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.
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.
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.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/janes-cabled-headwarmer
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.
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.
Happy knitting and crocheting days ahead.