Pattern Adaptation

I am a relatively new knitter. I knit at an advanced beginner/early intermediate level. I'm not sure if you have seen the new issue of Knit.1 (I just love their patterns!). Well, in the current issue, there is a pattern for a leopard-print pillow. A friend of my adores leopard-prints and I thought this would make a great Christmas gift. But, alas, after locating the pattern, I discovered that it is a crochet pattern. Does anyone know how I could adapt the pattern for knitting? Help!

Secret Pal 10

I heard a thump on my doorstep this morning and I ran out to find an amazing package from my Secret Pal! All I can say is.....wow!

Where do I begin? Lots of yummy sock yarn. And some beautiful Jo Sharp Alpaca Silk Georgette that could come in handy for some the great patterns in "Knitting Lingerie Style." She also sent me "Domiknitrix" which I have been wanting for awhile and a great book about "Selbuvotter" knitting. It looks hard but I really want to learn! There were also double-pointed needles, a delicious-smelling candle, scarf pattern and some yummy body butter. Whew! Did I miss anything? I hope not!

Thank you, Secret Pal. You really spoiled me!!!

Yarn Harlot Inspiration

I got to go to a Yarn Harlot booksigning a few days ago and it was great! I have been to booksignings at this store before. In fact, I went to a booksigning there by John Grogan at the height of the MARLEY AND ME frenzy. There were probably 20-30 people there. I think there were close to 200 at the Yarn Harlot signing. Amazing! She is so funny! I had a good time. It inspired me to get knitting again.

So, I broke out the needles and started knitting a bunny from a Kate Gilbert pattern for a friend who is due in August. It's going pretty quickly but I'm nervous about how big this bunny is going to be. I also had to try out the backward loop cast-on which I hope I did correctly. Guess we'll find out...

Knit in Public Day Etc.

Did you know that Saturday is Worldwide Knit in Public Day? Maybe that will be a good excuse to get started on those baby booties that I need to knit.

Also, I just found this funny post about these knitters who are doing "knit graffiti." They go out into public places and leave knitting on public sites such as lightposts. Check it out here.

And here is a non-knitting craft question...

Does anyone have a suggestion for painting wood pieces with acrylic paint in a way that the brush strokes don't show up? I have tried sponge brushes and regular brushes but I hate how it is looking.

Yarn Harlot and Other News

I finished the ribbon topiary last night while watching "America's Next Top Model." (Hooray, Jaslene!!!) I'll post a picture soon.

It is just about time to get back to my knitting projects. I plan on doing a pair of baby booties and a bunny as a gift for a pregnant friend. I have to confess something, though. I have been knitting lace-edged washcloths for several months and they only involved the knit stitch and some yarn-overs. I worry that I have forgotten how to purl. Seriously. I hope it will come back to me.

The Yarn Harlot is coming to town next month for a book signing and I ran to the bookstore and got my reserved seating ticket. I'm excited!!!

I am adding "Not Martha" to my list of inspirational blogs. Purl reminded me of it and I have found some good project ideas there. Check it out!