Tuesday, August 13, 2013

TKGA Master Hand Knitting Level 1

I signed up for this class back in May and I am just now getting around to doing it.  I guess I'm ahead of the curve though, some of the other students have taken more than two years to get started.

There are three levels to become a designated Master Knitter.  I am currently on Level I and have just completed my first of many swatches....and then realized I had to do it over again.  Oh well, at least I figured it out early enough.

Is anyone else out there taking this course?  If so, let me know, we can compare notes ;) .  Also, in case you haven't discovered these resources, try these:

http://www.ravelry.com/groups/tkga     and
http://www.tkga.com/members/group.aspx?id=107038

They are a wealth of information from past and present students and committee members.  You have to request permission to be admitted into the TKGA group on their website but it only takes a day or so to get a response. 

I must say, though, that if you want a speedy response to a question, the Ravelry group is the way to go.  I posted a question on the TKGA website and I am still waiting on a response.  I posted the same question on Ravelry and got seven responses within ten minutes.  I think more people are just on Ravelry than that portion of the TKGA website.

For anyone interested, I highly recommend signing up.  There is a relatively small fee for each level of the course but it can only improve your work.  And really, who doesn't want to "master" something.

For anyone currently enrolled, best of luck to you!

Monday, June 17, 2013

Another New Scarf

I'm not sure why I'm so fascinated with scarves; I don't really wear them.  Maybe it's because they are so quick and easy to make and it doesn't make me cry if I have to frog or tink them because I made a mistake.

I have finished moving, almost finished unpacking and the knitting bug finally hit me again.  It left me for about two weeks but it's back in full force.  I think the initiating factor was having to re-organize my stash.  I didn't realize I had collected so many skeins of yarn.  Luckily I now have a dedicated craft room and plenty of room to store it; though the rest of my crafts have to reside in the closet ;)

So here is my latest creation.  I was originally going to call it the Eyelet Scarf but the more I looked at it, the more it reminded me of those wooden trellises that so many people have in their gardens.  So I renamed it the Trellis Scarf.

I love the way the color turned out.  I used a wool/acrylic blend of Covington yarn from Cascade Yarns.  I loved working with it.

The scarf turned out a bit shorter than I would normally make and if I had to do it again, I would probably make it a bit more narrow to gain some length.  I also don't usually add fringe but I thought this scarf could use it.  I absolutely love the way it turned out and I hope you do too.



This scarf is currently for sale in my Etsy shop.  Please take a look.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Knitting Bag Tutorial

I worked in law enforcement for thirteen years and often had to find ways to relieve my stress.  For me, knitting did that perfectly.  I honestly used to tell people that I knit so I wouldn't kill people.  I thought this phrase up myself and I seriously thought I had invented it.  However, one day while surfing Pinterest, I saw a bag that had this exact saying on it.  I was excited and floored all at the same time.  The bag was a cotton-twill bag with silk screen lettering in various colors.  I absolutely loved it but justify the $30.00 price tag (plus shipping, of course).

If you read my previous post you know that my family and I are moving to Idaho in a couple of weeks.  If you haven't moved in a while, it is surprisingly expensive.  I have only ever moved across town so this little adventure of ours is far more expensive than I ever thought it could be, hence the lack of funds for the bag that I have decided should be mine.

I started packing my office/craft room and realized I had one of those cotton-twill bags that I had seen on Pinterest.  I looked through the rest of my stuff and found some pretty fabric paint, paint brushes and a sponge.  I went to a nearby craft store and bought some letter stencils that were on clearance for $2.97!  So exciting!!!

The fabric paint calls for your fabric to be pre-washed so I did that.  Let me just tell you, I have never washed a bag in this fabric before.  A little hint....it shrinks...A LOT!  I expected to find the bag I had put in the dryer but instead I found a balled up, shriveled cotton-twill bag wanna-be.  And it wasn't even dry even though it had been sitting in there all night.

I pulled it out and ironed it while it was still damp.  I'm not sure if that's a good idea but it turned out okay.  I ended up with a 10.5" x 11.5" working surface for my lettering.

The hardest part of this, for me, was trying to figure out where to put the lettering.  I used a disappearing ink pen that I used during my "I wanna sew my own clothes" days.  It worked perfectly.  I used a little math (thank you Mr. Wells) to figure out where my borders should be to make the lettering centered.


I originally wanted my bag to say "I knit so I don't kill people" but after trying to space it out I realized my bag wasn't big enough for all of that.  Instead I eliminated the word "people" and just made it say "I knit so I don't kill".


I had already marked the letters with my ink pen and saw that they weren't exactly centered.  I was going to change it but then decided I actually liked the way it looked, so I left it.  I also decided to make the word "knit" and all of it's letters throughout the bag the same color.  The rest of the letters were done in a different, but comparable color.

I have never stenciled before so I really wasn't sure what I was doing.  The first couple of letters I did had fuzzy edges but at least they were recognizable as letters.  Once I put a hard surface between the layers of the bag, I got very crisp, professional looking letters.  I initially outlined each letter with a paint brush but then went over the stencil with a sponge to layer the color some more.


It's certainly not perfect but I am pretty pleased with it, and myself.  I just made myself a dedicated knitting bag for $3.00 and a little time.  And the fabric paint has glitter in it, so it's blingy too.  Not bad for $3.00!

I might add some more embellishment after it dries, but I haven't decided yet.

I really hope you'll try it.  I would love to see your finished bag!

Send me a message and i will send you a PDF copy of the tutorial if you want one.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Moving Day is Almost Here!!

I try to use this blog for my love of yarn and fiber crafts only but today I am going to change it up a little bit.

My family and I have decided to take the plunge and leave California.  I have had to quit my job in law enforcement to go, and I don't have any new prospects, but we're going anyway.  Where are we headed? Boise, Idaho.

We are looking for a slower pace of life without as much crime, better schools, and different politics.  I worked in law enforcement for 13 years and I loved nearly every minute of it.  Lately, though, with the current political and economic situations, I have grown to dislike my work. 

I am tired of twenty-something scumbags thanking me for paying my taxes and allowing them to live off the state; oh and allow them to have a medical marijuana prescription for some made up ailment.  I am also depressed by parents of young children (and I'm talking about those under 18 years old) who can't raise their kids but want me to come to their house and fix a lifetime of bad behavior in the ten minutes I am able to provide. 

I can't help people the way I want to because budget cuts have shut down nearly every assistance program available, except for, of course, welfare.  Criminals are being let back out on the street and wreaking havoc and there is nothing anyone can do about it.  Governor Moon Beam rules the roost again, and is driving California to Hell in a handbasket.

It's pretty sad to me when government officials spend more time trying to keep a professional sports team in their town than worrying about providing mental health care and social programs to their citizens.  As it stands right now, local hospitals have to take in anyone legally deemed suicidal.  The emergency rooms are over run and there is no end in sight.

That is just one of many reasons we have decided to go.  Maybe I'll tell you about the others at a different time.

For everyone in California reading this, I wish you all the best of luck. 

See you soon (yeah I'm only kidding about that.  I have no plans on coming back).

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Price Reduced!!!

I created this scarf pattern in January, 2013 for a friend's daughter. I love the way it turned out. It can be made with or without beads. I also have two completed scarves in stock; dark teal with black beads (as pictured) and navy blue with blue beads.

I have marked down the price of the pattern for an out-of-season discount from $4 to $2.99! Get yours now at www.etsy.com/shop/slowbutsteadyknits

And I will be having a contest soon with a free giveaway. Stay tuned!


Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Why does it cost so much?

For those of you curious as to why handmade items can cost so much, here is a breakdown of what a simple scarf costs to make:

Merino wool: $15.99/skein
Beads to put on the scarf: $6.98
(California) Tax on materials: $1.90

We are already up to $24.87 for this scarf. But wait! What about the time and energy of the person making it? If you go strictly by 2013 federal minimum wage standards, that person would only receive $7.25/hour for a specialized job. This particular scarf takes approximately three hours to make, thereby adding a cost of $21.75 to the bottom line.

Total for this particular "quick and easy" scarf is $46.62. Keep in mind, this does not include the time it took to write out and perfect the pattern. It took me about fifteen hours to perfect this scarf pattern, bringing labor costs up to $130.50. So now our grand total for this scarf is (drumroll please):

$177.12!!!!! And, come on, who would pay that for a simple scarf?

I charge $35.00 for the finished scarf and just $4.00 if all you want is the pattern to make one yourself. If you subtract the cost of the scarf materials from the price of the finished scarf ($35.00), I am left with $10.13. There are advertising and listing costs involved as well. At the end of it all I might be able to get a foofy coffee at the local 'Bux, if I'm lucky.

So basically, in this case anyway, I am covering the cost of materials and only charging my customers for 90 minutes of work (remember that it took 18 hours of actual work time!). And this is just yarn; think about the materials and time involved in stained glass, woodworking, metalsmithing, etc.

Bottom line: the cost for one of our items may be higher but we do it because we love it and it shows in our products. You can't say that about the products found at a chain store (Made in China, anyone?).

Please be kind to crafters who do it all themselves. If you don't want to pay their prices than don't do it, but please remember that they are already making sacrifices for their craft and for your pleasure. If you see something you like, please tell them. Just hearing appreciation for your work is sometimes worth all the effort.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Product Review - Sunapee Yarn

First off, I want to say that I have no affiliation with Patternworks or any of their products and I am receiving no endorsements.

That being said, I recently purchased some of their new Sunapee yarn. It is 55% cotton and 45% silk and comes in balls of 153 yards/50 grams. I chose the color eggplant and bought enough to knit the Patchwork Pullover, my free pattern choice with my purchase.

I placed my order a few days ago and I got it in the mail today. It took less than a week to get it. I was very eager to check it out.

When I opened the package I was mildly concerned. The color was exactly what I wanted, but the texture and look of the yarn gave me pause. It felt a little rough and looked like the cotton you would use more for dish towels than garments. Needless to say, I bought it and I was going to use it, no matter what.

I diligently cast on all of my stitches and began knitting. Now, I can never tell how a yarn is going to perform until I'm a few rows into it. Having completed only six or seven rows of my top, I can already say, I love this yarn!

It is exactly how the product is described, "firm yet smooth and soft". I can already tell that my top going to have a great drape. I am very excited to finish it and show everyone!

You can find the yarn and pattern I am using in their current Spring 2013 catalog (page 27); or you can visit their website and take a look. It is very affordable, easy to work with, and creates a beautiful product.

If you try it, let me know what you think!










Thursday, February 21, 2013

YO Pull-Through Scarf (to knit)

Yay! It's done! I just finished my second pattern. I can't figure out how to upload a link to the PDF yet so you'll just have to copy and paste the info if you want it right now.

I'm uploading all of this via my iPad so I'm not sure where the pictures will show up when it's all done. Here goes nothing...

For this project I used:

Approximately 3 ounces (1/2 skein) of Lion Brand Homespun yarn (in Wildfire)
Size 13US (9mm) aluminum needles
Size I/9-5.50mm crochet hook (optional)*
Darning needle

CO 32sts
Row 1: K1, (YO, K2tog) to last stitch, K1
Row 2: K2, (YO, K2tog) to last 2 sts, K2

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until you reach the desired length, weave in any loose ends.

*Here is the optional part: I folded the scarf over about six inches from the bottom and used the crochet hook to slip stitch the end to the body of the scarf, creating an open-sided pocket, if you can picture that. Then I continued knitting the scarf to the desired length.

Another way to do it is to finish the scarf and sew one end after it's finished. In hind sight, this second option is probably the easier of the two but I was anxious to see what it looked like.

The stitches make the scarf pretty stretchy so you don't really have to knit very much to make it wearable. I also noticed that when I threaded the scarf through the hole and centered it on my neck, it looked a bit like a tie that a businessman would wear.

Try it out and let me know what you think!





Monday, February 18, 2013

New Project

I am currently making another original pattern. It is another scarf but, hey, it's only my second pattern and you have to start somewhere.

I think my next project will be a sweater or summer top for my beautiful daughter. I need to get more experience working on constructed garments.

I don't think this second pattern will take much longer to create. I don't like things that take forever and now that I have the first one under my belt, easy peasy.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

It's official!

I have a business and a new name for my blog!

I finally sold my first scarf yesterday, just in time for Valentine's Day!  Okay, so it was to a friend of the family, but it was still a sale!  I haven't heard back yet if she liked it but I guess no news is good news, right?

Some disappointing news at work today, someone got a promotion who didn't deserve it.  Shocking that that would happen in this day and age, I know (enter sarcasm here).  It is very frustrating to me that employees who know the right people can get whatever they want even if they are the biggest losers in the company.  What ever happened to merit and work ethic?

Thoughts?

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Turtle Power?

Hello Everyone!

I am currently in the process of putting the finishing touches on my very first original pattern!  I just have to make a few changes and add some photographs from my wonderful pattern testers and it will be good to go.  

If you have any questions about the pattern, please feel free to ask.  The cost of the NatKat Scarf pattern will be $4.00.  If you want one made for you using the materials I used for the original, the cost is $34.99.  Unfortunately, there is tax added to the cost if you live in California.  (I really hate that part but it is a necessary evil).  It's no wonder the governor of Texas is poaching the businesses in California.  If I could afford to move, I would!

But I digress....


Also, what do you think of my new title?  I was thinking of making it the name of my blog but I welcome any other suggestions. I have not made my final decision yet.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check out my etsy shop!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

       This is my very first blog and as you can see, I do not have a name for it yet.  So for any friends, family members, or anyone else who happened upon this blog, please feel free to suggest a name.

        This blog will be attached to my brand-spanking new website (just about ready in a couple of days, I think) I am so excited!  Finally a chance for me to share my love of knitting and crochet with everyone!  I also dabble in jewelry and cross stitch but with a toddler running around, I can't really do those activities right now.

        For those of you who decide to surf over to my new website, check out my gallery of finished objects.  (Nevermind the ridiculous photography, I am a knitter, not a photographer) If you see anything you like, please feel free to send me a message and let me know.  I am very interested in making custom items.  I also have a shop on Etsy and a page on Ravelry as well. 

        Please do not be a stranger.  Stop by often.  I am just getting everything up and running so there isn't much of a selection at this point.  Feel free to contribute to this blog also. I would love to hear from you!

My shop:
www.etsy.com/shop/slowbutsteadyknits 

My website:
www.slowbutsteadyknits.com