The Honeycomb Hat

Not too long ago I went to purchase some yarn to make myself a hat (and also a couple of cowls) since I don't have any here.  I'm not one to really wear hats because I don't think I look good in them.  However, my fiancé has said that with the damp cold they get here, it would be a good idea to have one - especially when I'm out for a walk on a cold day.

The yarn I chose, mostly because I like the softness of it, is Bernat Satin.  I think I chose the wrong type of yarn for the hat.

First off, I had bought two skeins of the blue colour and one of a darkish pink.  The pink was supposed to be for the hat and the blue for a cowl.  Wasn't really thinking when I started knitting the hat, and until I actually knitted about three quarters of the ribbing, did I realize that I should have been using the pink yarn.  I continued knitting, though, because I felt I had done too much to that point to rip it out.

I have enough knitted that I can kind of put it over my head some (being careful not to drop any stitches off the needles).  I have a sinking feeling this hat is going to be too loose and maybe a little too big for me.  I'll wait until I complete it first before deciding if I'll keep it for me or donate it.

The pattern I'm using is the Honeycomb Hat (link to my Ravelry page which has the actual link to the pattern).  So far I find it an easy knit, and I would likely use this pattern again - with different yarn.  It has a seed stitch rib but says you can use other kinds of ribbing just as long as the gauge is the same or tighter than the cable pattern.  This is the part that feels quite loose to me - even though I used smaller needles than what I'm using for the rest of the hat.  Anyway, I'll wait until it's complete before making my final decision.  It might turn out OK.

Other than the hat, I haven't been knitting much of anything else lately.  I still have to finish with my scarves that I've been working on (blocking, weaving in ends, etc.), but still don't have my knitting items from out west yet.  I'm not in any great rush and the scarves can wait for next year to be donated if need be.  I'm not worrying about it :).

Completed Argyle Cap

The completed Argyle Cap

A week or two ago I finished the Argyle Cap I had been working on prior to doing the two scarf swaps I was in.  I forgot to post a picture of it when I finished it, so I thought I'd add it now. 

Sorry that it's not a good photo. I was holding it up on my left hand and taking the photo with my right (which is why the hat looks a little bent forward in the picture).  I don't have any of those head forms I see many knitters use to display their completed hats, and I didn't have anyone around to model it.  So, I made do. 

The size I made was the adult small, and it fits me just fine.  I will likely be adding this to items I will donate to charity next fall/winter.

I enjoyed this pattern (see a couple of posts ago for the link from Knit Picks) and didn't find it difficult at all.  About the only problem I had was in my own knitting. A few times when I was working on the argyle section, I didn't knit the right amount of stitches in the main colour (or contrasting colour) and was off. That would result in tinking back to where I had gone wrong and fixing the mistake.  It all turned out well, though. But now that I look at the photo, I can see what looks like a possible mistake. 

This pattern has a few variations included with it, and I will likely be making those, and this one again, in the future.  I also purchased the corresponding mitten pattern (which also has the variations included in it as well), but haven't started any of the mittens yet.  I'll be sure to post photos when I do start and finish the matching mittens.

The Argyle Cap - Progress

The Argyle Cap

I've been working the last few days on The Argyle Cap I mentioned in the previous post.  I had hoped to finish it today since we have a holiday here.

I don't think that's going to happen.  Because I don't have a lot of light in my living room, and the fact the red is dark, it makes it a little difficult to work on in the evenings.  But, I have been working on it and I should get it completed this week before I get matched with my next scarf exchange partner on Friday.

So far, I think I am right on with the pattern.  Along the way I've made some mistakes and when I'd get to the end of the row, things didn't match up with the pattern - I'd be off by a couple of stitches.  I'd look to discover where I went wrong, then tink  back to the spot I'd need to fix.  Unfortunately, a couple of times that spot was close to the beginning of the row.  The row I just finished had me going back to near the beginning twice, and then about a couple of inches back the last time until I got it back on pattern.

I'm knitting the small size (ladies size I think), and because of the needles I'm using, and the weight of the yarn (fingering), I think these circulars are just a tad too long (I thought I was getting the smallest size - at least it was the smallest that was available at the shop where I purchased them). I'd also like to see the needle part just a little shorter.  Anyway, I hope this doesn't stretch the yarn too much and make the hat out of shape or too loose.

Close up of the pattern so far. 

This pattern isn't too difficult and most of the rows are easily memorized after a repeat.  I do find that I need to be able to concentrate while doing this, so watching the Olympics at the same time probably isn't a good idea.  That, and getting a couple of text messages from a friend, is probably what caused me to have to tink back those few times in the row I just finished.

I can't wait until this hat is finished so I can see how it looks.  The pattern suggest wet blocking and drying flat. I've never done that with a hat before, so hopefully that won't be too much of a problem for me.

I'm debating on making the matching mittens after I finish this (or at least after I finish the next scarf for the exchange), or if I'll make another hat using one of the other designs in the pattern and then make the matching mittens for both hats at that point.

For now, I'll concentrate on finishing the hat.

Head Coverings

I was getting tired of writing "Hats" or "More Hats" for titles, so I switched it up a little and went with Head Coverings...because that's what hats are!

The one on the right is the same pattern I used for one in the previous post - the Vyridia Fair Isle Hat. I switched the colours around so that pink was the main colour and used the navy for the pattern.

When I finished that hat Saturday night, I still had yarn left over for both colours and decided to make a third hat. This one is just a simple navy and pink striped hat with both colours used in the pompom. For both hats I cast on 80 stitches and used a 4.5mm circular needle (switching to DPNs when it got smaller near the crown (from decreasing).

I still have some of each colour left, but not enough for a hat. Might be enough to add a few rows to a multi-coloured hat. I should look up my left over Astra yarn and see if there if the colours would work together. I don't think I have a lot of this yarn though, and I don't want to buy any more yarn until I use up more of my stash...and besides, I need to save my money since I'm not getting a lot of work.

I don't know what I'll work on next. This seems to be the year of the hat for me, but I want to work at something else as well. I've got lots of patterns queued up in Ravelry, so I might check that and see if anything speaks to me. 

Some of the things I might work on are:

socks (children's)
baby blanket
baby sweater
more hats ;o)
mittens
stuffed toys

It's hard to say what I'll work on next. I think I might start a pair of children's socks, as I had thought while working on my first Vyridia Fair Isle hat that I would do the socks next. I guess you'll have to tune in to the next post to see what the chosen next project turned out to be!

What do you have planned to knit in the future?

More Knitting & Crocheting

In my last post, I showed you a photo of the baby blanket (and wash cloths and bibs) I had made for my friend, Colleen, in Australia.

She has since received the package, and I'm happy to report that she loved the blanket (though she didn't mention anything about the bibs and wash cloths) and said that anyone who sees it loves it as well! That made me feel good!

Since then, I've finished some more items. As you can see in the photo to the left, there are three hats (knitted) and two wash cloths (crocheted). The link for the washcloths is in the previous post.

The hat in the middle was actually finished when I had done the previous post, as was one of the wash cloths, but I forgot to take a photo of it and mention it in the blog.

The hat to the left is the Vyridia Fair Isle Hat by Tina Edgar. The link to the Ravelry pattern can be found here. This is a very easy and quick knit, and I will definitely be making it again, only I will reverse the colours. In the hat I made, I used Patons Astra in navy (main colour) and dark pink. I'll use the pink as the main colour in the next one.

The other two hats used Bernat Mosaic, but I have thrown out the ballband so I don't remember the colourway.

What have you been working on lately?

Plain Jane Vanilla

Are you surprised? I've knit 3 more hats since the last post!

First off, let me say (again) that this picture was taken using the flash because it's kind of a dark and dreary day today. We're getting rain, instead of snow...but that's a story for another time.

The hat in the middle was made with leftover purple yarn from one of the purple hats I made previously (shown a couple of posts ago). The hat on the left and right was made from the same skein of Bernat Mosaic in the Ninja colourway. This yarn reminded me a little of Noro Kuryeon, where there are pieces of the strand that weren't tightly spun.

I didn't mind using this yarn, but there were a couple of times when I was casting on where the yarn pulled apart because it wasn't spun in that particular area. The second hat I had cast on 90 stitches and decided that it would be too loose. I unraveled the yarn to cast on 80 stitches instead. As I was unravelling, I got to a spot that had one of those areas that isn't spun (I know there is a name for that, but I can't think of it), and it pulled apart on me. Thankfully, it didn't waste much yarn.  Aside from that, I didn't mind this yarn.

Since the picture was taken, I added a pompom to the hat with the rolled brim (the one on the right). My mom expressed an interest in it to use when she goes out to shovel the walk (and no, she doesn't do this much, but when I'm sick or my back is acting up, she will shovel; otherwise I shovel the walk. We have someone plow out our driveway, so neither of us has to shovel the driveway, thankfully). Previously she would use a hood from a coat, but she didn't like it as it was too big and came down around her face too much (when it was tied). So, I told her if she wanted the hat she could have it. She tried it on and thought it looked OK but thought maybe it should have a pompom so it wouldn't look so flat on her head.

I'm debating on what to knit next, but I think it might be...surprise!!!....another hat. I just find they knit up quickly and I don't have to pay too much attention to the knitting - it's mindless really. I might do up some more kids socks or a scarf soon though...no promises though, LOL!

Do you have a favourite hat pattern to knit or crochet?

Little Swags Hat

Little Swags Hat

I did it! I created my own hat pattern...well, one of two.

This is the first one I finished. I knit up the white one first a little while back, and just finished the pink and white one today.

The white hat is quite large and loose on my head. I suppose someone with a bigger head, or lots of hair would be able to use it. I was following another hat pattern for sizing and for the yarn I used (Bernat Satin), I probably should have either used smaller needles or knit less rows.

The pink and white one fits my head better as I made adjustments from the white one. I knit less rows, and with the decreasing I started with a different number of stitches at the beginning.

At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like the way the white swags were going to look with the pink background, but as I continued knitting and finished, it grew on me and I think I like it. So, this hat can be knit in a solid colour, or two colours.

Close up of the Little Swags Hat

The stitch pattern I used is from "400 Knitting Stitches" fro mPotter Craft. It's called the Stamen Stitch, and is on page 142. It was written for using two needles, so I had to play with it a bit to rework it for circular needles. It took a few times because, quite frankly, I'm not all that great at those sorts of things (or creating patterns). I can't look at a pattern and immediately know what to do or how to change it.

I did enjoy coming up with this, and figuring out how to make the adjustments. The pattern itself is very easy, and doesn't take too long to make.

I've decided to post the pattern here on my blog, for anyone wishing to make the hat. I don't have sizes for kids, but I'm sure a more experienced knitter will know what to do to adjust for that. I'm more than willing to accept help in that sort of thing...though really, I'm sure if you just use the sizing for other patterns (kind of like what I did for this one), it would work out OK.

Also, if you try this pattern, I would love to hear back if there are any errors, etc. Also, if you use different yarns you will probably have to adjust the amount to cast on, etc. I created this pattern using ther Bernat Satin, and have not tested it in other brands or thicknesses.


Edited to add needle sizes in the pattern.
I would also love to see any hats you make, so please feel free to leave a link in the comments so I can see. So, without further ado, here is the pattern for the hat:

Little Swags

Cast on 90 stitches with smaller needles (4mm)


Knit 10 rows of K2, P2 ribbing

Switch to larger needles (5mm) and follow the stitch pattern:

Stitch Pattern:

Row 1: K all stitches using MC

Row 2: sl 1 purlwise with yarn in front, P1; repeat around

Row 3: K all stitches using MC

Row 4: P1, sl 1 plurwise with yarn in front; repeat around


Continue the above stitch pattern for 40 rows

Row 41: K2, K2tog around. There should be about 68 stitches left.

Start decreases as following, with all decreases done on knitted rows:

1. K9, K2tog; repeat around. There will be extra stitches at the end, just knit those.

2. Follow Row 2 of the stitch pattern

3. K8, K2tog; repeat around. Again, there will be extra stitches at the end to knit

4. Follow Row 4 of the stitch pattern

Continue in this manner, decreasing one more stitch on each knitted row, making sure to follow the pattern with row 2 & 4 alternating. Do this until there are about 12 stitches left; snip yarn and pull through remaining stitches.

Honeycomb Hat

I finally finished the purple hat I was working on (see previous post). It's not difficult, but the particular stitch I did took longer for me to work at. It's an easy stitch, but for some reason I was just slow at knitting it.


The picture isn't the best, and I had to use the flash on the camera. I've adjusted the photo some in Photo Shop Elements, but the colour of yarn in the photo is pretty close to the actual colour.

Honeycomb Hat



As previously mentioned, I used Patons Classic Merino in Royal Purple. The needles were 5.0 mm circs. In all honesty, I don't really know what the sizing would be, other than to say the hat doesn't fit my head - and I don't think my head is big...maybe average sized.  I suppose this hat could fit an older child, I don't really know. I'll have to take this with me to church on Sunday and get my BFF's daughter (who is a month away from being 11 years old), and see if it fits her.

I got a gift certificate to Chapters for Christmas, and used it to buy the book "400 knitting stitches, A Complete Dictionary of Essential Stitch Patterns" by Potter Craft. The stitch for my Honeycomb Hat is found in there.  I haven't typed up the pattern yet, and in all honesty it's probably not the best pattern. I just sort of made it up as I went along.

For starters, the number of stitches I cast on may not have been the correct amount, as there "left overs" as I began my decreasing rows for the crown. For example, if I was decreasing 8 stitches and then knitting 2 together, I might end up with 5 stitches left over. I would just knit those with no decreases. I don't know if that made a difference or anything, but it may have been camoflauged because they were done only every other row (in between patterned rows). Hopefully the way I worded it makes sense. At any rate, by the time I got to k4, k2tog, I was OK with the number of stitches matching up to the decreasing.



Close-up of Pattern

 I've never created my own hat pattern before, so I took some measurements from another "established" pattern. I cast on what I thought would be the right amount (I wanted to make it a little larger than the other hats I made, so I cast on more than those ones (but not by much). The type of decrease I used was the same as in the other pattern, but I didn't know how many to start decreasing with. I think it turned out OK in the end though, but maybe if someone else looks at the pattern (when I get it posted), she might be able to tell and help make proper adjustments - even if it's just casting on a different amount of stitches instead of what I used.

I'm going to attempt to make another hat of the other pattern I mentioned in a previous post and see if it works out again as well. It's a quicker knit so it shouldn't take me too long to knit up another one. I'm going to try it using two colours and see how that looks. I'll post pics when I get the other one done, and possible share the pattern as well.

Until then, happy knitting!

Yarn Along

I just discovered this "along", and thought I would take part. Ginny, over at Small Things is hosting the yarn along, and you still have time to take part as well. Click the title of her blog to check it out. She's offering a skein of yarn as a prize!

So, for the yarn along, we have to post a photo of our current knitting project and book that we are reading. Here is mine:

The knitting project is a hat I am currently working on (designing it myself...or attempting to). I'm using Patons Classic Wool Merino in the Royal Purple colourway. I hope, if it turns out (might have to do another one just to make sure the pattern works) I just may share the pattern.

The book I'm currently reading, as you can see, is Someone to Blame by C. S. Lakin. Click the name of the book to read a review.

Scroll down for the first post I made today, showcasing my latest knitted FOs I've made since the beginning of 2011.

Happy New Year!

Ok, so I've been AWOL since before New Year's. The reason is because of problems with an outlet that wasn't working (which the computer and router were plugged into), and my laptop hard drive decided to die on me.

So, since I didn't have computer access for awhile (about a month), I was busy catching up on my knitting! All photos on this post are of items completed since January 1st.

The first photo of 5 hats are a variety of patterns. The blue hat with pompom and the pink hat beside it were pretty much the same pattern (adapted from a child's hat pattern using the measurements from one pattern), the third hat on the top row is another Fixie Hat, and the two on the bottom are the same hat ("54") in two different sizes. After I finished the green one, I wondered why it was so small. I realized after looking over the pattern, I had used 4mm needles instead of the required 5mm. The blue hat is using 5mm needles and is adult sized.

The second photo is the pattern (the Two Colour Infant Hat) I used the measurements from for the hats mentioned above (the blue pompom and the pink). I made a hat using this pattern the Christmas before last (for the church mitten tree). I love this pattern - easy and quick to make! I decided to add a pompom on the blue/black hat, and used both colours of yarn for it. I must admit that I'm not the best at making pompoms, but then I'm just learning. They turned out OK, but I'm sure they'll get better with practice.

These two hats, to the left, are creations of my own, based on the hat above. I admit the patterns aren't all that great or interesting, but I was mostly just playing around.

I used a bright blue and navy Paton's Astra yarn for these two hats, and sized 4mm circs.

I think I'd like to try to come up with some interesting patterns to make hats like these - better designs than the ones in the photo, but that probably won't happen for awhile. I think I need to be in the mood for that. For now, I'll probably stick to patterns/designs I find online.

Though I've mostly been knitting hats (I have another one I created that I have to test again before posting the photo and possibly pattern, and a second pattern I'm working on, and will probably do another testing for that as well), I also managed to get a couple pair of kids socks knit.

These will probably fit a 2 year old, maybe a 3 or 4 year old...not totally sure. The green pair of socks was made with some sock yarn in my stash. I lost the band for it, and all I remember was that I had won it in a contest a few years ago. It was nice to work with, and I have enough left that I might be able to get another pair the same size made with it - either that or a pair or two of baby socks.

The other pair of socks (same size as the green ones) was made with some Patons Kroy Socks Stripes yarn that I got on sale not too long ago. The colourway is mexicala stripes, and I must say I like the colours used! I would never have though of putting orange and pink and purple together, but I think they look great. I'm not sure if I have enough left for a pair of baby socks, but I might be able to get one baby sock made that could be used as an ornament on the Christmas tree next year. For now, that left over yarn will probably just stay in my stash. I've been thinking of making one of those mitred sock yarn blankets, but that would take a long time to make so I don't know if it's something that will get done just yet. Hard to say.

Well, that's all the knitting I've done for now. As I mentioned above, I've got a couple of other "in progress" hats that I'm working on and hope to post about soon. I also may or may not have patterns to go with them! Maybe if someone is interested in the pattern, I may post it. We'll see.

What have you been up to with your knitting?

More Hats

 For the last couple of weeks, I have been busy working on a few more baby hats to add to the church's mitten tree. I took the previous items I had made last week and added it to the items that were already put on/under the tree. Actually, there are two trees and a manger. I'll try to take a picture of it to post at a later date.

The pattern I used for the hats posted here is the Fixie Hat (this is a free Ravelry download).  I really enjoyed knitting these hats! They are very quick and easy to make. The one to the right was made using left over yarn from my Newfoundland mittens, and took only a day to finish - though I wasn't knitting at every single minute of the day.

The hats to the left were also made this week. The one on the right was made last weekend, though I only worked on it very little Saturday evening and finished it up Sunday afternoon while visiting with my BFF. The hat on the left took longer as I only worked on it off and on throughout the week (i.e. a few rows here and there). I finished it up this afternoon. 

The yarn I used for the two hats on the left is Bernat Satin in the Luxury Ombre (left) and Empress (right) colourways. The needle size was US 8 (which I think is 5 mm), though I probably should have gone with the US 7 (4.5 mm) recommended in the pattern. To be honest, I don't think I have 4.5 mm straight needles...though I might and just can't find them. I don't think they turned out too badly with the size I did use though, particularly for the hat in the first picture.

In both photos, the colours aren't exact as I had to use the flash. Also in the first photo, you can see a little of the tail that I hadn't sewed in when I took the photo. I only noticed it after, but thankfully it was before I took them to church.

I think I'll work at my thrummed mittens next. I haven't worked on them since I started them as I was wanting to get some items knit up for the mitten tree. Now that I have, I can continue with the thrumming, and hopefully my experience with them will be a good one!

What are you currently working on?

Hats Off To You!



Preemie Hat

 I had this little hat on the needles for awhile. I was just waiting to get DPNs in the proper size. As it is, the ones I did get were the next size up because I couldn't get the right size. I don't think it affected the pattern or size too much though. I tried to knit tighter, so I think that helped a bit.

The picture's not great, but I don't have anything to put a hat on for a good photo. For this one, I had my mom stick her hand inside and hold hit up that way. I also had to use the flash, so the colours are a little lighter than what the yarn actually is.

The pattern I used was Preemie Hats for Charity by Carissa Knits.  I've used this pattern before - it's quick (because it's so small), and an easy knit.  There are about 4 different alternatives on this pattern print-out - Heart Version, Diamond Version, Striped Version, Ribbed Version. I followed the pattern for the Striped Version, except I kept using the same yearn and didn't alternate with another colour.

This hat will be going in with my other items for the mitten tree at church. I'll definitely be making more of these for the mitten tree. 

I've also been working on my scarf some. I had originally gotten 3 skeins of yarn for the scarf, but since it's made from wool, I think I might just use 2 and then block it to create some length. It's definitely going to need blocking, because the sides curl under. Hopefully it won't take too much longer to get the scarf finished, and blocked, and then get some photos of it up here.

What is your favourite item to knit/crochet/craft? Let me know in the comments!

Two Colour Infant Hat

I enjoyed making this hat, and it didn't take too long when I sat down and worked at it.  I messed up the bottom pattern, but I think it looks kind of cool anyway.  I'll definitely be making more of these hats in the future (and hopefully get the bottom part of the pattern right)!

I used Patons Astra in Black and School Bus Yellow and size 4mm circs and DPNs.  The pattern I used was from this blog.  I'll be adding this to the items for the mitten tree at church this year.

Baby Hat #3 & New Yarn

This is my latest baby hat.  It's a simple rolled brim hat and I followed the pattern I mentioned in the previous post.  It's made with the same yarn as the previous two hats, and there is very little of it left now.  I think the hat is cute, and I hope some little head will be warm this winter.  It will be added to what I've made for the mitten tree at church this year.

My next hat will be for a small child I think.  When I was in Australia, I went to a market and bought a couple of different hanks of yarn.  However, I never thought to buy two of this particular yarn because I was thinking of using it for socks.  I had asked if it was enough for a pair of socks, and the lady told me yes.  Upon further inspection when I got back "home", I saw that it is 8 ply, DK weight and I would probably need two to make a pair of socks.  So, I decided I would use it to make a hat for a child.  I searched on Ravelry and found a pattern (I'll post the link after I get the hat made and post the picture here on my blog).  I should have enough for an 18 month old child.  I'll let you know how it goes. 

The pattern is another rolled brim hat, but I think I might alter it an use a ribbed cuff...I haven't decided yet.  Since the yarn is varigated, I don't think a pattern would show up too well so it will just be a plain knitted hat.  I've included two pics of the yarn - in hank form, and in center-pull ball.

The photo on the left is with the flash on, and the one on the right is without the flash.  The yarn is Hawthorne Cottage Yarns (100% Australian wool); it is English Leicester longwool & corridale.  It's a "lustrous worsted yarn", 8 ply, DK weight, uses 4mm (US 6) size needles, and the tension is 22.5 sts = 10 cm/3.9 in.  The hank is 3.5 oz/100g and is approximately 189 yds/174 m.

Baby Hat #2

I finished this little baby hat Monday night and only got to take a picture of it this morning.  I think it's a cute little hat.

I used the same yarn from the hat in the previous post, and I'm making a third hat (another baby one) with the remaining yarn.  I don't have much left to do on the third hat, so hopefully I'll get a photo of it and post within the next day or two.

The yarn I used in this, again, is Lamb's Pride worsted (85% wool, 15% mohair) in the Royal Purple Flutter colourway.  I used a 4.0 mm circular needle, and 4.0 mm DPNs for the decrease.  The pattern I used can be found here.  The pattern is for premies, but because of the size of yarn I used, I think it would fit a full-term sized baby.

This hat will be added to the rest of my items to be put on/under my church's mitten tree - everything is donated to various organizations in my city.

Baby Hat

Please forgive the terrible photos of this hat.  I had to use the flash.  The colour is much darker and richer than it appears in this photo.  I also don't  have anything to model the hat on, so I laid it flat in the first picture, and put it around a tin can of almonds in the second.

The pattern I used was the Sunday Dulaan Cupcake Recipe (Ravelry link).  It's supposed to be made with a bulky yarn, but I only used worsted weight.  I used Lamb's Pride (85% wool, 15% mohair) in the royal Purple Flutter colourway.  I got this yarn either last fall or this past spring. 

I'd say this hat (at least with the size of yarn I used) would fit a baby/small toddler.  Also, I don't think it's supposed to have the little pointy stem at the top, but that's the way mine turned out.  The pics with the pattern show a flatter top; I'd say I didn't do the decreased exactly the way I was supposed to.  Oh well.

This was a quick and easy knit and I have enough yarn left over to make another couple of hats or maybe a pair of mittens to go with the hat.  I might use it to make a different baby/toddler/small child hat.

Not sure what I'll work on next.  I'm still working (now and then) on a scarf, but I want to make more children's items for the mitten tree at church at Christmas.  This hat will be added to the few items I have already.  I think I should probably make a couple of pairs of mittens as well.  We'll see what I get done between now and then.  I still have a couple of months, but the way I've been going with my knitting lately, I might not get much more done.  That's why I am concentrating on small items - to get them done quickly so I'll have something to donate this year.  Every little bit helps!

I forgot to take a photo of a second Tubey scarf I had made prior to going to Australia.  I need to weave to sew the ends closed on that one yet, but other than that it's all done.  I just made it out of some old acrylic I had lying around and wanted to use up.  It's bright and colourful, so hopefully some child will like it.  I'll try to get a photo of that sometime soon to share.

Until then, happy kniting!

P.S. Check out the photos I've been taking over on my photography blog, Shutterbug.  Would love to hear your comments!

Yup, You Guessed It...

I finished another hat the other night. This one is the Lace Lieutenant by Kimberley of Woven 'n Spun. I enjoyed making this hat, and it was easy and quick (when I could sit down and work at it). I really must apologize for the terrible pictures of this hat. The yarn was quite difficult to photograph, and the pics came out blurry. Also, I don't have a model for hats (and they look terrible on me so that's not even an option) so I'm stuck using the corner of pillows or laying them flat.

Specs:

Yarn: Peruvian Pure Alpaca

Purchased from: Elann.com

Colourway: 784 (a sort of rust/brown colour)

Needle size: 4.0 mm (I think)

Yardage: a little less than 50g

This is a cute hat, and I can see myself making this pattern

again using other yarns. Sorry again for the terrible pics. I'll be adding this hat to my items for the mitten tree at the church.

I've since started another scarf (last night actually), but don't have enough worthy to be photographed just yet. I was watching season 7 of Stargate SG-1 last night and wanted something to work on. I didn't feel like working on socks and thought a simple scarf would do the trick. However, I couldn't find one that wouldn't require me to pay attention to, so I continued working on the second baby frilled hat (like the one in the previous post).

This morning when I got up, I surfed through Ravelry to find something and came across one and started it. It uses Rowan Tapestry, and I just happened to have a ball of that in my stash (from when I bought it while in Seoul one day last winter). The pattern calls for size 6.0mm needles, but I couldn't find mine. My stuff is all packed away from being in Korea (stuff as in my knitting things, books, etc.) and I don't know where everything is. I did happen across some 5.5mm plastic or acrylic type needles, so I'm using those instead. Hopefully I'll have some pictures of the scarf soon. I don't anticipate it taking a long time to knit since it only uses one skein/ball and it's a repeat of two rows. It's perfect for knitting on when watching TV...I think. I'll be working on it tonight when I watch more of Stargate tonight.

In other news...ok, it's not really news, but whatever, lol. Last night was Halloween. I was kind of looking forward to it this year - seeing the kids all dressed up - since this is something that isn't celebrated in South Korea. I talked about it with my classes some last year, and even brought some candy in for them. However, it just wasn't the same. Anyway, all we had come to the door was a total of 21 kids, and 1 adult who was collecting food for the food bank.

Actually, the one collecting for the food bank goes to the university I'm attending (for my B.Ed.). I had seen signs posted around the school about their food drive, so I prepared for that just in case. I don't live too far from the school, so I figured they would probably be in my area. I had packed some canned goods in a shopping bag and left that by the door just in case. Poor guy, he barely got the words out of his mouth and I was telling him I figured they'd be around and had got some stuff prepared for them. He laughed and seemed thankful it didn't take him long at the door. See, I didn't want to have to make anyone wait in the cold (it wasn't freezing, but it was a little cold last night) while I ran up to the cupboard looking for something to give, so I wanted to be prepared. I hope they got a lot of items for the food bank last night!

Ok, well I'm going to head off now and attempt to work on some school work, or maybe take a nap or knit...or all of the above. Happy Knitting!

Hats Off To You!

I seem to be on a hat making spree. Last week I finished the hat I was working on, but hadn't taken any pictures until a little while ago. The edge is suppose to ruffle, but mine didn't. Maybe it's something you have to do yourself though, like pinching the edges of pie crust to get that ruffled looking edge...

This is the Ruffle Hat from Bernat. I got the pattern from the yarn wrapper, but I think you can also get it for free online (like possibly Ravelry). You can see, on the left side, the seam that has to be sewn. I wasn't paying much attention when I took the pic I guess, otherwise I wouldn't have had the seam showing.

This cute litte hat is sized 6-12 months (I think), and is knit on two straight needles, and is easy. I think, however, that I prefer knitting hats on circulars. I used 4.0 mm bamboo needles, and the yarn is Bernat Baby Jaquards in the Berries and Cream colourway. There is way more yarn left over, and I've started another one of these hats as well. I might also make some little baby booties as well (maybe more than one pair) as I am sure there will still be lots of yarn left over after the second hat is finished.

I tried to resize the picture here after I posted it, but I think it turned out a little lop sided or something. Please excuse the awkwardness if it doesn't look "quite right."

I also make a little sock for my friend's baby to try on her yesterday. I finished the sock on Saturday so that when I saw her at church I could try it on to get an idea as for the right size. The smallest one I had (I have 2 pairs made previously that will go on the mitten tree at church for Christmas) was a little tight on her chubby ankle, the medium sized one fit ok with the exception that it was long in the foot. And, the third one was a little long in the foot and might have been a tad bit big around her foot. However, she's a baby and her feet will grow. I think I will keep them the length in the foot (toe area) that they are because she can use them several times over the winter. My friend wants them basically to keep her daughter's feet warm inside her snowsuit. She (the baby) can't walk yet, so that isn't a problem.

I've also started another hat. This one is adult sized and I don't have enough of it done yet to really take a pic. I'm using some yarn I had in my stash that I had made a scarf with a couple of winters ago. The pattern calls for 1 50g ball, so I should have enough; if I don't, I still have some left over that I didn't need for the scarf. Hopefully I'll get more done on the hat and can post a pic next time...even better, hopefully I'll be finished knitting it!

On the weekend, I ordered Get Ziggy from Anny Purls and I'd like to order Duck Soup as well, I think. Get Ziggy calls for aran weight yarn, but I can't seem to find yarn in that size. The nearest thing I can find for a description is that it is a yarn weight in Great Britain and it falls between worsted and a bulky weight.

Does anyone have any good ideas or suggestions on yarns I can use for this pattern? Duck Soup uses a chunky yarn, so that shouldn't be too difficult to find something for that - when I actually order the pattern. However, I'd like to make Get Ziggy for my best friend's sister who is having a baby in January.

Little Hats

I've been quite busy the last week and a half with school work. I had a ton of stuff to do - two unit plans, a quiz, two presentations, and two article critiques all due in the last week and a half. Oh, and I have an art response type of paper due on Thursday. I'll be so glad when this week is over. But then, I also have a presentation next week as well. Thankfully next week isn't too busy.

Along the way I finished the second tomato baby hat. Lest anyone think I'm taking credit for two hats and only making one, here's the proof (well, to the left):

Like I've been saying all along, this is a cute hat and fast and easy to make. I can see more being made in the future - just not sure when though. I've got some patterns (like I'm sure many knitters do) of other fruit hats that I'd like to make at some point as well.

I've begun another little hat. It's from the wrapper of some Bernat Jacquards baby yarn and I thought it was so cute. I haven't been able to work at it in the last several days and I want to be able to sit down and finish it. This one is done on two needles, and while I don't mind that (aside from having to seam it up after), I think I now prefer to knit the hats in the round. This little hat is knit from the top down, and will have a little frill around the edge. I can't wait to see it completed (hopefully sometime this weekend.

I know Bernat is acrylic (wow, I just heard millions of yarn snobs gasping - and yeah, I gasped too cause I've turned into one too).

In other news, have you heard that SP13 has started up? Deadline to sign up is October 31. I've signed up for this round. I haven't been able to take part in the last two since I was in Korea and have extremely limited access to the post office (never opened past 4:30 and that was the time I got out of work, and never opened on the weekend). Anyway, now that I'm back in Canada I wanted to be able to take part in it again. I was surprised at the $5 sign up fee, but that goes towards angel packages, so I don't have a problem with paying it. I'm so excited for SP13 and I can't wait to get my spoilee!

Well, I'd better head off and get ready for bed. I only got about three hours of sleep last night because I was up late working on the science unit plan that was due today. I ended up doing the unit plan and 6 lesson plans. I thought that was what we were supposed to do. Turns out we didn't have to actually do the lesson plans - just the unit plan that included the six lessons for the unit we chose (I chose grade 5 weather). All that work for nothing. Oh well, at least I have a 6 lesson unit plan prepared for when I start teaching...

Anyhow, I had a nearly two hour nap when I got home from school this afternoon, but I'm feeling tired again. I think I'll head off to bed and make up for lost sleep.

Happy knitting!

Little Hat

Last night I managed to complete a baby hat - in about four hours. I was looking for something simple to knit while watching some episodes of Stargate SG-1 (I have the box set). I've been feeling a little stressed for several days due to presentations and whatnot at school, so I wanted to take a little break and relax.

Isn't it cute? It's the Tomato Baby Beanie. I used some Knit Picks Merino Style yarn in Strawberry and asperagus that I had in my stash. I've still got someleft and will be making another one of these tonight (or at least starting it).
I start my teaching observation tomorrow. I'll be in a grade two class and I'm excited about going. I just have to basically observe, make some notes about it and write up a "report" about the different things I've observed, like classroom management, the methods used by the teacher, etc. I'll be there the whole day - well actually, I get to leave when the students do. If the teachers stay past that time (the kids get out about 1:50 I think), I'm not required to stay unless I want to in order to help the teacher if she needs it - like with marking anything, setting up for something the next day, etc. My observation will be 72 hours, and I only go on Fridays because I have classes the rest of the week.

Well, going to head off now and resume my search for some background on a Canadian painting. For my art class I have to do this and do some research on the artist as well and then write a paper about it (two to three pages). Our prof is looking for certain things, like influences, etc. and not triva like when the artist was born and died or stuff like that. I really don't know how I'm going to do this because what I've chosen (the prof said the artist I wanted to choose is great) doesn't give me much detail as to what was going on in the artist's life at the time or why he painted the subject the way he did...might end up having to change it. The paper is due next Thursday, but I've also got a group unit plan due on Wednesday, an individual unit plan due on Tuesday, a critique paper due on Tuesday...and I think, other than that and the art paper, that's it.

I tell you, I can't wait until this week is over. The stress with regard to school will decrease dramatically as I have the bulk of work done already. I chose to get a lot of it over with during the first part of the semester so I wouldn't have everything due all at once towards the end.

So, happy knitting to you all!