Knits, Crochet, and God

So I thought I would give you guys a little background info on my personality so you can understand my thoughts and actions better. I am a very shy person and I tend to hide that fact by being confidence. I am the last of five kids so I'm use to being part of groups where I never really had to do any the talking, figuring things out, etc. I don’t go out very often. I rather stay in and make, read, or watch anime. That being said here’s what’s was going through my mind when I went to attend the Our Maker Life 2017 Toronto Canada event.

Thursday (July 13, 2017) I left everything I knew behind to head to a country that I never been to, to meet a bunch of people I only knew from an online site. And although it was scarey it was an amazing experience. It had it's ups and downs but mostly a lot of firsts. It was the first time I took public transportation, an uber, and attended a knit night. This weekend I met complete strangers who turned into friends and people I felt like I known for years; only through their social media pages! What really loved about the whole experience was that everyone was exactly how they were online. Down below are my thoughts and feelings on the whole trip. Well at least my before and afters.

 Pre-trip thoughts:

I’m really looking forward to going on this trip. I’ve always wanted to travel but I never had a traveling partner. I’m hoping by going on this trip alone I will gain the confidence I need to start traveling on my own and also reach the point where I can live on my own in another state or country with minimal problems. It’s kind of weird going to a place where I don’t know anyone and will be on my own most of the time. Of course, there are the other makers that will be there but I have not met any of them offline before. It seems surreal to me that in an hour I’ll be on my way to the airport then eventually on a plane and leaving behind all that I’ve come to know in these last 17-24 years. It feel almost as if there will be a part of me that I’ll be leaving behind to die because when I get back I feel as though I will not it recognize it and it me. “The old has pass away.” My sister, Andie, said to me once, and I’m paraphrasing; “Living on your own is hard but you learn and experience so much. That makes it all worth it.” And my mentor told to me, “Being on your own is a bit surreal. Out there you’re all alone. Just you and God.”

My family is panicking because I am the youngest of the bunch and we usually always travel together. They’re worried and I just keep telling myself that, that’s what they are suppose to do. After all, they all love traveling in groups. I, however, found out that I love being alone so traveling alone seems like something that’s completely obvious, it’s funny because I didn’t find that little fact out until just last year. A lot of stuff changed last year;

2016:

Jan - I started going to a new church

July - I went to a concert out of town with a friend

Sept - I went to a concert out of town on my own while visiting a friend

Nov - I met up with a small group from my church to go a concert

2017

Jan - June - Attended a bunch of different events my church was hosting; I haven’t made any friends yet so I’m usually alone. (Don’t get me wrong everyone at the church is sweet and helpful. I just haven’t found a buddy that I can hang with regularly.)

July - Going out of the country on my own to meet up with a group of friends

The Lord has guided me through all the new experiences and I believe that he will guide me and make my path straight to get to where he wants me to go. And the best part in the midst of all of this is that I am enjoying life. He has come to give us life to the fullest! No matter where you are. For I have plans for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.

I did have to give myself a pep talk when I got nervous when I was in Canada though you can read about it here.

Pre-Trip Exceptions:

Weather: Cool but not freezing. Says it’s suppose to rain maybe. I brought an umbrella just in case.

Plane Ride: Long but I will keep myself entertained

Hotel: Nothing fancy and no wifi but it’s a great deal though. All I need is a roof and a bed.

Knit Night: I won’t know anyone and I might not make any new friends. But I will give lots of hugs.

Meet up: I should take notes. I’ll bring a notebook I might need to bring a bigger bag though. I will give lots of hugs.

Last Thoughts: So excited to go on this trip. My greatest fear is forgetting something but it’s okay because I can also buy what I don’t have. But still why buy when you can save?

 Post Trip thoughts:

It was loads of fun & I wouldn't trade it for the world. I definitely feel more confident with traveling on my own. Whenever I was nervous about something I simply prayed about it and that calmed me down. It almost felt like I’m been traveling for the longest. It felt so natural. I was able to easily communicate with people; even complete strangers! (That’s really big for me!) I checked in the hotel, I took public transportation; a bus and two trains to downtown all on my own! & I didn’t forget anything. The only downside was that I didn’t plan any sightseeing. Other than that I had a fantastic time. I even started planning my next trip as I was getting off the plane from Canada. I’m thinking at least one trip every 6-7 months.

Post Trip Reality:

Weather: It was really nice. Not nearly as hot as Florida it was more of a dry heat; which is so much better than a wet heat. It was chilly when the sun went down but nothing that I needed a winter coat for. Also no rain!

Plane Ride: Ascending sucked because my ears popped like crazy. The descent wasn’t too bad. I had my knitting with me so they time flew by. When I was flying back t; maybe it’s because I haven’t flew since 2008. Coming back was a breeze though; I was asleep (or trying to sleep) for most of the time; my flight was in the AM.

Hotel: There was wifi and my room was amazing. & I had it all to myself.

Knit Night: As soon as I sat down people started talking to me and I made good friends. It felt as though we knew with other even though we didn’t follow each other on Instagram. I suppose it’s because we had things in common.

Meet up: I took a few notes.The notebook fit into my smaller bag good thing to because we receive so much swag. The swag bag were seriously so big. I’m thinking I’ll contribute to next year’s swag. I also fangirled at everyone I knew.

Last Thoughts: Basically had the best time of my life. I’m seriously already looking forward to next year & planning out my vacation. Praise God that I can say all of this. Seriously God has blessed me and built me up to this point and He deserves all the glory.

Now enjoy these fabulous pictures:

My first ever Knit Night! These ladies were so welcoming! Shout out to Courtney (@ilovetinderbox), Ania (@creativecolourfuldreams), Zoe (@knitbyzoe), Lauren (@amenagerieofstitches)  and Luna (@luna.craft).

Sarah from @repeatcrafterme was the first one I took a picture with. I was talking with her for a good 5-10 mins and it wasn’t until we exchanged social media handles that I knew who she was. She is amazing!

Jewell from @Northknits She knew who I was before I even introduced myself. She’s the founder of OML & a great speaker. You should listen to her Instagram lives!

OMGOMGOMG  Brittany of @bhooked I fangirled so hard. She sounds just like her podcast. If you haven’t listened to them here’s the link. She taught me how to shop good deals for yarn.

Chantal from @Knitatude She’s real you guys! & she’s exactly as she is online.

Alison from @la.reserve.designs She’s the reason I block my projects, y’all.

Ashley of @ashleyerikadesigns was sweet.

I can’t believe I got to meet Emily of @thebluemouse_ I wish we got to talk more!

Vanessa (@vanessaknits) and I are the same size! She was also the first one I hugged when I got to Canada!

From left to right: Vanessa (@vanessaknits) Chelsea (@chelsea_knit_photography) & Tristan (@theartrist) These ladies are amazing and so kind!

Twining is wining! Love this picture I got to take with Kelly of @Knitbrooks

Last but not least. Toni from (@Tlyarncraft )Shes does it all guys. She’s a big part of the reason Ohmyknit.com exist today!

Now for the fancy pictures. I stole this from Our Marker Life’s facebook page, shhh.

Speaking with Toni. #bestillmyheart

When I won one of the giveaways. It was literally my first time winning a giveaway. (Did I mention that I made my cardigan and skirt. Both knitted.) Cardigan is a longer version of the Cropped Raglan Sweater by Lion Brand The skirt is of my own design.

Talking with Ashley and fangirling. I see you too Courtney! Courtney (@ilovetinderbox) was my Toronto “tour guide” I had Indian Food for the first time with her and Lauren (@amenagerieofstitches)

Caught me off guard in this one. #forevertouchingmyhair

I saw this one coming lol. It’s @knitterei beside me! Can you believe I was sitting beside her for hours and didn’t know until I saw her social media handle on her name tag.

Group shot, groups shot! Can you spot me or any of your favorite makers?

In July 2017 I took a trip to Canada on my own. It was the first time I was responsible for everything; plane ticket, hotel booking, transportation, etc. It really was a new and difference experience for me. & I thought I should share some of the tips I picked up.

Booking

Hotel:

Location!

Pick it location that will best suit you and what you are doing.

Do you want to be close to the city or an attraction?

Use a website that will give you tons of hotels and deals; TripAdvisor, travelagent, etc

Check to see if a train runs from the airport into the city or maybe a hotel shuttle bus

Free wifi is a must!

Free breakfast is nice also

Flight:

A non-stop flight is the best but not always the cheapest

If you don’t get a non stop just know that you might me running from one end of the airport to the other with no time to waste.

or you might have to wait a few hours until your flight comes.

If you are worried about what is allowed of the plane check out their website or give them a call.

Try to get a seat in the front there’s more room up there. Get a mini pillow for your back 

Packing

Bring gum and a snack

Gum will help your ears pop when the plane is ascending and descending.

Snack will save you money so you won’t have to buy something on the plane

Or if you have a long flight you can always pre-order a meal from your airline.

Bring a backpack instead of a purse

I say this because you never know where or not you'll end up bring something back with you. A backpack has way more room than a purse does so you can always pack the extra stuff in there.

Sneakers and comfortable shoes are a must

Even though I didn’t plan on it I ended up doing a lot of walking around and I was so grateful that I brought my converse with me. It was literally the only shoes I wore other than my flats.

Flip flops are also convenient if you’re traveling in the summer.

Bring the credit card you booked your hotel with. They will need it to confirm the booking.

Bring tablet

This tip is for small business owners and social media buffs. I find it easier to update everything with an actually mouse and keyboard or maybe that’s just me.

I suppose this tip is also for bloggers like me. I ended up doing a bunch of different stuff and putting it on my phone. Typing is easier and goes by faster on a tablet than on a phone.

But if you’re trying to get away from work then this tip is not for you.

Bring a hotel outfit for wandering around at the hotel; going down to breakfast etc. 

Bathing suit is a must because you never know whether or not you’re going to use it. Even in the winter there might me a nice Jacuzzi somewhere.

Tights save lives. Especially if you don't shave or if you’re wearing a skirt. Haha this one really might me just for me. It also keeps you warm!

Airports:

You want to get to the airport 2-3 hours before your flight leaves.

If your flight is scheduled to leave at 2 get there at 11 or 12.

Because the time your flight is suppose to leave does not included, getting your boarding pass, checking your bags, getting through security, getting through customs or your actually the boarding time. So get there early so you don’t miss your flight waiting in all those lines!

Make sure you know what airline you’re taking so you can get dropped off at the right gate.

Don't wear headphones when you're at the airport. 

This is important if you are traveling alone. There are several announcements and one might be for your flight. 

You can always jammed out to your favorite song after boarding your plane.

If they say that the flight is fully booked and ask for you to check your bags always know that that may not always be the case.

When I was going to my destination they made that announced and I found space for my bag. When I was flying back they made that announced and there was space for my bag.

But if you feel the need to check your bag then go ahead and do so.

If you check your bag:

Pros: You don’t have to worry about finding a space for it. All you have to do it find your seat.

Cons: Sometimes it can take forever for the workers to unload your bag so you might be waiting of a while to receive your luggage.

Go through security first before sitting down to wait. 

This may be obvious to some of you but I found myself sitting down in front of the gates rather then in front of the gate for my plane.

Always get a second opinion 

I was told that I couldn’t bring my knitting needles on the plane but when I asked someone from security, they told me that I could.

When I was going through customs I was directed to one line after speaking to one of the attendants but another attendant made an announcement and I found out that I was in the wrong line.

Second opinions are important because no one knows it all.

Hotel

Make sure you check the check in and check out times

Check-in: when you get to the hotel you want to make should that your room will be already be available

Check out: You don’t get charged for an extra day

If the hotel is close to the airport there should be a shuttle bus 

If you're taking a shuttle back to the airport make sure to have the front desk schedule you for it so you can make it to the airport on time

 Misc:

Uber is cheaper then a taxi but Public trans is the cheapest 

 Always charge all electronics each night. Also charge power packs. 

If you learned something new great! If you already knew all of these already please let me know what you didn’t see on this list so that way I can add it for all the newbie travelers out there. I will keep this updated as I travel more. Thanks for reading! 

Find out more on: OhMyknit.com

‪God is the God of now. We get so caught up in the "I was" and "I will be" that we forget the "I am." Remember God in the present. Because He hasn't once forgotten you.

I am:

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" Exodus 3:14

God also said to Moses, "I am the LORD.” Exodus 6:2

I am the bread of life. John 6:48

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. John 3:19

While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9:5

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

I am here with you:

No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing… Psalm 23

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. Psalm 73:23

This has been in the works since for ever. (By in the works I mean in my head.) It was only recently was I inspired to actually start it. The funny thing is that I only started to procrastinate on another project. It had to do with sewing up seams (five parts to be exacted), enough said. 

This was sort of a frustrating project because I had never done a huge amount of increases in crochet before so there was a LOT of counting and recounting and oh frogging, lots of that too when I got the count wrong. But I was determined to finish it because if I didn’t then I’d have to face the project that I had been avoiding and I really didn’t want to. So I keeping crocheting away.

When I got to two inches from finishing the bottom portion (which took me half the afternoon to get right) I realized that it wasn’t going to work, not that I knew for sure but I just had doubts in my mind. & thank goodness that I had brought two balls of the yarn that I was using by accident so I didn’t have to rip it out to start over I had grown attached to it like Kelly for Knitbrooks did with her forever project. so I restarted the bottom portion again while I was re-watching one of my favorite anime Yowamushi Pedal. (I usually never re-watch anime but this one was what got me into sports anime in the first place. It’s so good and I highly recommend it!)

In the mornings I prefer to read and I had gotten into murder mysteries from recommendations by Anja from PeonyandThyme. I started reading the ABC Murders by Agatha Christie. It’s so funny because I had frogged this bag so much that fibers for all over the screen of my kindle. Thankfully the time I got to chapter 18 of the ABC Murders I had finally settled on a pattern design. 

Funny thing is I got so into reading my book that I almost completely forgot about finishing the bag & I gotten to the final chapter only to realized that I wasn’t even through the sencond color of my bag. I became resolve to finish this bag before the book. So I race with myself and won (because how can I lose?) I finished the ba…book. It was just that good! & I have no regrets. I finished the bag after starting another book also by Agatha Christie. At least I finished the bag before my deadline and that’s all that matters, right?

This Mini Tote will be hitting the shop Soon! Thanks for reading!!

When I first saw blanket yarn my first thought was, “Is this even yarn? Who would use this?” I was a newbie knitter (who was still exploring the world of yarn) I really couldn’t see myself making anything with it. Now a year later I’m in love & I just can’t get enough. 

It was all by chance that I rediscovered it. It was Black Friday when my sisters & I decided to go to Joann’s for the sale. Everything in the yarn section was on sale! (That was the first time I ended up with a shopping cart full of yarn.) While we were shopping one of my sisters saw the Bernat Blanket yarn & with one touch she fell in love. She grabbed two 10 oz balls & asked if I could knit her a blanket. I’ve only made one blanket before and it took forever but with the Bernat Blanket yarn it seemed as if it would go much faster. So I said yes and when I finished the blanket (which was a simple stockinette with a garder stitch border) I realized it only took me half the time it did for my first blanket (& that was a 23x26 with worsted weight.) It was a bit hard to knit with so I didn’t go back to it for a while. 

 A few months later, I was shopping around for another blanket project; I had recent done one in worsted weight, yellow stripped blanket. I wanted the blanket to be fast & easy with a good & consistent texture. As I was looking at all the different types of yarn & feeling the different textures when I touched the squishiest most softest ball of yarn. Can you guess what it was? Yup, it was Bernat Blanket yarn; in the baby section. It had the consistent texture I was looking for and I knew it would work up fast. Best of all I had learned to crochet so I knew this was just the yarn I needed. Problems solved! 

The unique colors were what really drew me in. 

I could go with the simple stitch & come out with an amazing look. 

& of course the fluffiness!

Get your baby Nature blankets here!

Inspiration behind the Cross Body Bag: It was suppose to be a clutch. 

Literally that is what I set out to do but it just took on a life of it’s own. I started out wanting to make it a small hand clutch that you can hold underneath your arm but it had to be big enough to hold a phone. My phone is 7 inches long and I thought that I would make it 8 inches so it’d fit with a little wiggle room. Then I wanted to make it tall enough for my phone in case I wanted my phone standing up. Then I wanted to make in big enough to hold all my other things. So like I said it took on a life of its own. But that I’m complaining I’m quite happy with the way it turned out.

I love how it uses simple repetitive stitches that creates such a beautiful bag.

& this yarn was such a joy to work with. I never knew cotton could be this soft

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. You can find the pattern here.

I first got inspired for this piece when another maker (LoftKnits) made a post on Instagram asking what were we knitting this summer & without even blinking I type up Lace Hat. Light bulb! This was perfect. A Lace Hat! Why didn’t I thinking of it before. Because when one think of summer they think of lace. 

I already knew that I wasn’t very experienced at making garments & I learned that rushing things wouldn’t bring the best results. I had done a lace scarf before (Diamond Scarf) but nothing too light weight.

But I knew I had to do it. A lace hat would be perfect for the summer breeze or a day at the beach. Airy & lightweight. I became immersed in looking for the lace pattern that would fit my ideal Lace Hat. I also was working on 2 WIPS & a pattern or two while looking because I really wanted to take my time with this. But after a few weeks I still I couldn’t decide what I wanted. I had looked at my personal books of lace work then moved to the internet; I scoured pages and pages of lace stitches. About the third day of solely looking, I had finally found one that spoke to me! I was ready to start my hat!..but that’s not where the story ends. 

What I really wanted was a slouch hat. I had never done a slouch before strictly beanies. I live in a area where they’re aren’t a lot of knitters; the ones who are here have never written their own patterns. Thank goodness that I had an Instagram community of makers. One of the makers really stood out to me because she had done quite a few amazing slouches before. (Can I just tell you how amazing it is to have someone to bounce ideas off of?) Jaz (ThatKnitLife) was a big help to me on starting the Elm Tree Slouch. After a conversation with her I was ready to cast on. Less than a week later the Elm Tree Slouch came to life! 

Funny story: I remember sitting in my car & writing a post on my IG to share with my followers just telling them to grow where they are. One of the phrases I used was, “Think Tree.” I wonder if this was the reason this lace stitch spoke so well to me? 

 You can find The Elm Tree Pattern on my shop. It comes in 3 sizes; beanie, slouch, and super slouch. Thank you for reading!

Behind The Piece or BTP will be coming soon to OMK.

The Garter Bow Tie was created for Father’s day. I’m serious, it was! Last year, I was trying to figure out what to get my dad for Father’s day and I was stumped. Then I remembered that I was a maker; some times I forget, lol. I remembered thinking how cool it would be to hand make something for a someone I really care about on a special day. So I went and did my research; measurements, materials, etc. then I applied them which in turn produced, The Garter Bow Tie. (All the while I was binge watching Food Truck Races.) My dad loved it and still wears it to this day! (I get fill with butterflies every time he does.) Hope you enjoy this free knitting pattern and please let me know if you have any questions, thank you.

For this pattern you will need:

Worsted weight cotton yarn

Size US 7 needles

Scissors

Measuring tape

Tapestry/darning needles

Stitch markers

One button

You will need to know how to:

Cast on

Bind off

Garter st

Knitting Abbreviations: St: Stitches K: Knit P: Purl CO: Cast on St st: Stockinette BO: Bind Off

Notes:

I always use the long tailed cast on.

Always slip the first stitch this creates the clean edge: How to slip stitch

Bow: Co 12 st Knit 43 rows or until piece measures 5 inches

Band: Co 5 st Knit until band measures 2 ½ to 3 inches

Neck: Co 5 sts R1-45) Knit or for 13 inches R46) Make buttonhole (instructions located below) R47-48) Knit BO

Assembly:

You should have 3 pieces by now.

Pinch Bow (front)

(back)

Curl top and bottom bow to the front towards you and fold both back Wrap band around & sew ends together

Insert band into the back of band

Attach Button, weave all ends, and done!

Buttonhole Instructions:

Knit 1 st

Bring Yarn to the front and slip next stitch purl wise (only for the first stitch)

Bring the yarn to the back

Slip next stitch purl wise

Pass first slip stitch over last stitch that was slipped

Repeat 4&5 two more time

Slip last slip stitch back onto the left needle turn

Bring yarn to the back of work

Use the last st to Co 3 st using the cable cast on method loosely

Turn work to the back & move your yarn to the back

Slip first stitch onto the left needle

Pass last co st over the first st

Knit last st

Button Hole video: here

Reference:

Blitsy.com

KnittingHelp.com

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© 2017 Ohmyknit all rights reserved. This pattern or any portion thereof may not be sold or copied. If you wish to sell the finished product please do so. However, you must use your own image and give credit to OMK by linking back to my Etsy shop.