Monday, February 28, 2011

Knitted Yoga Socks

I can't believe another week has gone by. There are so many days, I just want things to slow down (or to win the lotto!!). This week I am knitting Yoga Socks! I am making them for an auction/fundraiser at my kids school. A lot of the mom's are into yoga (I would be too, if I only had the time - love it when I make it to a class). I got this pattern free at Michael's at least a year ago. As I was making the first one, I somehow lost the pattern, but was able to find it for FREE on line (See below for the link).

I am a knitter, but tend to like to knit with needles no smaller than a size 7 (wish that was my pants size too!). So, socks are not my thing (plus my feet are always hot). However, when I saw these I had to give them a try. I had never used double pointed needles before....it was a piece of cake (even though it takes a round or two to get use to them).

This is a picture of one of the Yoga sock in "the making."

This is a picture of the same sock above, but where I am using the 4th needle to actually knit with. When I was first trying to figure out how to knit with double pointed needles, I didn't realize you were suppose to use a 4th one as a needle that you knit onto. I was trying to only knit with the 3 needles and it was difficult and tight.

Here is a picture of one of the finished Yoga Socks. If my toe nails were painted, I would model it for you (see photo above for a fabulous picture of the sock on a person).


Supplies:
Yarn - 2 skeins of Patons Kroy Socks (50 g/1.75 oz). I used Summer Moss Jacquard #55612 like the model did.
Needles - Se of four double pointed knitting needs U.S. 3 (3.25mm) or size needed to obtain tension.
Skill - Easy, it is just knit and purl stitches.

Additional instructions - the pattern it says, " rep last 8 rnds for texture pat until work from beg measures approx 4 ins (10 cm), ending on a 4th or 8th rnd of pat. This was 32 rows of the working pattern for me (or 4 times through the 8 rounds).
Near the end of the instructions - the pattern says, "beg on 2nd rnd, work approx 2 1/2 ins (6cm) in texture pat ending on a 1st or 5th rnd of pat. This was 28 rows of the working pattern for me (starting with row 2 (row 1 already knitted) + 28 = 29 rows. There are 8 rows in the round - so 3 rounds plus 5 (ending on the 5th row).

My sister made these and she used size U.S. 2 double pointed needles. She loves making socks and using tiny needles! Her work is so amazing.

For FREE pattern, click here.

Keep in mind there are lots of on-line/youtube tutorials to help you learn to knit. Give it a try. I always have a knitting project with me. Whenever I am waiting on others (like at school, practice, games, etc.) I whip out my knitting. I feel I am not "wasting" time since I hate to sit idle.

Thanks for stopping by this week. Remember, I love comments! Please let me know what you think of the Yoga Socks!


Monday, February 21, 2011

Butterfly Bookmark




Supplies Used: Paper from DCWV All About Girls Stack pack and StampinUp Perfect Plum
Die cut: Paper Trey Ink Bookmark
Punch – 1 ½ and 1 ¼ inch circles by Creative Memories
Stamp: All Booked Up by Paper Trey Ink
Ink: True Black by Paper Trey Ink
Ribbon: Certain Celery Grosgrain by StampinUp
Adhesive: Xyron machine, ATG 714, StampinUp pop dot

I first started out cutting the 4.5 x 6 inches piece of butterfly paper I selected from DCWV All About Girls Stack pack and cut it in half (2.25 x 6 inches).

Next, I ran each piece through the xyron machine. A xyron machine will make a “sticker” out of the paper. The ENTIRE side facing down will be covered in a very sticky adhesive. You can purchase a xyron machine in a lot of different sizes at any craft store (Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, AC Moore, Joane’s – remember to use a coupon).

Next, I used the Provo Craft Cuttlebug (die cut machine) and the Paper Trey Ink bookmark die cut to actually cut out the bookmark. When using the Cuttlebug, always start out with the A plate (they are labeled), B plate, die cut facing up, paper, and C plate. This will put enough pressure on the die as it is run through the Cuttlebug.

Crank the plates, dies and paper through the machine all together and ta-da….you have a bookmark all cut out.
I punched a 1 ½ inch circle out of cream glitter card stock (DCWV pack that matched All that Girl) with my Creative Memory circle punch. I punched a 1 ¼ inch circle out of StampinUp Perfect Plum paper with my Creative Memory circle punch (both sizes come on one punch). Again, punches can be purchased at any craft store.
On the Perfect Plum circle I stamped “Let me Save your Spot” from Paper Trey Ink’s All Booked Up stamp set in True Black ink. I covered the back of the cream glitter circle with my ATG 714 adhesive gun (I could have used my xyron machine, but I wasn’t thinking) and adhered it to the bookmark.
Using StampinUp’s pop dots, I adhered the Perfect Plum circle to the cream glitter circle. The pop dot gave the “saying” just a little lift without it being too high where it would “dent” any book pages.
Lastly, I used Certain Celery grosgrain ribbon from StampinUP to make a “streamer” at the top of the bookmark.
This bookmark (and others I need to make this weekend – so check out www.peaceandscrapbooking.blogspot.com Monday) will be part of a “book basket” that will be auctioned off during the March fundraiser. I have donated several “book baskets” and each one will have a bookmark included.
Thanks for stopping by!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Bananas 4 You!

I love a cute monkey, so how could I not make this one!





Supplies used: Cricut Expression - cut at 2.75 inches
Cartridge: Create-a-Critter
Paper: Bazzill and Stampin Up (no longer sold)
Stamps: My Pink Stamper, Punny-licious and Peachy Keen Stamps, Critter Face Set - small (I wish I bought Medium)
Ink: Paper Trey Ink, Dark Chocolate
Pen: White gel pen

Stinkin Cute

Here is another card made with one of my favorite cartridges....Create-a-Critter and the perfect stamp set to go with it....My Pink Stamper, Punny-licious.

Supplies used: Bazzill paper
Cricut Expression - cut at 2.75 inches
Cartridge: Create-a-Critter
Stamps: My Pink Stamper, Punny-licious and Peachy Keen Stamps, Critter Face Set - small (I wish I bought Medium)
Ink: Paper Trey Ink, True Black
Pen: White gel pen
Flower: In supply stash

Valentine Pencils

One of my kids helped me make these. It took us about 10 minutes to create. We are going to give them out the neighborhood kids.




Supplies used:

Cartridge - Mini Monogram and Lacey Labels
Paper - Bazzill
Hello Kitty stickers and pencils (5 pack) - Michaels (in the dollar value aisle)
Adhesive - Glue Dots (Michaels or any craft store)






Pencils (4 pack) - Michaels (in the dollar value aisle)
Die Cutes - Paper Trey Ink, Fillable Frames #1 and #7
Stamps - Paper Trey Ink, Fillable Frames #1 and #7, Signature Greetings (Dude you Rock and You make me Smile) and My Pink Stamper, Simply Sweet Occassions (hearts) and Everyday Life (Hugs to you and For my Friend)
Ink: Paper Trey Ink, Pure Poppy, Freshh Snow and True Black
Adhevise - Glue Dots (Michaels or any craft store)

Alternative methods:
Cut out a shape and decorate it with stickers, stamps, art work, etc.
Instead of a pencil, you could use a sucker or other candy.

Thanks for blogginb by.....Peace Out!
Jilleen

Valentine Box

Today I am sharing with you all a Valentine box that I made in 3 minutes! You can fill this box with what ever you like. I am going to fill mine with Hersey's Kisses! I cut the box out using my Cricut Expression.



Supplies used:

Cartridge - Tags, Bags and More
Paper - DCWV Year Round Doodlin'
Heart chip board - Basic Grey
Ink - Chalk, Red Lipstick and Paper Trey Ink, True BlackStamp - My Pink Stamper, Simply Sweet Occassions

Nuts About You!




Supplies used:
Card Stock-Bazzill by the box (purchased at Archivers), K&Company Designer Paper (hearts)
Ink - Dark Chocolate by Paper Trey Ink
Cricut cartridge: Create a squirrel cut at 2.75 inches (http://www.cricut.com/).
Stamp: Punny-licious by My Pink Stamper (http://www.mypinkstamper.com/).
Eyes: Wiggle eyes by Creatology (Michael's, JoAnne's, AC Moore, Hobby Lobby).
Flower: No idea....in my supply stash.

Other options: You can use any card stock. Instead of a Cricut machine you can use stickers (one or more dimensional(s)), print a picture, stamp an image, or draw your own critter. I absolutely love my Cricut and would recommend it to anyone and everyone. I do have may favorite cartridges (maybe a future post). Add ribbon, flower, gems, or beads to add special touch. Instead of stamping the saying, you could chose no saying at all, print out a quote or message, use rub-on letter/sayings, or free-hand it.

Thanks for blogging by....Peace Out!
Jilleen

Toad-Ally Fabulous!

I am so excited  - this is what I posted over on Outnumbered 3 to 1. I was seleceted to be one of her writers and each Thursday, I will be highlighting a craft. Here is one of the cards I made for my first post.

Toad-ally Fabulous!


Supplies used: Card Stock-Bazzill by the box (purchased at Archivers), DCWV Midnight Spell Glitter Mat Stack (llly pad), DCWV The Doodlin' Around Stack: For All Year Round (glitter hearts background).
Cricut cartridge: Create a Critter frog and lily pad cut at 2.75 inches (http://www.cricut.com/).
Stamp: Punny-licious by My Pink Stamper (http://www.mypinkstamper.com/).
Ink: True Black by Paper Trey Ink (http://www.papertreyink.com/)
Ribbon: White grosgan by StampinUp (http://www.stampinup.com/).
Eyes: Wiggle eyes by Creatology (Michael's, JoAnne's, AC Moore, Hobby Lobby).

Thanks for blogging by....Peace Out!
Jilleen