Sailboat Baby Blanket update & pattern

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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...

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!

bunting and booties

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...

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!!

Check out my Slide Show!

Cutie Baby Bootie pattern is ready!!

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

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

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

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...............

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!

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

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

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 :)