Year End Round-up

I can't believe 2012 is coming to a close already.  I didn't get to do nearly as much knitting as I have in past years, but I've been gaining momentum slowly over the last few months.  In 2013, I want to try and learn new techniques and read charts - we'll see how that goes!

Below are photos of my most recently-completed projects including a mini sock ornament, a toddler hooded sweater, and a scarf for my son's teacher.

Beautiful Wedding Shrug

I decided this project deserved its own blog post!  I was so excited that my new sister-in-law asked me to knit a shrug for her wedding.  The yarn she chose was Spirit Trail Fiberworks "Nona", a heavy lace-weight yarn in beautiful shades of blue.  A lace pattern was my first thought (larger needles!) but I'm so glad we agreed to the Eleonora pattern because she needed the extra warmth during the outdoor ceremony and photos.  Knit on size 2 needles, it was definitely a challenge, but I had fun.  This yarn was a dream to work with, so soft and silky.  It was customized as we went along, taking away the flared sleeve and shortening it to elbow-length, then J. tried it on many times to make sure it fit correctly.  It flew to Las Vegas with me (I knit while listening to Harry Potter on the plane) and was finally finished two days before the wedding!  I'm glad she trusted me, because she didn't see the finished project until about 20 minutes before the ceremony - fortunately, it was a perfect fit.  This is probably the most special project I've ever completed, and I was so happy to be a part of their special day.

Currently on the needles, I'm testing out the Kumfy Kapuze pattern in size 2/3 for my daughter, then I hope to finish a scarf started for my son last fall, then start on a few holiday gifts.  I can't believe it's only a couple months until Christmas!  In 2013, I'm hoping to open and stock an Etsy shop once a month with items of my choosing.  I don't mind doing customs, but I am looking forward to a bit more freedom with my knitting.  As always though, if you are interested in having something knit for you or your child, please e-mail me: rdsonntag at gmail dot com and we'll see if we can work something out.

2012 Update!

I can't believe it's been SO long since I posted!  This year has flown by and been packed with school, work, trips, and kids.  I graduated from college in August and was finally able to get back to my knitting.  First, a few small projects that I did earlier this year.

 

This is a scarf knit just for me with some beautiful yarn I received for Christmas.  It's a short scarf intended to be worn pinned.  This is called the Betty and Veronica scarf.

 

This headband was another "just for me" project.  Love how this turned out and it was very warm this winter.  This is the Center Row Lace Headband.

The yarn for this Legacy sweater was dyed by my best friend and me, and I knit this up for her son.  The buttons are from Tessa Ann on Etsy.

 

This super sweet newborn set was knit for a good friend's son who was born in April.  The hat pattern is my own, and the sweater is the Puerperium Cardigan.   The yarn is from Bohemia Fibers on Art Fire.  I love how it buttons down the side.

This little boy's cousin was also born this spring, and this set was made just for her.  I modified the pattern by giving it short sleeves and only 4 buttons.  The yarn is by Lollytree.  

 

These socks were knit with handspun yarn by Moxie Blu, using the Easy Peasy Socks pattern - this was only my second pair of socks (and first pair in adult size) but I loved this pattern for worsted-weight yarn.  

 

Finally, I knit this adorable skirty with leggings for my daughter.  She's been potty-trained for a while, but I loved the idea of fitted leggings attached to the skirty.  The pattern is the Aloha Flirty Skirty and the yarn is by Megan at The Yarn Gnome.

 

I plan to be doing MUCH more knitting now that I'm finished school and the kids are back in school (my son started kindergarten this year and my daughter is in preschool this year).  Stay tuned!

Facebook Timeline Cover Collage in Picasa

I just created a collage for my Facebook Cover and wanted to share.   I use Picasa to load my photos from my card and organize them on my computer.

This CNET Article gives you the dimensions and some other ideas for your cover.

1. Chose a few of my favorite pictures in Picasa and clicked "Create Collage".
2. Click Page Format and select "Add Custom Aspect Ratio"
3.  Enter the ratio 850 x 315 (taken from CNET article).  Name it FB Cover so you can use it whenever you want.
4.  Use the collage settings and move your photos around until it looks the way you want it.
5.  Click Create Collage (it will probably save in the Picasa folder in My Pictures)

I then opened my collage in Picasa and made it Sepia just to give all the pictures a cohesive look (you can also edit it in Picnik for more color/effect options).

Once you've changed your profile to the Timeline view, you can upload the collage and set it as the cover.

If you're like me, you'll probably change it monthly :)  Remember, your cover is public.  If you are uncomfortable with pictures of your kids being online, don't put them on your cover.

Hope this helps!

Here is how mine turned out: