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 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.
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.
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.