The birth of a new obsession

Any socknitter (or any knitter or crocheter) has stash. You know, those leftover bits or balls of yarn that you just can't throw away.

Then I came across The Heathen Housewife's blog. Wow! What patience! I've got to do it too.

While on Ravelry.com, I saw these squares. And they're crocheted! With my patience (or lack of it) I can do these faster.

I am really very good at starting new projects. Starting them. Finishing them is another story. So, I am starting my SYSSA ( Sock Yarn Stash Squares Afghan--whew!) Let's see how far and how big I can go.

Two thing I have to remember:
1. Use only superwash yarn. I have to be able to throw it in the washer and dryer.
2. Use only fingering weight yarn from stash, leftover, etc etc.

A dilemma: If I do run out of leftover stash yarn(huh?), I'd have to knit up more socks to get leftovers. Should I be allowed to use a fresh ball of yarn??

Woven (but crocheted) neckwarmers:
(c) Vicki Suan, Dec 2008

I can't stop making these. They crochet up so quickly.

hook size US I (9) 5.5 mm
any worsted weight wool. I used 1 skein Debbie Mumm's Traditions , 148 yards with plenty leftover. My neckwarmer was 29" long.

abbreviations:

sc = single crochet
ch = chain
sp = space


I chain 23 (or any odd number you like, more or less, to make it wider or narrower).

Row 1 : Sc in 2nd chain from hook. Sc in next ch. *ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next. Rep from * until you reach the last ch. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Sc in same sc below, sc in next ch 1 space. *ch 1, skip next sc, sc in next ch 1 space. Repeat from * to the end of row. ch 1, turn.

Repeat row 2 for as long( or as short) as you want. Make it a scarf or a neckwarmer as pictured. A longer scarf will use up more yarn. You may need more than 200 yards.

As with my neckwarmer, when I reached 27", I did my buttonholes (there are 2).

Buttonholes:

I did the pattern over the next 4 sts. Ch 3, skip the next 3 sts, and continue in pattern up to 7 sts before the end of row. Do another ch 3, skip the next 3 sts, and continue in pattern.

For the next row, when you reach the two ch 3 spaces, think of it as just 3 stitches and just continue the pattern over them.

Repeat row 2 for another 2 rows and finish off. Weave in ends and sew your buttons. Fold the scarf over your neck as pictured. As it overlaps, you will sew the buttons where the buttonholes fall. (sorry, I'm not very good at drawing a schematic).

Note: This is a rough draft and is not pattern tested. I welcome questions, suggestions, corrections, etc, etc.

As 2009 comes, I hope to share more free patterns. I am so inspired by the thousands of Ravellers who share their patterns freely on Ravelry. They are so generous.

Merry Christmas !

...And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you, Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth Peace, good will toward men.

...Luke 2:8-14

"...and that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." (Linus says)

What am I going to do with all these berets?

the Mystery Beret (Meret)

the lace beret

the same lace beret, just flat.

I've also knitted 7 more for Yolo Wool Mill to be sold tomorrow, some basic, some with stripes, some with cables... all knitted using local wool.

We got hit with the flu bug, inspite of having had flu shots. I had 3 kids sick all at once, with Emily (the youngest) recovering first. Danielle got strep and TMJ (what a combination). We spent one night at the emergency room because of severe ear ache.
Matthew handled it like a man (boy!). Joel got it and then, me. And it is still lingering. It seems that the older you are, the harder it is to get rid of it.

Joel and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary last Dec 10th.

My mom and dad celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary today!

Danielle turns 19 tomorrow.

December is one busy month.

While visiting Rumplestiltskin, I found some yarn. Boku is very similar to Noro but about $3.00 cheaper. I couldn't put down the Sockina yarn either, although I haven't knitted a pair of socks in ages.



Ravelry is truly a wonder. I can spend hours here browsing patterns. I came across a beret pattern called MERET (for Mystery Beret). So far, I've knitted two already and I want to knit up more. Quite addictive.

Here's the blue, slouchier version.

A smaller version for Emily. (Wait a minute! this one looks like one of those octopus/ starfish thingies from the deep, complete with tentacles) Both berets do need to be blocked.