Needled

Offspring the Younger has been exploring needle felting and was interested in getting some instruction. I understand only the basic principles. Clearly, a class was in order.

Elaine Marcus periodically teaches needle felting at our LYS, the Naked Sheep Knit Shop. The multitalented Elaine (who is also a doctor, which I suppose might come in handy when dealing with these wicked barbs) did not disappoint. (Please, do not judge her by my halting first attempts. I suck at 3D design.) OTY and I highly recommend her class, which was packed with information and liberally seasoned with wit. Seriously, if you are anywhere near Portland, check it out!

Mutant leaf:



Ornament? At any rate, an easy project that is build over a styrofoam ball:



Other students, also novices, turned out jaw-droppingly gorgeous creations, including an incredibly realistic strawberry and voluptuous blossoms. OTY fashioned an adorable polar bear, for which I have no photographic evidence. Apologies!

Bagmania

Offspring the Younger, inspired by a pattern and fabrics we found at the Pine Needle, commissioned me to put together two reversible sling bags and a little zipped pouch.

Here's the reverse side of the polka dot bag.



And here's the second bag and the little pouch.



I love this pattern. Can't you imagine all sorts of great possibilities?

Baby bunny

Pattern: Knitted Bunny
Designer: Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer
Made for: coworker's baby shower
Needles: US 5
Yarn: a very lovely single left over from spouse’s first knitting project. I believe it was a German blend of silk and merino.
Started: July 10, 2008
Completed: July 10, 2008


He has a most excellent little tail, if I do say so myself.

Cold comfort

Before blocking...




Pattern: Entrelac Stole (with modifications)
Designer: Nancie M. Wiseman
Made for: donation to school auction
Needles: US 5 Brittany birch straights
Yarn: Grignasco Top Print
Content: 100% alpaca (with not a few guard hairs, more's the pity)
Colorway: 408 olive/brown/gray
Started: March 2005
Completed: February 24, 2008

A real back-burner project, but great fun to knit. Ravelry'd here.

Fresh from the oven

Can you tell I was anxious to get these to dry?



Just in the nick of time for Offspring the Younger to give to her teacher at the end of the school year.



Pattern: Garter Rib by Charlene Schurch
Size: Men's 9
Yarn: Abundant Yarn & Dyeworks Naturally Dyed Sock Yarn
Colorway: Donovan Should Wear Red
Amount: about 400 yards
Needles: US 1 dpns
Started: April 7, 2008
Completed: June 10, 2008

Ravelry'd here.

Documenting the year

Well, I haven't been so good at keeping up this here blog in 2008. Perhaps there's still time to address that shortcoming...

This is the first of my long-done projects just now seeing light on the internet:

Emma's patchwork-y pillow




A birthday gift from one of the offspring to a cherished friend. Did you know you can find quite cheap pillow inserts at IKEA?