Wednesday, July 13, 2011

MY SEVENTH "BUILDING OUR HOMES TOGETHER" FOR JULY 13TH























I'M PARTICIPATING IN THE "BUILDING OUR HOMES TOGETHER..........WITH JESUS" OVER AT THE PRAIRIE FLOWER FARM BLOG. CLICK ON THE LINK HERE TO VISIT LINDA. TELL HER I SAID HELLO. OR YOU CAN CLICK ON THE BLOG BUTTON ON MY RIGHT SIDEBAR.

Hi everyone,
Oh, How is your week so far? Mine has been good.  I'm busy crafting and knitting. I've also been making a concerted effort to spend less time on Facebook. So far, so good. 

 UPDATE ON THURSDAY - JULY 14th: I'm also going to be participating in the Simpy Homemaking series over at Our Simple Country Life. Click here to view the  latest link-up. Otherwise, you can click on the blog button on my ride sidebar :) :) Have a blessed day everyone :) :) Love and hugs from Oregon :)

I  was going to share a simple pattern for a bath mitt today. Well, something happened on the way to grabbing those knitting needles. I'll still share the pattern with you. However, let me share an unexpected  little  project along the way. Sometimes things don't go my way when it comes to crafting. 
THESE ARE THE SUPPLIES I GRABBED FOR THIS PROJECT. ONE THING I FORGOT TO INCLUDE IS A  WOODEN RULER TO  MEASURE MY KNITTING.

Here's a list of the supplies I would need to make my French knit bath mitt:
*  some paper. I used a composition book.
*Lily N Cream cotton yarn
*Set of 5, double pointed knitting needles (3.5 mm/ 4 US)
*Scissors
*Pen, to write with
*Row counter
*Row marker
*Yarn needle
*Needle gauge
*Wooden ruler (not pictured here - to measure knitting)

So it's always a good thing to knit a test swatch to figure out what your gauge is. How many stitches would you knit per inch.  So I went to find the tail yarn on the inside of  my skein. That's where the "accidental" part comes in. Some skeins of yarn just aren't put together very well. This is what happened. When I thought I'd pulled out the tail yarn, literally half the skein popped out. It took me forever to untangle everyone. This is what I had  once it was all fixed:






















THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T FIND THAT INSIDE TAIL YARN. I ENDED UP UP  PULLING OUT HALF THE SKEIN OF YARN. NO WORRIES. IT DIDN'T STOP ME FROM MY KNITTING PROJECT.

I took two of the double pointed needles to make a test swatch.  I cast on 25 stitches on TWO double-pointed needles held together. That helps keep the tension when you're casting on nice and loose. No worries. It will tighten up naturally as you knit. 

I just knit one row, and pearled back. That is called "stockinette stich". I ended up making a little 5 inch x 5 inch square, mainly because I was still working out some frustration from the crazy yarn ball .  Then when you reach the desired length, simply bind off loosely.  Or you can undo the yarn and reuse it in your knitting project.  However, it turned out quite nice. It's a coaster or mug rug of sorts ;) :) The edges will curl just a bit when you knit this way. It's just the nature of the yarn to do so, even if you knit with wool.  I might take an iron to it. I haven't decided yet.























  Here's what my little gauge swatch turned "patriotic mug rug" looks like with a teacup sitting on top of it.  I added some vintage effects to the photo. Isn't that just the cutest?
I'm working on another pattern for a coaster. It will be just as pretty, if not prettier. Plus, the way I'm knitting it, it'll lay FLAT.  When it's all done, I'll write up the pattern and share it here with you all.

After the fiasco with the yarn, I decided I needed a treat. So I made a java chip coffee ice cream rootbeer float. Trust me, this works together. You will need the favorite coffee ice cream and rootbeer of your choice. You can use any flavor ice cream that you like.  I just happen to LOVE coffee ice cream, especially java chip.























Choose a favorite mug or glass. Scoop out a nice, large healthy amount of ice cream into your mug.  Then add your rootbeer. Now be careful when you pour, because it is a  soda. The soda will foam up quite a bit. Just pour a little bit, let the foam go away, then pour some  more.  And enjoy a nice cold treat on a warm summer day.

















Oh, my that java chip  rootbeer float was GOOD!!!!  Did I mention that I love coffee and coffee ice cream?  big smile :) :) :)
   
What I meant to show you originally today was my pattern for a simple knit bath mitt.   You'll need all the supplies that I mentioned at the top of this post, with the exception of the pen and paper. However, I like to take notes on each knitting project. It's like keeping a journal of sorts. It can actually be very helpful to you, if you have to stop your work or if you have questions later on about something you did.

HEATHER'S KNITTED FRENCH BATH MITT

Finished mitt should be 5 inches wide x 7 inches tall.  Remember, this is knit in the ROUND...so you will actually be knitting a 10 inch continuous circle.

Also, this is just general instructions. you can manipulate this pattern any way you'd like to. Also, depending on what needles you use and your knitting style, your gauge might be different. There's no right or wrong with this pattern. That's what's really great about it.

So this is how I made mine. After I knit that gauge swatch turned coaster...I took a wooden ruler and measured the stitches per inch. It came out to approximately 5 stitches per inch. So since I"m knitting in the round a 10 inch circle, I multipled 5 stitches per inch times the 10 inch circle and came up with 50 stitches total.  

Here's where there's some more wiggle room. I wanted an even number of stitches on each of my four knitting needles, so I rounded DOWN to 48 stitches.  That would give me 12 stitches per needle. Also,  I LOVE to use 5 double pointed knitting needles when knitting in the round.   I have the yarn project sperad out over four knitting needles, and I"m always knitting in with the fifth needle. This is less stress on the yarn when k nitting in the round. you get a much smoother finish than you do when just using  4 needles.

Okay, so hold two double-pointed needles together and cast on a total of 48 stitches. Remove just ONE of the double pointed needles and  begin to knit evenly in the round.  I placed 12 stitches on each needle.  Don't worry if there a little gap when you first join the ends together. It will  tighten up a s you   knit. Plus you can use th e  tail yarn to weave together any loose spots at the  end of your project.

Make sure to have a row marker at the beginning of your row, so you know where  the end and beginning of your  rows are.  In this case, since I'm using double-pointed knitting needles, I placed the row  marker one stich in from the beginning of the row. This prevents the row marker from falling off as your knitting :) 

Just continue to  knit in the round for a total of 58 rows OR until the piece measures 7 inches long.  I forgot to write down how many rows I actually knit when I was finished. However, 58 rows sounds about right. Then do a combination of knitting the stitches together/binding off loosely. Weave in the loose ends on the wrong side of the project. This is what my project looks like, with some vintage touches added to it.
If you want or need more detailed instructions, let me know.  I will also be doing another post on my French bath mitts sometime in the near future, with clearer instructions. However, this pattern is fairly simple and straight forward. Again, if you have any questions whatsoever, please let me know. I'll do my best to answer them. I like this project for it's versatility. It makes a great bath mitt to use in the shower or bathtub. you can even put a bar of soap inside, and it's a soaper/scrubber all in one ;) :) OR you can use it to help with washing dishes. It makes a hand dish mitt, too :) :)

Today in my devotions I was reading through Leviticus where God is telling Moses and the people about keeping certain days as well as specific rituals to be maintained in the Temple. Now, it was a LOT of detail. So glad that I live under grace now, because all of that detail would be a bit overwhelming for me :) :) That was Leviticus chapters 23 and 24.

Then I read Psalm 24. These verses stood out to me. Right now I'm highlighting ALL verses in the Bible that have to do with the tongue, whether it be about lying, deceit, gossip, anything that talks about our speach and what we should or shouldn't be doing. So these verses stood out to me today:

3) Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?  Or who may stand in His holy place?
4)  He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully.
5) He shall receive blessing from the Lord, And righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Now, we know that our salvation is based on accepting Jesus Christ as our LORD and Savior. He is the one who cleanses us from sin :) :)  What stood to me here, is that even in the Old Testament, God makes it very CLEAR that He does not deceit. Swearing deceitfully is the same as lying. So that'll be added to my list of verse that refer to the "tongue". I'm also writing down all verses that refer to money, because I want to know what God has to say about that, too.

My final passage for today was  Acts 21.  The short version is that Paul is chilling with some fellow believers. He goes to Jerusalem. They don't want him to go. A man prophecies that he (Paul) will be bound in Jerusalem and delivered to the Gentiles. Paul "No problem, I'm going to go anyway and preach the Gospel" (that's my interpretation" :) :)   Paul loves Jesus, more than his own life.  I'm not sure I'm that strong ,to be honest.

Anyways,  that's where I'm at in my Bible reading today. I'm going to try and journal some more of that with you on Wednesdays. So bear with me, if  I sound like  I'm stumbling over my  own words a bit. Paul did, too, right?

Well, thanks for joinging me today. I love it when you stop  by and visit me. You are all welcome here :) :)  Oh, Dairy Queen here in Oregon is having a sale on their 4-piece chicken strip baskets. Only $3.99...holla...Dad and I are SO going to enjoy that today. That's the news from Oregon today. Extra love and hugs, Heather :)

20 comments:

Linda Stubbs said...

Thank you sweet Heather for signing up today........I have to try that French Bath Mitt and Java Chip rootbeer float. NUM IN MY BOOK!

Guess who is coming to my house this weekend? Susan.......can't wait! She is bringing her 2 girls. How fun.......now if you could come over!

Hugs, me

Rebecca said...

Heather, the coasters are really sweet! I'm kind of lost when it comes to knitting - but I know when I like something :)

Your root beer float sounds interesting made with the coffee ice cream. Have you ever tried vanilla ice cream with ginger ale over it? (Some people say it HAS to be Vernors - but you can't buy that brand everywhere!)

Mrs.T said...

Love the mug mat! I can't knit (and really have no interest in learning) but I am sure a crocheted version could be made, right?

And oh, that root beer float sounds just wonderful! Have you ever tried Java Pop? It is a coffee flavored soft drink. And it makes wonderful floats with vanilla ice cream!

Patti said...

I love your little mug rug. You did a great job...and it's so patriotic!!

As you already know, I don't knit or crochet, so I am really impressed by the work of those that do.

A root beer float sounds fabulous!! Just might have to make one in the next couple days. My husband likes 7-up floats...7-up over sherbet (whatever flavor he's in the mood for).

Have a great evening.

Love,
Patti

Cindy Adkins said...

What a beautiful post, Heather...and say "hi" to your dad for me too!

XO
Cindy

My Mad World said...

Great post Heather! I wish I could knit, these are really cute!!

That rootbeer float sounds very yummy! I make home made fraps, and I sometimes add some of that to my ice cream. Very yummy!!

Great pics on Mondays post too! Beautiful!

Oh, and I love the verses, passages you read too! Yes, I am am so thankful for His grace now. Reading in Deuteronomy now and I get overwhelmed with all the laws and rules they had!

Lebenslust was sonst said...

Liebe Heather vielen Dank für deinen Besuch auf meinen Blog.Leider kann ich dir nicht sagen welche Beeren es sind,ich werde sie nicht essen.Aber sie sind so schön zu meinen Silber.Ich schicke dir liebe Grüße aus Österreich-Edith.

Susan said...

Great Bible verses, Heather. You are right, their laws were overwhelming. Sounds like you are reading a One Year Bible.
I'm not big on ice cream, but love coffee so I may have to try that Java Chip :)
Hope you are having a great week :D As Linda said, wish you could join us. I KNOW we'd all have a blast! Who wouldn't with that nutty Linda ;) (Don't tell her I said that!)

Hugs from Texas

Susan

{ T G L } said...

Wow, you're really creative! :)

Visiting you from the 'Down to Earth' link-up. Have a great weekend!

Blessings,
This Good Life

http://this-good-life.blogspot.com/2011/07/on-my-mind-baby-steps-to-urban.html

Domesblissity said...

Hi Heather. Wow you've been busy. I remember root beer floats when I was in the States a few years ago. What a great flavour combination.

Just popping in to say hi from Rhonda's Down to Earth blog.

Anne @ Domesblissity

Barbara Jean said...

Heather,
Just came over from Cindy's Whimsical Musings.
Saw your greeting fro Oregon in the comments.
Where in Oregon are you?
I'm in Eugene.
Have our paths crossed before?

Look forward to hearing from you, and reading more of your blog

blessings
barbara jean

Chris said...

Hi Heather,
I agree with the others you sure are a busy person. Thanks for the lovely photos and instructions I just love how everyone is so kind and sharing. I have to get my act together and put something up on my blog other than tomfoolery

Cheers
Chris

Leaon Mary said...

Girl you amaze me with your lil mugrugs! They are so fabulous! You're one talented gal! Of course you have me droolin over the Java Chip rootbeer float. You got me at java. Rootbeer and ice cream are now on my grocery list. lol See what you've gone n done. haha Have a blessed day! You're such a blessing to me!

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Heather,
Those little mugrugs are so cute--and you're so clever!!! I bought root beer yesterday after seeing this post!! lol

XO
Cindy

Camille said...

Dear Heather ~ Your projects look wonderful. I like the little coaster...cute. :)

God's Word is so rich, isn't it? I *love* finding *new* things that haven't jumped out at me before...it really is the *living* Word of God! How blessed we are to have it in our own language.

Just wanted to stop by for a visit before I go *offline* for about a month. Enjoy your Summer. I will plan, Lord-willing, to catch up with you when I'm back in the saddle. :)

Many blessings,
Camille

Kim B said...

Heather, I read this post when you posted it and blogger wouldnt let me comment. Well, I am back..I love the verses, the knitted mug rug (wish I could knit). Any suggestions for online ladies bible study groups? Have a great weekend. Oh that rootbeer coffee float sounds yummy. Hugs, Kim

Heather said...

Hi Heather - it's Heather! You mentioned Leviticus and I'm getting to read this book again. It is a challenging book to read, but you can get through it.

You've got me craving a root beer float now! They're delicious.

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Rootbeer and Java ice cream float sounds yummy! I'll have to try that one! I love coffee ice cream, but don't drink coffee. Thanks for sharing the scriptures today as well. My friend and I have been studying Revelation. Quite interesting! Hugs and have a good weekend! Thanks for stopping by my blog occasionally and leaving comments!

Annesphamily said...

When I was pregnant with my oldest son I loved coffee ice cream! Yum! I am a tea and coffee drinker so I am always looking for something cool in the summer Love the stories you tell here. You are so talented and sweet. Anne

Angie Berry ~ Berry Homespun Primitives said...

Very cute Heather! I love this one almost as much as the other one! You are doing a great job! I'm gonna message your facebook, so look for one soon. Have an awesome weekend!