Simple, cute mittens are always in style. Add a funny name and how can you lose? The name is a combination of “cable: and “bobble” inspired by the off-center cable which features small, easy bobbles for interest. The afterthought thumb is simple to knit and the shaping at the top of the mitten makes a very flat top. This is a great project for some luxury or handspun yarn.

The purple mittens shown were snatched up by my sister last year.  I really enjoyed working with this yarn; it was my first Debbie Bliss yarn if you can believe it.  The second pair is being knit in Twilley’s Freedom Spirit in Fire.  I love the subtle self-striping and the way it highlights the cables and bobbles. 

Cabobble Mittens

• Needle Size: Size 3 (3.25mm) DPNs
• Yarn: Debbie Bliss Rialto DK Purple (100% Extrafine Merino) 2 balls, 116 yds/50g
• Yardage: 190 –230 yards
• Gauge: 26 sts x 38 sts= 4” in stockinette
• Finished Size: Hand, 7”; Length, 8 5/8”
• Notions: Cable needle, 6” smooth waste yarn, tapestry needle

Special Stitches

T5R: Slip next 3 sts onto cable needle and hold at back of work, k2, then k3 from cable needle.

T5L: Slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold at front of work, k3, then k2 from cable needle.

C3B: Slip next st onto cable needle and hold at back of work, k2, then p1 from cable needle.

C3F: Slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold at front of work, p1, then k2 from cable needle.

MB (make bobble): Knit into the front and back of the next stitch twice, turn and p4, turn, sl 1, k3tog, psso. Bobble completed.

Cuff (same for both mittens)

CO 48 sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.

Round 1: *K1, p1* repeat from * to * to the end of the round.

Repeat Round 1 until cuff measures 2” long.

Right Hand

Increase Round: M1, p3, k2, p1, k2, p3, k13, m1, k2, m1, k20, m1, k2. 4 sts increased. 52 sts

Cable Rounds

Round 1: K1, p3, T5R, p3, knit to the end of the round.

Round 2: K1, p3, k2, p1, k2, p3, knit to the end of the round.

Round 3: K1, p2, C3B, p1, C3F, p2, knit to the end of the round.

Round 4: K1, p2, k2, p3, k2, p2, knit to the end of the round.

Round 5: K1, p1, C3B, p1, MB, p1, C3F, p1, knit to the end of the round.

Round 6: K1, p1, k2, p5, k2, p1, knit to the end of the round.

Round 7: K1, p1, C3F, p3, C3B, p1, knit to the end of the round.

Round 8: K1, p2, k2, p3, k2, p2, knit to the end of the round.

Round 9: K1, p2, C3F, p1, C3B, p2, knit to the end of the round.

Round 10: K1, p3, k2, p1, k2, p3, knit to the end of the round.

Repeat Round 1-8 again.

Next round (counts as round 9): K1, p2, C3F, p1, C3B, p2, k14; using waste yarn, k8, slip these sts back to left needle and knit again with working yarn; knit to the end of the round.

Starting with Round 10, continue Cable Rounds 1-10 4 more times, ending after Round 1.

Top Shaping

Round 1: *K2, k2tog* repeat from * to * to the end of the round. 39 sts

Round 2 and 4: Knit even.

Round 3: *K1, k2tog* repeat from * to * to the end of the round. 26 sts

Round 5: *K2tog* repeat from * to * to the end of the round. 13 sts

Round 6: *K2tog* repeat from * to * to last st of round, k1. 7 sts

Cut yarn, leaving a 6” tail. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull tight. Weave in ends.

Left Hand

Increase Round: K1, m1, k12, p3, k2, p1, k2, p3, m1, k2, m1, k20, m1, k2. 4 sts increased. 52 sts

Round 1: K14, p3, T5L, p3, knit to the end of the round.

Round 2: K14, p3, k2, p1, k2, p3, knit to the end of the round.

Round 3: K14, p2, C3B, p1, C3F, p2, knit to the end of the round.

Round 4: K14, p2, k2, p3, k2, p2, knit to the end of the round.

Round 5: K14, p1, C3B, p1, MB, p1, C3F, p1, knit to the end of the round.

Round 6: K14, p1, k2, p5, k2, p1, knit to the end of the round.

Round 7: K14, p1, C3F, p3, C3B, p1, knit to the end of the round.

Round 8: K14, p2, k2, p3, k2, p2, knit to the end of the round.

Round 9: K14, p2, C3F, p1, C3B, p2, knit to the end of the round.

Round 10: K14, p3, k2, p1, k2, p3, knit to the end of the round.

Repeat Round 1-8 again.

Next round (counts as round 9): K14, p2, C3F, p1, C3B, p2, k19; using waste yarn, k8, slip these sts back to left needle and knit again with working yarn.

Starting with Round 10, continue Cable Rounds 1-10 4 more times, ending after Round 1.

Top Shaping

Round 1: *K2, ssk* repeat from * to * to the end of the round. 39 sts

Round 2 and 4: Knit even.

Round 3: *K1, ssk* repeat from * to * to the end of the round. 26 sts

Round 5: *Ssk* repeat from * to * to the end of the round. 13 sts

Round 6: *Ssk* repeat from * to * to last st of round, k1. 7 sts

Cut yarn, leaving a 6” tail. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull tight. Weave in ends.

Thumb (same for both mittens)

Carefully remove waste yarn from thumb and place live sts on DPNs. There will be 8 sts on the bottom and 7 sts on top. Join yarn and knit across the bottom 8 sts. Pick up 4 sts along the side of the opening, knit the 7 top sts, then pick up 4 sts along the other side. 23 sts

Knit 1 round.

Next Round: *K1, ssk* 7 times, k2. 16 sts

Knit even until thumb measures 2” or ¼” shorter than desired length.

Thumb Shaping

Round 1: K1, *k1, ssk* 5 times. 11 sts

Round 2: Knit even

Round 3: K1, *ssk* to the end of the round. 5 sts

Cut yarn, leaving a 6” tail. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull tight. Weave in ends.

This work by Cailyn Meyer is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.

Here is a new free sock pattern, just in time for the post-turkey daze (or just in time for the weekend for my non-American readers).  This pattern has not been extensively test knit, so please let me know if you find any errors.

Black Friday Socks

This is a pattern, for a beginner knitter. It’s for a 2.5″ square knitted patch which can be attached to a card and given as a greetings card. It’s unusual, quirky and very handmade. And best of all the pattern is free from this blog, just download it as a PDF from the side bar on the right. This really is a simple pattern, but here are a few hints and tips, just in case:

Yarn Type

You could knit this pattern in any low gauge yarn, I can imagine that you would get some great results using sock yarn scraps, although using yarn any higher than worsted weight is going to make the patch too heavy and the card will fall over a lot.

Intarsia (or colour knitting)

A little square like this is an excellent first project to try out intarsia. I’ve blogged about intarsia techniques before, here . But for a complete beginner’s tutorial I recommend knittinghelp.com if you scroll down the page you’ll see the heading “How to knit with 2 colors at a time” and below that a video for “intarsia method”.

Making the Ribbon loops

When you sew the ribbon on to the gift, make a little bow at the top by making a loop of yarn and then sewing it into place with a few small stitches. Then repeat with a second loop. The small stitches actually look like a knot.

Blocking?

It’s knitting sacrilege to say this, but these patches don’t really need blocking if you sew them to a felt backing. Of course my patches are living proof that without blocking they still end up a little uneven and less than square, but I actually find that quite charming. You may disagree and you may have a toddler free household where knitting with pins in it drying flat on the floor isn’t a hazzard. In which case, I say block away!

Attaching the Patch to the Card

I was astonished to learn that there are plenty of glue dots on the market that will glue fabric to card very successfully, ask for advice at your local craft store. However, if you wanted the patch to be re-usable you could sew it to the card and then glue a slightly smaller and contrasting coloured insert inside the card to cover the stitching.

I have fell in love with hand embroidery. I already did cross-stitch and to be honest with you, I can’t see those little squares anymore.

After reading this gal’s blog over at ‘My Country Home’, I had to give it a try. She is wonderful at this craft (and others). You must go check her out! I can’t remember how I got started reading her blog, but I can’t wait to see what she is working on next. She has all sorts of links for free BOM (Block of the Month) patterns. They’re all wonderful. I’ve got most of them downloaded and even finished one set.

My daughter has even tried her hand at it. She spent the greater part of the night sewing up a little stitchery that we designed together. It was her idea and we worked on the drawing together. She stitched it totally alone. She didn’t want to trace the pattern, so we did the print right on the fabric. I might have to start doing that for myself…so much easier! I had to trace…UGH.

Here is her stitchery…. She is giving it to someone special to both of us. (I don’t think she reads my blog, so maybe she won’t see it until I get around to mailing it!)

Here is the picture if anyone else wants to stitch it up…go right ahead and steal the picture. (I’m not sure how to host it otherwise.) ~~I’m not sure if you guys can see it or not, since it’s not showing up on my page…but when I click it it goes to the picture~~

Here is the Autumn hanging I did for my office. I plan on doing one for each of the seasons and just switching them out. I love the stick idea (again this was from Leslie over at  “My Country Home”) This one is from HomeBerries.

Here are a couple of apple hangings that I made for the classroom, but they look so good hanging in my office. I don’t want to move them! LOL I even made the little wire hangers. These are both from HomeBerries.

Here is the BOM that I finished. It is the Christmas Wish-List BOM from Gail Pan Designs.

 
Cold rainy days call for hot drinks and a fun project. Here are a couple of slouch hats I crocheted this morning for Christmas gifts. This is a quick and easy pattern to make and I even started a nice warm scarf to go with the blue one based on the basic pattern. These also make wonderful hats for charity (always check the orgs guidelines for yarn and pattern requirements first) 

I found this pattern at PatternsByDot. (Be sure to read Dot’s terms of use) The yarns I used were Jiffy from LionBrandYarn and (1 and a half skeins) Taupe Mist. The blue one is made with 1 skein Bernat Softee Chunky, color #39116. Both have good drape and were made with size J Hook. You can also use worsted weight (as called for in the pattern) if your prefer. Many of your LYS’s carry these yarns or equivalent yarns to make the pattern. 

Put an extra pot of tea or coffee on and enjoy your knitting or crochet. 

Marg (wrestling with new slouch hat obsession)

Make your Gift Tags extra special.  Not only is this a gift tag, but when your friend or loved one is finished opening their present they can save the tags and hang them as a Christmas Ornament. Now is that cool or what?

Materials Purchased at Wal-Mart

• One sheet 10-count plastic canvas ( 13 ½ X 22 ½)
• Plastic canvas needle
• 1-DMC floss # 3812
• Celebrate it holiday ribbon…bow-tique #400100633892
• 2 X 2” holiday time gift tags (poinsettia)
• Hot glue gun

 Instructions

• Cut one 20 x 21
• Using colors and stitches indicated, work according to colored graph
• Whipstitch around outside boarder.

To make your hanging loop 

• Thread your needle with gold ribbon. Start from the backside, of ether top corner. Push the needle  thru to the front, loop back around to the back and glue in place.

• Glue the backside of gift tag to the backside of the canvas.

That’s all there is too it! Quick, simple and affordable, but most of all unforgetable!

This is an original pattern by Kathy Barwick.  Please don’t copy this pattern and post it on other web sites. 

If you want crafters on another web site to see it, please simply post the link to this blog post. 

Here’s the link you can send to friends by email or post to other websites:http://kraftykatsblog.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/free-plastic-canvas-christmas-gift-tagornament-instructions/

Helpful Links:

Plastic Canvas Crafts Secrets

Kathy’s Photo Bucket

Kathy’s Facebook

Kathy’s Flickr

Copyright 2009.  Kathy Barwick.  All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution of this pattern without the expressed written permission of Kathy Barwick.  www.PlasticCanvasCraftsSecrets.com

Tiny Treats Christmas Candy Box

Here’s a free plastic canvas pattern to make for Christmas. Tiny treats candy boxes are quick and easy and fun to make. Fill them full of candy. The kids will love them!

Materials

              One sheet 7 count plastic canvas ( 13 ½ X 22 ½)

              Plastic canvas needle

              10 yds.Needloft yarn #29 forest

              10 yds.Needloft yarn #001 red

              10 yds.Needloft yarn #41 white

              Celebrate It Holiday ribbon Bow-tique  

Cutting Instructions

• Cut four 12 x 9 (sides)
• Cut one 12 x 12 unworked (bottom)
• Cut four 8 x 10 (insert sides)
• Cut one 3 x 40 (handle)

 Stitching Instructions

•  Sides…using colors and stitches indicated, work according to colored graphs

• Whipstitch four sides together to create a box

• Whipstitch bottom to box

Stitching Instructions for Insert

• Using colors and stitches indicated, work according to colored graphs

• Whipstitch four sides together to create a box

• Insert small box inside of big box

Stitching Instructions for Handle

•  Using colors and stitches indicated, work according to colored graphs

• Slip unstitched ends of handle between the inner and outer sides

• Close the gap between the inner and outer sides by glueing them together.

• Fill Tiny Treat box with candy

I hope you enjoy and have loads of fun making these wonderful tiny treat Christmas boxes. Hang them on the Christmas tree. Jazz up a Christmas wreath or just have fun with the kids and hide them around the house. Of course make sure to fill them with candy. You don’t want any angry little children running around.

This is an original pattern by Kathy Barwick.  Please don’t copy this pattern and post it on other web sites. 

If you want crafters on another web site to see it, please simply post the link to this blog post. 

Here’s the link you can send to friends by email or post to other websites: http://kraftykatsblog.wordpress.com/2009/11/21/free-plastic-canvas-pattern-tiny-treats-christmas-candy-box/

Helpful Links:

Plastic Canvas Crafts Secrets

Kathy’s Photo Bucket

Kathy’s Facebook

Kathy’s Flickr

Copyright 2009.  Kathy Barwick.  All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution of this pattern without the expressed written permission of Kathy Barwick.  www.PlasticCanvasCraftsSecrets.com

This is my last scarf for the moment.  Actually it’s a Snuggle Moss Stitch Neck Warmer.  The yarn is a new one by Lion Brand called Hometown USA.  It’s a super bulky yarn and is very soft and nice to work with.

I used  size 13 needles and did a knitted cast on of 16 stitches and worked the Moss Stitch

1. k1,p1
2. k1,p1
3. p1,k1
4. p1,k1

I worked 85 rows in pattern then I did a buttonhole row.  I worked the 1st two stitches then a yo, k2tog, worked to the last 5 stitches k2tog, yo then worked the last two stitches.  Then work two more rows in pattern and bind off in pattern. I purchased buttons that were 7/8″ in size and sewed those on.

This is a close up picture so you can see the texture.  The color is black but the picture is washed out so you can see it better.

From 2009 Projects

This is a picture of it being warn.  Nice and snuggly and very warm.

From 2009 Projects

Enjoy!

Ever get the feeling that you should make a bag out of neckties? Me neither- but fortunately someone else did and they shared the pattern on this awesome site. Of course after seeing one cool thing I spent another hour browsing the site and seeing how many other fun things are on here.

Above is the messenger bag made up entirely of ties (click on the picture to view the pattern). The urge to make this is seriously overwhelming.  So overwhelming that I may be starting this today. I can’t help it- how cool is this bag!?!?!?

Oh, and I found the perfect project for some people **cough, cough, my mother** who are constantly telling me that they want nothing for birthdays, holidays, ect.

It is a jar of nothing (click on the picture to see the pattern). Let this be a fair warning for all of you who keep saying you want nothing. From now on that is EXACTLY what you will get. But don’t worry, I will put it in a jar for you so you don’t lose it

Other mind-boggling funness on this site includes Cappuccino Bath Bombs that will make bath time smell like your local coffee shop (and can we really ever have enough of that smell in our lives?), and the simplest and best Sock Monkey pattern that I have come across.

I am in love with this site and look forward to using it for holiday gifts. Hope you all enjoy it too!!

http://www.craftbits.com

So, some sad news for me but some great news for everyone else. Knitty decided not to publish my pattern so I will be offering it on this site for free. Click here or any of the pictures to get to the pattern (or get to it by clicking free patterns on the menu). Lets call this a holiday gift for all!

Being a graduate student, I try to squeeze in as much knitting as possible during the summer months. This summer I was able to knit quite a few sweaters, but the endless standard stitch was getting to be a bit much. I missed my fair isle, wanted to play with cables, and was yearning to see some moss stitch. Thus, I created this bag to bust up my boredom with the textured moss stitch, fair isle, and cabling.

The finished product is an incredibly functional bag sized large enough to carry a decent sized laptop, books, or notebooks. Because it is fully lined with a knitted liner it is soft against your body while you are walking and offers some protection for the things you are carrying. The textured shoulder strap stays put, and the cable through the middle not only adds interest but keeps the strap from stretching out too much. There is a functional button band that adds interest to the bag, as well as allowing you to have a place to showcase some of your fun and unusual buttons. The fair isle adds durability to the structure of the bag as well as color to make it less dull. Simple cabling on the bottom of the bag not only adds some serious texture but does double duty as a type of ribbing, making the bottom of the bag stretchy.

Overall, the name of this bag says it all- it busts up the boredom with varying techniques and textures that will keep you interested the entire time.

All Shawl in Boucle

Originally uploaded by dorisjchan

Doris Chan’s All Shawl has quickly become a crochet classic. I can’t count the wonderful examples of this I have seen at conventions, and even in local yarn stores!!

What’s really great is that it’s a free download for a brilliant Doris Chan design! You can download the pattern on Ravelry.com!!

This is on my Christmas Project list for my sister in law (my husband’s brother’s wife), who sadly also lost her father this month. Sometimes it takes more than a comfortghan, and this is sadly one of those occasions. However, I can think of nothing more comforting than having a Doris Chan design around your shoulders, especially one made with love!

My model is so sweet, don’t ya think? Fresh out of the bath with her ‘jamas. Sorry for the poor lighting.. I put off taking this picture all day only to discover it had gotten dark outside.

A couple of weekends ago my 17 yr old niece asked if I could make her a hat for Christmas.. She had a couple with her and told me a little bit about each and why she liked them best from her collection. So I gave it some thought, then went to this flickr group.. and that’s when I came across CoffeeCupcakes pattern. I love the look of this hat.. all sloppy and relaxed…just like my niece .  This pattern was so simple and it only took me a few hours to complete. In fact, it was so quick I decided to throw in a matching scarf.

Have you ever used the yarn called “I Love This Yarn”? I’ll tell you, it’s wonderful!! It’s a velvety kind of soft with just a bit of give.. and yet it’s still pliable enough that your hook won’t gouge through it. I Love it, love it, love it… thus the name I suppose.

Anywho, if you’re looking for free knit or crochet patterns take a look in the above flickr group.. there are all kinds of interest things in there.. from clothes, to squares, to hats!

What could those possibly be?
Clue: it involves yarn and needles.

I got a couple of orders for crocheted animal heads as key chains. So I’m slowly making my way through the 3 dozen I have to make. At the moment all I have are these. The brown spheres are for bear heads, the pink spheres are for pig heads (hahaha. this always makes me laugh), and the grey is for the mouse. Rather than finishing one at each point, I decided to make bases first, then add the details later. I’m definitely showing you how it all looks like when its done. For now, be satisfied with ‘the makings’ of it.

Just for treats. I found this site with a list of 15 free amigurumi patterns. Check it out here. Some of them you might be familiar with, but I love the monkey. reminds me of Abu from Aladdin.

Anyway, hope you enjoy the patterns.

Until tomorrow, see you.

  Crochet Square Monster #70743AD from LionBrandYarn.com, free pattern download.

This is a Modified Version

It’s Monday, the sun is out and time for a new project. Here’s a quick and easy crochet project for you this week from the friendly folks at LionBrandYarn.com. This monsterific toy is made with LB fun fur yarn in turquoise and bright blue, plus LB Wool-Ease, chocolate brown and LB Microspun in buttercup. 

The one pictured above is a modified version that I finished this morning for a toy project on the Ravelry.com group KFO (Knitters for Obama). If you’re on Ravelry, and you should be, stop by the group and see all the wonderful projects that are being made. You don’t have to be a dem to join in the fun. It’s really a fun group of people with wonderful moderators and projects to help others in need and warm your heart.

Warning…Buy extra yarn – you’re going to want one for yourself….

Margknittinaround, my Etsy shop, has new sale items this week and a brand new pattern coming this week in celebration of The Twilight Saga:NewMoon that you aren’t going to want to miss. Stay tuned for more info on this blog.

 Cheerio!

Margaret (on a monster mission today)

I found Bazzil just buzzing about his business in my newly planted basil this weekend. He was having quite a feast on the flowers of my other herbs (just look at the size of him!) and was hoping to have some basil flowers to finish off his meal.

“You’re out of luck, Bazzil” I shook my head, “They won’t flower until the end of summer”.

I offered him some of my special sweet spring flowers instead and he cheered up so much he let me in on the secret to getting your own buzzing bumblebees. And here it is…

Bazzil the Buzzing Bumblebee Amigurumi Pattern

My patterns are written down as I create my amigurumi, but let me know if there is anything missing.

Techniques

You will use the basic amigurumi crochet techniques: magic circle, slip stitch, single crochet (sc), increase, and invisible decrease. But you will also learn a simple way to change colours.
Note: US crochet stitch terminology is used. ch=chain, sc=single crochet, 2sc in next sc=increase, sc2tog=decrease (crochet two sc together to make one sc). I use the invisible decrease method for all decreases.

Materials

* Yarn: Yellow, Black, and White (your bee can be different colours of course!)
* Safety eyes (I used 9mm black). You can also stitch your eyes or make them out of felt
* Black embroidery thread (for mouth)
* Black/brown soft fuzzy pipe cleaner for antennae (or crochet your own)
* Polyfill stuffing
* Crochet Hook
* Needle (one with an eye big enough for yarn, and one for your embroidery thread)
* Any other materials to decorate

Pattern

Bumblebee: Head/Body

Start with Yellow Yarn
RND1:  6sc magic circle [6]
RND2:  2sc in each sc [12]
RND3:  12 sc around [12]
RND4:  sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc. Repeat. [18]
RND5:  18 sc around [18]
RND6:  18 sc around [18]
RND7:  18 sc around [18] **insert safety eyes & embroider mouth**
RND8:  sc in next sc, sc2tog. Repeat. [12]

Switch to Black Yarn with a slip stitch
[How to: Insert hook into back loop/stitch only of the next stitch, yarn over with black yarn (not yellow), then pull through both stitches to make a slip stitch. You will now have a black loop over your hook. If you want a cleaner join, you will need to join each round: as soon as you finish a RND, slip stitch to next stitch (back stitch only if changing colour, and yarn over with new colour), then chain one, and continue to next RND]
RND9:  12 sc around [12] **stuff head**
RND10: sc in next 5 sc, 2sc in next sc. Repeat. [14]
RND11: sc in next 6 sc, 2sc in next sc. Repeat. [16]

Switch back to Yellow yarn with a slip stitch
RND12: 16 sc around [16]
RND13: sc in next 3 sc, 2sc in next sc. Repeat. [20]
RND14: 20 sc around [20]

Switch back to Black Yarn with a slip stitch
RND15: 20 sc around [20]
RND16: 20 sc around [20]
RND17: 20 sc around [20]

Switch back to Yellow yarn with a slip stitch
RND18: sc in next 3 sc, sc2tog. Repeat. [16]
RND19: 16 sc around [16]
RND20: 16 sc around [16]

Switch to Black Yarn with a slip stitch
RND21: sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog. Repeat. [12]
RND22: 12 sc around [12] **stuff body**
RND23: sc2tog. Repeat. [6]
Do a couple more sc2tog to close off the hole and make the bottom pointier.
Slip knot to finish off (you can leave a small yarn tail out as a “stinger” if you like).

Bumblebee: Wings (make 2, use the white yarn)

Chain 2
RND1:  3 sc in second chain from hook [3]
RND2:  2sc in each sc [6]
RND3:  sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc. Repeat. [9]
RND4:  9 sc around [9]
RND5:  9 sc around [9]
RND6:  9 sc around [9]
RND7:  sc in next sc, sc2tog. Repeat. [6]
Slip st and finish off. Leave long yarn tail to sew to body.
Sew wings to body using the yarn tail.

Bumblebee: Antennae (make 2)

These are optional – if you have a black/brown pipecleaner you can use that instead (I used a brown pipecleaner).
1/ Chain for as long as you want your antennae (I chained 7)
2/ Starting from the second stitch from the hook, slip stitch into each stitch along until you get to the end.
3/ Finish off with a slip knot, cut yarn leaving a long tail for sewing.

Your bumblebee can be decorated with other facial features (eyebrows, eyelashes, different mouth shapes), clothing (scarf, hats, pins), and whatever other embellishments you can think of.

Now your bumblebee is off and ready to travel the world! Perhaps you might want to make some flowers for your bee to rest on?

Note: You are free to use this pattern to make as many bumblebees as you like, but please do not post this pattern anywhere else. If you follow my pattern and  blog about it I would appreciate a link back to my website (so others can make it too!). I do not mind if you sell items you make from my patterns, but please be fair and acknowledge the pattern source.

The ladies at Leona’s daycare were asking me if i would be willing to make them custom aprons. I jumped right into the idea, made the apron pattern from one of their old ones they all seemed to like, added a 3-compartment patch on pocket, gathered a fabric selections that i thought spoke to their personalities and had them choose their favorite fabric:

From top left to bottom right:
on Ms. Francesca: ‘The accomplished person on the top” IKEA with Denim details
on Auntie Ally: Mermaids by Heather Ross
on Auntie Calla: Metromarket by Metroluna for Robert Kaufmann
on Auntie Val: Full Bloom by Barry J Ackermann for Windham Fabrics
on Auntie Pam: Scull and X-bones by Henry Alexander with Denim details.
on Auntie Erin: IKEA fabric with Denim binding.

So, I’ve been knitting my candy beret during the last week. I’ve finished the beret but without the bow yet. I’ll post the pattern for the beret now and the pictures & bow’s pattern will be coming soon. I’ve made some revisions on the beret pattern too so I’ll post the alternative from my floppy beret. I’m a very, very tight knitter so you may want to use the revised pattern for your beret.

PLEASE ANYONE SUCCEEDED USING THE MODIFIED PATTERN TO LEAVE ME A MESSAGE OR COMMENT SO I KNOW WHETHER IT WORKS OR NOT ^^

Original pattern by Knitting Girl: Lovely White Beret

Candy Beret

Gauge: 8 sts per inch, more or less
Finished measurement: about 21-22 inches
Materials:

Pattern

CO 128 stitches, put the stitch marker into the last stitch, join into round.

Brim:
Work on K1,P1 ribbing for an inch or how do you like it, in my case it will be 8 rows. Remove the stitch marker.

Body:
Double the stitches using kfb, so now you have 256 stitches. I know this is way too many but that’s how I do it. Put the stitch marker on your last stitch to mark the beginning of new row.
Knit the body for 10 rows or so, depending on how floppy you want your beret to be.
Start the decreasing round.
Row 1: *K30,ssk*
Row 2: Knit the round
Row 3: *K29,ssk*
Row 4: Knit the round
Row 5: *K28,ssk*
Row 6: Knit the round
Row 7: *K27,ssk*
Row 8: Knit the round
Row 9: *K26,ssk*
Row 10: Knit the round
Row 11: *K25,ssk*
Row 12: *K24,ssk*
Row 13: *K23,ssk*
Row 14: *K22,ssk*
Row 15: *K21,ssk*
Row 16: *K20,ssk*
Row 17: *K19,ssk*
Row 18: *K18,ssk*
Row 19: *K17,ssk*
Row 20: *K16,ssk*
Row 21: *K15,ssk*
Row 22: *K14,ssk*
Row 23: *K13,ssk*
Row 24: *K12,ssk*
Row 25: *K11,ssk*
Row 26: *K10,ssk*
Row 27: *K9,ssk*
Row 28: *K8,ssk*
Row 29: *K7,ssk*
Row 30: *K6,ssk*
Row 31: *K5,ssk*
Row 32: *K4,ssk*
Row 33: *K3,ssk*
Row 34: *K2,ssk*
Row 35: *K1,ssk*
Row 36: *ssk* Remove stitch marker

Cut a long tail enough for threading in. Weave in all ends.

Each row will be decreased by 8 stitches. If you want to use both circular needle and dpns, it will be best to change from circular to dpns during row 22 or when the stitches become too short for the circular.

Modification for Loose Knitters or Smaller Head
LOOSE KNITTERS: In the start of increasing, instead of doubling the stitches, you could use K2,m1 or K1,kfb so the stitches will become 192 stitches. On the start of decreasing row, instead of K30,ssk, start from K22,ssk. Don’t forget to knit the round after the first 5 decrease rows. You may want to add the body row so it will be equally floppy with the original pattern.

SMALLER HEAD: CO 96 or 112 stitches. Double 96 into 192 or 112 to 224. The decrease row of 192 stitches will be the same with the loose knitter part. In case of 224 stitches, start decreasing from *K26,ssk*.

Why using ssk instead of k2tog?
I’ve tried using k2tog on the start of the decreasing row on my beret and I think it’s not as nice as ssk so I converted my decrease into ssk on the next row. Ssk gives off a better decrease in my opinion but you’re free to use k2tog if you prefer it.

I followed your modification for loose knitters/smaller head but the result is not as expected?
Truthfully speaking, the modifications made were all using mathematical methods and I haven’t tried them in real life. Let’s see if anyone use the modified pattern and confirm them to me.

I love your pattern and I would like to post them in my blog/website?
I’m glad that you like it but please ask me first before reposting it. At least leave me a comment to show your support ^^. I do ask Knitting Girl first before posting the modified pattern of her work here.

Note: D, if you don’t want to know what your baby shower gift is, don’t read this!

So my sweet friend that is having a baby boy soon is doing a western theme for the baby’s room. I decided I wanted to knit her a baby blanket and I’ve started three and ripped them out, not happy with what I was seeing. Then I found a horse head pattern (Giddy-Up Cloth designed by Amy-lynne Mitchell) through the dishcloth section of Knitting Pattern Central.com and started by making two horse squares, one brown, one beige. I am using worsted weight yarn with size 7 needles.

It seemed a little drab so I got a bright yellow skein of yarn and made a textured square with my favorite moss stitch. Then to tie them all together, I used all three colors and made a striped square that makes me think of a horse blanket that goes under a saddle. Here are the first four squares being blocked, although this is not the way they’ll be sewn together.

A total of 16 squares, four of each design/color, should be just right. I need to have this completed for her shower in December so I have a month to get it all knitted, seamed together and edged. I think it’s going to be so cute!

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Voici ma contribution au Trico’13 de Novembre (thème: accessoires). Une petite capuche/écharpe pour rester bien au chaud dans les bois pendant que le loup n’y est pas…

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Si vous souhaitez tricoter un petit chaperon rouge pour vous ou vos proches (cadeau de Noël vite fait bien fait, non?), le modèle est disponible en Français ET en Anglais sur Ravelry gratuitement. Pour celles qui n’ont pas de compte Ravelry, laissez moi un commentaire et je vous enverrai le modèle par mail.

Pour voir les superbes créations de toutes les participantes, on clique ici!

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Cliquez sur l'image pour obtenir le modèle sur Ravelry

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Here’s my contribution to this month’s Trico’13 (the theme was “Acccessories”). A cozy little hood/scarf combo to stay warm while wandering in the woods…

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I wrote down my notes so that you can also knit up this little red riding hood for you or your loved ones (a super easy and quick Christmas present, no?) Click on the image above, which will take you to the Ravelry page for this free pattern. If you don’t have a Ravelry account, just leave me a comment and I will email you the pdf.

6 different patterns that includes a winter hat, boots, scarf, fingerless mittens and mittens on a string and a fluffy, fluffy muff!  All patterns are quick and easy to complete.  A wonderful way to use up all those scraps of yarn.  Great stocking stuffers for your favorite American Girl!           http://cobblerscabin.wordpress.com/happy-hookin/ag-winter-accessories-pattern/

I know that it is still early in the season, but the Holidays are getting closer and closer.  Its time to start thinking about gifts for friends and family.  If you are thinking about making a gift for someone, I have put together a list of all my tutorials as a place for you to get started.

Stormy T-shirt Make or buy a simple t-shirt and spruce it up with this applique and embroidery

Paper Flower Mobile Craft this simple flower mobile for some beautiful home decor or to be used as a wand for an imaginative little girl…experiment with different colors of paper and sizes

Magnolia Shirt Detail Make this neckline detail for an otherwise boring store-bought tank

Grill Tool Carrier Summer may seem far away, but it will be back before you know it!

Reversible Water Bottle Holder Put together this handy water bottle holder for fitness and outdoor gurus

Gardening Apron By Christmas time, spring will be just around the corner…Make a cute apron for a gardener you know.  This apron could also be used as a traditional kitchen apron.

Flower Headband This headband is super quick and easy, and is so cute!

Chunky Necklace This necklace is very inexpensive and simple to put together, but it looks like a million bucks!

Lei Neckline Dress up a simple top by adding this feminine neckline

Bread Linen/Cloth Napkins Monogram some beautiful linen to wrap around fresh-baked bread for the home baker, or use these as napkins for your eco-conscious friend

Corsage Neckline Add detail to a store-bought top

Scrap Tote Sew this simple tote to be used at the market

Emboridered Bookmark A bookmark is the perfect gift for a book addict

Baby Blanket If you have extra time, try your hand at printing on fabric and sew up this beautiful blanket for a baby or expectant parents

Eyeglass Holder Upcycle some old sweaters and make this eyeglass holder, very easy on the pocket-book

Binding Tape Make some patchy binding tape for a sewer, and pair it with some other sewing goodies, like buttons, ribbons, and other trims

Messenger Bag Make this messenger bag for anyone who needs to tote around a lot of stuff…this project is fairly time-intensive, but the results are worth it

Hair Pins This is a quick project that any girl will love

Yo-yo Table Runner This project will take care of all those little fabric scraps you have hanging around.  Make one in Christmas colors, or to match the recipients home decor

Knit Cuff If you don’t have much experience knitting, this is a great project for you…it takes very little time, and very little yarn

Simple Jersey Dress This is a great dress to make because it takes very little time, and it will fit almost any woman, add to that the elegant silhouette and you’ve got yourself a perfect gift

Wrapped Gift Cards If you don’t have time to make anything and find yourself last-minute scrambling to find a gift, get a couple giftcards and wrap them in this unique way to make the gift more special

I hope this list inspires you!

I just do not feel right about blogging about homemade gifts for my family & friends and not including a little something for our furry little friends. So here it is. My dogs like toys I make them so much better than store bought toys. I can’t figure out why this is. Maybe it has something to do with my smell being on the dog toys.  I like to think it’s because they like the fabrics I choose . I made a dog bone pattern last year, and it has served me well. I decided to stop & document the pattern & tutorial for my Twelve Days of Hand-made Christmas project, and also so I will never lose it. Hope your puppies enjoy these as much as mine do!

Right click on the link below & save the PDF to your computer. Then open the saved file on your computer & print on 8 1/2 by 11 size paper.

http://jownby.wordpress.com/files/2009/11/scan00013.jpg

Manly Scarf #8: Knotted Rib Scarf

The newest pattern in the Manly Scarf Series has just been posted on the PurpleSage website. You can download the free pattern pdf there.

Like all the other scarves in this series, this one is free too. Just a small way for me to say, “Thanks for supporting my designs!”

The pattern stitch is from the Harmony Guides 450 Knitting Stitches V2 (2004) – Knotted Rib pattern and I’ve added a 4-stitch moss border on either side.

If you just want a quick peek, here’s the pattern worked over 38 sts:

Row 1 {RS}: {k1, p1} twice; p2, *kfb, p4; repeat from * to last 7 sts; kfb, p2, {k1, p1} twice

Row 2: {p1, k1} twice; k2, *p2tog, k4; repeat from *to last 8 sts; p2tog, k2, {p1, k1} twice

All abbreviations, yarn requirements, sizes, etc. are in the pdf on the website.

Since it is mainly purl on the RS and knit on the WS, it does have a tendency to curl along the scarf, so blocking is in order.

RS and WS of Knotted Rib Scarf

Both the RS and WS provide a nice face.

Close-up of Rib pattern stitch