Apologies

---Apologies---

I'm sorry if I hurt anyone's feelings with my last couple of posts. Please find that all offensive material has heen deleted.

I'm crying as I write this. I'm truely sorry and didn't mean any harm or hurt by it.

Sorry. To make it up here's a funny picture I found a couple of days ago.

I'll never write anything about it again. nor will I go off on a rant for no reason other than I'm angry. I'm trying to be a better person.

Much luv and sorrys
Aki XXX

Brigader Knitting class

Brigader Knitting Class(11th October – 8th November)


What you need to bring:

-----Yarn-----

What? - You need DK weight (acrylic is fine) and the colour is up to you (if you plan to make the bear; do not buy white as it is associated with death in some countries) 1 Ball should do.

Where? - Selections in Carrick is a good starting point but if you are in Belfast before then: the Haberdashery shop in the INShops sells DK weight for £1 a ball. (as me for directions if you’re not sure)

-----Needles-----

What? - You will need size 4mm needles.

Don't worry I'll provide these :)

-----Project-----

(as is what you’d be making)

You will have quite a few choices, of project that I will bring along. (these include the Angelbear, a couple of pairs of wristers, my own Bunny pattern and A secret project that I have going for March/April
Anything else?

I will give you the option of taking your knitting home with you as long as you remember to bring it back the following week. (especially the week we’re off over Half Term, that’s good knitting time) I will of course be in GB should you have any problems and also on Facebook for all those times at home (add me; I won’t bite - Ellisa Haddock). I will also put up some videos/ words of wisdom up on my blog (http://akitombo.blogspot.com)


Thanks XX From Ellisa (Aki)

For my Brigader Knitting class

I realize I won't always be on Facebook/ at GB/ sitting right beside you so I've devised some of the questions that I think most of you will need help with.

Q: I've forgot how to (insert technique here)

Some Videos -

How to knit (ignore Cast on)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uw-nUvGrBY&feature=related

(above video also includes Casting off/ Binding off)

Casting on - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PdY-JW-XWo&feature=relmfu

Purl - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAMD_XpybQY

Q: I've lost the pattern!

Angelbear: (Tangy) http://www.angelbear.org.uk/onepiecepattern.html

Garter Stitch Wristers:  (Pie)   Cast on 26sts(S) or 30sts(L) you are kniting evey row until the piece measures 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) then Cast off and sew the two long sides together leaving room for thumbs about 2 inches from the top.

Ribbed Stockin' Wristers with bracelets: (Pie)  Cast on 26 sts (S) or 30sts (L).

work 2x2 ribbing (knit 2 sts, Purl 2 stitches til end) for 1-2 inches (remember to reverse when turning, so if you ended on a purl, you start with a Knit)

*Knit a row, Purl a row

(when you want to put in a 'bracelet' work a Purl row as a knit row(so you'd Knit 3 rows at a time, the middle one being the bracelet) and continue as normal)

*repeat till piece measures 21.5 cm then work more ribbing about half an inch from the top

Cast off. Sew down the two long sides leaving room for thumb about 2 inches from the top

Bunny (Tangy)

Kfb (knit into front and then back)

An increase worked as follows:


1. Knit the next st through the front loop, but do not remove the st from your left hand needle.


2. Knit the same st once more, this time inserting your needle through the back loop of the st. You will have created 2 loops (sts) on your right hand needle.
 
Decrease: K2Tog  (Knit two together.)
Instead of putting right hand needle through the front of one stitch put it through the front of both stitches to join them into one and knit it as normal.
 
BODY

Beginning at top of head, cast on 6 sts.

Row 1 (WS): Purl.
Row 2 (Increase row): Kfb in each st across - 12 sts at the end of this row.
Rows 3 and 5: Purl.
Row 4 (Increase row): Kfb in each st across - 24 sts at the end of this row.
Row 6 (Increase row): *K1, Kfb in next st; rep from * across - 36 sts.
Rows 7-23: Work in St st (k on RS, p on WS), without changing the st count.

Row 24 (Decrease row): (K2tog) across - 18 sts at the end of this row.
This decrease row is the Bunny's neck.

Row 25: Purl.
Shape Body
Row 26: Kfb in each st across - 36 sts at the end of this row.
Rows 27-55: Work in St st as established until Bunny is wanted length.

Bind off. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail.
EARS (make 2)
Cast on 6 sts.

Row 1: Knit.
Row 2 (Increase row): Kfb in each st across - 12 sts at the end of this row.
Rows 3-29: Work in Garter st (k every row).
Row 30 (Decrease row): K2tog, k8, k2tog - 10 sts at the end of this row.
Row 31: Knit.
Row 32 (Decrease row): K2tog, k6, k2tog - 8 sts.
Row 33: Knit.
Row 34 (Decrease row): K2tog, k4, k2tog - 6 sts.
Row 35: Knit.
Row 36 (Decrease row): K2tog, k2, k2tog - 4 sts.
Row 37: Knit.
Row 38 (Decrease row): (K2tog) twice - 2 sts.
Row 39: Knit.
Row 40: K2tog.

Do not bind off. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Draw tail through remaining st and knot securely.
LEGS (make 4)

Cast on 12 sts.

Row 1 (WS): Purl.
Row 2: Knit.
Rows 3-19: Continue in St st as established.
Row 20 (Decrease row): (K2tog) across - 6 sts at the end of this row.

Do not bind off. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Draw tail through remaining 6 sts, (a needle might help)pull tog tightly and knot securely.
FINISHING
Seam Head/Body to make a tube, stuffing lightly before sewing closed
With medium brown yarn, embroider straight st eyes and nose. With white yarn, embroider straight st whiskers. Fold cast on edge of Ears and sew to Head. Seam Legs, stuff lightly before sewing closed.
Sew Legs to Body. (I'll give you a pom-pom for the tail when you're finished)
Weave in ends using a needle.

Q: What's with your hardness gauge? Spicy? what's that?
Rather than just using Easy,Medium and Hard I wanted bits inbetween and with thoughts of having a pattern being extra Medium in my head I came up with my hard system.

Order in order of Hardness)

1.Pie (as easy as pie....duh. good for beginners)
2.Tangy (harder than easy but still do-able to a person with skills. May leave you with a bad taste in your mouth, nice challenge none the less)
3.Porcelain (hard but easily broken. With the right understanding you will crack this)
4.Spicy (like a madras Curry. Some can take it; others can't)
5 Hardboiled (expect steam, toughness but at the end a lovely luscious project)
6.Extraspicy(Have the swear jar beside you for a while)

Q: I've finished :)..... now what?

You can start another project, try going up a hardness level or even try searching the web yourself for patterns. (here's a few links to help you)

https://www.ravelry.com/account/login (this is like Facebook for knitters)
http://www.lionbrand.com/ (you have to sign up but it has loads of easy patterns :)

Anything else you'll just have to wait till I answer you're facebook comment or I see your problem at GB that Tuesday. :)

And I'm back!

---Hello everybody---
Did y'all have a nice summer? I know I did. For me it doen't change much, from Summer into Autumn, I still work 10 hours a week with some overtime, I still get to see Craig near enough every day and I still knit alot.

There's something though; that's changing. Something that's scaring me just a teeny bit. it's GB. Not only am I doing officer training this year (I know... feck) I'm also taking not 1 but two new classes this year. A knitting class (oooooh; that's scaring me) and a cooking class with Sandra (that'll just be fun).

Along with my 4-5 yr olds and my scripture class with the juniors that's 4 classes I'm taking part in teaching this year. Along with craft sessons, physcial sessions and 4 (holy crap) openings to do. I have a mountain to climb. I'm also starting to re-go to Church every Sunday with Craig. I had stopped because of work starting at 12:30 and I was afraid that I wouldn't make it intime. Last week was a trail run and we got outta there by 11:45, back to mine and I was changed and out the door by 12:25. That's a good sign.

---Now; onto more knitterly things---

I planed on making wristlets with the Brigaders for my Knitting class; but somehow they came up with wanting to knit a bear for Angelbear (trauma charity for children) so now we're mostly doing that. (I still think it'd be too hard; but anyway)

At first I tried the original bear. (which is knit in pieces then sewn together) and it didn't turn out well. Then someone brought in a completed all in one bear and it looked better. I casted it on and completed it within one day speratic knitting. and about 4 trys at the Face gave me this one.

So we're knitting them.

 

There's also the option to knit the Bunny like the one I did for Lynn and Ian's baby. it's just so cute and I love it. when they're done they'll get donated somewhere. Probably to the Pregnancy resource centre in Carrick.

All in all there will be cuddly things happening on everyone's needles from Tuesday the 11th of October and I'll try to blog about them when I can.

 

---New knits over the Summer ---

A few will know this but I have a wedding to go to in December. I'm knitting a Shawl  to go with my dress from the Rowan kidsilk that I got on Holiday. I'm about to start the edge and the 270 stitches on my needles will increase to 425 before starting to go down. In short: i'm scared of it.

I'm also scared of blocking it.... blocking is where you soak the fabric (some say to use cold; others warm) and then; using pins, pin it out to dry, insuring all pints and such are clear and... well pointy. this means that I need to either pin it to my bed (not a good idea) or buy the plastic matting that looks like jigsaw pieces that people normally use for kid's playrooms ect and pin it to it. Theres a set of 4 in tescos that I seen for £10. I'll always use it.... it's just starage is what's worrying me.

I also seem to have an endless amount of people to knit for this christmasI have 2 hats already accomplished and  3 pairs of socks on the go.between now I have to cast on 2 more hats and countless other wee things.I have also re-discovered my love for Cross stictching and I plan on doing someting with it too.

---That's pretty much it :) ---

I'll post again in a couple of days :)

Thanks for coming back to join me on another year of Knittery things form me.

Much much Luv Aki XXX

PS: welcome to my honerable daughter; Charlotte who subscribed to the blog during the summer

Here we see the knitting Feind in it's natual habitat before xmas.......

----Oh my Good Lord it's been a long time----
Hellos everybody. I'm very sorry if you missed me, a lot has happened it the past......MONTH!!! Oh my word I didn't think it would be that long sorry.
Well at the rate I'm going at it might turn into 2 if I don't get moving like now; so without any further ado; grab yourself a hot beverage, shut the curtains without looking outside (trust me; it's not pretty) and here we go :)

----Job Job Job----

I got one. I'm now working down in Tescos as a part time worker (with shed loads of overtime lol), which is why the blog (and the knitting) have been moving at a snail's pace over the last few days. I do however have enough money to buy myself a nice little thing for myself at Christmas which might make things easier.

----Preparations for xmas----

Some things have been coming along nicely...... other things I have swore to hell and back for the best part of a month lol. here's a quick (but long) compendium of all I have to complete and how I think it's going :D

Craig's Cricket Jumper

The Back is almost done, I estimate only about 10 more rows to go, then I have to do the same again for the front. there is a little glimmer of hope though, I've started the Armhole shaping, which means I'm nearly 50% done

Chance of getting done before Christmas: 90% positive

Monkey A socks (===>)

Have been coming along swimmingly. I'm just about to do the heel flap for the first sock, then there's the foot and toe. These are pictured on my mum's leg. simply because my legs are Large.... these socks are a Medium. I'd stretch the stitches beyond repair.

Chance of finishing in time: 70% positive

Interlocking Leaves socks

(not started so no picture)

Yeah, the pattern's printed and sitting beside the Yarn but with hardly any available time this seems more and ore unlikely.

Chance of finishing in time: 30% positive

Chloe Socks

See above

Chance: 10%

Outside In Socks

See above

Chance (slim to none)

GHN project

Will not picture lol; because she reads this blog, and I shall not let it out yet. It is showing signs of being finished. I'm about 20% done and I can already tell this thing's going to be a long ass thing lol

Chance: 60%

GBP project (====>)

Too cute for words. I have worked out a way that it doesn't look like a brown Jack Skelington (like in this photo) I am aiming to make another 3 before Christmas (total of 4) and since this little guy only needed 1 day to be knit up (started at Lunchtime and finished adding the features just after 10pm

Chance: 80%

Cross stitch Cards (1 = 10%)

Gloves for Craig (Finished)

Hallelujah!!!! they are finished :D even the logo on the front that He wanted; pictures to come when I get him to try them on XD

I also have a secret Santa gift to add to this List, for My bible Group. The budget is anything below £2..... which is hard. then I remembered the Cinnamon coloured Yarn I got for £1.50 at the bottom of my stash (yeah, it had to be at the VERY bottom) and pulled it out. Plans are set for a hat. but because I have  alot more important things to finish, it's on a back burner for now. I don't think I need it done til mid December; so I should be fine :D.

--- As if I didn't Have enough to do.... ---
What with the job and the knitting this year Christmas promises to be.... hectic. It's very unlikely that I'll be able to blog again before this event so I'm going to Showcase it now!

This Year I will be once again gracing Inver Garden Centre (near Larne <===Map) for their Annual Christmas Fair. It's being Held on the 4th/5th of December (that weekend) I will have a table with my lovely assistant/ other half; we'll be selling my handmade Jewellery, A few knitted items (Harlot scarfs mostly.... more on that Later)

Most Importantly I will be giving a brilliant 10% off to readers of my blog! all u need to tell me on the day is...... The Name of at Least 1 of my Amigurumi. If u name 2 you DONT get 20% off and so on, but if you name ANY of them (there's 4 in total) then you get a Yummy 10% your order.

----Stock---- (what I'll be selling)

-Masses of my Handmade jewellery

-Some Knitted items (Harlot Scarfs ===> yeah I know it's not finished Bear with me)
-Some Cute Christmas stockings.... (more on that....Now)

----Handmade Christmas stockings----

It's such a common thing to See at this time of Year, the Humble Christmas stocking, most of the store bought ones are made in mass, so it's Likely that you have the exact same stocking as someone in the same town as you..... I don't like that. I don't like going into Someone else's house and seeing things that I have the same in mine. What I do like however is someone coming to my house, seeing Lady's NEW Christmas Stocking and going 'Oh how cute! A Chrismas stocking for a Dog, Where'd you get it?' to which I'd reply 'I made it'. I love to see their Faces light up when that happens, even at this Simple design (<==)
I also Believe that everyone (even Lady) should have something unique. Something that no-one else has. These Stockings are a great way to accieve that. Because I made this for Lady myself I hold in my mind that No other stocking bought in some chain on the highstreet is even Like it.
I plan on Making about 5 to 10 more intricate designs to Sell at the Christmas Fair. I will also be making them with my Brigader Stiching Class in GB, I'll try and make their's A little bigger than Lady's, at least big enough to fit a Kingsize Galaxy Bar into, that way..... they can fit something of value into it without it looking like a poor, empty stocking because nothing will fit into it lol.
I also plan to make a quite Large one for a very special Friend this year. Which I will fill with Stuff, Wrap it and give it to her hopefully before Christmas day.

----Back to the Hamster Wheel----
Sorry if that was a little shorter than you first thought but I have Knitting to do, and A job to get back to and most importantly A better half to enterain and Love. What with the business of my Life now I can see myself posting just before the Inver Sale to let everyone know what I have instock and a greater idea of where to find the centre. I'd be chuffed to bits to see any of my blog readers there :D
So until next time.... don't get too cold, wrap up warm... - toodles

Blog didn't happen again....

---- Long time no blog (again...) ----

Having been doing this blog for awhile I have realised how hard it actually is to complete a project within one week...... this had frequented in many 'I have no finished objects but here's some pretty pictures blogs'. and I don't like doing that... it makes me feel that I have cheated you all in some way; shape or form... so I'm not gonna. Instead of the once a week schedule I have decided to turn this into a twice a month schedule blog (that's every other week) it'll still be on a Wednesday and I'll try and do special blogs every-so-often.
All that sorted? I'm sorry. got it? good; now onto bloginess

---- The end of GB ----

This Tuesday ended the teaching year of my GB (349th Holy Trinity) and instead of having a display we decided this year to  have a formall-y affair at which everyone can get their awards. This year was very productive if I do say so myself and I'm actually looking forward to getting back to it next year with a whole new set of tinys (which are soo cute). but I'm even more looking forward to Tuesday nights off.

-Things we've learnt from this year at GB-

• Parades should not be held anywhere near the sea. (bloody freezing)
• Give a child a balloon and they will amuse themselves for hours
• Some little girl's favourite colour is brown (at not pink; I was shocked)
• You should not put shower creme in a foot Spa (==>)
• Girls; no mater how small are powerless to resist Chocolate
• The second people see you in Church with a Boy then you will undoubtedly get 20 Questions about him and limitless 'have to meet him's and 'bring him to GB's
• It is possible for a 5 year old to punch out a tooth (don't ask about that one lol)
• Santa is a powerful swinger of the conversation if you're a 5 year old (you just have to remind them 'Santa's watching u and their good )
• Candles are not safe around Juniors (9 to 12 yr olds)
• If small people here you are 20 the next question is usually what 'P' are u in?

lols

---- New knitting stuffs ----

When I left u last I was talking about how I had found the needles for Pink buuny; Well she is finished :) she stands a cool 9 inches tall (ears included) and since she stood for so long without being finished I even gave her a red formal dress; which was leftovers from the Dog's sock (lol). Also the Wine bottle cover is almost finished; needing only a cord to go around the neck and some decorations on the side :) I have gave her a name of Candy (short for Candyfloss; the name of the shade of yarn)

--- Learning ---

A few people will remember the disaster I had with The best Bunny Amigurumi and I said I would try to learn crochet to make this bunny. I have not re-acquainted myself with the single needle just yet; and it feels weird; not having anything to do with my other hand.

I have also learned from my attempt at that hat; where I ran out of Wool at the last hurdle; and instead bought 2 balls of the wool to do my second; it's a slightly off Sand colour; and since I know I will have lots of Wool left over I am going to do what I have been threatening to do for awhile and make the Hat have Bunny ears that droop down the back. I am just onto my second ball of Wool and I'm on my 20th row (out of 35); I then have the ears to do.

As soon as I am finished this Hat I have decided on my first big project; it's going to remain a secret until I've saved up enough to buy the yarn. (that should be about £30)

So farewells til then - til the 12th of May (dear god) I hopes to have lots done by then :D

PS: just before I go; I would like to know how many people actually read this; so if you would please post a comment on this blog post. (just a rough post; not a life story lol)

Luv From Aki