I just saw this video on Face Book about joining yarn that I wanted to share.   A lot of you are probably laughing, that I'm so excited about it, because you've been using it forever.  The link explains 5 ways to join yarn, the one I'm excited about is the first one explained, The Twist method.  This will sure make it alot easier, no more weaving in the ends.
http://crochet.diyeverywhere.com/2017/04/15/5-quick-and-easy-ways-to-join-new-yarn-in-crochet-/?src=fbfan_59548&t=fbad&up=20170429&k=lgvhmus00167

Entrelac Knitting.....I have to try it!

Do projects find you?  Wasn't really looking for a new project and this caught my attention at http://entrelacknitting.blogspot.com/2011/07/entrelac-scarf-knitting-pattern.html

I think I want to make a neck warmer in a ombre yarn, so I don't have to keep changing colors.  Probably have to find a yarn that will make wide stripes.  Better do some more reading before I run out and purchase yarn to find out what you need to get this effect.  Glad this project found me....it just might be the distraction I need right now.  I'll be updating when I find a pattern and yarn.  Right now I need to go back to sleep!

My 2nd go at making socks was MUCH easier!

I made this sock with Patons Harvest Classic Wool yarn from a pattern at http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/knitting/amazing_feets.php
My shoe size is a 7 1/2.  Using the directions for a size M and 4.0 mm knitting needles, they fit perfectly.
This was a great pattern to follow, everything was explained so well, was so much easier to follow than the pattern I used in my last post.  I found a video on You Tube that was really helpful for grafting the toe.  It explained the Kitchener stitch for grafting the toe of the sock.  Kitchener was a general in WW1 who came up with a way to graft the toe of socks  so that it would be a smooth join and wouldn't rub. Here is a link:   http://youtu.be/u68wL_qQkB.
Now that I have the hang of it I'm going to try using sock yarn, instead of the classic wool, to see how that turns out.

Finally finished my first sock!

Finally finished my first sock!!
 The pattern was from Follow the Basic Top-Down Sock Pattern - For Dummies

www.dummies.com/how-to/.../follow-the-basic-topdown-sock-pattern.html

 Sounds like it will be easy..right?  I must really be a dummy because it took a lot of help from You Tube to figure this pattern out.
 Considering how long it took me to make one sock, if it got a hole in it, it would get fixed.   I now understand why women used to fix holes in socks back in the day.
Well, got to get started on the next one, if I want to wear them this winter.

Not making much progress on the sock project...keep getting distracted.

The weather in Pittsburgh this summer has been so weird, it almost feels like fall is here already.  Feeling like knitting today but can't find the sock I was working on lol.  July 5th (when I started it) seems like it was so long ago.

Took it with me to work on when I went to Niagara Falls with my husband on business.  Turns out there was too many other things to do there than knit.  I don't have much experience at slot machines but decided to try my luck at the casino. The crowd seemed to be all senior citizens so I fit right in.  My husband tells me that when you double your money you should walk away....did I listen?  NO.  Anyway, I was playing this machine and it started playing music, REALLY loud.  It was REALLY noticeable at 8:30 am!  No, I didn't win a lot of money...just free games. The machine locked up and there was no button to push to start the free game, was so embarrassed because I didn't know what to do!  Should I just walk away?  Hell no....I want my free game lol.   Finally, after what seemed like forever, an employee was close by and she told me I had to choose 3 that matched from the flashing graphics at the top of the machine, to see how many free games I won. Whoever was watching the security camera probably got a good laugh.  I'm finally starting to have some fun playing the slot machines.  Is that a good thing?  As long as you break even or WIN.
Back to the sock....got distracted again blogging.  I remember getting to the interesting part of making the heel.  Have to go find it so I can make some progress.

Starflower Dishcloth from Knit Picks

The pattern for this dishcloth was fun to figure out.....think that's the reason I like to knit.   You can find it at KnitPicks.com. I had some trouble with row 11 of the edging.  To get row 12 to work, I had to use 6 stitches to bind off and only knit 2 then knit 2 together.  Still have to block it.  It's too pretty to wash dishes with!

So excited to start my next project.  To give my thumb a rest I was looking for something to crochet and I found it at a local bar.  The bartender had on a lace topper that was exactly what I've been looking for.  I CAN MAKE THAT!  Here we go again......


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Rainy day....perfect for starting a new project.

It's so hard to find the time to knit and crochet now that summer is here.  There are so many things I want to try to make.  The osteoarthritis in my thumb flared up from knitting so much over the winter so taking  a little break helped it feel a little better.  I have to figuer out a way to knit without using it so much.  Crocheting doesn't bother it as much as knitting but I prefer the way a knitted project looks compared to one that is crocheted.  So I decided making something small might be a good idea.  
It's going to be a rainy day in the Burgh today so it's the perfect time to get started.
I've been following Knit Picks, they have so many unique dishcloth patterns.  Think I like the Starflower pattern at this link: Knit Picks.com  It is under their free patterns.
Enough talking about it....time to knit.  I'll let you know how it turns out.