Phineas The Dragon!

I have always liked dragons. My dad was always into fantasy and sci fi and he got me into it as well. It started with fairy-tales and children’s books about dragons and unicorns, he even made up wonderful stories for me about fairies and far away lands.

I still have a major fascination with all these fantasy elements and dragons are no exception! So it stands to reason that I had to try knitting a dragon!

This little bugger caused me a great deal of annoyance. There are some patterns out there but most were either crochet or utilized techniques I have yet to master. I am far too stubborn to let lack of a pattern or ability stop me from making whatever the heck I want to so I soldiered on.

I drew inspiration from the knit and crochet patterns I couldn’t follow and also from plush dragons made of cloth trying to find a body and head shape I could adapt.

I would get an idea, get really excited and then have it not quite come together and have to put the project down for a few days. All told I think he took about 3 weeks because I kept putting him down and having to undo what I’d started.

For a first attempt though, I’m really very happy with him.

I am proud to present Phineas the Dragon!

 

 

 

Dr. Yarnlove or: How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love to Knit

Well, I am no longer exactly new to knitting, but I haven’t been doing it for that long in the grand scheme of things either. I actually started with crochet. A coworker gave me some yarn and a crochet hook and sorta showed me how to chain and single crochet…I haven’t really progressed much from that point, crochet and I just don’t get along that well.

However, in class one night, a fellow student saw me crocheting and decided to teach me how to knit. Despite a few missteps in the beginning, it was love at first stitch! Unfortunately, she dropped the class before teaching me to purl. So I taught myself with internet videos and what not. With the internet in my lap (top) and needles and yarn in hand, I have learned and adapted lots of interesting techniques and patterns.

I started where we all start, with scarves and other various squares and rectangles. I had fun the first couple Christmases making scarves for everyone…and by fun I mean I totally burnt myself out trying to finish enough gifts in time for Christmas.

So it may not have been fun exactly but I was ever so proud of myself and the gifts I turned out. I’m not sure what everyone will get this year but I’m thinking something more ambitious is in order. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

In the meantime, here are some of the scarves I made for Christmas 2009. What’s funny is that I got the idea to braid them all by myself…then all of a sudden braided knit scarves were everywhere…I must be a trend setter!

A Craft Blog You Say?

Yes, a craft blog. A place to brag about my triumphs and post pictures of all my nifty creations!

I’d like to say I will be updating regularly but to be honest, it’s up to my projects. Some weeks I turn things out quickly and some weeks I start a bunch of different projects and nothing quite turns out like I hoped. Such is the nature of creating!

You will see over time, dear reader, that most of my crafts are knit, but once in a while I may throw together a costume/piece of jewelry/otherwise nifty creation/etc…that I feel the need to brag about here.

Join me on my crafting journey through life! (corny enough for you?)