Sock Loom

Yesterday, I got my Christmas present early.  Dwain bought me a sock loom. (from www.knittinglooms.com) So far I'm having a lot of fun with it. 

I have carpel tunnel pretty bad in both hands and it's very hard to knit even with regular needles.  I even have to use circulars just so I don't drop them when my fingers go numb.  But, I'll never give up knitting because I love it so much!  I knew without a doubt that working with teeny-tiny double-pointed needles to make socks would practically be impossible for me. Hence, the sock loom!

Many of you know that I knit for charity and that most if not all of my yarn has been donated.  Well, I ended up with enough sock yarn to make at least a dozen pairs of socks.  I really, really wanted to make socks, too.  The CT problems were really getting in the way though.

I'm really glad I got the sock loom.  I've only been working with it for a couple hours so far and I've all ready found a rhythm.  There is a small learning curve if you want to learn how to really knit and purl on the device and keeping track of where you are is also a small annoyance.  But, both of those are easily remedied.  Doing a couple rows of each stitch on some scrap yarn helps you to learn the stitches lickety-split and a piece of first-aid tape marked with some pen lines really helps you remember which stitches are knit or purled.

My only gripe about this wonderful device is trying to knit or purl on these inside pegs.  They are extremely difficult to get to, in my opinion.  Just as I'm really getting into working around the loom, I end up on those inside pegs and come to a screeching halt!  They take me twice as long to get the pick between them and not drop the loops.  I really don't know of any kind of solution to this other than actually having a different loom for each different size of sock as opposed to the adjustable one.  I guess for economy's sake and storage, this is the only real option for sock looming at this time.  I'll just have to deal with it. :-)

Hand Made Gifts!

This time last year, I was intensely working on an original Christmas card design.  This year, it's all about individuality.  Everyone is getting a hand-knitted gift from me.  Knitting has become a real obsession this year.  I'm making towels, washcloths and hats for my family.  I've also made a couple hats for friends.  I also teach knitting and crochet at Project W.A.R.M. here in Daytona Beach, and I've made a couple contributions to Meals-On-Wheels through our Prayer Stitch group. Busy! Busy! Busy!  I'm thinking of setting up this page so I can take custom orders.  I can make a kitchen or bath set in about a week.  I can whip out a hat in 2 days.  I'd love to hear your thoughts about that.

How to Stitch a Prayer

How to Make Blanket of PrayersSo many people today need your thoughts and prayers. Someone you know? Your friend? A family member?  How do you find the time?  I find my favorite time to send loving thoughts of healing and peace are when I knit.  To me, knitting is such a peaceful, meditative process.  I know many people who pursue this process with crochet, also.

Funny thing though... it's just so simple to do.  Find a pattern you like, or don't.  It doesn't really matter.  You can do this with scrap yarn and any old pair of needles (or crochet hook) and start praying!  Start with something small and watch it grow.  Each stitch you make, think of the person who needs your prayers.  Each thought can be a prayer.  Just saying their name in your head, bringing their needs into the forefront of your mind is a prayer.  Repeat with each stitch as you go along, thinking of your loved one. Before you know it, you've sent that person a hundred, a thousand, ten-thousand prayers! 

When I think my blanket of prayers is big enough, I give it to that person.  (usually, I make a lap blanket size, 48"x52", or sometimes a shrug to fit over the shoulders) When I do, I tell them, "This is a blanket of prayers that I made for you.  Each stitch contains a thought of you, each row a continuous prayer and a meditation to help you through your troubles.  May it keep you warm and wrap you in peaceful thoughts."

Can you imagine if everyone who knit or crochet would focus on peace and harmony for a day?  How many prayers and thoughts of kindness could be sent out into the world?  How much healing could we do?

Pick up your needles today and stitch a prayer! 

Donations Needed!

My Stuff Bag

I just completed this project using #36 nylon cord.  The bag is approximately the size of a small coffee can and conveniently holds my keys, wallet, a couple packs of gum and cell phone.  I'm going to make a few more of these since I have several colors.  The next one is going to be purple for my sister in Illinois.  I also plan on making one to be a "stuff sack" for camping or trip supplies.

George Harrison Album Cover Repaint

In honor of George Harrison's birthday today... A repaint of the "Let It Roll" album cover.  Done in Corel Painter 11.  Took me about 5 minutes to complete. To clarify: This was done just for fun and is not an original artwork and it is not for sale.

First Corel Painter Portrait Photoshop Retouch

First Corel Painter Portrait

Just took my mom's picture and painted it in Corel Painter 11.  Still a work in progress.  I attended a webinar given by Helen Yancy of www.helenyancystudio.com which inspired me to try my hand at her style of restoration.

Raw Vegan T-Shirt Design

I was inspired after my raw-lishious weekend and created this new Raw Vegan t-shirt design!