Sunday, November 18, 2012

Venelia Scarf Pattern

Pattern of the Week


"The pattern stitch in this scarf reminds me of rippling water. Venelia was the Roman Goddess of the ocean shallows. She was also the wife of Neptune."
 - Rilana Riley- Munson

This is a beautiful pattern by Rilana Riley- Munson. It was downloaded from Knit Picks website.

Notes

4 skeins of Knit Picks Swish Worsted makes the
specified length scarf mentioned in the finished size, with not much left over. If you plan for a longer scarf, purchase an extra skein. Also, Gauge is not critical since this is a scarf. The fringe is optional. The scarf looks lovely without it too.

Abbreviations Used:
K = Knit, P = Purl

Directions:

CO 44 sts.
Repeat pattern stitch rows 1-6 until 60 inches or until desired length.

BO all sts in P2, K5 ribbing.

Finishing:

Sew in all yarn ends and add fringe to the ends of the scarf, if desired.

Pattern Stitch

Row 1: *P2, K5; repeat from * to the last 2 sts, P2.

Row 2: *K3, P4; repeat from * to the last 2 sts, K2.

Row 3: *P2, K3, P1, K1; repeat from * to the last 2 sts, P2.

Row 4: *K2, P2, K1, P2; repeat from * to the last 2 sts, K2.
 
Row 5: *P2, K1, P1, K3; repeat from * to the last 2 sts, P2.

Row 6: K2, *P4, K3; repeat from * to end.

-Repeat rows 1-6 for pattern stitch

Finished Size:


Level: Intermediate

Yarn: Knit Picks
Swish Worsted (100% Superwash Merino
Wool; 110 yds/50 g): Marine Heather 24094, 4 skeins

Gauge:
20 sts = 4” in Stockinette St on US # 8 needles

Needles:
US 8 (5 mm) straight needles

Friday, November 16, 2012

Ric Rac Rose Tutorial Review

Rac Rac Rose Tutorial Review

Super Easy and it looks beautiful!

I have been looking, for a long time, for something to do with my Ric Rac Ribbon!
Eureka, I have found it!

This picture came across my Pinterest Wall of the cutest Ric Rac Rose Ring. (Mouthful)

I followed the link ad it let me to the coolest tutorial. I had tried to make roses out of the Ric Rac before but I never thought to layer the two together. Check it out at
http://www.theribbonretreat.com/blog/ric-rac-rose.html

As soon as I am done with my Rose I will show you guys! I am still thinking about a big one and a little one on a knitted headband. Hmmmm... We will see!

Thanks for reading,
~Michelladonna

Remember:
* I love to see what you are working on, leave me a picture on my Facebook, Google + or Email. I would love to incorporate some of your work into my blog!
* Businesses, big or small, I would love to write a review of your product or give you a shout out. Just write me. :)
*I always appreciate suggestions for posts. Whether it is just a good idea or you have a question about something, I could always use your help.

Please Visit Me At:
Website: www.michelladonna.wix.com/home
Facebook: www.facebook.com/michelladonnacreates
Google +: +Michelladonna
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/michelladonna/michelladonna/
Email: michelladonna@gmail.com

Pandora Station: Nothing Else Matters Radio
Track: Something in your Mouth by Nikelback

Santa Photo Prop Project

Santa Photo Prop Hat Tutorial


Only 38 Days until Christmas!

I have been thinking about whipping up some holiday themed photo props. I know it is almost Thanksgiving but I am always late to the crafting party... which sometimes pays off, literally. I always think about crafting something holiday themed whe all the products used to make it are already on sale! I guess it is good and bad...

So anyways I though about crocheting a couple different baby beanies. A Santa Hat, a Snowman Hat and an Acorn Hat. I found inspiration via Pinterest from etsy.com.

This pattern I found is from Too Cute Crochet and looks so cute! It would be perfect for beginners and finishes quick. If you would like to purchase this pattern please visit their Etsy Store at http://tinyurl.com/c64s6j2 . 

I have already started on this project using Vanna's Choice in Cranberry and Red Heart's Buttercup in White.

The Vanna White Yarn has the most beautiful shine to to and is very soft. It is a great acrylic yarn to work with and was on sale at Michael's for just $1.99 (regularly $3.49). This is the first time I have used Red Heart's Buttercup and it is so soft, it feels like a cloud. It is a poly/nylon blend and is a little dificulf to crochet with. Even with it's dificulties I was able to see the prject coming together and pushed on. I love how my Santa Beanie looks so far and I can't wait to show you guys my finished project.

When it is finished it will be for sale on my Facebook account and on my Etsy account.

Try the pattern for yourself and post some pics up on my page!

Thanks for reading,
~Michelladonna

Remember:
* I love to see what you are working on, leave me a picture on my Facebook, Google + or Email. I would love to incorporate some of your work into my blog!
* Businesses, big or small, I would love to write a review of your product or give you a shout out. Just write me. :)
*I always appreciate suggestions for posts. Whether it is just a good idea or you have a question about something, I could always use your help.

Please Visit Me At:
Website: www.michelladonna.wix.com/home
Facebook: www.facebook.com/michelladonnacreates
Google +: +Michelladonna
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/michelladonna/michelladonna/
Email: michelladonna@gmail.com

Pandora Station: Bob Marley Radio
Track: One Love by Bob Marley

Sunday, November 11, 2012

k2tog... Do you know the Code?

Abbreviation of the Week

- k2tog -

Knit two together

It is the basic way to decrease stitches. It creates a right slanting decrease and it is usually used in addition to a ssk that creates a left slanting decrease. Making one of each on both sides of your work will create even decreasing.

How to work a k2tog.
You knit the pattern and when it is time to k2tog work the needle through the next two stitches instead of one. Bring the yarn over and slide the stitch off the needle. Working the same decrease with a front side that is purls you can  do the same with a p2tog.

Want a pattern using k2tog?


London Beanie

Materials
1 skein worsted (Aran weight) wool, main colour (MC)
Odds and ends worsted weight wool for a couple stripes-Contrasting Colours 1 & 2 (CC1, CC2)
Circular needle, 4.5 mm (U.S. 7), 16"/40cm long
4 dpn's, U.S. 7 (4.5mm)
Marker or loop of yarn


Gauge
20sts and 28 rows = 4 inches on 4.5 mm circular needleCast on 72 stitches onto a circular needle. (Note: If you know how to do a Cable Cast On [found in most books or mags] the bottom looks much nicer !)

Being careful not to twist stitches, place marker, join knitting and work K2, P1 ribbing for 10
rounds.


Round 11: *k8, inc 1, repeat from * (Total stitches on circular needle should now be 81)

Knit 10 rounds of MC.

Knit 2 rounds CC1

Knit 2 rounds MC

Knit 2 rounds CC2

Knit 2 rounds MC

Knit 2 rounds CC1

Knit 10 rounds MC

Decrease Round 1: *k7, k2tog, rep from *

Decrease Round 2: *k6, k2 tog, rep from *

Decrease Round 3: *k5, k2 tog, rep from *

NOTE: At this point, the reduced number of stitches may make working on the circular
needle difficult. Transfer stitches to the dpn's and carry on as though you were still working
with the circular needle.


Decrease Round 4: *k4, k2 tog, rep from *

Decrease Round 5: *k3, k2 tog, rep from *

Decrease Round 6: K2tog all the way around

Knit one row even

Finishing
Leaving tail, cut yarn and thread through darning needle. Run needle and yarn through all
remaining stitches (don't miss any!) and pull tight. Run needle through the "donut hole" at
the top so that it's inside of beanie. Darn in all ends.


Thanks for reading,
~Michelladonna

Remember:
* I love to see what you are working on, leave me a picture on my Facebook, Google + or Email. I would love to incorporate some of your work into my blog!
* Businesses, big or small, I would love to write a review of your product or give you a shout out. Just write me. :)
*I always appreciate suggestions for posts. Whether it is just a good idea or you have a question about something, I could always use your help.

Please Visit Me At:
Website: www.michelladonna.wix.com/home
Facebook: www.facebook.com/michelladonnacreates
Google +: +Michelladonna
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/michelladonna/michelladonna/
Email: michelladonna@gmail.com

No Pandora today... I am watching my Lakers! Go Lakers!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Bamboo DPN Review

I use them so much, it is rediculous!


I am one of those people that have a lot of projects started an dwhen I had 8 or so sets of needles I would have a project on all of them. I purchased this set of StitchBerry Bamboo DPN's earlier this year and I love them. I thought that I would have all of them full... but they are so easy to use that I finish almost everything I start. Oh... DPN is short for Double Pointed Needle. Just in case you didn't know! :)

I have a few sets of Circular Needles and I knit comfortably with them but I feel like with DPN's I can be more creative and free... I have needles of many different materials and Bamboo is my second favorite next to Metal. I knit very tight (why I love the metal) and the StitchBerry Bamboo needles can stand up to all I put them through. I have knit everything on them from fingerless gloves to beanies and even scarves... Yes scarves. If you are knitting a skinnier scarf these needles are perfect.

I ordered them on Amazon.com from Paramount Goods. They were priced perfectly for my budget and they are well worth the money.
I payed $19.99 plus $4.50 shipping for 15 sets of 5. I was amazed at the price and a little skeptical but I absolutley love them! I recieved them in a wekk or so and they came very clean and organized.

Buy them here - http://tinyurl.com/astykun

I reccomend these for any knitter, beginner or expert. I love them and I don't know what I would do wihout them!
To the left: A Fair Isle baby beanie I made usung the Bamboo DPN's from StitchBerry. Fair Isle patterns can be a little difficult even for experienced knitters. These needles made this project so much easier.
 

 
Thanks for reading,
~Michelladonna

Remember:
* I love to see what you are working on, leave me a picture on my Facebook, Google + or Email. I would love to incorporate some of your work into my blog!
* Businesses, big or small, I would love to write a review of your product or give you a shout out. Just write me. :)
*I always appreciate suggestions for posts. Whether it is just a good idea or you have a question about something, I could always use your help.

Please Visit Me At:
Website: www.michelladonna.wix.com/home
Facebook: www.facebook.com/michelladonnacreates
Google +: +Michelladonna
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/michelladonna/michelladonna/
Email: michelladonna@gmail.com

Pandora Station: Titanium Radio
Track: Titanium by David Guetta
 

Pinterest Love

I love my Pinterest!

You can follow me at
http://pinterest.com/michelladonna/michelladonna/

* You like my Pinterest Profile Picture*
            -Leave me a comment-

I have a couple different boards but my favorite by far is my Michelladonna Board. These are the things I dream about!

Since my business is mostly custom work, here customers can get a feel for what I can do and get some inspiration. I love crafting in almost all mediums and this page shows it.

I have had the idea of a Pin of the week post floating around in my head but.... I will probably just pull from Pinterest for projects and reviews.

Like always leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I would love to follow you so leave a link to your Pinterest Board and I will go Pin Crazy all over your walls!

Thanks for reading,
~Michelladonna

Remember:
* I love to see what you are working on, leave me a picture on my Facebook, Google + or Email. I would love to incorporate some of your work into my blog!
* Businesses, big or small, I would love to write a review of your product or give you a shout out. Just write me. :)
*I always appreciate suggestions for posts. Whether it is just a good idea or you have a question about something, I could always use your help.

Please Visit Me At:
Website: www.michelladonna.wix.com/home
Facebook: www.facebook.com/michelladonnacreates
Google +: +Michelladonna
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/michelladonna/michelladonna/
Email: michelladonna@gmail.com

Pandora Station: Karmin Radio
Track: Crazy by Adele


Friday, November 9, 2012

Optimistic Posting Schedule

I have a lot of things flying around in my head... I have lots of crafts in my basket.



I am giving myself an ultimatum. Blog frequently, or not at all! (Lorin, you can do this!) No one wants to hit a dead blog while surfing the web... If they hit it at all. I have been working on orders and my website but I am determined to have a sucessful blog. God knows I have enough material.

So schedule should be as folows (some changes might occur in the coming weeks but I will definitly keep every one updated)



Sunday - Abbreviation of the Week (it will be on auto because about 70% of my Sunday's are full of Vice President Duties for my Car Club) *I might bring that up every once in a while.

Tuesday - Post about the one of the projects I started this week. (I start a new project about 4 times a week.. Now that I am beading some things are going quicker)

Wednesday - Tutorial Review (I am a craft tutorial Junkie! I watch them while I am crafting even if they are not the same craft as what I am working on. I do not like to craft alone. LOL)

Thursday - Pattern of the Week ( I have lots of free patterns stored up and I would love to share them with you)

Saturday - Product Review (Let me take the chances and let you know how it is before you buy something. I would love your suggestions, just leave me a comment)

I think that about does it. I have given myself two days off! Yay... I will be crafting anyways! 

Thanks for Reading and Commenting. 
~Michelladonna

Remember:
* I love to see what you are working on, leave me a picture on my Facebook, Google + or Email. I would love to incorporate some of your work into my blog!
* Businesses, big or small, I would love to write a review of your product or give you a shout out. Just write me. :)
*I always appreciate suggestions for posts. Wether it is just a good idea or you have a question about something, I could always use your help.

Please Visit Me At:
Website: www.michelladonna.wix.com/home
Facebook: www.facebook.com/michelladonnacreates
Google +: +Michelladonna
Email: michelladonna@gmail.com

Pandora Station: Karmin Radio
Track: Hello by Karmin