Leafy Vines

Here is another free washcloth pattern I put together.

It's done in the size 3 crochet cotton. This one is 53 sts on size 3 needles.

I'm loving the green grass, warmer temps and the smell of the neighbor's lilacs coming in through the open windows. I wish lilac season was longer.


Edit on 4/12/12: Click this link for help with the SSK.

Rainbow at Dawn

A non-knitting post! *gasp*

My dh rises early...I don't...nor do the kids!

So when he went outside yesterday morning he witnessed this beauty in the western sky. He rushed back in the house for the camera. By then it started to sprinkle which are the white specks...I thought they looked like stars and a moon.

Almost makes me want to write a poem....

He says the picture doesn't really do it justice. He could see the full arc. It must have been amazing. Next time we've got rain expected about the time the sun rises -- I'll have to too.

Columns of Greece

Here is a pattern for a cloth made with size 3 Mercerized Cotton.
(It's a PDF file)

I've been looking through stitch pattern books for patterns I think would make into nice cloths. I hate to say dishcloths because I think these would make nice face cloths as well.

I added the borders to the stitch pattern...and viola! A new dish/face cloth pattern!

It's 58 stitches on size 3 needles. The pattern is charted but is very easy to read. You read the odd rows, right to left. The even rows, left to right.

This cloth looks the same on both sides.

Favorite Socks - New Interweave Press Book

I bought this book at my favorite LYS where she's doing a sock a month from this book for the next six months (with the possibility of doing more after that).

This sock is on page 69....Meida's Socks.

It looks much prettier in a solid color but I had this yarn in my stash and thought I'd give it a try.

The lace pattern is really easy to read and do from memory. The box on page 70 describing how to do the Estonian Cables without a cable needle is well written. I did hold the bottom of the stitches that are let loose temporarily with my left thumb nail. This helped me to get the loose stitches back on the needle.

These socks are in limbo at the moment. I'm a little short on the yarn and not excited about this yarn with this pattern.

The next sock is the Two-Yarn Resoleable Sock on page 47. I've got my homework done and can't wait to see how to do the sole!

Knitting Pure & Simple

This is Knitting Pure & Simple's pattern no. 241
Neckdown V Neck Shaped Cardigan

I knit this cardigan in Berrocco's Ultra Alpaca (color #6287, 6 skeins)....a Christmas present from my parents.

It was a very quick knit. I think it only took about 2 weeks to knit this up.

I did increase the rows of seed stitch on the bottom of the sweater. It called for an inch but I did more like an inch and a half (also on the cuffs to match). The sleeves I tweeked a little too since my gauge must have been a little tighter. In the upper arm I didn't do the last decrease. So when I got to the bell sleeves I didn't do the last increase either.

The sweater isn't really crooked. I lean to the right (in more ways than one!). Plus it looks like it could have been adjusted on my shoulders better. Next time I'll hire a professional to take the picture.....Not!

It is very comfortable and *soft*. If you get a chance to touch some Ultra Alpaca you'll see what I mean by soft.

I've been wearing it *a lot*!!! I anticipate being able to wear it all summer...especially in air conditioning!

If Momma's happy, everyone is happy

I thought these were already posted...guess not.

These were made for the twins who were born in August. (friends of ours at church)

The magazine pictures are on a half of a colored file folder (tacked with stick glue) and covered with clear contact paper. We used a twisted cord from the yarn that we used to knit the bunnies (also a gift to the twins and shown in another post). The cord goes around the seat/headrest of the car so the babies can "talk" to the pictures while riding around in the car.

There are more pictures on the flip side of each.

Cashmere Scarf

My mom and I went to Stitches Midwest last year with our LYS. This laceweight cashmere yarn was something my mom bought (it came with a free pattern). She didn't enjoy knitting with such thin yarn on such slippery needles (addi's) so in frustration she threw it my way.

I cast on.....I didn't mind it at all. It was a nice break from sock knitting. And for her birthday this year I knew exactly what to give to her.

Marie, thanks for asking about the size. That would be nice to know. I called my mom and she'll measure it. The other pictures I had were not that great. I had dried it on bath towels...note to self...buy prettier bath towels for drying knit items. I wanted to get a picture of my mom wearing it and I did have a chance yesterday but spaced out. Ooo...mom called it is 12" x 55".

More socks done

Here's another pair of socks made with Mountain Colors Bearfoot Yarn. This color is called Steelhead.

Done Crazy Toes & Heels method.

This time I added a cable going up the inside and outside of the leg. You can barely see it in the picture.

This pair is Trekking XXL in browns/greens. It is the first pair of socks my dh requested.

May be his last....I asked him for his socks when I was about to wash a load of the hand knit socks. His reply...."Oh, I already washed them!" Thank God they are superwash wool. But I still would rather do them on a more gentle cycle.

Socks for the kids

This is a pair of socks for dd#3. It is Lang Jawool sock yarn. Medium blue. Done on Knitpicks #0 circular, 9.5 spi, 13 rpi.
Queen Kahuna style *again*. Favorite way.

I did another pair of socks (no picture) for dd#2. They are exactly the same as her other pair...Knitpicks denim...only a little bit bigger.

I really need to keep knitting socks for these two so they have more than one or two pair each. My dd#1 has a pair of socks on her own knitting needles. Way cool!

Socks for me

These socks are Bearfoot Mountain Colors. The color is called Huckleberry. The yarn is 60% superwash wool, 25% mohair and 15% nylon. Each skein is 4 oz., about 350 yds.

It is very soft cuddly yarn and the socks are one of the warmest I've got.

These were done on #0 Addis toe up (9 spi). Turkish Cast on (7 wraps). Then Queen Kahuna style up. 36 sts. on each circular needle. Instep rib: k2, p2, *k4, p2* repeat between asterisks, end with k2.

These are Schaefer "Anne" yarn that I picked up at Stitches Midwest. The yarn is 60% merino wool superwash, 25% mohair, 15% nylon. The skeins are 4 oz., about 560 yards. Hmmm...not sure of the color. It's dark blue and dark green.

These were also done on #0 Addi Turbo. 10-11 spi. 39 sts on each circular needle. Did Aloha cast on from Queen Kahuna. I did little holes (just yo's) every other knit panel on the ribbing.

These are also nice cuddy, soft, warm socks.

Mini Sweaters

I saw some cute little sweaters on the Loose Ends Christmas tree and was reminded of the pattern I had to make some for my family (5), my sister's family (4), my parents (2) and dh's work friends (15). It got a little carried away...especially since I started them in December. But it was so much fun using the different sock yarns I've got...some of which haven't become socks yet.

The finished measurements are 2" high and 1 3/4" for the body. Measuring tip of cuff to other cuff is 3 3/4". The ribbing was done on size 1 bamboo dpns and the rest was done on size 2's. I mistakenly used size 1's for a whole sweater and it really did make quite a difference in size. I gave that one away to a neighbor so can't measure it.

The pattern is here. It's the same site that has that cute bunny I posted about not long ago. The pattern is done in the round from the neck down. Once you get to the sleeves you do those flat. Then back to the body in the round. Sew up the sleeves weaving the yarn to take care of any underarm holes. It is a perfectly functional sweater if you had something that small you could dress! Done with different size needles with different size yarn you'd get a differet size sweater.

For the hangers...I bent some craft wire using a nail knitting board to form the bottom of the triangle. Did some twisting by hand and then with a smooth pliers to be sure the end was not pokey. Snipped the wire from the roll and formed the little hook over something roundish...the seam ripper handle was handy for that.

Ornaments

Here are some pictures of Christmas ornaments we made for our local yarn store. Various businesses decorated indoor trees. The public was able to vote on their favorite trees. It was for some charity. Once the viewing was over the ornaments went back to the yarn store and were sold with the proceeds going to the local food pantry.

The Christmas tree and star were made by knitting a rectangular piece and felting it. After drying, I cut out the shapes. It was tough cutting...especially the tree. Ended up with a blister.

We then needle felted on the tree. On the star we sprayed a little glue and sprinkled with a really fine glitter.

I forget how many of each we made. A dozen or so of the tree and star, 3 or so pairs of socks and maybe 6 stockings. Something like that.

Even my dd got into the act by making about a dozen of these scrubbie ornaments. By putting together three different scrubbies it makes a cute little ball.

Knitpicks Options Needle Set

I have had these needles for about 6 months. I really love them! The joins are beautiful and I love the pointy tips!



I've heard some complain about how Knitpicks sends the needles (sizes 4 - 11) all on one piece of cardboard. I didn't find this to be a problem. I unknotted and removed the elastic thread that was holding them on the cardboard. I carefully cut the cardboard being sure to cut the holes in between into half circles to catch the elastic. Then I trimmed the length to fit in the triple pocket and reused the elastic thread. I had to use just a little bit of my own elastic thread to finish the project.

As you can see the smaller needles can fit two sizes per pocket (although sizes 4, 5 and 6 are in use they do fit in there nicely).




In the second photo, sizes 10 and 10.5 are together, size 11 and size 13 are separate. (The size 13 needle tips were purchased individually and are not part the the $60 set.)

Little Bunnies!

Here's a project that my dd#1 quickly whipped up for a gift for the baptism of twins (besides a pan of lasagne for the mom and dad--that I made).



The Knitted Bunny is an easy project. Just knit a square! Well......and some ears...and we knit a tail instead of pulling out a bit of fluff. We also knit collars in the contrasting colors. (Just a 4 or 5 stitch i-cord, knit to fit.)









Instructions for tail:
CO 5
1: k
2: k2, p, k2
3: Repeat rows 1 & 2, 5 times more (6 times total)
4: ssk, k, k2tog
5: k, p, k
6: sl 1, k2tog, psso
7: cut yarn & pull through last st.

We did the ears this same way except we did a total of 8 repeats of rows 1 & 2.

This yarn is Schoeller + Stahl, Hobby Kids Color, color 4669 and 4666. We picked up a pink (4664) yesterday at the yarn store to make another for the older (3yo) sister. She has captured one of the twin's bunnies and it's living in her purse!

Thank you to Michelle, the owner at Loose Ends Yarn Shop, for recommending this pattern! It is fun to see the bunnies come to life!

A World of Wallabies

Finally! I've waited and waited for this post. The plan for this summer was to complete the four Wallabies. Mine has already been posted on this blog...not too long ago on August 3rd.

The next one I completed was for dd#2 since the yarn had to be ordered for the other two.

This one is in Cascade 220 color #9326 (denim). It's a child's size 12. Needles were sizes 6's and 8's. I did go into the 5th skein just a little.











Once the yarn came in for the other two, I decided to do the smaller one first. Dd#3 choose a sky blue (Cascade 220 #7815). This is a size 8. A little big right now...but I was hoping the sweater would fit for a few years.














Dd#1 chose a dark green (Cascasde 220 #9448). It is an adult medium (room to grow) and the body is an extra inch longer per dd's request. She was disappointed that her's wasn't done when we went to see "Julius Caesar". I finished this one at 10pm the night before we went to see "Romeo and Juliet".

We all wore them to the play...long sleeve undershirt, turtleneck and Wallaby...no jacket...and we were very comfortable. My legs on the other hand could have used a layer of wool...and is where my "just in case" jean jacket ended up. I'll have to knit little wool lap blankets for next year...that'd be easier than knitting long underwear! My cuddle duds weren't enough.

These aren't fancy sweaters. I see them as a knit sweatshirt jacket. These are perfect for running around outside or sitting by a campfire. At first my dd's were leary about wearing them to play in since they are hand knit by mom. I reassured them that this is indeed why I knit them. Anything I knit I intend for the item to be used and loved. It may cause them to wear out or get a hole but that is the purpose...not to sit in a drawer to be pulled out and looked at when company comes over! Use the darn things!

**getting off my soapbox**

One would think this is enough Wallaby knitting but.......my dh has been wondering where his is! So last night I cast on for his. He chose the same color as mine. I was thinking of doing the overlapping placket for his so it will be easier to tell them apart at a glance. He, at first, didn't want the hood but has decided to keep it on...perhaps he noticed how comfortable I was at "Romeo and Juliet" with my hood up!

Austermann Step Socks

This is the yarn with Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil.

The color...hmmm....can't seem to find the ball band. They are grey, denim and mellow moss green.

I did these toe up Queen Kahuna style on two size 0 Addi Turbo circular needles.

These are VERY comfortable socks!

I wore these to the APT to see the play "Julius Caesar" and we got drenched! Even though the socks were soaking wet (read: puddles in my shoes) they were extremely soft and my feet were not cold in the least little bit (it was about 60 degrees that day).

APT is a great place to see a Shakespearean play. We saw "Romeo and Juliet" just last week. WOW! It was fantastic! (I wore the same socks...the weather was in the 50's and dry...my feet were cozy!) We saw MacBeth last year and that is what got us hooked. We haven't seen any of the plays at night *yet*. The nighttime performances are reportedly out of this world....even better than the daytime ones. Inconceivable!

Absorba Rug

This is the Absorba Pattern from Mason Dixon Knitting (p. 82). The pattern called for 3 strands of Peaches & Cream Double Worsted. I used four strands of just the regular Sugar & Cream from the store. Two strands were constant: White and Ecru. The other two strands were changed each section. The choices for those strands were Jute, Country Sage Ombre, Citris Fruits, or Natural Ombre.

We're using this rug in the bedroom so we made it longer...it's 5.5 feet by 2 feet. I also crocheted an edge around it. We like it even though it's not knit as tight as the one in the Mason-Dixon book. Should have used 6 strands for that I guess....or ordered the double worsted yarn. Maybe some day I'll do a thick one for the bathroom.

Needle size used: Knit Picks' Options size 15 needles with 40"cable. Size 10 crochet hook for edge.

Two more dishcloths

I finished a bunch of projects this summer. I'm hoping to get the pictures up soon...hopefully this weekend.

Here are two more dishcloths.

This first one is Elfin Lace from Barbara Walker's Treasury of Knitting Patterns, Vol 1., p. 208.
I charted the pattern out with the keyboard which worked really great. I used size 3 needles with size 3 Crochet Thread (100% mercerized cotton). I did 5 rows of garter stitch after casting on (55 st.) and a 3 st. garter edge on each side. Then five repeats of the pattern (16 row repeat) plus one more row 1 before doing the 5 rows of garter stitch and binding off.


This next cloth used the Bumblebee Pattern from Barbara Walker's 3rd vol., p. 155. I used Cotton DK Freedom (50% off purchase) in a bumblebee yellow.

CO 56 st. 5 rows of garter stitch. 4 1/2 pattern repeats (12 row pattern) with 3 garter stitch border on sides (end after an odd row is completed). 5 rows of garter stitch. BO.

Wonderful Wallaby!

This pattern has been calling me for awhile. I finally broke down and bought the yarn for it. I chose a greyish green which is fairly neutral. It only took about 2-3 weeks to knit up.

I started first with the sleeves to see if I was getting guage. This was nice. When I got to the point on the body to add the sleeves they were already done and I could continue on.

The holes I had at each side of the underarm concerned me a bit. But I ended up weaving the stitches around the hole and pulling it shut. Worked great! I put light rings around the 2 finished holes with the computer. You can barely see the rings. If you click on the picture maybe they'll show up better???

Yarn: Cascade 220 - Color 4011 (7 skeins)
Needles: Addi Turbo: 6's and 8's

Added 8/4/06
This is a fairly quick knit. The stockinette stitch is mindless enough to knit while watching TV, visiting, or waiting somewhere. There is enough intrigue to break up the humdrum of the stockinette areas....start the pouch, fuse the pouch, add the sleeves, front placket, yoke decreases. All three girls want one. I think it will be perfect to play in outside when it's starting to get cold and coats aren't quite needed....or not put on. It's very comfortable and cozy.

I also wanted to add some of the hints I followed when making this sweater. Helpful website: Wallaby FAQ website

To make the hood less pointy: I did a stockinette hood so I did this tip - "put the two center stitches between markers about 2.5" from the top of the hood, then every other knit row decrease before the first marker and after the second marker."

Set up for pouch: p. 23 of Wallaby Pattern - 1st paragraph. This tip has you knitting a stitch in the row below with a separate needle for the pouch and slipping the body stitch to your body needle. Wasn't too fuddily holding both needles in my right hand. The Knitpicks Options needles came in handy with this part on the second Wallaby (didn't have those needles for this first one).

Front Placket: p. 23 of Wallaby Pattern - The "(2)" suggestion from Choppie Tarbox.

Arm increases: I didn't do all the arm increases in the row following the cuff. I thought that'd make it too puffy in the wrist. I did the "alternate method of increasing" on page 8 of pattern (kid's section). Funny thing was I didn't know that was there until I was knitting the arms for the second Wallaby for dd#2. Here I thought I was breaking the rules!

Knit wrist bag with sock yarn

Here's a little bag I was inspired to make. The inspiration came from Judith at Knitting Pattern Depot. Thanks Judith!

I loved the idea but wanted to use sock yarn for the bag. I've got a lot of sock yarn! This yarn is Lion Brand Magic Stripes in Jelly Bean. It took one day to decide what I wanted to do and two days to knit it...not straight knitting!

The pattern is from Lucy Neatby's Cool Socks, Warm Feet. It is the Mermaid sock with the wavy cuff (84 st. - second largest size on Addi turbo #1's). I added a hole in the last round of the cuff and first round of the fishtail pattern stitch**. I worked the pattern for 5 1/4 inches and then did the spiral toe decrease. The i-cord handle is 4 stitches wide.

I can put the sock in here too! Although the needles do poke through.

This would also make a really cute slip cover for a vase!

**Instructions for hole: On 3rd repeat of Rd 4: P6, P2tog (3x), P rest of round.
Next round: K2, yo, K2, K2tog, M2, yo, M1, K1, K2tog, *K2, yo, K2, K2tog* Repeat between asterisks for rest of round.