LuLusKnitts

I'm moving!

2009-12-23T15:26:00.000-08:00

I'm condensing and organizing! My shop LuLusKnitts will be shutting down in the future (not sure exactly when) and moving to KnitandPearlStudio.etsy.com.
In the meantime I'm moving to LuLusKnitts blog to Knitandpearlstudio.wordpress.com

I've decided to revamp the shop with a new name and new products which I'm currently working on. The shop is currently in vacation mode but you can bookmark it for later down the road!
Thanks for bearing with me!

Time for a little catch up!

2009-11-22T11:43:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome back! I have been MIA for QUITE some time now...and I apologize! I've been dabbling in a multitude of things over the past few months. Here's a short list of what I've been up to:
1. Hand dying yarn
2. Acquired a top whorl drop spindle that I'm still too afraid to do anything with...(more on that another day)
3. Bought lots of pattern books for inspiration (highly recommend Louisa Harding's books)
4. Bought a mannequin head...her name is Greta and you can see her in some of my etsy photos
5. Depleted most of my yarn stash
6. Refilled my yarn stash
7. Semi learned how to make thrum mittens (pictures below)

So there's a mini wrap up of what I've been doing, not to mention school & my photography. On to thrummed mittens. A few posts back I mentioned that I purchased some amazing roving & yarn from Freckle Face Fibers and was planning on making some thrum mittens. This was almost one year ago. Quite frankly the idea of making something so shapely scared me to death so away went the pretty yarn and roving...I decided to face my fears and attack the mittens head on. I gathered a handful of patterns, a pair of size 6 needles and ventured on the journey.

I got off to a rocky start, having to scrap the first attempt and redo it but I think it turned out okay. The thrumming went well, the hardest part was the thumb. I kind of did what I thought best with the thumb and it looks...well I don't have words. It's not that it's horrible but it's definitely not a perfect thumb. It works though. Here are some in progress pictures, I promise to soon take some of the completed mittens!!

I didn't get lost I promise

2009-01-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

Hi All!
Sorry I've been MIA for the past few weeks. My life has somewhat turned upside down and I seem to have more on my plate right now that I can manage.
I wanted to stop by on this day to wish everyone well! Today is the day of hope :)

I'll be around soon...I'm working on a hat so hopefully I can finish it soon!

Hat with No Name

2008-12-22T16:35:00.000-08:00

To be honest this did not start out as a hat. In fact, it was supposed to be a neckwarmer that magically became a hat. I was almost finished with it when I realized that it wasn't going to work as a neckwarmer. It was just rather silly...so it turned into a hat :)
Here it is!

Forget Me Not Scarf

2008-12-17T13:41:00.000-08:00

Forget-me-nots are adorable little flowers sometimes overlooked. My newest scarf is named after them because of the subdued color scheme within it and should by no means be overlooked either! I did a simple stockinette stitch and made it about 5 feet long. I've been working on it forever which drives me nuts because it shouldn't have taken me so long but I've been busy...
Here's a pic:
In other news my picture of the beret I knit recently was requested to be used as the photo for a pattern on Ravelry here---> http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/soft-beret
This was very exciting to me because it was my first had and I was very proud of what I accomplished...my friend also loves it too!
I've got two new ideas to work on...I'll keep you up to date on their progress! They are going to be neckwarmers (these seem to go pretty quick and I'm low on inventory in my Etsy shop). One will be with a blend of colinette yarn and a fun patons yarn while the other will be a melon color and lime color from debbie bliss.

Pleasantly Purple

2008-12-10T19:16:00.000-08:00

I'm finally free of the deadlines from the semester. I had my final class tonight and was able to wrap up some projects as well! I also have a new project on the horizon; thrum mittens! I purchased this yarn and roving from Freckle FaceFibers: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5227283 She was a joy to order from and even helped me make my special roving/wool combo! Here's a pic of what I'll be using:

On to my project I just wrapped up. It was a beret/scarf combo for a friend of mine. I used Sheep Shop Number 1 yarn in G192 which is called Lilac. It knits up beautifully with its color variations but it also would be perfect for felting too! Here's a pic:

I also am trying to think up some new projects to add to my etsy site since I sold two more items last night. My inventory is really low because I just haven't had the time nor the energy to work on other projects. Now that the semester is over I'm hoping to complete two items by this weekend and get them posted.
I'm also looking for a thrum mitten pattern as well as some different hat or headband patterns. Would love it if anyone is willing to share! Phew...that was a lot of new info! I'm off to start some new projects!

To make time you have to have time...and I don't

2008-12-09T19:38:00.001-08:00

So I haven't been able to knit anything new for oh let's see...4 weeks or so at least. I've been working on a hat/scarf set for a friend which I'm almost finished with and then I can return to knitting whatever I please! Also school & work have been overloading me so I really haven't had the time nor the energy to devote to knitting...Hopefully the holiday season will be good to be and I'll be able to make some time and get some knitting done.
By the way I sold two more items. That leaves me with only three left in my etsy store...this makes me laugh. I'm supposed to keep it well stocked but like I said; to make time you have to have time and I definitely don't right now.
Well off to finish some projects. The semester ends tomorrow so I'll be free to do as I please!

Raspberry Beret...

2008-11-26T18:54:00.000-08:00

...is aPrince song but I'm not writing about that! I'm writing about the beret that I just finished. It's reserved for a friend and I'm currently working on her matching scarf but I figured I'd post pics of this since I've been away for a week! I followed a pattern by Sublime in Knitting Magazine and once I got the hang of it, it really didn't take very long.

I knit with Sheep Shop Number 1 Yarn in G192 which is called lilac. It took two skeins to make. I love the colors they use in their yarns and the pattern it creates!

Another day another dollar

2008-11-19T06:52:00.001-08:00

I am happy to announce that I have sold one of my neckwarmers! Yes, it's goodbye Butterscotch Dots! It was a surprise because I had been at work all day and didn't get to check my email or etsy till about 10 p.m. last night, it was a good end to a not so good day! Thank you so much for your purchase!
In other news I'm tackling a new project today! For one of my classes we have to teach our partner how to do something, I'm teaching my friend how to knit! She claims she is completely devoid of any craftiness but we'll see what we can do! Wish us luck!
Stay warm 'cause baby it's cold outside!

Blocked...

2008-11-15T08:44:00.000-08:00

I've been struggling these past few weeks...I think I've hit a wall, with my knitting that is! I think I've started at least 8 projects and scrapped them all. I just don't feel inspired. Same goes for my photography...I started this project and I'm just doing it because I need to do something! It's very simple and in my mind very blase.

Zoom Zoom!

2008-11-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

Finally found a new car. Love this car. It's beautiful :)
It's in one of my favorite colors too. I recommend mazda anyday!
ZOOM ZOOM!

Lettuce have fun...

2008-11-06T09:35:00.000-08:00

I took the title from a joke book I had when I was hmmm...7 or somewhere around there. The joke or line was "lettuce have fun telling these jokes", I know corny right? In my defense it was a joke book with filled with fruit and veggie puns, very cute.
Anyways, this is the new name of my new neckwarmer. It is in the color of lettuce and has a toggle to fasten it together. It turned out very cute in a box stitch (very cute but very repetitive stitch). I am now in the process of putting it on my etsy but I thought I'd drop you all some pictures first! Enjoy!

If you are curious you can visit my etsy here--> http://lulusknitts.etsy.com

Change is all around

2008-11-05T09:23:00.001-08:00

Amazingly enough everything happens at the same time!
Over the past months the election has been heated and the country divided. Last night I believe the country come together as one again. It does not matter to me that Obama is the first african american president (but it's pretty awesome to see in my lifetime!) but the fact that I truly and honestly believe the words he speaks. He is exceptionally charismatic (and some people distrust him for this) but this is my second election I've been able to vote in and I know it doesn't count for much but I feel like he is truly the voice for the people. It's amazing how so much depends on personal preferences but Obama is more on the level with the general public than anyone I've seen in my time being eligible to vote. (this is my opinion, not fact!!) Enough of the politics though, I'm happy, I'm anxious and I'm excited for the next four years. Many they be the years that puts the ball in motion to make this country what it is supposed to be. United.

On a personal note, I've been given the task of writing the protocol for RV training at work. This may seem greek to many but it is a big responsibility and I am happy to be the one to do it. It is giving me the opportunity to write protocol (which is what my master's is all about!) and gain experience to put on my resume! Here's to a well written protocol!

On a sad personal note...
My car...my dear car :( is dying. This is my second car as my first was on it's deathbed as well. I truly cried when we got rid of my first car...it was a nissan sentra and my baby! I know I'm silly for getting so attached to my vehicles but honestly if you knew how much of my time I spend in the car you'd understand! I spoke to the dealership today and they think it's the transmission and well it has 115,003 miles on it and is 8 yrs old. They said to replace a tranny is like 3500-5000 buckaroos! I was stunned. This is more than the trade in value of my car.
Today is a very sad day for my bank account and my car. Time to remove those penn state magnets.

Vote!

2008-11-04T05:41:00.000-08:00

Today is the day to vote. I plan on going to do just that in a few minutes. Don't forget to get out there and cast your vote for a better future!
Oh, and a very happy birthday to my Mom!

Yarrrrnnnn!

2008-11-02T17:13:00.000-08:00

So this past week has kind of been like a tornado for me...I sold my first scarf, had huge projects due in class and was trying to get ready for a weekend in Pittsburgh to visit my boyfriend. I managed to get it all done! I amaze myself sometimes. I also managed a visit to Knit One in Pittsburgh on Friday and I bought yarn! I bough Schaefer Elaine in Jane Addams, Sheep Two Yarn in I'm not sure what color and an Araucania Loa Yarn. All very pretty! I'm also stalking online to find some Be Sweet Magic Balls and Fleece Artist Thrum Mitten Kits. Here are some pics of my lovely new yarn and my boyfriend and I all dressed up at our halloween party! Oh and that's not my real hair! Just a wig!

First Sale!

2008-10-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

First off let me say how absolutely ecstatic I am about selling my first item on etsy! I have been patiently waiting and someone has taken interest! This truly means a lot to me because I put a lot of time, effort and care into creating my knit items. I have to work tomorrow from 8-4 and then have class tomorrow night from 6-9 so somewhere I need to squeeze in dinner and a trip to the post office to ship out my customers scarf! I'm working on a hat now...I'll post pics soon!
Have a good night!

Lovin' those Lions!

2008-10-25T20:50:00.000-07:00

If you didn't already know I'm a Penn Stater through and through. I bleed blue and white and I have to say how EXCITED I am after tonight's game. I must say that Ohio State put up a great fight and it was an intense game but this is our year baby! We are 9-0, the boys get a well deserved break next week.
Yay for PSU!!!

New yarn, new project, more homework...

2008-10-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

I got up around 8 this morning and started working on my project for school...it's 6 and I'm still working. (there were a few breaks in there!) I decided to take another much needed break to post my three new yarns to my stash on ravelry and to add pictures of my project I'm working on. I'll give you guys a sample!

Sorry, that's all you get! If you want to see the rest go to my ravelry here:

http://www.ravelry.com/people/LuLusKnitts

Hooray for Antique Malls!

2008-10-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

Hip Hip Hooray for Bedford Antique Mall in Carlisle. They have been my savior because apparently there is a man who deals in mannequins of all sorts. After calling numerous consignment shops I found a lady who was nice enough to fill me in on the above information. I quickly showered, dressed, grabbed my keys and my dog (she loves car rides) and ran out the door! Off to Carlisle I said! I arrived and lo and behold all this amazing antique stuff! I found my mannequin man and upon finding him I found the perfect dress form and for only $42!! (I know I'm using a lot of exclamation points but I'm really excited)
Here is a picture of it in its new home with a scarf!

Day where nothing works!

2008-10-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

I'm still recovering from my ultra-annoying illness that caused me to miss the PSU game in person. Unfortunately it is affecting my knitting abilities too! I'm trying to make an adorable little beret with this lovely yarn http://www.oneplanetyarnandfiber.com/PhotoDetails.asp?ShowDESC=N&ProductCode=SSP1-G152Lilac and I just can't seem to get it right. It kills me that I haven't been able to knit something for 4 days now and I'm not trying to make it FIVE!
I'm also on the hunt for a pinable dress form (preferably cheap) but in decent condition. Off to the consignment and thrift shops I go!
On the other hand I recently purchased Malabrigo Chunky in Mariposa and am anxiously awaiting its arrival!
Well, off to rest and maybe not mess up casting on once again (for the fifth time) !

Neckwarmer in Malabrigo Chunky...

2008-10-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

I told you all yesterday that I would be posting my new neckwarmer today. I have pictures for you. They are not the most creative nor the most beautiful mainly because I am under the weather! Well enough waiting...here's a pic...

New neckwarmer to come up tomorrow!

2008-10-17T20:02:00.000-07:00

Since I'm a little under the weather and couldn't go with my original (and long awaited) weekend plan I spent the night knitting. I managed to complete a new neckwarmer out of Malabrigo Chunky yarn in Stonechat. I just have to say that, I LOVE IT!!! It is the most wonderful yarn ever.
However, on the bright side I am now able to go and meet with my wonderful etsy group! The Mason-Dixon Indiecrafters team! I am very excited to go and meet all of these wonderful and creative people...
Pictures will be taken tomorrow when there is sufficient daylight. I promise!
I need to think of a name for the new neck warmer though....
Goodnight to all!

Butterscotch Dots

2008-10-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

Yaayy! *jumps for joy* I finally had time to list my new neck scarf. It has been finished for hmmm...2 days now? My week is finally relaxed after too much work and too much school! Now I can start a new project. I'm lucky I could even post this item, my Mom was definitely liking it. A lot. It's funny, the majority of my scarves have made it to her closet that's why I've guarded the one's I post with my life! :)
I had so much fun making this one and I think it turned out beautifully. Hopefully someone will like it enough to buy it. I am still discovering new ways to promote my etsy shop and some people at school are interested so maybe one of these days I will make that first sale!
On to the good stuff...pictures!!

New scarf up...finally!

2008-10-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

So between my homework and laundry (shouldn't wait so long) I have finally uploaded my new neck warmer/scarf. I ended up calling it "Patsy's Pastel Neck Warmer". This was my mom's idea so I went with it.
Check it out at my etsy shop :)

What's in a name?

2008-10-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

My multi-colored scarflette is finally finished. Buttons and all. I also found the perfect place to buy buttons! I just can't think of a name. I've always been very bad at giving names. Any ideas?

New twilight trailer...

2008-10-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

So, I'm a twilighter yes. I thoroughly enjoy the books. They are an easy read yet very captivating! Here is the widget for the new trailer.

Buttons...

2008-10-09T19:37:00.001-07:00

I'm in search of buttons. I know this is very vague but I'll know it when I find them. I just finished knitting an adorable rainbow-y colored scarflette made of cotton and viscose and I need to find the perfect button.
I'm also investigating the creation of shawl pins. How to make them, things I could use to make them. Any ideas? I'd like to maybe start offering some with some of the scarves I make.
Hmm...Just some thoughts....
I'm going to bed, hope everyone has a great night.
I am bushed, work has been absolute chaos and so has grad school.

Scarflette is up!

2008-10-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give a quick shout and say my scarflette is up on etsy!

Check it out here:
lulusknitts.etsy.com

Have a great night

New scarflette & my cute kitty

2008-10-07T12:52:00.001-07:00

This is one of our kitties Zoe. She was just too cute all stretched out next to the yarn we had to snap a picture. Whenever I'm knitting she seems to find her way to wherever I am!

Now, on to business! I just finished my first "scarflette" as they are called. When I was knitting it I had in my mind the image of a neck warmer or something along those lines. It turned out better than I expected. I don't have any shawl pins or other fasteners to speak of so I had to make some at the spur of the moment to take my pictures.
I ended up using a pendant I bought and some flower wire to fasten it...turned out pretty well! I knitted the scarflette in the dot stitch which I love. Here is the pic...
I used Cascade's 220 yarn in Donegal Tweed. It's actually really soft and warm! I'm off to put it on my etsy site!
Have a great night!

First Day of Blogger...

2008-10-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

Today is my first day on blogger...I am finding it pretty simple to navigate my way through and set up except replacing my header with a custom one I created. It worked for me earlier but is no longer working...I think I will wait to try tomorrow and see if it doesn't work then.
As you can see I make hand knitted scarves and sell them through etsy.com. Feel free to check out my site or ask any questions you might have about my products. I'm currently working on a few new projects and hope to have them added by this weekend.
Here's a picture of my most recent project which I must say I'm quite proud of how it turned out all the way around. Pictures are taken by me and sometimes with a little help from my brother!
That's all for today...I'm going to hit the hay!
-Meghan