Rectangle granny blanket

 I made this for the recent Knit 4 charity CAL. I decided to make each round a different colour. In the caravan i only have a shopping bag of yarn, so I tried to make it look scrappy by mixing the colours, then added a rainbow border. Also another pair of toe up mountain form slippers.

Knitted ribbed poppies

 This pattern I had written down as Red poppy badge and I searched and found Lynn's easy knitted rib stitch pattern at 5000 poppies. I used 4mm needles and 52 stitches, with 6 rows of rib before decreasing. It turned out around 7.5cm across. I made a 2nd one with 58 stitches and 4x4 rib, 8 rows of knit 3 then (p4, k4 to end) then change to black and knit 1 then knit 2 together  across for 4 rows before breaking yarn and threading through stitches, mine measures around 8.5 cm across. 

To make a smaller one use 46 stitches, k3 (p2, k2 to end) for 6 rows. 

Use 30 stitches will make a bud.

Garter stitch knitted red poppy

 This version is called "Chelsea even easier garter stitch poppy". I used 8ply and 4mm needles, it measures about 8cm across. I think its a good pattern for watching tv. For a larger size use 2 strands of 8ply and 6mm needles, knit 9 rows then in black knit 2 tog for 3 rows around (15cm)

Toe-up mountain form slipper mistake

Always happens when you are on a deadline!
I must have been half asleep while making this,
by the time I realised I had made a mistake i had
done too many rows to warrant undoing them.
So some fudging was required, I sewed them
up the middle and it worked out well.
I got them finished in time and the recipient was happy.

Mountain Form Toe-up pattern update

I've made a few of these in the past year.
Take a look at the pictures below the pattern.
It seems I make a pair and either someone
sees them while I'm making them or after
I've gifted them & there is another request for a pair.
I gave my pair away so now have to make myself
a new pair. I have re-written the pattern,
I take notes as I go so that the 2nd slipper
is the same as the first.
Here is the amended pattern

Toe up Mountain form slippers/bed socks
based on a pattern  by  Wakako Sato
10 ply wool and 4.5mm needles 9 wpi (wraps per inch)
I have also used a thick 8 ply as well as magic light which is 8ply
and around 12 wpi just requires extra rows (see the pink slipper below)
cast on 7 sts using wrap/turkish method (14 sts in total)
continue knitting in the round using the magic loop method

1st row: knit
2nd row: *k1, increase in next stitch, knit to last 2 stitches, increase in next stitch, k1* 
for both sides of slipper.
Repeat last 2 rows 6 more times until 42 stitches (21sts each side)
knit in the round for 3.5cm (stocking stitch) 
*tip: make a note of how many rows for making the next slipper
Knit 1, purl 1 rib for 20 stitches and slip next stitch onto back needle
repeat Knit1, Purl 1 rib for *6.5 to 7.5cm (*depending on size of foot)
*take note of the number of rows
*note: you need to leave enough room to get the foot in the slipper
Foot opening:

(Knit 1, Purl 1) 5 times, cast off 1 stitch (this is the middle).

You will now be working back and forth-not in the round and turning after each row

Round 1: Knit 

Round 2: Knit 13, Purl 1, Knit 13, Purl 1, Knit 13.

Repeat last two rounds until measures *8cms from Rib pattern. 

(*again depending on size of foot) take note of the number of rows

cast off and sew back seam OR graft with kitchener stitch.

Baby design jackets

I ordered some lovely ice yarn called baby design
awhile ago to take with me while we travelled.
It looks like flowers when knitted up, so it is
best knitted, as it loses the effect when crocheted.
While I was travelling around I decided to experiment
using several patterns to see the different effects.
 The first pattern is called Boronia by Aussie Maria,
it's my first top down pattern I've used and it was quick and easy

Boronia

The next I made is a paid pattern #1929
designed for snuggly baby crofter DK yarn and
I used a matching pink yarn for the sleeves and yoke.

baby crofter DK pattern #1929

Then I made a few jackets using

Yvettes garter stitch baby sweater.
The first i made using 4mm needles, the I made another
using 4.5 mm needles and as the width of the back
was 27cm and the sleeve length was 14cm,
I added an extra 10 rows to the sleeves.
We tried this one on a 1 year old and it fitted fine,
although it was a bit short, like a shrug or bolero,
(which would be due to the fact I'm using different
Needles and yarn to the pattern!)
Another couple of inches would be perfect,
but I'm not sure how to add length to it.
I prefer the 4.5mm version to the 4mm.
I basically used garter stitch for the solid colour
and stocking stitch for the flower section, except for the back section.
For the sleeves I started from where the yarn changed from mid pink to darker pink.

4mm back

The next I made another jacket using 2 sections of the flowers joined together. Hope you enjoy the pics.

4mm front

  

4.5mm front

4.5mm back

4.5 mm sleeve & back before adding extra rows

4.5mm sleeve

double flower section back

double flower section front

Wool Purchase Excuses

I had a comment from Dorothy on my 
Baby Beanie post about the cost of the 
Sirdar Baby Crofter wool. I totally agree
with her, it took  me about an hour to 
finally take the plunge and part with my 
money. I could have bought 4 balls of 
ordinary acrylic for the same price!
I have a good friend who says to me
 "don't feel guilty for spending money
on yourself" she tells me I work hard 
for my money & whats the point if I 
can't enjoy it. 
Here are some of the reasons 
I thought of why I should "afford" it.
I have allergies and can't use a lot of makeup $$$
I stopped dying my hair in 2006 $$
The last time we ate out was April for Hubbies birthday $$$
I walk 2.5 km and catch either 2 trains or a train and a bus to get to work...save on petrol $$$
The girls at work buy a couple of cups of coffee a day @ $4 each,
 I have bought about 3 in 10 months $$
I take my lunch to work, sandwiches cost about $8 where I work $$$$
we also save on electricity by using washing machine after 10pm & using oven mainly on weekends 
I have also lost 16kg (35lb or 2.5 st) and no longer take Blood Pressure  medication, they say you should have little rewards along the way when you reach weight loss milestones. 
I really  enjoyed knitting with this wool, it is so soft and I really don't feel guilty, so much so that I went back and bought some more! It took less than an hour the second time, but I still lingered!  
Some great news is that the sales team at my work were given gift vouchers by our manager to give to people who help their business and they all put their heads together and gave them to the office staff. I ended up with $90 worth. So I have decided to spend some on me, I have bought 4 crochet hooks off the internet and I will be comparing them and will post soon. 
PS I don't have any affiliations, no brown paper bags or kickbacks from the Sirdar company, I just love this wool. Do you have any excuses you tell yourself when you purchase wool and you only have about another 100 balls at home?

Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair

I had a lovely day on Friday with my mum at the Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair.
We missed the Bendigo mills,
as they weren't there this year.
Last year there was also a stall
that sold fabric scarves & scarf
jewelry that I was hoping to be there.
I was also hoping to buy a new ironing
board cover  & didn't see any.
I did buy a cowl though,
from Brentwood Bears and Craft,
I've never owned one before,
I was actually after a scarf,
but it is so soft and warm.
It will be very handy when i walk to the
train station at 6-30am.
They have a website (no kickbacks or affiliations) http://www.brentwoodbears.com/
they had a lot of different textured scarf yarns. Frilly, pom pom, flute, poodle, snowflake, flamingo
and a very interesting one called wave, that looked like a brain pattern. Hmmm brain wave LOL.
That is on the right side of the photo.
We also bought small lights for when we are crafting in low light and I purchased some scarf jewelry.
Nothing to break the bank. I noticed that there was less bling on the quilts this year, last year quite a few of the quilts were embellished with sparkles and shiny bits.
There didn't seem to be any overwhelming theme in the quilts this year, very across the board and something for everyone. There were the quilts inspired by 1800's, Japanese, Jacobean, brights, traditional, art quilts, black and white, hand pieced, applique, needle turn, hand and machine blanket stitch, wholecloth, group quilts, mystery quilts.
I am amazed at the creative flair that some people have.
3 highlights for me: 
1) the Brentwood as already mentioned and
2) The Jenny King crochet stand was amazing, she had some lovely work. She had a lovely vest that crossed over at the back, which I can't see on her website or ravelry.
3) I also liked the Prudence Mapstone stand, she had a lovely blanket made with 5ply Frog Tree fair trade alpaca wool. you can see it at ravelry or here, not her usual (freeform) work that she is known for, the kit was $160AUD but lovely, soft and very pretty.

Baby Beanies

I have been busy making baby beanies, I have a friends cute
Grand daughter to make beanies for. They are going
to the snow in a few weeks and she asked if I could make
some with earflaps. I made the crochet ones first using the
Lil' Darlin' hat pattern. Then I found some lovely
Sirdar Baby Crofter in 8ply at the local yarn shop, the
colourway is called Tilly, pink, cream with some red
 and I knitted my first beanie in the round.
I must say this was nearly the undoing of me.
I struggled with joining after cast on. The pattern said to
use 2 circular needles. It was no help to me, I couldn't work
out how that could be achieved. I decided to rib one row
before joining and that made a huge difference.
I then decided to use 4 circulars and I still had trouble,
getting them all mixed up. I eventually
(accidentally mind you) ended up with 2 circulars
and worked out a method that worked for me.
I still had trouble in the last few rows with the stitches
slipping of the needles. I'm going to the
Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair next week, so I should
be able to find some stoppers for the ends.

I love the Baby Crofter, I went back and bought the
Nessie Colourway, lovely mauve, blue and green.
That's a china doll modelling for me.
This will be for charity and I might make a matching
jacket, I just have to find a suitable pattern for this wool.

The beanie pattern is so easy, for a 3 month old,
CO 72 sts, 8 rows rib, then stocking stitch
until it measures 12.5cm, then decrease rows are:

k7, knit 2 tog to end
k6, knit 2 tog to end
k5, knit 2 tog to end
k4, knit 2 tog to end
k3, knit 2 tog to end
k2, knit 2 tog to end
k1, knit 2 tog to end
knit 2 tog,
draw the wool through the remaining 8 stitches, fasten off.
I added the earflaps then crocheted the curly ties.

The next pattern I made was the Shadow Stripes Hat
in yellow. I chose not to make the top knot and
decided to crochet 3 little squiggly tails on top.

I have just cast on the sleeves of a baby cardigan
that I hope will be suitable for the Baby Crofter
wool, I'm using Panda Baby Lustre 8 ply in lovely pale
blue/mauve tones, I will show pics when I am finished.

Toe up Mountain form slippers/bed socks

I wrote about this pattern in this post
and Maria asked me for the pattern
I can't claim this as my own,  i'ts
based on a pattern  by  Wakako Sato
and just another way to make them.
It's an easy-measure-as-you-go pattern
(I have a large about size 10/40 foot)

Toe up Mountain form slippers/bed socks
10 ply wool and 4.5mm needles 9wpi
cast on 7 sts using wrap/turkish method
(14 sts in total)
continue knitting in the round using the magic loop method
1st row: knit
2nd row: *k1, increase in next stitch, knit to last stitch, increase in next stitch* for both sides of slipper.
Repeat last 2 rows 6 more times until 42 stitches (21sts each side)
knit in the round for 3.5cm (stocking stitch)
Knit 1, purl 1 rib for *6.5 to 7.5cm (*depending on size of foot)

(Knit 1, Purl 1) 5 times, cast off 1 stitch (this is the middle).

You will now be working back and forth-not in the round and turning after each row

Round 1: Knit 13, Purl 1, Knit 13, Purl 1, Knit 13.

Round 2: Knit

Repeat last two rounds until measures *8cms from Rib pattern. (*again depending on size of foot)

Fold in half wrong sides together and graft ( Kitchener stitch) together.
Kitchener Stitch
to set up 
Front row- purl on
Back row- knit on

Kitchener stitch Garter
1 Front Knit Off
2 Front Purl on
3 Back Knit off
4 Back purl on

(I have posted here the matching pair)

Show and Tell Week 29

No squares this week,
I finished DHs jumper,
I now have a callous on my left thumb
I also started (and finished) a little
round yoke baby matinee jacket
(and I now also have a split on
both my index fingers)
It is in 4 ply on 3.25 mm needles
The body is knitted all in one to
the armholes then sleeves added
and the yoke is then completed.
The only sewing is the sleeve seams
and I just have to get some buttons.
This pattern is the same as a jacket
I was given when my son was born
almost 21 years ago.
Just over a week until his birthday, obviously his was a nice shade of blue.

Show and Tell Week 28

No squares this week, it has been
cold here so I have been working
overtime trying to finish DH jumper.
I finished the front and 1 sleeve
then started on the 2nd sleeve.
I hope to have a finished jumper
to show you next week. I have
been worrying about the neckline,
I have done v necks before, but
this time I decided to change the
pattern from 1x1 rib to 2x2 rib.
I'm not sure how this will affect
the pattern, I might do a bit of
research before I go ahead.
Any advice would be welcome.

What do you like in a blog?

After reading this post from Debi Y  and
at the post where she got the idea at Sharons blog
( I love both their banners featuring
 Round Ripple blankets by the way)
I decided to refurbish my blog.
I chose to remove my butterfly music,
even though I received no complaints ;-)
and move things around a bit.
What do you think?
Oh and what do I like in a blog?
I seem to gravitate to crochet blogs at
the moment. I like blogs that update
often and show pictures. But I'm not
overly fond of those mosaic pictures
created with photos of the same item,
not enough to dislike the blog, just my personal preference.
The frogs are a Jean Greenhowe pattern and were made for a raffle for Easter last year

Carnival effects stripes wool

I have had some queries about the
Carnival stripe wool that I have been
using lately. Here is a blanket I made
a few years ago, It was gifted to
a lovely lady who had been
volunteering for a few decades
at the nursing home where I worked.
She gave it to her mother who was
a resident there. I am quite proud
of how it has fared,  it  has been
washed quite a few times & has
withstood not so gentle treatment.
It started with a longing to use
the striped wool and evolved from there.
I think the mitred squares came first and the garter stitch squares came next, then the butterfly squares and last were the solid blue squares for the border. It changed quite a few times as it evolved and there was a bit of frogging along the way. I must admit it was hard to give away, I loved looking at this blanket but as she gave it to her mother I got to see it regularly.
I am happy with how it turned out and I enjoyed the process too. It was great to combine knitting and crochet in this one.

Show and Tell week 8

 This week something a little bit
different, not a square and not
crocheted, but knitted fish.
Seven, one for each day of the
week and the colours of the
rainbow. These were a KAL
for K4C (knit 4 charity) to be made
into blankets for charity.
I made mine while watching tv,
so I had to concentrate
to stay on track with which row I was on,
but it was fun & I enjoyed making them.
If you are interested, google knitted tessalated fish.

Here are some URLs with
pictures of completed blankets.
ona knits
simple knits
rubber ducky
hachuko
crafster
jinjifore
and last but not least,
a tutorial for braided crochet seaming here