Monday, December 31, 2007
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!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
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!!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
bunting and booties
Thursday, November 08, 2007
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!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
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:
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
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!!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
2 more are now finished
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!
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
knitting but only UFO's
okay back to unpacking and laundry.............
Saturday, August 25, 2007
home again...............
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
baby leaving the nest & road trip knitting!
Friday, July 20, 2007
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.............
Monday, July 09, 2007
Top Down in baby weight & another FO
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 :)
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Dream In Color Baby Sweater a FO!
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!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
4th of July projects
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
Monday, June 25, 2007
sweater I started this weekend
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Matinee Jacket
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!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Fuchsia Sweater
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!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
A few more finished!
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!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Newborn size Leaf Sweater,Bonnet & Booties
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.