Birthday Cake and Messy Babies...

Today the kids and I made a birthday cake for their Dad's birthday. Lil' Victor helped me the whole way, mixing the batter and pouring it into the pan. He even managed to frost most of the cake with my guidance. It wasn't the prettiest cake we've ever made but I think they had more fun eating it.

I know I haven't posted in awhile. We've all been keeping busy in the house and possibly moving again so thats where most of my free time is going. Right now I'm working on a design for a pair of stranded colorwork mittens that I hope to get out before winter's over. I am also going to try for a spring set of cloths in the next few weeks. Hope everyone is doing well.

For the Love of...

Daytime. Every second is spent protecting and teaching my children as we go through our routines. One thing is certain though. They love Mommy's stash. It's quite common to find yarn unraveled running from one side of the house to the other. Or to hear them playing drums with needles that I've been looking for. Yesterday my son had a fake snowball fight with fiberfill he found in my desk. They'll sit on the couch and play next to me while I work on patterns or knit up gifts for friends. I hope they never get tired of being so curious or creative.

Valentine's Day Cloths...

I had hoped to get these out last week but with everyone getting sick again and Ella's teething it just wasn't possible. I had originally made these for a friend's new apartment but when my mother saw them I had to let her keep them. I loved every second of creating these cloths.


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.

Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid:

Heart - 00042: Tea Rose (Orange)
Rose- 00095: Red (Red)
Love - 00046: Rose PInk (Pink)
Lips - 01740: Hot Pink (Pink)

Lion Brand Cotton-Ease:

Be Mine - Berry Article: #830-112

TLC Cotton Plus Solid

Necklace - 3706: Light Rose (Pink)

This pattern is available as a PDF download and priced at $3.25. There are six 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 Valentine's Day Cloths are also available in my Pattern Store here as a Ravelry Download. There are 4 pages total and the download is sized at 4MB. If you have any questions about the pattern or payment options, please feel free to contact me via email at KrisPatay4@yahoo.com or on Ravelry, KristenKnits.

I wanted to answer a few questions that I frequently get through email.
To get the best stitch definition out of your cloths I recommend using a smaller needle size, no bigger than a US #6, 4mm. I use a US #3, 3.25mm Addi Turbo to knit all of my cloths. I also recommend blocking your cloth by soaking it in water for a few seconds and then gently squeezing out excess water until it is damp. Shape your cloth into a square with your hands and lay flat pushing down the stockinette stitches to dry. This should help your cloth's pattern really "pop". When photographing them for your blog or Ravelry try and use natural light whenever possible. Or use light from a table lamp shown from the top of the cloth down towards the bottom to create shadows from the different stitches. Hope this helped a little. If anyone has any other questions please feel free to email me or leave a comment.

Photo Love.

It's been so long since I've posted any pictures of WIP's. I'll try and post tomorrow morning with some updates. Just wanted to quickly share the reason I'm a little behind. They are my love, they are my world.

Winter is upon us.

Although I'm longing for some sun I can't help but love the beauty that is Winter. I took my camera out the other day and had a little fun around my neighborhood.


It seems that all we're doing these days is shoveling or throwing some salt down. We haven't had a big snowstorm yet, just a few inches here or there. I know my son would love to have enough snow to jump in. Ella has another cold. Or maybe it's more teeth coming in. But every night like clock work the fever spikes up again.


I'm still playing around with some new patterns, graphic editing and test knitting is what goes on for most of the week during my free time. Thankfully I'm used to cleaning up as I go or this house would be atrocious! Valentine's Day Cloths are just days away from being published. For the spring I'm dreaming of dyeing yarn again. I made some beautiful colorways last year and it's all I've been thinking about as of late. I might even attempt to make enough to sell. I really need to set up my etsy one of these days.

Home for the Holiday's...

When I came across this fabric doll house tutorial in December I knew instantly that I would have to give it a go. I also knew exactly whom I was going to make it for. It honestly took only about a day and a half between cutting the materials and then assembling them by machine and hand. I had so much fun playing with the design that I'll probably make another for my little girl when she turns 2 later this year.



Sarah got this for Christmas with her smaller dolls in mind. She loves it, maybe even more than I do. It was hard to part with but I'm sure it will go even faster the second time around. I increased the size of the dollhouse from the 4"x 6" size in the tutorial to around 10"x 12". I used plastic canvas mesh and batting taped around the edges as it was suggested to keep from slipping inside the pieced fabric. I appliquéd the windows, doors and greenery motif with a basic slip stitch. Using only stash fabric I was able to stay true to Sarah's "mostly purple" rule.




I love working with felt and the creative process that this took. I would highly recommend trying it on a weekend if you have some patience. I'm sure everyone knows a special little girl or two that would deserve such a timeless gift. If you want to see more pictures of the doll house click to see my flickr album.

Zodiac Cloths...

I've been trying to finish these since November but the holidays got in the way every time. I had hoped to make it by New Years but they're only a few weeks late. I really like how they turned out and have been gifted to lots of family and friends. These would be great for gifts year round and I can see making more cloths for upcoming birthday's.

Pattern: Zodiac Cloths
Source: Kris Knits on Ravelry
Yarn: Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid
Needles: US 3 / 3.25 mm

Size: 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"

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.


These small cloths are so fast to knit up. I can knit up one cloth in a little less than an hour.

I tried used cotton yarn colors that would match the gemstones of the month that each astrological sign most represents. It was hard to find exact color matches so I used what I had in my stash.

Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid:

Aquarius - 00071: Grape (Purple)
Pisces - 01215: Robin's Egg (Turquoise)
Taurus - 00016: Dark Pine (Green)
Cancer - 00095: Red (Red)
Leo - 00084: Sage Green (Green)
Virgo - 00083: Cornflower Blue (Blue)
Libra - 00046: Rose PInk (Pink)
Scorpio - 00010: Yellow (Yellow)
Sagittarius - 01009: Soft Teal (Turquoise)
Capricorn - 00015: Wine (Red)

Lion Brand Cotton-Ease:

Aries - Stone Article: #830-149
Gemini - Lake Article: #830-110

This pattern is available as a PDF download and priced at $4.25. There are twelve 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 Zodiac Cloths are also available in my Pattern Store here as a Ravelry Download. There are 7 pages total and the download is sized at 5.7MB. If you have any questions about the pattern or payment options, please feel free to contact me via email at KrisPatay4@yahoo.com or on Ravelry, KristenKnits.

I finally got around to uploading pictures from Christmas and some of the gifts that I made. I'll post them up in a few days. I'm also working on a Valentine's Day Set at the moment and hope to be able to offer it by next week. Till then stay warm and happy knitting.

Disappearing Act...

This might be the first year that we've actually taken the Christmas tree down on time. I feel somewhat liberated to pack the holidays away and wait for more pleasant seasons to come. The temperature in New York has become frighteningly chilly and the kids and I don't venture out too much these days. I'm already longing for brisk walks to the park. Watching the trees begin to bloom and the warming sun. Though we're going to have a bit of a snowstorm in our area tonight, I've already turned the heat up and I'm grateful for all the winter knitting surrounding me.

A few designs and cloth sets that I'm trying to work out for this month have been completely dominating my free time. With so much going on otherwise I've fallen behind on emails, (and laundry), an I owe a few apologies. I will get to them within the next two days I promise. For everyone who has asked if I plan to do more Cloth sets the answer is yes! I'm going to attempt to design every season and major holiday for the full year. Baby and wedding themed sets are also in the queue.

I haven't uploaded any pictures from Christmas or New Years yet. I'm so behind everywhere, but I do have one gift to share that I made for my friend's baby girl.

Pattern: Bunny Tails by Susan B. Anderson
Source: Itty-Bitty-Hats
Yarn: TLC Cotton Plus Solid (off-white)
Needles: US 6 / 4.0 mm
Size: 6-12 Months

This year I'm going to try and blog more and take more pictures of my completed works. So many of them are gifted before I have a chance to share it with everyone. I know my project page on Ravelry is definitely suffering.

A New Year...

I was asked earlier this month to design a cloth for a small knitting group that meets locally. They wanted something for the new year that was small enough to be knitted multiple times to give as teacher's gifts. I thought this was a perfect choice for the mini cloth. It stands at only 5½"x5½" and most will be able to make one in about one to two hours. Such a fast knit it's addictive. If you've purchased one of my pattern sets then you'll know how fun and fast they are. I had to share this with everyone to celebrate the holiday's.


2009 New Year's Cloth:

Finished Measurements : Approx. 5½"x5½"

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 :

(The four stitch colored border is knitted in seed stitch)

Pattern:

With Size 3 needles,
co 29s

(k1, p1) to last stitch, k1 repeat for 6 rows

row 1: "and all odd rows" (k1,p1)x2, k21, (p1,k1)x2

row 2: (k1,p1)x2, p21, (p1,k1)x2
row 4: (k1,p1)x2, p13, k2, p6, (p1,k1)x2
row 6: (k1,p1)x2, p4, k4, p6, k2, p5, (p1,k1)x2
row 8: (k1,p1)x2, p3, k2, p2, k2, p6, k2, p4, (p1,k1)x2
row 10: (k1,p1)x2, p3, k2, p2, k2, p7, k2, p3, (p1,k1)x2

row 12: (k1,p1)x2, p3, k2, p2, k2, p4, k5, p3, (p1,k1)x2
row 14: (k1,p1)x2, p3, k2, p2, k2, p3, k2, p2, k2, p3, (p1,k1)x2
row 16: (k1,p1)x2, p3, k2, p2, k2, p3, k2, p2, k2, p3, (p1,k1)x2
row 18: (k1,p1)x2, p3, k2, p2, k2, p4, k5, p3, (p1,k1)x2
row 20: (k1,p1)x2, p4, k4, p6, k3, p4, (p1,k1)x2

row 22: (k1,p1)x2, p21, (p1,k1)x2
row 24: (k1,p1)x2, p21, (p1,k1)x2
row 26: (k1,p1)x2, p3, k6, p4, k4, p4, (p1,k1)x2
row 28: (k1,p1)x2, p3, k3, p1, k2, p3, k2, p2, k2, p3, (p1,k1)x2
row 30: (k1,p1)x2, p4, k3, p5, k2, p2, k2, p3, (p1,k1)x2

row 32: (k1,p1)x2, p6, k2, p4, k2, p2, k2, p3, (p1,k1)x2
row 34: (k1,p1)x2, p7, k2, p3, k2, p2, k2, p3, (p1,k1)x2
row 36: (k1,p1)x2, p3, k2, p2, k2, p3, k2, p2, k2, p3, (p1,k1)x2
row 38: (k1,p1)x2, p4, k5, p3, k2, p2, k2, p3, (p1,k1)x2
row 40: (k1,p1)x2, p5, k3, p5, k4, p4, (p1,k1)x2

row 42: (k1,p1)x2, p21, (p1,k1)x2
row 44: (k1,p1)x2, p21, (p1,k1)x2

row 45: (k1,p1)x2, k21, (p1,k1)x2


(k1, p1) to last stitch, k1 repeat for 7 rows

Bind Off


Weave in ends.

Block and lay flat to dry


Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy new year! I have many resolutions that I wish to fulfill during the next couple months. My first is probably better organization. I am so grateful to be able to have the support to continue to design and offer my patterns through Ravelry and my website. I have many wonderful designs that I hope to bring to you this year. Thank you to everyone who has purchased a pattern. I hope you enjoy everything you create from it.

With love from our family to yours.

Thermis...

I've been meaning to publish this neck warmer design for quite awhile now. I'm glad to finally have had some time this month to write up the pattern. I love this design and it's a fast gift idea, knitting up in a day or two. I'll probably try to knit a few more before Christmas as most of my friends have hinted they want one this year.

This stylish unisex cowl with a thermal stitch pattern will keep the wind out on those chilly days and nights. It's half buttoned opening gives just the right amount of room when you need it.

Thermis is an easy to follow pattern knitted in Patons Classic Wool Merino worsted weight yarn for outstanding warmth and flexibility. Its versatile look will go with any wardrobe feeling comfortable without adding a lot of bulk. There are instructions for two different sizes that will fit men and a women. You can however use any worsted weight yarn of your choice, just make sure to check your gauge before you start the pattern.

Here is a preview of the PDF download. Thermis is priced at $2.49 and is available as a Ravelry download through my pattern shop here, or you can click the "Buy Now" button underneath the picture. If you have any questions about the pattern or payment options, please feel free to contact me via email at KrisPatay4@yahoo.com or on Ravelry, KristenKnits.

As the end of the year is speeding towards us I might be a little ambitious trying to finish everything I started this month. There are a few holiday crafts and recipes I want to attempt before I have to bring them over as gifts. Theres a cookie recipe I have to share if I can find it. Also a special thanks to Rebeka for being my beautiful model and enduring the snow as I took pictures that day.

4:45 pm...

There's just something about December snow. It's chilling, swirling, beautiful nature. I wait patiently for this time of year when you can sit curled up on the couch with blankets and hot chocolate. Watching the patterns dance in the streetlights. I'm completely in love with the first of winters snowfall.

Handmade Holidays...

So I managed to snap a few photos of my handmade ornaments this year before Grandma came by and claimed them today. I make a couple every year for her. I always love playing with felt and it takes on such a personality with whatever you create. There are a couple tutorials around the web for making these ornaments but I'll just write what I did as I didn't really follow any pattern.

Cookie Cutter Ornaments:

Materials:

• Any Cookie Cutter of your choice
• Marker
• Scissor
• Different colored sheets of felt
• Approx. 4ft of embroidery thread per ornament
• Embroidery Needle
• Ribbon
• Buttons and or Beads
• Fiberfill
• Sewing Tread and needle (for beads and buttons)

Instructions:

1. Trace a cookie cutter onto some felt and cut two identical pieces.
2. Sew on some buttons or beads and embroider tiny faces if desired.
3. Pin the two pieces together and begin blanket stitching all the way around starting on the left side of the waist front side facing up.
4. After stitching both legs and the right side near the the top, feed in an inch or two of festive ribbon doubled in a loop. Pass the embroidery needle and thread through all layers of felt and ribbon a few times to secure.
5. Keep blanket stitching until there are a few inches left.
6. Remove the pin and stuff some fiber fill into your gingerbread man or any other design and blanket stitch closed.
7. Secure all ends and cut any loose threads.
8. Step back and admire these cuties.
   

My kids love them so much. They've become a favorite with my family when I made them last year. You can make quite a few of them in an evening if you really sit down and get into a groove. I kept losing my needle only to find it in the couch again.. and again. If you have any questions I'll answer them in the comments.

Holiday's Are For Crafting...

I'm waiting for someone to tell me they can stop time. Two weeks till Christmas and there appears to be no end in sight. I have tons of shopping to do. We're not having Christmas dinner at our house this year but theres still a lot to prepare for. I wanted to make a whole bunch of ornaments to give as gifts this year but running short of time, it's not going to happen. I did manage to make several adorable felt gingerbread men but I haven't taken the camera out yet. Hopefully I can get some pictures before my mother grabs them for her tree.


How is everyones gifting going? Have you finished all of the holiday knitting and shopping you wanted to do this year? I'm sure I'm not the only one who leaves it to the last minute.

So Many Colors..

I've been meaning to post an update with the different colors that I used on the Christmas Cloths. I apologize if you were waiting for them. Our Internet connection has been rather unstable as of late and it's kept me from posting and answering emails all week. Everything is fixed now and I have some projects I'll blog about tomorrow and later this week.

I have one pattern designed, almost completely finished and test knitted. Hoping to get it out before the week is up. Its not a dishcloth, but still a super quick project and I'll be making quite a few more as gifts before the holidays are up.

Here are the colors that were used in the Christmas Cloths Set 1 & 2

Lily's "Sugar'n Cream Solid"

00015: Wine (Red)
00095: Red (Red)
00084: Sage Green (Green)
00016: Dark Pine (Green)
00001: White (White)
00003: Cream(Off White)
01130: Warm Brown(Brown)

Lion® Cotton Yarn

Clove
Article: #760-136
Dark burnt orange

Evergreen
Article: #760-180
Deep mossy green

Peaches & Creme Solids
Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Co.

Camel

3 Weeks Left...

The holiday's are full blown over here. I've decided to make handmade gifts for most of my family and friends and my list keeps growing. I can see why most people start everything earlier in the year for this reason. I'm not worried, but it's going to be close. There are also three different patterns in the works. One more cloth pattern set for this year, a free cloth pattern for 2009, and something entirely different that I'm in love with.

Our family took a trip up to Pennsylvania this weekend to spend time with friends. It was relaxing to get away from the house for a few days. I even had some time to teach my girlfriend (who's now hooked on addi-turbos) and a 9yr old girl how to knit. I'm so proud of you Kat! I can only hope that when my daughter is old enough she will be just as enthusiastic about knitting.


I'm teaching tomorrow and have to work out the lesson plan and print some guides for my students. Maybe we'll stop by the store later, I still have to pick up some different colors for the next set.


I took these shots on Thanksgiving. Ella is still in the stage of wanting to have her photograph taken. My son runs away at the very sight of the camera. But every now and then you can sneak one in when hes not looking. My silly boy and the magic of ice cream.

And The Winners Are...

Sorry it's a little late but I've been stuck in Thanksgiving weekend traffic for the better part of the evening. Just got in now and its 1am. Hope everyone had a happy and healthy holiday with family and friends.

Our winners are:

#10 Sue

# 40 Mari

Congratulations winners. Email me at krispatay4@yahoo.com with your details on where to send the patterns. Thank you to everyone for sharing what you are thankful for this year.