SUMMER! Heat, warm, sunshine... Ugh, mosquitos...

So sorry that there was such a long time between posts. Here's whats been going on since Christmas:

The new year came and went, I got laid off my first day back (Jan 4th), I am now on EI, but loving being able to spend time with my son. I have been knitting and crocheting and reading and doing all sorts of fun things that I didn't get to do when I was working full time. And my son starts Kindergarten in September, so I am enjoying him while I can.

On the knitting and crochet front: I have knitted multiple pairs of fingerless mittens for friends and family. I am currently working on a stuffed crocheted pig for my friend's daughter and I am actually making myself something! Ya, I know... I never do that. It's a beautiful red ruffled tank top, and I am about 65% done. Will post pictures once I get my camera working.

The weather has been fair, I have been going out to Race City Speedway (Calgary, AB) and watching my dad drag race. He has been doing quite well this year, he won the Iron Man trophy at the Father's Day races. Here's a picture of his dragster:

Well, I guess that's all for now. I will be sure to post again soon and make it much more interesting. Lol.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!

2-Needle Kids' Mittens

I created this pattern when I needed to make mittens for my son this winter. Here is how it turned out. Pretty awesome, I think, for a 2-needle mitten pattern.

Materials Needed:

4mm knitting needles, Worsted weight yarn, Stitch holder, Yarn needle

Instructions:

Cast on 30 sts. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 4 rows. Work  K2, P2 ribbing for 1½”. Work St st for 4 rows, increasing 1 st in 1^st row (31 sts)

For Left Mitten:

Row 1: K14, M1, K1, M1, Knit 16 (33 sts)

Row 2 (and all even rows): Purl across

Row 3: K14, M1, K3, M1, K16 (35 sts)

Row 5: K14, M1, K5, M1, K16 (37 sts)

Row 7: K14, M1, K7, M1, K16 (39 sts)

Row 9: K14, M1, K9, M1, K16 (41 sts)

Row 11: Knit 14, put 11 sts on a stitch holder, K16 (30 sts)

For Right Mitten:

Row 1: K16, M1, K1, M1, Knit 14 (33 sts)

Row 2 (and all even rows): Purl across

Row 3: K16, M1, K3, M1, K14 (35 sts)

Row 5: K16, M1, K5, M1, K14 (37 sts)

Row 7: K16, M1, K7, M1, K14 (39 sts)

Row 9: K16, M1, K9, M1, K14 (41 sts)

Row 11: Knit 16, put 11 sts on a stitch holder, K14 (30 sts)

Cont. in St st until entire length of mitten is 6”.

Decrease Row 1: K1, SKP, K9, K2tog, K2, SKP, K9, K2tog, K1 (26 sts)

Row 2 (and all even rows): Purl across

Row 3: K1, SKP, K7, K2tog, K2, SKP, K7, K2tog, K1 (22 sts)

Row 5: K1, SKP, K5, K2tog, K2, SKP, K5, K2tog, K1 (18 sts)

Row 7: K1, SKP, K3, K2tog, K2, SKP, K3, K2tog, K1 (14 sts)

Row 9: Bind off knitwise, leaving 8” tail for sewing.

Thumb:

Pick up 11 sts from stitch holder and work St st for 6 rows.

Decrease Row: K1, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K2 tog (7 sts)

Last row: P2tog to last st, P1. (4 sts)

Thread needle through sts, pull tight.

Sewing: Sew from top of mitten to bottom, and sew up thumb seam, weaving in ends afterwards.

Grey Balaclava, Part 2

Here are the photos of the finished piece before it is sent to the film set. I feel sorry for the poor actor who has to wear it. It's going to be SOOOO itchy... 100% wool. Lol

Learning from the Redwoods

I read this today in 'Our Daily Bread' and thought it was so profound, because we don't really marvel at creation anymore. We have become too jaded and self-centered to see the beauty around us.

"Learning from the Redwoods"

By: Mart De Haan

Isaiah 65:17 to 66:2

North America’s Pacific Coast Redwoods are some of the biggest trees in the world. The tallest on record, Hyperion, soars 379 feet into the air.

During a visit to California’s Muir Woods National Park, I was surprised and overwhelmed by the enormity of those redwoods. Trees as tall as a 30-story building seemed to press me into the forest floor while drawing my thoughts upward.

The memory of what I felt at the base of some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world has left me with lingering thoughts about their origin. Those redwoods, like the family tree of our own humanity, are rooted in a Creator who is infinitely and eternally greater than His creation.

The prophet Isaiah caught a glimpse of this God. In a vision that mingled the wonders of a Messianic kingdom with the promise of a new heaven and earth, he describes One who makes the skies His throne and the earth His footstool (Isaiah 66:1).

Yet Isaiah saw something even more overwhelming. He saw a great God who wants His people to be “glad and rejoice forever in what I create” (65:18). In response, let’s bow before Him in humble adoration (66:2).

How glorious to think ahead

Of blessings yet to be,

Of help from God while life shall last—

Then joys eternally!

-      Dave Branon

Knitted Grey Balaclava

Well, in an interesting development, I was recently recruited to knit a grey balaclava for an upcoming World War I movie being filmed in my area. I am super excited about this, as I hope to get more work like this in the future. Here are some pictures of the started project:

It is due by October 25 (my birthday, go figure) and I am knitting away like a madwoman to get it ready. TTFN. Have a safe and fun Halloween.

Halloween Is Near

I cannot wait to carve my pumpkins! Oh my goodness, I think that is my favourite part of fall. Hopefully it won't snow *fingers crossed. Liam wants to carve one as 'Lightening McQueen'. Lol I hope it turns out ok. I have begun my knitting for the Christmas Craft Fair at Ralph McCall School on Saturday, November 27. I am making slippers and mittens galore!

Oh, and also I have cancelled the Group Knitting Lesson, due to a lack of response. Anyone wanting one-on-one lessons can e-mail me anytime at hannah.storms@mail.com. Only $20 per hour of teaching (good deal). I also teach crochet.

Have a wonderful Halloween! Chat at you in November.