Knitting | Ingrid Barlow

2 more complete!

March 25, 2011 By IngridBarlow 2 Comments

Another knitting project done! I finished the rather ugly old-school sweater about a week ago, but I have been waiting to have my lovely husband take a picture of me in it. (To prove to you that it actually fits!) We took the picture this morning…he was being a bit of a lazy camera man…and then, as only a husband can say, informed me that there was no way I would want the picture on the internet. Supposedly my hair was crazy and I did not look blog worthy. So you get the sweater on a hanger. I’m so glad it is done!!! 7 years in the making. In all, it turned out pretty good. I probably should have done a couple more rows on the neck, but I was so scared it was going to turn into a mock turtle type neck that I made it a little short. Tony also informed me that the neck is somewhat square. I said I liked square necks. :)

This morning I was also naughty and took a trip to the library before Elias got up. Just what I need. More reading. My brother would make fun of me for my reading material choices, but I know what I like. Christian historical fiction. I’m a sucker for it.

And JUST finished, are my first ever knitted socks. I love them! I keep telling Tony he is jealous, he just hasn’t realized it yet. (He’s currently scrambling to update our March Madness brackets because I have declared that I am whooping him. HA! I really think I might be.)

Filed Under: knitting Tagged With: Ingrid Barlow, knitting, Socks

Garden Mice

March 14, 2011 By IngridBarlow 1 Comment

Another knitting project complete! This is the Garden Mice Mobile I started from Susan B. Anderson‘s book Itty-Bitty Nursery. Elias is too big for it now, but baby #2 will be able to enjoy it from day 1.

After the mice were all complete, I thought I’d let them have some time together before I hung them in their places. They shared some giggles in the knitting basket and then moved on to some story time.

Here is the mobile all set up on the crib. (It has to come down before Elias takes his morning nap, or I’m afraid it will need some repair.)

It really is adorable, and it got an A+ from Tony which is a true test for any knitting project.

Filed Under: knitting Tagged With: Garden Mice Mobile, Ingrid Barlow, knitting, Susan B. Anderson

{Love life}

March 5, 2011 By IngridBarlow 2 Comments

Last fall I caught myself softly laughing as I carried a bag of newly purchased yarn to my car. I was overwhelmed with the pure joy of living and enjoying so many different things. Knitting, quilting, sewing, scrapbooking, gardening, baking, reading, music…maybe even cleaning cloth diapers.

Today I finished knitting my very first sock. Tony looked over at me at one point and asked if it was worth it. Oh yes it is. Maybe it is the slow pace of progress, the gentle clicking of the needles, the connection to women of the past who depended on knitting socks for their families, the sheer thrill of making something…I don’t know. But I do know it is totally worth it.

Tonight I am knitting on another project that I started last year. I am listening to a book on tape. Wishing I could also listen to newly discovered knitting podcasts. Thinking I should be able to read and knit at the same time. Taking a break from knitting to read a little bit of Growing a Farmer: How I Learned to Live Off the Land. Dreaming of growing my own farm. Realizing that tomorrow I need to bake bread. Looking up a hard roll recipe from the author of “Growing a Farmer.” Is it too late…9:52pm…to start a batch of hard rolls?? Yes it is, but there is always tomorrow. Bottom line–I love life. And all the things I listed above don’t even include my champion of a husband, or the little wonder breathing deeply in his crib, or the tiny being just beginning to make his movements known to his happy mama. I love life! Thank you God for small details and big moments that bring a smile to my face.

Filed Under: Good on the tastebuds, knitting, Simply Domestic Tagged With: Growing a Farmer, Hard Roll Recipe, Ingrid Barlow, knitting

Elias’ Sweater=Finished!

March 2, 2011 By IngridBarlow 3 Comments

I told myself that I couldn’t go to the yarn shop until all the projects on my needles were finished. (4 projects.) Well I modified that rule and said I could go to the yarn shop as long as I didn’t cast on any new projects until the 4 started ones were finished. So 1 down! I finished Elias’ sweater, and as I thought, it is a bit big, but I think it will work this coming fall/winter.

I am pleased with the result, although it is rather difficult to really tell since it doesn’t fit him well yet.

Into the hope chest it goes now to wait a few months. It will come out smelling like cedar which is so perfect for fall.

1 down, 3 to go! I have about 1/2 a sleeve left on my old-school sweater. I’m almost out of yarn and I don’t think I’ll make it….oh boy.

Filed Under: knitting Tagged With: Ingrid Barlow, knitting

Flying Needles

February 23, 2011 By IngridBarlow 1 Comment

I’ve been doing a lot of knitting lately. I actually lay awake at night thinking about what projects I am working on and what I want to do next. I keep telling myself that I am a quilter and should be thinking about new quilting designs. All well. The seasons of one’s life. I do partially blame knitting podcasts as to this obsession. I have been listening to The Knitmore Girls and Never Not Knitting.

I finished the front of my old-school sweater. I was talking to Tony last night and he said “You’re not actually going to wear that in public??” Ummm…you bet I am! Proudly!

I think this will be my next baby project, after I finish Elias’ winter sweater.

It’s from Debbie Bliss‘ book Design It, Knit It: Babies. I think they are so sweet looking!

I’m trying to decide on color since I want them to work for baby boy #2, but also for a possible girl in the future. I am leaning toward the cream since it is a bit heavier than the others and has a bit more stretch, so I think it will hold the shape better over time.

I also purchased this pattern online for myself from Never Not Knitting. It is called Shawl Collared Cowl. Tony has agreed to take me to the yarn shop in honor of my birthday…maybe this afternoon???? I need some yarn for this project! (Picture from Never Not Knitting)

larger cover shot framed