Wednesday, January 26, 2011

A Proper Post for a Proper Bear


I realized the other day that I never shared the details on our new friend the bear.

Here they are:

Yarn:  Paton's Silk Bamboo, in Almond (I think... I purchased it some time ago)
Needles: Size US 3
Mods: None- love it as is!
Raveled: here!

Although he really is the most proper of bears (I assure you it's true), he is still nameless- any suggestions?

Monday, January 24, 2011

Girly Girl

Nothing says girly like a touch of pink cahsmere. 



And what baby doesn't need a bit of cashmere incorporated into their wardrobe?  I'm glad you agree.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Friendship Story


Sometimes, best friends don't always start out that way.


A thoughtless remark, received with indignance...


and hearts grow cold.


But sometimes, differences can melt with proximity,


and after a while,


with unexpected kindness...


a stronger bond is formed than ever thought possible.


BFF- meant to be.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

A Special Visit

On Tuesday both Elise and I enjoyed a visit from our favorite knitting graphic designer- Knitterella!... also known as Jill (and sometimes even Jillerella around our house).  It was so nice to spend the day talking yarn/patterns/designing- you know, the biz.  It was also Jill's first time meeting Elise- I could tell Elise was a big fan.

Could've had something to do with the amazing gift she brought:


which Elise promptly changed into and wore around town later in the day.  To read more about the visit (and the cute sweater/gift tags/etc) find Jill's post here.

For those too lazy to click who want to know what the pattern is- it's the Playful Stripes Cardigan from Never Not Knitting.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

The Missing Piece(s)


This should shed some light on the mystery WIP from the other day.  Turns out, with just the funny looking leg pieces a few people were still able to figure out what I have been working on this week.   That's right- it's the Debbie Bliss Teddy Bear!

I have made this teddy once before, and although it does require a bit of seaming, I love the end result and know that it is totally worth the time and effort.  So, with darning needle in hand, baby in lap, and Netflix queue ready, looks like I have my afternoon planned out.  Gosh, I love maternity leave!

Monday, January 10, 2011

New Project

Any guesses, or are you baffled? 

Friday, January 7, 2011

First FO of 2011

*huh?!... a new sweater already?

As I mentioned last week, it didn't take long to get my first FO of the New Year off the needles.  On Sunday night (yup...the 2nd!) I finished this Maile Sweater for Elise. Now that the Little Lamby is getting a bit too snug on my growing babe, we decided it was time to add another handknit to her wardrobe (as if she doesn't have enough). 

This is a free pattern by Nikki Van De Car that you can find here on her blog, What To Knit When You're Expecting.  The pint-size cardi knit up in two days and I love the final result. Its a touch big now, which gives us a little time to grow in to it.  I'll have to post again when she is filling it out a little more so you can better see some of the fine detail.


I ended up using the extra yarn from my Rhinebeck Cardigan- Plucky Primo- such an amazing yarn to work with.  With merino, cashmere, and nylon- what's not to love.  I'm sure Elise appreciates the touch of luxury as well :)  


Along with matching yarn- our cardigans also sport matching buttons- we'll have to be careful not to mistakenly  wear our copycat knits on the same day!


**If you haven't done so yet, check out the post/free pattern from yesterday and stop by the knit-a-long thread in the French Press Knits Ravelry group- the more the merrier!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Plaited Headwrap for Selfish Knitting Month



With the holiday season behind us, I believe it is once again time for some selfish knitting!  Last year I kicked off January with selfish knitting along with a free pattern- and I thought that 2011 should start the same way.  I know I have been promising it for a while- and I'm finally ready to share the Anthropologie-inspired Plaited Headwrap (like the one I made myself to wear to Rhinebeck):

*mmm... still thinking about those fried pickles (and I'm not even pregnant anymore!).

Here's what you'll need:
  • 1 skein Malabrigo Worsted (or another worsted or aran weight yarn you love)
  • Size US 10 needles (either circular for magic loop, or dpns)
  • Safety pins for assembly
Knitting:

You will basically be knitting a very long tube.  For this project, I learned how to use the magic loop method (look under small diameter circular knitting here for a video tutorial) and loved the results.  I would encourage you to give it a try- getting it started will be the hardest part, but once you get in the groove, you'll fly.  If you don't feel comfortable, just use double pointed needles. 

Cast on 14 stitches, join for working in the round
Knit all stitches until piece wraps around your head loosely three times (about 72")
Bind off



Assembly:

Here comes the tricky part. Although this headwrap looks like a braid, it's technically a knot because you are using only one piece of fabric instead of three. 


Step 1:  Divide piece into thirds, marking with safety pins


Step 2:  Make a circle that fits around your head loosely, pin together (this will be right near where you already have one safety pin, you can use this safety pin to close the circle)


Step 3:  With second section of headwrap, wrap around the first section circle.  Using safety pins, pin together the first two sections in six places, evenly divided around the circle.  With each pin, criss cross the two sections:

With the second section, seperate it from the first piece to the right first, making the first criss cross go from right to left. 

With two wraps completed, the head wrap should look like this:


Step 4:  Then end of section two will be on top of the first section.  Without twisting the piece, take the final section to the left.  Feed the piece under the first section, through the space between section one and two, and over the second section to the right. 




Step 5: Repeat step 4 going from right to left instead of left to right (still going under section one and over section two). 

Repeat these two steps until the end of section three comes together with the start of section one:




Step 6: Seam the ends together (make sure braid lays 'flat' and there are no twists before seaming) and remove safety pins


Because the assembly is a little bit of a challenge (but pretty fun once you get it), I decided to start a thread in the French Press Knits Ravelry group in order to have a place for people working on the headwrap to discuss their progress.  I figured there is strength in numbers- so why not create the first ever French Press Knits Knit-A-Long?


I will be checking in and answering questions on the KAL thread throughout the month.  I'll also share whatever hints and tips I can think of (like how to get two headwraps out of one skein of Malabrigo worsted).

I'll also turn this tutorial into a pdf download for easy printing and add it as a pattern on Ravelry so you can add it to your projects page. I'll keep you posted here and on the KAL thread

So grap your needles, teach yourself how to maximize on the magic loop technique, and start your selfish knitting.  Who's in!?



Update:
***Added as a pdf to Ravelry- find it here***




Monday, January 3, 2011

Elise in Clara



It's official- my make-shift paper towel holder and wooden spoon dress form has been replaced.  Remember the Clara dress?  It was the first item I knit when I found out I was pregnant.  I have been in love with this little knitted dress for a couple years, but told myself I couldn't order the pattern until I knew I was expecting.  How satisfying to see it on my little one.



Elise wore the dress to church yesterday- it looks a little out of season (I know, I know- you don't think yellow for winter baby, but I fell in love with the Soak Worthy ad), but with a long sleeve onesie and tights we got the job done.


*Elise says 'hoorah' for a new knitted garment (as if she doesn't have enough!)

More info on my Clara dress here and here and here

Saturday, January 1, 2011

1111

I hope you all had a wonderful New Years Eve and are welcoming in the New Year with style.  This year is starting off great for me for a few reasons.

1.  I should be binding off my first FO of the New Year tonight or tomorrow
2.  I have a belt on- first time since summer!
3.  I get to look at this little cutie:


Happy New Year!