Nothing makes the chill of winter
(and snow shoveling marathons and 100 mph wind bursts) more satisfying than staying in, knitting in a sunny window for folks you love.
It helps to have babies to knit for,
and upcoming birthdays or baby showers. So here’s what I’ve been
up to for the frigid months of winter.
First up, eggplant for a toddler. I designed this and the following strawberry hat ten years ago when some strange irresistible force insisted I design children’s clothes.
I have no children. Perhaps this was my hands-on way
of coming to terms with that.
Although many call this hat a plum, I know it is the sturdy
reliable eggplant. With four whopping leaves on top.
Quite suitable for boys.
Luke loves his hat!
I love this shot his granny took near her garden!
Next up, the strawberry toque.
Next up, the strawberry toque.
This hat is so much fun to knit, as the seed stitch takes a bit more concentration than good old stocking stitch. And once you’re done, you get to fiddle with those tiny leaves.
You start with a twisted stem, and then knit five of the strands
into individual pointed leaves.
When sewing the leaves down, make sure to let one or two
of the leaf tips curl up (sew leaf to hat three rows in from the
loose tail end).
This lends realism to the berry.
The toque is the perfect Christmas gift . . .
and it certainly made Violet happy!
Two things inspired the next knitting romp: a spring delivery date and knowing that my friends had just painted their new nursery room in two smashing tones of lilac purple. Which led me to this adorable sweater on Ravelry.
If you knit, and haven’t found Ravelry online, prepare to squander an entire afternoon! Their listing
of patterns and yarns is delicious. I fell for this one-piece “Baby Kina” sweater because it truly
flatters a baby’s form.
And look how cute it is in tangerine orange!
of patterns and yarns is delicious. I fell for this one-piece “Baby Kina” sweater because it truly
flatters a baby’s form.
And look how cute it is in tangerine orange!
The $5 pattern is from a French company, so if you don’t speak French, ask a high school French student to help you place your order.
Here is my version, with buttons and rayon bamboo yarn purchased from Jo-Ann Fabrics. The yarn
is Caron's SPA "Silky Soft Bamboo Blend" and it's truly silky smooth. Any non-scratchy yarn that gets 22 stitches to the inch will work well for this sweater. The buttons put me over the moon!
Here is my version, with buttons and rayon bamboo yarn purchased from Jo-Ann Fabrics. The yarn
is Caron's SPA "Silky Soft Bamboo Blend" and it's truly silky smooth. Any non-scratchy yarn that gets 22 stitches to the inch will work well for this sweater. The buttons put me over the moon!
I just finished sewing on the opalescent buttons today, and wrapped it up for delivery.
The new parents also get the “New Crockery Cookbook” and basket of the special ingredients required for crockpot cookery—one gift for the baby, and one for the soon-to-be-sleep-and-food-deprived parents.
Off to the grocery store for hot sauce, tapioca and Andouille sausage!
P.S. If you buy this cookbook, try pairing the Sweet Potato and Andouille Sausage Stew with orange date bread—ah, more winter goodness!
P.S. If you buy this cookbook, try pairing the Sweet Potato and Andouille Sausage Stew with orange date bread—ah, more winter goodness!
