Simply Tuesday...on a Wednesday // Yarn Along

Reading and knitting are two of my favorite things, and I love doing them at the same time whenever possible. This book, though, is hard to do that with because I just want to underline so many wonderful quotes in it. Simply Tuesday is an amazing book by Emily Freeman that's all about celebrating the little things. It's one of those books that just has to be read slowly, and that's okay.

These socks are the Anne Socks from an edition of Jane Austen Knits (one of the only knitting magazines I invest in) knit with Cascade Heritage Paints sock yarn, one of my favorite sock yarns.

What have you been reading or knitting lately? What's up next on your list?yarn

Anna Karenina and Sherlock

This week, I've been listening to Anna Karenina on audiobook. It makes the 40 minute round trip to work go by much faster, and audiobooks are wonderful when I'm working on more complicated knitting projects like these Sherlock inspired socks. The pattern is "To Knit While Bored" and you can get it for free on Ravelry. 

// Joining up with Ginny's Yarn Along. //

Also: reality? I took these photos on a piece of paper at my desk. A blogger has to do what a blogger has to do.

My world

cabled baby hat

cream fingerless gloves

purple baby hat

Under, wrap, pull back, slide.

Under, wrap, pull back, slide.

Under, wrap, pull back, slide.

I settle into the soothing rhythm, enjoying the feeling of soft yarn beneath my fingers and the smooth needles slipping through my hands, clicking softly. I enter a different world, one where I can control what happens; one where I am allowed to get wrapped up in what I am doing, oblivious to the world; one full of color and texture and fiber and stitch patterns.

This is my world, the one that I love.

bow ties are cool // remember // make // my fangirl is showing

But for now

Sometimes, I try my hand at spinning yarn and knitting sweaters.

Oh, the joys of February vacation. And the sorrow when it is over.

But for now, I'll just wear my sweater, read good books, drink tea, and make it through the rest of the school year. 

fall crafting: it has begun

I have begun to assemble the supplies and project lists for my Christmas crafting. You can never begin too early, in my opinion. While looking around, I have seen some lovely patterns that I am hoping to make sometime soon. Cool fall evenings just beg for me to begin crafting. Here are some patterns to inspire you with your autumn crafting ventures!

 

{via}

This pattern is no longer available for free, sadly, but it looks like it would not be too hard to figure out. Perfect for those chilly fall mornings. 

Basketweave Mug Cozy

Put it around your favorite mug filled with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Or the mug of a friend. *smile*

Owls Two Ways

For both knitters and crocheters. These owls are just too cute! I have already made one and I am close to finishing a second.

 

Moebius Wrap

Another wrap good for cold days.

Kangaroo Tunic

Lovely idea, plus the photo has fallen leaves in it. What could be better? I like the big buttons with a chunky knit look.

Cable Capelet

Can you tell that I really want to make one of these? *wink*

Crazy for Color Cap

I really want to try some Fair Isle soon. This hat looks like a fun project!

 

Crochet Shell Cowl

Hopefully my crochet skills will be up to this some day. Maybe yours are!

And now, I want to leave you with this:

How is your fall crafting coming? Any plans?

weekly wrap-up #14

So, it has been a while since I did a weekly wrap-up. I figured I was due for one. :) This really won't be just a week - it will be for the past month.

reading // nickel and dimed // unbroken // tess of the d'ubervilles //

listening // on the authority // love never fails // one man phantom of the opera medley

crafting // this hat // these socks //

enjoying // flowers // camp // sparklers // warm weather // summer skirts // lark rise to candleford // spending time with friends // goodwill shopping // the beach //

what others have to say

"Let me warn you that a genuine interest in knitting can keep you fascinated, eagerly pursuing it, and never satisfied, through a lifetime."

-Rose Wilder Lane

"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."

-William Morris

"I think that learning to knit is so much more valuable to children than being in front of a computer."

-Virginia Westwood

"Imagination is more important than knowledge."

-Albert Einstein

"He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, his head, and his heart, is an artist."

-St. Francis of Assisi

Cabled Bracelet Tutorial and Pattern

Here is a pattern for my new favorite project: cabled bracelets! I have a photo tutorial here and then the pattern written out at the bottom if you prefer that method of following a pattern/tutorial. :) If you already know how to make a cable, then this will be really easy.

Supplies: small amount of yarn and needles that are recommended for your yarn type {e.g. sport weight yarn: size 2-4, worsted weight: size 5-8, etc.}. Pretty much whatever you want. :) I use 3 double-pointed needles so that I do not have to use a cable needle {*cough*actually find one*cough*}. 

cable needle or extra double-pointed needle.

Cast on 9 stitches.

Knit 1 row.

Purl 1 row.

Knit 1 row.

Purl 1 row.

Slip the first 3 stitches to the empty needle or cable needle and hold that in front of your work.

With your empty needle behind the slipped stitches, knit the next 3 stitches.

This is roughly what it should look like:

Take the needle with the slipped stitches and pull it around the stitches that you just knit. Knit the 3 slipped stitches.

Knit the last 3 stitches.

You have now made the first cross-over!

Knit 1 row.

Purl 1 row.

Knit 1 row.

Knit the first 3 stitches.

With the extra needle or cable needle held behind your work, slip the next 3 stitches onto it.

Knit the last 3 stitches of the row, making sure that the slipped stitches stay behind your needles.

Take the needle with the slipped stitches and bring it around behind the last 3 stitches that you knit. Knit the slipped stitches.

Knit 1 row.

Purl 1 row.

Knit 1 row.

Now just continue repeat from the first cable row until it is as long as you want!

Cabled Bracelet Pattern

Supplies: small amount of yarn

               needles that correspond with you yarn weight

               cable needle

    I actually use three double-pointed needles instead of two needles and a cable needle.

Cast on 9 stitches.

Work in stockinette stitch for 4 rows.

*(Cable) Row 1: Slip the first 3 stitches to the cable needle, hold in front. Knit 3. Knit 3 from cable needle. Knit last 3 stitches.

Rows 2-4: Work in stockinette stitch, ending on a purl row.

(Cable) Row 5: Knit 3. Slip next 3 stitches to cable needle and hold in back. Knit 3. Knit 3 from cable needle.

Rows 6-8: Work in stockinette stitch, ending on a purl row. *

Repeat from *to* until bracelet reaches desired length.

Enjoy your bracelet! If you have any questions about anything, please ask!