Glasses For Reading and Knitting

This morning I sent off this pair of booties to a new Etsy customer in North Carolina. I'm pleased with how they came out; I had a little trouble with the stripes. I was using scrap yarn from the last pair of socks, and had to rewind the balls to get the stripes to match. I learned that  the hard way. I think they're cute, though. She told me that she likes blues, greys, and browns.  I think this will work, and they look great with light blue jeans.

Today I did some grocery shopping. I look forward to cherry season each year, and found Ranier cherries on sale for .99 a pound! I was thrilled.  I also got a replacement piece of oval glass for a vintage picture frame, and walked around our nevitalized downtown area. The city has poured a lot of money into new shops, restaurants, and theaters. It's quite impressive. They are hoping to make it like Santa Barbara. None of them are chains. I will have to go back and take some photos. It has a whole new vibe.  I love the originality of it.

I ordered my first pair of prescription glasses from Costco last week. I normally use readers, but I think these will make it easier to see the tiny stitches on my knitting needles when I make socks. It will also help with reading books and patterns. Train and bus schedules tend to have tiny print, and I am looking forward to doing more traveling as I get older. How about you? Do you wear prescription eye glasses?

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An Afternoon of Crochet

I worked on this little sock yarn bag this afternoon, and got it completed. I used up some leftover wool from my stash. I absolutely love the result! They are so cute, and really fun to make. The pattern is called Handy Dandy Sock Yarn Bags. It's on the yellow pink and sparkly blog. www.yellowpinkandsparkly.blogspot.com. You can also find it as a free pattern on Ravelry.  It's called Crochet Sock Yarn Bags.

This is what they look like in the early stage, after making the base.

I used it when it was partially completed as a candle holder. I really like the effect. These would make sweet little  Christmas gifts.

The irises and amaranths are blooming in November. It was nice to take a break in the garden.

There are still several  chocolate chip cookies leftover from baking the other day.

Here is the finished bag. You chain to make a drawstring. I can't wait to make another one.   

Sock Yarn Mini IPad Cover Knitting Pattern

This is a quick and easy knit for knitters of all levels. It's a great way to use up leftover sock yarn. I designed this to fit like a sleeve. It's knit in the round on  tiny circular needles. You could also use double pointed needles, or convert it to Magic Loop.

Materials

Sock Yarn
1 tiny stitch marker
US Size 2  9 "circular needles 2.75 mm 23 cm
Circular cable or holding yarn (to check fit)
US Size E or 4  crochet hook 3.50 mm
darning needle for sewing in ends

Leaving a long tail, cast on 70 stitches. (I do 71 and then knit the last stitch of the round and first stitch of the second round together.)  Work in the round until you are an inch and a half from the top of your ipad. Slip stitches purl wise onto a piece of holding yarn or on to a circular cable with stoppers. Turn the cover inside out, and single crochet the bottom seam together with your tail.

Turn the cover right side out again and put the stitches back on your circular needles. It's a little tricky with the cord. Continue to knit in k2 p2 ribbing up to the top of the mini ipad. Bind off in pattern. Weave in ends. Block and shape to dry.     

These are very relaxing and fun to make. They're quick, simple, and practical. I would love to see a photo of your project if you knit up this pattern. Please give me credit for the design and  link to my blog if you share it with your friends. Enjoy!