Seed Stitch Basketweave Combo Infinity Scarf

 This is the Seed Stitch/Basketweave Scarf that I was working on. I really had no idea what I was doing with the yarn I had. Am I happy with it, it's aright I suppose. I liked how the Basketweave Stitch looks on this.  I hope these pics does the scarf some justice.


Materials:

(1) Balls Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Portland Wine

3 types of White Yarn , 1 Skein each. Note: You won't use up as much of the yarn as you think.

(1) Skein of Beloved Treasure Yarn. I used Horizon but you can choose other colors.
1 Size 15 10.00mm 29" or longer circular knitting needles. I prefer using Clover Takumi Bamboo Circular Knitting needles. Use coupons to purchase these guys cause they can be a little pricey, but worth it.

Pattern:
With Portland Wine and Horizon held together, cast on 85 stitches.
Row 1: K1, P1, K1.... until end of row is reached.
Row 2: P1,K1,P1....until end of row is reached.
Continue until you have your desired number of rows.
Cut Portland Wine and tie it to the three yarns in the color White.
At the beginning of the row you're going to knit, the Basketweave Stitch will mimic what your last knitted row looks like.
 i.e.
If you ended up with a P1,K1,P1 stitch for your last row before you had the yarn, your new row in White and Horizon held together looks like this:

P1,K1,P1...until end of the row
White:
Row:
P1,K1,P1...repeat until end of row.
K1,P1,K1....repeat until end of row.
K1,P1,K1
P1,K1,P1,
P1,K1,P1
K1,P1,K1
K1,P1,K1

Continue until you reach your desired number of rows.
The last  four rows will end in the Seed Stitch.
Make 2 rows using the Seed Stitch pattern in Portland Wine and then join that yarn with the White yarn before you start the third row. Continue with White for the last two rows knitted in the Seed Stitch.

Bind off and weave in ends.

Seed Stitch Scarf

This is the first seed stitch scarf that I attempted to create. I just became frustrated trying to knit a Stockinette Stitch and have it continuously curling at the edges.

Seed Stitch Scarf:
Materials:
(2) Balls Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Wheat
1 Size 13 (9mm) knitting needles.

Pattern.

Cast on 11.
Row 1. K1,P1, K1...
Row 2: P1, K1, P1...
Row3: K1,P1,K1...
Repeat for desired length.  Then bind off.

This stitch goes by really fast with bulkier yarn.

This is one that I did with Vickie Howell for Caron
Sheepish Yarn in Olive and Magenta and Ocean by Caron on size 15 knitting needles.

I later realized that there is no way to join two seams of a seed stitch piece. I just gave up and messed around with other stitches until I found one I liked. I'll get one up

The Beautiful Pregnant Fashionista

So you just found your pregnant, first, congratulations. Second, you're probably thinking what in the world am I going to wear? I can help style you through your pregnancy and afterwards if you plan to breastfeed. Unfortunately anything else, I'd recommend you talk to your doctor. Let's begin shall we. From time to time I'll be writing blogs about maternity styling because I meet WAY too many women that forgo fashion just because they're pregnant. Stop it! I'm here to help you. I've worked in maternity fashion for over five years and I actually enjoy what I do :).

I'm just going to put together outfits for various climates that will get your started on your wardrobe. I'll try to be as affordable as possible because I know it's very hard in this economy to spend money. This is a beautiful time in your life, don't miss out on this blessing even when you're feeling horrible.

Attribution: GAP

This is a gorgeous layering sweater from the GAP. On sale now for $47.99. You can also find this very same style at  various H&M  stores for half the price.

Fun things can be done  with scarf  depending on the density you choose.You can mix a thick scarf with another light weight scarf for fun and additional warmth.

Scarves:

1. Etsy $44.00  Chunky Hand Knit Scarf Open Knit In Cream Winter White

2. Etsy $36.00 Upcycled Neckwarmer Ruffle Scarf in Burgundy Red Lace and Pink $36.00

Earrings: Play around and see which ones you like best.  Invest in one solid well made piece of jewelry versus the cheap brands. Choose solid metals like gold or sterling silver.

 Etsy. $98. Whirling Meditation Sterling Silver Earrings Long Large Posts Dangle Earrings.

Who doesn't love a gorgeous maternity coat. This Isabella Oliver Belted Wrap Jacket is a wool-blend that can be worn from late Fall into Early Spring. Worn by celebrities. This coat will last for future pregnancies. Last time I checked, it was on sale.

 Japanese Weekend Maternity is the only place that I'd recommend going for good quality maternity pants. Designer of the famous OK Waistband, this band supports all the way through pregnancy. The Ponte Riding Legging is a popular item in store. It's thick and currently takes on the motorcross trend happening in slim pants.

Vote JWM on "Best of the Bay" and receive 20% off online and in-store when you mention you voted. Click here to vote

 Who doesn't love a gorgeous handbag! Bold reds are a wonderful compliment to Winter. This one can be found at other Coach retailers. Choose bold colors but if red and purples aren't your colors, find rich earth tones.

 My favorite accessories, thigh high socks. You can find a bunch on Etsy. Vacationhouse has this one going for $28.50. They carry a bunch of other colors. It's a good idea to keep your toes cozy and comfy in the colder months.







When it comes to shoes, I love shoes! I like Aldo shoes because they're quality made and won't fall apart. They always have good deals and these boots are cozy and fashionable. Comfortable as well. They're offering Extra 30% off right now. And you can find something very nice for Dad as well.

The Wonderful Moments of Fall

I got a Canon EOS Rebel XS for graduation and I just started walking around my neighborhood and taking pictures. We had such a long and beautiful Autumn season in the San Francisco Bay Area, that I would be a fool not to take pictures.

Infinity Scarf on Circular Knitting Needles

Cowls aka. infinity scarf,  have been the latest fashion trends for winter. I've seen so many different prints and styles. I've been wanting to make one on my own for some time. I grabbed a size 15 29' pair of circular knitting needles at Michael's the other day. I picked up a pair of circular knitting needles at Michael's a couple of weeks ago.

There was a lot to learn about knitting cowls. They are easy to do but thought must be given to the type of stitch you'll be using to make your cowl scarf.

Loops & Threads Country Loom Yarn, I used the color Shale. It's a ridicously soft yarn which makes for looser stitches. The first cowl I made with this yarn was warm but I wanted a tighter knit. My cool co-worker got me Red Heart's Stitch Nation by Debby Stoller in Full O'Sheep/ Passionfruit. It's such a BEAUTIFUL color. This is a great yarn for mixing.  I'm going to get photos up here soon. I just have to finish weaving in the ends of my first cowl and bind off the second one.

This is what I did:

I really liked how this one came out. It was really soft. But I ended up undoing the whole scarf because I didn't rib the other end and I didn't like it.

Quick tips for cowls:

1. If using the Stockinette Stitch, start with a stitch that won't curl (i.e. Garter Stitch or Seed Stitch). End also with this stitch before you bind off.
2. You don't need circular knitting needles to make a cowl scarf. DO take note of the type of stitch you're using so that you know how to correctly join the seams together.

Tips for New Knitters and Crocheters

So many people I talk to think that crocheting and knitting are the hardest things in the world. In fact, it is one of the most relaxing activities that you can do once you get the hang of it. The first thing I'd recommend is:

Do not take on more than you can handle.
Start simple and work your way up to harder techniques.
Practice, practice, practice.
Take frequent breaks.
Use your forearm muscles to knit or crochet, not your wrists (this may reduce your chance of developing Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. )
Once you master a stitch,  think of other ways to use that stitch.
Trust your muscle memory when you forget a stitch.
If you find yourself about to dooze as your knitting, that's a good point to take a break.
I almost forgot: Figure out if the American or European style of knitting works for you. Yes, they are quite different.

Welcome

The objective of this blog is to put together all of the things that I admire and makes me love being a girl. I will try to be as crafty as I possibly can be with what I write. Most of what I'll be posting on this blog will have to do with crafts, health, and beauty, photography and some artwork. I have no idea where this is going to go but it will be fun to give it a shot and see what happens.