Something Special for You

It was a beautiful week for the most part this past week with the exception of rain that cooled it way down...I found myself asking, "who turned on the outdoor air conditioner." I'd really rather have it cooler, than so hot, it's hard to cool off, and quite frankly I am ready for this winter. Ready to kick back and just be for awhile, without, tending to the garden and cutting the grass tidying up the outside. Seems kinda redundant doesn't it that we decorate the outside. I truly believe the Amish have it right for living simple and enjoying the earth, using it for what it's intended. I try my best to do the same, as I am not one for decorating the front of the house or on my deck. I am about the beauty of nature as it remains. I have no tolerance for pesticides, weed killers, or those of any kind dumped on the earth. I am a simple nature gal at heart.

With that said, I finished the Moss Stitch Bonnet and if you'd like to make one just look below. I am adding a pattern for matching mitts, hopefully, before the weekend is gone. This little bonnet is easy and makes up quickly.

MOSS BONNET

Size/ Newborn

4 st equal 1 inch/ Needle size 8 U.S.

Worsted weight yarn/1 skein

Cast On 45 sts

Rows 1 thru 6 (k1,p1)

Next/ Work Stockinette Stitch until hat measures 4 inches ending on knitting row.

START WORKING IN THE ROUND

Decreases

1. ( k 2 tog, k 3) repeat (36 sts)

2. Knit around

3. ( k 2 tog, k2) repeat (27 sts)

4. ( k 2 tog, k 1) repeat  (18 sts)

5. (k 2 tog) repeat around (9 sts)

DO NOT BIND OFF...cut yarn pull rather tightly through remaining stitches knot and weave in ends.

TIES...cut 6 strands of yarn 30 inches long. Divide into 2 sets of 3 fold in half pull loop through corner then your strands. Once done, braid strands loop and tie ends.

Hope you give it a go...I will be posted the matching mitts soon. Enjoy!

Crocheted Pumpkin Garland

These little cuties are the fun to make... I think I might add a few leaves

to the garland to give it a bit more character.

I just love the way they turned out!

E US/3.5 mm crochet hook 

 chain 10

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next 5 ch, sc in last 2 ch. (9 sts)

Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in next 3 sts, hdc in next 3 sts, sc in next 3 sts

Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 5 sts, sc in next 2 sts

Rows 4-15: repeat Rows 2 and 3 six times more

Row 16: repeat Row 2 once more

 Fold the rectangle in half so that Row 16 is matched up with the starting chain. Sl st through both layers (Row 16 and the starting chain) to form a tube. Fasten off, leaving a long yarn end to close the ends of the pumpkin.

To form the bottom of the pumpkin, use a yarn needle and the long yarn end to gather around one of the open edges with running stitch. Draw the stitches tightly together, then knot the yarn to keep the end closed. 

Make sure the yarn end and needle are on the outside of the base of the pumpkin, then stuff the pumpkin through the top opening. Pass the yarn end up through the middle of the pumpkin to the open edge, then use a running stitch around the stitches of the top edge. Draw up the stitches around the top to close it. Knot the yarn in this position.

For the stalk I cut a green piece of yarn about 12 inches long, folded it in half, and made a slip knot on the folded end to make a loop. Using a yarn needle I brought the long tails of the slip knot through the top center of the pumpkin and out through the bottom center (loop on top for stalk) and tied a knot with the tails at the bottom of the pumpkin and weaved in ends.

To make them into a garland, I chained 20, attached the stalk of the pumpkin with a slip stitch, and chained 20, attached a pumpkin and so on.  

                                                  Have fun and enjoy your garland!

Free Shawl Pattern

Growing lavender the last 4 years, I do a lot of research on the internet. Lavender in area's that is not conducive to ones zone can be a challenge. I stumbled across Clear Creek Lavender who did a excellent job explaining the trials and tribulations of growing the plants. It truly is a test as you go and for me like Clear Creek my lavender took a beating to, this past winter.

Denise who runs Clear Creek recently took a new venture in life and brought her past roots into the present. She has pretty much given up lavender and now dyes and sells her own yarns. She also has patterns she creates on her own, above is one called, Confidence, is free and easy for beginners and experience alike. The yarn is also from her new venture Lost City Knits in Oklahoma. She also has video tutorials to help those who are just beginning or still working on there skill. Pop over and take a look it's a lovely site to visit.

What's on the Knitting Needles...

I am one who pops in randomly to post on my blog...I am spontaneous by nature...I am multi-talented...creative by nature. With all that said, the hot weather has finally arrived, the very hot, humid weather, the kind were you see water and just want to dive in..kind of weather. The kind where I'm questioning, why am I knitting weather, with Cascade 220 Heathers 100% wool which would say, hey, fall has suddenly reaped her wrath upon us. Twisting the cool weather into our bones, the kind of cool that is easier to get warm then it is too cool off. The kind that says, wrap yourself up in nicely knitted handmade garments, not the dreaded manufactured ones, but, the handmade keepsake kind...that say...made with lots of love. Just for you! The kind that leaves behind a treasured keepsake and hope it doesn't find itself at a garage sale, or worse the thrift shop unable to scream, " I am handmade, please keep me, pass me down as a true member of the family," kind of garment. Tell stories of me, how I came about, how grandma made me years ago. How I am one of kind. That's  what's on the needles...the Isla Cape for my grand daughter Emma Ann this fall. The pattern is from Slip, Slip, Knit blog and I love it. For those who know some intermediate it's really pretty simple and the pattern is well written, plus, I love how fast it's knitting up. So if you're looking for a nice handmade gift for an infant to toddler this is a keeper.

Little Fox Needs Crocheted

My daughter and her family, it's still hard to believe sometimes...

that my nest has been empty for nearly a decade next year. And her family grew by one little sweet boy who has captured my heart. I am so proud of her my radiographer, amazing mom, and daughter, waiting 7 years after marrying, spending time with her hubby, before her family grew.

And grew it did...this little guy if you remember (in the photo on the left side of blog in the gray owl cocoon set) was born last year 11.12.13 unique I know, is now one. It seems it's always printed somewhere, no matter what you read, time flies, how fast they grow, and growing he has. 

William loves posing for photographs, and his smile, look out girl's, it's a heart breaker with brown almond shaped eyes, he lights up a room. Happy One Year, little guy, grammie loves you more than you know.

And knowing how much I love William, it's near time for a winter hat, how could I not fall in love with this one. Perfect for grammies little fox who explores everything.

So, I better get crocheting...yes it's here...our first snow of the winter. I would have gone outside and photographed, but, it's bitter cold, in fact, 3 degrees below zero. Burrrrr!

Free Knitting Pattern

These are the gloves that are currently on my needles in the same colors. It's a free pattern over at Churchmouse Yarns. A very easy pattern, what I love, the way they are knitted up to end at your fingers. Pop on over you can even get the yarn used to make them.

Crocheted Nordic Shawl Pattern

I am not a big fan of crocheted garments that are worn, maybe it's due to the era I was raised. It seemed as a young girl, every mother, grandmother I knew was crocheting. Mostly the dolls that turned upside down, lots of wash clothes, pot holders, and especially lace dollies which I am not a fan of at all. I was turned off by crocheting anything, with the exception of blankets, and even back then they didn't thrill me. The holes left in a lot of crocheting was another thing that bothered me, it seemed the cool air found it's way through those little places. 

As I have grown, and especially since the Internet, (which I like and don't for varies reasons) I've seen garments crocheted in a different way. Sadly, I am still not really fond of many, not that they aren't beautiful, often I find myself in a tiny way feeling like my daughter, it seems to be an elderly thing to do. Now, don't get snappy I said, in a tiny way. Here in America, most of us do not decorate with crocheted items as they do in European Countries. It was simply the potholder here and there or the lace dollies under a lamp, or on a table. And in my personal opinion only, I believe in many Countries in Europe they don't follow decorating trends, they love the handmade home.

As you know I crocheted a V shawl myself last fall, put it on walked outside and whee did the cool wind go through the holes. Maybe I have the wrong idea of what a shawl is or how to wear one, who knows. I do know when I found this one I feel in love with the colors the somewhat closed stitching, the all around look was so appealing. This Nordic Shawl is from My Rose Valley, a blog I pop in and out of during the week and must add the brilliant green grass in the background is so making me want spring. Yet the shawl is one I know I am going to make for sure, only in these colors, truly love the colors and will go with more of my clothing collection, which is not fancy or colorful. I don't know how they do it in Europe, using all colors seem to coordinate beautifully in there handmade homes.

Have a great weekend!

UPDATE - there is a really good button band tutorial here for knitters.

An Enchanting Pattern

 

 Dragon Watchers Hood Pattern shortened by me.

Color -Cilantro- Original Dragon Watchers Hood Pattern

A late night pop in to show what I've been up to since my last post. Christmas Eve was spent at my oldest son's home with the grand son's opening gifts from me. (photographs to come in next post with all the details) I've been knitting with Lion Brands Wool Ease Thick and Quick a yarn I usually don't use and thought I'd give it a try. The pattern I used was from Woodland Knits by Stephanie Dosen. The pattern is called  Dragon Watchers Hood, (deep red hood in post link) it's Stephanie's very first knitting book. I am really enchanted with the fantasy patterns that seem to just take you away to another place in time. The entire book is done so beautifully the images alone will captivate. I've done the original Hood in the same yarn, color, Cilantro, but need to purchase more yarn to for the long I-Cord that goes through the front of the hood. I love the way she designed the casing in the front it was simple with The Dragon Watchers Hood done entirely seamless. This is my version of the Hood done shorter with a seam up the back, if you look at the original it has a long tail behind the hood. Although I usually work with worsted weight or dk yarns I really enjoyed the thick and quick. Not to mention this hood is incredibility warm. This would make a wonderful gift or a project to keep for yourself, either way your sure to love it!

Update- How I did the shorter version will be in my Ravelry Sunday evening.

Baby Cocoon and Hat finished...Adorable Owl Sweater Pattern

Blocking is done and I've added the Hat! Plus a Found Owl Pattern.

 

 

Last night while watching Criminal Minds, (another of my favorite shows) I knitted up a little hat to coordinate with the cocoon pattern I found on Raverly. I love browsing Raverly they're are so many talented people it's just amazing.

 

 

If you remember I discussed in my last post, how blocking didn't seem to make much sense to me when knitting or crocheting with acrylic yarn, however, much to my surprise this particular yarn really made a different in the cocoon, after the blocking was completed. Isn't that little hat just adorable?

 

 

The yarn I used was some I bought on sale at JoAnn Fabrics, we are limited on yarn shops in our area. The yarn was Bernat Softie which is great if you're knitting up thing for babies, or for someone who is looking for really inexpensive yarn which is comfy soft to the skin. My daughter is not one who likes anything with wool or a wool blend, which made this yarn, even more appealing for this project. I have to say it doesn't compare to the yarn the pattern originally called for...as this yarn was a lighter weight. It has a lot of stretch which is good and I'm glad because it knitted up a bit narrower than expected. Every brand of yarn I work with tends to knit up differently which is expected, yet for me, it doesn't matter. I have learned even when I work the gauge, I end up knitting looser as I dive into the project. So I am really learning to focus on my needle sizes more than the yarns. It's an easy pattern to knit, the only stitch you really have to know is w&t (wrap and turn) and then neating it in your work. This is an excellent tutorial for leaning w&t.

Currently I am working on a this owl baby sweater set pattern... I found while web surfing. My daughter requested a sweater done in ivory, another cashmere project is in the making.

 

Thank You for popping in have a spectacular day.

 

Making Progress Log Cabin Blanket

 

 

 

 

It seems like summer just pasted us by and many stores are now stocked with School supplies. I find it  hard to believe, it feels like I fell asleep and slept right through a whole season. Where did it go! There was very little time in the garden, with the weather nearly everything was lost even the tomatoes. I managed to pick one zucchini from four plants that barely grew. It just seems so odd, nothing like I have ever seen in my life time. The garden is always a peacefully place for me and prepares me to hibernate for the winter. There has been soooo much rain I fear it may be a rough winter after two that were so still. Maybe it's what we need though, the winter to be as intended for nature to regenerate itself properly. All I know it's made me sad to miss out on the gardening this year and the fresh organic veggies. I did manage to have a lot of varieties of lettuce which was good and plan on planting again in August. Despite the weather which is so cool here is feels like fall, I've been knitting and crocheting away. I finished using the rest of the yarn on the half double crocheted shawl and will have to find a yarn to match to continue. It's not quite as long yet as I would like it to be...but this lovely log cabin DK light weight blanket which actually feels more like a fingering weight has come together with the light green. This was yarn I had stashed away from Sensations Cuddle Yarn for  babies which is now discontinued which is sad as this yarn is so incredible to work with and oh so soft. I can not tell you how long it took me to start the next color....if you would have seen me Sunday evening you would have laughed. I spent nearly 8 hours adding the yarn, ripping it out, adding it again and ripping it out. It was like a game between me and the yarn. The reason being I cast on loosely and should have gone way down on needles when I started the blanket. The beginning cast on row was so loose I had problems adding the light green yarn. Not being a quitter I figured out a way to add it which turned out fine as you can see. The only thing that's odd is the green seems a lighter weight of yarn than the brown even though it's all the same brand bought all at once. I should not be surprised though as it happens sometimes just as summer has passed us by being a surprise we just have to push forward to next year, and hope it turns out better for us all. I must add though I have be able to work many projects that would wait until winter. I am happy to be knitting and crocheting!

Knitted Shawl, Wrap, Caplet and Scarf Pattern

 

 

In my continual browsing on the Internet I stumbled across this pattern it captured my attention in an instant. How beautiful is this...and so many ways to wear it. I was immediately in aw of the designer and had to purchase. I don't know when I will begin... all I can say is I wish it was already done and especially those colors!  You must go check it out there are so many photographs you will be knit struck in an instant. Check out her baby hat pattern too.

Two Tutorials with a Surprise

  Sometimes in life you stumble across things that just say....Wow! Whether in a magazine or on the Internet I always am amazed everyday by the talent that seems to live all around this world

 like this photograph. It just says simple and comfort. I am a huge fan of using items for nature like the gathered wheat bundles displayed on the table. What a heartfelt idea, don't you think?

All the natural color just says...earthy and the photography is remarkable.

 

                                       
 Then I stumbled upon a woman, Lesa, who's blog is just full of creative DIY projects that show step by step on how to add some really cool decor on a budget. Like this Welcome Sampler. The link will take you the tutorial to make this adorable sign.

                                                                          
 Lesa also has another called Rustic Number Sign and there is a tutorial for this one too. Everything she makes always contains instruction with visuals. Her blog is called Home Frosting.

                                                         
I am posting twice today...the next one will contain a pattern just for you. I really fell in love with how it turned out and goes very well with the theme of this post. The new pattern being released is called " Rustic Wristlets" there is a bit of fair isle work nothing a beginner can not accomplish. See ya in a bit :0)