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.

Organic Cotton Bunnies...

I finished these little guys the other day to put in the kids baskets along with the toys and candy they're getting from the Easter Bunny. I've had to hide them in the meantime so they don't hop off somewhere. The whole house has been buzzing today while everyone is getting ready for tomorrow. We're cooking, cleaning, baking and getting ready to paint some Easter eggs. Oh, and I have to shop for Ella's shoes later because she's outgrown her dressy ones. Hopefully the stores will still be open by the time I'm able to get out.

Pattern: Bunny Nuggets
Yarn: Bernat Organic Cotton in White
Needles: US # 3, 3.25 mm

Here's the link to this project's Ravelry page!

For this particular pattern I followed the knitting instructions as written. The result was adorable, but I wanted the bunnies to be able to "stand". I took about 12 pennies and taped them together for a weight. Then I placed them on top of the stuffing before I seamed the bottoms closed. I added a pom pom, embroidered black eyes and swiss darned a pink nose. Now they are ready to play with each other tomorrow morning.



I should get back to cleaning now. I meant to post last night but we were all too exhausted by the time we got home from our friends house. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Easter tomorrow!

Mom Always Gives In..

We've been thinking about getting the kids a pet for awhile now. A dog would be a wonderful addition to the family. It's what we all want, but it's a bit too much at the moment. Especially If we're going to be moving soon.

Victor is infatuated with the movie Finding Nemo. I'm sure other Mothers can relate as well. He'll watch it every night before bed. With this in mind we stopped in the pet store on the way home from food shopping the other day. After five seconds in the store he asked, "Mommy, can I have a fish, please?" I couldn't say no. He got to pick out the one he wanted and we brought "Nemo" home. So far he's been a very responsible 2yr old, remembering to feed the fish everyday. He even helped me change the water this morning. It's truly amazing to watch my son becoming a boy before my very eyes.

Naptime...

It's rare that both my kids will voluntarily go down for naps at the same time. At 2 and 1 yrs of age they get sneaky and trick me into thinking they're both sleeping until I start some chores. Then one will run out of the room, make a mess and hang out for an hour. Then fall asleep as soon as the other is wide awake and tearing up the house. They are best friends (for now) though and I couldn't be happier about that.

My son has been playing with the baby chick cloth from the Easter set from the moment it came off my needles. I saw this adorable Drops pattern the other night on Ravelry and decided to make it for him to carry around. Instant happiness, he's named it "chicken ducks". It was a very quick easy pattern that I actually started and finished during naptime yesterday so I had to share this with you.

Pattern: Drops 0-548 Easter Chickens
Yarn: Lion Brand Baby Soft in White
Needles: US # 3 3.25; mm Crochet hook size F

Here's the link to this project's Ravelry page!

The only things I changed with the pattern were using kfb instead of the yo's for increases and using a felt beak instead of crocheting one with the suggested embroidery thread. I might make another to give as a gift for my friends daughter. I'm sure she would love to carry it around as well.

Easter Cloths...

I really had to focus this week to finish these new cloths. I've been so busy lately with the kids and housework that it's almost been impossible to find the time to knit, let alone design and write patterns. We're going through a Spring cleaning over here and I hope once I finish organizing my office next week I'll be able to figure out what I'm doing for the next few months. I hope I find all my lost needles as well!

Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid:

Cross - 00071: Grape (Purple)
Lamb - 00093: Soft Violet (Purple)
Egg 1 - 01215: Robin's Egg (Turquoise)
Egg 2 - 00042: Tea Rose (Orange)
Egg 3 - 01712: Hot Green (Green)
Bunny - 00046: Rose PInk (Pink)
Chick - 00010: Yellow (Yellow)
Basket of Eggs - 00082: Jute (Tan)

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 Easter Cloths are also available in my Pattern Store here as a Ravelry Download. There are 5 pages total and the download is sized at 4.5MB. 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.

Heres a link to the pattern page on Ravelry!

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 keep finding things around the house that I've finished but never shown anyone. I'm sure there will be lots of posts this month as I slowly go through everything. I still have tons of yarn in boxes from the move last April! Some other news, I'm about halfway done writing up the pattern for the spring bag that is currently on my needles. I cannot wait to be able to offer it to you. Hoping everyone is well!

Babies..Babies...

They're everywhere these days, how could you not smile. It seems like every week there's something to knit or sew for another baby shower or welcoming gift and I'm perfectly alright with this. Last week I had heard of another baby shower and started the hunt for something sweet and memorable for the new arrival and his family.


Browsing through Ravelry late one night as I normally do, I spotted a perfect tiny design and decided to jump on the "owl-bandwagon". After seeing all of the beautiful sweaters that were made from the Owls pattern by Kate Davies I wanted the finished look but an adult sweater was too much of a commitment last month.

Pattern: Owl Baby Vest by Jodi Haraldson
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Stone and Lake
Needles: US #5 3.75mm
Gauge: 22 stitches & 30 rows to 4"

Here's the project page on Ravelry!

I finished the vest in a day and it's already wrapped and ready to go for next week. I made a few changes to the pattern. I made a 0-3 month size by omitting one of the cabled owls in the pattern and going up one needle size. The finished circumference is 16" with a height of 9". I left out buttons for the eyes and embroidered them instead with the trim color.


I'm very happy with how this turned out and how fast it was knitting in the round for a newborn. Lately I've been attempting to use up most of my stash yarn that's been sitting for too long. I haven't used these colors for at least a year. It's a good thing I keep everything in ziploc bags.

On another note I should have everything finished for the Easter Cloths by Monday the latest. Thank you so much to everyone for all of your support. Art and design have always been my life and I feel so blessed to be able to share it with you.

Stash Update...

I finally took a trip with some great friends into Manhattan yesterday to Knitty City . The trip was long overdue but just what I needed to break up the work week. I needed to find the perfect color in Cascade 220 to knit up a bag that I'm in the middle of designing. I ended up falling in love with a beautiful shade of Baby Rose Heather #9442. I was quick to grab enough yardage and keep moving.


I kept passing by the Malabrigo yarns beside the register and ended up buying the first skein of laceweight I picked up. I wanted a delicate color that would suit something I have in mind for the summer. This one reminded me of a cremesicle. I believe the color is Kettle Dyed Solid # 72 Apricot. Honeslty, who isn't in love with this yarn?


Lastly I wanted to pick up enough yarn to work out a pattern for a lacey shrug I'm working on. I wanted a somewhat neutral color that would work over a pale camisole or dress. I decided on Koigu Premium Merino Semi Solids in a wonderful light shade of brown #1303 dye lot #34. I can't wait to give these my full attention.

This morning was back to normal with the kids as usual. Though I had lots of new yarn to play with at naptime, and I just couldnt help myself. Hopefully I'll have enough time this week to finish everything I have on my agenda. Now, I'm excited for some springtime knitting.

Taking A Break...

That title might be a little misleading though. We all need to take breaks from time to time to balance work and family. I however needed a break the other day from my regular knitting and pattern writing to just sit in front of the TV with my kids and work up a mindless garter bib for a friends baby. The outcome was too cute for words. I had found some mystery gray cotton/acrylic yarn at my Mother's last week and took it home instead of letting it sit for a for another year. I think it became something quite lovely.


I'ts a very simple and generic bib pattern. Using US size 6 needles I cast on 40 sts and knit in garter for about 6". Then bound off 30 sts and continued in garter for around 9-10" adding a yarn over button hole a few rows before I bound those stitches off. Sewed a Button in the correct place then traced and cut a felt whale and embroidered it on. Start to finish with the applique it took me under 2 hrs, but I tend to knit very fast when I'm distracted by television.


I'm really going to make it a point to start updating more often. So many projects make it off my needles before I ever get a chance to photograph and share them with you. I've been lacking a bit in the sleep department lately, but that happens when I try and do too much at once. It seems I never truly stop working. I'm sure any Mother will say that, and with love too.

Here's a link to this projects Ravelry page!

Spring Cloths

There's no denying that springtime is here. It's getting warmer by the day and the trees are starting to bud. So of course I had to design another cloth set. It was the perfect excuse to head out and buy some more beautiful cotton colors. I swear these look like candy.

I always tend to have a favorite design in each of the sets but I just can't pick one this time. From designing the charts to knitting up the finished cloths each one was perfect. I hope you will enjoy them just as much as I did.

I've been a busy bee myself these days. I have lots of patterns in the works at the moment. Between that and being a full time mom I'm a bit overwhelmed. But everyday gives me the creative outlet to have fun and enjoy every moment of parenting.

Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid:

Sun- 00073: Sunshine (Yellow)
Butterfly- 00093: Soft Violet (Purple)
Umbrella- 00083: Cornflower Blue (Blue)
Flowers- 00046: Rose PInk (Pink)

Lion Cotton Solid:
Tree- Avocado Article: #760-134

Peaches & Crème:
Bumble Bee- Camel #89

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 Sprin Cloths are also available in my Pattern Store here as a Ravelry Download. There are 4 pages total and the download is sized at 3.5MB. 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.

Heres a link to the pattern page on Ravelry!

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.

At the moment I'm currently working on Easter cloths and a spring bag design that is turning out beautifully. I can't want to finish the pattern. Hoping everyone is well and enjoying the "better" weather we've been having.

**I just love the ideas that some of you are having with these and posting on Ravelry and twitter. I think using a bigger needle lets say a US #6 or 7 and any worsted weight yarn that can be blocked would make a spectacular baby blanket. I might have to pick up some soft wool and try this myself. I know someone who's expecting this summer and it would be perfect!**

St. Patrick's Day Cloths...

I would've had these up much sooner if everyone in the house hadn't come down with the stomach flu one right after the other. Talk about a stressful week. Everyone is feeling better finally. I hear there's a few bugs going around. On another note I'm still having major issues with organization. My home office is a mess, (I'll show you one of these days) I can't seem to find a work routine that makes everyone happy. If I crack down and finish up the next design then I should have the spring cloths up sometime next week. I'm crossing my fingers.

The larger cloth is sized at 10"x10". It knit up beautifully and the shamrocks came out just how I wanted. I haven't done a regular sized dishcloth in awhile and decided it was about time. This one is perfect for my kitchen right now. Though I'm tempted to give it away as a gift.

The smaller cloths measure approximately 5½"x 5½". They're an extremely fast knit. Especially if your just looking for something to start while your watching a TV program and get a FO before it's over.


For the hanging loop on the larger cloth I did something a little different this time. When binding off the final row I left 3 remaining stitches and knitted an I-cord for 3". Then I binded them off and sewed the end of the cord to the underside of the cloth where the I-cord started. I loved the look of it and how sturdy it was. I'm going to use this as my loop method from now on.

- Large Shamrock Cloth -

Finished Measurements : Approx. 10"x 10"

Materials: 1 ball solid kitchen cotton yarn
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 :

Pattern:

With Size 3 needles,
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, p6, k1, p24, k1, p7, k4

row 12: k4, p7, k1, p22, k1, p8, k4
row 14: k4, p8, k1, p15, k2, p3, k1, p3, k2, p4, k4
row 16: k4, p4, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p10, k4, p2, k1, p2, k4, p3, k4
row 18: k4, p3, k4, p1, k1, p1, k4, p8, k6, p1, k1, p1, k6, p2, k4
row 20: k4, p4, k4, p1, k4, p11, k5, p1, k5, p4, k4,

row 22: k4, p3, k11, p8, k15, p2, k4
row 24: k4, p4, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p9, k6, p1, k1, p1, k6, p2, k4
row 26: k4, p6, k5, p12, k3, p2, k3, p2, k3, p3, k4
row 28: k4, p5, k7, p14, k7, p6, k4
row 30: k4, p5, k7, p4, k2, p7, k9, p5, k4

row 32: k4, p6, k2, p1, k2, p4, k2, p8, k9, p5, k4
row 34: k4, p14, k2, p10, k3, p1, k3, p6, k4
row 36: k4, p13, k2, p12, k2, p1, k2, p7, k4
row 38: k4, p5, k2, p6, k1, p5, k2, p18, k4
row 40: k4, p4, k4, p4, k2, p4, k4, p17, k4

row 42: k4, p3, k6, p3, k2, p3, k6, p16, k4
row 44: k4, p3, k7, p2, k2, p2, k7, p6, k1, p9, k4
row 46: k4, p4, k7, p1, k2, p1, k7, p8, k1, p8, k4
row 48: k4, p5, k16, p10, k1, p7, k4
row 50: k4, p4, k18, p5, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p3, k4

row 52: k4, p3, k7, p2, k2, p2, k7, p3, k4, p1, k1, p1, k4, p2, k4
row 54: k4, p3, k6, p2, k4, p2, k6, p4, k4, p1, k4, p3, k4
row 56: k4, p4, k4, p2, k6, p2, k4, p4, k11, p2, k4
row 58: k4, p5, k2, p2, k8, p2, k2, p5, k4, p1, k1, p1, k4, p2, k4
row 60: k4, p8, k10, p9, k2, p1, k3, p1, k2, p3, k4

row 62: k4, p7, k12, p10, k5, p5, k4
row 64: k4, p7, k12, p9, k7, p4, k4
row 66: k4, p8, k4, p2, k4, p10, k7, p4, k4
row 68: k4, p9, k2, p4, k2, p12, k2, p1, k2, p5, 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

- Small Shamrock Cloth -

Finished Measurements : Approx. 5½"x5½"

Materials: 1 ball solid kitchen cotton yarn
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 :


Pattern:

With Size 3 needles,
co 29s

row 1: (an all odd numbered rows) k
row 2: k
row 4: k
row 6: k13, p3, k13
row 8: k10, p9, k10
row 10: k8, p13, k8

row 12: k7, p4, k2, p9, k7
row 14: k6, p6, k2, p9, k6
row 16: k5, p8, k2, p9, k5
row 18: k5, p2, k3, p4, k1, p4, k3, p2, k5
row 20: k4, p2, k5, p3, k1, p3, k5, p2, k4

row 22: k4, p2, k6, p2, k1, p2, k6, p2, k4
row 24: k3, p4, k6, p1, k1, p1, k6, p4, k3
row 26: k3, p5, k6, p1, k6, p5, k3
row 28: k3, p4, k15, p4, k3
row 30: k3, p3, k6, p2, k1, p2, k6, p3, k3

row 32: k3, p3, k5, p2, k3, p2, k5, p3, k3
row 34: k3, p4, k3, p2, k5, p2, k3, p4, k3
row 36: k4, p7, k7, p7, k4
row 38: k4, p6, k9, p6, k4
row 40: k5, p5, k9, p5, k5

row 42: k5, p5, k9, p5, k5
row 44: k6, p4, k4, p1, k4, p4, k6
row 46: k7, p4, k2, p3, k2, p4, k7
row 48: k8, p13, k8
row 50: k10, p9, k10

row 52: k13, p3, k13
row 54: k
row 56: k

row 57: Bind Off


Weave in ends.

Block and lay flat to dry

Yarn Colors:

Sugar'n Cream Solid
00084: Sage Green (Green)

Bernat Organic Natural Cotton
(knitted slightly looser)
Cactus

Lion Cotton Solid
Avocado
Article: #760-134

If you have any questions leave a comment or write me an email at KrisPatay4@yahoo.com and I will try and help you as best I can. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Heres a link to the cloths Ravelry Page.

Mondays Are Long Days.

Everything is back to the normal routine around here. The holidays that kept friends and family from work or school are gone and It's just me with the kids again. I don't mind spending the time with my children, in fact I cherish it and I'm thankful that I can be here to watch them grow everyday. Though after a fun filled week with lots of friends and late bedtimes Monday did sneak up on me. I'm swimming in laundry, cleaning, toys and work and it's going to take me all week to catch up.


Right now I'm working on two free St. Patrick's Day cloths for everyone. I designed a larger cloth and a matching smaller scrubber as well. Hopefully I'll have everything up in a day or two so there will be plenty of time to make them for March 17th.


I took some time to myself last week to knit a few things for baby showers that keep popping up. My Mom's boss and a friend's cousin are both having baby boys next month and as soon as I take the pictures out of my camera I'll post them up.


Spring has been calling to me, even though the temperatures haven't. We've been stuck in this house for too long. I don't have the car during the day so if we need to get out for something it takes about half an hour just to locate everything to bundle up and walk out the door. Hopefully March won't bring too much snow, I'm ready for June.

I'll leave you with Ella's "I didn't do it." face. This little baby cracks me up to no end. Hopefully she'll leave you all with a smile as well.

Citrus...

It feels so great to finally get these mittens out. I was hoping for a January pattern release but with the kids and other family issues it just wasn't possible. I've been working on the pattern for these since the end of December and I'm so pleased with how they turned out. It's truly amazing to have an idea and then make it come full circle as a finished wearable accessory. I'm in love with stranded colorwork at the moment so these were a lot of fun to knit up.

If you've never tried any standed colorwork or traditional fair isle knitting before, there is a great video you might want to check out here. I use the traditional two-handed fair isle technique and knitted these mittens on two circular needles.

I knitted a size small to fit my hands

These mittens will be an ultra warm treat for anyone as the finished fabric is thicker than knitting with one yarn. They also have a traditional double thickness internal cuff.
Great for intermediate and advanced beginner knitters as the charts and instructions are easy to follow. Knitted in the round, using DPN’s or circular needles. Sizing is achieved by changing needle size and gauge.

Sizes
Women’s Small (Medium)
For additional length or width change the needle size. Knit Picks’ Palette yarn is on the lighter side of fingering weight. For a larger mitten go up a needle one size or use a lightly thicker fingering weight yarn. For a smaller mitten use a smaller needle. As with any pattern be sure to check your gauge first!

Finished Measurements for Small
After Blocking, Palm Circumference: 8"
Length: 8½" From bottom of cuff to top of mitten

Materials
Set of 4 or 5, 2.5 mm/US 1 double pointed needles (2.75/US 2 for larger mitten) or a 32" or longer circular needle, or two circular needles.
Knit Picks Palette:

1 ball (MC) or approx. 200 yds of fingering weight yarn for main color
1 ball (CC) or approx. 100 yds of fingering weight yarn for contrast color

Two stitch markers
Waste yarn in fingering weight
Tapestry needle

Gauge
40 sts and 48 rnds = 4" in chart pattern after blocking
10 sts and 12 rnds = 1" in chart pattern after blocking

This pattern is available as a PDF download and priced at $5.50. You can purchase this pattern if you are a Ravelry member by clicking the "Buy Now" button below. The Citrus mittens are also available in my Pattern Store here as a Ravelry Download. There are 6 pages total and the download is sized at 4.8MB. 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.

Here is a link to this pattern's Ravelry page. I might be knitting a few more pairs, some friends have hinted they would love a "cremesicle" or "pink lemonade" version of these.