Hats.....Hats....and More Hats......

There are two things that seem to go together....winter and hats.  Last holiday season a lot of the family received socks....

This year it was time for a change....so it was time for hats!  Of course you have seen the Minion invasion.....now you can see a variety of other projects that came off the needles this season.

Each hat was different and used a variety of skills.....as you can see below.

My sister-in-law is a very big fan of the Jayne hat and when she saw that I had made one before she wanted one!  So I broke out the needles and got busy knitting her a Jayne hat.  So you can understand her reasoning....her hubby is rather tall and can be easily seen in a crowd.   However,  she is not so lucky and she wanted a hat that was loud enough she could be seen in a crowd...I believe this hat will achieve this for her ;)

The yarn used were Lamb's Pride bulky, colorway "Orange You Glad", Lamb's Pride bulky, colorway "Wild Mustard" and Mirasol Sulka, 208.  If I am to make this hat again, I may have to find a substitute for the Mirasol Sulka yarn because they have discontinued this color.  I am sure I can find a russet color that will work with it....I just have to go on a quest.

My brother-in-law loves the color black and dark grey. When I saw this hat pattern I thought this had Tim's name all over it.  I believe he has a sweater that matches it already ;)  He seemed to like it because he had it on a lot after Christmas.  This hat was a bit of a challenge because of the cable design but it was really fun to knit. 

The pattern is found here:  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-raveler 

I used Knit Picks City Tweed Aran/HW in the color Obsidian (55% Merino Wool, 25% Superfine Alpaca, 20% Donegal Tweed; 100g/164 yds; 4-4.75 sts = 1")

This hat was for my dad.  He loves the color blue and I thought he would enjoy the cabled look of this one.  I didn't get it done in time for him to open it on Christmas day but he did get it the next day.  He would have had it on Christmas had I not messed up the cable design and had to frog the whole thing and start over....Cabling is fun but if you mess up too much in it you have to re-do ;)

The pattern is found here:  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/happy-husband-hat 

I used Knit Picks City Tweed Aran/HW in the color Cobalt (55% Merino Wool, 25% Superfine Alpaca, 20% Donegal Tweed; 100g/164 yds; 4-4.75 sts = 1")

This hat was for my uncle....he loves fun hats and sock monkeys.  So when I saw this hat pattern I knew it was for him.   All of the color changes and the appliques made for an interesting change from a standard hat.  I believe he enjoyed it too, he laughed and immediately had to try it on ;)

The pattern can be found on Knit Picks website here:  http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Sock_Monkey_Hat__D11238220.html 

I used Knit Picks Palette yarn in Oyster Heather, Brindle Heather, and Merlot Heather (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 50g/231 yrds; 7-8 sts = 1")


So as you can see, it was a busy hat knitting season.....now on to the next project ;)

Shopping....Shopping....Shopping

Well as part of my holiday knitting I thought I would do my part for saving the environment.  So I knitted a variety of shopping/market bags.  These were fun to make and are completely washable.  As you can see below the handle is nice and wide, so it will withstand quite a load.  The bag itself is knitted like mesh so it will stretch quite well to hold quite a bit.

I used this pattern for the shopping bags and it was really easy to follow and fun to knit:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ilene-bag

This shopping bag was for my sister.  I made it with Gedifra Licati 1823 (84% cotton/16% Polymide, 50g/60m) using two different circular needle sizes.  The base and sides use a US 9 (5.5 mm) and the top and handle use a US 7 (4.5 mm).

As you can see the cat enjoys the bag as well ;)

I also made a variety of bags using two different colors as you can see below.

 

This shopping bag was for my sister-in law in Europe.  I went with neutral colors because I thought that the color combination was nice.  I used Knit Picks Cotton Dishi yarn (100% cotton, 100 g/190 yds, 4.5 sts= 1") in Linen and Coffee using two different circular needle sizes.  The base and sides use a US 9 (5.5 mm) and the top and handle use a US 7 (4.5 mm).

This shopping bag was for my aunt.  I went with her favorite color red.  I really liked the color combination.  I used Knit Picks Cotton Dishi yarn (100% cotton, 100 g/190 yds, 4.5 sts= 1") in Linen and Fiesta Red using two different circular needle sizes.  The base and sides use a US 9 (5.5 mm) and the top and handle use a US 7 (4.5 mm).

This shopping bag was for my mom.  I went with a beautiful shade of blue which reminds me of the water.  It also turned out really nice.  I used Knit Picks Cotton Dishi yarn (100% cotton, 100 g/190 yds, 4.5 sts= 1") in Linen and Azure using two different circular needle sizes.  The base and sides use a US 9 (5.5 mm) and the top and handle use a US 7 (4.5 mm).

So now the ladies are ready to go shopping......I have two more that I am working on but I will post them after I finish them.

On to the next project.......

Oh My How Time Flies.......

So now that the holiday knitting season is over and almost everyone has received their gifts it is time to start posting the results!!!!

So let me start by saying this has been a fun holiday knitting season with a variety of projects....but let me start out with the hats....

I believe this year was the year of the Minion hat.....for I think I knitted six of them....so if you are in Europe you may see a few of them especially around the French, German, and Swiss border ;).  These hats used a bit of crochet in addition to the knitting.  The crochet was used for the eyes and goggle bands as well as the mouths. 

The pattern was found here:  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/despicable-me-minion-hat-2

As you can see here they came in a variety of shapes and sizes.

This hat was completed with Knit Picks Swish Worsted yarn (100% Superwash Merino Wool/123 Yards/5.5 sts=1") in Honey with accents in Black, White and Cobblestone Heather.

 These hats were created with Knit Picks Brava yarn (100% Premium Acrylic/100g/218 yds/4.5-5 sts=1") in Canary for the main portion of the hat with accents in Black, White, and Cobblestone Heather.

So, I have a bit of practice now with Minion Hats.....now on to the next project!!!!!

Ah....The Sights And Sounds Of Fall....

As I sit here listening to the North wind knocking at my door in my favorite season of the year, I am reminded of one of my favorite book series, Harry Potter.  I enjoy the sites and sounds of fall and the beginning of school and the relief that weather changing from heat to cool fall weather brings.  The books remind me of this time of year and bring back fond memories of discussing the books with friends and then watching as the movies brought the books to life. This book series helped me when I was recovering from a bad infection and it was a wonderful escape.  I think I devoured them faster than I think I have ever read a book series.  So when one of my friends at work asked me to knit a scarf for her son to wear at Halloween, I couldn't help but say yes.

So below is a picture of the scarf that I finished last night.  It was a fun project and made me want to sit in front of the fire and read the books again with a hot steaming cup chocolate.  

I used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Superwash Wool in Hollyberry and Semolina.  I used size US 8 needles.

So now I am off to knit the next project....ah the holiday knitting frenzy ;)

100 points for Gryffindor!

A Bit Of Fun for Little Halloween Costumes

Ah, the fall has finally arrived to North Texas this week and it has been a wonderful relief.  I have been busy knitting especially since the holidays are going to be soon upon us, but I have not blogged in a little while and for that I apologize.  However, you should see a few projects starting with this post.  

A couple of weeks ago I finished this project for one of my friends at work.  We were looking at patterns and a picture came up of a minion hat and she asked me if I would make one for her nephew.  They are planning for him to wear it at Halloween.  It looked like a fun project so I said of course.

This project was intriguing, because it used not only knitting but also some crochet.  I haven't crocheted in a while so it was fun to try and remember how again.  I used some lovely yarn I found online from Knit Picks.  

I used their Brava Worsted Yarn in Canary, Black, Cobblestone Heather and White.  It is an acrylic yarn knitted on size US 8 needles. 

I am now off to knit the next costume project...you know Halloween is upon us!

Ah...Finally a Project That I didn't Tear My Hair Out For......

I am thankful to say I must be getting better at reading and interpreting written patterns.  Because I am amazed that I actually started a pattern that didn't give me troubles and the project actually turned out pretty good.....

Of course this project has a story as most do......

My sister picked up this pattern three years ago as her first project as a new knitter.  She wanted to learn how to knit and of course instead of starting small she decides she wants to start with this pattern.....I looked at her like she was nuts....my best friend looked at her like she was nuts....and yet she was determined to do this pattern.  So I picked up a copy for myself just in case she needed some help. 

I think she has since given up on knitting for now.  She has a toddler and not just a normal toddler...this kid is everywhere and always has been since birth.  You know most babies are bundled up when they are born and sleep all the time.....not this kid....she was stretched out and lifting her head from day one....nothing stops this kid until she passes out on the floor like a car that finally runs out of gas.... 

So I came across the pattern and some yarn I had bought for it out of my stash and decided I would make it for my mom for her birthday. 

Here is how it turned out:

The pattern is from Louisa Harding, Fade to Grey pattern Livvy using US 7 (4.5mm) and US 8 (5mm) needles with Louisa Harding's hand beaded Grace yarn (31% Silk, 31% Merino Wool, 8% Polyester and 30% Glass Beads).  The yarn comes in 50 g hanks (74 yrds/67.5 mtrs).  I highly recommend the yarn and the pattern both were very easy to work with.

Of course I finished it over Memorial Day weekend and my mom couldn't wait to have it for her birthday so she has it already ;). 

On to the next project.......

Back In Time To Another Dr.......

As you might remember I had another project on my list that my friend had requested....

This project took a while longer than expected but it was also a fun project.  If any of you are familiar with Dr. Who, you will know the scarf from the Tom Baker years...

Well this scarf is rather long and has many color changes but it was another fairly fun project....just don't know if I will want to do another one like it......

As you can see the cat enjoys it as well.  When I received word that my friend had received it she was so excited she couldn't wait to "Nerd Out" next winter......As you can see its not a small scarf ;)

On to the next project.......

Nerding Out with FireFly.....

As many of you know I am a fairly big nerd and as such I have quite a few friends that are as well.  Well one day one of my really good friends asked me if I would knit her two things.  These items are pretty cool things so I figured sure....why not.  They will be fun projects.

The first project was a Jayne Cobb Hat from Firefly the series.  If you know of the series you know its a rather unusual hat....and it is not one that follows any normal knitting rules like even stitches or matching from one side to the other. 

As you can see below:

As you can tell it was a hit with the cat as well as the recipient.....I have had another request for the hat so it is going to be fun to knit it again.....

Ah it feels good to combine my Nerdy tendencies with my favorite hobby.......

More Winter Projects......

As with most things about winter.....who could pass up a chance to knit a scarf or two....

Below are a few that I knitted this winter....

Tecido Trico Animal 2634, 30m.

Schachenmayr SMC Argentina, color 86, 100g.

Queensland Collection Mist, color 16, 50g.

Tinseltown color 8, 100g.

Now I am off to other projects.....just keep knitting.....just keep knitting.....

Cold Weather Project.....

My sister asked for me to knit baby Frieda a new scarf, hat and mittens set for her winter coat this year.  She had an adorable Jackie O style jacket from the 60s.  It was a salmon color and as so adorable on her.  So I was busy trying to find an ideal pattern for the project.  The only thing I found was an adult pattern that I adapted for her.

Below is what I came up with.....

Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash, color 910A

The pattern is called a fish trap after the nets that fishermen use to trap the fish.  The look is classic just as the coat is so the two look good together.

On to the next project.......

Socks, Socks and More Socks.......

In addition to the dresses I made for the girls over the summer, I was also busy with some socks....

Socks are nice to project to take along with you because they are small and after you have the pattern memorized you can knit and not have to concentrate so hard. 

Below are some of the socks I have worked on this past year....

Berroco Sox 1426 RolHolway, 100g.

Regia 2536, 100 g

Online Supersocke Stretch 1253, 100g.

Fortissima Socka 154, 100g

Regia 2905, 50 g.

So a little bit of knitting accomplished while on the go can add up a lot over the year....I have found socks to be a very relaxing mindless project. 

Now on to more things that I have done this year......