Socks and Baby Dress

First up, as promised, socks! Here is the panda wool that I am using to knit the first set of socks. Panda Wool is 46% bamboo, 43% wool and 11% nylon and oh so soft with a little bit of sparkle. I am using 2.25mm needles and a pattern called double eyelet rib found in The Harmony Guide to Knitting Stitches. An old book that my mom gifted me when I was in college -- ages ago!

I am trying to knit two socks at once on two 24" circular needles and am not sure that I am liking it. It seems like a lot of fiddling with the needles but I am sure I will like it when I am done and have a pair of socks to wear (or gift, I haven't decided yet).

Next is the preemie dress I was working on last post. It is complete and I knit a bonnet to go with. The Heart2Heart dress pattern is by Mary Glynn and I knit it with Bernat Softee Baby on 3.75mm needles. I couldn't find bonnet pattern with the gauge I was using so I made my own. It looks like it will be about the right size to fit a 2-3lb preemie. This outfit will be going to HAIN but first I want to knit one more preemie outfit for a boy using this gown pattern that I found by Libby Wilson.

Happy Canada Day on Sunday to all Canadians!!

Happy Wednesday

My kids are happy anyway! It was sunny and warm here today, a great day for their first day off for summer holidays. They had a friend over to occupy them. Hopefully this is how the rest of the 8 weeks will be :-) The kids are happy and I get to knit, knit, knit (and maybe sew)!
Socks are finished. Yeah!! These were knit with Plymouth Classics Sockotto yarn on 2.25mm needles using Deby Lake's Tidal Wave pattern. I have to tell you that this yarn is not very soft. It is 45%cotton, 40% superwash wool and 15% nylon. It must be the cotton content that makes them a little "harsh". Not that I don't want to wear them ---

But I ordered some other sock yarn from Little Knits and it is oohhhh soooo soooffftt!! I got to touch and feel it today -- 4 balls of panda wool (40%bamboo, 43% wool and 11%nylon) and 1 ball of Fleece Artist's basic merino socks in Lily Pond --- Yummm. Of course I had to start knitting a pair of socks with the panda wool. I will show you a picture next time

Also started on the needles is a preemie dress. This is just the skirt so far (almost done). This is Mary Glynn's Heart2Heart pattern. I have made one before and her pattern was very easy to follow and the dress turns out adorable. I am using Bernat SofteeBaby yarn in a mottled pink and white colour

Til next time, keep on knitting :-)

Today It's Knitting

As promised here are some finished (and not so finished) knitting projects. As an aside I have one of the star quilts layered and ready to quilt and the other two star quilts are now pieced into tops. Yeah!!

First up, some knit baby hats. These hats will be given to our church's caring ministry for families of new bundles of joy. I hope it is a blessings to them.

From bottom left going clockwise ---
* Blue and white hat pattern from P2Designs and is knit with James C. Brett Kool Kotton (very soft cotton yarn);
* My own pattern knit with Paton's Astra yarn;
* Hat pattern by Lenore English knit with Paton's Astra yarn;
* And last, very cute hat by P2Designs and knit with the Kool Kotton. There is a sweater and cute socks that go with this hat.

And on the needles for myself (what a concept) is a sock. Knit in Plymouth Classics Sockotta colourway Sun Kissed. I am using Deby Lake's Tidal Wave Sock pattern. You can see the pattern much better on her picture than mine. These are short socks to wear in the summer. Did I ever say that I am always cold. It needs to be about 75F before I can take my socks off so they will definitely be worn (if I get them done in a timely manner that is).

Are you looking for sock patterns?? Check out Knitting Pattern Central. There are tons of free patterns there -- so many you would never need to buy another pattern or book (unless you like the eye candy all in one place)!

Actual Quilt Making

I have been inspired -- I am not sure by what but I have been working on some quilt tops.

The first is from donated fabric with cute pigs on the farm fabric. I had meant to make sawtooth star blocks but ended up sewing the wrong colour corner squares onto each flying goose. I wasn't about to rip it all out so I changed the pattern. I think it turned out very nice. I have the backing washed and am ready to layer and quilt. Maybe today! This quilt will go to ECEAP preschool program at Encompass in North Bend, WA.

The second quilt has blocks that were donated to me by Kirsten about 2 years ago. Am I slow or what!?! She had started this gorgeous quilt and had about 15 star blocks, 10 alternate blocks (don't know what to call them) and then quite a few pieced setting triangles. It looks like the blocks would have been set on point. Anyway, this quilt took very little time to put together and I have 2 others (a little bit bigger) with stars and alternate blocks to still put together. These will turn out to be about baby size so will go to Heavenly Angels In Need when I am done.

More finished knitting items next time :-)

Just Popping In

Just wanted to post a quick note that I finished up the dress and bonnet outfit for Heavenly Angels In Need. It is small newborn size (6 -7lb baby) and the pattern was from BW Creations which doesn't seem to be available anymore. Barbara -- where did you go? I really like her patterns! The yarn is Softee Baby.

I finally had to make a list of things I want to knit. I found myself coming up with new ideas and kept getting off track.

Question for you: How many charities do you donate to?

I am currently donating to 4 and find myself overwhelmed occasionally. They are all great causes with immediate needs which initiates the problem for me -- which one is the priority? Anyway, just some food for thought and I would enjoy hearing your comments on the topic! Have a great Monday!

Helping the Afghan People

Want to help the Afghan people? Check out Afghans for Afghans or Bev's Baby project.

A Finished Quilt

Wow ... this is a momentous occasion. I actually finished a quilt that was worked on only by me. A couple of years ago I would have finished 4 or 5 by this time in the year but knitting has really taken over from my sewing. Not that I am complaining! Knitting is more portable. And I can finish baby items much quicker than a quilt --- ahhhh, instant (almost) gratification!

Also finished and off the needles is the pair of socks I was knitting for the Dulaan project. And started is a sweater. I am hoping to have the sweater done in another week so I can box up my items and get them off to F.I.R.E. If it isn't done then it will be a good start on next years items or may get donated to Afghans for Afghans if they have a need. It will definitely be used somewhere to keep yet another child warm --- there is such a great need on this planet for warm clothes!

I am still working on the newborn dress. The skirt is almost finished and then I will start the sleeves (I will post a picture next time).

I have about 10 yards of fleece that I want to cut into baby blankets and then edge in crochet. That will be my next project, as well as some newborn hats for our caring ministry at church. I have a never ending list!!

7 Random Things

Thanks Candy!! I've been tagged to list 7 random things about me and then pick 7 others to tag. First the rules --

Each person tagged gives seven random facts about themselves along with the rules of the game, as well as tagging seven others by listing their names as part of the blog post and leaving a blog comment for the tagged individuals to let them know that they've been tagged.

1. I learned to knit when I was about 12. My mom tried to teach me but I was sooo tense and my stitches so tight I would end up in tears. Eventually I figured it out and now it is a passion.

2. I was born and raised in Penticton, BC Canada as was my dad. My grandparents moved there in 1912 so you could say our family are old timers :-) I never moved until I went to college.

3. I took CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Manufacturing) at a technical college and worked at an engineering firm and computer company before moving to the US.

4. I learned to quilt on my own in 1998 after moving to the US. I had a 1 yo at home and didn't know anyone so started quilting to keep my sanity.

5. This is hard, coming up with 7 things. I am a pretty private person LOL! (does this count?)

6. I used to do cross stitch but gave it up when I started quilting. 2 hobbies is plenty for me (and my husband would agree).

7. I have one sister and one brother both younger than me. (Can you tell I'm having a hard time coming up with ideas?!?) My family and my husbands live in Canada -- we are the only rebels!

I'm not tagging anyone. Maybe I will think of someone later, but most of the blogs I read have already been tagged!

We had an awesome time camping and I will post pictures in the next couple of days!

Knit For Dulaan

Since I posted those YouTube movies I thought I would also update you on all the items I have knit for The Dulaan Project so far. The due date to have all items in to F.I.R.E. is July 1st so I am hoping to have may box ready to mail by June 15th. Finished for Dulaan are one Steppe Sweater size 8/10, one red raglan sweater size 6/8, one v-neck cardigan size 4/5, three hats, and one pair of baby booties pictured below with the finished sock.

That said -- I started a new pair of wool socks size 6 and want to start and finish a size 6 pullover sweater. One sock complete and the other started (just barely).

I have a bunch of fingering/sock yarn in 100% wool that I thought I would make socks out of but it is not machine washable so won't be a good choice for my family (I don't do hand washing LOL!). Doubling this yarn up will make a nice worsted weight yarn.

We are headed camping this weekend so I hope to get the socks finished up and a good start on the sweater.

Why I Knit for the Dulaan Project

So Much Started

Sorry I haven't posted for quite a while. I have been busy (who hasn't) and I just haven't had the time -- or the desire -- to post. Since the last time I posted I have started 3 new projects and finished one of them today.

Afghans for Afghans had a challenge to make baby socks and hats to bless mothers for mothers day. I decided Friday that I wanted to make at least one set and the due date is May 25th. Nothing like leaving a project to the last minute. They are done -- now I just need to get them in the mail tomorrow. Hopefully they arrive by Friday! The socks are from P2Designs striped ribbed socks and the hat is made up by casting on 84sts, k2, p2 ribbing for 3" and then k6 rows purl a row, knit a row, purl a row until the hat measured 6" then typical decreasing. One more baby will be warmed!

The next project I started a couple of weeks ago was a burial dress. I have been reading on the HAIN forum of so much need by hospitals for burial outfits (very sad) and decided I needed to make some of these up. I am sure it would be much faster to sew them, but I just don't seem to have the energy and my sewing skills just don't measure up (in my opinion) as much as my knitting does. The pattern is from BW Creations which doesn't seem to be active anymore. It is knit in one piece with the back open. The skirt is a pretty eyelet pattern.

And the last item that I started about a month ago was another baby raglan cardigan sweater. I love making these, they work up quickly and turn out so cute! The pattern is by Carole Barenys and I am using some pastel sport weight yarn and pretty pink heart buttons.

I am planning on finishing the burial dress first though I still have the pink "waves" blanket I need to finish knitting. I think I am about half done with that. And the quilting/knitting group at our church has the opportunity to knit hats and booties for new arrivals through the Caring Ministry. So far no one has offered to help so I may need to knit a few of those quickly as well.

Hopefully there will not be as much time between now and the next post. I will do my best to update you on what is happening in my crafting life!!

Baby Hats and More

The basket (box) is finished for In The Fields Mininstry's fundraiser auction. All the proceeds go to help drill for fresh, clean water in Uganda. It is hard to see what is in there but it is packed full of goodies. I made 2 wash clothes, hat and booties, fleece blanket with crocheted edging, and a double layer flannel receiving blanket. Also included is some goats milk soap that my sister makes -- yummy stuff. And I found this adorable box with a Noah's Ark theme from the Paper Factory. The lid is 3D which is very cool (in my opinion LOL!).

In other crafting news, our church hosts a "ministry fair" once a year where all the different ministries can set up a booth and then attendees can walk around and see what the church is up to and sign up to participate. The emphasis is on participating since we are all called to serve God. I set up a booth for the quilting/knitting/sewing ministry and had about 8 new people sign up who are interested in joining us. That really fires me up to come up with new ideas for what we can do as a group.
Our current project is making a quilt for a family who lost their teenage daughter last summer in a tragic accident. Our group is making a quilt from some of her clothing. It has definitely been a challenge with all the different size squares/rectangles that we needed to use and then using a comforter for a backing. It will be tied since I don't want to fight with it trying to machine quilt it. I know it will bring comfort to the family!

I came across some beautiful knit baby hats by Lenore English the other day. 5 of them to be exact. I have made the first three (which are displayed in our booth) and also a pair of booties to match the basket weave ribbing stitch hat. They all turned out adorable! Thanks Lenore!!!

Where did the week go?

I can't believe it has been another week since I last posted -- where oh where is April going? I am thinking that the busier I am the faster time goes!

I have to say I haven't accomplished much in the past week. The pink waves baby blanket is coming along and I did manage to pick up more yarn so I can finish it. It is about 12" long so only 24" more to go.

I stumbled across Judy's Knitting Patterns yesterday. Oh my, she does some lovely designs. If you want to knit a Christening/Burial gown she has the most gorgeous patterns. There is also a little Tuxedo sweater for boys that is adorable.

For an easy baby sweater check out Carole Barenys' Top Down Seamless Raglan. Knitting on the Net has finally posted her pattern again. This is the pattern that I have used to make my newborn baby sweaters. It is easy to follow and works up quickly. She also has the most adorable baby booties to go with the sweater.

Speaking of baby sweaters, check out the Mitred U Baby Jacket that Megan Mills designed. This is another "must try" to add to my list. Thanks Megan!

Heavenly Angels In Need (HAIN) has posted their newest newsletter (warning large PDF file). Check out the beautiful dress that Mary designed on page 4.

Out O' Yarn

Well, not really!! One bootie is finished, but I ran out of white yarn. Darn! I ordered some more (and a few other items of course) from JoAnn's online because they have the Patons Astra yarn that I like to use. It should arrive on Monday so I can finish up the booties to go with the hat.

In the mean time I finished one baby footprint washcloth -- it turned out adorable and I will definitely make this pattern again. And have the LOVE washcloth in the works. All these items are going in a basket to be auctioned off and the proceeds to support In The Fields Ministry.

Baby Footprint Washcloth
Yarn is Peaches and Creme 100% cotton
Needles size 4mm

Love Washcloth
Yarn is Sugar 'n Cream
Needles Size 4mm

Today, my daughters and I are going shopping for some other purchased items for the auction basket. They are excited to help pick out things and it instills in them a heart for giving. Even if it isn't their money they are spending LOL!

Fun Links--
Diaper Cover (Soaker) knit pattern by cyntergnomes. Wouldn't this little soaker be cute along with a little dress or longish sweater. I like that she has sizes for newborn up to toddler.

Slipped Stitch Baby Blanket knit pattern by Barbara Breite. This blanket has wonderful texture and is really easy to knit. I love the pastel colours she chose but wouldn't it by cute in more boyish blues, purples or greens.

Very Busy

I never remembered having a puppy being so much work. The constant need to watch him and the fact that he is fascinated with my knitting -- wanting to chew on anything that is close enough for him to sink his sharp baby teeth into (including my hands, legs, arms). On that note there is not much new to report. The good news is my girls are home for the week on spring break so they will be a bit of a distraction for him!

The hat for the Dulaan project is done. I actually finished it before Benji arrived on the scene but haven't had a chance to take any pictures. It is made with worsted weight 100% wool from my stash and it didn't have a label on it. The pattern is one by Sarah Peasley which I have made a few times before. I really like how it turns out. This makes 6 items completed for Dulaan with a large size sweater almost finished -- it's one of my UFOs (unfinished objects) that has been sitting on my "to do" pile for months.

The next project I volunteered for this week is to help In The Field Ministries by making a basket for their auction in May. They are hoping to raise $25,000 so that they can drill a well in Rwenjiri and help out the local Pastor by replacing his mud home with a brick one. I am planning on making a "Baby Basket" for them. This hat is for the basket and I am working on making some booties to go with the hat. Hat pattern is from P2Designs. I have a fleece blanket that I will crochet an edging around, a couple of flannel burp clothes, wash cloth and then I will probably go shopping for the rest. Binky, sleepers, stuffed animal, a toy or two. Any other ideas on what would be a good item to add? If I am really ambitious I may make another basket with more girly items since this one is more boyish.

If you sew for babies you really need to check out Barb's instructions for making these really cute burp cloths. I am planning on making some of these for the above basket. Thanks Barb!!

And if you ever want to make wash cloths for babies this baby footprint cloth is adorable and so is this Love cloth. And one more -- this embossed heart cloth is very pretty.

Completely Off Topic

My wonderful DH brought a new puppy home yesterday. He did have the foresight to phone and ask me first if it would be ok! We have been talking about getting a smaller lap dog and I guess he has really been looking.

Benji is a Shipoo and weighs about 2 lbs, is very playful and loves to play with our 10 year old golden retriever, Rio. Though Rio is still pretty unsure of this whole situation.

Finished Socks

I finally finished my Trekking XXL socks I started a few weeks ago. This is only my third pair of socks I have made and the first pair using sock weight yarn. I love how they turned out and they are very comfortable to wear.

Yarn - Trekking XXL #84

Needles - size 1 2.25mm

Pattern - Marguerite's Basketweave Socks without the basketweave

Since I finished something I of course had to start something new. I had purchased this pink cotton fleece yarn for my birthday and was planning on making a baby sweater and hat for a friend who is having a baby in June. Change of plans -- I started a baby blanket with the yarn instead. And of course I will probably need more than what I purchased -- guess I will have to go back to Weaving Works ... darn!! For the blanket I cast on 189 stitches using size 3.75mm needles and am using a pattern from a Japanese stitch pattern book I purchased (also for my birthday). I am not usually into pink but I am really liking this combination. Ask me in a week or two after I have been working on it for hours and hours :-)

What about the hat for Dulaan that I started last week -- it is almost complete. I am just finishing up the decreases on the top. Picture to come in the next post.

It must be spring ... the elk are back. We had 6 of them in our front and back yard the other morning. They are lovely to see but can wreak havoc with my garden. They seem to eat almost everything and what they don't eat the rip out of the ground. Needless to say, gardening here is quite a challenge!

Someone sent me this email and I thought I would share it with you!

Suggestions for making the most of your Year
Things should be as simple as possible, but not simpler.Albert Einstein:

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. Get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement:My purpose is to___________ today.

5. Live with the 3 E's: Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.

6. Watch more movies, play more games, and read more books than you did in 2006.

7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water and eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds, and walnuts.

12. Try to make at least 3 people smile each day.

13. Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk, and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Forgive everyone everything.

28. What other people think of you is none of your business.

29. Time heals almost everything. Give time.

30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Y our friends will. Stay in touch.

32. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.

33. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

34. The best is yet to come.

35. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.

36. Do the right thing.

37. Call your mother and father often.

38. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished____________.

39. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.Enjoy the ride.

Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass.

Some Sewing

My sewing machine is feeling more loved. I actually unpacked it from 2 weeks of sitting in its rolling case after attending a quilting group. And I sewed some blocks for Home of the Brave quilt project -- 10 of them actually. These quilts are sent to comfort loved ones who have lost soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan. The blocks -- Cross X or Album -- are really easy to make. You can find instructions to make a block or two here.

I did do some knitting over the weekend as well. My Trekking XXL sock is coming along. I did find the beginning of the repeat for the yarn so my second sock will be very similar in colour striping to the first sock. Yeah!! I only knit about 1 1/2" of ribbing before realizing that the colour was repeating so not much time wasted!

I started another hat for the Dulaan Project. This is a mock earflap hat knit on 3.5mm needles using worsted weight 100% wool yarn. The earflaps are made by knitting short rows back and forth which results in flaps that are smaller than ones that would be knit and then added on to the hat. I chose a pattern from one of my Japanese Knitting Books to use in the plain part of the hat. I am really liking how it is turning out and it is not difficult to knit. Yeah!!

One Sock Down

I have completed one sock from the Trekking XXL yarn I received for my birthday. As you can imagine I haven't worked on much else. I started it on Sunday and finished yesterday (Thursday) so I figure 5 days to make one sock isn't too bad!! Onto the next one. I did notice in pictures of others socks made from Trekking that the two socks do not match. Being the perfectionist that I am ... I am hoping that this doesn't bother me too much. I just love the colours!

I did finish a preemie baby hat to go with the little dress I finished last week. I am debating whether I should make some booties to go with this outfit our just send it off as is. I am thinking the dress is a not long enough to cover the babies feet so booties may be in order. The only problem is I don't have a pattern to make booties that small ...

I am still looking through my Japanese knitting books and trying decide which patterns to try first. I have swatched 4 of them so far and just love the intricacy. I want to make a baby sweater for my friend Linda who is due at the beginning of June using a couple of the patterns. I am just waiting to finish my socks and a pair of booties (if I decide to make them) before heading into a new -- and challenging -- project.

Check out Stitches of Violet to see some of her progress with a pattern from a Japanese knitting book she purchased. Just beautiful!

I couldn't help myself and started knitting up the Trekking XXL sock yarn that I bought last weekend. I am liking how the colours are coming out and am doing a really simple pattern. I am using Marguerite's Basketweave sock pattern but only doing a simple rib (3 knit 1 purl) instead of the basketweave pattern. I figured the pattern would get lost in the all the colours of the yarn.

Onto the finished pile I put the baby sweater I had been working on (newborn size) and the preemie burial dress (1 - 2lb preemie). You can really see the difference between the two sizes in the picture. It is really hard to imagine a baby that small and tiny and perfect!

Newborn Baby Sweater

Yarn: James C. Brett Marble

Needles: Size 3.5mm

Pattern: Seamless Yoked Sweater by Carole Barenys

Preemie Burial Dress

Yarn: Lion Brand Baby Soft Twinkle Print

Needles: Size 3.5mm

Pattern: Sleeper Sack by Debbie

I plan on making hats for both the above outfits. Probably when I get tired of working on my socks!