Thursday, April 30, 2009

A great Birthday 2009

I had a Great Birth Day celebration and life keeps going on. Some Amedei Chocolates and great flowers, there were tulips as well, but I did not take a picture of them. AS I get older little things count more from people I care about. The biggest thing I care about is about me being grateful for a great life. I have to have the gratitude for being in the world and sharing my life with all of you. I want to thank all of you for the Birthday Wishes.
The Barbara Walker Learn To knit Afghan is still going, so stay tune for more beautiful squares. Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Me and the Buddha

As I contemplate another year in my life's journey I look at the Buddha in the mirror. Life is always a victory no matter how dim or grim it seems. Sometimes life challenges hit me hard and sometimes I just glide through life like a puffy cloud. It is close to my Birthday, actually a day before I turn 49 years of age. Well I actually start to celebrate the 5oth year, why not. Ladies and Gents almost half a century, it starts the 29th. I have learned so much and I will share some of my thoughts with you.
Starting my 50th year, there will be 49 behind me already. There is no doubt in my mind that there are more days behind me that there are ahead of me, but no matter what I keep going toward my destiny. What is my destiny? My destiny is to live life to the fullest. Here are some lessons, thoughts and whatever you may call them. They are almost as good as the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition.
  1. Never compromise your values.
  2. Love is not enough to live.
  3. GOD is, the GODS are real , Religions aren't.
  4. Never take more than what you need or give more than what you have.
  5. What you need and what you want aren't the same.
  6. Love is blind.
  7. Justice is Blind.
  8. Good things come to those who wait.
  9. Good things happen to bad people.
  10. Bad things Happen to good people.
  11. We are all created equal!
  12. Make waves and ride the surf.
  13. Never allow an injustice to go unnoticed.
  14. Speak up your mind.
  15. Pick up after yourself then some.
  16. Allow life to unfold.
  17. Be comfortable with your discomfort.
  18. Where are you going so fast?
  19. Listen to the inner silence.
  20. Know yourself, not who other people say you are.
  21. Don't fear life, live it, death is just part of life.
  22. Our Spirit is Eternal our bodies aren't.
  23. Don't allow anyone , not even your parents to disrespect you.
  24. Gratitude is the attitude.
  25. What you focus on becomes reality!
  26. March for Peace, don't march in an anti-war rally, there is a difference!
  27. Be kind to yourself and the environment.
  28. Get off the phone once in a while and actually talk to someone!
  29. Learn to Knit or Crochet, it will change your life!
  30. There is never enough yarn in my stash.
  31. Don't be complacent rattle someones cage today.
  32. Real friends are very rare treasure them.
  33. Eat Dark Chocolate.
  34. Drink water.
  35. Brush your teeth.
  36. Chant for Peace!
  37. Rejoice in the abundance of life.
  38. Your brain is a tool, don't let it convince you is you.
  39. Don't waste time in Anger, it poisons only you.
  40. Self Pity is useless.
  41. Don't look for outside validation.
  42. You need to give to receive, it is the law!
  43. For every action there is a reaction of equal magnitude, it is a Law of Physics!!!!
  44. Focus on what you want, don't focus on what you don't want!
  45. You can have your cake and you can eat it too, just think portions!
  46. You can heal your life!
  47. You need to laugh every day, specially before going to bed!
  48. Smile make people wonder!
  49. You are a unique individual, but you are the sum of your parts!
  50. Be spontaneous once in a while.
  51. You can't choose who you fall in love with.

*

I could say or list many more, but one thing is for sure, there are no defeats in life. Enjoy today because today is all you have, tomorrow is not here yet and it may never come. Until next time may the Gods of Kobol Bless you and Me ! Thanks for stopping by!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Square 7 BWLTKA Side A et B

How can there be a right side and a wrong side to this beautiful square. Of course there is/ Here you see the difference betwen garter stitch and 1 x 1 ribbing,. You are also able to see knitting and purling through the back loop along with the regular boring way of knitting lol!!!!
Again I am able to match my gauge by relaxing my cast on and being persistent in my stitches. I believe that for the first time I am understanding gauge and what knitting is all about. Seriously, I never thought that I wouls be able to match this gauge, but the last 2 squares say differently.

If you are learning to Knit or want to get more experience knitting you need to do this afghan. Why ? You may ask me. Simple answer is the gamut of experiences this book will put you through will enhance your craft and will challenge your mind. I am really enjoying the journy I am taking and the squares I am making . Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

LTKA Square 6

This square shows you ribbing, 2 x 2 ribbing twisted and not twisted or as some may call it , normal. lol! A relaxed cast on and relaxed knitting finally paid off in reaching the gauge, but it is a matter of the material, the needles and how you feel. My gauge will definitely change with a different material even if it is the same weight or thickness.


This is the second time that I have reached my gauge perfectly. I am enjoying the making of this Afghan tremendously, because I am learning a lot about how I knit and how stitches behave. I find myself looking forward to the next square which I have done already, but will not post until tomorrow. The next square is actually the most beautiful square that I have ever done in my life and it is so simple. Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

LTKA Square 5

The diagonal rib of 2 x 2 square is a very interesting square. It is done with very little manipulation of the simple 2 x 2 rib offset every 4 rows by one stitch giving you the illusion that you see here.
As I learn about how I personally knit, by making this afghan I am realizing that I may be casting on too tight. I have decided to cast on a bit more relaxed to actually reach a better gauge square and I was able to do that here. I was able to match my gauge in length without having to add more stitches, yet my row count was an extra set still. In this journey I realized how basic is the cast on of any item, and how necessary is the cast off to match the cast on for the garment or piece to have a sense of balance and form. I also realize how just the one stitch can change the look of this ribbing. This will be a very pretty ribbing for the bottom of a plain sweater or how beautiful a set of sleeves will look in this kind of ribbing. Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Hera's Hope Lace Scarf


There is no doubt in my mind that this pattern is the greatest discovery in my arsenal. It is a quick crochet project. I am able to crochet 2 squares in an hour. It takes about 7 to 10 hours to finish depending on your skill at joining the squares and your skill at weaving the ends. This will become my mother's second scarf, it is for her birthday and it has been done in a J hook 6mm instead of an G or H hook 4mm 4.25, this makes it a bit bigger and wider in itself.
I like that it has a very simple fringe. Fringe is very important in a scarf as it can add or take away from the design. As I discovered, my mother does not really know how to crochet the way I do, she knows how to make chains and edges. She can crochet a mean Barbie Outfit, I have seen her doing that, lol! Anyway this is Hera's Hope Scarf in the golden age, may the Gods of Kobol have mercy on our souls. Thanks for stopping by!

LTKA Square 4

Lattice and seed stitch square is an interesting square, the posibilities of making a sweater like this are great, lots of work. Seed stitch is a very pretty stitch. I had to extend myself almost 18 rows to get my gauge. I learned that I need to relax my cast on. A relaxed long tail cast on can be stretchy if you do not make it tight lol!
Thanks for stopping by and we shall see you next week!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Entrelac Crochet

Entrelac Crochet is a very interesting turn to crochet and to entrelac. Some of you may view some of the instructions HERE , but I believe that a visual is even better. There may be books about it if you are a book person. I definitely can tell you that if you have done entrelac Knitting you will be able to do entrelac crochet with ease. Here is a sampler of what I learned last Saturday and it was a lot of fun.

This kind of entrelac is like Tunisian Crochet and you actually use Tunisian Crochet to make it happen. The squares are small and you can use a small g hook to get this little fellow. Now making a whole blanket like this will take time but will be gorgeous. Thanks for stopping by!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Hera's Hope Lace Scarf WIP

I am making this scarf in a bigger size with a bigger hook. I am also changing the way I am making the squares. The squares are completed with a sc row, one sc for each chain and or stitch. By doing this I have the square already set up for joining without to think about it much

What I like about this yarn is that is a bit rough so it grabs unto itself, great for this kind of lace crochet project. This yarn still under scrutiny for knitting, I would not buy it for a knit project because they have at least one or two knots in the skein which for a crochet square is no problem ans crochet can hide a multitude of sins. This is a quick project and it is for my mother's birthday . Thanks for stopping by.

Friday, April 17, 2009

El Papagayo Hand Dyed Rainbow

Scarlet Macaws are popular, but are a high maintenance pet; they are expensive to purchase, adopt, or maintain, they are demanding, and they are extremely loud and noisy cage birds. They are prized for their beautiful plumage and considered very affectionate with their owners. They are considered an intelligent species. They are very smart and sometime funny. If you don't ewant them to repeat anything you say, be mindful of what you say in front of them, they have no prejudice!
The Papagayo wind is a north to northeasterly wind which periodically blows through the gap in the mountain ranges of Central America in which Lake Nicaragua is located. It is named for the Gulf of Papagayo on the Pacific coast in this region. The wind is stronger than the trade winds which normally blow here. It is notable for causing a pronounced increase in upwelling of cooler, nutrient-rich waters on the Pacific coast which in turn supports an abundance of sea life. The wind and upwelling are together referred to as a Papagayo event.
*
El Papagayo is one of my creations of Hand Dyed yarn. Papagayo is the name we give in Spanish to the Scarlet Macaw. I tried to make the rainbow colors and somehow I succeeded,but some color bled into the others.
I made a very long skein so that I can play with the colors a lot. The longer the skein the more opportunities you have to paint. The first picture below is the first skeining. I wanted to see how it would look like with the colors blended in full and thus the second skein came to life.
I hope that I have inspired you to do some hand dye yarn. This hand dye job was done with Mc Cormick's Food coloring and White Vinegar and cooked in the microwave.


In closing I will tell you that I would recommend everyone to try dyeing yarn with food coloring, it is a great experience and it will allow you to create something from within. Thanks for stopping by and remain in touch as I am going to reveal Square #4 from the Barbara G. Walker Learn to Knit Afghan sometime soon!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

learn to knit afghan kal square 3

The Basket weave Square from the Barbara Walker book is a very interesting square and one of the most beautiful textures. I like Basket weave a lot and I find it to be very lovely in this cotton yarn. There will be a square a week and some crochet in the in between. Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Learn to knit Afghan KAL Square 2

This is another Square for the Learn To knit Afghan from Barbara G. Walker. This time is Stockinette, stripped stockinette. Stockinette behaves different that garter stitch and it is great for sweaters and socks or things done on the round. What is there to learn here? You learn how stockinette behaves and misbehaves and how great is to make stripes. Next week is a single color block , but one that I have used before in some projects. I thought that displaying all the squares with the same background would give you something familiar to look at every week. Thanks for stopping by!

Kara's Lace Crochet Scarf Fringed

This was one of the fastest crochet projects that I have made. I am also using a dk weight yarn with an H hook which is a bit big, but works out great. You can see the great detail this scarf has it is in all truth called An Inspirational scarf. I just renamed it because it reminds me of Kara Trace aka Starbuck from Battlestar Galactica.
The fringe was easy as I used my New Swift to wrap the yarn around. I made a little knot at the end of each strand so that it won't frill. I soaked it in Eucalan Soap and Vinegar so that it's color is fastened and finally I microwaved it for two minutes. Welcome to the 21st century.
I want to thank you for allowing me to share this quick and gratifying project that is my mother's gift for mother's day, if she really likes it I can make her one in gold for her birthday! Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Kara's Lace Crochet Scarf

I am still working on this Scarf that can be found HERE. The author cautions you that you need to have the exact amount of stitches to make this work. I say it is possible to have something different and still get a great looking scarf.
This scarf has the ends as in the pattern, but I found it impossible to guaranteed that I will come up with exactly 530 stitches counting the sides. So here is how I did it. This scarf has 10 squares which I made.

  1. I sc around each square the same amount of stitches.
  2. I joined all squares together.
  3. I sc around the whole pattern once.
  4. I double crochet around the whole pattern with 3 dc on each corner.
  5. I made the ends as in the pattern 3 fans on each end.
  6. After I made one side, I made sure that each fan match on the other side.

You don't have to worry that you need a certain amount of fans on each side as long as both sides match and you end your work at the beginning stitch. Sometimes that meant that I will add an extra skipped stitched to match the other side, or take it away. In the end I have the same amount of fans on the left and on the right, on the top and on the bottom. I was inspired by this pattern, but if you say that this is the same as the pattern link, I will say no. I still need to weave the ends and post another picture. I forgot how beautiful crochet can be when it simulates a lace pattern that is usually made in some other form. This wool/silk combo is not good for something else as it is of good quality, but has many splits. I am not buying from this Ebayer again, well at least not this kind of yarn. They offer to replace it, but I rather not . I bought 10 or 12 skeins sunset and black and both had knots in them, only two skeins form each set was good. I was going to knit this , but this was the only option I had, thank the Gods of Kobol for Crochet!!! Thanks for stopping by.




Friday, April 03, 2009

Learn to knit Afghan KAL Square 1

Please join me in my adventure to make the Learn to Knit Afghan with Barbara Walker. I am sure that I will learn a lot of things from this book. So far as I have learned something by making square number 1. I had to pick up a stitch on row number 3, I am in row 15 so I said no problem I know how to do that.
I had to laugh because I know how to pick up stitches in stockinette, but I did not know how to pick up dropped stitches in garter stitch! Well, I figured it out quickly, when you pull the stitches up in garter stitch you do one row from the front of the stitch and next row from the back. This square is made in Garter stitch and it is a very interesting square. again in a garter stitch way, pick one stitch from the front and the next one from the back. You learn something new all the time lol! This square will also be your gauge measurement, you will gauge all your squares by this one. Mine came up 8.5 by 8.5 inches so I am at about 4.6 stitches per inch on size 6 US, unblocked in cotton. See you in the next Square.

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Vlog April 09


I am just sharing some of my finished objects and wiahing everyone a Happy April and a Happy Easter. Thanks for stopping by!

Almost two years without blogging August 2020

Life can be a bowl of strawberries when cheries are not available.   It has been almost two years since I have been in this blog.  I have s...