Kalmia Mom

Category: Hobbies

  • Make this fun Yip yip

    Click here for the Yip yip pattern by Carissa Browning

    A Thought to Create

    I had made knitted kiwi bird stuffies for my two older kiddos before my youngest was born and wanted to make something for all of them. My (then) two-year old son has some speech issues, so when he shows or expresses interest in something that he verbalizes, I pay attention.  I was noticing that anytime he saw the Sesame Street show or something related, he became very into it.  When the Yip yip characters came on he couldn’t help but giggle.  They were silly to him with their ‘yip’ sounds, wavy moves, googly eyes, crooked antennae and large, gaping mouths. These silly alien monsters have been around for a very long time-even before I was a child watching Sesame Street!

    Pattern Found

    I decided to research Ravelry and Pinterest for a pattern. To my pleasant surprise, I found a pattern on Ravelry. The pattern is available in both knit and crochet, by Carissa Browning. I made this with blanket yarn, for a hanging bag.  After looking over the supplies needed list, I headed to JoAnns for blanket yarn.  It just so happened that some bright colored blanket yarn was on sale!  I picked out a few large skeins and headed to the fabric section for the liner inside. 

    Mistakes Made

    Knowing my middle son’s favorite color was orange, that was the color I used first. I followed the pattern and had a little difficulty deciphering the part of the head/nose that comes together.  With the orange, and with the next color, aqua, I misinterpreted that top section and it came out wonky.  My son decided that he liked the color green better, so when I made the next Yip yip (in green) I did it the right way.  My other two sons chose blue and red for their Yip yips.  As I made them I did not let my boys see them, hoping they would forget about them and be surprised when I gave them the finished projects. 

    I made the finishing touches of the knitting portion, making a loop in the back so it could be hung somewhere and adding the fringe along the base.  Then I continued on to the other parts of the Yip yips; sewing in the liner, making the ping pong ball eyeballs and attaching the pipe cleaner antennae.  My wonderful husband pierced holes into the ping pong balls and fed the antennae through, so they were ready for me to attach them onto the knitted piece.

    They were finished right around Thanksgiving. I decided to present the projects to their owners at the beginning of December.  They were filled with one piece of candy for each day of the month until Christmas. This was an advent candy holder.  My kiddos were so pleased with the finished products and were very excited to accept them.  Now my 2 older kids keep their Yip yips hanging in their room. My youngest fills his with small stuffies.        

    “GOD SAVED YOU BY HIS GRACE WHEN YOU BELIEVED. AND YOU CAN’T TAKE CREDIT FOR THIS; IT IS A GIFT FROM GOD. SALVATION IS NOT A REWARD FOR THE GOOD THINGS WE HAVE DONE, SO NONE OF US CAN BOAST ABOUT IT.“(Ephesians 2:8-9, NLT)

  • Squarshy Hat pattern (fun, adjustable and easy)

    Click here for the Squarshy Hat Pattern by Alaina Andersen.

    The Squarshy hat pattern, by Alaina Andersen, was just what I was looking for.  Specifically, I wanted a hat pattern that was knit with a bulky weight yarn (#5).  Also, I was looking for something that was simple but not just basic and plain.  The Squarshy hat pattern fit the bill.  It is enjoyable to knit.  The pattern is adjustable to make a larger or smaller sized hat.

    Pom pom or Not

    The designer of the Squarshy hat pattern has an optional pom pom.  She suggests a pom pom for the top.  I do not really care for them, so I did not add any to the hats I made.  That is certainly an option, and gives the project a bit of a different look.  You could make one out of the same yarn as the hat. Another idea is to use a coordinating yarn or contrasting yarn to stand out. Still another option would be to purchase a pom pom.  There are several to choose from, including removable ones.  They are helpful when washing the hat. Just detach the pom pom, wash the hat, then reattach after the hat is cleaned. 

    YARN BEE ARABELLA SEA BREEZE
    BUTTERCREAM LUXE CRAFT ANGEL HAIR BEIGE
    LION BRAND MANDALA WATERCOLORS SKYWAY

    Yarn choice

    This hat pattern looks great in a variety of color ways of yarn.  For example, solid and speckled yarns show off the detail of the slipped stitches.  A lightly variegated yarn is good, too.  However, yarns with narrow or wide stripes, or even a pattern are not the best.  The hat looks fine, if that is your preference.  The detail of the slipped stitches, though, gets lost in the color changes and mosaics of the yarn. 

    BIG TWIST ARCADE YARN TURQUOISE BROWN MULTI
    I LOVE THIS CHUNKY YARN PAINTED CANYON

    Pattern itself

    As with almost all of the patterns that I knit, the Squarshy hat pattern can be found on Ravelry. This is a free pattern, as of the moment of writing this post.  It is designed by Alaina Anderson. While I really like this pattern, I do not care for the unnecessary cursing.  They are mixed in throughout the pattern, in the designer’s notes. There is not too much cursing, but it is still unnecessary and makes the designer seem very immature.     

    “What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.” (Ecclesiastes 3:9-13, NLT)

  • Kitamu (fun and easy cup cozy) by Kara Mayfield

    Click here for the Kitamu Cup Cozy pattern by Kara Mayfield.

    Kitamu cup cozy pattern is a fun project to do when I need a break from a larger project, like a blanket.  I was looking for something to make as gifts for my kids’ teachers, or to compliment a gift.  As I was searching for ideas I kept seeing cup cozies and thought they were a great idea. The cozy could be given with a gift card to a local coffee shop. Another idea is with a special whole bean or ground bag of coffee. I put one on a ‘to go’ cup. Then I filled the cup with chocolate and other small gifts. I found this pattern as a free download on Ravelry.com.

    SUPPLIES NEEDED: WORSTED WEIGHT YARN, 4-5 US6 DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES, A ROW COUNTER AND THE KITAMU PATTERN.

    The Kitamu pattern has texture and depth. That gave it the more cushioned hold I wanted to provide. Also, it insulates hands from being too hot from the contents of the cup it was cozying.  This pattern also gives some stretch while still ‘cozying’ the cup to not fall off. For instance, it ‘cozies’ when the cup is not being held, but rather sitting freely on a desk or table. 

    Gifting Ideas

    When I was ready to gift them I purchased some disposable ‘to go’ cups with lids and filled them with wrapped candy, lip balm and some fun socks.  I found out if the teacher preferred coffee or tea. If the preference was coffee, I gave a bag of coffee from a local coffee shop. If they preferred tea or other beverage, I gave a gift card to a local coffee shop (as they also sold tea and other beverages).  All of that was tucked into a basket with some other useful items, like notebooks, pens and decorative binder clips.  To finish off each basket, my kiddos colored or drew a picture for their teachers and placed that into the basket. 

    CAST ON TO 3 US6 DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES

    Caron Simply Soft yarn

    To make the Kitamu Cup Cozy, I used size US 6 double pointed knitting needles. With the size US6 needles, I like Caron Simply Soft yarn. This project works with a variety of colors. The pattern suggests worsted weight yarn, and Caron Simply Soft is a lighter worsted weight yarn that works well.  A thicker or heavier yarn on size US 6 needles is sometimes more difficult for me to manage and fatigues/aches my hands.  I like the softness and shine of Caron Simply Soft yarn, though perhaps a thicker yarn would last longer and is more durable.  Caron Simply Soft works well for this item and pattern, and is 100% acrylic. For a cup cozy an acrylic yarn is excellent, as it is easily washable for all of those coffee or tea trips, bumps and spills. 

    This pattern is good to practice working in the round and introduces a possibly new skill of K1IRB (Knit 1 stitch in the row below).  I turned to YouTube for a video on how to do that, and picked it up rather quickly.  The designer wrote the pattern in 2 sizes – large and small – though the small works best for my needs. 

    I did not try this pattern in any other yarn or needle size, but think it could be adjusted for a bulkier yarn with a slightly larger needle. Using cotton yarn might be another option, as it is also washable and provides some insulation and durability. 

    “For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17, NLT)

  • “Hope Unfolding,” My review on the book by Becky Thompson

    “Hope Unfolding” by Becky Thompson

    “GRACE-FILLED TRUTH FOR THE MOMMA’S HEART“

    WaterBrook Press, 2016

    ISBN: 9781601428127

    Overview of “Hope Unfolding”

    “Hope Unfolding,” by Becky Thompson, is an inspiring book written to Moms. It helps moms to know they are not alone in their every day struggles. Also, to have hope in God and to know their worth is in who God says they are. Becky Thompson lives in Oklahoma, is the mother of 3 kids and wife of a volunteer firefighter, town mayor and welder. Her life was not turning out how she imagined it should. Instead, she was living out God’s plan for her life, which was the better plan.

    God has a plan for our lives, who we are in him. Becky Thompson writes, …”beyond having hope that tomorrow could be different, we need to know that there is purpose in where we are standing today,” and, “We must become rooted in the Truth of who God is calling us to be by hearing and believing the Truth of who He says that we already are.” We have to trust in who He says we are.

    It is important to recognize that, “No matter how overlooked or forgotten you believe you are what you are doing in this season of your life has significance…this time is not simply a waiting period until you get to whatever comes next…this season is a significant part of your story.” God can and does use us where we are, in all of life’s seasons and stages.

    Hope Unfolding when life is tough

    We all have troubles in life, and the Bible tells us that is part of life. We pray and ask God to meet us in our situation and help us in it. “Even if He does not…(do whatever it is to help what we are struggling with)…He is still worthy; He is still good…when I called God good, I found peace. Because the truth is, He is good. Even when bad things happen, God is still good.” Becky Thompson points the reader to hope in God and in His goodness.

    Loneliness in Motherhood

    Becky Thompson empathizes with moms who feel lonely in the middle of their busy lives. “…surrounded by dozens of people, I realized that true loneliness doesn’t only come from being by yourself. There is another type of being loneliness that comes from not being known. A loneliness that takes place when others see you, but they don’t see you.” “I was surrounded by the people who love me the most…and…I felt all alone.”

    Giving ourselves grace

    Becky Thompson writes, “We have to stop thinking that anything less than perfect is failure. We have to choose grace for ourselves and our abilities. Because the minute we decide we’re going to stop being defined by what we don’t get done and instead take pride in what we are able to achieve, grace lets truth win and unnecessary shame gives way to hope.” The phrase, “…shame gives way to hope..” catches my attention. As a mom it is easy to compare aspects of my life to other moms. We are imperfect human beings. This is something that we have to remember, especially as moms. “We can easily fall victim to the lie that we aren’t good enough when we use another woman’s successes to measure our own.”

    “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1)

  • “In Search of The Canary Tree,” My review on the book written by Lauren E. Oakes

    “In Search of The Canary Tree” by Lauren E. Oakes

    “The Story of a Scientist, a Cypress, and a Changing World“

    Basic Books, 2018

    ISBN: 978-1-5416-9712-6

    In the book, “In Search of The Canary Tree, the author, Lauren E. Oakes, writes about her experiences of an in-depth research study in Alaska of Callitropsis nootkatensis, Yellow-cypress or Nootka cypress. She was studying the yellow-cypress and how it is an indicator species of climate change. Nationalgeographic.com defines an indicator species as, “…an organism—bacteria, plant, or animal—that reflects the condition of the environment around it. They’re often the first in their ecosystem to be affected by a particular environmental change, such as a warming climate, pollution, human development, and other environmental degradation.

    The significance of the ‘Canary’ Tree is based on “…the use of canaries in coal mines to detect carbon monoxide and other toxic gases before they hurt humans,” from 1911 to 1986 (smithsonian.com). By monitoring changes in the behavior, physiology, or number of an indicator species, scientists can monitor the health of its whole environment.” In the book, the Yellow-cypress is the indicator species that is being studied. The writer mentions not only her own findings, also those of other scientists, Native Americans that have lived in the area for generations, loggers and more people connected to this species of tree. The decline affects each group of people differently and adaptations in their lifestyles (whether they can adapt easily or not) affects the future of each group.

    K-A-B

    In “In Search of The Canary Tree,” the author goes on to talk about the relationship that humans have with the trees and the environment and how likely we (humans) are to do something about the changes within it. “…knowledge (K) could lead to certain attitudes (A) about environmental issues that would then spark a change in behavior (B)…K-A-B…the simple knowledge-attitudes-behavior model failed. Raising awareness didn’t do the trick. So then researchers uncovered many other contributing factors to behavioral change – such as whether people learned about an environmental impact indirectly or by experiencing it directly; whether they felt concern; whether the issue was one they felt they could address; and whether they’d developed some level of attachment to the place impacted. After all, we protect what we love,” (page 109).

    Not only knowing about issues and environmental problems will cause humans to do something about the condition of world around them, as in the K-A-B model. A relationship, or connection, is also necessary for people to actually act on the issue. “Replacing ‘resource’ with ‘relationship’ would make nature and humanity a part of one another again. A relationship is so much more than a service provided or a resource to use. It is a mutual commitment to care,” (p. 156).

    Final thoughts on “In Search of The Canary Tree”

    The author makes a lot of great points throughout the book. She backs up her findings with the science. She writes about interviews with people that have a relationship with the trees and the natural world around them. I enjoyed reading about her experiences in the Alaskan forests and her interactions along the way throughout the duration of the book.

    “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. ” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, NLT)

  • Reyna Shawl by Noora Backlund -Easy and adaptable

    Click here for the Reyna Shawl pattern by Noora Backlund.

    About the pattern

    The Reyna Shawl is popular in knitting groups I belong to.  That is because the pattern is fairly simple. For example, it alternates between simple garter sections and mesh sections.  Some skills are learned or practiced besides knits and purls. These knitting skills include KTBL; K2tog; ssk; and YO. You will learn that KTBL means to knit through the back loop of the stitch. While K2tog means to knit the next 2 stitches together. Then Ssk means to slip the next 2 stitches onto the right hand needle, one at a time, then knit them together. Finally, YO means to bring the yarn to the front of the work and knit1. A YO, or yarn over, forms an extra stitch and a hole.  Conveniently, all of these abbreviations are explained in the pattern. 

    The pattern is written for fingering weight yarn. However, it can be adjusted for other yarn weights.  To get the correct drape use the right size needle for the yarn you choose. The suggested needle size is found on the back of the ball band. Note that if you are using a thicker yarn and larger needle, the finished shawl will be larger than what the pattern is written for. For example, a size 4, or worsted weight yarn with a size US7 or US8 needle will produce a larger shawl.

    I increased the size of two Reyna shawls by altering the pattern a little bit. Originally I made this shawl as the pattern is written. When I was finished I decided I wanted a larger completed shawl. With a little bit of math and figuring, it is fairly simple to continue with an additional section in the pattern. 

    Reyna shawl stages

    A friend of mine generously gifted me some Cascade Heritage Prints yarn from a LYS (Local Yarn Shop). Which, for months, I tried to decide what to make with this special gift. Eventually I came across the Reyna shawl pattern. Of course, I decided to create this design with my special yarn. As you can see, the three photos above and the three photos below show various moments throughout the knitting process of this piece.

    My experience knitting the Reyna shawl

    Originally I made this shawl as the pattern is written. Then when I was finished making it I decided I wanted a larger completed shawl. Therefore, I made two Reyna shawls by altering the pattern a little bit to increase the size of the finished piece. With a little bit of math it was fairly simple to make an additional section in the pattern. 

    The Reyna shawl pattern is written so that most color yarns work with it. Such color options include solids, stripes, tweeds, variegated, gradient, pooling and marled.  However, because of the eyelets I prefer a solid color, or a slow gradient yarn. I like to make this, and most shawls, in a material that has some natural fibers. This is because the natural fibers make it easier to block and open up all of that lacework.  I used a few different yarns to create the Reyna shawl, as mentioned below.

    Below there are 2 pictures of this shawl in Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek DK yarn (grey). The third shawl below is in Lion Brand Moroccan Nights and has a little shimmer in it. This one I made for one of my neighbors. My favorite yarn for the Reyna shawl is Cascade Yarns Heritage Prints (75% Superwash Merino Wool and 25% Nylon). This yarn was given to me by a dear friend and I wanted to make something with that yarn that was useful. I looked for a pattern that would show off the beauty of the colors of this yarn.  Finally, I found this shawl pattern to suit this yarn well. This pattern is found on Ravelry at Ravelry: Reyna pattern by Noora Backlund.

    “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalms 107:1, NLT)

  • Knitting for Charity – what to make and where to donate

    Overview

    Knitting for charity is beneficial and rewarding. There are several organizations that accept hand-knitted items including teddy bears for kids affected by HIV/AIDS to prosthetics for cancer patients to cozies for animals and much more. See the links below for a list of some ideas for knitting for charity. Click on each title to go to the website of each organization. Review details and requirements for what and how to donate.

    I have made several hats for babies for my local hospital. The hospital required a certain yarn weight for the hats. I also made prayer shawls and lap blankets for a church organization and people that have lost a family member, usually a spouse. Some other items I knitted have also been donated. Check local organizations in your area that collect hand knit and crocheted items. Be sure to check with the organization for any requirements.

    Prayer Shawls, items for medical needs, military and animals

    • Prayer shawl ministry – knitting shawls and lap blankets while praying over every stitch for the recipient.
    • Alice’s Embrace – Prayer shawls and lap blankets for Alzheimer’s patients.
    • Care to Knit – Hats, scarves and other knit or crochet items to hospitals, shelters, nursing homes and hospices.
    • Knots of Love – chemo caps for chemotherapy patients and blankets for NICU patients.
    • Knitted knockers – knitted prosthetics for women who have had a mastectomy due to cancer.
    • Project Linus – handmade blankets for children 0-18 with severe illness, traumatized or otherwise in need.
    • Binky Patrol – handmade blankets for children who need to be comforted.
    • The Mother Bear Project – hand knit or crocheted teddy bears for children affected by HIV/AIDS
    • Knit Your Bit – scarves for certain veterans organizations across the country.
    • Operation Gratitude – knit hats and scarves for care packages sent to troops.
    • Soldiers’ Angels – supplies blankets and other winter items for homeless veterans across the country through VA hospitals.
    • Hats for Sailors – knit and crochet hats for sailors in the US Navy.
    • Warmth for Warriors – hats for active duty, retired veterans, wounded, injured or ill members of all United States or state branches of military.
    • The Snuggles Project – blankets and other cozy knits to comfort animals in shelters.
    • Comfort for Critters – blankets to comfort animals in shelters.

    “O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!” (Psalms 61:1-4, NLT)

  • 3S Shawl (Super wide, Super Simple) by Amy A. Meade

    Click here for the 3S Shawl pattern by Amy A. Meade.

    Overview of 3S shawl

    The 3S shawl is lovely and looks more difficult to make than it actually is.  It is best to be made in a natural fiber so it can be blocked well and the detail can be seen more precisely when it is opened up from blocking.  This shawl looks great in a fingering weight (#1) yarn, made with a size US2 or US3 knitting needle.  The pattern includes three bind-off options- regular, picot and crochet cast-off.  Personally, I like the picot bind-off, as it gives a more intricate look than the regular option. This pattern is great for working on increasing with KFB (Knit in the front and back of the next stitch), YO (Yarn overs) and the Picot bind off. This pattern is available for free at Ravelry: 3S Shawl pattern by Amy Meade.

    The shawl above

    The above two pictures are of the same 3S shawl. However, the lighting was different in each picture. The one on the left was while it was being blocked. While the picture on the right was the completed project, on the windowsill. Different lighting can make a difference in how the yarn appears. The truer colors are in the picture on the left, the object being blocked. The yarn used above is Big Twist brand Vista, in colorway sage brush. It is a blend of cotton, acrylic and polyamide. I liked the feel of this yarn as I used it. It was soft, and moved easily through the tension in my hands.

    3S shawl stages

    The pictures below show the 3S shawl pattern as a work in progress and being blocked. This shawl was created in Hand Dyed Superfine Merino Wool Natural Yarn by K+C, in washed indigo. This yarn is 100% wool. Because it is a natural fiber, it makes it easier for me to block. Therefore, it has a more finished look. For several years I wanted to knit something and enter it into my state’s Farm Show. This is the year and this project is what I am sending in.

    “LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O LORD, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.” (Psalms 130:3 & 4, NLT)