Standard Knits

Welcome New baby Standard to Meghan and Ryan and big sister K!

For Baby S's arrival, I made him two hats which are the first newborn baby gifts I have made and actually got to deliver and SEE the baby in :-)

The first one is a bear hat which Meghan had specifically requested as she loves ears on babies. I used a half silk/half baby alpaca wool (not the best yarn for babies but it was SOOO soft) and cast on 44 stitches

Knit 6 rows of K1 P1 ribbing Change to larger needles and knit until piece measures approximately 4 inches from beginning (about 5 knit “ridges”)

Next row: K3, K2 together to end Next row: Knit Next row: K1, K2 together to end Next row: Knit Next row: K2 together to end Next row; Knit Next row: K2 together to end
Cut yarn leaving a long tail and using the darning needle thread tail through the remaining stitches, one at a time, and take them off the knitting needle.
Pull tail tight. Using the long tail, seam hat together matching ridges in hat.

For the EARS: Make two
With # 10.5 needles cast on 17 stitches leaving a long tail. Knit 3 rows Pass all stitches, one by one over the first stitch and off the needle until 1 stitch remains. Cut yarn leaving a long tail and using the darning needle thread through the remaining stitch. Pull to tighten. Thread tail in and out of bottom ear ending at right side of bottom ear.
To finish, fold hat in half with the seam at back. Using the long tails on ears sew ears on below the 2nd ridge and the 4th ridge on either side of the hat. Weave in ends and marvel at the finished product!

The second hat was equally as soft and adorable on Baby S. I used baby clouds yarn in blue sky. I cast on 35 stitches (it's a very bulky yarn) and knit till it was about 6 inches long and cast off. Now you have a rectangle that you basically fold in half and knit the side and top together. I added a pom pom to each end so it ended up looking like it had poof ears :-)

Pretty much the cutest baby I've seen in awhile, and nice kozy warm coming home from the hospital!

Natalie's Gap-TASTIC Infinity Scarf

I had been on the hunt for this scarf since I saw someone wearing it in September. It was apparently from Gap but each time I saw it, it was one of those "I KNOW I can make this!" deals so I refused to buy it. I'm a new member of Ravelry and actually found a pattern for it on that site! It cracked me up because apparently this girl had the same idea that I had, but actually went TO the store, counted the stitches and dissected the project so she could recreate it. Thanks to her, I now have one GapTASTIC scarf... and a homemade one that's obviously better than a stuffy store mass-created wannabe.

Totally simple-
CO 131 stitches on circulars, seed stitch for 11-15 inches.

I used the knitted cast on method and I used bulky weight yarn (Cascade 220 magnum) in a soft powdery blue. The patterns suggested Lion Brand Thick and Quick which I also love and will probably try next. I used size 11 needles, it calls for 13. Mine looks almost identical. There were tons of different links to similar cowls, but I owe mine to Jen Giegley on Ravelry. I would post the link, but unless you're a member it won't show up, so just take my word for it!

I also added two crocheted flowers to it to make it a little different...these are the same crocheted flowers that I have used for the past 3 projects because I'm obsessed with them and only know one pattern. This scarf is actually is one of my favorite things that I've ever made. However, I did learn as a child that the BEST gifts are those that you want for yourself, and for that reason, I chose to send this to my sister as part of her 21st birthday present. I probably will end up making one for myself at some point, but since it was pretty tedious to make I'll have to give it some time.

This whole thing took me about 7 episodes of Friends, one episode of the Bachelor, 2 Sex in the City and one Biggest Loser. So... 8-9 hours. Very chic very warm. I hope Natalie likes it; Happy Birthday!

Here is the original Gap Infinity Cowl that inspired this piece:

Flower Headband/Earwarmer for Big Girls

I made one for Addie's mom, Jaime. I have no idea if she'll wear it or not, but I feel like of any of my girlfriends, Jaime is one that can rock a headband really well, so I'm giving this first adult-sized one ever made to her.
Same pattern, different yarn

This is the softest yarn I have used in a long time... can't really tell from the picture but it's like mohair. The flower is more of a blob but it's the thought that counts, right?

Blob or not, I plan on making one for myself too because the yarn is really soft and yummy and it is perfect to keep my (very tiny, have you SEEN them?!) ears warm on the walk to train in the mornings :-)

The Addiband! (or Addison Headband)

I had a hank of my favorite turquoise yarn left over from the "vogue scarf" I just finished that I planned to make a hat with. I cast on 72 stitches and after about an inch of K2, P2 ribbing, I realized it was going to be too small. Instead of ripping it out, I decided to make it into a headband for one of my girlfriend's adorable little 4 year old, Addison.

Earlier in the week I spent a fun Sunday at a "stitch and bitch" brunch at my knitting guru's new shop up in Andersonville. It was all complete strangers as my teacher wasn't even there, but I ended up having a great time... AND, someone taught me to crochet! All I've been wanting to do is learn how to make flowers so I can stick 'em on hats and such, so in about 10 minutes I learned to chain, single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch... I think that's it. Anyway, I picked it up really fast and now I'm on my way to being a crocheter as well! So psyched.

So- I finished off the headband after making it about 2 inches thick. It's just a simple knit ribbed band.

I added on 2 flowers that are the same pattern but different sizes. This is ALL I can crochet at the time, but I expect to be expanding my experience on that soon ;-)

Here is the pattern I used:

1. Chain 4 and join with slip stitch to form a ring.

2. Chain 1, work 9 single crochets around ring, join with slip stitch to turning chain.

3. Chain 1, double crochet & single crochet in next stitch, *single crochet in next stitch, (single crochet, double crochet, single crochet in next stitch), repeat from * 3 more times ending with single crochet in next stitch. Join with slip stitch to starting chain and slip stitch to top of first double crochet.

4. Chain 2, 2 double crochet in same stitch (top of double crochet of previous round), *chain 2, skip 1 stitch, single crochet into next stitch, chain 2, skip 1 stitch, 5 double crochet into next stitch, repeat from * 3 more times ending with chain 2, skip 1 stitch, single crochet into next stitch, chain 2, skip 1 stitch, work 2 double crochets into same stitch where this round started and join to turning chain with slip stitch.

5. Chain 2, 2 double crochet into same stitch (middle stitch of 5 double crochets), *chain 1, skip 1 stitch, 1 double crochet into next stitch, chain 2, skip 1 stitch, single crochet into next stitch (single crochet of previous round), chain 2, skip 1 stitch, double crochet into next stitch, chain 1, skip 1 stitch, 3 double crochet into next stitch, repeat from * 3 more times ending with chain 1, skip 1 stitch, double crochet into next stitch, chain 1, skip 1 stitch, single crochet into next stitch, chain 1, skip 1 stitch, double crochet into next stitch, chain1, join to turning chain with slip stitch. Finish off.

I sewed them on and that was that! Its super cute and I hope that Addison will agree. I can't wait to see her and get a picture of the cutie wearing it!

Baby BenJAMin Set

One of my favorite people that I've met in Chicago is someone who I worked with at my first job in the Windy City. He was my team lead with like 5 degrees from Northwestern and the respect of everyone in the office... and then he became a great teacher and mentor for me, and although our professional lives have taken separate turns, he remains one of the smartest, however angriest, yet kindest (but we won't tell) people I know. Mike is a good friend, a buddy, a confidant and still the smartest guy I know. Him and his beautiful wife, Corrin just had their first baby on January 10th, 2011.

I had originally started making a yellow baby blanket (yellow because we didn't know the sex) but it just didn't seem personal enough because I've literally made a baby blanket for every baby that has been born since I started knitting. I wanted to do something different, and lets be honest... I have yet to finish the blanket. boo.

Anyway- I made this ADORABLE (I must say) hat and baby mittens... Here is how:

I used the basic hat pattern but since I was using a chunky yarn and it is for an infant, I had to adjust it to work. I cast on 40 stitches to size 13 double pointed needles and joined to knit in the round on three needles. This is actually the first hat I've ever made on DPN's so it was a rough start. I simply did K2, P2 ribbing until the hat was maybe 7 inches (enough to roll a brim). I decreased by following the pattern for 6 stitches and K2tog. Then did a round of knitting the knit's and purling the purl's. Then 5 stitches in the pattern and K2tog. Then a round of knitting the knit's and purling the purl's... and so on and so forth until it was like 4 loops left in which I used a darting needle to finish. Then I made a pompom for the top in a floppy style and sewed it on. Super cute.

For the mittens, I cast on 16 stitches to the DPN's and followed the same ribbing for 6 rows. Then I did straight garter stitch for another 2 inches. To close I did one round of K2tog for the whole row, followed by another of just a knit round. Then another of K2tog and sewed it shut with a darting needle. I read that you should never make these tiny little hand warmers without something to tie them together as they would be easily lost. I did a tight braid and pulled the knot on the end through with a crochet hook. And that's that!

I hope to see Baby Benjamin James this week to have him model my new set :-) Congrats Mike and Corrin!

The Ruffle Scarf- Part 2

An oldie but a goodie, I had to repost this fun and very well received scarf as a part II. Please see my first Ruffle Scarf blog for the pattern!

This one was made for one of my new favorite people, Debbie Corcoran. She is the wife of a guy I work with... someone who I actually hired as our new Salesforce.com trainer and has not only exceeded our expectations in becoming a great trainer but become a wonderful friend, confidant, co-worker, and party buddy extraordinaire. We recently had our annual company meeting and kickoff, and significant others were flown in to join in the fun... Kevin brought his wife Debbie who I've had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with this past weekend. I gave her this scarf to force her to like me (I mean how can they not with a handmade gift!) and welcome her to FREEZING Chicago for the first time.

So... welcome to Chicago, Corcoran's!

Mom's Piano Scarf

Let me start by saying that this silly scarf is the epitome of what blood sweat and tears means to my knitting career. It was by FAR the most difficult and frustrating project I've ever worked on, but also the most satisfying to offer as a gift. Especially to my mom, who knows the meaning of homemade projects and appreciates them more than anyone I know.

My mom is a piano teacher and fellow craft enthusiast, so once I had started knitting, I had this picture in my mind of knitting a scarf that looked like a piano keyboard. I had no idea what kind of undertaking this could turn into when trying to find a pattern that was JUST what I wanted (since obviously I stubbornly passed on several easier versions as I already knew exactly what I wanted it to look like). My knitting teacher and guru, Lisa, helped me put together a double-knit pattern from a simple piano chart that I found online here.

I honestly couldn't even tell you how she helped me cast that bad boy on, but using a ball of white and black each in Cascade 220 yarn, I (Lisa) cast on 39 stitches of EACH yarn in alternating colors. I placed a stitch marker where the black keys would end, so I knew (and didn't have to count each row) where to change colors mid-row on some of the rows on the chart.

So basically everything was knit or purl... but you were doing it at the same time, holding both yarns together. Whatever yarn you were knitting with, was the color that you wanted to be on that side... so if you were doing white keys, you'd be knitting with the white and holding that yarn with your index finger. Whatever color was the opposite of what you were knitting, you were purling that one and holding it on your middle finger. Following the chart, the first row was read right to left and knit with that color. The second row, and all subsequent even rows were read from left to right and knit with opposite color of what was shown. It took me a good 4-5 hours to get the hang of knitting with two yarn, one on each finger, till I could finish one row mistake free in under 20 minutes.

I had a fairly major setback about 7 inches into the scarf where I took an ambien for sleep... DO NOT KNIT WHILE ON AMBIEN. I basically "slept knit" and without following any resemblance of a pattern knotted my poor scarf into oblivion. Since I knew I couldn't cast on again by myself, I spent the better part of 6 hours taking out (unknitting) what I had done.

Ironically enough, my mom saw this mistake and knew it would take a miracle to recover from that enough to continue on with the scarf let alone finish it (this was in October). She even said she would be happy with a potholder of the piano pattern (liar) but I knew I was somehow going to make this happen for Christmas. That being said, I think I spent an average of 4 hours a day for the next 2 months working on that silly scarf and now am so glad I did, as it was truly one of my most proudest crafting accomplishments and I was thrilled to give it to mom for Christmas.

So the finished product is essentially two scarves in one... the front being white with black keys and the back being black with white keys. I learned that in double knitting you have to always start each row with a purl, and make sure you twist the yarn at the beginning of each row so that your two scarves stay sewn together as you go. And again, always hold the yarn you're knitting with on the index finger and the purling yarn on the middle finger. Other than following the chart, there wasn't much else too it... but this in NO WAY says that it was easy from here! Admittedly, this scarf made me cry and then of course made me even more determined to conquer the damn thing!

I actually wasn't sure how to bind off for this one, and after taking the scarf with me to a knitting shop AND having a neighbor take a look, we decided that the best method would be to bind off using the black yarn only, and just weave the white in. It looks only okay... I don't love it... but it works and I was honestly just happy to call it a completed project! I made mine to be a full keyboard of 88 keys (on each side obviously since it's essentially two scarves in one) and all in all ended up using almost 3 full hanks of Cascade 220 of each color on size 7 circular needles.

After I finished this scarf, I found THIS site that shows an almost identical project. It just offers additional insight as to how I got this done.

I have heard a few times that "knitting a sweater is like saying 'I love you' 150,000 times in a row" and as corny as that is, with the work and effort I put into each of my projects (especially this one) it is really true. I love you mom, at LEAST 150,000 times.

Dave's Girly Hats

Two little sweethearts, Adelaide and Havana, are the daughters of my boss, Dave. I wanted to make them something cute and pink, partially because they are so darn adorable and mostly because I'm such a brown-noser (remember the boss's wife's wine coozie? yeah)... but really because I just love making stuff for kids.

I picked out this AWESOME yarn from a little yarn shop in the South Loop of Chicago in neon pink. It's just a chunky/bulky weight acrylic wool blend and required a size 13 needle. I also used a hold-along yarn called "bebop" by Crystal Palace that was a mixture of neon green, pink and whatever else fuzz.

For Adelaide, who's a bit older, I cast on 56 stitches on size 13 circulars holding the two yarns together. I just did a simple garter stitch so it would curl up at the brim. I did this for 6 rows around. Then I switched to size 11 needles and did about 4 more rows of garter and started the decrease.

For Havana, I cast on 48 stitches and followed the exact same process.

For the Decrease- I counted 6 stitches in knit, then knit two together. Then knit a row. Then 5 stitches knit, knit two together, then knit a row... so on and so forth until I knit two together all the way around. I used a darting needle to close the top.

For the pompom, I literally just wrapped both yarn around two fingers a whole bunch of times, tied it, and then cut the circle open and fluffed it out. Easy enough.

I know my boss will take a picture of them wearing these for me, so stay tuned :-)

Chunky Chicago Cowl

Smooshy and lacy waves of warmth!
Difficulty Level: Easy!
Dimensions: 25" circumference, 12" height

I definitely stole this pattern from another fun knitting website I found (I'm constantly perusing the internet in search of new fun patterns...) here. Then I put my own spin on it. I am for sure going to try it with LionBrand yarn (I really like their "thick and quick") though as it's cheap and comes in tons of fun colors, but I had this really thick yarn and had been looking for something to make with it... anyway, here goes:

I used size 13 circular needles and a stitch marker. The gauge is unimportant.
I first cast on 55 stitches, placed the marker and joined to knit in the round.
Rows 1 & 2 - Knit
Row 3 - *(p2tog) twice, (yo, k1) 3 times, yo, (p2tog) twice; repeat from * 4 more times
Row 4 - Knit
Repeat these rows 7 more times. Knit one more row and then bind off loosely. Voila!

I have made four of these so far and given two away as gifts. I think they're a hit and are certainly easy to make! I finished one in about 3 hours, so it's a nice project to work on while watching tv in the evenings. I love the chunky yarn I bought from Cascade Yarns called Lana Grande- it is a super bulky weight yarn that came in a lot of fun colors.

This looks super cute with a coat and will be perfect for the upcoming Chicago winter! And, as my bff mentioned, is a GREAT double chin hider ;-)

Nick's Collegiate Hat

Nick's Collegiate Hat

I made this hat for one of my brothers, Nick, who just graduated college from Drexel University in Philly. They are the Drexel Dragons with the colors of navy and gold. I actually followed an older pattern and just cast on more stitches to make it larger.

I used the same idea as the Pumpkin head beanie, because this is actually a reversible pattern with one side being more of a beanie and the other shaping as more of a beret. If you check out the Pumpkin Head hats http://erincanknit.blogspot.com/2009/08/halloweenie-beanie-aka-pumpkin-head-hat.html you can see that this is in more of a beret shape. I flipped it to the other side for the little broski.

I just cast on 110 and followed the exact same pattern.

I added in two rows of gold into an otherwise navy hat. It turned out great and my brother said he would actually WEAR it!

Huffy Hat

I made this "huffy hat" in about 3 hours, which is probably a record for me. I call it the huffy hat as that is the childhood nickname for my stepdad, Richard, who this hat (and scarf when complete) will be for.

He is probably one of the few males in my life that will appreciate a hand made gift like this as he's got his own artsy side as well. My stepfather, Rich, has been a great father-figure in my life, and I say figure as I do have a Dad that is wonderful also, although I'm not sure he'd wear a hat that I knit. Huffy would. I am also known to him endearingly as "muffy"... so the name seemed appropriate.

I used a city tweed in chocolate that I bought on sale at knitpicks.com for about 3.99 a ball. I used size 7 circulars and cast on 72 stitches. After joining in the round, I followed the ribbing pattern of K2, P2 for about 9 inches. I have found that making really long hats works well as they can be folded over and can still cover the tops of ears.

I used a new decrease pattern I found and it turned out pretty cool, which is why I wanted to share this new design. The scarf will follow, at some point...

Any type/color of worsted-weight yarn (try several colors, and do stripes if you like!), cast on 72 st, and do the rib stitch (described above) for desired length (again, I like them long). To start decrease:

First: (This is the beginning of the cast off): k.2, k2 tog, repeat to end of row
Next row: purl
Next row: * k.1, k2 tog to end of row
Next row: purl*
Continue * *until there are 7-10 stitches left on the needle.

Sew in a circular pattern picking up all leftover stitches and wind through top of design to hide the end. That's all she wrote.

The Boss's Wife Wine Coozie

My mom raised me to never show up at someone’s house empty-handed (especially someone you’d like to make a good impression on, like your boyfriend’s parents or your boss’s wife…). It just so happens I was invited to my boss’s wife's home jewelry party and wanted to make something nice to show that I’m not only the best employee in the office but am amazingly creative, thoughtful and talented. HA. In my dreams. Let’s just say everyone loves wine and who doesn’t want to oooh and aaaahh over a little wine coozie.

I kind of did a variation on several wine coozie patterns that I found online to make one that worked for me. The whole thing from cast on to the bow tie finish on the cord took me about 10-15 hours over 3 days, so all in all, it was a pretty quick project. Since I’m still suffering from pain from the back surgery, I have been the loser of all losers and doing absolutely nothing on the weekends. The finishing of this little bobble made me feel like I was half-way productive this particular Friday and Saturday night!

To make the coozie- I used Lionbrand’s homespun beige yarn on size 9 double pointed needles:
Cast on 36 stitches and divide onto 3 dpn's. Place marker and join to begin working in the round.

Work 9 rows K3, P3 ribbing around.
Row 10: K3 *P1, yo, P2tog, K1, yo, K2tog* repeat between *'s around to last 6 stitches, K1, yo, K2tog, P3
Work 9 more rows K3, P3 ribbing around.
Knit all stitches on next and all following rows until work measures 12 1/2 ".
Purl 1 row.
Knit 2 rows and begin decreases.

Decrease rows:
Row 1: *K2, K2tog* repeat between *'s around
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: *K1, K2tog* repeat between*'s around
Row 4: Knit
Row 5: *K2tog* repeat between *'s around

Cut yarn and thread through stitches remaining on needles. Weave in ends.
To create the “berries and leaves” (they were supposed to be grapes but I got sick of making the little round balls after three, so thus, they are berries) I used a sock weight yarn called “Matsuri Lime/Purple”. Oddly enough I ripped out the purple part for the berries and the Lime for the leaves, but that’s why you can see flecks of all colors in each.

I used size 2 straight needles for both:
To make the Leaves:
CO 5 sts.
Row 1 [RS]: K2, YO, k1, YO, k2. 7 sts.
Row 2 and All WS Rows: P all sts.
Row 3 [RS]: K3, YO, k1, YO, k3. 9 sts.
Row 5 [RS]: K4, YO, k1, YO, k4. 11 sts.
Row 7 [RS]: K5, YO, k1, YO, k5. 13 sts.
Row 9 [RS]: Ssk, k9, k2tog. 11 sts.
Row 11 [RS]: Ssk, k7, k2tog. 9 sts.
Row 13 [RS]: Ssk, k5, k2tog. 7 sts.
Row 15 [RS]: Ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
Row 17 [RS]: Ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
Row 19 [RS]: Sl 1, k2tog, psso. 1 st rem. Bind off.

To make the berries:
CO 3 sts
Row 1: P3
Row 2: K1, YO, K1, YO, K1 (5 stitches)
Row 3: P5
Row 4: K5
Row 5:P5
Row 6: K2tog through the back, K1, K2tog (3 stitches)
Row 7: Slip 1, P2 tog through the back pass slip stitch over, thread end through to cast off

Tie both cast on and cast off ends together and use one end to sew base together and make a small ball

I used a twisted cord to finish and looped it through the ridge on the coozie while it was on a wine bottle to make sure it fell in the correct places. Tied in a bow and “ta-da”.

Isaiah's Knits

Isaiah is the son of my best friend Erin, who with me is known as the other half of the "Urns". Isaiah is our love child and I absolutely adore him like my own. He has, however, gotten some of the the firsts that I've ever knitted including this wreck of a baby blanket...

This is the first thing I ever tried to make other than a scarf- and let's just say it's is more "cape" like rather than the symmetrical square size it should be. Whatever, it's soft and it's the thought that counts, right? Okay okay, he's got another one in the works that will be much nicer and fancier. For now, he's got a blankey that can be stuffed in the stroller or car seat to keep his little feeties warm on night-time walks around their Wilmington NC neighborhood.

I used a soft baby alpaca yarn (2.5 skeins) and with size 15 circular needles did a simple garter stitch for the whole thing. Then I used the slim knowledge of tassles to tie on some uneven ones as the finishing touch. It's not my best work, but I wanted Isaiah to have the first blanket I had ever made.

Erin and I also like to call him "pumpkin head" so he of course got one of those little caps too. He's too cute for words and I miss him (and his mommy!) everyday.

Baby Patrick Baby Blankey

This blankey was made for my Mom's Cousin Kelly's Son, Patrick... so that makes him my, uh, 3rd cousin once removed? I have no clue. Anyway, Kelly is one of my favorites and when she had a baby, I arranged a trip to see her while I was also in North Carolina visiting my friend Erin. It worked out great as I got to spend some quality time with her three sons, Tyler, Ryan and Patrick (and husband Shawn). This was probably my best knitting project to date just because it was fun to knit, the yarn was soft and easy to work with, and it came out really nice.

I cast on 110 stitches on size 11 straight needles. Work in a garter stitch for about 2.5 inches ending on a wrong side row.

The Pattern:
Row 1: K13, place marker, *yo, K1; Repeat from * to last 13 sts, place marker, K13 (you will have 168 sts between markers at this point)
Row 2: K13, purl to marker, K13
Row 3: K13, K2tog to marker, K13 (back to 110 sts)
Row 4 and Row 5: K13, *yo, K2tog, rep from * to marker, K13
Rows 6, 7, 8: Knit across

Repeat rows 1-8 until blanket measures approximately 32.5 inches, finish with another 2.5 inches of garter stich and bind off purlwise.

I used a worsted weight yarn in a soft cotten blend for this yarn in a color called "silver sage". It's washable and easy to work with!

Check out the cutest pics of Babby Patrick cuddling with his handmade gift from Cousin Erin :-)

Thick-Thin Scarf and Hat Set

This is a very simple garter knit scarf using something called "thick/thin" yarn which is basically exactly what the name implies! It is very thin in places and very thick and fluffy in others. I cast on 20 stitches and knit in garter stitch for about two feet.

For the hat I did 10 rows of knitting after casting on 56 stitches and then 1 row of purl bumps so that it gave the hat a little texture and it didn't curl in on the ends. I followed this so that there are three distinct rows of purl bumps prior to decreasing. The whole set together took me about 15 hours over the course of a few weeks. Simple, warm, and cute!

Baby Booties

These were one of those projects that is WAAAAAAY easier than it looks. I took the pattern from one of my knitting buddies, Lizzie, who promised me they were quick and easy. I decided to try out the pattern for a co-worker, Tracy, who is due in a few weeks and doesn't know what she's having.

I chose a "silver sage" color of a cotton/wool blend (washable) and it was very easy to work with. On size 7 straight needles I followed the pattern below and finished them off with a little bow and tied them together with a "congrats" tag...

They were a big hit and took about 30 minutes each foot.

These instructions are written for smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written thus ( ). Cast on 28 (36-44) sts. Knit 2 rows (garter st).

Next row: (RS). Inc 1 st in first st. Knit to end of row.Rep last row 5 times more. 34 (42-50) sts.Knit 4 (6-8) rows.

Next row: (RS). K1. K2tog. Knit to end of row.Rep last row 5 times more. 28 (36-44) sts.Shape cuff: Cast off 4 (6-7) sts beg next 2 rows. 20 (24-30) sts.

Place marker at each end of last row. Knit 8 rows. Cast off loosely.

FINISHING: Fold Bootie in half, matching markers. Sew foot seam to markers. I just wound all the ends in and then flipped the bootie inside out and folded over the cuffs. Simple as that!

Halloweenie Beanie (aka The Pumpkin Head Hat)

(This is my adorable nephew modeling the pumpkin head)

I made FOUR of these suckers for a co-worker who's wife was having (get ready for this) QUADS (um, hence the four hats). I didn't think I could handle four baby blankets, so hats it was... They were fun to make and the pattern can totally be used for just a regular winter hat. I think each hat took about 2-3 hours, then another hour for the leaf, icord, and finishing.

So here it is: The Reversible Knit Halloweenie Beanie Recipe

Yarn: I am used this amazing, soft wool in "squash" (orange) and for the pumpkin's stem, I used a small amount of Lion Brand in a kelly green color. I had the green left over from a scarf I made a hundred years ago. This pattern took a little more than one skein of orange, and a very small amount of green.

Needles: I used a size 9 circular needle (16" circular) for most of the hat and switched to size 9 double-pointed needles when needed during decreasing. I used the double pointed to make an icord for the stem and then just the same circular ones for the leaf

I'm not sure the gauge matters TOO much for the hat- it depends on what size you want it to be! and for the stem and leaf... doesn't matter at all.

For the beanie:

1. On circular needles, cast on 88 stitches in orange yarn and join to knit in the round. Place stitch marker at start of round.

2. Knit 4, Purl 4 all the way around to create a ribbed edge. I did this for a little over an inch, or about five rows.

3. For the body, the hat is basically stockinette with a single rib every eight stitches. So you will Knit 7, Purl 1 all the way around for the entire body for until hat measures 6" from base, including rib.

4. The reason this hat is reversible is because when you begin decreasing, rather than knitting two stitches together (as I have in all my other hats) here I decided to Purl two stitches together, which creates a decrease ridge that perfectly lines up with the purl ridges on the reverse stockinette side of the hat:

5. Start decreasing by knitting six stitches, purling two stiches together and repeat all the way around the row.

6. For all the remaining rows, you'll knit until you see that purl stitch coming -- you'll see it -- and then purl together the plain stitch before it plus the lone purl stitch.

Or if that's too confusing, just follow this:
Knit 6, P2 together
Knit 5, P2 together
Knit 4, P2 together
Knit 3, P2 together
Knit 2, P2 together

But I found this to be the easiest hat to decrease of all the hats I've made -- you don't need to count to know when to decrease, just look for that purl ridge in your stockinette and you're ready to decrease. Decreasing purlwise (fancypants way of saying "purl two together") is just as easy as decreasing the regular way.

7. Switch to double points when there are too few stitches to fit around the circular needle.

8. Thread large eye needle through stitches and remove from needles. Stitch down through top of hat to secure and keep from unraveling. Finish and weave in ends.

For this particular hat, I actually flipped it inside out because I thought the "reverse" side was better for a pumpkin, but it's a cute beanie on either side...

I added the stem and leaf with my darting needle and secured it on the inside. Vooola!

I can't seem to find the pattern for the leaf as it was one that came out of my knitting-guru's head, but it was simple and took just a few minutes. However, there is another leaf that would work and the pattern for that is under the boss's wife's wine coozie. I attached the leaf and icord to the top and was all done!

So... Welcome Krol Babies! And congrats to Matt and Michelle on your four BOYS!

The Ruffle Scarf

This is one of the easiest scarves to make and it's one that collects a ton of compliments. The trick is the yarn...

I used one called Solo 194 which I bought at an expensive little boutique shop in the Gold Coast, Chicago, called "We'll keep you in Stitches". You need about 3 balls of the stuff and size 4 needles (tiny!). You can also buy the "Ruffle" yarn that Lion Brand makes, however they only have it in 3 colors: black, cream, and tweed. Honestly I've seen some other colors here and there online, but they are not cheap and I can never find the same site again! Here is a place to find the Lion Brand though, which is a little less expensive: http://store.knitting-warehouse.com/yarn-lion-ruffles.html

To "cast on" I just threaded the top side (the one that doesn't curl under) of the tape yarn using 5 stitches about an inch and a half apart. It's the puckering that makes the ruffle along with the thick yarn. To add a new ball, I simply overlapped the end of the old one with the beginning of the new one making sure the yarn was in the same position (with the curling part at the bottom). Here is a site that really helped me the second time I had to "remember" how to make this: http://learntoknit.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/faq-search.cgi?store=/stores/eyarn&faqKey=263

Just make this as long as you'd like it and cast off normally. I have made several (see pics) and they whip up very quickly. They're a great gift and look way harder than they actually are to make!

The Garter Stitch

The Garter stitch is the first basic stitch that any beginning knitter can execute to make a simple (but still awesome) scarf. Depending on the yarn used, you can whip up something easy and quick that still makes a great gift.

I made this rainbow scarf using a fun sock yarn I found on-sale at an overpriced boutique in the South Loop (which will remain nameless because we no longer like the owners of the store). I couldn't really tell how the scarf would look as the yarn obviously was a ball of green and other various colors, but I was happy with the way it turned out. My mom was also happy and has claimed this as hers, so Merry Early Christmas :-)

I used size 9 straight needles and 2 balls of 100gram sock weight yarn. I cast on 20 stitches and then just knit the entire thing. I added on the tassels using a basic slip knot selecting from the remaining yarn only the greener shades (which you can't see from the picture). If she's lucky, I might just make a matching hat next...

Baby Prentice's Blankey

I made a very soft and fuzzy baby blanket for a girl that I work with's baby who was born 2 days after my own birthday this year. Her name is Erin and she works on my team at Hubbard but out of her home in Austin Texas. We've become good friends and I wanted to make something for the birth of her first child, Connor Jackson Prentice.

I originally had a cute pattern that I had created with my knitting-guru, Lisa, however when I started working with the yarn I had bought for the project, I realized you couldn't even see the stitches. I felt it would just make more sense to do a simple garter stitch. Then I came up with the idea to switch my size 7 circular needles with a size 15 every few rows to create a "stripes" effect. It came out pretty cool. I used a "lemon lime sorbet" color that was some kind of cotton nylon blend... and as uber soft and yummy as it feels, it was a true pain in the tush to work with.

The issue I had with this yarn was that a.) it kept falling apart on me and b.) since it was essentially 2 pieces (one a white cotton fluff and the other almost a colored floss) that I kept splitting stitches thus increasing on almost every row.

I have to admit that the blanket came out as more of a baby-cape as it was so much larger on one end then the other, but, oh well... I'm pretty sure baby P won't care TOO much. It's super soft and I'm hoping the time it took to FINALLY FINISH this sucker will outshine the fact that it's totally homeade looking.

Welcome Baby Connor and congrats to Erin and Mark Prentice :-)