MAGPIE'S MUMBLINGS

A blog about my interests, which include fabric landscapes and various and assorted other artsy pursuits and sometimes known to contain mumblings of a random nature.
Showing posts with label knitting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label knitting. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 01, 2026

A wee finish

 Here is the little knitted project I was telling you about last time....


My friend is expecting a new grand baby so I want to make a couple things to welcome the new addition.  This is the toy I often make for babies and the pattern can be found HERE.  I used sock yarn for this one but I have made it in other weights of yarn as well.  It measures about 12" from the tip of the hat to his/her toes.

- THIS is a cute project for summer use.

- Depending on the colourway you choose, THIS would be a nice addition to your decor (and would use up scraps too).

- You could use THIS pattern to make all sorts of things.

- THIS would be a fun project and wouldn't it make nice gifts too?

Today's quote..."If Plan 'A' didn't work, the alphabet has 25 more letters"



Monday, May 25, 2026

Off on another tangent (or several)

 You likely will have noticed my quest to reduce the leftover yarn stash(es) and I came across an idea to finally use the sock yarns to make something useful.  I'm using THIS tutorial and so far I've done this much....

This just might be a project that will continue for the rest of my life!

And....I've added to the hat collection for donation with these....


And now I'm tearing off on another tangent in a quest to reduce the stash of denim that is overflowing the container and I am wondering if I could make THIS and use it as a base to make THIS.  Of course I've horrified the RC by telling him I'm cutting up lots of denim which I will turn into a quilt (he's fine with that) but then I sent him right off the rails by telling him that I then planned to cut the quilt up again.  My main goal in life is to keep him wondering!  And now I'm wondering if I (or my hands) will attempt to add some sashiko stitching.  Jury is still out on that idea.

- Although there's no real 'pattern' for THIS, I thought it was a great idea for displaying special buttons (or perhaps brooches?)

- Further on mitered knitting, how about THIS?

- THIS would be a fun thing to play with and create something pretty at the same time.

- The weavers among you might find THIS article of interest.

Today's quote is from Ronald Reagan..."When we speak of peace, we should not mean just the absence of war.  True peace rests on the pillars of individual freedom, human rights, national self-determination, and respect for the rule of law"


Monday, May 04, 2026

You just never know

 Yes, you just never know what might appear on this blog.  AND....if you're squeamish, you'd better scroll down to the picture of knitting (just sayin').  The public service announcement for today is this..
If you spend the big bucks to buy those 'poo-pourri' sprays perhaps you'd like to try making your own using this recipe.... 3 Tablespoons vegetable glycerine; 2 Tablespoons rubbing alcohol; 1/2 tsp. essential oil; 1/2 c. water.  Pour into spray bottle and shake before use.  

You're welcome.

And now, for the promised knitting content....two more hats heading for the donation box.  Funny thing, the drawer of yarn doesn't look the least bit different!


- LeeAnna of Not Afraid of Color blog posted the link to THIS and I thought you might enjoy it too.  Turn your sound on and relax.

- Take some time to peek through the galleries of THIS incredible artist!

- If you have little scraps of fabric, perhaps making some of THESE would be a great use for them.

- Have a peek through the gallery of THIS artist too!  

Today's quote..."W.I.P stands for 'Works In Progress' but let's be honest - it's really more like 'Waiting In Piles"



Wednesday, April 22, 2026

One more

 In the ongoing effort to use up some yarn 'bits', another hat for donation (and I STILL have enough of those colours to make at least one more!)....

- THIS might be fun to make for your spring decor.

- I thought THIS was pretty but I don't think I'd put the buttons on it.

- I know there are lots of needlebook designs out there, but THIS one caught my eye.

Your quote of the day.... Donna shared this on her blog last week and I had to pass it along to you...





Friday, April 10, 2026

A couple knitting finishes

 It's a good thing I houseclean the basket I keep beside my living room chair once in awhile because I unearthed a partially completed scarf that's probably been sitting there for nearly two years.  Oh dear.  I can call it done now after several evenings of knitting.  Then I decided I needed to 'do something' with the drawer where I keep my worsted-weight 'bits' and decided I could make another hat which will be going to the donation box.  


- THIS is a rather pretty pattern that would be great for scrap yarns.

- And THIS one too!

- HERE is a fun little project you might like to try.

- HERE is another fun project that looks pretty easy to make.

Today's quote is from Barbara Hemphill..."Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions"






Monday, March 30, 2026

Stash reduction

 I wanted to test out a new way (at least new to me!) of joining two colours of yarn and scrounged through my stash to find some part-balls that would work together.  This hat is the result and I know I'll be using that method of joining again.  If you'd like to try it for yourself, here's what I did....on the row where you want to change colours, work 1 knit stitch in one colour and 1 knit stitch  in the other across the row.  I suspect working 2 knit stitches would work just as well.


- I may have provided a link to THIS process before but if I did it was a long time ago and perhaps there are some new readers that might find it useful to know.

- FINALLY a good use for AI!!!  Go HERE to see what I'm mumbling about!

- THIS looks like such fun to make!

- First go and read about THIS amazing artist and then visit his gallery of work HERE.

- There is tons of inspiration HERE!!!

- oooooh - I want some of THESE!!!!

Today's quote...






Wednesday, March 11, 2026

A little change and yet another pair of socks

 There's been a small change in the latest landscape and it's been quilted now (but I doubt the picture is good enough to show that part of it)...

\

and....
there's another pair of socks fresh off the needles...
(my usual pattern and Paton's Kroy sock yarn)

- Have a peek at the gallery of work by THIS artist and then, if you're interested in seeing more and reading an interview with her go HERE.  I'd love to be a fly on the wall and watch her working!

- THIS would be a really pretty addition to your spring decor.

- THESE are a bit awww-worthy.

- For those of you who like junk journals, perhaps you'd find THIS article of interest.

Today's quote is a native proverb...."Be kind to everything that lives"






Monday, March 09, 2026

A little tutorial?


A tutorial....of sorts (who knew?!)

I use this toe pattern for all the socks I do and you end up with a nicely rounded toe.  I was writing the 'structions out for someone and thought perhaps some of you who are sock knitters might like to give it a try.

Row 1:  K6, K2 tog, place marker(s).   
Rows 2 & 3: Knit even.   
Row 4: K5, K 2 tog
Rows 5 & 6 :  Knit even
Row 7:  K4, K 2 tog
Rows 8 & 9:  K even
Row 10:  K3, K2 tog
Rows 11 & 12:  K even
Row 13: K2, K2 tog
Rows 14 & 15:  K even
Row 16: K 1; K2 tog
Row 17 & 18:  K even
Row 19:  K2 tog and then sew the stitches together.


- THESE are really cute, especially the Hello Spring project.

- Of course THIS caught my eye!

- THESE are cute and something to perhaps have on hand as your garden starts to grow.

- Have a peek through the creation galleries of THIS artist!

Today's quote is from Alison Faulkner....  "Enough is a decision, not an amount"



Monday, March 02, 2026

In the beginning...

 Yes, I'm in the beginning stages of a new landscape but nothing worth showing you as yet.  So...another pair of socks came off my needles and are heading for the Christmas box...

Usual pattern using Paton's Kroy yarn.

- I came across THIS listing and it reminded me of doing this type of craft probably back in the 60's.  Wonder if it will enjoy a resurgence?

- Have a peek through the galleries of THIS artist!

- Although there are no instructions to make any of THESE I really enjoyed the breath of spring I felt while I looked through them.  Perhaps you could use some of the pictures for inspiration.

- THIS looks like it would be a fun process...albeit probably a tad messy! Has me wondering how it would work on fabric.

Today's quote is from Reba McEntire..."To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone"



Monday, February 23, 2026

A question - and yet another yawn-worthy knit

 These just came off my knitting needles....
My usual pattern and Kroy sock yarn.

I came across this on Pinterest and was intrigued about the possibilities, but I can't find the originator.  Do any of you know?  I don't want to use the image and then find out I've broken any copyright laws.  I rather suspect it was originally meant to be a quilt pattern so perhaps copyright might not be so much of an issue.  I envision 'lifting' the couple and placing them into a landscape scene.  Thoughts???


And....over the weekend I picked up my new ring which was custom made using 'bits' of gold I had lurking in my jewelry box with the addition of some sapphires (simply because I like them and they are also the stone for September, the month we were married).  It's not a great picture...sorry...

- Although the instructions aren't available for THESE, they show some good ideas for using some of those buttons you have lurking in your stash.

- I rather like THIS and wonder if the technique could be used to create a jacket...hmmm.....

- Those of you who might be interested in weaving would like to see  what THIS amazing artist does (this is only one of her galleries, be sure to check out them all).

- THIS just proves you can make a bag out of pretty much anything.

- HERE is a fun little project that could be adapted to use what you have.

Today's quote...






Friday, February 06, 2026

Answering sock question and other mumblings

 Last week I had an anonymous comment that asked what sock pattern I use for my socks, so I thought I'd share it here.  The very best pattern I've ever found that fits a multitude of feet sizes is the 'Wise Hilda's Basic Ribbed Sock' which can be found HERE.  We like it because it has a K3, P1 ribbing for the leg and the upper foot which helps it to stretch to fit various sizes of feet.

The modifications I make:
- I cast on 72 stitches for my RC because he has thick calves...then when I do the heel flap I use 35 stitches to work on with remaining 37 placed on the holder.  Then I follow the pattern as written, only for rows 2, 3 & 4 of the heel flap, I slip one and then use the remaining 34 stitches. 
- Otherwise I keep to the pattern until I reach the toe when, instead of Kate's instructions (and only because we prefer a rounded toe) I do the following:  Row 1: K6, K2tog across the row;  K 2 rows even.  Then K5, K2tog, K 2 rows even (and so on).  You may have to adjust the final decrease in the row until you reach the correct number of stitches.
- The only other modification I make is to K 10 or 12 rows of K1, P1 ribbing to start the sock for everyone except my RC (thick calves).  I don't know if the narrower ribbing is really necessary but I think it helps the socks to fit better at the top.
- I pretty much always use Paton's Kroy sock yarn because it wears well and comes in lots of interesting colourways. 

I hope those modifications aren't too hard to follow.  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.  I know it's a pretty basic sock and doesn't have 'pretty' designs worked in but it's the favourite here and everybody is happy with them.  

******

The Resident Chef just finished making a really nice soup, so thought I'd share the recipe in case you'd like to try it.  
RESIDENT CHEF's VEGETABLE SOUP
1 onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 T. olive oil
4 carrots, sliced
1 green pepper, diced
4 ribs celery, diced
28 oz. can diced tomatoes
8 oz. can tomato sauce
1/2 lb. frozen green beans
1/4 c. chopped parsley
1/2 T. smoked paprika
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. pepper
pinch of cayenne pepper
6 c. chopped cabbage
6 c. vegetable broth
1 tsp. salt
1 T. lemon juice

Saute onion and garlic in oil.  Add carrots, celery & pepper and saute.  Add tomatoes, beans, spices, cabbage, and broth and bring to a boil.  Simmer about 40 minutes (or all afternoon).  Season with salt and lemon juice.

******
- THIS is a cute little fellow that would be fun to make.

- I know it's not Christmas but when I came across THIS  I thought it was good enough to share.  Perhaps you could get a head start?

- You might find THIS useful.

Today's quote, from the Diary of Anne Frank, written 13 Jan 1943...."Terrible things are happening outside.  Poor helpless people are being dragged out of their homes...families are torn apart.  Men, women and children are separated.  Children come home from school to find that their parents have disappeared"  

Have we learned nothing from history?







Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Another finish

 I always have socks on the knitting needles and these are the latest pair to be completed (also going in the Christmas box).  I know it's boring for you to keep seeing socks but I use this as a means to keep track of what I've done.
Yarn is Paton's Kroy.

- Perhaps you can use one of THESE?

- If you have some time when you have nothing else to do, how about making some of THESE?

- THIS would be a pretty addition to your table.

- THIS is a sweet little project you might like to create.

Today's quote...