Saturday, November 22, 2008

Boopies!

Those are slippers to the uninitiated. I'm not sure why or how we started, but everyone in my family has grown up calling slippers "boopies." It can probably be attributed to toddler-ese--that secret language of little kids that only Mommies and Daddies really understand.

I think that slippers must have been one of the first things I ever knit as a kid--no doubt out of Red Heart yarn, and I can't imagine how many pairs I have knit since. They are a prime example of the total practicality of the skill of knitting--along with hats, mittens, socks, and basic sweaters. Sure, it's fun to do frivolous knitting, but what's better than finishing a project that you know will keep someone warm during our long winters?

Most recently, I finished a super simple pair of troll-like boopies from a free pattern that I found online. It's a pattern from a Finnish blogger, Minna, and you can find it here. The yarn is Cascade 220 Paints, and I chose colorway #9922. One skein was just enough to make a pair that would fit me--about a size 6 1/2-7. It would be an easy pattern to make larger or smaller--you'll need two skeins if you plan to go any larger. Once they were stitched up, I dug through my button jar to doll them up a little.

Last night I cast-on another pair that are also from a free online pattern. Cable Guy Slippers are knit and then felted. There's a little more to this pattern--a real heel and instep, some very basic cable stitches, and a kitchner stitched toe. I've had the pattern for quite awhile, but this is the first pair I've made. For this project, I bought Brown Sheep's Lamb's Pride Bulky in the colorway Kiwi. I whipped through the first skein last night and made this gigantic cuff and heel. I've had mixed results with felting slippers in the past using the House Slippers pattern from Knit 2 Together and Fiber Trends popular Felted Clogs pattern. Front load washers are not the best for felting, and I always seem to end up with a pair of slightly different sized slippers, especially with the Felted Clogs. Since these are sock-like slippers, I'm hoping for a more forgiving result.

Waiting in the wings I have some yarn for the Ribby Slipper Socks from the new Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts issue. These too, look like a quick knit--just the thing for a last minute Christmas gift. I did not splurge on the suggested Blue Sky yarns, but went for a more practical washable option instead to test the pattern.

I'm not quite sure who's going to end up with my boopie projects this Christmas, but that's the beauty of knitting boopies. No matter the results, they are bound to fit someone who will be grateful to have cozy slippers to pull on their feet when they settle down on a cold winter night.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

So, What's With The Squirrels?

It's been an interesting week for squirrel sightings. Thankfully, mine was outside. (See Deb's Visitor.)

This afternoon this unusual little creature was dining on the birdseed that has landed on the ground underneath our feeders. I quickly grabbed my camera and took a few shots. They aren't the best--I didn't want to get to close and scare it away from coming back, but at least I've got proof. I don't think I've ever seen an albino squirrel before. As you can see, its coat is pure white. It came back several times before evening, so I'm hoping it will become a regular.

Apparently, they are fairly rare and don't survive too long because they have poor eyesight and tend to fall from trees. (I'm sorry, but that's kind of funny.) Maybe I'll have to do the unthinkable and actually set out some food for a squirrel.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Gnomes!

My mystery knitting is complete. I don't think most people would understand how I choose to use my free time, but I've had fun knitting up a few gnomes over the last few weeks. Except for purchasing the "beard yarn", I was able to use all leftovers from former projects, which appeals to my waste-not nature.

The knitting is a piece of cake. I knew that the real test of patience would be in the assembly, so I made myself stop at four before I started bringing them to life. The whole process was great fun.