CarmelKnits, etc.

Pattern: Cery's Baby blanket by Leah J. Williams Free pattern online. Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Bulky in colors Planetarium (blue) and Storm (grey) 3 hanks of each. I used all of the blue and 2.5 hanks of the storm. Needles: Size 9 starts from the middle and you increase your way out. It was fun to make and the 2x2 striping kept it interesting. Leah gives great instructions on how to change this up to make it more girly with a picot edge vs just a fold over edge that I did. I love it. It's thick and squishy and just heavy enough to make you feel safe and secure. Plus it works as a great lap blanket for an adult. I hope he loves it as much as I do! Happy Monday Carmel

Yarn: Full Circle Worsted by Knit Picks. (obviously I ran on for the last 10-12 rows but it works) Size 6 Needles I love the way it turned out. I hated knitting it. hated it. said some really really bad things about it. The Cuff about did me in at one point, but once I tried it on myself I realized it was all worth it and despite my vehemence that I wouldn't knit another... i just might. I've been meaning to get a new hat out to my little brother for a while now and this hat seemed about perfect for him. I hope he likes it! You can find the free pattern here at the Purl Bee or you can google 'Purl Bee, Thank You Hats' there are two free versions. the other version doesn't have the big 8" fold over cuff that this one does and I didn't like it as much... I really like this one. a tip about the yarn: Full Circle feels scratchy as you start knitting with it but as you move along in your project it softens up. I think it's going to be grea...

Is Haleakala. The volcano on Maui (don't worry, it's not active anymore) If you want to see an amazing sunrise this is where you go. You have to get up ridiculously early to do it. For example, we got up at 2:45 a.m. to get there, and we weren't the first to arrive. If you have a queasy stomach on roller coasters then I suggest laying down so you can't see as you are driving up the mountain. If you are the driver obviously this isn't for you. If you are the driver I suggest not eating till after the sunrise and stopping at the Kula Lodge for a delicious breakfast. You need to dress warm and by warm I mean every knit item you own, long underwear, Uggs, and a balaclava to keep you from shivering out of your capris! After a gut wrenching, almost 2 hour drive this was my first view of Haleakala... Totally worth it. The sliver moon above the sunrise...

I suck at them. I know I do. They break my heart. I learned back in March how hard it is to say good bye when I said it to my mom. She left Arizona 24 hours before I did and I spent four hours bawling my eyes out after watching her drive away. Have you ever watched your mom drive away from you while you were still in her home? It bites. It bites the big one. Today we had to say Good Bye to our friends. It sucked. Bottom line. I'm pretty sure it sucked for them as we'll... It's not like we won't see them in a week, but as I look across the beach I feel an emptiness that wasn't there last night. We'll see you soon. Till then it'll be a little less shiny without you! Xoxoxo Happy Anniversary to us all! p.s. I haven't knit a single stitch in 7 days... No I'm not in rehab I'm on vacation And I'm exhausted Laters!

In a few days... But before I return to full blogging fun and abundant updates I'd like to take a moment to welcome to the world my friend Kelly P's son Mr. T. From the pictures I've seen he is absolutely s perfect angel! Way to go! Congratulations to you and your family! Xoxoxo Carmel