Bi-Craftual ~~How I Became A Knitter!

Now before I get started on my tale...let me confess something. I love to crochet..no..I am obsessed with crochet and love the things I am able to create. I have many things that not only brought a big smile to my face but hopefully for those that I bestowed my creations upon.

I first learned to knit in 7th grade. I recall feeling out of place with those two needles. I had no frame of reference since my mother and great-grandmother both crocheted. Anyhoo..I made a scarf..no I made many scarves and gave them away as Christmas gifts to my family. I recall the stitches being very loose and my use of a fingering-weight yarn for babies did not help matters at all. I did not feel the connection I felt when crocheting. At least with crocheting...at that time in my life...I could make a huge granny square. Fast forward to the future....I was watching Knit & Crochet Today on PBS..and Kristin Nicholas was demonstrating knitting the fair isle earflap hat. She was changing colors with ease. I had struggled with changing colors while crocheting a Redskins Afghan for my husband. I became frsutrated and put it away at least 3-4 times over a 2 year period. He became upset with each passing project. I decided to learn to knit so that I could complete the logo for the afghan. I went to Knittinghelp.com, I watched the video to learn how to "Long-tail cast on" and then it all came backto me! I was using size 10 needles with fingering-weight yarn in 7th grade. This time I used size 8 needles with worsted weight yarn! I finally felt comfortable knitting. I not only remembered how to knit..but I also remembered how to purl. Well after that ...I WAS KNITTING! I was so excited..and decided that I paid attention enough and started to make the Redskins logo. I was going wonderfully until I had knitted a few rows with color changes...and noticed that I pulled the yarn too tight when I changed colors. I put it away and decided to consult my knitting buddies about using circular needles instead. OMG...I was at it again and this time I made sure I left enough of the yarn to carry loosley until I needed to u se it. I am now officially becoming Bi-Craftual...a crocheter and now a born-again knitter. Once I finish the Redskin afghan I proclaim myself a knitter. I have enough needles to make anything I want. Look out ya'll NannDee can knit!

Crocheted handbags and purses

Absolutely Fabulously Finished

It is with great pleasure that I proclaim...that I have finally finished the Victoria Shrug that I made for My Muse. It all began with the Crochet Me CAL. I wanted to find something classic, refined..yet timeless to make for her. She is a very generous soul and inspires all who let her. After thumbing through the book for something that epitomizes her spirit..I kept finding myself gravitating to the Victorian Shrug on the cover. The model on the cover reminded me of her (except that she is African-American); simple elegance. I polled many co-workers and they all agreed that it was perfect for her. I wanted to give it to her for Christmas, but could not get it perfect enough to give to her. Whenever I make something for someone, I want my work to be the best it can be. So I kept at it until I was finished. I was worried that it would be too big, too small or the material was wrong. Anyhoo...I finished...but wait....I did not have the perfect button. I looked high and low. I put the sweater away ...unfinished...determined that she would not see it until I found the perfect button.. Fast forward...my Aunt Mildred (Mildred Baldwin) gave me a box of beads, buckles, pendants and what-nots. I looked in the cigar box filled with these things at least once or twice a week. Lo and behold I look once more and discovered a lovely golden "dragonfly" pendant. I decided to confess to My Muse my dilemma and inquired as to how she felt about dragonfly's. She exclaims, "That's the name of my favorite watering hole...The Dragonfly" I explained that I finally found the perfect button for her sweater; brought in the pendant for her approval...and she approved. I researched her favorite watering hole online and found that the dragonfly that they use as a logo is almost exactly like the pendant. I added it to shrug and it was PERFECT! I am glad that I waited for the perfect button. I wanted to have it dry-cleaned, but felt nervous about how it would be returned to me..also one dry cleaner wanted $8 just to steam the sweater. I fumed and decided that I would find another way to block it. I told my aunt about my dilemma and she told me to take my steam iron, with a towel over it and do it myself. She also is giving me my own professional steamer. It belonged to my grandmother; her mother..who was a professional seamstress for many years. So, I gave the sweater to her today...in the Christmas gift bag that I purchased...with a note. She found me soon as she saw it...gave me a big hug...exclaimed..."It's perfect and beautiful!....Thank you soooo much!" I could not have been happier. I put a lot of time and love into making it for her...she is a very special person who helped me to appreciate myself and all that I have to offer the world! I know that I have made a friend for life and am better for it.

VeeShells Poncho for Veronica!

Christmas 2007 - Baby Tyler's First Christmas

Crochetin@NannDee's Nitch

Welcome To The World Baby Boy!

Introducing My Newest Nephew ...Tyler! He is too cute...but I say that about all my nephews..but it's TRUE! They are all gonna be heartbreakers when they get older. I am glad I got to see him..and he was less than a day old. He was shying away at first, but seemed to pose for the camera. He weighed in at 7lbs 10.5 lbs...20.5 inches! You go boy! He opened his eyes for his mommy...I got a good picture of that. They were smiling at each other...how sweet! It is getting cold enough for him to wear the bunting I made. His mommy wants me to make him a sweater. I see another Baby Hoodie in the works. It will be royal blue and light blue! Welcome to world Tyler...Auntie loves you!