HATS on a rainy day

A summer storm has swept in from the north giving us some relief from the hot weather.  Rain today and tomorrow we might get a thunder and lightening show.  Every plant and creature is getting a good soaking even the spider webs on the jade plant.  I like the summer rains - they seem to wash away dust and troubles.  Today I'm continuing the closet cleaning projects but first a word or two about the hats I have finished.

This crazy red hat is the third hat I was actually asked to make for someone.  It's a Meathead Hat.  The pattern is in knitalong - Celebrating the Tradition of Knitting Together by Jessica Brown and Martin John Brown, another inspiring book. 

I've made many Meathead Hats, always in one color instead of stripes, for family members and for the bazaar.  The Ladies Auxiliary donated yarn to me for my projects and the majority of it was pink bulky yarn, perfect for these hats, although pink wouldn't have been my choice of color.  However, they were hit and all were sold.  For this hat I used "Loops Threads: Cosy Wool"  found at Michaels and size 15 needles.  It's knit flat and the seamed.  Very quick and easy.  And what a shape! 



This next hat is a modified version of the Classic World War II Watch Cap found at: http://www.cocoabeachyarn.com/patterns/classicwatchcap.pdf.  I like hats that have a fold up brim to keep ears warm.  I used a knitting worsted weight yarn and size 9 needles.  This hat was also knitted flat and seamed.  I like to make the pom poms big and floppy. 

The button hat is also my version of a hat pattern I found at: http://knotsoflove.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Bellatina-Pattern-Knitted.pdf.  It was a challenge for me because it is knit in the round.  I have not mastered working with double pointed needles, but I refused to give up even after unraveling about half of what I had knit.  It's hard to see in the photo that the color is navy blue and brim rolls up so the hat fits like a cloche.  My modifications are the stripes and the buttons.  I keep a button box just like my mother did when I was a child.  Stringing buttons kept me occupied for hours.  Back to the hat - I used Patons Canadiana (knitting worsted) and size 8 circular needles to start and finished with the dreaded double points.  I'm happy with the result - no holes or dropped stitches.

On to the next project, a pocket scarf and hat with heart applique for a girl.  The yarn is called Coral but it looks Pepto Bismol pink to me.  You'll see in the next blog.

MORE SCARVES

COTTON STASH SCARVES

It's not as hot today, so writing about scarves is okay, especially these two scarves made from 100% cotton.  These are two of my favorite scarves made from the left over cotton yarn I used to make dishcloths.  There isn't a definite pattern - I just go for it and put the colors together as I like.  The scarf on the left is knit in garter stitch, knit every row.  When I added a new yarn, I the let the knot show which adds more texture and whimsy to the scarf.  The other scarf is knit in one of my favorite stitches,the Box Stitch, as found in Knit and Purl by Erika Knight:

BOX STITCH

Multiple of 4 + 2

1st row:  K2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end.

2nd row: P2, *k2, p2; rep from * to end.

3rd row: As 2nd row.

4th row: As 1st row.

Rep these 4 rows.

Sometimes I like the security of a definite pattern as in the next two scarves. Other times, as you will see in future posts, I like to take my own path and experiment.

These two scarves are knit in a pattern developed by Viki Square call "Universal Scarf" found at http://www.interweave.com/.  Again, I loved the texture, and the scarves look good in both yarns.

The darker scarf was knit in Bernat Roving (80% acrylic / 20% wool) in Plum, using US size 11 needles.  It's 5 1/2" wide and 60" long.  The other scarf was knit in CARON Wintuk (100% acrylic) in Rosewine, using size 8 needles. It's 3 3/4 wide. I followed the Universal Scarf pattern exactly for each scarf with the yarns making the difference in width and weight.

Hats will be in the next post.  I'm working hard at developing my skills at knitting in the round.  The double pointed needles are giving me a hard time.  But I will persevere.

We harvested our first produce from the garden yesterday, three zucchini that we cooked for dinner.  You can always count on zucchini to produce fast and abundantly.  If you don't pay attention and pick them when they're small, you'll have zucchini the size of a submarine.

See you in the next blog.

SCARVES ON A HOT DAY.

Even though it's 100 degrees outside, and I wouldn't think of wearing a neck scarf, I'm still knitting them because I know how wonderful they feel when the temperature drops and the wind howls.  Here are two that are going to the bazaar in November when people are definitely thinking about warm scarves.



This pattern is one of the easiest variations of "Feather and Fan" or "Old Shale" patterns.  I found it some time ago at http://www.doodle-head.com/.  I used a sparkly knitting worsted from Lion Brand Yarns and size 9 or 10 needles to make the stitches loose enough to show the open work.  The scarf is 5 1/2 " wide and 50" long.  Here's the pattern:

Cast on 22 stitches and knit two rows.

Row 1: (RS): K all stitches.

Row 2: k2, p18, k2. (Knit the 2 border stitches on either end in garter stitch)

Row 3: k2, (k2Tog) 3 times, (YO, k1) 6 times, (k2Tog) 3 times, k2.

Row 4: k all stitches.

Repeat rows 1 through 4 until you've reached your desired length.  End by completing Row 4, and then knit 1 more row and bind off all stitches.

The pattern is so easy to follow and the results are so impressive.

The next scarf pattern I created myself using knit and purl stitches called Four Stitch Check found in The Knitter's Bible by Claire Crompton, another book full of information and inspiration. I think it's a manly scarf.

This scarf is 7 1/2" wide and 62" long knit in a multi-colored knitting worsted - size 9 needles. I cast on 28 stitches knitting the first and last four stitches in garter stitch (knit every row).  I also started the scarf with 6 rows of garter stitch.



Four Stitch Check

Multiple of 8 sts.

Rows 1, 2, 3 and 4 * - k4, p4; repeat from * to end.

Rows 5, 6, 7 and 8 * - p4, k4, repeat from * to end.

Repeat these 8 rows.

Finish by knitting 6 rows of garter stitch and then bind off. 

I hope these scarves inspire you to knit or crochet even though it's hotter than dragon's breath outside.  Find an air conditioned spot and knit.

WOW! THE GARDEN!

Here's the garden two weeks after my first post on June 5.  It seems to have grown noticeably over night, especially the squash plants. What I thought were pumpkins are actually zucchini, and when I peeked in there were two of them hidden in the leaves.  In a day or two they'll be ready for the turkey soup I'm planning to make.

Summer is strawberry season and my one strawberry plant is working hard to deliver the fruit.  Not enough for strawberry shortcake, but enough for a fresh bite.  Soon the farmers markets in Chico will have all the delicious summer produce.  Can't wait. Finishing a knitted hat today, one with a large fold up brim sure to keep ears warm during a cold winter evening watching high school football games. Happy Fathers' Day!  Go Giants!

HATS TO KNIT

Hats, scarves, and what ever else I want to try knitting, get saved in a large plastic bin until November when the Chico Eagles Aerie #218  - the Womens' Auxiliary - holds its two day Christmas Bazaar.  Progress has been slow, but now that I've more time, I'm anxious to be more productive.  These are the hats I've made so far.  I'm not a designer, and use patterns I find in books and the Internet, so I will give credit to those designers so you can see for yourself who they are.

These three baby hats are published as "Unbelievably Simple Hats" on PurlpleIrisCrafts.blogspot.  I knit these hats with worsted acrylic yarn.  They are knit side to side and then sewn together. 

The blue baby hat with the yellow ribbon can be found as "Knit an Easy Baby Hat" at "Louise Knits ... an sometimes sews."  The original is with eyelets only, but I added the ribbon for contrast color and texture.

 The red hat is my version of a fold up brimmed hat with cables and double moss stitch.  I love knitted texture.  An excellent source of knit and purl stitches can be found in KNIT & PURL - 250 stitches to knit - edited by Erika Knight.

Time to go knit!!  Scarves next post.

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

A few warm, now hot, days after weeks of rain, the garden is doing what gardens are supposed to do, grow.  From one day to the next we can see change. 

The yellow flower hidden in the jumbo leaves is the promise of a pumpkin in a few months. 

Geraniums offer up a pink a cosmetic company would like to duplicate in lipstick and nail polish. . . reds and whites, too.

Succulents are the easiest to grow. They love the heat and need only a little water.  I'm trying a few herbs, too - basil, oregano, and parsley.

Fences keep the trouble makers out.

Today is hot and windy.  A good day to clean closets and that's just what we've been doing.  The thrift store where I shop is getting several large bags of clothing.  Whew!  It feels great to have some organization.  On to some knitting.  Scarves and hats in the next post.

KNITTING FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS

I admit it, I'm an Internet junkie.  On one of my surfings, I came upon the site sponsored by Red Heart Yarns called the Winter Special Olympics Scarf Project.  This project has been going on for years, and I didn't know about it, so I was pleased to find a way to share my knitting.  I made two scarves and sent them to Idaho just in time to make the deadline.  The colors were two shades of blue.  The knitting is now underway for the 2012 Winter Special Olympics Scarf Project and information can be found here: http://scarvesforspecialolympics.org/  This year's colors are red and navy blue which lends itself well to a stripe pattern, but if you search this site you will find lovely and imaginative ways people have knit and crocheted scarves for these special kids. Most states have a mailing address, but not California or Oregon, and each state has a goal for scarves contributed.  Purl and I have made two scarves so far. 



More knitting to come.  Today the garden calls.  I have plants started in the greenhouse at ECHS ... quite a variety, including lettuce.  We'll see how that goes, or grows, I should say. It's a sunny California day predicted to get well past 80 degrees.  More later.

FLOWERS

More lovely flowers have come my way from people wishing me happy retirement.

Purple orchid from Jo.

Purple lilly from Christina.

Hmmm - they must know purple is my favorite color.  I'll have to get out my purple pen and write a couple of thank you notes.  Until then - Thank you, J & C. 

Retirement Day

Today I'm officially starting retirement from teaching at Elk Creek Jr/Sr High School in Elk Creek, CA. 

     Over the past 28 years I've taught mostly English and Art, but also basic math, home economics, journalism (yearbook: "The Elk", and newspaper: "The Ridge Runner".  I've been the student council advisor through a leadership class; taught a junior high communication skills class, junior high arts & crafts, and junior high social studies.  I've been the Stony Creek Federation of Teachers President for more ten years.  But today, all of that is no longer my baggage to carry 24/7.  I will miss interacting with the people there especially my coworkers.  I'm thinking about substitute teaching there in the fall just to keep in touch.  Jayne. Candy, and I shed a few parting "I'll miss you" tears. I won't miss the work load.  The staff of the district, all 26 of us, met at the Elk Horn Cafe for lunch and made a toast to those that are leaving and to those that are staying.  I was presented with a lovely amaryllis as a happy retirement gift.  Will have to research on how to take care of it.  So, on to other projects: knitting, crocheting, gardening, and painting the kitchen.

Minipurl and the Amaryllis



June 5, 2011

This is my first post on mini's knits and purls.  I've been thinking about writing a blog for a while thinking I would after I retire from teaching.  With retirement official on June 10, I couldn't wait to get started.  I'm anxious to spend more time knitting and crocheting.  Right now I'm knitting for the Eagles Christmas Faire and for the Winter Special Olympics scarf project.  Our garden is in, just waiting for sunny weather.  Here are a few beginnings there.

There's hope for the vegetable garden with sunny days predicted ahead.  One tomato plant is doing its best to deliver.