Leaf Lace Baby Sundress

Leaf lace baby sundress
Designed byTami Chapman

Size 2 toddler.
Materials: 2 balls Lion Brand Microspun, 70g , 168 yards, gauge - 20 sts x24 rows 4”x 4” in lace pattern.
U.S. size 5 knitting needles, U.S. size G crochet hook.
Notes and abbreviations:
K= knit; p= purl; yo= yarn over; sk2p= slip one stitch, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over; st(s)= stitch(es); ssk= slip one stitch, slip one stitch (both as to knit) place back on left needle knit both stitches through the back loop; k2tog= knit two stitches together; rep= repeat; rs= right side; ws= wrong side.　
　
　

Starting at bottom of skirt:
Cast on 123 sts, k one row.
Begin Leaf Lace Pattern:
Row 1: * k1, p2, k1, yo, k1, ssk, p1, k2tog, k1, p1, k1, ssk, ;1, k2tog, k1, yo, k1; repeat from * to last 3 sts, p2, k1.
Row 2: p1, k2, *p4, (k1, p2) 2 times, k1, p4, k2, ;1; repeat from * to end.
Row 3: * k1, p2, (k1, yo) 2 times, ssk, p1, k2tog, p1, ssk, p1, k2tog, (yo, k1) 2 times; rep from * to last 3 sts, p2, k1.
Row 4: p1, k2, * p5, (k1, p1) 2 times, k1, p5, k2, p1; rep from * to end.
Row 5: * k1, p2, k1, yo, k3, yo, sk2p, p1, sk2p, yo, k3, yo, k1; rep from * to last 3 sts, p2, k1.
Row 6: p1, k2, * p7, k1, p7, k2, p1; rep from * to end.
Row 7: * k1, p2, k1, yo, k5, yo, sk2p, yo, k5, yo, k1; rep from * to lst 3 sts, p2, k1.
Row 8: p1, k2, * p17, k2, p1; rep from * to end.
Knit rows 1-8 for pattern. Repeat rows 1-8 5 times more (6 repeats in all) end ws row.
Next row: (rs) decrease row- (k2, k2tog) across to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (92 sts).
Next row: (ws) - (k2, p2) across.
Repeat last row for 2” end ws row.
Next row: Bind off 28 sts in ribbing, k 35, rib (k2, p2) 28 sts.
Next row: Bind off 28 sts in ribbing, p 34, k1; Keep 1st and last st in garter ( knit every row (36 sts).
Next row: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1.
Next row: k1, purl to last st, k1.
Work these last 2 rows til 28 sts remain, end ws row.
Next: Work 4 rows even in stockinet st. (knit rs, purl ws). Keep 1st and last sts in garter.
　
Page 3;
Next row: (rs) k1, (yo, k2tog) to lst st, k1.
Next row: k1, purl to last st, k1.
Next row: Bind off all stitches, weave in ends, Block if necessary.
Sew center back seam taking care to match ribbing and lace.
Neck tie: Using size G crochet hook, make a slip st chain to desired lentgh to fit through eyelets and around neck.
Weave through eyelets.

Spinning Stuff

Sorry for the long wait to get stuff done and all that. I've gotten some more stuff to post here. I've been spinning like a madwoman I tell ya.

I've gotten some wonderful sample from Woolwoman of Ravelry and her etsy shoppe Katrina's Woolworld. I also just got done spinning up some CA Red I got from her as well. I still need to write up the critique for that. And take pics of course.

I just got done spinning up some Cheviot that was part of the Monthly down fibre club she has. I also got some fibre from Sheep Shed Studios. Some superwash and some of her dyesoppers.

But first, I'm going to post some pics of some of the gifts I had for my family for Christmas and the yarns I used for them. It was great spinning for gifts for family. They all appreciated how special that was.

I also had a bit of hardluck this past couple months. It wasn't fun I tell ya but it's all looking up now. YEEEHAW!!!

Well the hardluck stuff all started in January when one of my boys was sent to the hospital because his spleen started leaking. That's never a good thing. Come to find out he had contracted Epstien Barr (aka mono) and that causes ones spleen to swell to the point of bursting. Thankfully we caught it in time and he didn't have to have his spleen removed. He's only 18. He did spend almost two weeks in the hospital for it though. A whole week in ICU. He's out now and is doing much better and is actually back to work.

Then about the same time as that was going on, my hubby got laid off his job. (Damn economy anyway). He's in the oilfield and was a driller on a gas rig (will someone please tell me what oil has to do with natural gas anyway, other than how they get it out of the ground???) He's going back to work tomorrow. Yeah on that!!!!

And now my youngest is in Juvee for violating her probation. Sheesh!! It's not looking good for her but then she brought this all on herself. O well, I will just have to be there for her. It's a little too late to bitch n complain. The whole woulda, shoulda coulda thing. She just needs to pull her head out of her butt and learn her lesson from all this.

Ok, where were we? Sorry bout the whole ranting thing but then again, my blog would be totally boring without some sort of drama.

The spinning stuff, oh yeah. Here are some pics of my wheel and of some of the goodies that I've spun since I've gotten her.(my wheel that is).

That Mitten Pattern for Handspun

Hiya all,

Just lil ol' me here. Someone on Ravelry was wondering if there were a pattern for mittens using homespun worsted weight yarn (5-8 spi).



So here's the pattern for ya'll, it's not been test knitted so if there are any goofs let me know n I'll fix it for ya. I'll post some pics Thursday.



You will need about 3-4 oz of two ply (or singles if ya want or even chain plyed yarn) of worsted weight yarn. Or if you aren't a spinner just yet, you can use any worsted weight yarn. This will make two mittens for a size womens large (I have big hands for a chick).

You will also need size 5 double point knitting needles (this can easily be made with two circs or magic loop as it's based on two equal halves or sides.)



You will also be using the "Sherman Sock Method" for the top of the mitten.

Important abbreviations used in this pattern:
co= cast on
st(s)= stitch(es)
sl = slip
p= purl
k= knit
enc = encroachment sts (explained in pattern where they occur)
k2tog = knit next two stitches together as one.
BO = bind off or cast off
rnd = round
dpn(s)= double point needles.
some extra terms that sometimes are confusing:
knit even = knitting without decreases or increases, the stitch count remains the same for each round or row.
_ x's = however many times a certain action is repeated (usually in parentheses) example: "(k2tog, k1) 4x's" means to do what is in parentheses 4 times and them move on to the next set of instructions. in that line.

LEFT MITTEN:

With 2 dpn's cast on (co) 20 stitches, with either judy beckers magic caston (can be found at knitty.com) or simple backwards loop caston. Take one needle out of the cast on sts and with just the two dpn's

Purl across, turn

1: Sl 1, k 18, turn

2. Sl 1, p 17, turn

3. Sl 1, k 16, turn

4. Sl 1, p 15, turn

5. Sl 1, k 14, turn

6. Sl 1, p 13, turn

7. Sl 1, k 12, turn

8. Sl 1, p 11, turn

9. Sl 1, k 10, turn

10. Sl 1, p 9, turn

11. Sl 1, k 8, turn

(over the tip and going down the other side row)

12. Sl 1, p 6, sl next st, Purl encroachment st, turn

(encroachment sts are: pick up the loop around the bottom of the next st, knit the slipped st and the picked up or encroached sts together either purlwise or knitwise, depending on which side you are doing. Knit or purl through the front of the sts so that you don't have unsightly holes)

13. k7, sl 1, k encroachment sts, turn

14. p8, sl 1, p encroachment sts. turn

15. k9, sl 1, k enc. turn

16. p10,sl 1, p enc. turn

17. k 11, sl 1, k enc. turn

18. p12, sl 1, p enc. turn

19. k13, sl 1, k enc. turn

20. p14, sl 1, p enc turn

21. k 15, sl 1, k enc turn

22. p 16, sl 1, p enc turn

23 (last row of enc sts) sl 1, k 16, sl 1, k enc, sl 1. Do not turn.

You will now be working in the round.

Pick up on the cast on edge (if you used the magic caston you can just transfer 10 sts to one needle and then ten sts to another dpn.) 10 sts, with another needle pick up 10 more sts. You will have 20 sts on needle one and ten each on needles two and three.



Now work in rounds evenly (no increasing or decreasing) til the length of the mitten top reaches the crux of where your thumb meets your hand (or whomever you are knitting it for).



Work to end of round, Starting with the needle with 20 sts, BO 5 sts, knit around to end.

Next Round. At beginning of round, Cast on 10 stitches, Skip the 5 bound off sts, and knit next 15 sts left on needle 1. Then knit around.

Next round. Knit the 10 CO sts. Knit around. Knit 4 rounds even. (no shaping).

Next Round. K2tog (Knit two sts together), K6, K2tog, knit around remaining sts.
K 2 rounds even.
Next rnd. K2tog, k4, k2tog, k around.
Work 2 rnds even.
Next rnd. K1, k2tog, k around.
Knit 1 round even.
Either change to smaller needles (if you want to) or start k2,p2 ribbing for 2" Bind off in rib.

Make the RIGHT mitten the same way as for left except for the thumb gusset placement:
Right mitten: Work as for left mitten but on needle one, Bind off the last 5 sts on needle one, knit around.
Needle one again, k15, cast on 10 sts, skip the 5 bound off sts. and knit around. continue as for first mitten. On thumb gusset shaping, on 1st needle, k 15, k2tog, k6, k2tog, knit around, work 2 rounds even, on 1st needle, k 15, k2tog, k4, k2tog, knit around, work 2 rows even. Last round of shaping, work to last 3 sts on 1st needle, k2tog, k1, k around. follow direction for the rest of the mitten as written for the left mitten.

Thumbs:
Starting at the bound off stitches of thumb hole, with needle one pick up and knit 6 sts, make sure to pick up a stitch in each "corner" of the thumb hole so there won't be any gaps. These corner sts are part of the count given so don't pick up anymore than called for. Pick up 5 sts with needle two, then pick up 6 more sts with needle three. (17 sts), K 1 round even on thumb.
Next round. K2 tog at each corner of thumb hole, (15 sts or 5 sts on each needle). knit even for @ 1" or when knitting reaches the bottom of the thumbnail.
Start decrease for tip:
(k2, k2tog) 3x's, k1, k2tog. Knit one round even.
Next round. K2tog, around, ending with k1, break off end leaving at least 6" tail, thread through last round of sts twice (more secure that way) Finish off, weave in ends. Repeat for other mitten.

Block if necessary and follow washing directions for your particular yarn.

Just a little quick note on making other sizes or using other weights of yarn.
The Sherman Sock Method is easily adapted to other sizes of mittens, sox and yarn. Of course on the lighter weight yarns you would have to do more even rounds to compensate, perhapes 2 for every one even round in worsted.
If you are using sock yarn or sport weight yarn you would cast on half the amount of sts required for a full round. In our pattern the full round is 40 sts so half would be 20 sts.
If using sport weight you would cast on 26 sts.
If you use sock or fingering weight yarn you would cast on 30- 34 sts, depending on size of hand.
The next part of the magic of the Sherman Sock method is calculating the short rows and turning.
All you have to remember is:
-2
-2
-4
In our example you have 20 sts per half,
in the first short row you would -2 sts for your plain knit sts. So we have sl 1, and k18, turn. This is 20-2 = 18
Okay the next calculation would be for the turning row,
In our example it's: sl 1, k8, turn. sl 1, p6, p enc. turn. So beings we worked down to 8 sts then 8-2 =6.
On the last short rows we work til 20-4 or there are 16 purls between turns and enc. 20-4=16.
I know sort of confusing but it works and makes this very easy to adapt for sizes and weights of socks or mittens or whatever you want to use this particular technique for. (hat brims comes to mind).
As I said previously, I will post some pics for ya n all that.
Happy knitting, if you happen to find goofs, just let me know and I'll do my best to fix em.
Thanks.

Tami aka knittycakebaker

More pics from the Moose Run

More pics from the Moose Run!

This was the prize for the worst hand, appropriate
dontcha think?

My son Mike, getting people their first card for

their hand

Making sure things run smoothly!!
One of the stops along the way.
At one of the stops where we spun a wheel instead of

picking cards from a pile.

WOOHOOOO!!!!!!

Well dang folks, here I be and Oh man, great news.


The MooseRun Poker run was a total success!!! We had 82 bikes and cars participate. They all had a great time. A couple of the stops even provided some free grub of their own too boot. I was very impressed with the way it turned out so without further ado here are some pics and yes this post will be VERY pic heavy.....

This last photo is what it's all about!!!!!

What is up n Then Again, Maybe Not!

Well, dang.

It's been like way too long ya'll. I've been a very, very bad blogger.

There is soo much to catch up on n all that stuff.

First, here are some pics of some of the things I've been doing lately, namely, spinning on a drop spindle and I actually made my own ghetto spinning wheel. (When I say ghetto, I mean it ain't perty but she sure does the job though).

The red singles above are the ones I used to make the yarn there on the bushes. I chain plied (or navajo plied) it and it turned into a lovely worsted weight yarn. Don't know what I'll do with it just yet but hey, it's still early in the game.

The golden brown singles, I double plied them and am knitting my mom a shawl. So far so good. I'll have to post a pic when I get it at least farther along than it is. The yarn looks like antique spun gold. I love it and it's sooo soft. I hope my mom likes it n all.

In other happenings, I've been terribly busy planning a Poker Run for the end of the month. Just two weeks away. WOOHOOO!!!! It's gonna be a blast. I still have to figure out the logistics as to who is doing what at the Lodge but heck that should be pretty easy to accomplish. (Well let's hope so) Still gotta get together the stop packets, you know the cards, t-shirts, etc. for each stop. I am hoping that it all goes well and that we have a nice turnout for it. If the weather is like it is today though, sheesh, It'll have to wait for another week. Dang, I sure would hate for that to happen ya know. Then peeps won't be so apt to show up. So here's to hoping that the weather cooperates with us on this thing.

I'll post pics of that after the event. It should be kewl!!!

My New Toy!!!!!

Well dang, ya'll!!!

Do I have a surprise for ya'll!!!

I got a new toy yesterday!!! Well dang, ya know hubby got his n now I needed to get my own ya know.

Here's a pic of it. Gonna go n have fun!!!!!!!!

As a wise woman once said..... "Keep the rubber side down, the shiny side up and the points to the yarn!!"

EPIC of the WEDDING CAKE or Dang This Bugger Took a Long Time!!

Well Dang,

I've had a busy busy week this past week. I had a huge wedding cake for this weekend that required me to do some sugar roses (posted in the previous post) Those took me for flippen ever to get done. Sheesh!!!

Why I waited til the last week for this to get done and not knowing if the people were gonna actually pay for this (which by the way they haven't yet). ARRGGGHHHHHH!!!! I ain't sayin no names here because ya never know they might just have thought that I actually meant two weeks AFTER the wedding instead of the two weeks BEFORE the wedding that I said that they needed to come in and pay for it. See what you get for trusting people?? Hell, I haven't even been kissed n didn't even get a reacharound!! (sorry for the adult content there. LOL)!

Aww, but that's not why ya'll came to this here blog.

This all started a few months ago when the nice young couple came in and did a consult for us. She had pictures and all kinds of stuff she wanted on the cake. She came in with her fiance, she came in with her mom. I'm thinking, "kewl, someone who wants me to do something besides the proverbial walmart cake! How neat!"

Little did I know what I was in for, even though this ain't my first rodeo if ya know what I mean. Heck, after working at walmart for all those years and doing all those "walmart" type wedding cakes because that's what they wanted, (you know, simple buttercream with fluffy borders, roses coming out of every crevice, and every imaginable shell n fluff you can dream of). Those take just a couple days to do. One day is for baking and the next for decoration and setup. Not this one, nope!

This one had three different flavors with three different fillings. Ok, not so bad. But I get to the bakery friday night and fer cryin out loud, I have two more orders which I need to bake for as well. Full Sheet cakes mind you those humongous 18"x24" monstrosities that can feed an army or maybe a two teenage boys who've been on a hunger strike for a week. That wasn't the half of it. OMG, I start getting the wedding cake ready for it's debut on Saturday, when lo n behold, I double check the order and fer cryin out loud, I mixed up the top layer and the bottom layer. ARRGGGHHHHH!!!!!!

After a couple of well placed cuss words. (we've already had our adult entertainment for the day in the first paragraph, so I won't go into detail as to what I actually said), I cut the bottom layer, which was supposed to be the top layer into the prerequisite 8" cake. So far so good. Now to the fun part. Beings I already had a rush order with the baby shower and birthday cake. I had to bake off those as well, all chocolate, thank God!! So I wouldn't have to be measuring out a whole lot of different ingredients. I got the bottom cake rebaked. But, it has to be cooled off in order for me to decorate it without it being a crumbly mess. (especially chocolate cake sheesh)! So while it's cooling, I get the other two layers all iced, o yeah, my icing I had made earlier for this cake, was way way too gritty and I had to remake that as well!!! ARRGGGHhhh !! Sheesh! I get that all done, start on icing the cakes, so far so good, I think!

I got those iced and ready for the next step. Now I've got to make MORE icing for those two full sheet cakes. Get that done, get those decorated and boxed n ready. Look up at the clock and, crap, it's already 9. I'm thinkin, dangnabit, I still have to wait for this other cake to cool off enough so I can ice it without messing it up and my icing supply is runnin sorta low anyway after those other two (gotta remember that they were 14" 12" and n 8" and they take quite a bit of icing). I had been at the bakery since 7 that morning. Dang, my feet were killing me (still are by the way), I called my son to help me clean up (he's such a wonderful helper, as long as there's a 20 spot in it for him, lol), we got all cleaned up and I said, "Well, ya know what? If we stay here we're gonna be in the way of the donut lady (who hates my guts btw). So we finished cleaning up and I am gonna be there bright and early the next morning. So I thought!!!!!

I got to work at 8 am the next morning with full intentions of getting that darn cake finished and on it's way by 3 that afternoon. Wouldn't you know it though, the bakery was actually very busy and I ended up having to help on the counter most of the morning. All this while I'm tryin to get new icing made, the fondant made, icing the previously baked bottom layer and decorating them all with a fondant top. Now another thing about this cake was that she wanted ivory colored icing with the white fondant, now I don't know about you but there is definitely a difference in marshmallows. I kid you not!!! Apparently the brand I had used wasn't a true white, but an offwhite, sorta like the same color as the damn icing, which I was so careful to get a lovely ivory/offwhite color. Sheesh!!!! Now WHAT!!! Thank God for airbrushes. OI!! So I get that all figured out, decorate em, stack em and we are ready to rock n roll!!!!

We got the darn thing loaded (I think it weighed about 100 lbs. I swear). We start out from the alley in the back of the bakery and my son is freakin cause he hears the cake jiggling. I stop he get's out and sits in the back to keep n eye on the thing while I drive ever so carefully to the venue. All the while I'm asking if it looks OK and all he can mumble is, "Mom, it's jiggling like jell-o, IT'S JIGGLING!!!!!!" Man, he was freakin, I was freakin, we were having a regular freakin good time. NOT!!!!

We get to the venue and I explain to the person in charge that under NO circumstance was I taking that THING up any stairs whatsoever!!! She directs me to the back doors and we get it all unloaded, I place the flowers and look around, NOPE, no one there from the wedding party. No check, no nothing. Now I am in a pickle. So I ask the banquet lady, what time are they supposed to be there, she says, oh around 5. Can you all see my eyes rolling? 5? Here I was thinking that I was going to be running late and getting all this done n stuff. So I figure, heck, I'll have her sign off on the cake to make sure that she knows that it was ok and that it was fine when we left ( no worries I also took pics to cover my butt). I figure, Oh, heck, we can either wait around or go to wallyworld and do a little shopping, go back to see if anyone was there yet. We do that, get back and there is no one there, CRAP!!! So I say heck with it, I'll call her Monday and we'll go from there.

So, that's where I stand today, not knowing if I'm going to get paid, (you know how brides can sometimes be, they want the moon a certain shade of blue and if it's not exactly right, they like totally freak). So I'm sitting here writing to ya'll about this cake and crossing my fingers that I'll actually get paid for my trouble. I will keep ya'll informed as to the outcome of this.

Now for some eyecandy....

Caught RED HANDED!!!!

Well for cryin out loud!!!! I have got the reddest hands you will ever see (pics of the hands? Nope sorry, not today) but I do have pics of what CAUSED the red handedness.

I have a wedding cake for this weekend and I made the sugarpaste flowers for the cake. I finally got them all made and painted. Tomorrow I will assemble them and then get the cake frosted and ready for Saturday. This is gonna be kewl I tell ya!!!

Well I do have some pics of the roses and leaves n such. They were still wet so that's why they are a wee bit shiny still.

BUSY BUSY BUSY.....

Hiya peeps,

I know, it's been like for flippen ever since I've posted last, but hey, I've been a busy girl!!!

I've gotten several projects done for a few contests I entered (hopefully I havent' bitten off more than I can chew with all them things). I entered into ADHD's "my Ex ain't knit" felted bag contest. I also have completed my sox for the sockamania March and just got the pattern for April (which I need to find some yarn for). I also completed the SKP2008 sox #1. Unfortunately for that one, I got all gungho that I was the first American done with em and sheesh wouldn't ya know it, I got disqualified because I missed a little bit on the "in progress" pic requirements and didn't post em ON THE NEEDLES. ARRRGGGHHHHH!!!! That ain't happenin again, I tell ya!!

I just got done with some boot sox for myself, (gotta have boot sox to wear with the Motorcycle boots ya know), speaking of which.... Hubby n I got a NEW toy..... WOOHHOOO!!!!

As he likes to put it, "She's 2 years old and weighs 800 lbs." She's a 2006 Harley Davidson Electroglide Ultra Classic. Full Dress touring bike.

I'm still working on the Leaves and Cables poncho/jacket. (Not really a poncho and not really a jacket but the wonderful progeny of both).

So needless to say, I've been a busy woman and I really need to get down to the bakery today so that I can start working on those sugarpaste flowers for a wedding cake coming up this next weekend. They do need a little time to dry ya know. But it's gonna be perfect. Ivory and white with beautiful dark red almost blood red sugar roses.

Felted Flat Top Bowler

Hiya folks. Yeah it's me again. I've been knitting like a possessed woman these past few weeks and havn't had a whole lotta time to post in the ol' bloggaroonie here. Sorry about that (blushing)!

Well, to get ya'll up to speed n such; I've embarked on a major de-stashing project. I have 5, 30 gallon Rubbermaid totes just poppin out all over the place with (gasp) acrylic yarn (mostly redheart) and I just can't see knitting for my entire family, although there are quite a few of em, stuff from this massive stash.
Well, that being said n all, I figured, why not knit some hats n scarves n stuff for the local charity ( Caring Ministries) they usually end up with second hand junk, and I figured this would be a good thing for them. They would get varied different styles of hats and scarves (nothing like tryin new techniques n all that stuff) potholders, dishclothes, etc. etc. the list could go on n on n on, for weeks even.

I've also been quite busy coming up with patterns n such for other things and finishing up as many UFO's as I can before March 1st hits and the SKP2008 sock knitting contest starts. Also I joined up with the sockamania club as well, AND the ADHD knitters "EX" contest. That one will be loads of fun. LOL!!!

So, as you can see, I've been one crazy knotty chica. I did manage to make a mistake into a rather cute pattern for a felted hat though. I was aiming to try to write up a pattern for the knitted version of the fuschia fedora. But alas, everytime I felt it the crown ends up too small or like this last effort, (oi veh) I kinda let it go in the wash a little bit too long and, well, I guess my lil blue eyed angel has a new Easter bonnet. I do have pics of it before it was felted and the dang thing was like humongo bigness. Gotta pay more attention to the wash I guess when I'm felting something and not let it go the full cycle. Well at least I learned something new though huh? Back to the drawing board or the cirx at least.
I did manage to record the video for the needle-less cable for youtube. Here's the link if ya'll would like to take a peek. n all that good stuff. I think it's really kewl.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX7bK6xlV1U
Or I finally figured out how to embed the darn things LOL!!! How kewl is that???
O, yeah, there's quite a bit of background noise n stuff, cause, well sheesh, for once the kids thought they should be doing the dishes right then. Had to be done, they say. O well!! Who am I to complain when the kids do the dishes. right?

Enjoy the show ya'll. Laters!!!

Pimp Daddy Felted Fuschia Fedora

Pimp Daddy Felted Fedora in Crochet
This pattern is crocheted for those of us who like to “git’er’done”!
Materials: 1 skein of “Brown Sheep’s” “Nature Spun” worsted weight 100% wool yarn 1 /2 skein S. Charles Ritratto, as a carry along for the head band area. You’ll use more or less depending on your stitch gauge. ( the Ritratto is optional).

Size I (9) crochet hook, one stitch marker or safety pin.

Gauge: It really doesn’t matter as this is gonna go into the washer anyway and get the heck shrunk out of it!

Abbreviations and stitches used in this pattern: ch= chain stitch; sc= single crochet; hdc= half double crochet; Rnd= round; st(s)= stitches; pm= place marker; slst=slip stitch; nxt = next.
This is an easy pattern for most crocheters. I am hoping that a lot of you find this pattern interesting and fun and maybe one of these glorious days we can all join together in a CAL (crochet a long, for all you newbies out there).

Now finally to what we have all been waiting for………….
Rnd 1:Ch3, join with a slip stitch to the first chain to make a ring, ch1, make 8 sc in ring, do not join rounds throughout until the last round of the hat. (8 sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around. (16sc)
Rnd 3: (sc in nxt sc, 2 sc in next sc) around (24 sc)
Rnd 4: (sc in nxt 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around (32 sc)
Rnd 5: (sc in nxt 3 sc, 2 sc in nxt sc) around (40 sc)
Rnd 6: (sc in nxt 4 sc, 2 sc in nxt sc) around (48 sc)
Rnd 7: (sc in nxt 5 sc, 2 sc in nxt sc) around (56 sc)
Rnd 8: (sc in nxt 6 sc, 2 sc in nxt sc) around (64 sc)
Rnd 9: pm,*sc around (64 sc) Move marker up to the next row as you complete it.
Rnd 10: (sc in nxt 7 sc, 2 sc in nxt sc) around (72 sc)
Rnd 11: Repeat round 9 from * (72 sc)
Rnd 12: (sc in nxt 8 sc, 2 sc in nxt sc) around (80 sc)
Rnd 13: Repeat round 9 from *. (80 sc)
Rnd 14: (sc in nxt 9 sc, 2 sc in nxt sc) around. (88 sc)
Rnd 15: Repeat round 9 from *. (88 sc)
Rnd 16: (sc in nxt 10 sc, 2 sc in nxt sc) around. (96 sc)
Rnd 17: Repeat round 9 from * (96 sc)

Next round: pm and leave on this round for brim measurement reference. Hdc in each sc around, do not join. (96 sc)

Continue working hdc in each stitch until you have 6” from marker.
(optional) Next round: join the ritratto and continue workind hdc into each stitch for 2 more inches til there are 8” totalf from the marker. Do not join. If you leave out the ritratto continue on til the crown is a total of 8".

Next round: (hdc in nxt 11 sts, 2 hdc in nxt st) around. (104 sts)
Next round: hdc in each hdc around. (104 sts)
Next round: (hdc in nxt 12 sts, 2 hdc in nxt sts) around. (112 sts)
Next round: hdc in each hdc around. (112 sts).
Next round: (hdc in nxt 13 sts, 2 hdc in nxt st) around (120 sts)
Next 2 rounds: hdc in each hdc around. On last round join with slip stitch to the first hdc of round. Cut yarn, weave in ends.

Take the hat and put it into a zippered pillow case and in the washing machine with hot water and small load setting, with a pair of jeans or other non pilling item that is heavy weight. Wash anywhere from 5-20 minutes depending on the felt rate of the wool and the size you are wanting. When you get to the size you want, don’t drain the water from the washer but put it on the spin cycle and spin dry, take out of washer and fiddle with it till you get the desired shape you want. For a “pimp daddy” hat, pinch the front and crease, curl up the back of the brim but not the front. Make sure that the top or crown is flattened and not rounded. If you want to shape it some other way that would be just great.. Let sit and dry for 24 hours.

If you want to post pics to either Ravelry or your flickr account and then link them that would be totally kewl.

DONUTS ARE EVIL!!!! (or why I really hate donuts)

Okay so this doesn't have a whole lot to do with knitting today, but, please, OH puhleezzze, hear me out.
I have come to the conclusion that donuts (you know those sweet adorable round things you get at the local bakery or Krispy Kreme are just plain, downright evil. Yes, evil!! You heard it here first!!!!

I work at a local bakery and after having a somewhat event filled evening (teenage daughters, need I say more), I had relaxed in front of my computer and was merrily knitting away at an awesome pair of mittens for my boy (he chose the pattern cause he thought it looked like camoflauge ).
I digress, but alas, I was knitting along checking out the Ravelry and KH forums when, DAMN, are you serious? It's the friggen phone. Now who in their right mind would be calling me at 12:45 in the a.m. not wanting me to teach them new articulate ways of telling someone to get a life? It was the regular "donut lady" at the bakery. She's got a fever and can't work, blah blah blah. I look at the clock and Scheit, it's almost 1 and I need to be there ASAP!!!
So, I jump in the shower, get dressed kiss the hubbiness buh bye and head to the bakery.
This is going to be such a looooooong day.... remember, I haven't even been to bed yet and I'm heading out to foment evil (donuts that is).
I get there and start the drudgery of donut making, you know weighing out the flour and mix and water n stuff, get the dough going and start in on the cake donuts. Now them buggers are definitely evil. If the water is too warm they won't fluff up and be tough, if the oil is too hot they burn on the outside and are still gooey as snot in the inside. Or if the oil is too cold they get all greasy and floppy and are just not worth the time it takes to mention them. But, as luck would have it, the fryer was being stupid (or was it just me, o well), the oil hadn't gotten to temp yet and, crap, that first drop of little hellions just flopped all to heck. I ended up having to make another batch of batter and doing them AGAIN!!!! ARRRGGGHHHHH, did I mention I really hate donuts??
The rest of the morning goes along fine, but I have to be back in the afternoon to make those lovely personalized cookies. Who names some of these kids anyway. Sheesh, some of those names had more letters than Brittany Spears has DUI's.
I take a nap, but wouldn't you know it the dog decides that he has to jump up and down on the bed the whole time I am tryin to get a nap so that I can go back to the bakery and make those cookies. It's a wonder I would spell d-o-g much less write names on cookies. Acckkk!
Hubbiness calls while I'm at the bakery. Mind you I haven't seen him since I kissed him this morning before I went off to make those offending little pastries. He want's to know if I can get to the store to get some TP and something for dinner. I get done with the cookies, clean up, lock up and head to the store. Get my shopping done, get home, make the aforementioned dinner (it was nachos by the way) and wouldn't you know it, hubby is in bed sleeping like a baby. Yep, so, therefore, I have come to the conclusion that "donuts" as a whole are invariably EVIL!!!!
They make you stop knitting, they get you out of bed at ungodly hours. They just basically screw up yer whole day.
Now that I'm home and don't have to worry about those damn donuts maybe I can get back to knitting and surfing.
Luv you guys!!!!

OMG!!! It's been two Weeks!!!

Hiya peeps,

Well dang, I went and done it now, sheesh. I posted a message on the Ravelry patterns board about there not being any decent FREE patterns for young boys and young men. Mostly what I found in my exhaustive search were too cutesy or too OLD!!

So, I challenged myself and others to come up with some patterns for our young men that were trendy and something we would actually enjoy knitting, besides the monotonous drudgery of endless stockinette with stripes or a little color threw in here or there. Those are ok n all that, but I wanted to do something that was a little bit more fashion forward without them looking like a "Cosby sweater gone wild!"

Rilana of "rilana knits" has some awesome graphs for the teenage set. Those would be totally kewl in a youngmans simple sweater. I also had some ideas with incorporating superhero themes into the sweaters for the younger boys. You know themes like "spiderman" or "the wolverine" or "naruto" and other stuff like that.

Well my first project was more on the line of "can it be done" sort of thing, not to mention my son would get a little upset if it was too "out there". So to start with, I ended up doing a cabled raglan in the round from the bottom up. I will post the finished pattern as soon as I can get it written down for ya all. It would run towards the experienced beginner type. Plus, the promised video of my method for needle-less cables.

Holy Batman !!!!

I've done it now..... I've finally forayed into the realm of the sox on cirx club. Yep, you heard me right.
Ever since I heard about the sox on cirx thing, I kept telling myself, "Why fix something that ain't broke?" So I kept goin round n round on my beloved dpn's. (I still luv em btw).
I just wanted to experiment with my favorite sock pattern (The Sherman Method). I went and watched some Cat Bordhi videos on YouTube and I had an epiphane (no I didn't hear any choirs from heavon singing "AHHHHH" but close)!!
I used the Judy Becker 'Miraculous' Cast on from the video and then watched a few more times some of Cat's videos on knitting on two cirx. I would have to say, so far so good. Not quite as fast as I am on dpn's but I'm pretty sure I'll get the hang of it and be pumpin out sox n other tubuler things like there's no tomorrow.
As soon as I get off my lazy bum to drag the camera out, I'll take some pics of the WIP. Just a simple little sock, nothing fancy, but I did want to make sure I got the grasp of the concept before I went on to something with a little bit more pizazz.
Well, I had better head off to bed. Have court tomorrow (don't ask). So I still have to dye my hair or I'll be the only skunk in the court room.

Funky Felted Fuschia Fedora

Hiya guys n gals,

Here is a picture of a felted hat (fedora) I came up with after doing a rather thorough search on the net for a similar one and not finding it. I am in the process of writing the pattern for this particular hat right now and retesting my directions and making sure I've dotted all my T's n crossed all the i's. Aww heck, ya'll know what I mean!!

At the time I was looking for a hat that was akin to the one the "Indiana Jones" wears in those movies and for the life of me, I could not find one. Knitted or crocheted. So I just said, "heck with it," and came up with my own design. I hope ya'll like it!!!!

And as always, if there are ANY problems you come across just drop me a line at chaptlps @ yahoo (dot) com. I will do my best to answer any and all of your questions if need be.

TWISTED RIB FINGERLESS GLUBS

Well guys, I did promise to post this on my blog n all that. Please bear with me as I will have to decipher what I wrote. (LOL)!!

I've been a busy knitter lately, what with Christmas n all that stuff goin on. Now there is my mom n dad's anniversary of course on Feb. 14th, need to figure something out for that and my mom's birthday on Feb. 6th. I did knit her a wonderful lacy scarf out of some mohair yarn which I have so magnanimously named "ROYGBIV" It's beautiful to say the least but on to what we are here for in the first place the aforementioned glubs (gloves, knucklers, gauntlets, etc......)

I will post a pic of it I promise ASAP (as soon as I find where I put em)... Damn, they're in Wyoming, arrrgggghhhh, guess I'll hafta make another pair, O well, at least I got it written down. WOOHOO!!!

K, are ya'll ready? Here we go....

TWISTED RIB FINGERLESS GLUBS

Please note that there are corrections on the second glub in red at the bottom of the page!!

Materials: any worsted weight yarn is good (4-5 sts per inch) I used good ol' Red Heart for this.
size US 5 double point needles (dpn) set of 4
one stitch marker

Abbreviations used in this pattern: K= knit; P= purl; yo= yarn over; twr= twisted rib; K2t-tbl= knit 2 together through the back loop (same slant as a slip, slip, knit (ssk) or slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (skp). x's = times; ws= wrong side; rs= right side.

Special instructions: skip first stitch, knit into the back loop of 2nd knit stitch, leave on left needle, knit regular into 1st knit stitch, slip both worked stitches off of left needle. Twisted rib stitch made.



Cast on 36 stitches (cast on of your choice, just make sure it's an elastic type so the cuff won't cut off your circulation on yer fingers and they turn blue n fall off.... just kidding!!!)

divide onto three double point needles thusly, 16, 10, 10 without twisting, join. Place a marker at the beginning of the needle with 16 stitches, this will be counted as the beginning of your rounds.

Round 1-3: K2, P2, around to marker

Round 4: (twisted rib row) skip 1st k stitch, k into back loop of 2nd k stitch, leave on left needle, knit regular into skipped knit stitch (1st k stitch),slip both worked stitches off left needle, (twist made), (p2, twr) 4 x's (5 twists altogether), p2, k2,ending with a p2, to marker. You will have one twr on needle 2, the rest are on needle one.

Round 5: (k1, yo, k1, p2) 5 x's, k2, p2, to marker

Round 6: (k3, p2,) 5 x's, k2, p2, to marker.

Round 7: (decrease round): (k2t-tbl, k1, p2) 5 x's, k2, p2, to marker.

Round 8: Repeat round 1

Repeat rounds 4-8 for pattern, ( 4 times for average sized hands, make longer or shorter depending on your preferences). End on round 4 of pattern.

Next round:(round 5 of pattern) Work across (keeping to established pattern) the twisted ribs on needles 1 and the twisted rib on needle 2, p2, Bind off 5 stitches, finish the round following the established k2, p2 ribbing (knit the knits, purl the purls) to marker.

Next round:(round 6 of pattern) Keeping in established pattern, (twisted ribs, k2,p2, etc) work to the bound off stitches, Cast on 5 stitches, work in established pattern to marker.

Next round:(round 7 of pattern) Work in established pattern to cast on stitches, work k2, p2, k1 into cast on stitches, continue in ribbing to marker.

Next round: Repeat round 8 of pattern

Continue repeating rounds 4-8 until there are 6 repeats of pattern altogether end on round 4 of pattern.

Next round: Work k2,p2, ribbing around for 1-2". Bind off Weave in ends.

Make second glub, same as first to thumb hole, work to needle 3, p2,k1, bind off 5, continue as established, work same as first glove following ribbing and stitch pattern, work to the bound off stitches, on needle 3, p2,k1, cast on 5 stitches, continue in pattern, continue to needle 3, p2,k1, in cast on stitches, k1,p2,k2, p last 2 stitches on needle 3. continue as for first glove. Bind off all stitches and weave in ends.

For more advanced knitters you can reverse the twist, on the second glub, on the twisted rib pattern to get a mirrored effect.

I would be more than happy to have someone test this out for me as I have been the only one so far to knit this. Let me know if there is anything that needs clarification.

Happy knitten ya'll!!!

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'll get a picture posted as soon as I get the second set knitted.

And Now for Something Completely Different...

Well ya'll have been asking and here they are........... the pics of some of my FO's. Most are sox that I have adapted the Sherman Sock ToeUp Method. ( I hope the link works)... and without further ado... I give you "SOX"

And now for some non-sock stuff...

These are all knit with either KP's gloss or Andean Treasure. The hat and wonkywrist rockette are knit with "Frog Tree's" 100% worsted weight alpaca.

O and sorry about the double post of the purple sox. That wasn't supposed to be that way ya know. I have been busy busy busy making gifts for my kids and loved ones this year and I only have like 8 days left. Sheesh!!! But I hope to have em all done before the big day.

I know,I know. It's been way way too long...........

I know it's been like forever (since June) that I've blogged about anything. I was trying to get stuff done so that I could link it or post it, but alas, It's been a busy summer and fall and, well, dang, it's about time I posted something before I turned into the proverbial pumkin!!!

I have been knitting sox for Christmas gifts for kids, grandkids, sisters, brothers, outlaws, inlaws, you name it I'm trying to knit something for them.

I have about 3 UFO's sitting round the house waiting for my attention, but you all know how that goes. You get burned out and have to start on small projects to feed that ever present desire to actually finish something and feel like you've accomplished a great thing (when actually it was just another potholder or dishcloth to add to our ever growing collection).

Now to go off on a tangent, hmmmmm, I have looked everywhere and lo n behold, I cannot for the life of me find an OTC (over the calf) men's sock pattern that doesn't look like a bent torpedo.

I went and splurged on some lovely "gloss" from "knitpicks". It's a gorgeous, sumptuous wool/silk blend yarn that is between lace and babyweight. Perfect for socks that aren't too heavy but still nice and warm. Now to find a pattern that fits what I need to do???? HA!!!

There isn't one.

So, what does a yarn junky like me do in a situation like that? Well, write the pattern for it I tell ya.

Well so far so good. I have my favorite pattern for sox that is very easy to manipulate into whatever size or gauge I need (sorry I am really bad about gauge guys. I'll knit it til it looks right and then go from there). So right now, I am using this yarn on size 0 needles, making the turned toe (yes I love toe up sox. No seams, AND, woohoo, no grafting). I started out thinking that maybe I should start with 40 sts (80 sts around) but that would've fit Shaq's foot with room to spare, so FROG it goes. Tried 32 sts (64 sts around) but that was too small (sounds almost like Goldilocks don't it). Well finally settled on 38 sts (76 around) and it looks like this is the winner for todays events. I'll let you know how it goes, but I was going to make it so that it had arch support (sl st's like the french heel) and reverse stockinette on the ball and heel parts of the foot for comfort (my hubbiness if very very picky). He also has a very slender ankle but enormous calves (sheesh, that's gonna be a challenge).

K, now more on stuff I've learned while knitting sox.... You know that horrid feeling you get when you've knit a wonderful, lovely pair of sox only to have the cast off edges (especially on toe-up sox) be way way too tight? ARRRGGGHHHH!!!!! I really hate that. (did I also mention I really, and I mean really hate frogging?!?). Well, sock knitters of the world, I think I've come up with a simple little solution. Yep you've heard it here first (if someone else didn't already think of it, which I'm probably sure they have.. but oh well...)

If I'm knitting a k1, p1 rib for the top band of the sock or k2,p2, beings I'm also an avid crocheter, I figured, why not on the knit stitches, make an extra chain st in the binding off process. You crocheters out there know what I'm talkin about. I would (on k2, p2 rib) k1, make slip stitch, k1, pass first stitch over second, and off (like regular binding off) then bind off the p sts, and repeat the whole process around. On k1, p1 ribbing, I would do it on every other knit st. and follow the pattern around. It's not noticeably flared but it does give the top of the sock extra room and you don't get that sinking feeling of a really tight top when it's done. I've also used this same technique to get a lovely picot edge on top just by making more chain stitches in between the knit stitches. Aww, necessity being the mother of invention, ain't she great!!!

The two pics at the top of the page are a pair of sox I knit using the toe up method with the bind off technique prevously described. I know, they need to be blocked.