We're Exhausted...

I've never worked so hard on a project this size for this long! Our apartment is finally finished and it's beautiful. I'm looking forward to relaxing and already have most of our things packed to move. A number of good friends and myself have done all of the construction from the very start to finish an I'm very proud.

I've been meaning to post pictures of the murals that I've painted from the paint we picked out at Home Depot. From pictures I had drawn months ago each wall took about a day and a half to sketch and paint. It was a nice break from installing sheet rock and tiling. I just hope the kids keep the creativity to the magnetic chalkboard I built for them in the corner of their room and not on these walls!





I apologize deeply about the KAL this month. I've been spending so much time at the new place that each day was fading into the next. I hadn't realized how much time was going by. I'm going to post the remainder of the rows now and hope that everyone will catch up quickly. I'll be home tomorrow for a little r&r and will post up the first few rows of the February Mystery Cloth KAL by tomorrow night.
I wanted to thank everyone for knitting along and being patient and understanding during this time. It has truly been exhausting to take care of a family and physically build a home for us at the same time.



January Mystery KAL
Clue #5

row 42: (k1,p1)2x, k4, p10, (k1, p2)x3, k1, p3, k3, p1, k1, p3, k4, (p1,k1)2x
row 44: (k1,p1)2x, k1, p5, k1, p7, k1, p8, k1, p4, k1, p1, k1, p7, k1, (p1,k1)2x
row 46: (k1,p1)2x, k3, p7, k1, p3, (k1, p2)x3, k1, p5, k1, p3, k1, p2, k3, (p1,k1)2x
row 48: (k1,p1)2x, k1, p14, k1, p6, k1, p15, k1, (p1,k1)2x
row 50: (k1,p1)2x, k2, p1, k1, p8, k14, p11, k2, (p1,k1)2x


row 52: (k1,p1)2x, k1, p14, k5, p2, k1, p6, k1, p4, k1, p3, k1, (p1,k1)2x
row 54: (k1,p1)2x, k2, p5, k1, p7, k5, p2, k1, p14, k2, (p1,k1)2x
row 56: (k1,p1)2x, p12, k1, p2, k5, p2, k1, p16, (p1,k1)2x
row 58: (k1,p1)2x, k1, p2, k1, p11, k5, p2, (k1, p4)x2, k1, p5, k1, (p1,k1)2x
row 60: (k1,p1)2x, p9, k1, p5, k8, p16, (p1,k1)2x


row 62: (k1,p1)2x, p25, k1, p9, k1, p3, (p1,k1)2x
row 64: (k1,p1)2x, p5, k1, p7, k1, p5, k1, p10, k1, p8, (p1,k1)2x
row 66: (k1,p1)2x, p39, (p1,k1)2x
row 68: (k1,p1) to last stitch, k1 Repeat for 4 more rows
next row: bo in pattern

Weave in ends.

2010, I'm Ready For You...

Happy New Year everyone!
I wanted to make and share a washcloth pattern for '10. It's sized perfectly to wrap around a fragrant or hand-made soap bar. If I can find time this week I'll make some soap and brighten a friend's day with this little gift. I'm currently working on so many different things I don't know what to finish first. One of my New Year's resolutions this year is to blog and post pictures everyday. Another is to finish everything I start. I'd love to hear some of yours!


2010 New Year's Washcloth:

Finished Measurements : Approx. 4"x8½"

Materials: 1 ball Lily Sugar'n Cream Solid
US #3/3.25mm needles*
Tapestry Needle
*I used a smaller needle size to obtain denser fabric and to make the picture stand out more.

Chart :

Click here to see this pattern's page on Ravelry!

Pattern:

With Size 3 needles,
co 40s

row 1: (an all odd numbered rows) k
row 2: k
row 4: k5, p30, k5
row 6: k4, p32, p4
row 8: k3, p1, k7, p4, k3, p4, k6, (p3, k3)x2
row 10: k2, p2, k7, p3, k5, p3, k6, p2, k5, p3, k2

row 12: k2, p2, k3, p3, k1, p2, k3, p1, k3, p4, k2, p3, k3, p1, k3, p2, k2
row 14: k2, p3, k3, p5, k2, p3, k2, p4, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2
row 16: k2, p4, k3, p4, k2, p3, k2, p4, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2
row 18: k2, p5, k3, p3, k2, p3, k2, p4, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2
row 20: k2, p6, k3, p2, k2, p3, k2, p4, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2

row 22: k2, p2, k2, p3, k2, p2, k2, p3, k2, p4, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2
row 24: k2, p2, k2, p3, k2, p2, k2, p3, k2, p2, k4, (p3, k2)x2, p2, k2
row 26: k2, p2, k3, p1, k3, p2, k3, p1, k3, p2, k4, p3, k3, p1, k3, p2, k2
row 28: k2, p3, (k5, p4)x2, k3, p4, k5, p3, k2
row 30: k3, p3, (k3, p6)x2, k2, p5, k3, p3, k3

row 32: k4, p32, p4
row 34: k5, p30, k5
row 36: k
row 38: k

row 39: Bind Off


Weave in ends.

Block and lay flat to dry

Hanging loop:

When binding off the final row leave 3 remaining stitches and knit an I-cord for 3". BO and sew the end of the cord to the underside of the cloth where the I-cord started.

I'm almost finished with a new set of Dessert Cloths. I can't wait to publish and make them available. I'm also going to start a free KrisKnits' Monthly KAL (Knit-Along) starting this week. Every month will feature a full-size themed picture dishcloth. I'll post more about it tomorrow and hopefully get the first couple rows up for everyone to start together.
Happy Knitting!

I Wish I Could Live Here...

It's been so long since I last posted. The Holiday's are to blame I guess. I apologize to everyone who has written emails over the last month or so. I'm starting to catch up slowly and will answer everything before Christmas. The kids and I have been so busy decorating and getting ready for Friday. They can't wait to see what Santa is going to bring them. Last night we made a Gingerbread House that I wish I could live in...

It took a couple of hours between the assembly and decorating. Waiting for the sugar to set was the longest. The kids helped me pick out the different candies that covered the house. It definitely took some patience, especially while Ella was trying to eat everything.




I was attempting to get some patterns finished before Christmas but it's not looking good. There's just too much to do this week and I won't be able to knit as much as I'd like to. I also have good news that the construction on the apartment is almost finished and we will moving in a few weeks. It has taken forever but I'm thankful the year is ending on a happy note and we're all looking forward to a fresh new start in '10.

Painted Walls...

There's been so much going on over here lately I don't even know where to start. As I type I'm waiting for chocolate pumpkin lollipops to finish chilling in the refrigerator so I can add the next color. I'm making about 50 of them for Ella's 2nd birthday party this weekend. We're having a pumpkin party on the 10th, which is actually my birthday as well and there's just too much to do. I even went to a local farm earlier this week and picked up about 30 small pumpkins for all of the children to carve. Weather permitting there will be lots of food and games. I have to start the goodie bags later tonight but I don't see that happening.

I wanted to share something with you that my kids have been begging me to paint for ages now. I've finally started the "Nemo Mural" on their playroom wall at Grandma's house.

I've had a blast sketching and painting on the walls. I'm just glad my Mother in law is as happy as I am to see the kids smile. It's been relaxing to just sit with them around me watching and helping me with the colors.


Victor is planning on having the entire cast on the wall and keeps telling me that I need to keep painting.

I guess what it comes down to is that I just can't seem to keep art out of my life for too long. I started this to take a short break from knitting while the family is in "party mode". But I feel it's time for a new set of cloths. Early next week Creepy Cloths "2" perhaps....? I need to find some delicious Halloween colors for these. I'll take pictures of all that I'm making for the birthday and share them. I'll be a baking nut on Friday I can promise that.

Painted Letters...

I'm sorry I haven't updated the blog in awhile. We've been busier than normal and most days I don't even have a chance to turn the computer on. I've made lots of progress on my current projects and will be posting pictures throughout this week. I finally ended up painting those wooden letters for Victor and Ella's room. I am so pleased with the way they turned out. Using only blue painters tape, acrylic paint and a few brushes they were done in no time.

Using a four shaded color scheme I gave every letter two coats of Anita's All Purpose Acrylic Craft Paint in 11001 White to start. When dried, I started taping sections off with the blue painters tape making sure that the edge to be painted was pressed down firmly. To make it go quicker I placed two sections of tape on each letter creating three empty areas to be painted. I painted each of these areas a different color. If you look closely you'll notice there are two sections of the same color in each letter. These are the areas where the tape was placed first. After a few coats in the three sections and some drying time, I then taped off the next two areas to be painted leaving some white on either side for the striped effect. For each letter the color that you paint these last two areas will always be the color you haven't used yet.


These are the colors I used.

Ella's Color Scheme:

Anita's Acrylic Craft Paint
11090 Melted Butter (yellow)
11170 Hot Pink (pink)

Folk Art Acrylic Paint
633 Baby Pink (lt pink)
526 Soft Apple (lt green)

Victor's Color Scheme:

Anita's Acrylic Craft Paint
11009 Medium Blue (drk blue)
11064 Morning Blue ( lt blue)
11056 Ocean Blue (drk green)
11036 Seafoam Green (lt green)

I truly love the look of these for any baby or children's room. They add just the right amount of personal touch to any decor. If you have any questions about the process to make these send me an email or leave a comment and I will try to help. Hope everyone is well and enjoying this new autumn season.

The Fruit Cloths...

This past weekend got the better of me and they're a few days late but I'm so pleased with the finished pattern. A lot of hard work went into these and it's been difficult to get everything together while taking care of our home, the kids, and the new construction at the apartment. I'll probably be taking a few days off and then start the next set right away. Also, I've added the "Apple Cloth" from the School Set in case you don't have it.


This pattern is available as a PDF download and priced at $3.25. There are nine cloth patterns in this set. You can purchase this pattern if you are a Ravelry member by clicking the "Buy Now" button below the pictures. The Fruit Cloths are also available in my Pattern Store here as a Ravelry Download. There are 6 pages total and the download is sized at 5MB. If you have any questions about the pattern or payment options, please feel free to contact me via email at kris@krisknits.com or on Ravelry: KristenKnits.

Heres a link to the pattern page on Ravelry!

Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid:

Strawberry - 01740 Hot Pink (Pink)
Pineapple - 00082: Jute (Tan)
Grapes - 01317 Hot Purple (Purple)
Watermelon - 00084: Sage Green (Green)
Cherry - 00095: Red (Red)
Apple - 00095: Red (Red)
Banana- 00073: Sunshine (Yellow)


Peaches & Cream Solid:

Orange - 11 Sunburst

You don't need a Ravelry account to purchase the pattern. Ravelry will re-direct you to paypal and will email you a link to download the pattern.

I made each written pattern with a corresponding chart for the dishcloth. From the sets that I've already made, I've managed to get about 2-2½ cloths out of one ball of Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid Yarn. Though you can use any kitchen cotton you prefer.


I have to start and finish a baby shower gift by this upcoming Saturday. Still undecided on what I should knit for the baby girl. I wish I had enough time to design something elegant and original but that might have to wait until she's a teeny bit older. I won't post any pictures until after the shower because my girlfriend does check my blog regularly. I really want the item/s to be a surprise even though now she'll know that I'm knitting her something. If anyone has any suggestions I would gladly appreciate it. I guess the knitting is somewhat time sensitive. I can't obviously finish a whole blanket in two days. Though I have tried, it was horrible.

Another Blanket...?

When you have two babies your going to have to make two blankets. I woke up early this morning and started working on Ella's blanket before the kids got up. When Victor finally came into the living room he asked me when I was going to make him his "Birthday Blanket". My heart melted and I promised that I would make him one as well. After we all had breakfast he sat on my lap and we went through different patterns on Ravelry. He was so excited to see that they had a fish blanket. We had to run some errands today so I stopped by our local A.C. Moore and we picked out some big boy colors. At this point I wish I had a few extra hands to knit these things. I'm using a US size 6 and looking at 50+ knitted fishies.


I also saw these wooden letters that were on sale. They're about 5" high and couldn't pass them up. I know after I paint them they'll be perfect over the toddler beds.


I pulled out some of my mural paints and brushes when we got home. I had really forgotten how much I had. I haven't painted one in over a year an a half. Most of my brushes and paints came from an artist's garage sale. One of my luckiest finds, half of them have never been used.


The kids want me to paint them each a scene on their bedroom walls. Victor wants a whole Disney's Cars theme and Ella can't get enough of Dora the Explorer these days. It should be a lot of fun and I can't wait to show you the progress. The floors are going down today in the apartment so I can start sketching the walls next week.

Meet Posey!

Our family had to take a long drive the other day down to New Jersey and I kept happily busy with this lil' pattern. Easy to design and easy to knit. It was finished in a few hours.


Pattern: Posey

Needles: US Size #6, 4.0mm double pointed needles

Yarn: I used Lily's Sugar'n Cream
but any worsted weight yarn will work.

Materials: Fiber fill or scrap yarn for stuffing,
Tapestry Needle
Stitch marker
Extra yarn for sewing.
Button
Scissor

Finished Measurements : Approx. 3"width 3½" height

Pattern:
Bottom Flower

CO 6sts arranging 2 on each needle. Join for knitting in the round and place stitch marker being careful not to twist sts.
K 1 rnd

Round 1: kfb all sts (12)
Round 2: k all sts
Round 3: kfb all sts (24)
Round 4: k all sts
Round 5: k1, kfb for entire round (36)
Round 6: k all sts
Round 7: k3, kfb for entire round (45)

Rounds 8 - 18: k all sts

Round 19: k3, k2tog for entire round (36)
Round 20: k all sts
Round 21: k1, k2tog for entire round (24)
Round 22: k all sts
Round 23: k2tog for entire round (12)
Round 24: k all sts
Round 25: k2tog for entire round (6)
Round 26: k all sts.

Break yarn leaving at least 8" and thread with tapestry needle through all 6 sts. Remove double pointed needles but do not pull closed.

Middle Flower

CO 6sts arranging 2 on each needle. Join for knitting in the round and place stitch marker being careful not to twist sts.
K 1 rnd

Round 1: kfb all sts (12)
Round 2: k all sts
Round 3: kfb all sts (24)
Round 4: k all sts
Round 5: k1, kfb for entire round (36)

Round 6- 14: k all sts

Round 15: k1, k2tog for entire round (24)
Round 16: k all sts
Round 17: k2tog for entire round (12)
Round 18: k all sts
Round 19: k2tog for entire round (6)
Round 20: k all sts.

Break yarn leaving at least 8" and thread with tapestry needle through all 6 sts. Remove double pointed needles but do not pull closed.


Top Flower

CO 6sts arranging 2 on each needle. Join for knitting in the round and place stitch marker being careful not to twist sts.
K 1 rnd

Round 1: kfb all sts (12)
Round 2: k all sts
Round 3: kfb all sts (24)

Round 4- 12: k all sts

Round 13: k2tog for entire round (12)
Round 14: k all sts
Round 15: k2tog for entire round (6)
Round 16: k all sts.

Break yarn leaving at least 8" and thread with tapestry needle through all 6 sts. Remove double pointed needles but do not pull closed.

Click here for the pattern page on Ravelry!

Finishing
Repeat for all three sizes:

Stuff each layer with scrap yarn or fiberfill and shape into a flattened ball pulling thread so that the top is closed.
Measure out two 12" strands of yarn in a contrasting color.
Thread the tapestry needle with the yarn down the middle of the ball and back up around the side.
Continue going down through the middle and around the side to the top a total of six times pulling tightly to create the flower shape.
Tie a knot around a strand at the top to secure.

Stitch layers to each other and secure yarn. Add a button with some yarn for detail and your done!

Posey © KrisKnits 2009
This pattern is for personal use only.

If you have any questions about this design or need help you can leave a comment or an email at kris@krisknits.com or on Ravelry via KristenKnits. I will try and help as best I can.
Hope everyone is having a great summer!

The Wedding Cloths...

August has been such a busy month for us. I'm kinda surprised that I was able to finish these patterns by the end of the week. But I'm very happy with the outcome and I think they are worth the wait. I took my time with everything and I know they will make wonderful gifts for couples everywhere.


This particular set of cloths is going to my best girlfriend who recently got married. Now that I've finally taken pictures and published the pattern she can finally use them in her kitchen.

This pattern is available as a PDF download and priced at $3.25. There are eight cloth patterns in this set. You can purchase this pattern by clicking the "Buy Now" button below the pictures. The Wedding Cloths are also available in my Pattern Store here as a Ravelry Download. There are 5 pages total and the download is sized at 4.4MB. If you have any questions about the pattern or payment options, please feel free to contact me via email at kris@krisknits.com or on Ravelry: KristenKnits.

Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid:


Cake - 00082: Jute (Tan)
Heart - 00003: Cream (Off White)
Husband & Wife - 00003: Cream (Off White)
Dove - 00001: White (White)
Rings - 00082: Jute (Tan)
Chapel - 00001: White (White)
Wedding Bells - 01004: Soft Ecru (Off White)

Peaches & Cream Solid:

Champagne - 89 Camel

Heres a link to the pattern page on Ravelry!

You don't need a Ravelry account to purchase the pattern. Ravelry will re-direct you to paypal and will email you a link to download the pattern.

I made each written pattern with a corresponding chart for the dishcloth. From the sets that I've already made, I've managed to get about 2-2½ cloths out of one ball of Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid Yarn. Though you can use any kitchen cotton you prefer.



We're about 3 weeks from finishing all of the construction on the apartment. Then we can start moving in our furniture and Mommy can finally relax. I designed a really cute knitted pin cushion pattern recently and I'll be posting the instruction and pictures during the week. The fruit cloths are almost knitted up. I hope I can get everything together for next Sunday. I can't wait to sit down and start the Dessert cloths.

The Beach Cloths...

Wow, I have been so busy this Summer and it's been taking much longer then I had hoped to get all these cloths out. We're still waiting to move as well. Bad experiences with bad contractors have caused us to finish all the work on the apartment ourselves. I am so thankful for my Mother and all the babysitting she's doing. Every day we've been framing, hanging sheetrock, taping, sanding, and laying floors. It's about 70% done but there is still a lot to finish. Hopefully it will be completed by September 1st.


I wish I could just sit at home and knit these patterns up. Though I know when the dust settles there will be better organization and lots of time to wrap up these unfinished patterns. I'll keep everyone posted on what I'm working on. These Beach Cloths we're a nice distraction from all of the construction and headaches I've been having lately.

This pattern is available as a PDF download and priced at $3.25. There are eight cloth patterns in this set. You can purchase this pattern if you are a Ravelry member by clicking the "Buy Now" button below the pictures. The Beach Cloths are also available in my Pattern Store here as a Ravelry Download. There are 5 pages total and the download is sized at 4.4MB. If you have any questions about the pattern or payment options, please feel free to contact me via email at kris@krisknits.com or on Ravelry: KristenKnits.

Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid:

Binkini - 01740 Hot Pink (Pink)
Sand Castle - 00082: Jute (Tan)
Boat - 00083: Cornflower Blue (Blue)
Seahorse - 00046: Rose PInk (Pink)
Palm Tree - 00084: Sage Green (Green)
Sea Shell - 01004: Soft Ecru (Off White)

Peaches & Cream Solid:

Shovel & Pail - 11 Sunburst
Fish - 56 Light Green

Heres a link to the pattern page on Ravelry!

You don't need a Ravelry account to purchase the pattern. Ravelry will re-direct you to paypal and will email you a link to download the pattern.

I made each written pattern with a corresponding chart for the dishcloth. From the sets that I've already made, I've managed to get about 2-2½ cloths out of one ball of Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid Yarn. Though you can use any kitchen cotton you prefer.


I really need to blog more frequently, I just need to make the time. There are so many pictures to put up and the kids are getting so big. I wish someone could be here to nudge me to do it. I'm almost at the point where I need an assistant. :0)

Dishcloth Q & A...

I've received a lot of emails this year on ways to make my dishcloths and other cloth patterns the best they can be. I figured an easy way to help everyone out was to write up a list of frequently asked questions and add some tips and tricks. Please forgive me if I leave something out. If you have another question, leave a comment on this post and I will add it to the entry.


1. "My dishcloths aren't popping the way they should. Is there anything I can do?"

Yes! There are a lot of different ways to make sure that your cloths look the best. I'm going to go over the basics in this post to ensure that the finished cloth looks great for both gift giving and regular use.


2. "Should I really be using a US size 3 needle?"

Yes and no. It depends on how tight or loose you knit. I knit continental and always use a size 3 needle. I invested in a pair of addi turbos last year for my dishcloth knitting and designing. It was the best decision I made. With the addi's my hands won't hurt and my knitting is faster and significantly more even producing a better defined cloth. If you find that you are unable to knit with a smaller needle or don't have one available, you can use a different size and get a well defined cloth as long as your knitting is very even.


3. "The picture on the cloth is hard to see. I think my knitting is uneven, what can I do?"

If your seeing gaps in between the rows on the wrong or right side of your cloth you might be "rowing out". It's a common problem that affects many knitters. It is most obvious in stockinette or reverse stockinette and is caused when there is a different amount of tension on the yarn while knitting a stitch than while purling a stitch. The fastest way you can correct this problem is to use a different size needle for the knit rows and the purl rows. It may take some time to figure out which two to use though. People generally knit slightly tighter than they purl, but It could be the other way around. You might want to try tightening your stitches on one side or the other to see if there is an improvement. Blocking can also help equalize the tension in the stitches. It might be a few wash and dry sessions before the cloth is completely smooth in the stockinette areas.

I also try to knit an entire cloth in one sitting. I find that if I start and stop a cloth too many times that the stitches pull slightly on the needle for that particular row and create some unevenness when picked back up again. I move my knitting around so much because of the kids. Though I'm sure if it just sat still for awhile there wouldn't be too much of a tension problem.



4. What are the best colors and yarn to use for your dishcloths?"

I tend to use any cotton yarn I have around the house. It's kinda scary exactly how much I have stashed. I should take a picture to show you one of these days. You can use acrylic yarns as well but they are not as absorbent and could scratch some surfaces if you don't pay attention. Wool will obviously pill and felt if washed with hot water.

When it comes to colors your going to see the best results on a medium shade. Very light and dark colors may only show in the right light. Generally with dishcloths or any other picture design if light is directly overhead the picture may be hard to see unless your knitting is very even and the cloth is blocked after use.


5. How do you block your dishcloths?"

After I finish knitting my cloths I weave in all the ends and then soak them in warm water stretching the cloth slightly under the water to even out any tension problems. Then lightly ring out the water trying not to distort the shape too much. I tend to lay the cloths out on my counter top to dry shaping them into squares and pushing down all of the stockinette areas so that the purl bumps stand up. This makes a huge difference! There is no need to pin them and they dry in about an evening. I've only blocked the cloths I keep once or twice and then they go into the washer and dryer with the towels. they come out great every time!



6. What is the best way to photograph the finished cloths?"

After the cloths are blocked and dry I use natural light to my advantage to show the best picture. I will arrange them in front of a sunny window out of direct light. I like to photograph on sunny days to show colors in their true form. Not an easy thing with all of that rain we've been having. You can also use light from a lamp. Just be sure that the light is shining down on an angle from top to bottom to show the shaded areas from the purl bumps. Try to avoid using a flash because this can diffuse the stitch definition of knit and purl stitches.

I always try to take pictures in the morning, around 10am with light shining in from a south window. The later in the day it is, the more likely your colors may come out darker.


A few other things:

• Fact: The more use a cloth gets the more the design will "pop" over time.

• I actually do use the cloths I make for my kitchen and bathroom. The kids love to play with them in the bathtub and in the backyard. I don't manage to keep many sets though. I always have a reason to gift them.

• I use a Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera to photograph all of my cloths.

• I find most of my colors in A.C.Moore but I do frequent Michael's and Walmart as well. Sometimes a LYS will have a discontinued color and I'll quickly grab it. You can find most colors online or try the trade or sell feature on Ravelry to see if you can snag a deal.

• I design and love every bit of my cloths from drawing up a chart to writing the pattern to knitting, editing the pictures and graphically designing the pdf files from scratch in Adobe Photoshop. Every cloth and pattern is an original design.

• There are about 5 or 6 more sets for this year that I'm currently working on and of course, I'm really enjoying them.
  

I'm sure I forgot a few things but I didn't want to wait any longer to write this up and share some of the questions I get. Again if you have any other questions leave a comment and I'll answer it the best I can.

The Beach Cloths are almost done. Hopefully by the end of the week! I'm also working on a cute little non-dishcloth pattern for everyone.

For All The Dads In Your Life...

I made this quick knit for my Father-in Law today. It'll be a washcloth that I'm sure he'll get use out of. After the Mother's Day cloth that could be used year round for any occasion you would want to give some knitted love, I decided we could all use this Fatherly one as well. It can be used for birthday's and any other holiday. This pattern is great for beginner knitters and have full easy to follow, line by line instructions.


I'm going to be writing a post in a few days with lots of tips and tricks on dishcloth knitting and ways to photograph, block and get the best stitch definition you possibly can. I just have to gather all my thoughts and write them down.

Here's a link to this project's page on Ravelry!

Father's Day Cloth:

Needles: US Size #3, 3.25mm
(You can use larger needles if you want)

Yarn: Lily's Sugar'n Cream
or any other kitchen cotton yarn.

Finished Size: 8"x8"

Materials:
Tapestry Needle

Pattern:

CO 44s

row 1: (an all odd numbered rows) k
row 2: k
row 4: k2, p40, k2
row 6: k2, p40, k2
row 8: k2, p2, k36, p2, k2
row 10: k2, p2, k36, p2, k2

row 12: k2, p2, k2, p32, k2, p2, k2
row 14: k2, p2, k2, p32, k2, p2, k2
row 16: k2, p2, k2, p3, k5, p4, k2, p4, k2, p2, k5, p5, k2, p2, k2
row 18: k2, p2, k2, p3, k6, p3, k2, p4, k2, p2, k6, p4, k2, p2, k2
row 20: k2, p2, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2, p4, k2, p2, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2

row 22: k2, p2, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2, p4, k2, p2, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2
row 24: k2, p2, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k8, p2, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2
row 26: k2, p2, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k8, p2, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2
row 28: k2, p2, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2, p4, k2, p2, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2
row 30: k2, p2, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2, p4, k2, p2, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2

row 32: k2, p2, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2, p4, k2, p2, (k2, p3)x2, k2, p2, k2
row 34: k2, p2, k2, p3, k2, p2, (k3, p2)x3, k2, p2, k3, p3, k2, p2, k2
row 36: k2, p2, k2, p3, k6, p4, k6, p3, k6, p4, k2, p2, k2
row 38: k2, p2, k2, p3, k5, p6, k4, p4, k5, p5, k2, p2, k2
row 40: k2, p2, k2, p32, k2, p2, k2

row 42: k2, p2, k2, p32, k2, p2, k2
row 44: k2, p2, k2, p18, k8, p6, k2, p2, k2
row 46: k2, p2, k2, p8, k2, p2, k2, p4, k8, p6, k2, p2, k2
row 48: k2, p2, k2, p8, k2, p2, k2, p7, k2, p9, k2, p2, k2
row 50: k2, p2, k2, p6, k10, p5, k2, p9, k2, p2, k2

row 52: k2, p2, k2, p6, k10, p5, k2, p9, k2, p2, k2
row 54: k2, p2, k2, p8, k2, p2, k2, p7, k2, p9, k2, p2, k2
row 56: k2, p2, k2, p8, k2, p2, k2, p7, k2, p9, k2, p2, k2
row 58: k2, p2, k2, p6, k10, p5, k2, p9, k2, p2, k2
row 60: k2, p2, k2, p6, k10, p3, k4, p9, k2, p2, k2

row 62: k2, p2, k2, p8, k2, p2, k2, p5, k4, p9, k2, p2, k2
row 64: k2, p2, k2, p8, k2, p2, k2, p6, k3, p9, k2, p2, k2
row 66: k2, p2, k2, p21, k2, p9, k2, p2, k2
row 68: k2, p2, k2, p32, k2, p2, k2
row 70: k2, p2, k2, p32, k2, p2, k2

row 72: k2, p2, k36, p2, k2
row 74: k2, p2, k36, p2, k2
row 76: k2, p40, k2
row 78: k2, p40, k2
row 80: k

row 82: k

row 83: (right side) BO all sts.



Weave in ends.

Block and lay flat to dry

If you have any questions about the pattern, please feel free to contact me via email at kris@krisknits.com or on Ravelry: KristenKnits.

Mother's Day Cloth...

I apologize for the little hiatus this blog has taken in the past few weeks. I'm only now starting to feel like myself again. While holding my son and talking to a neighbor one afternoon I suffered a severe corneal abrasion when Victor turned his head (and baseball cap) unexpectedly into my right eye. The brim of the cap had torn off all the skin on my cornea. Completely covering my pupil I was instantly unable to see. After a trip to the hospital and follow-up visits with the Optometrist every day for a week, I still have very blurry vision in the affected eye and that could take months to correct itself. I'm slowly getting used to the difference in vision. I'm just thankful that the pain is gone. Apparently the cornea has the most concentrated nerve endings in the entire human body. I wish I didn't have to learn that fact the hard way.


I haven't been on the computer that much lately but everyday it's getting easier to read and do more work online. I couldn't resist at least trying to get a finished cloth out for Mother's Day. There are several days left if you still need to make something extra for Mom on her day. Hope everyone will enjoy this cloth. It's a fun pattern that you can make year round just to show how much you appreciate everything she does.

Here's a link to this project's page on Ravelry!

Mother's Day Cloth:

Needles: US Size #3, 3.25mm
(You can use larger needles but might end up with a less defined picture)

Yarn: Lily's Sugar'n Cream
or any other kitchen cotton yarn.
I used the color Rose Pink

Materials:
Tapestry Needle

Pattern:

CO 47s

row 1: (an all odd numbered rows) k
row 2: k
row 4: k
row 6: k
row 8: k4, p39, k4
row 10: k4, p39, k4

row 12: k4, p4, k2, p5, k2, p4, k5, p4, k2, p5, k2, p4, k4
row 14: k4, (p5, k1)x2, p4, k2, p3, k2, p4, (k1, p5)x2, k4
row 16: k4, (p5, k1)x2, p3, k2, p5, k2, p3, (k1, p5)x2, k4
row 18: k4, (p5, k1)x2, p3, k2, p5, k2, p3, )k1, p5)x2, k4

row 20: k4, p5, k1, (p2, k1)x2, p3, k2, p5, k2, p3, (k1, p2)x2, k1, p5, k4
row 22: k4, p5, k1, p1, k3, p1, k1, p3, k2, p5, k2, p3, k1, p1, k3, p1, k1, p5, k4
row 24: k4, p5, k3, p1, k3, p4, k2, p3, k2, p4, k3, p1, k3, p5, k4
row 26: k4, p4, k3, p3, k3, p4, k5, p4, k3, p3, k3, p4, k4
row 28: k4, p39, k4

row 30: k4, p14, k1, p24, k4
row 32: k4, p13, k1, p1, k1, p23, k4
row 34: k4, p12, k1, p3, k1, (p6, k1)x2, p8, k4
row 36: k4, p11, (k1, p2)x2, k1, p4, k3, p4, k1, p1, k1, p7, k4
row 38: k4, p10, k1, p2, k3, p2, k1, p2, k2, p1, k2, p2, k1, p3, k1, p6, k4

row 40: k4, p9, k1, p2, k5, p2, k3, p3, k3, (p2, k1)x2, p5, k4
row 42: k4, p8, k1, p2, (k3, p1)x2, k2, p2, (k1, p2)x2, k3, p2, k1, p4, k4
row 44: k4, p8, k1, p2, k2, p3, k4, p2, (k1, p2)x2, k5, p2, k1, p3, k4
row 46: k4, p8, k1, p5, k1, (p2, k2)x2, p1, k1, p2, k3, p1, k3, p2, k1, p2, k4
row 48: k4, p9, k1, p3, k5, p2, k3, p1, k1, p2, k2, p3, k2, p2, k1, p2, k4

row 50: k4, p10, k3, p2, k2, p2, k4, p1, k1, (p5, k1)x2, p2, k4
row 52: k4, p14, k2, p2, k5, p2, k1, p3, k3, p3, k1, p3, k4
row 54: k4, p3, k8, p2, k2, p2, k7, p2, k3, p2, k4, p4, k4
row 56: k4, p3, k1, p2, k2, p2, (k1, p2)x2, k7, p1, k1, p8, k1, p5, k4
row 58: k4, p6, k2, p5, k1, p2, k6, p3, k6, p2, k1, p5, k4

row 60: k4, p6, k2, p5, k1, p2, k5, p2, k1, p2, k5, p2, k1, p5, k4
row 62: k4, p6, k2, p5, k1, p3, k3, p2, k3, p2, k3, p3, k1, p5, k4
row 64: k4, p6, k2, p5, k2, p6, k2, p1, k2, p6, k2, p5, k4
row 66: k4, p3, k1, p2, k2, p2, k1, p3, k2, p4, k2, p3, k2, p4, k2, p6, k4
row 68: k4, p3, k8, p4, k6, p5, k6, p7, k4

row 70: k4, p39, k4
row 72: k4, p39, k4
row 74: k
row 76: k
row 78: k
row 80: k


row 81: Bind Off to last 3 sts, begin knitting I-cord.
Knit for 3" and BO. Fasten to underside of cloth with tapestry needle.


Weave in ends.

Block and lay flat to dry


I have also recently started a set of Baby Cloths that I know your going to absolutely fall in-love with. I'm really trying to finish up all the knitting and editing to have them published by Friday. I'm a little behind on emails this week and I apologize again. I'll be "child free" for 5 hours or so tomorrow morning and will be getting to every message I have.

Fetch !...

While staring at my enormous stash last week all I could think to myself was, "What am I going to do with all this cotton?". It really is taking over the craft room and all the baskets that I keep my yarn in. I can't seem to resist the beautiful colors that our local stores carry. I will always knit dishcloths but what about the left overs that will never make up a whole cloth? I've had this idea in my head for quite some time now. I think I attempted making one about two years ago but with new babies and having to move it was left unfinished. Needing a break from the sweater I'm currently working on, I sat down and wrote up the pattern for everyone. My son and I had fun trying to come up with a name.

Everyone I know loves knitting for their pets. This is a fast and easy to follow pattern that uses simple increases and decreases then seaming up with mattress stitch. Great for a beginner that is looking to practice some shaping. I know I'll be making a few for Christmas this year. The pattern is also easily adaptable for larger dogs. Just add more stitches to the cast on areas and then increase the number of rows that you knit in plain stockingnet stitch for a longer bone.



Here's the pattern page on Ravelry!

Pattern: Fetch !

Needles: US Size #6, 4.0mm

Yarn: Lily's Sugar'n Cream
or any other kitchen cotton yarn.

Materials: Fiber fill or scrap yarn for stuffing,
Tapestry Needle
Strong yarn for seaming up.
( I used Patons Grace )
Scissor

Pattern: (Make 2)

CO 6sts

Row 1: K all sts
Row 2 (WS) and all even rows : P all sts
Row 3: Kfb, K4, Kfb (8 sts)
Break yarn and push sts back to end of needle.

CO 6sts on other needle.
Repeat rows 1-3 but don't break the yarn.
You should now have both pieces on one needle. Slide them together and P all sts (16 sts)
(*Tip: After purling the first 8 sts Grab the tail yarn (from the next piece) with the working yarn and P 1 st, this will secure it. Then drop the tail yarn and continue the row with working yarn. Be sure to treat that stitch as one on the next (RS) row.

Rows 7-10: (K one row, P one row) (2x)

Row 11: K1, SSK, K10, K2tog, K1
Row 13: K1, SSK, K8, K2tog, K1
Row 15: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1
Row 17, K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1

Rows 19-30: (K one row, P one row) (6x)

Row 31: Kfb, K6, Kfb
Row 33: Kfb, K8, Kfb
Row 35: Kfb, K10, Kfb
Row 37: Kfb, K12, Kfb

Rows 39-42: (K one row, P one row) (2x)

Row 43: K1, SSK, K2, K2tog, K1, Turn work keeping remaining 8 sts on right needle

Row 44: Purl the 6 sts that were just worked.

Row 45: K 6 sts
Row 46: P 6 sts

Row 47: BO 6 sts, Break yarn.

Join yarn to remaining sts on (RS) and repeat rows 43-47.


Finishing:

Place both sides together wrong sides facing. With strong yarn thread tapestry needle and begin mattress stitching the sides and using a shoulder seam for joining the two halves together for the ends of the bone This video from Berroco might help if you get stuck. (I started seaming about half an inch down from the top right corner and continued counter-clockwise.) Once you have about 2" left begin stuffing the bone with fiberfill or scrap yarn. Finish seaming and secure ends. Pull thread through and cut with scissors from other side to hide it.

Here is a photo of how I used the Mattress Stitch to close the toy:


*A note about Fetch! and any other handmade toy that you use with your pets:
This toy is intended to be used only with owner's supervision. Do not leave your pet unattended with such toys because if ripped apart or damaged it could pose as a choking hazard. Check toy regularly for signs of wear and replace if necessary. (They're very fast to make!)

Fetch! © KrisKnits 2009
This pattern is for personal use only.


If you have any questions about this design or need help you can leave a comment or an email at kris@krisknits.com or on Ravelry via KristenKnits. I will try and help as best I can. I have been really swamped as of late and I apologize for any inconvenience. This week I'm cracking down to finish everything. Hope everyone is enjoying the better weather.