My New Obsession: The Zentangle

I have been interested in zentangles for quite some time now but this is my first attempt at this style of art.  This week I started watching tutorial videos for different patterns.  I learned six different tangle-patterns in one evening and created this hot air balloon zentangle.

I read on one of the many websites that I visited that using a simple coloring sheet is a good way to start zentagling, so I printed a coloring sheet of a hot air balloon and started to add my patterns.  I used some fine tip markers that I use in my journal all the time(I think I bought them at the dollar store).  I'm pretty happy with this picture and I look forward to learning more and more tangle-patterns.

Have you ever tried zentangling?

WIP Wednesday: Blue Mist-ery

This Wednesday, I have a mystery project knit in Wool-Ease Blue Mist.  I love the color of this yarn and I am loving this project so far.  I'll share more details once the project is complete and gifted.

 My attempt at a close-up of the beautiful cables.

 I have a serious problem where I start gift crafting about a month before it's all due.  

Wish me luck.

WIP Wednesday: Pink Star Blanket

If you want to see more great wips, visit Tami.

My friend is having a baby shower really soon, so I am making her a star blanket.  She is having a girl, hence the pink star blanket was born.

Pattern:  Star Blanket

Hook:  H

Yarn:  acrylic for easy washing

Inspiration at the Seattle Art Museum

Oiling by Faig Ahmed

I am so inspired by this rug that I saw at the Seattle Art Museum this weekend.  I think this idea of going from a very structured design to a more abstract one could work really well in a loom beaded bracelet.

I need to start designing!

WIP Wednesday: Isabella Bonnet

To see more WIPs, visit Tami's Amis.

Pattern:  Isabella Bonnet

Yarn:  Vanna's Choice

Needle:  US 5 Circular

I am working on this hat for my mom's friend's granddaughter.  I am debating whether or not to add a stripe of another color.  Here are the yarns that I have available.  What do you think?  Should I stick with solid pink or add one of the other two colors in a stripe?

 What are you making this week?

Weekly WIPs: Crocodile, Feather and Fans

Even though these are not FOs, I am still linking up with Tami today :)

Pattern:  My own - Feather and Fan Cowl

Yarn:  Random 70's looking acrylic

Needles:  Size 11

I needed an easy travel project since my crocodile stitch shawl is getting a little too big to throw in my purse.  I also needed a break from the shawl occasionally, so I started a cowl.  I am knitting it flat in one of my favorite stitches, feather and fan, over a multiple of 24 stitches. I think it looks good so far.

 Pattern:  Triangular Crocodile Stitch Shawl
Yarn:  unknown natural fiber
Hook:  I
This shawl is so much fun.  I am unsure how big to make it, as I am sure it will need some serious blocking and will grow in size.  I have been thinking about blocking what I currently have just to see how large it really is, but I am feeling so unsure.  The color is not clear in this picture, but it's tweedy green color with flecks of red and white.  I love it so far.

What have you been making this week? What do you think about blocking a project before it is complete?

Crocodile Stitch

For more WIPs, visit Tami's Amis

I've been trying out the crocodile stitch this week. My first attempt refused to lay flat.  I kept looking at pictures online and thinking "That's not what mine looks like."

Hmmmmm, what was I doing wrong.  I searched and searched... until finally I discovered that crocodile stitch requires a larger hook, just like amigurumi are best with a smaller hook.

I started over with some much thinner yarn and an I hook.  With blocking it should lay flat perfectly.  Yay! It's such a fun technique!  I am working on this pattern and hoping to be finished by the end of the week :)

Have you ever tried crocodile stitch?  What is your favorite pattern for this stitch?