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.