Pretty in Pink!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while.  Being a PhD student took precedence for a few weeks there, but I'm back at it!  And I've been busy!  Today's featured item?  A cute Minnie Mouse inspired set for my soon to be here Great-niece Alliyona.  What do you think?

Entire set includes hat with ears and bow,
skirt, diaper cover, and mary jane slippers.

diaper cover

mary jane slippers

hat with ears and bow

polka dot skirt

Test Pattern #3: Argyle

My testing of patterns for gloves is continuing and this time I finished up the argyle pattern I've been thinking about for some time.  I originally tried a 3-color pattern but will admit that I just didn't like the way the pattern looked (it looked less like argyle when it was in glove form than it did in my knitting chart!).  So I took away a color, tweaked the pattern and came up with this:

This one is definitely a keeper, though I've already had requests for different color combinations (gladly!).  I think I'll do something darker (maybe a black and red?) or something more monochromatic (black and grey?).  I'm always open to suggestions!

Current Works in Progress & Test Patterns

I'm finally getting the chance to try out some test patterns for designs that I've seen and wanted to replicate in gloves.  So far this week I've already completed 2 test patterns: hearts and a pattern called pueblo.  I'm hoping to add even more!  If you have suggestions for designs or even just color suggestions, please feel free to let me know.  I'm always open to constructive feedback!

Here are the test gloves for both items:

New Space - Newly Organized - Ready to Knit!

Yours Truly has been busy moving from one space to another so things have been a bit crazy. But things are finally settling down nicely and the new space has a special crafting corner, so I'm organized and ready to go!  Time to get down to some serious knitting as summer begins to wane and fall approaches (I'll admit it - knitting in the summer is tough when its hot like it has been lately).

Projects on the Horizon:

• A UT themed baby blanket (I have Alabama, need to compliment with UT!)
• Four new hat designs - some lace patterns this time.
• A new shawl design.
• A Dr. Who scarf (sorry folks, this one is a special commission and won't be for sale in the shop, but I'm planning some other Dr. Who themed items since my friends are begging for them).
• Super hero fingerless gloves collection - first up will be Wonder Woman!
• Socks!  Lots of socks!!!  I made my first pair - a trial pair of orange and white UT themed ones. Not bad for a first try but I'll be working to perfect my technique before these appear in the shop. 

And of course, anything else that others can dream up to challenge me with.  I'm looking forward to it!  Don't forget to let me know if you have special needs.

Buses are for knitting

I know, I've been very quiet on here lately.  Being a full-time PhD student will do that to a person (no time for fun...little time for knitting).  But, I've been finding some knitting time, mostly while I ride the buses to and from school.  I've found that I can't knit everything on the bus (anything with a complicated pattern or anything that requires multiple skeins of yarn are a no-no).  But there is the slouchie ribbed hat that I've been making in multiple colors.  Come to find out, it is the perfect bus knit!  In just 8 bus rides I can complete one hat.  Here are the 3 I've completed so far:

I've got about 6 more colors to go - maybe I'll get them all done by the end of the quarter!

So Much Knitting! The Yarn Carnage...

I can honestly say that I've never knit this much in my life...and I love it!  Of course, I've also developed a bit of a shoulder issue (due to the way I hold my knitting needles), but nothing a good stretch won't take care of!

Here's the rundown of everything I've whipped up in the past two weeks alone:

•  Black and white diamond patterned gloves: The black and white looks great whether in houndstooth or in diamonds.  I may have to try a few more combinations with these colors!
   
• Heather and white houndstooth: Who knew the heather and white would look so nice together?  Someone knew and requested a cute pair of gloves.  I was happy to oblige.
   
• The Courtney, short: I love this pattern and they look adorable in the shorter length!
  Charcoal had with a wide brim and a crocheted red flower.

• Reversible houndstooth infinity scarf in navy and burnt orange: This was done for a Chicago Bears fan.  Great fun to finish up and I love the different color choices that I'm getting the opportunity to try out.
• A hat shaped like a Christmas tree!

Okay, enough out of me - I have a number of orders to complete over the next couple of week.  Expect more pictures later!

It's All About...Color Combinations!

So, my friends have been after me to branch out and try some new color combinations.  Taking their advice (and their list of suggestions), I've finally gotten around to making some new gloves featuring the Diamonds are Forever pattern that I use.

First up was the Crimson and Gold:

I actually really like this combination.  I got them done quickly and posted to the shop, so if you are interested, they are ready to ship!  I also got a nice reprimand from Etsy for tagging these gloves with the Washington mascot's name (which I will not repeat here).  The funny thing is, I hesitated to tag it that way to begin with since I hate the word as well - but it is used widely by fans and I wanted to make sure fans found them.  Alas, I had to remove the tag to keep the posting, so I did right away.  I then re-tagged with FSU and just Washington.  Lesson learned!

Since I had the gold out, I decided to do the next color combination on the list: Purple and Gold.

This combination worked too!  I did these with the longer gauntlet since I think I will be sending these to my cousin as a gift one day (and that was the length I know she wanted).  But right now they are available for sale in the shop!

And since I was in such a knitting mood, I finished a cute ear flap hat and fingerless mitts set for a friend who wanted something custom:

I liked it so much I picked up some similar yarn (just a different color) and plan to make another set later this week!

But right now?  I'm working on a leopard print pattern - hoping it turns out nice enough for the shop!