New Pattern Is Up

I wrote about this yesterday on my pattern blog, but I think I need to write about it here too. Yesterday I published the Polka Dots Baby Set in my Ravelry store.

This 3 piece baby set features a seamless raglan cardigan, hat, and booties in 2 sizes, 3 to 6 months and 6 to 9 months. It’s knit in 2 colors of worsted weight yarn. It features a 2-color seed stitch pattern knit stranded. 

The prototype. Blanket is not included in pattern.

The cardigan is knit from the top down with sleeves knit in the round so there are no seams. 

The hat and booties are knit in the round from the bottom up on 2 circular needles. 

Suggested needle sizes are circular size 6’s and 8’s. The 2-circular needles technique is used to knit in the round, but can be adjusted for double pointed needles or the Magic Loop method.

If you're interested, you can download the pdf file on Ravelry:

Linky-->  Polka Dot Baby Set

Note: The booties require laces. I have been making twisted cords. There are other ways to make laces too. I suggest you visit this web tutorial for twisted cords as well as inspiration and how to’s for a nice variety of laces.

Laces for Booties

Live long and prosper. \\//

Sporty Raglan Baby Cardigan

Normally I would wait until the whole layette set is done before posting this as a finished project. However, this little cardigan is special. I've published a free pattern for it.

Pattern: Sporty Raglan Baby Cardigan by me.

Size: 6-12 months

Yarn: Caron One Pound
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: 508 Sky Blue

Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: 5004 Medium Gray

Needles: Circular size 5 and 7

Started: November 28, 2017
Finished: January 9, 2018

I wanted something a little more masculine to make for KnitWits and came up with this idea loosely based on a lettermans jacket. The sweater is in 2 sizes, 3-6 and 6-12 months, and knit from the top down. So no sewing seams. Intarsia is used to knit the yoke/sleeves part. When you get to the bottom of the armholes the sleeves are put on markers to hold until later while the body is finished. The sleeve stitches are then placed back on the needles and knit in the roun. I used the 2-circular needle methode, but any method can be used.

The collar, bottom welt, sleeve cuffs, and button bands are done in 1 by 1 rib. 

It takes 5 half to three quarter inch buttons.

It's not a hard pattern, and it knits up pretty fast. I've put the free pdf pattern on Ravelry in my store. Click this link to get it: Sporty Raglan Baby Cardigan

As for the layette set? I'm almost done with it. I've got the matching hat and one bootie finished already. I need to put the holes around the edges of the blanket fabric so I can crochet the border.

You'll be seing this again when I've finished the whole set.

Live long and prosper. \\//

Forced To Change

About 3 weeks or so ago I started getting messages and emails from people who were visiting my patterns blog complaining that the links to the pdf files weren't working. They were getting a "Not found" message. I checked it out and I sometimes got the message, but most of the time I had no problems.

I figured out that if I was logged into Box.net, the web site where I store my patterns for sharing, it worked. If I logged out, the downloads didn't work. Box has made some changes, and even though the links are supposed to be open to the public without registration, it doesn't seem to be working that way and I couldn't figure out how to fix it. I had to find an alternative solution.

I decided to open a store on Ravelry and upload the knitting patterns there.

They allow you to have a store with all free patterns in it. So many times I've been asked by someone to do that. Well, now it seems a good idea. I uploaded them all and I've updated the links on the patterns blog. You do not have to have a Ravelry account to access them. I think this will work out pretty good.

Check out my new Ravelry Shop

There are two patterns that I could not put on Ravelry, the beaded Christmas ornament cover pattern, and the Aran Baby Set that I have linked to here on this blog. I don't know what I'm going to do about that yet.

But, at least you can access the rest of them.

Live long and prosper. \\//

New Pattern Posted

Don't have much to blog about today except that I've written up the pattern for my Little Brick Check Mens Mittens and posted it on the web for free.

You'll find it on my Beadknitter Patterns Blog.

Also, no one was able to figure out what was wrong with the pink Polarized hat. I'm surprised! Well, the answer is the Latvian braids are going opposite directions. They're supposed to be going the same direction.

Live long and prosper. \\//

How Could I Forget?

It has just dawned on me that I never posted on here that my Sweet Niggles sock pattern has been published. I did so the last week of June. Oops!

It's in PDF format. You can find it on my pattern page here:  Sweet Niggles

Live long and prosper. \\//

The Granite Mitts Pattern

I have finished the Granite Mitts pattern, and it's now available for your enjoyment. Click this link for more info:  Granite Mitts Pattern

Live long and prosper. \\//

Little Garter Checks is Up

The Little Garter Checks Mens Mittens pattern is done and up. More info on the pattern blog:

Special thanks go to Ravelry members JenniferFour and watrpriestess for test knitting the pattern. I can't believe how many mistakes they found for me! Thank you gals! I greatly appreciate your help.

Live long and prosper.\\//

It's Up!

I have posted the pattern for the Ribes Jumeaux socks on my pattern blog. Enjoy!

Live long and prosper. \\//

Pink Fancy Flossy

Pink Fancy Flossy Shrug

Pattern: Fancy Flossy Shrug by me

Size: Ladies, 56 inches from cuff to cuff.

Yarn:  Bobtail by Schoeller+Stahl in shades of Pink (discontinued)
Content:  58% Polyester/42% Acrylic, bulky weight.

Yarn: Caron Kolormatch in White (discontinued)
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight

Yarn: Red Heart Supersaver in Rose Pink (this color is discontinued)
Content: 100%  Acrylic, worsted weight 

Needles: Addi Turbo Circulars in size 10 and 15.

Cast on: September 5, 2012
Bound off: September 16, 2012

Comments: Took less than 100 yards of furry yarn. I carried one strand of Rose Pink throughout, except the cuffs which are one strand of White. Made it just a little longer than usual. Some people have longer arms.

Of course, I made this for Knit Wits.

~~~~~~~~~~

I had the oddest experience this morning. I heard Cable outside barking at something so I went out to see what was going on. Down the hill was a big doe. Cable was a few feet from her barking her head off. The doe didn't seem to be bothered and actually walked toward her, so she jumped back and barked some more. This went on for awhile. Then, Cable charged at the doe. The doe charged back, so Cable turned around and ran straight for me. The doe took chase. So there I am with a dog and a large doe running full blast straight for me. Needless to say, it scared me.  I knew I couldn't outrun her so I dived behind a small tree so there'd be something between us. As soon as I did that the doe suddenly turned and ran off into the woods. It was almost like my movement scared her.

This is not the first time I've seen this doe chase Cable. What I can't figure out is if they are playing together, or if she's just really aggressive (the doe, not Cable)? Are she and Cable friends?

Is this the deer whisperer?

Did she not notice me come out of the house? Is that why she didn't run off right away? Usually the deer are afraid of humans. I hope to get some answers to these questions.

There is never a dull moment on the Parkarosa.

I am keeping myself indoors pretty much. Wednesday the smoke had cleared up quite a bit, so I took advantage of the opportunity to have the doors and windows open and I shampooed the wool Moose area rug and runner in the living room. My vacuum cleaner is a Kirby that converts into a shampooer (among other things). It's the first time I've shampooed since installing the rugs. They look brand new now.

Thursday the smoke moved back into the area. It's worse than ever now. So I'm hunkered down in my house. It's also very warm. In the 80F's today. Tomorrow it's supposed to be in the low 90F's. Hello air conditioner!

Live long and prosper. \\//

Shrugs With Fur

I was going to do a WIP Wednesday post, but I've got finished projects and a new pattern to show instead. Yay! I've finished a couple shrugs.

Modeled by my friend Rosie.

Fancy Flossy Shrug

Pattern: Fancy Flossy Shrug by me

Size: Ladies, 52 inches from cuff to cuff.

Yarn: Aldemir Lumos in Khaki Lurex
Content: Polyester and Metallic, bulky weight.

Yarn: Cascade Pacific Multi in Lucky Clover
Content: 60% Acrylic, 40% Superwash Wool

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular in size 10 and 15.

Cast on: June 24, 2012
Bound off: July 8, 2012

Comments: I had a lot of fun knitting this.

Work it girl!

It's a fast super easy knit.

Modeled by Rosie.

The second shrug is made with the same pattern.

Pattern: Fancy Flossy Shrug by me

Size: Ladies, 52 inches from cuff to cuff.

Yarn: Eyelash by Fan-Pel Collection in Multi Red
Content: Polyester and Nylon, sport weight.

Yarn: Caron Wintuk in Christmas Red
Content: 100% Acrylic

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular in size 10 and 15.

Cast on: June 7, 2012
Bound off: June 14, 2012

Comments: The fur yarn in this one is sport weight instead of bulky, but it worked just fine.

Stitch pattern detail

My daughter made one to test knit the pattern.

She actually used 3 different yarns in this one.

I love the textures.

The fur yarn is Aldemir Yumos, the thinner stripes are a bulky weight boucle' (Homespun by Lion Brand?), and both yarns were knit with a strand of an unknown worsted weight variegated acrylic yarn.

I've just published this new free pattern on my pattern blog. It includes instructions for 2 different shrugs with variants on garter lace. If you want the pattern, click:

Linky ---> Fancy Flossy Shrug

~~~~~~~~~~

We've had visitors this week. A mama and her new twins!

How cute are these two?  Squee!

Live long and prosper. \\//

Baby Aran in Orange

Baby Aran in Orange

Pattern: Aran Baby Cardigan from McCalls Knitting Book 5 (1972)

Size: 12 months

Yarn: Lion Brand Sayelle #133 Tile (discontinued decades ago)
Content: 100% Dupont Orlon Acrylic

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 9.

Cast on: January 1, 2012

Completed: March 3, 2012

Comments: This is, of course, my favorite baby sweater pattern. It turned out larger than the pattern sizing because I used a size 9 needle instead of size 6. I like it. The fabric is a little softer as a result.

The buttons came from my stash of antique buttons that I 'inherited' several years ago.

I made this sweater for Knit Wits (charity).

I should mention, I obtained ownership of the copyright to this pattern from the copyright holders, so I can share it with you. Click on the linky to download a PDF of it ----->  Aran Baby Cardigan

Live long and prosper. \\//

Wheat Rib Uploaded

Finally, the testing and editing for my Wheat Ribs Socks is done and I've uploaded it to the net. If you're interested in having your very own copy of the pattern, visit my pattern blog:

click here ---->  Beadknitter Patterns

Live long and prosper. \\//

Ramblings

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Everything went very well. I sort of puttered through out the day working on one part of the meal for a bit, then resting, then working on some more, then resting. The house cleaning got done the day before so I didn't have to worry about it. I even had time to knit. It was one of the most relaxing Thanksgiving meal preparations I've ever had. My turkey turned out fantastic. Well, everything did. We had a wonderful meal. I was pretty tired by the end of the day, but not excessively so.

On Wednesday I dropped into Steins Family Foods in Rathdrum, the grocery store nearest to me, to pick up a few last minute things and get some flowers for the table. The florist at that store is extremely talented. I just love her work. Anyway, here's what I brought home. I think it's absolutely gorgeous!

Besides cooking and knitting, I also uploaded a new pattern to my pattern blog. It's for a hat made with the popular furry yarns. Go here for more info.

Fuzzy Hat

I've been working on a pair of fingerless mitts, to be a Christmas present. I've got the first one done, and I'm halfway through the second one. I'm using the Owlings pattern but, as usual, putting in a few of my own modifications.

The biggest complaint I have about this pattern is there's no thumb gusset. It's so easy to put one in, and they fit so much better with it.

Today we got out the Christmas decorations from storage. Ruth and I put up the tree, with it's lights. Tomorrow we'll add the ornaments. I am super happy to have it up now. It brightens things up so nicely.

All that snow we had? It's almost completely gone. The snow I was expecting in my last post never arrived. Instead, a pineapple express blew in. We've had blasting winds, rain, and warm temperatures. It actually got up to 55 on Wednesday. The snow melted like crazy. I kind of hope it stays like this for awhile. I don't want to get a lot of heavy snow while we're gone on our trip because if the load gets too much on the roof, we won't be here to shovel it off. We kind of worry about that when we travel in the winter time.

Here's something that's just plain funny. My cat, Chenille, has this little quirk. She likes to store her favorite balls in the water dish. This morning there were four of them in it, and she also added a twisty tie and a piece of plastic she's found somewhere.

She uses the water dish as her personal toy box. Such a silly girl!

Live long and prosper. \\//

Seed Stitch Striped Mittens for Men

At last, it's all done. My first mitten design. It's for guys, or ladies with big hands.

Seed Stitch Striped Mittens for Men

Pattern: Seed Stitch Striped Mittens for Men by Me.

Yarn: Clarks "O.N.T," Wondura (discontinued)
Color: Dark Green
Content: 100% Orlon Acrylic

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular size 5.

Size: Mens Medium (8.5 inch hand circumference, 11 inches long)

Cast on: September 30, 2011
Bound off: November 9, 2011

Comments: I started out with the intent to make stockinette mittens, but decided to make it interesting by incorporating some seed stitch stripes. I've written up the pattern  and you can find it, free, on my pattern blog.

I love the texture. They knit up quickly too because they're made with worsted weight yarn.

The pattern features a knit in thumb gusset for comfort and fit.

For extra warmth, but ease in care, I recommend superwash wool.

Christmas is coming. They'd make a nice gift for the man in your life. Or, better yet, knit a pair for charity in memory of someones beloved fur kid.

I'm donating this pair to Knit Wits in memory of Tuxie, my friend Judy's pug, who passed away yesterday. Rest in peace Tuxie. You will be missed.

Let me know how you like the pattern.

Live long and prosper. \\//

Ready For The Fair At Last

 A Rainbow for My Hands is ready for the fair. Somehow I managed to match them up pretty good (color repeat-wise) despite not having the first one in my possession while working on mitt 2. (It was on display at the shop.)

  My daughter kindly let me use her hands for modeling. Back:

 The second mitt worked up much faster than I expected. Palms:

I find the texture of Entrelac extremely fascinating. Don't you? So complicated looking, and yet, amazingly easy to do.

Using a yarn with long color changes will give you this wonderful effect of making it look like you spent a lot of time choosing your colors and deciding how to arrange them.

I showed them to one of my nephews the other day and he had a hard time understanding that the way the colors laid out was just the way the yarn is dyed. A happy 'accident', if you will.

I designed and made these mitts for a class I taught last April for CDA Yarn and Fiber.

If you want to make these mitts, you can, because I wrote up the pattern and posted it on my pattern blog for free. It is currently my most popular pattern. Click the link below to go to it:

A Rainbow for My Hands

Live long and prosper. \\//