crafty brooklyn

May The Tooth Be With You

2012-02-01T12:20:00.001-05:00

h is now in first grade and most of his friends have started to lose their teeth. h has not and that has led to many meltdowns... to try to make him feel better, i made him the ultimate star wars fan tooth pillow so he would be all set when he finally does lose that tooth!

may the tooth be with you
yarn: imperial stock ranch tracie in black for the base and cream for the millennium falcon
needles: size 4 for the base and side 5 for the ship

first i knit two 14 inch squares in the black and then knit the basic shape for the millennium falcon out of the cream going up one size in needles. i used a picture of a cookie millennium from pottery barn - they had already simplified the details and i figured why not take the easy way out!

i then sewed the ship on the pillow, added the details and then sewed the whole thing together and stuffed it with a 14 inch pillow form. for the tooth pocket, i just knit a simple oval shape.

here's hoping he loses a tooth soon!

Who Is The Fairest Of Them All

2011-11-13T10:30:00.001-05:00

at the same time h asked for a yoda sweater, e asked for a snow white sweater...

pattern: my own snow white
yarn: imperial yarn tracie 2 ply sport weight in light blue, dark blue, red, yellow, white
needles: size 4 for the body and size 2 for the collar

i had been thinking about the construction of this sweater all summer and spent a lot of time planning - especially the sleeves. this is what i ended up doing:

i started the sweater with the yellow ruffle on the bottom to represent snow's skirt. then k2tog all the way around and switched to the dark blue. knit in the round up to the armholes where it was then split for the front and back. made a square neckline and added a touch of shoulder shaping. after sewing the shoulder seams together i worked a 1x1 rib around the neck line, mitering the corners and leaving the back open for enough room to get her head in.

now for the tricky sleeves... the best solution i came up with for them was to knit them horizontally around as opposed to from the bottom up as a normal sleeve. this allowed me to work short rows in the red yarn to represent the pleats in snow's dress. there was a ton of math involved to come up with the exact amount of rows to fit into the armhole to allow a gathered look. after sewing in the sleeves, i gathered the bottoms of them and knit in a 1x1 rib in the yellow yarn for a bit.

i thought the sleeves would be the trickiest but that turned out to be the collar. i knit and ripped it out 3 times. working each side of the neck, i picked up stitches from the front neck edges and the back with a size 2 needles. then knitting back and forth adding a mitered corner between the front and back to allow the collar to stand up. after knitting 1 1/2 inches i decreased a stitch every right side row at the front to make a curved edge. i then worked a 1x1 rib around the outer edge. lastly, i crocheted and attached 3 button loops on the back of the neck.

i took very detailed notes so maybe one day i'll write up the pattern...

she hasn't taken the sweater off in 2 days so i haven't been able to get any detailed pictures but i think it is worth it :)

May The Force Be With You

2011-10-30T11:08:00.000-04:00

every year, i give my kids a chance to pick a sweater for me to knit them. this year my son requested a sweater that looks like yoda's jacket.

pattern: my own
yarn: imperial yarn tracie - 2ply sport weight, 2 skeins + a little more
needles: size #4 circular

this sweater was knit with the same construction as the sunset cardi and e's little pink sweater. was so simple i don't really have much to say about it. the only changes from those two sweaters are 1) it is very long. yoda's jacket goes down to his feet but i didn't really think that was very practical...

2) this sweater is not asymmetrical - the opening in straight in the center

3) there is a huge hood. what would a yoda sweater be without a huge hood that covers your eyes!!!

he loves it and has been wearing it everyday!

A New Coat

2011-10-30T10:47:00.003-04:00

my daughter happens to be very picky about what she will wear. it normally has to be very pink and twirly and not pants!!! even though i am very aware of this, i still decided to make her a structured trench coat out of "gasp" mostly yellow corduroy. - with pink pokka dot trim...

it is the softest corduroy from brooklyn general. i purchased it a few years ago but they still have some left. i strongly suggest picking some up if you can! the pattern is from a japanese pattern book. not being able to read japanese is normally not a problem, you can just follow the picture instructions like a piece of ikea furniture. this one was a little tricky but i was able to figure it out.

however, the trickiest part of this project was getting e to wear something that isn't all pink and doesn't twirl. it wasn't going so well and i thought this adorable coat would wind up in the never worn pile. the tide turned one day at brooklyn general. we went to pick out the buttons and heather the great asked e if she could see the coat on. she made such a big deal about how beautiful it looked on her that e fell in love - with the coat and heather!

the pattern calls for four buttons to form a double breasted closure. even though pink buttons were picked out - e decided she didn't want them. since she decided she loves it and wants to wear it all the time, i wasn't going to push it...

The Summer Of No Knitting

2011-09-25T21:33:00.003-04:00

this has definitely been the summer of no knitting. my family and i spend most of the summer at the beach and even though i packed a ton of yarn, it was just too darn hot!

i only managed to complete one project and it was probably because it was a lace weight silk!

copper raglan

pattern: elizabeth zimmerman's seamless raglan

yarn: habu textiles a-1, 2/17 tsumugi and habu textiles copper

needles: size 5, circular

i am giving credit to elizabeth zimmerman for the pattern but the truth is i just knit to my own measurements. i also added in some waist shaping since the copper would take away some of the stretch. love, love, love the copper!!! i wish the one sweater and blog post for a while could be more exciting but alas it is not.

i am working on two more exciting projects right now so until next time...

Stainless Rock

2011-06-21T09:56:00.002-04:00

i made a pact with myself to only knit original designs for the rest of this year - but already broke it!

stainless rock

pattern: rock island shawl by jared flood

yarn: habu xs-45 20/3 bamboo in color number 1 and habu stainless steel filament held together

needles: #5 circular

i spent an awesome day with a good friend at habu recently where we both bought some of this bamboo and stainless figuring we'd get to it sometime. but then i realized another great friend had a birthday coming up and i really wanted to make something for her. i just knew she would appreciate something handmade and especially something made out of such a funky material. the rock island shawl seemed like the perfect companion for the stainless - such an open lace that could use something to really hold the shape.

to be honest, i didn't love the pattern - i found starting with the edging to be a little boring and if it wasn't for a present a week away i probably would have put it away.

i definitely loved the effect of the metal thread through out and now have some good ideas about how to use all the other stainless and copper i bought - so stay tuned :)

Sunset Cardi

2011-06-05T16:47:00.003-04:00

i was super upset that i ran out of yarn on the habu tank i just made and couldn't do the pockets. i really love pockets!!! so the next project definitely needed some. add those pockets into a much needed lightweight summer sweater and you get the:

sunset cardi

pattern: made up as i went along

yarn: lana grossa linea pura biosoja, 9 skeins

needles: size 5 circular

i knit to my measurements - but should be easy enough to size up or down so please leave a comment or message me if you want the full details.

inspired by simple japanese clothing, the sunset cardi is an asymmetrical cardigan fastened at the top and allowed to swing open. i started at the bottom and knit up around 9 inches where i created space for the pockets on each side. at the same time i did some slight waist shaping.

when long enough to the armholes i separated for the front and back. using the provisional cast on method, i added enough stitches to form the arms (i like long sleeves) and knit up the fronts. leaving the fronts on waste yarn, i picked up the stitches from the provisional cast on and knit up the back and then grafted the front and back stitches together, leaving a larger than average neck. the collar is just the neck stitches knit back and forth until it was a size i was comfortable with. not wanting to take away from the simplicity of the sweater, i used snaps as closures.

this was a super simple and fast knit and i am happy to write the pattern up for anyone interested. it definitely calls for a heavy, drapey yarn!

Stash Busting

2011-05-15T09:07:00.003-04:00

i have had three cones of some habu tsumugi in my stash for a couple of years. i kept looking at it and looking at it with no clue what to make - sort of figured at some point i would make something lace out of it. but i also had been stashing the liesl pattern from cocoknits and then it clicked! i could double the tsumugi and make the tank!

habu tank

pattern: liesl by julie weisenberger

yarn: habu tsumugi in color #16, cocoa

needles: #7 circular, 24 inch

this is one of the rare occasions where i planned on making no modifications but had to. i started with no mods and knit up past the pockets but then i noticed how much yarn i had left... unfortunately not enough to finish. so i frogged back and decided to forget the pockets. i also got nervous about the yarn again when it came to the length, so that became a little shorter as well. i still really like it and i think that is due to the yarn. what amazing stuff this is - it creates such an amazing fabric and i think i have found a new favorite. now if only brooklyn general would start carrying it... definitely planning a trip up to habu in the next few weeks.

since i didn't get to add the pockets, my next project will definitely have some. not sure exactly what it will be but i picked up some lana grossa biosoja - a combination of soy, cotton and bamboo in this awesome orange.

i know what you will probably say, "a cotton, yuck!" but my friend, heather, had some knit up and it was actually nice. plus, i have a drapey cardigan in mind and this will definitely drape.

i am still making progress - slow progress - on my quilt and hope to have some photos soon.

Back On A Roll

2011-04-27T14:07:00.002-04:00

i think i am finally back on a roll as far as knitting is concerned - i'm also starting work on a quilt. the crafty bug is finally back in this little corner of brooklyn!

first up is this little blue dress i made for myself.

pattern: jill's dress from modern top down knitting

yarn: elsebeth lavold silky wool in blue

needles: size 5, circular

didn't make a lot of modifications. the only one was to add a little waist shaping. great simple mindless pattern. didn't even mind all the crochet trim!

i was feeling much better after working on the blue dress, so much so that i decided to use up the 3 skeins of pink synchronicity i had laying around to make up a sweater for e.

pattern: e's pink "japanese" sweater

yarn: alchemy synchronicity in vermillion

needles: size 6, circular

all i knew was i wanted a little cardigan for e that she could wear in the spring (she pretty much won't wear any color but pink...) and i had just 3 skeins of the yarn so had to make something for her now before i wouldn't have a sweater's worth anymore. i was feeling inspired by japanese design and thought it would be cool to have an asymmetrical opening in the front. with that information i did a gauge - took her measurements and started knitting. i knit stockinette until i got to the armholes. i then separated for the fronts and back, provisionally cast on for the sleeves and knit up both fronts. leaving the fronts on waste yarn, i picked up the sleeve stitches provisionally cast on and knit up the back. next i grafted the tops of the sleeves and the shoulder stitches together and knit up the collar. i would have made the collar bigger but was running low on yarn. since i had so much doing the crochet trim on the blue dress, i did the same here.

i actually took really good notes while knitting this so if anyone is interested in the pattern, let me know and i can write it up. also, i think it would be a super easy pattern for me to size up or down.

Finishing Up With Winter

2011-04-15T10:27:00.002-04:00

spring is finally here. i swear this has been the longest. most depressing winter. i have had way too much going on and unfortunately that left me with very little time to do all the crafty things that i love and that make me happy. here are two projects i can share - not the most glamourous but finished! - just click on the names to go to ravelry.

swans's island sweater

yarn: swan's island organic merino in worsted weight

needles: #7 circular

pattern: auburn top from new england knits

i didn't make any real modifications to this except to make it a little longer. the sweater is just ok but the yarn was a delight to knit with. definitely worth the large price tag :)

mom's coat

yarn: rowan felted tween aran

needles: #7 straight

pattern: audrey coat from blue sky alpacas

the major mod i made was to use a much thicker tweedy yarn. when i saw this pattern i thought it called for a tweed. i hate to say bad things about patterns and there was nothing "wrong" with this one but god was it boring! i had been working on it off and on for a year and i am so glad to be done! was originally planning on making one of these for myself as well but not anymore - so glad i didn't buy all the yarn.

the best news right now in my life is i have decided to step down as pta president from my son's school. it was making me so unhappy and i feel it left me in a way worse position to actually help out there and make a real difference. i am looking forward to this summer and then coming back in the fall. i can volunteer for only the events i want to be involved with and have a lot more time to do the stuff that puts a smile on my face and take care of my family.

i am working on a bunch of projects right now that i am actually excited about - a quilt, a knit dress for myself and i have an idea for a sweater design for my daughter.

onward!

Lace Jacket

2011-01-23T11:08:00.002-05:00

i just love knitting lace - it is never boring and always comes out looking beautiful. now that i have very little knitting time (i volunteered to be co-president of the pta at my son's school... ugh...), it is very important that i actually enjoy what i am knitting and the end result. this was the perfect project for this.

lace jacket

pattern: #13 lace jacket from vogue knitting, fall 2010

yarn: malabrigo lace, verde adriana, 2 1/2 skeins

needles: #5 circular

i didn't make any modification. no time to think about things... but i didn't need to - i think it came out great! i did use the magic loop method instead of lots of different circulars and double pointed needles. the only real comment i have is the sleeves are really tight!

i am having a problem figuring out what to make next. for now, i am continuing to work on a coat for my mother - i have been knitting a piece of it in between each project forever. i did purchase a bunch of swan's island yarn in a orangey color yesterday at brooklyn general - i think it will inspire me.

Holiday Gifts

2010-12-01T12:23:00.002-05:00

i know i haven't posted in awhile, i took on a huge volunteer job at my son's school and unfortunately have had very little time for knitting :(

however, i have had some time to get some holiday presents done. here are some pictures with links to ravelry for the details!

latvian mittens for my sister

latvian mittens for my mother in law

fingerless mitts for my brother, brother-in-law and father

i hope to get a pair of mittens done for me soon!

Leftover Knitting

2010-10-03T10:11:00.002-04:00

besides holiday presents the only thing i have been knitting lately is stuff i meant to get done a long time ago but never finished.

first up are a pair of socks from my ridiculous stash of sock yarn.

copper penny socks

pattern: copper penny by nancy bush from knitting socks with handpainted yarns

yarn: koigu painter's palette premium merino

needles: size 1.5 circular

i used the magic loop method and made a few modifications after reading other people's notes on ravelry. the pattern called for 72 stitches which seemed a bit much and most people commented that their socks were huge. i got rid of one 12 stitch pattern repeat and casted on 60 stitches - i'm glad i did because my socks fit great! the only other mod i made was to use the eye of the partridge stitch for the heel (but i always use this stitch!) all in all, i am very happy with these socks and i'm glad i used a little of my stash but i wish i used some of my claudia's handpainted yarn for socks for me - i think it is just a little but softer.

up next, i finally made another present for my husband.

cobblestone pullover

pattern: cobblestone pullover by jared flood in interweave knits

yarn: kathmandu aran

needles: size 7 circular

i have had this yarn sitting around for around 2 years and have started and frogged numerous sweaters for b until i finally decided i had to make something and the cobblestone seemed like an easy mindless knit. which it was but i didn't love it. basically just an ez seamless yoke which i have been knitting a lot of lately... the only modification i made was to the neck - i reduced the amount of stitches and the neck is still big! oh well, b is still happy with it and that is all that matters.

up next, i have a whole slew of latvian mittens in mind for holiday gifts and a coat for my mother. i have also taken on a huge role in my son's school (more about that another time) so hopefully it won't interfere too much with my knitting!

May The Force Be With You

2010-08-31T19:13:00.003-04:00

my son is a huge star wars freak so last year i made him an adorable star wars fair isle yoke sweater. of course it is getting a little small so he wanted another one. not feeling up for all that fair isle work i convinced him that a "jedi" sweater would be soooo much cooler. he picked out some gray noro yarn and basically told me to get to work. now i was a little stuck - what would i do for a "jedi" sweater. after talking it over with some of my friday morning knitting group friends i realized all that was important was the huge hood. here is the end result:

"jedi" sweater

pattern: elizabeth zimmerman's tomten

yarn: noro shirakaba in color #2, gray

needles: #7 circular and #6 for inside of the hems

i decided to go with the basic pattern of the tomten since i knew that would give me the larger hood i needed. the biggest modification i made was to make the sweater stockinette instead of garter. once this decision was most of ez's percentages go out the window and then when i wanted to make the armholes smaller - the rest of them went out the same window!

the sweater was knit to h's measurements. i used a provisional cast on and then knit up to where i thought the sleeves should go. also, wanted the sleeves to start a little later so it would be less modular looking so i made the front and back larger and put less stitches on waist yarn for the armhole than you would for the typical tomten.

and then used a three needle bind off to make a more defined shoulder. i thought it was important for the hood to not have as much of a point so added some decreases in the center of it when i got close to the top. lastly, i then knit up the provisional cast on stitches and picked up all around the front and hood edges to form the mitered button hole band. and of course, used my favorite edge treatment - a nice neat hem. the buttons are different robot buttons i purchased at brooklyn general 2 years ago.

and there you have it - a "jedi" sweater - of course the hood should be a little bit bigger...

since i decided the rest of the summer will be spent finishing some things that have been sitting around - here are the egyptian mittens i started in january for my chicken knitting group. finally!

Glittery E

2010-08-08T18:31:00.003-04:00

this was one of the first projects where the yarn called to me before a pattern. i saw the glittery silver threads and all the pink and just knew e would love it - sure enough she couldn't wait to put it on. in fact the pictures of her in it don't even have the buttons on it yet.

e's starry cardigan

pattern: loosely ez's seamless yoke sweater

yarn: dream in color starry, ruby river color

needles: size 3 circular

6 vintage pink buttons

went off of elizabeth zimmerman's seamless yoke sweater with lots of modifications. here are the full details of what i did...

provisionally cast on for the bottom of the sweater, knit one row, cast on 5 stitches for the steek and joined to knit in the round. from there i followed the usual seamless yoke pattern with, of course, making the sleeve wider than the original pattern calls for. the two sleeves have hemmed borders with a picot edging.

after knitting approximately one inch after joining the three tubes i knit 2 rows of purl and then doubled the amount of stitches to form the ruffle. after knitting 8 rows, i then halved the stitches right before it was time to decrease for the yoke. (does any of this make any sense?) i repeated this two more times. basically just replaced the fair isle patterns with ruffles and put two rows of purl in between.

when all that was done it was time for the steeking... wasn't as scary as the green sweater! i used the crochet method. i then picked up the cast on stitches on the bottom, up the front edge, around the neck and then back down the other front edge. knitting in the round i knit 8 rows of hem (including the button holes) with mitered corners - then the picot turn row (k2tog, yo) and then another 8 rows.

all that was then left was to sew down the hem and the steeked edges.

ta da! that's all it takes to make a very happy 2 year old girl! :)

Beaded Lace

2010-07-06T11:56:00.002-04:00

beaded lace shawl

pattern: #10 beaded lace shawl from vogue knitting holiday 2008

yarn: canopy fingering weight, river dolphin color, approx 1000 yards

needles: size 7 circular

approximately 1000 size 6 beads

beaded lace is really my all time favorite thing to knit. just the sense of accomplishment alone makes it great! i've made a few of them and really wanted to make this one for myself. my friend made it for her wedding and i thought it would look awesome in a non-white color.

the pattern is well written. the only comment i have on it is the bind off takes a really long time and A LOT of yarn!! i ran out but luckily, mary, had some.

oh - btw - i am not pregnant even though i appear to be in the last picture.

Some Quick Sewing

2010-06-20T08:15:00.002-04:00

i have to warn you - not the best photography here but i just finished some small sewing projects and wanted to share :)

pattern: oliver + s tiered halter from stitches magazine spring 2010

fabric: liberty of london from brooklyn general

words really cannot describe how much i love sewing with liberty fabric. it is just so smooth and flies thru the machine. now if it just wasn't so expensive! brooklyn general is having a sale so i finally got some to make the tiered halter shirt that was just featured in stitches magazine. i made three of these - for e and my two nieces. the pattern was very simple and easy to follow. besides printing out and taping together the pattern pieces... i didn't make any modifications. i do hope to get a picture today of all three girls in the shirt together.

pattern: oliver + s bedtime story pajamas

fabric: ready, set, robot from city quilter.

h was getting a little upset with the amount of sewing/knitting i do for e and not for him. it is true and i feel bad but it is just so much easier to a cute little dress than boys clothes :( but i had come across this robot fabric on a red background and picked up a few yards. (anyone who knows h knows red is his favorite color!) the pattern was super simple - the only mod i made was to just hem the bottom and i used the same fabric for the waist band as the legs. he's pretty happy with the results :)

Finishing Presents

2010-05-29T12:54:00.002-04:00

i tend to knit almost all of the presents i give to people. just love giving someone i care about something i made. the only problem with this is when you are in the middle of the project and really aren't enjoying the process but need to finish or else buy something...

here are two cases of that exact problem. although, i think the receivers of these gifts will like them a whole lot more than i liked knitting them!

choice

yarn: berroco bonsai and berroco seduce - both in a natural color

needles: size 7, circular

pattern: choice by norah gaughan in her vol. 6 book for berroco

i wouldn't say this yarn was horrible to work with - but i definitely didn't love it... i wanted an easy no brainer project so i used the yarn the pattern called for and made no modifications. i probably should have gone down a needle size. made the smallest size but it is still a little big. this is going to be for my brother's fiancee and she is very little but she has a great sense of style so i am sure she will find a way to wear it!

golf club covers

yarn: berroco vintage in green, blue and tan

needles: size 5 and size 7, circular (magic loop method)

pattern: argyle golf club covers by sarah wilson

now this yarn i would say is horrible to work with!!! maybe i am just being a brat but i cannot stand knitting with this much acrylic! i bought some beautiful malabrigo sock yarn to make my dad socks for father's day but my mother didn't think he would wear them and would prefer golf club covers. i did like the pattern and only made a few modifications. 1- changed the ribbing to a 2x2. 2- added the stripes to the ribbing to mark the different sized clubs. 3- made tassels instead of pom poms for the tops.

i am going to be teaching a baby surprise jacket class at brooklyn general on wednesday mornings - starting next week. check out www.brooklyngeneral.com to sign up.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T19:05:00.002-04:00

hourglass socks

yarn: claudia hand painted merino fingering weight yarn - honey color

needles: size 1.5 circular

pattern: hourglass socks from knitty

i have wanted to make these socks for the longest time and finally found the perfect excuse - i would make two pairs. one for my mother and one for my mother-in-law for mother's day. only problem - i hated the pattern. don't know why but i found it really really annoying. they are going to my mother-in-law since they were a little short and she has smaller feet! the only modification i made was to change the heel to an eye of the partridge stitch - which i use on all the socks i make...

tribute socks

yarn: claudia hand painted merino fingering weight yarn - chocolate color

needles: size 0 circular

pattern: tribute socks from knitty

definitely have a thing for the frost flowers lace pattern :) i had to make these socks as soon as i saw them. made them for my mother for mother's day. really nice easy sock pattern - only mod was the stitch pattern on the heel that i mentioned above. only regret is i didn't make them in a lighter color yarn so you would see the pattern better.

that's it for now. we are finishing up a major house renovation and to say i have been a little overwhelmed would be an understatement. hopefully i will be able to get some good shots and will post some before and after soon!

Happy Friend

2010-04-14T13:04:00.003-04:00

bitterroot shawl

yarn: knit picks shadow in spring green

needles: size 6

pattern: bitterroot from knitty

you may think i am strange but lace is really my favorite thing to knit. i am trying to make at least every other project be a lace one - to make myself happy, of course. but how many shawls does one person need? so i started to knit this one not really knowing who it was going to - i had some left over yarn for a shawl i made my grandmother. as i was knitting, i decided it would go to a really good friend of mine who is also a knitter. i find we don't tend to knit a lot for fellow knitters, after all they could just make it themselves. but my friend wasn't having the easiest weeks and i thought she could use a little pick me up. who doesn't feel better getting a little present? once i decided who the shawl was going to it became an even faster knit. i highly recommend this pattern to anyone wanting to try knitting with beads. since the beads are only at the ends it isn't too much. the only negative is that it is a little smaller than i would like.

oh, i use the oral-b super floss method of placing the beads on.

Feeling Green

2010-03-28T14:55:00.002-04:00

there has been a lot of knitting going on with green yarn... first up i finished the leg warmers!

leg warmers

yarn: dream in color smooshy

needles: size 3, 12" circular

pattern: some cloudy day by owl knits

these were such a quick knit. i don't know why it took me so long to finally make leg warmers for myself. i am always so cold. don't have a lot of comments on the pattern - made no mods. i love the color of the yarn but i don't think i would like the feel of it for socks - leg warmers or socks, perfect though. here they are on ravelry - the picture of them not finished is closer to the actual color.

and now i am working on a beaded lace shawl from knitty - bitterroot. i have a friend in mind that i am going to give this to - i think she could use a little present. i've been so into knitting lace shawls lately - but how many can one person have? very happy to have so many deserving people in my life!

Little Knits

2010-03-14T13:52:00.002-04:00

i haven't been in such a knitting mood lately. so i have been working on lots of little projects that i can finish quickly. (it is also my niece's birthday next week - so had to make something for her :)

peasant hat

yarn: cascade 220 heathers - purpley

needles: size 10.5 straight needles and size 5 for the band

pattern: just like a peasant cap by amber daniels

a friend of mine had a hat like this and i wanted one for myself for awhile. i came across the pattern on ravelry. it is a funny little hat - took a while to figure out how to wear it but once i did i fell in love. speaking of love - love cascade 220. i cannot believe i never made anything out of it before. but what a great yarn - can tell this will become a major workhorse in my stash!

oriental lilies

yarn: one made of fibre company savannah, one made of blue sky alpaca melange

needles: size 5, 24 inch circular and 12 inch circular

pattern: oriental lily by georgie hallam

i made one of these for my niece for her birthday and one for e. such a great pattern. super fast and always love something with minimal finishing. i have had the melange in my stash for a while and it may be my favorite colorway ever! - it is very similar to the color of the peasant hat. i thought i had 5 skeins of it so this was just the perfect project for it. but then... i found 4 more skeins! this is when i realized that maybe i am not the best mother - my first thought was, "i could have made something for myself." but i guess i'm not that bad because i didn't frog what i had already started. still need to do the arms of e's but it won't fit her until next year so i'll get to it when i get to it.

since i haven't been into knitting that much i decided to get the spinning wheel out. i have a ton of fiber that i have been really excited about spinning. of course, though, i have this mohair/romney blend that i started spinning already on the wheel. so i just figured i would finish spinning that up.

i am not a huge fan of knitting with mohair but a friend of mine made a beautiful dress out of it - so i think i'll give it to her :)

on the needles now - a pair of legwarmers!

Hello Kitty

2010-02-28T15:36:00.003-05:00

hello kitty sweater

yarn: spud & chloe fine, pink #7808

needles: size 3 24" circular and 12" circular for sleeves

pattern: elizabeth zimmerman seamless yoke sweater

since h's star wars sweater was such a big hit i really wanted to make a fair isle yoke sweater for e. but i learned my lesson and made this one big - the star wars sweater is already getting a little small - eeks! the spud & chloe yarn has a great feel and great colors for kids - e is a little bit of pink freak...

the pattern is elizabeth zimmerman's seamless yoke sweater. have i ever said how much i love this pattern? so simple and i love how easy it is to add motifs of whatever the person is into. for e's i thought hello kitty was perfect - she loves her (and truth be told - so do i!). the cherries and hearts are basically from a sweater i saw on ravelry - subculture girl: stranded yoke pullover.

i used a lime green for the hem. have i ever said how much i love a hem on a sweater? also used the hem for the neck - i think this works fine and never feel the need for a ribbed neckline.

i have the chart of hello kitty and tried to post it but can't figure out how to do that - so if any of my fellow bloggers out there know how to paste a chart in a post, please tell me how!!!!!

next up for me - some little girl dresses and a hat for myself. plus, the house renovations are coming along so hopefully my craft room will be ready soon and i can actually sew a little...

February Flowers

2010-02-14T09:59:00.003-05:00

frost flowers stole

yarn: colourmart cashmere heavy lace weight, blue

needles: size 6, knit picks harmony 36 inch circular

pattern: from interweave holiday 2008

this stole was a long time coming. i had wanted to make something out of frost flowers, from the cover of barbara walker's first pattern book, for awhile and i've had this cashmere lying around for a couple of years. then i came across this shawl pattern in the interweave holiday 2008 issue and thought perfect! it took me awhile to get to, with holiday gifts and sweaters for my family to get to. plus a surprise elizabeth zimmerman thrown into the mix. anyway, it took me awhile but it wound up to be perfect timing. it has been a rough couple of months for me personally and a detailed lace project was just what i needed to take my mind off of things. something else to concentrate on!

the cast on took a little more than 2 hours - 992 stitches! really crazy! but the brilliance of this project was that it got smaller (faster) as you went along - the opposite of the typical shawl. i don't really have any more notes except - make sure you mark every 50 or 100 stitches when you cast on and trust the charts - there are no erratas, it works out perfectly. there are a few more pictures up on ravelry.

right now i am working on a yoke sweater for my daughter and think hello kitty may make any appearance... i learned my lesson with my son's star wars sweater though and am making it big enough to fit for a few years!

More Silky Wool

2010-01-24T09:41:00.002-05:00

last summer my fabulous knitter friend, kusi, introduced me to norah gaughan's patterns. of course i immediately started lining up projects in my head. i've made a few and had some hits and some misses but the "anhinga" from the berroco vol 5 book was the one that always stood out. the problem was i wanted to make it for myself but i had too many holiday gifts on my queue! i even bought the yarn for it in august at brooklyn general's august sale. i finished it this morning and couldn't wait to show it off:

after two seamless hybrids and the ez green sweater it was really a pleasure to knit separate pieces and sew them together! it was so great to just finish the back quickly! all the details are on ravelry.

as i write this, i am trying to figure out what to knit next. here is a list of what i want to get to this year:

leg warmers for e (she is a little obsessed with leg warmers)

frost flowers shawl

two color bog jacket

rorschach sweater

fair isle sweater for myself

fair isle yoke for h

hybrid for b

the olive sweater from amimono

something fair isle and steeked

actually, the list can go on and on...

i am thinking i will go with the frost flowers shawl. i haven't knit any lace recently. it would be nice to put down the size 6 needles and maybe step away from the silky wool for a little. plus, i am sure i can make some leg warmers for e on the go since lace isn't really a good traveling project. oh and anne, if you are reading this, i know i should have the chicken mittens on that list but i am just sooooo not into them :(

most importantly, i will be teaching a baby surprise jacket class in february at brooklyn general on wednesday mornings at 10am. you can call the store at 718.237.7753 to sign up!

Help

2010-01-14T12:43:00.001-05:00

Not Blocked

2010-01-09T08:34:00.003-05:00

but here's a shot of the green sweater on!

as you can see, i still can't decide on any closures. for now i am going with broaches as closures until i come up with something else... the fabulous art direction of the photo is all mary!

i've got a norah gaughn sweater on the needles that i've been wanting to knit forever and i'm having a blast. after all these sweaters in the round there is something to be said for finishing pieces and knitting with decadent rosewood straight needles. but the lovely norah has to wait a little because my friday morning knitting group "the chickens" is doing a mitten kal. so here are the start of the egyptian mittens. don't hate me, anne, if i finish them soon - i have a long car trip this weekend ;)

Finished!

2010-01-05T12:02:00.003-05:00

well, almost. it needs some blocking and buttons - but i couldn't wait to share!

ta da - the green sweater!!!!

it took a little bit of time because i had to rip out the sleeve twice! and redid how i sewed down the steeked edges. but i love how it came out - it has a real retro fit. i will get some pictures of it on after i block and get the buttons on. i am thinking of just doing some hook and eye closures - any opinions?

2009 Wrap Up

2010-01-02T20:51:00.004-05:00

happy new year! i have a ton of projects in my head for 2010 but thought i would take some time for a 2009 knitting wrap up.

wow, i got a lot done! :) here's to a great year of all good things and happy knitting!

Last Minute Holidays

2009-12-26T19:43:00.003-05:00

i was sitting pretty, thinking i had finished all my holiday knitting and was really enjoying working on the elizabeth zimmerman green sweater for myself when my husband turned to me and asked what i had made for his mother! 5 days before christmas!!! i could have killed him - i specifically said i wasn't going to make anything for her this time - i had already made the hourglass sweater for her for mother's day. i really thought this time it would be a store bought gift. but the laziness of not wanting to deal with the stores and a huge snowstorm won out and searched my stash of magazines and yarn to find something fast. vogue holiday had a cute lace beret pattern for fingering weight yarn - and i have more of that than anything else. perfect! and it only took 2 days! here it is:

and on ravelry.

i have made a little bit of progress on "the green sweater" - one sleeve almost done. i have to be honest, i am losing a little bit of interest. and i have a little bit of a problem with the sleeve - it decreased very fast and is pretty narrow. i really, really don't want to rip back though. trying to decide what to do...

Steeking

2009-12-19T16:34:00.002-05:00

as i mentioned in my last post, my current project is the elizabeth zimmerman green sweater that i am making out of elsebeth lavold silky wool. this week i got up to the steeking part. i spent much of my time researching how to secure the stitches and eventually decided to go with the crochet method. (mostly because i am not secure enough in my sewing skills to attempt sewing such a stretchy piece of fabric). many thanks to eunny jang's online tutorial!

so here we go! before cutting:

a before cutting close up:

cutting - eeks!!! i definitely needed a drink after!:

but after cutting look at how neat it is:

i sewed down the crochet edge inside, knit up the stitches and started on the sleeve:

The true color of the yarn is closer to the blue pictures.

all in all it worked really well. i don't like how i sewed down the edges so i will be redoing those. also, it took a really, really long time. much longer than if i had just knit separate pieces and sewn them together. i don't know if i would use a steek for a solid color sweater again. besides not having to purl, count rows or piece together, i don't know if there is an upside? if you know of any other reason - please share!!!

normally, i would be knitting on this sweater like crazy and have it done by the end of this week but my husband sprung on me the fact that he never bought his mother a christmas gift. so now i am rushing to get a pretty lace beret done by friday with some stash sock yarn! - thank god for stash yarn and my habit of never throwing out a vogue knitting or interweave!!

Holiday Knitting Done!

2009-12-16T20:11:00.002-05:00

i can't believe i finished all my holiday knitting so early! i have even started a project for myself - but more about that later. as for the presents, my list was

seamless hybrid for my brother - done

seamless hybrid for my brother in law - done

little scarf for mother in law - decided not to do

little scarf for mother - done

norah gaughn tank for my sister - done

socks for my brother's girlfriend - done

something for dad?!? - decided not to do

cth sweater for niece - done

baby surprise jacket for niece - done

ok - so i decided not to do everything - but i think i got a lot done. two men's sweaters!!!! now for some pictures (with links to ravelry for details, of course)...

the little scarf for my mom. i made from some handspun from guanaco. my friend - hellomello - made it and i had just one skein. i thought this was the perfect use and my mom loves it.

the norah gaughn tank for my sister. i used one of my favorite noro colorways - silk garden sock. it isn't my favorite thing i've made but if anyone can wear it, my sister can.

socks for my brother's girlfriend. i made one last summer and just knocked out the other one in a few days!

cornelia tuttle hamilton sweater for my older niece. i had made this sweater for h years ago and it still fits him! i love the pattern, such a quick knit! this one is made from my all time favorite noro silk garden colorway. and no, i did not cut out the green - the new dye lot just has a lot less! - for those of you familiar with noro color #87...

a baby surprise jacket for my younger niece. what can i say - love the bsj and of course, favorite color!

since i finished all those presents, i thought it was a good time to start a project for myself. the brand new elizabeth zimmerman pattern came out and i am not embarrassed to say i bought the pattern 5 minutes after i got the email! yes, i am talking about the infamous elizabeth zimmerman green sweater. i'm making it from elsebeth lavold silky wool. this is my first steeking project and i am terrified. in truth, i am writing this post now to avoid getting to the steeking part. here it is on ravelry - but i will be posting more pictures as i move along with the process... please send all knitting prayers this way!

some big news - my favorite yarn store - brooklyn general - now has online shopping! i also think i may be teaching a class at downtown yarns in manhattan in january - more details later!!!

Holiday Hybrids

2009-12-01T06:49:00.002-05:00

i have been so busy lately. too much going on in this house - including a tree falling on our car, eeks!!!! i have been getting some knitting done though. have been totally feeling the holiday crunch. of course, i took on too much and now feel like i can't get it all done.

here is the list:

seamless hybrid for my brother - done

seamless hybrid for my brother in law - done

little scarf for mother in law

little scarf for mother

norah gaughn tank for my sister - almost done

socks for brother's girlfriend - one done

something for dad?!?

cth sweater for niece - needs a little finishing

baby surprise jacket for niece - needs buttons and two seams sewn.

ok - i guess that looks doable - i hope...

i gave the boys their seamless hybrids on thanksgiving since they were also their birthday presents. the fit is perfect! here they are on ravelry. i think they like them - what do you think?

promise to post any progress this weekend!!!

Summer Knitting Wrap Up

2009-09-26T13:39:00.002-04:00

i really didn't think that i got a lot of knitting done this summer - but as i was putting the projects on my ravelry page they added up. there are a lot of little goodies to share - so here are the photos with links to ravelry so you can read about them in more detail - if you'd like!

the baby bog for e - this really deserves more of an explanation but e broke her arm this week and we have just been so tired over here that i just don't have the energy :( the good news is it fits over the cast!

h's star wars sweater - love, love, love!!!!! - also probably deserves more explanation... i will try to blog about these two another time.

a little t-shirt for a good friend's daughter - i think she looks awesome and seems to love it.

another february baby sweater for e:

herringbone rib socks:

cashmere glittens - perfect for iphone using:

that's it for now. right now i'm working on a whole bunch of holiday presents and even have some mostly done. also trying to get in some spinning time - i bought a ton of fiber this summer!! hope to get some pictures up soon :)

i know my explanations were pretty brief - so feel free to email me if you want to know more.

until next time - happy knitting!

Yay Handspun!

2009-08-09T14:29:00.003-04:00

there really isn't anything more to say!

from this:

to this:

yeah, yeah - i know, could use some blocking...

Quick Projects

2009-08-03T21:04:00.002-04:00

the heat of summer makes me want to just knit lots of quick projects. i haven't been writing about it that much - but i've got some stuff ready to show off.

e has been a freak for yo gabba gabba, so i thought it would be cute to make her a foofa - she's pink and happy... i told h of my plan and he immediately requested his favorite, plex - a magic robot. here they are - foofa and plex:

i'm quite proud. kept a picture of them on my phone and just referenced it as i knit - i think they came out cute and the kids are huge fans!

i had been wanting to make the whisper cardigan from interweave's spring issue for awhile. when i realized it was my brother's girlfriend's birthday i had found the perfect reason.

it is made from yummy malabrigo lace - you can get all the info on ravelry.

another project that i am quite proud of is my recycled pucker from norah gaughn. a few winters ago, i had made a rowan sweater out of some noro cash island. i loved the yarn but the sweater was huge and i could never wear it. i had used around 20 skeins of it, too! so for the pucker i just knit directly from the old sweater instead of frogging the whole thing.

i got this lovely little short sleeve sweater out of just the cowl and sleeves of the old sweater. i can't wait to wear it this fall and i think i can get another whole sweater out of the front and back.

A June Post?

2009-06-29T21:00:00.003-04:00

i realized that i hadn't been posting in a while (even though i'm not really sure if anyone reads this) so i thought i would try to get something up for june... i have been pretty productive - i've just been busy with the kids and haven't had the chance update.

first up is the amazing pie are square shawl that i made for my mother's 60th birthday. it is made from the most luxurious cashmere from colourmart. i used four different lace patterns and carried them over to the front. if you are looking for more info - ravel it :)

and mom, if you are reading this - how about hooking me up with some better shots.

here is the most amazing little t-shirt for e. i was able to use up some rainbow colored koigu from my stash and finished it in 2 days. doesn't she look adorable?

i also finished the cutest little dress for e but it was a test knit i did for my friend and i'm not sure if i can publish any info on it yet - i promise a picture as soon as i get the ok.

i've also been doing some spinning and i've been trying to get those pictures up on flickr as soon as i can. there are now links to my sets on the right - you can probably keep up with my knitting faster there than my posting :(

i'm trying to only spin for projects - otherwise i could see myself ending up with a whole bunch of single skeins. right now i'm working on a baby bog for e made out of some awesome alpaca/merino batts i bought from spinknitandlife on etsy - they are amazing! definitely check out her stuff.

that's it for now - i'll try to update more often from now on :)

A New Purchase

2009-05-03T20:50:00.002-04:00

i know i said i wasn't going to do it until both kids are in school but.... i bought a spinning wheel - a little ladybug! i love it, it is so cute and i think i am really going to like spinning. but it is definitely going to take quite a bit of practice...

here is a shot of my first skein:

i washed it to set it and will take another shot after i ball it up. i feel like my four old after he gets a new truck!!!!

since i last posted i have a bunch of finished objects - here they are:

a clapotis for my mom for mother's day. you can get all the details on ravelry.

a blinged out tank for myself. details here.

some napkins for my sister's mother-in-law for mother's day.

a cute little dress for e out of some fabulous japanese fabric.

some pants for e out of more fabulous japanese fabric.

and finally some progress on the pi are square shawl.

Smocking!!!

2009-04-12T18:46:00.005-04:00

i have just discovered the wonderful world of smocking - what a great way to make a cute little girl dress, impress everyone, in under an hour!! heather ross, the author of weekend sewing, came to brooklyn general to do a demo. i wasn't planning on going but i am glad i did. i never would have tried it - but she showed how easy it was! here are the first smock dresses to come off my trusty little necchi:

this one was for my niece. the fabric is a little japanese floral from purl patchwork with ribbon from brooklyn general.

this one was for my 4 year old son's future wife ;) - she picked out the fabric from brooklyn general and i picked out the matching ribbon.

i'm really happy how they turned out and see a lot more of them in my future!

on the knitting front - i have been making a lot of progress on my mother's day presents.

an hourglass sweater for my mother-in-law. made out of some great manos silk blend. it will pill like crazy, but how wonderful to work with and feels super soft. all the details are here.

a clapotis for my mom - a little more than half done. i had some noro silk garden sock left from my sister's chevron sweater and thought this was the perfect project for it. ravel all the details.

and here is a picture of b in the finished tomten, as promised. i love it on him and he wears it all the time!

i think i am ready to start working on some adult sewing projects. i bought some amazing vintage fabric and am going to attempt the summer shirt from weekend sewing - stay tuned!

It's Been Awhile

2009-03-21T09:06:00.003-04:00

i know i haven't posted in quite awhile - not sure how many readers i have, but i am sorry! the good news is i haven't had time to post because i have been finishing up a ton of projects.

the most exciting one is the "mystery surprise baby project." it is all done and !ta da! here it is - the very first quilt i have ever made! it is for my sister's new baby, born yesterday afternoon. she is so adorable and i am so happy i was able to be there to be one of the first to greet her! i hope she loves it and uses it her whole life - now i just have to make one for her sister and e!

the pattern is from a kaffe fasset book and the fabrics are either from brooklyn general or fabric.com. i do have more information on it that i am too lazy to look up right now - so please let me know if you are interested. there are a lot more pictures so as soon as i find the time to figure out how to make a flickr photoset - i will.

i also had the chance to finish up b's adult tomten - i know the pictures aren't of a finished object but i just bought the buttons yesterday and haven't had a chance to sew them on and take any pictures because i was at the hospital all day!

i absolutely hated working with the yarn - rowan scottish tweed aran - a lot of breaking... but i think it looks great and b loves it. all the info is on ravelry and i will post some pictures as soon as i get the chance.

a few weeks ago, h got bit by a dog - not that bad but required stitches and was a pretty sad day. during all the running around to different doctors - pediatricians and plastic surgeons - we lost his favorite alligator scarf so i whipped up this dragon scarf for him in 2 days. he was very sad so i needed to get it done right away!

in other knitting news - it is my mother's 60th birthday this june and since she is the one who taught me to knit i wanted to make her something really special. i decided on making ez's pi are square shawl. my mother is always cold and i thought she could use a shawl that actually stays on. i ordered some 100% cashmere lace weight from colourmart - and i cannot say enough good things about the yarn or the customer service!! truly excellent!

i am a little further along than the picture shows and will take some more pictures when i finish this section. i am using 4 different lace patterns and have decided to carry them over to the front sections instead of leaving those in garter stitch. i think it will come out very pretty and i hope she really loves it.

i know this is a pretty long post so i will leave you with these pictures of e in a new shirt i made for her last night. the pattern is from a japanese pattern book that i can't tell you the name of because it is all in japanese! the fabric is from brooklyn general.

Little Girl Sweaters

2009-02-18T18:09:00.002-05:00

i am sad to say that knitting was not going my way for a few weeks :( but i think i have my mojo back and have two finished little girl sweaters to show!

first is my version of the "boheme"

i added a little flutter sleeve and changed the lace pattern to "english mesh lace" from one of barbara walker books. the yarn is alchemy - synchronicity in a really cool orange/pink color. all of the details are on ravelry.

and now i am proud to announce.... drum roll... my first improvised pattern...

inspired by the february baby sweater and the boheme - this is my take on it. i knit it top down with raglan shaping in stockinette. the stitch count is almost doubled at the beginning of the lace parts to form a ruffling shape. the lace is the "harebell" lace from barbara walker's book. and lastly i did a picot edge around the entire sweater.

as for the materials - the yarn is road to china light in aquamarine from brooklyn general and the buttons are glass with bits of pink shells from m&j trim. the pictures don't really do the color any justice so i will post some more when it gets warmer and i can get pictures of e outside! the rest of the details can be found here.

as for my other wips, i put aside the sweater i was working on for b and started a tomten sweater for him instead. and the surprise mystery present is coming along...

It's Not February Yet, but...

2009-01-26T20:14:00.002-05:00

i finished my february lady sweater! i swear this pattern, whether lady, baby or girlie, flies right off the needles.

i used some gorgeous "road to china" in jade. this yarn was just fabulous to work with - it is from brooklyn general - i know, big surprise - huge... the buttons are a vintage pink, also from brooklyn general - but they are a little too small. i love them though, so i am going to use them until i find the perfect buttons. the only modification i made was to do regular increases instead of the eyelet row. you can get all the specs on ravelry - plus a more color accurate picture.

last week, i also whipped up this quick scarf for my sister's mother-in-law's 60th birthday.

i did a half herringbone faggoting stitch out of tess cult yarn (also fabulous and from brooklyn general). all the details are here. the good news is i think she loved it and she doesn't tend to like too many presents.

right now, i am working on a pretty heavily modified boheme by allegra wermuth. i changed the lace pattern, the technique for the increases and will add a little flutter sleeve.

the picture does not do the color or the yarn any justice - hopefully it will warm up one of these days and i can get some better pictures...i have some great handspun that matches the yarn really nicely - so trying to figure out how to use. here it is on ravelry.

I Think This Is It

2009-01-09T16:25:00.003-05:00

for me for koolhaas - at least for a little while.

the good news is i got the chance to start my february lady sweater. i can't really figure out what size to make. after looking at people's projects on ravelry that are my size in real life, i decided to go with the xs. i am really excited about it and normally would have it done by the end of this weekend - but there must be work done on the mystery project...

One More Time!

2009-01-05T18:33:00.002-05:00

i was totally done making the ever popular koolhaas hat - i mean really, isn't five enough?! but my good friend specifically asked for one and since she is always doing so many nice things for everyone else - i figured she deserved one. so guess what is now on the needles?

i am making it in my favorite koolhaas yarn, malabrigo worsted, in the color cypress which is sort of a blackish green.

the long "go with the flow" socks are all done. i wore them today and they are super comfortable. the details are all here on ravelry.

i really do love them but i wish i had started the february lady sweater instead. after i finish the sixth koolhaas hat, it will get on the needles. and i have some really yummy fibre company "road to china" for it. can't wait to wear it!

i am also making some progress on the mystery baby gift...

In Over My Head?

2008-12-28T22:52:00.003-05:00

i think it is very possible that i am in over my head with this new project. it's going to be a present so i can't go into details, just incase certain people read this blog. i hope i can get some help on tuesday when heather gets back in town! this is definitely going to be taking up a lot of my knitting/sewing time in the months to come...

Single Sock Syndrome

2008-12-22T16:26:00.003-05:00

i finished one of my "long go with the flow socks" (for myself!) but now i think i am suffering from single sock syndrome.

i am looking for anything i can possibly do besides start the second one!

i made a hurricane hat for a friend:

not bad for a sunday morning watching political tv in bed recovering from a little bout of mastitis

and a scarf for a homesick friend in germany (i hope to get a better picture of him wearing it...)

i even started fixing up one of the huge sweaters i made last year that never fit quite right, so you know i have to be desperate!

but i think i would really love wearing them - so i think i will cast on for the second one tonight!

i really want this blog to be just about knitting and sewing - but just look at what e did for the first time today! we are too excited over at the little blue house!

Presents = All Done!

2008-12-16T14:15:00.003-05:00

all of the presents are finally done!

the last hold out was my mom's needle holder:

and open:

the fabrics are all from brooklyn general. i was able to make it last sunday when b took h to soccer and e actually took a nap!

i also managed to make a february "girlie" sweater for one of my favorite 3 year olds! i think she looks very adorable! the yarn is mirasol's miski and i used size 8 needles. a specified that she wanted blue buttons, i thought they should be sparkley - they are also from brooklyn general. i modified the stitch count from ez's original and you can get all the details on ravelry.

since i finished all these projects, i decided it was time to make something for myself. i should have started the february lady sweater, but i went with a pair of socks. not that into knitting them so it may take awhile. they are going to be extra long go with the flow socks from interweave. i'm doing a contrast ribbing, heel and toe. the yarn is some really yummy fibre company canopy fingering weight. actually, talking about them makes me like them more - i guess i should be knitting and not typing! sorry about the picture, it is sleeting outside - so an indoor flash picture will have to do.

here is a picture of e in her thanksgiving apple dress - i don't think she could be any cuter :)

A Study In Koolhaas

2008-12-07T16:05:00.002-05:00

these are my third, fourth and fifth koolhaas hat. i love this hat and it knits up so quickly, making a great holiday present, but i think i am done with this pattern for a little. finished b's 10 minutes before he had to take h to soccer this morning. which was great since it is freezing here and he had no hats!!!!

i used malabrigo worsted for all of them. you can get all of the information on ravelry.

Holiday Socks

2008-12-04T09:45:00.003-05:00

it is december 4th and i am very pleased to announce that i am almost done with all my holiday presents! this could mean that there are no 2am frantically knitting nights ahead of me. i am just too excited for words! here are some of my recent finished objects:

daisy's fruit loops - i really hope she loves them.

yarn - noro kureyon sock, needles - size 2. the pattern is the fruit loop socks from knitty's summer 2008 issue. any more info can be found here.

gayla's socks

yarn - claudia's handpainted fingering weight. - i am loving this yarn, now to get brooklyn general to start carrying it so i don't need to go to long island to get it. although it is good to have a reason to visit my mom's lys. needles - size 1. the pattern is go with the flow from interweave. any extra details can be found on ravelry.

another koolhaas down, two more to go.

since i foolishly forgot to take a picture of e in her thanksgiving dress, i'll leave you with these pictures of her in her smockette this morning!

thanksgiving dress

2008-11-24T15:15:00.003-05:00

the majority of e's clothes came from my sister, who buys much nicer stuff than i ever would. so she is a very well dressed little girl but i miss picking out special stuff for her. because of this i really wanted to make her a special dress for thanksgiving. so i put aside all of my holiday gift knitting and whipped up this adorable little apple dress:

the fabric is from purl patchwork, i don't know the name.

the pattern is simplicity #4203, dress a without the ruffles and ribbon.

it looks really cute on - i'll post some pictures after i take some on thanksgiving. now it is back to getting those presents done!

one down

2008-11-18T19:46:00.002-05:00

yea! i can cross one of my presents to do off my list.

thanks for the picture, melissa.

presents!!!

2008-11-15T19:06:00.002-05:00

it's that time of the year, trying to get all the holiday presents i've planned completed. i actually have high hopes that i can get everything done but it leave me very little time to get any sewing done and i really wanted to make a new dress for e to wear on thanksgiving...

but anyway, here is what i've been working on and actually finishing on time.

the hemlock ring blanket for my grandma. all the details are here on ravelry. i really love the way it came out! thanks for the great pattern brooklyntweed.

a seed stitch coat for my niece's birthday (e has a matching one). this one killed me - i may be done with debbie bliss forever!

i'm planning on making project bags for all of h's teachers. one down, ten to go. it is basically a pillow case with a ribbon on top to use as a drawstring.

and finally, some mittens for h. it should be getting cold out soon and this is the yarn he picked from my stash. not bad for under two hours of work.

now all i have left is something for the greatest babysitter, my brother, brother-in-law, mother-in-law and mother - totally doable, right?

some finishing

2008-11-03T09:46:00.005-05:00

this was a great week/weekend. i got done a lot of little finishing work that i had been avoiding. finished up lizzy's sweater - here it is:

i love the way it came out. i am secretly hoping she doesn't like it and i can keep it. plus it fits perfectly! it is silk garden sock and i used size 3 needles - you can get all the details here.

i also finished up the hemlock ring blanket for my grandmother, just needs some blocking and then i can post some pictures.

here is the little skirt for e - it looks so cute with the sunday brunch jacket.

the fabric is from purl patchwork. how cute is the little kick pleat?

and finally, a picture of e in her butterfly dress!

almost done!

2008-10-27T11:04:00.001-04:00

IMG_1715
Originally uploaded by gottlieblauren

lizzy's sweater blocking! i love the colors so much. if she doesn't like it, i'm keeping it!

sunday brunch

2008-10-26T16:19:00.004-04:00

this project was definitely a little more complicated than the dresses i've done before. i am glad i pressed on and got it done because it is adorable, if i do say so myself! i started it saturday night and figured i would finish it up sunday evening - but when i was up super early (thanks e...) i figured i would just finish it then.

here it is:

the pattern is oliver + s, sunday brunch jacket. the fabric is a blue chambray from purl patchwork. the buttons are little flowers from brooklyn general.

i have some fabric for the skirt and will try to get to that this week, so e can have a complete outfit. this may be the winning birthday outfit for my niece's birthday party.

sewing like crazy

2008-10-21T21:40:00.004-04:00

i just started sewing, have always just been a knitting girl but since learning how - thanks to a great class at my favorite yarn/fabric store - i am hooked!! it is so fast. you can't beat the instant gratification and the adorable clothes i can make for my little baby girl. since ravelrydoesn't have a sewing site yet and my overwhelming need to share, i had to start this - craftybrooklyn.

last week i completed the first dress i would actually put on E. such a thrill that i was able to make it and in only one night.

i used simplicity's new look pattern #6578 - without the appliques. the fabric is from a great fabric store near my friend's country house in hudson, new york and the buttons are from brooklyn general.

tonight, in only one hour, i made this adorable "smockette" from the mayfly's blog - thanks to my awesome friend for letting my know about it. it is reversible - e can wear it as a dress now and a shirt as she gets older. the fabric is also from that store in hudson.

these pictures aren't the best but i promise to post some on E in natural light as soon as i get a chance.

since i've been doing all this sewing my knitting has taken a backseat - but that has got to change. i have way too many projects to finish up before the holidays - i'll post some knitting pictures of those as i get them done - until then you can check them out here.