Two weeks ago my wee girl turned 4.  FOUR!  When people say time flies they sure are telling the truth!  We unfortunately had to celebrate the day in the midst of a bout of H1N1, which was no fun.  We had to cancel the butterfly party, but we were still able to have some cake, which is the best part anyway, right?

She was thrilled to have a colorful butterfly cake and loved her presents.  I made her a birthday sweater (of course), which fits her great.  She wanted socks, too, to keep her feet toasty.  That’s my girl!  We also got her a game called Rapelli, which is really cute and fun.

Project specs: Seed-stitch Cardigan from Lion Brand. I used Plymouth Encore worsted and added the wee owl after.  I asked several times what colors she wanted and the pink/brown combo won each time.  She sure knows what she likes!  I shortened the sweater by about 2 inches and it works great.  The socks are also Lion Brand.

To my girl:  Another year has gone and you are turning into such a great kid!  Not that you weren’t before, but it’s amazing to me to see you blossom and come out of your shell.  You have started preschool and that has really helped you to be your own person- not so controlling or feeling like you need to hold back.  Your language and sounds have improved greatly and you are so sweet to your brother and sister- most of the time!  We still have our moments of independence, but you wouldn’t be you if you didn’t try to do things your own way!  Though you are still a peanut, you’ve become such a big kid and are so full of kisses and love.  Thank you for always being my sweet middle child.  I love you!

Just wanted to let you know that I have opened an Etsy shop.  You can find it at this link or by typing:

weesheep.etsy.com

Come visit and see what’s new!

Well, Halloween has come and gone!  We had a fun night- the kids trick or treated at a few houses and then went off to their aunt’s to have some “ghoulish” (otherwise known as goulash), eyeball soup and fun.  We had a game night at our house with a few friends.  Two of the three kids are now sickish- fevers, coughs, general touchiness, but they were SO CUTE in their costumes!

I also finished K’s birthday sweater yesterday- I’ll have specs and pix soon.  Happy November everyone!

My little man turned two a few weeks ago.  Such a sweet kid.  He needed nothing more than his happy cookie and a tractor.  He also got a really cute page boy hat, which he wears EVERYWHERE!  We just had a small, family party for him on his day and spent some time at a local pumpkin farm to celebrate on Columbus Day.  We topped it all off with cake and more happy cookies.  What more could he ask for?

I was a bit late with his birthday sweater.  It was ready on his birthday, but the neck was a too small to fit over his head and that just won’t fly!  So I had to rip it out and make a stretchier version.  No problem.  It fits great and is just so cute!

Project Specs:  V-neck Vest from Debbie Bliss’ Essential Knits for Kids.  There are some CUTE patterns in this book!  I used Rowan Kids Wash Day Wool (picked up on sale in Ithaca last summer).  I used a bit more than 2 skeins.  Quick and easy.  I did have to go up a few needle sizes to get gauge, even though the yarn seems pretty similar to cashmerino.

A note to my boy:  Little man- I am so glad to have you around.  You are my jokester- my funny boy.  You are FEARLESS and LOUD and BUSY!  But all those things are just a part of you.  You are so thrilled with little things, and although you really like to get your way, you are sweet and loving and happy.  You are talking so much, commenting on stuff constantly.  I can not believe two years have gone by.  You’re such a big kid already.  I so easily forget the trials and just look at your smile, your curious eyes, your desire to learn and love it all.  Happy Birthday!

Another free pattern from The Wee Sheep!

This pattern was created entirely as an experiment.  I saw a technique (knitting on the diagonal), knew my kids could always use quick and easy layers and I was off!  This pattern is completely customizable.  All dimensions are based on the wearer’s body measurements.  It is easy, straight- forward, adjustable to multiple sizes and makes a cute finished product! Personalize it, be creative, have some fun!

Materials

Yardage required will vary depending on the size vest you are making.  You can determine how much you might need using the wraps-per-inch method found at Wool Festival.  You could also make a 1×1 inch garter stitch swatch, unravel and measure your yardage. Then multiply that yardage by your total number of inches in the longest side of each piece. Of course, it is always best to buy more than you think you might need and return any unused skeins.   I used two skeins of Sensations Bellezza Dolcetto in peach, which has been discontinued.  However, any bulky yarn will work.  Be aware that striped or varigated yarn will produce a very different looking product.  Buy enough to match stripes or color patterns as desired!

Size US9 (5.5mm) straight needles

Size US5 (3.75 mm) DPN’s

Tapestry needle

Stitch markers if desired

Tape measure

Button

Sizes

My sweater is a child size 2T.  It measures 14 inches wide x 15 inches long with an armhole depth of 5 inches.  Determine the size you desire by measuring the length, width and arm hole depth of a favorite sweater or by using general clothing size dimensions.

Tension/Gauge

20 sts per 4 in/10 cm over garter stitch on the diagonal.

Abbreviations

CO- cast on

k- knit

k2tog- knit two stitches together

sts- stitches

m1- make 1

dc- decrease

BO-bind off

To make I-cord:  CO 3 sts using size 5 DPNs.  K 1 row. Without turning the needle, slide sts to the opposite end of the needle.  K the next row using the working yarn brought from the bottom st.  Repeat until you have reached your desired cord length.   BO by k2tog twice, sliding sts to the opposite end.  K2tog.  Cut yarn and pull through the last st.

Back

Determine your desired measurements for length and width of the back.  This is most easily determined by measuring a well-fitting sweater belonging to the intended wearer.  You want to have a few inches of positive ease as this is an outside layer.

CO 3 sts using long tail cast on.  Turn.

Row 2: K1, m1, k1, m1, k1.

Row 3 and all subsequent rows: K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1.

Repeat until  your edges measure your desired width (mine measured 14 inches).

If your back will be a square, begin dc 1 st each side as follows: ki, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

If your back will be a rectangle, begin dc 1 st on one edge only as follows until you piece measures your desired length:

k1, k2tog, k to end

k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1

When you reach your desired length, begin dc on each edge as written for square. Continue dc pattern until you have 3 sts on your needle.  BO.

Fronts

Make 2  pieces, one should be 1 inch wider than the other for overlap at the front closure (mine measure 7×15 and 6×15 inches).

CO and knit as written for back.

Finishing

Sew shoulder seams and side seams using mattress stitch.  Sew side seams leaving room for armholes (mine measure 5 inches).

Make 4-6 inch long I-cord (mine is 4 inches) over 3 sts using size 5 DPN’s and attach inside the smaller front in desired location for closure (mine is about half way between top and bottom).  Sew button on larger front (mine is sewed 2 inches in from the center edge).

Tack down lapels if desired.

Block and enjoy!  If you find errors, please let me know!

**This is a free pattern.  You may use it for al the non-commercial purposes you like.  You may not reproduce this pattern to sell, and you may not sell what you make with it.

The kids and I have been tossing around ideas for Halloween costumes.  We’ve thought about being shapes, colors, fairies, witches, pirates, etc.  In the car today, K was brainstorming some other ideas.  Her list?  A clown, a butterfly, a ladybug (pink, of course), and a cement mixer made of yarn.  Don’t ask me about that last one.

A wrap up of some long overdue projects:

Hubby Approved Neck Warmer byDanielle Landes

Project Specs:  Made from my own handspun!  The wool is a blend of Shetland and Merino.  The Shetland is from a local farm while the merino was bought from a vendor at a local festival.  I navajo plied it- my first try at a 3-ply- and it turned out more camo than stripey.  I really liked the look of the yarn on the skein and Nate is happy with the result.  The green matches his coat perfectly!  The button is also handmade by a man out of Waterford, PA.  I used size 5 needles for a pretty quick knit!

Plain Ol’ Socks

Project Specs:  The prototype for my own pattern!  I loved the Sensations Socks & More, although I think it was a bit pricey for a big box store yarn.  The colors were fun and it was an easy knit.  I used size 2 DPN’s as always.

Playful Stripes Cardigan by Alana Dakos

Project Specs:  I typically don’t buy patterns.  I either get books with many that I like or I search for something free.  This designer is wonderful.  I want to buy all her patterns and will definitely be making this sweater again.  I used Plymouth Encore DK- my favorite yarn for kidswear.  Great price, great wear, washability.  What else is needed!  My color choices are different from the original.  My girl wanted pink, so we used three pinks (light, rose and bright) along with a khaki green and navy blue for accents.  Needles were right from the pattern.  Well written and well loved!

Shalom by Meghan McFarlane

I didn’t talk about my owls sweater, which was started, ripped, started again and pronounce too small.  I love that sweater- so cute- but the shaping just did not work on my figure.  So, I re-used the ripped yarn to make a real favorite.

Project Specs: I followed the modifications found in the projects on ravelry along with measurements from one of my other yoke sweaters.  If the yarn (Plymouth Encore Chunky) were not so forgiving I might have had to be more careful, but it eases well and is very cozy.  I did not decrease for the waist and used three buttons.

The Two Summer Sundress by Natalie Larson

Project Specs:  Quick, easy, fun.  I used kitchen cotton for the tops and a half-yard of quilting fabric for the skirts.  The girls LOVE them.  My only issue is that I should have reinforced the straps as suggested.  They are stretching. Although that might make the dresses last through three summers…  Needles and sewing instructions are straight from the pattern.

Works in progress:  Entomology (I won the yarn and beads for this one in a drawing!  It’s lovely!), Every Way Wrap, Clapotis, Ribbons and Lace Cardi, and Dunegrass Socks.  I think I have my plate full…

Another free pattern from The Wee Sheep!

I’ve made many a pair of socks, carrying patterns around with me, which can be a process when you only have the chance to whip off a row or two at a time.  I finally decided to be brave and crate my own basic sock pattern so that I wouldn’t have to cart around an extra piece of paper.  I hope you find this pattern easy to memorize, so you can quickly and easily make some simple, plain ol’ socks to enjoy!

Materials

I used two skeins of Sensations Socks & More (2.12 oz/60 gms, 262 yeards/240 meters) in colorway #1138.  Any sock yarn will work, however, so pick your favorite!

Set of four US 2 (2.75mm) double pointed or circular needles.  The pattern is written for DPN’s.

Tapestry needle

Stitch marker if desired

Sizes

My socks fit a mens US size 10.5 (9 inch foot).  You can size it up or down as needed.

Tension/Gauge

32 sts per 4 in/10 cm.  Row gauge is not needed as length is variable.

Abbreviations

CO- cast on

k- knit

p-purl

k2tog- knit two stitches together

p2tog- purl two stitches together

ssk- slip two stitches knitwise and knit together

sts- stitches

Leg

CO 72 sts using long tail cast on.  Join for working in the round, evenly spacing sts acrross 3 DPN’s and placing st marker at the end of the row if deisred.  Work in k2, p2 rib for 1 inch. On next row knit all sts.  Continue knitting until leg is desired length (my leg length is approximately 9 inches).

Short-row Heel (Please refer to The Knitter’s Compainion by Vicki Square for more details)

Short-row Decrease

Move sts on needles until you have 36 sts on one needle (N1) and 18 sts on each of the other two needles (N2, N3).  Working only with N1, k 35 sts.  Bring yarn to front, slip next st, bring yarn to back and turn work.  One wrapped st.

Slip first st and p 34 sts.  Bring yarn to back, slip next st, bring yarn to front and turn.  One wrapped st on each end of N1.

Slip first st, k until one st before wrap.  Bring yarn to front, slip st, bring yarn to back, turn.

Slip wrapped st, p until one st before wrap.  Bring yarn to back, slip st, bring yarn to front, turn.

Repeat last two rows until 12 unwrapped sts remain on N1.  Turn.

Short-row Increase

On next row, k to first wrapped st.  Insert needle under wrap knitwise and k2tog.  Turn.

P to first wrapped st.  Lift back of wrap onto needle and p2tog.  Turn.

Repeat last two rows until all wraps have been re-incorporated into knitting.

Foot

Begin to k all sts on N1, 2 and 3 in the round.  You should continue to have 36 sts on N1, and 18 sts on N2 and 3.  K in the round until two inches less than your desired foot length (I stopped at approximatley 7 inches).

Toe

N1: k1, k2tog, k across to last 3 sts, ssk, k1

N2: k1, k2tog, k across

N3: k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1

Next round k all sts.

Repeat these two rounds until you have 12 sats on N1 and 6 sts on N2 and 3.

Finishing

Move N3 sts onto N2.  Cut a long tail and graft toe using kitchener stitch.  Weave ends. Repeat for second sock.

Block and enjoy!  If you find errors, please let me know!

**This is a free pattern.  You may use it for al the non-commercial purposes you like.  You may not reproduce this pattern to sell, and you may not sell what you make with it.

Two of my kids are in school now. Well, one is still in PRE-school, but it is away from me none-the-less. M is in full day Kindergarten, which has been a huge change for us. She just loves it, and is excelling already, but it is hard for me to give up that control and know that other people are spending more time with her each day than I am. Crazy. And little Miss K is going three mornings a week. It’s the same program we used last year. The teachers are very caring and it’s a good Christian based program. She’s already having fun, although she’s the oldest in her class. Fall birthdays are tricky- you’re either the youngest or the oldest. Not sure which is better, but we’ll see how it goes. I’ll leave you with their day one pix. My lovely babies. Growing up.

M at preschool graduation.  The hats are upside down bowls with carboard on top…

MOPS “float” in the Memorial Day parade.

How to fit 4 people into the cab of a tractor.

Vacation in Sandbridge Beach.  Nice family shot.

Family picnics at the camp.  Home made bubbles were a real hit!  It’s not been a real warm summer…

Ladybug, lion/lamb and peek-a-boo!

We’ve had a fun, but odd summer.  Seems like the traditional “stuff” wasn’t in the cards for us this year.  We didn’t camp or have many camp fires.  We missed a couple of local festivals and my HS reunion, but I did get a great showing in the Warren County Fair!  I spent a wonderful weekend in Ithaca with my Mom- the town has redeemed itself for me!  We’ve started playing music for church again.  What fun it has been to get up there and worship!  It has rained a TON- major flooding ensued, but luckily we’ve been dry at our house.  I finished my class on exceptional children (got an A!) and learned that I may have to work for an IEP for my potentially gifted children.  I also found several mistakes in our text book.  We’ve cleaned and re-arranged 5 rooms in our house.  The house is feeling much more of a home now!  And we’ve spent many a lazy afternoon visiting with friends and planning fun fall ideas.  Kindergarten starts next week and preschool the week after.  My life will never be the same.  I’m hoping I can remember this odd summer as we go on.