tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19165988670725188742024-03-08T02:18:23.486-08:00holy sheep.kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-83082718117873961702010-05-22T21:50:00.000-07:002010-05-22T23:08:41.413-07:00{ the knitting road trip }<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Other/yarn/8917017_3G3SL#875715377_bu3zN-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/875715377_bu3zN-S.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br />So, I was nosing around <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> as usual {if you knit/crochet and don't know what it is, go. Now. Sign up. It's FREE. You'll thank me!}, and I received an invite to join a group for the April Showers Bring Yarn Flowers shop hop that was scheduled for this weekend in MN. At first I shrugged it off because I was supposed to be out of town, but when my plans changed I KNEW this road trip was <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">on</span>! The hubster told me he was watching the girls and sent me on my merry way. Let's start at the beginning.<br /><br />The drive to MN from Eau Claire involved me in the car with my saucy GPSpouse that tends to be a wee bit too demanding at times. She's always forgetting to tell me when exactly my 200 yards is up and I wind up hearing "when possible, make a legal U-turn...." waaaaaaaaaay too much. Oh, and it also involved lots of off-key singing to music I only listen to when Scott's not in the car. Yes. Girly road trip music! My first stop wasn't on the actual shop hop, but it was on my own personal "Shop I MUST Visit List".<br /><br /><a href="http://katebentleyphoto.smugmug.com/Other/blogposts/10639853_vY8x4#875426771_QQdLX-A-LB"><img src="http://katebentleyphoto.smugmug.com/photos/875426771_QQdLX-L.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.darnknitanyway.com/">darn. knit. {anyway}</a> is located in Stillwater, MN and it most definitely lived up to my expectations. Lots and lots of yarn {ZOMG, yarnz!} magically jumped into my bag to come home and live with me. I will most definitely be back! It was lovely to get to actually squish in person so many of the yarns I've debated on purchasing online. In addition to yarn, she carried a lovely selection of boutique fabrics and fabulous gift items made by local artisans. ♥ I spent at least 45 minutes there and could have spent more if I didn't have such a large day planned already.<br /><br />Now, on to the actual shop hopping....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Other/yarn/8917017_3G3SL#875423588_XzfaK-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/875423588_XzfaK-L.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Other/yarn/8917017_3G3SL#875423628_wLfUc-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/875423628_wLfUc-L.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.amazing-threads.com/home.htm">Amazing Threads</a> • <a href="http://www.coldwateryarn.com/">Coldwater Collaborative</a> • <a href="http://www.needleworkunlimited.com/">Needlework Unlimited</a> • <a href="http://www.sheepyyarnmn.com/sheepy.html">Sheepy Yarn Shoppe</a> • <a href="http://www.yarnery.com/index.php?id=10">The Yarnery</a> • <a href="http://www.zandys.com/">Zandy's Yarn Etc.</a></span><br /><br />I had an absolute blast! Okay, so the bumper to bumper construction traffic for most of the trip was not cool and finding a spot to park near The Yarnery in St. Paul was quite daunting {I ended up walking at least 5 blocks}, but it was so worth it. These are the times it probably would have been entertaining to have another person with to help ease some of the tension by acting silly. However, I got to check out six shops that I had never been to before and bring home lots of goodies to knit up for my family. I also picked up a toe-up sock book that I've had my eye on for some time and can't wait to knit the pair of socks that Samantha picked out for herself. I made it to the last shop with about 15 minutes until close! I turned in my stamp card, hoped for the best and headed home. My kids were certainly happy I was finally home and I think the husband might have been too. harhar!<br /><br />And don't think I've been out playing leaving my poor knitting by the side of the chair! There's been plenty of work done too.<br /><br />This is a hat I've started for myself called wurm by katushika.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span> I'm knitting this in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BecomingArt">Becoming Art's</a> colorway called Violet Hour on her cielo sport base. Major big puffy ♥.<br /><br /><a href="http://katebentleyphoto.smugmug.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#869122077_ykGuk-A-LB"><img src="http://katebentleyphoto.smugmug.com/photos/869122077_ykGuk-L.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And this little beauty was part of a KAL in the Becoming Art group on Ravelry. It's called <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter09/PATTcitron.php">Citron</a> and was an awesome knit. There was enough going on in the pattern to keep it interesting, but it was totally acceptable as a TV project too. Love how it turned out and I've been wearing the tar out of it ever since I finished. This too is a Becoming Art yarn, 1/4 Moon on her cielo fingering base.<br /><br /><a href="http://katebentleyphoto.smugmug.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#875725928_SEJDP-A-LB"><img src="http://katebentleyphoto.smugmug.com/photos/875725928_SEJDP-L.jpg" /></a><a href="http://katebentleyphoto.smugmug.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#869125848_t3yqt-A-LB"><img src="http://katebentleyphoto.smugmug.com/photos/869125848_t3yqt-L.jpg" /></a><br /></div>kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-44928360546283866662010-04-20T12:25:00.000-07:002010-04-20T12:34:54.569-07:00{ woah, newbie hats make me swoon }Seriously, even with my own kids, hats were my absolute favorite accessory for them. They had drawers full of them. Now that I'm knitting quite a bit, they have even more. Hats are always a quick in-between type of project for me, and are at the top of my list for appointment tv knitting {cough...GLEE...cough}. <br /><br />These two newbie hats are for a mama that is keeping her baby's gender under wraps, so b+w photos will have to suffice. Adorable though, aren't they? The square one is definitely on my to-knit-for-my-own-kids list for this fall. ♥<br /><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#842864692_52zAc-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/842864692_52zAc-L.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#842860351_rkW7P-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/842860351_rkW7P-L.jpg"></a><br /><br />Pattern Info<br />Munchkin Hat by <a href="http://neannersshop.blogspot.com/">Jeannie Kubricht</a><br />Tubey by by <a href="http://www.woollywormhead.com/">Woolly Wormhead</a>kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-16454669825171405002010-04-06T13:25:00.000-07:002010-04-06T13:38:11.173-07:00{ iKnit }I knit to avoid mindless snacking. It's true. If it weren't for knitting, I'd probably have my head in the refrigerator all night long. har. <br /><br />Well, the birthday gift is done. And since her birthday is this weekend, I won't post completed photos just yet. <br /><br />What else have I been up to?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#829594319_g2P4u-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/829594319_g2P4u-L.jpg"></a><br /><br />Pattern : Elliot Sweater by <a href="http://www.hyenacart.com/comfortwool">Teresa Cole</a><br />Yarn : Iris on superwash by <a href="http://www.hyenacart.com/westernskyknits">Western Sky Knits</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#829640238_psffz-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/829640238_psffz-L.jpg"></a><br /><br />Pattern : Can't say yet...this is a surprise for someone full of awesome!!! {I will update this post when I mail them out}<br />Yarn : Cabernet on Merino/Cashmere/Nylon by <a href="http://www.hyenacart.com/westernskyknits">Western Sky Knits</a><br /><br />Some seriously yummeh stuff! <3kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-64568168625232932782010-03-27T13:02:00.000-07:002010-03-27T13:38:38.238-07:00wips.{wip = work in progress}<br /><br />Things have been quiet in here but that doesn't mean I'm not knitting. I've got two things going right now and yarn wound for a few more projects waiting in the wings. Have I mentioned how much I love having quiet alone time after everyone is in bed to knit? Seriously, it's therapeutic. <br /><br />First, the gift for mom is coming along nicely and I'm hoping to finish this week:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#820728412_xbVYc-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/820728412_xbVYc-L.jpg"></a><br /><br />Hello, gorgeous yarn {dyed by <a href="http://hyenacart.com/WesternSkyKnits/">Western Sky Knits</a>}! It's super soft too. I'm tempted to snuggle it every time I pick it back up again. The pattern is by <a href="http://feministy.com/">Liz Abinante</a> and is my first attempt at lace knitting of any sort. The pattern is turning out gorgeous and I can definitely see myself knitting up a few more of these for gifts as well as myself. <br /><br />Second is another pattern by Teresa of <a href="http://hyenacart.com/ComfortWool/">Comfort Wool</a> {yarn is again by <a href="http://hyenacart.com/WesternSkyKnits/">Western Sky Knits</a>, I'm addicted..}. This one is for Viv. Last night while sitting and talking to Scott it really hit me as to why I love knitting for our kids so much. Not only are they getting hand knit items made with love, but they're getting heirlooms that hopefully they'll get to use for their own babes some day. Which made me weepy, in a happy shmoopy sort of way. I love it when my kids ask me 10 times while I'm knitting if the item I'm working on is for them. I love when they want to wear their sweaters, hats, etc. even when they don't need to have them on. Seriously, good stuff there.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#820727853_D3ugV-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/820727853_D3ugV-L.jpg"></a>kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-53119267127450790782010-03-23T12:00:00.000-07:002010-03-23T12:06:19.987-07:00a cardi{sam}Another spring cardigan off the needles. This time for my Sammo. Super fast knit {i think it took me 2-3 nights of knitting after my kidlets were in bed} and wicked cute too. The sleeves were supposed to be longer {3/4ish}, but my yarn was running out fast so I made them short. I'll have to update with some action shots perhaps when Sam is up from her nap. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#817723325_zM9JM-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/817723325_zM9JM-L.jpg"></a><br /><br />Pattern by <a href="http://hyenacart.com/ComfortWool/">Teresa Cole</a><br />Yarn dyed by <a href="http://hyenacart.com/treefrogknits/">Tree Frog Knits</a>kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-70756000243868018142010-03-17T12:11:00.000-07:002010-03-17T12:16:44.084-07:00the sweater full of awesome.well, i told you i'd put up finished pictures when i was done and teresa listed the pattern for sale:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Hobbies/Misc/11534289_EEZcs#812135665_fniuQ-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/812135665_fniuQ-L.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Hobbies/Misc/11534289_EEZcs#812136971_mhBgo-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/812136971_mhBgo-L.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Hobbies/Misc/11534289_EEZcs#812137469_5E89c-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/812137469_5E89c-L.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Hobbies/Misc/11534289_EEZcs#812134968_Bqmey-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/812134968_Bqmey-L.jpg"></a><br /><br />absolutely adorable. both the sweater and my viv. <3<br /><br />and for those wanting to knit their own sweater of awesomeness, the pattern can be purchased here from <a href="http://hyenacart.com/ComfortWool/">teresa at her store, comfort wool</a>!kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-11292400407548994712010-03-14T12:04:00.000-07:002010-03-23T12:22:20.773-07:00fiber a plenty.The past few weeks have been quite doom and gloom up here in Northern Wisconsin. The kids and I have been huddled indoors thanks to the rain, the cold and the damp chill in the air. Nothing quite like snuggling on the couch with my babelettes and a knitting project on my lap. <br /><br />First up was my socks from the Alice in Wonderland sock club from <a href="http://woolgirl.com/">Woolgirl</a>. This kit was amazing. Full of little Alice in Wonderland goodies and the most amazing <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/queen-alice">pattern</a> to compliment the gorgeous hand dyed yarn. The kit was my birthday gift from my husband. Truth be told, I never understood the allure of hand knit socks. Sure, I have plenty o' sock yarn in my stash, but I was saving those for shawls and other delicate accessories one might want. However, after finishing up this pair, I'm SMITTEN. These socks are amazing and I've already got plans to cast on a yummy pair of ankle socks for spring out of some yarn I picked up at <a href="http://yellowdogknitting.com/">Yellow Dog Knitting</a> this weekend. Without further rambling at just how awesome sauce these socks are:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#801760917_jDLhL-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/801760917_jDLhL-L.jpg"></a><br /><br />Next, after seeing Stephen's super oh-so-skeery tooth monstah, my older brother requested one for my nephew. Here it is in all his toothy goodness:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#809920500_8ishg-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/809920500_8ishg-L.jpg"></a><br /><br />And lastly, a spring sweater for Viv. This is a pattern I'm test knitting for someone on Ravelry and I'll post full pictures and a link to her information once she releases this amazing pattern. Really a sweet little knit and my Vivian is going to look oh so adorable in this.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#809970691_qxUzz-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/809970691_qxUzz-L.jpg"></a>kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-72742095833722254092010-02-27T13:00:00.000-08:002010-02-27T13:22:42.969-08:00{ geekery ahead }Remember how I was gushing at the pure awesomeness of my husband last post? Well, this is part of the reasoning: Scott is very supportive of my yarn and knitting addiction. When I told him that I wanted a swift and winder for our anniversary at the beginning of this month, he didn't even bat an eye. Until this little beauty arrived, I had been winding my yarn by hand. I had skeins upon skeins of the most gorgeous sock yarn hiding away in my bins because I was absolutely terrified of the knots that would ensue when trying to wind 500+ yards of gorgeous hand dyed yarn by hand. Wasn't going to happen. So Scott ordered me a <a href="http://yarnswifts.com/">Mama Bear</a> kit with the ball winder. I lurve it. Truly. Does this make me a geek? Most definitely. A very happy, blissful geek.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#798271142_ojKpe-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/798271142_ojKpe-L.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#798291648_Eu3UB-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/798291648_Eu3UB-L.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#798270454_3WLoS-A-LB"><img src="http://www.katebentleyphoto.com/photos/798270454_3WLoS-L.jpg"></a>kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-22670079960840196702010-02-23T12:18:00.000-08:002010-02-23T12:21:32.271-08:00{ land of completion }......aaaaaaaaaaaaand the matching booties that should fit a wee babe perfectly for next fall. *wub*<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#795502647_CiwZm-A-LB"><img src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/795502647_CiwZm-L.jpg"></a><br /><br />+<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#791382146_uDgZX-A-LB"><img src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/791382146_uDgZX-L.jpg"></a><br /><br />=<br /><br />{snoosie baby warmness}<br /><br />....now, do I have enough leftover for a matching bib? I suppose there's only one way to find out....kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-79861392135005072642010-02-18T14:28:00.000-08:002010-02-18T14:52:28.258-08:00{ mmmmm....toasty }I've been on a hat kick lately. Kate's Knitting : Keep Ears Warm! I'm so ready to do something else now that these are complete, however, I am <span style="font-weight:bold;">still</span> lacking an awesome winter hat for myself...hmmmm.<br /><br />First off, I finished Maria's headband/head warmer thing-a-ma-jig. I demand action shots, woman! <br /><br />Second, I finally made Scott put his hat on while I had my camera out for photos. With capturing all the nuttiness that is life with our kids, I often forget that we need to have pictures of us as well. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/Other/personal2010/10912311_WtFY5#791480704_DLbbd-A-LB"><img src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/791480704_DLbbd-L.jpg"></a><br /><br />This colorway definitely needs to be knit with two skeins to prevent the pooling {that I really don't even mind <span style="font-style:italic;">that</span> much} or it needed to be wound and knit from both ends {and I so didn't have my awesome anniversary gift from Scott or it would have been! Photos of that awesomeness next time}. Perhaps if I ever come across any of this yarn again, I'll have to make sure to get two. The greens really are fresh and I'm a sucker for anything with teal/blue in it. If ya saw my whole stash, you'd agree...<br /><br />Next up was a newborn hat for Scott's coworker. They're expecting in May and I couldn't not make something cute. I have one sock done to match as well, and I'll post photos when its partner is complete.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#791382146_uDgZX-A-LB"><img src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/791382146_uDgZX-L.jpg"></a><br /><br />See? There's blue again. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">{and this brings up the point that I am totally up for knitting gifts for you, reader, to gift to other as well! Who wouldn't want homemade snugglies for their wee one's shower?! Email me for info!}</span><br /><br />What's next you ask {Yep. You sure did!}? Why, a birthday gift for my mum made out of this:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/Other/yarn/8917017_3G3SL#790124105_RZ6LY-A-LB"><img src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/790124105_RZ6LY-L-1.jpg"></a><br /><br />And yes, I put this up just to torture her. This is all you'll see on the blog until after her birthday in April since she recently discovered that this blog does in fact exist. har.kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-31903413087998698552010-02-11T14:58:00.000-08:002010-02-11T15:14:20.983-08:00{ toothy necessity }so. stephen lost his second tooth. and while i grew up with the legend of the tooth fairy, we decided in our family it would be far more entertaining to believe in a tooth monstah! and there was no way i was going to make him a lame tooth shaped pillow. so i took <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/monster-chunks">this pattern</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dangercrafts">Rebecca Danger</a> {and I am *so* buying her other patterns this week, they're UHmazing!}, knocked it out in half a day and am planning on sewing a back pocket on him for stephen's tooth. how awesome is that? i think we'll name him thadius. thadius the tooth monstah. or joban... {harhar}<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#786301827_E9Tkq-A-LB"><img src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/786301827_E9Tkq-L.jpg"></a>kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-36953077365237514502010-02-09T12:18:00.000-08:002010-02-09T13:01:46.909-08:00{ knitting on }So I manged to finish Scott's hat and because I am terrible at keeping gifts until it's actually time to give them, I handed it over immediately. Hey, it's cold up here and the boy needed a hat that actually matched his coat. I'll have to get some photos of him modeling his hat that I like to steal and wear for myself from time to time {shuffle}. And he loved the nerdy iPod protector too. See? Bad at gift keeping. <br /><br />This past weekend my knitting buddy made the trek up here from Rockford. It was nice to have someone to knit with again. Maria started the most adorable little booties and I started <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/PATTquant.html">this</a> for Maria:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#784777025_MiG8h-A-LB"><img src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/784777025_MiG8h-L.jpg"></a><br /><br />After some much needed cursing, it's starting to come along quite nicely and I no longer have to look at the pattern after every section. Yay!<br /><br />I've also got a <a href="http://fpea.blogspot.com/2007/01/free-pattern-friday-mossy-jacket.html">sweater</a> going for Sammo/Vivian and I loooooove the way the yarn is knitting up:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#784777010_uJSDE-A-LB"><img src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/784777010_uJSDE-L.jpg"></a><br /><br />I'm going to have to dig around in my stash for some trim yarn that matches and I plan on hitting up the local yarn shop for some super cute buttons. I <3 knitting for my kids.<br /><br />As for next in line, Stephen has been sweating me for a scarf. We must have scoured my yarn sites over and over again for months looking for the perfect yarn for him. He's as picky as I am with colors. So after much deliberating and holding out for "the one", we scored this:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/Other/yarn/8917017_3G3SL#784783619_rgcd6-A-LB"><img src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/784783619_rgcd6-L.jpg"></a><br /><br />Seriously, the colors make me happy and if Stephen changes his mind {again!}, it won't make me too sad to make something for myself out of this!kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-53738180017378195462010-02-02T08:44:00.000-08:002010-02-02T08:45:40.423-08:00{ one down }and one {perhaps more?} to go...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#779346606_tX7EM-A-LB"><img src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/779346606_tX7EM-L.jpg"></a>kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-49484166788863746092010-02-01T14:25:00.001-08:002010-02-01T14:38:00.338-08:00{ top secrets }So, I'm knitting the hubster a few anniversary presents and hoping to have everything done by our anniversary on the 16th of next month. Since I doubt he even knows the existence of this blog, I see no harm in sharing. He needed a hat to match his new black puffy man coat. It's freaking cold up here! {and I must admit that I am in luvre with this colorway and seriously contemplating what I am going to make myself out of the leftovers...}<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#778741937_GJEfU-A-LB"><img src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/778741937_GJEfU-L.jpg"></a><br /><br />And the other item is an <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nano-warmer">iPod warmer</a> complete with a pocket for the earbuds. I thought perhaps this would offer a wee bit more protection since he likes to just throw it in his pocket along with the car keys. {..the pocket is the unfinished part you see at the bottom.}<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#778740764_SGrCE-A-LB"><img src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/778740764_SGrCE-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />I'm hoping to bang something else out, but I'm not sure what yet. I've been pooring over ravelry looking for something else to make him, so we'll see what comes of that. If I had planned a wee bit more ahead, I would have looooooooved to make him this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/smokin">sweet little number</a>. Perhaps I'll run out and get the book anyway. Nothing wrong with getting an anniversary present meant to keep you warm in July, right? Riiiight.kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-39629009627834168882010-01-27T08:24:00.000-08:002010-01-27T08:27:48.989-08:00{ snoosie blanket }So this may or may not be a gift. And I reserve the right to knit this person a different gift should I decide that this would make an adorable newborn photo blanket. *shuffle* No worries, even if I knit something else, it will rule just as much as this blanket. Fo sho. No pattern here. Just cast on what I thought would be enough stitches, garter stitch for 10 rows, and then linen stitch in da middle. This is an ongoing project as I switch between two or three little ones to keep me sane.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH#774695602_ALQtM-A-LB"><img src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/774695602_ALQtM-L.jpg"></a>kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-32734009498061585782010-01-26T14:42:00.000-08:002010-01-26T14:49:50.524-08:00{ dusting off }Well, my blog has been silent but my needles have not. I kept myself busy knitting holiday projects, birthday presents with some photo props thrown in there as well. Did I take photos of everything? Nope. For shame! Sadly, it took me long than expected to unpack my office and camera equipment after the move so many things went on to live in new homes without being documented. Oh well, there's always the opportunity to take photos of future items, riiiiight? Yep.<br /><br />I took a break from the baby blanket I'm knitting (that I must get photos of tomorrow when the light is better) to knit Sammo a set of mittens complete with icord so we can keep track of them. I love them. They were knit from <a href="http://hyenacart.com/ComfortWool/">Comfort Wool's Comfort Mountain Mittens Pattern</a>. Loooooooved them. Love all of her patterns and you'll be seeing the others shortly I'm sure because I plan on knitting MYSELF a pair of the fingerless mitts as well as the cowl. SAH-woon! Without further rambling, here are Sammo's lovely little mittens:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH/1/#774273294_TczZh-A-LB"><img src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/774273294_TczZh-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH/1/#774272457_UNHpW-A-LB"><img src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/774272457_UNHpW-L.jpg"></a>kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-34412263651094282622009-11-19T07:39:00.000-08:002009-11-19T07:48:34.296-08:00keeping ears warm.B's hat is finished and will be on its way to its new home shortly. The striping was definitely fun and ended up working out just perfectly with the amount of colors and repeats. /dorkiness. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/Other/knitted-progress/9077821_2XRXH/1/#718046500_Eenta-A-LB"><img src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/718046500_Eenta-S.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />{ On a side note, I apologize for the less than lovely photo of the hat. Now that our house is officially on the market, my gear lives elsewhere as having strangers tour my house makes me quite nervous... =/ }kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-53181989445126183882009-11-01T11:32:00.000-08:002009-11-01T11:43:09.063-08:00no idle hands here.Two projects I've finished this week. A pair of mary jane slippers {pattern by Whitney Van Nes} and a fae folk hat {pattern by SMSS}.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/699628640_ZpHxL-S.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/699628640_ZpHxL-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br><br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/699627296_ekJiD-S.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/699627296_ekJiD-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />On the agenda for this week : two ear flap hats!!kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-13308547049852380212009-10-20T20:24:00.000-07:002009-10-20T20:24:35.461-07:00ZOMG, needles on FIYAH!I have been busy, busy, busy. I have the bottoms of the slippers done and while that's not quite so entertaining to photograph, I do have these to share:<br />
<br />
Kim gave me permission to succumb to the calling of putting the rainbow pixie hat on Viv. Oh, Kim, I hope you love it as much as I do. It was a total hit with Viv and the sizing is pretty spot on as she is right at 5 months. There's plenty of stretch left in the hat and will fit a wide range of melons I believe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/687069141_rYX4p-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/687069141_rYX4p-M.jpg" width="265" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/687071678_ij5jp-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/687071678_ij5jp-M.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> <br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">.........aaaaaaaaaand, I also finished up Viv's winter hat. She looks rather Yoda-ish when it's pulled down all the way. heheheheheh!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/687072569_cFZEB-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/687072569_cFZEB-M.jpg" width="265" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-44026385689841269922009-10-14T08:04:00.000-07:002009-10-14T08:04:22.273-07:00It's a pixie thang.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/680681586_FVvHT-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/680681586_FVvHT-XL.jpg" width="420" /></a>Too fun I say! I love just throwing things on the needles and knitting as I see fit to develop the look I'm going for. Kim, hope you love it! It was really hard to resist trying it on Viv I tell you. I can't wait to see some action shots from you!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll be starting the slippers today!<br />
</div>kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-57234067424518372822009-10-09T09:16:00.000-07:002009-10-09T09:16:20.787-07:00birthday pressie.I'm really moving forward with this whole handmade gift thing this year. Finished up a slouchy <a href="http://turvid.blogspot.com/2009/05/free-pattern-slouched-tuva-hat.html">Tuva Hat</a> for my SIL for her birthday. Hope she loves it! Making this has totally fueled my love for shiny, squishy sock yarn. Mmmmm. Me thinks I know what I'm making with the hand dyed rainbow yarn I picked up last week...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/675087539_WSjaU-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/675087539_WSjaU-L.jpg" width="279" /></a><br />
</div>Up next on the needles is another hat for <a href="http://kimyouraphotography.squarespace.com/">Kim</a> and some slippers for her to gift this holiday!kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-64116277732533506702009-09-24T06:20:00.000-07:002009-09-24T06:20:08.303-07:00Mister J's Hat.This will be on its way to a new home this weekend. Laurie, I hope Mister J gets lots of love out of this hat! I certainly put plenty in while I was knitting it! =] I demand action shots when you get it!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/659523363_bcQdu-S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/659523363_bcQdu-S.jpg" width="277" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/659523112_wDiT5-S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/659523112_wDiT5-S.jpg" width="420" /></a><a href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/659523800_5eqbM-S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/659523800_5eqbM-S.jpg" width="420" /></a><br />
</div>kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-6851407041228166342009-09-21T06:22:00.000-07:002009-09-21T06:30:54.031-07:00what have I been up to?I've been busy, that's for sure! I finished up a wave scarf (pattern by <a href="http://pointeshoespunkrockandpurl2.blogspot.com/">Karin</a> )that I'm planning on gifting this holiday season. I'm hoping to fit in handmade goodies for all of our family this year. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/656339499_cHHFy-S.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 199px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/656339499_cHHFy-S.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Currently on my needles is a hat for Samantha's future husband, Mister J (pattern by <a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/pattern_cablestassels.htm">Amy King</a>). I looooooooooove doing cables. I can't wait to see how this one finishes out! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/656338985_q2HSK-S.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/656338985_q2HSK-S.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-27320465150201344392009-09-12T09:32:00.001-07:002009-09-12T09:32:53.742-07:00baby bowl ii.Finished and both are in the mail, Kate!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/647014647_3RyoZ-S.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/647014647_3RyoZ-S.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916598867072518874.post-38631474373791632752009-09-03T07:35:00.001-07:002009-09-03T07:36:30.913-07:00baby bowl.This will be off to its new home as soon as i finish its sister. *swoon*<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/638383298_mCwBe-S.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.ekedesignstudio.com/photos/638383298_mCwBe-S.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>kate bentleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07902428544336668754noreply@blogger.com0