Free Pattern: Phynn   Yarn: Knit One Crochet Too Babyboo (55% nylon/ 45% bamboo)     Needle:  #5 circular-24" or larger

Sometimes a yarn will dictate what is to be made with it.  That is the case with this yarn.  It has a drape & feel that is meant to wrap around your neck.  The scarf itself is a very easy piece to make as every row is knit (Garter Stitch).  The stripey flared ends are created by working a short row in a contrast color of yarn.  There are 2 different lengths to each scarf so they can be layered together if desired.  Of course wearing them separately is fine too.  One skein of each color is enough to make both of these scarves--with some left over.

Pattern: Jackyll & Hide from Knitty.com    Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton-Ease    Needles: #8 & #7 Harmony DPNs from Knit Picks

I know a lot of you knitting folks out there are like me--you have way too many things on your knitting list.  And its that time of year when our lists get even longer preparing for Holiday gift giving.  But, again, if you're like me, you come across a project that you'll drop everything else to make.  This was that project.  It had much to do with the fact that I have a teenager who likes this sort of thing.  And I even had the yarn in my stash to make it up.  And the teenager was pumped to add this to his collection.  And I have these new Harmony needles that I love using.  And I wanted something that I didn't have to do math to make.  And I could keep going with the ANDS but I won't.

So to report on the finished item, since I used a cotton substitute, it tends to stretch out.  Tossing in the washer and dryer helps to remedy this but only until it is worn again.  I think since my teenager's head is so big, that's why this keeps happening.  The pattern shows the hat rolled up to "Hide" the scariness but my version doesn't work out very well in that position.  I don't think it will ever be worn that way anyway.  If I were making this for a serious fashion statement, I'd have put more time into making the eye-holes look better.  I actually started to work a button-hole edging but ended up ripping it out since it rippled and emphasized the gapey stitches.  The kid will wear it a couple of times a year, if that so we're gonna live with it.

On another note, I feel like I've been dragging around these days.  Maybe its the change in season but I usually get inspired and motivated during the cooler months.  I've been slow at making posts lately too.  I think I'm at a point where what I want to do and what I have to do are duking it out with my moods.  But to be honest, I think that the cause for my slowed blogging stamina has to do with that darned Ravelry.  Why did those smart people have to start something like that online?  I can spend hours there either adding to my personal space or reading forums or searching for patterns.  Yeah, I ordered the t-shirt the first week I joined in.  Haven't got it yet, but I'll let you know when it gets here.

My heart is broken.  I adopted this little kitty for 2 days and fell in love with her.  I named her Sprinkles since it was raining when I found her on my front porch.  She was the sweetest thing.  I think someone dropped her off in our neighborhood and she happened to make it to our house.  Have I mentioned that we already have 2 cats and 4 dogs?  I knew deep down that I couldn't keep her.  She is now with another family who recently lost their cat to illness and were ready to adopt another one.  She will be loved by them too.  I'm sad.

~Inner Monologue:  This post is brought to you in all Black and White (unplanned--how'd that happen?).  I guess to express my current somberness.  It's time for a little orange and some fun music.  Time for some comfort food too.  Spaghetti and meatballs with lots of Parmesan--here I come!~

Free Pattern: Nubbins for Ta-tas Dishcloth  Yarn: Sugar 'n Cream Twists color: Rose Twist (one skein)   Needles: #6 Knit Picks Harmony    Finished size (after washing): 9.5"x8"

Since most of my blog readers are women, this post may scare the few men folk (if there are any to begin with) who read this away.  What you see above is the latest version of the Nubbins Dishcloth.  This one is especially for Breast Cancer Awareness, being that time of the year and all. 

As women, most of us are aware that we need to examine our breasts regularly.  What better way to remind ourselves more often to do that than to use a dishcloth that blatantly screams, "Feel the Ta-tas!".  I know I, for one, don't check mine like I should.  My mother is a breast cancer survivor (Hi Mom! if you're reading this) and my family is very fortunate to have her still hanging around, making us laugh with her silly antics.  I am past the not-too-terribly ripe age of 40 and I have those mammograms once a year.  Lucky for me its not too uncomfortable but I'm not going into details (since, well, my Dad may be reading this too--Hi Dad!).

I kinda threw this pattern together over the weekend so pardon my lack of creativity as far as photography goes.  What I'd really like is for some of you folks out there who are interested in making this dishcloth up, is to send me some really fun photos of your finished cloths so I can show them off on my blog and in my Reader's Gallery.  Look for my email address on the upper left column (click on Gumby).

I've got another dishcloth with the same theme that I will be publishing here (free) very soon so check back for it if you like Ta-tas. 

...buy this issue:

Simply Knitting September 2007 Issue

Why?  Because it comes with this:

It's a free companion issue that comes packaged with the regular SK issue.  Be prepared to pay quite a bit for it in the States.  I paid $10 for mine but I justified the purchase when I fell in love with the toys.  This is what the issue looks like on the back cover:

These are too cute!  Here's a close-up of the chimps

and the crocodiles

Nuff said!