So just a quick post to say that this has pretty much been a crappy week, asthma-wise. I am still alive, but there has been a visit to the ER and also the pulmonologist. I was feeling relatively better until today when my asthma flared up again while I was out shopping. I am hoping not to have to see the ER again. As a side note: PEOPLE, YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR SNACKS FOR THE SUPER BOWL, NOT FUCKING JUDGEMENT DAY. CALM YOUR SHIT DOWN.
Lastly, here is my sock in progress:
After I finished the garter stitch layette, I was ready for something a little less garter-stitch-paired-with-unusual-constructiony, so I went for Diane Soucy’s Easy Baby Cardigan.
I love this pattern. It’s so quick and easy, and very very cute. I like to make the collared version, so as soon as I cast off, I started thinking about a hat to go with it, and finally came up with this:
And so can you!
Using a circular needle appropriate for magic looping, CO 3 stitches.
Slide them to the other side of the needle as if to start an icord. Make into each stitch a twirly tendril (as shown in this youtube video from Cat Bordhi. Use the the Annie Modesitt way she shows you first). Slide stitches to other end of needle as if for another row of icord. Kfb into each stitch so you now have 6 sts. Begin working in magic loop with 3 stitches on each needle. Knit one round plain.
rnd 1: yo, k1, repeat to end
rnd 2 and all even rounds: knit plain
(don’t forget to knit into back loops of the yarn overs to twist them shut)
rnd 3: yo, k2, repeat to end
rnd 5: yo, k3, repeat to end
rnd 7: yo, k4, repeat to end
continue as established until you have 27 sts on each needle.
Stop increasing and work in stst until the hat measures 3.75″ from last increase round.
To form a picot edge, work one round of yo, k2tog around, then work about 1/2 inch stst stitch. BO loosely and break yarn, leaving a long tail for hemming. Fold over to the inside from the yo row and hem down.
Use this cap to embellish your favorite fresh baby!
After I finished the Mister’s slippers, the only thing I’ve wanted to knit is wee tiny baby things. Not for any particular reason, mind you, just that I feel like knitting wee tiny baby things. Babies are everywhere and they need to be covered in wool. That’s just the way it is.
I made a baby surprise jacket a couple of summers ago and thought it would be cute if I had a matching hat and booties to go with it. Keeping with the theme of garter stitch paired with original/unusual construction, I first made the hat from the bouncing baby set found in Homespun Handknit from Interweave Knits.
[ravelry]
And then I went with a pair of Elizabeth Zimmermann’s bootees from The Opinionated Knitter.
[ravelry]
Haha, my house is messy. Ahem.
Doesn’t that make the cutest little layette? For someone. Whoever it lands with should be really happy with it.
After that I moved on to another baby sweater and hat, which, Dear Reader, I will share in my next post (hopefully tomorrow) because it will include a new free pattern from yours truly.
I know people don’t usually say that, especially those Seattleites last week who just aren’t used to a lot of snow. Today, though, in my little corner of Connecticut, we’re having the first real snow storm since the fierce and terrible storm which blew through on Halloween. We’ve got about 8 inches of snow out there as the storm wraps itself up and we have had about as perfect a snow day as there is. There’s been knitting:
And chocolate chip cookie baking:
Perhaps later there will be pie making? I’m thinking a nice meat pie will hit the spot for dinner.
We are warm and dry and cozy here, and thankfully don’t have to be anywhere any time soon. Best snow day ever! How is your day going?
So the temperatures around these parts have been more and more consistently in the “cold” range. Which means, unfortunately, that our house is rather a bit colder as well. Cold enough that even the Mister, who generally eschews foot coverings unless going outside (and then it’s only shoes, no socks), asked for a pair of slippers. And, since I love my husband, and I am a knitter, I knitted up a pair of Felted Clogs for his size 13 feet.
[ravelry]
I’ll be honest, these are the 3rd pair of these slippers I’ve knitted since the weather turned cold, and I have not been happy with any of them.
The first ones I made were for myself. I misread the end of the pattern (I don’t know how that is even possible) and I somehow convinced myself that I was supposed to do something (namely to knit 3, k2tog all the way around) which made the openings too tight and I had to cut the rolled cuffs of each slipper just so I could get my feet in. The second ones I made were for my sis. I must have had the stitch count wrong on one of them, because the shape of it is all wrong and it doesn’t stay on her foot when she walks. Sadly, this pair for my husband has the exact same problem, one wonky slipper that doesn’t stay on when he walks. I was sure that I was conscientious of my stitch count for these, as I was trying to avoid the wonkiness problem I had with my sis’ slippers, but alas. Still, they will keep his feet warm while he is working/gaming/watching TV and that was their intended purpose so I guess it works out.
Moreover, the first pair I made this season have developed a hole in the sole, because I am too lazy to track down slipper bottoms for them, and should probably cast on a replacement pair soon. /sigh/ It’s a good thing I love knitting!
At last it’s finished, and I absolutely adore it!
[ravelry]
The colors are so bright and cheerful!
And it is so warm and cozy, too! Now I can’t wait for it to get well and truly cold!
Exclamation!
After I cast off Catkin a few days ago, I came down with a rather nasty cold, and so, even though it’s technically finished, I still haven’t blocked it or sewn on the buttons. I hope to do all that today and have a photo shoot with the thing tomorrow. Meantime, I’m going to try and get outside for a little while today. Why yes, I would like some 60° sunshine on January 7th, thank you very much.
Here is Catkin, 2 rows shy of casting off.
I have no idea how big the thing is, it’s jammed so tightly on the needles. I guess we’ll see. *girds self*
[ravelry]
What a productive year 2011 was! So many hats! I did quite a lot of sewing, too, evidently.
Next year I hope to make several pairs of socks, to replace the 3 pairs I have lost so far this year to wear, and I’ve also promised Ezra more than a few tiny toys from Mochimochi land. Luckily those knit up quickly. Happy New Year to all!
It’s done, and about damn time, too.
This hat would’ve been done a lot sooner if I didn’t have to knit it so many times.
I hope my mom likes it.
Here’s how I did it:
Earflaps (make 2)
Cast on 9
slip 1, knit to end
slip 1, yo, knit 7, yo, knit 1
slip 1, knit to end
slip 1, yo, knit 9, yo, knit 1
slip 1, knit to end
slip 1, yo, knit 11, yo, knit 1
knit until there are 9 garter ridges
CO 14 sts onto the tip of the right needle. Knit across the second earflap. CO 16 sts onto the tip of the right needle. You should now have 56 stitches. Join and begin working in round. make 4 (or 5, my brim is a little too narrow) garter stitch ridges. Switch to Unoriginal Hat pattern.
work set up round
work rows 1-16 of chart
work row 16 again
work rest of chart
Decide the back of your hat isn’t long enough and do a row of DC along back edge for a back “flap”. Call it good because this thing is killing you.
