Alison Tank-top

I'm really excited about this project, because for once something I designed from scratch is working out almost as I envisioned.  Usually my gauge is off or my measurements so the finished project is funky.

This one started the same way.  I did some fuzzy math and came up with way to many cast on stitches.  I was planning on this tank top having an hourglass shape, but after spending weeks knitting the lace part, I realized the hourglass wasn't going to work unless I wanted it to be a minidress.  Rather than rip it out, I decided to let it work to my advantige and let it be more of a baby doll tank.  Loose in the torso and tighter around the bust.  I had to do a little increasing for the bust because of the gauge difference.  As I knitted, I was worried that I had increased to much, but I had her try it on tonight and it fits perfectly.  Just another inch or 2 and I can start shaping the underarms and neckline.  Can't wait to see the finished project!

Playing with a lightbox

I've been avoiding taking and posting pictures of my recent FO's because  like most people I don't the room to set up a regular photo area.  Usually I take pictures in my dining room which is not only the place where we eat, but also were the kids do homework, where my husband works on his computer, where things get put when nobody knows what to do with them...well you get the idea.  So it can be very time consuming to set up the make-shift studio (an old sheet and some desk lamps) in my dining room to take a few pictures.

I've been looking for a solution for a while and I think I found the answer (for small projects anyway) in the form of a homemade light box.  It's nothing fancy, but what can you expect for something that cost me less than $5 to make and the best part is it really seems to work.  

I had been thinking about a getting a light box since I first heard of them a couple years ago and even found instructions on how to make one, but never got around to doing it.  It wasn't until recently when I tried to take some quick pictures in the dining room and they turned out awful that I finally got the ambition I needed to try making one.  I won't bore you with the details, because the web is full of how to's, just google search homemade light box and you'll find all kinds.

I was surprised how nice my photos turned out with the box and I hardly have to do any editing. 

Light box shot with direct light & no flash.  To yellow

Dinning room shot, ceiling lighting & no background 

Light box shot, with flash.  To washed out

Final light box shot, no flash, diffused side lights.  Truer colors.

I really like white background photos, but have a hard time producing them myself.  I usually end up with something like these.

Invisible mannequin

Washed out mannequin

 After playing around with the white balance I was able to achieve the effect I was looking for without a vanishing or washing out the mannequin head.

 

Most of the blogs I read, suggest you use daylight bulbs for lighting, I bought daylight bulbs, but all the photos above were taken with regular soft white 65watt bulbs. I'm waiting to use the new bulbs until I can buy myself some lamps, so I don't have to steal the kid's desk lamps and change all the bulbs every time I want to take some pictures.  Now if I could just figure out how to light larger objects to get the same results, I could take the kid's portraits.

Hats for Girl Scouts

I've been busy this last week knitting for Girl Scouts.  These are hats I made with leftover or unwanted for my daughter's troop to sell at their Tot Shop on Dec 3.  I have one still on the needles and enough yarn for another.  Hopefully I can get the last two finished before the sale.

Stashbuster

My yarn stash has been of a thing of contention for me for a long time.  I vowed several years ago to use up what I had before I would buy anymore.  That only worked if I wasn't picky about what yarn I wanted to use for new projects.  Over the last couple years I've been able to dwindle my stash down by donating skeins, or deciding that 1/2 a ball of Red Heart really wasn't worth keeping.  I'm down to my last 5 skeins of nicer cheap acrylic yarn.  I've kept them because I liked them when I bought them and always thought I'd do something with them, but they've been sitting in my stash for quite some time.

My daughter's girl scout troop is hosting a Holiday Tot Shop, where little kids can come and buy presents for Mom & Dad.  So I thought what better way to get rid of my yarn than knitting hats for the sale and what doesn't sell will be donated to charity.  And then I'll finally be able to buy new yarn with out the quilt.

Introducing my first pattern for sale

Tutu Tank Top

A cute toddler's tank top with a little bit of a ruffled hem.  Pattern available in sizes 24 months to 4T.  Available for purchase on Ravelry for $6.00.
Sample was knit with Corny Goodness dk in 4T.

Don't know how to knit?  I can knit it for you.  Contact me for more information.

Test knitter wanted

I think I have the pattern finalized for the Diamond Brocade toddler sweater, but before I publish it, I really want to have somebody else test it out.  It's written in sizes 18/24 mos. to 4T.  If anyone is interested, leave a comment and we can work something out.

Sneak peak at a new pattern

I've been knitting alot lately, so much so that my hands are starting to hurt.  I think I better take that as a sign to lay off of it for a while.

Diamond Brocade Toddler Sweater

I've been working on a new pattern.  This drop shoulder sweater features an expanded neckline by shoulder fastening, a diamond brocade design on the body with a little bit of diamond brocade on the sleeve too.  Right now I only have the pattern written for 18-24 months, but I'm working on making it multiple sizes.  When done, the pattern will be available for sale in the shop.

Baldwin the Bathroom Monster

The other week I was at the craft store, picking up more yarn when I ran across  Rebecca Danger's The Big Book of Knitted Monsters.  Paging through it, I thought what a perfect way to use up all my left overs or single odd skein.  The projects are fairly simple and knit up fast.  I was able to knit Baldwin on a 5 hour car trip.  I have more left over yarn to use up, so I'll be making more in the near future and donating them to a local children's charity.