Knit or Go Home

So I’ve been doing this yarn thing for some years now, and never gotten around to felting a piece - until today! I’ve had a couple projects sitting around just waiting to go for a spin, and I got up the nerve today to give felting a shot - and it is so easy! I followed the directions I found online, at About.com:

How to Felt

It just took a few cycles to get them the size I wanted. Now they are pinned to a towel and drying - hopefully by tomorrow I can check out the final results!

Time for something cute and goofy - a bright green frog, to be exact. He turned out sooo cute - the pattern was good, but I altered the eyes a bit. I just love how he turned out. It didn’t take all that long - the head and body worked up quickly, although my boyfriend thought it was going to be a green snowman. (= The legs were a bit tedious because of the toes and the eyes were an adventure, but all-in-all probably about 8-10 hours of work. This is him, sitting in my desk chair.

Pattern source: Crochet! March 2007

He ended up being a gift for my friend, Kyla, since I stole her magazine for the pattern. They get along very well.

So I guess I consider this the first “pattern” I ever made up, although of course I didn’t write down what I did. Live and learn. I took a child’s handbag (from Gymboree or something), cut most of the original satin bag off, then knit the new bag and stitched it to the original. I also made a liner out of satin and attached this inside. It was a bit intricate because of trial and error, and I’m not crazy about the shape it ended up being, but it was a fun effort. Now I know they actually sell those clamshell clasps, so that would make things easier. (=

So these are my first attempts at knit animals - they were made for my nephews and turned out quite cute. I certainly find crochet animals much more simple, but these are darn adorable. (=

Pasha the Penguin - not the greatest picture, but it was very cute. My first experience with short-row shaping to make his big belly.

Pattern from: Knitty

Made with: Simply Soft in black and white, Sugar n Cream in yellow

And a seal…so so soft…

Pattern from: World of Knitted Toys book - very cute book with lots of animals, but they are a little complex.

So I’m a wrapper, or a thrower, or whatever it is they call those of us who knit the “American” way. It is tiresome, and I wish I were cooler. I’m always trying continental, but feel like it makes for very tight guage. But I never give up! Found this really helpful video on YouTube today: a very nice demonstration and discussion about this quick knitting method. I’m definitely giving it another try. Hope it helps you too!

So I saw a knit birthday cake on the back of a knitting magazine, and was sad to discover that there was no pattern for it, and no patterns in general for a knit cake. Guess the demand isn’t that high, but I had promised my friend one for her birthday, so I got to work.

I bought one of those wide pilar candles (about 6-8 inches in diameter) and started to knit a tube on circular needles until it was as tall as the candle (with a colored stripe somewhere in the middle). Then I switched to double-pointed needles and did even decreases to make the top circle . It didn’t turn out so even, but the picture covers that. (=

For the candles, I just made I-cords with fuzzy yarn and then with embroidery floss, then inserted a little wire and hot glued them to the cake. They were the biggest pain, but totally worth it. The trim is also glued on.

I later made another one, but this time did a crocheted top, then attached and knit down. It made for a much flatter (and easier) top. I’m working on finding a picture of it. Will post it when I find it. (= Ciao!

So this is my first pattern, technically. But it doesn’t really feel like something I made up, nor did I write down what I did….not helpful, I know. But it is a purse that I got in my head, and executed after much time. It is based on a multi-directional diagonal knit, made first with 2 large square panals, connected by a long strap of little triangles.

I used a self-striping yarn (Sassy Stripes) and size 4 needles (I think). Then I lined it with polka dots and ribbon for the strap (you can kind of see them in the picture) and I have to say, my favorite thing I’ve made so far. So useful, along with cute - perfectly carries my laptop, so it’s great for school. What do you think?

My friend, John, was learning to juggle and getting quite good, so for his birthday I decided he needed some new juggling tools — I made him 3 knit hacky sacks, stuffed them with lentils, and embroidered with his initials. He got better at juggling, and I like to think it was partly my influence. (=

They are basically cubes, made by knitting 6 sides in kind of a cross shape, then sewing up the sides.

Pattern from: Crochet-a-day Calendar, 2006 (pattern is a little faulty, but aren’t they all?)

He was also my first crochet student - we were road tripping and needed some entertainment - he was so quiet, I thought we lost him on I-5. He picked it up quite fast actually, although his circles weren’t all that circular. (=

(my demo circle is on the left, his is on the right, but not bad for a first timer!)

Hello and welcome to my yarn blog! I love to knit and crochet, and I’m here to share my projects, favorite tips & tricks, yarns & notions I love, other great sites, and patterns of my own. Leave your comments and feedback!

I also teach crochet at a Micheals craft store in San Diego. Check www.kendrakadas.com/yarn for more info! I’d love to see you there!

A birthday present for my forever friend Lauren. We met in middle school working at the same barn, and have been best friends since. So in my current crochet animal phase, a horse seemed the natural present. She names him Lucky.

Pattern from: Crochet Central

I changed it a bit - unicorn instead of a horse, but I owe the credit there.

My 2 year old niece Reese is quite the pink girl, but also a kitty enthusiast. Lacking a pattern for a kitty, I made her a bunny instead - but you should have seen her when I gave it to her. She hugged it to her chest and ran in circles, then hugged it for the next 20 minutes. Talk about heart warming!

I wasn’t too happy with the face, but after many attempts I called it done. I will have to work on my embroidery skills. I didn’t like the ears or size of the body of the original pattern, so I made up my own. Overall, satisfied with the results.

Pattern from: Lion Brand Yarn: http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/60480A.html

(you may have to register with them to see it)

Materials: Size G6 hook, Lion Brand Baby Soft in pink, scraps of pink fuzzy yarn (unknown brand and name), embroidery floss, and fiberfill stuffing.