our new boy

Emmett & Checkers

Our new Chihuahua boy is on the right! The breeders call him Checkers because he has a checkerboard pattern on his back. It was love at first sight when we saw him for the first time yesterday. He is soooo adorable, and we can't wait to take him home.

projects off and on the loom

What a difference a gauge makes. The flower dishcloth on the right was made on Cindy's combo loom regular 1/2" gauge, and the same pattern was used for the yellow dishcloth on the left made on a fine gauge rake from markmanfarm.com. The pattern for the spring flower dishcloth can be found at www.knitchat.com.

I still need to complete my mesh bag. All I need to do is a few more rows of the single mesh stitch, 3 rows of 2 over 2, cast off using the crochet method, whip stitch the i-cords into place, and my bag will be complete.

blog fog

So here is my blog fog. Cool, huh. I first saw this on a friend's blog, who saw it on her dad's blog who saw it at snap shirts where you can do your own blog fog and order a t-shirt too. I like some of the words that my blog fog produced like mountain, miracle, mystery, and weaving wife. Try it and see how yours turns out.

analyze that

This is my handwritten pangram. A pangram is a sentence that contains all the letters of the alphabet, the most famous being, "the quick brown fox" sentence. I was to write this sentence out, take a photo of it, sign it, and post it on my blog. I'm not sure what happens next, but I think a handwriting specialist may be visiting my blog to analyze it. I saw this on Isela's purling sprite's blog who saw it at Mim's blog, who saw it here.
The next step is to add a comment over at Logtar's blog that I posted this handwriting meme at my blog.

a hat for joseph

Joseph has been very patient waiting for his new hat. Weeks ago I made some scrunchies for his sisters, and the hat I made for him on the red loom was too small. He's been waiting ever since for a new one. I presented this hat to him today, and he was so excited to receive it finally.
It was knitted on the green KK loom using the University of Michigan colors, blue and gold. The gold brim was done in the garter stitch.

"Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love." Psalm 6:4

delivery from a loomy place

I'm so excited. My 12" fine gauge dishcloth rake and Markman Farm loom tools I ordered from aloomyplace.com arrived today! Yet, another project is looming overhead. I just used the bee balm Penny sent with this order to bring out the beauty of the cherry wood on this rake. It's gorgeous! I love this bee balm so much I'll have to order more of the Cedar Eucalyptus/Lavender balm from Lynn at Markman Farm.
I can't wait to get started on my heart dishcloths. I'm going to do the flower dishcloth from the Spring KAL in a solid color this time.

mesh bag progress

Click on image to enlarge.

The mesh bag is coming along nicely. The flat bottom has been completed. After knitting 5 rows of 1 over 1, you start the modified mock crochet stitch. This is a lovely stitch and will move along quickly. If you are interested in making this project, join the Yahoo Loom Class and then go to the files section. The pattern is listed here for members.

signs of spring

Because of the altitude we live at, our spring comes when blossoms are falling off the trees in most places. It is always such a treat to drive down the canyon from our mountain home and see the signs of spring in the big city. Salt Lake is alive with spring with her blossoms, warmth, and bright flowers. Yes, this season of newness was blossoming all over.
I was really looking forward to this trip today because I had a unique opportunity to meet with a very special person I've been corresponding with online. Suz is a volunteer loom instructor who started the second loom class assignment at our Yahoo Loom Class Group. The assignment is for a mesh bag. Now, if anyone knows much about me they know that I love bags, so I got right on this assignment. Last night Suz told me to cast on 15 pegs on the yellow loom and knit a flat panel of 29 rows, and then we would meet in the morning so she could show me how to do the flat bottom for this bag. Wow, what a treat, one-on-one tutoring from one of the looming pros! It can't get much better than that. What a luxury because most of what I have learned so far has been self-taught instruction through reading, Isela's videos, internet loom patterns, and much trial and error. I have not taken a class, so no one has actually shown me what to do.

So here is the beginning of the mesh bag I started last night. When I was knitting the rows, something clicked, and I realized that in order to make the flat bottom I bet I was going to have to stretch this panel and place the end and side loops on the empty pegs. I was right.

I made one of the I-cord handles with this new gadget I bought last week called the Wonder Knitter. I have made the I-cords on the blue loom, and I got a kick out of making it with this cool gadget. It's faster than the loom and fun. I got a little carried away, and I think it may be too long.
So, here we are, Suz and me at the SLC library coffee shop. I'm on the right displaying what the flat bottom looks like after you stretch the loops onto the empty pegs. Suz also showed me other time saving tips and looming tricks of the trade.
By the way, libraries certainly have changed over the years. This new library is an incredible glass atrium building housing shops like The Salt Lake City Roasting Company and The English Garden, kid-friendly spaces, art galleries, museum and all kinds of nooks and crannies. Definitely a place you could spend all day in.

crack open those books!

Besides loom knitting, working as an instructional aide, and family responsibilities, I'm also a student. I'm enrolled in an online Early Childhood Education program. I've neglected my studies for this new-found hobby, but I need to get motivated to complete what I started. Only 5 more classes and I graduate with a degree! Cheer me on. I need the encouragement.

boa scarf

This boa scarf was knit on a regular 1/2" gauge 12" oval panel combo loom. I used Bernat Boa Emu and Isela's scarf pattern. What's nice about this size boa is that it can also be used as a belt.
This scarf went to one of the teachers at the school I work at.

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:11-12

sunday brunch

We went to a place called Cisero's on Main. They had a buffet style breakfast and omelets made to order. Yum. Did they have to place those incredible peanut butter cookies at the front of the buffet, and why was it I joined Weight Watchers two days before Easter?Omelets made to order.

My daughter, Alex.

easter celebration

Easter - a time for celebration, pretty flowers, friends, family, and food. As Christians, we celebrate the resurrected life of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is our hope and the good news of the gospel.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-5

shopping spree

Okay, so I went a little crazy over a yarn sale at Roberts. I just couldn't resist. Now, I have to find projects for all this yarn. I think I'll be busy for awhile! I purchased the pricey sock yarn at this cool yarn shop in Salt Lake called Soul Spun Yarn. This store was our last stop. I figured I needed to take out a loan for everything I wanted to buy there. They offer knitting and crochet classes, so I'm considering signing up for the crochet classes. I wish they had looming classes, but they didn't seem to know what I was talking about. They had one KK green loom there that had to be dusted off. Hee, hee.

special delivery!

My new Decor Accents, Inc. sock looms arrived today! I'm doing the happy dance! They are gorgeous and come with a hand-waxed finish.

Here's what my goodie box contained: Two sock looms, one fine 8.5" gauge and one extra fine 8" gauge, basic loom knitting and care instructions including sock instructions, one yarn guide (I'm just learning how to use one of these, and I love it), and this beautiful ergonomic wood loom tool.


This is the sock yarn I purchased yesterday at Soul Spun Yarn in SLC. I wanted to use the Lion Magic Stripes, but I felt it wasn't stetchy enough. A good selection of sock yarn isn't easy to find in our neck of the woods. The consensus is still not definite as to whether the size 8" gauge for the x-fine loom will be a fit, so I'll be knitting a sample swatch ring using both the e-wrap and flat "U" wrap to see which method fits my foot. I can't wait to start using these beautiful looms.

Thanks, Sam, for doing such an excellent job, and both you and Isela for your patience with my order.

sampler hat

Here is a teeny sampler hat I was working on late last night. I want to try this hat pattern in the new book I bought, Knitting Wheel Fashions by Leisure Arts. It's such a cute hat that looks like a beret when completed. There's an interesting stitch it calls for that I've been trying to practice. It also has decreases for the top. The stitch is called the double wrap. I have never heard of it, and the directions are a little confusing. Using two strands of 4-ply yarn, you wrap the pegs 3x. Then you lift the bottom loops over the two wraps. It then says to lift each top wrap off the peg making a loose stitch. Well, I tried that and what happens is the loop that you lift off the peg ends up becoming a dropped stitch and unravels. I tried lifting the remaining bottom loops up and over the pegs, and it does end up producing a loose stitch that has an open weave. If I stretched the hat out more, you could see the open weave I'm talking about. It reminds me of the mock crochet stitch in a way. I'm not sure if I'm doing this double wrap correctly, so if anyone has this book and can give me some pointers, I'd appreciate it. I'll try making the hat and see how it turns out. It's very cute.

rainy day

So what do you do on a gloomy, rainy day? You go yarn shopping and sign up for Weight Watchers!
My friend, Jamie and I did just that. I started Jamie looming a couple of weeks ago, so now she is my looming buddy and my weight loss support. I'm so glad I have her as a friend. She has become a loom-knitting zealot as well, and it's great to share our like passion for this craft.
I'll post photos of my new goodies and yarn stash tomorrow.
I got a great deal on Denise's book, Learn to Knit on Circle Looms. They had it at Roberts Crafts, and I used my 40% off coupon on it. I can't wait to try out all the wonderful projects in this book. Denise, would you like to come to Utah for a book signing?
Roberts also had another loom project book called, Knitting Wheel Fashions, by Leisure Arts.

doll for a cause

I named her Nama

Today I bought one of these dolls at church to help support my friend, Savannah, who is trying to raise money for a missions trip. She is 13 years old, and here is her letter:

Dear Friends and family,

I have recently made the exciting decision to go on a mission trip with an organization called Global Expeditions, a part of Teen Mania Ministries. For more than 17 years, they have taken thousands of teenagers to countries all over the world. This year, I want to go to panama. Global Expeditions is a ministry totally dedicated to reaching my generation and equipping us to touch the world through missions. I cannot think of a better way to spend my time than sharing the Gospel with others and seeing my life changed as well. Panama is located in Central America where my team will be based out of the city of Panama City. I will be leaving on July 11th and returning home on August 5th. I will be busy ministering through drama, street evangelism, sports, VBS and tribal ministry. The total cost of this trip is $2355, which includes all expenses: airfare, accommodations, food, and training.

In Order to make money for my exciting adventure next summer I am making dolls. These dolls are dressed in the Panama colors, red, white, and blue.The suggested donation for a doll is $25 plus shipping. Any amount you wish to contribute helps. This is a suggested donation; if your heart leads you to give more I greatly appreciate your generosity, if you are not able to cover the suggested amount please simply send what you can.

If you are interested in buying one of these precious dolls, you can e-mail me at:

pinky_pie@campcoker.com

Feel free to check out global expeditions at there website www.globalexpeditions.com If you can't support me by buying a doll please support me and my whole team with your prayers* Please note, young children should not play with these dolls because they have small parts*

Spring KAL Mystery Day 7 - Solved!

Well, here it is, the long awaited answer to this mystery Spring KAL. My dishcloth is completed and off the loom, but what is it?
Someone give me a clue because I can't figure this design out! Here are three views:

View A
View B
View C
It's a flower!

Thanks, Tina!

I Am a Rose

Which Flower Are You?

I am a Rose:

I am creative, sensual, passionate, and bold. I pour my heart into everything I do. Alluring and gifted with strong charisma, I easily draw people in with my animal magnetism.

Symbolism: The rose has always been a flower heavily loaded with symbolism. In general it symbolizes desire, passion, beauty, and enchantment.

Take this quiz to find out what kind of flower you are.

Spring KAL Mystery Continues - Day 6

Day 6 and 36 rows completed for the Month of Spring KAL:
I figure there are two sides to every story, so I'll show you both sides of this project and you decide what this mystery pattern is.

Exhibit A - Side 1

Exhibit B - Side 2

There's a mystery object in the left-hand corner of Exhibit B. Can you guess what it is?
I'm not any closer to solving this pattern, and I believe tomorrow is the big day for the mystery design to be revealed.

Spring KAL Mystery Continues - Day 5

Day 5 and 30 rows completed for the Month of Spring KAL:

I hope I didn't take a wrong turn somewhere! I'm really not sure what this is. A flower maybe? What do you think?

Spring KAL Mystery Continues - Day 4

Completed Day 4 and 24 rows of the Month of Spring KAL:

I'm not sure about the basket theory anymore. I think I may see wings developing. What do you think? Use the comment section to cast your vote.

One of My New Projects

I just love the colors in this new scarf I'm making. The colors remind me of fallen leaves from autumn trees. I got this yarn on clearance for $3.00 a skein called Sensations Mink in Cheetah Orange. This yarn is so soft and full. When I started working with it, I noticed that one skein yielded around 6 inches. When I checked the amount, it's only about half as much as the Fun Fur even though it looks like there's more. (Note to self: Put your glasses on in the store and check the yarn amounts.) Yikes, I didn't think I could find this yarn anymore, but I called JoAnn's and they had more at their other store, and they'll hold some skeins for me until I can dig my way out of all this snow! Hee, hee!

Snowy Day

Okay, so it's April 6th, and it's snowing like crazy here. I guess it's a good day for looming and catching up on my reading and studies.

Bean is not too happy with this weather change. He doesn't like the cold.

New Dishcloth Rake

I purchased this awesome hardwood dishcloth rake the other day from Penny at aloomyplace.com. Penny no longer makes these rakes, but Lynn Markman sells them at her website at www.markmanfarm.com
I can't wait to receive it and start looming some pretty dishcloths from the patterns Penny has on her site.

Spring KAL Mystery Continues - Days 2 & 3.

Here it is. . .Days two and three and 18 rows later of the Month of Spring KAL Mystery. I think I may see something forming. What do you think? Is it an egg, bunny, flower, basket, chick, duckling, or none of the above? Leave your votes in the comment section.

Click photo for larger image.

Three Hats & Soap Bag.

I finally finished the hats and soap bag for my friend's mother who has cancer. Even though I had some trouble with this project, throughout the looming process I was reminded to pray for her. I pray she is blessed by these gifts.

I modified the soap bag from the first one I loomed. I liked the purl side, so I turned it inside out. I also crocheted the top with a single crochet and two chain stitch to give it a delicate edge and make loops for the drawstring. I added pony beads to the ends of the drawstring. Soap was added from Mountain Body Cosmetic Deli and Spa.

"Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer." Psalm 4:1

Scenic Drive.

Today I went to see a friend to help her get started with looming. The drive was breathtaking, so I pulled over to take a picture. The Heber "Alps" are incredibly majestic. It caused me to reflect upon the beauty and majesty of our God.

"O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind." Psalm 104:1 - 3

The Mystery - First day of KAL (Knit Along)

Today is the first day of the monthly KAL at Isela's Loom Knitting Knit Along. It's called "Month of Spring." This is my first KAL, and I'm excited to be involved with it.
We receive partial loom knitting instructions daily for seven days, and on the seventh day, the mystery pattern reveals itself. Mine will be a dishcloth. Here's what day one looks like, with the first 6 rows knitted. I'll keep you posted as the pattern evolves.What do you think? See anything yet? It could be anything from a spring theme ; a flower, a chick, duckling, or bunny. All I see is a garter stitch. The mystery continues. . .