Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Our move is on again!

Well, my husband's new job with Yahoo is finally finalized! He's supposed to report to work on Jan.7th, 2008! So we're back in the process of getting ready to move to California. Now we're just waiting on the movers to see when the big moving day will actually be! Along with preparing to move, we're also planning a couple of trips to visit family over the holidays. So... I may not be posting to my blogs as often as I'd like to during the month of December.
On a crochet note: I don't remember if I mentioned this before or not, but my step-mom gave me a project a few months ago, and I finally got back to tackling it today. Her mother passed away earlier this year, and going through her things she came across an old afghan that she remembered seeing as a child. She had always loved the colors and had very fond memories of it. So of course she will always treasure this family heirloom... Only problem is, it's falling apart! So she came to me for help! We went to Hobby Lobby and tried to match the colors as best we could, but the yarns originally used seem to have been wool. Anyways, here's a photo of it so you can see my work in progress...

So far I have patched as best I could about 1/2 of it. I'm hoping to have it finished soon, so I can take it back to her when I visit at Christmas. I know it's hard to see the damage in the above photo, so here are a couple of closer shots of areas I need to repair.

These are only a fraction of the bad spots. They're everywhere! I really hope I can at least restore this piece enough to at least hold it together and keep it from completely falling apart! I'm actually ripping out the bad parts and patching them in with the same crochet stitches that were originally used. Believe me, it's very time consuming and tedious! I spent several hours on it today. But it will be worth it in the end! =)
So, if you don't hear from me as often over the next few days/weeks you'll know why! But I will try to update and post whenever I get the chance! Until next time... I hope you're having a wonderful Holiday Season!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

My latest trip to the Library


Maybe I should change the name of my blog to Cafe Knits or something! LOL I apologize to any crocheters out there that are looking for a Crochet exclusive blog. But lately it seems that I just can't get enough info on knitting! I have to admit that it is also quite addictive! So if you've only ever crocheted and have never picked up the needles, you should at least give it a try!
I do however solemnly swear that I will continue posting about crochet as soon as the newness of my knitting passion wears off a bit! ;)
Anyways, as you can see I stocked up on some more knitting books during my latest trip to the library. Why is it that it's so much easier to find books on knitting than on crochet? There was a whole shelf dedicated to knitting and only a small section that contained books on crochet. Is knitting more popular? I had never thought about it until I started visiting the library on a regular basis.
Well, until next time... I hear one of my kiddos waking up!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Head Huggers

Do you knit? Crochet? Sew?

Would you like to use this skill to help someone who has undergone hair loss due to chemotherapy, brain surgery, burn wounds, etc.?

Sue W. Thompson is embarking on a project to do just that, and would like to invite you to join her.
She has patterns for knitted caps, for crocheted caps, and for caps which can be sewn out of fleece.
Her plan is to distribute the caps to hospitals, oncology offices, hospices, etc. so that they can more readily be available to those who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy. But to make it work, she needs volunteers to help with the production and distribution. If you are interested and would like more information (including 'Head Huggers Guidelines' and patterns), please explore her site "Head Huggers".

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

"You've been Spotted"! - Robyn Chachula - crochet by faye

Congratulations Robyn! You've been Spotted by Cafe Crochet . net!

I just happened upon another designer's website tonight and she is definitely worth some time in our Spotlight! Her works of art have even been featured in several books and magazines! She also just taped an episode of Knit and Crochet Today that airs this week. The episode is all about purses. And if you know me, I LOVE purses!!! She was teaching the Posh Purse from Crochet Today... You've got to go and check out her website crochet by faye and her blog!!!
I think this purse will absolutely have to be my next project!
The Posh Purse

My first knitting pattern is for sale on Etsy


I just finished making this cute little Hoodie for my daughter Caitlin. I designed it myself and decided to list the instructions/tutorial on Etsy. Stop by my shop to check it out and to see other photos of it! monkeybaby.etsy.com

my Fiesta Homespun scarf

Yay! The sun is FINALLY shining! So I pulled one of my dining room chairs over to the kitchen window so that I could get some good pictures of the Fiesta Homespun scarf I've been talking about! I wanted to wait until I had some natural lighting so that you could see the rich warm tones in this variegated yarn. I absolutely love the colors! So without further ado, here it is!!!




Monday, November 12, 2007

Irresistible (and Free) Goodies from Lion!

I've got a brand new screen saver on my computer now and I downloaded it for free from Lion Brand Yarn last night! It's a really cool "Urban Chic" animated scene of knitters and crocheters at a bus stop! Just click on the image below to be taken to their site to download it for yourself! They've also got a couple of other free goodies there too...

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Knitting 102

As I mentioned back on Nov. 1st, I had taken a free knitting class at my local library... I attended Knitting 101 on Oct. 27th where I fine tuned the basics (casting on and the knit stitch)... Well, I was also able to attend the Knitting 102 class on Nov. 10th! I finally learned how to purl! It was wonderful being able to share my newfound passion with the wonderful ladies that I met there. Thanks to Bonnie Bogden and Jan for doing an awesome job of demonstrating the techniques that they use and for the free knitting needles and yarn! Thanks also to Fringe A Knitting Salon for donating some of these yummy yarns! I will definitely have to pay them a visit!

Just click on any of these images to see the LARGER pictures "zoomed in"!


There were also plenty of books to check out for a novice knitter such as me! So of course I took several of them! I really like "The Cool Girl's Guide to Knitting" by Nicki Trench... It has a couple of really cute patterns/ideas in the back for making a needle carrier and a knitting bag! I also checked out Funky Knits: Knitting Know-how for Hip, Young Things which has some really cool projects!


Jan and Bonnie also brought plenty of their finished works to share with us! From sweaters to gloves and baby hats, they were all pieces to spark my creativity! I of course loved the display of scarves in all the different colors and textures! So many options... so little time!


Class in progress! Yes that's me clicking away in the first photo... (I'm sitting at the corner of the table, in the tan shirt, wearing glasses)... I'll actually miss getting together with this group... We should have exchanged contact info so that we could meet-up again sometime! If any of you ladies from these classes find this blog, contact me!


Last but definitely not least, I asked Jan to model the beautiful "Prayer Shawl" that she had knitted... I got the instructions from her and plan on knitting one myself... I also found the instructions online at the Prayer Shawl Ministry Homepage. This is an awesome way of combining compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Many blessings are prayed into every shawl.

What an inspiring 2 hours I spent at each class... I look forward to hopefully attending the next class whenever it is offered... I may even look for a knitting/crochet group to join (or start my own). What a wonderful way to share a passion and weave new friendships at the same time!

The fringe has been added!


I finally got the fringe added to my daughter's Lemongrass scarf! It looks much nicer now and she's a very satisfied customer! I'm still working on getting a good picture of my Fiesta Homespun scarf that I made... The weather isn't cooperating! I'm waiting for a nice sunny day so that I can get a good picture in natural lighting... You've just got to see the warm tones in the colors!

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Our first "You've been Spotted"! Brownie Ala Mode and Key Lime Pie Crochet Patterns

I'm adding a new feature titled "You've been Spotted by Cafe Crochet . net". Here I will share with you my most recent finds including books, designers, cool blogs, etc... You name it! If you or your website have anything to do with yarn, knitting or crochet, you may just get spotted by us and be featured here! Of course I will alert the ones I spot and I'm hoping to have a button/badge made-up very soon that you can add to your page!
This is our very first "You've been Spotted" find... Can you believe that these are crocheted works of art and not delectable desserts? They definitely look good enough to eat! I just couldn't resist sharing this cute find with you! You can find these crochet patterns at Maria's Handmade Crochet on Etsy. She really does put her heart and soul into her work.


If you haven't heard of Etsy, you don't know what you're missing! That's where I stumbled upon these oh so cute crochet patterns! It's THE place to buy and sell ALL things handmade! I actually have two shops there... You can view my items at Monkey Baby Boutique and Bangles N Bags Boutique ...STOP BY!

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

The Lemongrass Scarf

Well I finally finished my very first full blown knitting project! As I mentioned before, I attended a free knitting class at the library about a week and 1/2 ago... They supplied yarn and needles! Very awesome! Anyways, before I left for my class I told my daughter that I would try to choose a green yarn if they had any and that I would attempt to make her something... (Her favorite color is green) Well, the only green they had was this Lemongrass Wool-Ease brand. Not normally my first choice when going green, but it's all they had... So I grabbed a ball and a pair of size 11 needles and jumped right into making my first scarf!
After about 3 days it was finished! And here it is!



My beautiful daughter Caitlin is modeling her new comfy cozy scarf! I do still need to add some fringe to the ends, but I wanted to go ahead and show it off! I have to admit that the color actually grew on me and that before I had even finished this scarf I bought 2 more skeins of this color! The Wool Ease® Thick n' Quick® has got to be the easiest yarn to work with when learning to knit! I love it! I actually bought 3 different colors of this brand!
I have also knit another scarf since I finished that one... Here was the beginning stage of it:


I will have to take some pictures of the finished project tomorrow during the day in natural lighting... This was taken with a flash and the colors look washed out... But this was knit on size 19 FAT needles! I LOVE working with fat needles now! I'll try to get those pics posted tomorrow... I love the outcome of this one!

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Knitting 101

It's unbelievable how fast time flies. We should have been in the Bay Area by now. My husband was actually supposed to start working for Yahoo today in Sunnyvale, California, but due to a series of unfortunate events on their part, it hasn't happened yet, and we're still waiting to receive the official Offer. I had put everything on hold for the last 3 weeks in order to get ready for this move, but now we're not sure what's going on. We practically gave away a whole houseful of furniture and I've also been donating tons of stuff. Now all we have to do is wait and see what happens!
I did take a bit of a break on Saturday to get my mind off of all the "to do" lists that I've been making. The library was offering a free knitting class "Knitting 101" which I had registered for back in September. So... I finally got some much needed "therapy", and some much needed advice and tips that corrected some of the knitting techniques that I had taught myself. Seeing someone do it in person and having "hands on" training really helped! Now I can "cast on" and knit like a pro! I've actually started 2 scarves (one with the size 11 needles and lemon-grass green yarn that was provided during the class, and a second one with fiesta Homespun yarn and size 8 needles which I purchased when I started teaching myself) I am now working on these at night just before going to bed. Did you know that it has been proven that knitting and crocheting can reduce stress?! I now believe it!
Anyways, I guess I'm back for an indefinite time period, until we get more concrete info about the relocation process... So I will keep you posted!

Saturday, October 13, 2007

California Dreaming...

Wow! How things can change overnight! One day I'm shopping at Hobby Lobby and planning my next project, and the next day my whole life takes a new turn! My husband just got accepted into a new job in California and they want him to start working on Nov. 1st! That's less than three weeks away! So, needless to say I have not been updating this blog because I have been a busy, busy bee! I didn't want anyone to think that I've abandoned this blog, so I thought I'd better let you all know what's going on. For the next couple of weeks, I'll be sorting through everything in my house (from my kids' toys and clothes they've outgrown, to all of my knick knacks that have been stashed away in closets). We'll be downsizing big time! We're going to be selling our 4 bedroom house and moving in with friends out there until we can find a place of our own. Everything will be in storage and I may not have internet access for a couple of weeks. I've already donated tons of things to NCCS, and I am also Freecycling alot! So, if you don't hear from me for awhile, never fear! I will definitely be back as soon as we get settled in somewhere (hopefully by Thanksgiving)! My California Dreaming is becoming a reality! No more bitterly cold winters! Until next time...

Thursday, September 27, 2007

SweaterBabe.com's FREE Scarf Pattern Download!

Can you believe it? Fall is just about officially here and who couldn't use a new comfy cozy scarf for the chilly days ahead? I know I could! Here's a gorgeous one that you won't want to miss! And the pattern is FREE!

Every month, a different knitting or crochet pattern will be downloadable for free for 2 weeks at SweaterBabe.com.

Only those subscribed to their Knitting or Crochet Newsletters will be notified of each month's free pattern offer, so go subscribe to take advantage!

ONLY 3 more days to download the free pattern for this month!
The Star Stitch Crochet Scarf Pattern - Click here to Download it now

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Warm Up America

I've decided to participate in the WarmUpAmerica project this holiday season. You can find out more about it by clicking on this image to visit their site:
This is such a good cause, and I find it so relaxing and enjoyable to make the "squares"... It's also a great way to use all of those odds and ends of yarn that I've been accumulating! If any of you decide to participate in this ongoing project, I'd love to hear from you! I think their only rule is that the sections measure 7" x 9"... Kinda funny how I call them squares... I guess they're more like rectangles!

Friday, September 14, 2007

Are you knitting daily?

I just joined Knitting Daily this afternoon. It's the new online knitting (and crochet) community, pattern library, and newsletter brought to you by Interweave Press, publishers of Interweave Knits, Knitscene, Spin-Off, and Interweave Crochet magazines, as well as a lot of really cool knitting books. Best of all you can sign up for free!

ru knitting daily?

They have tons of FREE patterns for members to download... and I found this humorous and all too true little article titled "Why Knit a Bag?" Now I LOVE handbags... so that caught my eye. I have already crocheted a handbag, so maybe I'll try knitting one next! They've got at least a dozen free bag patterns! There's even a whimsical "credit card bag"! So what are you waiting for? Sign up for your free membership today!

Monkey Baby Boutique Update!


I have been a "busy bee" lately... Staying up until all hours of the night... researching products, contacting companies, and working on stocking my inventory for my new online Baby Boutique! Nobody told me that this would be so time consuming! LOL But I'm loving every minute of it! And I can't wait to find the next "gotta have it" item to add to my store! I'm also definitely planning to incorporate my crochet into this project as well... I'm planning to list some of my crocheted stuffed toys (hmmm... wonder if I can make something similar to sock monkeys with my crocheting skills?), blankets, hats/caps, and more... (Time permitting!) Once I get my store a bit more stocked, I'll have time to relax a little and get back to working on some of my crochet projects!
I also started teaching myself how to knit, which I wrote about in some of my previous posts! Oh and by the way, I actually bought myself a pair of knitting needles yesterday! Yay! Bye-Bye chopsticks! LOL
Can you say I have a bit too much on my plate at the moment? Sometimes I wonder how I can even get half of it done! But, most of my work happens late at night after the kids are in bed. Anyways, I'm off to make lunch for the kids right now... I'll try to post more later today!

p.s. I received my first issue of Interweave Crochet magazine yesterday and there are some wonderful articles I'd like to share with you! If you scroll to the bottom of their page you can get a FREE TRIAL ISSUE! Until next time!

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker

Lacy, sexy summer tops. Chic, cozy sweaters. Chunky, funky hats and colorfully crafty afghans— it all starts with the single, simple act of wrapping a hook around a strand of yarn. Then come the stitches, the flourishes, the unlimited creativity. Stylish, cheeky in tone, chock-full of information and inspiration, this is the indispensable guide. Learn the skills. Speak the lingo. Make the stuff. And give old granny square a chance. Click the image below for more info.


Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

The Crochet Answer Book

This book has Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask! I highly recommend this book as it is one of my favorites and it has helped me countless times out of jams! Just click on the image for more info!


The Crochet Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask



Wouldn't it boost your confidence to have an experienced and confident crocheter on call, day and night, offering assistance when needed? Most of us aren't fortunate enough to have that kind of aid, but now there is help available 24/7 with The Crochet Answer Book. Being a good crocheter is not about making perfectly stitched, elaborate, artful creations. It is rather a matter of confidence. You need to be confident in what you are doing and in how to figure out what to do if things aren't going quite right. Understanding why you do certain things and why they turn out the way they do increases confidence and leads to successful crocheting. This book answers some of the most common questions crocheters have, and anticipates some questions you didn't know you had. The Crochet Answer Book will lead you down the road to gaining the confidence that makes for good crocheting.

Monday, September 3, 2007

Crochet T-Shirts!

Show your love of Crochet with these fun crochet themed shirts featuring original artwork by Sheila of Sheila's Schnauzies! Sheila is a lifetime crocheter and designer. All sales of her items benefit her rescue dog work.

Just click on the images below to view buying details...



Hooked on Crochet T-Shirt


I Speak Crochet! Women's T-Shirt


Women's Pink Happy Hooker Crochet T Shirt


Hooked on Crochet! Sweatshirt

Knitting task completed!


Here it is! I did it! I know, it's only a 6"x3" rectangle, but what a feeling of accomplishment for someone that had never touched knitting needles before! I taught myself the "bind off" yesterday, and called it a night. I don't know what my first real knitting project will be, but I definitely want to try making something. Maybe I'll start with a simple scarf.
But until I decide on that, I've got plenty of crochet projects to keep me occupied! My step-mother's mom passed away earlier this year, and my step-mom inherited an antique crocheted afghan. Well, needless to say, it's seen better days! She called me to ask if I thought it could be repaired. When I saw it, I knew I had my work cut out for me. I'd never attempted to restore an afghan before. There are several gaping holes in it and lots of areas where it has come unraveled. The yarn is very old and heavy, probably wool. And there's no way that I'll find anything that matches perfectly to the colors. But I accepted the challenge. So we were off to Hobby Lobby with afghan in tow. It's a multicolored throw made of granny squares that have been sewn together. In my next post I will share some photos with you of my work in progress. This may take awhile! But my step-mom says that she has always loved the colors and the memories that the afghan holds. She definitely doesn't want to throw it out. So I'm on a mission to restore and preserve a piece of family history, and make it worthy to pass down to the next generation!

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Knitting with Chopsticks


Okay, here are the pictures from my very first knitting attempt last night. This is my chopstick knit version (since that's all I could find to use at the time!) Does that earn me the right to display the The “MacGyver” Badge (Level One)?

"The recipient must demonstrate clever use of a non-knitting tool in a knitting-related scenario. For instance, recipient has used paper clips as stitch markers, or successfully whittled and then utilized bamboo skewers as dpns."

I may actually have to invest in some knitting needles! Who would have thought? This is really fun! As depicted in the top photo, I chose the Double Cast-on method. Took me a little while to get the hang of it, but now it's east breazy!
Then it was on to learning the Knit Stitch. I chose the English (right-hand) way as you can see below. But, I just can't get a good grip on the yarn using my right hand. It feels very awkward and I can't get the tension right. This may be because I'm so used to holding the yarn in my left hand when I crochet. I actually unraveled my work and started over several times. I may have to give the Continental (left-hand) way a try. It might be easier for me since it involves holding the yarn in the left hand.


Then I switched to some of my husband's wooden chopsticks, as you can see below. Progress was made! I like the feel of the wood alot better! But in the end I still wasn't happy with my results, so I unraveled it again! I noticed a couple of holes in my work which probably meant I had dropped some stitches somewhere. Needless to say, I haven't even touched Binding Off yet... First I want to feel comfortable and satisfied with my knit stitches. So, practice I will. Does practice make perfect? I hope so! I'll keep you posted on my progress...


I just want to add a thank-you to Debbie Stoller incase she ever finds this blog. Her book Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook is my guide. I actually tried to learn knitting with a couple of other books previously and never could understand the instructions. But she gives wonderful diagrams, drawings, and step by step instructions. I don't know if I would have given knitting a second thought if it wasn't for her! Kudos to SnB!

Crochet vs. Knitting

Is there really a war going on? I read an article titled The age-old battle continues: Crochet vs. Knitting. Who will win? at the Crochet Insider website. (click the link, then scroll all the way down to find the article)
I myself have always crocheted, but have been very curious about knitting... So is it okay for a crocheter like me to also want to learn the way of the needles? I've never actually known anyone that knits and it has always looked so difficult to me! Well, my curiosity got the best of me today... While at the library I went ahead and picked up Debbie's The Knitter's Handbook... I was already a fan of her Crochet book, but every time I've seen her knitting books I've felt a bit left out. There's something intriguing about the way she writes. Do the "chicks with sticks" have something that I don't? I had to find out! So... this evening I pulled out the only sticks I have! A pair of chopsticks! Can you imagine? I'll actually post photos tomorrow... I'm just too tired to download them right now... Using her book I taught myself to "cast on" (which is the first step and gets the first set of loops on your needle) and then I learned the knit stitch! I actually got really excited! I couldn't believe that I did it! What a feeling of accomplishment! So, I had my husband take a couple of photos of my very first attempt in action.
To be continued...

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Etsy & Share a Square Project

If you haven't heard of Etsy, it's the BEST place to buy and sell ALL things handmade! Here are 2 of my most recent finds/purchases:


I got this yummy Boucle Yarn Assortment for only $5.00! There were two full skeins and some partial ones. I couldn't resist! Then I got this wonderful "Crochet for a Cause Pattern" absolutely FREE on a Pay it Forward... All I had to do was agree to participate and send a finished square to the Share a Square Project (Afghans for kids with cancer).