Greyartist

doll house animal skin rugs

2011-03-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

the doll house rugs I did while taking a break from the calender.
A bear skin, tiger, and zebra. I covered the bottom with felt. My husband says
the bear looks like a skinned chipmunk!

finished the punch needle mayan calender

2011-03-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

I finished the punch needle mayan calender. I noticed after
finishing of course that it is the mirror image of the mayan calender. I always
forget to reverse my pattern before transferring to the cloth. But that just
makes it more unique. :)
I also noticed that my round design came out oval. How did that happen???

mayan cal.

2011-02-12T13:15:00.000-08:00

Punch needle Mayan Calendar

2011-02-03T17:22:00.000-08:00

After a long break I'm starting a new project. I'm excited about it and wanted to share. This is a design I've wanted to do for a long time. The Mayan calender. I drew out my design and transfered it to my fabric. Now I have just started punching some and experimenting with how to do it. It is 16"x16" and I'm working with Cameo needles and yarn. The calender has alot of dots in it, so I plan on trying to use a double embroidery knot for those. After experimenting I plan on not leaving a hole in my punching to put the knots in but to put them in between the punches so as to give a little more texture or fullness in those areas. We'll see if it works.

New punch project

2009-03-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

I'm going to use the "cartoon" I drew for a tapestry I did a few years back. I haven't decided what colors to use or how I'll use the piece when its done. I have some old wood plaques I could sand one down and mount it to, or some sort of quilt, or just frame it? It's about 9" tall.

Wall hanging punch on wood

2009-03-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

I finished up the wall plaque with "Home is where the greyhounds are" in punchneedle mounted to a wood plaque.

Decorative box

2009-03-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

I used the spring square that I didn't use for the seasons project on a box lid. It turned out nice.

Greyhounds for all seasons- finished

2009-03-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

My punchneedle quilt wall hanging is finally finished.

seasons update

2009-03-12T16:49:00.000-07:00

I have the top put together and quilted. I have to do the border now.

2009-03-07T12:24:00.000-08:00

seasons update

2009-03-07T12:16:00.000-08:00

Ok, as some of you know I took the whole thing apart because the quilting wasn't straight. Well I decided to redo spring and I have finished it.

Season update- quilting

2009-03-01T06:23:00.000-08:00

I'm working on the quilting. It's fun to learn a new craft like quilting. Frustrating not to be able to get it just right the first time though.

Seasons update

2009-02-28T16:54:00.000-08:00

I finished the last square, the summer. Now the hard part, the quilt part.

Seasons update- winter

2009-02-22T16:56:00.000-08:00

Winter done. Starting to pick colors for the summer square.

Seasons- winter

2009-02-19T03:12:00.000-08:00

I started the winter square.

Seasons project- Fall

2009-02-19T03:04:00.000-08:00

I have the fall square finished.

Starting Fall square

2009-02-14T05:41:00.000-08:00

I have my colors chosen and the layout drawn on.

Seasons update

2009-02-14T05:37:00.000-08:00

I have completed Spring. I wish I had outlined all of the greyhound with the grey, it losses some definition in places where the background changes color.

seasons project update

2009-02-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

I got the design for spring draw on the fabric and I have started punching. I'm using two strands of the black to be closer to the size of my cotton. I didn't realize that the needle on the punch for the thin yarn was shorter then the larger one. This is my first time using these new Luxo needles. That is making the black greyhound at a lower level then the background. Hmmmm. Might be an interesting effect.

seasons project update

2009-02-08T13:33:00.000-08:00

I picked colors for the first square, spring. I'm using mostly cotton but didn't have a thin black or a yellow so I had to wind double threads of acrylic yarn for those. Oh and I had to add a pink, but forgot it in the picture.

Next I would print the design full sclae to trace onto my fabric. But my PC won't do it. I tried twice and it keeps locking up. This PC doesn't seem to have the power to do graphics. I'll have to try from a differnt PC tomorrow.

New project- hounds for all seasons

2009-02-08T13:21:00.000-08:00

I'm starting a new project. I'm calling it "hounds for all seasons". It will be a wall hanging with four punchneedle squares of greyhounds in the four seasons.

I started with Art Nouveau floral designs from Seguy and choose 4 that represented the seasons to me. Spring was daisies, summer was sunflowers, fall was anemones, and winter was lilies.

Next I needed to decide on what greyhounds to put with each background. I posted on the greyhound forum, project racing home index for advice. They gave me some great ideas and I decided on a blck tuxedo hound for spring, a fawn for summer, a blue/grey hound for fall, and a brindle for winter. So I have my designs ready.

I haven't posted in a long time.

2009-02-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

I plan on trying to get back to blogging about my projects.

New teeshirts

2008-04-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

I put up some new teeshirts at my zazzle gallery. Greyhound related.

I passed my spanish exam. No one to talk to though.

New sizes for portraits

2008-03-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

I've got the new paper in. So now I can offer larger portrait sizes like 16x20. I'm looking forward to trying one out to see how much longer it will take.

I updated my webpage, www.carolmotsinger.com I redid the how to order section to be more of a step by step with illustrations.

Well back to work, studing for the Spanish class I'm taking online. I'm so behind!

Chinese village project - punchneedle update

2008-02-24T09:37:00.001-08:00

Finished panel two.

Punchneedle pillow

2008-01-29T18:07:00.000-08:00

I tried putting a punchneedle piece in a pillow. My first try at quilting too. Not to bad.

14x14

Chinese village project - punchneedle

2008-01-29T17:59:00.000-08:00

Back to the village. I laid the pieces out to see how they where matching up. It's coming along. I may have to touch up some spots that look too thin. I took pictures of the front and the back so you can see the way the stitches run.

Chinese village project

2008-01-27T17:42:00.001-08:00

I started a project in which I will have 10 panels, punchneedle, creating a continuing village scene. I have completed one section and almost a second. I don't know yet how I will display them.

Movie night gift baskets finale

2006-12-24T07:14:00.002-08:00

I filled the boxes with a bag of microwave popcorn, two boxes of movie candy, I found a 12 pack at Walmart, and a Blockbuster gift card. Wrap it in plastic wrap and tie a red ribbon at the top.

Movie night gift baskets part 2

2006-12-24T07:14:00.001-08:00

I made a striped template to paint stipes on the sides of the boxes. I did it while they were still flat. Then I folded them on the lines and glued the tabs, you have to hold each for a few minutes as you go.
To finish off the look I printed some "popcorn" labels in MS publisher with an oval border and glued them to each box.

Movie night gift baskets

2006-12-24T07:14:00.000-08:00

A friend at work gave me the idea but I couldn't find a suitable container for the items. So I made some popcorn boxes. I used a gift box as a templete. I layed it on poster board and traced one side, then rolled it over and traced the next side until all sides and bottom was traced. I added tabs for glueing to the bottom and to one end of the sides.
to be continued....

mixed media "Espoused"

2006-10-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

I'm trying different things and haveing fun doing it. I still want to find more ways to use fabric in my art.

Here is my grandmother when she was around 16, I'm guessing. I started with a gesso board and used black gesso over it. Then did a image transfer of a color copy of her photo using matte medium. Theh painted in some acrylic background. I've added lace, and collaged roses, an antique wedding dress, pieces of a love letter, and the wedding boots I wore at my wedding.

Finished Jerusalem bath

2006-09-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

Textile design

2006-08-19T18:51:00.000-07:00

I'm doing a textile style design on a wood panel in acrylics. I'm using some metallics to add a sparkle to it. Here is a closeup section.

Painting status

2006-08-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

Jerusalem bath is available now in my Zazzle gallery, http://zazzle.com/carolmotsinger* the star has t be included. I am currently working on a painting of babylon and a 4 foot painting of the trojan war.

Final version of Warhorses

2006-07-17T18:03:00.001-07:00

I went back in and darkened the shadows and brightened the highlights.

New painting- Jerusalem bath

2006-07-17T18:03:00.000-07:00

Jerusalem bath

I'm trying the glazing technique only with acrylics instead of oils. Here is after the first painting of whites over the ink drawing and tonal wash. Next will be a red wash, repainting in white, blue wash, repainting in white, yellow wash, then adding color.

New painting 2

2006-06-12T16:20:00.001-07:00

I'm working on the second layer of paint. Getting more details in.

Acrylic painting war horses

2006-06-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

Started a new painting. Medieval war horses.

Sketched it out in charcoal on flat canvas.

New mill arrived!

2006-05-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

The Nutrimill is here! I tried it out and I was amazed at how it takes the hard wheat and out comes flour! Even though it is whole wheat flour with all the nutrients it isn't dark like store bought. I made some bread and it does taste better then store bought whole wheat. I milled up some soft wheat and made peanut butter cookies, yum! Now we can start enjoying fresh baking again without all the guilt.

Home milling waiting,

2006-05-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

My wheat came in but still no mill, hmm, won't get to try this weekend.

Home milling

2006-05-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

My newest projects is learning to mill flour at home. I'm trying to eat healthier and want to increase the nutrition in our food by baking with fresh ground wheat. I have a Nutrimill on order and have recieved 100 lbs of wheat. I have a book called "flour power" that I hope will guide me into this new hobby.

no projects going right now.

2006-04-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

With my son is basic training I'm spending my spear time writing him. I need to start planning a new project but don't know what to do yet.

Weekend project gone wrong!

2006-03-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

AAARRGG!!!!!! I spent all weekend making this suit, slacks and fully lined jacket from pattern Newlook 6519. This is the first big project I've tried since getting a new sewing maching. I finally have one that does zigzag. I used the size 12, I'm wearing between a 10 and 12 now so I thought I would be safe with the 12. After finishing late Sunday night. I tried on the jacket. It is about two sizes too small!!! Then I tried the pants, same thing. What a waste of time and money! That pattern can't be right. I measured the seam allowance before starting and put tape on the machine so I would have a visual to follow. I'm so discusted! I emailed the company but will not likely get a reply. Even if I wanted to buy more fabric and try again I can't without buying the pattern again. Remember when the different sizes were on separate sheets? Now once you cut it that's it.

Well I guess I will hang it in my closet in the "I have a dream" section. I friend suggested I go more by the measurment section then the size. All that work and no new clothes to show for it.

But I do like the new machine, a Singer, not real fancy but it does zigzag and button holes. I have been using an old metal straight stitch Singer my Mom gave me used when I turned 16. Well I'm 40 now and think I've waited long enough! Now if I can get a pattern that fits so I can make something I can use.

New Puppy!

2006-02-21T16:16:00.000-08:00

NEW PUPPY!!!! we have taken in a bloodhound puppy and boy have our lives changed! Her name is Sadie and she is 4 months old. Everyone is giving us the same advice, get to an obediance class! So we plan on talking to the local trainer this weekend.

Closeup of buttons

2006-02-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a close look at how i did the buttons. I used the Magic cord machine to make the knitted cord.

Oriental sweater complete

2006-02-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

Finished! I like the bisop sleeves. Here is the pattern I made. If you share it please give proper credit.

KNITWARE SWEATER DESIGN

Regular length Straight Cardigan with Garter St Band and Fisherman’s Rib Stitch front bands
Drop shoulder with Full length Bishop sleeves with Fisherman’s Rib St Band
High Round front neck and Flat back neck with Single Band collar

Printed: 2/20/2006
Pattern File Name: Chinese jacket
Size: Carol for *

Date started: 1/19/2006
Finished: *

YARN DESCRIPTION:
simply soft green
* *

GAUGE DATA:
Gauge (Stocking Stitch over 4 in = 10 cm): 20.0 sts by 28.0 rows.
Body knit by Artisan using TD9
Ribbing knit by Artisan using TD8.5

FINISHED DIMENSIONS: (ins): ... with Moderate fit.
Chest: 41.5 Armhole: 18.0 Top Neck Opening: 6.1
Front Neck Width: 3.7
Front Neck Depth: 2.3
Hem Width: 41.5 Sleeve Bottom: 16.7
Sleeve Length: 17.0
Body Length: 22.9 Hem Length: 1.4 Collar Length: 1.0
Hem Length: 1.4
Front Band Width 1.0 Number of buttons: 7

NOTE: At most, 106 needles are required to make this garment.

BACK:
1. Cast on 106 sts in MY, using TD9 and closed edge method. Work in Fisherman’s Rib stitch or hem pattern of choice for 10 rows.
2. Reset row counter to 0. Work 88 rows.
3. Mark this row at both ends for armhole.
4. Work 64 more rows. Total 152 rows.
5. Back neck. Thread center 32 sts onto WY. 37 sts each side. Knit 6 rows with WY.

FRONT: Cardigan right side worked first.
1. Cast on 52 sts in MY, using TD9 and closed edge method. Work in Fisherman’s Rib or hem pattern of choice for 10 rows.
2. Reset row counter to 0. Work 88 rows.
3. Armhole. Mark this row at right end for armhole. Work 46 rows ( 134 rows total).
4. Shape neck. COR. Thread left 9 sts to WY. Dec 1 st at neck edge (left end) every row 6 times, until 37 sts remain. Work 12 rows even. Total 152 rows.
5. Cut yarn, leaving a 43.0 ins end. Work 6 rows WY. Remove sts from machine.
6. Left cardigan front. Work as for right side, reversing shapings.

SLEEVES:
1. Cast on 86 sts in MY, using TD9 and closed edge method. Work in Fisherman’s Rib stitch or hem pattern of choice for 10 rows.
2. Reset row counter to 0.
3. Inc 1 st at each end of every 27th row once, then every 28th row twice to 92 sts (83 rows total). That will be row 55 and row 83
4. Work even to total 110 rows. COR.
5. Cast off loosely.

SHOULDER SEAMS:
1. Graft shoulder seams on 37 sts.

HIGH ROUND FRONT NECK SINGLE BAND COLLAR:
1. Bring out 68 needles to HP. With wrong side of work facing, and doubling every 7th st, rehang 9 sts from right front neck holder, 14 sts from right front neck edge, 32 sts from back neck holder, 14 sts from left front neck edge, and 9 sts from left front neck holder. Hang weights. Push needles to FWP, latches open. Use TD8.5 with COR.
2. Work 8 rows in Fisherman’s Rib. Cast off loosely.

FRONT BANDS:
1. Start with left front for girls/women, right front for boys/men. Using TD8.5 bring out 105 needles to HP. With wrong side of work facing, hang sts (approximately 3 sts for each 4 rows along cardigan front) between bottom of hem and bottom of collar band.
2. Work in Fisherman’s Rib for 8 rows. Cast off loosely.
3. Work other side band as first band.

FINISHING:
1. Sew sleeve top to armhole, easing to fit. Sew side and sleeve seams using invisible seam. Sew any remaining seams.
2. Darn/weave/sew in all loose ends.
3. Sew on four large buttons near top of front bands. Two on each side. Using a knitted cord, crocheted cord, or decorative cord of your choice make a double loop connected in the center and place over buttons.

NOTES:

Pattern designed by: Carol Motsinger
with KNITWARE DESIGN (Version 2.40.2) from Morningdew Consulting Services Ltd, Victoria, BC CANADA
ph: (250)652-4097 fax: (250)652-5285 web: www.knitware.ca email: info@knitware.ca

Sweater- first major screwup

2006-02-11T07:45:00.000-08:00

All was going well. I had all the major pieces done. Next was the front bands. I was doing these in the light green. Now here is where I have to change the pattern to get the mandrain collar. I calulated the inches needed and figured I needed 105 needles t get the band from the bottom of the hem to the bottom edge of the collar, so it would stand up as a mandarian collar. OK, so I had to hang the rows edge fron the front piece, skipping about every forth. Because there are more rows then stitches based on the gauge for this machine and yarn. Basically it is 5 stitches to an inch but 7 rows to an inch. So with this in mind I did the first front piece. This is a slow one because of the texture I'm doing it in. I had to hang the stitches then transfer everyother to the ribber bed, do the fisherman's rib, then transfer them all back to the main bed to bind off. Some maybe able to bind off from a double bed but I can't. But it came out good. I didn't have time to d the other until a few days later. Here in lies the problem. I FORGOT about going from the hem to the BOTTOM of the collar and followed the pattern directions and hung the collar edge. I didn't catch it until I had completed it and bound off and put it on my dressmaker's dummy to look at. I don't want to redo the hours of work to start it over. So I really lucked up on that being the edge I started so I could unravel where it connected to the collar without unraveling any of the front edge. I think I can fold it back behind and stitch it down so it won't be seen. Next will be attaching the sleeves.

Oriental sweater pieces

2006-01-28T12:11:00.000-08:00

I've completed the back, both front sections, and one sleeve. I still have to do the other sleeve then graft the shoulders together. The fisherman's rib came out alot looser then the main knitting. I used the same tension setting, maybe it will tighten up when washed. In the picyure you can see my Artisan knitting machine. I'm using the single bed for plain knit here.

Oriental sweater beginning

2006-01-22T18:32:00.000-08:00

I'm ready to start my first knitting project for the year. I found a cute picture of a sweater in an ad on the back cover of the Vogue Knitting magazine. It is an oriental style with a manderian collar and frog closures using large buttons. I've chosen Simply Soft yarn in dark green and light green for cuffs and front bands. I worked up a pattern in the Knitware program. I used the standard cardigan style but will have to adjust to make the manderian collar work. I didn't have time this weekend to start but hope to jump in next week.

heritage painting

2006-01-16T17:18:00.000-08:00

Here's my Great Grandmother. I started with an old monotone photo and added a floral border and a scene of an English castle. Her family was from England. It's a different way to do antique portraits. Arcrylic on flat canvas

New painting

2005-12-16T18:56:00.000-08:00

I did another flat canvas acrylic painting. This one turned out really nice and I have put it on Ebay to see if there is any interest.

Gift idea. Homemade grapefruit facial scrub

2005-12-07T16:57:00.000-08:00

Homemade Facial scrub:
1 ¼ cup rolled oats
1/3 cup fine cornmeal
1 tbsp finely minced grapefruit zest
1 tbsp sugar
pulse oats, cornmeal, sugar and zest in food processor or blender until finely ground but not completely powdered.
Pour mixture into 12 oz decorative container with tight fitting lid.
If using for a gift include an instruction card;
Grapefruit facial scrub
Pick up facial scrub mixture with wet fingers and rub your face in a circular motion. Avoid eye area. Rinse with warm water then cool. Pat dry.

Finished the acrylic wallhanging

2005-11-27T07:48:00.000-08:00

practice for floorcloths

2005-11-17T11:45:00.000-08:00

I've started smaller until I get the hang of it. This is my first time trying acrylics, it is going to take some practice. But here is the piece I'm working on, it is washed in tonal color.

Lighted gift boxes

2005-11-12T14:41:00.000-08:00

You need:8"x8" Glass brick $4 at Lowes
3yd roll of wired ribbon $1 at Dollar General
string of 35 holiday lights $1 at Dollar General
thin florest wire
1/2" glass/ceramic drill bit
Drill
scissors
Drill hole in center of one side of the box, keep glass cool with spray bottle of water. Push lights into the hole leaving the plug and wire from the after the last light out.You can use all white or multi lights. I like the all white myself. Cut 49" off the ribbon. Wrap around the box, twist and go around the other side connect where they meet with wire. Make a 6 loop bow and connect it to the ribbon on the box with the wire. When plugged in it is very pretty.

The drilling will give off white dust inside the box. We left the dust inside. I thought it looked like snow. I keep the ribbon simple with just 6 loops. Cut a piece of cardboard or posterboard about 8 inches by 5". cut a notch half way across the 8" to about the middle of the 5". Push the end of the ribbon into the notch with maybe an inch one one side and wrap around the end of the board then twist and stick the twist into the notch. Wrap around the other end of the board then twist and stick in the notch again. The twisting keeps the right side of the ribbon on the outside. After you have 3 loops on each side cut the ribbon at the end of the board. Insert the wire in the bottom of the notch and bring around the ribbon twists in the notch and twist the wire to fasten. Slid loops off the board and wrap the ribbon tail around the center wire and attach with another twist of the wire. Pull the loops out from each other and shape. (wire edge ribbon) I hope this makes sense.

Floorcloths

2005-11-08T18:34:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking of doing a floorcloth runner for the bedroom I'm redecorating. I've never done one so you know what that means! Go out and buy a bunch of supplies and how-to books until I have mastered it and then retire everything to storage. But then again, maybe this is the craft that will be my calling! or maybe not. lol But the learning is the fun. So off tomake make my shopping list.

Update on redecorating the bedroom

2005-11-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

We finally got the shade and curtain rods up. So what do you think of the fake window? With a CD of ocean sounds and low light, a personnal retreat.

Beer shampoo bars

2005-11-05T16:43:00.000-08:00

If you have never made soap you should get a book from the library and learn as much as you can before jumping into it. Always use a lye calculator to check the figures before using them. You can find them online to just plug your ingredients in and get the right lye weight. And weights are measured on a digital scale from Walmart. But if you know about soap making then you may want to give this a try.

11 oz chilled flat beer
4 oz Red Devil lye(this is a 4% excess fat)
5 oz castor oil
5 oz coconut oil
6 oz olive oil
4 palm oil
9 sunflower oil
electric hand mixer

With protective gloves and goggles slowly add the dry lye to the beer. Not the other way! Always add lye to liquid. Do this outside. I use a large glass measuring cup to mix it in. Do not use anything aluminum or plastic! stir until lye is dissovled. Let cool to around 100 to 120 degrees. I use a glass candy thermometer. While it is cooling measure your oils and heat them to 100-120 degrees. I use a large enamel stock pot. This will melt the solid oils, coconut and palm. If it gets too hot I fill a sink with an inch or two of cold water and set the pot in it. While the oils are heating prepare your molds. I have some beer shampoo molds and I'm also using some plastic cupcake pans I found at the Goodwill store for 25 cents. It is ok to use plastic as molds because the lye has transformed into soap. Oil the molds, I use olive oil for this. I have also used plastic potting trays as molds. It helps when using a long mold to put in butchers paper before oiling. Other wise it can be hard to get out.

When the oils and lye are the same temperature add the lye mixture to the oils stirring continuously. I then start using the hand mixer, this goes really quickly. When you get to a trace, it looks the consistancy of custard, add fragrance if you want. I added some lavender essential oil. I then place the lid on the pot and place it in a 200 degree oven for 45 minutes. Then it should look like applesauce. When it does you can pout it in the molds. You can test it to be sure the lye has transformed by touching the soap with your finger then touching your tongue. Careful it is hot! If it zaps you there is still active lye so put it back in the oven for awhile longer. Set the molds somewhere to cure. As soon as they are hard you can use them. The beauty of hot process, less wait. This is a soft recipe so it will take a while to firm up enough to get out of the molds. If using a long mold you should take it out as soon as you can so you can cut it into bars. Once it is hard you won't be able to cut it. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: We are not responsible for injuries from the use of this recipe. So be sure you know what you are doing before trying it. Soap making is fun but you must be careful.

Baby Romper machine knitting pattern-BOND

2005-11-04T13:47:00.000-08:00

This pattern was converted from a handknit one for the Bond USM single bed machine.
Baby Romper

Red heart worsted
Gauge: 20st x 29r = 4in
Keyplate to get gauge or close
Size 6-9-12 months
RC= row counter
St= stitch
R= row

Right Side: cast on 40-43-47 St. After cast on reset RC. knit 12 rows convert to ribbing.
Increase 1 St at the beginning of 16 rows. RC=28 should have 71-74-78 St.
Knit even 45-52-59R. RC=73-80-87
Shape crotch: bind off 6 St on the right side of next 2 rows. Dec 1 St at both ends of next row. Work even over remaining 57-60-64 St for 8 R. RC=84-91-98
Shape placket: bind off 3 St on the right side of next row. Work even over remaining 54-57-61 St for 58-65-72 R. RC=143-157-166
Divide for front and back: keep right 24-25-27 St in work for front. Place remaining 30-32-34 St in holding to be worked later for back. Use weights when working front or cast off back Sts to waste yarn.
Right front: Work even over front Sts for 26-29-33 R. RC=169-186-199
Shape neck: bind off 7 St on the right side of next row. Dec 1 St on the right side on next 4 rows. Work even over remaining 13-14-16 Sts for 7-8-9 rows. RC=181-199-213
Cast off onto waste yarn.
Right back: Reset RC. place back 30-32-34 Sts back into work. Work even 38-42-47 R. Cast off onto waste yarn.

Left side: cast on 40-43-47 St. After cast on reset RC. knit 12 rows convert to ribbing.
Increase 1 St at the beginning of 16 rows. RC=28 should have 71-74-78 St.
Knit even 45-52-59R. RC=73-80-87
Shape crotch: bind off 6 St on the left side of next 2 rows. Dec 1 St at both ends of next row. Work even over remaining 57-60-64 St for 8 R. RC=84-91-98
Shape placket: bind off 3 St on left side of next row. Work even over remaining 54-57-61 St for 58-65-72 R. RC=143-157-166
Divide for front and back: keep left 24-25-27 St in work for front. Place remaining 30-32-34 St in holding to be worked later for back. Use weights when working front or cast off back Sts to waste yarn.
Left front: Work even over front Sts for 26-29-33 R. RC=169-186-199
Shape neck: bind off 7 St on the left side of next row. Dec 1 St on the left side on next 4 rows. Work even over remaining 13-14-16 Sts for 7-8-9 rows. RC=181-199-213
Cast off onto waste yarn.
Left back: Reset RC. place back 30-32-34 Sts back into work. Work even 38-42-47 R. Cast off onto waste yarn.

Sleeves: cast on 36-38-40 St. After cast on reset RC. knit 12 rows convert to ribbing.
Inc 1 St every row 7-9-10 times-total 43-47-50 Sts. Work even 36-37-44 rows. RC=55-58-66
Bind off.

Note* Button placket on left for girls, right for boys, buttonhole placket on right for girls, left for boys.

Button placket: pick up 80-93-99 Sts along placket edge. Work 8 R convert to ribbing. Bind off.
Buttonhole placket: pick up 80-93-99 Sts along placket edge. Work 2 R Mark for 6 evenly spaced buttonholes. Next row transfer 1 stitch at each marker to the needle to the right (makes 1 St eyelet) Knit 1 R , E-wrap the yarn that laid over the skipped needles. Knit 5 R convert all 8 R to ribbing. Bind off.

Seams: Sew shoulder seams with a kitchener stitch and remove waste yarn. Sew leg seams. Sew back seam down and around front, ending at placket shaping. Sew sleeve seams. Sew sleeves into armholes.

Collar: Beginning of second row of right placket, pick up 2 Sts at inner edge of placket, 1 St at placket/front seam, 7 Sts along bound off neck edge, 12 Sts along right front neck, 14 Sts from right back neck, 1 St in back seam, 14 Sts from left back neck, 12 Sts along left front neck, 7 Sts along bound off neck edge, 1 St at placket/front seam, 2 Sts at inner edge of placket. -73 Sts total. Knit 1 row.(this row is not converted to rib) Knit 24 rows convert to ribbing. Bind off.

Finishing: Overlap buttonhole placket over button placket and sew down across bound off Sts at bottom edge. Sew buttons on button placket corresponding to the holes on the buttonhole placket.

Baby Romper machine knitting pattern-Artisan

2005-11-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

This pattern is one I adapted from a handknit to use on the Artisan midguage double bed Machine.

Baby Romper

Red heart worsted
Gauge: 20st x 29r = 4in
Ribber Tension 7
Main bed Tension 9
Size 6-9-12 months
RC= row counter
St= stitch
R= row
T = tension

Right Side: cast on for 1:1 rib 40-43-47 St. After cast on reset RC. knit 12 rows of ribbing T7. Transfer all stitches to main bed. T9
Increase 1 St at the beginning of 16 rows. RC=28 should have 71-74-78 St.
Knit even 45-52-59R. RC=73-80-87
Shape crotch: bind off 6 St on the right side of next 2 rows. Dec 1 St at both ends of next row. Work even over remaining 57-60-64 St for 8 R. RC=84-91-98
Shape placket: bind off 3 St on the right side of next row. Work even over remaining 54-57-61 St for 58-65-72 R. RC=143-157-166
Divide for front and back: keep right 24-25-27 St in work for front. Place remaining 30-32-34 St in holding to be worked later for back. Use weights when working front or cast off back Sts to waste yarn.
Right front: Work even over front Sts for 26-29-33 R. RC=169-186-199
Shape neck: bind off 7 St on the right side of next row. Dec 1 St on the right side on next 4 rows. Work even over remaining 13-14-16 Sts for 7-8-9 rows. RC=181-199-213
Cast off onto waste yarn.
Right back: Reset RC. place back 30-32-34 Sts back into work. Work even 38-42-47 R. Cast off onto waste yarn.

Left side: cast on for 1:1 rib 40-43-47 St. After cast on reset RC. knit 12 rows of ribbing T7. Transfer all stitches to main bed. T9
Increase 1 St at the beginning of 16 rows. RC=28 should have 71-74-78 St.
Knit even 45-52-59R. RC=73-80-87
Shape crotch: bind off 6 St on the left side of next 2 rows. Dec 1 St at both ends of next row. Work even over remaining 57-60-64 St for 8 R. RC=84-91-98
Shape placket: bind off 3 St on left side of next row. Work even over remaining 54-57-61 St for 58-65-72 R. RC=143-157-166
Divide for front and back: keep left 24-25-27 St in work for front. Place remaining 30-32-34 St in holding to be worked later for back. Use weights when working front or cast off back Sts to waste yarn.
Left front: Work even over front Sts for 26-29-33 R. RC=169-186-199
Shape neck: bind off 7 St on the left side of next row. Dec 1 St on the left side on next 4 rows. Work even over remaining 13-14-16 Sts for 7-8-9 rows. RC=181-199-213
Cast off onto waste yarn.
Left back: Reset RC. place back 30-32-34 Sts back into work. Work even 38-42-47 R. Cast off onto waste yarn.

Sleeves: cast on for 1:1 rib 36-38-40 St. After cast on reset RC. knit 12 rows of ribbing T7. Transfer all stitches to main bed. T9
Inc 1 St every row 7-9-10 times- 43-47-50 Sts. Work even 36-37-44 rows. RC=55-58-66
Bind off.

Note* Button placket on left for girls, right for boys, buttonhole placket on right for girls, left for boys.

Button placket: pick up 80-93-99 Sts along placket edge. Work 8 R in ribbing. Bind off.
Buttonhole placket: pick up 80-93-99 Sts along placket edge. Work 2 R in ribbing. Mark for 6 evenly spaced buttonholes. Next row transfer 1 stitch at each marker to the needle to the right (makes 1 St eyelet) Work 1 R in ribbing, E-wrap the yarn that laid over the skipped needles. Work 5 R in ribbing. Bind off.

Seams: Sew shoulder seams with a kitchener stitch and remove waste yarn. Sew leg seams. Sew back seam down and around front, ending at placket shaping. Sew sleeve seams. Sew sleeves into armholes.

Collar: Beginning of second row of right placket, pick up 2 Sts at inner edge of placket, 1 St at placket/front seam, 7 Sts along bound off neck edge, 12 Sts along right front neck, 14 Sts from right back neck, 1 St in back seam, 14 Sts from left back neck, 12 Sts along left front neck, 7 Sts along bound off neck edge, 1 St at placket/front seam, 2 Sts at inner edge of placket. -73 Sts total. Knit 1 row. Transfer every other stitch to ribber bed. T7 work 24 rows in ribbing. Bind off.

Finishing: Overlap buttonhole placket over button placket and sew down across bound off Sts at bottom edge. Sew buttons on button placket corresponding to the holes on the buttonhole placket.

Breakfast bar

2005-11-03T16:41:00.000-08:00

We needed something between the kitchen and dining area so we could put up a baby gate to keep the dogs out of the trash. We decided on a breakfast bar so we could add more counter space and replace the table that no one seemed to eat at anymore. We started with a project from the DIY website. It was a room divider. We left off the upper shelves and modified the size to fit what we needed. I think it turned out really nice. Only one extra trip to Lowes when we didn't take into account the extra length you need when cutting trim for 45 degree corners.

Bedroom re-decorate

2005-11-03T16:32:00.000-08:00

Now I'm trying to re-decorate my bedroom. I've been watching all the design shows on HGTV and now I feel like an expert. Only problem is my budget is quite a bit smaller then theirs. But anyway here's the plan. I want to create a beach bungalow feel. First I got some new window shades. I got the bamboo roman shades. By the way they are a little see through at night so be careful. I got 3, around $27 buy 1 get 1 half off at Kmart. The bedroom only has 1 window, but I'm going to carry the theme into the bath that has 1 window. The third shade is for a fake window I'm going to put over the bed. I'm going to put a poster of a beach at sunset into a wooden poster frame, hang it over the bed then hang the shade over it as if it was a window. Just wait it will look good, you'll be surprised. I replaced Phillip's old dark dresser with a lighter thing, I can't pronounce what it's called, some French word. I'm putting in a small makeup table for me as well. Then some artwork. Maybe some replacement ceiling fan blades like palm leaves? Maybe a palm tree? I'm still coming up with ideas. Keep check on us as we update the progress.

We have got the beach picture hung and a makeup desk put in. I found a small student desk at Walmart for $40. I placed baskets on the shelves to put my cosmetics in and my lighted mirror on top. Next is to mount the shade for the fake window over the beach picture. And I still don't know what artwork I want in there.