Poor Boys

Back in 1969 (when I was almost 4 years old and not yet a fan of rock & roll) Credence Clearwater Revival released an album called Willy and the Poor Boys.  Fast forward to 2009 when I am a huge fan of rock and also a participant in Secret Pal 14.  Look at what I received from my secret pal.  It's two skeins of laceweight soysilk yarn by Conjoined Creations in the colorway Willy and the Poor Boys.  (And a journal, maybe to record my own rock lyrics.)  What shall I make with it?  I've got 1100 yards for a really nice lace project!  I certainly don't feel like a poor boy (or girl) after receiving this!
Oh, I got a new camera so hopefully my photos will improve and do justice to such beautiful yarn!

Crofter's Cowl

I made this pretty little cowl for a swap.  It's called Crofter's Cowl and the pattern can be found on the sidebar of this blog.  I used red Malabrigo, the colorway Vermillion.  It truly is red and these pictures aren't correct.  This was quick and easy and I think it'll be a good gift.

Another Lunch Bag

I seem to do projects in twos.  The first time I am learning, the second time I am a little better.  I recently made the Bronco lunch bag and now I made a purple one.  I have a friend who really likes purple so this is a back-t0-school gift for her.  No, she doesn't actually go to school, but she's free to put whatever she wants in here.  If she does want to carry snacks, I've loaded the thing with goldfish crackers in individual serving bags.

The outside is purple polka dots.

The inside is purple butterflies.  Once again I attached a personalized tag.

This time I made the handle a bit longer, about 4".  I think this makes the bag easier to carry.  I also changed the velcro to snaps on this bag.  Despite the fact that the velcro package assures me it is iron-on and will stay put, I found that it didn't.  Snaps ought to work better.

I bet if I make another one of these bags it will be even better.

Lunch Bag

Recently I made a lunch bag.  This required following a pattern and sewing.  I'm not an expert in either, but I managed to do it.  I cut out fabric, lining, batting for the middle.  I made the handle and pockets.  I attached velcro and a decorative button.  This is the end result.  

Look at the button.  It's a football!  I've had this fabric for ages, just waiting for the right project.  This bag will be a gift.  (A gift for a person who doesn't take lunches anywhere.  But it's the thought that counts, right?  And who says its use should be limited to toting edibles?)

The lining is made of my other Bronco fabric.  I got a chance to use my personalized "by Kathy" tags.
  Go Broncos!

DOT -- Animal Friendly

Two years ago, shortly after Lucy came into my life, I bought this Jeep to haul her around in. Instead of the standard license plates I wanted the "animal friendly" version. But I'd already spent a rather large chunk of money (for me) on the Jeep and didn't feel like spending the extra $30 for the special plates. Now, since my registration needed to be renewed, I changed the license plates to reflect my Animal Friendly status.

Lucy approves!

Here's a closeup. They are in honor of both Maggie (left) and Lucy (right).

I should add that a portion of the fee I paid for these license plates goes to organizations that provide low-cost spaying and neutering. So my money went to a good cause!

Green

These are the green goods I received from a swap on Ravelry.  I generally think of myself as a blue kind of person, but looking at things I've made recently I decided I was also a green person.  So I joined the swap.  My pal, Denise from Pennsylvania, sent me four skeins of this wool-blend yarn and a pattern for a sampler stitch scarf by Ann Norling.  She also included a green stitch marker, green stitch holder, and a green grocery list pad.

Cowl x2

Knitty came out with a few new patterns recently.  I thought the Wonky Cowl would be fun, quick, and make a great gift.  (Hey, it's never too early to start on the holiday knitting!)  Each of these took two evenings apiece and that's at my glacial pace.  I made them last week.

This blue-gray one will be a gift.  The yarn is Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Grande.

This multi-colored one might be a gift but I really think I'll keep it for myself.  The yarn is Misti Alpaca Hand Paint Chunky.