SUMMER thinking about WINTER

     Yes, it's summer and hot, but knitting never stops.  I'm not fond of summer knits - too hot for me in this Northern California climate.  So I continue knitting winter knits, planning ahead for keeping ears and necks warm when it's chilly outside. This first scarf is my own go-to design.  I love the texture created by simple knit and purls which makes a plain yarn come alive.  I'm not a knit designer, but with some basic math skills (all I have) I can make this work. 

     I start and end with a basic ribbing - k 2, p 2 for a few inches.  When knitting the body keep a garter stitch edging on both sides of scarf - looks finished and keeps it from curling.  The stitches I use come from THE HARMONY GUIDES:  knit & purl - 250 stitches to knit from Interweave Press. I'm sure they or variations of them, could be found in most basic knitting books or on line.  The internet is a terrific resource for knitters. Back to the stitches: the first panel is basic checks; the second panel is Pennant Stitch; the third panel Double Fleck Stitch. Divide panels with a  few rows of garter stitches, repeat panels, and knit until scarf is as long as you like. 

     Most of my yarn has come from a variety of places - given to me, treasures found at thrift shop, some purchased so I'm not always sure of the fiber content.  Most is synthetic - I know purists only like to knit with wool, but it's expensive and hot to wear.  I have a childhood memory of a green wool sweater my mother knit for me that I couldn't wear because it was itchy. It was a short struggle of wills, but I won out with a loud protest and yanking of the sweater off my body.  
I know wool yarns have come a long way toward softness since then and some have been blended with other fibers to even make them washable. 

     So, not absolutely sure of the fiber in this neck warmer but I think it's a brushed acrylic bulky weight. The pattern: Knitted Neck Warmer can be found here:      http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/knitting/outerwear/knit-neck-warmer/12283   This pattern calls for Homespun yarn by Lion Brand and uses size 10 straight needles. 

       Another good pattern similar to this is Dear by Holly Peacock  

                        http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dear

Here's a variation made with a nubby, thick and thin yarn in a checks or basket weave stitch.

    This is my fist attempt at an infinity scarf also called a cowl.  I used Lion Brand Homespun and size 15 needles.  The pattern: The Runaround Knit Cowl can be found here: http://smashedpeasandcarrots.com/the-runaround-knit-cowl-free-pattern/  This cowl is about 50 inches long and can wrap around your neck twice.  Nice and snugly warm.

     On to keeping little heads warm.  Look at what self-striping yarns can do for you - like magic stripes appear as you knit.  These three hats were knit with EVERYDAY SOFT WORSTED from the Deborah Norville collection - purchased at Joann's.  You can find the patterns for these hats as follows: the one on the left: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rock-star-beanie; middle: http://www.tanisfiberarts.com/blog/2010/12/grammys-hats-and-mittens-pattern.html; right: basic beanie with rows of garter stitches.  Hats for kids. 

     This baby hat was made with Jiffy yarn from Lion Brand.  Baby Flap Hat pattern can be found here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-flap-cap  You'll find some cute variations with this pattern. 

    These two hats are definitely big people hats.  They are my variations on a pattern called Stashbuster Hat one plain and one with a cable.  I like the longer ribbing which is about 4 inches.  There is plenty of slouch with this pattern which can be found here: http://hattiemylove.blogspot.no/2013/01/striped-light-stashbuster-hat-pattern_28.html

You'll find many other free and unique hat patterns at this site.  

     So that's what I've been knitting lately.  But I couldn't blog with out adding what's going on in the garden.  The flowers, their shapes and colors always amaze me.  The bulb or seed just needs a clean home, some water and food and look what you get for so little human effort.  

We thought we had a peach tree but surprise nectarines. 

 Grape vine carpet - there's a shed under there.  Love it. 

Until next time - keep the creative juices flowing -  knitting goes on.

IT'S A FAMILY THING

     Greetings from sunny northern California.  Still knitting and crocheting in preparation for the winter months ahead. My niece, D, from Vancouver, WA, who had been crocheting baby blankets for friends and hospitals, sent pics of her latest creations.

    Here are photos of my Super Quick Ruffled Scarf (free pattern from Lion Brand; I used Wildberries Stripes) and...

kitchen towels (also free patterns from Lion Brand; I selected a number of bright colors that I liked from their Kitchen Cotton collection). I am making small dish cloths from the leftover cotton yarn. 

                            

    We all know that knitters and crocheters keep left over yarn, called their stash, and can use it in creative ways.  These brightly colored towels will make cleaning the kitchen a little less of a chore.

     Even though, I keep saying I'm going to hone my crocheting skills, I can't stop knitting - so many interesting patterns to try.  A lot of my yarn has been given to me or I've found it at my favorite thrift shop, and it's a challenge to fit a pattern to the yarn.  So far so good, only a couple of failures.

     Our blooming garden has provided a lovely background for my pics.  Thanks again, Mother Nature, and Master Gardener D. who tends it.

     Headbands and ear warmers have become a popular alternative to wearing a hat. They are quick to make and come in a variety of styles and yarn weights. Some are knit in the round and others knit flat with ends sew together or buttoned. I like the way designers have gone back to older styles that resemble turbans. Reminds me of old Hollywood. 

     I found a part of a skein of this lovely pink yarn with little bumps and it was just enough to make this ear warmer. It felt like wool, maybe a wool blend. Love this cable.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/janes-cabled-headwarmer

     I've been wanting to try embroidery on knitting and this headband provided the perfect pattern because the center is smooth stockinette stitch. It's called Maisie's Headband by Ann Bailey.  It can be found here:     

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

     I promised to keep my knitting journal up to date, but I didn't with these next two patterns.  Basically, they are one long (to fit your head) rectangle sewn together with a smaller rectangle wrapped around the seam.  The pinkish red one was knit with a bulky yarn in a knit 2, purl 2 ribbing. 

                        

     This camo-looking yarn was used to knit the whole ear warmer in garter stitch which is just knitting, no purling.  It was made with worsted weight yarn and size 9 needles. Again, knit a large rectangle to fit snugly around your head, sew the ends together, knit a small rectangle to wrap around the seam and gather in the head band.  Add a button or interesting pin if you want. 

   

     Will try harder to keep track of pattern sources. Most have been found on Ravely, and I'm sure I've pinned many of them to my board in Pinterest.

     I've made this ear warmer before in a solid color with a big flower attached. This one looks completely different because of the color variations in the yarn. It doesn't need a flower; it's unique as it is. Calls for knitting worsted weight yarn and size 8 16" circular knitting needles.  It's called A Simple Headband/ear-warmer, and can be found here:

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

     There isn't a specific pattern for the purple headband.  I saw a picture similar to this and used patterns I'd found on the web to create my own.  It's knit with worsted weight yarn and size 9 needles.  It's knitted flat and seamed - seam hidden under the little button band.  Love this color.  The petunias add a sweet touch. 

     There are some people, especially young ones, who look cute wearing hats, so we can't forget them.  Hats are usually knit in the round which can be a daunting task toward the narrow top when double pointed needles are required.  All I can say is, I'm getting little better at using them.  So no turning my back on hats. 

     This pattern is Mock Cable Watch Cap designed by Tanis Gray for Cascade Yarns. It's a free pattern, knit in the round. I used worsted weight acrylic yarn. I like the little flecks of color. Instead of a pom pom, I sewed a button on the top. 

http://www.cascadeyarns.com/patternsFree/W406_EcoCloudMockCableWatchCap.pdf

                             

     Penguin love hat, scarf, & hearts. This pattern caught my eye because the hats were made with bright colors and each had a knitted heart attached.  After knitting them I liked them as is with a multicolored pompom. These were knitted in the round with acrylic yarn and can be found here:

 http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/penguin-love

     There's more knitting done, but I will save it for the next blog... neck warmers and scarves. 

     I'm going to end my blog with the most gorgeous sight in our garden.  I'm giving you the extra-large size photo because these are so beautiful. They are Asiatic Lilies, and wow! what colors. 

     Happy knitting and crocheting days ahead.

SPRING - AT LAST -

Spring - at last.  Signs of Spring popping up everywhere now that we've had some rain.  It's been a long, dry winter, and even though it's sunny and warm today, rain is predicted for a few days this week. Ask anyone in California, and they'll say, "We need it." These violets come up every February just in time for Aquarius birthdays - purple is our color.  More of Mother Nature at the end of the blog.  On to the knitting.

My knitting projects have multiplied quickly since I've been making ear warmers.  They don't take much yarn or time to knit, but I love the results. 

I'm thinking I could use a mannequin head with a wig, so I can show these being worn.  I'm going to look into finding one.  Either that, or find someone to model them.  Difficult - I live with two men who wouldn't cooperate.

The Snow Queen Bow Ear Warmer Pattern (Cost: $1.99) was knit with Lion Brand Homespun - a bulky yarn.  It reminds me of the turbans worn in old Hollywood movies.  In fact it's from a designer at "Vintage Visage" through the website Craftsy.  Lots of good patterns there, mostly for sale and few free ones, too.  You can find this pattern at:

http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/knitting/accessory/snow-queen-bow-head-band-ear-warmer/39332 

 This next ear warmer is a variation of the ear warmers in my previous blog, called: Groovy Girlfriend Ear Warmer.  It was knit in a bulky yarn with a knitted flower attached.  I haven't yet mastered crochet flowers, but I will.  This ear warmer tapers in the back and is held with another wooden button.  You can find the pattern here for free: 

              http://www.villagestitches.com/groovy-girlfriend-earwarmer.html

The next two ear warmers are narrow versions of the larger turban style.

The Winter Headband with a Twist was knit with worsted weight acrylic yarn and seamed at the back.  You can find it here for free: 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/winter-headband-with-a-twist

The Turban Outfitters Knit Headband with a Twist was knit in a bulky yarn and also seamed at the back.  Both ear warmers would look cute and would keep ears warm in the cold of winter.  You can find this pattern for free here: 

http://sewcraftysofresh.blogspot.com/2012/10/turban-outfitters.html

The Womb Wisdom Headband/Ear Warmers can be knit with either worsted weight yarn as is the multicolored or with bulky as is the brown.  The cable is easy.  These were knitted flat and then seamed in the back, no tapering.  This pattern is free on Ravelry: 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/womb-wisdom-headband-ear-warmer

Still knitting for head warmth is the (Rock) Star Beanie knit in worsted acrylic  yarn.  If you look up the pattern, you will see the knitter has

added embroidery as part of the design.  I'm planning on doing embroidery also on another hat with a solid color background.  On this hat I've added some very small knitted flowers. I found this yarn at Joanns as a sale on self-striping mill ends - I like the outcome.  You can find this pattern for free, also at Ravelry:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rock-star-beanie

Lastly, my knitting slid down from head to neck with the Hydra Cabled Neckwarmer that is knit in a seed stitch border with a basic twisty cable in the center.  This is perfect for someone that doesn't want the length of a scarf or cowl around their neck.  It was knit in a bulky yarn.  Nice and warm.  This is another free Ravelry pattern found here: 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hydra-cabled-neckwarmer

As promised, a few more gifts from Mother Nature.  I wonder what flower bulbs do all winter, because in the Spring they do this. More to come as the Iris start to bloom, too. 

We also have a hybrid fruit tree that should have fruit this year.  It is grafted peach and apricot.  These are the gorgeous blossoms it produced after a long quiet winter.  A little rain and warm sunshine is all it needed. 

I'm adding a little quote to finish this blog from my Pinterest board titled, Things to Remember. I think it fits me, and probably many others, who know instinctively that creating things was passed to them from their mothers and the generations before her.  

JANUARY/FEBRUARY KNITS

Greetings.  The winter months are zipping by so I had to add February to my post title.  Even thought I've been very busy with settling my sister, H, into her new place, I still found some time for knitting.  I take it with me when I sub in Elk Creek so now kids will ask, "Did you bring your knitting today?"  I always do even if I don't have much time to work on it, and they like to see what's on the needles.  We share the love of hand made items since some have grandmas who knit or crochet cute things for them to wear. 

I'm thinking, with the encouragement of K,  of selling my knitting at the Eagles Christmas Bazaar in November.  I've been working on small items like ear/head warmers and neck warmers.  Several were in the last blog and a few escaped to Washington without getting photographed, but you get the idea.  My family  there appreciate the extra head warmth without the hair crushing of a hat in their cold, blustery weather. I have two more ear warmers on the needles for them.  There is a wonderful variety of patterns available that lend themselves to creative changes and additions.  I will give credit to the designers of the following patterns since I'm now keeping a knitting journal, with photos, to remind me of what I've made.

This headband is knit in the round using circular needles in a worsted weight yarn.  The pattern shows a large knitted rose along with the leaf.  I have yet to master knit and crochet flowers and go to the flower pattern that works for me, which is "East Elegant Flower Knitting Pattern By The Createry Shop": 

http://www.thecreateryshop.com/2011/02/easy-flower-to-knit-free-knitting.html 

The headband pattern with its gorgeous red rose can be found here: 
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/american-beauty-rose-headband

This green ear warmer is the same pattern shown in gold in the previous blog: "Begonia Headband" - http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/begonia-headband
This pattern has a cost of $6.00.  It makes a dense, warm fabric using bulky yarn or worsted yarn held double, which is what I used.  Instead of a flower, I made two leaves and added a unique button.

"Antho Inspired Cabled Ear Warmer" is next.  Love this.  It's made with bulky roving yarn which is soft and snuggly on your head.  It has a button closure on the back.  This pattern can be found here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/braided-3

Every once in a while, I come across a vintage pattern that I like.  This is one, and it seems appropriate for the times since we've been watching ice skating during the Olympics.   This ear warmer is so cute, I couldn't resist and will make more.  It's called "Vintage Skating Ear Warmer" and can be found here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vintage-skating-headband.  Love the pom poms on the sides.

Head warmers can often be worn as neck warmers, too.  I made this one for my sister, H, who likes it to keep her head warm at night.  It's made with a soft bulky yarn and is called "Waffle Stitch Ear Warmer." It was knit flat and then seamed at the back. From Creations by Caroline, 2012:  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/waffle-stitch-earwarmer

Little people get cold ears, too, so this little head band works for someone like B who is about a year and half old. When I saw her, she was wearing it around her neck, already fashionable as a neck warmer.   It's called "Flower Power Headband"  It was knit flat with worsted weight yarn, narrowed at the back and has a lady bug button closure to match the buttons in the posies. I'm definitely going to make more of these in bright colors.  You can find this pattern here:  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flower-power-headband-3 

I have a wealth of patterns and other interests saved on Pinterest.  Love this site - when ever I pin (save) a pattern, it's shared with everyone else and can be pinned by them on their own pin boards.  Naturally, I can do the same. It's a feast of ideas.  Check it out!

Until next time keep knitting or crocheting or dancing, drawing, painting, singing, cooking, etc. -  what every keeps your creative juices flowing.