then pick quality yarns. I like to know the pattern. I'm really not a fan of the double crochet don't like the large spaces it leaves and that's in U.S. terms. I really think I would use single crochet to give a much more quality warm cape and heavier yarn. Plus, I would make it longer, so if you make this cape, the first thing done is making the ribbed edge, this can go longer. I do like the way the hood is worked in the single crochet wouldn't change that at all. I thought about adding pink in the hood with the bobble stitch, and, just might do that on the next one. 

Apple Cozy Design

Cool, damp rainy days are the best for relaxing with a warm cup of tea, yarn and just creating away. It took some time to get it right, a few start over's, ripped out stitches, it was worth it all. I am not a pro at patterns, heck, I'm not even a pattern designing person. I mostly just sit back and work patterns I find or ones I purchase. However, I would like to work a bit harder at designing. This was a little fun project I jotted down notes and have plans on writing it out properly. I think anyone who has knowledge of designing can figure this one out. I will though get it done, not sure how fast though, things since Jim passed have slowed down or taken a back seat. Days where missing him consumes my thoughts and nothing gets done or falls into place. I know we all have those days and it's okay they pass just like any other day, tomorrow is a new day. 

As soon as I get the pattern down properly it will be posted. I will tell you what yarn I used in case there are those who can just look at the photo, and figure it out. Lily, Sugar n Cream cotton.

Thank you for stopping by...have a wonderful weekend. 

Love of Yarn

Rainy days, relax, and repeat. I look forward to days like these, settling the soul, and creating does that for me. Cloudy, comfort is what I feel when the sky is covered, the needles are in my hands, it's all I need. Knitting is one of my fav all time ways to work yarn, it took awhile in my younger years to learn, and it was worth it all. I think that's why more people crochet, it's easy, fast, and the project doesn't contain much assembly. Then again, a top down sweater like this doesn't either. No, I am not big on putting things together either, especially the techno things today. I do it, yes, but it does take time and time is precious to me. This pattern is really easy, so relaxing, especially the part where the length is added. The yarn, Cascade 220 Superwash Sport is truly one of my favorite yarns to work. Plus, the fact it's easy care for my daughter in law's is a huge factor. 

So, today is relax and repeat...a little break from the garden, the girl's (all my chicken's) and just create and do a bit of cleaning inside where it's needed. In the summer, I am not much on cleaning inside there is plenty of time for that during the winter days.

A Fond Hello and Handmades

Hello dear friends, it's been awhile, since I have posted on here, which leads me to say thank you for sticking around or checking in even though I have not posted. Months have passed since my other passed away things are getting a bit better with each passing day. I have kept myself busy which also has helped by crocheting, knitting, photographing and of course gardening and tending to the animals. It has really helped to do so, without creating and especially my chickens and rabbits I am sure it would have been tougher. Although it's hard to believe it's been 3 months already since he passed, time just seems to go so fast as we age. One turns around and a year has gone.

I will be 62 soon and embracing it all...I can not but into words the peacefulness one finds with age. The acceptance of who we are and how we look is beyond expression. It just feels good as does creating away. Crocheting, knitting, there is always something in my hands in the makings. I have found yarn to be so incredibly soothing, and the garments when finished just seem to put smiles on my face. I love a challenge and learning new things and being an empty nester allows me to dive deep into everything, and that is so rewarding.

Farming has also been one thing that has added joy to my life. Raising chickens, who knew one could fall in love with chicken's, my girl's, how I love them. Then there is my chinchilla rabbits who are even more lovable. I have been blessed over the months of grieving which has been a huge help in coping. Animals truly can change your life, add comfort that human's don't always have time for in this fast pace world.

Again, thank you for staying with my blog. I also have a facebook page where I post a lot of makings and can be found here https://www.facebook.com/creativenesting/  I post on there more than I do anywhere else everything I am creating in yarn. You're welcome to pop on over and take a peek. Hope all has been well with all dear friends. Enjoy life, and smile as often as possible it feels so good and makes other smile too.

Crocheting Time

Since my last post the passing of the man I was dating, I have been keeping things simple as possible. Crocheting instead of knitting seems to be less complicated right now. Mindlessly occupying myself in the evening hours.

When tragedy strikes we all go through our grieving in different ways. Mine is to keep myself busy and simply trying to soothe the mind. With that said, crocheting seems to be going pretty fast making up blanket after blanket. These two are blocking, while another is nearly half way through, a simple single crochet stitch followed by a picot border, and detail will be added once blocking is complete.

I am also now posting on Instagram more than on blogger under creative nester all things I am creating.

Thank you so very much for visiting. Have a wonderful day.

Fabulous

I am nothing if not spontaneous...so they say one should blog at the same time everyday...if there would be anyone to break the mold it would be me.  And here I am...breaking it again with smiles on wee morning hours to show you why I choose black for a special girl. And here it is

 the reason for the Fingerless Gloves and Headband, I made for my grand daughter, Ms. Emma, soon to be three in May.

Look at those gorgeous little fingers and the gloves that fit even without a measure, hence, waiting on my son, who shoes you are looking at, to take the time and measure for me...then again that's guys, always forgetting or just not getting too something so simple. Na, he is a very hard worker he is an electrical engineer who travels the world. So I understand. So happy they fit, despite the fact, I did not figure her thumb to be so long, and the headband, she refused to model for us. Maybe another time..The pattern again Rivelyn Set was hard to follow as I had to rewrite...and that's okay.

So excited I was to see  the outfit on Ms. Emma who has a love of Minnie and Mickey mouse, however, she also loves cats...I am told. Just might be on the list of things to make. Happily I am finishing projects once again before bouncing to another. Yippy, I say, now lets just keep it going.

I do have another little project up my sleeve, it's already in the works, that is sizing it up, to fit this little one in the fall when it's cooler. Now, I will be searching for things done in a soft cotton for spring or maybe sewing little dresses...whatever I manage to create will show up here on my little blog. Have a wonderful weekend, where ever, in this creative World you may be...

Project Knit Time

First I have to say, it is so beautiful out today I believe our best Winter yet...warm, no snow, sun is shinning it's 50 some degrees. We have been blessed and warmer days are on way. The only problem it makes for wanting to start yard work and it's just a bit too early. Walks are really nice and I should be out taking one...yup after this post...off I go!!

In the meantime, this is what's on the needles. It's called Cool Wool I just adore this and as much as crocheting is fun knitting is my passion. Can not say how much I love it thankfully right now I have no outstanding patterns on needles. Gee, what a relief. Isn't this just too darn cute...she just makes this pattern say buy me, make me...I only wish cooking did that to me...not. I'm at the point where heck with cooking, just popping a frozen in the microwave...Oh shame on me, I know, I know a frozen dinner. Hey, they have come a long way since the sixties. Foil tray, foil cover, fold back the corner, bake, is this really food, and portion there was none, okay barely. We've come a long way baby!

       Yes, so far along we can translate languages on the Internet, well sort of anyway. I found this pattern, actually its all over Pinterest only it's entirely in French...that's right French. Now, I did live there for a year, however, never did conquer the language...the male and female thing when it comes to words. English is so much easier it be should Universal..did I just print that..okay, don't loose it...I just don't seem to pick up foreign languages easily. So I did manage to translate took a few days and lots of erasing, I did, figure it out. Now I just need to try it. The pattern is free and if all goes well I will post an English version...Yippy! They are just way too too cute.

Then I found this pattern, that's right pattern...it was not free...it's actually 41 U.S. dollars that's right. Now I know our money is very different from Ukraine money, still, this was expensive so for now I opted out. All one has to do is email her and she will email the pattern once payment is received through Paypal...darn it anyway, I hope I saved it to the computer. I will let you know in another post. 

Last but not least I also found this one...how cute is this!! Crocheting toys is not my thing even though this is adorable I am opting to make it into a fabric pattern with a few changes. When hopefully this year...when it comes to fabric, well, let's just say it will take time. Who knows, depends on what's on the needles and if I need a break. 

Sitting here looking out the window its so nice again to see the sun and blue sky, so longing for the green grass, trees to bloom. Oh spring, how I love you and long or you to arrive. In the meantime while I wait the winter out...thank you all for popping in...such dear friends from all over the World. 

Have a Blessed and Gorgeous day!

Don't It Just Figure

I do believe it's time to start a NOTE TO SELF...message...I was on a roll and suddenly it ended, right there it was the bottom of the yarn...hanging from the hook. Looking down I said out loud, "ah crap you gotta be kidding." But wait, I know I have tons of yarn all over the apartment stashed in those cubicle storage things that look like furniture...I dug and dug all around the apartment in the closets, yup, there is yarn everywhere....all but what I needed... like in the middle of a recipe and there it is a ingredient you don't have...not one ball of pink Vanna White yarn anywhere...how could this be??? The woman who is addicted to all brands of yarn, and that means if it's on sale I purchase it. My favorite of course is Cascade. So here I sit, actually I have to get ready to hit the store to grab what I need to finish this darn project. NOTE TO SELF...check out how much yarn you really have before beginning a project. Although Pink is not my favorite color to purchase if it need be noted.

What does need to be noted is how fast time truly does fly...this is my second oldest of three children, two boy's and a girl. He is amazing left he is 4 holding his newborn baby sister (see her in the lower right corner) look at that face...still as bright eyed today at 34. He is my well rounded one, an engineer in car designing he travels the world every week. If you look at your children really look one can see exactly what they will be when they grow up...as a child, he was a photo bomber, courageous, always on the go happy go lucky child...and he knew when he did something wrong. He was my thinker of few words and when he spoke it was mature beyond his age. I always knew in my heart he would be okay and by golly he is...a true go after achieve person. I am so blessed and proud of this kid...I carry his heart, I carry it in mine, always.

Be so very still my heart...I love this kid more than words could possibly express.

Crocheted What?

Okay, so I believe I started this last year in Vanna White yarn, which I really don't care for I like premium yarns...but hey...this was a test pattern. Its a 12 month sweater which I just managed to set the sleeves. The stitch is quite boring and I am one who is not truly fond of crocheting, go back to the years when I was young, okay let's not...but I will anyway. Crocheted items than were awful it made it creepy..the yarn seemed to have had more of a plastic feel. It's what turned me to knitting, oh yeah, I couldn't believe how awful the crocheted items appeared. Although today they seem a bit fresher maybe it's the stitch patterns or the designer.

Currently I am adding the off white edging to finish it off and then making a hat to coordinate..although the weather we've been having is a bit screwy. Warm then it snows everything melts back to square one...we've been very blessed this winter and yes I am grateful, however, I am so looking forward to the rebirth in spring.

Oh yeah, the two little drawers I have painted black so far and distressed a bit...still waiting to see what my mind comes up with...I never know although it's generally a good thing.

Have a great day my sweet lovelies...thank you for stopping by.

Spring and New Knitting's on the Needles...

Hello May...yup it's arrived technically although last night was 38 degrees, making for one very cold and chilly day in May...I don't mind just makes for more knitting time...and this gal is loving it.

On the needles is a beautiful Tunic type top called "Bulle" size 4T a gorgeous and easy to knit top. I am using Cascade 220 Superwash, oh how soft, and the stitch definition out of this world dreamy. And right now, it the time to snag yarn there are so many sales going on it's just too hard to pass them by..so this gal is stocking up on all things Cascade, love, love, love it!

There is also plenty of things happening outside...oh, how I love this time of year when everything is new and fresh. A bit more sneezing as the years climb, but hey, I don't mind at all. I caught this little guy with my Cannon through a storm door...then 

this happened...I'm not sure what he's doing but it was priceless! Pose for the Camera..Yippy!

Bella had a hard day sitting in the window watching the birds come and go....and so she went right to sleep in my sheepskin chair...girl thinks every chair and especially this one...was bought for her. Who can complain...she is a keeper.

I don't know if you remember the knitting of these cardigans from Tin Can Knits called Harvest...so fast and simple in design. I bought matching fabric for this one to sew an outfit to coordinate. I don't know about anyone else, children's clothing and clothing in general has really gone up in price. And, groceries, whee, less and higher priced. What is happening...everyone at the store is just as baffled as myself.

And to finish things off...this rose colored cardigan I made for my grand daughter who is 2 this month. I used Lion Brand which I do not like working with at all...but..what the heck it too was on sale, for some reason the stores where I live carry nothing but junk yarns...I dream of a huge shop just filled with premium yarns.

So here is Emma in the Rose Cardigan a bit lighter than it shows above...so adorable on her. It was Mother's Day and we all  went to a really cool Yogurt Ice Cream store. Self serve with tons of flavors and toppings, and this little one was chatting away. Most of the time we had no idea what she was saying, but, she sure did...currently I have three grand babies that all just turned 2.  Sometimes I watch and think how did I ever raise my children...where did the energy come from...ah yes...youthful times. Be still my heart I am one blessed Mom and Grandmother.

Have a beautiful day where ever you may be...keep those hooks and needles moving, create, create, create!

Harvest Sweater on The Needles

 Whee! today it's very cool and damp....making for the sinuses to ask what is going on right? One day warm next day, well I think everyone understands. I am enjoying it despite the lows and highs, much like life...I've been knitting away and just as happy as can be hearing the bamboo needles click as I get a steady groove. I so love circular needles!

This is a seamless top down sweater from Tin Can Knits (Harvest Cardigan, it's free) and I love the fact it's available to knit in any size, really, any size. This is a 4T it knits right up to I believe a 4XL, oh well, take a peek I know it's amazing, so easy to knit. I am one for seamless patterns especially when it comes to knitting. Bring it on I say....

The pattern calls for a worsted/aran weight yarn, I used some old stash I had which was Lion Brand Wool Ease in Rose Heather. Wool Ease yarn is 80% acrylic 20% wool it's not too bad, however, I prefer Paton's unless I am working something for the grand children, then wool ease is fine. This is for Emma, my grand daughter who is 2, and for next fall. I didn't add any button holes, the pattern doesn't call for any, yet it tells one can add a button hole in the center. Tonight I will finish it then block...always do it really makes a difference in the stitching and sizing. I use to think blocking do I really have to it seems like so much to do after knitting...but...I've come to enjoy it especially after the end results. The actual color of the sweater is the first photograph.

And yes, Cascade yarns what can I say but, dreamy, I love it! This is Cascade 220 superwash which is wonderful for children...it's washable not to mention I love the stitch definition and the way it feels. This is to be another coat for Emma next fall...I think I should start knitting for Cami who is another of my grand daughters who is also 2.  I will be a busy grandma knitting away. 

What's on the Knitting Needles...

I am one who pops in randomly to post on my blog...I am spontaneous by nature...I am multi-talented...creative by nature. With all that said, the hot weather has finally arrived, the very hot, humid weather, the kind were you see water and just want to dive in..kind of weather. The kind where I'm questioning, why am I knitting weather, with Cascade 220 Heathers 100% wool which would say, hey, fall has suddenly reaped her wrath upon us. Twisting the cool weather into our bones, the kind of cool that is easier to get warm then it is too cool off. The kind that says, wrap yourself up in nicely knitted handmade garments, not the dreaded manufactured ones, but, the handmade keepsake kind...that say...made with lots of love. Just for you! The kind that leaves behind a treasured keepsake and hope it doesn't find itself at a garage sale, or worse the thrift shop unable to scream, " I am handmade, please keep me, pass me down as a true member of the family," kind of garment. Tell stories of me, how I came about, how grandma made me years ago. How I am one of kind. That's  what's on the needles...the Isla Cape for my grand daughter Emma Ann this fall. The pattern is from Slip, Slip, Knit blog and I love it. For those who know some intermediate it's really pretty simple and the pattern is well written, plus, I love how fast it's knitting up. So if you're looking for a nice handmade gift for an infant to toddler this is a keeper.

What's on The Needles

Since we've been getting a lot of snow lately...I have been knitting away. Taking a few breaks here and there to shovel the snow. I just love shoveling it's like cutting the grass everything looks so neat. Yet the snow, just being out there as it falls...one of natures most delicate things can make such a huge mark. I love just standing in it looking up at the sky as it falls. Even at my age I am always amazed and in aw of it all! Oh, and the blanket, yes, is being done in Lion Brand Wool Ease. It rare that I work with this yarn it's not the best by far, it tends to split which just drives me nuts. However, my daughter needed something she could throw in the washer without harm. The chestnut color tends to look a bit burgundy with the heather gray appearing to have a bit of a blue hue. Let's just say I nearly ripped it out and started all over... yet I trolled through am starting to like it a bit more...thank goodness.

 P.S. and yes the pillow cases are getting ready to post...they just needed a bit of ironing and now photographing.

It's a Pet Peeve...of the Yarn Kind Sorta

First and foremost I have to say although the sun is shinning and I should be happy, it's darn right cold outside! I know winter is a must, I know the season have to change... I get it all...yet today... I do believe I'd like to hear, birds singing, the smell of fresh cut grass, and the sounds of a motorcycle riding by...help... I am in need of a vacation somewhere South! If most of my body parts are heading that way, I should darn well be able to go with them... free of charge....anywhere South...can that be a law Obama can write up for seniors, gee, wouldn't that be totally awesome! Don't get you're hopes up, the best we can do is imagine ourselves somewhere on a deserted island, waiting for a man named Brad, like in Pitt, to come up and out of the water to pour oil on our body, and massage it in...alright...I get it nice dream girl. I thought so LOL!

Now that I have all that out of my system let's talk about the reason I am posting this...I go on Pinterest occasionally looking for something different in a pattern...something more than scarves, hats, mittens, gloves, socks, etc...gosh there are so many of them. Often I think gee they are in such abundance at the store and cheap this time of year. Why would I knit or crochet them. Okay, party pooper here...I know.. I know.. they are unique and often one of a kind if handmade. However, I prefer things like the crocheted sweater in the photo. So what is my point, my pet peeve...it totally drives me nuts when I visit Pinterest and it's filled with photographs that go no where... or to a site of nasty crap that gets blocked...thank you! Sometimes I think people pin things just for more attention on the Internet...I say...please... if I type in Pinterest knitting patterns stop pinning things that go nowhere...please put it on a page that says...things I like. Now if only I could figure out how to take a ripple blanket and add sleeves. I am sure it's out on the World Wide Web somewhere yet if someone wouldn't have put this on a knitting pattern page I would have no desire to make it. Now that I have that off my chest....which really doesn't stop me from eating my favorite chocolate M&M's... or finishing my knitted blanket and staying warm...I am really cool with it all.

P.S. Update...now as you're looking at the girl in the photo and thinking wow she's thin, she's beautiful, let me just say this...as you age the only real thing any woman worries about is the same old same...her weight. From skinny to heavy we all worry about it...too thin, to heavy...just a few pounds over...whatever I say! Get use to who you are...after all there is no one like you.

Tutorial Weave in Yarn Ends Easy...You'll Love This!

Good Day lovely readers, hope all are staying warm and knitting or crocheting away. 

I am still knitting my second blanket and in fact it's just about done, so I will be posting it soon. All done in Paton's Classic Wool, gray and charcoal, it's really cozy. Then I will be starting a cape for my grand daughter, Emma, who is 8 months. I'm dong it in Cascade 220 Heather, just in time for spring.

Okay with that said, straight away to the photograph. 

As some may know I've been Web Searching for interesting knitting/crochet patterns and in my search came across this tutorial called the Russian Join It's so cool...really...it deals with adding a new skein of yarn and hiding those dreaded ends when the item is all finished. I love it! It's absolutely clever.

So, get going, pop on over to Twist Yarn Shop...this join should make all yarn workers a lot happier.

Knitting Continues...

Well the snow is falling again, what else would one expect it's winter! Luckily only 1 to 3 inches and it's already near the 3 inch mark. I like to watch the snow when it's falls especially when it's large and falling slowly. It's snowing like that tonight makes for wrapping up in a nice handmade blanket, lighting the fireplace and knitting away. It's what I like about winter, not having to run outside mow the law, tend to the garden, it's just knitting time. Which is what I've been doing. I seem to be stuck on making these hats designed by Stephanie Dozen in her book "Woodland Knits"  This one which is my third, is done in the Lion Brands "Wool Ease" Thick n Quick color Oatmeal. I took the pattern and revised it a bit, made the hat shorter in the back am adding a scarf to this one later with pockets at the bottom, for a young girl Alexia who feel in love with a hat scarf combination I wear all the time, it has pockets at the bottom of both ends of the scarf. A lot a people compliment and always ask, where did you get that, it's really neat. That's when I decided to add a scarf to this hat. The next one I'm making is going to be worsted weight yarn instead of thick and bulky. I can't tell you how incredibly warm this hat is...it's amazing. There is another book I'm waiting for in the mail called "Botanical Knits" by Alana Dako's I just love anything to do with nature. I love the details from nature Alana adds to all her knitting patterns. After I finish this project hopefully tonight I will photograph it again in it's finished form. I have to say....it's really difficult to photograph oneself wearing the final projects. No, I'll tell you what's really difficult...first I boiled 6 eggs only to forget about them until I heard them popping like popcorn, to falling down on the kitchen floor after tripping over my own shoe, to breaking the key off in the door to my apartment. I guess things really do happen in three's, why is that anyway. Hmm...must do some google research before knitting.

Yummy Yarn Arrived...

I hope this is finding all who had to weather the frigid cold temperatures safe and a bit more mobile. I was finally able to find my way to the mailbox at the end of the driveway after this Polar Vortex thing. 

Personally I believe anything named Polar should stay right were it's at in the Polar. The road are somewhat thawed, I can still hear tires spinning trying to leave the stop light. My deck and stairway down to the ground are frozen 2 inches plus thick, and the driveway is a sheet of ice great for ice skating, if I had a pair of ice skates. It's a test of ones patients to get through 4 days of such cold even though you're inside it seems to penetrate the walls, the chill consuming my body. I just stayed wrapped in a blanket the whole time lying on the couch watching TV. It was that incredibly cold at least for me, especially when the business below my tiny apartment is no longer in use. The whole first floor I was told by the owners was frozen, the furnace was out. Twice I heard a huge bang as they tried to get the furnace running again. They turned off the gas after the two loud bangs, called me to tell me it was nothing other than the black soot shooting out like in the movie "A Christmas Story" which reminds me today on the news I heard of a young 12 year old girl who licked a pole in her yard and was stuck to the pole for 15 minutes. Her mother checking on her in the yard found her stuck to the pole grabbed warm water to release her tongue. Although it's sad her tongue will be swollen for 6 months I could help but laugh as it reminded me of the "Christmas Story." As you can see in the mailbox was the yarn I ordered the week the storm was due to hit our area. Waiting to get out I'm sure...It was a nice surprise especially when I opened the box pulled the luscious "Drops Lima Yarn" oh so soft! What am I going to make, I am thinking a warm blanket in case the Polar Vortex decides to visit again. Arg!

Day of Awesome Surprises

 

Last night I went to our local fabric shop which has tons of exciting magazines on everything from needlework to yarn and more....such as this magazine Mollie Makes, issue 22. This has clearly become my favorite magazine of all time.

Although it's from the UK, I was surprised that our local book store doesn't carry it, nor does any other store in my area. When I ask the whole staff  at "Books A Million" they looked totally confused said, they had never heard of Mollie Makes. So... I put in a request to have them try and add it to there store. This magazine is just amazing in so many ways, from the articles to the projects, right down to the photographs. I am in love!

 

After my lovely magazine... today I went to the mailbox and look what was waiting for me. Yes, my Cascade 220 Heathers yarn. Finally, I am working with an awesome yarn. Isn't it just yummy!

But that wasn't all, nope.

  

 

Not one, but two packages of Cascade 220 Heathers was waiting. I just love the colors, of course, inspired by Little Cotton Rabbits, a blog I have come to adore. Julie is so incredibly talented, I wish I lived in England, I would gladly pay her to teach me everything she knows about knitting and crocheting.

I have a few more colors to order and I will have all the colors Julie posted on her blog. I am so excited to begin making grannie squares and my first grannie square blanket. I have crocheted a lot of blankets and knitted them, but grannie squares, look out here I come!

  

 

Look at those gorgeous labels...I am so use to working with Patons Yarn, and Caron Simply Soft, this is sure to be a treat!