Updated patterns!

I'm in the process of updating my old patterns, particularly the bibs, to include charts. I'm rewriting some of the directions to make the patterns even easier and including alternative methods for beginning the bibs and for making the ties. Look for these patterns in the sidebar to see which ones have been added. It's a slow process, but eventually, they'll all be there!



Friday, February 8, 2013

Olearia

Before I share the saga of my latest project with you, I just want to address the comment that was left for me a few days ago.  It was brought to my attention by Kerry that, apparently, one of you (maybe more for all I know), has been selling my patterns.  I can't believe that someone would take advantage of me in that way, but then again, there are a lot of low lives out there.  I especially feel sorry for anyone who was gullible enough to purchase one.  All I will say is that it's a round world and what goes around comes around.  I'm sure you'll be punished in good time.

On a happier note, my neighbors across the street have a new baby girl!  The mom went to school with my oldest son and so I've know her for a good many years.  She didn't want to know the sex of the baby ahead of time, so I wasn't able to get started early on a project.  She was born a week before Christmas and even if I wanted to drop everything and knit for her, I just didn't have time.  I started by choosing this gorgeous yarn by Holiday Yarns. I already had a skein of sock yarn in the colorway "Rose Garden", so I thought it would be neat to make a sweater out of some DK weight.  Once I decided on the yarn, I had to choose a pattern.  I found this sweet sweater on Ravelry called "Olearia".  (Olearia is a native Australian flower.)  It was just the weight I needed and I loved the design.  I started it, but after getting about half way with it, I started having second thoughts.  It looked really huge to me.
So, I reluctantly decided to choose another pattern and start over.  Instead of ripping this one out though, I just used the second ball of yarn that I had.  The second attempt was this easy Seamless Yoked Sweater a free pattern on Ravelry.
It was okay, but when I reached the same point as the first sweater, I realized that they were exactly the same size!  I really loved the Olearia, but I thought the ruching was too long.  I decided to go back to the first sweater and rip back the last pattern repeat.  It looked a little more dainty to me.
I really love the way this came out after a rocky start.  The yarn is so soft and after it's washed, it's even nicer.  I wish it wasn't quite so pink, but it's perfect for a little sweetheart.

I couldn't find a hat that I liked, so I made up one!  It's pretty simple.  I cast on 144 stitches and purled one row, knit one row, purled one row, then knit for about four rows.  The next row I knit 2 tog. to get down to 72 stitches.
I then just repeated the purl-knit-purl sequence until I had three ridges and worked one repeat of the pattern.  When the hat was about 3 1/2", I started the decreases.  k6, k2tog, around.  knit one row. k5, k2tog. around. knit one row, etc. until I had a few stitches left to knit a two inch I-cord and then tied it in a knot.  If she's like most babies, she won't keep it on her head anyway.  I like a little brim on a hat and this is just what I had in mind.

I finished up the set with some matching socks.
This is the same colorway, as I said before, only it's in the FlockSock.  This was a little more trial and error.  When I followed the ruching instructions, it was way too puffy, so instead of increasing in every stitch, I just knit one stitch and then increased in the next.
All in all, it's a pretty set.  I don't usually buy baby patterns as I have so many books and leaflets as it is, but this one was just so darn cute.  There are tons of sizes and lots of variations.  Short sleeves, cap sleeves, etc.  It's really well written and there are lots of pictures.  I will say that the ruching is a bit tedious, but the effect is well worth the effort.  I'm sure I'll be making another one of these in some form for my Ruthie.  She's even cuter than the sweater!

12 comments:

Nancy said...

What a sweet sweater set and a wonderful gift for a newborn.

Sorry to hear that someone is taking advantage of your generosity and creative talents. Your patterns are a treasure, and I love knitting them. Thank you for sharing them with your readers.

Jennifer said...

Oh that turned out just lovely!!

Kathy... said...

OMG! I am totally blown away that someone would sell YOUR patterns! I am just so naive -- I NEVER would have EVER guessed that would EVER happen!!!! still shaking my head in amazement....... WOW!

carol said...

What a beautiful sweater set!! I am in awe of your talents. :)
I can't believe someone would take advantage of your generosity by selling your free patterns. I have made many dishcloths from your patterns as gifts. I love them along with my recipients.

Sue said...

Oh what a gorgeous set. I dont think it is too pink at all, just beautiful! People just seem to do what they like when they take other people's things dont they. I just assume they think because it is for free that they can do what they like with it which is just terrible.

tiffstitch said...

Absolutely gorgeous set, that is one lucky little girl!!

And I can't believe how people feel they can just take advantage of others, that's terrible. I hope you'll keep designing as I love your patterns!

andrea said...

what a sweet little set you made. i to have made many dish cloths with your patterns not to mention 3 baby blankets. i could never imagine selling your patterns as my own. i could never take credit for you beautiful work and all the love and care you put into each cloth or bib. i am always telling people that you designed the dish cloths i only knit them. i would be lost if you ever stopped making them. i am so humbled that you would even allow me to sell what i make from your patterns. so many that post their work will not let you sell what you make from their patterns. i just hope that who ever has done this will not only stops but ends up losing all profit they made from doing so. you are one the sweetest ladies i have ever met on line and not just because you allowed me to test knit one of your patterns.
please keep posting your beautiful patterns.

Rachael said...

Those sweaters are so beautiful and I have to agree what pretty yarn.

I knitted your last pattern, squirrel, in a day. It was an amazing pattern. Me and my sister enjoying giving away your bibs as baby gifts. We would be lost if you ever stopped making your wonderful patterns. I don't know that i will ever have the talent to make patterns, but I'm glad that some people do.

Mimi said...

I think the color is just perfect. It's a fun shade of pink!

Brittany said...

That's horrible that someone would take advantage of your generosity like that! I sincerely hope they get what's coming to them...
On a happier note, though, your baby gift is beautiful! I absolutely adore it!

Susan said...

I have followed your blog for several years and really enjoy your dishcloth patterns! They are so unique and fun to knit. Thanks for generously sharing them with your readers!

D said...

Thought you'd like to see a silmilar sweater

http://homeandharvest-deedy.blogspot.com/2013/02/for-gem-of-baby.html

I did for a sweet January baby. Love your set! D.