Checkerboard Scarf - Free Knitting Pattern

I finally finished my KIP 2008 project: a checkerboard scarf. I mainly knit this waiting in post office lines during the holiday season.....LOL! When I finished the Everyone Knows Jacket, I decided to get this off my needles, too!!! Another UFO bites the dust!


As promised here is my pattern recipe for a checkboard scarf. Great gift and easy to knit, with yarn and needles of your own choosing. I used #6 circulars and a dk weight wool/cashmere yarn. This scarf will go much faster with size 8's or 9's and worsted weight wool....but, the finished fabric will not be as drapey as using smaller needles and finer weight wool.

I cast on 9 x 4=36 + 2 =38 stitches.

CHECKER BOARD SCARF RECIPE

1. Choose the appropriate needle size for the Yarn you have selected. The label on the yarn will give you suggested needle sizes for your yarn. Smaller needle size will give you firmer fabric and Larger will give more drapey fabric.

2. Cast on an odd mutiple of 4 stitches, ie. 3 x 4, 7 x 4 plus 2 additional selvage
stitches.

Knit first 3 rows in garter stitch or more if you want a longer border.

Pattern Rows

row 1: slip 1 purlwise, knit 4, purl 4, ending with knit 4, purl 1
row 2 : slip 1 purlwise, purl 4, knit4, ending with purl 4, purl 1
row 3: repeat row 1
row 4: repeat row 2

row 5: slip 1 purlwise, purl 4, knit4, ending with purl 4, purl 1
row 6: slip 1 purlwise, knit 4, purl 4, ending with knit 4, purl 1
row 7: repeat row 5
row 8: repeat row 6

Repeat rows 1-8 till you run out of yarn or until the scarf reaches the length you desire. End with 3 rows of garter or the same amount of garter stitch rows you did for the lower border.

Note: you can make your pattern any number of rows you choose, if you would like larger squares. Remember to change your repeat rows accordingly.

Embellishments:



tassels, fringe, crochet borders, pompoms, etc all would be suitable for this scarf...or leave it plain.

Block scarf when finished to even out stitches.

I would love to see photos of your finished projects if you use this recipe.

You may use this pattern for personal use or may sell the finished scarves that you make. All other copyrights to this pattern recipe, pertain and are retained by konoponop designs, please refer anyone who is interested in this pattern to this blog site.

Enjoy this free pattern recipe, thank you for reading my blog.

Smiles to you,

DC

Doll Scarf Commission.........

On Wednesday morning when I sat down at my computer to read my emails, I found an email from a doll enthusiast, inquiring if I would knit a replica scarf for a 12" doll of science fiction character Dr. Who , he enclosed the picture to the left as the model for

the design.

Dr. Who according to Wikpedia, is a Britsh Sci Fi show that began in 1963 and per the Guinness World Records, is apparently the longest running Sci-Fi TV show.

He requested that the scarf be 26" X 1" plus tassels, and that the yarn and stitch size be to gauge of a 12" doll........

I wrote back for more information, such as yarn desired before I could quote a price. Obviously in situations such as this, and being that I handspin yarn and dye it, I offered a wide variety of possibilities, including custom dyeing to match the photo.

In the meantime, it hit me that I had some very fine persian wool needlepoint yarn...and some #0 double point needles...which, are about the same gauge as a needlepoint needle......UGGGGGGGGGGH!!!

It turned out that I had in my stash, courtesy of my now deceased aunt's stash...just the right colors to approximate the photo of Dr. Who that was sent to me....

So I was able to make the scarf out of vintage needlepoint wool from the 1960's, which is the same time period the show first aired on British TV...... how cool is that? Thank You, Aunt Parma!!!!

STASH IS COOL, STASH is GREAT...

One never knows what's it FATE

Especially the Stash the Moths never ATE!

.....So I set about preparing a gauge swatch to send to the doll enthusiast. He approved it and the quoted price.....and away I went at the project.

I had never made any knitted doll accessories....so this was exciting design project for me.

I had to quote a price, which was about the same as I would charge for a human scarf. I was not sure that he would accept this, but he did. He tells me it is hard to find a knitter to knit doll scarves at a reasonable price.

Now, I know why....LOL!!!

I would not have done it for less and would probably want a bit more, if I did this in the future. It was really tedious knitting with the #0 needles. I found I was splitting the plys with the very sharp needles, so had to knit very slowly. I was sure I would go blind before I was done. Weaving in the multiple threads took me one and a half hours alone! But, it is done...and is very cool!!!

It took me 10 hours to complete this project from start to completion, not including emails, sample prep and blocking.

The needlepoint yarn, I believe was a good choice, due to its durability and hopefully the doll won't feel itchy....and I really like that the age of the yarn matches the age of the character, Dr.Who first being introduced.

I think it would be worthwhile, if I would ever knit another doll scarf to perhaps use a self striping sock yarn if one could be found with the right colors....or perhaps to dye lace yarn to self strip, that way all the end weaving would be avoided. On the other hand the dye time, would make the price of the project....a lot more expensive.

Please note, the artist's figure doll used to model the Mini Dr. Who scarf, is 18" high as opposed to the actual doll it was made for which, is 12" high.

Dr. Who Replica Doll Scarf Recipe

Here is the recipe for My version of the Dr. Who doll scarf. Using Persian Needlepoint Wool in various colors as desired. Cast on 9 stitches on #0 needles...and start knitting every row: Garter stitch, changing colors to match the photo above, or whenever you feel the need. You may want to use magnifying glasses and you will need very bright light to see the teeny tiny stitches. Remember it is always best to change colors on the front side, but if you want to make small stripes somewhere, for a bit of variety, change a few colors on the wrong side.

So how is your summer going? What are you knitting these days?

I am still plugging away on my UFO Cables and Lace Cardigan. I am almost at the sleeve caps....and then just need to sew it up. I will be happy to get this project off the needles. It is turning out well. It is amazing that this project was started 4 years ago....a UFO with a future. That is something to smile about....is it not?

Wishing you all a wonderful summer day, wherever you may be.......

Smiles to You,

DC

Nearly Had a Total and Complete Techno MELTDOWN.....

but....Mr. P called and all this techie stuff was soon forgotten...hope he is looking as good as his voice.....he could be THE ONE! In any case, it is just fun to think he might be.

So last nite at about 5pm I tried to install a chitka premium ad to my blog...I had been putting it off all week, and should have kept putting it off, because it sent my blog in to technical failure, I had two blog titles, no center header, all my font colors disappeared....and luckily or NOT, the verbage remained....

I spent most of the evening trying to figure out what happened. I am dreadful at HTML, who invented that language. Isn't it enough that I have mastered french, a fundamental understanding of spanish and am often very articulate in english?

In any case, after some more attempts this morning....I opted for a new template, new font colors and font. Forgive the color sense, I was limited in my choices by Google. At this point, I am overwhelmed with the technical aspects and decided this is the way it will stay for the moment. If you can't read it as well as the old one, please leave me comments....and I will figure out something...or find someone that CAN figure it out.

The store has been permanently frogged. I made up my mind, I do not want what is going on up at the marketplace in my life. Life is too short, to put yourself in a situation that you know going in, has significant problems. I am a bit depressed by the loss of this opportunity, but am hoping that I find another business project to pique my interests. Otherwise, it is back to work in the financial field...YUCK!

I found a handpaint yarn company for sale, but the asking price is way over reality. I am hoping that the owner will listen to reason...it is a possibility. I find myself contemplating my dreams these past few days. What is it I would like the second half of my life to be? What would you like yours to be? If you don't know you will never get there.

UFO boyfriend is still making feeble attempts for contact. I am bouncing his emails. It does not seem to be helping. In his defense, I had a terrible dream about him, having a car accident in the white alfetta, blood was everywhere. After thinking long and hard, I decided to tell him about it via email. He of course, issued a sardonic response. After the weekend, I got an email, YOU WERE RIGHT! He took his white alfetta in and all 4 wheels were extremely, loose. Of course, there was no, THANK YOU FOR SAVING MY LIFE! Just more obnoxious emails, he is shooting for negative attention. Why do people do that? You get more bees with honey....

Still trying to decide if I will go to the Italian Car Show on Sunday in Headhouse Square. I have been to it for the last three years. UFO is sure to be there with one of his cars, hence my concern. It is best to avoid, old hangouts that you went to with your ex-significant other....it just serves to make you nostalgic for the past which, is NOT WHERE your future lies. Various experts advise

The Silver Belle Jacket is humming along, near to completion. I am adding more rows to the peplum as I expected would be my desire. Originally I had contemplated 2- 4 row repeats, but have settled on 4 repeats. Both sleeves are finished and pinned together. I like how my sleeves turned out, they are the perfect length. I extended the yoke from 7" to 7 3/4" to accomodate my bustline and it worked well.

So all that remains is the cable columns that the yoke attaches to and knitting the collar and sewing it up. I will feel so much better when it is done and am sure it does not land in the UFO heap. With any luck, the knitting will be finished by the end of this weekend :-)

Wishing you a wonderful weekend....

Smiles to you,
DC

On The 41st Day Before Xmas I Hope My True Love Gets For Me: A Cocktail Ring!

....a title to an advert in my emails this morning.........

"Lydia Courteille 18k White Gold Skull Ring, 7,430 GBP, CLICK PIC FOR MORE INFO " That is $15,351.10

My question is that sticker shock on the the skull ring's face or am I alone in this thought? LOL!!!

If I had a ONE TRUE LOVE, and he spent $15,000 on a ring that looked like this.......well, let's just say....I would advise him, since we are on the subject of skulls...a lobotomy might be the answer... UGGGHHHH!

No offense Lydia Courteille, I am sure that this ring is ART... and could be a gift, some lucky woman receives from her beau....but, UFO boyfriend, in case you are reading this post....THIS IS NOT MY TASTE! or STYLE!!!.....it reminds me of one of those rings we used to get for 25 cents out of the gumball machines when I was growing up.......

Not to mention I am thinking this would be more appropriate for Halloween!!!! I also think it is interesting that the face points to the side, instead of to the public....front. So which, finger would you wear this on...your pointer finger? and when....you were yelling at a staff member? your boss? your significant other?
road rage? LOL!!!

NEXT........so did you survive your family Thanksgiving? Ours is small, since almost everyone on that side of the family is dead.....including the family members that would also start the fighting. And not one of the three cousins had kids....so that end of my family seems to be ending with my generation. It was peaceful, even UFO boyfriend was on "good behavior". His term, not mine. He was on good behavior the entire weekend... so what is up with that????

Friday I had lunch at my favorite restaurant, KELLY's on Lancaster ave. I had the fish and chips as usual. Small menu, but, all the food is good and fresh.

Saturday, I went shopping in New Hope, it was quite nice. While passing the Bucks County Playhouse complex I saw all these big birds flying down and a group of people crowded around...so I had to walk down and look. I think they may be some sort of vultures, not sure....But, what a sight!!!! Some of them were standing there drying off their wings in the sun. If you recognize this bird, let me know what it is....I am curious.

I stopped for a glass of wine at Havana's on main street. They have heaters all over the porch, so you can sit outside on a cold and crisp day. It is nice...although $9 for a glass of pinot noir is a bit pricey, if you ask me. I do not recommend the food at their restaurant, it is just not that good.

Then I went to the New Hope Winery for wine tasting. It was fun, plus they had lots of treats there to sample. I bought red wine biscuits that were absolutely scrumptious and a bottle of their Pennsylvania Chancellor red wine, which was very dry and delicious! They describe it " A Full-bodied robust red with a peppery finish. " I highly recommend this wine at $12.99 a bottle. Then to the Temperance House for my Saturday afternoon $1 hotdog with sauerkraut. You can have any one of their six toppings in any combination for that price. A rare bargain. They also make a great bowl of chili.

I am working on my Nicky Epstein sweater with the three cluster bobbles. The pattern can be found in the book, Knitting on the Edge. If you do not own this book, I highly recommend it as an addition to your knitting library.



I finished the back and am half way done the front. I was knitting like a fiend on Sunday at Barnaby's while watching the Rams give away the game to the Seahawks. They finally won two games....and were winning this game....and then....they blew the tie point one yard from a touchdown! My question is when are they going to fire coach Linehan.....he is amazingly bad.........and no one is doing anything about it!!!!

Stitch n' Bitch in Bucks County is having another knitting meeting at the Starbucks in Newtown, PA, this evening. I started this group in Ravelry....but, all who want to sit, knit and BITCH with us are welcome. We will be there from 7 pm onward. Last week we stayed until 9:30 pm. There were three of us, plus the ex-hubbie decided to sit down with us........why? I just can't figure it out.

He showed up at the Buck Hotel on Wednesday nite....as well, and actually stopped by the table to meet UFO boyfriend and my other friend. Go AWAY....please. My aunt thinks he is stalking me now, that he has nothing monetarily to hold over my head....who knows....but, I find it totally embarrassing! Where is that girlfriend, he left me for, six years ago? Please marry him and keep him busy and out of my hair!!!

I thought contentious divorces meant the ex, went away permanently....and never wanted to speak to you again. How does someone drag you through court, find a judge to "influence", drags you into court constantly on every trumped up charge he can conjure up to run you out of money, for four entire years......, leaves you without alimony, when you have not worked at his insistence for the last 14years....practically has you evicted from your own home and labelled as a "bad housewife" to force you to accept his ridiculous divorce settlement......and after all that, he wants to be warm and fuzzy friends?

I mean cheating and lying during the marriage was not enough for this guy.....he made sure I was drawn and quartered in public....for getting angry when he cheated on me.......LOL!!! ....and may I add for the general public, in case you are contemplating cheating on your spouse....most spouses are going to get very mad...and want a divorce....if they have any dignity left. Just a wee something to consider before, you think you really need to have a one night stand.....with that cutie you just spotted.

Why is it, that the biggest creeps in our society today, get away with "murder"? Is the art of lying more highly prized these days than the truth? I felt like a rape victim in my divorce. My entire life was put on trial...but, the guy that broke the marriage contract's vows, got away scott free! Such is life....it is not always fair....BUT, IT SHOULD BE!!!!

So back to the bobble sweater, I just finished the decreases for the armholes of the front....YIPPEEE!!! That means less stockinette stitches to knit. The best part of the sweater was making the bobbles for the bottom points. The rest is primarily stockinette....so this was my knit in public sweater for the past few months....until, I really made major progress during the Rams game. This sweater has mostly been knit standing in bank lines, doctor's offices and waiting at red lights, while driving. I like the yarn as well, it is blue heron beaded cotton in the colorway called Sand I. It is very soft and nice to knit with on bamboo needles.

....and lastly, this is the soap sac that I made with the bobbly yarn

with high twist that I promised a photo of many, many months ago... So I am a procrastinator....I eventually get it done. I like using this textured yarn, I found on ebay, for the soap sac as it will help slough off all my middle aged dead skin cells....and provide a massage sensation.

I use the first cotton one that I made, each and every day in my shower and it is wearing well and is very soft and thick....but,I wanted to try a new one....

I will let you know how my thoughts on which one of the soap sacs I like better. Find the free pattern here

Tired of typing on this blog, for today. I want to get back to my knitting. I want to finish this sweater, in the next week. I am tired of it...and I am trying really hard not to cast anything new on until I finish at least one project. I have been thinking lately of making a pair of those fingerless mittens for winter blogging. I am searching now for a good pattern and if I do not find one soon....I will make up my own.

Wishing you a wonderful fiber filled evening,

Smiles to you,
DC

Loads of inspiration for YOU, today.........

I know, it is my second post......but, saw some interesting things on the web today and wanted to write about them...... Knitted bags and they look so easy to replicate... or as a stepping off point to your own design. I like the leather touches and the linings are quilted fabric.

They are from JUICY COUTURE...a hot designer, these days. I visited one of their stores in santa barbara, CA.

The farthest one is called the jane bag @ $275 and the closest is the renee bag @ $395. Can you believe those prices.

Looks like BIGGGG needles and some lion's brand fishermans wool...or your own handspun bulky...and you have it made! I think a bag would look fabulous in some great natural grey homespun yarn....I just might have to indulge... :-)

yes, I know, focus on finishing up those UFO's or at least 2 before starting another new project.....but, with such great inspiration...............what is a girl to do?????

INSPIRATION #2

The next thing I happened upon was on Neiman Marcus's site.........yes, I know, pricey, pricey.......but, I love NM....have always loved it.....even have a characture statue of myself in my home....and I am holding a NM shopping bag....

They have a video today of the dior runway show...john galliano the designer, commentary throughout. I loved one of his statements....where he said, fashion is important....it inspires us to DREAM....no matter what fashion we can afford.

This video is very inspirational...not just because, he makes some great comments about how we think of fashion and its inspirational value........but, for the fur trimmed capes and stoles and suit jackets. Take a look!

It got me to thinking about all the fun fur yarns out there....that are not that expensive. How easy would it be to update one of your old suit jackets.....by making fun fur sleeves or cuffs to slip over the suit sleeves or trim the edge of a coat, or skirt or how about a great muff to keep your hands warm this fall?

Or how about, updating one of those ponchos you made last season....with some fur edging????

He said, the look he was going for was 40's glam. Monochromatic colors....so gold fabric, gold fur........take a look.........go ahead, you know you want to!!!! ...and remember to wear a bib.....or grab a tissue....the collection is gorgeous this year!

If anyone does make something from this inspiration, I would love to post the photos on my blog...so send them in..............to konoponopdesigns@comcast.net

AND FOR inspiration ###3.........FOR ALL YOU OUT THERE, THAT JUST NEVER KNOW WHAT COLORS TO MIX TOGETHER.........THIS IS BIGGGGGGGGGG!

Check out the colourlovers website........you can sign up....and design your own palettes,experiment,see what colors are hot and are not, what others think are great and also some inspirational photos of autumn colors....if you sign up, you can use the site to keep your own palette ideas....it is really, really neat!

I was so excited to find out about this color site....and all its color palette tools. My mind is spinning from the color possibilities.

Anyway, it is an absolutely lovely day in bucks county...and I want to go outside and knit, and knit, and knit...and who knows, I just might have a finished off project to photo by the end of the day....working on

a short sleeve top and the nicky epstein flower scarf..........

wishing you all a day filled with wondrous inspiration............

smiles to you,
DC

Its morning and I am still not in bed........

I spent the day visiting my cousin, who has been in florida for months. We ate at Pat's steaks... The CHEESESTEAK, was good...very good. I still think they make the best Philadelphia cheesesteaks around....smothered in cheez whiz, onions and hot peppers! I .........which, makes it authentic and calorie rich!
Here is the recipe for their Philadelphia Cheesesteak....YUM!!!!

It was a beautiful day. Then I drove to Delaware to wine shop, I love this wine warehouse on Naaman's road. Lot's of good deals. Then on to Sam's club....for staples...toilet paper and whipped cream...LOL!!!

I love to have whipped cream in my morning coffee....it is my treat. It keeps me sane....and surprising low calorie. It also makes your coffee taste like dessert, if you are feeling deprived on your latest diet.

No knitting done today....I am upset about that. I feel so out of sorts....without Max driving me nuts. It is funny how you really miss the squeakiest wheels in your life...why is that????

Then I decided to do my tarot cards...for FREE on tarot.com. Here is a link...



NOW, what was the first card to come up.......the DEATH card...which, indicates big changes are afoot. I can not take anymore changes this week...I need sleep, I need my knitting needles, I need some quiet time.....

It is tuesday and I am exhausted....and thinking will I make it to the weekend?

Is it any wonder that I am not sleeping??? I think I am going to find some sticks and string and knit til I drop off to sleep....just hope you don't read about me in tomorrow's news.....woman fell asleep and bludgeoned herself to death with knitting needles after getting the death card...online!!!

Just wondering if I should go and count sheep or find my knitting needles...hmmmmmmmmm...wonder what I will work on?....which, UFO will make progress this morning?......stay tuned....

Wishing you all a knit filled day...or at least a minute or two....to click those needles.......
smiles to you,
DC

tears, tears and more tears..........

Mr. Maximillian Thurston the Third.....has passed away, just shy of his 12 birthday. We will miss him.

He was a full sized male yorkshire terrier, (hence the big name) something rarely seen in this era of pocketbook sized puppies. He was 12 lbs and loved to eat and eat.

He would jump up and down when he knew his food was about to arrive. He was a tough guy and liked to spend his days chasing after squirrels and rabbits. He never did catch one, which was his life long ambition....but, he sure did try hard.

His favorite foods were whipped cream, ice cream and ham....any day with one of those was a bit of heaven for max. He had a tough life, because it always seemed that everyone he formed an attachment with, passed away or left him....until he met his best friend, koko bear and I.

We stood by him, even though he was a difficult sort of guy....because he gave great kisses and was very loving. We will miss him. Koko is having a rather tough time of it....so we are spending lots of time together and are searching for just the right new friend for her.

So we are on a search for a new shih tzu ....which is my favorite breed of dogs. They are so flexible and easy to train and do the funniest things.

I have handspun both of these dog's hair, into incredibly soft yarn. Max's was the best, as soft as cashmere, but warmer like angora. Spinning your dog's hair, is a good memory, because with good care you will have a remembrance of your pet, which will be comforting. It is also the reason, I first took up handspinning,when I learned 9 years ago, that my first shih-tzu was dying. I wanted to spin her hair into yarn and knit something to remember her. ( I do this on a commission basis, contact me by email if you have interest in this service. )

I still have this yarn and her friend spekkie's hair and max's...so I think I might make a throw out of all their dog hair yarn. I am still in the designing phase. If anyone has done this, I would love to see photos of throws you made out of dog yarn.

It is so hard to lose a dog that you love, but I think about something that a friend told me, "dogs come into your life, to teach you a lesson....and when that is done, they leave, either by death or they go off on a journey to meet someone else that needs help."

Max taught me, through the years, is that it important to wake up each and every day, and try your best and to do it with love. Be kind and loving to everyone that you meet, because they may have had a worse day than yours. We will miss you gentle friend, rest in peace.

For everyone that has lost a beloved, I wish you peace in your grief.....you never really DO get over the loss, you eventually learn to live with the grief, with more grace, each day that passes.

So koko and I spent the weekend, resting and knitting and spinning. We accomplished a lot side by side this week.....

I spun all this yarn to the left. The gray center pull ball was spun to finish the last 7 flowers for the nicky epstein scarf. I have 33 flowers in all. I decided not to use the white angora, because the contrast was just too strong. Depending how this one turns out, I am thinking of making one for my aunt's birthday in winter whites, using all different yarn textures.

Nicky Epstein flowers, flowers and more flowers!!!!

I also finally took photos of the two scarves I finished a week or so ago. The first one is made out of blue, Coats and Clarks TLC yarn. I will eventually have this pattern for sale. I just have to finish writing up the

5-bobble tassle instructions....and it will be available for purchase.

The second scarf, is made with lion's brand fun fur and hand dyed yarn that I received from a dye swap. The inspiration for this design

came out of an old pattern book my great aunt gave to me from 1932.

sorry about the last photo,it is not very clear. Here is the scarf recipe, for anyone that is interested. It is called the Pittsburgh Scarf after my aunt's birth place.

Materials:

US #9 knitting needles

1skein of Lion's Brand fun fur (MC)

1 skein of a contrast wool yarn worsted weight. (CC)

Notes:

Pick any colors that you like. I carried the contrast yarn up the sides, because it got lost in the fun fur fluff.

It is your choice whether you want to do this. My scarf is 5 1/2 inches by 5 ft. If you want a longer scarf you

will need to buy additional skeins of yarn.

To make scarf:

Cast on one st with the fun fur. Knit into the front, purl into the back and Knit into the front again, 3 sts. Knit every row, Increasing one st at the begining and end of every other row until you have 23 sts on the needle.

Attach (CC) and begin pattern as follows:

Rows 1-3 Slip 1 knitwise, Knit to end.

Row 4 Knit 1, *YO, Knit 2 together*, repeating from * to end of the row.

Rows 5-8 Repeat Row 1

Rows 9-10 Change to (MC), Slip 1 knitwise, Knit to end.

Row 11 - Knit 1, * Knit into the next st, wrapping the yarn around the needle 3 times* , repeating from * to end of the row.

Rows 12-14 Slip1 knitwise, Knit to end. Cut MC yarn.

Rows 15-18 With CC, Slip1 knitwise, Knit to end.

Row 19 Repeat Row 4

Rows 20-22 Slip1 knitwise, Knit to end.

Row 23-24 Change to MC, Slip1 knitwise, Knit to end.

Row 25 Repeat Row 11.

Rows 26-28 Slip1 knitwise, Knit to end. Cut MC yarn.

Repeat rows 15-28 until scarf reaches your desired length ending with

Row 22, CC. Cut CC color and attach MC.

Decrease one st each side every right side row till one st remains. Bind off. Block scarf.

I threaded large glass beads onto the cast on and cast off ends for my tassels. You can use any kind of tassel that you prefer.

This scarf is a quickie project and makes a great gift. It is light and airy and can be made using one color yarn.

This pattern is copyrighted by konoponop designs, feel free to use it for personal

use and to send your friends here for the pattern as well.

Enjoy.........

that's all for today folks..........Happy, Happy Trails, DC

I should be in bed sleeping, BUTTTTTTTTTT......

I have been sleepless ever since I realized how many unfinished projects, I have sitting around. I am annoyed at myself.

The good news....and yes, there is always some....is while, attempting to finish the nicky epstein scarf, I decided I did not like one of the yarns I had first selected, so I went in search of other yarn from the stash and did not find a shade of grey that I liked. What I did find though, was some grey roving that I had carded some years back and never spun...........

soooooooooooooo...........

guess what I did.......I spun and spun and spun.......and spun some more. I finished 374 yards of spun grey singles from a beautiful coopworth sheep and I found some sorted fleece that was an even better grey and finished carding that up this evening and am in the process of spinning that into singles. I already made 4 more flowers with the sample of the latest singles and am pleased.

I have not spun yarn for quite awhile........and IT FELT GREAT!!! It was incredibly relaxing. If you are a true fiberholic, and you have never spun a fleece....DO IT....learn...it is worth your while.

I also will make up some novelty yarn from the nubs and short hairs that I pulled out of the fleece and already carded it up with some scrap yarn that I chopped up. Will take photos tomorrow.

I also finished another project last night, that has been in the works for a year....old bottles that needed cleaning. I had them soaking so long.....I had forgotten about them. I found them and decided to finish them up. I am happy to report that they are done, except for 8 which, still need more soaking to get really clean. What a relief!!!!

I have decided to be a better working artist, I need to have more self discipline. I am lacking...and suffering from a bit of creative ADD..........my mind works faster than my hands....it is an ever present problem....so I have worked out a deal with myself....to work on UFO's for at least two hours per day, to catch up. I hope I can keep to this schedule. So far I am doing good. I even got some dreaded house work finished this week.

Now, I have to get more disciplined with writing up my patterns. I hate doing that.

I also have been taking some free online courses that american express is sponsoring at
Ilearn. The first course I took was on being a more effective communicator. It was pretty good.

Now I have signed up for a course on web design, since I would like to set up my own website and know nothing about it. This blog has been a big challenge.

Lastly, some inspiration. A friend sent me a photo of his night blooming sirius plant. This is really beautiful. I want one of my own.

wishing you all a wonderfully creative day,
smiles to you,
DC

I am on my WAY....BE READY!!!!

So here I am, getting ready for the NEW HOPE AUTO SHOW...the first day. Here is the vintage car UFO boyfriend is showing...fresh from the restoration body shop.... an Alfa Romeo GTV Alfetta. It is for sale, if any one is interested, inquire here for price and additional details...or come on out to the show today or tomorrow.

His plan is for me to help detail the car when he arrives. He called ahead to let me know this. My plan is to work on my two current knitting projects. My process for getting ready, is to pack both knitting projects, walk the pups,take a shower....and while he is waiting, HE CAN DETAIL HIS OWN CAR!!!! I have knitting to do!

Hopefully by the end of the show, today, at least one project will be finished and ready for photos to show you. I am using blue heron softball cotton for a sleeveless surplice sweater of my own designs. I can not recall the colorway at the moment, but it is beautiful shades of blue green, teal, yellow and blue. It was a joy to knit....very soft. While I was researching possible edgings for the bottom, I came
accross project two........

The second sweater, is a nicki epstein design, with a three bobble cluster edging. The bobble clusters are a project of their own. I have made 8 and have 12 more to go. I decided to make all the clusters first, so that I can have this for my mindless knitting project. The rest is basically stockinette stitch and can be done at traffic lights, bank lines and doctor's offices. I am making this sweater with blue heron beaded cotton in the SAND colorway.

I need to get moving....or my knitting will not get packed....everything else can wait....rightttt????

what is the problem with men..............

okay....get your sticks and your fiber....and listen up........MEN are weird...
they can't help it....they JUST ARE!

Just when you think that things are settling down to a nice rhythmic pace...
they always come up with something.........UFO boyfriend sends me an email today....subject: I think I am dying.......

My response........oh brother!!!! LOL!!!

He is apparently sure that he is riddled with cancer....and does not have
long to live. His comment: You are not going to have me for long!!! LOL!!!

My comment: do you think we can take a vacation to see a formula one race...before the end of the year....since you do not have long to live...????
(note: we love formula one grand prix racing and all the drama!!!)

his comment....NO ANSWER!!!

my comment....don't worry....you will outlive most of the people on the planet...it is people like you that kill all the rest of us...with YOUR ANXIETIES!

This after a weekend of, I am so fat.....and I thought that was my line!!! LOL!!!

When did MEN become so dramatic....and women soooooooooooo SOBER? Can MEN BECOME PRIMA DONNA's? or am I partly to blame for this travesty?

AND, why am I so focused on designing soapsacs? Is that symbolic...of desiring a CLEAN SWEEP!!!! I am wondering this as I finish my second sac....with novelty yarn....which is nearing completion....picture promised...shortly!

Did I mention, someone invited me to Paris for ten days...and I declined! Is this evidence of insanity????

going back to knitting my soapsac II it is the most sane thing in my life today!!!

toodles,
DC

FREE PATTERN FOR SOAPSAC

Here is a photo of the soapsac, I designed and knitted this past week....
my store bought one was disgraceful...and I might

add has been a disgrace for some time.....so I consider this

another UFO off my list of things that NEED DOING!!! Yippee!!!

I used one ball of Bernat Handicrafter Cotton, 4 ply aran worsted weight, 1 3/4oz/50g,...which is similar to lion brand cotton....NO YARDAGE IS GIVEN on the label.........don't you just hate that!!!

In any case, this was sale yarn found in my stash....cost 50 CENTS!

so....I bought it anyway.........so this is a DOUBLE YIPPEE
for using up some STASH YARN....which, I seriously need to do.

Sorry LYS....but, I must confess, no yarn purchases in the year 2007 to date.......and there will not be, until I empty out my exercise room of
yarn bins, which CAN NOT OCCUR UNTIL THE QUANTITY OF PLASTIC BINS IS REDUCED, drastically....I can not see the equipment...which does have its virtues!!!!

The yarn calls for #7 needles....you may adjust this pattern to your own personal soap and needle preferences....by increasing the stitches, increased for smaller needles/gauge yarn or decreasing the increases for larger needles...your choice. Remember cotton sags when it gets wet.

You also could opt to use wool...which will shrink and felt as it gets wet and soapy, in which case, I suggest your soap sac should be much larger than your soap bar size.

Another suggestion would be an aran weight novelty yarn with bumps...which might have a massaging quality, I am working on one such soapsac, NOW.

I used 4- #3 DPN needles and #3 - 16" circular needles....for the soapsac pictured above.

Here is the knitting recipe:

Cast on to a #3 DPN - 9 stitches using any preferred cast on method. Divide the stitches onto three needles and join.

Row 1 - Knit 2 and knit into the back and front of last stitch - 4 stitches/ needle, repeat from* twice. -12 stitches. place marker.

Row 2 - and all even rows - purl all stitches.

Row 3 - knit 3 and knit into the back and front of last stitch - 5 stitches/ needle, repeat from * twice - 15 stitches

Continue in increasing this manner every other row....until there are 12 stitches on each needle, 36 total...and change to circular needles if you want...or continue with the double points.

Work even in garter stitch pattern until the sac is 5 inches long for extra large soap bar....or till sac is big enough for your soap bar. end with purl row.

next row: make eyelets for tie....*Knit 1, yarn over, Knit 2 together, repeat from * til end of row.

next row: purl all stitches and knit 1 in the back and front of last stitch - 37 stitches.

begin lace top pattern (and this is where it is much easier to use the circular needles):

Lace row one: Knit 1, *Yarn over, Knit 4,( slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slip stitch over k2tog), knit 4, yarn over, knit 1. repeat from * to end of row.

Lace row 2: purl all stitches.

Repeat these two rows 5 times and bind off loosely.

Darn in ends at top and bottom.

With remaining yarn chain stitch the tie to desire length, leaving some yarn length to thread beads, if desired and pull through eyelet row made.

This makes a great gift when given with a wonderful smelling soap...and can also be used to scent your lingerie drawers.....until use of soap is desired.

2007 copyright Konoponop Designs....for YOUR personal use and gift giving only...enjoy!