Hens and Chicks

Try a new heel

2011-11-20T23:07:00.053-05:00

Looking for a different heel? How about an inset or afterthought heel? They are fast to knit but it usually takes me quite a bit of time to set it up. They are easy to replace if you get a hole. I wrote these directions up a while ago, hope they make sense. It is very helpful to have two sets of double pointed needles (whatever size you are using -- it means a lot less juggling of needles). I set up socks using the Yankee Knitter classic sock pattern (#29)

Knit the leg. If the leg is a pattern and the foot will be stockinette, knit 1 row
Row 2: knit to needle 2
Drop the main color and knit needle 2 with waste yarn

Drop waste yarn, pick up the main color and knit needle 2 again (the waste yarn)

Continue knitting with main color
Knit the foot of your sock for a few inches and then go back and work on the heel

Pick up the stiches above and below the waste yarn. I think this is tricky to do but you might not find it as difficult as I do. I use a smaller needle to pick up the stitches. Remove the waste yarn.

Pick up one extra stitch on either side to close any holes.

Transfer to the correct size needle; I use four needles.

Right side facing, working right to left: Attach yarn on the right side, knit 2 together where you picked up the extra stitch. You might want to knit through the back loop. This puts in a twist and tightens up the stitch. Work across to the other needle where you picked up the extra stitch and knit 2 together.
Work across all needles to where you started. You might want to add stitch markers to mark the “corners.”

Round 1
Needle 1: K1, K 2 together through the back loop (or ssk), K to end
Needle 2: K to last 3 stitches, K 2 together, K 1
Needle 3: K 1, K 2 together through the back loop (or ssk), K to the end
Needle 4: K to last 3 stitches, K 2 together, K 1

Round 2
Knit on all four needles

Continue both rounds until 5 stitches remain on each needle for a total of 20 stitches or approximately 1/3 of what you started with. You can try it on and see how it feels and adjust as needed

Transfer to 2 needles (ten stitches on each needle) and Kitchener stitch

Done!

Dishcloths

2011-07-12T12:51:00.006-04:00

How wonderful are these! I enjoy knitting dishcloths. They are easy to knit, take with you, practical, great to give and fun to receive. The patterns are: Grandma's Favorite and Ball Band Dishcloth. I have gotten over the idea that Grandma's Dishcloths need to be all the same color. I noticed my friend Ann knitting one and when she ran out of yarn she just used another color. OMG! what a good idea, now I have a use for all those little scraps I have saved.

Grandma's Favorite

1 ball of worsted weight cotton like Sugar N’ Cream or Peaches & Cream
Needle size 8

DIRECTIONS
Cast on 4 stitches
Knit one row
Increase Row: Knit 2, yarn over, knit to the end of the row
Repeat this row until there are 44 stitches on your needle

Decrease Row: Knit 1, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2 together, knit to the end of the row
Repeat decrease row until 8 stitches remain

Knit 2 together 4 times
Bind off

The Ballband Dishcloth pattern is found on the yarn band of Peaches & Cream yarn (I have found it at Walmart) and on this web site: Ballband Dishcloth

Stranded Knitting

2011-02-19T21:56:00.005-05:00

I took an Intarsia & Stranding workshop at Country Woolens, Lebanon, NH this fall. They have a great array of classes. I had fun learning the techniques and used it right away on this cute kids hat. I need to keep practicing.

Inspired Mittens

2011-02-19T21:06:00.007-05:00

These mittens were made by request for Taylor. Inspired by Kate Spade. I used Cascade 100% superwash wool, worsted weight, needles size #7, Ann Norling's "Basic Mittens on 4 Needles" pattern. I did the HI 5 in duplicate stitch. That was challenging but You Tube had lots of help. The charts are a free download on Ravelry, thanks Emily Matisz!

Purl Hat

2011-01-31T22:38:00.013-05:00

I found this Noro Iro yarn in the sale basket at Northern Nights Yarn Shop in Norwich, VT. I was looking for a new winter hat! I spent quite a bit of time trying to decide what pattern to use. The hat is a combination of knit and purl rows and a spiral decrease for the top. It took several tries to get the look I wanted, but success!

Noro Iro 75% wool 25% silk
132 yards super bulky -- 1 skein
Gauge 3 stitches = 1”
Circular needle 16” size 10 and double pointed

Cast on 70 stitches
K 5 rows
P 4 rows
K 4 rows
P 4 rows
K 9 rows
P 2 rows
K 4 rows
P 5 rows
K 1 row

Decrease:
Switch to double pointed needles when needed

Row 1: *K 8, K 2 tog*
Row 2: K
Row 3: *K 7, K 2 tog*
Row 4: K
Row 5: *K 6, K 2 tog*
Row 6: K
Row 7: *K 5, K 2 tog*
Row 8: K
Row 9: *K 4, K 2 tog*
Row 10: K
Row 11: *K 3, K 2 tog*
Row 12: *K 2, K 2 tog*
Row 13: *K 1, K 2 tog*
Row 14: * K 2 tog*

Warm water blue socks

2011-01-29T21:53:00.007-05:00

I am making these socks as a gift. I used Casscade 220 Superwash, worsted weight, with size 5 needles.
Cast on 45 stitches, row 1: k3, p2, row 2: k1, p1, k1, p2. Repeat these two rows till the cuff is as long as you like. I then knit 1 row decreasing once (k2 tog) so I had 44 stitches. Then I pulled out my old faithful Yankee Sock Pattern. I did use an inset heel.

Summer time...

2010-08-24T00:04:00.007-04:00

Summer is coming to an end. Back to school very soon. What a great time reading, raspberries, relaxing. And what about art shows, knitting, setting up securities on the new wireless network, sending text messages, visiting, working on photo albums and teaching new tricks to a rabble-rousing pup. (:

Berry Hats

2010-07-12T22:17:00.003-04:00

Two teachers at school had babies! I made a blueberry hat for Amanda's boy and a strawberry hat for Ashley's girl. I used the Ann Norling pattern "Kids Fruit Cap" (a favorite of mine). The yarn is Reynolds Saucy, 100% cotton.

Pretty in purple

2010-06-27T23:28:00.004-04:00

I made another shawlette with a mohair blend yarn. I meant to save it for Morgan's birthday but I couldn't wait, and I gave it to her last week. (: This is the third one I have made(link on right). The bind-off has always been a problem, either too loose or too tight, never quite right. I went searching for a different bind-off and found a gorgeous one, perfect for this project.

Wool Enough, and Time blog has several types of bind-offs. The one I used was refered to as the Russian cast-off. It is loose, lacey, stretchy, and ruffley. Just perfect for the shawlette.

Russian Cast-Off: Purl 2. Move the 2 stitches from the right needle to the left. Purl the 2 stiches you just moved together. Now you have one stitch on the right. Purl 1 move the two stitches to the left, purl 2 together. Repeat. HINT: Put the left needle through the back of the right sets up for the next thing.

Charleston in spring

2010-06-27T23:22:00.002-04:00

We went to Charleston, SC for our annual spring trip. It was wonderful. Sunny weather, walking tours, good company. No trip to Charleston would be complete without a visit (or two) to Knit.

More socks!

2010-03-27T21:16:00.006-04:00

Yes, I know, another pair of socks. I'm not crazy -- I just really like to knit them. (: The design on this is pretty cool. The cuff is knit 1, purl 3. Then I knit 4 rows before starting the pattern. Knit 1, purl 3 for two rows and then knit 4 rows. For the heel, I made the PGR heel. I learned the technique at Country Woolens in Lebanon, NH. (It was a great workshop!) I had to take the heel out a few times till I got it right, but it looks nice and feels very comfy.

I started with the Yankee Knitter sock pattern and size 2 needles. The yarn is TrekKing (XXL), 75% superwash wool, 25% nylon.

2010-02-24T15:04:00.005-05:00

I made Taylor these cute red and white socks. She loves the color twist of yarn, it looks like bakery string. So cute! I used the Yankee Knitter pattern but made it with an inset heel. The yarn is Encore, worsted weight, size 5 needle. It makes a bulky sock, comfy for a chilly Saturday curled up with some tea or hot chocolate. I bought the yarn at White River Yarn Shop in White River Junction.

I learned the set in heel technique at a sock heel workshop at Country Woolens in Lebanon. I am going to another workshop this weekend to learn a different heel technique.

Mobius scarf

2010-02-20T20:55:00.014-05:00

The pattern required only 2 skeins of yarn (each skein of yarn I used is 137 yards, the pattern says 150 yards) held together. The dark color toned down the brightness of the red/fuchsia color. I bought the yarn in Woodstock at Whippletree Yarn Shop. It is Hacho Yarn, DK weight, 100% merino wool. I used size 10.5 (40" circular) needle (the pattern called for #11). I wanted a neckwarmer fit so I made the S/M size with 70 stitch mobius cast on. For great cast on and knitting instructions see Cat Bordhi on You Tube, link on the right.

So here is the finished scarf. I love it! Cozy and warm. Can't wait to knit another one a little bigger for a drapier look. The pattern came from Ravelry: "Easy Mobius Cowl" Here is the link: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-mobius-cowl

Flowers of love

2010-02-14T20:48:00.000-05:00

Don got me these beautiful flowers for Valentine's Day. I was so surprised. I love them. (:

Another pair finished

2010-01-31T13:32:00.003-05:00

I started these socks on one 40" needle and was knitting them 2-at-a-time. I got the legs done and decided to take them off to finish them. I am a double pointed needle knitter. I really like using 4 needles. These socks were started more than a year ago and I finished them quickly once I decided to go back to dp needles. I used Reynolds Swizzle, fingering weight, self patterning yarn and size 2 needles. Love them!
ps--that's Stella.

New heel

2010-01-28T20:51:00.004-05:00

I made these socks with the Yankee Knitter Sock Pattern (#29), fingering weight yarn (Plymouth "Sockin Sox"), and size 2 needles. I used a different heal technique, it is a set in heel. I went to Country Woolens (Lebanon, NH) for a workshop. The heal is comfy and replaceable. Love them. (:

So here it is

2010-01-24T20:18:00.005-05:00

So here is the finished hat. I used Encore Chunky yarn, about 100 yards of the 143 yard skien. The pattern uses size 10 needles so it knits up quickly. I did make it a little bit longer before I started the decreases. The pattern calls for 6" but I made it 6 1/4". I have a large head and I want to be sure the hat covered my ears. I had fun picking out a button for the hat. Yes -- it goes right there. Don made me this beautiful shell button, it is perfect!

Finally joined Ravelry

2010-01-24T20:13:00.007-05:00

Yes, I finally joined. And I found a wonderful hat pattern there-- "The Republic." I have been wanting to make one for myself but have not found the right pattern, until now. (:

Here is the link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-republic-hat
I think you will have to be a member of Ravelry to get the pattern

Knitting storage

2010-01-10T14:40:00.006-05:00

I had a great square basket that I kept on a stool next to the couch. Now I have an even greater basket on the stool next to the couch! (: I used a plastic zippered bag (like linens come in and you can never throw them out) to make this knitting storage bag.

If you want to make one, lay out on the bag the things you want easy access to -- things like pencil, needles, measuring tape, post-its, etc. Use a Sharpie to mark the compartments on the plastic. You need to be sure to make the compartments larger than the object otherwise they won't fit. Use a sewing machine to sew the lines you drew. Some of the pockets will be shut, so use sharp scissor to cut open the pockets. Use clips or clothes pins to fasten the bag on your basket. Love it!

Socks -- I love to knit them

2010-01-02T22:59:00.004-05:00

As many of you know, I use Yankee Knitter Classic Socks for the Family pattern #29. It has sizes for infant through mens, fingering weight through worsted. I bought the pattern at my local yarn shop, made several copies of it, and used my copies to mark and highlight the size I am making. The socks above are knit with Plymouth Jelli Beenz yarn. The sock below is also Jelli Beenz but it is made with a different heel (inserted). I love knitting the infant socks and especially the striped ones below. It takes no time at all, and no yarn.
ps--Angus is the dog, and Sam is the cat. (:

My Girls

2010-01-01T13:53:00.002-05:00

My girls at the orchard Christmas party. (:

Felt ornaments

2009-12-31T13:35:00.005-05:00

I had fun at the Fiber Festival in White River Junction (November). I adapted the 3D felting workshop I went to and started felting ornaments. They adorned our "Christmas tree" and I gave them as little gifts. They came out very cute.

Tick-tock

2009-12-20T22:39:00.002-05:00

Wow. Time goes by so quickly. I have been too busy to blog. I hope to catch up over winder break. (: I have been knitting, felting, making buttons, and reading for work. To be continued....

Lovin the heat

2009-08-18T22:44:00.002-04:00

So happy we have finally gotten some summer weather. But so sad -- school starts soon. I love when school starts. It will be hectic but so full of promice and great stuff happening for kids.

Birds of a feather

2009-07-20T21:16:00.014-04:00

What started out 3 years ago as a bridal shower has turned into an annual event that celebrates the women in my family. Unfortunately everyone could not be there but we had a wonderful gathering of 8.

Taylor is the organizer and she enlists Morgan and me to help. We enjoyed cream cheese/goat cheese and cucumber sandwiches, wonderful cookies, tea, and sangria. But most of all we enjoyed the company. Love you guys! xoxo

Finished with floweres

2009-07-14T22:11:00.009-04:00

The hats came out very cute. I might need to rent a baby to see how they look on.

The white hat is Encore Yarn (75% acrylic 25% wool) and the pink is Reynolds Saucy (100% cotton), both are worsted weight yarns on size 8 needles, knit from the top down.

You can find the pattern here: http://slumberland.org/patterns/cupcake-hat.pdf

Summer so far

2009-07-12T23:25:00.013-04:00

Do I need to say anything about the rain? Moving on....
On one of the few sunny days I weeded the hen and chick garden. These are the cutest little popcorn chicks.

I had to have eye surgery for a torn retina

Don at the AVA Gallery opening. That is his painting "Tux" in the background.

Waiting for some sunny hot weather!

I am so done!

2009-06-27T23:54:00.006-04:00

I finally finished the other pink baby sock. (I still need to weave in the ends.) If I ever say I am going to make them again, I hope someone will stop me!

To recover from the trauma of those socks, I am knitting dish cloths. Fun to make, various patterns, you always need new ones, and I am going to give them as party favors at this years tea party.

New hat

2009-06-14T22:34:00.004-04:00

Found this pattern in Charleston at Knit, a great knitting shop full of patterns and wonderful yarns. I used Jelli Beenz yarn by Plymouth. It is one of their new colors. I will have to find a baby to try it on. I am looking forward to trying the other hat and the 4 needle mittens.

Short-row craazy

2009-06-07T22:41:00.002-04:00

I am making these cable cuties again but using the short-row method for the heels and toes. I must admit it is a real struggle. The cable cuff is very easy but the short-row is hard. Last winter one of the yarn shops offered a workshop in this method. I will be the first one to sign up the next time they offer it. I am looking forward to finishing. They will be a gift for my daughter's friend who is having a little girl.

Burp

2009-05-28T22:16:00.003-04:00

Made this adorable bib using Reynolds Saucy Sport 100% cotton. You can't tell from the picture, but it is a wonderful sage green color. The pattern is from "One Skein: 30 quick projects to knit and crochet" by Leigh Radford. I have made a few things from this book: cable footies, gloves, baby hat, and the pedal pib.

So long

2009-05-27T22:48:00.003-04:00

Wow, I cannot believe it has been more than a month since my last post. I have been knitting, really I have...just not blogging. I have been working on lots of small projects, here are just a few. All these are mostly done, but as you can see they need ends woven in, flowers added, and ties knitted. More blogging this weekend?

Darling pink cables

2009-04-12T21:24:00.008-04:00

Made these darling little socks from Knitting Daily's free "Better than booties baby socks" pattern. I had trouble with the short heel so I used the heel and toe from Yankee Knitters sock pattern. I guess I need to learn how to do the short heel, calls for a trip to the local yarn shop for help. Socks are knit on size 0 needles and fingering weight yarn. I used a superwash wool from country Woolens, Lebanon, NH.

I also had trouble with the cable on the foot. I wonder if there was a pattern error. I decided to put in a "life line" in case I needed to rip it out again. If you decide to make them here is what I did for foot: K10, p1, work 2 sts in cable patt as established, p1, K16, p1, work 2 sts in cable patt as established, p1, k10 (that is the 44 foot stitches).

Almost a flower cap

2009-03-30T22:45:00.008-04:00

Found a cute hat pattern. Very easy. It is the first top down hat I have done. It was a little weird at first and I hated the metal needles I used. I am making a 2nd one, a larger size, but this time I am using bamboo needles. Much nicer. I still need to decorate with flowers. I used Encore yarn, worsted weight, size 8 needles. Here is the link:
http://slumberland.org/wp/2006/05/15/pattern-cupcake-baby-hat-with-real-cupcakes/

Button on

2009-03-09T23:02:00.003-04:00

Another collar with a great vintage button. Used Debbie Bliss Donegal Aran Tweed from Green Mountain Fibers in Rutland. I had just a few yards left! It is cosy and I love to wear it. January 13, 2009 has the link to the pattern.

I finished the pink cable slipper socks. Saving them for a gift. I hope she likes them. What to work on next?

Tea time

2009-03-09T22:54:00.005-04:00

This dishcloth came out so cute! Need to make another one. Knit with cotton. I had some trouble with the bobbles. If you wrap the yarn around incorrectly you will have too many loops of yarn.

Here is the link: http://www.knittingknonsense.com/teacupcloth.html

Slipper socks

2009-03-01T21:10:00.002-05:00

Finished one sock and now working on the other. I am using a super wash wool. The pattern is from "One Skein" by Leigh Radford.

Thanks Beth

2009-02-26T22:34:00.005-05:00

It came out really pretty. Not sure how I am going to fasten it. It might not need anything, otherwise I am going to try a stitch holder. I think I would like to make another one. I have really gotten a thing for scarves.

Silky and Beth

2009-02-20T10:29:00.005-05:00

Beth gave me this beautiful silk she spun. What to make? Found this pattern online.

http://evergreenknits.blogspot.com/2008/08/storm-cloud-shawlette-pattern.html

It involves dropping the yarn over stitches, be careful. Sometimes the yarn overs get in front of the knit stitches. If you don't pay attention you will drop the knit stitch and not the yarn over.

Scraps

2009-02-19T16:10:00.003-05:00

More cute baby socks. I made them using leftovers from the Fair Isle hat, about 29 yards per sock. It looks complicated but the yarn (Knitcol) does all the work. It is a light worsted, knit on size 5 needle. The trick with small socks is to start at the same spot in the striped yarn. If you don't it looks like two totally different socks. Modeled by Sam.

New phone

2009-02-19T16:03:00.003-05:00

Got my new phone, Verizon LG Voyager. Having fun playing with it but having trouble with the scrolling on the front window. Different from my flip phone but with all the text messaging I do I thought the full keyboard would be a bonus. Takes getting use to. Practice, practice, practice.

Done!

2009-02-08T22:44:00.003-05:00

The gloves are wonderful! I love them. I still need to weave in all the ends. Next pair I make I am going to pick up another stitch (or 2) when doing the fingers. It will close the gap better. Then I will either decrease or knit the finger with an extra stitch. You have got to make gloves, fun and not difficult!

Red and wooly

2009-02-04T22:44:00.005-05:00

I am working on gloves. Who knew they were so easy! The cuff is a wonderful cable design. The pattern is from my new book "One Skein." I am using Cascade Yarn 220 Superwash, 100% wool.

New book project

2009-02-02T22:06:00.007-05:00

Made this cute hat from my new book "One Skein" by Leigh Radford. I rarely buy books, use the library I say! (or the Internet) But this book kept drawing me in. I made the Baby Hat first and now I am working on some fab gloves. I have several other projects flagged. The yarn is "RY Classic Yarns Cashsoft Baby DK" from Northern Nights Yarn Shop in Norwich.

Water socks

2009-01-28T21:58:00.006-05:00

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.

Button on scarf

2009-01-13T21:28:00.004-05:00

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.

How about this cute baby hat?

2009-01-11T11:16:00.004-05:00

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”)

Knitting too much? or not blogging enough??

2009-01-10T14:04:00.005-05:00

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.

The Cable Hat

2009-01-01T18:50:00.011-05:00

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

Woof

2008-12-30T19:34:00.007-05:00

Made the dogs Christmas collars. They came out so cute and very easy to make. I saw it on Knitty Gritty (TV show) and naturally I changed it a little bit. On the show, the guest knitter said to use the yarn doubled, but I don't see that in the pattern from DIY. I used some old red acrylic yarn I had laying around and then got a skein of Lion Brand Fun Fur. I knit with both yarn strands held together. There was plenty of yarn to knit four collars with lots of yarn left over. Here's the link

More hats

2008-12-16T22:09:00.007-05:00

I sent two baby hats to the orchard and a pair of baby socks. I have two other hats in the need to finish stage. More to come on those. This is my Purl Hat (introduced back in August) knit with the Jelli Beenz yarn from White River Yarns. I had enough yarn left-over to make one baby sock and left over yarn from the hat I knit previously to make the other one. They came out so cute, I love to knit socks. I used the Yankee Knitter Classics Socks pattern. The other hat I made was was the Fair Isle hat. I should have enough yarn from knitting this hat and the one I made in October to make another hat (or socks).

Ice days

2008-12-15T23:17:00.007-05:00

Friday was a snow day -- yeah!! I love snow days even if we do make them up. But this Friday was not a good snow day. We lost power from 4AM Friday morning until 3PM Saturday afternoon. How is that possible!? I live in town just a block off route 5. Our pine tree took down the phone pole. An adventure. Very glad to have power back. I spent the day knitting and reading.

Snuggly brown

2008-12-04T22:23:00.002-05:00

I made a scarf for my dad to help keep him a little bit warmer this winter. I cast on 36 stitches on size 7 needles, using 3 skeins (109 yards each skein) of 100% alpaca yarn. The trick was to make the scarf long enough to wrap but not so long it gets in his way. The end result: 7 ½-8” wide and 54” long, but I expect it will stretch. I did straight knitting and slipped the first stitch of each row. It created a nice edge. This yummy yarn is “Classic Elite Inca Alpaca” from Northern Nights Yarn Shop in Norwich, VT.

Christmas cards

2008-11-30T22:54:00.006-05:00

I worked on my Christmas cards a little bit this weekend. This is the first time I have done something where every card is so different. I am enjoying making them, I hope my family and friends enjoy getting them.

Baby helmet hat

2008-11-25T22:09:00.004-05:00

Finally got this helmet hat done! It is so cute but seemed to cause me no end of problems. The earflaps connected sloppy so I went back and darned the gaps. I tried to do I-cord ties but the one I did looked terrible. After 3 or 4 attempts at something else, I came up with a pretty nice little tie.

I used size 2 needles for the tie
Pick up 5 stitches on the knit side (I used a crochet hook)
Purl the next row
Knit 2 together, K, K 2 together through the back loop (3 stitches)
Knit all rows till you have the desired length (mine are 9”)

Don suggested a little braided tassel. I think that gives it a cute look. I used Encore Yarn DK weight, 75% acrylic 25% wool. Size 6 needle.

I found the pattern on this website:
http://heyjulie.wordpress.com/2007/03/20/babykids-earflap-hat/

Has it been that long?

2008-11-23T19:03:00.002-05:00

I might not have been blogging but I have been knitting. And here is my little helper. Sam the stray has been with us just over a year now. He is a love.

How fair

2008-10-18T22:12:00.005-04:00

Made this adorable fair isle hat. Wish I could take credit for it, but it was all in the yarn. I used self patterning Knitcol Yarn, size 6 needle, medium size (80 stitches cast on). At the end, instead of finishing it I made an i-cord tail with the last 5 stitches. Made the i-cord about 5" and tied a little knot at the end.

The Bobble Hat!

2008-09-28T19:47:00.006-04:00

Wow! So happy with the new hat. I am already working on another one. I used Encore Yarn, worsted weight, size 7 needle. Yarn was left over from the 2-at-a-time socks I made. I am guessing it took about 100 yards. To achieve the look:
Cast on should be in groups of 8 (72-80-88, etc)
Knit 18-20 rows from the cast on edge (about 2 3/4")
Bobble row 1: Knit 7, next stitch make bobble, knit 7, make bobble, etc.
Knit 3 rows
Bobble row 2: knit 3, make bobble, knit 7, make bobble, knit 7, make bobble, etc.
Knit 3 rows
Repeat bobble row 1
Finish the hat according to directions

How to make the bobble: Knit front, back, front, back, front in one stitch. That will be 5 stitches in 1 stitch. With out turning, use the left needle to pass the just made stitches off. Pick up the 4th stitch and pass over the 5th stitch and off the needle, pick up the 3rd stitch and pass over the 5th stitch and off the needle. Keep going until only the 5th stitch is left. Bobble made! When you knit around the bobbles, tighten up your knitting to help cinch it all in.
Happy Birthday Morgan!

What's new

2008-09-21T14:59:00.010-04:00

I was at the orchard this past weekend. Helping in the store bagging apples and in the bakery washing pans. I will be going over for the next four or so Saturdays. It is very busy there this time of year and they can use the extra help.

Knit wise I finished my newest purl hat. I used bright red Jelli Beenz yarn. I can't wait to see the sweater Beth makes out of the same yarn. I am also working on some gray self striping socks using the 2-at-a-time method. It is slow going, but how cool that both socks will be at the same time!

Good Stella

2008-09-01T20:43:00.002-04:00

Enjoying Stella and Louie while their mom and dad are in Seattle. Good dogs!

Socks and Purl hat

2008-08-30T23:41:00.006-04:00

I finished the second pair of 2-at-a-time socks. So now I have two pairs. If you are wondering why I knit the socks in two shades of green, it was recommended in the book. Using two shades makes it easier to see what you are doing and which sock you are working on. I like the technique (one 40" round needle) so I am starting some socks for me using some fingering yarn I bought a while ago and using the Yankee Knitter sock pattern. And look --- here is the purl hat in blue. I used the same Jelli Beenz yarn. Came out great.

Hat morfs

2008-08-18T21:47:00.007-04:00

Here is my newest baby hat made with Jelli Beenz by Plymouth Yarn and Ann Norling Kid's Fruit Cap. I added some purl rows as follows: cast on and knit about 1 1/2", then purl 2 rows. Knit about 1 1/4" and then purl 2 rows. Finish the hat following the pattern. I am very satisfied with the results so I guess I will go White River Yarns and get another color. ps--happy birthday Taylor!

Another

2008-08-12T21:20:00.002-04:00

I made another blueberry hat. Came out very cute. Think I will talk Don into going to White River Yarns Friday night to get some yarn for another hat. Stay tuned to see what I pick out.

Finishing jobs

2008-08-11T15:30:00.004-04:00

I finished my blue socks! They came out great. I will enjoy wearing them this winter. I decided to make another blueberry hat. Beth sold the first one at the farmer's market. What will I knit next?? I think I will finish the green socks I was knitting 2-at-a-time. I need to make one of each color so I can have a pair.

Blueberry

2008-08-11T15:06:00.003-04:00

This hat is too cute. I bought the Ann Norling Kid's Fruit Cap pattern thinking I would give it to Beth. But as I read the directions I realised I would enjoy making it and I would learn the yarn carrying technique. I used Reynolds Saucy 100% mercerized cotton from Whippletree in Woodstock.

Almost done

2008-08-05T20:10:00.002-04:00

Yep---these are the socks. They came out so cute. Now I have to do it all over again so I can have a pair (acutally 2 pair) of childrens socks the same color. But I have put it on the back-burner because I started knitting a baby hat. Ann Norling does those cute fruit hats, so I decided to give it a try. I am looking forward to adding the leaves at the top because you carry the yarn. Wow--never done that, but how hard can it be!

2 at a time socks

2008-07-20T20:48:00.007-04:00

I bought the book "2-at-a-time socks" by Melissa Morgan-Oakes quite a while ago. I wanted to finish up a few projects before I gave it a try. Sweater is almost done, blue wool socks almost done, shape-it scarf! almost done, time to start. I went to White River Yarns in White River Junction and got my needles and two skeins of yarn and I was ready to start. Yikes! I tried and tried but I could not get it. I did some web seaching on "magic loop knitting" and found quite a bit (this site was very helpful). Looked at videos, read directions, looked at pictures, practiced and practiced. Suddenly it all made sense. Look! I am doing it!! I am knitting two socks at the same time on one 40" circular needle.

Tea Party

2008-07-16T20:59:00.005-04:00

We all had fun at the tea party baby shower. Taylor did an impeccable job. Every detail was perfect! except for the shortbread, or should I say lack of shortbread. We left the tin at home in the freezer! Oh well---everything else was perfect.

Apple baby socks

2008-07-06T16:44:00.006-04:00

Socks needed for the baby shower on Sunday. What could be more perfect than apple red ones when your mommy is a member of the Apple Gang. I will need two pairs, one for each baby. They knit up so quickly and come out so cute. I love making them.

Turn-turn-turn

2008-06-22T21:42:00.002-04:00

Wow June is the month for birthdays and graduations. And then there is the expected babies we are showering for. Time to make cards, having fun with that.

Still no knitting

2008-06-07T22:32:00.004-04:00

Sock #2 is waiting for me to turn the heel. That takes way too much concentration especially with fingering yarn. I always make mistakes. I need to wait for a time when I am relaxed, can put on my super-magnifiers and knit without interruptions. My other waiting projects are my Shape It! Scarf and finishing putting my sweater together.

So instead of knitting what have I been doing? Going to Portsmouth, NH so Taylor could take her paintings to the Three Graces Gallery for her art opening next week. We had a blast! Hot and sunny and watery views. Great shops and better company. And now I am hemming a brides-maid dress!

Scrapbooks too

2008-06-01T21:32:00.005-04:00

Finally putting Taylor and Seth's wedding album together. Actually they eloped and these are pictures from their party. I have not worked on my own photos for more than a year. My summer work list just got longer.

Can you have too many?

2008-05-22T22:15:00.002-04:00

Yes, it's another Shape It! Scarf. Love wearing them. I used "Sublime organic cotton" DK weight. I am making another one out of the same yarn, cream color. The yarn seems to un-twist on the cast on edges so you can see lots of little strands. I don't think I would buy this yarn again, but I love that it is organic cotton, very soft, and the colors are dreamy. My newest summer scarf.

Knitting not posting

2008-05-19T22:10:00.008-04:00

Love my second buttonhole bag. Colors are great. Used some leftover bulky yarn for the base and worsted weight for the rest of the bag. It came out quite a bit smaller than the first one I made, but I love it. I use it for my current knitting project, my pick-up and go bag.

87 Wentworth

2008-04-27T22:19:00.006-04:00

Knit is a destination. Had lots of fun wandering the store and picking out yarn for projects, several scarves and a button hole bag. I have lots of yarn to keep me busy and several projects to finish.

Train knitting

2008-04-21T21:25:00.001-04:00

Did lots of knitting on the train. I finished my Shape It! scarf.

Uggh

2008-04-13T16:48:00.004-04:00

Been sick for days and days. Finally on the mend and just in time. Leaving for Charleston tomorrow afternoon. Catch Amtrak in Rutland early Tuesday morning. Weather is predicted to be warm and sunny, need that!

And won't it be fun to hang out with the girls and my family!

Journal

2008-04-06T10:11:00.002-04:00

My knitting journal is a great place to keep track of my patterns, yarn, etc. I have refered to it several times. Someone says "great yarn!" or "what size needles did you use?" or "what pattern is that?" or .... The plastic sleeves are great storage for my original patterns and my marked-up copies. Any then when I need to go to the yarn shop I can grab what I need (because I know where it is) and go. I am keeping all my needles listed in my PDA so I know what I have and don't duplicate. I guess all this organization is my librarian side.

Now I am knitting ...

2008-04-05T16:05:00.004-04:00

I am going back to my blue socks. They are made with finger weight yarn so it is taking a little bit of time. I am looking forward to having a thin pair of socks. I also need to finish my sweater. It needs to be sewn-up the sides and blocked.

I am trying to finish up projects before I buy any more yarn. There is a very cute yarn shop in Charleston. It is called Knit, 87 Wentworth Street, won't it be fun to get some yarn for ????

New Scarf

2008-04-03T22:42:00.004-04:00

I started a new "Shape It! Scarf" from Sally Melville's book "Book 1: The Knit Stitch." I love this scarf. I wanted to knit a summer scarf so I am trying Shire Silk from Plymouth Yarn. It is 100% silk. The scarf is easy to make, a good pick up and go project. But no more knitting on it, this is the knitting project I am going to bring to Charleston. Yeah! Looking forward to warmer weather for a few days during April break.

You can see a version of this scarf on The Knitting Universe Go to downloads, patterns, and look for the Yarn-Party Scarf.

Done

2008-03-31T20:40:00.002-04:00

It came out great. And I love the shape --long and short-- perfect for my knitting. I have started another Shape It Scarf! The perfect pick-up-and-go knitting project, from Sally Melville's book "The Knitting Experience Book 1: The Knit Stitch."

Felting

2008-03-30T20:48:00.002-04:00

Today was felt-my-button-hole-bag-day. I tried the washing machine but it was not very successful. Next I tried the kitchen sink, lots of hot water, Ivory liquid, and my wash board. Rub-a-dub-dub, and before long it was done. I put the bag back in the washing machine to spin out the extra water and used my iron to set the shape.

Felting Next

2008-03-29T15:46:00.003-04:00

I finished knitting the bag! It went very quickly. I used Galaway Chunky by Plymouth Yarn, purchased at my local yarn shop --White River Yarns-- in White River Junction. Next I need to weave in all the ends and then felt it. Not sure if I want to do it in the washing machine per the directions or just felt it by hand in the sink.

Button Hole Bag

2008-03-27T20:39:00.003-04:00

I finally started my button hole bag. I have been wanting to make one of these for a while. I used the unpattern from Mason-Dixon Knitting.

This site also has some cute pictures of finished bags -- Be*Mused

Baby Socks

2008-03-26T20:45:00.004-04:00

Knitting has become my newest bliss. I have been knitting for a few years, mostly self taught, going to other more experienceced knitters or the yarn shop for help. I have been knitting baby socks lately from leftover yarn. They are so cute. The sock pattern I use is #29 Classic Socks by Yankee Knitter Designs. The socks in this picture were knit with Encore Yarn, worsted weight.

Getting Started

2008-03-25T19:52:00.002-04:00

Created my blog -- finally. Why the name? It came from "These are a few of my favorite things." You know, "Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens..." So what are my favorite things? Now I do think rain drops on roses is very pretty image but one of my favorite things are hens and chicks.

Trying to locate a copyright free hen and chick picture is taking too much time so I think I will wait till mine are out from under all the snow and take my own picture.