Major Knitter

What To Do When You're Wide Awake at 4:00 a.m.

I woke up at 4:00 a.m. Sunday morning.  Not sure why.  BF thought my alarm went off.  I'm pretty sure it didn't.  Maybe it was Wilma (probable cause).  It could have been those darned pesky birds outside our window that delight in waking us up in the wee hours of the morning.

Since I was wide awake, I decided to knit.  Big surprise.  I have a few baby gifts to make, and I looked at the wonderful new package of Babyboo Knit One Crochet Too in Periwinkle that I purchased at Knitting Central.  I have ten skeins of this wonderfully soft fibre.  I started to look through Ravelry for a pattern to try.  I was thrilled to see this design pop up on the first page. (Click HERE if you're a ravelry member to see this design)  I love this pattern, but I've made it so many times that I think I could will it to knit itself at this point.  Instead, I thought this periwinkle deserved its very own creation.  My friend Nancy made this adorable heart-felt creation for her first grandchild last summer.  It inspired me to use my seed stitch heart graphs that I created for my Warm Up America blankets to create one large heart blanket. 

So I spent all morning designing not one, but two baby blankets.  You know, when I made the WUA heart graph, I also made a star graph, so I had to make a SWEET HEART and a STARRY NIGHT baby blanket.  Now I just need 8 arms and 100 hours in a day to knit up everything that's on my launching pad.  Sigh.

Perhaps all my WIPs on the launching pad are what made me wake up again this morning at 4:00 a.m.? 

Cast Off, Cast On

I no sooner finished the latest Flying Triangles Baby Blanket then I went right to the Knit Nook and picked out my yarn for the next baby blanket. 

My mind was already dreaming up a new and improved pattern for a baby blanket as I was finishing the one in hand.  I swear every time I knit I come up with 2-5 new patterns I have already created in my mind.  It can really be quite exhausting.  Nothing ever comes to most of those design dreams.  I simply can't knit that much.  But my brain never rests nonetheless, so I feel obliged to knit up the next new project right away.

US Size 15 circular needles

2 skeins Red Heart Ltd. Baby Econo in the 1987 Bathtime Print colorway

5 skeins Phildar Pronostic in the 500229 Celadon colorway

Because Sometimes You Want a Small Baby Blanket

I like to create quick and easy baby blanket patterns for others to use.  I generally choose yarn that is available nationwide.  It can easily be substituted for your favorite yarn at your LYS.  Another thing is that I like to create things that offer instant gratification.  My baby blankets are generally knit on US Size 15 needles with 2 strands of baby yarn held together at the same time.  This makes them knit up lightning fast and makes the finished product soft and lofty.  Here's my latest completion in less than 2 days:

It's perfect for a stroller or a car seat at about 34x34 inches square. 

• US Size 15 circular needles
• 2 skeins Red Heart Ltd. Baby Econo in the 1926 Sweet Dreams colorway
• 1 skein Red Heart Ltd. Soft Baby Solid in the 7545 Powder Lilac colorway
• CO 80 sts and follow THIS PATTERN

If you want a larger baby blanket, I recommend having 2 skeins of each yarn and CO 100 sts (increasing the Flying Triangles pattern).  I would also repeat the rows until your blanket measures the heighth you would like.  Allow an extra 2.5-3 inches for the garter stitch border.

Happy knitting!

Another New Project Started

I've had a lot of requests to write the text instructions for the Flying Triangles Baby Blanket pattern.  I submitted it with a simple Excel spreadsheet graph - and little-to-no instructions.  I decided I'd try to oblige, so I headed to my local Wal-Mart in Norwalk, Connecticut and bought some skeins of Red Heart Baby Econo in multi-colors.  I paired it with some baby yarn solids that I had in my stash and got started.

The triangles are very small so they don't really stand out that much.  I'm making nice progress on the blanket and testing the pattern (and graph) all at the same time.  It's knit on US Size 15 needles holding two strands of yarn at the same time so it knits up exceptionally fast. 

Here's my attempt to show you a close-up of the Flying Triangles.  They're a wee bit difficult to see.  I also want to make another similar pattern but with larger triangles.  I'll get right to work on that one, too.  You know, because I only have thirteen WIPS on my Ravelry Projects page.  And here I thought I was making great progress checking things off my list.  Yikes.

You know, I think this pattern would also be drop-dead-gorgeous in a nice bulky yarn.  I'll have to think about that one.  Hmmmmm.

Finishing Friday - Oh So Soft Baby Blanket in DK Weight

My commitment to finish WIPs from my To Do list is really paying off. 

I managed to finish this variation to my Original Oh So Soft Baby Blanket. This time I’m knitting it with only one strand of DK weight yarn and on much smaller needles (US Size 7). It’s basically the same pattern except I cast on double the number of stitches and doubled the size of the seed stitch border. I also increased the size of the stockinette panels (I eyeballed it - each stockinette panel is about 5.5 inches (and the half stockinette panel is 2.75 inches). I am using 6 skeins of Sirdar Snuggly = total of 1158.0 yards (1058.9m). 

I'll work on the exact pattern soon as I know some people prefer to have a finer knit baby blanket and the original pattern is knit on US Size 15 needles for a quick knit up.  This one took me several months of somewhat regular attention.  It took too long for my liking - but I'm happy now that's it's finished.

Free Pattern of the Day

My blog visits have been almost double the norm in the past few days.  I couldn't figure it out.  Was I exceptionally witty?  Was everyone worried about Primogeniture and Secundogeniture getting off to camp all right?  Was everyone enthralled with the snail's pace of my Swirly Girl socks?  What?

Then I found this.  Daily Knitter picked one of my free patterns (Jazzed Up Denim Jacket) and made a link to it after they renamed it Collar and Cuffs (can they do that?) and offered it as the Daily Knitter free pattern of the day.  Cool.  I'm flattered. 

I think I'll go watch my stats counter now.

Pink Proliferation

Remember the Curly-Q scarf from 10 days ago?  I've really been making the adult size one diligently since then.  There's just one problem.  I think I have to rename the scarf.  See, you just keep doing increases in the darned thing, so before you get to the 10th row you have well over 1,000 (no, that's not a typo) stitches on your 60-inch needle.  Don't try to cheat and use a smaller circular needle.  It simply won't work.  There are too many stitches to cram on a smaller circular needle.  I hope I love this scarf when it's finished.  Note to self: "Think positive thoughts.  You will HEART this scarf.  Think positive thoughts."  There.  Did it work?

Checking It Twice

I made the Oh So Soft Garter/Eyelet Striped Baby Blanket while BF and I were in Florida two weeks ago - in miniature.  I knit this on US size 2 needles using sport weight yarn just to test the pattern.  I didn't have enough yarn to make it in one color so I decided to test the striped look.  I'm not sure if I like it or now.  Oh well.  This blanket is just about the right size for an American Girl Doll.

I updated the pattern, made it easier to follow, and input all the changes.  Now I have to make it one more time to check the newest pattern.  Here's my progress with some yarn I had on hand.  I had one Lion Brand "Pound of Love" and about eight skeins of this Bernat Magic sparkle yarn from a discount sale several years ago.  I'm knitting them together to make the lighter blue/green/yellow blanket on US size 15 circular needles.

Many of you have requested this pattern.  I am diligently working on it and hope to have this final test completed within a week.  Thanks for writing to me requesting the pattern.  I really appreciate everyone's interest.  It is such a quick and easy baby blanket to knit.  Since it's knit with two strands of yarn on such large needles, it ends up being extra soft and durable.  Generally, I prefer to use only 2 skeins to make this blanket as I don't like to weave in any loose ends when joining skeins, but since I was in a hurry to finalize this test pattern, I used what yarn I had on hand.  I hope you can wait just a few more days for the finished product.

Frigid Forecast Means Quick Knitting

Last night BF and I were at a dinner party at friends.  We had fun, food, friendship and fondue.  It was fabulous.  But about 10:30 p.m. the light mist turned into sleet, ice and snow and the wind picked up to over 50 mph.  We were driving the fun Mini Cooper and felt we needed to get home rather than get stuck.  In fact on the way home we even stopped and removed a tree from the road.  It was quite the night with a little adventure at the end.  I can't tell you how happy I was to finally be in the driveway.  New England is beautiful, but I have definitely developed a fear of falling trees - with good reason.

Anyway, this morning I woke up very early to a frigid forecast.  I knit 2 rows on my Magic Loop socks before admitting to myself that it was the perfect time to knit that Tahki Yarns Baby Tweed.  If not now, when?  What perfect time to knit up some bulky yarn into a quick sweater.  So, I'm making that side split collar sweater for ME using the Knitting From the Top Down method.  I can't tell you how easy this method is.  You just need to do the math and measure a favorite sweater of your own. 

Here is the back shoulders down to the underarm.  I'm about to pick up the right and left front and knit the front section down to the underams.  Then I'll join the front and back and knit in the round.

Oh!  And since it's a big football day, BF and I will be sitting by the television watching the Steelers and the Colts and knitting.  OK, he'll be watching and I'll be knitting.  It should be a great day for knitting.

Maximus!

BF and I went to visit our friends and their baby Max.  Since I knew I couldn't get an entire ensemble made for Max, I decided to make a miniature sweater for him.  It's really an ornament. 

Orange You Glad?

BF's mom sent me a gift certificate to Knitting Central for my Christmas gift.  I was so excited that I ran out to purchase some yarn for a side split collar sweater.  I hoped to use the same yarn as the capelet, but they didn't have enough to make a sweater.  Instead I found several skeins of this Tahki Baby Tweed in orange.  I think it will be fun, not to mention quick.

Twice as Nice

I finished the pink stash buster scarf, so I decided to knit up another one.  Pink.  Pink.

C'est Fini!

Did you guess that I would finish the winter white scarf first?  Well, I did.  Here I am modeling my new scarf in a somewhat animated pose.

Best news of all?  I'll have enough yarn to make a second scarf.  One for me and one to gift.  How cool is that?

Third Scarf in Three Days

It took me a while to post the picture, but here's the picture of the third Stash Buster scarf I made this weekend. 

1. Brown Stash Buster Scarf on Thursday
2. Brown and Light Blue Horizontal Scarf on Thursday Night
3. Light Blue Stash Buster Scarf on Saturday and Sunday

I'm a little sore from my knitting mania weekend.  Stretch.  Ice.  Relax.

Bedroom Inspired Scarf

Here's a picture of my headboard in the master bedroom.  Do you recognize the combination of brown and light blues?

It may have possibly been the inspiration for my brown and light blue craze.  Here's the finished scarf from yesterday's train ride home

I used the Misti Alpaca Chunky - 1 skein brown and 1 skein light blue.  With size US 15 circular needles and the knitting cast on method, I started with the light blue yarn and cast on 140 stitches.  I knit in garter stitch (2 rows for each color), carried the unused yarn along the bottom for 2 rows until it was needed again, until I had 9 stripes (or 18 rows).  Ending in light blue again, bind off loosely.  I did not add fringe, but you could.  The finished dimensions for my scarf were 4 inches by 52 inches.  Since it's a scarf, I wouldn't get hung up on the dimensions.  You could easily make it shorter and fatter if you like.  This yarn is so soft and luxurious (not to mention the fact that it knits up so quickly) that I think you'll want to knit up several of these scarves for your holiday gift list.  I know I'm thinking of it.  Who wouldn't after finishing two scarves in one day?

Anyway, BF and I are off to the city again this afternoon.  What 2 projects will I finish this time?

Skeet Shooting Anyone?

You knew I'd somehow manage to sneak some knitting content into my skeet shooting day with Primogeniture and the Boy Scouts. 

See... I'm wearing my Koigu cable cap for the skeet shoot.  We woke up at the crack of dawn this morning and trekked to upstate New York (how painful was it that our hunting club was just 20 minutes past RHINEBECK!!).  Primogeniture was a natural with a shotgun.  It was his first time ever holding a shotgun and he managed to shoot 20 of the 50 clay pigeons on his first try ever.  And me?  Well, I am a Marine, you know.  I have marksman badges to prove I can shoot a rifle.  But, well, you see, I've never actually shot at a moving target with a shotgun.  I went 0 for 3.  I decided magnanimously that this day was about Andrew.  Really.  Maybe next year I'll try again.  It doesn't even matter.  We both had a blast just the same. (Pun intended!)

Here's Primogeniture shooting at the clay pigeon. 

DISCLAIMER - No actual pigeons were hurt for the filming of this event.

Making a List, Checking it Twice

I've been diligently working on the Knitting From The Top Down Primer.  I've typed up the pattern from my notes - which is no small task given what I have to work with. 

Can you decipher any of that?

Then, I need to test the pattern my making the sweater again (at least once) following the pattern to a "T" in order to test and correct the directions.  I picked out these color combinations from the yarn stash.  This first color combination I call "Pumpkin Spice" from unlabled yarn

The second color combination has a Major Knitter theme.  This sweater will be perfect for DI Jane.  It's going to be knit from a skein of Bernat Camouflage yarn.  Ha!

Creating the primer is more work than I thought, but it's worth it.  I hope you'll think so, too.  I think I should be done with it by Friday.  I hope you can wait until then.

Knitting From the Top Down - a Primer

At Saturday kNit Live, Madison told me that she's getting an American Girl Doll for her 7th birthday.  She's really thrilled and wants to make some clothes for her doll.  She went to my office and selected these two colors of yarn for a sweater for her new doll.  I decided to take the opportunity to design a new sweater pattern for the American Girl Doll and make a photographic primer on how to knit from the top down.  It's my favorite way to make sweaters as I abhor finishing sweaters.  There is absolutely no sewing with this type of knitting.  You knit from the shoulders down and then you join the yarn and knit in the round for the body of the sweater.  For the sleeves, you pick up the appropriate number of stitches around the armhole and then knit with dpns in the round.  I just love to knit this way!  I hope you will, too.  I'll be working diligently on the photographic primer this week and hope to have it published over the next few days.  You'll be able to knit a whole wardrobe for that little girl in your life just in time for the holidays.  Won't she be thrilled?  The best part of these doll patterns is that I generally use up all my odds and ends from the yarn stash.  It's a great method of stash busting.  What are you waiting for?  Look and see what's lurking in the odds and ends bin at your house.

Mets Baby Blanket

 

I stopped by another favorite knitting store of mine in Manhattan - The Yarn Connection - to pick up some accent yarn for the blue cable baby blanket I'm knitting.  It's for one of BF's friends who is part of the core Traveling Mets Fans and father-to-be.  Rather than make a blanket that screams METS, this blanket will be a solid blue cable blanket with a 2-3 inch garter stitch border around all the edges.  Then to add the METS theme, I'm going to do a very simple crochet edge in cream, orange and blue.  I think the newest Baby Mets fan will look smashing.

Oh and I also bought 2 sets of Turbo Addi needles as prizes for the WUA honorable mentionees - for those two categories that were added at the last minute.  Thanks again to everyone who helped me out with the WUA projects.

Lest You Think There Would Never Be Actual Knitting Content Again...

I've been posting so much about WIPs, my ever-growing knitting stash, LYS and doll patterns, that I believe you may have been wondering if I was ever going to show a Finished Object ever again.  Well... sit down.  I have something to share with you.

Are you ready?

Here goes...

This is the cable band cap that I designed.  I made the original cable band cap in black Paton's Classic Wool with a tassle on top... but it wasn't tight enough to really keep me warm.  This one was knit in 2 skeins of Koigu KKPM with no tassle.  I'm happy to report that it is snug and warm.  It's part of a collection of cap patterns that I'm working on to sell.  I'm a ways off from actually publishing the patterns, but I am working on it. 

ORANGE ALERT IN NEW YORK CITY!!!

Finally, an Orange Alert for Manhattan that doesn't involve terrorism.  The 23 miles of saffron colored Gates in Central Park are bringing some sunshine to the city. 

On that note, I finished the Gates scarf and it was so much fun.  It's a silly little thing that brings smiles to everyone who sees it.    I went to Central Park the other day to deliver the finished project to Judy and to see the Gates.  Judy gave me permission to post her photo montages.  Aren't they gorgeous?

She's a professional photographer but I took some amateur photos of the Gates myself.  Some were just fine by me.  Have a look see.

 

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Judy commented on the complete Gates photo album I sent her...

But just to let you know, Christo and Jeanne-Claude saw the scarf and approached me at breakfast yesterday and laughed and laughed. They touched it and loved it.

Many of the visitors to the Park want to know where they can buy it and have taken many, many photos of it. It is a HUGE hit!
J

If you'd like to make very own GATES SCARF - click on the free pattern photo album at the right to find the directions.  It's just a series of K2, P2 swatches attached by 2 stitch I-cord.  Good luck.  If you make one, please send me your picture in Central Park with the Gates and your Gates Scarf.

The Gates Project in Central Park

My friend Judy Wolfe of Movie Review and Animal Portrait fame is also a very talented photographer and Central Park volunteer.  You can normally find Judy volunteering at the Central Park Zoo, but this month, she's been a big participant in The Gates Project in Central Park.  You've heard about this, right? 

Well, I decided last night to use some of the acrylic orange yarn that came in the donated box from Jennifer last week to create something a la saffron for Judy to wear as she directs people about the park and answers questions.

I just sort of started knitting and came up with this

The most gratifying part of knitting this project is that while I was knitting it on the train ride home, a couple sitting across from me kept glancing my way and then commenting about something.  This is not too unusual as most people who KIP will tell you.  As I got up to gather my coat and belongings they finally spoke up

"I couldn't help but notice that thing you were making looks like a scarf, but it also looks like the Gates Project in Central Park"

BINGO!

I told them that it was in fact both a scarf and a tribute to the Gates Project as a gift to my friend who volunteers.  I think everyone was happy with that exchange.  I just hope Judy likes it too.

The Button Band Cap

Ana Maria Boccia is visiting New York and - baby - it's COLD outside.  Of course, I had to return the hospitality she extended when I visited in October (remember the wedding pictures?) so I designed an interesting and very warm hat using Reynolds "Rapture", size 9 dpns, this gorgeous glass button I purchased this evening at Knitting Central and my own imagination. 

I'm going to try to fine tune the pattern and offer it soon.  Sit tight.  I will publish it soon.

I picked this color as it's almost the same color as the mother-of-the-bride dress that Ana Maria wore to the wedding.

So here's the finished hat...

Black Cable Cap

Well, today I made lots of progress on the baby blanket for Warm Up America.  But until it's completed, the pictures are not that exciting. 

Instead, I bring to you pictures of a cap I made last year with some leftover Paton's Classic Wool - Merino (leftover from a felted bag).  I made a cable pattern strip long enough to match the circumference of my head, sewed the ends together using the three needle bind off, then picked up stitches along one end to make the crown.  It was lots of fun.  I got several comments on it today.

Of course, since it's black, it's impossible to see the pattern.  Maybe I'll make another one in a lighter color which can actually be photographed.

Pink Seed Stitch Cap

I finished my second chemo cap.  This one is an adaptation of the seed stitch baby cap from Vogue Knitting on the Go "Caps & Hats Two" but totally different.  I'm not sure how this hat will work out over the long run as I used 2 skeins of Patons Grace 100% mercerized cotton and 1 set of circular size US 4/3.5mm needles and 1 set of size US 4/3.5mm dpns.

White Ribbed Chemo Cap

Here is Michael modeling the snug little White Watch Cap knit with 1 ball Gedifra "Marokko."  There is barely any yarn left, so you might want to buy 2 skeins of yarn to be safe.

Using size 6 dpns, cast on 92 stitches.  (Or if you prefer, use 2 sets of size 6 circular needles to knit in the round).

Knit in a K2P2 ribbing pattern in the round for 5 1/2 inches.  This cap will NOT have a folded cuff.  If you want one, be sure to purchase 2 skeins of yarn and add about 2 inches.

Crown: 

• 1st Row - K2tog, P2, around - 69 stitches remaining
• 2nd Row - knit the knits and purl the purls around
• 3rd Row - K1, P2tog around - 46 stitches remaining
• 4th Row -  Knit around
• 5th Row - K2tog around - 23 stitches remaining
• 6th Row - Knit around
• 7th Row - K2tog around, knit final stitch - 12 stitches remaining
• Cut 6 inch yarn tail.  Tightly thread through the remaining 12 stitches.  Weave in ends.

Blue Mohair Boucle Scarf

Here is the finished Blue Mohair Boucle Scarf

MATERIALS
Size 10 1/2 needles
1 skein variegated blue mohair boucle from Dorchester Farms - 62 yards per oz - $3.05 per oz. My skein had 4.4 oz and 272 yards. I used an entire skein to make one scarf. Total cost $13.42.
Dorchester Farms
8 Florida Street
Dorchester, MA 02124
Tel: (617) 436-5758
Email: DorFarms@aol.com

INSTRUCTIONS
Cast on 24 stitches
Using the seed stitch, knit as follows
Row 1: *k1, p1; rep from *
Row 2: *k1, p1; rep from *
Repeat rows 1-2 until scarf reaches desired length.
Bind off stitches.
Weave in loose ends of yarn.

FRINGE
Cut approximately 48 pieces of yarn into 12" strands. Hold 3 strands together for each knot of fringe. Fold these 3 strands in half. Use a large crochet hook and pull the folded end through the edge of the scarf to be fringed from the right to wrong side. Pull loose ends through folded end. Pull knot up securely. Space the fringe about 1 inch apart. That should allow for about 7-8 strands of fringe along each end of the scarf. Trim ends evenly.

Measurements for my scarf was 7.5 inches by 64 inches (before adding the fringe). You may vary your length and width depending on personal tastes.

*** FREE PONCHO PATTERN ***

Everybody seems to want a free poncho pattern. I'm here to oblige today.

This is about the simplest pattern you could ever find for a poncho. Basically you'll need your favorite lightweight yarn (spend as much or as little as you like), large circular needles, a lacy pattern, a newspaper pattern, and a sewing needle. You will make a rectangular stole and then sew one end to the bottom side of the other end. This will create the poncho.

I decided to make a child's small poncho. So I took The New York Times and started to cut out a nice rectangle. I cut and trim until it seemed the right size for a small poncho (girls size 2-4). It ended up being 27 x 9.5 inches.

Then you sew (or in the case of the newspaper pattern "tape") side "A" to side "B". Block appropriately until your poncho has the correct look. If you want to try the newspaper pattern on for size, do so, and adjust accordingly.

This is what I'm currently using.

Red Heart Soft Baby in Powder Pink (1-2 skeins)
size 13 circular needles

sizes are for S, M and L

Final Dimensions - approximate (I'll be back with actual dimensions upon completion of the sample ponchos)

S - 27 x 9.5 inches
M - 40 x 12 inches
L - 50 x 15 inches

Gauge - 3 stitches to the inch. Take time to make sure your gauge is accurate, or adjust number of stitches appropriately to get the final dimensions.

Cast on 90 (120, 150) stitches and knit the "Oblique Openwork" from the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Needlework - lace pattern until the piece is a solid rectangle. Please note that this pattern tends to slant on the bias due to the oblique nature of the stitch so you'll need to do some serious blocking.

Pattern (multiple of 2 stitches)

Row 1: K1, *YO, K2tog*, K1
Row 2: Purl across
Row 3: K2, *YO, K2tog*
Row 4: Purl across

You'll end up with a rectangle that looks something like this. You should block it before sewing.

Sew Side A to Side B (see photo). Weave in loose ends.

If you like fringe, please feel free to add some fringe evenly spaced along the edge of the poncho.

Karina's Cardigan

Here's a picture of Karina's cardigan sweater that I designed especially for her using leftover acrylic worsted weight yarns that I had lying around the house. There's everything from Red Heart to Carron and God knows what mixed into this sweater, hat and mitten set.

There's no written pattern for this one, just pure design. I might make it again using a current yarn on the market. I'll let you know how that goes.

The problem with knitting without a pattern...

You may have gathered by now that I don't like to knit with a pattern. I just select the yarn and start with the inspiration. Now I find myself in a particularly unfortunate spot. This is all the yarn I have. Can I actually knit two sleeves? Will I have to rip out some of the sweater and make it slightly shorter in order to finish both sleeves? I originally intended to make this a child's large sweater but got carried away. Stay tuned to see the exciting conclusion. I'm on tenterhooks!

Christmas in July

I guess I'm small minded... at least for the moment. I knit a few miniature sweaters that will eventually become Christmas tree decorations. I used the Baby Ull Dalegarn wool and size 2 needles. Maybe in December you'll see a picture of these (and others) hanging on my tree. I haven't decided what I'll embroider on the green sweater - maybe a snowflake? More on that later.

**FREE PATTERNS**

Good morning! I've had some people ask for my patterns. So, I've started a photo album entitled simply "PATTERNS" with a picture and a pattern. Please feel free to share these free patterns with others for personal use. I published my first pattern which is the Oh So Soft Baby Blanket that I've been making for several years. I've given away numerous Oh So Soft Baby Blankets as gifts to family and friends as well as charity. I hope you enjoy knitting it. I highly recommend it for a quick and easy project and the mixture of white plus pastel makes for a very soothing color. I'll try to take a close-up picture of just the blanket, but for now you get a shot of an assortment of blankets with a Manhattan backdrop.

Cub Scout Knitting: Soap on a Rope

OK, OK. Don't worry. I haven't taught my Cub Scout Den how to knit (yet, at least). We went camping a few weekends ago (just Mother and Son) and there was a nasty bar of dirty soap by the outhouse for washing hands. Of course I immediately thought of knitting a Soap-on-a-Rope or Soap Sock! Here it is.

I made another one that was all eyelet all around. It was a little trickier as I was knitting in the round on double pointed needles using Sugar N' Cream and every time I got to the place marker I had to use the last stitch before the marker and the first stitch after the marker to make the pattern continue nicely. Thus, the place marker wasn't really helpful as the end of the row kept creeping to the right.

Zig Zag Sweater

Here's the sweater I made for Andrew when he was three years old. This pattern was repeated several times. You'll notice it at other times, too. Read the cute story below on "Dad's Design" regarding the spousal rivalry in designing parents.

Dad's Design

This sweater has the best story to go along with it. Every Saturday morning we used to go to Europa bakery in New Jersey for breakfast. One day, Andrew was wearing his Zig Zag sweater and the owner asked him "Did someone make that sweater for you?" and he proudly responded "My mommy made it." My husband came home and decided he wanted to design a sweater for his son. So I drew him an outline and gave him the colored pencils. He came up with this design. Then we picked out some stitch patterns (moss stitch for the blue) and away I knit. A few weeks later when father and son returned to the bakery and were asked the same question, Andrew replied "My mommy made it but my daddy designed it"

How sweet!

Cotton Candy Scarf at Easter

Michael, Fernando and I at an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday. I am sporting my favorite pink Cotton Candy Scarf that I designed for the beautiful Pizzazz yarn I found at a beautiful and spacious new knitting store in Stamford, CT:

Knit Together
111 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT 06905
Tel: (203) 324-YARN (9276)

This pattern is available for $5. Contact me at jjm942@yahoo.com