This is a test to see if I can upload and share a pdf file. I have designed all twelve of the zodiac signs and used knitpro on the web to have the chart created. They are free to use, but may not be sold or used for commercial purposes withoout my express written permission. All images belong to me, however the symbols are public domain so feel free to design and knit your own.

Nope I guess not, ok so I'll just upload the photo instead... and there it is... I'll try to upload the rest in one post, just images to peruse perhaps.

Pirate Bunnies

So I'm trying and trying and trying and it's not working. I'm getting irritated. It should be a simple matter of coloring in the squares on the graph paper, apparently I'm coloring challenged. I can't seem to keep the squares "even".

I tried using one of the free online knitting chart creation applications, but they don't give you very good patterns, even form a simple line drawing. Alas and woe is I, back to the drawing board.

Charting

Today I attempt to chart my very first project. I have an idea for a an off-bet scarf or sweater or patch design, based on the "Jolly Roger" or Skull and Crossbones pirate flag. Not one for the traditional intarsia or Fair Ilse snowflakes and checkerboards I want to try something different, the simple lines / shapes of the skull and crossbones would lend themselves nicely to any number of adjustments or design with a few tweaks here and there. Will post the chart once I figure out how. iMac and and windows based programs do not communicate or play well together.

Yesterday I received my order from Knitpicks and the yarn is marvelous. $3.29 a 110 yard / 50 gram ball of worsted "Swish" 100% Superwash Merino in Black and Jade. The yarn is for a specific project and it is one of the softest wool yarns I have ever touched. Usually wool is harsh and makes me itch, I don't like wool clothes for that reason, but knitting with this there is almost zero itch factor (I think I might be allergic) and when worked up it still feels soft to the touch. The colors are gorgeous, rich and deep with little or no variation from ball to ball.

I liked it so much that I ordered another six balls in two more colors for another project and if I can find the proper colors in a yarn weight I like I may purchase from them again.

This is one of the very first projects I completed.

It is a knit from the top down pattern, which can be found in Knitting for Dummies. I changed the pattern some, it called for a four inch I-cord, which I thought looked silly so I cast on and began the increases after the first round. I like the spiral pattern on top. One could use different colors to knit a pinwheel type design.







Caron Simply Soft 100% Acrylic in Orchid. The hat took about 1/2 a skein (315 yards / 170 g).

Greetings

Hello,

This is my very first attempt at blogging. A friend suggested that it would be a great way to catalog or chart my progress for knitting or on going projects. I first learned to knit as a little girl, but it didn't quite grab me. I began to knit again to have something to do to keep me occupied in the snowy winter months and now I am addicted.

I don't use fancy yarn, I'm not skilled enough for $14.00 a ball Alpaca Wool yarns just yet, but I find that the Caron Simply Soft 100% acrylic makes for terrific practice and if I screw it up, I've only lost a couple of dollars.

I have several projects I am currently working on and a couple that I have already finished. In the next couple of days I will continue to post and add pictures.