tmarieknits

a few doll sweaters

2009-04-20T10:21:00.003-04:00

I have been knitting here and there, these will fit an 18" doll such as American Girl Doll. I found the pattern here:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/eyelet-top-down-cardi-for-18-dolls

Have a wonderful Easter holiday!

2009-04-11T13:57:00.001-04:00

Glitter Graphics - GlitterLive.com

2009-04-02T08:34:00.001-04:00

More graphics at CustomGlitterGraphics.com

Baby Sweater complete!

2009-03-09T08:12:00.002-04:00

The Ann Norling Infant Set I baby sweater and hat were finished up and shipped to the expectant mom amd she loved it! I decided to knit the 12 months size and she was very pleased, new babies tend to receive so much to wear that's newborn or 3-6 months size. I wanted her to able to dress baby in something warm for next fall & winter. I recommend the pattern, this is the first time I have tried ann norling designs, well written and easy to follow!

Now I am trying a new doll sweater and have some ideas to design my own.
Happy knitting!

Knitting away on that baby sweater!

2009-02-17T11:13:00.002-05:00

I am slowly getting this knitted up for a baby due in late March. I'm enjoying working with Plymouth Dream Baby yarn!

The pattern is by Ann Norling, Infant Set I, here

baby sweater on the needles

2009-01-31T14:17:00.003-05:00

Finally back to knitting! We are all moved in here down in sunny Florida and loving it!!

DD has a friend expecting her first baby ( a boy) in March and she asked me to knit a baby sweater, only requirement-- no pastel shades. I found this Plymouth Dream Baby & it's so soft!

Here' my progress so far, this is the back of the sweater.

Happy New Year Everyone!

2009-01-01T10:03:00.000-05:00

glitter-graphics.com

Happy Holidays/Merry Christmas Everybody!

2008-12-19T18:57:00.001-05:00

Moved to Florida as planned and slowly getting settled/unpacked, no time at all for knitting or crocheting but I brought it ALL with me, lol!!

Have a Thankful Holiday!!

2008-11-25T20:58:00.000-05:00

and yet another doll sweater......

2008-11-19T07:08:00.005-05:00

This is the Happy Day Hooded Cardigan in a book by Charlene Schurch American School of Needlework #1348 Knits for Girls and Dolls. LOVE this pattern, yarn I used is Bernat Satin, it's all a blur, lol!

I'm SO BUSY emptying out my house and packing for the move to Florida in early December. We have lived here 18 years and I can't believe all the "stuff" we have. Most I have donated, sold all the furniture on craigslist and to friends and some on ebay. The house is on the market but no bites on it yet, the economy isn't the greatest but I'm very positive it will sell, maybe not right away but hopefully within a year or so. Okay back to cleaning & packing!

Happy Halloween!!

2008-10-30T20:36:00.001-04:00

My Favorite Time of Year!!

2008-09-30T11:43:00.003-04:00

another doll sweater

2008-09-30T11:34:00.003-04:00

This is from a Judith Shangold pattern, you can see her designs here and there's a database of retail shops that carry her patterns.
www.judithshangold.com
Petals Jacket & Hat, also sized for children.

more knit doll outfits :)

2008-08-14T07:52:00.002-04:00

I was able to finish a few more, these are loads of fun to make!!

Summertime!

2008-07-28T21:38:00.003-04:00

I can't believe summer is flying by so quickly but I have been busy!! some knitting on doll clothes only because I purchased this 18" Springfield doll named Lindsay and knitted her this outfit with others going on the needles!

Working here at the house, painting, re-finishing furniture and trying to grow some tomatoes. I don't really have a green thumb but they are coming along finally. We have had a lot of rain and thunder storms this month so it has been a challenge, the weeds sure do like it!

My dd and sil are coming up from Va. for a visit and then my sister and 3 little girls will be here. We have plans to go to the beach and the fair and take my mom out to dinner for her 70th b-day( it's a surprise! :)
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer too!! I know I am ;)

Happy Fourth of July!!

2008-06-30T16:10:00.003-04:00

My husband and I have been very busy working on our home and rental properties. I have been crocheting a little and have a stack of patterns I want to knit but just can't seem to find the time!!! Of course summer is here and I am out walking and started a weight lifting program trying to get into better shape. The winter months and bad weather allowed me to gain about 10lbs which doesn't make me happy, ;( so I guess that's where I am putting all my efforts at the moment!! Yes, we still plan on leaving the area and heading south to either Virginia or Florida, just the thought of packing and selling everything is mind boggling, but it's our ultimate goal.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July!!

Look at my Knit Picks Sampler!

2008-05-13T11:40:00.003-04:00

Look at the beautiful gift I rec'd!!
You can read all about the sampler here
I can't wait to try these yarns, the colors are so pretty and yarn so very soft! You also receive the free patterns in the pack and the yarn will make all of the projects!! Lace Cap, Lace Mat, Morning Glory Purse and Ruffled Wristwarmers

A Wish for all Moms out there!

2008-05-07T10:39:00.001-04:00

Crochet potholders are the thing!

2008-04-16T09:50:00.004-04:00

I have been obsessed with my stash of cotton yarns- Sugar N Cream and Peaches n Cream making oodles of potholders, hot pads and a few dishcloths. meanwhile my UFO pile of baby sweaters and other goodies are piling up!

Here's just a sample of what I have been up to:

Seed Stitch Baby Sweater

2008-04-01T11:32:00.004-04:00

I finished this little goodie last week, pattern from Lion Brand, click here. I used Bernat Satin solid in color lagoon. I added in the buttonholes to avoid using the ties that are in the directions. Great top down design. I have some yarn left and hoping I could find a nice bootie or hat pattern with seed stitch to match....

While knitting I also started this crochet baby sweater using some Red Heart TLC Lustre ( disc. yarn) from the stash, it's cute pattern with stars on the front, more details to follow.

So while I was in the crochet mood, I rec'd from a friend an order to crochet up a dozen of these Dolly Potholders, now the ones I am making for her have 2 potholders hanging below and are secured with a large button BUT they are taking FOREVER to get done! I am having fun mixing and matching colors, she isn't fussy about which colors I make, she will take whatever I work up, so I am using up the stash of Red Heart worsted weight. Today tho my wrists are aching and slowing me down not to mention I am tired of making them argh............................ but I will keep smiling :) and crochet on!

Sailboat Baby Blanket update & pattern

2008-03-12T10:26:00.005-04:00

pattern is from the book The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber Page 20 “Boats for Cameron”, I re-designed the pattern to be worked all in one piece adding in my own cables and seed stitch borders and using only the boat design from the book. There are 3 boat sections and 4 cables. You will need size 8 circular knitting needle either 24" or 29" in length and worsted weight yarn at least 1500 yds. This also depends on how long you would like the blanket, it may take less. I have 6 skeins of TLC Essentials by Red Heart ( coats & clark) color is light lake blue. (I am 12 rows into the my 2nd skein at this point. You will also need stitch markers and a cable needle.

Begin by making a copy of page 22 from the book because you will have to re-number the pattern rows to make it easier to follow. :)
Boat panel begins with 6 rows of stockinette stitch ( K 1 row, Purl 1 row). These are rows 2-7 from the book ignoring row 1. Now re-number the rows as follows: Row 8 becomes 7 , row 9 becomes row 8 and so on ending with row 27 changing to row 26 and rows 28-37, those become rows 27-30 which are 4 rows of stockinette. In between each sailboat panel I stuck in 4 rows of seed stitch but you could eliminate this part if you choose. Ignore the rest of pattern from the book.

The cable pattern I used is the following:
Row1: k2, p2, k6, ps, k2
Row2: k1, p1, k2, p6, k2, p1, k1
Row3: k2, p2, k6, p2, k2
Row4: k1, p1, k2, p6, k2, p1, k1
Row5: (Cable twist row)k2, p2, slip next 3 stitches to a cable needle and hold in back of work, knit next 3 stitches, knit 3 stitches from cable needle, p2, k2
Row6: k1, p1, k2, p6, k2, p1, k1

I cast on 148 sts ( 2 side borders of seed stitch 10 sts each) (3 boat panels of 24 sts each) (4 cable sections each 14 sts) start by knitting 10 rows of seed st for the bottom border. Grab 8 stitch markers ( PM=place marker)and begin knitting 10 sts seed stitch, PM, Row 1 of cable pattern (14 stitches), PM, work row 1 of boat panel ( this is your first row of stockinette, all knit), PM, row 1 of cable pattern, PM, row 1 of boat panel, PM, row 1 of cable pattern, PM, row 1 of boat panel, PM, row 1 of cable pattern, PM, 10 sts in seed stitch. Continue working with row 2 of boat panel
( all purl) and row 2 of cable.
Note that each boat panel starts and ends with 6 rows of stockinette, followed by 4 rows of seed stitch.
I use post-it notes to keep track of my rows,being sure to cable twist every 6th row.
Click on the picture to get a close up view
If you need help please leave a comment with your email address.

2nd Tulips Cardigan

2008-02-26T13:32:00.006-05:00

We have arrived home after our extended vacation to Florida, all rested and relaxed. Average daily temperature was 75 and sunny all the time!! I love that type of weather and hubby and I are now planning to move to Florida, yay!! I love the fresh produce we could buy just down the street, especially the strawberries and tomatoes, delicious! We did a lot of walking too, hit the beach and found lots of nice shells and went boating/fishing in the Gulf. The picture above was taken at Sanibel Island.

While gone I cast on my second baby cardigan called TULIPS by Dream In Color Designs. link here.

The yarn I used was Baby Bee- Little Britches , a Hobby Lobby yarn. The print/color is "carousel" and only took 1 skein using size 6 needles. The yarn label states that its a bulky yarn but I would say it's more a worsted weight.

Okay, back to reality now and perhaps start another little sweater or maybe knit on the sail boat baby blanket, that is if I can remember where I tucked it ..............

Some seaming to do!

2008-01-28T13:53:00.000-05:00

This is my progress on the baby sweater from the previous post. Body all knit and the sleeves which need to be "set in" and the lace to knit for the collar trim and sewn in place. If you get a chance please try this pattern!! I haven't knit any lace in a long time and I think I'm hooked!!

Hubby and I are headed to Florida for our annual trip, this time we will stay with DD #2 and her BF in Ft. Myers, 3 weeks of sunshine and fun!! Of course I'll bring some knitting and/or crocheting along, I'd be lost without it. DD mentioned if I could knit her a sweater so she's looking around for yarn shops in the area. She wants to pick out a pattern, YAY! I'd love to knit for her!

now another baby sweater!

2008-01-21T17:57:00.001-05:00

I started the baby sweater pattern in the book Lace From the Attic by Nancie Wiseman page 77. This is a lovely book that Nancie wrote back in 1998 depicting the knitted lace patterns written by Miss Blanche Beau. Her diary was given to Nancie after it was found in the attic of Miss Beau's home. I found the book at the library, it is published by Interweave Press.

I am using Bernat Softee Baby in baby pink marl and size 4 and 5 needles to get gauge. The pattern calls for Tahki Cotton Classic and size 5 & 6 needles. I have 2 balls and should be plenty for the sweater and the hat as shown.

You knit on just 9 sts for the lace first and then bind off leaving one stitch, pick up and knit across the straight edge and begin the body of the sweater. What you see here is the length up to the underarm.

In between I have knit on the sail boat blanket just to keep my legs warm!!! It has been VERY cold here in WNY. Great knitting weather, a hot cup of tea and my knitting what could be better?

Crochet set "Baby Pastels", a FO!

2008-01-14T13:29:00.001-05:00

I have finished the crochet set called Baby Pastels, a pattern by Julie Armstrong, this pattern came from an ebay seller.

I used white Red Heart TLC baby yarn and colors of baby pompadour I had in the stash. A lot of treble crochets in this one but a fun and easy pattern to follow.

here is the close-up shot.

and a few more pics.

okay, now back to knitting on the sailboat blanket!

Happy New Year Everyone!

2007-12-31T13:40:00.000-05:00

The Christmas holiday was wonderful but not much knitting or crocheting for me!! I am home again and getting back in the groove. I also had lasik eye surgery while in Virginia, no more glasses or contacts for me, yay! If you are interested the procedure I highly recommend LasikPlus Vision centers
I'll be back after I get settled with hopefully with a few FOs to show you. again I wish a happy and healthy New Year to all!!
2008 is gonna be great!

Just checking in...

2007-12-19T11:39:00.000-05:00

I have been so busy, no time for blogging it seems.
I have been doing a small amount of knitting but not within the last few weeks!
This is the sailboat & cables baby blanket I revamped from a Debbie Macomber pattern in The Shop on Blossom Street. The design in the book is worked in strips and all seamed together, of course something I'm not a fan of!! So I redesigned the baby blanket using my own cable, borders and her sailboat. This is the start, you can see I'm just beginning the second sailboat. The yarn is Red Heart TLC Essentials in Medium Lake Blue.

The other project I have going is a pretty crochet baby layette set called Pastel Shells, see only one sleeve is completed. I had to put this down to do some requested potholders, towel hangers and hot pads as christmas gifts. Which are all delivered and I have no picture!!!!

anyway, back to hustle and bustle of packing,hubby and I will travel to Virginia for Christmas with DD and SIL, our youngest daughter will meet us from Florida, it will be wonderful!! This will be my first christmas out of New York state.
I sure hope this finds everyone doing well and enjoying your holidays!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

2007-11-20T19:56:00.000-05:00

bunting and booties

2007-11-20T19:21:00.000-05:00

The bunting project is over! I finally finished the other day, seamed and buttons sewed on last night! I had some yarn leftover ( Red Heart TLC Essential in powder blue) so I whipped up the booties this evening. The pattern is out of an older American School of Needlework book- Booties, Booties, Booties by Mary Thomas book number 1049, cute book that has knit and crochet booties 15 patterns in all. Dated 1987.

The bunting pattern came from this website check out their other patterns, unique designs, I would like to own them all! Easy to order too, they send the patterns in pdf. By the way the bunting is knit top down, the hood is added after and the car seat slit I sort of made up as I went along. The length from the underarm to bottom ribbing is 15", the picture doesn't look it though. That part was knit in the round and it went fast! This was my first attempt knitting a baby bunting and I rather enjoyed it! The pattern is one I will probably knit again, you know for my future GC ;-)

A Knitting Update...

2007-11-08T20:36:00.000-05:00

click on the pictures to get a close up

Stopping in to show you a sweater I have had finished and just finally got around to taking pictures! This is the Eyelet Baby Cardigan Jen designed and is available on her blog here. I used size 3 needles and Bernat Softee Baby in antique white. I truly enjoyed knittng this pattern, why not stop by her blog and check out her other free sweater patterns, her work is a pleasure to see and so inspiring!

Next is a raglan baby sweater, newborn size using Red Heart TLC (discontinued) in natural. I added a few appliques for some "prettyness"
is that a word? LOL

On to the baby bunting I have been asked to make. Size 9 needles and some Red Heart TLC Essentials in powder blue, nice soft yarn.
This is knit from the top down, will have 7 buttonholes, a slit for the carseat and a hood, I better get going and finish this! The baby is on the way she tells me, maybe sooner than they thought.

also I have started designing a baby sweater/jacket, so far so good, stay tuned!

Happy Halloween!!

2007-10-30T17:01:00.000-04:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-10-29T13:15:00.001-04:00

Cutie Baby Bootie pattern is ready!!

2007-10-12T19:32:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone likes the pattern, it's easy & so quick to knit up!

Cutie Baby Bootie

Sm amount worsted weight yarn
Size 7 needles
Scissors, yarn needle
Size: newborn: sole measures 3 ½”

Cast on 39 sts, leaving a 10” tail for sewing the back seam

Row 1: K 14, with yarn in front slip next st as if to purl, K 9, with yarn in front slip next stitch as if to purl, K 14.
Row 2 (RS) : K 4, with yarn in front slip next stitch as if to purl, K 29, with yarn in front slip next stitch as if to purl, K4.

Repeat these 2 rows for 8 ridges (16 rows) ending with a RS row.

Next row: cast off 6 sts, K next 7 sts, with yarn in front slip next stitch as if to purl, K 9, with yarn in front slip next stitch as if to purl, K across to end of row.
Next Row: (RS): cast off 6 sts, knit across all stitches.

Row 1: working K 1, P1 ribbing over next 8 sts, with yarn in front slip next stitch as if to purl, K9, with yarn in front slip next stitch as if to purl, rib last 8 sts.
Row 2 (RS): Rib 8 sts, K11, Rib 8 sts.
Repeat these 2 rows 5 more times, (12 rows), ending with a RS row.

Next row: P2 tog 4 times, with yarn in front slip next stitch as if to purl, K9, with yarn in front slip next stitch as if to purl, P2tog 4 times. 19 sts remain.

Cut yarn but leave a 10” tail and thread yarn needle and draw thru remaining sts, pull tight and knot, continue to sew instep seam to where the ribbing stitches end.
With tail of yarn from cast on, sew entire back seam to bottom of bootie, gather the 9 bottom/sole sts by weaving in and out of the ends of sts, pull tight and finish off. Can add satin ribbon bows or pompoms, being sure they are attached securely.

Please note that this pattern is my original design and may be used for personal use only. If you wish to share this with friends, please direct them to my site.

Back of booties

Bottom of booties:

Rindy's Raglan & booties

2007-10-10T14:04:00.000-04:00

REMEMBER TO CLICK ON THE PHOTOS FOR A CLOSE UP LOOK!

Back home and back to knitting! So far this week I have completed Rindy's Raglan baby sweater , worsted weight & sized for a newborn.

Here are the booties, a pattern I have developed and it seems to go well with this sweater! Besides I had yarn leftover, just enough actually to make the booties.

The yarn I used for the project is a skein of Red Heart Lustre TLC ( which is discontinued) from the stash and one of my favorites, the color: Sweet Dreams on size 7 needles.

here is close up of the bottom of the booties

they are newborn size with 3 1/2" sole

I will share the pattern in a few days as I am pressed for time today! More later!!

2 more are now finished

2007-09-16T19:13:00.000-04:00

I just sewed the buttons on this evening and took pictures before the sun went down! My camera takes better shots in natural sunlight, the flash distorts the colors of yarn and I am currently shopping for a new digital camera. So far the Canon Powershot SD800 is the one we are considering but will keep looking.

Anyway, here are the sweaters, first one up is the bahama ombre color of Bernat's Satin, love this yarn, so soft. The sweater measures 10" in length from the shoulder down, it looks squatty to me in the picture which I think my Adobe program I use for pictures is to blame.

I created the hat to match myself which has satin ribbon ties but somehow I hid them in the picture. The sweater pattern comes from B. Dillon Designs, she's a designer that lives in Bellevue, Washington. The name of this design is Baby's Knitted Lace Cardigan which is neck down featuring old shale or feather & fan.

I started the second one a few days ago because I really enjoyed the knitting and I came across some Paton's Astra in a soft peach shade in my stash, 3 balls and I have very little left. I modified the pattern a bit by changing the 3rd row of the feather & fan pattern to a purl row which produced a nice
smooth fabric. And I also changed the decrease row at the end of the sleeve from K1, K2tog: to K2, K2tog which widened the cuff some. On my first sweater it just looked too tight!

and again I made the hat pattern up myself.
Chest measurements on these are 20" about a 1 year size.

Hubby and I are hitting the road yet again, this time to Nags Head, NC for a week. We planned this months ago with our oldest daughter and new SIL along with his parents. The 6 of us are renting a beautiful home complete with a pool, hot tub and everything we need! We only have to bring ourselves, food and drink. Only 5 minutes from the beach, lots of shopping ( hopefully a yarn shop.....fingers are crossed!!!!) oh and dining too!

Of course I will take some knitting, just have to decide do I start something new? or take along something in the UFO basket???
There will be plenty of knitting time too, we will drive down to Richmond, Va where the kids are just moving into their brand new built home. That is a 9 hour ride and then in a few days we leave for Nags Head another 3 hour ride. Plenty of knitting time, well when it's not my turn to drive, which I love to do too!

This sure is my year for traveling, I am so blessed and these are wonderful memories with my daughters, husband and family!

knitting but only UFO's

2007-09-05T14:09:00.000-04:00

I am home again ( YAY!) and ready to show the latest projects, first is a Bev Dillon design which is Baby's Knitted Lace Cardigan ( neck down). I am using Bernat's Satin in bahama. I love the way the pattern is written which makes a nice smooth edge along the garter border, and that is to end each row slipping the last stitch as if to purl. As you can see I have the sleeves to knit and it will be done. I have 3 skeins and only into the 2nd skein and I just might have a bootie pattern with the old shale pattern. or I'm sure I could incorporate that design into a bonnet....

This is the eyelet knit baby cardigan and worked up on size 3 needles working with over 200 stitches in the body has been a challenge but I have enjoyed the knitting! The middle section of the yoke is done a fancy lace pattern and it's not shown well in my photo. When I get this completed I'll take a close up of that pattern, it was all new to me and I love the look! So delicate & perfect for a little girl.

YES, I do have one sweater & hat I was able to finish!

Would you believe this is same sweater? One pic is with the flash, one is without. The bottom picture is the true color of the yarns, I used 2 strands held together of Red Heart Baby TLC in an ombre and banana yellow on size 9 needles. This the baby jiffy knit sweater from Cathy's blog. I have made similar "jiffy" sweaters before, the pattern on her blog is nice as she gives several options for needle sizes and yarns. I made the I-cord for the ties just as she did and used her idea for the hat, it was a quick project!

okay back to unpacking and laundry.............

home again...............

2007-08-25T10:40:00.000-04:00

Hubby & I are back home and adjusting to being gone so I will show one sweater I finished so far. I have a few more in the works and will get those up when I can.

This is another of my baby size design of the top down by Plymouth. I made a BIG mistake when I knitted the buttonholes, they are on the right side!!! Oh well, too late to change that!!

I used Bernat Softee baby yarn and the little hat I just made up as I went along.

We will be traveling again this Labor Day weekend so I will be busy preparing for that trip, this time we will travel up in northern NY state just north of the 1000 Islands. We are visiting my husband's "senior man" which is the apprentice each trooper is assigned to when they first come on the job. We lived in that area for a little over a year and it will be fun to go back after 24 years!!

Have a safe & happy holiday everyone!

baby leaving the nest & road trip knitting!

2007-07-25T18:57:00.000-04:00

I will be leaving soon to take my youngest daughter to Florida for the next chapter in her life. She & I will drive to Va. to visit her sister, my oldest daughter for 2 nights and then on down to Florida, N. Miami to be exact! My husband and daughter's bf will drive seperate on a further west route to avoid the mountains as they pulling the bf's boat. Then we will help them to get settled and relax a bit, taking a few days to check out Key West! YES! I have always wanted to go there. We spent many vacations in FL visiting the in-laws when the girls were young but never ventured very far so this is my treat!!

I am packing and finding knitting to take along. I started working on this top down sweater, it's the same pattern as the one shown in July 9th post. I changed that worsted weight pattern to baby yarn and made a few other changes. I may need a few boy sweaters as we have friends that are expecting grandbabies for the first time!! I think I can knit that in the car or at the pool for sure!

I did make a proto-type baby bootee but I am struggling to put it together, it's just not what I thought, so it's on the back-burner for now. BUT that whole process gave me some other ideas for knit baby bootees, hopefully I can develop those when I get back!

Be back soon with finished knits and pictures!

Swing Sweater & Bonnet

2007-07-20T08:29:00.000-04:00

The yarn I used was Bernat Softee Baby yarn in color " baby baby" on size 4 needles.

Changes to Baby Sweater in ASN book #1210
Learn to Knit in Just One Day

PLEASE NOTE ABOUT INCREASES that create the "flare" on both sleeves and the body of the sweater, work them as M1 ; "Make one increase" as shown on this link:
http://www.knitpicks.com/content/index.php/archive/make-1-increase/
If you work them as K1 Front & back it will leave a hole.

When you reach Row 37 of sweater (dividing row) put left front stitches on a stitch holder; for left sleeve: K37, turn cast on 3 sts and purl across sleeve, turn, cast on 3 sts , Knit across. Work 5 rows of stockinette stitch beginning with a Purl row and ending with a Purl row.
Then work 3 sets of rows 1-6 of sleeve , ending with 35 sts
K 1 row
Purl 1 row
next row K5, Inc in next st, repeat 5 times, ending K5.
P 1 row
K 1 row
P 1 row
Now work edging as written.

Reattach yarn to right side of back, K74 sts of back, K37 for right sleeve. Cast on sts, turn, purl across 40sts, cast on 3 sts, turn, knit across sleeve stitches only leaving back sts on needle as you work. Work 5 rows of stockinette stitch. Work rows 5 & 6 of pattern, Then knit 3 sets of rows 1-6.

Reattach yarn on right side of Right Front, knit across 38 sts of right front. Using a spare needle, slide left front stitches onto spare needle, then slide onto other end of circular needle( the end that will be in your left hand). Purl across all sts & begin body with Row 3.

When you have knit 3" of body, end on a purl row. The next row will be an increase row to create the flare in the bottom of the sweater.
K 16, inc in next stitch, repeat 7 times, knit to end of row.
158 sts on needle.
Purl 1 row
Work rows 27-35 of sweater on page 24; 224 sts on needle.
Purl 1 row
K 1 row
P 1 row
K 1 row
P 1 row
Work lower edging as written and bind off
finish sweater as written.

Here it is on my "model", looks cute the way it gathers across the back.

Back to bootie designing.............

Top Down in baby weight & another FO

2007-07-09T09:52:00.000-04:00

I completed the adjustments to this pattern from worsted weight to baby/sport yarn.

here are the details:

My version worked in 3ply baby/sport yarn , With added collar

Finished measurements:
Chest: 19"
Length: 9"
Sleeve seam: 5 ¼"
Materials: I used Bernat Softee Baby 4.25oz – 333 yard ball
(This is more than adequate, you will have yarn leftover)
Gauge: 5.5 sts = 1", 7 rows = 1"
Needle: US size 6 or size you require to obtain gauge
2 stitch holders

Abbrev.
RS= right side, WS= wrong side
K2tog= Knit 2 stitches together
Note: to increase, Knit in front and back ( F&B) of same stitch (or purl if on wrong side (WS)
Yo= yarn over
SSK= slip 2 sts one at a time as if to knit, put left needle through the front of these two sts, and knit them together through their back loops

Buttonholes: worked on right front for girl’s at beginning of row, pattern is written for a girl sweater. Worked on left front for boy’s at end of row as follows: Work to within last 4sts, YO, K2tog, K2. To tighten up the buttonhole, on the next row when you reach the YO, purl the YO instead of knitting it.g
Sweater shown has a buttonhole worked every 6 garter ridges ( or 12 rows)

CO 69
Knit 20 rows
21st row: K4, K2 tog 31 times, end K3
22nd row: K2, (YO, K2tog this is a buttonhole), Purl to last 4 sts, K4.
23rd row: K4, inc in next 31 sts, end K3
24th row: K4, purl across, end K4

Begin yoke as follows:
Row 1: ( RS) K13, yo, K1, yo, K7, yo, K1, yo, K25, yo, K1, yo, K7, yo, K1, yo, K13.
Row 2: ( WS) K4, purl to last 4 sts, k4
Row 3: K14, yo, K1, yo, K9, yo, K1, yo, K27, yo, K1, yo, K9, yo, K1, yo, K14
Row 4: K4 sts, purl to last 4 sts, K4
Continue working in this established pattern, working 8 increases per RS row until there are 173 sts on needle. There will be 13 yo holes down each seam increase, end with a WS row.

Divide for sleeves and body:
K26 sts ( left front) and place on a holder, K35 sts ( left sleeve) and leave these sts on the needle. ** Turn, purl into front and back ( F & B ) of first stitch, purl across to last stitch, purl into F&B of last stitch. 37 sts.
Work back and forth on these left sleeve sts only until length from point of division measures 3", end with a WS row.
Work 2 pattern repeats as follows:
Row 1: ( RS) Knit
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: K2, * (yo, k2 tog), repeat from * to last stitch, K1.
Row 4: Knit
Row 5: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.
Row 6: Purl
Row 7 & 8: Knit
Row 9: K3, * (yo, SSK), repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2.
Row 10: Knit
Row 11: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1.
This is where I changed the pattern rows to ribbing, you will begin on a wrong side row and work 6 rows of K1, P1 ribbing. Bind off loosely and leave a 10” tail of yarn for sewing up the sleeve seam.
Return to body, reattach yarn at armhole edge with RS facing. Knit across next 51 sts ( back) and place these sts on a stitch holder. Knit across next 35 sts for right sleeve and leave on needle. Finish this right sleeve as for left sleeve from ** to binding off.
Return to body reattach yarn at armhole edge with RS facing. Knit across next 26 sts of right front, Turn, K4, purl across 21 sts of right front, purl F&B of next stitch. Place the back sts on left needle, purl F&B of the first stitch, purl across to last stitch of the back, purl F&B of the last stitch.
Place left front stitches on left needle, purl F&B of next stitch, purl to last stitch 4 sts, K4. 107 stitches total.

Body: keeping the edge 4 sts in garter stitch, begin working in stockinette stitch ( knit 1 row, Purl 1 row) until body measures 3", ending with a WS row. Work 3 pattern repeats as follows:

Row 1: ( RS) Knit
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: K4, K1, * (yo, k2 tog), repeat from * to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 4: Knit
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: K4, purl to last 4 sts, K4
Row 7 & 8: Knit
Row 9: K4, K1, * (yo, SSK), repeat from * to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 10: Knit
Row 11: Knit
Row 12: K4, purl to last 4 sts, K4
Row 13: & 14: Knit
Row 15: K4, K1, * (yo, K2tog), repeat from * to last 4 sts, K4
Row 16: knit
Row 17 & 18: Knit
Bind off loosely.Finish: sew underarm seams. Weave in all ends. Sew on buttons

Knitted Baby Kimono Jacket

I found this on the wrapper of Caron's new Simply Soft Baby.

you can read about the yarn here.

click on my pictures to see a close-up, the yarn has little nubbies almost like twists of a fine yarn in pastel colors. no splitting at all easy to knit & soft too!

Pattern is written for 3-6 months, 12 mo. and 18 months. This is the 12 months size. It took 3 skeins of color pastel pink, each skein is only 2 ozs and 95 yards. This one is knit in sections ---back, fronts and sleeves and a lot of seaming but it was an easy pattern and fun to knit, just more time consuming. I added the applied I-cord trim rather the single crochet the pattern calls for. Actually I had the crocheted trim on in a deep rose color and unraveled it all after I found out how to-do the I-cord.

I will be tucking this little sweater away for future gift giving :)

Dream In Color Baby Sweater a FO!

2007-07-05T11:23:00.000-04:00

Back from camping and ready to show you my newest FO! I know mine isn't as colorful as the original but I think it's soft & "summery" looking.
I truly enjoyed knitting this pattern and HIGHLY recommend it, I ordered my pattern here.

Details about the yarn used in my June 25th post.
The sweater only required 1 skein each of pink and soft yellow but I needed to use part of the 2nd skein of cream. Loved the yarn, it's buttery soft and easy to knit with. I've read on line some complaining about this yarn splitting but I had no problem with that.
and the applied I-cord, so easy! I'm finishing a different pattern now and plan to use that same technique around the edges, more pictures & details to follow!

4th of July projects

2007-06-27T14:06:00.000-04:00

Click on the pictures to get a closer look!

I created 3 of these wreaths using an old idea from a Home Bureau project. I found the American flag all cotton fabric at Wally World a few months ago at only $2.00 per yard with this pattern idea in mind. I got busy and made them today. Here's the scoop:
Cut 2 strips of fabric each 12" wide x 45", with right sides together, seam the short ends together. with right sides together, fold long strip in half lengthwise, ( it's 90" in length!)sew a 1/4" seam. turn to right side, press with seam on the side. Measure 3" from seamed edge and sew down the entire length of strip. This is the hem/pocket that will be threaded onto the 12" styrofoam wreath.

Cut thru the styrofoam wreath using a serrated knife. Carefully thread the fabric hem onto the wreath, distribute the ruffles evenly. I used hot glue and patience to glue the wreath ends back together. You can use a strong strapping tape if you like. Turn raw edges under and hand stitch closed. Add a hanger for the back, such as a bone ring or pop can tab. I made the bow with a strip of coordinating fabric 45" long x 6 1/2" wide, with right sides together fold in half lengthwise. Begin at one short end and sew at a 45 degree angle using a 1/4 seam allowance, contine down the length of strip using 1/4" seam, leave an opening for turning (somewhere in the center). Turn right side out and press. Blindstitch opening closed. Tie strip into bow and hand sew or hot glue to wreath. Add flag or flowers for decoration.

2 of the wreaths were donated for fundraisers and one is for my side door.

Next is a decoration on my front door I crocheted using this pattern from Maggie's Crochet. Fun to crochet using worsted weight yarn, the flag is all crochet with pearls sewn on for the stars. The flag pole is a 1/4" wooden dowel with a small wooden bead glued to the top. The red and white crocheted striped skirt took the longest, (that is what hides the broom). Maggie's patterns are always easy to follow and well written. I love this book and hope to make a few more of the dolls!

Have a Happy & Safe Holiday everyone!

Dream In Color Baby Sweater progress

2007-06-27T14:00:00.000-04:00

This is all I have been able to accomplish in the knitting world so far this week. Luckily I had ordered 2 skeins of each color so I should have plenty to finish the sweater. I had no problem with the attached I cord technique, easy but slow going. And I love the look, nice finish to to any project! Now if I can just master circular knitting on 2 needles....

sweater I started this weekend

2007-06-25T09:42:00.000-04:00

"Tulips" from the Dream In Color yarn designs. Of course the yarn is sold out and instead of waiting I swatched some Filatura Lanarota Summer Soft I had in the stash from Smiley's. My gauge was perfect on the size 7 needles, so away I went! Knitted top down ( my favorite), you can see how fast this knits up, in only 2 evenings, I made it to the bottom border. It will be my first time knitting an applied I cord, I hope I can work on that this afternoon.

Oh, I ordered my pattern from here , only $1.50 shipping and very fast service!

Matinee Jacket

2007-06-20T11:07:00.000-04:00

I've had this finished, it's Suzanne's Matinee jacket from the babysweaters yahoo group. Yvette had designed this version using 2 colors and I loved it when I saw one on her blog, so just had to try it!
I used Bernat Softee Baby in prettiest pink and antique white.

Yes, I have been knitting, working on a baby/sport weight version of the Plymouth Yarn Co. fantasy natuale Top Down Baby sweater and it's coming along nicely! I will post a picture soon, my new Dell computer is sitting here but the transfer of files etc. from the old computer didn't work. My computer wiz daughter will be home Friday to help with that. In the meantime I'll keep knitting!

Fuchsia Sweater

2007-06-11T12:45:00.000-04:00

I finished this last night, it's a free pattern from the Plymouth Yarn Co. site using their Fantasy Naturale. I used Red Heart Soft Yarn in fuchsia.

I started out with a collar and here is the pattern:

Cast on 61

Knit 14 rows ( 7 garter ridges)

15th row: K4, (K2tog) 26 times, end K5.

16th row: K2, (YO, K2tog this is a buttonhole), Purl to last 4 sts, K4.

17th row: K4, inc ( knit in front & back of stitch) in next 26 sts, end K5

18th row: K4, purl across to last 4 sts, K4.

This eliminates the neckband portion of the pattern. continue on with Row 1 where it reads "begin pattern as follows".

I just realized you might want to place the buttonhole on the other side so just remember which end to do that!

I also eliminated rows 13-18 of the sleeves and worked 6 rows of K1, P1 ribbing.

This is the 1 year size.

I would like to try this same pattern using baby weight yarn, just have to work out the numbers and lengths.

I have another sweater almost done( Suzanne's Matinee Jacket) I'll post a picture of it, hopefully tomorrow!

A few more finished!

2007-05-29T14:34:00.000-04:00

Well, with the recent holiday weekend, I was able to knit and finish up these 2 projects, YAY!
First is the Cabin Fever Homecoming Layette, this one I made with TLC Baby Yarn in a pretty multi-color, blues, greens and lavender.

Second FO is this crocheted layette by Maggie's Crochet, a lovely pattern and loads of FUN to work up, quick too! Ripple Rosebud Layette, here's the link. You will notice I didn't add the rosebuds, I couldn't decide what color to make them so maybe on my next one I'll add the roses.

I again used Bernat Softee Baby yarn in antique white and prettiest pink. I added 2 rows to the length of the sleeves, they just looked a tad too short. I of course didn't make the blanket and I wished the pattern had included a bootie.... of course I could try to design one, any ideas?

I have not had a whole lot of knitting & crocheting time, life has been hectic here but in a good way!

Newborn size Leaf Sweater,Bonnet & Booties

2007-05-15T15:50:00.000-04:00

This is all I have been able to knit and finish lately. There is a lot going on here so I haven't had as much knitting time, darn it!

Sweater and hat are from the same pattern as the previous post. This one I made with Lion Brand Baby Soft white pompadour. One ball made everything shown with a few yards leftover. The booties I snagged from this book

A Dozen Darling Baby Booties by American School of Needlework

The link to order the sweater & hat pattern is here.

This is a close up of the pattern in the yoke, which is where you start the sweater and work down.

finished the knitted dishcloths

2007-05-01T14:10:00.000-04:00

I have had these finished but unable to get into blogspot due to server problems in my area. I haven't had email or internet access thanks to Time Warner! I am checking in here while using a friends computer ( who uses a dial up server) Sure hope this works!

The pattern is the petal dishcloth pattern found here.

I worked one color row 1 to 6 and then worked the 2nd color back on row 7. I carried both colors right along, easy. 3 colors would be pretty too!

These are great for knitting when you can't concentrate on a pattern, like waiting rooms, traveling etc. Or you're just in a brain fog and want mindless knitting!

I have more baby sweaters in the works, nothing quite finished yet. So hopefully Time Warner will get this fixed and I can post my progress again in the near future, like tomorrow!

Leaf Pattern Sweater Set

2007-04-24T13:52:00.000-04:00

Here is the pattern from Designs by Jeannine
#41 her Leaf Pattern Sweater Set, oh what fun to knit! And the pattern is written for preemie, newborn or 3-6 months. Preemie requires fingering or baby yarn, newborn- sport weight , 3-6 months is worsted weight.
Which is what I made using Red Heart TLC Lustre from the stash, the shade is true in the first 2 top photos, a nice bright lavendar shade. To me it looks like the color of lilacs!
Top down with all garter stitch except for lacey leaf. And there is an option to make the bonnet (which I made with crochet ties) or a skull cap. I will have to see if I have a bootie pattern that would compliment the set.

I am working on some petal dishcloths in between, I'll get a picture of those and post soon.

Time to put the sneakers on and go for a walk!

Cabin Fever Homecoming Layette

2007-04-23T15:07:00.000-04:00

This is a new pattern from Cabin Fever 615 Homecoming Layette
Only took a few days to knit and I really enjoyed the knitting!
Yarn is Patons Astra in a pretty peach using size 5 needles, the construction is top-down- knitting the sleeves before you finish the patterned body section. Of course I had to do-it-my-way and use straight needles for the sleeves, no double pointed for me! The hat comes with the pattern but it's not very visable either on their website or on the actual pattern. I was surprised the lacey pattern wasn't used on the hat but the garter stitch rolled up brim compliments the sweater, don't cha think?

I have another sweater and hat almost done, this one is from Designs by Jeannine. I hope to post a pic tomorrow.

My finger is healing nicely and I'm staying away from sharp objects!

another new project

2007-04-20T18:23:00.000-04:00

I have started this vintage style baby jacket from the Spring/Summer issue of Vogue Knitting magazine, see the cover here. What you see is the back and one sleeve. This is a little slow going on size 2 & 3 needles but I really like the project! It's a Debbie Bliss design calling for her baby cashmerino yarn which I don't have access to and didn't want to mail order, so I found Lion Brand Microspun in my stash, I swatched and got gauge so here we go!

Of course I have 4 or 5 ( I've lost count) other projects on the needles and I'm jumping around planning on finishing them all so I can get to my stack of to-do patterns and books.

Note: Yesterday in the kitchen I shredded the inside of my middle finger on a mixer blade, stupid move , I don't why I stuck my fingers in there!! so for now my knitting has been slowed down!

Basket Weave Newborn Set

2007-04-15T12:21:00.000-04:00

click on the photos for a close up view

While looking for the March 2006 issue of Creative Knitting magazine I came across the Premier Issue September 2004 and remembered making this baby set. Well, I found it in a knitting bag of UFO's! All I had left to do was set the sleeves and add the button, done!

I used Bernat Softee Baby..............yes, my favorite baby acrylic.

But there were a few mistakes in the pattern and I emailed the magazine back in 2004 and they sent the corrections , you can find them here.

I made the sweater first but as I continued to knit the set, I discovered a problem with the booties pattern.

rows 14-20: Beg with a purl row, work in stockinette stitch

rows 21-24: Knit

rows 25-28: K 3, P3 rep across

rows 29-32: P3, K3 rep across

rows 33-36: Knit

I don't remember exactly why I had to change the row sequence but it worked!

In the meantime I finished these booties a few weeks ago while I had to sit and wait for someone. They are from the book 50 Baby Booties to Knit by Zoe Mellor. Page 109 Lacey Leaf Booties. I used Bernat Softee Baby ( again! ) in the color "prettiest pink", great pattern, I love the edging!

I started another new project, I'll post my progess soon!

Petal Sweater & Hat to match

2007-04-12T18:28:00.000-04:00

I finished this set that I started last Saturday. It's a fun knit that requires a worsted weight yarn and size 8 needles. I used discontinued Red Heart TLC Lustre in color Butterscotch. It was a leftover in my stash from a baby blanket I made a few years ago.

You can find the hat pattern here

And I managed to knit even more bunnies last week. they just seemed to multiply daily!

I came up with the idea to make a chocolate knitted bunny, see below.

This is a butter lamb from the holiday & as we used the butter we discovered they actually start with a whole stick and then build around it. This one was made by a Polish woman who sells them every year at the market. I didn't actually see her working but would guess she uses a cake decorating bag and a round star tip to do the piping. The eyes were peppercorns, how unique and it was delicious on our homemade bread!

cute bunnies!

2007-04-04T11:37:00.000-04:00

I have made a few things in between outpatient surgeries and tests.

I'm getting back on track now and so happy they are over!

Hopefully what was done will correct my severe anemia problems.

The bunnies are little plastic egg cozies! Fun to make and great for using up those odd ball stash amounts.

This is the right angles dishcloth found here http://www.geocities.com/blossomknitwear/rightanglesdishcloth.html

I used the new Sugar n Cream Twist in Rose Twist

I think mine came out sloppy, I will have to try this one again.

AND I got this in the mail today!

Nashua Handknits Bloom spring summer 2007, new book, beautiful designs!

I ordered the book from yarnandfiber.com, only $13.50 and free shipping! arrived in 3 days, awesome service! You know us knitters we are impatient when we are waiting for yarn or patterns! Ha!

14 patterns for newborns and small babies , they range from 0-3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months . There are yoke down designs and some are bottom up and of course front, back, sleeves versions too.

They are all just darling, can't wait to start one!

I must go now and drool over my new book!

Happy Easter everyone!

Another Cable Layette set!

2007-03-25T19:19:00.000-04:00

I finished this today, finally! It's Bernat Softee Baby in Lilac. What a pretty shade. I have a few skeins of Bernat's other new color Candy Baby it's an ombre shade too.....hmh

I will probably cast on another one soon!

First I need to finish the pink pompadour sweater I started while waiting at the airports, see March 11th post. I finished the body but need to start the sleeves. I read ahead in the pattern and it too has a collar , booties and a hat.

We had a warm, 55 degree sunny spring day today. My husband and I even went for a walk, that was nice!

here are the booties

2007-03-17T11:23:00.000-04:00

these are the cabled layette matching booties. The pattern is written for dbl pointed needles but I changed it for straights, the only tricky part is the picked-up stitches around in the instep, the first row is a little tight but do-able.

they match this sweater I made a few weeks ago.

my camera is changing the colors again......the booties are more the true color of this yarn. It's Bernat Softee Baby new color tutti fruitti, they have several other new shades out too, check out their website! I sure wish they would make a nice solid peach or a bright orange.

I started another set in Bernat Softee baby lilac, this time I am trying to stop the curl on the edges by slipping the first stitch of each row as if to purl, it's better but still not quite lying flat.... anyone have any suggestions?

This is the little booklet the pattern came from:

Creative Hands, dated 1981 called BABYLAND book # 412, orginally sold $1.00. The cover shows a yellow shell crochet layette set. 18 pages in all.

I have a busy weekend, that's all for now!

Home again!

2007-03-11T15:10:00.000-04:00

I had a great time in Orlando with my oldest daughter, we stayed here.

This was the adult pool I enjoyed for 4 days while dd was at her conference, she would join me in the afternoon. We used the outdoor hot tubs and had nice meals and enjoyed drinks by the pool. It was the best b-day ever!

When I got home my youngest daughter presented me with her fimo clay creation of me.

I came across something similar to this on someone's blog and sent the picture to her, this is her version, how cute! I believe she was called Crazy Knitter Lady.

I started this at the airport and yes you can fly with knitting in your carry-on luggage/bags. I got thru security with no problems, actually I saw 3 other women knitting in the airport too!

It's from an old hand written pattern my MIL designed and shared with me, so I'm not sure what the sweater will look like but I do like the knitting!

I am using Lion Brand Baby Soft in baby pink pompador and size 3 needles.

more later!

I'm back, knitting, leaving again...

2007-02-28T08:33:00.000-05:00

Wow, it has been a busy month. Miami was sunny, warm and a lot of fun. It is a business/leisure trip my hubby and I take every year. here are a few pics.....

we had trouble getting back home with the storm along the east coast a few weeks ago but finally made it luggage and all! Some had to spend the night in the airport but we were able to catch the last flight out, arrived home at 3am, 1 degree outside and a driveway that plugged shut with about 2 feet of snow. Hubby had to wade into the house and get dressed, warm up the tractor and plow!

I have been knitting..... yes and with finished sweaters to show you!

Here's the set from the previous post.

You can click on the pics to get a larger view

and then......I started this about 4 days ago and finished it up last night. It's top down with cables. I used bernat baby softee in a new ombre color they have out called tutti fruitti . When I saw the color I just had to make something right away and this pattern has been on my to-do pile. I will be making this one again!

and a shot of the back.

I added the I-cord instead of the twisted cord, my first time knitting an I-cord, easy, here's the link I used for the how-to.

http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/basic_techniques/misc.php

the pattern also has a bonnet, booties and mittens that have the same cable theme on each of them. I just haven't decided if I want to add those to the set.

I am leaving for Florida again, this time to Orlando! My daughter is attending a work conference at a luxurious resort and she invited me to meet her there and spend some wonderful time together, hey, while she's at the conference, I'll be poolside! We are staying 2 extra days just to have fun! and I will get to celebrate my b-day too!

I plan on bringing some knitting along just have to decide what?

I'll be back .............and hopefully spring will be here too!

snowed in & knitting!

2007-02-06T10:47:00.000-05:00

The weather has been VERY cold here 2 degrees this am. There's blowing drifting snow with white outs, schools have been closed etc. My husband gets out just long enough to plow all the neighorhood driveways and remove snow from around the fire hydrants, what would we do without him?

anyway, this has allowed me to knit and knit, here is the 2nd Cabled Baby Jacket and a hat to match! Love this pattern! oh and I forgot the buttons yet again! I guess I was so anxious to cast on another baby sweater!

This yarn is not the softest, so in the washer it goes with the hat hoping it softens up!

So I cast on this fun top down design last night, it goes so fast!

I should have enough yarn left for the bonnet and booties.

The pattern is in this book: First Steps in Knitting by American School of Needlework, pattern by Mary Thomas.
I do not work the yo, K2 tog beading row ( supposed to thread thru ribbon), I just plain knit the 3 rows, oh and I add a buttonhole on the 2nd row.

I am leaving for Miami in the morning, 1 week of sun and warmth, we hope anyway, after this past week we are READY!

yes, some knitting going on

2007-01-27T16:25:00.000-05:00

I have been working on this baby blanket, a UFO I found in the basket. It's a custom designed pattern by a friend and I'm almost done! Of course using acrylic Lt Peach Caron Simply Soft, it's the best thing to be working on in this COLD weather we are experiencing here. It keeps my legs & lap warm now that is so long. The other night it got down to 6 degrees! Oh and yes we have snow to go along with it!

and I did start the 2nd Cabled Baby Jacket from sweaterbabe.com, here it is!

Baby Blanket info

2007-01-09T14:40:00.000-05:00

To those interested in the knit cream colored baby blanket in the previous post, it's a pattern from Nomis, book #63 Reversible Very Easy to Knit Baby Blankets For Crib Cradle & Carriage

The pattern can be found on page 5
Textured Plaid Blanket

the pattern calls for worsted weight yarn and a size 8 needle. the small size( 21" x 32" ) cast on 89sts, for the larger size ( 25 1/4" x 37 1/4") you cast on 107

SweaterBabe's Baby Jacket is done!

2007-01-04T14:32:00.000-05:00

Here is SweaterBabe's newest pattern Beautiful Cabled Baby Jacket. I used Bernat Satin a 4 ply and I made the 18 month size. The close-up picture is the true color of the yarn. my camera is crazy with the color shots lately....

It's an easy pattern to knit, top down and a unique way of leaving the body stitches on the circular needle while you knit the sleeves using the same needle!

The cables are on the front only, the back of the jacket is plain stockinette stitch and it goes quickly. I finished knitting this on the 2nd and just sewed the buttons on this morning. I would like to make another using an ombre yarn I have Caron Wintuk color is summer breeze.

I took another picture showing the jacket on my model, of course my doll has such short arms, the sleeves are way too long!!

Oh, the knit blanket in the background was a UFO I made myself finish yesterday, another red heart TLC ( a worsted weight acrylic) I believe I got the pattern from a knit baby blanket book American School of Needlework.

You can see the wrinkles in it from being stashed away in a knitting bag all this time.
Knitting in 2007, so far so good!!

Cabled Baby Jacket progress

2007-01-02T12:46:00.000-05:00

I started this project on Dec 28th and am amazed how fast it's knitting up! Of course it's worsted weight yarn and size 9 needles no wonder! I am using Bernat Satin, color sea shell , a soft rose shade. I found 5 balls in my stash but it should only take 2 to complete the jacket. I had that yarn set aside for a baby blanket but I forgot which pattern!! Did you ever do that, forgot what you bought yarn for?

One thing I think is interesting is the way you knit the sleeves, leaving all the other stitches on the circular needle, no stitch holders are required! I know they look skinny in the picture but I haven't seamed them up yet. I'm headed out for a 2.5 mile walk and then back to knitting....

Deciding what to knit....

2006-12-28T14:19:00.000-05:00

I just downloaded the new beautiful Cabled Baby Jacket pattern from SweaterBabe.com, that just might be my next project. check it out here.

It has been a slow recovery since losing Shadow Dec 18th. My husband and I have cried for days, some days are easier than others, while all the christmas doings were going on it took my mind of her for brief periods but my heart still ached. Our other dog Abby a mini dachshund was lonesome and kept staring at the door waiting for Shadow to come back, they were together for 6 years and got along beautifully.

In the end Shadow refused to eat ( this lasted 6 days) I even tried hand feeding her, I cooked up a rice diet withe chicken livers, bacon fat, eggs and Tums, I thought for sure she would eat it but nothing. Shadow was a biscuit monster and when she refused biscuits I knew she was a sick girl. So she got weaker and weaker by the day, initially our vet said she could hang on for a few weeks or maybe even a month but she only lasted a week after she stopped eating. She was the best dog you could ask for and the part my husband and I have trouble getting over is when we arrive home and she's no longer here to greet us. She would always pick up a shoe, slipper or toy and carry it around when we got in the door, she was such a happy dog!

My daughters were home for the holiday and they got out the big box of photographs, here are some of Shadow when she was 6 months old and the top photo was taken just this past summer in August.

Christmas was a happy time but went too quickly, the house was all quiet again the 27th after 6 days of celebration.

Here is a shot of the girls, andrea, silly jennifer, me and my mother

Here is another group shot, my husband, me, Andrea, my new SIL Todd and Jennifer.

we spent one day at Niagara Falls, went to a winery called Niagara Landing, checked out the casino ( I am not a gambler!) too much cigarette smoke for me and I'd rather spend my money on yarn and patterns! Then we went back to Buffalo to the Anchor Bar, home of the original Buffalo Chicken Wing. check it out here.

We will have another small celebration Saturday with my sister, nieces and nephews who could not be here christmas day.

I finally feel like knitting again, so I guess I'll go search my stash and see what yarn I can use for that pattern, maybe even cast on this afternoon.

VERY little knitting....

2006-12-17T13:03:00.000-05:00

I am here but having a tough time as my older dog and buddy Shadow is in failing health. She is 13 years old and last week was scheduled for surgery to remove an ulcerated tumor on her side. After pre-op blood work is was determined she is in renal failure, her kidneys are shutting down. So more than likely she would not have survived the surgery. My husband went and brought her back home and our vet said she could last month or so but as of 24 hours ago she has not eaten, she drinks water but that's it. I am afraid this is the beginning of the end. :(

So no knitting for me and barely getting things done for christmas.

Here'a a picture of a few more xmas towels I knitted last week and the dishcloth knit-along, I completed but forgot to take a picture until today, a stocking.

Christmas Wreaths

2006-12-06T13:29:00.000-05:00

I created these on Monday during the snowstorm we had here in western New York!! I cranked up the christmas music and just had fun!

They are from an old Leisure Arts book titled " Romancing Christmas a victorian collection" # 1062, dated 1986. Requires 2 1/3 yards of fabric sewn into tubes, lace is added and then one tube is sewn on top of the other, that seam creates the casing and you slide the casing onto a cut 12" extruded styrofoam ring and glue back together, add a bow and a hanger and Ta-Da!

See I have been busy!!

Is it christmas yet?

Dish Towel Toppers... and snowman favors

2006-12-02T22:38:00.000-05:00

Here are the dishtowel toppers I have been busily knitting for a friend, almost done! I am using Paton's Canadiana color "denim", from my stash of course. The other yarn is Bernat Satin color "lagoon".
I have a few more to knit and of course more buttons to sew on. I love this snowman dish towel, it's a nice quality, not scratchy and fairly thick too. I bought a few myself to knit up. I think they're a good choice, they can be left out all winter because their not too "christmasy". We found them at Martin's Grocery store on sale for $2.99 each.

The "will wash dishes for chocolate" towels she found at the mall, one of those kitchen/gourmet stores, $3.99 each and very nice towels! Those she wants knit double, meaning I pick up stitches all across the middle of the towel without cutting it, that was tricky!

you can click on the pictures to see them close-up

These are what I made last Saturday, took me 6 hours at least.... they will be given as favors at our TOPS Christmas brunch on the 13th. Believe it or not they are made using a white washcloth ( those I found at the dollar store very reasonable). I made 24, that should be enough, I think the ladies will love them! Here is the pattern.

Of course they want you to order the kit but you can see what you need by looking at the picture. I cut the hat out of red felt a piece 6"wide x 3 -3/4"high, quick seamed it up on the sewing machine 3/4 of the way up, turned it inside out, folded up the brim and glued it on.

My scarf was cut 1" w x 9" long. The arms I cut from brown chenille stems 2 pieces each 2- 1/2" and 1 piece 1- 1/2" long and wrapped that around the longer piece. I used black 1/4" pom poms for the buttons on his body, 10mm wiggle eyes, an orange spaghetti bead for the nose, a 3/8" gold jingle bell that I thread on a piece of red yarn and used that to gather up the hat, tied in a knot in the back. and I got out my button box and glued a button on each scarf. I made the body the way the directions tell you do so. I used hot glue for all of the construction, what would we do without hot glue?

another dishcloth

2006-11-26T14:18:00.000-05:00

I started & finished the Christmas Bell dishcloth last night. I used red Sugar n' Cream yarn and size 7 needles, it was fast and easy to make! Click on the link, it's the 6th pattern down.
or cut and paste this: http://home.earthlink.net/~oscarsdotter/id2.html

But it was difficult to get a good photograph. I have heard red is hard to photograph , well I found out, I must have taken 30 photos in different lighting and backgrounds.

I am working on knitted dishtowel toppers for a friend, she had asked me a few weeks ago if I could make her a "few" for gifts, she had watched me knitting them. Well, the other day she handed me 7 of them! So I am slowly working on those. I would really like to start a Bev Dillon baby sweater pattern I ordered but I tend to get too many things going & I don't finish many and that stresses me out. Christmas is only 29 days away and I have no shopping done, started decorating a little bit today.... I'll get there, I always do.

Gary the Gobbler Dishcloth

2006-11-21T15:30:00.000-05:00

Well, here is my first attempt at this dishcloth pattern. I liked the pattern but not the yarn I used. It's a large cone of Sugar 'n Cream I had on hand, it seemed thin in spots and definitely not the same quality of the smaller balls. Now what can I do with 800 plus yards? Crochet potholders maybe....

The lovely bouquet arrived today from my wonderful husband, what a nice surprise!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Almost back to ....normal

2006-11-15T13:43:00.000-05:00

whatever that is! Well, the upper respiratory infection knocked me for a loop! My husband started with it the week before, last Monday my nose was running and by Tuesday a.m. I had it hit me like a brick!

I couldn't knit or even look at it I was that miserable BUT I managed to go to work 3 days! I guess this is really going around my area, I have talked to so many people that have had it or just got over it. I believe my husband picked it up at the Dr's office the Friday before he got it. He suffered for 9 days, I never had a symptom. I took my OPC's, vitamin C, B-12, all isotonic of course so 100% absorption but I couldn't escape it.... I had just gotten done telling someone I hadn't been sick in 2 years taking my Market America products and then this struck, oh well, it could have been much worse. No, I didn't get a flu shot either, maybe I better!

So, last night I felt almost normal again, these are what I made. My own pattern for a cute turkey fridgie or lapel pin. All crocheted and so quick. I donated them to the biggest losers at my TOPS chapter this morning, the girl's that won - loved them! Guess I better write this pattern down, right now it's just in my head. The yarn and crochet hook are still sitting out so tonight I'll make another one and write it down.

I hope to get back to my baby sweater knitting today or tomorrow!

Happy Thanksgiving if I don't get a chance to post again.

New Baby Cardigan a FO!

2006-11-04T10:06:00.000-05:00

Wow, this little pattern goes rather fast, I enjoyed making it and will definitely knit this one again! Perfect for a newborn!

here is a close up of the heart shapes buttons I found at JoAnn's, perfect for this sweater!

and the little hat is so easy, I used 2 needles rather than circular so mine has a seam down the back

Update on 2 projects!

2006-11-03T08:48:00.000-05:00

Here is the "Bernat Small Fry hooded sweater" back , I love the little garter and seed stitch band. Hopefully I'll get started on the front today.

And in the meantime I've been knitting on this................

This is the NBC ( newborn baby cardigan) this is the pattern my knitting buddy gave me. I am using Reynolds Utopia another acrylic worsted weight so it's goes fast! I just have the button bands and neckline ribbing to do, oh and sew in the sleeves. I picked up some cute buttons yesterday at Joann's, wait and see!

New project!

2006-10-31T14:40:00.000-05:00

This is my newest project, I felt like knitting pink and a friend's daughter is expecting a little girl so I found this in my vast library of patterns. It's from the book Small-Fry by Bernat Book # 254, dated 1979!!!! Fits toddler sizes 1,2,3 and 4. I'm knitting the size 1 and gauge is right on with size 6 needles.

Tha pattern calls for Bernat Berella Sportspun and of course I'm using Bernat Softee Baby in "prettiest pink". This is the back and I'm up to the pattern part of the yoke with raglan decreases. So far so good!!

A lovely friend sent me 2 knit sweater patterns I want to try, I just may cast on one of those shortly! Stay tuned!

Halloween Sewing

2006-10-25T11:02:00.000-04:00

I came across this pattern while cleaning out my so-called "craft room" ( actually it's more like a room where a bomb went off! ) And I decided to make a few & donate them to my TOPS Chapter Tops is short for Take Off Pound Sensibly, where I have been a member for 16 years. We weigh-in every Wednesday morning, here's the link to their site if you would like to learn more and find a chapter near you. The annual dues are only $24.00 and weekly dues of only $1.00 and once you reach your goal there are no weekly dues. For the 24.00 you also receive a monthly magazine with success stories, recipes, before & after photos and lots of weight loss tips. It's a great place for motivation and support, they have no specific diet you follow but all the help & knowledge is there!

ANYWAY, I got my sewing machine out and made 3 of these cuties and I remembered to take a picture before I donated them last week. The pattern came from a Home Bureau craft group I belonged to 15 years ago! Easy to sew cotton prints or solids with quilt batting sandwiched in between, the facial features are all cut felt and glued on.

They look so cute on a front door!

Happy Halloween!

Light Pink set and more dish towel tops!

2006-10-24T14:16:00.000-04:00

I found this set and it needed the buttons and ribbons. If I remember right I used Bernat Softee baby yarn holding one strand each of pink & white together. It's a heavier fabric, great for winter time! I couldn't resist sticking that Ty teddy bear in the picture!

This has been lastest obsession in between sweaters, you know that quick, no thinking knitting? I found nice towels at the local supermart/ grocery store "Martin's" on sale $4.99 for a pack of 3 towels and they are soft almost a velour terry cloth. I sat down last night and forced myself to sew the buttons on 5 of them, I always dread sewing on buttons.....

these will make great gifts!

Jacket is done!!

2006-10-21T11:22:00.000-04:00

Okay, I finished this last night as was too tired to post to my blog. I asked on the GarnStudio forum a question pertaining to the "8 outer most mid-front stitches to be put on a thread" and picked up later in the neck ribbing. I rec'd an answer and finished knitting last night, that was easy, I must have had a brain cramp, it was indeed the 8 stitches on each side ( buttonband) that you put on a thread/holder and then decrease along that edge as the pattern states 2 sts 2 times, 1 stitch 2 times every other row. This shapes the neckline. I have done that before in other patterns, for some reason I thought this one was "different".

The rest was easy! AND I have a small amount left of the 2nd skein, so roughly 300 yards of yarn to knit this. I will try it again for sure!!

Oh, and check out the GarnStudio baby drops site again, they have another new catalog for free baby patterns catalog #11, link is below in Oct 14th 2006 post. or copy and paste this:
http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/oppskrift_oversikt_drops.php?drops=b11

only 6 patterns are up but I'm sure they'll get the rest available soon.

Now to find buttons for this sweater!

Jacket day 5 & I'm stuck!

2006-10-19T19:09:00.000-04:00

This is how far I have gotten and now a problem with finishing the yoke! This is how the pattern reads:

Neck: At the same time when piece measures 25-27-31 (41-45) cm put the outermost 8-8-10 (10-10) sts towards mid front each side on a thread for neck. Now dec to shape the neckline on every other row: 2 sts 2 times and 1 st 2 times....?

I have gone to GarnStudio website and entered the forum for BabyDrops and asked a few questions to get some help. I can't tell from the pictures (or the diagram at the bottom of the pattern) where these 8 sts are put on a thread/holder......

If anyone has any ideas please email me!

Jacket day 4, whew!

2006-10-18T22:51:00.000-04:00

remember to click on any photo to see a larger version!

I reached the point of knitting in the sleeves, that was a bit tricky, more of a tight fit than anything but I did it!! I bet if they were done on dp needles you would have the same problem.
trying to knit in 32 stitches in between 6 cast off stitches is a tight fit, don't ya think?

here's the back view

here is a close up of the tight spot!

and another front shot

Jacket day 3

2006-10-17T22:42:00.000-04:00

here is a picture of the body of the jacket, notice the 6 stitches cast off while knitting that last garter stitch row. This makes a "space" for the sleeves to be joined in. You cast off 3 stitches each side of the 2 markers.

here is another view, nice and close:

okay now the sleeves I knit today, so quick & EASY!!!

I cast on and in no time I had the first sleeves done and on to the 2nd!
the pattern says to knit them on dp needles, I adjusted the knit and purl rows increases and decreases so they would work out .

I guess I have knitted enough sleeves thru the years that I know how most patterns are written. I did knit them separately as usual, I have always done it that way, fumbling around with 2 skeins of yarn and switching just seems to slow me down......

and here they are all done!!!

day 2 of the jacket

2006-10-16T20:44:00.000-04:00

I have gotten this far on the GarnStudio jacket pattern today, up to the underarms ending with 4 rows of garter stitch and casting off 3 stitches each side of markers for the sleeves to fit in.

here is a close up of the side decreases.

Started the jacket from GarnStudio!!!

2006-10-15T22:49:00.000-04:00

I had some serious dedicated knitting time this afternoon and evening, this is how much I was able to accomplish on the pattern b14-29. It is easy knitting, a K2, P4 rib ( which I have never done before) has an interesting effect, of course knit5 garter edges through out. You do some decreasing at both sides ( I did just a simple k2 tog on each side of the marker), this is done every 3cm, 3 times, easy to keep track just measure as you go!!

so far so good!!!

I am loving this Bernat Satin yarn, seems QUICK to knit & just so smooth on the needles.

More to follow.....

GarnStudio Baby Sweater project

2006-10-14T20:58:00.000-04:00

I am about to begin this free knitting pattern found here

I have chosen Bernat Satin in color Lagoon, I have swatched and have the correct gauge
18 stitches & 23 rows = 10cm or 4" using size 6 US needles.

I will be knitting the smallest size sweater ( actually they call this a jacket), i'm not sure if I want to make the trousers or the booties, first I have to see how difficult it is with the different terminology but I'm up for the challenge!!

I hope to cast on tomorrow after a good nights sleep!!

Easy Baby Bootie pattern

2006-10-11T11:12:00.000-04:00

these are shown in yellow in the post below dated Oct 10, 2006

KNIT BABY BOOTIES
Use 3 ply 100% acrylic yarn and size 4 US needles
1) Cast on 30 stitches
2) Knit 15, place marker, Knit 15
3) Increase in first stitch (knit in front and back of stitch), knit to first stitch before marker, increase in this stitch: slip marker, increase in next stitch, knit to last stitch, increase in last stitch.
4) Knit across
5) Repeat row 3
6) Repeat row 4 Repeat until there are 42 stitches on needle.
Knit 8 rows
INSTEP:
Row 1: Knit 24, knit 2 together, turn
Row 2: Slip 1, knit 6, knit 2 together, turn
Repeat Row 2 until there are 10 stitches left on each side. On last row, continue on over the last ten stitches (28 stitches).
Knit 2 rows.
EYELET BEADING:
Knit 1, yarn over, knit 2 together; Repeat across row to last stitch. Yarn over, knit 1.
CUFF:
Purl 1 row
Knit 1 row
Knit 1 row Purl 1 row
Knit 1 row
Repeat the last 3 rows (K,P,K) 4 times until there are 3 purl ribs on right side. (15 rows) Sew up sole and back of booties. Crochet a string to run through beading. Tie booties together with a small yarn bow. You can also substitute ribbon for the crochet cord.

little yellow booties

2006-10-10T15:20:00.000-04:00

I made these for my new "model" ( she's a doll, ha!), now her outfit is complete! I will post the pattern in a few days!

I also have been busy finishing up some more knitted towel toppers, I have been looking for grape kitchen towels and was able to find some here and there this summer. I live in the heart of the Lake Erie Regional Grape Belt, Concord and Niagara vaireties mostly. I live on a grape farm of 16 acres so I am always interested in "grape" themed items, they sell well here in this area and they make nice gifts too.
Every September they host a " Grape Festival" locally to celebrate the harvest. There's a craft show, rides and amusements, a wine tent and a big parade on Sunday afternoon.

Mary Jane Booties

2006-10-05T20:40:00.000-04:00

It rained ALL DAY yesterday so I could work on a few more knitting projects in between decorating for halloween ( that meant going thru my many boxes in the basement, what a mess I have).

anyway.....these are the Mary Janes booties from the new book I mentioned in the previous post, they are fast and easy!

New little book-- knitting for babies

2006-10-03T19:33:00.000-04:00

Here is the new book I bought @ Wal-Mart today only $3.49 they discounted it, it's marked $3.99. Title "Knitting For Babies", blankets, booties, bibs and more. There are 17 projects in all,
only 20 cents each! ( I found this by the registers of a Wal-Mart Super Center along with recipe books and other magazines)

Here are the Mary Jane booties I would like to do first:
these call for sport wt yarn and size 3 needles

and a cabled cardigan: this calls for worsted wt yarn and size 8 needles, worked in sections, back, fronts, sleeves and hood

Precious Layette size 2?

2006-10-02T10:46:00.000-04:00

I Finally got this sweater finished! Yeah!! I would say it's more like a size one though, the hood looks small but is very stretchy, my new model is wearing it, see below!

Isn't she cute??? I found her at Wal-Mart in the toy department, $9.88, she came with the cute gingham outfit with a white hat. Only problem with these dolls, their arms are too short!

Last night I decided to knit her a beanie to match her sweater, which is one of my designs, I promise to perfect the pattern and share it with you. It's knit with Bernat Softee Baby another one of my favorite yarns for baby things. I started a pair of booties for her too. AGAIN I forgot to sew on buttons, I'll add that to my to-do list!

Marble Sweater Progress

2006-09-30T10:43:00.000-04:00

I decided to knit the sweater in the Workbasket magazine ( Sept. 1981) shown on the cover.
This is all I have managed to get knitted even though it goes quickly on size 9 needles BUT of course I'm working on other projects in between! This is a pic of the back and both sleeves, I should finish the back today and begin the right and left fronts. I have just started the 2nd ball of this marble yarn and I really like it!

By the way, if you click on any of my pictures you can see a larger image, I keep forgetting to mention that!!

not much knitting!

2006-09-26T17:41:00.000-04:00

After a busy weekend, this is all I have accomplished since Friday. Working on the Precious Layette design, changing it to be a size 2 like the pink one in my August 29th post. I like the Red heart TLC Essentials yarn, it's nice and soft.

This is one of my next projects, I found this yarn at AC Moore and I am considering knitting another Little Lillies's sweater or the sweater shown on the cover of the September 1981 issue of Workbasket. I made that same sweater using the yarn in the color they show for my oldest
daughter when she was 3 or 4. ( she's now 23, okay where did the time go?)

It calls for Lion Brand Unique yarn, an acrylic worsted weight which they no longer make! I think the James C. Brett Marble will be a nice substitute.....

Day 4 & Lillie's Little Sweater is a completed project!!

2006-09-22T08:25:00.000-04:00

WOW, I had a chance to knit for 4 hours yesterday afternoon and into the evening allowing me to finish the sweater!!!
If you love top down knitting I highly recommend this pattern from Cottage
Creations! I did the 12 months size and it's just right!

Here is a picture of the back.

and here is a close up of the daisy buttons I used. If you double click on the pictures you can get a closer view, check out the neat edge along the front garter stitch bands. The pattern tells you to slip the first stitch purlwise of every row, yarn to back and finish knitting. This creates a nice, neat finished edge, I had never heard of this technique and plan to use it again on other sweaters!

Day 3 Lillie's Little Sweater!

2006-09-21T10:31:00.000-04:00

I finished the sleeves and did 2 rows on the body section before I fell asleep! I wasn't happy with the coloring or " pooling " in the sleeves, it doesn't quite match the rest of the sweater. I guess it works out that way with only 39 stitches in the sleeves you can't avoid the striping. I just started the 3rd ball of Paton's Canadiana so that should be enough to finish this lovely little sweater!!

I already have my 3 buttons picked out from "Dress It Up". I bought 3 packages knowing I could use them for sweaters, I like the bright colors!
here they are:

Day 2 of Lillie's Little Sweater

2006-09-20T10:52:00.000-04:00

I worked on the sweater last night, finished the yoke and divided the stitches for the sleeves which I have decided to knit first seperately before knitting the body. The main pattern suggests knitting the body part first but I read further in the book and Joan
who helped design the pattern gave the instructions to knit the sleeves before the body. I have done sweaters similiar to this before and I prefer to knit the sleeves first. Sometimes it can be tricky meaning TIGHT getting that first row knit on the sleeves. I have enjoyed this design so far!! Already thinking of what yarn to use for the next one, heaven knows there's plenty in my stash.....

my newest project!

2006-09-19T12:22:00.000-04:00

I received my pattern ( Lillies Little Sweater-- by Cottage Creations) in the mail yesterday from The Naked Sheep http://www.nakedsheep.com . I ordered this pattern on Thursday Sept. 14th and rec'd it Monday the 18th, WOW fast service!!! I'm impressed and will definitely order from them again. Oh, and the shipping and handling are always free!! Take a peek and see what they have! I'm not affiliated with them, just a very satisfied customer!

Just a note too, the pattern comes in a little book form as you can see 24 pages in all and color photos inside.

So, I started this in the evening last night( while watching the Yankees game) , look how far I got!!! The Paton's Canadiana is a nice soft acrylic, the color is pastel parade. I am making the 12 months size and the pattern states I will need 460 yards of worsted weight yarn, using size 7 needles. The pattern ranges from 0-3 months, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. It starts with the hood, down to the ribbing at neckline is where I'm at, then on to the raglan shaping, all top down!! YEAH!! I think I'm going to like this one!!

my design sweater idea is done!

2006-09-18T15:31:00.000-04:00

here is the sweater itself, this is my design, the pattern stitches I call "sea shells". Now this is only my prototype, I hope to re-do the number of stitches in the body to make it a little fuller, also I again forgot buttonholes!!! so i will work those in as I re-write the pattern. For this I used Caron CuddleSoft 3 ply almost a fingering weight so I held 2 strands together. The yoke and sleeves are knitted with size 5's and the body sea shell section with a size 7. I did not use double pointed needles for the sleeves, I placed everything else on holders and knitted the sleeves using regular needles and then seamed them.

here is the matching hat.....

My sweater design!!

2006-09-13T12:27:00.000-04:00

Lately I have been designing in my mind a baby sweater so here is what I am working on...... this little yellow sweater, a top down and making it my own design, sort of scallop shells across the body portion, also I have added a collar. I'm planning on doing a little hat to match too!

more later!

And another one!

2006-09-10T15:39:00.000-04:00

All this needs is to finish the one sleeve, of course on double pointed needles which I don't like! I worked a few rows last night trying to make myself finish the set. See, the booties are all done, I have must have made those first, why i don't know, I must have been in a knit bootie mode!

The sweater pattern can be found here:http://www.knittingonthenet.com/patterns/babysweyokecard.htm

The yarn I bought from Smiley's a few years ago, it's a yucky acrylic by Phentex sport wt. Color is apricot and not very soft! Maybe I better wash it before giving it away, hopefully that will soften it. Could be why I stopped working on it too! I don't like the yarn. Glad that one ball is all I have left.

Finished this set too!

2006-09-10T15:33:00.000-04:00

This is another of Suzanne's matinee jacket from the yahoo group babysweaters. I had the sweater done and started the bonnet, got that knitted up yesterday and sewed on the button for the jacket. This is Lion Brand's Babysoft yarn, the bonnet looks small to me but is very stretchy!
I love this pattern too! I found another one I had started in yellow, I'll post of pic of that soon! I'm busy knitting on it today in between laundry and cooking.

Pink Set is done!

2006-09-10T15:27:00.000-04:00

I finished this the other day, YEAH!
I changed the pattern a bit and added an extra stitch under the sleeves, so instead of casting on 2 on each end, I cast on 3 stitches. I think it looks better and is a little bit fuller giving baby more room to be comfortable! I also didn't thread the drawstring for the bonnet thru the eyelets, I attached crocheted chains to each side instead.

trying to finish this next!

2006-09-05T14:45:00.000-04:00

Mary Thomas top down pattern in the American School of Needlework book "First Steps in Knitting", again I took out the eyelet rows and am just doing plain knit and adding 3 buttonholes along the way. This is Red Heart TLC Lustre ( a 4 ply soft yarn that is no longer available) it was in my stash. I have the booties and hat all done, why I knitted those first is beyond me, I usually don't work patterns that way! So all I need to do is finish knitting the body portion.

SEE I really am trying to finish up those old projects! AND I have few more to get done, just found another bag of goodies last night, funny how you can get so excited about a project, start it and then get bored with it, start something else and before you know it--- nothing is getting completed!!!

But I know I'm not alone!