At last...a cardigan for me!

 

Finished this cardigan, a little while ago.
This yarn was a gift from my friends when I moved from Pennsylvania to Maryland. It is lovely, lovely yarn and has been mocking me to knit something  for a long time. LOL
Pattern:-Love Potion by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne and can be found http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/love-potion on Ravelry and is completely seamless!
It was a fairly easy pattern but was not full of a lot of detail, and by that I mean there was minimal  stitch counts for reference. Maybe most folks don't mind that,  it could be just me...I do like an accurate count. (Saves me any bother!)
 I knit the size (L) 45 and I love the fit. I didn't bother with waist shaping. I did however add afterthought pockets by first knitting 15sts; then knitting 23sts on waste yarn, and knitting 13sts to the underarm. I then continued across the back and knit 13sts to the pocket added my waste yarn across 23sts and finished with 15sts to the edge. My pockets measure approximately 4" in height and about 5" wide! I gotta say I love a pocket for a tissue...my hands etc.!!!!
 I only added 3 buttonholes but if I had wanted to wear this cardigan buttoned I would have probably added 2 or 3  more! I especially love the deep shawl collar!

Yarn:-String Theory, Merino DK colour Raven's Bride. I used approximately 5 skeins.
This pattern suggests a coordinating colour for the I-cord edging around the collar and down the front button hole bands...but I just used the same colour for everything. This is very nice yarn and I enjoyed knitting with it. It is also great to wear. I love the lighter weight!

Needles:-I used Sz # 6 straights and circular!
If I were to knit this again I wouldn't really do anything different. I really do love the fit and altho' the yarn looks very purple in one pic..it is more subdued in real life!!!
Happy knitting.
Mags

Praying Mantis..or more like an alien?

This is a great pattern from the book " Amigurumi Knits" by Hansi Singh.
It was a pain and very fiddly but cute! I had to use 12 gauge jewelry wire for the legs and arms. The pattern said to use pipe cleaners but no way could the pipe cleaners support the weight of the arms and you would also need wire in the legs to support the body and arms otherwise the thing would just topple over!!!
The pattern called for worsted weight yarn and size #5 needles,
but I used:-
Yarn:- Patons' classic DK superwash wool:-apple green and wisteria.
Needle:- Sz #3 DP's
Thank you Lou for the pictures...they are great.
Happy knitting!
Mags.

Valentine cookies..

Sorry I have been so hopeless posting my knitting bits! Mind you I haven't been knitting much!
I did get some lovely Valentine cookies from my friend Barbara.

They are beautiful...almost too nice to eat, an envelope and a heart! These are really a work of art!
Thank you, Barbara, I bet they are delicious!
Happy knitting!
Mags.

Sock yarn blanket

My knitting friend Leslie is having her second baby in November and since I had knitted a blankie for her first it was only right I should knit one for #2 or as we call her "Jellybean!"
Pattern:-Knitted Patchwork Recipe by Martine Ellis. This  blanket is knit in one piece. The little miter squares measure about 2 1/4 inches (unblocked) and you pick up 16 stitches, or cast on 16 stitches  along the  edges and just knit. There are 11 miters across the bottom and 15 miters on the side!! 
Needles:- Sz #2  double points for the little squares and Sz #2 40" circulars for the ruffle! (I used 3  because I had a lotta stitches!)
Yarn:- Mini Mochi. It is sock yarn and the colours are lovely! I'm not sure how it will wash and wear. The reviews http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/crystal-palace-yarns-mini-mochi are not so favorable!!! I used 10 skeins and 3 were for the ruffle!
Oh well.
It was an easy knit and someday I'll use all my sock yarn scraps and knit myself one...maybe!
Happy knitting, everyone!
Mags!

Not really a Ninja turtle..what a fake!!

I started this little guy last year but put him aside because I had no idea how to make him. You see I had no pattern. Sheesh!
 I saw a pattern for a "Pond Turtle" on http://ravelry.com but the author didn't seem to be on Ravelry anymore, and I thought how hard could he be? Umm.what is that quotation? "Pride comes before a fall!"   So true!
 I had already made a hexagon blanket and figured  the shell could be made that shape. The shell was done and for the underbelly ( I just started at the center and knit a circle) and I finished off with an I-cord. I felted these two pieces and they just lay in the corner, That part was easy!  My biggest problem would be how to tie the head, feet and tail onto these pieces!!! 
I had wee Adam's birthday coming up in April and decided to try and put something together. If it didn't work out, well I'd just buy him something!!!
As you can see it didn't come out too bad. My grandsons thought he was great and wee Jamsey said he needed a red mask to look like Raphael, I don't think the "Ninja Turtles" have quite so prominent eyes though! LOL
 I did lightly felt the whole thing when I was done and since the shell and underbelly were already felted this gave the legs, head and tail a fulled appearance. This guy is somewhat soft and cushiony!!! So far so good!
And you know......he'll do!!! LOL
I used Paton's wool and sz #10 needles...and I'm sorry I didn't really keep notes. In hindsight I should have! Aww well!!!
Happy knitting everyone!
Mags.

Soakbox with socks..

Got this little "soakbox"  and right away figured I'd give it to my daughter. One problem though she doesn't knit and a skein of sock yarn would be useless to her.,,ha, ha! Decided I'd knit the socks and give her the box for her birthday! Problem solved.
This is such a cute idea. It comes with yarn, matching nail polish, heel cream, wool wash and a sock pattern!!
This colourway is "Grape Gatsby!"
You know I thought the included pattern was very nice but I decided to go with another I'd always wanted to knit.
Pattern:- Feather and Fan by Judith Sumner from the book SOCKS*SOCKS*SOCKS!
This is such an easy pattern almost mindless. Just 3 rows knit and 1 row pattern! To keep my interest I decided to do the http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fish-lips-kiss-heel
I have done a Jo Jo heel and I like this heel This new one is similar with a few differences!  I liked how easy it was and I like a wee challenge!
Yarn:- Lorna's Laces. This is nice yarn and I know it will wash and wear well.
Needles:- Sz #2. Call it old age. My Sz #2's were in the package marked Sz #1 and I was halfway done before I realized this..I would never, ever rip back and the size is fine and they feel very comfortable!

I'm sure she'll love them altho  she said she hates to get gifts in case she doesn't and then she'll have to be gracious and just smile. Ha..she can just give it back to me!!!
Happy knitting everyone.
Mags!

Snowflakes for Shirley!

 I bought this mitten kit last year and of course being a procrastinator I just started this project in January..better late than laying in my stash! I had every intention of keeping the mittens, as I have never owned a pair of lined mittens but I decided to give them to Shirley! Now, she may not like the colour and they may not fit her...but isn't it the thought that counts! Besides, Shirley loves winter and loves snow and lives in Pennsylvania..BBBRRR!!  Consider this...Shirley made "vanilla" just before Christmas and out of the blue sent me a big bottle. Do you know how expensive pure vanilla is??? I'll say no more. I do bake lots of cookies at Christmas and I really appreciated her generosity!
Kit....
Pattern:-"Snowfling Mitts" by Tanis Lavallée
Yarn:-Tanis Fibre Arts yellow label DK Grape and Frost for the outer shell/
             Tanis Fibre Arts purple label cashmere sock yarn jewel tone for the lining!

Needles :- Size #4 for the outer shell and sz#3 for the lining! (I think the suggested needle size was # 3 )
I thought the yarn seemed heavy for a DK weight..but that could be just me!
I honestly didn't  find adding the lining an easy task. Picked up the stitches..no problem but doing the lining of the first mitt was a bit tedious! I had to measure, rip and adjust a lot!! I made careful notes of what I  had done and the second lining went
 a bit easier. My biggest fear was that the lining would bunch up in the thumb and at the mitten top. I think mine is fairly smooth after lots of ripping and reworking! I thought that maybe if you were to knit a mitten liner separate from the outer shell and then to sew it in might be easier..I dunno!!! Honestly it will be a long time before I do another pair with a liner!! Just saying!
The only change I made was to mirror the <'s  >'s on the cuff.
I have set myself a little challenge for 2014.
A pair of mittens with a liner.
A pair of gloves.
A pair of  doubleknit mittens.
Well, one down..two to go!
Ha, ha!
Happy knitting.
Mags.

Sheepish!

I made a little sheep to keep "Gru" company and my daughter took it! Baaww! My grandsons wanted a sheep each and asked for a blue and yellow one...I was  a little surprised...considering they are 10 and 12...but who knows with kids these days! LOL                                                                                                                                                 

 

Pattern:- http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-lamb-sock-critter and altho' it is supposed to be knit in rows I just followed the chart and it is knit in the round...no seaming! Ta Da!!!!

 

Needles:- Sz #5
Yarn:- I used Patons Classic Wool. Black, blue and gold!

As I said I knit these in the round and I changed the face colour to black...just like Irish sheep! I also changed the ears! This was an easy, fun knit!
I also knit this little guy:- http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cabled-sheep

He is just so cute!!!!

Sheldon...

This is Sheldon...I used
Yarn:-Frog Tree Alpaca sportsweight. Color:-chocolate, green, gold and white!
Needles:- Sz # 1double points
Pattern:- by CID Hanscom. It includes wire that is inserted in the body, legs, feet, neck and head and safety eyes. Because he is wired he is poseable..hardly a toy...more like an ornament! Let me tell you it was the most awkward fiddly thing I have ever done! The pattern was a little vague in places and I made  quite a few mistakes!!  Aw well..live and learn!
Shelly Sheldon is very cute but  before my Grandsons got a chance to see him and want one just like him I sent him off home to Leslie!!! You see I'll never, ever make another!! LOL
Happy knitting everyone!
Mags.

Mittens with all the bells and whistles!

These mittens are fresh from the needles they still have to be washed and blocked.
This was a "mystery" knit along given by the "I make Mittens" group on Raverly.
No, normally I don't participate  in these sort of knit alongs..too time consuming and then you're never sure what your finished object will look like! But...I decided to take a chance since the mittens were to be designed by one of my favorite designers and also Christmas is creeping up fast!
The mitten are nice but the knitting was a little intense  since I couldn't get the charts blown up large enough for my old eyes and I could only work in good  bright light!
My eldest Grandson howled with laughter when I said the knitting was intense...but another knitter would understand!!!!
I said they had all the 'bells' and 'whistles' because they do incorporate a lot of techniques!!!
They started with a 'provisional' cast on,  'picot' cuff  followed by a latvian braid and 'catching main color float' and also 'catching contrast color float!' I started these on Sz #0 needles but my knitting was too tight.
Pattern:-Quaternity By Rose Hiver can be found here   http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/quaternity 
Needles:-Sz #1
Yarn:- Hazel Knits sock color Nickel (grey) and Vamp (red)
I am glad I joined this group and the mittens are dense and very pretty and finished in a little over a month. If I am lucky my name could be drawn for a prize...now that would be a lovely bonus!!! LOL!
I am off to do a little mindless knitting now!
Happy knitting.
Mags.

Sparkly brioche scarf..

Pattern :- 

Rodekool by Nancy Marchant is a free pattern and can be found here

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rodekool

This pattern is doubleknit lace chevron and I have always wanted to knit this little reversible scarf.

Yarn:-

Schoeller+Stahl Fortissima Colori Disco Socka

Colorway

02 Grays

 

Schoeller+Stahl Fortissima Colori Disco Socka

Colorway

03 Blues

Needle :- 

US 4 

 

I bought this sparkly sock yarn when I first started knitting socks! It has been in my stash forever! Have always wanted to knit this pattern and although it almost killed me to learn ‘brioche’ and to figure it out, after probably a gazillion tries I got it to work!! It did require a bit lot of concentration or I would make silly mistakes and my only option was to tink back stitch by stitch. I learned so much from this pattern. The Italian cast on and cast off...thank goodness for You-Tube!!
I have to say it was all worth it…and I loved the challenge!!

Thanks to my grandsons for modeling it for me!

 

Happy knitting.

Mags

Despicable Me! Knitted "Gru"...villain or hero?

You know, although I have been knitting on and off, it has been a long, long time since I posted anything. I hope if I have any readers at all left...you'll be kind and forgive me! I will try to do better! 
I couldn't resist the challenge of  knitting "Gru" after all I had knit his "minions" a long time ago!!
Once again I am in awe of the people who see a movie and write up an amazing pattern!
This one is free and can be found here........
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gru
This pattern is by Sarah Chandler and as I said, is free! Thanks Sarah.
Gru's details....

I used sz# 4 double points
Instead of worsted weight yarn I used Patons Classic Wool DK Superwash Black and Gray! For his face I used pink that I had in my scrap bag! So I have no idea what it is!!
The pattern was easy enough to follow..however it was a bit fiddly!
The little fella is about 7 inches tall and is so cute and definitely not despicable...my hero!
Hope you all make one!
Mags.

Hexagon dilemma

Great news, one of the friends in our knitting group is having her first baby in April...a little boy...awwww! She was hoping for a blankie and asked specifically for one done in "entrelac!" Being ahead of the game, I had already ordered some yarn, but when I stared knitting realised the yarn and the pattern just didn't work together. Sheesh. Since I just couldn't return the yarn I had to rethink the whole project!!!! You know that sorta thing happens to me all the time! I literally poured over  patterns on www.ravelry.com and this is what I came up with....not "entrelac" you say...but come on it has come of the same techniques e.g., picking up stitches building on the hexagons etc., so I went full steam ahead. Did I mention hexagons are all the rage! Okay enough idle chatter and long winded explanations.
Yarn:-Plymouth Encore Colorspun 75% acrylic 25% wool. Color#7722 'Very Bright Kids.' This is a great yarn with long colour runs..only one problem 'tho there was too much bright pink, which I had to cut out! Consequently now have about 14 little balls of pink if anyone wants it! I also used color# 7822 'Drifting' and #7711 'Lemon Lime. This yarn is machine wash, tumble dry.....perfect for a baby! Needles:-Double Pointed Sz#8. The whole blankie was knit on double points and I had absolutely no seaming to do! Woo hoo!
Pattern:-Modular Afghan by Anna-Beth Meyer-Graham. This is a beautiful pattern. The recommended yarn is Noro Taiyo and if I had been doing this for me I would have used the Noro! The pattern is included in the book KNIT NORO The pattern writer suggested weaving in ends as you went along...not me..as you can see in the first pic...I had about a million at the end! Duh, that wasn't too bright of me! My only modification was applying a 3st I-cord to eliminate the curling edges and it did help somewhat!
I loved knitting this...but I have ordered more yarn for an entrelac blankie. I wish I could have consulted with Leslie about the blankie...but I'll make another as I really don't want to disappoint her!!! Anyhow..this is my first finished object of 2012 and I'm happy with the result. Happy knitting everyone and Happy New Year!

Why yes......I do still knit!

My title says it all...I still knit occasionally!
These are Lou's Christmas socks finally done!

 This pattern can be found here http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/circle-socks To add a little visual interest I decided to go with an afterthought heel.
It seemed to me these socks fought me every step and I didn't think I'd finish in time.
I love this pattern..mainly because the cuff is stretchy and will fit any ankle and has a little bit of a pattern.
Yarn:-Wisdom Yarn Marathon Socks--Maui #261. I didn't mind the yarn although it was splitty and it was bought at "Tuesday Morning" on sale for $4 something  a skein....a bargain, and Lou loves his socks.
Needles:-Sz #1 as usual!
I'm hoping I knit a lot more in 2012.
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and got lots of knitting goodies under your tree!
Mags.

"Chow...baby!"

My daughter is a "Speech Pathologist" and when I saw this hand-puppet pattern I kept saying I'd make it for her....well finally! Since she works in a school system  she had requested braces...I think just to make my life that much more difficult...
Pattern:-Chow, by Anita Mumm Wheeless. It can be found here http://knitty.com/ISSUEdf10/PATTchow.php
Materials:-
Yarn:- Patons Classic Wool, colours, bright red and winter white. I used Araucania Nature Wool, colour #42 for the tongue.
I used Sz#8 Double pointed needles.
Waxed dental floss for each tooth.
For the braces I used DMC Colour Infusions Memory Thread. This thread is a lot heavier than embroidery floss. I  was able to work with it and I made a 'french knot' on the middle of each tooth and then added a line of  stitches!
It really didn't take very long to do and it's so cute....I'm sure she's gonna love this little bit of whimsy!
I am trying to do a few things for Christmas.
Happy knitting everyone!

Felted mittens.

I have started to prepare for winter and as my hands are always so cold I thought I'd knit myself a pair of mittens!
Yarn:-Patons  Classic Wool. Colour:-Grey Mix. I have 5/8 of an ounce left...so I used 3.4 and 3/8oz...almost but not quite a full skein for the large size!
Pattern:-Cuffed Tweed Mittens by H.L. Wintermute and this is from "Interweave Felt" the 2008 issue.
Needles:-The pattern calls for Sz#15, but I only had 10.5 double points so I made the larger size and used them....I know I'm so cheap!
Modifications...or I'd say "tweaks" and who doesn't tweak patterns. I added an I-cord after felting.
 I picked up the stitches after felting and did a 3 inch cuff but I turned it to the inside and tacked it down. These mittens were long enough for me without the cuff going halfway up my arm!
I decided to add a little flower too...I used the picture from the "Rosework Mittens," by Nancy Bush and Jane Fournier from the magazine "Knitting Traditions," 2011. Honestly I hadn't a clue what I was doing and I used leftover sock yarn for the embroidery thread. It's supposed to be "satin " stitch! "Hee, hee"...you say, ha, me too!
I guess I'm ready to snow blow, and my hands will be warm and the flowers will remind me of warmer days!
Happy knitting everyone.
Mags.

Duffers...19 row felted slippers!

As you can see these are ballerina felted slippers. You know, I must be in a felting frame of mind, my last few projects are felted!

I decided to make myself a pair...lately it seems I'm always cold. They are so nice and toasty plus fast, we're talking 19 rows here, woo-hoo! I thought while I had everything at hand I'd go ahead and knit Elaine (my friend) a pair for Christmas. She's getting the green ones with the decorative "french knot" embellishments!

Pattern:-on Ravelry http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/duffers-19-row-felted-slippers This used to be a free pattern but the designer had some copyright issues and she now charges a couple of $$$$$'s! Well worth the price 'tho because these are cute and would made an easy and fast gift!

Needles:-Sz #11

Yarn:- I have a lot of Nature Wool Araucania leftovers and various colours, but any wool works!

Modifications:- I held the yarn doubled and I added a 3st I-cord around the top of the slipper.

I did the medium size US 7/7.5 UK 5 and the slippers are snug and stay on perfectly...of course they do stretch out a bit with wear, but mine don't fall off or anything!

All in all a great pattern!

Mags.

P.S. I am a very private person...but I did want everyone who visits to know that I had a sudden devastating loss in July and 'tho knitting soothes my soul I can't seem to recapture my passion. I will add that I want to thank everyone who continues to read my blog and I would ask that you bear with me and I would also ask for your kind thoughts and prayers to help me cope! Thank you all.

Old geezer felted dolls..

This is the link http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scrappy-doll for the pattern I used. I know it doesn't really look the same as the pattern version but I just used the doll and added my own "old geezer" touches.

I was asked to make an older guy doll and this was the best.

The dolls were knit on Sz#8 needles using leftover scraps of wool. Different wool felts at a different rate..so the doll wearing purple has skinny legs (they felted fast) and more of a fulled face! Awww...I don't think anyone will care!

I made the glasses out of pipe cleaners and using the buttonhole stitch wrapped them in sparkly gray sock yarn! I just needle felted in the hair and beard!

I'm sure the dolls will give a little comfort and be loved!

Happy knitting everyone!

Mags.

Big Thumb #2

It is funny how the two "big thumbs" were knit with the same type of yarn following the same directions, on the same size needles, by the same person (hee,hee) and are different...the orange monster is taller and skinnier...oh well, the boys are happy with their "big thumb dolls." and that's all that counts!

Yarn:-Malabrigo worsted weight, colourway #16 Glazed Carrot.

Needles:-Sz#10, 16" circular and 10.5 DP's. I also used Sz#8 for the thumbs!

Pattern:-my own..and I will write it up..one of these days.

This little guy as you can see was knit entirely in one piece...then I felted him..then I added the eyes, nose and big teeth. I knit squares of red and white and felted the pieces and then cut out the eyes etc....this way if the monster gets dirty he can be machine washed in cold and line dried.

We are enjoying "Granny Camp," for the next week and are hoping to go to the lake...so no knitting!

Happy knitting everyone!

Mags.

Scary felted monster...with thumbs!

Maybe not so scary.....altho' he does have huge thumbs.
This little guy is for my grandson James. I promised to knit the boys monsters for awhile now so this guy is long overdue! I'm sure he'll be loved!
Yarn:-Malabrigo worsted weight. Colour:-Oceanos. James' favourite colour is blue.
I used almost a full skein, but had more than enough left for seaming!
Needles:-Sz#10.5 and #8 DP's and a 10" circular 16" length.
Basically I used what needles I had, gauge isn't really important!
Pattern:- I made it up as I went along. I am going to knit another one for Will in his favourite colour orange and then I will write down the pattern .
This little guy after felting measures 9" in length from top of ears. The body width is 10" add the arms and it's about 12.5" wide!
I was going for seamless and for the most part he is...however I made the arms separate and after felting attached them to the inside. When I do Will's I plan to do his a little different and pick up the stitches for the arms. This way there will only be an opening across the top of the head to allow for stuffing! I knit a couple of squares in red and white and felted them for the eyes, big teeth and nose. I used my sewing machine to attach them after felting.
He came out pretty good and is so cute!
Happy knitting everyone!