January 2009 Needle Arts Challenge

**McD** · 01-02-2009, 09:15 PM

I am about 1/2 way through my first pillowcase.

**homesteadmamma** · 01-02-2009, 09:25 PM

I ended up switching patterns and this one is going so much better. I have 1/2 of the ribbing done on one mitt. I'll have one mitt that won't have a mate, rofl. Oh well, it'll remind me of what I'm learning.

**kmonokwe** · 01-02-2009, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by homesteadmamma

I ended up switching patterns and this one is going so much better. I have 1/2 of the ribbing done on one mitt. I'll have one mitt that won't have a mate, rofl. Oh well, it'll remind me of what I'm learning.

Hehe. You could turn it into an oven mitt!

**madhen** · 01-03-2009, 01:26 AM

I dug through my bead supplies, and I think I found the right inspiration for my necklace. It is actually a very inexpensive pendant, but has a lot of elements I like. First, it is very "bling-ey;" second, it has my favourite colour (violet) in it (and the other colours also happen to be "in" this spring); third, it is one of my favourite insects (yes, I have a favourite insect); and finally, I think the actual insect is symbolic of what I'm going for - svelte and fast, but also aggressive, and a force to be reckoned with. In addition, in the larval stage, it is not very attractive and doesn't have much of a personality <g>, but once it emerges into its adult stage, it is an insect to be envied and admired.

Yes, I do actually put a little effort into picking my theme.

Here is my center piece, at least unless the muse shoves me in a new direction.

**Dave'sGirl** · 01-03-2009, 07:04 AM

Well, I'm doing a bunch of getting NOWHERE fast. I have started TWO different sweaters for Dave's daughter's dog. The one I gave to her for Christmas was too small, so I promised her one in Jan. Well, I've started two now and they are both too big! One was a good pattern, just a smaller hook (a guess, really) and that is too big, then I started a different pattern all together and that's working out to be too big, SOOO I'm going to start a third and now I know what I am doing, so I should finish this one this weekend. I am going to finish the other two at some point and maybe sell them in a craft sale this summer (MAYBE). I will say, I am learning about sizing thru all this. I expect Hemi's sweater will be a one shot attempt. I know how big he is.

I did buy the yarn needed for the two afghans I will be making this year, so now I have to figure out how many squares for each one then figure out a schedule I'll need to work on to get them finished for next Christmas.

**Michelle** · 01-03-2009, 07:31 AM

I finished my scarf, so that means I've finished my challenge a bit early :laughinghard:. My projects were simple, and I am still very much a beginner.

I am going to look for an easy project I can make for the baby shower I am going to next month. I don't want to do a blanket, but I may do a couple of washcloths and bibs. Not sure yet.

Or I may skip that idea altogether and start something entirely different.

I hope to have pictures of everything I've made (since the beginning of November) put up by the end of the weekend.

**YankeeMom** · 01-03-2009, 09:52 AM

I'm at a standstill with my One Row Handspun scarf

I ran out of yarn & can't find anymore anywhere! I bought it on clearance and now I think it's been discontinued. I have a really bad habit of doing that lol.

I cast on another pair of Monkey socks for another Big Footed Friend. I haven't cast on my Bella's Mittens yet.

**madhen** · 01-03-2009, 10:18 AM

That scarf looks great, YankeeMom, but I guess the yarn you use would either make it or break it! I do like buying wool batting and spinning it, although right now, I'm just doing it on a drop spindle, because I can justify the expense of a real wheel.

**cab54** · 01-03-2009, 10:35 AM

I am 17" into the back of dh's sweater. Just marked it for the underarms. I've been doing a difficult pattern on mom's shawl for so long, I forgot how quick and easy a simple stockinette stitch sweater can be! LOL! ZOOOOM!

**knitnmom** · 01-03-2009, 11:41 AM

Cheryl, have you ever tried the Wonder Wallaby pattern for a sweater? Very quick and easy- my fav!

Anyways, I was going to try and tackle two projects this month, but I think I will just work on one. I'll be happy to get it half way finished. So, I'm just going to work on my crocheted scrap afghan for now.

**homesteadmamma** · 01-03-2009, 12:00 PM

Madhen, I love it. Have you been doing this for long?

**madhen** · 01-03-2009, 12:29 PM

I've been into simple jewelry making for about five years now. Trying to find a good wire-wrap class to take to bump my skill level up. Even learned how to make my own lampwork beads two years ago, but: a) I suck at it; and b) I don't really have a good workshop area to practice in. So that is something that is going to have to wait a few years.

**homesteadmamma** · 01-03-2009, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by madhen

I've been into simple jewelry making for about five years now. Trying to find a good wire-wrap class to take to bump my skill level up. Even learned how to make my own lampwork beads two years ago, but: a) I suck at it; and b) I don't really have a good workshop area to practice in. So that is something that is going to have to wait a few years.

One of the ladies in our small town makes jewelry. She is one of the top sells at craft sales. She hunts for old jewelry at yard sales and thrift stores and then makes new. Some of her work is incredible. I love the simplicity of yours.

**Debbie-cat** · 01-03-2009, 02:38 PM

I love it too madhen! Wow, you are talented. Keep up the good work everyone!

I guess I can't try crocheting this month as I cannot find my crochet needle. I am going to start on a quilted wall hanging and continue to look for the needle and maybe be able to get two things done this month.

**iida** · 01-03-2009, 03:39 PM

Can I join? I would like to make myself a pair of slippers. I don´t belong to a needlework club, but I would like to. How does it happen?

I love knitting and crotheting. I am not too good, but getting better all the time. For Christmas I knit a lot of socks and mittens, and this year I am going to start early, meaning right now. But I need those slippers first.