Meatloaf Hand

Not my idea but I have to share this with you all before Halloween ends tonight at 12:00 midnight. 

This is something only someone with a brilliant mind could think up. Here is the link if you dare to prepare...Muwahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

2nd ANNUAL ORNAMENT SWAP

Just one last swap for this year. With the holidays upon us, were all really busy. So I thought we should do our “2nd Annual Ornament Swap”. Last years swap was wonderful and we all have beautiful handmade ornaments to place on our trees or around our homes. I will need at least 2 Mod’s to sign up to organize this swap. Hopefully this will be a big one. I hope all who are excited about the holidays no matter what they celebrate, sign up to spread the joy. Hugs, Gail 
Sign ups will close next Friday Nov. 6.

Partners will be assigned Saturday Nov 7.

This will be a secret swap so any questions you may have for your partner, please pm me and I will forward the questions along.

Packages need to be sent out no later than **Nov 30**
***HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES FROM LAST YEAR'S SWAP:***




Next year will be full of wonderful swaps.

FRESH BALLS

We’re trying to push this video viral today on You Tube… it’s pretty funny and we could use your help… please forward it to anyone you feel comfortable sending it to…
This ad was made by our company. Please help this ad go viral on the internet. This is a real product invented by one of our clients. FRESH BALLS
Fresh Balls is the worlds first antiperspirant for your boys. Fresh Balls is a cream that will keep your balls So Fresh, So Dry. It is Aluminum Free, Paraben Free and Talc Free. Use it every day. Visit www.freshballs.com for more info or to purchase.  

A CONTEST TO LAUNCH A FRIENDS WEB SITE.

Hi, its the madmonkeyknitter here and its time to properly launch my website madmonkeyknits.com. From now until 9.00 a.m. on 10th November 2009 I’m giving you a chance to win pdf downloads of ALL THE KNITTING PATTERNS ON MY WEBSITE! Thats 27 totally mad knitting patterns. All you have to do is visit the LAUNCH page at madmonkeyknits.com and guess how much wool it took to make my madmonkeytastic gorilla suit.
There’s also a launch special offer where you can buy pdf downloads of any 2 of my knitting patterns for just £3 until the end of November 2009.
Please enter the competition and have a look at my website while you’re there.madmonkeyknitter.

Here are some of the patterns you can win:

It's Hammertime

Nail is still being born,

so let’s give him some room. 

He’s got some bad habits.  

He’s been a bad, bad boy.

Back to the Clogs

I realize now why ADHD BOY wanted me to knit him clogs. He wanted to be able to slide across our floors like a ban gee. He couldn't wait for his clogs to dry for better slip and sliding power. This kid is hilarious. Not only does he slide across our floors but he does what I call trick sliding. He actually does twists and turns in the slide actions. This sounds crazy, but I must admit he is having a blast. Now to finish ADD BOY'S clogs. I'm sure he'll get in on the action when his are finished.

Wreath Addiction

Today it was all about wreath's. I just got started and I couldn't stop. I love making these festive treasures. They can be shown in many different ways and used for many different holidays, simply by adding the proper embellishment for the season at hand. Here are just a couple that I made this afternoon using the bouquet of flowers that my mom received for her birthday yesterday. I also used things that I had laying around my house. The results are impressive and the final outcome is rewarding.

My Gorgeous amazing mom

Yesterday was my mom's 71st birthday and I must tell you that this women is getting more beautiful by the day. Mom I love you forever. You have and still continue to be the most awesome mom ever. I love you with all my heart.

Shoe makers shoes...

You know the old saying about the shoemakers shoes with holes in it. I have been making clogs for two of my sons this week and boy is this taking me forever. I used to whip these clogs out by the day. Now it seems as if I am in slow mode and visualization is failing me lately. I have completed Rands clogs and he is so happy with them, now I am knitting Ricco's two at a time method. Does it really make a difference, I don't think so, but at least they will both be done at the same time. I have taken pictures of the progress, how boring is that. Oh and might I add that they both wear a size 13 shoe, so hmmmmmmmmmm, maybe I am not as slow as I thought. Will hopefully be finished with the clogs today. I know Nico is probably going to see them and want a pair as well. Size 13 here I come.

BOILED ROTTEN

Boiled rotten is just a fun play on words for boiled felt. I love felted anything. Especially if it was on purpose. Here are some of the newest pieces I have designed for my line of jewelry made with boiled felt. I have been working on these pieces in slow motion. I enjoy using all my leftover pieces of scrap felt to design my pieces. Tutorial coming.

Head Bang-er

I designed the HEAD BANG-ER with the 70's in mind. Fads come and go. Head gear never completely goes out of style, just the way we wear them. So hopefully I have come up with a fun way to wear this headgear that will never go out of style. I hope you find this a unique way to keep your bangs under control with my latest design HEAD BANG-ER.


What you'll need will vary slightly depending on which variation of the headband you are going to make. There are 3 different styles/versions to this headband. The size will be determined by who you are making this headband for. Another words, the size of the head.
*The pattern given is the instructions for the standard adult size headband.


What you'll need:
4 US and 9 US straights or circulars, *5 Double pointed needles 4 US (DPN's) If you are doing the pick up stitches on both ends to create a wider tie on. Otherwise 2 Double pointed needles 4 US are needed for simple I-cords.
Yarn used is whichever you choose that will suit your taste. Gauge is not really an issue with this pattern.
*I used Comfort yarn for the MC and Fjord yarn for the CC.
Darning needle
*Elastic "ouch less" bands. These are needed for method #2
*T-pins or straight pins for seaming.
Here's How:
With US 4 and Contrasting Color (CC)
Cast on 7 stitches. (Making sure to leave a long enough tail for seaming your headband)

1. Knit
2. Knit
3. Knit
4. Knit

Change to US 9 needles and Main Color (MC) *DO NOT CUT THE CC YARN. You are going to run the yarn not in use up the RS edge throughout the pattern. Making sure to twist color not in use over the color in use.
       5. Knit into f,b&f of every stitch. (21 sts.)
       6. *P1, k3 rep from * ending with p1.
       7. *K1, p3 rep from * ending with k1.
       8-12 Repeat rows 6 and 7, ending on WS row.
 Change back to US 4 and CC.
       13. K3tog to end. (7 sts.)
       14-16 Knit
Repeat rows 5-16 another 4 times more, or until desired length. On the last repeat, make sure to knit 4 rows as in rows 1-4 in the beginning. Bind off.

Blocking can be done simply by spraying your headband with a water bottle or using a damp towel and placing it over the headband.
 Seaming is an option.
I have 3 different variations for this headband:

1. Leaving it open without seaming the headband together horizontally. If you are going to use this method, you are then going to pick up stitches at both ends to make your I-cord ties. With 2 DPN's and CC pick up 3 sts. evenly on both ends of headband. Work i-cord until you achieve the desired length, that would be the length long enough to tie your headband together in the back.
2. Seaming it together horizontally. With your large rubber (ouch less) band, lay it inside the headband horizontally and pin the CO and BO ends together. Now with the MC yarn seam the headband together making sure not to catch the rubber band when sewing. Sew in any loose ends and your done.
3. Seaming your headband together as if you knit it in the round. If you do this method, make sure you have made it large enough to join and still fit your head.

  Pattern Tester
I'd like to thank Tracey McDowell for her professionalism in test knitting the Head Bang-er pattern. Her skills as a test knitter are second to none.

Grid Rock

Grid Rocks are a rebirth of my “Your Panties Rock”. Just another way to embellish and redo something old to something new. 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

1. "Your Panties Rock" rocks. Pattern here: http://straightjacketknitting.blogspot.com/2009/08/your-panties-rock.html
   
2. Fishnet Stockings
3. Felting needles *felt puncher (optional)
4. Roven wool *any color/colors you desire
   
5. Scissors

HERE'S HOW:

1. Take your rocks one at a time and slip them into the stocking, making sure to place them all the way down to the foot area if you are making more then a couple of Grid Rocks. After each rock tie the stockings around each individual rock.
2. When all the rocks are tied and secure, place the stocking filled rocks into your washing machine on the hottest cycle you have, you may need to repeat the wash cycle more then once. When you are satisfied with your results make sure to complete the spin cycle to get all the excess water out.
3. Cut the rocks out of the stockings, being careful not to cut away the grid. If you only want the grid on one side then pull the grid off the side like least. Use your scissors to trim excess stocking away.
4. Lay your rocks outside in a sunny are with the concrete for quicker drying power. The cement absorbs the moisture quicker.
5. When your rocks are completely dry, it is now time to design.
6. Depending on your design, start off with a small peas size amount of wool and roll between your hands, to create a pea size ball. Then place wool over your first grid square and with felting needle start poking away. Being careful not to poke yourself. They are sharp little boogers.
7. When you have completed all the squares, take your felting punch and punch away. It makes the wool more secure and stable.
8. I then take my Grid Rocks and with some liquid soap and hot hot water I soak them in a bowl for an hour or so.
9. Take your Grid rocks out of bowl and trim the excess wool to refine your squares. You can now press on them to remove the excess water out and then once again repeat Step 4 again.
   
10. The options to decorate are endless.

TRICK OR TREAT MY EX KAL

Did I ever mention that I got married on October 31, 1987?

I also got divorced, (that date seems to escape me right now). LOL I thought it would be fun for whoever wants to join in and knit up your version of the “My Ex” bag to use for Trick or Treating. Sign up if you dare. Muwahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
You can sign up on Ravelry or here. My Ravelry group is: ADHD KNITTING  http://www.ravelry.com/groups/adhd-knitting

KITS ARE AVAILABLE FOR “MY EX BAGS” FOR $45.00 (SHIPPING INCLUDED)

 HERE’S WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• PATTERN
• 2 BALLS OF FJORD YARN IN TWO DIFFERENT COLORS (SKIN COLOR, HAIR COLOR), YOUR CHOICE. This yarn is amazing, it felts with just a little bit of hot soapy water and some hand rubbing.
• 2 STRAND OF BEADS TO USE FOR THE DREADS
• 1 FAUX “CATS TOOTH”
• 1 NOSE RING (YOUR CHOICE OF BAR OR RING PIERCING)
• 2 COLORS OF ROVING WOOL TO NEEDLE FELT THE FACIAL FEATURES.
• 1 NEEDLE FELTING NEEDLE
• FINALLY, YOUR CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION…

Here’ the PayPal information:
toreonbf@yahoo.com

IT'S CURTAINS...

Go here for the "IT'S CURTAINS" tutorial, pattern is on this page.
I took an old shower curtain and cut it into long strips going with the flow of the grain and then tied them all together to create a wonderful ball of fantastic fiber. I am now going to attempt to knit this into a bag.

Yarns suggested
Plastic Shower Curtain
“IT'S CURTAINS”
Thanks to someone with the capacity to utilize the left side of their brain sent this post to me:
Would this be a good time to mention that if you had cut within an inch or two of the side going from left to right, then cut an inch higher going from right to left to within an inch or two of the other side, then repeat going in a zig zag across the curtain to the end, you might end up with a continuous strip of plastic curtain?
This from another smart left thinking person:
The shower curtain, whether new or used, would be easier to lay out; with a good rotary cutter, one could fold and cut it with fewer passes.*
“IT'S CURTAINS”
I took an old shower curtain and cut it into long strips going with the flow of the grain and then tied them all together to create a wonderful ball of fantastic fiber. I am now going to attempt to knit this into a bag.
“PLEASE, DO ATTEMPT THIS AT HOME”
Make sure no one is taking a shower when you decide to reuse your shower curtain.
DISCLAIMER: I know this is not a new idea, but the plastic bags don’t usually come in all these great colors and the prep work when using a shower curtain is much less time consuming. The results are virtually the same. Hugs, Gail

  
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

1. 3 shower curtains or plastic tablecloths. (Fabric of either two will work as well)  two for knitting and one for the lining, depending on the size you are going to make your bag.
   
2. scissors
3. powder
4. US 11 straights and US 13 circular knitting needles
5. darning needle
6. 1 stitch marker
7. You will need to add straps one or two is totally up to you.
8. grommets
   

HERE'S HOW:
With US 11 straight needles CO 50 stitches

• Rows 1-10 Knit stockinette stitch. (Knit one row, purl next row, continue until you have 10 rows in all.)

• Then you are going to change to your US 13 circular needles and pick up approx 100 stitches working from your stitch marker, P/U stitches completely around the base, which is now going to be the bottom of your bag.

• When you have all your stitches picked up you are going to join as to work in the round. Continuing in stockinette stitch for approx  10"-12" depending on how big you want your shower curtain bag to be. Or depending how much shower curtain yarn you have. 
• Once you have knit your desired length and or size of your bag BO all your stitches. 
• Now for the top portion of your shower curtain bag you can use the top portion of the shower curtain that usually has grommets. That way you can make a drawstring closure for that extra touch. 
• Straps can be made using the same technique as your bag or you can add whatever type of strap you please. 

Bed Bugs, and Head Bugs

Pattern on it's way. Boo!

Breast Cancer "Be" Awareness Month

My hopes and prayers go out to all the women and men in our world who are afflicted, know someone or has lost someone from this dreaded disease. 

WE CAN ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE ONE FEEL AT A TIME.

Rx: “Booby Trap”
Difficulty: Medium
Use With: 2 balls of Fjord yarn (in your skin color), 2 shades of Roving Wool (one color for areola and one color for the nipples),
Special Items Needed: Needle felting needle, nipple ring(s)
Special Techniques: knitting in the round, decreasing, crochet, felting
Don’t touch your boobs without the right equipment! For only $45, ADHD Knitting is offering the “Booby Trap” KIT which includes everything you need for a great set of boobs! $1 of each “Booby Trap” kit sold will be donated to breast cancer research.
1. Pattern
2. 2 balls of FJORD yarn in your choice of “skin” color. Click on the
“Fjord” yarn section of my Etsy store to choose your color.
3. 2 nipple rings
4. 2 colors roving yarn to make the areola and the nipple. (Your color
choice)
5. Needle felting needle
Directions: You will make 2 boobs exactly the same.
FIRST BOOB
CO 82 sts. and join (making sure not to have any of your sts twisted) to work in the round. Make sure that you place a SM (stitch marker) at the beginning of the round.
If using DPNs, separate the 82 sts evenly onto 4 of the DPNs.
Rounds 1-6: Knit (Working in the round, knitting every round of stitches results in stockinette stitch.)
Round 7 (decrease round): K8, K2tog to end of round (72 sts) Rounds 8-12: Knit
Round 13 (decrease round): K7, K2tog to end of round (64 sts) Rounds 14-17: Knit
Round 18 (decrease round): K6, K2tog to end of round (56 sts) Rounds 19-21: Knit
Round 22 (decrease round): K5, K2tog to end of round (48 sts) Rounds 23 & 24: Knit
Round 25 (decrease round): K4, K2tog to end of round (40 sts) Rounds 26, 28, 30 & 32: Knit
Round 27 (decrease round): K3, K2tog to end of round (32 sts)
Round 29 (decrease round): K2, K2tog to end of round (24 sts) Round 31 (decrease round): K1, K2tog to end of round (16 sts)
Round 33 (decrease round): K2tog to end of round (8 sts remain)
Leaving a 4"-6" tail, cut yarn and with a darning needle weave the tail through the 8 remaining stitches making sure to repeat until the stitches are secure. Cut the remaining tail.
REPEAT FOR SECOND BOOB.
Page: 1/2
Design, original pattern, and sample by Gail Pasqualotto. Pattern editor Heather James.
2 Sets 16” US10 1/2
K-10 1/2
Set of 5 Size: US10 1/2
DPNs
SIDE STRAPS (MAKE 2)
Make sure you leave 4"-6" of tail on both ends of chain sts.
With your crochet hook, holding 2 strands of yarn together Ch. 60sts.
NECK STRAPS (MAKE 2)
Make sure you leave 4"-6" of tail on both ends of chain sts.
With your crochet hook, holding 2 strands of yarn together Ch. 80 sts.
SET YOUR 4 STRAPS ASIDE.
DO NOT SEW THEM ONTO THE BOOBS UNTIL AFTER YOU HAVE FELTED YOUR
BOOBS TO THE APPROPRIATE SIZE NEEDED.
NOW IT IS TIME TO FELT UP YOUR BOOBS.
FJORD YARN FELTS UP QUICKLY. I LITERALLY CHECKED THEM EVERY 5 MINS.
THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE THE FELTING PROCESS IS GOING TO DETERMINE
YOUR CORRECT SIZE.
When you are pleased with the sizing (shrinking boobies), it is time to kinda play with
your boobs. Make sure to squeeze them thoroughly. (We don't want them drippy now,
do we?)
Take your “boobs” and placed them over your boobs so that you can eyeball where to
place your straps. When you are happy with strap placement, sew them securely onto
the felted boobs. You can now wet felt the straps by hand with just a little bit of warm/
hot water and some liquid soap.
Time to needle felt the girls...with your roving wool, needle felting needle, and the color
you have chosen for the areola, begin making a small circle right directly onto the felted
boob. It is up to you to choose the size you would like for the areola. When that is done,
it is now time to needle felt your nipples (ouch). Take the color
for the nipple (contrasting color, if that is what you nipples
look like - I used a lighter color for my nipple. It stands out
better - pun intended.) To make the nipple you just make a
tiny little bead like size ball with the roving wool. I just added
the roving right onto the areola and then started to make it 3D
and firm...it is kind-of like making a bobble, but out of roving
wool.
SEW BOOBS TOGETHER.
After both boobs are knit, seam them together by placing a
small portion of each boob’s right side together and seam
approximately an inch or two together.
DRUM ROLL PLEASE...
TIME TO ADD THE NIPPLE RING.
You can also add your own tattoos, preferably the pink logo
for breast cancer, but anything is great.
NOW PUT ON YOUR BOOBIES AND RUN AROUND THE
HOUSE, POOL, STREETS AND ACT LIKE A CRAZY PERSON.
( Oh sorry, you don't have to do that. That is just what I
did.)
*DISCLAIMER:
If you chose to go in public wearing your "BOOBY TRAP" you are responsible
for bailing yourself out of jail and all said fines that follow.
Please be sure and have a camera or video camera with you at all times if you
decide to do the above. We would love to see the reactions you get…
Follow my blog at www.straightjacketknitting.blogspot.com
Design, original pattern, and sample by Gail Pasqualotto. Pattern editor Heather James. Page: 2/2