Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Water socks


I finished my socks. I love the colors, they look like water. Made with Encore self patterning worsted weight yarn. They knit up fast on #5 needles. I used my usual pattern from Yankee Knitting. I use it all the time. Maybe it's time to try a new pattern?

Here is my new book! I've had my eye on it for quite a while. It has a sock pattern I am planning on making soon.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Button on scarf


I went with my sister and niece to the new yarn shop in Rutland, VT. Yeah! Finally! Rutland has been without for a long time. It is called Green Mountain Fibers, 259 Woodstock Ave., Rutland. That translates to: Rt 4 east (heading towards Killington) on the left before you get to Home Depot. Very nice shop.

They had a wonderful sample scarf that I just had to try. The pattern (which they very nicely gave me) is called “Tudora” from knitty.com.

http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/PATTtudora.html

I purchased one skein of Debbie Bliss Donegal Aran Tweed, 100% wool, 50 grams. I had about two yards left, that was close! I made six cables, nervous that every row would be my last. When I was done I was not sure I liked it, it seemed too tight, so I ironed it to stretch it. BIG MISTAKE! It made the scarf too droopy and now I am trying to shrink it up a bit. So don’t iron it until you have worn it. I found a cute vintage button in my now small stash but I am struggling with the button placement.

With all that said, I love it and want to make another one.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

How about this cute baby hat?


Very easy to knit with directions that are easy to follow. I used a 16" circular needle instead of double pointed and switched when I started to decrease.

Here is the link: http://cadilily.blogspot.com/2008/05/baby-cap.html

I used Plymouth Yarn DreamBaby DK, 100% acrylic. I made a size small and will have enough to make another hat. I made knit chin-ties (my I-cord looks too yucky, I need to practice) like I did on the ear flap hat:

Chin-ties
size 2 needles
Pick up 5 stitches on the right side (I used a crochet hook)
Purl the next row (knitting it would work too, maybe better actually)
Knit 2 together, K1, K 2 together through the back loop (3 stitches)
Knit all rows till you have the desired length (these are about 8”)

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Knitting too much? or not blogging enough??

I have looked back on all the projects I have finished and not put on my blog I became a little worried that maybe I am knitting too much. Is that possible?

Well here is a little bit from me and don't worry Beth, I will have another one for you (complete with links for tomorrow).

Did I mention I love to knit socks? I made these for Morgan for Christmas. I used Encore Worsted weight self-patterning yarn and Yankee Knitting Classic Socks pattern. I am able to get a pair of womens socks from one skein of yarn. I have another skein in shades of blue and green. Maybe for me?

I bought a dishcloth pattern book at JoAnn's by Leisure Arts "Love to knit dishcloths." I have knit five so far. All the patterns are hearts, very cute and fun. I gave a few as gifts for Christmas. The best advice I can give you is don't get complacent, pay attention and count all stitches when you have finished a row to be sure you have not forgotten to yarn over somewhere.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

The Cable Hat


The newest hat! I used Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby DK. It worked up nicely. Parts of the directions were a little unclear to me. Here are a few notes:
--Might want to leave a long cast on tail and use it to sew the back seam
--I bound off the 41 stitches on the "brim" in purl
--I used a circular needle to hold all the stitches for the neck band and chin straps. I felt like I was in the wrong direction and the circular needle helped to reorient the knitting.

I also had problems with the button hole, the directions were unclear to me. After lots of looking and research I made the button hole (it is made on the 10 stitches on the longer chin strap) as follows:
ROW 1: K1, P1, K1, K2tog, YO, K2tog, P1, K1, P1
Knit 2 or 3 more rows following the K1, P1 pattern (there will only be 9 stitches)
Bind off
Link to cable hat