Another sophisticate

This is a great pattern called baby sophisticate, which you can find here. I made one of these for the recipient's big brother, that I hear is still well loved and well worn. This was made from a local yarn, A Hundred Ravens, that was so generously given to me by a co worker who enjoys hearing about my knitting escapades. Wasn't that kind? It's a super soft, merino wool super wash. How perfect for a wee bitty baby! I made a gauge swatch before making this and Frank sleeps with it every night. That's how soft it is! This sweater made size 6-12 months used one skein. Buttons were so carefully picked out by Elena. A funny story about our trip to the yarn store that day, but that's for another time. Anyway....make this, it's fun!

Warmies

I've made a couple of pairs of legwarmers for my little one, none of which she has enjoyed as much as these. Unfortunately, the other many pairs I've made did not "match" her leotard for ballet (C'mon Mom, get a clue!).

I made these up as I went along, really quite simple - here's what I did -

Yarn: Cascade Hollywood (or any worsted weight yarn)

Needle size: US 5

Gauge 4.5 sts per inch

Circumference size unstreched: 7inches - fits my petite 5 year old (8inches, 9inches) 

 - CO 28 (32, 36) sts

- Join in the round. K2P2 for 1.5 inches for cuff

- Next round start stockinette stitch 

- Increase 4 sts on next round by kfb evenly throughout round - 32 (36, 40) sts

- Continue until piece measure 12-14 inches (or longer/shorter if you wish) 

- K2P2 for cuff x 1.5 inches

- Bind off

Enjoy!!

Citron shawl

I made this citron shawl in yellow for my mom's birthday. Her favorite color is yellow, which always makes me smile because it is so fitting for her happy and positive personality. She and my dad were going to come for a visit this past weekend to celebrate but with all the craziness here in Boston, they decided to stay in New Jersey. With my nerves frazzled from all that happened last week, knitting this was comforting to say the least. Though this yarn was challenging to knit with, the results are better than I expected. 

I hope mom likes it!

I'm happy to welcome the sunshine today and hoping things return to some sort of normalcy as we continue to think of and pray for those affected from last week's events. 

Lilly dress for Elena

The pattern for this dress is called Oriental Lily. It is a wonderful, straightforward pattern, both easy and interesting. Purple and pink for my girly girl who loves all sorts of shades of these and all colors. She picked out the buttons herself, told me exactly where to place them and was so excited to wear her new dress. 

"Is this a winter or a summer dress, Mama?" she asks.

"Winter, spring, or fall. Does that work?"

"Yay!! Because it's spring," she says, "even though it doesn't look like spring yet!"

Update: Photos of the Lily dress in action

Waiting for spring

It is March, cold, but sunny,  a typical March, with the weather teasing with some spring like temperatures and winter weather. It's supposed to snow here tonight, but was 50 degrees last week. It's a good thing for me, as the cold weather continues to fuel my knitting need. I've had a bunch of projects on the knitting needles and have not been good about taking notes, so here I am to recap some projects, with more to come. I've been laid back about my knitting, truly enjoying the process instead of feeling like I need to finish, finish finish as I did when I first started a few years ago. 

My local yarn store recently closed down (three months ago) and I'm still coming to terms with it. They had been in the same spot for 30 years and unfortunately decided not to find a new space to move to. Shortly before they closed, they had huge discounts off their gorgeous yarn. My yarn stash happily grew, and since I've been loving what I've been creating from it. 

Above and below: Mara shawl made with Berroco Ultra Alpaca. I used 2 skeins, the body made with one skein and the ruffle with the second. It measures 22inches from top to bottom at the spine and has a 47 inch wing span. 

I LOVED this pattern. It is easy, but not tedious or boring. Find it here.

  

This is another mistake stitch cowl that I made for Elena, but I wear frequently :)

There have been one or two occasions where she has asked for it back!

This one was made longer then the original. It is 20 inches around, 11 inches deep. This one was made long enough to wrap around twice. It is made with Groovy Dream in color yarn.

There are more projects that need to be noted, so there will be more to come in the next few days. Until then, I will cozy up and knit some more and enjoy the sunshine before the snow comes. 

A winter sweater

For the past three years, I have made Frankie a sweater for the winter season. One that he has come to ask for and this year, picked out the yarn himself. A simple raglan, with top down construction, worked quickly and easily. I was pleased that I was able to complete it before Christmas and he wore it proudly to many occasions. On a cold day like today, it warms my heart to know that he cherishes it, understands that it was made with love. A perfect way to start a new year.

Pattern by Diane Saucy, you could find it here.

Happy New Year!

Anne's bulky fingerless mittens

When I knit a piece, I like to know that I am making it for someone. Someone special who I know will appreciate a handmade something. I had these mittens in mind for sometime. One of my very best friends is a florist, and I knew these would come in handy when she was working during the cold winter season.

We have similar interests in craftiness, my friend Anne and I. It is easy to explain ideas to her about things I want to make and she encourages and offers advice. We have also known each other for almost 20 years, have been through many stages of life together and for that I am grateful.

These are a quick, easy to make project, great for holiday giving, especially for someone who works with their hands! Here is the pattern in small (7 1/2 inches around palm), medium (8 1/2 inches around palm) and large sizes (9 1/2 inches around palm). Pattern is written with directions for small mittens, with medium and large sizes in parentheses.

Gauge: 3sts per inch

What you need: chunky or bulky yarn, a set of size 9 dpn's or needles that fit your gauge, one set of size 8 dpn's (or one needle size smaller from the needles you got gauge with), a stitch marker, yarn needle to weave in ends

With smaller dpn's, CO 22 (24, 26) sts
Join in the round being careful not to twist stitches
k1p1 for the cuff for 2.5 inches

Change to larger dpn's - knit 4 rounds in stst

Start thumb gusset (for left or right mitten):
row 1: At start of round for thumb gusset, k1, p1, k1, p1, knit to end of round.
row 2: Repeat round 1
row 3: k1, p1, k1 make 1, p1 knit to end
row 4: knit all the knit sts and purl all the purl sts (the extra stitch from m1 will be knitted)
row 5: k1, p1, k1, m1, k1, p1, knit to end of round
row 6: repeat round 4
row7: k1, p1, k1, m1, k2, p1, knit to end of round
row 8: repeat round 4
Repeat round 7 and 8, making an increase between the two purl sts until there are 6 (7, 8) sts between the two purl sts.

Next round: k2, slip next 6 (7, 8) sts on to stitch holder or waste yarn. Cast on one stitch using backward loop method.

Knit stst in round for 4 (5, 6) rounds.
Start k1p1 ribbing for 2 inches. Bind off.

Thumb:
With larger dpn's pick up and knit your sts on stitch holder.
Pick up 3 (4, 5) sts at base of thumb and divide among your dpn's. Knit 5 (6, 7) rounds before binding off.

Weave in ends


Enjoy!

Batman Hat and mittens

A quick photo before this guy RUNS out the door to school. He is so excited about his Batman hat and mittens; can't wait to show his buddies in the schoolyard! He puts it on and says, "Mama, is the bat on the front?" after a nod, I get a fist pump and an excited, "YES!" and he's off. "A hug and kiss please!" I yell after him, and he runs back to me. Just for a little bit and then he's off and running again.

Hat pattern found here, made with Cascade 220 yarn. Family mitten pattern from is from Taproot magazine, issue 3. 

Mistake stitch cowl

The needles and yarn have remained in my hands these days and I couldn't be happier! On a whim, with this beautiful yarn, this simple cowl came to be. I am really pleased by the result! It is warm and cozy and as soft as ever. A fast knit for a luxurious gift! 

I used Cascade 128 superwash merino wool in purple. Any Aran or bulky weight yarn will work

 - On US 10 1/2 needles, CO 47 (For mistake stitich, you need a stitch count divisible by 4 plus 3) 

- Row 1: K2P2 until the last three stitches and then K2P1 your last three stitches

- Repeat Row 1 on every row until your piece measures 22-24 inches

- Seam sides together, weave in ends
Final piece is 11 x 11, reversible

A sweater coat

I took my time and knit this through the summer. Picked it up and put it down, a couple of knits here, a couple of purls there. At the beach, on the boat, at the playground, in my bag it sat. As the warm air is slowly turning into cooler, crisp air, here it is. A finished sweater coat for my little girly girl in her favorite color. She picked out the buttons herself, with the help of her brother who is always eager to aide his little sis.

When I first started knitting, I was eager to finish, always counting the days it took me to complete a project. This was a new turn for me, taking my time, knowing that this little piece would be ready to wear in it's own time. Just like mommying these little ones, I remind myself - take your time. September is upon us and the shuffle of the school year has begun. I am reminded to slow down, be careful not to rush.  Enjoy the walk to school. Listen to the excitement in their voices, know that we will get to where we are going all in due time.

Tiered coat pattern by Lisa Chemery

knitted dishcloths

I've been playing around with knitted dishcloths, loving the ease and the simplicity of them. They are such easy things to knit and bring the satisfaction of a quick project. I saw this pattern on purl bee and was lucky to have some perfect cotton yarn in my stash for the making. 

A perfect set for someone special!

January wrap up

I had this post kicking around for a bit and when I first wrote it, it was earlier in the month of February. Now that we are mid month, it seems a bit funny to be wrapping up January's knitted projects. However! It's never too late for a project wrap up, so, here we go anyway - 

Now that it's February, I feel like half of our New England winter is over. I write this with my fingers crossed, of course. It's been a mild one, thankfully, with temperatures nearing 60 degrees one day not too long ago. Very odd for these parts. Though the weather has been warm, it is yet too early to think spring is nearing. It would not be unusual to experience a major snow storm some time in March or even April. It isn't that I don't like winter, I very much do. It allows me to cozy up and catch my knitting groove, but it is nice to have a sunny, mild, minimal snow winter as well. I was taking mental inventory of the knitted projects completed during the month of January and feel good about the amount that I was able to do. It has been a good stashbusting month, making an umbillical baby hat from the Stitch n Bitch book by Debbie Stoller, a pair of seed stitch mittens, a burberry inspired cowl, three pairs of convertible mittens, three Autumn hats, a Gaptastic cowl, a Longford hat (much like this "rapunzel hat") and an Oatmeal raglan in Gingerbread Puffin yarn by Quince and Co.

more photos and knitted goodies to come.....

A favorite

January appears to have a theme.  A knitting theme, it's all I'd like to do despite the many other things that need to get done. A slight obsession, perhaps. Finish A and B, then I could do a row or two or twenty of whatever knitted thing is filling my hands. I am aware that this happens yearly, during this month. This year has not been any different, although my efficiency with necessary tasks has improved and I don't find myself saying at the end of the day, "Dinner?! Oh no, that has not made itself, has it?" 

I needed a project to use this beautiful clearance yarn I picked up at my local yarn shop. The yarn is Jo Sharp Silk Road, a beautiful wool, silk blend, and the pattern is the Burberry Inspired Cowl, by The Garter Girl.  I love neckwear and find it to be super comforting on cold New England days. This recent piece has stayed on my neck daily since it was completed and is a winter favorite! What a great and simple pattern, easy cabling and definitely a quick weekend knit. 

A bit of cozy

During a little pause after the busy holiday week,  this bulky scarf was calling out to be made. It was a right this minute kind of project, simple and peaceful, that had me put aside the Christmas planning of doing and making.    

This knit 1, purl 1 scarf is perfect for our balmy fall and will be just as good for the upcoming winter. Made with Paton's organic cotton, yarn doubled, the softness is hard to resist!

CO 18 stitches, knit 1, purl 1. Repeat until desired length. Add fringe!

 

Rapunzel hat

"Mommy, could you make me braids, like the purple Printheth (princess)?" says E.

"Who's the purple princess?" I ask.

"Um, the one with the loooonnnngggg, long, long, long hair." E tells me.

"Hmmm, which one is that?" I ask.

"Rapunzel" F says knowingly.

"Oh, sure - I could make you braids on a Repunzel hat." I answer.

"Can you make it purple?"

"Her hair is blond, though."

"But, I like purple braids."

"Ok, purple sounds pretty" I say obligingly.

"Woohoo! Can you make it NOW" E squeals excitedly.

"Sure" I say. Ooohhh, to be 3.  

I found this pretty purple yarn, along with a pink skein in my Mom's basement. I remember buying it when I was, oh maybe 8 or 9 years old. I love that I am using it for something for Elena!

A perfect little princess! Hat pattern could be found on Ravelry or here. 

baby bonnet

My cousin is due with her first baby in February. It seems like forever ago that I was waiting for my first to come. How quickly these years have gone by. 

I have many projects on the knitting needles right now, and when my husband asks who each project is for, he smirks knowing that it's for my cousin's expected little one.

A February baby! How perfect for knitted things!

I used Jo Sharp's SilkRoad in Aran weight. 

This baby bonnet is a pattern from Joelle Hoverson's More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. What a great book! I got it for Christmas last year and want to make EVERYTHING :)

Oh, how I love knitting for babies!

isn't she cute?

As E and I decide on what color her dress will be, she waits patiently, lounging and smiling.....

Find the patterns I used to make her here (for her legs) and here (for her body).

things I'm knitting

There's a whole lot of unfinished knitting projects in my knitting basket at this moment.  This is very unlike me, as I tend to get a bit obsessive about finishing what I start when I knit. The nice thing is that if I need a project to grab, there's an easy one to just pick up and take with me. 

I started this one because I was in need for a warm weather project, something I could work on at the beach or playground, light and easy. I figured, this would be super simple to pick up and put down, and stashed for later if needed. It's meant to be a baby blanket, but could be easily modified as a grown up throw. 

Then, I found something calling my name - this perfect knit along, which I had the right amount of yarn for in my stash!

image and pattern from knitbot, magpie patterns

BUT, THEN, my little E saw a knitted strawberry shortcake doll that a friend (and unbelieveably great knitter) whipped up for her daughter, and since then, it's been, "Mommy, did you finish my strawberry shortcake yet?" and "Mommy, I am being very patient, but...is it done yet?"

Not quite, but already loved. I had to pry this body and head part away from the girl to photograph it. A bit on the freaky side if you ask me, as she awaits legs and arms and a face....

Here is the pattern I'm using, and a photo from that pattern:

source: Raggy Doll, Ravelry

Hmmmm, I wonder which project will be completed first :)