Braided Scarf

I made this scarf at least 2 years ago, but never blogged about it.  I think I was trying to decide if I actually liked it and would wear it.  Just this Winter I finally blocked it out and wore it.  I received some nice compliments on those days.  So I guess I should wear it a little bit more.





I can't remember what yarn I used for it.  But obviously I went 2-tone in greens.
Note:  After making a run to Jo-Ann's for something else, I think this yarn was Lion Brand Jiffy in Apple Green and Avocado..

The pattern is called "Braided Neckpiece" from this book, "Loop-d-Loop" by Teva Durham, pg. 118-119. You can also find in on Ravelry here.

Knit Cable Scarf

I tried another cabled scarf pattern.
This one I happened to see on the skein of yarn itself while browsing the aisles at Michael's.

It worked up really pretty in my sunny yellow yarn.



A little close-up to show the detail of the pattern.
I really like this pattern.  It worked up fairly quickly for as much detail as it shows.

Details:

• Pattern is Loops and Threads™ Knit Cable Scarf
• Actually followed the pattern exactly as outlined.  (I don't always do that)
• 2 balls of Loops and Threads™ Impeccable™ in color Butterscotch.

If you need a little cable knit abbreviation lesson this post is very helpful.  

Knitting Glossary includes some video instruction.

Chunky Cabled Scarves

Daughter #1 has been slightly obsessed with cabled sweaters and would really like to make herself one.  We may do it down the road, but in the meantime we started with something slightly less intimidating and needing less yarn for her first cabled project--a scarf.

I've made cables before, and although they look difficult, it really just involves crossing some stitches as you knit.  And being able to read the pattern directions.  So together she and I each made the same scarf pattern so that I could talk her through hers (at least for the first couple cables) and then she could do it on her own. And I would end up with one too.

And then I made a couple more.....







Working with chunky yarn is a plus too.  Your project works up much quicker.



Details:

• Pattern here free from JoAnn's. Shown L to R above

• Cream one made from Deborah Norville Serenity Chunky color Pristine 2 skeins
• Finished dimensions after blocking 8 1/2 inches x 50 inches 

• Blue one made from Loops and Threads Charisma color Royal 2 skeins
• Finished dimensions after blocking 8 1/2 inches by 30 inches.  We only used a portion of the second one as daughter #2 wanted a shorter cowl version.  One alone wouldn't have been enough for a cowl however.

• With the remainder of the blue I made only half of the width of the scarf until I ran out of yarn.  Daughter #3 got a little cabled scarf that measures 4 1/2 inches x 35 inches.

• Tan one made from Lion Brand Hometown USA color Los Angeles Tan 2 skeins (or as Hubby said, "the color of their air.")
• Finished dimensions after blocking 8 1/2 inches x 36 inches 

• Pink one also from Loops and Threads Charisma.  

• Hat Pattern Here.  Loops and Threads Charisma color Charcoal.

WHAT, swimsuits already?!

It isn't even Valentine's Day yet, but there are swimsuits in the stores ready for you to buy.  Not sure how well that will go over here in MN with our 40+ sub zero days so far this winter.  And 16 of them in row. Yikes! That isn't to say I couldn't think about warmer, sunnier weather, but it certainly isn't a reality for us here.

In the attempt to consolidate and eliminate stuff from my sewing room for an eventual move this summer, check out my Etsy shop for some swimsuit fabric and other items and FREE shipping through March 15.  It just needs to go--and I'm ready.  Items may be added in down the road too as I de-junk that horrible mess of a room that I call my space.

One Pot Sweet Potato Chili

Tried this recipe for Sweet Potato Chili a couple weeks ago.  The recipe came in our little magazine from the health clinic.  Loved, loved, loved it!  We will definitely be making this again.



The lime juice and fresh cilantro make it AWESOME!

Case in point, one of my daughters tried my soup--all doctored up--then served herself some and told me that it wasn't as good.  Well, she hadn't added the yogurt or cilantro to it.

Recipe pdf. found HERE.

And just as good leftover as the day you make it.
Yummy served with corn or tortilla chips too.

Changes I made:

• Doubled the recipe for our family.
• Used 1 can each pinto and garbanzo beans, undrained, but they were my home canned jars and so they have less liquid than store bought cans.
• Used 1-15 oz. can corn, drained
• Did not double the red pepper (only because I forgot to buy 2 instead of 1)
• Used plain yogurt.

Class Quilts 2014

Well, this may be my last year to put together class quilts with my kids and their classmates.  I've been doing it over the years to help with the school's annual fundraiser for the Spanish speaking T.A.s.  Since we plan on moving before the beginning of the next school year this may be it for this particular project.

I tried to change it up a bit this year with a different-ish block pattern that I haven't done before with the kids. I am pleased with the results.


1st grade quilt--with the corner blocks made by my youngest two.


5th grade quilt


Doing their best to look good.


And how 5th graders really act at the end of the day....


A couple close ups of the blocks and the quilting




Back and binding of the 5th grade quilt.

Bonus for me--I thought the auction was in February and have been hustling a bit to get them completed.  But it is going to be in April this year.  Woohoo! I am ahead of the game.  And I just dropped them off at school this morning.  Forgot to measure them before doing that, but they are large enough to cover me up.

Great job kids!  Thanks for all your creativity!

Linked up to Finish It Up Friday at CrazyMomQuilts

Previous Quilts
5th Grade 2011-2012
Kindergarten Handprints 2011-2012
3rd Grade Self-Portraits 2011-2012
1st and 5th Grades 2009-2010