Sunday, August 24, 2014

A great cause and some attention problems with yarn

You all know the wonderful Vicki from 2 Bags Full, she is the kind and generous blogger of Grow Your Blog fame.  Vicki is always giving of herself and her creativity to wonderful causes and now she has found another one.  Please pay her a visit, but be prepared to have a tissue ready to dab your eyes.  I know I needed one.  I stopped reading this post and got busy right away gathering a few things together I already had to send.  I will be visiting Walmart on Tuesday to get a gift card then will be shipping this off.  I love a good cause that I can help with.  I hope you might feel inclined to help, too.


I had busy plans for my yarn life in the next few weeks.  Plans to make Berroco Nijo after my first attempt had to be frogged.  I had every intention of making another Olive Twist Shawl, well actually about ten more of them but I got sidetracked.  You see I have complex attention problems when it comes to playing with yarn.  Sometimes I can pull myself together and stay on task, but lately that is not the case.  I think as my life has been a bit crazier than usual lately, my desire to start brand new projects is at an all time high.


My lovely friend Tanna recently made some wonderful crochet baskets with a pattern from Liz of Crochet in Color.  I made a few of these a year or so ago, let me just say my joins every round were quite hideous.  I had to cover the seam with a flower or two.  Suddenly after seeing Tanna's I had to make another one.  I had the yarn already so gave it a go.  Just as I started this new basket Tammy of T's Daily Treasures made a few baskets, too.  The basket craze is now in full swing again.


If you have wrist issues I suggest you pass this pattern right on by, but if you give your wrists a bit of rest and a stretch, then you might just be fine.  Three sugar and cream yarns held together and there you have it.  I should have used the suggested size L hook, but of course went up a hook size so my basket is a bit wobbly.  A great way to use 360 yards of cotton I would say.  I made mine extra large so it can hold a lot!


Then the lovely Rose of Sand In My Yarn posted a photo of the beautiful dishcloths she has been making this summer.  My head started spinning, you see these might make great teacher/therapist gifts for Little Buddy's people for Christmas.  The pattern is called The Almost Lost Washcloth and boy is it fun to make.  Of course I had already bought some yarn to make scarves for these hard working people, but that would be 8 scarves for just the people at school.  How about two or three of these with a very fun bar of soap?  It sounds more reasonable to me time-wise.  I can keep that scarf yarn for other projects and other people.


I did have to go to Joann's for a few skeins of Sugar n' Cream yarn.  I may have a huge yarn stash but this type of cotton yarn is not in it.  It was on sale so I purchased quite a few.  These might make nice little friendship gifts. too.  I do like to make a little something for my friends at Christmas.  Do you remember the 21 cups and cup cozies I made last year?  This pattern is very easy, not much thought involved at all, which fits perfectly into my life right now.


Drat if the lovely and talented Kristen from Cozy Things didn't just finish this beautiful sweater called Lady Kina.  I have had this one in my Ravelry library for sometime now but after seeing Kristen's I thought it might be the perfect sweater to make right now.  I had a look around my stash and found the perfect yarn, Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo.  I made a little project basket and have it sitting in my family room enticing me to get started.  This sweater looks fairly simple and straight forward, something I need right now as I said before.


This Olive Twist Shawl in a gorgeous Merlot sock yarn has been put aside for a few days.  


And this table runner for my SIL has not left my craft room in a few weeks.  I will also get back to this soon.


Right now I am thinking projects that are easier and simple, not too much thought, which means attempt number two on this Berroco sweater has been frogged, everything put away for another day.

Are you needing simple in your life right now or is it just me?

44 comments:

kathy b said...

I've knitted those cloths before; I have used some as washcloths, some as dishcloths. LOVE the pretty look.
Your crochet handle bags are really pretty!!

Im into many new cast on ideas myself!! I love this phase of my knitting

Between Me and You said...

Did you get cut off in midstream there, Meredith?lol Nevertheless, I love that your projects are so organised in their own little baskets and bags. I've made those cute little baskets too. I might make some new ones now that you've given me inspiration! Have a good week, Meredith. x

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I always need simple. A sweater pattern would not look straight forward to me at all. Your basket turned out a whole lot better than mine. There were a couple of rows that I wasn't quite sure about so I did it differently all three times. :) And I think my hand would fall off if I worked three strands together. I just used a nice thick yarn that I had. My baskets aren't sturdy but they do hold their shape for the most part. I just like playing with yarn, no matter what I am making. That little weaving I did took me a couple of hours. I don't know how you do anything on that big loom. Definitely a lot of work. Have a great day. Tammy

Jo said...

Some great stuff there, it will all come together when the moment is right for each project. I've had a yarn lull over summer - fell in love with my sewing for while but now my head is full of woollie stuff. Jo x

RedSetter said...

Loving what you have on the go and amazed at how you are managing all these projects. I'm just getting round to finishing up a cushion from the beginning of the year!

CJ said...

It always needs to be simple for me, I knit/crochet late in the day when I'm tired, and I have no patience when I mess it all up. I'm starting a quilt at the moment (well, any moment now), and it will definitely be simple. You have lots of nice things on the go, and I really like your crochet basket. I'm wishing you a productive and happy week. CJ xx

kristieinbc said...

It looks like you have a serious case of startitis. I get hit by it ever once in awhile too! I'm almost afraid to click on the link at the beginning of your post. I just read one of my favourite bloggers in England, and they just had to put down their sweet little West Highland Terrier. I don't know if I can handle any more sadness today.

Lynne said...

I like those baskets, I have them bookmarked I think. Just go with the flow sister, looks like you got quite a few things done there. When everything calms down, then you can turn your attention to more complex projects. Have a great week!
Lynne

Joyful said...

Oh it looks like you have been very busy creating :-) I love those little baskets and I'd probably do like you and make them a bit larger. I don't like little things too much as you need more of them to do the job and I simply don't have room.

I did have a look at Vicky's site and it's wonderful that she is lending a hand to the children there. Those kinds of projects always touch me and that is why I am so involved in Kenyan missions to people who get no real outside help.

I am craving simple these days. Though I haven't done anything real fun or been crafting, my summer has just whizzed by and I feel the need to take things as stress free as possible. Enjoy your simplification. xx

Susanne Tyree said...

I have done that round dishcloth before and it is not as hard as it looks. I really liked making it. I have to laugh at you cause sometimes, no scratch that, often times I am so busy doing so many projects I lose track and next thing I know I am swamped. For 3 weeks now (on and off) I have been working on organizing my sewing room and have run across so many started projects it is making my head spin. It is unbelievable and now I'm thinking unforgivable to be so crazy to be into all this and not accomplishing a darn thing. And the craft room, well, I'm beginning to think I spend more time trying to tame this "stuff" than doing anything else. I'm a collector. I have made a promise to myself, I will not buy another book or skein of yarn until all this is used up. I have discovered I have 4 large totes, one big cardboard box, a basket and several smaller containers of yarn...and, plans for it all, a lot of gifts, another donated afghan for the FACT folks, baby items for the Guardian Grandmas and of course some other charities like knitting for the homeless .
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Anonymous said...

So you are still going at a trillion wonderful,exciting miles an hour. Lovely things Meredith x

Kris said...

Hi Meredith. I have to comment on previous post first. Little Buddy in his Mickey Crocs!!! What a handsome little guy he is,,,,,,
On to this post......love the pretty washcloths. I have been making oodles to stock up on for gift giving. I would love to try that one. And the basket is so cute, but three strands of cotton sound like it would be hard to do!!! Love your prett yarn for new sweater too! Hope things have settled down for you!!
XO Kris

Judy S. said...

I am going to have to check out those washcloths! You can get really nice soap at Cranberry Morning if you need some to go with them. You will love Lady Kina; it goes quite quickly and looks nice on, too. It also has a great spot for an interesting button; I used the one my sis brought back from Alaska for me. Happy knitting on all your fun projects!

Anonymous said...

Whew! You've been BUSY!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

That basket is so cool! You do make the best things. I'm off to visit 2 Bags Full.
hugs,
Linda

Linda @ A La Carte said...

What a great cause. I will see if I can contribute for sure.
hugs,
Linda

Pradeepa said...

The bag is very cute. I love those wash clothes. You have lovely yarns in gorgeous colors.

My Garden Diaries said...

Simple is good for me too right now but man all of your loveliness is just fantastic lady!!! Look at you go!! I just was over at Vicki's and I am all over it!!! She is amazing!!! Have a rocking week pal! Nicole xoxo

Chris said...

Thanks for the link to your friends blog. We have so much and it's easy to forget others don't and need our help, look at you go with all your projects! I knit the Baby Kina earlier this spring I just sewed on the buttons a couple of days ago and guess what colour I knit it in........PINK!! Imagine that!

Teresa Kasner said...

Oh my.. do you ever have a head full of projects, my friend! I'm still plugging away at the Angry Bird for Caleb! They both start school tomorrow.. going to be more quiet around here. :-)
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Gracie Saylor said...

Well, it is official, Meredith. I am certain you are busier than a bee, but like a bee, you are leaving a sweet reward in your wake :-) So glad you were successful in gathering shoes for LB, and that he is enjoying school so much, and that Mr. T got a good report from the Dr. and his classes set. You are involved in lovely yarny projects, too! I am trying to line up a schedule and tickets to fly back East this fall to visit friends and family, and I have worked some more on Rosie's first year album. My oldest sister had some things broken in the CA earthquake, but she is fine and we are grateful! xx

gaia said...

Dear Meredith,
This post of yours made me feel like 'Thanks God, I am not the only one!' . Lately,I have been feeling a bit down partly because I am so distracted and partly because of all those wips lying around.And I shouldn't forget the heat wave that hit Cyprus.All I can do is read a couple of blogs and write a comment or two.So I stick to simple projects and I think 'simple' is the key. Have a lovely day. Gaia.

Ingrid K. said...

Hello Meredith,
I love all these pretty photos with your project baskets, each a perfect still life! Except that your life is not standing still, is it? I think it is ok to start and stop when you don't feel like it. Something will come along that you will enjoy doing and then you will stick with it, I'm sure. Just follow your instincts. I'm the same sometimes with reading a book or watching a movie. You have to be in the mood for it. Those washclothes are adorable, I'm a sucker for that colourful yarn! (I want!) If that was in a shop, I would buy it immediately, hahaha! Saved that pattern, must try it! :) I've been making flower garlands and now they are hanging up, I love looking at them (Will have to write about that soon!) Your crochet baskets are cool! I've made some with thick t-shirt yarn (Hooked Zpagetti) and after a while it felt like I had been armwrestling! Or should that have been yarnwrestling? ;)
Anyway, here's wishing you a happy week ahead!
Ingrid xx
http://myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be

Amy at love made my home said...

Your basket is lovely!! I saw Tanna's posts too and was inspired and I made a bowl from some Rico cotton - just a single strand - so I can see why you were inspired to do some more basket making. Your cloth and bar of soap plans for gifts sound lovely and will be much appreciated I am sure. I wish that things could be simple right now, so I understand your feelings, too much whirling round in the head just makes you want some peace doesn't it. I hope that you find some and some easy things to enjoy. xx

Babajeza said...

A basket for each project: They are all over my house at the moment. :-) I also feel the urge to start new project rather then finish my wips. Why bother? Hugs, Regula

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

I really like the basket. Neat idea.

Betsy said...

Love all of your projects Meredith. The basket with carrying handle is especially my favorite. I've made lots of those wash cloths and enjoy the simple pattern repeats. My friends all have so many dishcloths that now I make them for lots of charities. I hope you have a wonderful week with easier drop offs in the morning for LB.
Blessings,
Betsy

Gillian said...

You have SO many projects on the go. I think you might be worse than me! And you have a loom - I'm seriously thinking of getting one.

Acorn to Oak said...

I love your baskets! They turned out great! I want to make some one of these days. They're on my long list of things I'd like to make. Your weaving project looks great too! I have a couple skeins of that same exact yarn, in the same exact color. I've been meaning to start a weaving project with it. It seems perfect for that. Now, after seeing yours, I'm sure of it. I can't wait! I never did find a copy of that magazine with the shawl pattern...despite all the JoAnn stores, Michaels, Barnes and Noble and other stores I looked in. But, that's ok. My to-make list is so long already. lol

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Yikes Meredith, I'm dizzy from this packed filled project post! I haven't made one thing this summer and I feel like a loser!!!!! I have to get on the ball.....love all your ideas and gift projects! You have lucky friend for sure. Happy day to you and week, xoRobin

Clare said...

So many things on the go, like you I'm terrible for this I daren't count my WIP's
Clare x

Zuzu's Petals said...

Your washcloths reminded me of something I did a few years back.....change the color to red and they will become pointsettas! I used some red cotton that had a little sparkle in it and boy, did they turn out cute.

Mrs. Micawber said...

Yes, I need simple! So hard to achieve, but let us keep plugging away at it.

Beautiful washcloth - looks like a great gift idea. :)

Willow said...

Well, I just had to laugh and nod my head about the wips you have going. Sounds like me :)

Love those dishcloths!

I really really want to try those baskets BUT I have to stop myself right NOW. Maybe Christmas break?

mamasmercantile said...

Lots of projects on the go but so wonderful that you have them all separated into separate baskets, great organization.

Yarnism said...

The basket fever has caught me too, thanks to Tanna..... your basket is lovely and the dish cloth is pretty...

Love,
Sabrina

Ladybird Diaries said...

Lots of lovely projects! I love those crocheted baskets.
Marianne x

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Lovely post sweet friend. I always enjoy seeing all your beautiful projects. :)

((hugs))

Linda said...

My goodness you are in a twist with your projects but I can see where you're coming from. Especially as regards gift making for Christmas, something simple sounds a great idea to me. Your more demanding projects can be picked up again when you feel the urge for something more challenging.
Have a great week xx

Kaiya said...

Thank you for calling your readers' attention to this great cause!

Vicki Boster said...

Dearest Meredith-- bless you and thank you. You are so kind and wonderful to share the needs of the children with your devoted readers. I'm so grateful for a little space here on your beautiful blog:)

The knitted washcloth are amazing. I love that pattern. Is it really as easy as it reads?? I've already saved it-- I want to make some of those!!!

Love you bunches--
Vicki

RURAL said...

You are so busy, and creative...those baskets are beyond adorable...I've been seeing a few on Pinterest, and some blogs.

Take a deep breath, breathe in and relax...it will all come together just like your stunning creations.

Jen

Tanna said...

Oh, I have loved catching up today and especially enjoyed seeing your basket, too! Tammy has gone to town on them. It IS good to have those simple, quick projects when the rest of life feels a little frantic. blessings and hugs ~ tanna

Liz said...

Wow you amaze me with your projects. I need to stop vegging (?) out in front of the tv and get back at it again. I love the basket. Don't worry my seams are hideous too. It's not you, it's the design I guess. I'm definitely going to make a few of those dishcloths for myself. They look like a project I might be able to handle. Maybe?