Knitting

I can’t believe I took a knitting hiatus from July of last year to just a few weeks ago. Well, when I recently found myself alone for 24 hours, I was in the mood to make something. I don’t have a lot of supplies here at the moment, so I had to figure out what I could make with what I had. I settled on a doll sweater, small enough that I could finish it quickly, and it wouldn’t matter if I messed up being that it was for a doll.

I didn’t mess up, and I love how it turned out. I love the Little Leaves pattern (found on Ravelry). I have no idea what kind of yarn I used. It was unmarked in one of my boxes that was left here in storage. The sweater is the perfect size for Emma G’s dolls.

I was so encouraged by my progress that I started another doll sweater. Seriously, quick satisfaction was on my brain. This time I didn’t do buttons, and I changed the pattern a bit. Instead of little leaves, I just did a garter stitch. I have plans to make an outfit to accompany the sweater.

Not only did I break my knitting hiatus, but I learned a new technique. The Magic Loop method never made sense to me. It felt awkward. After watching the Knit Pick video on YouTube, I decided to tackle it. This was out of necessity being that I currently have no double pointed needles. I tackled it, and love this method now!

Any creative venture that’s been on hiatus for you? No time like the present to get back into it, right?

Linking up with Jennifer @ Studio JRU for In The Studio.

I recently finished knitting Phoebe…for Phoebe. Fellow YWAMers (Youth With A Mission-ites) that we knew from the days we lived in Tyler, found out the beginning of this year that their sweet two-year-old girl had AT/RT cancer, a rare childhood brain cancer with only 30 newly diagnosed cases each year. As I’ve followed their daily posts on Phoebe’s progress, my heart and prayers for them have increased. Phoebe, so far, has spent all of 2012 in the hospital.

My crafting genes were itching to make something for her, but the question was what. Then, like a light bulb coming on, I had it. Phoebe Mouse! Phoebe Mouse is quite the busy traveler. You might remember her showing up at Emma G’s 6th birthday party. She was also sited in the Summer 2011 issue of Artful Blogging. You can see all of her travels on her blog. Well, now I hope Phoebe is bringing smiles to Phoebe as she fights cancer in the hospital.

 Please pray for little Phoebe Fair. I can’t imagine everything they are going through right now. I encourage you to visit her blog. Her mom, Amey, writes with such hope. It’s amazing to read such sad news and yet walk away feeling encouraged.

 Side note: Phoebe’s Sweater is a beautiful children’s book. Phoebe’s mama knits her a sweater while waiting for her new baby to arrive! The back of the book contains all the knitting patterns for Phoebe Mouse, her dress, sweater, and a sweater for a child. Other books by Joanna Johnson include Freddie’s Blanket and Phoebe’s Birthday, coming out this Spring!

When my friend, Stacy, called me in October telling me that the only gift her daughter requested for Christmas was a pink alligator, I knew I needed to help her out.  I mean, every girl needs a pink gator, right?

As I browsed Ravelry, I found the perfect pattern, Plush Alligator by Kristi Benedict.  It was well worth the $5.  The belly is my favorite!  This gator is actually quite long, 18 inches, if I remember correctly, but it knits up super fast using a bulky yarn.  I used Lion Brand Thick & Quick in white and pink and wooden buttons for the eyes.  I’m a total fan of wooden buttons.

If you know a girl who needs a pink gator, let me know, because I’m in the business of making sure every girl has a pink gator in her life. 🙂

Linking up with Jennifer @ Studio JRU for Sneak Peek Friday.  It’s the highlight of my week.  You should check it out!