Updated patterns!

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



Saturday, January 8, 2011

Anyone up for a KAL?

A new year and a new beginning! I'm sorry that I haven't posted in quite awhile. I've had some personal things that have kept my focus off the blog. On top of that, I had some very unpleasant exchanges with knitters who can't read or understand my copyright. To be honest, those incidents had me seriously considering shutting down the blog and moving on. Still, 97% of my readers are nice and respectful, so I've decided to keep the blog active. Besides I like sharing patterns.

Just for fun, I thought I might have a KAL (knit-a-long) to kick off a brand new pattern that I have for January. What do you think? Is anyone interested? The pattern is still being test knitted, but I should have it ready to roll by next week. This is definitely a winter themed project so I would stick with a "cool" color and stay away from yellows, oranges, browns, etc. Blues would be ideal, although lavenders, pinks, or greens would all work well too. Those of you who read my blog regularly, know that I have done KALs in the past for the Yahoo Monthly Dishcloth Group. Since not everyone belongs and can't participate in the fun, I thought I would do one here and let you all have first crack at the pattern!

Did everyone finish up their Christmas knitting on time? I don't usually knit for Christmas, but this year, I made an exception and knit a few hats. My 5 year old grandson just loves Shaun the Sheep, so I thought it would be fun to knit him up a hat. A search on Ravelry soon produced a free pattern that was ideal. I did have to tweak it just a bit to make it fit, but it came out really well and Mickey loved it.

The hat pattern is my own. I used U.S. Size 9 needles and cast on 84 stitches. Then I did a k2, p2 rib for about 1 1/2 inches before I began the design. The length of the hat is 8 inches. Gauge is 5 sts. = 1 inch. I folded it with the seam in back and kitchner stitched the top stitches. You could also do a three needle bind off. Then I just seamed up the back, and voila, an instant hat! When he wears it, the corners form these two cute peaks.

The hat was knit with Lorna's Laces Greenline worsted in Ysolda Red. I was amazed at how soft this yarn is when knitted. The hat is knit flat (ugh), but I really didn't have any choice, as I used intarsia. The white yarn is Sirdar's Snowflake in Dk that I held doubled. It gives it a nice fuzzy look, perfect for a sheep.

Of course, you can't have a hat without mittens, now can you?
The mittens were knit with the same yarn, only in DK weight. For these, I just used a basic mitten pattern and then duplicate stitched the sheep faces. I did the sheep chart myself, since I just needed something small. For the eyes, I used a tiny piece of white felt cut in the shape of a figure eight and then I embroidered the pupils with French knots.

A cute set and a huge hit, although I was competing with Legos and an array of other gifts!

Notice how nice and red these pictures are? I had an accident with my old camera right before Christmas, so I had to replace it with this super duper new one. I can't believe how accurate the color shows up, especially since red is so difficult to photograph. I still have to learn how to use it as it has a lot more buttons and menus than my old one.

Okay, so then, I'll be back with the new pattern, provided anyone is interested!

10 comments:

Vicki Suan said...

I'm sorry for the unpleasantness. I appreciate your generosity in sharing your patterns. I'm looking forward to the KAL. BTW, the sheep hat and mitts are really cute.

Azangelique53 said...

Hi Elaine, I am sorry for all you've been through the last months. I adore your patterns and have enjoyed knitting the bibs for some special gifts for friends children. My grandchildren are too old for bibs but I love to knit them anyway. I would love a KAL. Hope you have a wonderful year ahead with pleasant surprises.

Unknown said...

I absolutely LOVE your site and was getting a little worried because you hadn't posted in awhile! I am new to knitting and the bibs have been great for small projects. Thank you so much for sharing your patterns!

anncrafts said...

Oh, Elaine, I'm sorry that you've had problems with some people. I've always enjoyed knitting your bibs for my grandchildren and look forward to seeing what you're up to. I'm in the throes of knitting for a new grandbaby to be born in February so I'll just observe the KAL but I'll be knitting with you in spirit - and I'll be knitting bibs for that grandbaby! Thanks for all you do for us.

~Stephanie~ said...

Like everyone else, I too am sorry for what you've been through. Please don't shut your blog down - I love coming her to get ideas.

I've never done a KAL, but would love to try one.

Happy 2011!

Aussie Maria said...

Very unfortunately not everyone respects others, but focusing on those that do reinforces the "good" - Yeah!!!!
I love your projects, have worked a few and have a few more lined up for "one day".
I love even more your generous spirit in sharing your wonderful work with everyone.
A KAL sounds interesting

Deb said...

Please keep your blog going. Your patterns are the cutest & the sweetest around.

I love the hat & the mittens, they're absolutely adorable!

Jan E said...

I add my voice to those urging you to stay. Good for you for stickin' up for your rights, too!

Glad you're back: I also was concerned. I hope life calms down for you and that you continue to enjoy creating. You're so good at it! Thanks for sharing with all us 'strangers.'

Linda J said...

I think your patterns are great and hope you can forget about anyone who thinks otherwise. I have never done a KAL but would love to join. Thanks so much for doing this.

Unknown said...

Hi,
Love your red hat and mittens.
The sheep is really cute.

Have you done the January KAL?
Where do I find info on it?

Thanks for the patterns.

Ms Day