everythingshunkydory

Booties for April who's due in May

2010-02-24T15:31:00.003-05:00

Booties for L.T,

2010-02-15T21:59:00.001-05:00

Pink Stitch Markers - Prize

2010-02-08T15:57:00.002-05:00

Grey Stitch Markers - Prize

2010-02-08T15:55:00.002-05:00

Falling Leaves Wrap

2008-12-27T12:07:00.011-05:00

This rectangular wrap is just the thing for a cool summer evening or to take the chill off in an over-air-conditioned restaurant or office. The original was knit in a merino yarn which is soft and lightweight. It’s sproingy, wonderful to knit with and blocks beautifully. Gauge isn’t critical because the wrap can be blocked to your desired dimensions. The pattern can easily be changed to accommodate different yarn weights by adjusting the size of the knitting needles used and by working fewer or more pattern repeats horizontally and vertically. The 16 row pattern isn’t daunting, after you’ve completed a 16 row pattern, you should be able to visualize what the stitches on each row are "doing" and you can easily find your place should you lose your row count.

Approximately 24"wide x 66" long (60 cm x 170 cm) after blocking.

Yarn: 2 skeins Colinette Jitterbug (640 yards) (585.2 meters) or any merino wool that you love the feel of.

Needles: U.S. size 6 (4 mm.)

Cast on 83 sts. loosely.

Row 1 (RS): K1, k2tog, k3, *yo, k1, yo, k3, sl 1, k2tog, psso, k3; repeat from * to last 7 sts, yo, k1, yo, k3, sl 1, k1, psso, k1.

Row 2 and every alternate even numbered Row: Purl.

Row 3: K1, k2tog, k2, *yo, k3, yo, k2, sl 1, k2tog, psso, k2; repeat from * to last 8 sts, yo, k3, yo, k2, sl 1, k1, psso, k1.

Row 5: K1, k2tog, k1, *yo, k5, yo, k1, sl 1, k2tog, psso, k1; repeat from * to last 9 sts, yo, k5, yo, k1, sl 1, k1, psso, k1.

Row 7: K1, k2tog, yo, k7, *yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, k7; repeat from * to last3 sts, yo, sl 1, k1, psso, k1.

Row 9: K2, yo, k3, *sl 1, k2tog, psso, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3; repeat from * to last 8 sts, sl 1, k2tog, psso, k3, yo, k2.

Row 11: K3, yo, k2, *sl 1, k2tog, psso, k2, yo, k3, yo, k2; repeat from * to last 8 sts, sl 1, k2tog, psso, k2, yo, k3.

Row 13: K4, yo, k1, *sl 1, k2tog, psso, k1, yo, k5, yo, k1; repeat from * to last 8 sts, sl 1, k2tog, psso, k1, yo, k4.

Row 15: K5, *yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, k7; repeat from * to last 8 sts, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, k5.

Row 16: Purl.

Repeat these 16 Rows until there's not enough yarn left to allow you to complete another 16 Row pattern, making sure to leave enough yarn for 36 strands each 10" long for the fringe. Bind off loosely.

To make fringe: Cut 36 strands of yarn, 10" (25 cm.) long. Attach these at the 9 points at each end of the shawl, by taking 2 strands, folding them in half and pulling the folded end through each point, using a crochet hook if desired. Secure the fringe, by pulling the 4 cut ends through the loop tightly.

To block, place wrap in lukewarm water until thoroughly soaked, being careful not to agitate the fibres. Place between two layers of thick towel and gently press to remove excess moisture. Stretch the wrap into the desired shape, pinning onto a flat surface and allow to dry. Weave in loose ends. Here’s a link to the Yarn Harlot’s technique. It will make the straight edges of the wrap easier to block and then all you have to do is pin the 9 points at each end.

http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2005/08/23/walk_around_the_block.html

Abbreviations used:

sl1 - slip one stitch as if to knit

psso - pass slipped stitch over

Turquoise Cuff

2007-11-23T11:05:00.000-05:00

Turquoise and silver has to be the most beautiful

colour combination when it comes to jewelry.

I used 16 gauge wire for the frame of the cuff

and then placed the various beads on 20 gauge

wire and wrapped it around the frame.

Amethyst Pendant

2007-11-23T11:00:00.000-05:00

I used 20 gauge wire for the frame of the

pendant and 24 gauge for wrapping the amethyst

chips onto the frame.

Egyptian Coils Bracelet

2007-08-24T11:14:00.001-05:00

I found the book, "Making Wire Jewelry" by Helen Clegg & Mary Larom which has the instructions for this piece and many other interesting designs. The book

includes actual size illustrations against which you can

compare the jewelry components you've made. I used 20 gauge copper wire. I think this bracelet would benefit from being antiqued. Rather than use the liver of sulphur method, I'm going to try using the hard boiled

egg method described here.

First Time Using a Jig

2007-08-03T08:04:00.000-05:00

I made this bracelet using 20 gauge silver

wire and a jig. Since the wire flowers were a

bit uneven, I decided to use amethyst chips

instead of perfect little round amethyst beads

in keeping with the naive look.

I hammered each of the flowers before

connecting them with jump rings.

Unfortunately, between hammering and

trying to flatten the wire with pliers, I

managed to break more than one of

the amethyst centres.

Baby Booties

2007-07-27T12:58:00.000-05:00

Chelsea and Julia are both due in December and

Kristen in January. It's the first baby for each of them

and the first grandchild for each of their parents.

We know Julia's having a girl!

All the booties were knit on size 3 mm. dpn's

using Bernat Baby Softee.

Each pair is slightly different from the others.

I forgot to photograph the last pair before I

wrapped them and gave them away, but

you get the drift.

More Paua Shell Pendants

2007-07-19T13:04:00.000-05:00

Julie liked the last silver wrapped Paua

shell pendant I made, so I gave it to her.

I'm always amazed when someone likes the

jewelry I've made. I wrapped two more

pendants; one with sterling silver wire and

the other with gold. They're both 20 gauge.

Julie seems more interested in the jewelry

we make now and expressed an interest in

joining us the next time we have a jewelry

night. She thought it would be fun to make

more personal gifts for some of her friends.

Yeah!! I've created a crafter!

Tiger Eye Bracelet

2007-07-01T14:40:00.000-05:00

Another crocheted bracelet, this time gold

wire and tiger eye. I gave it to Camilla

for her birthday.

Three Strand Necklace

2007-06-10T12:33:00.000-05:00

First time using crimp beads and my

crimp tool. I used three strands of

Beadalon for this necklace. The smaller

beads are strung on separate strands

and the larger ones are strung on all

three. I like how that makes the smaller

beads look kind of staggered.

Paua Shell Wire Wrapped Pendant

2007-06-07T11:55:00.000-05:00

Back to the Paua shell again and what to do

with it. I used 20 gauge sterling silver wire

and wrapped it around the first one.

Then I twisted two strands of 28 gauge

gold wire together and wrapped that

around a shell. It kind of reminds me

of an x's and o's game board.

I finally started using the macro zoom on

my digital camera - huge difference.

Pea Pod Pendant

2007-06-06T15:32:00.000-05:00

I once saw a picture of this and kept the idea

of it in my head. I wish I could find the original

again to see how it was made compared to mine.

I used a 20 gauge sterling silver wire for the

pea pod shape and once I had manipulated it to

an interesting shape, I hammered it. Then I strung

some light green fresh water pearls on a thinner

sterling silver wire and wrapped it at the top and

bottom of the pod. If I were to make this again,

I'd use a thicker wire for the pod, or better yet,

I'd try square wire instead of round. Oh well,

right now I'm just playing around with it and

learning a lot through trial and error.

Paua Shell

2007-06-04T15:39:00.001-05:00

Cindy just gave me some Paua Shell that

her brother brought back from a trip to

New Zealand. It's beautiful - highly polished

and jewelry grade. She was hoping that I could

come up with something to do with it since it

doesn't have any holes in it. I've read that shell

dust is toxic and when it's processed for jewelry

making, any drilling is done under water.

Crocheted Wire Necklace and Bracelet

2007-06-03T14:16:00.001-05:00

I've been wanting to try this for a while. I used

gold 28 gauge wire, a size 1.75 mm. crochet hook

and some chips in 2 shades of green.

Simply chain 4 strands for each of the necklace

and the bracelet and then weave them together.

I finished them off with toggle clasps. I think

if I made it again, I'd only use 3 strands for the

necklace. I'm not much of a crocheter - chain st.

is really the only crocheting I can do.

Entrelac Scarf

2007-03-16T15:21:00.001-05:00

This was my first attempt at entrelac knitting and it was surprisingly easy. It looks so wonky until you get into the second or third tier. Even then, I often had to reassess to make sure I was on track. I used size 5 mm. needles and Paton's SWS in "Natural Earth". This yarn was made for entrelac knitting. It gives you these beautiful colour gradations at just the right time so you don't have to mess around with changing yarn colours all the time. It's a luxurious 70% wool, 30% soy blend and I loved the feel of it while knitting. I've decided to leave it all puffy rather than blocking it for now. I've seen it done both ways. I've already bought more SWS in "Natural Pink". I may add pompoms to the ends of the next one.

I Think it's Going to Be a Scarf or Two

2007-02-16T11:47:00.000-05:00

I got some of the most luscious mohair and

wool given to me by a dear friend. It would

probably be enough for a wrap or a shawl.

I knit a sample swatch and love how it

knits up. Not sure what I'm going to

make with it yet.

Valentine's Scarf

2007-02-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

I really like how the hearts pop out on

this scarf. I got the pattern here.

It was a special edition that knitty came

out with in 2004 to promote Breast

Cancer Awareness.

I'm using a mohair blend and size

7 mm. needles. I think it'll look

better once it's blocked.

Branching Out Scarf

2007-01-21T20:31:00.000-05:00

This has been on my knit list for a long time.

It's knitty's branching out scarf. I used a soft

mohair blend and knit it on 6 mm. needles doing

25 repeats of the lace pattern. It "grew"

to a length of about 5 feet after blocking.

Julie's Scarf

2006-12-22T16:18:00.000-05:00

I found the pattern for this scarf in "Scarf Style"

by Pam Allen. It's called "Here and There Cables".

I loved that it looked exactly the same on the right

and wrong sides. I used a Red Heart acrylic that's

surprisingly soft and knit it on size 7 mm. needles.

It's nice and long - 6 feet. I gave it to Julie

for Christmas.

Cindy's ??th Birthday

2006-12-03T13:11:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Cindy's birthday (no, not the big one - she just finally caught up to Carita and me). Ron rented a limo for the evening. It was great to have Jason as our limo driver again. He made our Dock Club evening in Toronto at Alice Fazooli's so much fun back in the summer. Ron made reservations at the Elmhurst Inn in Ingersoll. All the members of Dock Club came except for Mike B. who was in Sarnia for Christopher's hockey tournament (what a dedicated hockey Dad). The Elmhurst Inn was home to a wealthy cheesemaker and now each of the rooms of the house are unique little dining rooms. We were upstairs in one of the former bedrooms and after about the first half hour, we had the room to ourselves. Our waitress, Erin, was great. She knew a lot about the history of the property and even more about which menu items we'd like. Her suggestions all went over very well. Dinner was great and the company even better. Mike Y. provided the music for the drive there and home.

"Radar Love", baby!!!

Cabled Bag

2006-10-27T16:28:00.000-05:00

I joined a 'knitalong' on craftster for

garnstudio's Bag with Cable Pattern.

I just love the garnstudio website. The knitting patterns are amazing. I used a fabric st. for the handles instead of the garter st. recommended in the pattern. I think it will keep the handles from stretching too much. I added 3 vintage buttons for the closure at the top of the bag. Some of the knitting for the bag was done on the way to and from Ron & Cindy's cottage in Manitoulin. This year Ron & Cindy, Mike & Carita, Duncan & Tobi and Ken & I went up from September 22nd to the 25th to celebrate a milestone birthday with Mike Y. John Knepper was

up at his cottage as well and joined us every evening.

Red Scarf

2006-10-26T20:21:00.000-05:00

I knit this scarf lengthwise using 4 different kinds

of yarn and size 10 mm. needles. The ends were

finished by adding pom poms.

Here's a close-up of the stitches:

Corn on the Cob Scarf

2006-10-20T15:50:00.000-05:00

I made this scarf for Hannah. She's not quite 2 yet. She likes 'lellow'. It reminded me of corn on the cob as I was knitting it. I think the stitch I used is probably called popcorn stitch or something similar.

and here's a close up of the popcorn stitch

Cabled Neckwarmer

2006-10-19T15:28:00.000-05:00

I didn't use a pattern - just cast on 80 sts. on size 5 mm. (U.S. size 8 ) circular needles. They're short - 50 cm. (20 inches) or you could use dpn's. I did a 4 x 4 rib and added cables every 12 rows or so. It knits up very quickly, especially on the circular needles. I used Paton's Glittallic - yes, it's polyester or something fake, but it feels really nice and soft.

Marley's Ghost

2006-10-12T17:50:00.000-05:00

I started Marley's Ghost as part of a knitalong on craftster.

I've lost interest along the way and started working on

other projects. I find the knitting very tedious because

of having to use 5 dpn's at one time for such a small

project. They are such a pain to maneuvre through

the links of the scarf after every 7 sts knit. I'm using a

black chenille yarn which has no 'give' to it

whatsoever so that doesn't help either.

Craft Night - Jewelry Making

2006-10-11T23:00:00.000-05:00

I hosted craft night at my place this evening. Carita

was the only one not able to make it. Becki showed

the rest of us how to make necklaces and she let us

borrow her tools as well.

A sampling of some of Becki's earrings:

The bracelet Linda made:

The necklace Julie made: The necklace Kim made: Gorgeous bracelets and necklaces previously made by Becki. The bracelet on the far right was made by Heidi as a gift to Becki. Heidi is the jewelry pusher who got Carita and Becki addicted in the first place.

I'm not crazy about how my double strand necklace

turned out, but it was a fun evening. I got to wear it

once and then one of the strands came loose

from the back clasp. Now it's a single strand

necklace and I think I like it better that way.

Autumn Scarf

2006-09-29T13:27:00.000-05:00

I knit this scarf lengthwise using two

different kinds of yarn. It's got a really

nice drape to it. It's a little over

6 feet long.

Mason-Dixon Washcloth

2006-09-01T15:13:00.000-05:00

I needed a quick knit to try out some new Paton's Elite

cotton yarn. The Mason-Dixon Washcloth seemed like

a more interesting project than the standard washcloth

pattern that I've been using for years. It's knit from the

outside in. I gave it to my parents when they stopped

by. My Mom would appreciate it for the knitting and

my Dad would appreciate it for doing the dishes -

which he happily does.

Bath or Shower Mitts

2006-08-31T14:02:00.000-05:00

These knit up so quickly. I used Bernat Handicrafter

yarn. They're great exfoliating mitts for the bath or

shower. Once they're wet, they stretch out quite a bit

too, so you don't want to knit them too big or they

end up being massive when the water hits them.

I got the free pattern here.

Lime Shawl

2006-08-26T15:49:00.000-05:00

I was at the Spinrite Factory Outlet in Listowel ON

Canada and couldn't resist some of their yarns. I

found these in the odd ball bin and knew I'd

eventually make something out of them.

Several months later I made this shawl. The edges

looked unfinished and had far too many loose strands

that needed to be dealt with. I decided to braid them

rather than try to weave them in because there were

just so many of them.

Here's a close-up of the leaf detail.

I love the length and it keeps me warm

on cool summer evenings.

Striped Sweater

2006-08-18T12:04:00.000-05:00

I knit this sweater for Hannah. It's about a size 9 months.

I used a cotton yarn in 4 different colours and

loosely followed a Debbie Bliss pattern. I was having

trouble finding buttons to match, so I decided to

make some instead. I made baubles out of three of

the colours used in the sweater and I think they look

cute against the yellow band.

Pumpkin Hat

2005-10-08T13:47:00.000-05:00

I worked on this little pumpkin hat for Hannah on

our way to and from Ron & Cindy's up in Manitoulin.

Hannah will be wearing it for her first Hallowe'en.

Julie picked up a pumpkin outfit for her last

October (before she was born) on a girls'

weekend in Buffalo. I got the pattern here.

Baby Blanket

2005-01-19T15:12:00.000-05:00

I started this blanket for Hannah back in the

summer of 2004 shortly after I found out J & M

were expecting. I even took it along on our trip

to Greece in September but didn't actually get

around to knitting much of it there. I really wish

they would allow knitting on airplanes again.

Especially with it being a 12 hour flight, I would

have gotten a lot of knitting done and passed

the time so much more enjoyably.

With Hannah arriving 9 1/2 weeks early, I

had to really work on this to get it done in

time for her homecoming when she was

just under 5 weeks old.

The yarn is Bernat Baby Coordinates and

has a really nice sparkle to it so when the sun

shines on it, it glistens like a blanket of snow.

Booties for Baby B-G

2004-07-31T14:18:00.000-05:00

Little Baby B-G is due in February 2005. These little booties are made of the softest white baby yarn I could find. The pattern can be found here. I used blue ribbon for one bootie and pink for the other. I've made many of these before, but none are as special to me as these.