Autumn/Winter Warmers

     Greetings.  Autumn/Winter Warmers is the theme of this posting.  Even though winter hasn't officially arrived, it's felt like winter with freezing temperatures and snow all around us.  I'm not complaining - I know what the mid-west and east are going through right now with blizzard conditions, and I can look out and see blue skies. The knitting I've done lately has been for my niece who lives in wet and cold climate - Vancouver, Washington.  She wanted something to wear to keep her ears warm, other than a hat when going out. So the search was on for ear warmer patterns and this is what I came up with.  She is pleased with these and has been wearing them.  Happily, they're doing the job. 

     This first ear-warmer was made with two strands of worsted weight yarn held together, size 9 needles, which created a thick fabric. Of course I tried it on, and it was soft and warm.  It buttons in the back for a snug fit.  

                                     The pattern, Begonia Head Band can be found here:

                               http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/begonia-headband

This next version was made with a bulky roving yarn.  Super soft.  Size 10 needles.  I lost track of where I found this pattern and have since been keeping a journal so that doesn't happen again.  I've include a link to ear-warmer patterns with flowers, but there are many ear warmer patterns on line.  Look for them on Ravelry and Pinterest.

http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2010/07/knit-ear-warmers-wflower.html

    This, love the color, ear warmer is knit in the round without any tapering at the back.  I used worsted weight acrylic yarn and size 8 circular needles.  I'm not sure how I accomplished the flowers, since my crochet skills are not the greatest - persistence, I guess. Lots of flower patterns on line, also.

Here's the link to Simple Headband Ear-warmer.

http://devinlikestoknit.wordpress.com/2012/03/22/a-simple-headbandear-warmer-knit-pattern/

       The Red Scarf Project is part of Foster Care for Success - America's College Fund for Foster Youth.  Red scarves are accepted from Sept. 1 through Dec. 15.  The scarves are given to foster college students during February, you guessed it, Valentine's Day, as part of care packages.  If you are interested in donating  here is the address for more information.

Scarf for Red Scarf Project.http://www.fc2success.org/how-you-can-help/red-scarf-project/  

    I made the scarf with Lion Brand Homespun and size 15 needles.  It went together quickly since it's a mix of knitted and dropped stitches.  Very please with how it looked and felt...soft and airy, but warm.  I was worried I couldn't meet the deadline, but this pattern did the trick.  It's in the mail on it's was to someone who I hope loves it.  Here's where it find the pattern:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chunky-drop-stitch-scarf

     I made these next two hats because I wanted to try knitting in the round with bulky yarn.  I liked the results and have plans for more knitting with this type of yarn.  These hats were intended to be part of my Christmas Bazaar stash, but I ended up giving the one without the pom pom to my sister in Redding.  She loved it.

       This hat, called "The Super Bulky Ribbed Hat for Kids" was made with Loops & Threads Cozy Wool in the color Fleece.  The yarn is 50% wool and 50% acrylic.  I used size 15 circular needles.  I know this because I have the info in my journal.  Smart me, I should have started a journal a long time ago.  Here's where to find this easy and quick pattern:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-super-bulky-ribbed-hat-for-kids

     This hat, also knitted in the round, is called "Vanilla by Jen Geigley."  I made it with the roving I used on the ear-warmer.  It's so simple but makes a warm slouchy hat.  I love the simplicity of this type of knitting that shows off the texture and pattern of the simple garter stitches and the 2 x 2 ribbing. Here's where to find this pattern: 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-9

     I couldn't post a blog without showing something from Mother Nature which always amazes me.  Our backyard  tree adorned itself with red-orange persimmons just in time for the holidays.  

Until next time - keep knitting and crocheting or doing something creative, it soothes the soul. Have a peaceful and warm holiday season.