tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99028012024-03-14T05:44:37.340-07:00Strings and Sealing WaxA Crafty PlaceArihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-86260066675147512892009-08-01T17:26:00.000-07:002009-10-19T14:55:52.584-07:00New Pet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_Hk7AJIhCsyZ-DTD9JZRQD0CTOnXWSNTmI1MeTNg1ZB5_76FPYHBJw8rI_hiYEjpdRL2ONZOp-ysjQur1Ss2IkIrx8ksXXVfkPQ-KtsomJV38jtzi4hwCFmNdjJZd-0weNSHjQ/s1600-h/Cinnamon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_Hk7AJIhCsyZ-DTD9JZRQD0CTOnXWSNTmI1MeTNg1ZB5_76FPYHBJw8rI_hiYEjpdRL2ONZOp-ysjQur1Ss2IkIrx8ksXXVfkPQ-KtsomJV38jtzi4hwCFmNdjJZd-0weNSHjQ/s200/Cinnamon.jpg" alt="Cinnamon" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365156328968790338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieF70uu2LBFr-olCyE62iD3f5vdwbh2qdUb3UpXQoWpN6X20dMv-c80QsDYQ5P-3uWscBbi_ACO-TkK-d4RWmjV3bs8SRssaqI7m9HtreEt3sukzLqSLjTEMZ55K78XAJ26WGUAg/s1600-h/DogSweater4s.jpg"><img style="margin: 10pt 10pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieF70uu2LBFr-olCyE62iD3f5vdwbh2qdUb3UpXQoWpN6X20dMv-c80QsDYQ5P-3uWscBbi_ACO-TkK-d4RWmjV3bs8SRssaqI7m9HtreEt3sukzLqSLjTEMZ55K78XAJ26WGUAg/s200/DogSweater4s.jpg" alt="Little Blue Dog sweater" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365156572452618498" border="0" /></a>We have a new family member.<br /><br />How can one resist those eyes? We'd gone to the pound "just to find out how one goes about adopting" and "just looking to see what they've got." Famous last words.<br /><br />The 6-year-old has decided to call her Cinnamon, which I think is appropriate because her coat more resembles her Dachshund ancestors than the Chihuahua ones.<br /><br />Just think, someone else to knit for! She gets cold in the air conditioning, so I had to try making her a sweater. This is "<a href="http://www.redlipstick.net/knit/chihswe.html">The Chihuahua Sweater</a>" by Staceyjoy Elkin and it's a free pattern. It's knit in 2 pieces and seamed to form the front leg openings. It was a pretty easy knit and I can see I'll be playing around with the possibilities for a while.<br /><br />You know, I used to think people who dressed up their pets were nutty. Now I find myself browsing through all those wacky pet costume patterns over at Ravelry! Guess I'm nutty too.Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-39776411119971889192009-07-28T17:44:00.000-07:002009-07-28T19:22:36.057-07:00What Mistakes?We've been so busy, busy, busy around here lately, but there is something I want to share with you today.<br /><br />You know, people say the nicest things about my knitting, and I am pleased to get a compliment for my effort, but some people are convinced that I am some paragon of perfection, and that I must never make mistakes because my work is just <span style="font-style: italic;">so</span> ____ (insert adjective here).<br /><br />I say Hah! I'm always messing up, but have simply learned how to deal with a knitting error by either:<br /><br />1. Catching it early enough to fix it easily <span style="font-style: italic;">or</span><br />2. Being willing to rip it out and redo it <span style="font-style: italic;">or</span><br />3. Coming up with some snazzy way to hide it.<br /><br />Case in point:<br /><br />Late last night, I was working on a baby cardigan. I had nearly finished the body of the sweater, having only 20 rows or so to go. Of course, I quickly finished that off while watching the news. After I had bound off the hem, but before I had cut the yarn, I looked it over and discovered it wasn't behaving properly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6x9M2872nGbXg7Q3VgD5XR8itPqNwKNDOQszoW1vCXuti6s5fxUv26M8tPUVATe9t5c50di5yfvLLwzBScIk7UcR6j4R5w7AzYe2ANZbjehlISjeF-qM0OfsXi_xytCUKv0RbA/s1600-h/pinksweater.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6x9M2872nGbXg7Q3VgD5XR8itPqNwKNDOQszoW1vCXuti6s5fxUv26M8tPUVATe9t5c50di5yfvLLwzBScIk7UcR6j4R5w7AzYe2ANZbjehlISjeF-qM0OfsXi_xytCUKv0RbA/s200/pinksweater.jpg" alt="fixing errors in a baby sweater" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363682066850425618" border="0" /></a>The hem was curling up and wouldn't lay flat, it was flaring out at the bottom. The garter stitch edge along the hem came out a wee bit wider than the stockinette stitch body. This happens sometimes, but for some reason I had forgotten about the possibility.<br /><br />This is why many patterns recommend changing to a smaller needle or decreasing the number of stitches by 10% while doing the garter stitch edge of the garment. This particular pattern (<a href="http://carole.barenys.com/YokeSweater.html">Seamless Yoked Sweater by Carol Barenys</a>) doesn't. So, I set the sweater aside for the night in disgust.<br /><br />In the morning, I ripped out the 8 rows of garter stitch hem. I then re-knit the hem, but on 10% fewer stitches. Now, just because <span style="font-style: italic;">somebody</span> is going to ask about the exact details, that's:<br /><br />(I'm making the smaller size)<br />When you have 8 garter ridges on the front band after the 4th buttonhole;<br />Row 1: (right side row) k4,*k 8, k2tog* across row;<br />Rows 2-4: knit across row;<br />Row 5: Knit across row to within last 4 stitches, k 1, YO, k2tog, k 1;<br />Rows 6-8: Knit across row;<br />Bind off in purl on the right side.<br /><br />When the sweater is finished, nobody will know about the mistakes I made and fixed. They won't know how many times I had to rip out a couple rows of this thing because I forgot to knit the garter stitches on the front band during a purl row. They won't see how many times I lost count on the slip stitch pattern and messed it up. Or had to fix stitches that were too tight, or too loose, or just too funky looking. And they certainly won't have a clue about the other weird ideas I tried on this sweater and discarded (ripped out quickly before anyone could see) before deciding on this simple, conservative take on the design.<br /><br />I have several baby sweaters that I'm working on right now, in varying stages of completion. I will post here when I'm finished with them, but until then you can see photos of them in progress in my projects on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Ariliss">Ravelry!</a> .Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-86185370249107738812009-07-06T12:08:00.000-07:002009-07-06T13:09:39.581-07:00Happy 4th<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmRKwwag93TXECLSle6qogwWqLbENH3HNsMtsh8p88_GeZVbwXry4tWJ7DGd35Irn3ucluK8SJr1zUWvgQk1AwmiJsCfeUxRARcke-m329R2hzOLebCFLCjEZJJ2t5CfgpOmBiw/s1600-h/RWBJello.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmRKwwag93TXECLSle6qogwWqLbENH3HNsMtsh8p88_GeZVbwXry4tWJ7DGd35Irn3ucluK8SJr1zUWvgQk1AwmiJsCfeUxRARcke-m329R2hzOLebCFLCjEZJJ2t5CfgpOmBiw/s200/RWBJello.jpg" alt="layered jello desserts" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355438878756166130" border="0" /></a>We had an enjoyable Independence Day. Good friends, good food, good times.<br /><br />As you can see, we had fun with Jello.<br /><br />We learned a few things too, like don't pour warm gelatin liquid on top of the whipped topping, or you will you end up with floating blue goo on top of your dessert. I chose to disguise it with more whipped topping and a cherry, of course. It was a hit.<br /><br />But then, that's the magic of the Fourth of July BBQ, everything is a hit. Cook it on the grill and smother it with your favorite brand of bottled BBQ sauce, and it's your own little piece of heaven. They'll even eat their veggies-and like it.<br /><br />You know, there's always something you forget to buy at the grocery store, and after two follow-up trips to pick up what had been forgotten, I was still missing that vegetable soup mix I usually use for the dip. I'd had enough of traveling in the heat and decided to improvise with whatever I had in the house. Here is the recipe I came up with. Feel free to substitute low-fat or fat-free versions of ingredients.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iBIcQi3fCyyReKm32pCUB039hilpV6GE13wXy6k4YflvUWpAbmZhQyBcw15RJYCjJ5ritWgVmy-wv_0FiiGuV9g7DaZXmRJMALb4ciVq5J7EoRjk6g1vYv-ocLCuSU29nODJ5Q/s1600-h/spinachdip.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iBIcQi3fCyyReKm32pCUB039hilpV6GE13wXy6k4YflvUWpAbmZhQyBcw15RJYCjJ5ritWgVmy-wv_0FiiGuV9g7DaZXmRJMALb4ciVq5J7EoRjk6g1vYv-ocLCuSU29nODJ5Q/s200/spinachdip.jpg" alt="bowl of spinach dip" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355438887422061650" border="0" /></a>Spinach Dip<br /><br />1 box frozen chopped spinach, thawed, excess water squeezed out<br />1 small red onion, finely chopped<br />2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped<br />2 cups prepared ranch dressing<br />1 cup sour cream<br /><br />Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Chill for 30 minutes before serving with chips and crackers or other dippers of your choice.<br /><br />I used an envelope of ranch dressing mix and followed their directions to prepare the dressing, but you can use bottled ranch, creamy italian, blue cheese or other creamy salad dressing. Also consider adding chopped cucumber, chopped roasted sweet red peppers or other veggies you like to the dip.Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-73649506543835218032009-06-17T23:49:00.000-07:002009-06-18T00:25:02.086-07:00...Or maybe I did...Wow. Time has sure flown by.<br /><br />After Mom passed, I just didn't have the heart to knit for a while. It was something I did with her, after all. I do miss her, but it's not as painful anymore. It does ease with time.<br /><br />I have started knitting again. I've had more time lately and more motivation to do so. A couple of years ago it seemed like everyone was having baby boys, well this year everyone is having baby girls. Strangely enough, the young women in my neighborhood like my knitted gifts. They even make requests. The most popular? The February sweater, in any color except pink.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMneEF8AlQxa0QL5GVj1jipuHvHz3nmIke6TEUOJDH0IQQYilazi2UE720yShC4s1Ygi_N0c0vfZaycdkyiV-1B4XRcy-UG-zMqDOwf3_kV6WAZMOdZGS02Zqe-baqs74LACEMFw/s1600-h/IMG_0508.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMneEF8AlQxa0QL5GVj1jipuHvHz3nmIke6TEUOJDH0IQQYilazi2UE720yShC4s1Ygi_N0c0vfZaycdkyiV-1B4XRcy-UG-zMqDOwf3_kV6WAZMOdZGS02Zqe-baqs74LACEMFw/s200/IMG_0508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348560054994054578" border="0" /></a>Here is my latest February sweater, in violet Lion Brand Baby Soft. I managed to finish it a little over a week before the baby was born, and any time a project is finished before the kid outgrows it is a victory in my book.<br /><br />Can you tell I've been going through all those boxes full of old unfinished projects? Yes indeed.<br /><br />I visited my local yarns shops this week (for the first time in several months) just to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">reacquaint</span> myself with their inventories. You know, pet-and-drool. I'm on a fiber diet until I can finish sorting out the stash conglomerate, so I wasn't actually shopping. While I was drooling, I saw a very simple little baby sweater in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Araucania</span> Nature Cotton, a one-ball wonder, that I simply must try. It was even in the same color as that orphan ball of Nature Cotton in my stash. The employee and I counted stitches and measured lengths to figure it out, since there was no pattern for her to sell me. Now, that's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">accommodating</span>.<br /><br />I'll be sharing that with you soon.Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-2344818271725064082008-09-23T05:37:00.000-07:002008-09-23T06:05:11.774-07:00I haven't disappeared.It's been a while since I have written a blog post. Well, that's not exactly true-it's been a while since I <em>published</em> a post. I have several drafts of posts in this folder that I started to write but never finished. Some things are difficult to write about.<br /><br />My mother passed away.<br /><br />I had been living with her and caring for her while she fought cancer the last few years. Now that the battle is over, our lives are changing. Moving, selling the house, sorting out her belongings-all the usual things are keeping us very busy just now.<br /><br />So, I haven't disappeared. I'm just dealing with one of the more difficult things in life.Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-25133407891974170082008-07-25T07:34:00.000-07:002008-07-25T07:34:00.920-07:00WWKIP '08<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq29eOoG4gUy-NQYaSqCyT6VSdjs6TqfpUthajsYuzQgsfBGv0SFdGk5tMdpqY2bvodsXGSYk008lrqvwIpCe8XSIFcT-kVYlBF_gr1zY7ZAJM271FQLi3jB7E2hDs96ZCHihsDw/s1600-h/wwkip08.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215506927799702386" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="World Wide Knit In Public Day 2008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq29eOoG4gUy-NQYaSqCyT6VSdjs6TqfpUthajsYuzQgsfBGv0SFdGk5tMdpqY2bvodsXGSYk008lrqvwIpCe8XSIFcT-kVYlBF_gr1zY7ZAJM271FQLi3jB7E2hDs96ZCHihsDw/s200/wwkip08.jpg" border="0" /></a>There hasn't been much knitting going on around here the last couple of months. The best knitting time comes when the mind is occupied but the hands are free, and lately my hands have been quite busy at other tasks.<br /><br />I did manage to make it to our local WWKIP '08 event on Saturday June 14 with my Ravelry group. We did a great deal of chatting while knitting, as usual. We sat on the benches in the courtyard, shaded by the trees, listening to the splashing water and every now and then feeling a bit of the mist blown by the wind off the fountain. It was truly lovely.<br /></div>Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-91011518842016868192008-05-26T12:59:00.000-07:002008-05-26T15:22:54.459-07:00We interrupt this knitblog for a bit of humor.I get such a kick out of these little quizzes. When I see one that catches my eye I simply must click over to see what my results will be. Today I saw the Muppet Quiz on someones blog. I remember the Muppet Show, and I just had to try it out.<br /><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="middle" style="color:#eeeeee;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">You Are Scooter</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff"><center><img height="100" src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/themuppetpersonalitytest/scooter.jpg" width="100" /></center><span style="color:#000000;"><br />Brainy and knowledgeable, you are the perfect sidekick.<br /><br />You're always willing to lend a helping hand.<br /><br />In any big event or party, you're the one who keeps things going.<br /><br />"15 seconds to showtime!"<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/themuppetpersonalitytest/">The Muppet Personality Test</a></div><br /><br />Of course, while you're there at the Blogthings website, you <em>have</em> to try out some of their other quizzes too. Hey, cookies! Everyone loves cookies, let's see which cookie I am, shall we?<br /><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="middle" style="color:#eeeeee;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"><strong>You Are a Chocolate Chip Cookie</strong></span></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff"><center><img height="100" src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatkindofcookieareyouquiz/chocolate-chip-cookie.jpg" width="100" /></center><span style="color:#000000;"><br />Traditional and conservative, most people find you comforting.<br /><br />You're friendly and easy to get to know. This makes you very popular - without even trying!<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofcookieareyouquiz/">What Kind of Cookie Are You?</a></div><br /><br />Oh, here's an interesting one, let's see what my fridge says about me!<br /><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="middle" style="color:#eeeeee;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">What Your Fridge Says About You</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff"><center><img height="100" src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatdothecontentsofyourrefrigeratorsayaboutyouquiz/fridge.png" width="100" /></center><span style="color:#000000;"><br />You tend to be a very hedonistic, greedy person. You have trouble saying no to what you want.<br /><br />You are not careful with your money. In fact, you rarely think about how much you are spending.<br /><br />You are a very adventurous person. You love to try new things, and you get bored very easily.<br /><br />You are responsible, together, and mature. You act like an adult, even when you don't feel like it.<br /><br />You are likely to be married - and very busy.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatdothecontentsofyourrefrigeratorsayaboutyouquiz/">What Do the Contents of Your Refrigerator Say About You?</a></div><br /><br />ROFL! Now, I would have said that my fridge looks like it belongs to a large family with healthy eating habits (lots of veg) who enjoy variety (different ethnic condiments). Continuing with the topic of food, I gotta know-what spice am I?<br /><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="middle" style="color:#eeeeee;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">You Are Ginger</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff"><center><img height="100" src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatspiceareyouquiz/ginger.png" width="100" /></center><span style="color:#000000;"><br />Like ginger, you are a total shape shifter.<br /><br />You can be sweet, spicy, mellow, or overpowering.<br /><br />You are both soothing and unique. You are popular... yet you are often overlooked.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatspiceareyouquiz/">What Spice Are You?</a></div><br /><br />OK, one more for the road.<br /><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="middle" style="color:#eeeeee;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Your Pirate Name Is...</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff"><center><img height="100" src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/piratenamegenerator/girl.gif" width="100" /></center><span style="color:#000000;"><center><strong>Lord Fanny La Bouche</strong></center></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/piratenamegenerator/">What's Your Pirate Name?</a></div>Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-4903214356219147852008-05-14T13:06:00.000-07:002008-05-14T15:05:16.661-07:00In the merry, merry month of May...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwMfNi763ULh9QWgKfpMhGx5QkQwOGxRA9l0hnhQXsIxn0ZgNG201nm1MV0jITnVk6rKCBhLI6ZBoIOIBWsi2QY07JWxk9IVhvlkcMRo5grwvRcdBXUFaOKEILkj2mi5SU04inQ/s1600-h/brnstripehatsox1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200335548922035970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwMfNi763ULh9QWgKfpMhGx5QkQwOGxRA9l0hnhQXsIxn0ZgNG201nm1MV0jITnVk6rKCBhLI6ZBoIOIBWsi2QY07JWxk9IVhvlkcMRo5grwvRcdBXUFaOKEILkj2mi5SU04inQ/s200/brnstripehatsox1.jpg" border="0" /></a>These are the little baby hats and socks I've been working on for the <a href="http://www.afghansforafghans.org/campaign.html">afghans for Afghans </a>May 19 campaign for newborns. As you can see, I still have one matching sock to finish. If I get it finished tonight, I can ship these Priority tomorrow. If not, I will send them in for the next campaign. Probably the latter.<br /><br />The hats are my <a href="http://sasw.blogspot.com/2006/03/infant-earflap-hat.html">Infant Earflap Hats</a> without the earflaps and the socks are Sherie's <a href="http://whimsyknits.lightshines.net/sheries-free-patterns-2">Simply Sweet Socks</a>. I was playing around with stripes and contrast heels with the brown-and-pink and brown-and-blue color schemes. They were fun to knit, but lately I've been either too tired to knit or simply haven't been in the mood.<br /><br />Not in the mood? How can that be possible?<br /><br />Last week my 5-year-old was hit by a car, not 20 feet from our front door, right before our eyes. He is fine, only minor bumps and scrapes, but it scared us all very badly. Hubby, myself and several neighbors standing in the street watched the young woman carelessly and needlessly reverse her car into him, sitting stationary there on his bike. If we hadn't all been shouting at her and gesturing madly, she wouldn't have stopped with the boy and his bike merely wedged under her bumper.<br /><br />This week I am researching law and ordinance. Apparently the street on which I live is private property, and the authorities on the scene told me they do not enforce traffic laws on private property.<br /><br />Words cannot describe how I feel about this.<br /><br />Our Mother's Day barbeque was especially sweet this year. I am grateful that my son and my mother are here to celebrate with me, and I can't ask for anything more.Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-18129750577277423392008-04-23T11:20:00.000-07:002008-04-23T11:15:49.377-07:00Nap Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYqnmSMvfWu9p5Th73GbCzSv3rI5sgI6YaecXAjTnyEuevUAEBtcjRPkAfZwUbIhkIso37n_QPRIEUegHw8pXCVSRydk95_spaBHOn4aGPGHUEEsWecY9LnlB0rnfC1av_BMX2w/s1600-h/soxsar.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192494295800260738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="bootie-socks awaiting seams, with sarong" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYqnmSMvfWu9p5Th73GbCzSv3rI5sgI6YaecXAjTnyEuevUAEBtcjRPkAfZwUbIhkIso37n_QPRIEUegHw8pXCVSRydk95_spaBHOn4aGPGHUEEsWecY9LnlB0rnfC1av_BMX2w/s200/soxsar.jpg" border="0" /></a>I've been knitting for a good long while. My fingers know what to do and I don't have to think about the mechanics of it, the knitting just flows along without my active attention. While watching TV, as a passenger in the car, while waiting just about anywhere, the knitting just seems to happen-almost by itself.<br /><br />First thing in the morning, last thing at night, it's knitting. Those extreme ends of the day offer some of the purest peace and quiet for just a few more rows. Waiting for that pot of water to boil? Opportunity to knit. Picking up hubbo from work? I can knit in the dark. I keep a sock in my pocket, you know, ready for those moments.<br /><br />Occasionally life gets very busy and a day or two will go by without knitting, or there will be other creative projects that occupy my time and efforts, but not this time. This month my caregiver role has gotten to be quite heavy. I sleep in 2-hour shifts. The sleep deprivation has turned my short-term memory into swiss cheese. I forget to eat.<br /><br />I am too tired to knit.<br /><br />Yes, hard to believe, but true. There is indeed a state of fatigue where you can sit with simple knitting in your hands and be utterly unable to make a stitch (shortly followed by upright-snoring, of course, but you get the idea).<br /><br />So, I'm sending the child off to the neighbor's so that I can power-nap. I'll catch up with you all later, when I can knit again.Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-6480067206603417282008-04-08T11:15:00.000-07:002008-04-08T11:10:32.508-07:00Spring KnittingI have some more projects to show you today.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaG7r_haD317Z74xmBj6pgDswZ9BHFt4w6fFKQ8gV7c-vV3eVqozGcQ2wNr07rqy9Q7r6fneiHhy9txIvBtbzHalItpAdpgyvlAkmB-Xd_nYQYswiYlNDX5HrJwdXjUyOWrGkeng/s1600-h/lemdropboo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186931964896798338" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaG7r_haD317Z74xmBj6pgDswZ9BHFt4w6fFKQ8gV7c-vV3eVqozGcQ2wNr07rqy9Q7r6fneiHhy9txIvBtbzHalItpAdpgyvlAkmB-Xd_nYQYswiYlNDX5HrJwdXjUyOWrGkeng/s200/lemdropboo.jpg" border="0" /></a>I usually find there's just enough yarn left over after making a baby sweater to make a hat and socks or booties to match, so it seems unnatural to have a sweater all by itself. I'm catching up on these accessories.<br /><br />On the right is a pair of booties to go with the Lemon Drop Cardigan. This is another free pattern by Carole Barenys, find it at <a href="http://www.knittingonthenet.com/patterns/babybootsribbed.htm">Knitting On The Net</a> and at <a href="http://carole.barenys.com/OneStrandBootie.html">Carole's Website</a> where she also has a <a href="http://carole.barenys.com/files/1-StrandBootie.pdf">.pdf file</a>. I think this bootie just might stay on. I can't wait to try a pair on my neighbor's newborn when she arrives. Can you imagine how the woman would feel, giving birth and then her neighbor wants to come over and play dress up with her baby all the time! ROFL<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdGFFcrN6ASO3iHMTE-nDiaYSgRhWCtL096C0e-mVrP0XrTBEUSQN96EYsdvM6kz5MZaOxq8I7CnM2Sj69lXUhHDNQrgNtzek6NmeWXyDMq8wQZxORjhrMJzxj4OmTlWIrDSDhw/s1600-h/colorfulhatsox.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185158594375116290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Garter stitch baby hat and socks" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdGFFcrN6ASO3iHMTE-nDiaYSgRhWCtL096C0e-mVrP0XrTBEUSQN96EYsdvM6kz5MZaOxq8I7CnM2Sj69lXUhHDNQrgNtzek6NmeWXyDMq8wQZxORjhrMJzxj4OmTlWIrDSDhw/s200/colorfulhatsox.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here is a set of hat and socks to go with the <a href="http://sasw.blogspot.com/2008/03/colorful-baby-top.html">Colorful Baby Top</a> I made last month. I posted this photo and information about the yarn I used in my project database at <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry!</a> and almost immediately I started getting messages asking about the pattern.<br /><br />Pattern? I didn't use a pattern. I improvised them based on my experiences knitting baby hats and socks. They were easy to make and I'm so pleased with the way they turned out (so cute!).<br /><br />So, I am writing up the pattern. I will be talking about pattern variations and sources of creative inspiration too. I'm writing it for beginners, because they have a lot of wonderful creative ability, they just don't know it yet.<br /><br />Oh, if you haven't signed up to join <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry!</a> yet, please go over there right now and do so. You don't know what you're missing. Ravelry is all about searchable databases. The first time you search for a pattern over there...you will thank me.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFi55N27gbtbBH40J59GqwWfsdALu2T91XXzz-rSW4q1bMnCqC8xNlDCCZ3SnqZHa4FwMXgbH6j7zX5KXssan_TMobwgigU5qWh4AZl8K5f1-vyhUt_1nx4Rr3qHwPk_odDS16nA/s1600-h/myex3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186931166032881266" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFi55N27gbtbBH40J59GqwWfsdALu2T91XXzz-rSW4q1bMnCqC8xNlDCCZ3SnqZHa4FwMXgbH6j7zX5KXssan_TMobwgigU5qWh4AZl8K5f1-vyhUt_1nx4Rr3qHwPk_odDS16nA/s200/myex3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here is an unusual small handbag I couldn't resist trying. The pattern is called <a href="http://www.adhdknitting.com/storepatterns/category/Felting_Patterns-27.html">'My Ex' </a>and it's a riot! The author held a contest and this was my entry. I have to say, after seeing the other entries, my version isn't bizarre enough to win the prize. You can see them <a href="http://www.adhdknitting.com/gallery.html">here</a>, under the category "My Ex is Full of Knit Contest Submissions".<br /><br />My finished bag is about 6" tall and 4" in diameter. I used Shepherd Classic Wool for the face and Patons Classic Wool Merino for the hair, then I ran it twice through the washing machine to get the smoothly felted look on the face. Embellishments are from my personal jewelry collection. Yes, that's really my jewelry and no, it doesn't look like the sort of stuff I'd wear. Not lately, anyway.Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-77407079512605863862008-03-23T13:30:00.000-07:002008-03-23T13:40:25.869-07:00Happy Easter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV0UpQF9n__KIMRvNpdj9m3xU5N0YKLMU6zmP4eRabRsviJ5GWwHS4ttdABNbuXo03hVLCzykpDqgkmhB_OyRWAFTgYfxV0LehdP2_OL7Vp1jEQY8Aof51AwYBloqURCVdACY9A/s1600-h/chocbun.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181037362801206770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV0UpQF9n__KIMRvNpdj9m3xU5N0YKLMU6zmP4eRabRsviJ5GWwHS4ttdABNbuXo03hVLCzykpDqgkmhB_OyRWAFTgYfxV0LehdP2_OL7Vp1jEQY8Aof51AwYBloqURCVdACY9A/s200/chocbun.jpg" border="0" /></a>The kids are <s>done bouncing off the walls and are passed out with candy comas</s> napping, the ham is quietly baking and I'm taking advantage of the opportunity to knit.<br /><br />Hope your family is having a pleasant holiday!Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-72347652002197311642008-03-22T14:47:00.000-07:002008-03-22T16:26:44.176-07:00Colorful Baby Top<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqhTLU_1UVEa7Bco3UHMfXmoTDrvPrxkDLuUum46Sv7F6JBw8wyjO8rhFw6bKkt4R4OuVjrJYeZkYeiSCXWs2iJxC4m2qoaAaIFKJPVWx-SrDkg9WzExEWjscAESgPYsx4M3jfA/s1600-h/coltopcol.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180677942758008274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Collage of photos of my Colorful Baby Top" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqhTLU_1UVEa7Bco3UHMfXmoTDrvPrxkDLuUum46Sv7F6JBw8wyjO8rhFw6bKkt4R4OuVjrJYeZkYeiSCXWs2iJxC4m2qoaAaIFKJPVWx-SrDkg9WzExEWjscAESgPYsx4M3jfA/s320/coltopcol.jpg" border="0" /></a>Earlier this month I picked up a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Itty-Bitty-Nursery-Sweet-Adorable-Beyond/dp/1579653340/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b/701-9908501-6582736">Itty-Bitty Nursery</a>. It's full of lovely things, but I just had to try out the Cozy Boatneck Sweater pattern. The colors are so much fun, and I happen to have a supply of suitable wools on hand left over from the other colorful items I've been knitting lately. Here you can see the results of my efforts.<br /><br />I find it so inspiring that I feel I simply must make baby hats and socks to go with it. I can play with different parts of the design and color combinations on a small scale that way.<br /><br />The designs would be appropriate for charity items for <a href="http://www.afghansforafghans.org/campaign.html">afghans for Afghans</a> too, and you know how much I love making useful stuff for charity.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlpViSV1RRbKsBmveZg2-2ayICk_iNiA5X2U21C4JNYT3TRbWAzMa1x7k21vWZIdEEhGqEZCJIj4I0vdNZCsPl-N0MgykXTEADv3jf7FB7sPQXZ6vQsuM9wgsi-kN96OLn0hjXw/s1600-h/colorfultop4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180677676470035890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Colorful Top ront" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlpViSV1RRbKsBmveZg2-2ayICk_iNiA5X2U21C4JNYT3TRbWAzMa1x7k21vWZIdEEhGqEZCJIj4I0vdNZCsPl-N0MgykXTEADv3jf7FB7sPQXZ6vQsuM9wgsi-kN96OLn0hjXw/s200/colorfultop4.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEscYKg_og2VGCr-3HmKNW10vjRMyGYGkx3o43i8rHq3zJKCEPjN9hOKK6cRCKdduCSIrVUxVo8Fn19C-H25mz46HHQz29gywB9wZrceY6dXacsJT1l1mEXEhyThPBJiZB8W4Mw/s1600-h/colorfultop5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180677796729120194" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Colorful Top back" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEscYKg_og2VGCr-3HmKNW10vjRMyGYGkx3o43i8rHq3zJKCEPjN9hOKK6cRCKdduCSIrVUxVo8Fn19C-H25mz46HHQz29gywB9wZrceY6dXacsJT1l1mEXEhyThPBJiZB8W4Mw/s200/colorfultop5.jpg" border="0" /></a>The photo at left shows the front of the sweater and the photo at right shows the back. Don't you just love the asymmetrical coloring of the sleeves and the patches?<br /><br />Yarns are all worsted wools: Patons Classic Wool Merino, Cascade 220 and Plymouth Galway.<br /><br />I have to admit that I had some trouble with the pattern toward the end. I misread the stripe patterns for the sleeves and had to rip and reknit them. I think it would have been easier for me to follow a chart instead of textual directions. Otherwise, it was a pleasurable and quick knit, as a garter stitch project usually is.<br /><br />You can download a free sample pattern (Flower Pacifier Clip) from the book in .pdf format <a href="http://ia341239.us.archive.org/2/items/KnittedBrochure/knittedbrochure1.pdf">here</a>, from the <a href="http://www.susanbanderson.blogspot.com/">author's website</a>.Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-25271208709421134382008-03-17T17:56:00.000-07:002008-03-17T17:52:04.189-07:00Lemon Drop Cardigan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQZ2Tsgy2Zq-t-mTyEIbDYq-vr1JdtatBV31Q4kv414w2REI2y6Nw1enaF3mh8VYN_feVipD2LPfJ4wFffUeccwUfYzjm_V25cwVNa8PUllR3RUe44Kv7gPhRL48xTjSrKVoMDg/s1600-h/lemoncardi1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177647110018881346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Seamless yoked cardigan in progress" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQZ2Tsgy2Zq-t-mTyEIbDYq-vr1JdtatBV31Q4kv414w2REI2y6Nw1enaF3mh8VYN_feVipD2LPfJ4wFffUeccwUfYzjm_V25cwVNa8PUllR3RUe44Kv7gPhRL48xTjSrKVoMDg/s200/lemoncardi1.jpg" border="0" /></a>I've seen quite a few free patterns for baby sweaters that are very popular on the internet and I've always meant to give them a try, but hadn't gotten around to any of them yet.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZaBd25yJ0nN15H6tKSDLWW6ex4_iFRz_AOkPxcxs5UXmeJnPuV811nMxLvbpFqvYkn79wW1he7Zc6qIFl_CrVpLlLoO4b8tuXh-koL1ItIMepZPu0rog1kt70QJqt1AP1Ar7Cg/s1600-h/lemoncardi2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177646835140974386" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Seamless yoked cardigan in yellow" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZaBd25yJ0nN15H6tKSDLWW6ex4_iFRz_AOkPxcxs5UXmeJnPuV811nMxLvbpFqvYkn79wW1he7Zc6qIFl_CrVpLlLoO4b8tuXh-koL1ItIMepZPu0rog1kt70QJqt1AP1Ar7Cg/s200/lemoncardi2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Until now.<br /><br />This is the Seamless Yoked Cardigan by Carole Barenys, and you can find the pattern at <a href="http://www.knittingonthenet.com/patterns/babysweyokecard.htm">Knitting On The Net</a> or at <a href="http://carole.barenys.com/index.html">Carole's website</a>, where she also has a <a href="http://carole.barenys.com/files/SeamlessYokeSweater.pdf">.pdf file</a> available. I've used Lion Brand Baby Soft yarn in Lemon Drop. Isn't that a delightful name for a color? And it's such a nice one, soft without being too pale.<br /><br />This is a nice little sweater pattern, with one exception-it doesn't tell you how long to make the sleeves. I referred to the <a href="http://www.yarnstandards.com/">Craft Yarn Council's Standards & Guidelines for Crochet And Knitting</a> to figure it out. I followed the instructions for the smaller size, and gave it 6" sleeves.<br /><br />Add this to the gift stash!Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-91407394738869779232008-03-07T09:57:00.000-08:002008-05-18T10:04:18.098-07:00Artsquares<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemLhSezexwmh72-1OTHU1Msvlcd4jt4g7UaxEQWXGLaXhawzuf4t6YhUB6tpzom-f2B_WcmR5tCuL5Vl62xJHM_J0iZGcbRL8ghPJ3APPeBsaG8Bi2aUrPLTHK9Vkps0-ykn0ww/s1600-h/artsquares6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175053971974313746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="artsquares" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemLhSezexwmh72-1OTHU1Msvlcd4jt4g7UaxEQWXGLaXhawzuf4t6YhUB6tpzom-f2B_WcmR5tCuL5Vl62xJHM_J0iZGcbRL8ghPJ3APPeBsaG8Bi2aUrPLTHK9Vkps0-ykn0ww/s200/artsquares6.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here is a collection of dishcloths I've been working on for Larissa's art project. You can read about it <a href="http://larissmix.typepad.com/stitch_marker/2008/02/call-for-volunt.html">here</a>. Using natural undyed worsted-weight cotton yarn, I've made some of my favorites in a 6-inch size.<br /><br />If you look closely, you'll notice that one of them is bigger than the rest; you can calculate your gauge all you like, but sometimes the item doesn't come out the size you intend. This isn't a problem when it comes to dishcloths, however, they are always useful no matter what size they turn out to be.<br /><br />The patterns I used for these, starting upper left:<br /><br /><a href="http://1870pearl.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/01/pocket_knitting.html">4-Corners Dishcloth</a>; <a href="http://wishingiwasknitting.blogspot.com/2007/04/lots-of-cloths.html">NYD'05 Dishcloth</a>; Simple Weave Dishcloth from Leisure Arts #3122, Nifty Knit Dishcloths; <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/eLoomanator/eloomanators-diagonal-knit-dishcloth">eLoomanator’s Diagonal Dishcloth</a> (available only on Ravelry! at the moment).<br /><br />The due date for sending in these cloths is March 20, so I will be mailing these tomorrow to be sure they arrive on time.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Update:</span> <a href="http://larissmix.typepad.com/stitch_marker/2008/05/132-2.html">Here</a> is Larissa's post. She received a total of 132 cloths. How very cool. See them all <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/astralpup/sets/72157603900763399/">here</a> (mine are numbers 78 through 81).Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-2737391419558845932008-02-22T12:56:00.000-08:002008-02-22T12:54:15.920-08:00Busy FebruaryIt has been a really busy month. With little time to post lately, I have a backlog of finished projects to share. Better get to it then!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyrFfGll4xq2AThptliZ-7NVNGmmPK480e00emRgLS_6QBZIN0-k7EMS6tlyOmm01l_-V9WM7obbVW5TRftSlnDrfos4iGq45L2qrsChhzVY8QSHfTET-xcbsENUBzsJHQYh1tQ/s1600-h/bluebsj6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165137178915982978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="blue bsj" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyrFfGll4xq2AThptliZ-7NVNGmmPK480e00emRgLS_6QBZIN0-k7EMS6tlyOmm01l_-V9WM7obbVW5TRftSlnDrfos4iGq45L2qrsChhzVY8QSHfTET-xcbsENUBzsJHQYh1tQ/s200/bluebsj6.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyb1S20JhBx-arBq5FM9TDPMC4t8cgKVg2gWPdb0ntW20RHMS9Lgu-hPdYW2i2mP7ExsFg6sEECXjLQnSq6h-NeADpoAAgJMp47lszs_bY2Rok7fl14xz-4OkYV-PldH_NdAnRg/s1600-h/febswgrnset.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169890870194032290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="green baby set" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyb1S20JhBx-arBq5FM9TDPMC4t8cgKVg2gWPdb0ntW20RHMS9Lgu-hPdYW2i2mP7ExsFg6sEECXjLQnSq6h-NeADpoAAgJMp47lszs_bY2Rok7fl14xz-4OkYV-PldH_NdAnRg/s200/febswgrnset.jpg" border="0" /></a>On the left is the blue Baby Surprise Jacket I've been working on, all finished with buttons and even a matching hat. This goes into my gift stash-that's my collection of finished items made for the fun of it and not for a particular person. Very handy for those last-minute shower invitations.<br /><br />On the right is my finished February sweater set. One 140-gram ball of Lion Baby Soft made the sweater, bonnet and socks. How convenient is that?<br /><br />Both of these sweater patterns are by Elizabeth Zimmermann.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNAFYgX005SEtRjZ8X_my5EOgqFUJ5qk10ayM67aWueRE01epRkV8l7ld6cug1fysRQZH46psygkVY191frNxYfZb5QJqP5SWLjJjod2G6DKFoB93bYI9-UjINJPXyNymFwh7zQ/s1600-h/a4Afebship.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166178966183300754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="baby hats and socks for charity" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNAFYgX005SEtRjZ8X_my5EOgqFUJ5qk10ayM67aWueRE01epRkV8l7ld6cug1fysRQZH46psygkVY191frNxYfZb5QJqP5SWLjJjod2G6DKFoB93bYI9-UjINJPXyNymFwh7zQ/s200/a4Afebship.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqVX2egfGkW6b9LoHSFuwUCTzOlAH2UQMAiR4ulZpETvwkvXPY_HWuPDmpbxek_C7PHjUrBqdIPppnsn6ognZs4M-6ioUezjapTxW-KtvlPj9qe5m_uedLdgcYjdIP9j71WObWg/s1600-h/bunnyhat2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169891325460565682" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="bunnies and carrots hat" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqVX2egfGkW6b9LoHSFuwUCTzOlAH2UQMAiR4ulZpETvwkvXPY_HWuPDmpbxek_C7PHjUrBqdIPppnsn6ognZs4M-6ioUezjapTxW-KtvlPj9qe5m_uedLdgcYjdIP9j71WObWg/s200/bunnyhat2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here is the group of wool baby hats and socks I'm donating to <a href="http://www.afghansforafghans.org/campaign.html">afghans for Afghans</a> this month (photo, left). They are going out in the mail today. It was a lot of fun playing with color combinations and making something useful at the same time. So much more satisfying than swatches, don't you think? See my previous post <a href="http://sasw.blogspot.com/2008/01/woolies-for-winter.html">here</a> for pattern info.<br /><br />On the right is another wool hat, this one for my youngest. Who can resist those dangling carrots? This pattern is in the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knit-Hats-Cool-Patterns-Keep/dp/1580174825/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203712288&sr=8-1">Knit Hats!</a> which I found at my local library.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Up1oJbSigEp_NbUhaWo0Z9KdWNd4feJ2xPXoFo7Q-CPzRqeBwlaU3YlDY2frNaCNpxRq2SLrkxt16iRuDmT7QxKJjYvTFfv6G_K0e3xpmqFDrnpRzr1W1Mv6Iel3lukVEmGWOw/s1600-h/lilcloths.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169891583158603458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="child's set of washcloths" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Up1oJbSigEp_NbUhaWo0Z9KdWNd4feJ2xPXoFo7Q-CPzRqeBwlaU3YlDY2frNaCNpxRq2SLrkxt16iRuDmT7QxKJjYvTFfv6G_K0e3xpmqFDrnpRzr1W1Mv6Iel3lukVEmGWOw/s200/lilcloths.jpg" border="0" /></a>Finally, here's a group of child-sized washcloths. Once again I used <a href="http://1870pearl.typepad.com/">Abigail's</a> 4-Corners dishcloth <a href="http://1870pearl.typepad.com/4Corners.pdf">pattern</a>, altered to make a smaller sized cloth. Following the general procedure in the pattern, I cast on 12 stitches and short-row decreased down to 3 stitches for each quadrant.<br /><br />I used a combination of ombred and solid colored worsted-weight cotton yarn for these. I picked an ombred yarn to set the color scheme then chose solids accordingly. I just love the stripey goodness!<br /><br />I know I've done this before. Am I becoming predictable?Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-15105479966974955142008-02-08T00:32:00.000-08:002008-02-10T14:42:17.584-08:00Baby Things<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmSquxFhMAlzEiKyekDrm5sUkczSH0sFnkgqggcjMGAEtNf1jyH80f2lY1LJeDZWMsAhmvpk6pRqAknvW6bqhVjzGw3iHzqc2YLVMJ_fwvKCp4Y5Jh4JojZNH8Xt7tVBWwbBRTQ/s1600-h/babysoft.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164682842143276802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmSquxFhMAlzEiKyekDrm5sUkczSH0sFnkgqggcjMGAEtNf1jyH80f2lY1LJeDZWMsAhmvpk6pRqAknvW6bqhVjzGw3iHzqc2YLVMJ_fwvKCp4Y5Jh4JojZNH8Xt7tVBWwbBRTQ/s200/babysoft.jpg" border="0" /></a>My new neighbor is expecting a baby girl next month, so I'm working on a gift. She is strictly a wash-and-wear person, so I investigated which inexpensive yarns are available at my local chain stores. It's been a long time since I last did any serious shopping for cheap baby yarn and what I found was rather different than the old stand-bys I'd expected.<br /><br />Most of the things I found were yarns that are soft and drapey (I call them limp). I don't like these yarns, they don't have body and the finished garment looks sloppy. I tried to find good old baby pompadour, but even that has changed; it's thicker and squeakier, no longer that reasonable substitute for wool. In the end I chose to settle for Lion Brand Baby Soft. The colors are nice and the texture is close to what I expected, although I fear it may pill after a few washings. We shall see.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVo4meeY7ZgSmALaavTVsbvHEg5CgsJE_7WRBgIldyq-T-vagl8lbKFhaOgCgHZkGq9kQdXtzmtUnLR9EzQu6MhZFPdpWxokEbgfeyP2H5C1ihROEyQIeE1vujD0IGI0YZPMCbA/s1600-h/febswgrn3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164682687524454130" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVo4meeY7ZgSmALaavTVsbvHEg5CgsJE_7WRBgIldyq-T-vagl8lbKFhaOgCgHZkGq9kQdXtzmtUnLR9EzQu6MhZFPdpWxokEbgfeyP2H5C1ihROEyQIeE1vujD0IGI0YZPMCbA/s200/febswgrn3.jpg" border="0" /></a>My neighbor is not fond of pink. In fact, she expressed her irritation at her husband for doing a bit of shopping on his own, where he chose several items in pink, the hated color. I tucked that bit of information away and held it close while shopping.<br /><br />That's why I have chosen to use this lovely pistachio color for my gifts. I've finished a February Sweater (by Elizabeth Zimmermann) and am now working on a bonnet to match. I used US size 3 needles and the sweater turned out a good size. That is, it will fit a typical newborn with the cuffs turned back and will stretch to fit for a few months. It will also fit a larger-than-average newborn as well. It would be a shame for the baby to be born too big to wear that sweater that took a week to make, don't you think?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBitoIyMa_zn45g3JQ4yqLnY66kk4JGsC3nF7f3b_FVjUOC5CfnfsaceJm6e6IjI_3bX59OosH88KxIpAO46r-9PuWxU_qGBPQwt1WGcXj4vmSHllCiYtYwNINOlF7VviPHB6GbQ/s1600-h/greenfabnotions.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164689477867749138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBitoIyMa_zn45g3JQ4yqLnY66kk4JGsC3nF7f3b_FVjUOC5CfnfsaceJm6e6IjI_3bX59OosH88KxIpAO46r-9PuWxU_qGBPQwt1WGcXj4vmSHllCiYtYwNINOlF7VviPHB6GbQ/s200/greenfabnotions.jpg" border="0" /></a>I also picked up a bit of fabric and some notions to match that green. That's a yard of flannel to make a receiving blanket and a yard of terrycloth to make a hooded towel; some buttons, thread and grosgrain ribbon for finishing. A quick trip through the serger and you have some items she will definitely use, even if she isn't impressed with the handknits.<br /><br />Oh yes, sometimes the recipient is less than thrilled with the dorky, home-made stuff. In this case, I know she will love them because she misses her late grandmother who used to make all those wonderful things for the babies in the family. It will be a delightful surprise when I deliver the goods and she discovers that I am one of the crafty people who actually knows how to knit!Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-19965095163632012922008-01-28T23:00:00.000-08:002008-01-28T22:56:51.969-08:00Woolies For Winter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-kmL-L5jQbb0a8rfzoI1qLH9yD6NHvT_-mPBA0sWS9ylQwSo3vb0YCT0TbqxLloFM3MUlZnVm54BMyN62KwBAaFiHJzO4b4DcH24gBz8G3W9a3n6mThS-ES4T0Gx6YyaDcZi4A/s1600-h/joelscarf.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160777376841416386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Long striped scarf" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-kmL-L5jQbb0a8rfzoI1qLH9yD6NHvT_-mPBA0sWS9ylQwSo3vb0YCT0TbqxLloFM3MUlZnVm54BMyN62KwBAaFiHJzO4b4DcH24gBz8G3W9a3n6mThS-ES4T0Gx6YyaDcZi4A/s200/joelscarf.jpg" border="0" /></a>I have finished knitting the scarf I was working on, and am about half done weaving in the ends (see photo, left). You can read about the details <a href="http://sasw.blogspot.com/2007/12/long-colorful-scarf.html">here</a>. That's the part that gets put off regularly around here, the seaming and weaving in of ends. Who knows when it will actually be ready to wear?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyz3l3cbioJekQ1heZKzL0jBA_XiVPc1G3iFokfObhWuVK4gY_4CWcKA6k7gOKeezI8fOokZi0yLFl7wxtK87AsEmmH4Jw_G-h9-I4CFWG7b7Wjno1aO4IzdwP4pyQcFEHDQoEAQ/s1600-h/bluebsj3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160781049038454482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyz3l3cbioJekQ1heZKzL0jBA_XiVPc1G3iFokfObhWuVK4gY_4CWcKA6k7gOKeezI8fOokZi0yLFl7wxtK87AsEmmH4Jw_G-h9-I4CFWG7b7Wjno1aO4IzdwP4pyQcFEHDQoEAQ/s200/bluebsj3.jpg" border="0" /></a>The same goes for this little Baby Surprise Jacket knitted in Patons Classic Wool Merino in a solid and a marled denim blue color (see photo, right). It's waiting for seams and buttons. I am debating whether to add a collar or a simple I-cord edge. It needs that touch of the darker solid color around the neck to make it look complete.<br /><br />I have managed to accumulate a tidy little pile of things to donate to <a href="http://www.afghansforafghans.org/campaign.html">afghans for Afghans</a> this month. They were seamless and didn't have nearly so many ends to weave in, so they got finished in short order.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_O24IOkRRtS9pAuVZ_-SXP8Oh-y3-rViEgyowmF2WWA-6ziQkSOZS5LmZs8gebq2ZePTiM1UJaK1foYWfhefnB8bsRB995YC-gczx7VyOJPcK0zxetRATdf72FKdEX_nPfgzc_Q/s1600-h/folkhatsox.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160756026558987954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Baby folk art hats and matching socks" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_O24IOkRRtS9pAuVZ_-SXP8Oh-y3-rViEgyowmF2WWA-6ziQkSOZS5LmZs8gebq2ZePTiM1UJaK1foYWfhefnB8bsRB995YC-gczx7VyOJPcK0zxetRATdf72FKdEX_nPfgzc_Q/s200/folkhatsox.jpg" border="0" /></a>In the photo at left: 3 baby Folk Art hats that I've already blogged about <a href="http://sasw.blogspot.com/2008/01/folk-art-hats.html">here</a>, and 3 pair of solid colored socks (to go with the Folk Art Hats). I used the <a href="http://www.geocities.com/blossomknitwear/superquickbabysocks">free Blossom Knitwear pattern</a> for these.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9-w-h0A6nX6UoMYLUnjqf1UVj1McocCSIbrYF-tyBRmgKYoOSS5ObvnDfx-FdTKbEaa_6Y0KVlwQnMQNAFkD71jeWlZc6usS2JcSLmQzKvQ_zR7-TcdWa91WgkbKKIoROI2b8w/s1600-h/stripehatsox1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160741226101685922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Striped hat with matching socks" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9-w-h0A6nX6UoMYLUnjqf1UVj1McocCSIbrYF-tyBRmgKYoOSS5ObvnDfx-FdTKbEaa_6Y0KVlwQnMQNAFkD71jeWlZc6usS2JcSLmQzKvQ_zR7-TcdWa91WgkbKKIoROI2b8w/s200/stripehatsox1.jpg" border="0" /></a>In the photo at right: A striped hat that I made following the <a href="http://cosymakes.wordpress.com/2007/10/05/scrap-happy-celebration-hat/">free Scrap-Happy Celebration Hat pattern</a>, but altered it to make it baby-sized. Also a pair of striped socks to match the hat, applying the same method of striping from the hat pattern to the <a href="http://www.geocities.com/blossomknitwear/superquickbabysocks">Blossom socks</a> mentioned above. I'll have to play around with more color combinations with this pattern.<br /><br />I understand that the sets of hats and socks will be separated for shipment to Afghanistan, and that it doesn't matter if the items match or not, but I like to make matching sets. If I were making these for a local charity, a friend or for a neighbor I would make a matched set. That's just the way I roll.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR1yNDBUwwHV8K4PS03qMR0cII2aLkrYZq7YcVWuSJXGxegk8HXNsSFd936F7d4rzKuz_Z8YgKSVoV62K7O60fA7qdZ7cGUUPRU4sp2sLJspvMt4nXEY5O_ZsDbiyObeAz6W76w/s1600-h/purplesock3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160783888011837154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="basic ribbed socks in purple" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR1yNDBUwwHV8K4PS03qMR0cII2aLkrYZq7YcVWuSJXGxegk8HXNsSFd936F7d4rzKuz_Z8YgKSVoV62K7O60fA7qdZ7cGUUPRU4sp2sLJspvMt4nXEY5O_ZsDbiyObeAz6W76w/s200/purplesock3.jpg" border="0" /></a>One more project to share today:<br /><br />These purple socks are finally done. I started them back in <a href="http://sasw.blogspot.com/2007/11/moms-sock-blowout.html">November</a> and suffered second sock syndrome for a while. I had thought I might try using some wooly nylon reinforcement in the heels and toes, but couldn't find a suitable color. As it turns out, the Socka is a little thicker than the Regia and feels more durable. We'll see what happens after I wear them for a while.Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-80205502129726141602008-01-05T15:25:00.000-08:002008-01-07T16:08:31.826-08:00Folk Art Hats<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2Qa7cjMubnMjFtUFpOiAm2WWLxyCMz3hA-mtpG1OoDIp3oP8Nwks2ul12DFCw56HonsiEfPj01qJ6aK-r5Hb59sbDgD7Kx-PNaJHWMQDiXUHN3GloScF2jq9Jy17jnt-tS90gQ/s1600-h/folksy6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152082209896022434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Folk art hats" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2Qa7cjMubnMjFtUFpOiAm2WWLxyCMz3hA-mtpG1OoDIp3oP8Nwks2ul12DFCw56HonsiEfPj01qJ6aK-r5Hb59sbDgD7Kx-PNaJHWMQDiXUHN3GloScF2jq9Jy17jnt-tS90gQ/s200/folksy6.jpg" border="0" /></a>Yup, I'm knitting more of those baby hats and socks for <a href="http://www.afghansforafghans.org/campaign.html">afghans for Afghans</a>.<br /><br />You know, it's a lot of fun playing around with color and pattern combinations, and a baby hat makes a great test swatch. This batch of hats are based on the free pattern <a href="http://charisa-martin.livejournal.com/2131.html">Folk Art For Your Head</a>, which is an adult sized hat. I've made changes, of course.<br /><br />Basically, I followed my pattern for <a href="http://sasw.blogspot.com/2006/03/infant-earflap-hat.html">Infant Earflap Hats</a> for the shape of it. I prefer a fold-up cuff to the rolled brim of the Folk Art hat because it allows the hat to grow with the baby. It's also warmer.<br /><br />I had to fudge the stripe pattern to make it fit onto a smaller hat. Here's the row counts for what I did:<br /><br />Color 1- k1p1 rib 10 rounds, k 2 rounds.<br />Color 2- k 8 rounds.<br />Color 3- k 1 round, p 1 round.<br />Color 4 and 5- *c4 k2, c5 k2* across, 4 rounds.<br />Color 6- k 1 round, p 2 rounds.<br />Color 7- k 5 rounds.<br />Color 2- k 7 rounds, at the same time begin decreasing on alternate rounds (starting with *k6, k2tog* across) on 5th round.<br />Color 1- Continue decreases and complete hat with this color.Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-11456992494672083752008-01-01T17:16:00.000-08:002008-01-01T17:26:43.315-08:00Year in ReviewWhat did I do this last year? Why, lots of stuff of course. Most of it is on my weblog, so I can review it when I like. Here's a tally of it all:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNx5xm4G36WB2aeIiwDFf6VmznLgHPs4iiIrQi3Ar-55iLyvKSBEjIrPaqY1hMZOmj-LMbFJYvv1bWtd-aP2yjvoakpIqtF7tLDm5t73XhsK3HA7R5xMpDlzhULQ26k9QT89yBvA/s1600-h/placemat3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080897898840179922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Handbag made from placemat" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNx5xm4G36WB2aeIiwDFf6VmznLgHPs4iiIrQi3Ar-55iLyvKSBEjIrPaqY1hMZOmj-LMbFJYvv1bWtd-aP2yjvoakpIqtF7tLDm5t73XhsK3HA7R5xMpDlzhULQ26k9QT89yBvA/s200/placemat3.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANgEtUUDe5huTGE9YPT9dWt4ugXVrgUfjHZcYfcjEgmTqiDtcEr6Nnm_TCmyi5AuGWdYIkNnBr9O9JQ0gYpAbIVjPDVjEqeLQ5kIJMfnJ5UMjZpMicQwzQDeillRrGBg9HNCczA/s1600-h/pinkquilt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150654133270102354" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Crib sized quilt top in pink" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANgEtUUDe5huTGE9YPT9dWt4ugXVrgUfjHZcYfcjEgmTqiDtcEr6Nnm_TCmyi5AuGWdYIkNnBr9O9JQ0gYpAbIVjPDVjEqeLQ5kIJMfnJ5UMjZpMicQwzQDeillRrGBg9HNCczA/s200/pinkquilt.jpg" border="0" /></a>I sewed <span style="color:#ff0000;">1 handbag</span> and <span style="color:#ff0000;">1 crib sized quilt top</span>.<br /><br />Yes, I know I didn't blog about the quilting. I was too busy, and had packed it away before I resumed my blogging. I made a bunch of quilt blocks too, but didn't get them sewed together.<br /><br />The pink quilt top I have pulled back out, hoping to finish, and am able to photograph it, so there you go.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh3QMnXaGIoFAW0ZZCh9KMZmczTNMu8PnnI1qTXQG4DXnMxf52sacbcg6LDOWRsOGqNlSDzg_zAdO-EMHdhnp__ZJFUGOzCUTK9w9JUIIPwj4-RBBs8hDdrk26aZAA8fQz2x_3Q/s1600-h/teacozy1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085700539860501842" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Tea cozy for large teapot" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh3QMnXaGIoFAW0ZZCh9KMZmczTNMu8PnnI1qTXQG4DXnMxf52sacbcg6LDOWRsOGqNlSDzg_zAdO-EMHdhnp__ZJFUGOzCUTK9w9JUIIPwj4-RBBs8hDdrk26aZAA8fQz2x_3Q/s200/teacozy1.jpg" border="0" /></a>I knitted <span style="color:#ff0000;">2 tea cozies</span>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FZDXUgGuiEgyIm9mudRqo_lWUOBUcNCb8G53s2e_XSGMaDBqdMVOQvX89c9uaEYMRmosa7-03cJf1ADTSkXIFbIy5d5XqK7ELHAsyagWA206xEJaE_6uRUqzK6VWWFKU0lGE6Q/s1600-h/teacozy2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085700393831613762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 10px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Tea cozy for small teapot" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FZDXUgGuiEgyIm9mudRqo_lWUOBUcNCb8G53s2e_XSGMaDBqdMVOQvX89c9uaEYMRmosa7-03cJf1ADTSkXIFbIy5d5XqK7ELHAsyagWA206xEJaE_6uRUqzK6VWWFKU0lGE6Q/s200/teacozy2.jpg" border="0" /></a>I never thought I'd make a tea cozy, but that was before I had children and interruptions that left my pot full of cold tea.<br /><br />I value my rare moments of peace with a cup of tea, although most often I'm not drinking proper tea. As Poirot would say, it's a tisane.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnXYu8cG7a8vkqDcBdUMStANHXTd2bwdVGx-8WML7M8aakcijePUtebthShKIQoaXpaRk4rku3s8q73E2b1ThKZClMc6clVQfPChGgUin_m4LBtmCp8mPEQXpleu-mZSlax4Hvg/s1600-h/clothpile.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150643404441796930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Pile of dishcloths" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnXYu8cG7a8vkqDcBdUMStANHXTd2bwdVGx-8WML7M8aakcijePUtebthShKIQoaXpaRk4rku3s8q73E2b1ThKZClMc6clVQfPChGgUin_m4LBtmCp8mPEQXpleu-mZSlax4Hvg/s200/clothpile.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUkOfwPmfv8Z5BtGEQwIQmAN6HThBnjUKn5y4_98Y8WAt4AOfwrGXNRKdQMyACvgdbdktKRNDnsJ8btoYZ5N19hzRDuH488Zi3Hi3FBD76Ai7HQfWqSkKfYSJxAzRsEiwQzIjAA/s1600-h/4cornergroup.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mpO99PLK6j6Nx_pl3Qwl_O80HWTcy0HPWuvBLc2O7Ug9-3d3ktb-_qJRDyXZApkqLu39khCwTQZp5VKfZw_Z9xZy5ma2_dOrOOzPZCMV7x-BEao24BM59Fgj52gmmt9_ppg2ng/s1600-h/stripeclothsm.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ2VLk2W23YgC70HfyvmRDG3E0Z6ifii2MAVNIW_0puyw7ZRnd6QJ-K5h11fEaF-VxDeSXklTxcCc0HtLbUNYN1B-JpdcWOo6avMxlZ6lTwfTy-cK454IwyIN9uuuuKzQ0mfyoA/s1600-h/boycloths.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148020240280862962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="3 brightly-colored washcloths" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ2VLk2W23YgC70HfyvmRDG3E0Z6ifii2MAVNIW_0puyw7ZRnd6QJ-K5h11fEaF-VxDeSXklTxcCc0HtLbUNYN1B-JpdcWOo6avMxlZ6lTwfTy-cK454IwyIN9uuuuKzQ0mfyoA/s200/boycloths.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff0000;">26 dishcloths, scrubbies and bath mitts</span>. Can you imagine such a thing? If you had suggested to me last January that I would make a couple dozen dishcloths this year, I would have laughed.<br /><br />I found a pattern I really enjoyed knitting and ended up making lots of these for gifts. Who knew?<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWbLJn7s5B3vQDCqTl0GeEV_8SaUpTWVUygzolNXYJqlX_osyOhY7oHfJ4AjXpou4N828SNwdSmkER6bbrT7oAObNVnQUa3GbIkM-VJVRJ7w8UbcQd6Ulv7JqcfgkpvSU9Yq98A/s1600-h/bluesock3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112354068197526946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Blue socks for my mother" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWbLJn7s5B3vQDCqTl0GeEV_8SaUpTWVUygzolNXYJqlX_osyOhY7oHfJ4AjXpou4N828SNwdSmkER6bbrT7oAObNVnQUa3GbIkM-VJVRJ7w8UbcQd6Ulv7JqcfgkpvSU9Yq98A/s200/bluesock3.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0cla4TC2UsH2ZxzNG7eX2GULGLFzKZljIFG_IF0vFaWgnPnEHnY25PLDgkuSfLi-m8bbXAj_woK7n5QL_qnxpHJ2eHnZDq9Dp5rp9R5uv4mDwAArplCCeOHqknnWX_AEjAIOYw/s1600-h/greysoxsm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116896853576261298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="pair of small grey socks" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0cla4TC2UsH2ZxzNG7eX2GULGLFzKZljIFG_IF0vFaWgnPnEHnY25PLDgkuSfLi-m8bbXAj_woK7n5QL_qnxpHJ2eHnZDq9Dp5rp9R5uv4mDwAArplCCeOHqknnWX_AEjAIOYw/s200/greysoxsm.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff0000;">8 pair of socks</span>. That's 5 pair of adult socks and 3 pair of child's socks.<br /><br />I discovered that both my mother and my youngest son greatly admire handknit socks and can't wait for me to knit them another pair.<br /><br />Sorry, guys, I am going to finish my purple socks first.<br /><br />And speaking of socks,<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhuphyphenhyphenlQPGHKS_cZliUEM0xOf0GCYB2wjqy0y_xU-O7nPTNDkoTuej-f0MPr1BaSmyJKblYVusRywdSgc-ibUEkDU01ZzpsDSTY3U6AJusPcMWhHtcFTAD7lj0KIlWIylh63dRw/s1600-h/a4A7sets.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150667022466957666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="7 sets of baby hats and socks for charity" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhuphyphenhyphenlQPGHKS_cZliUEM0xOf0GCYB2wjqy0y_xU-O7nPTNDkoTuej-f0MPr1BaSmyJKblYVusRywdSgc-ibUEkDU01ZzpsDSTY3U6AJusPcMWhHtcFTAD7lj0KIlWIylh63dRw/s200/a4A7sets.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYYbapsQqB5pP9cLHazQYPCaG_NE88anJERNqwj0VHrIc2_K9TPTaozoFkl5GJ_AmWdWrLwGl41cmyT74fyUAIt3Ee_nUWLn1Dikw1ITdQS4wUWB6EH_9BS1I9MM_SAFTRkvlhA/s1600-h/oliversqs2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134590843365426978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Afghan squares for Oliver" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYYbapsQqB5pP9cLHazQYPCaG_NE88anJERNqwj0VHrIc2_K9TPTaozoFkl5GJ_AmWdWrLwGl41cmyT74fyUAIt3Ee_nUWLn1Dikw1ITdQS4wUWB6EH_9BS1I9MM_SAFTRkvlhA/s200/oliversqs2.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff0000;">7 pair of baby socks and 7 baby hats</span> for charity. These went to afghans for Afghans.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">17 afghan squares</span> for charity. These went to Oliver's Blanket project, hoping he will be able to get some much-needed new equipment.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8q7v3q0zpYqjHVHINUTSYnOTtSOM7V-Ma0ixnKtT_id0aPRSr-r-gUoz6FE46rGM57b1biuYZp3Zcfqe6QhkpkMXA5eBgSvNT7Aaftqvkrmoz8kAOf7yvuS5wSUoS7A4700rNPw/s1600-h/holidayhats.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150675277394100594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8q7v3q0zpYqjHVHINUTSYnOTtSOM7V-Ma0ixnKtT_id0aPRSr-r-gUoz6FE46rGM57b1biuYZp3Zcfqe6QhkpkMXA5eBgSvNT7Aaftqvkrmoz8kAOf7yvuS5wSUoS7A4700rNPw/s200/holidayhats.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGLmWFYC0ARpIj-o15YHH7ZBXdrh3mt7loWS5at8JLwDDHcSC0gMxDNQ5_xAd5s2GDMNlTj9mZlYRJhrtlOm5wPHyiL4jQqEhrj80jpA2OGO2IW7ubBip30KS5_Rw-u06n-htdg/s1600-h/girlyhat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146833794220048594" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Bulky hat for 12-18 month girl." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGLmWFYC0ARpIj-o15YHH7ZBXdrh3mt7loWS5at8JLwDDHcSC0gMxDNQ5_xAd5s2GDMNlTj9mZlYRJhrtlOm5wPHyiL4jQqEhrj80jpA2OGO2IW7ubBip30KS5_Rw-u06n-htdg/s200/girlyhat.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff0000;">5 hats</span> for holiday gifts. 4 adult sized and 1 toddler sized, for family living in colder climates.<br /><br />Trying out different patterns, some I loved, some not so much. The fit varies a lot from designer to designer.<br /><br />I prefer to make my hats snug-fitting so they don't blow away in gusty winter winds.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLiwy7X48VRK6UDxqNg5IEf3tkLbBZnYynrbydbGA_zPSOKOPFoZXMt3m3OKj1qwNGCULo6eoNsaW-9reNuyyu5195v7XBPahTAP6X8P5TEPUEPMqn6kl0YSbZZJtKSx3BQwBow/s1600-h/bugmitts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130947354132280178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Bug Mittens" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLiwy7X48VRK6UDxqNg5IEf3tkLbBZnYynrbydbGA_zPSOKOPFoZXMt3m3OKj1qwNGCULo6eoNsaW-9reNuyyu5195v7XBPahTAP6X8P5TEPUEPMqn6kl0YSbZZJtKSx3BQwBow/s200/bugmitts.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nK6LZB1PpqWsw5jKiJXVtGtuiYvIlQNaBjHB3XrPJsskberLBVV5ycfaEwRWr643Ty5MghI_XuSC2fRVvYkxcPJ4PP7DgBpodffy_yLOK7BfE7kL_wkJx_G7FQdoENHKqK58tg/s1600-h/dollnsox.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119827939804936946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Baby doll wearing knitted outfit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nK6LZB1PpqWsw5jKiJXVtGtuiYvIlQNaBjHB3XrPJsskberLBVV5ycfaEwRWr643Ty5MghI_XuSC2fRVvYkxcPJ4PP7DgBpodffy_yLOK7BfE7kL_wkJx_G7FQdoENHKqK58tg/s200/dollnsox.jpg" border="0" /></a>I knit <span style="color:#ff0000;">One pair of mittens</span> in wool for the boy to wear when we go to the mountains to visit the snow. Who can resist a pair of buggy mitts?<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">1 doll's outfit</span>. A sweater and leggings in a premie baby size just fits the doll my mother made years ago to teach the children how to hold new baby siblings.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxBS0Ot8Ffkn-bAKM3mrZjccwtv1msPG5zrQQ-dJn2UodnS3UkcbkxW5wXG_HKJEXOCIbY9qrNd2jEMGkImJYj4AfI17ufX4uKsd8lmx97qiVUc1ctJqkIdGq-RJPe3aJz_9KTw/s1600-h/Seedcoat4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078994703842575298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Seed Stitch Coat-Finished" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxBS0Ot8Ffkn-bAKM3mrZjccwtv1msPG5zrQQ-dJn2UodnS3UkcbkxW5wXG_HKJEXOCIbY9qrNd2jEMGkImJYj4AfI17ufX4uKsd8lmx97qiVUc1ctJqkIdGq-RJPe3aJz_9KTw/s200/Seedcoat4.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8NuLOa-Ygylj5k9qNwV6VegkeIDvbtDnXjOSkqBBFc_HXMmwNTjhC6dOZA2NsCPoJ5FQpAHBwJcjXz4y55iUsy9XVfxZsE38QEwBGm07vHeVq2NWoasYbWWOCniN57Mu9VK-UUQ/s1600-h/Stephane1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125337084331595890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Red Stephane cardigan" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8NuLOa-Ygylj5k9qNwV6VegkeIDvbtDnXjOSkqBBFc_HXMmwNTjhC6dOZA2NsCPoJ5FQpAHBwJcjXz4y55iUsy9XVfxZsE38QEwBGm07vHeVq2NWoasYbWWOCniN57Mu9VK-UUQ/s200/Stephane1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Last, but not least, the sweaters.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">3 little sweaters</span> for babies and children. A seed stitch coat for my cousin's 1-year-old. An aran style cardigan for the 4-year-old.<br /><br />A simple Baby Surprise Jacket with a matching <span style="color:#ff0000;">Baby Beret</span> for a future baby shower.<br /><br />That's the list of finished projects for the year. I wonder what the coming year will bring?Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-89885111956686237262007-12-28T11:52:00.000-08:002007-12-28T11:49:30.231-08:00Long, Colorful ScarfNow that the holiday knitting is over, I'm taking time to make a list of all the delicious things I would like to knit next. I find it so amusing because the list is so long that I doubt I will ever knit them all. But still, it's fun to think about knitting all that stuff.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpFg3JnYHt5zK8T89W_zYPv_ojN2m5vW_v-rydZMbw9cienq9E308cXwaXIeO6psrPx6F_CnHuOV2H7f94eaM01C7iJvHHDapu1kescnFkr-XJFreADaF8oYIGGEai4A4g39Dmg/s1600-h/joelscarfip2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149095017191981330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Joel's Scarf in progress, about 1/3 finished." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpFg3JnYHt5zK8T89W_zYPv_ojN2m5vW_v-rydZMbw9cienq9E308cXwaXIeO6psrPx6F_CnHuOV2H7f94eaM01C7iJvHHDapu1kescnFkr-XJFreADaF8oYIGGEai4A4g39Dmg/s200/joelscarfip2.jpg" border="0" /></a>I'm not thinking about all those knits idly, oh no, I am working on projects while I'm thinking about other projects to come, of course. And what better time to start next year's gift knitting than now, hm?<br /><br />On the left you can see what I'm working on today, a version of Joel's Scarf from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Experience-Book-Knit-Stitch/dp/1893762130/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198867959&sr=8-1">The Knitting Experience Book 1: The Knit Stitch</a>. Sally Melville was inspired by the <a href="http://www.doctorwhoscarf.com/">Doctor Who Scarf</a> when she designed it, giving it her own colors and stripe pattern to suit her own aesthetics. I wholeheartedly approve. I always did love the idea of a very long striped scarf, but never felt the need to make an exact replica of any of the originals.<br /><br />This scarf I'm making for my eldest son, who loves to wear unusual accessories. He has grown to expect a gift hat from me each year, the wackier the better. I hate to disappoint him. I guess I'll have to make a hat to go with the scarf, won't I?<br /><br />I've had to substitute some of the colors in the scarf. Some of the colors have been discontinued and some simply aren't available at my local shop. As for the rest, well, I really didn't like that Patons olive green at all. So, here's what I'm using:<br /><br />Patons Classic Wool Merino in leaf green, old gold, royal purple and paprika.<br />Lion Wool in cadet blue and dark teal.<br />Cascade 220 Heathers in rust.<br /><br />I like the way these colors play off one another. The feeling is cheerful without being too bright or garish. I also like the fact that you can almost knit this in the dark. It's a great tv knitting project, yards of garter stitch, easy peasy.Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-34946642120504483712007-12-25T16:37:00.000-08:002007-12-25T16:34:58.979-08:00Merry Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ2VLk2W23YgC70HfyvmRDG3E0Z6ifii2MAVNIW_0puyw7ZRnd6QJ-K5h11fEaF-VxDeSXklTxcCc0HtLbUNYN1B-JpdcWOo6avMxlZ6lTwfTy-cK454IwyIN9uuuuKzQ0mfyoA/s1600-h/boycloths.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148020240280862962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="3 brightly-colored washcloths" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ2VLk2W23YgC70HfyvmRDG3E0Z6ifii2MAVNIW_0puyw7ZRnd6QJ-K5h11fEaF-VxDeSXklTxcCc0HtLbUNYN1B-JpdcWOo6avMxlZ6lTwfTy-cK454IwyIN9uuuuKzQ0mfyoA/s200/boycloths.jpg" border="0" /></a>These were the last of the knitted holiday gifts. I finished them yesterday, wrapped them up and sent them off with the rest of the booty to be delivered on Christmas Eve.<br /><br />3 washcloths for boys in brightly colored stripes that make them easy to find in the laundry. Their mother hopes that when they have their own garter-stitch goodness they will leave her dishcloths alone. We will see.<br /><br />I am taking a break from knitting today. I'm going to spend some time planning and deciding what I want to knit next. I want to make some more baby hats and socks for afghans for Afghans, finish the second half of my plum socks and start a cardigan for myself. There are dozens of other things that have caught my eye, and it helps to at least make a list to remind me of these delightful knits waiting to be made. I'll work on that later this evening.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2yfy25ZttV2_pDdc03DIK4WrGv-wMwA4bxE-R0Xu2w32GQ4E5kswvJyLEzKCRip7INGZ-4K3m29j7cdOEq6R0byNcF1iCE-NSPnV13QdPAvmSR-XaGOLl9jOgCa26ceE_wOGyQ/s1600-h/xmasdinner.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148072196500242690" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="My holiday table" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2yfy25ZttV2_pDdc03DIK4WrGv-wMwA4bxE-R0Xu2w32GQ4E5kswvJyLEzKCRip7INGZ-4K3m29j7cdOEq6R0byNcF1iCE-NSPnV13QdPAvmSR-XaGOLl9jOgCa26ceE_wOGyQ/s200/xmasdinner.jpg" border="0" /></a>Just now, I'm finishing up dinner preparations. We're having a simple meal, some of it prepared ahead of time and reheated, some of it made fresh this afternoon, but none of it was complicated. Roast turkey with gravy, stuffing, cranberry orange sauce, crudites, sparkling cider and panettone for dessert. For my eldest son, it's all about the stuffing.<br /><br />I hope you all are having a wonderful day with your families.Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-60086429922607851402007-12-22T08:54:00.000-08:002007-12-22T08:51:48.460-08:00Yet More Holiday Knitting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGLmWFYC0ARpIj-o15YHH7ZBXdrh3mt7loWS5at8JLwDDHcSC0gMxDNQ5_xAd5s2GDMNlTj9mZlYRJhrtlOm5wPHyiL4jQqEhrj80jpA2OGO2IW7ubBip30KS5_Rw-u06n-htdg/s1600-h/girlyhat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146833794220048594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Bulky hat for 12-18 month girl." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGLmWFYC0ARpIj-o15YHH7ZBXdrh3mt7loWS5at8JLwDDHcSC0gMxDNQ5_xAd5s2GDMNlTj9mZlYRJhrtlOm5wPHyiL4jQqEhrj80jpA2OGO2IW7ubBip30KS5_Rw-u06n-htdg/s200/girlyhat.jpg" border="0" /></a>The holiday knitting continues between batches of cookies and loads of dishes and laundry, with Christmas carols playing in the background. Sometimes peaceful, sometimes crazy stressful, such is family life.<br /><br />On the left you see a little hat I made as a gift for my cousin, who will be celebrating her first birthday next month. It was a very quick knit, made from super bulky yarn. You can make this hat while watching tv in an evening. Yes, even <em>you</em>! The pattern is <a href="http://omly.blogspot.com/">Omly's</a> Action Baby Hat and you can find it <a href="http://omly.blogspot.com/2007/11/cotton-candy-hat.html">here</a>. I don't have any circulars or double points in the proper size for this yarn, so I used straight needles, knit it flat and seamed it up the back.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbyTlnGTSkAZMJbNWPugv30mdRTUark4e-9TbPK4_m9u3JEPaBGInoFo01rOC1vgUnriVHxcHlb4mhyhjSLcPAMZHCm5ecAHGyC3DtogjtTzSH_BuYne7sfcYWDKstsQ11I1c6Q/s1600-h/redstuff.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146833669665996994" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Red mitt and dishcloths, child sized." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbyTlnGTSkAZMJbNWPugv30mdRTUark4e-9TbPK4_m9u3JEPaBGInoFo01rOC1vgUnriVHxcHlb4mhyhjSLcPAMZHCm5ecAHGyC3DtogjtTzSH_BuYne7sfcYWDKstsQ11I1c6Q/s200/redstuff.jpg" border="0" /></a>On the right is a little group of kid's play kitchen accessories, 2 'dishcloths' and a pretend 'oven mitt'. Or, they can be a set of bathtime accessories for your favorite toddler. Either way, the kids just love the squishy texture of garter stitch and if you give them these, they will leave your dishcloths alone. Maybe.<br /><br />Inexpensive worsted weight cotton yarn is all you need to make them. The mitt pattern is in the previous post <a href="http://sasw.blogspot.com/2007/12/childs-mitt-pattern.html">here</a>, and the dishcloth is <a href="http://1870pearl.typepad.com/my_weblog/">Abigail's</a> 4-Corners dishcloth <a href="http://1870pearl.typepad.com/4Corners.pdf">here</a>. I made changes to her pattern to make it smaller, I cast on 12 stitches, then short-row decreased down to 3 stitches for each quadrant. If you cast on about 8 stitches, you get a great coaster.<br /><br />You still have time to knit a couple of little projects like these for last-minute gifts, so get busy!<br /><br />Happy Holidays, everyone!Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-68124447861030116742007-12-21T21:58:00.000-08:002007-12-24T13:34:06.437-08:00Child's Mitt Pattern<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyn2vvHWZltRiegsdTOrrImp5Loon5jYhVd0fNMT6VpK7Vt06PucA70RwFoi2FuQZccAeRpTFjFJHGKf80xSGkSU9mY9hYUadwHkdB5IYeUIwcdhIg4OOH1ceoIHqOo47k1JY3w/s1600-h/kidmitts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146649059086712994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="A pair of child-sized garter stitch mitts made of worsted weight cotton yarn." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyn2vvHWZltRiegsdTOrrImp5Loon5jYhVd0fNMT6VpK7Vt06PucA70RwFoi2FuQZccAeRpTFjFJHGKf80xSGkSU9mY9hYUadwHkdB5IYeUIwcdhIg4OOH1ceoIHqOo47k1JY3w/s200/kidmitts.jpg" border="0" /></a>As promised, here is the pattern for the bath mitts I made for my 4-year-old. They have been knitted flat in garter stitch in one piece and are seamed along the outer edge of the hand and inner edge of the thumb. They are designed to fit a preschool aged child loosely, which makes it easier for them to put them on by themselves.<br /><br /><strong>Materials:</strong><br />You will need 1 ball of worsted weight cotton yarn, a pair of size 7 US/4.5 mm needles, a tapestry needle and a stitch holder or a bit of contrasting yarn to hold thumb stitches.<br /><br /><strong>Stitches used:</strong><br />Garter stitch = knit every row.<br />M1 = increase a stitch by knitting into the front and the back of the next stitch, or using your favorite method.<br />K2tog = decrease by knitting 2 stitches together.<br /><br /><strong>Cuff:</strong><br />Cast on 30 stitches. Knit 16 rows in garter stitch (8 ribs).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSEmtZT0VWiHgk_KkpA1qwpbmZNtUYQ8VguL8ewvV_K4rm0Bc3jtlSIjLesxtDwxjQaIcD9_mYeX_wmNgr0ENJQH-7BM9zE4VMrrAqRcmMB7EU3InO2zJmrwpyFyXdGtj30KAaw/s1600-h/mittnogap.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146648874403119250" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Mitt with thumb gusset completed, placing thumb stitches on a holder and continuing palm." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSEmtZT0VWiHgk_KkpA1qwpbmZNtUYQ8VguL8ewvV_K4rm0Bc3jtlSIjLesxtDwxjQaIcD9_mYeX_wmNgr0ENJQH-7BM9zE4VMrrAqRcmMB7EU3InO2zJmrwpyFyXdGtj30KAaw/s200/mittnogap.jpg" border="0" /></a>Row 17: Knit 14 stitches, m1, knit 2, m1, knit 14; 32 stitches.<br />Row 18: Knit across row.<br />Row 18: Knit 14, m1, knit 4, m1, knit 14; 34 stitches.<br />Row 19: Knit.<br />Row 20: Knit 14, m1, knit 6, m1, knit 14; 36 stitches.<br />Row 21: Knit.<br />Row 22: Knit 14, m1, knit 8, m1, knit 14; 38 stitches.<br />Row 23: Knit 14, place the next 10 stitches onto a holder, cast on 2 stitches, knit 14 making sure to not leave a gap (see photo right); 30 stitches on needle.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQDwqkx0QJNxfrMyRiMLHt07fLd-iWH-tCX6maf9Esng4CdcSJOzRBYG29m49VQsp9n4xoBptz5GpZix3aIOnkMFYramYYOfGjHsjWdXiTQRe4q6O_krOXDNGI8z6exn6pW7-mQ/s1600-h/mittpatt1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146648320352337986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Mitt (with thumb gusset stitches held by red yarn) about to begin decreases at fingertip end." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQDwqkx0QJNxfrMyRiMLHt07fLd-iWH-tCX6maf9Esng4CdcSJOzRBYG29m49VQsp9n4xoBptz5GpZix3aIOnkMFYramYYOfGjHsjWdXiTQRe4q6O_krOXDNGI8z6exn6pW7-mQ/s200/mittpatt1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Knit 24 more rows in garter stitch (12 ribs). Your mitt should look like the photo at left.<br /><br />Row 48: *K2tog, knit 3* repeat between *'s across row; 24 stitches.<br />Row 49: Knit.<br />Row 50: *K2tog, knit 2* across; 18 stitches.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkj0pXtsdEl5pWKAFUfLcOUt268MK19nX_NDNPWOmFQmUz-Ip0aPvMOCyRY-6LSyB4vTUh0ZUU96aF0G8YW5HSfpGDM1pJPocpWrxnX-uuWD9bLKj55l3bq8ggeaSYtxuLMC9nCQ/s1600-h/mittpatt2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146648861518217298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Palm of mitt complete, picking up thumb stitches." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkj0pXtsdEl5pWKAFUfLcOUt268MK19nX_NDNPWOmFQmUz-Ip0aPvMOCyRY-6LSyB4vTUh0ZUU96aF0G8YW5HSfpGDM1pJPocpWrxnX-uuWD9bLKj55l3bq8ggeaSYtxuLMC9nCQ/s200/mittpatt2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Row 51: Knit.<br />Row 52: *K2tog, knit 1* across; 12 stitches.<br />Row 53: Knit.<br />Row 54: *K2tog* across; 6 stitches.<br />Cut yarn leaving a 10"/25cm tail, thread the end onto a tapestry needle and draw the yarn through the remaining stitches and pull up tightly. Fasten off. It should now look like the photo at right.<br /><br /><strong>Thumb:</strong><br />Put the thumb gusset stitches back on the needle, as shown.<br /><br />Row 1: Cast on 2 stitches onto right-hand needle, knit the 10 stitches from left needle, cast on 2 stitches; 14 stitches.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoK68QPJuSC1ckZfc8h6_H_O0XqBs-7TSS2bu2wPG1vgFr22HGdHt3hxqvCIEH-zway9KBwRTz_SB-hcon06tuV9yiRA67vLJNGrPDAH_ZxBUsduamtGgs00QwjMHbMl3d1fY2w/s1600-h/mittpatt3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146648865813184610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Thumb stitches complete, ready to sew up mitt." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoK68QPJuSC1ckZfc8h6_H_O0XqBs-7TSS2bu2wPG1vgFr22HGdHt3hxqvCIEH-zway9KBwRTz_SB-hcon06tuV9yiRA67vLJNGrPDAH_ZxBUsduamtGgs00QwjMHbMl3d1fY2w/s200/mittpatt3.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTcgoBb4smY1bXM2dctD_RJn5s5Fm2xYV_s5IEDjxIS1hJmbLVMPr13vhcmdOxwD6o_88qJ-s5qkefnqxQlNyQ9-0duwkJ8IN8aWAEdh_ym5HY2Lnqx2vpoZasPbyqgtQoc-Aqw/s1600-h/mittpatt4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146648865813184626" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Mitt, ready to sew up." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTcgoBb4smY1bXM2dctD_RJn5s5Fm2xYV_s5IEDjxIS1hJmbLVMPr13vhcmdOxwD6o_88qJ-s5qkefnqxQlNyQ9-0duwkJ8IN8aWAEdh_ym5HY2Lnqx2vpoZasPbyqgtQoc-Aqw/s200/mittpatt4.jpg" border="0" /></a>Knit 14 rows (7 ribs).<br /><br />Row 16: *K2tog* across; 7 stitches.<br /><br />Cut yarn leaving a 6"/15cm tail, thread the end onto tapestry needle and draw yarn through remaining 7 stitches. Pull up tightly and fasten off. It should look like the photos at left and right. The knitting is done, now it's time to sew up.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PrVbK4jArEcdrrRUz0OwbtCkKp2qBCI-DGIeKjI_TibE1k6yXXPL1VOwb-bioPp0QeTj7OBJpFNWagcE8VF9CcvPteS6zcsapHXEMKilHUOo3CicUS5OXJ8B4i3Ok7mOERiLBA/s1600-h/mittpatt5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146648870108151938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Finished mitt." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PrVbK4jArEcdrrRUz0OwbtCkKp2qBCI-DGIeKjI_TibE1k6yXXPL1VOwb-bioPp0QeTj7OBJpFNWagcE8VF9CcvPteS6zcsapHXEMKilHUOo3CicUS5OXJ8B4i3Ok7mOERiLBA/s200/mittpatt5.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Finishing:</strong>If you're new at sewing up garter stitch using mattress stitch, <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring04/mattress.html">Knitty has a great article</a> with lots of photos that shows you how.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj05h0lORVYBgQB4HcdHhIMaalt4td3QTcMvIiVJuKsFVpO8aO9IGbKivCJFS_PQbqbD4lGEr7JChWYA1bUbApqQ-sqYiggzzhbX6mIbEq6f9eRHdLbyhxEUR7pODyu6ZCMUfkxg/s1600-h/redmitt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146831603786727602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Red mitt" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj05h0lORVYBgQB4HcdHhIMaalt4td3QTcMvIiVJuKsFVpO8aO9IGbKivCJFS_PQbqbD4lGEr7JChWYA1bUbApqQ-sqYiggzzhbX6mIbEq6f9eRHdLbyhxEUR7pODyu6ZCMUfkxg/s200/redmitt.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I recommend that you start sewing up the longer seam of the outer palm first. This stabilizes the mitt and seems to make it easier to work on the more fiddly thumb.<br /><br />Start sewing up the thumb by seaming the length of the thumb seam, and finish by grafting those extra 4 thumb stitches to the 2 cast on palm stitches they match up with, smoothing and pulling up any little holes you come across. Weave in ends and you're done.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFVmwnIcotDCFii4-khroKTadnCz6Cb-YKaqnTkM-QZ6y1CiPnrGFni3jBm6Sor7YwKWbL3Nby0RHNdcb5Xjgv3Ux21SopL5l2ZHay9TLRJ1Q1yw-ArrrAsyC54RslN090jN1yw/s1600-h/mittruffle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147655515953053922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Mitt with simple crocheted ruffle." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFVmwnIcotDCFii4-khroKTadnCz6Cb-YKaqnTkM-QZ6y1CiPnrGFni3jBm6Sor7YwKWbL3Nby0RHNdcb5Xjgv3Ux21SopL5l2ZHay9TLRJ1Q1yw-ArrrAsyC54RslN090jN1yw/s200/mittruffle.jpg" border="0" /></a>Want to put a ruffle on the cuff for a feminine touch? I embellished this mitt with a simple crocheted edge.<br /><br />Round 1: 2 Single crochet in each cast-on stitch around the cuff, slip stitch in first stitch to join, chain 2.<br />Round 2: Double crochet in each single crochet around the cuff, slip stitch to top of chain, fasten off. Weave in ends.Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-42199980917775584482007-12-17T10:02:00.000-08:002007-12-22T09:09:24.800-08:00More Holiday Knitting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrjpcJ5BOPeEWkJXWHOxjUx38Ae7Kxvc7rVGe-T60rDKoe8zUqyb4QqmSqz4KUwhrqurUdcYWIHzp-tZT0z57z7MY3MDessLVvaWX95w7-O_K5P7UUsIEjd5ixl6jsme4mTQ3dg/s1600-h/clothtribs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145004095202279458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Cotton dishcloths and scrubbies" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrjpcJ5BOPeEWkJXWHOxjUx38Ae7Kxvc7rVGe-T60rDKoe8zUqyb4QqmSqz4KUwhrqurUdcYWIHzp-tZT0z57z7MY3MDessLVvaWX95w7-O_K5P7UUsIEjd5ixl6jsme4mTQ3dg/s200/clothtribs.jpg" border="0" /></a>This is the latest batch of holiday knitting, cotton dishcloths and scrubbies to be sent along with cookies and such to relatives out-of-town.<br /><br />These darlings have all been made with free patterns available on the web: <a href="http://1870pearl.typepad.com/my_weblog/">Abigail's</a> <a href="http://1870pearl.typepad.com/4Corners.pdf">4-Corners dishcloth</a> (the 3 cloths made with ombred yarns) and <a href="http://1870pearl.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/02/rubadubdub.html#comments">Tribbles</a> (the 3 little round scrubbies) are my favorites, <a href="http://www.bernat.com/pattern.php?PID=243">Bernat's Knit Eyelet and Simple Ridge Dishcloths</a> (green cloth in the center) and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/eloomanators-diagonal-knit-dishcloth">Eloomanator's Diagonal Knit Dishcloth</a> (green cloth on the left), which is only available on Ravelry right now.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxJUd0QF3RatyOiP-4EZUogk80XH1-psmvPdrvTRfe2Sk63CIolvNgPwM5XZJgwKKVrsotHB3hCmhU6HygBbY9N9PoKWXckixe82sX4ya26r80sZcaKXQyLM0VOuKi5Z_iNWYiA/s1600-h/childbathmitt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145011667229622322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Child's bath mitts" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxJUd0QF3RatyOiP-4EZUogk80XH1-psmvPdrvTRfe2Sk63CIolvNgPwM5XZJgwKKVrsotHB3hCmhU6HygBbY9N9PoKWXckixe82sX4ya26r80sZcaKXQyLM0VOuKi5Z_iNWYiA/s200/childbathmitt.jpg" border="0" /></a>I've also made a pair of these child-sized bath mitts in Lion Cotton. I think they will make a great gift for the 4-year-old. He can use them in the bath, of course, but he can also use them for imaginative play. He likes to pretend he's an Iron chef and I believe he will use these as oven mitts in his play kitchen. It will be interesting to see what else his imagination will make of them.<br /><br />I will post the pattern for these soon.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Edit:</span> Pattern posted <a href="http://sasw.blogspot.com/2007/12/childs-mitt-pattern.html">here</a>.Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902801.post-60872703882098872662007-12-11T00:15:00.000-08:002007-12-11T00:13:00.630-08:00Baking Frenzy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocvgLYAiOzE7AKsrGgiFeaqoi53NHxH4UKe0WZZiQkLg7s4u1oGebj-tcja4m-QEBnUMNrDcryNCyxEVcRLkWHOG3AXvRQBE8phUZHIM_gJOc-JCCmIsq6qW8j-h3nuwqI2g8mQ/s1600-h/cookietin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142618686589062354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocvgLYAiOzE7AKsrGgiFeaqoi53NHxH4UKe0WZZiQkLg7s4u1oGebj-tcja4m-QEBnUMNrDcryNCyxEVcRLkWHOG3AXvRQBE8phUZHIM_gJOc-JCCmIsq6qW8j-h3nuwqI2g8mQ/s200/cookietin.jpg" border="0" /></a>I have a few more pieces of holiday knitting completed, but I'm in the middle of my annual holiday baking frenzy right now. I'm too busy to photograph the new knits and blog about them today, but I will do so soon.<br /><br />In the mean time, I thought you might enjoy a quick photo of the contents of one of the tins I've been filling with cookies to ship to friends and family far away. These are quick and easy cookies to make, simple drop cookies for the most part, without decoration because I just don't have time this year for fussy stuff.<br /><br />The contents are, moving clockwise beginning upper left: Chai-Spiced Cookies from Pillsbury Classic Cookbook #320 (This year's Holiday Cookies book), Strawberry Drops made from a cake mix, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from the oatmeal box, and Surprise Chocolate Bites from Better Homes and Gardens Easy Baking magazine.<br /><br />I must go, I have more cookies to bake, and a mountain of washing up to do.Arihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15204658575989822133noreply@blogger.com0