3 FO's

I finally finished Tree Jacket. It is in bad need of some blocking. I am not sure that I like the length. I think I would like it a little longer. The only problem is I have no more yarn. If I decide to lengthen it I will need to order another ball. I think I will block it first to see if I can lengthen it any, if not I will be making a purchase from Knit Pixie, where I purchased the yarn.

Pattern: Tree Jacket
Source: Zephyr Style
Yarn: Karabella Aurora 8
Color: Warm Brown 06
Size: XS 28-31"
Needles: US Size 7
Modifications: None, sleeves knit flat.

I also finished two more Christmas knits for two little neighbors of mine. They are 8 and 10 years old. Although these colors are not my personal favorites I am sure they will love them.

Pattern: Cabled Purse
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpaca Bulky Hand Dyes
Color: Lilac (1020) & Aquamarine (1021)
Needles: US Size 15
Purse Handles: Purchased at JoAnn's

I will be stopping by Jo-Ann's to get some more ribbons so the girls can have a variety of ribbons to change out as they like.

Christmas Knits Continued

This is a pattern that I came up with last year. The cabled purse was a big thing last year and knitted and crocheted bags are still every where this year. This is a really quick knit. They are good for ladies of almost any age. Every year there is always an unexpected guest that shows up and I panic because I like to give everyone a little something. This was my answer. I knit a couple extra of these each year and if any unexpected ladies show up, I have a handmade gift for them. I hope you enjoy the pattern. Let me know if you have any questions.











Bag:

Cast on 50 stitches.

Row 1:(WS) K3, P2, *K3, P6, K3, P2*,
Repeat from * to * 2 times to the last

3 stitches, K3.

Row 2:(RS) P3, K2, *P3, K6, P3, K2*,
Repeat from * to * 2 times to the last

3 stitches, P3.

Row 3: Repeat row 1.

Row 4: Repeat row 2.

Row 5: Repeat row 1.

Row 6: P3, K2, *P3, C6B, P3, K2*, Repeat
from * to * 2 times to the last 3 stitches, P3.

Row 7 – 36: Repeat rows 1 – 6 five more times.

Row 37: Repeat row 1.

Row 38: Repeat row 2.

Row 39: Bind off in pattern.

Finishing Bag:

1. Attach the first handle by whip stitching around the handle through the cast on row.
Please Note: Do not whip stitch first 3 or last 3 stitches to handles.

2. Attach the second handle by whip stitching around the handle through the bind off row.

Please Note: You can line your bag before seaming up the sides or after. This is personal preference only.

3. Fold bag in half and seam up the sides.

4. Line your bag and attach a magnetic or Velcro closure.

5. Cut your ribbon approximately 46 inches long.

Tip: You may want to add fray check to the ends of your ribbon to keep it looking nice.

Weave ribbon behind the K2 stitches on either side of the cable and tie a bow. (You can refer to the picture of the bag for proper placement.)

Copyright 2006, Knittingnonstop. This pattern and pictures are the property of Knittingnonstop. All rights reserved. Pattern is shared for individual personal use only. No commercial reproduction of this bag is allowed without prior written permission.

These are for the boys

Every year around this time I go crazy with the Christmas Knits. Some how I fool myself into believing that I can complete a ridiculous number of hand made gifts. This year I have vowed not to drive myself crazy. I usually end up being stressed out and not really fully enjoying the holidays. The funny thing is I usually end up being disappointed that I could not finish all the gifts that I set out to complete. I have no idea why I am disappointed it's not like the recipient had any idea that I was making them a handmade gift. Well this year its gonna be different.
This Christmas Eve I will not be up til 5 AM finishing a sweater or any other hand made gift. Ahhhhh! I feel better already. Sorry for the blogging absence I have been fighting a cold.

So onto the Christmas gifts that I did decide to tackle this year. The gifts for the boys! I decided to make some sweaters for my brother and my cousin who too is like a little brother to me.


First is the Cobblestone Pullover. I loved this sweater from the moment I saw it. I knew it would be perfect for my brother. I decided to use Plymouth Tweed in color 5309 which is kind of a charcoal gray color. I love the yarn and the best part it's affordable. I am done with the body of the sweater and am now off to sleeve island. My brother is 6ft 2in so there is going to be a lot of sleeve knitting. The good part is it will be mindless TV knitting.

The next sweater I am making is the Seamless Hybrid by Elizabeth Zimmerman. The pattern can be found in the Elizabeth Zimmerman book Knitting Without Tears. I first saw this here. I fell in love with the sweater and the detail that Jared added to the cuffs and bottom of the sweater. I decided to add the same contrasting color detail. I really think it makes the sweater lay much nicer and gives it a finished look. I used knit picks Essential Tweed in Inca Gold and Flint. In order to get proper gauge I am holding the yarn doubled. This is a fingering weight yarn and I wanted a warmer sweater so holding the yarn doubled should help me achieve that and will also speed up the knitting process.

Don't be intimidated to make this sweater. If you are unfamiliar with it you have to determine your gauge and then do some calculations to determine how many stitches to cast on. The best part is that you can pick the yarn first without having to worry about the gauge because you with the help of EZ will determine for your yarn how many stitches to cast on for the perfect fitting garment. I am finished with the body on this one also and am off to sleeve island. More Christmas Knits to follow.

Juliet est fini

Juliet is finished. It has been done for a while but I couldn't decide if I wanted to leave it cropped or make it a little longer. Not to mention that I knit it twice because the first time I made the small which was too big. As you can see the front of the sweater is rolling in a little bit. I think a little blocking will help it to lay flat. I will definitely make this again in the longer version and will extend the garter stitch below the bust next time.

Pattern: Juliet
Source: Zephyr Style
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece
Color: Mariner Blue (4 skeins)
Size: XS 28-31"
Needles: US Size 10
Modifications: None

Since I finished Juliet I moved on to Tree Jacket another Zephyr Style design. I am using Karabella Aurora 8 in brown. I love the yarn and the pattern is a lot of fun to knit. So far I have completed the collar and am almost done with the garter stitch. Sorry for the dark picture. 7 PM

November and Cleveland translates to absolutely no sun light after 6:30. I will try to get a better picture. Maybe next time I will pull out my new Ott-lite.

I bet you didn't know that I have my own personal watch dog for all of my knitting projects. That is Max in both the pictures above. He watches over all of my knitting projects at no extra charge. Well, there is a slight clause. Watching over means he is allowed to use the projects as a pillow anytime that I put them down or anytime he deems necessary. Watching over some times means laying or sitting on. The best part is he doesn't charge for any hair that he leaves behind.

More FO's

I don't have any pictures of Juliet to show. I had to rip back to the garter stitch. When I tried on Juliet it was too big. I started out making the small and once I tried it on I realized that the XS was going to fit better. I think in the end I will wear it much more and it will be more flattering.

On to a couple of FO's that I completed a little while ago. I just have not had an opportunity to post any pics. The first is Something Red or Blue in my case. This was really fun to knit and I love the blue sky cotton.

Something Red or Blue

Materials

Pattern: Something Red by Wendy Bernard

Yarn : Blue Sky Alpaca, Blue Sky Cotton. Color Periwinkle 634. The pattern called for 6 hanks but I only used 5.

Size: 34 bust.

Needles: US size 6 circular and double pointed needles.

Modifications: I made the ribbing at the bottom a little longer.

I may need to get a bigger button because the one I used is a little small for the button hole. All in all I really like this sweater. My FMIL already asked me to make her one. I think I am going to have to learn how to knit in my sleep.

The February Baby Sweater

Materials:

Pattern: The Knitter's Almanac by Elizabeth Zimmerman.

Yarn: Encore worsted. Color 1033. I think I used just over one skein.

Needles: US7 needles.

I first saw this on Jared's blog. The pattern wasn't too difficult. If you have never knit one of Elizabeth Zimmerman's patterns, they are more of a recipe. She allows you to make the pattern your own and that is what I think I like most about her patterns. I was intimidated at first but not once I got started. I will definitely make this sweater again with a nicer yarn, maybe something variegated.

Juliet and Tree Jacket

I joined the Sexy Knitters Club. This round we are knitting Juliet and the Tree Jacket by the lovely and talented Zephyr Style girls. I have made some progress on Juliet. I am using the yarn suggested, Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Mariner Blue. I really do love this yarn it is 80% prima cotton and 20% wool. The wool really helps it to keep its shape instead of stretching too much.

In the past when I have used 100% cotton my garments stretched and did not hold their shape. I ended up wearing them once or twice and then putting them in the closet.

Next up I am going to be starting on Tree Jacket. I have some Karabella Aurora 8 that I think will work for this pattern. I can't decide what color to
use. Neither are really my favorite color but I would like to use something from my stash. Please help me decide and vote on which color you think I should use. The poll is located in the side bar. Thanks!

Update: The poll has closed and the brown is the winner. Thanks for your help.

Noro Winter Hat

I know that it is not winter yet and no one wants to think of snow. I don't either but, I do need to start thinking about Christmas knits. Every year I swear that I am not going to be up the night before Christmas knitting nonstop to finish gifts. This year I was trying to come up with some quick fun knits that don't require a lot of thinking or a lot of time. So, I came up with this pattern. It is instant gratification and I was able to get two hats from one hank.

Materials:

1 - hank Noro Kochoran

1 - pair doubled pointed needles size 10 ½ (or size needed to obtain gauge)

1 - yarn needle

Gauge: 10 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches

Please note: You can knit this pattern in two styles. For the beanie style follow the first set of numbers. For the turned up brim style follow the numbers in parentheses. One hank will make two hats (one beanie style and one turned up brim style).

Pattern

Cast on 64 stitches.
Row 1: Join in the round being careful not to twist any stitches. K2, P2 to end of row. (Repeat this row until the ribbing measures 2 (2 ½) inches.)

Row 2: Knit row. Repeat this row until hat measures 5 (8) inches from bottom of hat.

Decrease Rows

Row 1: * K7, K2tog *, repeat from * to * 7 times, K1 (57 stitches)

Row 2: * K6, K2tog *, repeat from * to * 7 times, K1 (50 stitches)

Row 3: * K5, K2tog *, repeat from * to * 7 times, K1 (43 stitches)

Row 4: * K4, K2tog *, repeat from * to * 7 times, K1 (36 stitches)

Row 5: * K3, K2tog *, repeat from * to * 7 times, K1 (29 stitches)

Row 6: * K2, K2tog *, repeat from * to * 7 times, K1 (22 stitches)

Row 7: * K1, K2tog *, repeat from * to * 7 times, K1 (15 stitches)

Row 8: * K2tog * , repeat from * to * 7 times, K1 (8 stitches)

Finishing

Cut yarn leaving a tail about 8 inches long. Thread your yarn needle with this tail and weave through the last 8 stitches. Pull tight ensuring that you do not have a hole at the top of the hat. Secure yarn and weave in ends on inside of hat.

Copyright 2007, KnittingNonstop. This pattern and pictures are the property of KnittingNonstop. All right reserved. Pattern is shared for individual personal use only.

Drive-Thru or The Quicko-Cheapo

I love Wendy's patterns. When I saw Drive-Thru I knew I had to make it. The colors reminded me of grade school and my favorite pink and green Izod shirt. Sorry for the bright pic it was taken in the store window. Right now it is showing off the yarn but I think it may have to come home with me soon.

Yarn : Cascade 220 (Body of sweater color#7814, stripes- lt green 8910, dk pink 7801, lt pink 9477)
Size: I made the size 16 and it fits perfect.
Needles : US size 6
Gauge: 4.5-5 stitches per inch
Modifications: None

I am going to make this pattern again in more neutral colors. I think I will add some waist shaping. Overall I really love this pattern and can't wait to wear it. It is suppose to be cold this weekend maybe it will be cold enough to sport my Quicko-Cheapo. I will try to get a better shot of the sweater.

The Georgann Bag

I have been crocheting since I was 5 years old. When I first learned all I could do was make a chain. I remember carrying this chain around, it had to be 20 or 25 feet long. I carried that thing around so proud of my work. The funniest part was I did not know how to end my work so I carried it around still attached to the skein of Redheart yarn. My mom was the person who taught me to crochet so it only made sense to name my first crochet pattern after her. So I bring to you The Georgann Bag. If anyone makes this bag please send me a picture of your completed bag with the details of the yarn you used.

$4.50

Materials:

4 balls or 284 yards of Rowan Cotton Tape (Rowan Cotton Tape has been discontinued).

Yarn Substitutes: Rowan Cotton Braid, Rowan Holiday, Rowan Cotton Rope, Crystal Palace (Puffin Solid, Cameo Solie, Summer Net and Deco Ribbon).

Size H 8/5.oo mm crochet hook

Optional:

• Fabric to line your bag
• Button or snap closure
• Decorative pin to embellish your bag. (Flower was purchased at JoAnn's)
• You may single crochet your bag together or whip stitch it together with a yarn needle.

Measurements: 12 inches wide at the top, 9 inches wide at the bottom and 8 inches tall.

Gauge: 3.5 stitches/4 rows per inch.

I lined my bag as you can see in the picture to the left. I used fat quarters that I purchased at JoAnn fabrics. I also used Therm O Web instead of breaking out the sewing machine. I do have a sewing machine but I couldn't find any of my bobbins. I figured I would try the Therm O Web and see what happened. It held up great. I have used it on several bags after making this one. I kind of like instant gratification and it would have probably taken me as long to thread my machine as it did to make the bag. OK, I may be exaggerating a little. Anyways, I hope you enjoy the pattern. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Gifts & Green Goblin

A friend of mine just had a birthday. She is also a fellow knitter and has been knitting for many years. I could not decide what to get her until I happened upon Spunky Eclectic. This is the Collegiate Bag. It was very affordable. As you can see in the picture it is a nice size. I am sure she will be able to fit a couple projects in this bag. The bottom of the bag is square and the inside has a contrasting fabric with four pockets. It is nicely constructed.


I was sorting through my stash, which is too big to keep track of but don't tell my DF. I keep telling him you can never have too much yarn. I had completely forgot that I purchased this kit as a Birthday gift to myself last year (or was it the year before that?). It is Kim Hargreaves Fay. The color is Goblin (my favorite) which I believe has been discontinued.

I really want to start this but I am trying to make myself finish at least one project before casting on another. I have way too many unfinished projects as it is. I have made more progress on the Lacy Skirt with Bows. I want to finish it before the Fall/Winter weather kicks in. No pictures of my progress today. I am almost into the stockinette portion of the skirt. Hopefully it will go fast. Back to my stash to see what else I forgot about. :~}

Pumpkin Hat & Lacy Skirt

It seems like everyone is having babies. At least everyone that I work with. I have been wanting to knit something from the itty-bitty hats book since I first saw it on Alison's blog. So many cute things to knit. This is the first time that I have used Debbie Bliss Rialto. The best part it is 100% merino wool superwash, ideal for baby knits. It feels great, kind of reminds me of Karabella Aurora.

Yarn : Debbie Bliss Rialto (color# 9, 17 & 19)
Needles : US 6 double points
Gauge: 5 stitches per
Modifications: None

I am also working on the Lacy skirt with Bows. I started one last year and actually completed all of the lace panels. The only problem, you could see through the skirt. I knew if I finished it I wouldn't wear it so it was frogged. I had no hope for making this skirt again until I saw this. I was so excited I have four skeins of cotton fleece in the same color. I had bought it to make Rusted Root for my grandma. Then she decided that teal would be a better color for her. I can only hope that this skirt will look half as good on me as it does on Elizabeth.

The lace pattern is really easy to memorize so it makes this a quick knit. I can't wait to get to the stockinette. The pattern has a front and back but once I have completed the lace I am going to join in the round and knit, knit, knit. My gauge is a little off. The lace panel should measure 24 inches across and I am about an inch over. I think a little blocking should take care of that. At least I hope it will.

Hello

Hello! My name is Dawn, I am from Ohio. I taught myself to knit 5 years ago and have been crocheting since I was five. I spend most of my free time knitting, crocheting or teaching classes at my LYS. This is my first attempt at my own blog so I am sure I will be asking for the help/advice of all of you wonderful knitters/crocheters. I am so inspired by reading about all of your projects I hope I have enough time to post. Stop by and introduce yourself and say Hi!