I covered this in day 2! honestly, if something isn’t constantly in my face, I’m not even thinking about it. I have so many things in my queue, but who knows where my creativity will lead me.
from here.
I am currently working on a honey cowl in some Blue Moon Fiber arts Luscious Single Silk, True Blood Red. I also have a set of leg warmers I am sort of figuring out as I go.
Also in BMFA. :D
Customized Knitting Needles!
The other day I realized that I’ve been knitting for almost 7 years! I had this realization while trying to find the twin to my US7 straight bamboo needle, and being frustrated with the lack of organization in the 7-years worth of knitting needles I’ve collected. And why are the sizes engraved with tiny little numbers on the side of the needle, where they’ll eventually wear off with use?
Suddenly inspiration struck. I should label my needles on the top, and add a bit of color while I’m at it!
Here are the steps to make your own customized knitting needles!
Step 1: Set up your work space. I placed a scrap piece of cardboard on top of 2 sawhorses so that I could stick my needles through the cardboard, keeping them secure, making them easier to paint, and giving them a safe place to dry. I also used a pegboard to keep things organized, but that’s not at all required.
Step 2: Arrange your needles by their size, and stick them through the cardboard. I used the screwdriver to poke the holes for the skinnier needles, since I was worried I might break them while trying to jab them through the cardboard.
Step 3: Paint! I used acrylic paint and a basic old paintbrush. (Because I’m a color nerd, I found a color palette I liked from colourlovers, saved it on my phone, and used it to pick out my paints.) I painted 3 coats total, because I wanted to make sure I had excellent coverage. Acrylic paint dries SUPER fast, so 3 coats of paint was easy to do. I found the easiest strategy was to spin the needle from under the cardboard, and brush from bottom to top of the needle “bead” until all sides were painted, then finished with a brush or two on the top.
Step 4: Once your paint is dry, use a sharpie to write the needle sizes on the top. I also thought of using a sticker or a stencil, but at this point I just wanted to finish them, so I just used the sharpie.
Step Oops! (Not Suggested) Accidentally grab a can of black spray paint instead of the clear coat, and spray black speckles all over your beautiful needles. Immediately stop and freak out. Curse at things. Take a break and grab a beer. Inspect the damage. Decide your needles aren’t ruined. Move onto step 6.
Step 6: (Definitely suggested) Use a satin or gloss finish spray clear coat (I used satin finish, just because that’s what I had). You should only need one coat, but make sure to spray from all sides to get everything covered.
Step 7: Let dry. I left mine in the garage overnight, but they probably don’t need that long. Throw all your needles in a pretty container, and revel in your awesome creativity!
Other ideas I had included to label the side of the needle “bead” and glue something pretty on the top, like a button, or a plastic or fabric flower, or a bow… Pretty much anything you can think of!
I’m still trying to figure out what to do with my circulars and DPNs. Who has some ideas?
I posted this pic on Twitter, but how adorable is this girl? Love that shawlette on her, too. <3
(via dreamandknit)
Tension
Knitted cotton yarn, collaboration with husband, Alan Groombridge. 24.5” x 24.5”
2000
Sweater was worked on simultaneously by both artists, with each artist knitting half, split down the middle, resulting in a lopsided appearance due to each knitter having a different tension. Piece functions as a metaphor for relationship between artists.
(Source: ilikeknitting)
I am aware there are not 30 days in February, but I am going to start this today… lets see how far I get.
http://myconid.tumblr.com/30daysofknitting
#1. My mom taught me how to knit when I was a kid. My first completed project was a scarf that was like 9 feet long. Take THAT Dr. Who.
It was made out of white baby yarn. It was fluffy and awful. Glad I have evolved.
We are working on getting life settled down. Soon, this will become one of the best places to keep up with me, what I am knitting, and what is going on with the future of Knit Happens. Thank you all for sticking around and your amazing patience.
Soon.
