One More Down....

Another DROPS headband is done for Christmas 2008 gifting. I used the yarn leftover from the Pocketbook Slippers. It may even be a set since either pattern is so easy and quick to knit.
Thanks to "Ms Thang" for being my model. She's the only one around here who will patiently pose for me with my FO's.

This is the top view...not completely happy with the striping again...but I don't think the giftee is going to mind. As long as it does it's job, she will be happy.

I'm hoping to get around to cutting the lining for my Isabeau Purse tomorrow so I can get that finished too. Then, I will have finished everything on my January list.

I got this yummy yarn this past week at my LYS. I almost forgot to take a photo before I had the hank all wound into a ball. It's a beautiful hand dyed yarn made by Araucania called Aysen.


Here it is all wound up and ready for knitting. It's going to be a scarf for me. Yeah...ME. I just haven't decided on a pattern yet. I am open to suggestions....what do you think?

Cute Cloth....Weird Moon

This is the new pattern from KnittingKnonsense...it's the Wrapper Cloth. I thought it would be a cute gift for my mail carrier with a little bar of soap tucked inside. Don't look too closely at my bobble...he's a sad excuse for a bobble. I have never done them before and that part of the pattern was confusing to me...I kinda winged it and kept going. If I make more and I probably will, I will try to do a better bobble next time. lol
The pattern is available for free here...http://www.knittingknonsense.com/Wrapper_Cloth.html

Here is...as my Skaterboy would say...some "Moonage" for you. My sister called me on her way home from work yesterday and while we were talking she says that the moon looks really weird. Knowing that I won't pass up an opportunity to take photos, she explains that it looks to her as though there is something hanging down off the moon. So, when we finish talking, I grabbed my trusty little camera and head outside.

I couldn't see anything just looking up at the moon but I figured I would take a few shots anyway and see what happens. These are two of the photos I took last night. I have no idea what the little thing is at the bottom. But now at least I can see what she talking about. I took three photos total and it's there in a different little swirly shape in all three photos. Just a little something strange I thought I would share with you.

I hope you are all having a great holiday. I am now, unfortunately, nursing a yucky old cold. It's driving me nuts. It could be worse though so I won't complain. At least now I can relax and decide what I want to knit next...no pressure...no stress....aaahhhh.

Dishcloth Dungarees/Bathtime Bloomers

Okay, if you read my post the other day, I mentioned a cute crochet pattern that I really wanted to do but since I don't crochet anything other than a chain...that wasn't happening. So, I have been working on doing it in a knitted version. It's really simple and pretty flexible...you could do any size you want and change it to suit your own taste. You just knit two identical cloths like these. And the cuteness happens when you put them together. And then you have this....

I love these little britches. They're just too darn cute. I don't know who originally came up with this idea and I sure don't take credit for the brilliance that these little buggers are. I'm posting my version...which is just me winging it so feel free to do it your way. I just wanted to share this with everyone since I haven't been able to find a knitted pair anywhere.

I used US Size 8 needles and a ball of Sugar & Cream cotton yarn in Cherry Swirl. I started by Casting On 36 stitches.

Rows 1-4: Knit
Row 5: K1, YO, K2tog to end of row
From here, just continue in garter stitch (knit every row) until you get the just a bit shy of your desired length.
Row of: K1, YO, K2tog to end of row
Knit 4 rows and bind off. Weave in your ends.
You will need some ribbon (your choice...you could also probably just use yarn leftover from the cloths)...using a long piece of ribbon, pull it through the eyelets on the top of the two cloths and tie them together(make a pretty bow)
I didn't have access to much ribbon...yours will most surely look better. It would also be helpful to use a shorter piece of ribbon to tie a little bow at the crotch area of the cloths to hold them together.
Then use two shorter pieces of ribbon through the eyelets on the bottom of each "leg" to give them that puffy look and tie a pretty bow. (Don't tie the bottom pieces together...these are your legs.)

I worked up a little poem to include with them if you wish...you won't hurt my feelings if you don't use it...I'll never know if you don't tell me. lol (Please don't tell me if you don't. :P)
I've named them Dishcloth Dungarees and Bathtime Bloomers depending on the recipient and what they will use them for...you can switch the names in the poem to suit the gift.

These are Dishcloth Dungarees (Bathtime Bloomers),
And here is a little clue...
When you remove the ribbons,
You'll find not one surprise, but two...
A pair of cotton dishcloths (washcloths),
That I hand knit just for you.

For any crocheters out there interested, here's the link to the crochet version...
http://www.jimsyldesign.com/dishbout/cpatterns/kitchenpants.html

Today was the last day of school before the Christmas holiday. Ms Thang gave me this cute little Gingerbread Man she made for me at school. He is so cute and special because he was hand made, too. I hope you're all warm and toasty (no fire going tonight but warm just the same).

A Tree, Some Dishcloths And Honest Abe.

I thought I would post a photo of the decorated tree since there are some who wouldn't believe it without proof...it took forever to get around to adding the ornaments. I think the tree was up for two weeks just waiting on the final additions. I got tired of it giving me dirty looks so here he is in all his glory. (covered in little snowmen) There's even a little snowman standing just underneath the edge of the tree but you can't see him in this photo. He's in my profile picture right now though.

This is a Christmas gift for one of my neighbors. He owns a few horses and has let my kids ride them. Froggie designed this one and I thought it was perfect for him. This pattern is available on her blog. http://frogiezplace.blogspot.com/
I knitted him with Sugar & Cream in brown...not sure of the actual color name on the wrapper. The wrapper has long since gone MIA. I used a US size 7 needle...not sure of the size on the pattern. Hop over to Frogiez Place and look for Giddy-Up.

This one is for my cousin who is a big kid regardless of his age...which is in his 20's. He has always loved a certain comic book super hero. The cloth is a much prettier, brighter shade of blue. I was apparently having a "crappy picture day" as you can tell by this series of photos and YES! it's driving me insane but I will deal with it. :P Anyway, I think he will be very happy with this one.

I finally feel as though I'm making progress with all this Christmas gift knitting. I got these two finished, have a Nubbins OTN and two more dishcloth dresses OTN for my daughter's teachers. Now I just have to pick out a nice one for her interpreter...I realized that these 3 cloths need to be done first (as in now) because school is out for the holiday next Wednesday. I have until Christmas Eve to finish everyone else's.

I just check with Froggie and this one (My Hero) will be posted soon. Just check back on her blog...hopefully tomorrow and it should be there.

Now, the finale. I would like for you all to meet Abe Lincoln the sock puppet. Isn't he a handsome fella? lol My oldest daughter had to do this as a project for school. She's in high school no less, go figure. His mouth does open but you can't tell it in the photo. Her hand was tired....read A LOT of whining in that last sentence. I think we did an awesome job. Credit for the face goes to my youngest son, Skaterboy the artist. He's a talented kid if I say so myself. I can't wait to see what kind of grade she gets for this one. lol He really is very dignified in the photo. Always a proper gentleman. Honest.

Okay, I "talked" your ears off. You must be tired so I will shut up for now. Don't get comfortable because I will be back.

There Is Evil In My Computer

I posted the photo cuz we really needed a change of scenery. I took this one a few days ago while driving down the road to pick my kids up from school. People probably think I am insane as I can often be seen holding my camera out the car window snapping pictures while I am going down the street. Sometimes I get crap and sometimes I get some really nice shots. I thought this was one of the nice ones. You can get away with this out here in the country but I don't push my luck once I get into town. I don't think the local law enforcement would think too highly of it...lol.

This evil of which I speak (most of you probably already know it) is Ravelry. It sucks you in and you just get lost. It's so hard to get out of there. It's just awesome! Now, if this wasn't bad enough...today I gave in and did something else that I have been thinking about doing for a while now. I know it's spoken of highly and seems to be a good thing but I wasn't ready to make the change until now. Today, I downloaded Mozilla Firefox. The fastest, the safest....blah blah blah...don't they all say that? They tag-teamed me! Ravelry has this neat little button that you can click and drag onto your toolbar and when you're pattern surfing and come across something you like, you click this button (ravel it!) and it will locate that pattern in Ravelry if it's in their database. The catch...it works with Firefox and not Internet Explorer. Well, being one is doesn't want to be left out, I got Firefox. I gotta say.......I love it! My experience so far....it IS faster. The pages just pop. My IE has been giving me much grief lately and today I have had none of these issues...not once! Of course you can customize your browser which is where I have been most of this evening in my free time. EVIL...EVIL I TELL YOU! I'm going to have to rig up something that will give me an electric shock so I have to get up from the computer. lol

This is really cutting into my knitting time. I've got Christmas gifts sitting around unfinished and yarn that's giving me some really nasty looks. I have less than a month to get this stuff done. Anyone know a good computer exorcist?

More Baby Booties

These are my latest baby booties. I used Sugar & Cream...don't remember the color exactly....this was some leftover dishcloth yarn. I like these much better than the acrylic. They aren't as pretty but I feel better giving her natural fibers...you all know how I love that acrylic.
A friend just reminded me also about the dangers of using acrylic with babies....the fire hazard issue. I probably wouldn't have chosen green for myself...not this shade anyway but my cousin loves green so I thought this would be okay. I think the green would also be appropriate for either a boy or a girl. Now I just need to make a matching hat.

We got a little rain today...we need it so bad. We are finally beginning to see the colors of fall. I thought they would never get here. I hope to get some good photos soon to show you. They still have a little ways to go before the colors are really showing enough to take photos. I've noticed a big change just in the last few days so maybe it won't take long.

Okay I am off to try out a pattern I found on Ravelry....my newest addiction. It's a pattern for slippers done in Lion Brand Homespun. If it works out, I'm thinking Christmas gifts. :)

I don't know why I didn't think to include the link for the slippers last night...so sorry, here it is...
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_knitting/article/0,2025,DIY_14141_5466264,00.html

Eyelet Rib Back Scrubber

YAY! I got something off the needles! This has been sitting on my desk right in front of my computer monitor for so long. It says very ugly things to me as I sit at my desk so I thought I should get it finished....it was very unhappy with me for sitting here for so long. I have attempted a back scrubber before but could never seem to stay with it long enough for it to actually become a back scrubber. Now that I have it finished, I can see that I will need to do more. Yes, Froggie, this one is yours. I was working on getting it done while waiting at school this afternoon. Froggie and I always sit together in our cars and knit while we wait. She really liked the scrubber so this one is for her. It's the least I can do since she did give me two skeins of Sinfonia today...one blue and one green. She's the most awesome friend and so generous with her time and herself. Everybody should have a "Froggie". lol



Here'a a little close up of the pattern. It was knit with Sugar & Cream self striping yarn. The color is Natural Stripes. So far, this is my favorite of the colors. Can't wait til she tries it out and lets me know how she likes it. I'm thinking this would be a good gift for my pregnant cousin. All us Moms know how hard it is to reach things once that belly really starts to get out there. lol

More Mandy's Candy Bags

This is the second Mandy's Candy Bag I just finished for my sister. This one was done in Peaches & Cream yarn. The color is Winterberry. I wasn't really sure about the color until I started knitting and now I really like it. I only had the one ball of yarn so now I have to try and find some more. It's gonna be hard to give her this one but I did promise. Thanks to NH Knitting Mama for this free pattern. She's still got the contest going if you're interested. Check her out! Nice blog. http://nhknittingmama.blogspot.com/2007/07/mandys-candy-bag.html

The bottom I also did different from the pattern thanks to a wonderful knitting friend. I really like this flat bottom as it sits so well this way. I would never have thought I could do this and no way would I have figured this one out by myself. Many thanks to Isabelle for the little lesson and sharing her knowledge. Isabelle, btw, has made several beautiful bags in a lot of different styles. You should check them out here... http://tricotine.typepad.com/

Eyelet Rib Ensemble

This is my latest cloth attempt from the Cloth Of The Week Group. It was so simple to do and yet it looks almost like a cable. I love patterns like this...make me look like a much better knitter than I actually am. This photo shows the color better than the second one.

I just cannot stress enough how wonderful this group is. The designers are so helpful and they are available to help you and answer your questions. This is a great way to learn new stitches and expand your knitting knowledge without having to jump into some big complicated project. And once you've finished the design of the week, you have a cloth you can use or give as a gift. I'm saving all my favorite ones to give as Christmas and birthday gifts to family and friends.

This photo doesn't do the color justice but I think it shows the stitch pattern pretty well. This cloth is actually a little small but last weeks PSSO Rib Ensemble gave me such a fit, I just wanted to test the waters and make sure I could actually do this one. I will have to keep trying on last weeks...can't for the life of me figure out why I have so much trouble with it but it just doesn't like me very well.

The more I look at this pattern, the more I keep thinking..."What an awesome scarf this would make!" If any of you are looking for a way to learn new techniques without getting in over your head, this group is perfect. You should join us. There's a button on the left side of my blog...I really think you'll like it. I've only been a member for less than a month now and I've learned quite a few new things already.

As an afterthought, I wanted to post the back view of this cloth. Actually, to be perfectly honest, I'm not sure which is the front and which is the back. lol It's pretty on both sides. I'm still thinking scarf.....

Snake Bath Puppet

This is the snake bath puppet I just finished for my nephew. He loves to take baths and uses washclothes I knit for him. I thought this would be more fun than the washcloth. It's designed by Brian and is a free pattern available on his site. There's a link in my side bar if anyone is interested. (BrileyKnits) It's under free patterns...Brian's Designs. I can't wait to give it to my nephew and see how he likes it.

My snake turned out a little "beady eyed"....please don't blame the designer. No where in his pattern does it say "beady eyed" snake. I am just not skilled at sewing on eyes. It was another first for me. I think it adds to his "cuteness". That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

This little guy was fun to knit. I really enjoyed watching him come to life. It was also good practice for me at picking up stitches. I'm pretty comfortable knitting in the round but I've only done one other pattern that required picking up stitches. I will be making more of these for Christmas presents...and it'll give me more practice as well. Brian also has a frog and a duck pattern available. Thanks for sharing these with us, Brian. There are so cute.

June Mystery Scarf KAL

Here is my June mystery scarf KAL finally finished. I got so far behind on this one but it is the finished scarf in all it's glory. It was done with Sinfonia yarn in Lila. It is a summer scarf designed by the talented Liz Hanson. I believe the name of the pattern is Diamond Waves. It is such an easy pattern to follow. I really enjoyed this one. I'm thinking maybe I should make more of these. They are beautiful gifts.

This is a close-up of the design. You have to see it close to appreciate it. It just so pretty. I already have this one given away. My daughter's speech therapist saw it while I was working on it. I always carry something to knit when I am going to be waiting. (Yes, I knit in public and I'm proud of it!) Anyway, she commented on how pretty it was so I decided then that she needed this scarf. She learned to knit a year or so ago herself but doesn't have the time to devote to it. She had a baby and does some beautiful bead work (jewelry) and then her job as a speech therapist, so it doesn't leave her much free time. I hope she enjoys this. She is a dainty girl and I think this will look perfect on her.

New Pattern...Cut & Style

I finally have a new dishcloth design uploaded to my sale site. I thought this would make a nice gift to give your hairdresser or even barber. We all have to get a cut or trim sometime. I have another that goes along with this one...have to finish knitting it up and I will post as soon as I get it done.

Melanie's Soap Sack...Free Pattern

Okay, here's my little lacy soap sack. It's my first attempt to my own lacy design and a pattern with decreases. Feel free to give it a try if you'd like and if you find any problems, let me know. I have only knitted this pattern once and I tried to make sure it was correct but I do have my "DUH" moments. You could actually do the decreases any way you are comfortable with and more gradually if you choose. I just don't like the pointy bottom. I did try to put a soap in and it seems to fit fine.

Melanie’s Soap Sack
©Copyright 2007
Designed by Melanie Thompson

I used Sugar & Cream yarn (100% Cotton) or yarn of your choice
US Size 6 Double Point Needles

Cast on 44 stitches
Place marker and join…work in the round
Knit 4 Rounds
*K2tog, YO, K2* Repeat to the end of the round
Knit 4 Rounds
Begin Pattern

Pattern:
Round 1: *K4, YO, slip 2 (as K2tog), K1, Pass two slipped stitches over the knit1, YO, K4*, Repeat to end
Round 2: Knit
Round 3: *K3, YO, K2tog, K1, SKP, YO, K3*, Repeat to end
Round 4: Knit
Round 5: *K2, YO, K2tog, K3, SKP, YO, K2*, Repeat to end
Round 6: Knit
Round 7: *K1, YO, K2tog, K5, SKP, YO, K1*, Repeat to end
Round 8: Knit
Round 9: *K1, K2tog, K2, YO, K1, YO, K2, SKP, K1*, Repeat to end
Round 10: Knit
Round 11: *K1, K2tog, K2, YO, K1, YO, K2, SKP, K1*, Repeat to end
Round 12: Knit
Round 13: *K1, K2tog, K2, YO, K1, YO, K2, SKP, K1*, Repeat to end
Round 14: Knit
Repeat Rounds 1-14 one more time.
Begin Decrease

Decrease:
*K4, SKP, K2, K2tog*, Repeat to last 4 stitches, K2, K2tog (35 stitches)
Knit
*K4, SKP, K2, K2tog*, Repeat to last 5 stitches, K3, K2tog (28 stitches)
Knit
*K4, SKP, K2, K2tog*, Repeat to last 8 stitches, K4, SKP, K2 (23 stitches)
Knit
*K2, K2tog*, Repeat to end (17 stitches)

Cut yarn leaving 4” tail and run through remaining 17 stitches.

Pull tight and weave in the ends.

Make an I-cord or braid yarn to run through eyelets…insert soap and tie bag.

I'm still here!

In case anyone was wondering...I am still alive. Been so busy with my scarf KAL (had two going at once) and finishing little gifts for teachers that I can't seem to find enough time for everything. The first photo is my Seaman's Scarf from the KAL. It was done in the group SASE-Shawls & Scarves Etc. I have only done boring scarves in the past. The easy, garter stitch kind. This one was an easy one for new lace knitters and there were two options as to how to do it. Either all zig-zag lace or the ribbing in the middle. I know wish I had done one of each. I wasn't too sure about the ribbing together with the lace but it turned out great. I love it!

I made one little mistake in the first one so I carefully positioned that out the camera view..lol. This one was done with Red Heart Soft Baby in Laddie Print. I have never liked acrylic yarn but this yarn is really soft...not like the acrylic I learned to knit with.






The next scarf was done with Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Blue Heather. I just happened to run across it at my local Hancock Fabrics and bought a couple of skiens. I thought this would be a good thing to try it out on. I love the first scarf but I'm thinking I like this one better. I think I could wear it with more than the varigated one.

I'm so looking forward to the next scarf KAL. And I am going to attempt to knit the Pacific Waves Shawl in June. That one is really stressing me out. I don't know if I am really up to it but it's so beautiful and I have the yarn so I think I will give it a try. If it doesn't work out, there's always the frog pond. lol

Scarf KAL

This is my first scarf KAL with the new group Shawls And Scarves Etc (SASE). It was started by RaAnn Clegg. She's a wonderful person and excellent designer. I love the zig-zag lace design and the colors are turning out so pretty, however, the edges of my scarf seem to want to curl. Since this is my first scarf other than garter stitch, I don't know if it's something I'm doing wrong or if this is typical of a ribbed edge on a scarf. I hate to frog and start over but I don't want "curly" edges on my scarf. I couldn't give it away if it didn't look good. If anyone reading has any suggestions, please let me know. I welcome any and all help. I really want this to turn out well so I can possibly give it as a gift or donate it even. I know a lot (if not most) of you have much more knowledge of these things than I so I'm hoping for some good ideas as to how to do better next time. I'm gonna end up frogging....I can feel it. lol

I Love You ASL Dishcloth

This is the I Love You ASL Dishcloth I knitted for my daughter's teacher. I have two others as well to give the teacher's assistant and my daughter's interpreter. We did them in the favorite color of each person. This is one my daughter's favorites. We have a hard time finding anything with sign language on it so when we do, she gets pretty excited. I thought these would be the perfect end of the school year gift. And they will always remember who gave it to them.

The pattern can be found at http://www.lulu.com/browse/book_view.php?fCID=657834&fBuyItem=5

Apple Surprise

This is a cloth I designed for my daughter to give her teachers...a little end of the year gift. I did make one little correction on the worm as I was unhappy with his little head. I haven't had time to knit another just for posting a picture. Once knitted his head won't be as pointy as the one in my photo. Just a little something to share while I continue to work on some other patterns. Feel free to use this one as well as the others if you'd like. Happy Knitting everyone!

Apple Surprise
© Copyright 2007
Designed by Melanie Thompson
1 Ball 100% Cotton
US Size 7 needles
Cast on 43
Rows 1-4: Knit
Rows 5 & All Odd Rows: Knit
Row 6: K4, P35, K4
Row 8: K4, P35, K4
Row 10: K4, P35, K4
Row 12: K4, P35, K4
Row 14: K4, P8, K14, P13, K4
Row 16: K4, P7, K16, P12, K4
Row 18: K4, P6, K18, P11, K4
Row 20: K4, P5, K20, P10, K4
Row 22: K4, P5, K20, P10, K4
Row 24: K4, P5, K20, P10, K4
Row 26: K4, P5, K22, P8, K4
Row 28: K4, P6, K21, P8, K4
Row 30: K4, P7, K16, P2, K3, P7, K4
Row 32: K4, P8, K6, P2, K6, P3, K3, P7, K4
Row 34: K4, P14, K2, P10, K4, P5, K4
Row 36: K4, P14, K2, P10, K4, P6, K4
Row 38: K4, P12, K3, P20, K4
Row 40: K4, P11, K3, P21, K4
Row 42: K4, P9, K4, P22, K4
Row 44: K4, P35, K4
Row 46: K4, P35, K4
Row 48: K4, P35, K4
Row 50: K4, P35, K4
Row 51-54: Knit
Cast off.
Weave in the ends.

Easter Egg Dishcloth

I knitted this cute Easter Egg dishcloth and gave it as a gift. It was designed by Kayleen Clements. She is sharing the pattern on her blog...http://kayleenknits.blogspot.com/ . This picture does not do it justice...it's got some really nice detail that doesn't seem to show well in my photo.

I was hoping to have my next freebie ready to post today, but I had to make some minor adjustments. Have to do another test knit and then I hope to have it posted tomorrow. It's a design for my 2 year old nephew, Killian. I don't want to say too much and give it away. I want it to be a surprise. I will only say that it would probably look best done in purple...lol. Okay, that should be a dead give-away to anyone who knows what 2 year olds are into. Check back soon, I promise to have it up ASAP.