The Knitting Frog

English Tea Cosy

2011-12-13T17:31:00.001-08:00

Just finished, as of today, my English tea cosy. The loft in this little sweetie is fantastic, coupled with the fact that I used 100% wool should keep my little brownie warm as toast. I did forgo the use of pompoms and placed a poinsettia on it's crown with pearls in the center for it's pestles.

Some Mittens and Hat for Christopher

2011-11-17T15:12:00.001-08:00

I had just finished a lovely cap and mittens for Chris's nephew George and low the ole faithful statement " I want some too". So back to the ole pattern I went and this time I added some vibrant orange. With the onset of fall the orange would be just the ticket. This makes a great hat for yard work and since it is hunters orange and we live near the woods... Well it can't hurt.
This was made with a mitten and hat maker that generates the pattern for size etc the actual strips I free handed.

George's Mittens

2011-10-05T08:15:00.001-07:00

Just finished up the lovely mittens and cap. I created a simple stripe and made some reverseable mittens with a simple stocking stitch cap for a sweet little boy who just happens to be my grandson. Cheers George and happy Birthday!

Pulling Out Old Projects

2011-09-15T19:11:00.001-07:00

It's almost gift giving time and with that I am looking for some projects that are good for some great gifts. I love revisiting old projects they seem to improve. I pull some out and say "hey why did I stop this" Or "I am almost finished"!! Perhaps the yarn elfs work on them who knows!! This is one of those projects. I was thinking about making a kimono out of this pattern. It knits up quick and it lacy in look. It would also be great for a trim on a jacket or dress/paint leg.

Working with Stash to Create Stash

2011-08-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

As this summer draws to an end, and I am cleaning out the studio, I am ever reminded that Christmas approaches. Not only Christmas but Birthdays and other opportunities to give something. Usually that something, is a little something that I have made. Now in order to do that you HAVE to think ahead. It's not that I don't think ahead that is the problem. Yes I know that birthdays as well as holidays come every year and at the same time every year. So planning can be made. It's not like a surprise. Usually I will put something off and off until it is too late or a mad dash to get it done. But as time has gone by and hurrying to get something made or created in time is usually punishment enough, I have started to get things done well in advance. With out revealing too much as to "whom" the items have been knitted or crocheted for, I will give you a peek at it.
Today I am showing off a newly knitted scarf. I have yet to block it and tidy up the loose threads, (Nothing like saving something for another blog entry to have something to talk about)

The Pattern

The pattern that I have chosen was a simple one. I believe that a committed and established beginner could compete it with satisfying results. It is called Lilly of the Valley. The source of this pattern is "Knitted Lace of Estonia" by Nancy Bush. I used the DVD but relax they do proved the link for the pattern. And if you have purchased the DVD the pattern is Free. Or if you don't want to purchase the DVD then hold your horses here is the link for the patter and it is just 5$


Click on image or here for Pattern

Now I will say that I did not use fingering weight so the look of my scarf is not as airy or light but the effect of the lace work did still show through and I thought that it made for a nice weight for someones neck to stay warm in the winter months.

Now I am off to tidy up those loose ends and block this baby. I'll take a few picks and let you know how it turns out. In the mean while join me on ravelry Just follow the link or look up, who else but jeweledfrog.

knitting in the yard! Just wonderful!

2011-08-19T06:22:00.001-07:00

#knitting in the yard! Just wonderful!, a photo by Jeweledfrogcreations on Flickr.

Finished up this little bootie! Can't wait to post the next one.

2011-06-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

Working on some socks. Lovely colors and in a cotton mix with a touch of elastic so the fit will be nice too. These are for my son Christopher who is 11 . I created the pattern with a sock app.

2011-06-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

Looks like a Halloween sock in summer!!

Arsonal of Techniques

2011-04-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

Before I could knit I crocheted. I would not call myself proficient but I can create what I want and what I don't know how to do I research and learn quickly. I believe necessity will drive anyone to learning something new. I was cruising flicker and came across some great images for some simple creations using crochet. This got my mind going in a multitude of directions. Primarily driven by color combinations and vintage looking patterns, I soon found myself in my favorite chair with hand feverishly working a new found pattern for vintage inspired hot pads.

This was my out come using some yarn that I already had. Here is the link for the pattern, FREE PATTERN I might add. Your Nana's PotHolders
Crochet is a fantastic way to trim or add some great flowers to a knitting project. So hook up today on some of these fantastic patterns. Join me on Ravelry - jeweledfrog

Little wool cap

2011-04-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

Just had to post this sweet little cap I designed. It reminds me so much of a spring day in the garden.


Available at Frogs Attic on Etsy

Created with wool from Ireland this little thing is so soft. Just a pleasure to knit up. With it's rolled edge I can just see a little pair of eyes looking up.

Frogs Attic Etsy

Garden colors, from carrot orange to garden green this little cap is great for those spring morning or evenings.

Listed at Frogs Attic

To see this listing and all my other products just click on the link or add this item to your amazon wish list by clicking on the button under the image at the top. Thank you for stopping by.

Wee Willie Winkie

2011-03-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

And a great day this is. I have just finished another little baby cap and this one is so cute. It reminded me so much of one of my favorite rhymes from my childhood.

"Wee Willie Winkie runs through the town,
Upstairs and downstairs in his nightgown,
Tapping at the window and crying through the lock,
Are all the children in their beds, it's past eight o'clock?"

I had been so stuck as to knit design and seeing all the the ways that I could work things. Kinda like seeing the forest for the trees. I am now currently working on putting this in pattern form for all those who love the joy of knitting. I am sure there will be a pattern give away here on my little blog. (translated that means to be sure and sign up and start following something big is about to happen)

In working with this simple little design with soft sage and natural colored organic cotton I noticed that it was a little plane. So I created this sweet little star that I doubled and knitted twice to create a front and back. It worked well in that regards but also added some a slight bit of weight to the top creating that sweet little drop of the point.

Now it has that splash of color that every Wee on needs.

This cap was designed to use as a night time cap but it can be worn at any time of day.

Thanks for joining me again today.
Hat is available for purchase now at my Etsy Store.
Frogs Attic

Squash Beanie Baby Hat

2011-03-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

Well, these are my newest finished creation. This is my design from start to finish. I have created this little cap in an infant size using Cotten yarn with chenille toper. I designed my own leaves and gave them a bit if a twist in the leaf using a cable stitch. The chenille had just enough structure to bend and shape into little leaves. I call this little creation a Baby Beanie Squash cap.

As an after note I have just gotten this little beauty picked up on Tumblr and it was featured in their craft section.

Flower on top of baby cap

2011-03-17T12:28:00.001-07:00

Flower on top of baby cap a photo by Jeweledfrogcreations on Flickr.

Ok I have now finished my little cap. I love the color of read that I used for the flower. I created this flower larger then usual for the little cap. I wanted it to look like a giant flower landed on top of the baby. Like the flower was the hat itself. This is going to be great for spring I just can hardly wait for that in itself. Well I am going to work on another flower for the next cap. My inspiration for this was the "Flower Fairies" (if you have not heard of this there is a fantastic book available on amazon.com called "The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies" I loved this book and have always just loved the drawings and colors of these little sweeties. It is fantastic to be able to put some of the ideas that have bloomed in my head into my knitting. So on to design the next little beanie hat with another little flower. I believe the next one that I do will be offered as a finished product and as a pattern. Until next time. Please leave a comment I would love to know what you think. You can also view my little creation at my etsy store Frogs Attic

Knitting up a little baby cap. It is now being blocked and I will add a flower for a whimsical touch

2011-03-16T17:15:00.001-07:00

Taken by Jeweledfrogcreations http://www.flickr.com/photos/24516771@N04/5532371126

This was the start to my little cap. This pic really shows the shimmer of this yarn and you can almost feel the texture with your eyes.

Just a bit of News

2011-03-09T09:52:00.001-08:00

I have been published in the latest Somerset Digital Studio Mag. I was so excited to receive my copy this morning. I have been an admirer of this magazine for a while now always making a bee-line to the back of the book store to see the newest issue (only printed twice a year) culling over the pages and getting inspiration for the artist that where chosen. I would turn to my daughter and say one day I will be in here. One day I will open the pages and here I will be. I went home last year and took what I felt was an image to submit. It had the look and feel of what the editors would choose and I submitted one image. The rest well you can see.

Look familiar? It should I first blogged about this image back in May of 2010. I was pleased with this image. I had used an old vintage image that was offered on the Graphic Fairy and combined it with an image that I had from my photography. You can view this and more of my photography collection at Jeweledfrogs Flicker. The process as I described in the short blurb, was a simple one and took me all of about 5 minutes. Just positioning the image and creating the correct color and layering technique. I wanted it to look like a memory or a clip of film caught in between frames. The finial touch was the poem (one I composed myself) showing up behind the two images. This image of the woman meant a lot to me due to the little dog. It reminded me so much of my little terrier.

I want to convey to you readers the importance of standing in your own truth. Believing in your selves as creators and artist. This image never did receive much interest when I posted it on my blog but I knew that it had the quality that the editors at Somerset Digital Studio where looking for. I watched the magazine and looked at the talent and made notes and then came home and applied what I had seen. I want to encourage you all to submit your work to your favorite publication. Be vigilant and observe the trends, improve you skills and push yourselves. You never know. Thank you Digital Studio for all you have done for one artist.

To get your copy of my design you can head over to the Frogs Attic on Etsy
or visit me here at Jeweled Frogs Zazzle Store for anything from posters to ipad covers.

Down By the sea by Jeweledfrog
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Finished my sweater and have been making buttons!!

2011-02-25T16:57:00.000-08:00

Seed Stitch

2011-01-08T15:25:00.000-08:00

Little Christopher Caps

2011-01-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

A simple twist of the thread and a purl here and there and suddenly you have a cable knit cap for a little boy.

Here is how to make a cable stitch!

Cast on Electric Blue

2011-01-06T10:08:00.000-08:00

If you follow me on my other blog Jeweled Frog Creations, you will have been awair that I have lost my computer to age (fear not I am getting it repaired) But I have had to busy my self in other directions instead of relaying on my digital art. In the coarse of this period I have been drawn back to my meditations and have offerd a giveaway on the Jeweled Frog Creations, It will be ending in a week so hurry and sign up by leaving and following my blog.

But for all you yarn lovers here is my latest creation that I am working on.

A true delight this book. Simple designs that you can take and put your own twist on. I love it and who is it by well Interweave of coarse.

I am creating this pattern here.

But useing this great yarn

With little flicks of gold this is knitting up to be great!

Casting on Norwegian Style

2011-01-05T19:01:00.000-08:00

Ever knitted a pair of socks and then went to slip them on and they be tight at the cast on? Well no more this is a great way to cast on and have some fantastic stretch.

Knitting Left Handed

2011-01-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

I am always unsure when I post things because everyone has their own style. But I believe you have to start some place. Here is what I learned from a very nice German woman who visited one year. She spoke no English but as you can see she passed on quite a tip with no trouble communicating.

Working on some socks for my 10yr old. I am using a waffle pattern to add loft and warmth. It is a simple repeat 6 +2 for a small waffle. Knit one, slide one on cable needle and hold to the back, knit 2 knit the one from cable needle, slide two on to cable needle hold in front, knit one, knit the two from cable needle. Next two rows are knit. Third row knit one place two on cable needle hold to front knit one knit two from cable needle. Place one on cable needle hold to back knit two knit one from cable needle knit one knit two rounds.

2011-01-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

Greatings and Happy New Year

2010-12-30T16:03:00.000-08:00

With the New Year just around the corner literally and Christmas behind us, I wanted to share with you some of my projects that I have started on this holiday filled month. There is nothing like the holiday time to inspire us to create some wonderful treasures to excite and thrill those we love. Seeing their faces when the packages are torn open and their treasure spills forth is worth every cuss word and and late night we went through mastering the task. So with this blog I think I am going to take a new direction. I think that I am going to blog about items that I create for present giving or for things that I post in my etsy store. I will go through the process of choosing the right pattern and why. Currently I am using up my stash of yarn that I got from my life in Ireland. (This could be a long time. I hope to create a bit of a stash of things that can be kept on hand and given as gifts instead of that old habit I have of waiting until the last minute. By the way I love to see what any of you have created so if you have an item or items that you have slaved over and want to show them off then feel free. I have provided a link for you to link up to and show off you pics.

Fingerless I designed these little gloves myself. Oh yes this was my first time at designing. I would get something going and then decide that I could do better and then before you know it I would rip it out (frogged) Then I would think of another idea. This went on an on. Finally I just did it. Good, bad or indifferent. I just submitted to the fact that no matter what this was going to be the learning point in designing and then all after this would be better with each time that I did it. So here they are. These little things found their way to my Mother. I felt for her hands plucking away on her key board in her studio that no doubt was getting colder and colder due to the fact that she was having to leave her door open to let her cat in and out. Long story and one for another day. But I wanted to keep her hands warm. So with Aran weight wool I created this simple little glove.

Okay notice the tag there. Yes I think that you should always tag your gifts and put a little extra yarn in with your items. Just list the washing instructions on the tags and wear suggestions or detergent recommendations. Oh and if you are thinking great how can I get some of these wonderful tags that say hand made? Look no further just visit my store "Frogs Attic" I am sure you can find them and if you need them to say you name just let me know I'll do what I can.

Its Your Turn
So go ahead and link up and show off your knitted gifts. The more we share the more we can become inspired.

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Kippah for Chanukah

2010-12-06T09:08:00.000-08:00

I have always been interested in all things Jewish. But then I have always been interested in all religions and their origians. My son has desided to convert so in celibration to his commitment I am honnoring him with a Kippah that I have knitted him. May it serve to remind him that God is always above him. The pattern can be found on Ravelry and is by Cozycoleman , pattern is called Star of David Kippah (I believe we shall see her published one day) It is very simple and had a fantastic effect. You can wear this Kippah with out worry of it falling off. It is just perfect and has a professional look and feel when completed. I look forward to creating some felted ones with some fantastic designs myself.

On the more lacy side of life I have worked this first attempt to do Estonia Lace Work. Pattern here can be found on Interweave Knitting site or on Ravelry

Lace work (Lilly of the Valley pattern by Nancy Bush) I am so happy when doing lace work!

2010-11-17T12:12:00.001-08:00

Working on felt till 11PM last night! It's coffee this AM oh and did I mention a trip to the vet for meds. Throw in a stop at the grocery store and the whole day is shot to hell!!!!

2010-11-09T05:49:00.000-08:00

I am working on a Scandinavian Jacket designed by Debbie Bliss from her book the "The Family Collection". I have changed the color pallet to an off white and ice blue. Pictured here is the back. It took me a few hours to knit up. Now I am taking a break to work on some treats for Halloween!

2010-10-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

Poets Lace and Frills

2010-10-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Last week I finished some very cute cuffs. This has inspired me to do some more. An easy project with a big effect. I love the fact that these can be hidden up under current shirts, sweaters, jackets etc. and provide the outfit with a new look. In this day when every penny counts this is a fantastic way to give old sweaters an upgrade with out busting the bank. They also provide warmth. Yes even though it is a small item this little bit of wool with go right on your wrist and keep all that warmth in your body just the same effect has a simple scarf around your neck keeps the chill off so will these little babies. So cast on with some fantastic patterns. I got this one from Ravelry from Stephanie A Smith. I used a slightly larger needle to acquire more lacy look but otherwise followed her brilliant pattern! Stephanie also has a Word Press blog so be sure to drop by and check her out. She can also be found at Etsy Strings and Things She has a wonderful assortment of beautiful yarns just waiting to be snatched up and creations made from them.

For this project I had some wool that had been given as a gift from Germany. I decided to use it to create these cuffs.

Was it K1 or P1 I forget **!??##

2010-10-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

Oh that happens all the time! I would purchase those awful stitch markers. You know the one ones that are simple rings that fit on your needle. They are hard to find in your knitting basket and lets face it you don't have to be 100 years old to have a hard time getting your fingers to work to slip those puppies on. Now perhaps you know or don't know that I am a knitter but also I love to do digital work as well. I also do quilting and sewing and work with other crafts. It is this love for other crafts that I began to see a lot of stitch holders done by some great crafters. But like when I see sweaters in the store and the words "I can do that" fall out of my.... well I am sure you understand. But my mind started to go and go it did. I started to think of stitch holders, buttons, embellishments...... Oh you see where I am going now!!! Yes. So here I am with some new little bells and whistles in my knitting basket and wanting to share them with my fellow knitters. But the way, at the bottom of this entry you will find a place to put your creations. Do you have something that you have made that you want to show off well please do. Who knows you may just inspire someone else or make a new friend. So pull up your basket and grab a cup of tea and upload or connect a link and share your creations. TTFN

Available at Frogs Attic

I just created these wonderful place minders for knitters think I may sell some.

2010-10-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

Baby Sweater and Bootees with Picot Edging

2010-10-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

Finished this one up today and just could not wait to post it. Done in Cotton Glace this plum/ brown color is just perfect for fall weather.

Booties size: 0-9 months
Sweater (chest) size: 53 cm or 21 inches fits 3-6 months
Sleeve: 20 cm / 8 inches
Color: plumb/ brown
Buttons: Silver
Washing instructions: Hand wash cold water dry flat .
Done in stocking stitch with Picot edging on collar and bootee cuff.
Made from 100% cotton from high quality yarn.

Finished and ready to sale

2010-10-05T07:42:00.000-07:00

Sold

This great little gift has been created from 100% cotton using several different patterns that I have altered to create this little set for you bundle of joy. Lace work combined with a white ribbon makes for not only a finishing touch but a delicate look for your infant. Items fit 0-3 months and booties will fit up to 0-9 months. Blanket 29 x 23 inches. Hand wash dry flat. Instructions for washing included.

This free pattern from Lions Brand has a version of the "Willow Edging " pattern. The white ribbon breaks up the the color and adds a bit of a pop!

2010-09-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

Knitting up some "Willow Edging" to go on a baby blanket. Easy lace and dresses up any project. You could run a ribbon through the open work to add an extra touch. Pattern found in Debbie Bliss Book pictured here "How to Knit"

2010-09-07T07:03:00.000-07:00

Just finishing up with some hand work on this sweet little baby dress for my niece who is expecting her first baby! The laced edging is all hand tatted by myself. I will be adding a slip and booties as well as a sun bonnet. I will post those as I do them. I have used French seams to make the outfit neat inside and out. The material is shear with lovely large white plaid design. I have used white batiste for the sleeves and collar to add contrast and to accentuate the white lines in the soft pink material. Pin tucks done on the front and back just make this little dream pop.

2010-03-21T19:16:00.000-07:00

Just finished up these socks for a dear friend! I created these with sock wizard program

2010-03-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

Socks perhaps my favorite thing to knit. It might be that it looks so terribly difficult but in reality it really is not. I use 4 double point needles and a program called Sock Wizard. The great thing about this program is that you are given fields to plug in your gauge, type of construction, size and pattern. This is fantastic for doing things like these socks pictured here for friends. You can save the pattern and do it again and again. I copy and past my pattern into my notes and then email it to myself to pick up on my Iphone then I put it into one of the knitting apps that I have and then I have this wherever I go. These fantastic socks are made with Deborah Norville Collection , Serenity Sock Weight 50% superwash merino wool, 25% bamboo, 25% nylon. This yarn can be purchased at Premier Yarns

Promises Promises from a Delinquent Knitter

2010-03-09T08:13:00.000-08:00

Just sitting back down here in the studio after a wonderful visit from my son who has been in Iraq these past months. This time he brought home his wife to be!! It has been a very happy time here and unfortunately when life moves it tends to move me away from the computer and the studio! That doesn't mean that I quite work all together but it does mean that the ole I'll get to that tomorrow does kick in. Now if you want to keep up with my other blog at Jeweled Frog Creations then by all means hop on over there and see if something strikes your fancy.

Knit one and Read Two

If you are looking for some blogs that encourage your creative juices then here are a few of my favorites:
The Purl Bee is always a favorite. Full of bright colorful pics of projects that is sure to inspire and get you to thinking of your own versions of interesting creations. Check it out for quick gifts that you could make for someone special!

Spud and Cloe is another favorite blog and web site. Filled with great eye catching tidbits and fantastic yarn supply. Just subscribing to their news letter fills my in box with great projects!

Knitting Daily! What can I say if you don't subscribe to this news letter you should! Filled with free e-patterns this great e-mail can give you wonderful tips and inspire you on even the darkest winter days. (while your at it check out the magazine offers)

There are so much more so check on each of these websites for their links chances are that if you like these then your taste run the same and they will have links to other "like" minded sites.

Iphone picks

I am addicted to my IPhone and any time that I can consolidate helpful tools I do it. Why have a million tools at the bottom of you knitting bag that you have to dig for when you can have one useful tool in your IPhone that you carry with you anyway? I have downloaded Stitch Minder and Knit Minder! Both great apps! I like the Knit Minder because you can put a great pattern in like a sock pattern that just gives you the basic stitches so you don't forget. Now from what I can see you have to enter this information in all by hand. I wish that you could just filter it in. I do have an Adobe pdf reader in my phone and I have used the cut and past method but it does take time and so usually I will just use these as reminders on projects. You can post images of your completed favorite projects and needle sizes etc so these are very useful when you are out shopping and what to pick up some more yarn. You have to get used to using these programs instead of grabbing a pen and paper to jot things down but I have love the stitch counters in them. Stitch minder has an area that has the the increase and decrease rows as well as keep up with the count so this is great and the large readable face of the IPhone makes for a wonderful addition to my knitting basket. I also like the fact that while these programs make of a fantastic and easy stitch counter that you can also listen to your ipod selections of music or books so I can create that perfect world in which to knit.

Aha my tatting ability grows with each day! This is exciting! As with knitting, with the stitches knit, and purl the tatting has two stitches depending on how you pass the shuttle. This will provide a great layer to my fiber art and to my sewing and knitted projects.

2009-12-31T05:43:00.001-08:00

Christmas yielded a wonderful gift! A fantastic shuttle made if bone from my dearest Benevolent Dictator. My husband took a hint (2 emails and a bunch of bitching over my last shuttle. I have spent days in my chair concentrating on learning how to tat and this is the fruit of my labor! I have a niece or nephew due soon so I will adorn some sweet baby things with my newly acquired talent.

2009-12-29T19:42:00.001-08:00

Trying outa knitting program for knitting caps! So far so good I will review it after completing this fanatic project! In the mean time if you have a favorite program or project I would love to share it here!

2009-11-24T07:23:00.000-08:00

Ice blue mittens for this cold spat

2009-10-18T20:03:00.001-07:00

Designing my first baby jacket and shoe set! Fingers crossed that it turns out!

2009-09-14T14:51:00.001-07:00

Lorna' s lace love this fantastic feel

2009-09-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

Piggletts

2009-08-27T06:23:00.000-07:00

Whew, just when I set back and neglect my knitting blog wouldn't you know I would get followers. Well greetings to all and thanks for joining me again my faithful followers. I hope to add a little color to your life or at least a giggle or two.
Once again I am at it with the baby knits and with that comes my favorite gal from England Debbie Bliss. Here are some of the cutest slippers or baby booties, that are a stich to knit up! Quick fun and great gifts. Perfect for a first time knitter (I know because these are the first baby booties that I knitted some 9 years ago and I still love the little pigs. They are also a good fit. Every thing from pig snouts to curly tails. A definite hit at congrats parties, or showers, or coming home day! Made with cotton for a wonderful feel against babies delicate skin! All of these sweet little creations can be found in the Debbie Bliss Quick Baby Knits.

The same goes with these little rabbit booties also quick and looks fantastic on the child's feet. Magical, whimsical, just down right cute. I like to pair the gift with a small book like the "Velveteen Rabbit" or a "Beatrix Potter" story of "Peter Rabbit" ( I just did a tribute to her on my other blog Jeweled Frog Creations ) or what every the favorite bunny story might be. Layering the gift just adds something special. You could include a book like the Three little pigs. Consider using vintage books for something unique. Don't forget to embellish your boxes that will tote your creation with vintage clip art! These things that all of "us" knitters knit up are future heirlooms to be passed down so why not present it as an heirloom.

Now I know how I am on time so I wanted to pass this great recipe along that I found on

All Recipes.com Easy to start and quick to bake up. It requires some planning ahead since they are yeast based but you and your family or guest will love them. They make up big enough to be used as small sandwich rolls. Great with some laughing cow cheese spread and ham bits for a quick breakfast or in a lunch box for school children. Try them I am sure you will love them.

Last but not least this is Tiger who just had to get into the shot to make sure that the placement was just so. How many of my readers have animals in their studio that love to just get in the mix. LOL Send me you photos I would love to see them!
Here are some of the places you can follow more of what I do:

http://www.ravelry.com/ Jeweledfrog

http://www.facebook.com/jeweledfrog

Jeweledfrogcreations

http://twitter.com/jeweledfrog

So until next time I hope to see you again!

About the Season to start to knit

2009-07-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

Now don't get me wrong. Any season is the right season to knit. There is just one thing I do a lot of other stuff! Knitting is one of my favorite things to do but since I also quilt and work on graphic art projects sometimes my favorite things get bumped to the back for just shear lack of time! But when I start to see that little count down for Halloween my mind returns to that wonder staple in my fiber studio and that is KNITTING. Since I have only one project going I thought that I would just talk about one of my favorite knitters who has come such a long way. Debbie Bliss. Back in 1997 we moved to the Emerald Isle. During the long dark days of winter I learned to knit. I loved to visit the shops that held mounds and mounds of that wonderful wool with all if its dazzling colors. Intoxicating! That is the best word that comes to mind to relate any experience with wool and wool shops. Oh I know that there are other fibers now on the market and interesting enough I did not learn to knit on wool. No it was cotton. If I remember correctly I had visited a lovely wool shop (however the owner was less then ..... hummm social) at the time I did not know how to know so asked her what would be the best book or pattern to start with and she gave me a pattern and told me there was two stitches knit and purl after that she gave me some acrylic (yuck) and sent me on my way. Yep that was it. Now I went back home and did thought well if that is it I can do it. After a good attempt I felt I need something else. I wanted details. I wanted a sweater. So I headed down to Eason's book store and found a Debbie Bliss book on how to knit and one on Baby Knits! After reading and looking it over I rang up my husband (Benevolent Dictator) and asked him to find the shop in London. And so when he entered the store..... there she was. Jim then set about purchasing every book that she had written at the time and loads of cotton to make up some baby knits. While he was there I instructed him to get her autograph on each of the books that he purchased. I am sure that she did not know what to think but in my eyes she was a star already and I was not going to miss the opportunity of getting her to sign her work. I love the different way the artful creations hung on the models. How she incorporated the color and the different textures of the cable stitches. Even now I will pull her books down off my shelf and become inspired to create that special item. So here to day I have taken a couple of picks to show you my first knitted project. I was expecting my 4th child (in Ireland that was considered a gentleman's size family) and I wanted something to adorn this little pumpkin. Cotton I feel is the best feeling against it's delicate skin and after a few quick peeks in Debbie Bliss's Quick Knits for Baby I settled on the one that is pictured here. It comes with some fantastic little matching booties that reflect the Triangle-Edged cardigan. A fantastic way to tie in the look of your cardigan and draw the eye to all the special details. If you look closely you will see the purled edge on the bottom of the cardigan again reflecting the triangle work done on the collier. This is a fantastic way to add interest to a solid color out fit. When I come across a pattern that needs a little assist I always consider adding some extra work like this. Oh dear look at the time I do have to go! Much to do around here. I feel like the White Rabbit in Alice! But before I dash down my rabbit whole and start to do that five letter word (CLEAN) I wanted to let you know that I can also be found on Ravelry so just look me up jeweledfrog! I would love hearing about your favorite knitters and authors.

Organic Cotton Socks

2009-02-25T13:56:00.000-08:00

Just got finished with another pair of socks for infants. These where knitted on organic cotton from Lions Brand. They are super soft and knitted up so well that I have ordered more to do some other projects. These socks will be offered for sale in my Etsy. Store.

Pattern: basic sock

2009-02-09T10:39:00.000-08:00

Oh if you are like me right when you start to finish a project you just want to be done with it. The excitement of creating a new item (or the feeling of thank goodness I can put this one to rest) sometimes makes you just want to through caution to the wind and finish it up any old way. I hate to have things around that I know that there are flaws that can be seen. Every time I touch the item I know that I could have done better. So with a little time and effort you can make your garment one that you can be proud. Now I first learned to knit in Ireland! A wonderful knitter named Debbie Bliss was just coming into her own and I had the good fortune of having a wonderful husband who made trips to London every month. Armed with pound in hand he would like clock work travel to where her shop was and purchase books and yarn by the dozens. Being extra nice he would always ask her to autograph the books that she authored.

This technique was taken out of her Debbie Bliss How To Knit Book for a more detailed version of this finishing tip you will want to refer to page 150.

Working up the garment in a zigzag action taking the needle under the strands that correspond exactly to those on the other side, you can create an invisible seam.

To see the steps that I have taken just click down on my finishing stream so that you can get a better idea.

Great little sock

2009-01-27T08:15:00.000-08:00

These are just fantastic and you can do several in one day (of coarse once you start you just keep on going) With a cast on of 36 and a size 2 sock needle (4 each) and a knit 2 purl 2 to get the cuff (1 inch) then going to the heal (18 stitches for heal) I do a slip one knit one slip as if to purl all the way across then on the return I purl straight across and repeat until I am able to pick up 9 stitches on each side for gusset. Then decrease every other round then about 18 rounds until decreasing on the toe. For a fly by the seat pattern or guide here is one for your "Basic Sock Chart" These are great little things so experiment with different needle sizes and yarn size. Add embellishments for that special touch. As you can see I put on some silk ribbon for little bows but anything would be great! Take a look at my etsy store where these are for sale now and let me know what you think!

Quick dinners for slow knitters

2009-01-21T13:14:00.000-08:00

Every knitter needs more time to just sit and knit and so this dinner was so inspired.

Now know this that I go by feel so if you are looking for a cup of this and a cup of that well no need to read any further. This is my beef stew I make enough to last for around 3 days. If you don't like the thought of eating it for that long well then you can freeze what you have left over and save it for another day. One thing great about soup it taste better with each day.

1 tsp of salt

1 pkg of stew meat from the butcher

1 cup of celery

3/4 cup of red onion

1/4 roasted garlic

1/4 rosemary

1 large can of crushed tomatoes (I used full circle organic)

4 to 5 red potatoes (or if you have a favorite kind you may use that)

1 regular can of fire roasted tomatoes

1 frozen bag of vegetables

Combine the first 8 ingredients in a large stew pot and cover well with water ( you may also add a large box of beef stock if you would like.) Fill until a little over 1/2 full.

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until meat is tender.

Now add the can of fire roasted tomatoes and the frozen bag of vegetables. Remember to add the vegetables last so that you don't over cook this should be done about 20 minutes before you intend to serve you soup.

This is done to give you an idea for your soup. Soups are great you can create anything, you can add or take away just be creative. This is also great for a crock pot.

Serving suggestions

Accompany this or any soup with some bisects ( I have found that Bisquick is a great and easy way to serve hot fresh bisects) or corn bread.

A dollop of sour cream in the center and some hot sauce or hot pepper flakes are great!

Grand opening of new Etsy Store The Knitting Frog

2009-01-19T12:36:00.000-08:00

Just opened my new Etsy store with some great socks for infants. Check it out! But first want to see what is going on in the studio? Just step inside and you will see more things and how I did it.

Frogs Studio

The Knitting Frog Etsy Store

Up loading to ETSY

2009-01-15T17:44:00.000-08:00

Well here goes the end all. I just got finished up loading some of my baby socks. I love to knit them they are quick and easy and love to think of little feet inside them twirling their little toes to some unheard beat. Now others will be able to see and purchase them for theirs or for their friend or relatives. I am excited and scared all at the same time. It is one thing to knit them in privet and have small untold dreams of other loving the same thing and another to put them out there for all to see. I hope that you too will enjoy them and see the magic that is with in all things created out of love. The Knitting Frog

Knitting it up

2009-01-03T18:43:00.000-08:00

Oh it has been sooooo long since I have last updated my blog. But now that the holidays are over and the company has left and we are back home in Tennessee I can feel the fever for knitting to start to over take me. As I browsed my favorite store (Jimmy beans wool) I suddenly came up with an idea..... My son was home on leave so why not knit him a pair of socks! Pleased with that thought I quickly has my youngest son put on a pair of his best hand knitted socks that I did for him this past summer. After seeing and touching them he was sold! The only thing was that he wanted them in black. Well if that was what it had to be then that is what he would get. But first I would just happen to scroll down the lovely colors that Lornas Laces had to offer and sure enough his eyes fell upon the "Red Rover" to my delight! So I am waiting patiently by my mail box for this delightful new endeavor in knitting

knitting dish towels

2008-08-18T09:39:00.001-07:00

knitting dish towels
Originally uploaded by Jeweledfrogcreations

Oh it has been too long since I last up dated this blog. Always promising my self that I would photograph my work and post it at the end of each day. Oh but the end of those days never come. So I made my self take a few quick shots of the dish cloths that I am currently working on as gifts. My mother is out of dish cloths and my friend recently has an aniversery so I thought that these little things would be great. I like working the details in them to show off texture. It is so nice to receive something that someone made. The effort and thought that goes into them is the true gift. Now for those of you that are wondering where I got the pattern it was found in July 2008 issue of Creative Knitting on page 63. I have found that the solid color works well with showing off the diamond pattern but you can use the varied colors as well. This is a skill level easy but be aware that the pattern changes from row to row and you must keep an accurate accounting (as always when working a pattern) of where you are. I usually don't have an issue and can tell by looking where I am but this one on the fist one that I did left me perplexed. Could be that I have a 14 year old always wanting to talk or that my 8 year old needs me to hear about the latest game that they won or that dinner needed to be fixed sooner rather than later. What ever the reason was I really had to keep up with the count this time. But it turned out just great. On one of these little jobbers I made it just a size bigger meaning that I repeated it just one more time adding the extra bit. I like a bit more towel when I am wiping up the counters or cleaning something. I used the recommended "Sugar'n Cream 100% cotton from Lily.

So this little gift gets a thumbs up wonderfully quick and the diamond patterns adds that extra zing.

embellishments

2008-07-11T10:38:00.001-07:00

embellishments
Originally uploaded by Jeweledfrogcreations

Embellishments are a great way to make something different. That little something that says this is mine. I loved the way the self stripping sock looked the designs that appeared had a wonderful flow. A few days later and a few socks later I thought they all looked the same and that is when it hit me put something on the cuff. Now why I did not think of that sooner. How many times as a child did I stair at my socks and look at the ruffles or other such trimmings. I wanted something soft something that was small but had a big impact . On these socks I did a simple chain stitch (chain 5 and connect) then chain 5 and single crochet through the center 5 times. I tied it on the cuff and then finished the loose in by weaving them inside the cuff. It gave a whole different feel and look. I did this with complementing thread but you could use contrasting thread for a bolder look. Even older socks can be made new with this simple process. Have an outfit and need a sock to match then you can add this simple embellishment with matching thread and there you have it. If you are too busy you can always look on my etsy store and see if there is something that you would like.

Beaded Baby Sock

2008-07-09T09:18:00.001-07:00

P7090041
Originally uploaded by Jeweledfrogcreations

This is one of my recent creations. I am currently working on small baby socks with seed beads threaded on the yarn and then knitted into the cuff of the sock. I scatter the beads so that they give just a hint of color. This is a wonderful way to embellish any knitted (or crochet) work. Just make sure that you always put enough beads to finish your product.

What better things then baby socks.

2008-07-07T10:52:00.001-07:00

What better things then baby socks. Even if you don't have baby's feet to put into the socks. I have been making baby socks. They are the cutest things. What else can you do with booties and socks? Well I have some ideas. For those wonderful hand knitted socks that are to endearing to part with then why not put them on the Christmas tree next year as a remembrance. If that doesn't do the trick then stuff them with lavender or some other favorite sent and stitch the tops up and put them in a child's drawer or even your own drawer say a sock drawer. Where ever you put them the fresh sent will sure to be a welcome addition. Even sticking them in a baby shower basket will sure to please. I even have heard of folks stuffing them with cat nip for a special delight for their favorite feline friend. How ever you do it do it creatively. Hopefully I will move on from the socks to felted booties. Got a pattern you would like to shair then let me know.

Fun Knitted Baby Socks

2008-07-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

What a great day. Any day that you can just sit and knit is a great day. I have been knitting baby socks and wow. This is a great project that you can do and get done all in one sitting. I have not baby to give the socks to but have been wanting to post somethings for sale on the etsy store. This will be just the thing. For the pattern I used one from the Doodlebird Creations a great web site that offers some wonderful choices in hand dyed and handmade items. This web site is simply a must for your bookmarks.

2008-07-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

I have long pondered doing a baby line of knits and still hesitate to commit to just saying yes I will do it. In playing around with this idea it has come out in every other thing I am currently working on. So now I have found myself doing a baby line of graphics called "Waddles" that are offered in various places like cafe press etc. So..... my thoughts come back around to baby knits. They are simple cute and don't take long to do. My hesitation is learning how to design the knits. Since you can't very well take a Debbie Bliss item and knit it up and sell it as your own (not that I would want to do that) I will have to learn how to design the little things. There are so many wonderful designers out there. Just wonderful things to be inspired by. So this journey will be interesting very interesting. I have found a web site called etsy store and there is where I will hang my hat. My problem is "I just want to do it with out the learning curve." So the game is a foot.

Some new ideas

2008-06-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

I was thinking I say so much more with photos then I do with words at this point in my life so why not say it with photos. I have spent the day sorting and posting my stash on line on the web site Ravelry. Boy that was time consuming. But I think the photos are pretty good the colors and the textures are great. That is what draws me to fiber art. So take a look at some of the shots I am sure that I will improve in taking photos of fiber as the time goes by.

2008-06-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

I have been so amiss in writing in my blogs. To the point that is is just sinful. I have however have been knitting, photographing and doing some graphic work along with homeschooling. Seems we will be forever stuck in Florida however. Not so bad as I can find worse places to be stuck in. We have deiced that this is the place for us. So soon will come the finial move. That will be great I will be reunited with my sweet dogs and my oldest daughter. A totally new direction will be unfolding in front of myself and family. One that I think we are all ready emotionally and spiritually to embrace. I think that it will be a great time in all of our lives.
In the mean while. I am taking a look at putting together a baby line of sock and sweaters and summer pull overs. I am going to have to master the math that it takes to create the line. But I think that will be easier then my mind is making it out to be. I am also putting together a photo blog. Got several things that will be coming about in a few days. But in the mean while it is back to the grind stone,

2008-05-30T11:22:00.001-07:00

2008-04-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

I have not been knitting as of late. I have been obsessed with photographing everything. I will resume with the knitting as soon as I can. I have a new store open on Zazzle and that has taken quite a bit of time to upload items (photographs) and get some products made. It makes me feel just great. Any who.... I am going to start getting back into the spirit of knitting. I have just purchased the Vogue summer knits (or was it spring) no must have been summer. I love the bright colors that they use and the way they are used to create new and flattering looks.

Until my next blog who knows when that will be due to all the craziness of my life.

Moving back and forth

2008-03-27T19:47:00.001-07:00

I am still working on a pair of socks for Jim. I have been occupied with home schooling the kids for the past 3 weeks. Boy I never know how unorganized I was up until I started to do this home schooling. I am enjoying it. I have been motivated to make list. (that is a new thing for me) I have actually followed the list also. It took me a few days just to make just one list. I thought that it was the hardest thing that I had ever done. Just a list, just a lesson plan. The amount of thought that I had to do for something that was supposed to be so simple.

On to a new thought. I told Marie about the knitting community and signed her up to get in. She is now on with me and that is just great one day when she is not going to college she will be able to join me in some fun.

2008-03-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

Recently I joined a knitting community "Ravelry". I was soooo excited. They invite 800 to 1000 knitters/crocheters per day, so I waited, and checked back daily. Everyday, sometimes twice a day just to see the number of invites slowly eek down until finally one day I got it. Was it worth the wait? Yes. Even the wait was great. It was like waiting for Christmas or a Birthday. Now that I was in the "Loop" I went eagerly to the set up and the sign in, and typed and entered until my info was posted. And I was asked how many years I had been knitting and crocheting. Well I have been crocheting since I was in 5th grade. At that time I was really begging for my Grandmother to teach me to knit but she kept putting it off. After I promised her that I would sit still and pay attention (that was one of the prerequisites for learning anything with her) she pulled out a crochet hook and my hart dropped. Well for me that was better than nothing. She never did teach me to knit but years later.......

My husband I, and at the time our 3 children, moved to Ireland. It was like I had moved home even though I had never lived there before. I fell into the most wonder life that I could have ever imagined. I would walk the streets of Cork and down to the markets that had the freshest fish that you could ever taste. I developed a wonderful relationship with my fishmonger and soon he had me fixing great dishes that kept us in fine dining for the 5 years that we had the privilege of living there.

Every season would bring it own pleasures. The spring would give life to a bleak country side with the tiny shoots of leaves. Summer would reveal the emerald green that the land was so well known for, and the winter would bring the coal fires. I would smell the fires and feel the mist of the weather. I knew that people who were born here had all of these things and more burned into their memories. I wanted something that I could take with me to have from this wonderful place and that is when it came to me. Knitting. I went to the local knitting store and said "I would like to learn to knit" I had picked out a lovely cabled throw and needles. The women looked at me and said there are only 2 stitches in knitting." Just follow the instructions." Well I thought that she was being.... well kind of non-informative, to say the least. But off I went, and well she was right. I never did finish the throw I did however see a book by Debbie Bliss and my first work was a blue sweater for a new baby I was expecting. Then I made a rabbit doll for my daughter and gave to her on her sixth birthday. We named her Zoie. Soon every time my husband would travel to England he would look up Debbie Bliss and go to her store and get more books (and get her to sign each one). He would pick up all the correct yarn to match the patterns that I would select and bring them back to me. We would also clean out Blarney Woolen Mills. The fiber that I collected there was just fabulous. Since then I have had a lot of projects and fun with knitting. When we moved back to the States I met a German women who knitted socks and held the yarn with her left hand. She could knit faster that way and I learned to incorporate that style to improve my speed and consistency. The art of knitting was the best thing I could have ever taken back from Ireland. Now every time I pick up wool I am transported back to a place that I will always have in my hart. Knitting to me is transportation to a land that I will always love.

2008-02-27T05:29:00.000-08:00

We just spent the most incredible Sunday out ever. Not that we don't have great Sunday outings and its not that we have not done some incredible things but this was a great day. We started to just go and walk around the Commons in Destin Fl. and see an Elvis impersonator that would be appearing later that day. We thought that it would be great entertainment for our 7 year old who does all kinds of impersonations one of which is ....... Elvis. We called a friend and asked if they would like to join us. When Jim got off the phone is said that John (our friend) had trumped him and had asked if we would like to go on a boat ride before we went. Well need I say more? Off we went and what a great ride it was. I loved seeing all the boat docks and eateries that flanked the inlets. John knew extensive knowledge of the homes that also surrounded the area and was able to add colorful stories that added entertainment.

After that we headed off to the commons. All ready there was a crowd gathered in anticipation of the Kings arrival. He drove up on his motor bike (exact duplicate of the one used by Denise Hopper in "Easy Rider") This guy was good. He even could do Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. After a great show, Chris our 7 year old headed off with John's son to do some much needed X-Box playing and we headed off to do what we started out to do just walk the commons. John rang up and ask if we would like to go to dinner later on. Now what better way to end the day then to go out with our old friend and a new one..... Elvis. That is right Elvis and his wife joined us for dinner later on that evening. We had a wonderful time.

2008-02-23T08:59:00.000-08:00

So much has happened since my last blog and to be honest I just have not wanted to blog. I lost my Yorkie Terrier this past January. Nothing has been the same since. I for a long time just could not even look out over my yard and still to this day have no desire to. Since this tragic event we have gone down to Fl. with my husband Jim. It has been great to have a change of scenery. Just the sun and the water have a calming effect on all of us. Kelsey has improved even. She was battling with a teenage depression and now seems to be trying to shake it off.

We will relocate here as soon as some loose ends are tied.

My knitting however is doing well. I have completed several socks and that accomplishment a great feeling. I believe that I will be working on some new designs for socks and will be offering them on my blog in the future. I also will be doing a good deal of felting for purses and children's clothing. Things are looking up. It will just be a while in relocating and moving my studio.....again. Keep watching I am sure that i will be making note of the process.

The health of a knitter

2008-01-04T02:17:00.000-08:00

As I thumb through my knitting books and magazines looking for the newest yarn and wondering what to knit next. I am very much aware that I live, for the most part of the day, in my chair. I would be content to just exist there never getting up to cook or heaven forbid to clean. As long as I can order off the Internet at my favorite stores and knit... well I am a happy knitter. But with the new year and the excessive munching that I have done over the holidays and the fact that no matter how much I love to knit I do have to get into my jeans every morning.....which brings me to the point. All this knitting and no exercise well....need I say more. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. You see no exercise also means that my bones are not doing so well either. And the 10 minutes a day that you are supposed to spend in the sun for vitamin D well lets just say that is not getting done either. There is a down side to just sitting and knitting away ones life. I have made a resolution this year and I am going to keep it. As soon as the holidays came to an end I threw out the Christmas tree and brought back in the exercise machine. Now it is not the most flattering piece of equipment in the living room but hay at least I can watch the Today Show and do my work out. This will improve my tone. My muscles and my lungs and strength my bones. The last thing that I want to do is look like I 100 when I am only 46.

If you do Yoga, run, or what ever, just do it it makes for a happier healthier knitter,

2008-01-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note the sock is going great! I have been hard pressed for time today since Jim is returning to Fla. and there are always things to help with like packing and making sure that the cat does not try and smuggle her way into the suitcase. But during "honey can you print this", and "have you seen my ....." I did manage to get some quick throws in. This photo does not do the colors justice but know they are truly eye popping. After all to quote Nathan Lane in "Bird Cage" "one must have a hint of color" I have encluded a video from You Tube to show the paticular technic that I use for holding the yarn with my left hand. You get faster results and pay paticular attention to the way she wraps the yarn around her little finger. This will insure the best tention. Try this with what ever you knit. It is ackward at first but once you get it down you won't go back.

2008-01-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

Well it is the finish of the year and the start of a new one. I have started off this year geat, in addition to being thankful for what we as a family have been blessed with this past year I have gotten a fresh bunch of sock yarn from my new favoirt shopping hole. jimmy Beans Wool. I purchased some of the Lorna's laces sock wool. The colors are fantastic. They realy are a delight to feel and look at while you are working. I have also just about finished a pair of socks for a friend of mine. They are looking great. The sock pattern is working out and I believe that I will be able to put some of my own designs on them the next time I knit up a pair. I have two stand by patterns just to give the back bone to the sock and then I add and remove, to make it my own pattern. One of the patterns deals with the fingering weight and the other deals with the sports weight. I will pass those pattern locations on. I have already started my wish list for books that I am needing to increase my knowlage about pattern design. I feel so limited when I knit. I want to be able to call the shots and to be able to fix those shots when they dont come out the way that they did in my head.
Well I am off I have to watch for the post man and finish the other sock. If I set my self by the window then I will be able to do both.

Basic Sock patterns (for fingering weight)
Basic Sock Patterns (for sports weight)

The Knitting Frog

2007-12-30T19:17:00.000-08:00

I have started on my next list of friends who I will knit socks for. I have had to go out side my family now since every one here has a corner on the market when it comes to socks. Everyone that is except myself and my husband who seem to get more joy out of seeing everyone else get a pair. My thirteen year old daughter informed me that she was fine on socks just days before Christmas. I was hart broken. My eight year old son however cheered me up by proclaiming that he would never have enough.
What is wonderful is that I have been given free range on the colors, and I have already picked an alpaca sports weight for the creations. I am getting my supplies for this from a great store called Jimmy Beans Wool. I have ordered twice from them but so far their service and shipping have been just great. My muse for these socks comes from a fingerless glove that I started knitting from a great pattern found in one of the current knitting mags. I will convert this and add some of my own preferences.