tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28653952872504655032024-03-10T23:23:52.749-04:00Down CloverlaineElainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.comBlogger301125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-45595279021032918762019-10-16T09:42:00.000-04:002019-10-18T09:39:40.263-04:00That's My Deer!It's time for my annual birthday pattern! Wow, the older I get the faster the years zip by. When I was a kid, I wouldn't have believed it if someone said that, but it's really true. I wasn't sure what to do for this year's pattern. I had at least three rejects before I settled on this one. I like a pattern that makes me smile and is easily recognizable. This one does both for me and I hope it will for you too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLZK2apCRB5yrIaRzfyJmDzjtrzr_AI-hCpbmia6-eYhaj-wiGBXabJRAG_mUojx0e3bAOhj_MYf8pwrRSyF9Vgzs2DldjQ_gP4oSm5-QywObDLTYv8eilb4x-2M_DcynWmTxAuwJVq-l/s1600/deer+bib+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1444" data-original-width="1491" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLZK2apCRB5yrIaRzfyJmDzjtrzr_AI-hCpbmia6-eYhaj-wiGBXabJRAG_mUojx0e3bAOhj_MYf8pwrRSyF9Vgzs2DldjQ_gP4oSm5-QywObDLTYv8eilb4x-2M_DcynWmTxAuwJVq-l/s320/deer+bib+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Look, the picture is right side up and in color! If you remember, my last post had black and white photos. I'd like to say that I figured out my new camera, but I haven't. I just went back to my old one. LOL!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNJAeqfUUJtpBIP-xMoo3gDOb556MaRbWV2hQA4SqsswKbQcs3z17xDOq9i-PVIoJSynhtIbEl8dHWFWFatZzTXR0tYnh3jbzIvVjTz0vrh5ry6SF3eUsLR1HIO_ipIXuiuQvg-A6R8Ja/s1600/deer+cloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1380" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNJAeqfUUJtpBIP-xMoo3gDOb556MaRbWV2hQA4SqsswKbQcs3z17xDOq9i-PVIoJSynhtIbEl8dHWFWFatZzTXR0tYnh3jbzIvVjTz0vrh5ry6SF3eUsLR1HIO_ipIXuiuQvg-A6R8Ja/s320/deer+cloth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
When I showed this to my husband, he told me I watch too much "North Woods Law"! He may be right. In any event, both of these were knit with the original Peaches & Creme and I used U.S. size 5 needles. As I've said, you want a denser fabric to make the stitches pop. With different yarns, you need to adjust your needle size for optimum results.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9E-hBkdA8_ji0ZKfIWMlh2mPzbf_UjhlzK49Lvnv7Viyb27dpBzWlf25yN7lzcFz6mHDYiGrh2SxBN1KyGpJPKmiCE3f5vFdi-4WAps-WWsanvM6NxOwA0vkAPeiJEPX5gC3WIySbnd2Z/s1600/deer+duo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1600" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9E-hBkdA8_ji0ZKfIWMlh2mPzbf_UjhlzK49Lvnv7Viyb27dpBzWlf25yN7lzcFz6mHDYiGrh2SxBN1KyGpJPKmiCE3f5vFdi-4WAps-WWsanvM6NxOwA0vkAPeiJEPX5gC3WIySbnd2Z/s320/deer+duo+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Both patterns are free and are available in the sidebar, or you can click <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/deerbib.1.pdf">here</a> for the bib and <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/deercloth.1.pdf">here</a><br />
<br />
On another note, my son graciously renewed my website, so I promised him I'd TRY to post more often. I know you're used to seeing mainly bibs and cloths, but I thought I'd start sharing some pictures of the baby hats I knit for my local hospital. Since my blog is geared for babies, I thought you'd enjoy seeing them.<br />
<br />
Thank you all for being my "presents". You loyal readers are the best gift anyone could have on their birthday!Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-29399519181371596902019-07-25T10:34:00.000-04:002019-07-25T10:34:04.909-04:00Jelly!Don't faint! I'm actually posting again! All I can say in my own defense is that I've had an awful year. I was sick for months this past winter and, after the death of my father, my mom has taken a slow and steady downward spiral in her own health. All of which combined to a lack of knitting enthusiasm on my part. In any event, things are looking up and I have a new summer pattern to try and get back in your good graces again!<br />
<br />
This is Jelly another "water" themed cloth that has the same stitch and row count as my other designs. I hope it will be a welcome addition for those of you who like to knit sets!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHITaBalUx-RAAhBDj44fy9DqGh94vcBRAlXFRLwCmksl8f_b1gH58sqeQWMjHSTf6lCq-atINmvJhV9WshBVkss6XtuYJRwxWpWlWTUEJngIMU5PbfjwfcLy89530hdG-cTUISzuwSXTT/s1600/0704191305b_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHITaBalUx-RAAhBDj44fy9DqGh94vcBRAlXFRLwCmksl8f_b1gH58sqeQWMjHSTf6lCq-atINmvJhV9WshBVkss6XtuYJRwxWpWlWTUEJngIMU5PbfjwfcLy89530hdG-cTUISzuwSXTT/s320/0704191305b_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Wait, that's black and white?! Well, I can't get a picture to upload that isn't sideways! My new phone is supposed to take exceptional pictures (the reason I picked it) and it just has a mind of its own. I'm so frustrated with it. I'll have to wait until my tech savvy son comes to visit and can show me how to fix/use it. In the meantime, this can just serve as an inspiration for you to use your own colors!<br />
<br />
The links are in the sidebar or click <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/jellyfishbib.pdf">here</a> for the bib and <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/jellyfishcloth.pdf">here</a> for the cloth.<br />
<br />
Enjoy your summer!<br />
<br />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-80208726939408657672018-10-18T08:53:00.002-04:002018-10-18T08:53:45.020-04:00It's Snowing Again!!It was very quickly brought to my attention that there was an error on Row 12 of the Snow Buddy cloth and Row 16 of the Snow Buddy bib. I was about to send my testers to bed without any supper, however, I realized that we all <b>had</b> discovered that error before I posted the pattern. For some reason, when I uploaded it to the program I use, it took the "test" version and not the corrected one. This has happened to me before and I confess that I have no idea how it happened. I have it corrected now, so you can download it again. This is a perfect example of why I should just stick to knitting and not try to do technical stuff, like a blog! I apologize profusely.<br />
<br />
I also want to remind you that the original Snowbaby bib and cloth have been completely rewritten. This pattern has been a thorn in my side ever since I created it. It was riddled with mistakes and so I just rewrote it. My friend, Tim, once told me that he didn't like to start a row with a purl stitch and since then, I've tried to accommodate him with every new design I create! The corrected Snow Baby pattern now starts with a knit stitch! Tim, you're welcome! ;o)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpEjBV2Q21cxGK-zE3Mbz7_u-TNvHtlb6t888MrLLJKylVDTfhyDGsheL-cLvogxhUXQRKqEE6BoyL5SRPCGYSyBg9ZYXfF7eRYh2TS9Wrc8MtPRpzJBSSrUTpuVGymDXEVh0cUXtATcj/s1600/HPIM0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpEjBV2Q21cxGK-zE3Mbz7_u-TNvHtlb6t888MrLLJKylVDTfhyDGsheL-cLvogxhUXQRKqEE6BoyL5SRPCGYSyBg9ZYXfF7eRYh2TS9Wrc8MtPRpzJBSSrUTpuVGymDXEVh0cUXtATcj/s320/HPIM0739.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Hopefully, I won't have any more posts like this one, however, I confess to being human. Remember if you're having a problem with the written instructions, you can always double check a row against the chart.Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-4079689491110632512018-10-16T14:21:00.001-04:002018-10-25T11:10:31.459-04:00I'm Snow Buddy!Wow, I can't believe that it's time for my annual birthday post! It's been quite a year dealing with my father's declining health and his subsequent death a few months ago. He passed away just a week after his 92nd birthday. He always told everyone that he was "strong as an ox", despite his multiple medical issues. Every time we thought he might not make it through a medical crisis, he'd pull through and surprise us all. I think he finally reached the point where he just wanted eternal rest. He led a very full life that was filled with good deeds for so many people, especially children. He would take old bikes and fix them up and give them to kids who couldn't afford one. He'd stand out in the blazing sun and in the freezing cold, day after day, selling candy to raise money for many organizations. He was most proud of his work with finding funding for under privileged children who needed dental work. He helped countless children to get the dental work that they desperately needed. For all his work, he was recognized nationally as a "Doctor of Smiles". Always a proud member of the Masons, he was thrilled to be asked to become the first Caucasian male ever to be inducted into the Black Lodge of Massachusetts. It was an honor that he cherished. We were, and still are, so proud of him and miss him terribly. He left a pretty big hole in our family.<br />
<br />
On a happier note, I hope you'll like my snowman. The idea just popped into my head one day and I thought it would be good to have him make his debut on my birthday!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoddo2qEgQCJA9Nlk724Zw5pbcC9Y688BFduMOniR1UAJgjQTcVD7SyaooGD2cu-WI10fSNJVDeDSZUzgN5GLtoecUun6P86ZJ2JxPr3hbW_f9vt158ianw5YA2xJ967PPvOEFkv3SA2zY/s1600/Snowbuddy+Bib.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1218" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoddo2qEgQCJA9Nlk724Zw5pbcC9Y688BFduMOniR1UAJgjQTcVD7SyaooGD2cu-WI10fSNJVDeDSZUzgN5GLtoecUun6P86ZJ2JxPr3hbW_f9vt158ianw5YA2xJ967PPvOEFkv3SA2zY/s320/Snowbuddy+Bib.jpeg" width="243" /></a></div>
Many thanks go to my talented test knitters, Denise and Tunie! It's such a luxury for me to have both of them willing to help me out! Even though I try hard to catch any errors, I'm only human so I'm grateful for the extra "eyes".<br />
<br />
Denise knit the blue bib pictured above. I knit it in red, but it's so hard to photograph that color. I should have known better and used a different one for the picture.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xUK51fhWsF1L4ivdYzDagQpWQr-lCWO_-ve66W7sfq0VtD5hD2CO2YXB79IgfiNLzROSAet2YDJ_JypsJ2nNA0WO7K72eNtiqZh5BR1XsVi_SLamjh8F2PQv-k3idcrM2Tq2QatDYvok/s1600/Snowman+Bib.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1561" data-original-width="1598" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xUK51fhWsF1L4ivdYzDagQpWQr-lCWO_-ve66W7sfq0VtD5hD2CO2YXB79IgfiNLzROSAet2YDJ_JypsJ2nNA0WO7K72eNtiqZh5BR1XsVi_SLamjh8F2PQv-k3idcrM2Tq2QatDYvok/s320/Snowman+Bib.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
See what I mean? It shows up so much better in the blue.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU56OVZOs14qslfjXZNbPnoA-0kudchrx2Ks7DGWC1Ou-9ggR4aNHxBg7Ds57rdrksZbKw_iD22NQJ_o8TfMr1oVqfngRffwkuhNClPlcbGEDkK6G2i1zaFqaULWGeHl8i3DkWcUvURMJu/s1600/Snowman+Cloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU56OVZOs14qslfjXZNbPnoA-0kudchrx2Ks7DGWC1Ou-9ggR4aNHxBg7Ds57rdrksZbKw_iD22NQJ_o8TfMr1oVqfngRffwkuhNClPlcbGEDkK6G2i1zaFqaULWGeHl8i3DkWcUvURMJu/s320/Snowman+Cloth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I love snowmen and this one is fairly quick to knit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQW9EjK_CF7QmJiUAY4QcSpDjK1IlV5Dl3O5w4eNHkRRmTUKxOMGgQC6DyTZl_wplisf5pBnPZiYAn26UMEBIWuRvZcAB5MqpHyFgDsBFAQWVCwSgtqXDOJYRZcak7g2Iovg5RoajbrTHf/s1600/Snowman+Duo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1600" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQW9EjK_CF7QmJiUAY4QcSpDjK1IlV5Dl3O5w4eNHkRRmTUKxOMGgQC6DyTZl_wplisf5pBnPZiYAn26UMEBIWuRvZcAB5MqpHyFgDsBFAQWVCwSgtqXDOJYRZcak7g2Iovg5RoajbrTHf/s320/Snowman+Duo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The links are in the sidebar to the right, or you can click <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/snowbuddybib2.pdf">here</a> for the bib and <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/snowbuddycloth2.pdf">here</a> for the cloth.<br />
<br />
It sure would be great if this is the only snow we'll see all winter, but I hear that it's supposed to be brutal here in New England. I hope they're all wrong!!Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-64788539762071731942018-06-06T14:55:00.001-04:002018-06-06T14:55:31.309-04:00Farm BlanketI thought you'd all enjoy taking a look at this adorable blanket that a fellow knitter made!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2k-c3Q9pDkACMKp_wU6_gTVa7WOlHFmI4W8ZPZ5nFzz5N6gJTg6D0hUmovWC0F4Xvn3zpSzFxIz0KjdPjWSkBEQfcFpkKKkt3eNkorwGhM88fbnowDrg4J4-AuC-aIPDVAtB6Y0eQnzaI/s1600/Farm+Blanket.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="765" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2k-c3Q9pDkACMKp_wU6_gTVa7WOlHFmI4W8ZPZ5nFzz5N6gJTg6D0hUmovWC0F4Xvn3zpSzFxIz0KjdPjWSkBEQfcFpkKKkt3eNkorwGhM88fbnowDrg4J4-AuC-aIPDVAtB6Y0eQnzaI/s320/Farm+Blanket.2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Isn't it pretty? Cindy gave me permission to share it with all of you. Check out the square with the barn. That's her own design and how appropriate. I love it! Here's a link to the blanket, with all its details, that she posted on Ravelry. <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/rannunculus/baby-farm-blanket">Baby Farm Blanket</a> She used three skeins of Caron's Simply Soft Solids in a pretty green. (My favorite!!) I've never worked with that yarn before, but I love the way the designs look knitted up in it.<br />
<br />
Well done Cindy and thank you for allowing me to share!Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-17505335843118544582018-06-01T14:32:00.002-04:002018-06-01T14:32:57.914-04:00Who says I'm crabby?I don't want to jinx anything, but I think that we might actually have a summer after all! It's been so cold here in New England for so long, it didn't look like we'd even have a spring, but it seems to be changing. In that spirit, I decided to add another water themed cloth that I named "I'm a Little Crabby!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVesf13QFPGD3ibAked2TI3xdC_haeNIg2Dg7CKi23j_YSGa8PtEslGeULBYeBr_WiPEqiiQpb5QB765bUiDdA4EU1e8cMjj7K5FcTXdxipewUQ1GrIQG0bwhEZ5qk9nZ435Ok7CiNMtr-/s1600/Crabby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1427" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVesf13QFPGD3ibAked2TI3xdC_haeNIg2Dg7CKi23j_YSGa8PtEslGeULBYeBr_WiPEqiiQpb5QB765bUiDdA4EU1e8cMjj7K5FcTXdxipewUQ1GrIQG0bwhEZ5qk9nZ435Ok7CiNMtr-/s320/Crabby.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I knit it up using Hobby Lobby's I Love This Cotton! in aqua. I really enjoyed working with this yarn. It's so soft, although I did have to drop down a couple of needle sizes to get the design to pop. It would make a great facecloth or a blanket square.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYgicN9DYeTRwp3UgRpHE3fepXlquxAihRatI7GpurBLHyeqHo_AQ1H6YoFsol5O1DYbi3DguRU9Wur1YKS6h4vwrissGuE83Trx-ZmcEMQwSpP8mL_PrHBPILZmvA-nnaXUOdYENtTvt/s1600/Crabby+Bib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1517" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYgicN9DYeTRwp3UgRpHE3fepXlquxAihRatI7GpurBLHyeqHo_AQ1H6YoFsol5O1DYbi3DguRU9Wur1YKS6h4vwrissGuE83Trx-ZmcEMQwSpP8mL_PrHBPILZmvA-nnaXUOdYENtTvt/s320/Crabby+Bib.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
The bib is knitted up in my old standby Peaches & Cream. It's a good choice for bibs and holds up to repeated washing. At least that's what I've been told. Unfortunately for me, all of my grandkids are well past the age for bibs!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgzcAGpCoj2u_o2_QceiZ4rFc0JVl2KarqzSck32mZArHA7n9qMGT-KwvoUR2Pu4U9nZhU8Gr-cNboYCZCvtbwxsYd2jyncxRJSw14eCjt7VLfQg6vypIbVIlyEsAWqRtgL3IkJeah1Mz/s1600/Crabby+Duo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgzcAGpCoj2u_o2_QceiZ4rFc0JVl2KarqzSck32mZArHA7n9qMGT-KwvoUR2Pu4U9nZhU8Gr-cNboYCZCvtbwxsYd2jyncxRJSw14eCjt7VLfQg6vypIbVIlyEsAWqRtgL3IkJeah1Mz/s320/Crabby+Duo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The cloth uses the same stitch width and row height as my other "water" cloths. I wanted them to be the same size in case anyone wanted to use them together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwAcT6WmZaxeMJ_MYCYtdZtcELZqVPeA9GQ6xO1mFecxfdVMETj40Gf7r53UxghkZMRCg5vaETP2wKvon3KVKUiosqSfRQ3Hy8T2myLhP_xVrFWKgeH18mFO9yIuxE2u4lUoYq2id7S4v/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1600" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwAcT6WmZaxeMJ_MYCYtdZtcELZqVPeA9GQ6xO1mFecxfdVMETj40Gf7r53UxghkZMRCg5vaETP2wKvon3KVKUiosqSfRQ3Hy8T2myLhP_xVrFWKgeH18mFO9yIuxE2u4lUoYq2id7S4v/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdf2Sp6Y4AjPD0-qxjlJu23wCInsI00Hv0tM-OIZbAelXh5hcpD1sjo_4gyRxFXPVO4wNEUG2TAOpQyaJQptyiXhfTi52MpXOUR14xUWB0FdcGyvzYI-YV5lISCjQwDzoUPoDmfg0BrKzt/s1600/Baby+Octopus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="881" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdf2Sp6Y4AjPD0-qxjlJu23wCInsI00Hv0tM-OIZbAelXh5hcpD1sjo_4gyRxFXPVO4wNEUG2TAOpQyaJQptyiXhfTi52MpXOUR14xUWB0FdcGyvzYI-YV5lISCjQwDzoUPoDmfg0BrKzt/s200/Baby+Octopus.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25NU0mC3jAITXrszv3ayHzEZByximU8qsmohVK07gAQXeJ6Avj5pSEQnS2dPdJIyS6y17gN3DYzijuDa1KlLq0AGqaSpTnywigZp3Q9yqYkZVLYOaqKFZUPKhEe79aR0VW957-yLugRl0/s1600/Tunie+Fish+Cloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1354" data-original-width="1600" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25NU0mC3jAITXrszv3ayHzEZByximU8qsmohVK07gAQXeJ6Avj5pSEQnS2dPdJIyS6y17gN3DYzijuDa1KlLq0AGqaSpTnywigZp3Q9yqYkZVLYOaqKFZUPKhEe79aR0VW957-yLugRl0/s200/Tunie+Fish+Cloth.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
I might have missed one or two, but I think this covers it!<br />
<br />
The pdf patterns are in the sidebar to the right. The bib is also <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/crabbib.pdf">here</a> and the cloth is <a href="http://downcloverlaine.us/crabcloth.pdf">here</a>. As always, if you find any errors, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know, although I have knit this crab several times! I did a second version as well with skinny legs, but decided I like the original better! I hope you do too!Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-48026366763377923962018-02-14T10:15:00.000-05:002018-02-14T10:15:50.643-05:00Sweet BlanketsNow here's a couple of really sweet blankets that I'd like to share with you, especially since it's Valentine's Day! A fellow knitter on Ravelry, Ellen, shared these with me and I thought you'd all enjoy seeing them too! She knit them for charity and they're destined for a NICU.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIHB-exXvmsSNhaRWVamNd5T44P2PwmeitY9a82aOaYjryxeFWxu1bfH3Atrfp6SonxaWXfU-MTi9YmcJJdrHsw7bdqmJknh0Ci2fSA4uUVe3MBcxBaAE9pAONCatUtHvHo2EyvhscTeg/s1600/Bunnies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="618" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIHB-exXvmsSNhaRWVamNd5T44P2PwmeitY9a82aOaYjryxeFWxu1bfH3Atrfp6SonxaWXfU-MTi9YmcJJdrHsw7bdqmJknh0Ci2fSA4uUVe3MBcxBaAE9pAONCatUtHvHo2EyvhscTeg/s320/Bunnies.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
First, she used my bunny patterns (A Tail of Two Bunnies and Hippity Hop) and combined them with my Heartbeat pattern. She used Caron's Simply Soft Solids and used U.S. size 5 or 3.75mm needles.<br />
<br />
Her second blanket used my "water" themed squares and she aptly named it "Water Babies". I have to confess that I just love this one!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSinWIKoJXB2QrZwnF97rh_LyBoVZolLcpBdAeYBD4msdfdN3ccW2pIxIxTYGc8I8AwWmpnnTJUJmz3nEhC5Wayn1yh2mIHfXQzzuY763XgE5lLoEzxRM_BuDJu_FsvgDfB-4-aFlCHSj/s1600/Waterbabies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="640" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSinWIKoJXB2QrZwnF97rh_LyBoVZolLcpBdAeYBD4msdfdN3ccW2pIxIxTYGc8I8AwWmpnnTJUJmz3nEhC5Wayn1yh2mIHfXQzzuY763XgE5lLoEzxRM_BuDJu_FsvgDfB-4-aFlCHSj/s320/Waterbabies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The blankets are naturally small, since they're intended for preemies. Each blanket measures about 17" X 23". Both blankets look a bit gray, but they're light blue and country blue.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabLKwvAS36HLbDMOHeNPygIZv1PgeY0Kzb8T8r_UxLxm445q7ow25hBTNIq-4Ft_sQgWbX0cBC0wyoLbAy_toxAijXJFS7gLmpVdoNPhTJbtbJNvyklo8bs9b2o4peDpJIIWah5S4LXPN/s1600/Waterbabies.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="640" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabLKwvAS36HLbDMOHeNPygIZv1PgeY0Kzb8T8r_UxLxm445q7ow25hBTNIq-4Ft_sQgWbX0cBC0wyoLbAy_toxAijXJFS7gLmpVdoNPhTJbtbJNvyklo8bs9b2o4peDpJIIWah5S4LXPN/s320/Waterbabies.2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Aren't they darling? I'm so flattered that Ellen wanted to use my designs. If you're on Ravelry, be sure to tell her how much you like them too. Ellen uses "melk" as her Ravelry name and I know she'd love to hear from you! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you Ellen for giving me permission to share your beautiful work!</div>
<br />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-48127286829349809022018-01-03T15:22:00.002-05:002018-01-03T15:22:35.532-05:00Happy New Year!I had intended to actually post this on New Year's, but life got in the way and so I'm only a couple of days late. I hope this isn't a sign of how this year is going to go!<br />
<br />
You'll have to trust me when I tell you that this pattern looks nicer in person than the photographs suggest. For some reason, my new camera doesn't like taking close up photos. I can't tell you how many pictures I snapped trying to get a true likeness. I was at the point that I debated whether or not to even post it! What I should have done, is begged my good friend, Denise, to do a test knit and then use her photos! She's an amazing knitter and always gets great pictures of her projects! In any event, here's my latest design. A happy little mutt!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaSsbUoIpHmNt9MmRuMAipipeUIkV_4ZaopZlAsFDnrv8eIdTuDvDvH2WA9POP2vUT7uzyEa8mUlr0wtUXPwQXzI0V1ieI4GxuUDQhiOCXm7YiLRqUcuJOzzsD-x6QlIm9RzQCOFTR-dc/s1600/Dog+E.+Cloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="795" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaSsbUoIpHmNt9MmRuMAipipeUIkV_4ZaopZlAsFDnrv8eIdTuDvDvH2WA9POP2vUT7uzyEa8mUlr0wtUXPwQXzI0V1ieI4GxuUDQhiOCXm7YiLRqUcuJOzzsD-x6QlIm9RzQCOFTR-dc/s320/Dog+E.+Cloth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This cloth has the same number of stitches and height as the majority of my cloths. I try to keep them pretty consistent so they could be used together for blankets or whatever. You can see what I mean about not getting a good picture. So frustrating!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50n0zfIevkPeYSLSBVRSZss11wp8p15TyLvqCqeCCzGFxYRInHvzL83GUy-sUSdUtuhwNOe8Ey6sjt4m4ab17QYrIEudTQ_JuZRDSWPH9DFUfqXmcH2QYax5rKPzZyiMLjtkJjsgv6-cY/s1600/Dog+E.+Bib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="548" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50n0zfIevkPeYSLSBVRSZss11wp8p15TyLvqCqeCCzGFxYRInHvzL83GUy-sUSdUtuhwNOe8Ey6sjt4m4ab17QYrIEudTQ_JuZRDSWPH9DFUfqXmcH2QYax5rKPzZyiMLjtkJjsgv6-cY/s320/Dog+E.+Bib.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The pdf for the bib and the cloth are in the sidebar, as usual, or you can click <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/dogebib.pdf">here</a> for the bib and <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/dogecloth.pdf">here</a> for the cloth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwGsf2KNs6o3oNHC8ojOqnAWomxqzjB-WpzQxc-cDfzCuzC7ZjMOt8pvQx06uSY0h5FVPZWuwbezzAR_tcLU0Owv1hKzBOe-mjy49SJy6GcEAT6j4yRoNItR74SCTl-ONvlVWJEkTC-F4/s1600/Dog+E.+Duo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwGsf2KNs6o3oNHC8ojOqnAWomxqzjB-WpzQxc-cDfzCuzC7ZjMOt8pvQx06uSY0h5FVPZWuwbezzAR_tcLU0Owv1hKzBOe-mjy49SJy6GcEAT6j4yRoNItR74SCTl-ONvlVWJEkTC-F4/s320/Dog+E.+Duo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you knit this fella, I hope that you'll post a picture on Ravelry. I love seeing all of your projects! Happy New Year!!Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-11644950495462125802017-10-16T11:41:00.001-04:002017-10-16T11:41:27.179-04:00Unicorns!Well, if it's October, it must be time for my annual birthday pattern! I know I haven't posted in quite awhile, so if anyone is still reading this blog, I apologize for the long absence. I've been super busy working on knitting hats for the babies at my local hospital. I also "volunteered" to knit mittens for a Christmas fund raising event for our Historical Society. Actually, my husband asked me if I'd do "something" to help out, so I chose mittens. I'll post some pictures of them in another post, if you'd like to see some. I love knitting mittens. Well, I did, but after 26 pair, I'm a little burned out. In any event, back to my birthday post. I was struggling with what to make, when a Ravelry friend asked me if I had a unicorn. I don't do special requests, as it would be impossible to please everyone. As I've said many times before, I just do these for fun and I'm happy to share. I never intended this to be a job and I'm not an artist by any stretch of the imagination! The idea of a unicorn appealed to me though and I gave it a whirl.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifL_ntkKSVohH0ZhqHcyc8uE44qtpLO8xI76pKQIjvH8YtUcpJxsJirDYRIpXuvejSq7gIasrO-d53q46wPyjJAjqEPcMYOZ9N4IylQJ9EiBV5P-tf94sKao1itB02RxZ2QTaEHRqEGc5/s1600/Unicorn+Duo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifL_ntkKSVohH0ZhqHcyc8uE44qtpLO8xI76pKQIjvH8YtUcpJxsJirDYRIpXuvejSq7gIasrO-d53q46wPyjJAjqEPcMYOZ9N4IylQJ9EiBV5P-tf94sKao1itB02RxZ2QTaEHRqEGc5/s320/Unicorn+Duo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I think my granddaughter would like this one. She's way too old for bibs, but she likes to take the washcloths and use them as blankets for her stuffed animals!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgP2keuKdalUyuiHgjs1dKxeMr3-KZ0IgLalLjWx_eTCj4kFQ8Te0hbrbM3acRqkmULiCh7wkk2IUDrsCsO174QCOgYIvHeTsoBmqpvkoLshadv9mANgtvbKtqnVyY85WMT5SbQ0D4c1H/s1600/Unicorn+Cloth.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1528" data-original-width="1600" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgP2keuKdalUyuiHgjs1dKxeMr3-KZ0IgLalLjWx_eTCj4kFQ8Te0hbrbM3acRqkmULiCh7wkk2IUDrsCsO174QCOgYIvHeTsoBmqpvkoLshadv9mANgtvbKtqnVyY85WMT5SbQ0D4c1H/s320/Unicorn+Cloth.2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I'd post a picture of the bib, but for some reason, every time I try, it comes up sideways!<br />
<br />
The links to the patterns are in the sidebar, or you can click <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/unicornbib.pdf">here</a> for the bib, or <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/unicorncloth.pdf">here</a> for the cloth. Note that they are listed as "Baby Unicorn" in the "updated" files.<br />
<br />
Many thanks to LouLou for test knitting the pattern. Such a luxury for me! I hope you all enjoy my birthday present to you.Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-21196347629676446432017-05-16T16:50:00.000-04:002017-05-16T16:50:19.658-04:00I'm back!Just when you thought you'd never hear from me again, here I am with a new pattern! This has been sitting next to me for awhile, but with summer fast approaching, it was time to get it done! I was so fortunate that my old friend and amazing knitter, Denise, offered to test knit for me. She even let me use her picture, since it came out so nice. For some reason, my new camera doesn't take particularly good close up shots.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcuynH347XOYRLjPBu0sMik8rbuTBvlcdOu4Abt6umEQBU2uj7dzTnTc2kM3yxjK8LDy-kN-xVE8NkeVonNiJM3fe_igRELZ8it3ZDbI7WVmuyvbXmyaYPe_gBXITJSTQKhvwCYIBf7WT/s1600/Octopus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcuynH347XOYRLjPBu0sMik8rbuTBvlcdOu4Abt6umEQBU2uj7dzTnTc2kM3yxjK8LDy-kN-xVE8NkeVonNiJM3fe_igRELZ8it3ZDbI7WVmuyvbXmyaYPe_gBXITJSTQKhvwCYIBf7WT/s320/Octopus.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
A baby octopus to add to my "water" collection! Now, for those of you who feel the need to point out that this baby only has six legs, let me assure you that he does, in fact, have eight. The other two are merely behind him lending him support and stability!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZk6IL3gXrC3YH0gJzPzrVJTP8f8rF5FIojnLOtCRmw9494PB7Zfp2YGnNOyGvGIc1yh3suqJEwfxN_lxuqlTVNzWK_dEdiYlBD_ye9PFZAc3mw8JjMpx8LMjlhcLlfxKW-qXPzt-y4a0s/s1600/Baby+Octopus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZk6IL3gXrC3YH0gJzPzrVJTP8f8rF5FIojnLOtCRmw9494PB7Zfp2YGnNOyGvGIc1yh3suqJEwfxN_lxuqlTVNzWK_dEdiYlBD_ye9PFZAc3mw8JjMpx8LMjlhcLlfxKW-qXPzt-y4a0s/s320/Baby+Octopus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The pdf files are available in the right hand sidebar under "Updated Bibs" and "Updated Cloths". Or you can click <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/octopusbib.pdf">here</a> for the bib and <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/octopuscloth.pdf">here</a> for the cloth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdbDKJWbMjKF8-5MIxnBEnxayvM9c1ByaPgS30wuzuy1G5z0crPcZ7qzQaIeFg4cyb2KiBx6kFT1rtAmAvzmp-uP84Ut7CXL7cYT721uFCaUWRpcMqdEQDcMMq1WNS5-jtCT0n88RVK3B/s1600/Octopus+Duo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdbDKJWbMjKF8-5MIxnBEnxayvM9c1ByaPgS30wuzuy1G5z0crPcZ7qzQaIeFg4cyb2KiBx6kFT1rtAmAvzmp-uP84Ut7CXL7cYT721uFCaUWRpcMqdEQDcMMq1WNS5-jtCT0n88RVK3B/s320/Octopus+Duo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Hope you enjoy it and have a safe and happy summer!<br />
<br />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-22259803983740951382016-10-16T08:55:00.000-04:002016-10-16T08:55:53.495-04:00One Fat CatToday is my birthday and so, in keeping with tradition, I'm happy to present a new pattern as a gift to all my readers! I was working on this design when my granddaughter spotted it. She has a little stuffed kitten, named "Purple Kitty" which she takes with her everywhere. She was very excited and wanted me to name the cloth after her kitten. I was all set to do just that, but every time I looked at it, all I could think was "that is one fat cat"! I'm sorry to disappoint Ruthie, but that's what I decided to go with for a name. This guy really is one fat, but happy cat! Doesn't he look like he just ate a bowl of cream?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qatkjBawxcQCcbBCZn8VKkYayu84pyiscDdpgv1X65albsimgUs8wrccROBvKzRGcJdb6uXuwYtzrqxjtgIlVcgxpRLnFPCptLdMfUGEO_j1zavzddtaVqZxZJsym2NAalg9CbxbpoYJ/s1600/Fat+Cat+Duo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qatkjBawxcQCcbBCZn8VKkYayu84pyiscDdpgv1X65albsimgUs8wrccROBvKzRGcJdb6uXuwYtzrqxjtgIlVcgxpRLnFPCptLdMfUGEO_j1zavzddtaVqZxZJsym2NAalg9CbxbpoYJ/s320/Fat+Cat+Duo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the first time that I've used Hobby Lobby's yarn "I Love This Cotton!" There are tons of bibs on Ravelry that have been knitted with this yarn and I wanted to try it myself. It is much softer than the Peaches & Creme I usually use, however, I don't think it would be as absorbent for a bib. The P&C makes a much firmer fabric. It would be really nice for a face cloth though. Of course, this is just my opinion. Unfortunately for me, I don't have any babies around to conduct an experiment!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZs044HJzNhKrS9TfzW94e0eJj0J-IAxapxcQtOJa28NfDOIsrx1JGNWl2yll6LJD6S38u8K4SXy58ovcWYepIzib_DS1BT0C_arn2K_aFdcOVGf11RscchaR1Tv8riup4lngP0evCU_Md/s1600/Fat+Cat+Bib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZs044HJzNhKrS9TfzW94e0eJj0J-IAxapxcQtOJa28NfDOIsrx1JGNWl2yll6LJD6S38u8K4SXy58ovcWYepIzib_DS1BT0C_arn2K_aFdcOVGf11RscchaR1Tv8riup4lngP0evCU_Md/s320/Fat+Cat+Bib.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm having difficulty uploading a picture of the cloth. For some reason, it keeps turning upside down! You can see that I do have a cloth though and the pdf files are in the sidebar. Hopefully, when I post the cloth on Ravelry, it will be right side up!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you'll enjoy the pattern. Many thanks to my great knitting buddy and friend, Tunie, who helped me test knit. Her "purple kitty" is actually green! Watch for it to show up in her projects page.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hope everyone is enjoying their Fall. The leaves here in my corner of New England are just gorgeous. A lovely month to celebrate a birthday!</div>
<br />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-72182628750474801612016-10-14T15:39:00.001-04:002016-10-14T15:48:19.236-04:00Where do all these babies come from?Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted. I've been knitting up a storm all summer long and I never find the time to post. As I've told you, I knit the baby hats for my local hospital and, at first, it was just a relaxing little adventure. It's a very small hospital and if they had ten babies a month, they were busy. Well, it seems like they have a new female ob-gyn doctor who's attracting new moms like crazy. Over the summer, I've had to knit more than eighty hats! That's right, eighty! Just since the middle of August, I've knit forty two and they need another twenty for October! I'm a little burnt out on baby hats and I'm ready to move on, but I did make the commitment, so I'll keep it up. In the meantime, I thought maybe you'd like to see a few that I've done!<br />
<br />
One of my favorite hats for the boys, is this cute <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/car-hat">car hat</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoBzsRPSKW25hDrnxUtY6aQaDa6WYXKdX3STJ_zrVWcjOa56cJGyauqyxi1YSLbTULWMctoTR_EF8_rV1zwQzmRspXQ8NZKGpPv6kzCangil4G7iMFRjhAYjWkPEyNgS99TNwL9l73KNw/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoBzsRPSKW25hDrnxUtY6aQaDa6WYXKdX3STJ_zrVWcjOa56cJGyauqyxi1YSLbTULWMctoTR_EF8_rV1zwQzmRspXQ8NZKGpPv6kzCangil4G7iMFRjhAYjWkPEyNgS99TNwL9l73KNw/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just to be different, I did this other version:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinr7fsnCVEiBsypZNbUdXxCOENdBPmV7SyE2o56RSngwxcq6iIpB2Szx2NwWLlyzLNuHfGBgHszLoXDY3AtAXJGGqWZqlCU0EAv4s43WHSBNJ91z59hfPCU6XG6x02niMpp-mETZTJvniI/s1600/Blue+Car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinr7fsnCVEiBsypZNbUdXxCOENdBPmV7SyE2o56RSngwxcq6iIpB2Szx2NwWLlyzLNuHfGBgHszLoXDY3AtAXJGGqWZqlCU0EAv4s43WHSBNJ91z59hfPCU6XG6x02niMpp-mETZTJvniI/s320/Blue+Car.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Looks a little more like a Fall or Winter hat, don't you think? I try to keep the hats seasonal, so of course, I had to knit the famous <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pumpkin-hat-32">Pumpkin Hat</a>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYPRwgo40tdeHrXnq8l5u4hZCvzbKKA2ALMXKW47ohDqNCOm579zgVQVTzpA0uZuqrqGxkAUcCtXY5wH1BRM2dyfIPaqUnCUC-AbAGH_iV5DibWxjkx6y-zTxd6IBn834UW0yb0oy_Sdb/s1600/pumpkin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYPRwgo40tdeHrXnq8l5u4hZCvzbKKA2ALMXKW47ohDqNCOm579zgVQVTzpA0uZuqrqGxkAUcCtXY5wH1BRM2dyfIPaqUnCUC-AbAGH_iV5DibWxjkx6y-zTxd6IBn834UW0yb0oy_Sdb/s320/pumpkin.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is her ribbed version and apparently, is one of the favorites with the nurses! The fathers, however, all go right for the football hats. I posted the directions for these on my blog a couple of years ago The link to the directions is <a href="http://downcloverlaine.blogspot.com/2014/11/peewee-football-hat.html">here.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgvqrP7rRtVeeh_b5w7ZYPAcoiOr7ae5bpCwKbq9Wp2WQxieWmTuSyVDGHPR7DH2Swv8hR8L46mpfEGGoPZBwW0cXV3mgBy8K6Z8xOVyzh5WPN2lbs9hQF5bocClq5onP3EbViM6o92yz/s1600/Football.6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgvqrP7rRtVeeh_b5w7ZYPAcoiOr7ae5bpCwKbq9Wp2WQxieWmTuSyVDGHPR7DH2Swv8hR8L46mpfEGGoPZBwW0cXV3mgBy8K6Z8xOVyzh5WPN2lbs9hQF5bocClq5onP3EbViM6o92yz/s320/Football.6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did knit a couple of "girly" hats as well. This is my latest:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07dO0h3xsB4OtGYteKDfu9jsiQwa3RGJFCot9nIVrWOYMpHubOYAvhilExW4VOQm5blVeapGPmrACRnnZyJFH4l2sE752O89bZaS1isA-diN1mz1j4hmFNku4CBVHJRVA4cT8N-FjirF0/s1600/Purple+posy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07dO0h3xsB4OtGYteKDfu9jsiQwa3RGJFCot9nIVrWOYMpHubOYAvhilExW4VOQm5blVeapGPmrACRnnZyJFH4l2sE752O89bZaS1isA-diN1mz1j4hmFNku4CBVHJRVA4cT8N-FjirF0/s320/Purple+posy.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's just a my basic beanie pattern with a seed stitch band, but check out that flower! I've been working on my crochet skills and took a class on Craftsy. It still takes me awhile to make a flower, but I'm starting to get a bit faster! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also couldn't resist including a couple of super hero hats:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaAJz_rxlfyX_WHgtVNodWsERHjS_ftES16arQ-8rYPBsRtZdgoV3ZklOFwpc0YelLYoRSV3-VQs0IeGNiBxwEdygZZKBVoOdWtcukoCmx58_oJXIxfzVltoTjJmQQJ788Q8-X75UL8SW/s1600/Super+Heros.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaAJz_rxlfyX_WHgtVNodWsERHjS_ftES16arQ-8rYPBsRtZdgoV3ZklOFwpc0YelLYoRSV3-VQs0IeGNiBxwEdygZZKBVoOdWtcukoCmx58_oJXIxfzVltoTjJmQQJ788Q8-X75UL8SW/s320/Super+Heros.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I knit a beanie and then duplicate stitched the logo. I found free charts that worked great. Superman is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/clark-hat-for-super-babies">here</a> and the Batman logo is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bat-logo-chart">here.</a> The only change I made to the Batman chart was to add an extra stitch on each side of the first and last row. It just made it a bit more symmetrical.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally, I thought I'd make a Halloween hat, just in case they have a baby born that day:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCxoiW77iOPJVRAqRUi-7NxkHJXWNsJCkcnNdWXEhieCLpY1c5Ndan6Mm4NuMHxEbQmXL4lsbK_oVj-jbIsiOW2QUne5oC7QWPpnErl9E-kLCtylFH9K1wv48dSv_osWXiWk-Eht4cDMr/s1600/Halloween+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCxoiW77iOPJVRAqRUi-7NxkHJXWNsJCkcnNdWXEhieCLpY1c5Ndan6Mm4NuMHxEbQmXL4lsbK_oVj-jbIsiOW2QUne5oC7QWPpnErl9E-kLCtylFH9K1wv48dSv_osWXiWk-Eht4cDMr/s320/Halloween+cat.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I striped it to look like candy corn and I crocheted the little cat! I found the pattern for the cat on YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UD5TwBuL2M">here.</a> I had to make it with finer yarn (Cotton Classic Lite) and a smaller hook in order to reduce it to a usable size, but I think it came out okay! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, look for a new dishcloth and bib pattern from me this Sunday. It's my annual birthday pattern! My granddaughter inspired it and I hope you'll like it! </div>
<br />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-85229294815528123172016-08-01T13:55:00.000-04:002016-08-01T13:55:28.907-04:00Tunie FishAre you sitting down? I don't want the shock of seeing a new post from me to be too overwhelming! It's been a long time and I was beginning to think I should just pack it in and put everyone out of their misery, but obviously, I decided to go another year! It's a little more difficult for me now that both my husband and I are retired and are on a fixed income. I have to justify the expense of hosting the website without any income! I won't sell the patterns though, so I'll have to come up with something else. In the meantime, I'll try to be a little more active.<br />
<br />
I was trying to think of another design to fit in with the other nautical cloths I've done in the past and I thought maybe I'd do a fish, but what kind of fish? A Tunie fish of course, named after my very best knitting buddy and friend, Tunie! She lives in Australia and has a wonderful sense of humor so she thought it was pretty funny herself. You should read the story of how she got her name "Tunie" on her profile page on Ravelry where she goes by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/peacockmom">peacockmom</a>. It's hilarious.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAceHTouCpM7MucbuRWRKcKstoOjwqzsQZ9-ewZ34f2x2neS_7rzoAz6IrlXVzXUG4C9lfgstJkPgVaV9YLivbHdoCpxMyVRaa5cnHgp0XtCHZV_xgB8aQBiV9XkAuLxYRha3mo5jdbOaD/s1600/Tunie+Fish+Cloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAceHTouCpM7MucbuRWRKcKstoOjwqzsQZ9-ewZ34f2x2neS_7rzoAz6IrlXVzXUG4C9lfgstJkPgVaV9YLivbHdoCpxMyVRaa5cnHgp0XtCHZV_xgB8aQBiV9XkAuLxYRha3mo5jdbOaD/s320/Tunie+Fish+Cloth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you look close, you'll see that the side fin is actually a heart. A special nod to my wonderful friend.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-ZdOtpw454Q7cy3SbWdmv_ie8PY0tXzXJrsYMlwJzyaLd-iOgC5_-rBWvIg3Vch59VhqtSz8EUxp4nwoBhamFeU-c2HP9xwfH2opfNdxWKcOsgj8nDr9Y5EnnJ7AhZcZGVIPi0SA9cfX/s1600/Tunie+Fish+Bib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-ZdOtpw454Q7cy3SbWdmv_ie8PY0tXzXJrsYMlwJzyaLd-iOgC5_-rBWvIg3Vch59VhqtSz8EUxp4nwoBhamFeU-c2HP9xwfH2opfNdxWKcOsgj8nDr9Y5EnnJ7AhZcZGVIPi0SA9cfX/s320/Tunie+Fish+Bib.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
Lately, there have been a rash of blankets knitted with these "wavy" cloths. I'm still waiting to see pictures of some, but I'm just so flattered that you like them well enough to make blankets out of them!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRrf06WbNS-Yjf2gtA7QElgwDk1zGaI0ak4vhPnWgDMnOuOCo-FhC4kvngBGbchGrMZQKlJ17mEMhl7EmRCszlDswq4f9IbdX5THao_hugMqfzzo9EbYBNca3x-7vcU7USFUsgAss1aC9/s1600/Tunie+Fish+Revised+Duo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRrf06WbNS-Yjf2gtA7QElgwDk1zGaI0ak4vhPnWgDMnOuOCo-FhC4kvngBGbchGrMZQKlJ17mEMhl7EmRCszlDswq4f9IbdX5THao_hugMqfzzo9EbYBNca3x-7vcU7USFUsgAss1aC9/s320/Tunie+Fish+Revised+Duo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The pdf for the bib is <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/tuniebib.pdf">here</a> and cloth is <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/tunieclothrevised.pdf">here</a> or you can grab them from the sidebar.<br />
<br />
Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. Here in my little corner of New England, it's been hot and humid with no rain. I'm so ready for a day or two at the beach! Maybe even a month. . .Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-13315199551823287422016-02-18T11:02:00.001-05:002016-02-18T11:02:08.282-05:00Andy the PandaWhen my younger sister and I were growing up, we each had a collection of stuffed animals. Mine consisted of two dogs, but my sister had a whole menagerie. Among them, was her beloved panda named "Andy". This design reminds me of him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nOLO6pI-KK1f5MKBsa1cna625nuv0b2PjI3nvuovZznSyktTLL3gzi4eKBgIdI8TZyh2CdFI9FZ3pfeTzf_M0Vg2gnBcWppMlJ8gKiqjZQWjdaKvLDVndsgcxN0sjZ1s7_dkwrQU9PD_/s1600/Andy+Panda+Cloth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nOLO6pI-KK1f5MKBsa1cna625nuv0b2PjI3nvuovZznSyktTLL3gzi4eKBgIdI8TZyh2CdFI9FZ3pfeTzf_M0Vg2gnBcWppMlJ8gKiqjZQWjdaKvLDVndsgcxN0sjZ1s7_dkwrQU9PD_/s320/Andy+Panda+Cloth.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I used the original Peaches & Creme cotton in Dark Grape for the cloth and Light Grape for the bib, even though it looks more gray than purple in the picture!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWT3OsoQxOih1DBaAzV3gl49LE0Jwdtmuvpwy6tPdf0GG_MbduWu2_aa9jPam6406U4KuOSIdyMHFReGOy5PBRU9GWNdspF5ZZVpxQkc1NgkFQ3_nGPZuNBYrKs_idcf_MVyKcpj4CUwSk/s1600/Andy+Panda+Bib.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWT3OsoQxOih1DBaAzV3gl49LE0Jwdtmuvpwy6tPdf0GG_MbduWu2_aa9jPam6406U4KuOSIdyMHFReGOy5PBRU9GWNdspF5ZZVpxQkc1NgkFQ3_nGPZuNBYrKs_idcf_MVyKcpj4CUwSk/s320/Andy+Panda+Bib.2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It's a quick and easy knit. The pdf files are in the sidebar or you can click <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/pandacloth.pdf">here</a> for the cloth and <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/pandabib.pdf">here</a> for the bib.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmODtlvZuhrsjX3MPYjH9XF6NDu3hDCjNfsUU-hePPXbAByLTDxkLIRLPU22wzILbn5AWo_7kF11iivAzoOz-pO5XX4Ag7ktUODQXAHIzLwf07xzg1_AGp0ghrQnLtoXubvBwteKIV1kq/s1600/Andy+Panda+Duo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmODtlvZuhrsjX3MPYjH9XF6NDu3hDCjNfsUU-hePPXbAByLTDxkLIRLPU22wzILbn5AWo_7kF11iivAzoOz-pO5XX4Ag7ktUODQXAHIzLwf07xzg1_AGp0ghrQnLtoXubvBwteKIV1kq/s320/Andy+Panda+Duo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Many thanks to my good buddy, Tunie, for helping me out with the testing. Everyone should have someone like her in their life!<br />
<br />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-35370821284561663662016-02-12T09:36:00.000-05:002016-02-12T09:36:37.585-05:00Quickie HeartsI thought I would do a quick little post, so you can see that I'm still alive. I have been off to a rocky start this year. One of my doctors thought I might have cancer, but my other one, disagreed. I've been through a whole round of testing and it looks like my second doctor was right. Everything (so far) is negative, so yay for me! I still have some more tests to do, but I'm in a happier frame of mind, as you can imagine!<br />
<br />
I do have lots of fun stuff to share, but I thought I'd just start with these cute little kitchen scrubbies. I knit them for little stocking stuffer gifts for all the women in my family.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2P5EHDhl61f9lGtw_BZCqWq4g5vYoskxopi3JXYsk3_3ray86_sPAYl-dKC5gw6ThVr8eKkfMgGId9JHkKIs2ycFuSaA4Ar6JOPCLFU0HT86qWzlFG6ruHj99Rx2RgjmSj5hPefXfIT5/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2P5EHDhl61f9lGtw_BZCqWq4g5vYoskxopi3JXYsk3_3ray86_sPAYl-dKC5gw6ThVr8eKkfMgGId9JHkKIs2ycFuSaA4Ar6JOPCLFU0HT86qWzlFG6ruHj99Rx2RgjmSj5hPefXfIT5/s320/032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The yarn is Red Heart's Scrubby in Cherry. I used this cute free pattern from <a href="http://www.simplynotable.com/2015/sweet-somethings/">Simply Notable</a>. It's all done in garter stitch and is a quick and easy knit on U.S. Size 8 needles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62O1YNMEGj3Y9pIBkdd0yVNvm9KPUr_l_loa9MLiP4VJO7y5SJqgh3IfQQv1P5QxVuKJlSQPxKR5r_N_KLt5xrB03rFFeYkoGidl6LXoLDq-wcXnsSmdIxunGolcPXXf3vYtwRFOFKPsn/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62O1YNMEGj3Y9pIBkdd0yVNvm9KPUr_l_loa9MLiP4VJO7y5SJqgh3IfQQv1P5QxVuKJlSQPxKR5r_N_KLt5xrB03rFFeYkoGidl6LXoLDq-wcXnsSmdIxunGolcPXXf3vYtwRFOFKPsn/s320/034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I thought the yarn would be difficult to knit with, but it wasn't bad. It is a little rough, but then that's its purpose. It's 100% polyester. Also, there's no stitch definition with it, so a garter stitch project is perfect.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW68vUPDurWWeazhRLEUJbeC-HqG47wpLDf7vVnTqULPSajIxVhRd800ytC4aLDyyQYENukhCvxkkiakmqrmNGmelHLtBa2l1LxLDs7Cbmp2FzaHFzAl8QrDFCfxcmUpS83hkvIPaSzuYS/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW68vUPDurWWeazhRLEUJbeC-HqG47wpLDf7vVnTqULPSajIxVhRd800ytC4aLDyyQYENukhCvxkkiakmqrmNGmelHLtBa2l1LxLDs7Cbmp2FzaHFzAl8QrDFCfxcmUpS83hkvIPaSzuYS/s320/035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The best part is that they actually seem to work! Always a plus.<br />
<br />
Have a happy Valentine's Day. I hope you get to hug whoever is sweetest in your life.Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-69985050038261406162015-11-18T12:30:00.000-05:002015-11-18T12:30:16.091-05:00Foxy BabyLife is slowly settling down around here. My husband's surgery went smoothly and now he's in the long recovery phase. This past Sunday, I said goodbye to all my precious grandkids as they headed off to their new home in North Carolina. It was so difficult to watch them drive away as they had all been staying with me for the past three weeks. We shared lots of laughs and even though it was crazy at times, I loved every minute. I'm sure they'll enjoy their new state, even though it breaks my heart to have them all so far away.<br />
<br />
With the quiet, I now have time to catch up on things that have been on the back burner. I designed this pattern several months ago and am just now getting around to posting it. It's funny how things, work out, but no sooner did I finish charting it up, than I received a request for it! One of my friends on Ravelry, xstitch or Vicki, was looking for a fox bib for her sweet grandson. She even offered to test knit it for me! She's just an amazing knitter. I often tell her that when I grow up, I want to be just like her! I feel so honored that she wanted to help me!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGV9ohDFCgRiT_iUERCc6bAKEDBgNMEPrP3JlgLwaYfcoAvzonrGBXI-ZYmEY5iuzFMRu_xIK_Qcbl4UJ3LmDxNRMnItdYgWxSQbzVkxy9kKJlWJC5o1s_dDahn9VeATVbfGuQs3Ni3iF/s1600/Foxy+Bib.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGV9ohDFCgRiT_iUERCc6bAKEDBgNMEPrP3JlgLwaYfcoAvzonrGBXI-ZYmEY5iuzFMRu_xIK_Qcbl4UJ3LmDxNRMnItdYgWxSQbzVkxy9kKJlWJC5o1s_dDahn9VeATVbfGuQs3Ni3iF/s320/Foxy+Bib.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I went through three different drafts for this one. The first one looked too much like a cat to suit me and the second one looked like Wil E. Coyote! You know, foxes are pretty tricky to do! In any event, Vicki and I settled on this one, and I hope that you'll like it too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEM4aGeV6L5hdxrpYnfAHbWS41oQ63aNLTC-AuB_kmdUmZsjngem13z6suoZLmIqwuIPe07qmyz3q2NnVHuJ4CEw7eqgMP-mgh-3VR4KGk_tnmBUsnGRLgkS8bQik0fqiy0_t4bJWJUvn/s1600/Foxy+Cloth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEM4aGeV6L5hdxrpYnfAHbWS41oQ63aNLTC-AuB_kmdUmZsjngem13z6suoZLmIqwuIPe07qmyz3q2NnVHuJ4CEw7eqgMP-mgh-3VR4KGk_tnmBUsnGRLgkS8bQik0fqiy0_t4bJWJUvn/s320/Foxy+Cloth.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The patterns are both in the sidebar, or you can just click <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/foxybib.pdf">here</a> for the bib and <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/foxycloth.pdf">here</a> for the cloth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSx7uWGvxFS46t6ej2P2hnXrjOEN6rQr-I25LQGOYcDDRiscN5Vnfh5mQp3jnbSjJAmuH8UTFemOyzwQRJvGK9rykuf3lIxfb_OVV66K4aEWBriZahzc3Lx9FBNJsuS7g3U7YJP6uweuof/s1600/Foxy+Duo.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSx7uWGvxFS46t6ej2P2hnXrjOEN6rQr-I25LQGOYcDDRiscN5Vnfh5mQp3jnbSjJAmuH8UTFemOyzwQRJvGK9rykuf3lIxfb_OVV66K4aEWBriZahzc3Lx9FBNJsuS7g3U7YJP6uweuof/s320/Foxy+Duo.2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I saved the best picture for last! Here's a picture of Vicki's adorable grandson modeling his new bib!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZa-7jZANDwiOVZKteQhvH9t7oNQrDFBH9cn1qzGNMCZg0_2sKVo9mnJcTBn3VtScGSOlY1THUx7rczUIOHwu4lfWLXMEjcOcaK9muhwLIsMgi48MJG_4YaUZjE6a9R3U4cCNPmv-8vkD/s1600/Vivki%2527s+grandson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZa-7jZANDwiOVZKteQhvH9t7oNQrDFBH9cn1qzGNMCZg0_2sKVo9mnJcTBn3VtScGSOlY1THUx7rczUIOHwu4lfWLXMEjcOcaK9muhwLIsMgi48MJG_4YaUZjE6a9R3U4cCNPmv-8vkD/s320/Vivki%2527s+grandson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I love it! A huge thank you to Vicki (and to her daughter) for allowing me to share this picture with you. If you'd enjoy seeing more of Vicki's knitting, here's a link to her Ravelry project page: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/xstitch">xstitch</a> She has the most gorgeous shawls and she's even had a pattern named after her! <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/xstitch">Xstitch</a> A pretty (and free) cowl pattern with, what else?, cross stitches!Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-42721966239258519092015-10-16T09:52:00.000-04:002015-10-16T09:52:09.835-04:00Pumpkin JackDid you notice that as you grow older, the time goes by much more quickly? Here it is my birthday again and I'm amazed (but not delighted) at how fast time has flown by. As long time readers of my blog will know, I always try to post a new pattern on my birthday as my gift to all of you! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDRNH5zEVtnsxUeH3jbQfa55ItSDoa5YH72yAAMhOlPvAT_4E4os7C_MXkvxn2I0gdL8-MM7s43_IF3Rz4F60GQ9Co6UOxWqpVbCVQpucUCeDys2R4wpy8ORR4sROL0O81qnsRK0mgxQW/s1600/Pumpkin+Jack+Cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDRNH5zEVtnsxUeH3jbQfa55ItSDoa5YH72yAAMhOlPvAT_4E4os7C_MXkvxn2I0gdL8-MM7s43_IF3Rz4F60GQ9Co6UOxWqpVbCVQpucUCeDys2R4wpy8ORR4sROL0O81qnsRK0mgxQW/s320/Pumpkin+Jack+Cropped.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
I'm calling this one "Pumpkin Jack". My oldest grandson, Jack, has this same little smirk when he's happy. I usually try to stick to animals, but I couldn't resist doing a seasonal pattern.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pisKyZG_2RAIawW4sV8WBwyvAuON3J17HVzFQutP6G-oRxDPBVqbQS-sENbSjnmofaze4j4m04Wpst9V10qw8eXFO5jzDHcykDEobSVJWz1yqN6RPEpyNYJy83b_NAZG2fzHHugnrkjO/s1600/Pumpkin+Jack+Cloth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pisKyZG_2RAIawW4sV8WBwyvAuON3J17HVzFQutP6G-oRxDPBVqbQS-sENbSjnmofaze4j4m04Wpst9V10qw8eXFO5jzDHcykDEobSVJWz1yqN6RPEpyNYJy83b_NAZG2fzHHugnrkjO/s320/Pumpkin+Jack+Cloth.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I knit both of them in the original Peaches & Creme in Sunburst and Gold. Both of the patterns are in the sidebar or you can click <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/pumpkinbib.pdf">here</a> for the pdf of the bib and <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/pumpkincloth.pdf">here</a> for the cloth.<br />
<br />
So far, my birthday is shaping up to be just great. My husband fell down our attic stairs and tore his quad tendon (the main one that attaches to the knee) and is scheduled for surgery this Tuesday. You might remember that he had the same injury three years ago to the other knee. That time, his recovery went from September to April. I guess that means we'll be looking at May before he's back to normal. If that wasn't bad enough, my 90 year old mother was taken to the hospital via ambulance with chest pains the other day; and then, all of my grandkids are moving to North Carolina next month. This is breaking my heart as they'll be so far away. As it is, I can jump in my car and see them in an hour, but now, if I jump, it will be a two day car ride! Not so convenient. Sigh. Oh well, life goes on and I'm sure we'll all get through it, although I may end up in a corner talking to myself and clutching my knitting needles!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66UivFlaFqV9nP2nzhpfDLcMS5FPG3uO9rfg900E5UDR1RjUIkeg2iP5gz2PklFKsuhrfn_OL7wM2426Sj7V0u1lcRwtiHlmy18xU3HAmR9JdvXhuuhG3St66p3N8bUDc_5El3yCy5BuF/s1600/Pumpkin+Jack+Duo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66UivFlaFqV9nP2nzhpfDLcMS5FPG3uO9rfg900E5UDR1RjUIkeg2iP5gz2PklFKsuhrfn_OL7wM2426Sj7V0u1lcRwtiHlmy18xU3HAmR9JdvXhuuhG3St66p3N8bUDc_5El3yCy5BuF/s320/Pumpkin+Jack+Duo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I sincerely hope that you're all enjoying your Fall. The leaves are changing here in New England and it's just beautiful everywhere you go. I also hope that you like my pumpkins. One good thing about them, they don't need carving!!Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-84620687232614001672015-09-04T16:02:00.000-04:002015-09-04T16:02:20.519-04:00A Sweet SurpriseI have had the worst week. Monday, I had to put my precious cat to sleep. He wasn't feeling very well, but I didn't realize quite how ill he really was. I wasn't prepared for the diagnosis the vet delivered, nor was I prepared to say goodbye to him so abruptly. It was obvious that he would never be well and I just couldn't bear to have him in any pain. We had named him "Wyatt Earp" because as a kitten he was brave, courageous and bold! Such a sweet cat and I miss him terribly. <br />
<br />
I also had to spend time battling with the moderators of a group on Ravelry who decided to use one of my patterns without asking for my permission to reprint it. Normally, if someone asks, I'm happy to work with them. The copyright on all my patterns states they can't "<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">reproduce
the actual pattern, or post it, or distribute it, without my express permission"</span></i>. Just because a pattern is free, doesn't mean that I give up my rights to it. As you all know, I never charge for my patterns and, obviously, I don't mind sharing, just look how many patterns I have!! What irritates me is that they should have known better and they clearly decided to take advantage of my good nature!<br />
<br />
Just to top things off nicely, I've been having terrible knee pain and the doctor thinks I might have torn "something". He's sending me to an orthopedic surgeon for a definitive diagnosis, but this news didn't do much to improve my disposition!<br />
<br />
In any event, I was really down in the dumps, when I got the sweetest email from a reader, who sent me some pictures of her recent project. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcX6a_2s5xSKBtjnoPfiQ1BHPgN1FQRZVcy3k8sH0_jyqjGCF1C5xEbf_9Kof6aLocGgvGIr5JBvajvbfFBJHcFnnGfYRi_pxvmdveNJ31nqWk9BjgmJMkgwNhXXmLIN8mrF9jcfY_5nny/s1600/Charlotte%2527s+pillow.5.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcX6a_2s5xSKBtjnoPfiQ1BHPgN1FQRZVcy3k8sH0_jyqjGCF1C5xEbf_9Kof6aLocGgvGIr5JBvajvbfFBJHcFnnGfYRi_pxvmdveNJ31nqWk9BjgmJMkgwNhXXmLIN8mrF9jcfY_5nny/s320/Charlotte%2527s+pillow.5.1.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Charlotte, who is 15 years old, told me that she had knit these squares, but wasn't sure what to do with them. Her mom helped her out by providing a pillow in need of a cover, so she sewed the squares together and covered it. Didn't it come out great? I haven't seen any pillows made from my patterns, so I was delighted to see these.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAY_Xkgx60Bhf7Z0lRZoZPn4CTHLBlVLleXYDW-_wYRm5wjA6OZdYUz6Ia5QX9Md7DAtgJdUtKSUO0RzmBg_WdxlXmKseH6nOXrwZVMxtO3ycT5CKm3aQ9DEeu0eay-HrAxHGy5dbfmQMH/s1600/Charlotte%2527s+pillow.5.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAY_Xkgx60Bhf7Z0lRZoZPn4CTHLBlVLleXYDW-_wYRm5wjA6OZdYUz6Ia5QX9Md7DAtgJdUtKSUO0RzmBg_WdxlXmKseH6nOXrwZVMxtO3ycT5CKm3aQ9DEeu0eay-HrAxHGy5dbfmQMH/s320/Charlotte%2527s+pillow.5.5.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
Charlotte tells me that she used a skein of Red Heart acrylic for the squares, so I'm sure they'll hold up nicely.<br />
<br />
It's always fun to see other knitter's projects, but I especially enjoy seeing young knitters' creations. It bodes well for the future of our craft! Thank you Charlotte for the lovely email and for letting me share your project and pictures with everyone! Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-27521151523353167532015-08-21T10:32:00.003-04:002015-08-21T10:32:46.533-04:00Who me? A snob?I learned to knit from my grandmother when I was six years old. She taught me using some old, pink plastic needles that were slightly bowed in the middle. I still have that set of U.S. Size 8 needles and they're one of my most prized possessions. I used a lot of Red Heart acrylic in those days, since I hadn't discovered the joys of using natural fibers. However, every once and while, a project will pop up that calls for some acrylic yarn and I go back to that stiff, plastic stuff that's torture for me to use. I wouldn't exactly say that I've become a yarn snob, but I do wrinkle my nose at the notion of using acrylic. In any event, awhile back, I was surfing around Ravelry searching for the perfect infinity cowl. I wanted one that could be doubled, had a neat texture, and was knit back and forth with a few stitches, rather than a huge circle with tons of stitches. I finally hit on the right pattern, it had all of my requirements and I loved the sample that was done in gorgeous shades of blue. Imagine my surprise then, when I saw that the yarn was 100% acrylic. Not only that, but it was bulky! <a href="http://www.wiseknits.com/2012/03/blues-infinity-scarf-free-pattern.html">Blues Infinity Scarf</a> is a free pattern that's knit with James C. Brett's Marble Chunky. I know that I could have used other yarn, but I loved the look of this one so much, I decided to give it a go and I'm happy that I did.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDFB39Ts_fJSiapuN1sc2W-SURHWK8sVFPkv24Kn6l77Wl9ZBEexYza794bx3dzYhlSsXHGSolKW7DkUuv8VRz4W4WwsVlS5g0sjZ4wRJs2xA-Lm1DLD3ebd5PvJEbv5RNWi2J6HHpzBc/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDFB39Ts_fJSiapuN1sc2W-SURHWK8sVFPkv24Kn6l77Wl9ZBEexYza794bx3dzYhlSsXHGSolKW7DkUuv8VRz4W4WwsVlS5g0sjZ4wRJs2xA-Lm1DLD3ebd5PvJEbv5RNWi2J6HHpzBc/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The yarn was actually quite nice to knit with and it has a "woolly" feel to it. You only need one ball as it's very large with 341 yards.<br />
<br />
Here are the modifications I made. I did a provisional cast on of 27 stitches using U.S. Size 10 needles. There are only two rows to the pattern and one of them is a knit row. I began and ended with the second pattern row so I could graft the ends together easily. For the second pattern row, I began and ended with knit 3. In other words, instead of "p1, k1", I did "k3, (p1, k2) x7, p1, k3". This produced a nice garter stitch edge on both sides. The length of 54" that the pattern calls for, was perfect for doubling.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRslV_eQu-8ThyBObbu_q1lrj9vOs77sp4fkem4_Dje-gHNxNgNx-VavExc0PgomgA79hWLBCOPaCt7qIJKoGNFcqTMr7mChIyjLSvxYqCZR3aXncXZpuJMsXKHCldTbk-Uzj4Fihgo4xf/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRslV_eQu-8ThyBObbu_q1lrj9vOs77sp4fkem4_Dje-gHNxNgNx-VavExc0PgomgA79hWLBCOPaCt7qIJKoGNFcqTMr7mChIyjLSvxYqCZR3aXncXZpuJMsXKHCldTbk-Uzj4Fihgo4xf/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I will say that I found it a little boring to knit, so I kept it in my car and only worked on it when we were travelling. It does knit up rather quickly with the bulky yarn and large needles. I knit half of it on our trip up to Maine and the second half on the way home!<br />
<br />
As luck, or fate, would have it, my husband came back home from one of his walks around the block, and announced that our local sewing shop was having a yarn sale. First, I didn't even know that the shop carried yarn. I mistakenly believed that all they did were alterations and repairs. I had no idea that they had any sewing or knitting inventory at all! I immediately got in the car and drove downtown, not expecting to find much! As it turns out, she had several really nice lines of yarn, including the Marble Chunky! Not only that, but the sale was for 30% off as they aren't going to continue the retail part of their shop. How could I resist that? I picked up a couple more balls as I'm fairly certain my sisters will want to take my scarf as soon as they see it. I thought it would be good to be prepared!<br />
<br />
With one of the balls, I knit this cozy shawl for myself. The colors look slightly washed out in this photo, but they're wonderful fall colors!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwte2oMBkeANR9ZCCOHZieHK7bi7XJdMSjvJocuQH_dGrtBp9vO4v8ubqwVKY1u6e0Wdm4qHyrjSOiqiHgdEdv4ABuJ_ccEv7F1xuhTveo5zaOarrlTN1eLWRsjCfIdLi-7jTtI-V3YII/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwte2oMBkeANR9ZCCOHZieHK7bi7XJdMSjvJocuQH_dGrtBp9vO4v8ubqwVKY1u6e0Wdm4qHyrjSOiqiHgdEdv4ABuJ_ccEv7F1xuhTveo5zaOarrlTN1eLWRsjCfIdLi-7jTtI-V3YII/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tgv-high-speed-knitting">TVG (High Speed Knitting)</a> pattern by Susan Ashcroft. It's designed for any weight of yarn. She has some wonderful patterns and they're all very well written and test knitted.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jtmyxZ8xiJGA7TEp0WpegnpMhZK2eAirR9vrev3enAp467DwsHASMNKRlyeWyFecl5-yMdOL3DNbIBMk-bEqlm7whyphenhyphenxlX0EC45aCZ8jBbej70nHmJ3H5PbKfRcbZVsjRmaW20lpEMCEa/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jtmyxZ8xiJGA7TEp0WpegnpMhZK2eAirR9vrev3enAp467DwsHASMNKRlyeWyFecl5-yMdOL3DNbIBMk-bEqlm7whyphenhyphenxlX0EC45aCZ8jBbej70nHmJ3H5PbKfRcbZVsjRmaW20lpEMCEa/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Again, this only used one ball of yarn with the U.S. Size 10 needles, and I still had some leftover!<br />
<br />
This post wouldn't be complete without a huge thank you to my beautiful niece, Eliza, for helping me out with the modeling. She came to visit us for a few days. I jokingly told her I was going to tell all of you that the pictures were of me! LOL! Oh to be young and <u>thin</u>!! I just wish that I had my other shawl blocked so she could have modeled that as well. I guess she'll just have to come back for another visit!! Thanks Eliza!<br />
<br />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-19836526397294328492015-08-12T17:18:00.000-04:002015-08-12T17:18:40.284-04:00A Whale of a BlogDon't get used to seeing a brand new pattern every time you come and visit me! LOL!! This is just luck that the last three posts all have had patterns. This new one is brought to you because of a very nice email that I received asking me if I had a pattern for a whale. I didn't, but then I remembered that I had started one a year or so ago. For some unknown reason, I abandoned it. Thanks to Sheila, I decided to revive it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6wJcDjKf7v-UZLSM7yvF8uKsLxGCg1h1jmNr4xxnxiwBFZetvMXtVmdUkOLKac4N_Jy5x4lMYmyYyRPQPNDTBJLlB4KGz48fVFLwckg1kC4Q5P9ZcaB6-PN8eEx4qirhbkFgpRVcoXEk/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6wJcDjKf7v-UZLSM7yvF8uKsLxGCg1h1jmNr4xxnxiwBFZetvMXtVmdUkOLKac4N_Jy5x4lMYmyYyRPQPNDTBJLlB4KGz48fVFLwckg1kC4Q5P9ZcaB6-PN8eEx4qirhbkFgpRVcoXEk/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I thought it would be another good summertime project.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_c_dwsxLLBur23nzYMb5lAbpjD2AJgHqif3g9-GlLDREqdEzY9StklZituLapqivN47qL0nUR4ubVADx7iNI2xeB2flZQqnuLHET6ENn10m6-auWC-kITGhb_MN0FOEIK0zA-ek4Wh5y/s1600/Whale+Bib.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_c_dwsxLLBur23nzYMb5lAbpjD2AJgHqif3g9-GlLDREqdEzY9StklZituLapqivN47qL0nUR4ubVADx7iNI2xeB2flZQqnuLHET6ENn10m6-auWC-kITGhb_MN0FOEIK0zA-ek4Wh5y/s320/Whale+Bib.2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I purposely kept it to the same dimensions as the Baby Starfish and the Baby Seahorse so if you wanted to make a set, they'd all go together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmkenH-oK8zy6CwZC3E7TWmRoBxXaUMIibtQDGgAjMPJuBrNF-1dC7wJyJD-8hvrEcKGpMP5UDT5cTjsehyphenhyphen0DT5CyQ8LXq-uaSTqNqdKSRE0uIlakNzjn2zciZBPiMFcAn2sZHZizWkzL/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmkenH-oK8zy6CwZC3E7TWmRoBxXaUMIibtQDGgAjMPJuBrNF-1dC7wJyJD-8hvrEcKGpMP5UDT5cTjsehyphenhyphen0DT5CyQ8LXq-uaSTqNqdKSRE0uIlakNzjn2zciZBPiMFcAn2sZHZizWkzL/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I've now added charts to the Baby Seahorse pattern and I've updated the Baby Starfish Cloth and added charts to both that one and the bib. My goal is to eventually add charts to all the old patterns. In any event, I want to thank Sheila for prodding me and, more importantly, for test knitting the bib! That's a luxury I don't get to enjoy very often!<br />
<br />
Here's the pdf for <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/whalebib.pdf">A Whale of a Bib</a> and here's the pdf for <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/whalecloth.pdf">A Whale of a Cloth</a>. Links are also in the sidebar.<br />
<br />
I hope you have a "whale" of a good time knitting them! Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-1870763999411644692015-08-03T10:18:00.002-04:002015-08-03T10:19:42.193-04:00Berry Time!As you all know by now, I knit hats for the babies at my local hospital. They give me the "head" count for the upcoming month and I go to work! I don't like to keep knitting the same thing over and over, so I change up the designs depending on the season. In the summertime, I like to knit lacy hats for the girls, but I also do some with a berry theme. My all time favorite is this little strawberry hat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3py5pSlo9d3em8U0xpSodtKpQvQVvtS18l-pceLdt6okBQTp95mjLazAjXoT1QUBefIWT3c6Z5OIsn1mDenwt2TYFa_gTf_Oa3J9QBmWpxh-GWS4hL5i5A18QkgTNabMg9MjgQ9bK3TMa/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3py5pSlo9d3em8U0xpSodtKpQvQVvtS18l-pceLdt6okBQTp95mjLazAjXoT1QUBefIWT3c6Z5OIsn1mDenwt2TYFa_gTf_Oa3J9QBmWpxh-GWS4hL5i5A18QkgTNabMg9MjgQ9bK3TMa/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It's pretty easy to knit and I think it comes out so sweet. I've tweaked it a bit here and there over the years, It's a compilation of three different free patterns. Because I "borrowed" the instructions, I can't really claim it as my pattern, but I can share how I put it all together, in case you'd like to make one for a berry sweet baby!<br />
<br />
First, you need to gather these three patterns. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/honey-badger">Honey Badger</a> for the body of the hat. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/berry-baby-hat">Berry Baby Hat</a> for the leaves and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/knitted-flower-tutorial">Knitted Flower Tutorial</a> for the little white blossom.<br />
<br />
I used Plymouth Yarns Jeannee in the worsted weight and U.S. Size 6 16" circular needle for the body and either double pointed needles for the crown or a larger circular needle for magic loop. <br />
<br />
Cast on 63 stitches. (Note: Knit the first row without joining it in the round. It's so much easier to knit this one row and then close up the stitch when you weave in the ends.) Knit nine rounds. Knit the next round through the back loops. This gives you a twisted round that will hold the rolled brim in place. Knit one round. Begin the pattern as follows:<br />
<br />
Rounds 1 - 3: knit<br />
Round 4: *yo, slip 1, k2, pass the slip st. over the 2 knit sts., k6*, repeat to end of round.<br />
Rounds 5 - 9: knit.<br />
Round 10: * k4, yo, slip 1, k2, pass the slip st. over the 2 knit sts., k2*, repeat to end of round.<br />
<br />
Work rounds 1 - 10 a total of four times. 24 rows total. <b>Note</b>: On the last round 10, increase one stitch to 64 stitches.<br />
<br />
Switch now to the Baby Berry Hat pattern and follow the instructions for making the leaves. When you're finished, knit the I-cord for only 1 1/2". This will give the hat a little stem. I will tell you that I read somewhere that the leaves looked a little better if you did the decreases using the "old-fashioned" method of slipping one stitch, knitting one stitch and then passing the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch or a psso. I don't know if that's true or not, but that's the way that I do my decreases, rather than the knit 2 tog. I think it probably just makes the leaves swirl in the opposite direction. You can do them however <b>you</b> want!<br />
<br />
Blossom. I used a thinner yarn for the blossom. Tahki Cotton Classic Lite and I knit it with U.S. Size 3 needles. The Knitted Flower Tutorial (in my opinion) makes the nicest flowers. For these, you follow her instructions except that you only need to cast on 41 stitches. Knit one row and purl one row. Then you cast off 7 stitches for each blossom, instead of 9. This makes a smaller and very neat little flower. To finish it off, make a french knot in the center. (Hey, french knots are easy! The trick to making them is to remember not to go back down the same hole. Also, if you want a bigger or a thicker knot, use a double strand of yarn. Don't just wrap the yarn multiple times around the needle or it will be floppy.) Attach the blossom to one side of the stem.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0EoyyTyl7xYhiRV3aNAzxjWOek4m1KXWxFQdve9TvoveVW7P6pWPSF7BvmZ-QaccB0QBAoaLSqCy6r-Tfm8AZ90Tk0RHet9S-FxF58VVSA_cnQQ2AguyLUKax7djxMlk_Rw9_fi8a8xi/s1600/Blossom+Close+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0EoyyTyl7xYhiRV3aNAzxjWOek4m1KXWxFQdve9TvoveVW7P6pWPSF7BvmZ-QaccB0QBAoaLSqCy6r-Tfm8AZ90Tk0RHet9S-FxF58VVSA_cnQQ2AguyLUKax7djxMlk_Rw9_fi8a8xi/s320/Blossom+Close+Up.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I used to use this different pattern for the flower, <a href="http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk/free_knitting_patterns/knitted_flower/">Knitted Flower Pattern</a>, which was also cute. It does make a "bulkier" flower and it is a little fiddly, but it does work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUxWWHmy45q6F3Lh4-lWKyE0pFEcFdHgFeD2UqIjOXwQoTuYQdH18WPCME1aBZ3PlPTH88haE3PRJ7m0w0Gng3BhxzM6iGm2kK3_XlSgYPJ7efR9nD0nBmq560FfpLhNb_mD3pDazZx8T/s1600/Strawberries+Blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUxWWHmy45q6F3Lh4-lWKyE0pFEcFdHgFeD2UqIjOXwQoTuYQdH18WPCME1aBZ3PlPTH88haE3PRJ7m0w0Gng3BhxzM6iGm2kK3_XlSgYPJ7efR9nD0nBmq560FfpLhNb_mD3pDazZx8T/s320/Strawberries+Blossom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSILMa2_WgiQVC27SESG4lYG2wmjkxVQ98bT6DBNy1BJ8E371VoEQRel8fdZrRxj4e1YaYj1Yyq3iFjAfjDWdL9XIIjDj7si74VcES02Agazyk2KSnfGU6VV3YyC3gthzUZGxxqIfqaJW/s1600/Strawberries.3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSILMa2_WgiQVC27SESG4lYG2wmjkxVQ98bT6DBNy1BJ8E371VoEQRel8fdZrRxj4e1YaYj1Yyq3iFjAfjDWdL9XIIjDj7si74VcES02Agazyk2KSnfGU6VV3YyC3gthzUZGxxqIfqaJW/s320/Strawberries.3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you know how to crochet, you can even make one of your own creations! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope you have fun knitting this little cap. As I said, it may be my all time favorite!</div>
Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-7821334139470768612015-07-23T12:44:00.000-04:002015-07-23T12:44:25.266-04:00Grammy's Bib and ClothThis pattern has been a long time coming. I started working on it almost three years ago, but kept putting it aside as life intervened. My grandchildren are lucky to have two sets of grandparents (at least I think they're lucky!). My daughter-in-law's parents live on the West Coast and we live on the East Coast. We don't get together very often, but on the occasion of the birth of our mutual granddaughter, we were able to reconnect. Kathy, who is affectionately called "Grammy", was working on a beautiful lavender baby blanket for Ruthie. She explained how the pattern had been handed down in her mother-in-law's family. I thought it was a beautiful pattern and Kathy graciously shared it with me. There wasn't any need for me to knit a blanket, but I thought it would make a cute bib.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRYAT0UlK2-Hzi3HFJP8Bpnyy75YjRBliKDd_AfAh2JlMdaRElVUKPCurANitYX36icUtvZpXMvNvYXBzZRAIjp7v7tGp9TjmnRKyu8Bn4N1peD1FwCZPZidmvmGa6I7-jxnHkglMvzm3/s1600/Grammy+Duo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRYAT0UlK2-Hzi3HFJP8Bpnyy75YjRBliKDd_AfAh2JlMdaRElVUKPCurANitYX36icUtvZpXMvNvYXBzZRAIjp7v7tGp9TjmnRKyu8Bn4N1peD1FwCZPZidmvmGa6I7-jxnHkglMvzm3/s320/Grammy+Duo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a deceptively easy pattern to knit. You slip stitches and then pick them up on the next row. The stitches form a very pretty trellis pattern. While the pattern may be easy to knit, I realized that describing how to execute the stitch was not as easy, so I've included some close up pictures so you can see exactly how to do it. (It was tricky to try to hold knitting needles and a camera, but I don't think you'll have any trouble figuring it out!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlt4Ve9Ilun6yGk47kGpo2NGvD9jy-bchcwbnwtGDMb35YGfZNshFZTCYIy2Zx3FGsWuDpz0SR3_qUUcCiyySo_JNyPiAarGxKxVPB1YcOu9vv087QRnKp9qYoPDZ5OMXZ0yAkO2gVv-I/s1600/Grammy+Light+Grape.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlt4Ve9Ilun6yGk47kGpo2NGvD9jy-bchcwbnwtGDMb35YGfZNshFZTCYIy2Zx3FGsWuDpz0SR3_qUUcCiyySo_JNyPiAarGxKxVPB1YcOu9vv087QRnKp9qYoPDZ5OMXZ0yAkO2gVv-I/s320/Grammy+Light+Grape.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Barbara Walker has a variation of this pattern in her blue book, but this is the pattern that's been handed down in my granddaughter's family. Wouldn't it be wonderful if someday she took up knitting and passed it on to her own grandchild. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've also included instructions for knitting a cloth. I didn't do separate files as you can just print the pages you need to make either the bib or the cloth.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUSuq_gRTfEocpJ5MMpY7cRB3RckrUuD_zTK8N9QOjbdu81lLpN5uiHKrzO30kAqwcUV-oI2Q6oE5Vo0pjEPAwwAR2_y-vlPW0x8SzQwPDEkd9LyfJ2xtAv1F5UoWCoIR3Ekr5MOAqWwL/s1600/Grammy+Cloth+Duo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUSuq_gRTfEocpJ5MMpY7cRB3RckrUuD_zTK8N9QOjbdu81lLpN5uiHKrzO30kAqwcUV-oI2Q6oE5Vo0pjEPAwwAR2_y-vlPW0x8SzQwPDEkd9LyfJ2xtAv1F5UoWCoIR3Ekr5MOAqWwL/s320/Grammy+Cloth+Duo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can easily use variegated colors as well as solids. Be careful though in choosing your yarn. I discovered that the design does get somewhat lost in heavily variegated yarns. Here's an example of one I knit when I was testing the pattern:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjRO5xUdUgfj7alHNZc3-FUXLkNpDH8WmmhxaJwLpLbmnIvGum39QFpiEuWQuUnpYuXpgXIdFNQ49KzfbaZFi80HAcuMcve5rz_sa3UaihHzM7u_Ms2HC4YYVfbs4mqfQxyBXxL63uhYz/s1600/Grammy+Pinks+and+Lilacs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjRO5xUdUgfj7alHNZc3-FUXLkNpDH8WmmhxaJwLpLbmnIvGum39QFpiEuWQuUnpYuXpgXIdFNQ49KzfbaZFi80HAcuMcve5rz_sa3UaihHzM7u_Ms2HC4YYVfbs4mqfQxyBXxL63uhYz/s320/Grammy+Pinks+and+Lilacs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is a little difficult to see the design. However, in the lilac bib, it shows up much better.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM41t0Q83pdxOqsDEj6dhk104JjvQSLqUDOpytTQW0S3Kkv0oqvrBEAj1IsfPz89NGkkvLsMe65yt9ZVHgnBD6TRkQpK9y4pAMhOqPTi28kLtLJ9DrFhVeauIQ7smh34r7NWjApcg5xuZ/s1600/Grammy+Lilac+Close+Up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM41t0Q83pdxOqsDEj6dhk104JjvQSLqUDOpytTQW0S3Kkv0oqvrBEAj1IsfPz89NGkkvLsMe65yt9ZVHgnBD6TRkQpK9y4pAMhOqPTi28kLtLJ9DrFhVeauIQ7smh34r7NWjApcg5xuZ/s320/Grammy+Lilac+Close+Up.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At least I think it does! The pattern is in the sidebar. I put it in both the bibs and the cloths. Click <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/grammybib.pdf">here</a> for the pdf file.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is one other little secret detail that I'd like to point out, if you didn't spot it yourself. Notice how the the very top of the pattern, when combined with the seed stitch, forms little hearts? I love that detail. A bib with love included!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8j3GYYJbhPi3bzn9ee2kWLrixMgbbelauZjofPVKFTuKzhoXCV1lbq9or2vEw7z99FTXDHtB6c8Plnd4C3S2PK6S3OADCoJrh3kLmxgtcB6HxIxIS1O8Y-5UZm1zn6fr9ijpwvtmDVqyI/s1600/Grammy+Lilac+Ombre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8j3GYYJbhPi3bzn9ee2kWLrixMgbbelauZjofPVKFTuKzhoXCV1lbq9or2vEw7z99FTXDHtB6c8Plnd4C3S2PK6S3OADCoJrh3kLmxgtcB6HxIxIS1O8Y-5UZm1zn6fr9ijpwvtmDVqyI/s320/Grammy+Lilac+Ombre.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you'll enjoy knitting this. As you can tell, it's a very special pattern for my family and I hope it will be for yours as well. Thank you Grammy for sharing!</div>
<br />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-40401143418008166852015-07-17T10:27:00.000-04:002015-07-17T10:27:50.040-04:00Bibs, please?My mom was invited to yet another baby shower and whenever babies are involved, she calls me to help her out with a gift. This time, she specifically asked if I had any bibs. Usually, I would have more than I know what to do with, since I never knit the ones I show here for anyone in particular, however, I decided to just give them to my neighbor for her two little girls. The new parents won't know the sex of their baby until it's born, so mom thought bibs would be a good choice. As for the designs and colors, she left that up to me and I decided on a rainbow!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd00GFx2SLePlRFN50xHt8kxF85daI_L9GdmbvO6wk7vSUQhmoAYdHyH3B-Aopii-YjiO_oQky3rli0MASY-wJoOmg-vH7zbuNjTbnzAhh-Cdk9W2jgPCjuEiO6NIPKo-L9bRawp6qQkJX/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd00GFx2SLePlRFN50xHt8kxF85daI_L9GdmbvO6wk7vSUQhmoAYdHyH3B-Aopii-YjiO_oQky3rli0MASY-wJoOmg-vH7zbuNjTbnzAhh-Cdk9W2jgPCjuEiO6NIPKo-L9bRawp6qQkJX/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I was not looking forward to knitting that many bibs in one setting, but I actually had fun revisiting some of my old patterns. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICbSgQ4rcHLXvHSfzA9gNaBQxK5g_KIHB-WZYBBOputLRYy5lAsi_4FwtnYnTD7cf0fjGKqafd1FkvuYC4TEPDW-j6IwSXNQclccxdW3Oh7OuAWHH-rfuak6tBd-XodkhEreWnk8cagEI/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICbSgQ4rcHLXvHSfzA9gNaBQxK5g_KIHB-WZYBBOputLRYy5lAsi_4FwtnYnTD7cf0fjGKqafd1FkvuYC4TEPDW-j6IwSXNQclccxdW3Oh7OuAWHH-rfuak6tBd-XodkhEreWnk8cagEI/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My hands were a little sore. Knitting with cotton really tires them out, but I didn't have much choice as my mom <u>always</u> waits until the last minute. She's done that her whole life and, over the years, we've used every trick we could think of to get her moving faster, but nothing ever worked. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGRYkTwbhlgn5jjVyaVSQIt0sqX2ZLW6YokA8vX5Wr0HuH1Nfy0pAHu8bpAiyww-onHdwEUCFj8EX9Ig512qPA44tyY9oR7DAwiXLVnjQ58PzdQGAjK0Ow-8z8fQrG-PvRGTaEWXGvN_1/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGRYkTwbhlgn5jjVyaVSQIt0sqX2ZLW6YokA8vX5Wr0HuH1Nfy0pAHu8bpAiyww-onHdwEUCFj8EX9Ig512qPA44tyY9oR7DAwiXLVnjQ58PzdQGAjK0Ow-8z8fQrG-PvRGTaEWXGvN_1/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It turns out that the new mom really has a thing for rainbows. From the time she was a little girl, she always loved them. I didn't know that, but I'm so happy that I decided to do them. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIMhwN7XRSg3zo_W1Umo5FnOLAdoEn-RETZxrPKiNYySUDn0JCbnSYOVHGbntinuWfBXZWoeKrxa4F5mPKdkzfwSlWGGOkxHf6d8CFrZd3UyUcZ2Jx6lYf5v2TbL5a8oY-dNt_bBI_VmV/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIMhwN7XRSg3zo_W1Umo5FnOLAdoEn-RETZxrPKiNYySUDn0JCbnSYOVHGbntinuWfBXZWoeKrxa4F5mPKdkzfwSlWGGOkxHf6d8CFrZd3UyUcZ2Jx6lYf5v2TbL5a8oY-dNt_bBI_VmV/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I also found out that the theme of the shower was birds. Wasn't it also lucky that I had chosen to knit one? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSeRb4oNl3zgYmggPQ2xDqwNhrIfLRjGXIlpIjX6MRLdXW4l-P_c6ZFG0o6ZPA-TJugpoOMmWtSk_y-rIRKAw1np5L1HE1-A1QIW9-EsyhJnvmcsvcy_N9_duVt7qNl2uQQuSiRsS0PEU/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSeRb4oNl3zgYmggPQ2xDqwNhrIfLRjGXIlpIjX6MRLdXW4l-P_c6ZFG0o6ZPA-TJugpoOMmWtSk_y-rIRKAw1np5L1HE1-A1QIW9-EsyhJnvmcsvcy_N9_duVt7qNl2uQQuSiRsS0PEU/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I guess some things are just meant to be!Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-70319079968966527312015-07-07T09:39:00.001-04:002015-07-07T09:39:51.903-04:00A Summer TreatHey, remember me? I'm sorry I've been absent for so long. I was contemplating discontinuing the blog permanently, but I've had a change of heart and so here I am! My hope is that there are still a few followers around! In an attempt to get back in every one's good graces, I'm posting a new pattern that I designed with my husband in mind. There are very few people who love ice cream more than he does! It stems, I believe, from when he was growing up and his family owned a milk exchange. They would buy milk from the local farmers and then they'd bottle it and deliver it. In the summer, they'd operate an ice cream stand. All of the ice cream was made by his family and drew crowds from all around. To this day, people who grew up enjoying their products, still talk about the ice cream. My husband's favorite flavor was wintergreen and I guess it was popular with everyone else too. If I had a nickel for every time someone said that they loved that wintergreen, I'd be rich!<br />
<br />
In any event, I hope you'll enjoy this simple cloth and will knit one or two up in your favorite flavors!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkYpPoeBPwdqf9C-Zu191foHffU1fi419c1LfotaX7O9jB3H-2QQUsRILkjHpR7z1WT1aQHQ76DQR9YlpEqy4WNiw96uU-ybZBEjljbIgh2c8dhEI8vCtI0mdvrzyGEFne8PHSy7g_eNV/s1600/Ice+Cream+Cone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkYpPoeBPwdqf9C-Zu191foHffU1fi419c1LfotaX7O9jB3H-2QQUsRILkjHpR7z1WT1aQHQ76DQR9YlpEqy4WNiw96uU-ybZBEjljbIgh2c8dhEI8vCtI0mdvrzyGEFne8PHSy7g_eNV/s320/Ice+Cream+Cone.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My granddaughter, Ruthie, loves strawberry ice cream.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32bt5NT74Mdo0ljh1c2IPGrjX-Op2oBz2hnFoymHyZCB-1SAYXOseoihBhexRoW6kbkRjkHIztptDo4HqbVy0lDS6Q64Smj5JeDZitnYFtH8hocXASBdi4hkuKEMyUrz-Z7xwbL-KqB0R/s1600/Ice+Cream+Bib.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32bt5NT74Mdo0ljh1c2IPGrjX-Op2oBz2hnFoymHyZCB-1SAYXOseoihBhexRoW6kbkRjkHIztptDo4HqbVy0lDS6Q64Smj5JeDZitnYFtH8hocXASBdi4hkuKEMyUrz-Z7xwbL-KqB0R/s320/Ice+Cream+Bib.JPG" width="313" /></a></div>
The pdf files for the patterns are in the sidebar or you can just click <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/icecreamcloth.pdf">here</a> for the cloth and <a href="http://www.downcloverlaine.us/icecreambib.pdf">here</a> for the bib.<br />
<br />
My favorite? Well, I love brownies. Given a choice between a brownie and ice cream, I'll take the brownie every time!<br />
<br />
Have a happy and safe summer!Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865395287250465503.post-88012022444179167192015-03-09T09:49:00.001-04:002015-03-09T09:49:28.201-04:00Oops!I was adding a couple of updated bib patterns to the pdf files this morning and apparently, I managed to delete all the old bib patterns that I hadn't got around to updating! What a way to start a Monday morning. In any event, it's going to take me quite awhile to figure out which ones are missing and to restore them, so please be patient. Believe me, no one feels worse about this than I do!!Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12064018601058994899noreply@blogger.com