Nicole's Creative Journal

Swannies Hat

2011-05-17T09:12:00.000+10:00

This hat was made using this pattern : Stocking cap

It is knit in the round, and I pretty much followed the pattern exactly.

I used an acrylic yarn which isn't that exciting, but it works! I made mum and dad matching hats, and they look so funny wearing them! This photo is mum at the game on Saturday where we flogged Port Adelaide.

It was fun making the pompom, I haven't done that since I was a little kid!

Happy with the result!

Corn Biss and Corn Glamour Dress

2010-10-04T15:32:00.007+11:00

I have knit two dresses for a craft swap on birth.com.au.

The first dress is a bright as bright can be royal blue. The edging at the bottom is a picot edge. So I did StSt for about 5 rows, then K2tog, YO, to make the egde. Folded it over and sewed it down. There is three rows of a little eyelet lace above the picot edging. The skirt part is all stst. Then the bodice is a simple cable pattern made of a multiple of 9 stitches. The pattern is:

Row 1 - ktbl, p2,k4,p2

Row 2 - same as 1st

Row 3 - ktbl, p2,CB4,p2.

Row 4 - same as first.

Cast on 128 st on a circular needle - so knit in one piece (no sewing!), then decreased to 72 st for the bodice (the cable part). The straps are two longinsh straps that you tie together. I thought this was best since I don't know the actual measurements of the recipient, so it can kinda be loosened or tightened if needed.

The yarn is Amaizing (corn fiber). Still have no idea how they make yarn from corn!!! It is 5ply and I held it double making it approx 10ply. While knitting with it, my hands turned blue!! So I have told me swapee to wash it separately or else i'm afraid all her clothes will turn blue!

I'm really happy with how it turned out, Really cute and elegant. If you made it cream or white I reckon it would be a lovely little flower girl dress.

Next is the pink dress made larger, about a size 3. It is also made with Amaizing. The pink didn't stain my hands nearly as much!! I held the yarn double for this as well, making it approx 10ply.

Cast on 144 stitches on a circular needle (4.0mm) so no seaming. Yay! The feather and fan lace pattern was easy as.

Row 1 and 2 - Knit

Row 3 - (K2tog) twice, (YO, k1) 4 times. (k2tog) twice.

Row 4 - Purl

HOWEVER! I didn't do the purl row, I did a knit row. So it isn't quite as textured as it should be. Still nice though, I think.

Decreased at the bodice, and worked plain old garter stitch there. Nice though. Made the straps like the blue dress so they tie up, can be loosened or tightened. Next time would make the straps a little thinner and longer, so its easier to tie up.

Both dresses could be worn in summer as a summer dress, or over a long sleeve shirt in winter. Also could be worn as a top once they are too short to be worn as dresses.

I'm really happy with how they turned out! It was hard to wrap them up and send them off actually, kinda wanted to keep them! I do hope my swappee likes them and uses them!

Chemo Hat

2010-08-11T13:31:00.004+10:00

I made a hat for my Aunty as she is going through Chemo. I haven't sent it off yet, but its all ready to go! I do hope she like sit and will be able to wear it. It must be cold in winter with no hair to keep your head warm!

The pattern is Odessa from Ravelry, a very popular pattern. The yarn is 50% Merino, 50% Acrylic. Its quite nice and soft. Its 8ply and navy in colour.

Its started from the bottom and worked up .I worked it in the round on circular needles so no need to seam (yay). I switched to DPNs at the end.

Super easy peasy pattern that looks kinda cool too :)

Cuddle Bunnies

2010-07-27T08:52:00.002+10:00

I made these bunnies for the Love Lawson festival last year. everyone they were the vutest and well they are!!! I made them with Vicki Howell Craft - Organic Cotton and Milk fibre blend. So they are eco friendly toys! And they are really soft. Its not that hard scratchy cotton at all - perfect for babies to cuddle and suck on! :)

I embroidered the faces with some black Amaizing (corn fibre) i had left over. the face was a little tricky but i survived! the head is really cool - you do it like double knitting, (K1, s1), it knits flat but then when you finish it opens up into a round head. Its hard to explain LOL!!

They are only small cuddle bunnies, maybe one day I will make a bigger version, like a big blankey type thing. Maybe....!

Glitter Scarf

2010-07-25T22:48:00.006+10:00

I knitted this scarf while watching marathon episodes of ER. It was great!!!!!!

Yet another pattern from Ravelry. If you haven't noticed already, alot of my items are knitted from Ravelry patterns! If you're not on there yet, join up! There is a link in my links on the right hand side of this page. Go for it! Its free and its wonderful!

Anyway, this particular scarf is the one row scarf and it was super easy!! The pattern is simply

K4, (YO, K2tog, K2) rep () to end.

You do this in every row and makes a very simple lace pattern.

The yarn is 4ply, 49% cotton, 48% Acrylic, and 3% metal. The metal is the glitter!! It is light blue with silver flecks. It is very thin and light, so the scarf is long and narrow and elegant, rather than big and thick and chunky.

I made this for Belinda at my work. She seems to like it and has been wearing it so YAY! I did give it a try myself as you can see in the photo..... I could make one for myself!!

Now I am still working on a cardi for myself... so the ER marathon continues.... Mark has discovered a brain tumour, and Elizabeth is pregnant! so much drama!!!!!

Better Be a One Day Hat

2010-07-09T09:29:00.004+10:00

Well here is a beanie I knit for Kimberly. The pattern is from ravelry, its called 'Emergency One Day Hat". Well it took me about 6 hours to knit I think, which is pretty quick.

I used circular needles so no need to seam, starting from the bottom, casting on 96 stitches. Could have made a size smaller actually, but it fits ok. When I started the decreases I had to eventually switch to DPNs (double pointed needles). Then it was just a matter of threading the yarn through the last few stitches and pulling it. Weave in the ends and I was done!

Its starts off with a rolled edge, then some rib. Then its just stocking stitch, and a few rows of purl to make the ridges. More stocking stitch then you do the decreases.

It is actually a really cute little hat, as you see my model isn't bad either :)

The yarn is an acrylic/nylon blend, something I don't use often! But the yarn is very soft, and an unusual green colour.

Organic Cotton Hand Towels

2010-07-07T19:35:00.002+10:00

Here are two hand towels that I made using Peruvian Organic Cotton. the first is called a 'Mock Woven hand towel" and the other is called a "Ripple Hand towel". Both patterns from Ravelry.

Very easy to make and they both look really effective.

Michelle's Scarf

2010-07-06T23:42:00.004+10:00

This was a really quick fun knit! Well, it is kinda boring all the stocking stitch, but then the unravedlling is the funnest thing ever!!!!

It is the Sunday Market Shawl, taken from Ravelry, here is the pattern.

What you do is this:

Cast on 30 stitches LOOSELY - I used needles 2mm bigger than recommended and really could have gone looser. Row 1 : K2, YO, rep to end, K2. Then you work in stockinette stich for the rest, till its nice and long. On the last row you K2, drop a stitch, rep to end, K2. Bind off LOOSELY.

Well now comes the fun part!!! You now get to rip all the stitches from where you dropped them!!! Its like a mistake but on purpose - so wrong yet so right - and so satisfying!!! :)

It looks really effective. Once you block it, it is nice and big as well. It stretches ALOT.

I made this as a gift for Michelle and I see her wear it all the time so YAY!!!!

Bath Mitt and Billie Goat Soap

2009-12-12T11:06:00.003+11:00

Here are some Christmas gifts I have made (oooooh i hope they don't come on here and see them before Xmas! Oh well!)

I got the pattern from Ravelry - Bath Mitt - only I used 8 ply yarn and 4mm/4.5mm needles.

Since I used 8ply yarn a few adjustments had to be made.

4 extra rows before thumb shaping
2 extra rows on thumb
6 extra rows on fingers before decreases.

Also did 2x2 ribbing around the wrist.

The yarn is Vicki Howell Craft - Organic cotton/milk fibre. Yes they can make yarn from milk now!!! It is very soft for a cotton.

The soap is Billi Goat Soap and WOW don't the colours match well!! Very happy with that. The soap looks and smells really luxurious, I hope the recipients enjoy using it!!

Bamboo/organic cotton bibs and fitted nappy

2009-11-19T22:32:00.002+11:00

Here are some bits and pieces i have been sewing and some of them I have been selling.
I bought the bamboo toweling from Bubba Earth and it is DIVINE. So silky and even after you wash it it is so nice and soft.
The nappy has a sewn in booster and is a good size for Harry. It is pretty cute - for a plain old fitted.
The bibs are also fantastic! Harry is such a dribbler and with your normal thin cotton bibs his clothes just get saturated. This bib soaks it all up and his clothes are dry and clean! Yay!
I have made some bigger ones for bigger toddlers now as well, they are also great.
I can't help it. i will be getting more of this bamboo fabric and i'll be making bath towels for the whole family!!! :-)

Recycled Amaizing Bangle

2009-11-16T14:17:00.004+11:00

This is a bangle that you make by sewing your knitted piece around the cardboard that the Amaizing yarn come on. Reduce, reuse, recycle... as they say!

Materials:
One finshed ball - you need the carboard the yarn is wrapped around.
SWTC Amaizing corn fiber
Size 6.oomm needles
Tapestry needle

Mathod.
Cast on 19 stitches holding 2 strands together.

row 1-Knit entire row
row 2 - Purl entire row
row 3 - knit entire row
row 4 - *k1,p1, rep from * to end, k1.

Continue working these 4 rows until work measures length of bangle. Wrap it around tjhe cardboard and sew around the edge.

You can use any pattern you want, be creative!
You could also just use one strand, just need to cast on more stitches.

I love finding a funky use for that cardboard! Thumbs up!

Copyright 2009 Nicole Thorson

Hornbag's Corn bag

2009-11-14T19:24:00.003+11:00

Hornbag’s Corn Bag

This bag is named the Hornbag's Cornbag simply because I am a fan of Kath and Kim, and whenever I say"Corn bag" it makes me think "Hornbag" and giggle!
It is worked in Moss Stitch with Amaizing, holding two strands together. Front and back are worked in one peice, then you knit up stitches on the edge to knit the sides, then lastly you sew up the sides. It is a cute little bag that I get heaps of compliments about! And people can't believe its made of corn either! I hope you enjoy this pattern. Please let me know if you have any questions, it is hard to explain! I might make another and take photos to help.
Copyright 2009 Nicole Thorson.

Materials

2 balls Amaizing
5mm needles
Tapestry Needles
Fastener if you wish.

Front and Back (worked in one piece)

Holding two strands together, Cast on 45stitches
Work in moss stitch for 4 rows
Next row: Moss 8, cast off 29 knitwise, Moss 8
Then: Moss 8, cast on 29, Moss 8.

Work on these 45 stitches until work measures approximately 25cm. (or desired length)

Moss 8, cast off 29 knitwise, Moss 8.
Moss 8, cast on 29, Moss 8
Work 4 rows.
Cast off knitwise.

Sides:

Now with right side facing, knit up 7 stitches along the side, so that the 4th stitch is exactly half way along the side edge of the front/back piece.
Work in moss stitch on these 7 stitches until the side measures the same as the height of your bag. Cast off, leaving a long tail that you can use to sew up the sides.
Repeat on the other side.

Finishing:

Sew the sides of the purse onto the edges of the front/back piece.
Weave in ends.
Add a fastener if you wish.
Be a hornbag and go out on the town with this cute bag!

Toheadsies

2009-11-14T00:39:00.004+11:00

A funky little headband made with Tofutsies sock yarn. You hold two strands together. This is a great project for using up leftover yarn! Isn't my 3 year old model just gorgeous?? I wish i had her blonde hair.

Materials:
Tofustises sock yarn

Crochet hook (guage is not important, around 2.5-3.5mm would be suitable i think).

4.00mm needles

Method

Using a crochet hook and holding two strands of yarn together, chain for about 25cm. This is the part that you tie up at the back of your neck. (Alternatively you could knit an i-cord, but crochet is quicker!).

Switch to 4.00mm needles,

Row 1: KFB (2 sts)

Row 2: KFB twice (4 sts)

Row 3: KFB, knit to end

Repeat row 3 until there are 11 stitches.

Begin pattern:

Row 1: k5, p1, k5

Row 2: k3, p1,k1,p1,k1,p1,k3

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until headband measures desired length, about a bit past your ear lobes.

Next row: K2tog, knit to end

Repeat until 4 sts remain

Next row: k2 tog twice (2 stitches)

Next row: k2 tog (1 st)

Use a crochet hook to chain for 25cm. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Enjoy!

Bamboo Soap Sweaters

2009-11-11T20:04:00.006+11:00

I made these using SWTC Bamboo in white. You hold 2 strands together so its nice and thick.
Knit in the round on DPNs, and closed with a snap. Or you could make a buttonhole to close if you prefer. This soap sweater could be used more than once which is why I made it to be able to open/close, but you could sew it up at both ends if you prefer to only use a soap sweater once.

Bamboo is soooooo nice and soft and absorbs heaps of water so these are great to shower with. Copyright Nicole Thorson 2009.

Materials:
SWTC bamboo in white (or any colour you lke)
4.00mm (US 6) DPNS
Snap and Snapsetter (or a button if you prefer to make a button hole). A Plastic snap is better than metal as the metal may rust.

Method:
Holding 2 strands together, Cast on 30 stitches and join in the round.
Distribute stitches as follows:

Either
Needle 1 - 7 sts, needle 2 - 15 sts, needle 3 - 8 sts.
or
Needle 1 - 8 sts, needle 2 - 14 sts, needle 3 - 8 sts

(Depending on if your pattern requires an odd or even number of stitches on needle 2)
Needle 2 is where you put your pattern. You can do whatever you like here.
Always knit needles 1 and 3.

Firstly, Knit one round. Then start your pattern:

Cable Soap Sweater: (needle 2 14 sts)
Round 1 - K3, P1, K6, P1,K3
Round 2 - As round 1
Round 3 - As round 1
Round 4 - K3, P1, CB6, P1, K3.

Basketweave Soap sweater: (needle 2 15 sts)
Round 1- k3, p3,k3,p3,k3
Round 2 - as round 1
Round 3 - as round 1
Round 4 - p3,k3,p3,k3,p3
Round 5 - as round 4
Round 6 - as round 4.

Moss Stitch Soap Sweater (needle 2 15 sts)
Round 1 - k1,p1, k1,p1,k1,p1,k1,p1,k1,p1,k1,p1,k1,p1,k1
Round 2 - p1, k1,p1,k1,p1,k1,p1,k1,p1,k1,p1,k1,p1,k1,p1

Repeat the pattern until work measures as long as your soap. You can put the soap in to check.

Next round:
Needle 1 - knit
Needle 2 - cast off 14 (or 15) stitches
Needle 3 - knit.

Put remaining stitches onto one needle and continue working back and forth on these 16 (or15) stitches.

Work 4 rows stocking stitch

Next row -
Row one: SSK, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog.
Row two - P2tog, purl to end, p2togtbl.

Repeat rows one and two until 4 (or 3) stitches remain, cast off or draw thread through stitches to bind.

Sew up the bottom, place a snap at the top to close.

Slip your soap in and go have a shower!

Alternatively:
Work a button hole in during the decreases., attatch a button to close instead of a snap.
Cast on using a provisional cast on and graft using kitchener stitch.
Stop before decreases and graft at the top if you don't want it to open and close.
Try other patterns on needle 2!

Enjoy!

Modern Cloth Nappies

2009-10-19T21:20:00.005+11:00

Well I have finally finished these nappies! I cut the fabric ages ago and never got around to sewing them. Well now they are done! Yay!

They are made with 2 layers of super soft microfleece, with a hidden layer of PUL. The absorbent part is hemp fleece. Touch tape closure and elasticised legs and waist. There is a sewn in booster that is topped with suedecloth.

I basically used up remnants of hemp fleece and suedcloth to make this nappy. Very cool!!

Kimberly's Hot Water Bottle Cosy

2009-06-24T12:20:00.002+10:00

A very simple Hot Water bottle cover I made for Kimberly to sleep with . She loves it!!!

I made it on 5.5mm needles and with Patons Jet - Alpaca/Merino blend. Very soft and fluffy.

The cable is just a very simple CF4 cable - I haven't done cabling for years so it was good to get out the old cable needle again!!

The neck part in k2p2 rib was meant to be twice as long and then folded over (like a turtle neck skivvy) but I ran out of wool. Oops!

Blue Leaf paintings

2009-06-23T21:37:00.004+10:00

Here is some paintings I did for out lounge room wall.

Acrylic on Canvas.

I used leaves from the garden to make the shapes. For the smaller ones I stuck the leaves down and then rolled paint over the board. For the bigger one I painted watered down paint over the board and then stamped a large leaf in the middle.

Our walls are blue so it think it will go nicely... I hope so!!!

Aviatirx and Mittens

2009-06-23T11:49:00.003+10:00

Here is a cute little hat and mittens I made for Andrew after we walked home from Preschool and when we got home his hands and ears were frozen!!

The Hat pattern is a freebie on Ravelry and is easy as anything, knit on straight needles. It uses short rows and wraps which give it those bumps you can see.

I made it with Moda Vera Cup Cake which is Acrylic/Nylon and very soft to touch.

The Mittens are also a free pattern on Ravelry. They are called "Easy On Mittens". The thumb is extra wide so they are easy to get on. Another easy pattern - meant to be worked on Double pointed needles - but i did it on straight needles and sewed it up.

Very happy with it!

Watoto Jumper

2009-05-19T20:05:00.003+10:00

Here is a jumper I have knitted for children in Uganda. My parents are going over there in September to do some house building and general do gooding. They are also taking over these donated knitted jumpers, beanies and blankets. So I hope to make a couple of these if I have time.

It is made with Patons Jet (wool/Alpaca) some that I just had stashed away, and I am happy to have a use for it!

All the rib was a bit Urgh but I survived! It was actually the fastest knit - I did it in about 5 hours all up. That's like watching Lord of the Rings (extended version hehe).

I hope the little one in Uganda enjoys it :-)

Dharma Dish Cloth and Hanging Tea Towel

2009-05-11T08:05:00.004+10:00

This is a dish cloth that I made for my sister in law for her birthday. The dish cloth pattern is the Dharma Initiative logo from the show Lost. Yes we are obsessed fans... oh well!

I also had a go at making a hanging tea towel to go along with it. It turned out ok, but I think I will do better next time. It is knit in stocking stitch and i did 2 rows of DC (crochet) at the bottom.

Both are made with Vickie Howell "Craft" by South West Trading Company. It is 35% Milk fiber and 65% organic cotton. It is lovely and soft to touch.

The chart for the Dharma logo I got from Raverly here and the tea towel topper pattern is here.

A bevy of beautiful bootees

2009-04-29T10:06:00.003+10:00

I whole stack of bootees that I made for Harry over the last few weeks of my pregnancy and while resting in hospital.

Most of them are from a really old Patons pattern book. Most are knit in 3 ply but the stripey one is 4 ply.

All so cute. I just love bootees and I prefer them to socks as they can move their little feet around more, not so constricting. And they look so sweet :-)

Loving having a winter baby!!!!

Bobble Hot Water Bottle Cover

2009-04-18T19:24:00.006+10:00

Here is a hot water bottle cover I made up. the pattern is included below...

I have started using a hot water bottle since I started getting pretty intense lower back pain. Bub has moved into a posterior position and WOW the back ache has really increased! The hot water bottle helps so much, since I am having contractions every 5-10 mins, it really sucks, but the warmth helps.

Anyway, so it is made in a 12 ply wool, which i have had stashed for ages! so glad to get a use for it. took me 2 days to finish, so yeah it is a quick knit with the chunky wool. The neck is knit in the round on circular needles.

The pattern is super simple, mostly sticking stitch but there are some bobbles worked in there which keep it interesting.

Here is the pattern so you can make it yourself! Enjoy!

Bobble Hot Water Bottle Cover

Materials:

Approx 150g 12 ply wool
6.00mm needles
2 stitch holders
6.00mm or less Circular needles (I used 4.00mm and worked loosely.)
Tapestry needle

Abreviations

st st - Stocking stitch
k- knit
p-purl
MB- make bobble - (k1p1k1p1) in next stitch, turn, p4, turn, k4, turn, p2 tog twice, turn, k2 tog.

Method:

Cast on 45 stitches.

Rows 1-8 : Work 8 rows st st starting with a knit row, working 3 knit stitches at beginning and end of purl rows to make garter stitch edge.

Row 9 : k4 ('MB', k11) x 3, 'MB', k4.

Rows 10-16 : work 7 rows st st with garter stitch edge.

Row 17: k10 ('MB', K11) x 2, 'MB', k10.

Rows 18 - 24: work 7 rows st st with garter stitch edge.

Repeat rows 9-24 to form bobble pattern. Repeat until work measures just as long as the hot water bottle, ending with a purl row.

Cast off 5 stitches at begining of next 4 rows (25 stitches).
Leave remaing 25 stitches on a stitch holder.

Work another in the same manner.

Neck:
Sew top of cover together (I used back stitch). Put stitches onto a circular needles Work one round of k1p1 rib, increasing 2 stitches evenly around. Continue in k2p2 rib until neck is desired length. Cast off loosley in rib.

Sew sides and bottom together (I used back stitch). Put a hot water bottle inside (fold in half lengthways if you need to) and fill with hot water. Mmmmmmmm... toasty warm.....

Basic Newborn Hat in 3ply

2009-04-16T09:25:00.009+10:00

Here is a little hat I have made for the new baby to wear as a newborn. It is a little cold in Katoomba hospital so a little hat is great!

I like to use 3 ply with babies, maximum 4 ply, as it is nice and delicate for them. Not too big and chunky!

I used dpns but you could use straight needles and then sew it up.

This one I made with some 3 ply baby super soft acrylic yarn with nylon. Since I made the pattern up as I went along I thought I would share it and put it on Raverly as there isn't really a basic 3 ply hat pattern that I could find on there.

Basic Newborn hat in 3ply

Materials:
3 ply yarn
2.25cm (US 1) dpn
Tapestry needle

Cast on 100 stitches and distribute evenly among 3 double pointed needles. Work 10 rows 2x2 rib.

Work in stocking stitch until work measures approx 3-4 inches/7.5 -10cm.

Round 1: K1, slip 1, K1, psso, knit to last 3 stitches, k2 tog, k1 - On each needle (ie. decrease 2 stitches on each needle. 6 stitches all up) (94 st)
Round 2: Knit

Repeat the last two rounds until 40 stitches remain.
Then repeat row 1 until 22 stitches remain (ie. decrease every round).

Graft together remaining stiches using kitchener stitch
or
Cast off and sew together

Enjoy!!!

Purple Jumper with Shawl Collar

2009-04-06T06:55:00.003+10:00

A jumper I made with Spotlight branded 100% wool. Kimmy chose the colour, its quite nice! The pattern is a Panda pattern from 11 Handknits for Kids, Jumper with Shawl Collar and Raglan Set in Sleeves.

It was pretty easy/boring for the most part, just plain stocking stitch throughout. The rib is K2 P2. The shawl collar kept things interesting, it was a little fiddly but nothing major.

I made size 4 - there was only a pattern for size 2, 4, 6, etc... But she really is a size 3 so its a tad big, but wearable. She will still be wearing it next year I think.

Very happy with it!

Tofu cardigan for the new baby

2009-03-17T06:47:00.005+11:00

Here is my little cardigan for the new baby. It is made with an off white yarn from Tofutsies - which is 50% superwash wool, 25% soy silk, 22.5% cotton, 2.5% chitin (made from shrimp and crab shells!). Apparently the crab shells have antibacterial properties!!! Tofutsies is a 3 ply sock yarn, but makes lovely newborn clothes too.

It is totally soft and silky, I could cuddle up and sleep with this cardigan. The photos don't really do it justice, its really nice.

The pattern is from a super old pattern book that was my mums, its called Patons #488, Baby Wool 3 Ply Feathersoft. Yes 3 ply! So it was a little time consuming, but not too bad just because its for a newborn so its small.

The pattern was easy, just K4, P2 for one row then knit the next row. The front bands and neck band is just garter stitch. 4 easy button holes. The body is made in one piece, then just had to make the two sleeves and sew them on. So not alot of sewing. Yay!

This might be the only thing I end up making for the new baby... we'll see...

Soysilk Diamond Lace Shrug

2009-03-10T15:45:00.004+11:00

WOW! What a nice shrug this turned out to be. Its from the Patons pattern book called "All Wrapped Up" - it has heaps of gorgeous wraps/shrugs/Ponchos etc...

Very happy how this turned out - and I can wear it while I'm pregnant!!!

I was supposed to use Patons Zhivago 8ply yarn, but I used SWTC Karaoke in Intensity, the same as I used for the baby sweater. It's 50% wool and 50% soysilk. I had to use smaller needles to get the correct tension with this yarn because it is 10 ply rather than 8ply.

Only change I made was that I made the sleeves a little shorter as I didn't want them too long and with the thumb hole.
It is basically 2x2 Rib you start at the bottom of one cuff, then you work a diamond lace pattern for across the shoulder and back, then go down the other arm in 2x2 rib again, then you cast off! That simple!!! Then just sew up and you're done.

It is really really warm! I was actually a little too warm when I wore it! It will be great for the mountains in Autumn and maybe even Winter. Overall very happy with this shrug!

Cardigan in Karaoke

2009-03-07T19:05:00.003+11:00

I made this little cardigan for a friend's daughter for her 1st birthday. I think it came out pretty well, although the front bands could have been longer, and maybe could have made the sleeves a little longer too. I think it will fit her though.

This pattern is a freebie from Ravelry, it was pretty easy to follow and there wasn't much sewing which was great!!!

I made it with Karaoke in Intensity, which is 50% wool 50% soysilk so it is soooooo nice and silky, but it is also very delicate! Probably not the best choice for kids clothes!! :-) But oh well, it sure looks cute!!

Knit in a couple of nights... very quick.

I hope the recipients like it anyway!!!

Yoda Sweater for Andrew

2009-02-25T10:28:00.003+11:00

Here is a jumper i whipped up for Andrew - it only took 3 nights it was such a quick knit! It is meant to look like a Yoda sweater - as in Star Wars! And it does i think, it looks a bit like a Jedi's shirt. How cute!!!!!

Its made with Alpaca/Wool blend yarn, garter stitch edges and plain old stocking stitch throughout. Some decreasing to make the wrap look. Then i made I-cords for the ties. I've never done I-cords before so that was exciting!! Oh yes the things i get excited over, its very sad!

It fits him great right now and because its a wrap it is quite flexible so i;m pretty sure it'll fit until the end of winter.

Overall very happy with this! The pattern is a freebie, it can be found on Ravelry.

How cute is Andrew!!!!!

Stripey Moss Jacket

2009-02-23T08:12:00.003+11:00

Here is a jacket i made for Kimberly. It is loosley based on a Patons pattern for a baby sweater. I used bigger needles and thicker wool to make it bigger, for a toddler.

Turned out bigger than I expected - too big for my almost 3 year old. Maybe it will fit her next year when she is four!

The pattern throughout is a stripey moss stitch - i think its called “waffle”??

1st row - P
2nd row- K
3rd row - P
4throw - k1 p1

Repeat!
Moss stitch was used for the edges.

overall happy with the outcome, but a little sad she probably won't wear this till next year!

Andrew's Socks

2008-08-09T17:28:00.003+10:00

A pair of socks for Andrew. Used the same pattern as Kimberly's socks but just adapted them so they are a bit smaller. In the end they are probably a little too small for him, they fall off a little. But they will be ok for the rest of winter and maybe will fit the next baby.
Can I just use this moment to say - how cute is Andrew!!!!! What a gorgeous baby. I love him to bits!!!!

My First Socks

2008-07-30T17:44:00.002+10:00

These are the first socks i've made!!!! It was very fun. Quick to knit too. I made this pair for Kiimberly. They just fit her. not much room for growth!!
I used Patons Patonyle, a self patterning yarn. 4ply wool/nylon mix. And a set of 4 2.25mm double pointed needles. The first time i have knitted something in the round. I loved not having to sew anything!
I used kitchener stitch to finish off the toe- had to look on you tube for a tutorial on how to do this!!
All in all very happy with them - i'll be making some more.
Oh and Kimberly LOOOOOOVES them!!!

Red Alpaca Vest for Kimberly

2008-06-14T10:33:00.003+10:00

Here is a reddish/pinkish vest I made for Kimmy. It is great for over a long sleeve shirt in Winter or a short sleeve one in Apring/Autumn. The yarn is 70% wool and 30% Alpaca. It is soooooooooo soft to touch!!

Size 2 (30cm long, 25 cm wide). Fron and back are the same.

Using 4.5mm needles, cast on 56 stitches.

Purl row, Knit row, Purl row

Change to 5.5mm needles.
1st Row - P3, #K2, P6. repeat from # to end, P3.

2nd Row - K3, #P2, K6. repeat from # to end, K3.

These two rows form pattern. Work for about 20 cm - measure the length on your child to just under their armpit. Then shape armholes and neckline:

CO 2 stitches at beg of next 2 rows.

3rd row: k5, k2tog tbl, patt to last 7, k2tog, k5.

4th row: K5, p2tog, patt to last 7, p2tog tbl, k5.

Rep last 2 rows once (44 stitches).

7th row: k5, k2 tog tbl, patt6, turn.

Dec as before, at same time dec at neck adge in following 2 rows. Work one row. (8 stitches).

11th Row: K5, k3tog tbl (6 st)

12th row k2tog, k4 (5 st)

Using 4.5mm needles, work garter stitch on these 5 stitches for approx 6-7 cm. Cast off.

With right side facing, slip centre sticthes on a stitch holder, leaving 13 stitches on the left hand needle. Join in yarn and work on these 13 stitches to correspond with the other side.

For the neckband, with right side facing and using 4.5mm needles, knit up 17 stitches down left side of neck, then knit accross stitches on holder, then knit up 17 stitches on right side. Knit row, purl row, knit row (to correspond with bottom edge). Cast off fairly loosly.

To make up, simply sew together sides and straps.

If you decide to make this pattern please let me know and send me pics!!! And let me know if there are any errors... i have wirtten this out from memory after i finished and so i may have left something out! :-)

ENJOY!!

Knitted Alpaca Jumper

2008-06-03T15:50:00.005+10:00

A knitted jumper for Andrew. Knit a size 1 - but its a small make. Used a pattern from one of my mum's old school retro knitting books, only it's meant to be made with 3 ply. I used a 8 ply pattern jumper instead, and just made it with the fancy pattern.

Made with 50% merino/50% Alpaca wool. It is soooooo warm and I am devastated that he will grow out of it so quick :-(

Minky AIO Nappy

2008-05-04T15:50:00.000+10:00

My latest nappy creation!

Outer minky, hidden PUL, inner microfleece and microfibre soaker. Velcro fastening and elasticised legs and back.

This was quite tricky, a lot harder than the regular fitted nappies that i usually do!!!

Knitted Shorties

2008-04-27T23:19:00.000+10:00

I made these for an online friend, she's going to use them over a bamboo nappy for o'night.

Ribbed 2knit, 2purl around the top in navy blue, then stocking stitch for the main part. I used moss stitch for around the legs. It looks pretty cool, even if i do say so myself!

Crochet Shorties

2008-04-25T11:30:00.000+10:00

Some shorties, I made some for Kimmy and I sold the multi colour ones on ebay for a nice little profit!!!

They are crocheted in one piece but not as a round, going back and forth, then doing the legs one at a time. To make longies you just simply make the legs longer! Around the ends I did a little pretty edge by doing 3 DC in every 2nd stitch.

I knit 12 rows rib for the band, then cast off, and crocheted from there. Crocheted a chain for the drawstring.

Soooooo cute and soft, made from Alpaca wool.

My first Modern Cloth Nappy

2008-04-23T10:12:00.000+10:00

Ah yes i have joined in the modern cloth nappy revolution!!!

Here is the first MCN I made - with flanelette outer, microfleece inner, and terry sewn in soaker. Velcro tabs and elasticised legs and back.

I've made heaps of nappies now - mostly hemp fitteds and PUL all-in-ones, and I have some gorgeous minky too!

Cream Jumper with Flowers

2008-04-22T14:33:00.000+10:00

I made this jumper for Kimberly, it is a bit too small though! :-(

I made it from a simple pattern for a 8ply jumper with raglan sleeves. I made the lines by doing a row of knit where there should have been a purl. I then embroided on the flowers with some remnants of pink wool I had lying around!

Looks lovely, but disappointed it turned out too small for Kim!