Zippy Loom

I was so happy to buy the Zippy Looms from KB in Joann's.  Darn, they cost 8 bucks a pop.  I bought five because I really want to make this cool shawl that everyone is making. I was so happy that I had all these coupons and I got them for half the price.  I have to wait until I get paid to buy the yarn. They are so cute and remind me of toys.  Three together is almost as big as my blue Knifty Knitter.  

Knitting Board Blog Link: Knitting Board Blog 

This blog has so much patterns, including the shawl.  I really want to try to make a jacket.

Still looming...

I can't believe I haven't posted in a while.  I have been teaching a class in Michaels and we have been making so many projects.  Also, I have been trying to get all the Loom Knitting books I can because some of them are going out of print.  So if you find one, buy it and keep it.  I was recently saddened that I could not find a purple Knifter Knitter loom with 48 pegs.  They have officially been cleaned out.  There are two on ebay and the current bids are over $100.  I also can't find In the Attic looms anymore, production stopped years ago and I just can't find them anywhere.  Anyway.  I think I am going to buy 2 looms from www.cindwoodcrafts.com.  I can find a 48 pegs loom there and an S loom with a wide gauge.  

Loom Knitted Baby hat

I used the Loops & Threads sock loom with Patons Socks yarn in Clover Colors. This is a very inexpensive loom that I bought with a coupon at Michaels. I bought this new hook by KB. It has a fat grip that is amazing and a nice pointy tip perfect for socks. I took the little plastic tube that wraps around the tip of the pic and used it as a small yarn guide. It was smooth sailing with that little thing. I am done with my hat and because it is small gauge the e-wrap stitch came out nice.

Loom knit hat

I made this hat using the green knifty knitter loom. I used Loops & Threads yarn for this hat. I changed the color of the pegs in intervals of 6 so that way I can decrease and have a flat top. I also made the brim starting from a crochet cast on, purl one row, ewrap one row, purl one row. It gave me a nice brim without curling. I adapted this technique from a pattern on youtube from Goodknitkisses. She was making a granny round. Really nice pattern. I made one granny round. Anyway, I changed every sixth peg to a different color that way it will be easier for me to keep track of the decreases. I changed all my looms this way and it gave me more options for different projects. Check her out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YAuWRbHL_s. Copy this url and check out her videos.

Alicia Crochet Cowl

I crocheted this project with Lion Brand Hometown USA yarn in graphite. It is so cozy, I love it. Bought some wooden buttons and done. I even loom knitted a pair of fingerless mitts. I used a different yarn and added a button. Click on Alicia Cowl to get the free pattern.

S'mores scarf finished!

I am so happy that I finished this scarf. I need to find out what yarn this was because it so cozy and warm. Loom knitted double knit on Martha's Loom with 10 pegs. I used 3 yarns together.

Loom knit scarf "Smores"

My daughter was making something with this yarn but just abandoned it. I saved it and made a huge ball of yarn. I am making a long scarf and I won't stop till it's all gone. I want to get rid of all this scrappy yarn I have. Loom knitting on Martha's loom.

Tall mug cozy

Made this last night.

Loom knitted scarf and some other things...

I can't even remember when I started this project. I promised myself to try and finish all these WIPS that I have lingering in knitting bags. I started to add fringe, but changed my mind. It looks so much nicer for a boy without the fringe.

Here is number 7 block for the quilt sampler I am doing with the quilter's class. It's called "Useless Bay". I was able to do all of the rotary cutting for this block by myself.

Mug Cozy What is all the hoopla about mug cozies. I can make a cozy for almost everything in my cabinet. Easy.

I found a Quilting Group!

Reading the newspaper is so important. I stumbled on a free quilting workshop for Breast Cancer awareness. I called right away to reserve my seat. After years of wanting to learn how to quilt I finally got my shot. It was an amazing day for me and all of the rest of the ladies that attended. When the teacher showed us what we were going to do, I said, "No way can I do that." After weeks of attending, I finished my first quilt. So sad to see it ending, but realized that there were more classes to come. So saving my little money here and there I am still quilting for four months every Saturday. No, I have not abandoned my knitting and crocheting or loom knitting, still doing it but adding a new love called quilting. Now I have started a new lap quilt for my mom. I think she is going to love it once its done. I have so many other things I wish to chat about, but I need to add some fresh and news links to my blog and upload some new pics. My first quilt(pieced by me,and long-armed quilted by Karoline)

Little beanie hat for a baby boy.

Thinking about sock looms…

I was strolling through Michaels trying to find some nice sock yarn.  I saw that they have new products.  The Crochet Dude has these awesome hooks with nice cushions.  I felt bad leaving without getting them, but I will the next time.  They also have a Loops & Threads sock loom that looks very similar to the KB sock loom.  It’s really cute and they numbered all the pegs.  That is one thing I really liked and it makes the beginning steps much easier.  I am already starting a new sock.  What I am realizing as I started is that #1 I already know how to knit socks with dpns, straights and circulars.  I love to loom knit ponchos, slippers and other things.  But socks, I don’t know.  It seems to me as I venture upon this loom sock knitting path is that I don’t like it very much.  I have to learn how to cable and do other things on the loom that I already know using needles.  I feel using needles is easier for me, or even a crochet hook.  So I am going to sell these socks looms and stick with the needles, even though I just bought one. I am going to put them on Ebay and I will sell the book too. I am going to keep my double knitting looms, bc I like to use them.

I also placed an order with Annie’s Attic for patterns books and tools that were on sale.  One thing that I don’t like about Michaels is that they never have there books on sale, not even %10 or %20 percent off.  Every time I go, the same books are there.  I usually get the small pamphlets for like 3 or 4 dollars.  I was able to get pattern books at Annie’s for $1  or $3 dollars.  I bought only one book for $14.95 and the was “101 Easy Tunisian Stitches”.  When this book first came out in 2004 , I said to myself, nah, I don’t need it.   Then after a while I wanted it and then it went out of print.  I was so happy when Annie’s decided to reprint it.  It really has wonderful stitches to make projects with. 

Right now I am trying to organize my stuff.  I am thinking of buying some organizers for patterns and notions to make the shelves look neater.  Picking out some books that I can part with and putting them on ebay.  My ebay ID is Strawberrycake9 just in case. Thinking on how to do this, I am also having a nice cup of coffee on this beautiful Michigan afternoon.

KB Authentic Loom Contest!!!

FIND OUT HOW!

http://knittingboardchat.com/blog/index.php/archives/808/comment-page-1#comment-65632

Parchester Crochet & Knitting Club

Here is a pic of the Parkchester Crochet & Knitting Club.

Granny Square Blanket…..

My neighbor in MI told me that a sister bought a new house which has items from the owner who passed away.  She said to go to the garage and see if you would like any of the items because she didn’t plan on keeping anything.  I went with my husband and while I was looking I found a very large orange and cream granny square blanket.  In my mind I know the labor that can take a person to make such a large blanket and against my husbands wishes I brought it home.  Put it in my washing machine and added some good smelling fabric softener.  The blanket came out beautiful, not only that, everyone wants it because it is sooo warm.  I counted the squares and there are 100, each sewn together by hand.  Its huge, big enough for a queen size bed.  I can really appreciate it.  It probably would have landed in the garbage because some people don’t understand the time it takes to make a blanket like this.  Here is a pic.

Loom knit & woven hat….

I decided to try a new project that included weaving.  In the book “New Stiches on Circle Looms” there is a pattern called “ Woven-top Hat”.  The top of the hat is woven on the KK yellow loom. My first mistake was that I didn’t purchase the required yarn, so please stick to the material list.  It will definitely affect your project.  I made it with 3 strands of worsted weight yarn.  Here is my hat.  How did I do?

I am moving....

Well yes, it is official. I am moving to Michigan in February. I am looking foward to it and can't wait to create some new great memories. I have just told my family and a few friends. Today, I told my knitting and crochet group at the Parkchester Library. I am really going to miss them all. It has been a fun 1 year and a half. We knitting, crocheted, laughed, joked and had some nice pot luck parties. I couldn't wait till Thursday to go and relax and knit or crochet my favorite hobby. Just to name a few of the ladies. Here goes: Laura, Norma, Tonia, Susri, Ann, Dietris, Cynthia, Maria, Rosa, Taylor and a few others ladies that I haven't seen in a while. Thank you and we will keep in touch. I am going to take some pics next week and posting them here. As for projects. Oh yes, we have been busy and I mean we. My daughters got bit by the bug again. So I have some nice pics to post in the coming days. We have been loom knitting, knitting, crocheting hats like mad(because it is cold), and machine knitting too. It is so much fun when you have those in your own household that shares your passion for the Needle Arts. I am just so sad that most of my collection is in Egypt. I told my husband. Just bring back my Needle Arts supply, which is everything along with my books and my projects and just give away the clothes. LOL. Now that is sacrifice. LOL. Donate the shoes and the clothes except the knitted ponchos(had to throw that in there). He was shaking his head and laughing at the same time. Big decisions, but hey, there are lots of clothes and shoes in America. Moving right along. I have taught some of my group members how to loom knit. I am making sure that they get all the materials they need to keep on doing it. Also there is always skype! Good night bloggie, for now. Post pics tomorrow.

I made a loom caddy.....

I have a very small space where I try to organize my stuff. My looms are just laying around and not protected. I am constantly standing them up or laying them on my bed and yelling so no one steps on my looms. So finally, finally.... I made a loom caddy with some thrifty material that I bought from the the good will store and my sons old pants. It came out pretty good, but its soo long. My longest loom is 36 inches. I made it wide enough to put pattern books and also a working project with yarn. Not bad. The only thing I need to do now is a strap. I haven't figured that out yet.

I purchased a KB sock loom. Its so cute and tiny. The truth is I already know how to knit and crochet socks, even on the Knifty Knitter. So why did I get one? Because I just wanted to learn another technique. Some ladies from the Knitting and Crochet club bought one, so we are going to do it together. I am going to make a little bag for it from my leftover fabric from the loom caddy because it didn't come with a case. Now I have to purchase sock yarn. I have to check out what KnitPicks has. I left all my sock yarn in Egypt. Sometimes I wish I was in Egypt. I really do miss it. That beautiful Mediterranean ocean. I am thinking of it right now......and when I open my eyes I am still in the Bronx.

This is a pic of an amazing apple pie that Sumi and I made. It was was delicious and it was huge! Who said apple pie had to be round?

My hat (small child)

Here is a pic of the hat that I made from Knitting Workshop.  Making this hat was fun and easy.  I never thought that I could do color knitting.  The pattern for this was full of tips and tricks that came in  handy.  I can just pick up yarn and needles and with  EZ’s  pattern and I can make something beautiful.
.
Now I am a little nervous.  I am up to Part 2 Two Sweaters.  Uggg.  I don’t know if I can continue.  I have to get more yarn to do  a sweater.  I am willing to tackle the project!

Started on the EZ hat…

I started reading the Knitting Workshop.  So far I really like the book.  Its not a book that gives you patterns on each page.  Its more like a one on one class.  She gives you tips and tricks along the way and at the same time we are knitting. Right now I am knitting the hat.  I am up to color knitting.  Knitting alternate stitches with two colors. EZ says it’s the simplest ever.  I made a nice design where I am carrying over the yarn.  This is a technique that I was scared of doing because it always looks so sloppy, but now it looks great,  I am making the hat on circular needles. T he problem with me is that I had to use a smaller circular because I brought a short one.  I was at my mothers house at the time.  So now that  I am almost done the hardest part to figure out is the decrease.  After this, I won’t do this again.  Meaning, I will stick to the pattern and if I don’t have the tools I need, I just won’t start. Elizabeth provides very precise tricks to finish the cap with ease. 

Facebook is really boring, just thought I would say that. 

Anyway, I sewed up a neat bag for my long loom.  To make this short, I used the bottoms of my boys pant because the knees had holes.  Made them into squares and sewing them up.  Now all I is a soft lining to sew it on the inside.  I found a fleece baby blanket in the thrift shop, but I didn’t get it.  I will try to go back this week and get it.  I will post a pic of it once I am done.  I am thinking of decorating it, but I don’t know how.  Now all I need is to know is how to shine the  pins on my loom.

Still here….in the Bronx…..

Its been a long time since my last post. The boys had a good school year and both passed into the next grade. My year was full of PTA meetings, trips and Yankee stadium and lots of volunteer work. The Bronx Little School is awesome, full of dedicated teachers and staff. I can say I had a very busy year. I didn’t do a lot of knitting but I was able to meet with the Parkchester Knitting and Crochet Club and talk and share. Members come and go but we always have a nice bunch ready to lend a helping hand. It’s my little 2 hour me time.

Ismaeel at Yankee Stadium.

)

Ismaeel on a fishing trip with his 2nd grade class and Ms. Noble.

Flashback, boys ages 1 and 3 at my sister’s house.

Parent trip to Ellis Island.  Sponsored by The Bronx Little School(awesome)!

Katherine and the cutest baby ever, with Sumi on the Statue Ferry.

Ismaeel with Ms. Noble (2nd grade)

Mrs. O’Conner (4th grade) with Ibraheem on Field Day.

 

Now its September, school starts on the 8th.  I have to go buy school supplies, 1 book bag, and 2 uniform shirts.  I need to get everything ready for next week.  Then I have to get a schedule for homeschool with my girls at home.

My family and I just finished fasting the month of Ramadan.  It was tough, but wonderful.  We celebrated Eid  with the morning prayer in Bronx Park next to the Bronx Zoo.  It was wonderful and peaceful.  We packed up a picnic  and went up to Rockland County State Park.  What a nice and clean park.  We cooked up a storm and had lost of refreshments and fruits.  We made bbq chicken, jerk chicken, and some apple rub chicken.  There was shrimp, steak, hotdogs, and hamburgers.  I made my famous rice and beans!  So Yummy!  By the time the afternoon came I was ready for a nap. 

Wilmarie, Sumaiyah and Ameenah

Ismaeel and Ibraheem at the Eid Salat.

My hubby cooking on the grill!

Ha, we got of pic of Juana smiling!

Nadirah and I.

Muneerah, Hanaan, Ibraheem, Ismaeel, Dawood and Yusuf.

Brothers cooking on the grill.

 

 

I was able to order lots of goodies.  I bought some yarn, a straw bag, patterns books and The Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmermann.  You know, she guarantee’s that you can become a master knitter by the time you finish her book.  Tell me.  Have you every read a guarantee like that? I haven’t.  So I ordered it on sale at Knitting warehouse for 11 bucks! Master Knitter here I come!  I am ready EZ!   I also got some new tips from Knit pics and lots of cute notions.  I love my notions.  So I don’t feel badly for buying stuff.  I took a bunch of pattern books and magazines that I didn’t want and gave them to my knitting and crocheting club.  They were eager to have them too.  I just had too much!  I had to make room for my new stuff. 

I got this huge straw tote bag from Lantern Moon for 10 bucks on Knit Picks.  What a deal!

The guarantee!!!!

Okay, I had so much more to add but didn’t want to stuff everything in one post.  I like the fact that I was able to have this blog since 2006.  I have so many memories.  I have wasted putting pics on Facebook .  So I am going to try to create slide shows so I can have them on my blog. Blogging is so much better.