Lelah Knit Top

I made this top as part of a KAL on Ravelry. I started last week and finished it this evening. This is a free pattern off Ravelry again. This was knitted using a size 10 1/2 needle on the bottom and a size 9 for the top. I was nervous making this top because I have never done any lace pattern in knitting before. I used scrap yarn to mark off every few sets of stitches to make sure I was doing the pattern correctly. This took a lot longer but it was worth it. I was afraid the holes in the lace would be too big but it came out fine. I used just a little over 1 skein of Caron's Simply Soft in soft blue.

I casted on 121 stitches for the top. I was almost the number of stitches for my "oh so easy tank top". I did not do any decreases as the pattern called for since I figure with the bigger needle on the bottom, I would get a little bit of a flare. I also added an extra set of pattern for the bottom to make the top a little longer.

This is a great pattern. I am probably going to make another in cotton so I can block it. I'm happy with the fit, though it could be a tad looser on top. I love the way it looks! This top has given me more confidence to move beyond the easy patterns!

Busy Knitting

I have not posted in a while. I finished knitting this boatneck tank a week ago (pattern from the summer 07` issue of Knit Simple Magazine) and I was looking for another project, either to crochet or knit. After several discouraging attempts, I decided to try the Coachella, a knitted top. It looks really cute and not extremely difficult. It was rated "tangy" but I figure I'd give it a try. The pattern from a free download on Ravelry.




I'm always a bit nervous when starting out a new project, especially in Knitting. I'm such a beginner at knitting and I know only the basics. This pattern is an intermediate. There are lots of shaping! I have done so many new stitches with the pattern that I had never done before. First off, I used a circular needle (okay no problem but I never and knit in the round). I also did knit in the back, M1, ssk, kfb all which are new to me! I wasn't sure on one part of the direction which a very nice person on Ravelry clarified for me. I also did some research on this pattern to see what other members had said about the pattern. It was suggested to make the top longer and to rib the bottom for more stretch. I'm soooo glad I did, I absolutely LOVE this top!!!!





I started almost a week ago and my goal was to finish it today, which I did. I must add that I worked on this a lot! As a beginner, I don't think this was a really hard pattern to follow. I would highly recommend making this top, it's a fun top.

I love Ravelry. It has become my favorite website of all times. I've made some new friends and have found tons of ideas for both knitting and crocheting. As an added bonus, there are also a lot of free patterns. Not to mention all the wonderful helpful people on the site who will answer any questions/problems I have~as with the Coachella top. The wonderful person answered my question in only a few minutes so I could of quickly resumed my knitting! It's great.








I'm so proud and happy of my top, so without further delay ~ here are the photos!

I've been tagged (again) and Crochet vs. Knitting

I've been tagged again! Thank you Gina. I was tagged before by a very nice person the first time but I decided not to participate. I really don't like the ideal of having to tag 1o other people! With dial up, my computer's been running super slooooooow! So, I'm going to do what I feel comfortable with and that is list 10 things you didn't know about me and I'll let other people link to me, if they choose! Here we go:

1. I'm an introvert. I'm very quiet and shy.

2. I've lived in Las Vegas for over a year and I realized that "home" is really where you make it. With all the glitz and glamour there, I still wasn't happy. I found that happiness comes from within not out.

3. Birth of my daughter really changed me. I have not had a drink since I was pregnant with her.

4. While I was a police officer, I did several presidential detail where I protected Bill Clinton. I also met Hilliary. She went out of her way to say hi to me while I was working her protection detail. It gave me a lot of respect for her that she took the time to say hi w/o cameras around.

5. I'm also married to my high school sweetheart (like Gina).

6. I have to have some type of project (either crocheting or knitting) going on or I feel lost! I love to work with my hands now.

7. Okay, I'm running out of things...I'll have to think real hard! My grandparents basically raised me because my parents worked the evening shift.

8. My favorite flower is gardenia. I LOOOVE them.

9. I'm a super fast typist!

10. Okay, I'm digging deep, can't think of much else! Finally, I have to work hard on staying positive!

Okay, feel free to link yourself to my blog so I don't have to tag anyone!

Now on to my latest projects! I finished another elegant shell in a dark blue. It's made in a sports weight which makes it much more appropriate for the spring/summer time. (Check out my photo on ravelry). I've also been on a swimwear kick. I tend to go a particular theme (summer wear/tanks, children's wear) now it's swimwear. I've been searching for easy patterns. I found one which I made in knit (check out my photo on ravelry). It's really cute and I like that it was with a bulky yarn. I then wanted to make one in crochet. Crocheting one is so much faster and easier than knitting. The 1st one I made was the one in pink/green/blue. I finished my 2nd crocheted bikini early this morning. The red and black trim bikini took about 4-5 hours to complete. Talk about instant gratification!

The pattern from the crochet bikini is here:

http://www.supernaturale.com/articles.html?id=53.

I'm having so much fun making these, I'll probably start on my next one tonight!