Coming-Unravelled

We need only look up

2008-11-12T13:57:00.013-06:00

Today is one of the more gloomy days in recent memory. This is the sort of day that can drain the energy right out of me. A sure cure, of course, would be to spend my day in a knitting retreat working with the brightest, sunniest yarn available. Ohhh, I long to do that! But, for now, my commitments lie elsewhere.

Some of you may know (Linda, Leslie) that I also spend some of my time as a (starving) freelance artist. I am preparing a package of my work to send off to one of the companies where I hope to have my work published.

... so wish me luck! I could really use a few groceries!

I do have a small reserve of knit cloths that I have been stowing away, however, to photograph and post when the daylight cooperates. I have been on a "story of white". And still to come, I am tying up ends on creating a hang tag for cotton baby knits that I promised so very long ago..

..and we only need look up.

May you be terrifically blessed.

...

Its Anew

2008-11-05T20:11:00.010-06:00

A new day. A new start. For our country and why not for ourselves as well? I know that I need to be renewed. I thank our God for allowing each day to be fresh and clean.

I vowed during this sometimes mostly vicious campaign season that whomever would win, I would get behind that person and join in the vision for our country and I will do that. We all watched history in the making!

How has everyone been? Why not take one day at a time and begin to slow down life. Let's simplify and value what we have.

I have spent several days moving some of the files from this blog over to a new server. The page loads so much better now. I just might be starting something here! I am giving thought to posting more regularly... what do you think? I'll try if you do.

This past week, I have valued what I have. I valued my good old tried and true Ballband pattern. OK, so I gave it a little twist. But I rather liked the way it turned out. This was knit by knitting each slipped stitch row offset by a single stitch. I think I'll have some more of these soon! There are rather addicting...

What do you think? It is really eye-catching. But, of course, the Ballband always has been hasn't it? In every one of the bazillion color combinations I have seen and tried. You've gotta love it! Plus, no better time to knit for those precious gift aways.

The Diagonal Ballband Dishcloth

- a variation of the classic

"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Oh Lord, let me abide in you, Let me cast my worries on you for you O Lord, long to carry them.

May these days be blessed.

...

June is a month for graduates

2008-06-03T08:30:00.005-05:00

I hope that all of you have been doing well and have been pressing on with joy! I have been contemplating my blog... desiring to write and create now and again... What has been going on in your lives?

Here is a hint as to what is happening here ... so I have been, and will continue to be... yes, busy! But, as I said, I'm getting closer to my return, as the desire is here.

It appears that my blog is taking forever to load... I will have to get to the bottom of this...

Thank you so much for your continuing support, words of encouragement and for your greetings. I hope that we can meet here very soon.~

May the Lord ...

2007-10-08T11:30:00.000-05:00

I love blogging. I LOVE it. But - alas! I also love my real, non virtual life and well... real life comes first. I just cannot devote the amount of time and energy that this blog deserves! Therefore, beginning right now, I am going to be leaving my blog, with my return unknown.

I am in the thick of raising my family and with each and every moment the hours become more crowded. Single mom. Two teenagers. One soon to be college student. Believe me - I know many "Superwomen" who can do it all... but I sure cannot. The Lord has laid this on my heart.

I am for the time being, leaving my blog up here, hoping to return. You can be sure, however, that I will be reading my own favorite blogs. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE~ and of course, I will be knitting.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here for me. You have warmed my heart so very much.

I will, however, hold true to my promise to post more care instructions for your knitting projects. Just no time frame that I can elude to right now.

Until we meet again...

May

The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

There and back again

2007-09-27T09:16:00.001-05:00

So what does one write about after being on blogcation for quite some time? What does one talk about after running away from home? I could simply start from where I left off and methodically converse about each and every thing that has been going on here in my Coming-Unravelled world ... ? Well, school is back in session...

No, I think not. I don't want to bore you all to tears! ~ Let's simply begin with today.

And this day is brilliant. I absolutely adore autumn. I could live with cooler, crisp and dry air like this for 10 1/2 months out of the year. The light reflecting off of the now changing leaves paints a million different colors to absorb. How can one help but be inspired?

I wish that I could tell you that I have been knitting up a storm - but that would not be factual. Yes, I have touched my needles, I have moved them from the sofa the floor and back to the table. I have started two Irish Hiking Scarves. And, after three tries, I am now a member of the knit along. Yippee! Accountability! My first two requests to join the IHS knit-along ended up in the spam folder. After writing my request from a different email address, my letter was accepted and I am now a bona fide member!

Knitting - am I speaking of knitting? I want to pass out my kindest thoughts to these special knitting bloggers. You have been so kind to me while I have been absent. Checking in here and there... or sending me a note. Mostly, not leaving me for dead! Who would ever have thought that one could develop friendships with others simply by sitting at the keyboard and typing? Well, after all, I say to myself, that exactly what happened with Kay and Anne from Mason-Dixon Kntting! The sky is the limit, right??? Thank you to Mrs. B, to Lynne from I was knit together in my mother's womb, to Sylvia (she doesn't knit but she wishes she could. .. I will have to send her a few cloths), and to a newfound friend, Corinne at Craftyloca and to all you members of the academy. OK, let's not go overboard. ~

So, here is what I have been "not" working on...

I can't believe that I couldn't even finish my row before I put this down! Bad knitter! But what you see here is an in-process Accidental Bobble Cloth with 2 colors, a Grid dishcloth in Pink Lemonade and an Irish Hiking Scarf in wool - I will have to check on that color way. It is not the best for a cable cloth but I wanted to try it out. The yarn is Plymouth Yarns Gallaway ... and I can see that I will need to be careful not to unintentionally felt it when I wash it.

And, it's Homecoming Week at my daughter's high school. She is a senior this year. I woke up to find toilet paper covering our trees. Hmm... and I thought that I was standing guard over our yard. They have gotten pretty sly about their timing! Here is what my yard looks like AFTER I cleaned up everything that I could reach.

I will write more later - I will. I will! I should be quite rested, after all. ~

...

Falling into... fall of course!

2007-09-14T07:20:00.001-05:00

No, I haven't moved, I haven't been on vacation, I am not ill - just busy!If I had to label it I would say that I was on a Blogcation. So come back later today and I will fill you in!

Trust in the Lord with all heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

. . .

Colors and inspirations

2007-08-23T15:12:00.003-05:00

* * *

Often times I am complimented on the color combinations that I use in my kitchen cloths. Many of you have commented on how cheerful, fun or playful some of my cloths are...

Well, how DO I decide on colors? I will let you in on a little secret, but don't tell anyone or my reputation will be ruined. :) In actuality, I am a graphic designer and I love working with color. (Even though my wardrobe mostly consists of black!) But sometimes even I have difficulty in either deciding on or visualizing a color combination. This is what I do for inspiration when I am stumped...

...Think about something in your possession or that you have come across that you absolutely love. A piece of clothing that makes you feel like a million bucks or an upholstered piece of furniture you love to have in your room. Is there a fabric handbag that simply makes you smile? Perhaps you have passed a bolt at the fabric boutique that you adore but you don't know why. Chances are that the color combinations caught your attention. Sometimes those very colors can play a role in your attitude and can even reach out and inspire you!

The Log Cabin dishcloth and my tulip vase.

To create your next work, why not simply emulate the colors contained in your "favorite" whatever-it-was??? There is essentially no visualization involved, since the concrete color evidence is right there in front of your eyes. If it is not portable - simply snap a picture of it to capture the color essence. This is also a great way to try something a bit more trendy using contemporary color combinations. Home decorating, fashion, nature and even food combinations are fair game! Sometimes I target color combinations found when knitting from a particular variegated yarn. I pull two or three colors out that I love when knitted next to each other.

Now sit back, reach from your stash and start painting with yarn.

Be a Picasso.

Here are a few of the inspirations that I have used recently:

Multi-band dishcloth and my latest handbag.

One of my favorite coffee mugs and a Multi-band dishcloth.

I added a new venture to my knitting repertoire. Simple + Elegant + Functional = Winner! The Irish Hiking Scarf. The next logical step after learning cables from my latest KAL. I am enjoying this very much. Of course there is much more knitting involved - 62 or so inches, but a pattern that can easily be memorized. Thus far I have just about 14 inches accomplished. Some of the scarves that I have seen were so luxurious and beautiful that I simply was itching to try.

Here is my knit-a-long for August using Bernat Organic Cotton in Olive:

and here is my latest project, yes, The Irish Hiking Scarf which I simply consider to be an "extra long dishcloth." I am knitting two, but the pictured scarf is in Cotton Tots which is extra soft.

Oh - and rumor has it that Hakucho is doing some great things for the environment. Take a look at this!

And last but not least - here are a couple of photos of recent cloths that I knit using Sugar & Cream Pinky Stripes yarn. It was fun knitting these up but I think that after a time, this yarn would tend to make most cloths look the same. I must say that there were beautiful pinks! I wish that Lily would make the pastel pink that they use in this yarn as their soft pink. I was never a fan of the S&C Rose. The patterns that I used here are The Accidental Bobble Cloth and The Grid Pattern.

Have a lovely day-into night and my wishes are that I may have inspired one of you in the tiniest way and not just in the area of knitting! Thank you for stopping in to take a peek at this little corner of my life.

Sneak previews -

Coming next: Baby care instruction tag

Coming soon: My blog contest - Prizes!

* * *

So long heat

2007-08-17T08:53:00.003-05:00

I am so thankful that our heat here in the Midwest has finally subsided. Although I am able to leave at will I begin to feel like a prisoner in my own home! Yes... I even anticipate autumn! God has a way of preparing us, doesn't He?

I am frequently away. In October, we will be going to Atlanta to finish our spring buying. This is my only remaining haven where I can get my baby fix. There are no babies in our family right now and we all miss it so much.

So as a single mom, artist, and a knitter, you can see why I can keep (too) busy. You should see my laundry pile! But I thank the Lord each day for my sister. Without her, I could not function.

Here is the final cloth that I was working on earlier in the week:

And here are the colors that I used for this cloth from top to bottom:

Main background color: S&C Warm Brown

S&C Rose

S&C Shell Pink

S&C Hot Pink

S&C Geranium

P&C Pastel Pink

S&C Rose

S&C Shell Pink

S&C Geranium

S&C Hot Pink

S&C Geranium

S&C Shell Pink

S&C Hot Pink

P&C Pastel Pink

S&C Geranium

I have added something new to my left sidebar. Often times in my path, I come across so many people who have prayer needs or those whom God has placed on my heart to pray for. "Keeping you in prayer" is for those very precious people who I lay before God in prayer. Stella is a 2 year old girl, living in California that I was made aware of last week. She was just diagnosed with Leukemia. I pray that the Lord grants wisdom to all those in place of decision-making where her health is concerned. I also ask the Lord to grant comfort - even in unknown circumstances - to her parents.

If you have knowledge of someone that needs prayer or someone that God has laid on your heart, or you, yourself needs prayer, please comment me or drop me a note so that I may add these to this prayer circle If you would like to take the "Keeping you in prayer" button to your blog, please feel free to take it. I will update or change the button as necessary.

Soon I will be posting my baby care instruction tag which was pictured in a prior post - and in the not-to-distant future, I hope to be adding a free pattern. Does anyone have an opinion on the wording of that baby tag? Should it be for a baby washcloth, or should the text be worded more general so that it could be used for a baby blanket or other cotton baby items as well? Your thoughts requested :)

Thank you for visiting me here in this little world. I so much appreciate your words! Be blessed on your weekend and make the most of these last summer days.

...

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me".

Psalm 51:10

Again & again: Ballbands

2007-08-13T17:13:00.002-05:00

One of my all-time favorite kitchen cloths has got to be the beloved Ballband cloth. I just love the colors, the texture and the over all appeal of this cloth. Perhaps it is simply that it looks so complicated and it is so easy to knit. Especially in the eyes of a non-knitter. In a way it is a well kept secret in the knitters bag of tricks. Here are my latest Ballband projects. I am knitting several of these as gifts for 20 something girls. One set as a birthday gift and a set of them for a wedding shower gift. The top photo below is simply my stash of cloths to choose from when the need for gift-giving arises.

It is not that I particularly enjoy knitting these because the color changes take a bit of extra time... especially if I use a wide variety of colors. But I can easily overlook that when I can enjoy the finished projects. I don't believe that I have ever knit the same color way twice. This truly is one of my favorite scrap-busting projects, although weaving in thirty or so ends is also time-consuming, it is well worth it.

What are your favorite "dishcloth recipes"? Why not post them to my flicker group? The link can be found on the lower left of this page.

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Whimsy Dishcloth Care Tag

2007-08-06T11:20:00.007-05:00

A new care instruction tag. As promised - with blessings.

Click here for my Whimsy Care Tag in .pdf format

These templates are formatted for an average printer. If your tag does not print out aligned properly, you can tweak it in Acrobat when you set it up to print. Please let me know if you encounter any problems with these files. I am still trying to find the best way to suit you! Do you prefer to download the front and back separately, or do you like to download these tags in one file? I will photograph ways to attach and use these tags, so check back to see them!

I was asked why I wrote the instructions to remove when "nearly" dry... It is a preference. Being just a bit damp, the cloths are easily re-shaped if necessary. Dishcloths are fine if they are dried fully - I simply chose the former for a little TLC.

If you need a refresher course on how to print and cut these tags, see this post.

Here is a sneak peek at my next care tag which is coming soon!

God is so good! He has blessed me and it makes me happy to bless you with occasional "goodies" to make your projects complete. I am compiling a library of tags - so check back frequently!

Now - I simply must take some photos of my latest knitting projects or you will think that I have been slacking! Trust me, I haven't been. At least not in the knitting department. Now if you ask me about the house cleaning department... well, not so much!

I think that I need to read Sylvia's Blog. What an inspiration you are, Sylvia... I want to meet you! I can see joy in everything you do.

And don't forget to check out Tea's latest cloths! They are absolutely lovely!

Thank you for de-lurking and commenting on my last post. I love to meet my readers.

A new post. What-do-you-know!

2007-08-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

After many days away - I am back. Tell me how you have all been? Are you savoring these late summer days - as I am? We were away at market, purchasing inventory for our boutique. In a way it is very much like a treasure hunt, searching for those perfect hidden things. Sometimes they can be found and sometimes they remain elusive. We again will be at market next weekend and then again for many days in October in Atlanta.

AND - The Knitorious Mrs. B was (clearing throat) kind enough to play the game of Wikipedia tag with me. She tagged me. What she doesn't know is how much I enjoy this game (not!) ! Well, thank you very much Mrs. B, I will just have to find a way to return the favor! :) So - my point is - if you reading this right now - consider yourself tagged and here are your rules:

Go to Wikipedia and type in your birth month and date, then post 3 events, 2 births and a holiday to list on your blog. Afterwards - tag however many others you would like. OR, take the non-invasive way out and post it to your readers like me! :)

So - here we have it!

September 11

Events:

Formation of the World Wildlife Fund. 1961

U.S. President Jimmy Carter, President Sadat of Egypt, and Prime Minister Begin of Israel met at Camp David and agreed on a framework for peace between Israel and Egypt and a comprehensive peace in the Middle East. 1978

The attack on the World Trade Center. 2001

Births:

Me!

Acoustic Guitarist - Leo Kottke

Holiday:

Patriot Day (USA) - Anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

So - there you have it! Now go out and get 'em all you taggies!

-------------------------------------------------------------

I promised to post another hang tag for your dishcloths. My whimsical care instruction tag, remember? I can barely remember because it was so long ago! But I will be posting it yet today or ~~tomorrow~~ Monday. Promise.

Be blessed on this day!

I would love it if each and every one of you would come out of hiding and post a comment. I have a lot of catching up to do myself!

...

Blueberries, Blessings and Bobbles

2007-07-18T12:16:00.006-05:00

I FINALLY made the time to complete my pattern writing for the Accidental Bobble Cloth. (Scroll down to find the pattern) Here is the story behind it...

I wanted to take a short break from more complicated patterns so that I could have a small project on the needles to knit-on-the-run. I didn't want to have to grab a pattern. I wanted something to knit in the car while waiting for the kids. Grandmother's Favorite is OK, but I wanted something that looked a bit more complicated and desired something without the "lace around the edge. I thought, why not knit the increases along the middle for a change. And.. why not create it without the lace. I knew that knitting the yo's in the reverse direction created fabric without the holes. As I knit up my first piece, I was delighted to find that I was creating a right angle cloth. I never knit such a cloth in the past - so I am not aware of how a right angle cloth is actually knit - but my little cloth was perfect for what I wanted it for. I added the bobbles for a little whimsy and The Accidental Bobble Cloth was born.

Recently when my dad was hospitalized, I found that this cloth was absolutely perfect for meditating and prayer. I could concentrate on who I was praying for while not worrying about counting any stitches. In fact, I could basically feel my way through the stitches if the lighting was low or minimal. So.. .the first bobble is prayed for the person (or persons) you are knitting for. The fabric you knit is worked in prayer... and the three remaining bobbles are the Father - the Son - and the Holy Spirit. I consider this cloth to be like a mini prayer shawl. I can't handle that large project right now - but I can handle cheerfully this small project. Faithfully. In prayer.

* * *

So - here is my Accidental Bobble Cloth:

The great thing about this cloth is that there is very little counting necessary. In fact the only counting needed is in the cast on stitches. Even the bobbles can be knit by sight! I hope you have as much fun knitting this as I did.

Difficulty: Simple!
Materials needed: Size 6 (4.25 mm) circular or flex needles are easiest, although straight needles will work. 1 ball of your favorite kitchen cotton worsted yarn.

k=knit
yo=yarn over (all yo will be worked counter clockwise)
MB = (Make Bobble) k into front, back & front of stitch, slide stitches onto right needle, turn work. p3, turn. k3 turn. p3 turn. sl1, k2tog, psso. *To make extra large bobbles, add one more k3 turn, p3.

Cast on 3 sts

row 1. k1, MB, k1
row 2. k2, yo (all yo are worked counter clockwise), k1
row 3. k2, yo, k2
row 4. k3, yo, k2

Continue working this stitch pattern with each yarn over stitched AFTER your previous row yarn over. You will knit approximately 65 rows or until your cloth measures approximately 8 inches square.

Casting off: MB, knit to just before your last rows yo, MB, yo, continue binding off to last 2 sts. MB, complete cast off. Break yarn and weave in ends.

* Click here for The Accidental Bobble Cloth .pdf

Note - this PDF file contains two variations to this pattern. The Baby Bobble Cloth and The Spa Scrubber Cloth.

Please keep in mind that I am not a professional pattern writer. If you should find an error - please alert me so that I may correct it as quickly as possible. This pattern - as all of my patterns are free and intended for non-profit use. You have my permission to post it on your site if it accompanies a direct link to this post or the pattern on this site. Very soon I will be posting my whimsical dishcloth care tag.

*Slight Correction made on 7/18 at 6:42 EST - not to the pattern itself.

I thank you so much for visiting this little corner of my life.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you"

1 Peter 5:7

Trust in His Words, for they are true.

I may have mentioned that I I love summer. If I haven't yet spoke of my love - well - I love summer. And I love the bountiful pleasures and fresh local foods that it brings. Like little squirrels, we begin to use and to store things that bring us back to these days of summer in the very midst of winter's cold sting.

After making jam earlier this month with ooodles and ooodles of strawberries, now our blueberries are taking their turn. I indulged in my first fresh blueberry pie. It was wonderful! I can tell you that I will need a bit more practice on the crust - but the pie was a dream to eat. I used this delicious and easy recipe. Homemade Blueberry Pie.

I also made lots of blueberry jam. I already gifted several jars. It is especially good for my neighbors! Good thing because I have so much in my freezer right now I can't fit much else in. We have lived here now for 12 years. That's lots of years for my neighbors to hear exactly how I discipline my kids. I consider it "silence" gifting!

Thank you so much to all of you that have offered your well wishes, thoughts and prayers for my dad. He is recovering quite well right now. Our follow up doctors visit in in 10 days. We continue to pray about his living situation. He is amazing. I still remember the days so very long ago - that he would gently take out the tangles in our long hair. Mom was always in a hurry - she had lots of hair to comb! Dad would offer welcome relief to that nasty rubber band!

...

Making time to make time

2007-07-15T13:44:00.000-05:00

Have you been wondering where I am?? I have been wondering where I am too. As usual, life continues to take unexpected turns and detours. Aside from the calamity of a summer holiday - the 4th of July - my father was hospitalized with a mild heart attack. My dad is 90 - so this was no small worry. A stint was inserted and all is OK for now. Dad lives alone so arranging our schedules to spend time with him each day takes involvement. Prior to this, we made regular visits but now, our time together has to be even more diligent. I come from a family of 8 children, however only 4 of us live in the immediate area. Of the 4, it is 2 of us that are the most involved. As much as we would like to move him from his home - the home we all grew up in - it is providing to be a great challenge. He is acutely sharp and although slightly physically limited, he is otherwise independent.

Softball, baseball, merchandise markets, jam-making, home projects and of course knitting - are a few of the other time consuming commitments. The first on my list needs to be spending more time in the Word of God. Please, Lord, help me be focused because I need You.

I will be back later for a more in-depth catch up.

...

These are some Rockin' Gals!

2007-07-05T09:32:00.001-05:00

As I said in my last post, Hakucho - the most Rockin' Girl Blogger ever, awarded me the Rockin' Girl Blogger. Now, my job is to pass this to other Rockin' Gals that I read. That is a very big responsibility because there are so very many wonderful blogs out there!

... Choose your button!

Here are my Rockin' Girl Blogger honorees:

Smariek Knits - who has a wonderful blog about knitting and her life. She is in the middle of a crazy time here with a transition to a new home... so check out her blog!

Knitting Iris - Simply put - Eye Candy. Interesting, fun and grounded. I love her blog!

Lynne at I was knit together in My Mother's Womb - awesome, warming, positive, encouraging and talented. Need I say more?

Knitting and Praying - Shelly - who's photographs of nature and things are breathtaking! Shelly has an incredibly revealing blog through life's paths.

Leslie at Whimsy is a inspiration for creativity! Her projects inspire me to expand my horizons!

So there you have it. Why not check them out - and expand your horizons???

I did, incidentally, check out the history of this "award". If you are curious, read more about it here.

...

Coming soon:

The Accidental Bobble Cloth pattern

Whimsical Dishcloth Tags

May blessings line your path today.

~CeElle

Squeezing in on a busy week

2007-07-03T12:21:00.002-05:00

I want to take a moment here during this holiday week to squeeze in a huge thank you to Hakucho! I am truly humbled to be in such great company for the Rockin' Girl Blogger. Wow! Thank you so much! I will be responding more to this later...

... so I had to play around a bit with this button... what's a Rockin' Girl to do???

And I also want to post a preview for my whimsical dishcloth tag. I will be uploading this soon so please check back!

...

Dishcloth Care Instruction - Hang Tag Template

2007-06-28T11:22:00.002-05:00

God is good. We have been having such perfect days after many hot and humid ones - the air has cleared into something close to perfection. The breeze gently touches our skin, and we are reminded that our Creator is indeed present everywhere. I was reminded of this passage:

"The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

John 3:8

Our summer is definitely in full gear. Bustling along even. I have to make an ongoing effort to simplify and slow things down. When we were little I can remember thinking that our long summer days lasted forever. Endless daylight hours lasting well past our bedtime. Now that we are old(er) and have the knowledge of when summer officially starts - on June 21st - our days then begin to shorten and as adults, our minds can be tricked into thinking that summer is nearing its end. I think that I like being naive to the calendar much more than being a slave to it.

...

I promised to post the template for the dishcloth care instruction hang tag. This is a simple guide to creating them. Many of you will not need these steps written out - as I am sure that there are more than a few scrap bookers artists and computer experts out there, but here it is... I will be posting many more styles in the days and weeks to come, as well as other packaging ideas too. I would love to hear any of your ideas. There are lots of great wording variations - this is only a start.

Supplies needed: Heavy weight card stock - 64 or 110lb. (White will feel crisp and clean, ivory will have a vintage or "earthy" feel, scissors or a paper cutter, small hole punch, corner trimmer (optional), hemp, ribbon or yarn strips of a coordinating color to tie on to your cloth.

Step one:

Print out page 1. Turn your page to appropriately feed your printer - and print page 2 on the back. Page 1 will have margins or guides where you will trim your tags while page 2 will be printed over most of the entire page. This allows room for error when you trim them.

Step 2:

After your pages are printed, trim on the borders on page one (this is the front of your tags). Use a scissors - or even better use a paper cutter. Start by trimming the complete outside border, then trim vertically into 3 strips. Lastly cut each tag apart individually.

Step 3:

After your tags are cut apart, punch the hole where the graphic is located.

Step 4:

If you desire you can cut the corners of these tags. Rounded corners give it a professional look!

Step 5:

Take a coordinating color of yarn, ribbon or hemp, double it up and thread it through the hole of your tag.

Step 6:

Voila! Attach it to your cloth and enjoy gifting it!

*Download this file below

Dishcloth Care Tag Page 1

Dishcloth Care Tag Page 2

Update: this is a very large file - You can right click: save as on your computer - OR - open each page individually in your browser. Since the file is large, your browser may take several moments to open this, depending on your connection.

please let me know if you have any problems with this file. I will try to work with your special needs!

...

Color Impact! Alpha Stripes Dishcloth

2007-06-18T17:36:00.001-05:00

I took a little time during the past couple of days to finish this pattern. I have had a few requests for it. This is such a simple pattern - but great for color impact and a good way to use a few small leftover remnants of yarn, not to mention therapy knitting, which we can always use. Let me know what you think! The pattern is written here, or you can download the .pdf near the bottom of this post.

If you are a dishcloth knitter and love to show off your cloths, please consider posting your photo on a new flicker group site For the Love of Knitting Dishcloths. You don't have to joint the group to post but it is simply for those who enjoy color and prettiness in their kitchens. And if you have found any new and different patterns to try - I would love to hear about them. I am always looking for a fun cotton cloth to knit!

Next look for my dishcloth care instruction tag. You can preview the care tag on my previous post. I will be adding that template for downloading very soon. As always - I would love you know your thoughts. Be blessed.

alpha stripe dishcloth

All color changes are added on the wrong side of your work. Use three colors as shown - or as many colors as you wish!

Difficulty: Easy
Stitches Used - sl 1 = slip one stitch purlwise,
k = knit, p = purl
Materials : U.S. size 6 needles (4.25 mm)
3 Partial balls of coordinating colors of kitchen cotton worsted yarn.

Cast on 43 stitches.

1. (All odd rows will be knit in this pattern) K6, P1, * K5, P1 repeat from * to last 6 sts. K6

2. (All even rows will be knit in this pattern) K6, sl 1, *K5, sl 1, repeat from * to last 6 sts. K6

41. Using color B, K6, P1 *K5, P1 repeat from * to last 6 sts. K6
Continue same pattern rows (1 odd - 2 even ) until row 55 or thereabouts where color change is desired)
55. Using color C. K6, P1 *K5,P1 repeat from * to last 6 sts. K
Continue same pattern rows (1 odd - 2 even) until row 69 or until you reach your desired length.
Bind off on right side of work.

Alternate Pattern: Alpha Hotpad
Follow the same as above but use your favorite mercerized cotton and decrease each side to 2 stitches rather than six. Use cast on tail to crochet a loop for hanging.

*click here to download the alphastripe .pdf

...

Hammock Days of Summer

2007-06-13T16:36:00.001-05:00

Summer! What a wonderful week it has been - so much in contrast to our week of last, which was very cold and rainy. I do believe I could live and be perfectly content with these days all year long. Well, maybe it could rain a bit to keep things green... at night. I have said it before and I will say it for all of eternity... God is amazing!

Well, wouldn't you say that it is about time that I finally finished my Vineyard Dishcloth Pattern? This probably took me six weeks! Although very pretty and quite simple, it somehow took the back burner for these last many weeks. I finally decided to finish up a few UFO's and this was one of them. As I finish a few cloths that I have ... I wonder... will I EVER graduate beyond dishcloth knitting? In my mind, I have given myself a year of dishcloths to perfect my tension and stitches and to find my favorite tools. Will my attention span be able to take a larger piece? I hope so! But I can definitely see why other knitters follow with sweet little baby things. Perfectly small sized and dainty stitches.

Here is a photo of my now complete cloth. This dishcloth pattern can be found here and is entitled "Vignes". Remember, this site sometimes has high traffic and may not come up immediately - but keep trying!

Here is a tag that I designed to attach to my gifted cloths. It gives simple care instructions and adds a bit of charm to a gift as well. I will be posting this style tag and a few others for you to download if you should need to. A few knitters have inquired as to where they could be found - so now you have it! These can be printed front and back, cut with your paper cutter or scissors and rounded with your corner die cut stamp. If you have any input or ideas - I would love to hear them. Is this at all useful for you?

Now I know that I promised to post my Alpha Stripe Dishcloth Pattern. I am so sorry that it is not here as of yet...but look for that within the next day or two at the very most. I simply have not had a large enough space of time to finish that project. I encountered a large problem with my beloved Illustrator program and I am trying to work around it. I can't thank you enough for taking the time to read my pages.

~ : ~

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many that go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Matthew 17:13-15

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We Press On

2007-06-03T13:05:00.000-05:00

Such a rainy dreary day! Buckets of rain are pouring down here in the Midwest. My son had a makeup baseball game today - for a tournament game that was supposed to be played yesterday. I don't know how it happened, but they managed to get it in between the buckets. The outcome was a loss, though. The good news is that he was able to play at multiple positions! He has been a catcher forever - and a very good one. Being very good, one can get cornered into that position all year long, without learning the valuable lessons that playing other positions bring. Today he played short, second base and tried his hand at pitching - and did fabulous! The Lord has blessed him with ability and a true love for the game. Perhaps that is the most important thing of all. He has had a busy week - with eight grade graduation on Thursday evening Boo hoo... my baby! I can not truly feel somber because each and every new milestone brings joy! All the way to adulthood.

I will be posting the Alpha Stripe Dishcloth pattern very soon. I hope to have it up by Monday evening - but it is possible that it will be a tad bit later than that. Keep checking in!

Be joyful and keep pressing on, even though you may feel like giving up! Hand it to Him! He is there to carry on.

"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

...

A great idea?

2007-05-30T13:13:00.001-05:00

I really think that I could put a patent on this

method for using up scraps, don't you?

Our Summer Begins - Cottage Squares Dishcloth Pattern

2007-05-28T23:27:00.001-05:00

~:~

I have been working on this pattern for a few days. As I mentioned before, the style is a bit different from most all of my other cloths. I thought that this cloth would be better fitting for a contemporary kitchen. Contemporary is such a huge decorating factor right now. Even with my cottage look, little bits of modern elements are thrown in here and there. This cloth does mix in with my cottage look as well - and I was pleased about that!

Keep in mind - I am a beginner - therefore my writing style is a bit unorthodox. If you have any questions about this pattern, please feel free to contact me. I consider myself a work in progress. I would absolutely love to see any finished cloths you create from my patterns. I will post them here in my gallery when I have the opportunity.

Here is my Cottage Squares Cloth

aka: Colorblok Kitchen Cloth

This cloth is knit using the Intarsia Method. It is an excellent lesson for the begginer or intermediate. Why not give it a try?!

Materials:
Size 6 US needles (4.5mm)
One Cable needle for center hobnail stitch.
4 colors of your favorite worsted weigh cotton yarn.

Stitches: knit, purl, slip stitch, one hobnail stitch for center of cloth.

Begin by taking your two main colors - a & b - and split them into 2 smaller balls of each color. You then have colors a1, a2, b1 and b2 , a small ball of color c and a scrap piece of color d. This pattern tells where to join the new balls of color, but for simplicity, after the initial join, refers to each ball simply as their original colors of a, b, or c. You simply pick up the color where it is left off. All slipped stitches are slipped knit-wise.

CO 40 sts with color a1
1 k5, p2, k26, p2, k5
2 k5, sl 2, k26, sl 2, k5
3 k5, p2, k26, p2, k5
4 k5, sl 2, k26, sl 2, k5
5 k5, p2, k26, p2, k5
6 k5, sl 2, k26, sl 2, k5
7 k5, p2, k26, p2, k5
8 k5, sl 2, k26, sl 2, k5
9 k5, p2, k26, p2, k5
10 k5, sl2, (begin color b1) k26, (begin color a2) sl 2,k5
11 k5, p2, (color b) p26, (color a) p2, k5
12 k5, sl 2, (color b) k26, (color a) sl 2, k5
13 k5, p2, (color b) p26, (color a) p2, k5
14 k5, sl 2, (color b) k26, (color a) sl 2, k5
15 k5, p2, (color b) p26, (color a) p2, k5
16 k5, sl 2, (color b) k26, (color a) sl 2, k5
17 k5, p2, (color b) p26, (color a) p2, k5
18 k5, sl 2, (color b) k26, (color a) sl 2, k5
19 k5, p2, (color b) p26, (color a) p2, k5
20 k5, sl 2, (color b) k26, (color a) sl 2, k5
21 k5, p2, (color b) p26, (color a) p2, k5
22 k5, sl 2, (color b) k26, (color a) sl 2, k5
23 k5, p2, (color b) p26, (color a) p2, k5
24 k5, sl 2, (color b) k26, (color a) sl 2, k5
25 k5, p2, (color b) p26, (color a) p2, k5
26 k5, sl 2, (color b) k7, (add color c) k12, (add color b2) k7, (color a) sl 2, k5
27 k5, p2, (color b) p7, (color c) k12, (color b) p7, (color a) p2, k5
28 k5, sl 2, (color b) k7, (color c) p12, (add ball b2) k7, (color a) sl 2, k5
29 k5, p2, (color b) p7, (color c) k12, (color b) p7, (color a) p2, k5
30 k5, sl 2, (color b) k7, (color c) p12, (add ball b2) k7, (color a) sl 2, k5
31 k5, p2, (color b) p7, (color c) k12, (color b) p7, (color a) p2, k5
32 k5, sl 2, (color b) k7, color c) p12, (add ball b2) k7, (color a) sl 2, k5
33 k5, p2, (color b) p7, (color c) k12, (color b) p7, (color a) p2, k5
34 k5, sl 2, (color b) k7, (color c) k12, (add ball b2) k7, (color a) sl 2, k5
35 k5, p2, (color b) p7, (color c) k7 [remove 2 sts from right needle onto a cable needle. Wrap color d around these 2 sts 6 times. Return sts to right needle, (color c) k5, (color a) p2, k5

36 k5, sl 2, (color b) k7, (color c) p12, (color b) k7, (color a) sl 2, k5
37 k5, p2, (color b) p7, (color c) k12, (color b) p7, (color a) p2, k5
38 k5, sl 2, (color b) k7, (color c) p12, (color b) k7, (color a) sl 2, k5
39 k5, p2, (color b) p7, (color c) k12, (color b) p7, (color a) p2, k5
40 k5, sl 2, (color b) k7, (color c) p12, (color b) k7, (color a) sl 2, k5
41 k5, p2, (color b) p7, (color c) k12, (color b) p7, (color a) p2, k5
42 k5, sl 2, (color b) k7, (color c) p12, (color b) k7, (color a) sl 2, k5
43 k5, p2, (color b) p7, (color c) k12 (color c will now be complete), (color b) p7, (color a) p2, k5
44 k5, sl 2, (color b) k26, (color a)sl 2, k5
45 k5, p2, (color b) p26, (color a) p2, k5
46 k5, sl 2, (color b) k26, (color a) sl 2, k5
47 k5, p2, (color b) p26, (color a) p2, k5
48 k5, sl 2, (color b) k26, (color a) sl 2, k5
49 k5, p2, (color b) p26, (color a) p2, k5
50 k5, sl 2, (color b) k26, (color a) sl 2, k5
51 k5, p2, (color b) p26, (color a) p2, k5
52 k5, sl 2, (color b) k26, (color a) sl 2, k5
53 k5, p2, (color b) p26, (color a) p2, k5
54 k5, sl 2, (color b) k26, (color a) sl 2, k5
55 k5, p2, (color b) p26, (color a) p2, k5
56 k5, sl 2, (color b) k26, (color a) sl 2, k5
57 k5, p2, (color b) p26 (end color b), (color a) p2, k5
58 k5, sl 2, k26, sl 2, k5
59 k5, p2, k26, p2, k5
60 k5, sl 2, k26, sl 2, k5
61 k5, p2, k26, p2, k5
62 k5, sl 2, k26, sl 2, k5
63 k5, p2, k26, p2, k5
64 k5, sl 2, k26, sl 2, k5
65 k5, p2, k26, p2, k5
66 k5, sl 2, k26, sl 2, k5
67 k5, p2, k26, p2, k5
68 k5, sl 2, k26, sl 2, k5
69 Bind Off

Finished Cloth (after washing) measures approximately 8 1/2 square.

Notes: The sample cloth pictured in blue and green has a border knit with the k5, p2 (w/s) odd row and k5 sl 2 even row pattern. This can easily be added to the pattern.

Please alert me if you should find any errors in this pattern. I will make every effort to correct them ASAP.

Click here for the .pdf version

Don't forget to stop by and take a look at Elvish Leaves! It's wonderful!

...

A Memorial - and Now, It's Summer

2007-05-28T23:25:00.001-05:00

~:~

Memorial Day - the first weekend of summer and a somber day in so many ways. I think of all those who have lost family members not only in recent times, but in times past. I have an uncle who was killed in WWII. It was just a couple of weeks after he completed basic training. He was sent over seas and was killed on his first jump as a paratrooper. That is a life that I never new. Did he resemble my mom? Did he have great artistic talent that my aunts and uncles spoke infinitely about? What would have become of him if he were allowed to grow into a mature old age. Cousins that I never had ... conversations that never took place. Only stories remained of how my mother, in her early 20s was watching a high school basketball game when uniformed gentleman came in to speak with her.

How many lives have been vanished? But the price that they paid, then - and to this very day - have allowed us to live in a place that has been filled with blessings of bountiful measure. In this lifetime, surely we will not understand. Let us never forget those who have lived and been lost. Let us never forget their faces and their families. To all of you families that are involved in the military - I send you my thanks and I send you my prayers.

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3

Colorblok Kitchen Cloth - Free Dishcloth Pattern

2007-05-27T14:10:00.000-05:00

Here is my newest cloth - The Colorblok dishcloth. I will be posting this pattern within the next day or two.

Have an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend and let us not forget those who have given so much.

...

A little contemporary change...

2007-05-25T09:22:00.001-05:00

This cloth is a bit different than what I have been knitting. My first attempt at intarsia knitting. It certainly does not look to be difficult, but oh the challenges of keeping those yarns from tangling! This was a very good exercise for me. I definitely need work on my tension, but for the most part, it was an excellent learning lesson. I am going to make a few changes and write this pattern up - so look for it soon.

This cloth was a nice, contemporary change from all of my cottage cloths in the past. There are so many possibilities of color combinations - it is fun to think about it. So - if you ever thought about a beginner intarsia project, this would be a fun - short pattern. I am a terrible pattern writer! I lose my place every single time! It is not an easy job. Much respect to all of you authors!

I was paging through the photos of my KAL group and I ran across the watermelon cloth that I have linked to on this page. That is one cloth that I have not yet knit. I know that I have to knit this up very soon. The finished cloth looks adorable! Check it out here. Ooops, I just realized that you have to be signed in on your Yahoo group to view that photo. I guess that I will have to knit this up and post it. What better cloth for summer?

We have been very busy around here. The end of our school year is just around the corner and thus we are wrapping up lots of loose ends. My son will be graduating from 8th grade next week. I asked him if I could hold him back so that I could enjoy just one more year of middle school, but he was not so keen on the idea. Somebody please give me more little ones to enjoy! We don't have any children under the age of 12 in my family and they are sorely missed. There is something in the commotion of small children that just brings life to a family...

Have a blessed day.

...

In Living Color (or Color Obsessed?)

2007-05-16T14:26:00.000-05:00

Besides my current KAL - this is what is on my needles. You can find the pattern by clicking on the picture - if you are so inclined. This site is often times busy so keep trying!

I love color - have I mentioned that before? I just received another order from Elmore-Pisgah. How does that happen... boxes mysteriously show up at my door? I can go without food on my table but the cotton yarn keeps on coming. How handy! You probably can tell from these pages that I like color a LOT. My yarn wardrobe is filled with every color from the color wheel - well, almost. I am considering trying my hand at dyeing my own colors as our season moves towards summer. One would never know by my clothing wardrobe that I love color so much, as it mostly contains black, white and various shades of taupe. I look at yarn colors in the same way that I look at my Prismacolor pencils - tools to create. Although my "yarn" tools are beginning to take up far too much space. They also collect kitty hair if I am not careful~

(Skip this section if talking about color bores you!) My newest yarn colors are Peaches & Cream Baby Blue (which is about the nicest light blue that I have found so far), a cone of that yummy Pink Lemonade that I have used before, more Apple Green, and Butterscotch. I could have sworn that I ordered Celery! Those shopping carts! I also hunted down a discontinued a Sugar & Cream Celedon. Some members of my KAL were nice enough to help me out with tracking down a long lost discontinued color. Celedon arrived and was close to the color I was searching for. It was not the perfect match - it needs just a bit more yellow. I don't know if it was simply a different dye lot from the color I had the tiniest scraps of - or if the color that I was searching for was altogether a different color still. Let me get my Pantone swatches out here...Celedon is close to Pantone 372 while the color I am searching for is Pantone 386. Any ideas???

I want to take a moment to thank all of you for stopping by, and for offering your words, comments and encouragement. As I often say... knitters are a wonderful group of people. I wish you a day filled with joy.

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

John 10:27

...

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-13T15:54:00.001-05:00

Oh the blessing it is to be a mother - or thought of - or loved and lifted up like a mom. Funny how one day we can feel like the best mom in the world, and other days we wonder if we can make it through. I lost my own mother nearly 12 years ago and although I have gotten used to her not being here with me on this Earth, is debatably at times, no easier. We simply need to trust in Him. He promises never to leave our side. I was reading once again about the Proverbs 31 woman and realizing how far from her I am. I thank God that he continues to mold me.

Her children rise up and called her blessed.

A member of my KAL group requested the pattern for this simple Windowpane cloth. Although, it indeed is very simple, it is great therapy knitting - and that can be so good for us! If you should find errors in this pattern, please let me know and I will correct them as quickly as possible.

Windowpane Cotton Dishcloth

1 ball kitchen cotton yarn of your favorite solid color. Needle size U.S. 5 (3.75mm) Needles
Stitches: Knit, Purl
Difficulty: Simple
Each odd row is worked on WS

*Finished cloth measures approximately a rectangular 9" wide by 8" high. If desired, an extra pattern set can be knit for a square cloth. I prefer a bit more of a rectangle to keep the size comfortable for use.

Cast on 45 stitches
Row 1 - Knit
Row 2 - Knit
Row 3 - Knit
Row 4 - Knit
Row 5 - Knit
Row 6 - Knit
Row 7 - *K5 P5 reapeat to last 5 sts K5
Row 8 and every even row: knit accross
Row 9 - *K5 P5 reapeat to last 5 sts K5
Row 11 - *K5 P5 reapeat to last 5 sts K5
Row 13 - Knit
Row 15 - Knit
Row 17 - Knit
Row 19 - *K5 P5 reapeat to last 5 sts K5
Row 21 - *K5 P5 reapeat to last 5 sts K5
Row 23 - *K5 P5 reapeat to last 5 sts K5
Row 25 - Knit
Row 27 - Knit
Row 29 - Knit
Row 31 - *K5 P5 reapeat to last 5 sts K5
Row 33 - *K5 P5 reapeat to last 5 sts K5
Row 35 - *K5 P5 reapeat to last 5 sts K5
Row 37 - Knit
Row 39 - Knit
Row 41 - Knit
Row 43 - *K5 P5 reapeat to last 5 sts K5
Row 45 - *K5 P5 reapeat to last 5 sts K5
Row 47 - *K5 P5 reapeat to last 5 sts K5
Row 49 - Knit
Row 51 - Knit
Row 53 - Knit
Row 55 - *K5 P5 reapeat to last 5 sts K5
Row 57 - *K5 P5 reapeat to last 5 sts K5
Row 59 - *K5 P5 reapeat to last 5 sts K5
Row 61 - Knit
Row 63 - Knit
Row 65 - Knit
Bind Off
Weave in ends.

Click here for the .pdf version

*correction on 6/14/07

Lost in Illustrator

2007-05-08T11:47:00.000-05:00

I will post the pattern for the Windowpane Cotton Dishcloth tomorrow on Friday or so. I just want to be accurate. This will be the first pattern I have actually written. Although I have designed a few simple cloths before, I have never gone through the somewhat tedious process of writing one down. I have a tremendous amount of respect for pattern writers knowing how long the process is! Be sure to check back!

Since we last visited, I finished the May KAL. It took me forever to figure out the pattern. I should have known by the color (yellow) what the design would be. It was tricky deciphering which side was the bottom. Of course Daffodils are the perfect design for a Spring cloth!

I absolutely am in love with Adobe Illustrator. As you can see, if you have read Coming Unravelled before, I am playing around with the design of my pages. I could spend days and days on Illustrator. Well, I have actually done that. I don't get much knitting done when I do that, however, so I have to physically pull myself away from here...

I have mentioned before this very helpful site for blogging tweaks.

Tips for New Bloggers

Two of my favorite tweaks were creating a Favicon and alternating the background of my pages.

As I said, I can get lost in this artsy technical mix. A good lost though. As long as I can keep knitting!

Anyway... does anyone even read this stuff???

Here is one more cloth I recently completed. This is another Multiband cloth. I chose the colors to co-ordinate with my cottage painted mug that I really loved. In a discloth, however, the colors are rather...um....bright, wouldn't you say? I am not quite sure if I like it yet. I love the idea of using up my bits and pieces of yarn though.

I have to run to work, but I will be back later to correct my mistakes and to add something more. Be well!

If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

I Chronicles 7:14,

...

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You

2007-05-05T08:08:00.000-05:00

Take my survey - see? Right over there... on the left column. I have had some questions on patterns for a few of the dishcloths that I have knit. Here are the cloths that have gained interest. I will be sure to post the patterns in a few days - so be sure to check back! And don't forget to leave a note if you have any questions OR, as always, ideas.

...

The Post Week of Prom

2007-05-04T09:14:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was the National Day of Prayer. I attended a breakfast where the keynote speaker was a professional athlete. It is amazing how God uses people with that natural magnetism to His glory! It was truly an inspiring journey to listen in on!

Lots has happened during this last week. Prom happened. The day was absolutely perfect. One never knows what a late April day will be like, here in the Midwest. The day was lovely, but most of all, my D had fun as did all of her friends. Funny how teens are so sophisticated looking with their hair perfectly coiffed, nails done, dresses altered and pressed... and just as soon as they gather together - whoosh! They are slouching slang-tossing kids again. But they looked lovely, with the colors of their dresses reminiscent of Easter eggs. Most of these kids are softball or baseball players so we meandered down to the diamond for pictures. It really was cool.

We had graduation pictures on Monday. 4 and 1/2 hours! What an ordeal! I think that my photo session lasted for an hour or two at the most! I thought that the digital age was supposed to "streamline" things???

I have had requests to write the pattern for the mulit-colored ballband cloth that I have shown here. Perhaps I can do that within the next few days.

As always, I am looking for dishcloth patterns that are different, so if you find one that looks interesting... send it my way! Speaking of knitting... has anyone figured out the May dishcloth KAL yet? We are nearing the bend on it and I still do not know what the picture is. Call me a little slow...

Be well and enjoy your day.

...

2007-04-28T11:06:00.001-05:00

Technorati Profile

New Book Alert

2007-04-27T08:47:00.000-05:00

I acquired a new book, and from the looks of it, even a novice knitter like me can handle these projects.

A good "next step" in knitting. I haven't spoken to anyone who directly knit from this book, yet, but Amazon reviews this quite favorably.

If you come across any great pattern ideas, I would love to hear about them. I am always on the lookout for something a bit different. Especially for unique dishcloth patterns. :)

I was speaking on "tweaking" my blog, yesterday. One of the tweaks that I enjoyed most - that would be fun even for the newbie - is creating a "favicon" for your blog. A favicon is an Icon that shows up in your web address when your site or blog is viewed in its web window. It helps to create a personality for your blog and sets it apart from other sites. It is so simple to do! Why not try it yourself? Here is the tutorial for it :

Adding Favicon icon to Blogger

This great little trick only takes a bit of time. Try it!

A busy weekend is planned for this family. Prom weekend. Boy, time passes in a flash. Did I say that before?

Don't forget to enjoy each moment. Be blessed today.

...

Hello Day!

2007-04-26T09:19:00.000-05:00

These daylight hours are ever-lengthening and I love it. That is what we all crave. I mean, isn't it so much better knitting by natural (day) light, rather than by moon-light???

I am currently working on a couple of small projects. My mid-April knit along, being one. There has been a lot of talk about the p2tog tbl... and I can see where some might have a bit of trouble with that stitch. This stitch mostly impedes on my ability to knit quickly, as it takes much more time to grab those back purls. This stitch is a fabulous exercise on working on tension. I can't wait to see how this cloth works up. I have an advantage though, in peeking in on the finished cloth, since my group has long since completed this one.

Speaking of my group... did I tell you that I love my KAL? In fact I created an Icon just for that purpose - in support of the dishcloth KAL! What a desperate life I lead. :) So go ahead and steal it - if you too, love your dishcloth KAL!

This week my small obsession has been fine tuning my blog. I found the most wonderful tutorial - that even novice bloggers like me can follow. It is:

http://tips-for-new-bloggers.blogspot.com/

Wonderful advice on customizing your blog. Try it! Jim even will personally answer your questions. How can you do better than that? So be patient with me as I evolve the pages of Coming Unravelled.

I also want to send along a thank you to hakucho. She knit up a variation of a dishcloth pattern (which she originally wrote and I altered a bit) and featured it on her blog. Take a visit:

http://hakucho.blogspot.com/

Thank you so very much, hakucho!

I 've gotta run. Busy day today. Although I would much rather stay here and play, I have to run to work. Afterwards, a track meet. I love watching my son run. Did I tell you how much I love to "Mom"? Well, I do. (Usually!) The time of parenting while the children are home is fleeting. I want to breathe in every moment.

Be well in your day.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths.

Proverbs: 5-6

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I'm Back!

2007-04-21T09:51:00.000-05:00

It has been a while! Life has calmed down a bit and so I am able to take a moment to catch up here. I have been busy knitting, too!

I finally purchased the Mason Dixon Knitting Book. If ever there was a great place to start the dual task of kitting and reading about knitting - it is here. What a fantastic book, combining instruction with life's bits of humor. The graphics in the book are wonderful! This is a book that you can pick up and read for small spaces of time without the need to remember where you left off. I highly recommend it! This is one book that I would love to carry in shop!

One of the first projects that I was able to conquer was the Mason Dixon six sided cloth. This is the cloth that I messed up on in the past. I finished it!

Here was my last attempt:

Here is the correct version:

Look Mom! No twists! I knit this using Peaches & Cream Pink Lemonade. What a yummy color combination. I placed an order on-line at http://www.elmore-pisgah.com/.

I was not disappointed. I can't wait to order again. I am finding more and more knitting sites on the web. A person could get lost for days at a time just on the knitting sites alone. Who cares if the dust mites are gathering around and the fur balls are blowing!

Here are some of the knitting blogs I have been visiting lately... and let me tell you. These are some very ambitious knitters. Maybe, when I grow up, I can be just like them! :)

Anyway... here they are:

http://hakucho.blogspot.com/

http://yarngear.blogspot.com/

http://forwardmotion.typepad.com/

That's all for now. I promise I will be back later. Hopefully yet today! Be blessed.

CeElle

Lord, guide my steps today ...

I Promise! I haven't forgotten my blog!

2007-03-21T20:59:00.000-05:00

I really haven't forgotton about this place - Really! I have been busy knitting. I have several photos and a pattern or two to add soon. Just trust me on this one! My children are on spring break and they brought the camera with them. I, in turn, am doing without for now. I have learned so much, knit wise, though! I can't wait to share it with you. In the meantime, drop me a line. I would love to hear from you. And... I am always interested in a new and different dishcloth pattern.

Thank you so much for visiting.

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.(John 10:l0)

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A Free Pattern - Just in time for spring

2007-03-08T18:54:00.001-06:00

Check back soon. I will be posting this pattern.

Dish Cloth: Alpha Stripes

Simplicity in Color

A wonderful simple pattern which works on changing yarn color, the slip stitch and purling. Written for my 16 year old daughter who is learning these basic techniques. I wrote this for beginners but this bright cloth can make any kitchen cheerful!

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Learning A Knitted Lesson - I should be really smart now!

2007-03-06T10:07:00.003-06:00

Wow! I can scarcely believe that over a week has transpired since my last entry. I have been ill, struggling with one of my migraine headaches, followed by a severe cough. This has been lingering on for days, of course, worsening at night time. If this has not showed remarkable improvement by the weekend, I will need to go in and have a checkup. I rarely go in to the doctor. In fact, it is one of those things I dread. However, my 89 year old father is just recouping from bout of pneumonia thus it is the most wise thing to do.

Since my last writing here is where my stitches lie:

I was forced to abandon my Mason Dixon cloth on the circular needles. Too bad that it took me over 3500 stitches to realize that I had my work twisted! Now I have a beautiful figure 8 cloth, nearly complete. Ugh. Lesson: make sure that you check your work to make sure that your stitches are not twisted after your first round! Even if this cloth had to be abandoned, I was able to accomplish a few things:

Creating bobbles
Gaining knowledge on how to use circulars
My first attempt at using double pointed needles.

I also completed my first cloth using mercerized cotton. this past week. Actually, this started out as a cloth but ended up being a pot holder. Seems that I am learning lots of lessons this week.

I visited a couple of my local yarn "boutiques". I picked up a set of addi turbo circular needles. Although they are a brass needles with nickel plating, the join is ultra smooth and the cord is wonderfully supple. I would say that they are easier to work with than the bamboo circular that I used for my (clearing throat) figure 8 cloth.

I also managed to pick up a couple of other types of wooden needles. I had only used Clover Bamboo needles thus far. I purchased a pair of Brittanys and a few pair of Crystal Palace needles. They are both very comfortable needles. The Crystal Palaces seem to have a sharper point, which I can see would be an advantage when it comes to decreases. I like them all.

I also made my first purchase of yarn on-line. I visited Elmore-Pisgah and picked up several new (for me) colors of yarn to fight off my color fatigue. I can't wait to get them!

I last wrote just prior to our snow storm(s). We added over twelve inches to our total. Now I know that many, many people are ready to see that snow completely gone, come March, but I find that it refreshingly breaks up our remaining weeks before spring inches in. And now this up-coming weekend greets the time change and signifies longer days. I have been waiting an entire year for this!

And tonight is Idol Night!

Today I will be praying for all single mom's out there. And single dad's too. It is a tough and tiring job to be a head of the household. Even in the perfect situation raising children is difficult. Each and every day I thank the Lord for sustaining us. I want all of you to know that I am keeping you and your families in my heart.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4: 16-18

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On the Brink of a Snowstorm

2007-02-24T13:36:00.001-06:00

This has got to be one of the most difficult times of the year... We anticipate spring, we begin to see the early signs of it, then we receive a setback. A snowstorm is headed our way. Although there is no mistaking the beauty of freshly fallen snow, it reminds us that winter still has to stay it's course.

I finished my very first KAL. It was lots of fun. I didn't exactly stay on schedule, but the advantage of the line by line directions is that it is easy to catch up. I like to use smaller sized needles - and for this cloth I used No. 5s. Andi, our group's moderator is so good at reminding all of our members not to post secrets to the dishcloth's design until the very end. Thank you so much Andi! It takes an incredible amount of work to lead a group such as this and her work is so appreciated!

My current projects include a tic-tac-toe pattern cloth, a Mason Dixon Cloth (of which I am needing help on to proceed) and a simple rib-stitch scarf. Which will be finished first??? We will have to wait and see.

We just purchased my daughters Junior Prom dress. Why didn't anyone ever warn me how expensive these dresses can be???? The event is at the end of April, but as most mom's of juniors know, the dress shopping begins so much earlier.

Soon I am going to have to add something to my blog to drive in a little traffic. Any ideas? Something to add a little excitement and more visitors. I will have to give it some thought.

By-the-way... did you watch Idol this week??? I can't believe that Antonella made it through! Oh, boy. I sort of felt sorry for the girl.

Until next time, be well and may God pour out His blessings on you and your families.

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On the Upswing

2007-02-20T08:15:00.001-06:00

I absolutely love it - when now in the early mornig hours I can begin to see daylight tiptoe in earlier each day. It gives a mom a reason to hope~

I am progressing on my group KAL. My first that I will complete. I have been mostly lurking on the groups previous cloths. I ran behind the first few days of this KAL but managed to catch up last night. I looks great - although is a bit smaller than I have made in the past. I must be creating jumbo dishcloths! No wonder it takes me so darn long to finish them! The kids say that Nana can finish one in an hour! Hmmm... I must need lots of practice! One of my goals would be to have the ability to knit and read my Bible simultaneously. Guess I have a ways to go.

I have a cottage kitchen. These cloths are really perfect for my taste. Although I must admit that it took me a day or two to get used to washing my dishes with a "sweater". All is good now though! I even began a stash for my new cloths. I will reserve the select pieces for gifts. Of course they need to be given to the right person, for it is not everyone that appreciates a knit dishcloth. It only took me 18 years to see the beauty in them! :)

The other current project now on needle is the cloth from Mason Dixon. I am stumped on the first bobble. I need to drop a note to the girls on the board today... I will let you know if I can decipher things from that point...

Be back later. For now:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths.

Proverbs: 5-6

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Bag Lady

2007-02-16T09:03:00.000-06:00

I am so excited! We received our Marucca order in at the shop. I was hoping that the large, new style bag would fit my needs for knitting and it is perfect! The new pattern, color and style of the bag is just right for me. It has a bottom which supports itself, is roomy and has the right length straps, too. I use the little accessory bag for my tip protectors, scissors, row counter, stitch markers and other knitting paraphernalia.

Today starts the midmonth knit along with my group. I hope that I can keep up! It doesn't sound like much when we simply need to knit only 9 or so rows a day, but, they pile up if I get behind.

I began knitting a round cloth from Mason Dixon. I am stuck on the first bobble. I will have to research it before moving ahead. I just might have to ask the girls in my group. They are so helpful to all of us novices. Thanks girls! ;)

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Getting side-stitched

2007-02-13T08:32:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I can tend to get side (tracked) stitched. I will admit that I have ADD, but I still think that it is a personality trait and NOT a disorder!

On my needles right now I have three different projects going. This is great for sidestepping the yarn color boredom that sometimes sets in. Having said this, I am sure that most knitters have a few or more projects going on simultaneously. Does this conclude that most knitters are ADD positive? I think not.

I have decided to put up a few graphics now and then for you to "borrow". If there is something in particular that you would like me to create for you - ask!

Until later... keep knitting.

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Loosen Up A Little!

2007-02-07T09:24:00.002-06:00

I finally finished my Lace Heart Cloth. My problem with this dishcloth was simply that I needed to loosen up my knitting! I am a tight knitter and I use bamboo needles, which makes the stitching on this cloth a bit more of a challenge (for a newbie knitter). As soon as I relaxed my grip - I found this cloth easier to work on.

What type of needles do you prefer to knit with? I love bamboo. They have the perfect balance of flexibility and firmness. Since I am an artist and often work with paint brushes, perhaps a similarity exists with the feel of bamboo needles and my brushes. I have seen many knitters knit these dishcloths on circular needles. I intend on trying them out soon.

In the distant future, I hope to try my hand at designing a dish cloth. I need a lot more work on my stitches first!

I have been knitting now for approximately one month. Here are some things that I have learned:

Long tail cast on works best for me.
I like to work the tail in on the first several stitches of the first knitted row. (Unless the tail will be used for a seam)
I like the even edges that is created by slipping the first stitch in every row.
I prefer Bamboo needles. Aluminum needles are too slippery and I do not like the sound! Acrylic needles are too stiff. Plastic needles are too mushy.
I prefer Lion or Peaches and Cream yarns. Sugar and Cream yarn has terrific colors but the yarn tends to split and unravel too easily.
I use my dishcloths! They have a way of brightening an entire kitchen!
A little bit of kitty fur never hurts anything. "Angora" cloths are nice!

I will soon be trying out Cotton Tots yarn. I have found that there is a severe lack of cotton yarns on the market. I would love to hear what brands of yarns you use.

Here is a sample of some of the personalized note cards that I create.

Have a lovely day and thank you so much for visiting!

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Monday and frigidly cold!

2007-02-05T09:32:00.001-06:00

Good Monday morning. We woke up today and found that school had been cancelled because of the cold. My daughter, who is a junior in high school was disappointed - she loves school. I decided to let my eighth grade son sleep. We all had a busy weekend. A high school dance on Saturday night, a trip to market to buy merchandise for my shop and the Super Bowl on top of it. The day off will be welcomed by me. AND, another day to knit.

I was being challenged by the lace heart cloth that I had been working on - so I decided to take a short break and work on something else. I chose the "Infamous" Darrell Waltrip Cloth" which can be found here. As a rule, I do not like working with variegated yarn. I simply am a solid color person. This cloth turned out nicely though! I used number 5 needles - as I prefer smaller stitches. This cloth used a lot of yarn and is very dense! For the first time, I tried (the new-to-me) slipping the first stitch of every row. It really cleaned up the edges beautifully! I was very pleased. I am going to continue with this method.

My son sleeps on!

My knit along cloth is also progressing nicely. I will not let you in on the theme yet - but it is a perfect cloth for February. Thank you Andi, for doing such a great job moderating this group!

I had to clean my house (at least downstairs) in preparation for my dinner guests on Saturday evening. What a perfect time this would be to begin organizing! This is an area where I am sadly deficient. I would even call my deficiency a disability. I need to count on the Lord to help me in this area!

I am an artist. I love working with Illustrator. To knit - and to begin learning this fine art from the very bottom - is indeed a challenge.

Have a blessed day!

Mid morning

2007-01-31T10:36:00.001-06:00

My first thought for the day? Does this give you a clue?

What I thought would be an easy pattern, is now a ball of well worked and partially frayed yarn! Obviously I need to pay close attention to my stitch count. And "mind my yarn overs", according to Marie from smariek knits. Why not jump over there and read her blog. It is entertaining and inspiring.

The next thought for the day is that I definitely need to change this blog layout. I grabbed a template, which was great for quick entry into the blog market, but leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to individuality.

... be back later.

January's Tail

2007-01-29T22:28:00.000-06:00

When winter's bite is still so sharp and the taste of garden fresh fruits and vegetables are a distant past, we must press on. The promise of a still far away spring, calls us. It brings hope - and with it, longer days. I can begin to notice the minutes of daylight yearning to stretch now. A little bit here... a little bit there. I am so thankful simply to be here, and to count my blessings of friends.

This year, I begin my latest venture, which is knitting. There are so many fabulous places to visit, right here from my own chair. Knitters, it seems, are a wonderful group of people. People who can look outside of themselves and can enjoy life's simplicities.

One of the best sites for beginning knitters, in my opinion, is knittinghelp.com. This site was started by a woman on the East Coast as a small venture, originally. Read her story and how she started right here.

So far, I have completed a few small projects. My first being grandmother's favorite dishcloth. Soon, I added two more - Diamonds Galore and the Mock Cable cloth. There were great lessons for working on technique and I quickly became obsessed. I have since given those two dishcloths away. After much digging, I found the Ballband Dishcloth. I completed that today. I think that this is one of my favorites so far. These cloths are so colorful and cheery! They have a way of brightening up an entire kitchen! Not to mention the therapy that knitting provides. I just joined a monthly knit along - I can't wait!

When I think of knitting, one of the first things I think of is this Psalm:

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well".

Until next time.