quick knits

A Quick Knit to Match the Sweater

I couldn’t help it. I had left over yarn from the sweater and thought, how cute it would be to have a hat to match? I knew if I casted on right away, it would be done in three nights. Sure enough, it was done in two.

I alternated the remaining of the Vanna’s Choice with Paton’s Classic worsted for some cute subtle stripes.

I didn’t use a pattern, but cast on 60 sts with size 9mm. I knit 7 inches and started my decrease every other row until it made sense to do every row. Then after bind off, I added a braided tassel.

A perfect hat to add to his collection and many great adventures.

Booties, Bonnets and Blankets, Oh My!

I finished the Cutie Booties and the Easy Peasy Sock Hat for my friend’s gift. The last piece I wanted to add to the collection was a blanket. I have seen lots of cute custom blankets around lately and figured there has to be a tutorial around that could help me make a simple baby blanket. I did a search and found this perfect tutorial at Prudent Baby – DIY Snuggly Baby Blanket.

It is such a simple and effective pattern. I wanted a light weight blanket for Summer or belly time. I used a bit more than called for- a yard and a half of flannel and cotton. To be honest, I didn’t even cut it- I just started to sew (after washing the fabric of course). Not because I didn’t think the pattern was right, but because I understood it wrong. For those who know me, reading comprehension isn’t always my strong suit.

With right sides together, I sewed all the way around with a basic stitch, leaving a 3 inch section un-sewn to be able to flip it outside right later. Then cut the excess trim after the first round of sewing. Don’t forget to cut the corners out as well to make it lay flat when you turn it outside right.

Once it was trimmed up, I turned it right side facing out.

I even used a pin to make sure my corners were perfect. This is a trick my Mom often talks about.

Then I ran the blanket, right side up, back through the machine using a scalloped stitch in a contrasting color.

I have never used a fancy stitch on my machine and thought this would be the perfect project. Turns out, I was right!

All together, I think this will be the perfect gift for my friend and her little baby girl on the way!

Easy Peasy, Itty Bitty Sock Hat

I’ve completed the next piece of the gift set for my friend who is expecting. This part is the Easy Peasy Newborn Sock Hat by Keri McKiernan. It’s a free pattern available for free over at Knitty Gritty Thoughts, another blog I frequent.

This was another nice way to use up remaining stash sock yarn. I wanted the hat and cutie booties to match, so I decided to divide the top i-cord into two i-cords and attach them with a button to create a heart shape. I think it makes it super duper cute!

What are you working on this week? Happy Knitting!

Cutie Bootie

This Saartje’s Bootees pattern by Saartje de Bruijn is a MUST HAVE in any knitter’s library. It is the perfect baby knit and the perfect use for remaining stash sock yarn.

They are knit on straight needles and cleverly written to easily shape a bootie. I used size 1 needles, which I have trouble with, they are a bit small for my hands, but I was okay with on this project.

I used some left over fingering weight 100% merino wool from Sunshine Yarns (formally NH Knitting Mama). This is the yarn I used for Bontemps cowl, a gift for my favorite Mother In Law.

I have a few other items I plan on putting together for a nice gift package for my friend. But these were my favorite baby knit of them all! Happy Knitting!

Lace Brim Hat

I finished a hat for my grandmother’s friend. This is a free pattern, designed by Brenda Lewis, and available on Ravelry. I liked the look of the adaptation my friend over at PeacefullyKnitting did with this pattern and also decided to only repeat the lace three times.

It was a very simple knit with a lot of fashion. I used Berroco Lustra. It is a very soft worsted weight yarn that comes in some beautifully rich colors.

I hope it works to keep her head nice and warm.

Happy Knitting!

Gift to Be Square

LOL- my stupid titles make me giggle. I thought this title was perfect for this post. Our knitting group recently finished up a project for a fellow knitter in our group who is expecting very soon. We all decided to do a “knit a square” baby afghan. I was in charge of picking out the yarn. I really wanted to lean away from the traditional baby colors and try something new with an earthy, timeless feel. It also needed to be a yarn that would withstand the many washes and drys if it was going to last past newbornhood. I chose three colorways from Vanna Yarns by Lion Brand.

Each group member took a skein of yarn and knit 6 squares. We had fun sneaking around our unsuspecting mother-to-be, as we randomly stuck yarn pieces and squares into other members bags during group. Once all the squares were complete it was time to assemble them.

We decided the best way to attach them all was to single crochet each square. That would make up for any difference in gauges.

Once it was all crocheted together, it was just about sewing in the ends…lots of ends! :)

We were all SO excited with the final product. It’s amazing how it all came together.

We had a few skeins of extra yarn, so we decided to do two more projects. I made the Cabled Raglan Baby Sweater by Rebecca L. Daniels.

It was my first sweater. It’s a very simple pattern and I highly recommend it if you have not made a raglan and want to learn the construction.

I added a pink elephant button to give it a nice baby feel!

Nicolle from our group also made an extra addition- she named her Ellie. She is pink of course, to match. This is from the pattern Elijah.

All fit perfect inside the perfectly matching basket. It all came together so well, and was well received by our mommy-to-be.

Baby Sweater for Quick Britches

My new little niece or nephew needs a matching sweater for his/her new britches. I am working another great pattern, Nash’s Garter Stitch Baby Sweater from “One More Skein”. It seems this book has come in VERY handy. I love this book. This sweater very nice. I am using Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton and LOVING it. It is so soft, there is no way this sweater can come out wrong!

Did I mention I love this pattern? It’s super simple and easy to understand. I can’t wait to get it finished and choose buttons!!!