Layette Set #53

 Another layette set done for KnitWits.

Cardigan

Pattern: I didn't use one. Just kind of made it up as I went. I hope I took enough notes to reproduce it.

Size: 3-6 months

Yarn: Big Twist

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: White

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: Buff

Yarn: I Love This Yarn

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: Black

Needles: Circular size 5 and 7

Started: April 7, 2021

Finished: April 18, 2021

Comments: I really love the color combination. I was kind of disturbed by how much black there was on the front though. I felt the need to put something in it. I came up with the idea of cutting 3 inches off the blanket fabric which makes the blanket 33 inches long instead of 36.

There was a whole dog in that 3 inches, so I cut it out and made an applique'. I put some fusible interfacing on the back to stabilize it. Then I used two strands split from the black yarn and the blanket stitch to sew it on. It was exactly what that vast expanse of black needed. 

I also found the perfect buttons in my stash. I'd like to point out that I sew the buttons on with the yarn I knitted with. In this case, I used the Buff. It's a 4 strand yarn. I separate out 2 of the strands and use that for sewing. I have found the yarn will go through the eye of a size 12 cross stitch needle which goes through the button holes just fine.

Hat

 

Pattern: In my head. 

Size: 3-6 months

Yarn: Big Twist

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: White

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: Buff

Yarn: I Love This Yarn

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: Black

Needles: Circular 7

Started: April 19, 2021

Finished: April 19, 2021

Comments: I pretty much have a standard hat pattern in my head now that I use and vary as I like. You'll find it in my free pattern Polka Dot Baby Set.

Booties

Pattern: In my head. 

Size: 3-6 months

Yarn: Big Twist

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: White

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: Buff

Yarn: I Love This Yarn

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: Black

Needles: Circular 7

Started: May 2, 2021

Finished: May 3, 2021

Comments: I could say the same thing about the bootie pattern as I did the hat. It's in my head and I use and vary as I like. You'll find it in my free pattern Polka Dot Baby Set.

Blanket

Pattern: In my head. 

Size: 30 by 33 inches

Yarn: Big Twist

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: White

Hook: Size G/4.5mm

Started: May 3, 2021

Finished: May 3, 2021

Comments: I only used one color of yarn for this edging. I kept it simple. Just double crochets separated by a chain 1.

I'm done with this fabric now. The next two sets will be based on a new fabric.

I've got KnitWits tomorrow, so I'll be turning the set in. In the meantime, I have been working on a pair of Norwegian mittens. It's going pretty well.

More about that at a later time.

Live long and prosper. \\//

Sarah's Kep

 I found myself having a craving to knit another kep. I didn't need one. I just wanted to make one. I was digging in my stash for something and ran across a bag of 5 colors of sock yarn that I had planned for a kep. Well, no time like the present.

Pattern: Fair Isle Fisherman's Kep by Anne Sinclair
Size: Adult

Yarn: Drops Fabel Uni Color

Content: 75% Super wash Wool/25% Polyamide, Fingering Weight
Colors: 105 (Dark Turquoise)

Yarn: Drops Fabel Uni Color

Content: 75% Super wash Wool/25% Polyamide, Fingering Weight
Colors: 110  (Rust)

Yarn: Drops Fabel Uni Color

Content: 75% Super wash Wool/25% Polyamide, Fingering Weight
Colors: 100  (Off White)

Yarn: Hayfield Regal Discontinued

Content: 80% Super wash Wool/20% Nylon, Fingering Weight
Colors: 263 (Brown Heather)

Yarn: Hayfield Regal Discontinued

Content: 80% Super wash Wool/20% Nylon, Fingering Weight
Colors: Light Teal Heather (Number unknown)

Needles: Circular size 2 and 4

Started: March 21, 2021
Finished: April 18, 2021

Comments: This is such a fun pattern to knit. Almost like potato chips. You can't stop at making one. I will be sending this to my daughter for her birthday because these are colors she loves. I didn't plan it that way. It just happened.

Two of the yarns used are Hayfield Regal Fingering that have been discontinued a long time.

This is a side view.

 From above.

Close up of one of the two main stitch patterns.

More stitch pattern detail.

This time I did a tassel as suggested by the pattern.

View of the other side.

I'm pleased with how this one turned out.

Live long and prosper. \\//

WIP Wednesday April 21, 2021

Before I get into my WIPs, I have a story to tell. This happened last Saturday night. I think I've blogged a little bit about a chronic cough I've been struggling with for about three and a half years. Last year I went to a lung specialist. So far, he's been no help at all where the cough is concerned. He did improve my sleeping, though, by diagnosing sleep apnea. Well, anyway. 

Last Saturday was a really bad cough day for me. I spent quite a bit of the day outside. I was scrubbing my barbeque grill clean. I started coughing bad around 4 pm or so. I coughed so hard I was gagging and throwing up. 

Around 10 pm or so I was knitting and watching tv. I couldn't even think about sleep with the cough being that bad, so I was just gonna knit until it calmed down, if. I started having a particularly bad coughing fit when a chunk of meat plopped into my hand. It was about the size of a dime. My cough came to a skidding halt. I stared at this gross lump in my hand. I couldn't believe it! Is this what has been causing my cough all this time? I didn't cough at all for 2 whole days. I was taking big huge breaths easily. I could breath better. I felt so much better. I'm beginning to think it is what my problem has been.

No one ever took an x-ray of my chest. From the first day, it's been assumed it was an aspect of my asthma. I've been prescribed all kinds of medicine, none of which has made a single difference.

Now, on Monday afternoon I started coughing again. It's not nearly as bad as it was, and whatever mucus has gathered in my throat comes up a lot easier. I think there may just be a little more something jammed in my windpipe. I have an appointment with the lung specialist next Monday. I'm going to ask, no --- demand an x-ray.

Here's what I'm working on until next months KnitWits meeting. I have all but one sleeve knit for the baby cardigan.

I have also returned to an old project that got put away until it has a better attitude. 

I started this Norwegian mitten in February last year. I would get about halfway up the first mitten, get frustrated, rip it down to the cuff, and start over. I don't know why I'm having such a hard time mastering this skill. I don't have problems doing stranded knitting in socks. I just can't seem to get it, but I'm determined to acquire this skill, so I start again from the cuff.

It's been a gorgeous day today. I spent a bit of the day out on my deck knitting. Wait. I was actually UNknitting. I frogged the wretched mitten down to the cuff. I enjoyed it because I was in the sunshine while doing it.

Live long and prosper. \\//

Layette Set #52

 Finished yet another layette set. This one is #52.

Cardigan

Pattern: Super Natural Stripes by Fawn Pea

Size: 3-6 months

Yarn: Big Twist

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: White

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: Buff

Yarn: I Love This Yarn

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: Black

Needles: Circular size 6 and 7

Started: March 18, 2021

Finished: March 21, 2021

Comments: I just keep coming back to this pattern.

Hat

Pattern: In my head, not available.

Size: 6 months

Yarn: Big Twist

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: White

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: Buff

Yarn: I Love This Yarn

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: Black

Needles: Circular size 7

Started: March 23, 2021

Finished: March 23, 2021

Booties

Pattern: My own pattern. Not published.

Size: 6 months

Yarn: Big Twist

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: White

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: Buff

Yarn: I Love This Yarn

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: Black

Needles: Circular size 7

Started: March 25, 2021

Finished: March 25, 2021

Pattern: Just winged it.

Size: 30 by 36 inches

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Color: Buff

Hook: Size G

Started: March 26, 2021

Finished: March 26, 2021

Comment: I love this fabric. Got it at Joann's Fabric and Craft.

I took 8 layette sets to KnitWits yesterday. 

I was so proud. Two of my friends each gave me 3 sets they made for KnitWits. I have such wonderful friends.

Spring has finally arrived at the Parkarosa. My Salome Daffodils have sprouted.

and we have little crocuses blooming in the lawn.

It was wonderfully warm and sunny Tuesday. Yay! I made it through winter! Soon I should be able to knit out on the deck.

One more thing. Sweet hubby made a new headboard to fit our new bed. I asked for a shelf headboard, and this is what he made.

It's painted the deepest shade of purple we could buy. It has little shelves down the sides, and plug outlets with usb ports so we can charge our Kindles and whatnot. Zoey enjoys the new mattress.

Live long and prosper. \\//

Hounds-Tooth Check Sweater for Zoey

I finished the dog sweater for Zoey a few weeks ago, but I had to wait for a decent day to take pictures. Finally got one.

Pattern: I used Patons Basic Coat pattern in size large, customized for Zoey, and knit in a stranded color pattern. This is the chart I used.

Size: Large, customized for Zoey.

Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: White

Yarn: Knit Picks Mighty Stitch

Content: 80% Acrylic/20% Superwash Wool, worsted weight
Color: Red

Yarn: Premier Yarns Everyday Worsted Multis and Prints
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Flashback

Needles: Circular size 5 and 6

Started: December 9, 2020
Finished: March 6, 2021

Comments: I had quite a few problems knitting this thing. You'd think, after 53 years of practice, I'd stop making stupid mistakes. Ha! I knit this thing twice. The first time I messed up the leg holes. Put them in the wrong place. Didn't notice until I was trying to put it on her. Could not even get it on her The only way to fix it was to frog and start over.

Okay, I admit, I accidentally used the wrong size needle for the Hounds-Tooth Check part of the sweater the second time. I thought I had size 7 needles but I discovered it was actually size 6 when I was binding off, so the truth is that it fits Zoey, but it's just a bit snug. I thought about starting it over, but I've already done that once and I'm tired of working on this project. She's happy with it, even if it is a tad snug.

If you want to know the stitch pattern I used, here it is.

In color.

Here is Zoey wearing it. I have no idea what she's smelling. 

I tried getting her to look at me while taking the pics. She absolutely would not do it. I'm saying "Zoey, look at mama. Come on girl. Look at mama." I got this.

And this

And this.

This is the closest thing I got from her. Little brat.

I have finished another layette set. I'll post about it later this week. I decided to take a brief break from layette knitting and started another Kep last week. 

I'm using teals, browns, and rusty orange. I've got the cuff done and have started the ribbing section.

The weather has cleared up and it was wonderfully sunny out. Not warm though. There are Robins in the yard, and the moose are back too. Had two in the yard yesterday. We're so close to knitting on the deck, I can taste it. Yep.

I got my second vaccine dose for Covid 19 last Friday. My reaction to it was much milder. My arm was a little sore for a couple days, and some mild aching in the joints. I'm fine now.  I'm so happy to be vaccinated from that nasty little bug.

Live long and prosper. \\//

Layette Set #51

 Got another Layette set done. 

I'm done, for now, with this fabric. I think I've got another yard of it, but I'm saving it for another time.

Cardigan

Pattern: Pleasing Plaid Cardigan by Lorna Miser
Size: 6 months

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Mint

Yarn: Universal Yarn Uptown Worsted Mist
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Baby Pink

Needles: Circular size 8

Started: March 2, 2021
Finished: March 7, 2021

Comments: I used the same color changes throughout the whole thing.

The Hat

Pattern: Mine. Not published
Size: 6 months

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Mint

Yarn: Universal Yarn Uptown Worsted Mist
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Baby Pink

Needles: Circular size 7

Started: March 8, 2021
Finished: March 8, 2021

The Booties

Pattern: Mine. Not published
Size: 6 months

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Mint

Yarn: Universal Yarn Uptown Worsted Mist
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Baby Pink

Needles: Circular size 7

Started: March 10, 2021
Finished: March 10, 2021

The Blanket

Pattern: Shell edging

Size: 30 by 36 inches

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Mint

Hook: Size G

Started: March 11, 2021
Finished: March 11, 2021

~~~~~~~~~~

I have already finished the cardigan for set #52. I'm using more boyish colors. The fabric for the blanket is white with tan and black dogs on it. I finished it last night.

Our weather got nice and warm for a bit there. I even got to finally sit in the sun and knit. Not on the deck though. It was in the shade which was just a bit too chilly. I dragged a chair to the front yard and sat in the sun. It felt so good. It was in the upper 50's/low 60's for several days. This morning, however, I woke up to 3 inches of snow and it snowed until late afternoon. Then it started melting. Spring starts with the crazy here in north Idaho.

Bed update. Puffy sent us a new mattress. This one is the right size. They did not want the mis-sized mattress back. They said do with it what we want, so I found someone who needed a bed and gave it to them. I don't know the lady, but I sure made her happy.

Hubby and I got our first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. So many people around here are refusing to get it that it's sped up the schedule. I didn't have to wait until mid-April. We got the Pfizer one. I didn't have too bad a reaction, I guess. My arm got very sore and I felt like a truck hit me the next morning. I had some nasty fatigue, so I spent the day knitting and watching Netflix. By Sunday, I was fine. We get our second dose this coming Friday.

Live long and prosper. \\//

Layette Set #50

 I've sat down to write a blog post several times in the past couple weeks, only to be interrupted and not get back to it. Life is just plain busy for me, even with the pandemic. I did get to have my first vaccine shot for Covid19. YAY!!!

The state schedule had folks under 65 listed for the latter half of April. I didn't want to wait that long, but whatever. Well, as the national news has reported, more people in the state of Idaho don't take Covid19 seriously and don't want the vaccine than do want it. They've been having leftover doses every day so Northwest Specialty Hospitals vaccine clinic opened it up to everyone last week. Husband and I took advantage of it and got appointments for Friday. My second shot is in 3 weeks.

I didn't have too bad a reaction to it. My arm got very sore, and I felt awful all day Saturday, but I felt fine this morning. My arm is still a little sore, but getting better.

So, on to the finished Layette set. Some of these pictures are not too good. The light was kind of weird so the color is off.

Cardigan

Pattern: Pleasing Plaid Cardigan by Lorna Miser
Size: 6 months

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: White

Yarn: Universal Yarn Uptown Worsted Mist

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Baby Pink

Needles: Circular size 8

Started: January 6, 2021
Finished: January 24, 2021

Comments: Although I based this cardigan on Pleasing Plaid, I made some changes. One of them was not changing color order in the stitch pattern at the armhole. I went with very bright plain pink buttons.

Hat

Pattern: My own. Not published
Size: 6 months

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: White

Yarn: Universal Yarn Uptown Worsted Mist

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Baby Pink

Needles: Circular size 7

Started: January 25, 2021
Finished: January 27, 2021

Booties

Pattern: My own. Not published
Size: 6 months

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: White

Yarn: Universal Yarn Uptown Worsted Mist

Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Baby Pink

Needles: Circular size 7

Started: January 28, 2021
Finished: January 30, 2021

Comment: The colors are much more accurate in the above picture.

Blanket

Pattern: Shell edging

Size: 30 by 36 inches

Yarn: Universal Yarn Uptown Worsted Mist
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Baby Pink

Hook: Size G

Started: March 1, 2021
Finished: March 1, 2021

I have set 51 almost done. I also finished the hound's-tooth check dog sweater. Just need a nice sunny day to take pics. The weather has warmed up just a bit. Had 3 days in a row almost 60F degrees. It's gone back to cold though. It did a rain/snow mix today.

We got a new bed. A few weeks ago I asked hubby if he could make me a shelf headboard for our queen size bed. Next thing I know, he's ordered a California King mattress and is out in the shop building a sturdy wooden frame for it. It's a memory foam mattress by Puffy. We've been sleeping on it for a week now. It is the MOST comfortable bed I've ever slept on. No headboard though. Yets.

A king size memory foam pillow came with the mattress. I tried it (husband claimed it for himself) and it is incredible, so I ordered one from Amazon. It's like putting my head on a cloud. Wow! Goodbye goose down and polyester fiberfill!

We do have a problem with the mattress though. California King is supposed to be 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. Ours is only 80 inches long, though the box and documents all say 84. Husband has contacted customer support to find out why the missing four inches. More about that later.

Live long and prosper. \\//