Who Knew?

Hi Knitters,
Well, that was fun! I really had no idea, honestly. I pictured getting maybe 30 comments or so. I have never had enormous numbers of comments so I hadn't a clue that so many would come in. What a nice surprise. Thank you and thank you so much for the kindness in your comments. That sure makes a knitting girl feel good!

Since there was such a large number of entries I couldn't see printing out the comments and putting them in a hat (too much ink and paper wasted), so instead I added in the 15 emailed entries (you really were included) to the total number of comments left on the blog. Also, I posted a few comments that came in after the deadline but I didn't include those in the drawing. Rules are rules. We had the computer take the total number of comments and generate a random number and then we counted out on the blog to find the comment that matched the number. Phew!

On to the contest, here are the items that will be packaged up and sent out in a timely fashion. The package includes the knitted appletini elefante, of course, a signed copy of the elefante pattern (the one that sat on my lap as I knitted this sock yarn elefante), an autographed copy of my book, an Itty-Bitty Nursery tape measure, a sheep stitch marker and two skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock yarn dyed in exclusive colors for Purl and purchased at Purl. I adore this yarn. I thought the pink and blue skinny stripes would make the most perfect pair of elefantes.
And the winner is....

Caryn said...

Thank you for your creativity. I have made many of your hats for my son to wear and love the comments I get when he has a new one on. I also have your Itty Bitty Nursery book and just make the fruit look bag - very cute! Looking forward to having another child some day to make the blanket, bunny, and sweater set!

April 10, 2008

Yay, Caryn! I hope you enjoy your package and thanks for entering the giveaway. Send me an email (see sidebar) with your mailing address and I will send off your gift straight away. I read you already have a copy of itty-bitty nursery but I thought I would send one anyway. Do with it what you'd like! I can't wait to find out where you are from.

Thanks again, sweet knitters, for entering and leaving me love notes. It really was a fun week. Have a beautiful rest of the weekend.
best, susie

Elefante Giveaway!

Hi Knitters,
I have been wanting to knit an elefante in left over sock yarn for quite some time now. Yesterday I pulled out my remaining yarntini in the appletini color way and plunged right in. I used US size 3 dpns and it turned out as cute as a button. What a great way to use up the sock yarn remnants sitting in your stash. You should try this, it works like a charm.

This pattern has been such fun to watch. I wrote it up about one year ago and it has taken on a life of its own. As of today there are 231 finished elefantes posted on ravelry and 1185 in people's queues. Elefante is #14 in popular toy patterns on ravelry as well. I love that. Every day this pattern gets tons of hits on my blog and that makes me so happy.

In honor of this stripey friend and the joy this blog brings me, I am having my first giveaway!

Here's what you have to do to win my appletini elefante, knitted by me with love:

Leave a comment on this post, you don't have to say much, even a simple hello is fine. I will accept comments for this contest through Friday, April 11, 12:00pm central time.

On Saturday, April 12th, I will have one of my kids randomly draw (I will take pictures of the process and post them) the winner. I will post the winner by the name left on the comment that same day! The winner will then need to email me with a mailing address (kept private) so I can send elefante to its new home. I can't wait.

**I will include a couple more surprises (having to do with knitting, of course) in the package. They are good surprises having to do with some of my favorite things!**

From my hands and needles to your home this sweet elefante will fly!

I want to sincerely thank you, dear Knitters, for your knitterly support over this past year and a half. I love this blog. It has become a home to me and hopefully to you, too.

Cheers!

best, susie

Itty-Bitty Nursery Corrections

Hi Knitters,

There has been a reprinting of Itty-Bitty Nursery so all of the errata listed below is only for the first printing of the book. All of the corrections on this post were made for the second printing of the book which was in 2010.

Here are the corrections for Itty-Bitty Nursery first printing only:

Squares and Rectangles Cardigan
pg. 12
Sleeves schematic should read (to match the text):
Length: 5 (5 1/2, 6) inches

Circles and Stripes Stroller Blanket
p. 26
yarn
2 skeins each in Nut #82 and Bone #80 and 4 skeins in Sand #81

Circles Stroller Jacket
p. 28
Back:
Knit 4 rows.

p. 30
Sleeves:
Eliminate Row 5
Repeat rows 1 through 4 another 3 (4, 5) times...

Work the following 2 rows 3 (1, 0) times:
Row 1: k1, ssk, knit to the last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1.
Row 2: purl
26 (30, 32) stitches remain.

Work straight until.......

p. 31
Hood Edging:
Sew the completed garter edging to the edge of the hood with a yarn needle and yarn with whip stitch.

Flower Cardigan

p. 40

Sleeves:

Work the decrease row every other knit row 1 (4, 5) times. 30 (34, 38) stitches remain.

Baby's Texture Blanket
p. 46
Grape Smocking Square:
Smocking Stitch:
Row 3: *k3 (with the yarn in the front, slip 3 stitches purlwise, pass the yarn to the back going in front of the slipped stitches, slip the same 3 stitches back to the left needle pass the yarn behind the slipped stitches and back to the front) repeat 2 more times, with the yarn in the front, slip 3 stitches to the right needle, pass the yarn to the back going in front of the slipped stitches.* Repeat from * to * to the end of the row.
Row 7: *(with the yarn in the front, slip 3 stitches purlwise, pass the yarn to the back going in front of the slipped stitches, slip the same 3 stitches back to the left needle pass the yarn behind the slipped stitches and back to the front) repeat 2 more times, with the yarn in the front, slip 3 stitches to the right needle, pass the yarn to the back going in front of the slipped stitches, k3* Repeat from * to * to the end of the row.
Row 8: Purl
Repeat rows 1-8 until the piece measures 6 inches.

White Square with Rings:
Yarnover row: k5, (yo, k2tog, k3) repeat to the last 5 stitches, k5.

Knotted Cardigan
p. 63
Neck Shaping (left front)
Row 1: Bind off 4 stitches, purl to the end.

p. 64
Sleeves:
Work evenly in stockinette stitch until the sleeve measures 6 inches from the beginning...

Garden Mice Mobile
p. 75
Ears:
Row 7: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 stitches remain.

Clothesline

pg. 86

Turtleneck Sweater

Body:

Next row (neck opening): k6, bind off 12 stitches. 6 stitches remain. Knit to the end of the row.

Elephant

p. 101

After rounds 19-28:

Stuff the trunk with fiberfill.

Cupcake Mittens
p. 114
Needle 3: 8 (9, 8)

p. 115
Decrease Rounds
Round 1: Knit any remaining stitches.
Round 4: Knit any remaining stitches.

Creamer
p. 127
Increase Rounds
Round 10:
Needle 3: 8 stitches

Teapot
p. 129
Body
Next round: On each needle: k1, kfb, k3, kfb, k3, kfb, k1. 14 stitches per needle. 56 stitches total.

Dotted Chickens
p. 131
Body
Increase Round: k1, kfb, k2, kfb, k2, kfb, k3 (14 stitches on each of 4 needles/56 stitches total)

Three Pigs and a Wolf

Add 1 skein of Rowan Handknit Cotton in Black
p. 138
Hut of Sticks:
Back: Cast on 30 stitches.

Hope that helps.
best, susie

Video Answers & Knitting a Cup on Your Hat

Hi Knitters,
I sat down tonight during a quiet moment to answer some more questions in a video. I hope you enjoy these. I refer to the hat above during the video. Here is the cup pattern for the top of the hat:

I used Blue Sky Alpacas organic cotton in the natural color way and knit on US size 7 needles at a gauge of 5 stitches per inch. I started the hat in a k2, p2 rib for one inch and continued on in stockinette stitch for the rest of the hat. Knit all the way through the top of the hat decreases of the "simple baby cap" to the end (in Itty-Bitty Hats). I made the size where you cast on 72 stitches so I ended up with 9 stitches (3 stitches per needle on 3 dpns).
Next round: On each needle knit in the front and back of each stitch. (6 stitches per needle and 18 stitches total are on the needles.)
Knit every stitch for the next 3 rounds. Bind off.

That's it, super easy! The 18 stitches for the cup seemed to fit that 2cm ball like a glove. If you make a different size hat and end up with a different amount of stitches I suggest you increase the remaining stitches to 18 stitches to fit the ball. The felted balls I ordered from here. Good luck and let me see the hats you make.

One quick note about the Itty-Bitty Nursery Trunk Show Tour, if you are interested in having these knitted samples in your shop you have until April 15th to get the forms in or to contact Jaime to get signed up. You can email me too and I will pass on the information to Jaime. Make sure to jump in!

Here's the video answers to questions. Hope you enjoy.
The video is now working!
best, susie

Question #4

Hi Knitters,
Today I am answering another question. This is a question I get all of the time not just over the past couple of weeks. I have also received this question on ravelry several times. So without further ado here it goes.

Question #4: What sock pattern do you use for the ribbed socks?
Answer: I have no idea exactly what pattern I used for learning to knit socks and when exactly I started ribbing them. This pattern is everywhere you look. It is a basic sock pattern and I am telling you it is in almost every sock book available. I have no clue who originally wrote this pattern or where it came from. It is just a basic sock pattern with a k3, p1 thrown in. I memorized this sock pattern so many years ago that it has become my go-to project every single time. It is permanently stuck in my brain. I suggest you memorize your favorite sock pattern so you just know exactly what to do when you are knitting on the go.

I love this pattern and when I knit a different sock pattern I am often disappointed and I wish I would have stuck to my old ribbed socks. It is fun to knit and the rib makes the socks fit your feet and ankle just right. I have recently mentioned how I have a dresser drawer filled with these ribbed hand knit socks. Can't seem to get enough.
I started searching through my books to see if I could find a pattern that would match the one that is sitting in my head. I actually found the exact pattern right down to the extra stitch I like to pick up on the gusset set up to help get rid of those nasty holes.
It is in a wonderful book by Ann Budd and I know I have mentioned it before. I suggest every sock knitter have this fantastic resource, Getting Started Knitting Socks. I found the pattern I use on page 76. The pattern is for the Fibonacci Stripes Socks. You can use this pattern for self-striping, variegated or solid colors of sock yarn.
Also you can use any fingering weight yarn to knit the socks I make. I always knit on a set of 4 US size 2 dpns and I always cast on 64 stitches. It seems to work for me with all of the yarns I have used and that's a pretty long list. I make the cuff 5-6 inches long before I start the heel flap. The needles I use are 6 inches long so many times I use this as my measurement while I am knitting the cuff. I am sure all of this isn't perfect but I'm sticking to it. The Fibonacci Stripes Socks will give you this exact ribbed pattern (k3, p1) that I have used for all of these socks for all of these years, just ignore the stripe pattern or not.
Another place I have found this pattern is in Charlene Schurch's, Sensational Knitted Socks, which is another great resource for sock knitters. And after starting a new pair of ribbed socks a couple of nights ago I found the same basic pattern for free on backside of the label of the Jitterbug sock yarn I am using. If you buy some Colinette Jitterbug you will get that pattern with the yarn.

The same cast on 64 stitches right through to the toe, you can add in the k3, p1 rib or you can always do a plain stockinette stitch. The basic sock pattern casting on 64 stitches, using a heel flap and a decreased toe with kitchener's stitch to finish is available all over the place. I didn't search the web but I am sure it is available for free somewhere out there.

One more terrific break down of a sock comes in recipe form from Stephanie Pearl-McPhee in this book. I know everyone has probably already read this but I can't say enough good things about the information Stephanie has included in this little paperback book. It is worth so much more than it costs, good deal. Her explanation or recipe for "A Good, Plain Sock (knit from the cuff down)" made me think about my socks in a much clearer way. She has general information gathered in here for socks, hats, scarves and shawls, and sweaters. It is a plethora of valuable knitting tips, tricks and stuff you just need to know. If you don't have Knitting Rules you should go get it!

One last thing on this topic, I love working in a sportweight or dk weight yarn for socks as well as fingering weight. Talk about a fast way to knit a pair of socks. What I always do here is on a set of 4 US size 4 dpns I cast on 48 stitches and I work the exact same pattern on this heavier weight yarn. The exact pattern I use for dk weight yarn is in Getting Started Knitting Socks on page 58. Ann's pattern is listed for worsted weight or 5 stitches per inch but it works for me with the sportweight yarns, too.

Have a good Wednesday and go knit some ribbed socks!
best, susie

Flying Needles

Hi Knitters,
There has been a serious flurry of knitting around here over the past couple of days and I mean serious. I got a call late in the week from Candi Jensen, author/tv producer extraordinaire, who requested a project from me for her pbs tv show Knit and Crochet Today. They need these samples in hurry (a matter of days) so I fired up my needles immediately. Who wouldn't? They are doing a show dedicated to baby knit and crochet projects. I haven't had a chance to watch this show yet because we don't get it here in Madison but apparently it has been picked up like crazy in most major cities. They have been asked to produce a large number of new shows so that is great news for the knit and crochet community.

Anyway, the projects I made for the show will become available for free on the Knit and Crochet Today website after the show airs. I will keep you posted when the patterns become available. It was fun to revert back to hat knitting this weekend. I still love it hundreds and hundreds of hats later.

On to answer a few questions that were sent to me over the last couple of weeks. I lumped some of the questions together that had a similar theme or request.

Question #1: Where can I get the errata or corrections for Itty-Bitty Hats? (I can't believe how many requests I got for this. I really had no idea.)
Answer: Yay! I posted the errata page last week on my blog and I will keep it available on my left sidebar under "more favorites." Sorry for the brief time that it was unavailable while I have re-adjusted my online stuff. The book, Itty-Bitty Hats, is in its third printing and for the second and third printings the corrections are already in the book so you won't need this page if you have one of the later editions.

Question #2: What is the topic of your next book?
Answer: Toys, toys and more toys. I am doing a complete collection of knitted toys and I am in love once again. I have less than half (that's being generous) of the projects completed and let me tell you I am getting a bit nervous about that. It's going to be a fun and beautiful book and I am not holding back one bit. I am trying to stick to strictly knitting and not add any crochet. So far I have been able to keep true to this. What do you all think of that? Do you think I should add a little crochet in there? I'd love to hear. Now is the time to chime in if you have strong feelings about this topic.

Question #3: When are you coming back to NYC? (Seriously, 3 people asked me this. I thought that was a lot :) I love that.)
Answer: I want to come back soon, any day or time. I will be in NYC this summer for a family vacation, not to work, so that doesn't really count, right? My publisher knows how much I loved coming to this great, exciting city so hopefully they will schedule me again soon, soon, soon. I will definitely keep you posted.

That's enough for now on the questions. Thanks again and keep them coming if you'd like. I will plug through a few more later in the week.

I will be attending the Lexington Book Festival in May at Joseph Beth Booksellers. I will post more about this as soon as I get the details. Yay, I love going to Lexington. This will be my fourth visit to this beautiful city.

Jaime is getting the trunk show for Itty-Bitty Nursery set up and I am sending her the projects for the tour very soon. I can't wait for this to start up!

Take care, Knitters. It is a gloomy, dark, rainy Monday here is Madison. I know spring is coming and this rain will help wash away the remaining remnants of winter.
best, susie

Itty-Bitty Hats Corrections

Hi Knitters,
I've made some fixes to the reprints of Itty-Bitty Hats. Depending on which printing you have (there have been 4 so far, and counting!), your copy may not have the following corrections:

Seed Stitch
p. 33
In the Round:
Round 2: Purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch.

Little Pumpkin
p. 84
Stem:
Switch to Tope.
Knit all rounds until stem measures 1 1/2 inches. Purl 1 round. (Finish as stated.)

Upside-Down Daisy
p. 86
Petals (make 5 for the 3 smallest sizes, make 6 for the 2 largest sizes):
Row 10: purl 2 stitches together, purl 1 stitch, purl 2 stitches together. 3 stitches remain. Bind off.

Olive You!

p. 120

Olive:

Row 8: Purl 2 stitches together, purl 7 stitches, purl 2 stitches. 9 stitches remain.

Ribbons

p. 149

The newborn size is not included in the pattern. Under size, it should read 0-6 months (6-12 months, 1-2 years, 2 years and up).

Reversible Stripes and Dots
p. 123
Dot Pattern:
Round 2: Cast on 2 stitches using the backward-loop method, knit 6 stitches. Repeat to the end of the round.
p. 124
Round 11: Knit 3 stitches, cast on 2 stitches using the backward-loop method, knit 3 stitches. Repeat to the end of the round.

Birthday Cake:
p. 130
Hat:
Repeat rounds 2-6 until the hat measures...

Chocolate Blues:
p. 136
Bonnet:
Next row: Bind off 23 (24, 25, 27) stitches, knit 11 (15, 19, 21) stitches, bind off 23 (24, 25, 27) stitches.

Marshmallow Bonnet
p. 140
Bonnet:
Bind off 23 (24, 25, 27) stitches, knit 11 (15, 19, 21) stitches, bind off 23 (24, 25, 27) stitches.

Ribbons
p. 149
Round 1: Knit 4 (5, 6, 7) stitches, yarn over, knit 2 stitches together, knit 1 stitch, yarn over, knit 2 stitches together. Repeat to the end of the round. Knit any remaining stitches.
Round 5: Knit 1 (2, 3, 4) stitch(es), yarn over, knit 2 stitches together, knit 1 stitch, yarn over, knit 2 stitches together, knit 3 stitches. Repeat to the end of the round. Knit any remaining stitches.

Snowman
p. 160
Carrot Nose:
Row 2: ...,knit 5 stitches,...
Row 4: ...,knit 3 stitches,...
Row 6: ...,knit 1 stitch,...


Happy hat knitting!
best, susie

Oops, I Did It Again...

...I played with some socks.
Hi Knitters,
Well, this is one messed up post. First, I accidentally hit enter and published this post before I wrote anything. Sorry about that if anyone received a blank entry, hopefully not. Secondly, I have deleted photos and re-uploaded photos all accidentally and not in the correct order. It just hasn't gone well. I can never figure out how to reorganize the order of the photos in a post after they have been uploaded. I am just getting my fingers working again after returning from a spring break trip with my family. Hang in there with me.


I know, I know, I just wrote about having a big drawer filled with hand knit socks that I don't wear and feeling like I simply don't need any more. But what's a girl to do with a large sock yarn stash and a vacation on the horizon? I love knitting socks and I love the sock yarn that I own and thus I know I will continue to knit socks. When I was packing my knitting for the trip I couldn't think of an easier more convenient project to stuff in my bag.

I literally cram my partially knitted sock, dpns and all, and yarn ball into my pocket everywhere I go, beach, restaurants, car rides, mini golf, etc. I know it isn't a flattering silhouette but who really cares. That's how I finished this lovely pair of simple ribbed socks. They flew off my needles lickety split and there is even some beach sand knitted right in.

The yarn is from Knitting Sunshine and it is the Weasley Wizard Wheezes (Harry Potter inspired) colorway. This is the first time I have knitted with Dani's yarn and I truly loved it. The colors are bright and snappy and the yarn is smooth and delightful. I think she is having a shop update today so head on over. This yarn gets a big thumb's up from me.
Here's the crazy crew I vacationed with for the past week. This is one funny group of kids, each is funnier than the next. They provide hours of free entertainment. The kids range from 4 to 20 years-old and the ones who aren't mine belong to one of my brothers and my sister (the one who knits with Cecily Tyson and Bette Midler, remember her?). There is one friend mixed in for good measure. We had a good time and the kids had a ball being together.

Three of the boys made a couple of videos while we were there and I thought you might enjoy one of them. It was made on my son's cell phone and I laugh every time I watch it. The star of the video is my nephew and he is 10 years-old. The video is short and is titled, Basketball Master. I thought you might get a kick out of it.



On to a bit of business, I have had a great pouring in of questions that I need to sort through. Thank you, thank you. I just got back yesterday and I need a moment to get organized. I will get the answers and errata pages coming to you shortly.

Hopefully my luck will be better next time I post. It's good to be home.
best, susie

Back Soon

Hi Knitters,

Just a quick post to let you know I will be gone for a little bit. Still email your questions or post comments to me. I am loving all of the fun questions I am gathering, should make for some good posts. Thanks and keep them coming.

For the questions I am getting that individual need response, I will try to get back to you as soon as possible on my return. I am getting quite a build up so please be patient.

As far as the errata page for Itty-Bitty Hats I am hearing from lots of folks that you have noticed that shopabcsoup.com has closed (where the errata pdf was previously available). I will get that errata page posted and llinked on my blog and I am gathering the errata from Itty-Bitty Nursery to link as well. I will do this as soon as I get time. 

The Itty-Bitty Hats errata only applies to the first printing of the book. Subsequent printings should be okay!

Thanks for your responses and your patience.

I'll be back soon.

best, susie

Got a Question?

Hi Knitters,
I am finishing up the week here with a Yarntini glove that I am really enjoying. I have been questioning the number of pairs of handknit socks I have and how many more I could possibly need? To be honest, I don't wear them all that much. I have a few favorites and that's about it. I decided to try out some different types of projects using sock yarn. I am starting out with this glove. I think it will be great to have a pair of light-weight gloves to wear this spring on those remaining chilly days.

The yarn is the fabulous colorway that Jesse created for me called, Itty-Bitty Susan. Isn't that funny? It is so beautiful and spring-like and sweet. I don't know if Jesse has this colorway available for purchase but she should, it is too pretty.

I noticed quickly when I started on the cuff that it was pooling a bit (see it there on the bottom of the cuff?). I then divided and rewound the ball into two balls and alternated strands every two to 3 rounds for the hand and cuff of the glove. This resolved the pooling beautifully. I didn't need to alternate strands on the fingers or thumb and a wonderful stripey pattern emerged on its own. I couldn't have planned it better if I tried.
I'm loving the glove project so far. Can't wait to start the second. I will post more about the pattern source and the project in general when I finish the second glove.

I have this idea for the blog. I was reading Sarah's blog and she opened up a question line for awhile to her readers. I thought that was so great. I have people email questions to me almost every day about various patterns, yarns, blog entries, etc. I thought it would be fun to encourage the readers of this blog to go ahead and shoot me a question that I will post about. I don't have any guidelines, really, but just make it fun, clean, funny, interesting or just plain silly.

Is there something I haven't talked about that you're dying to know? Be sure to include your blog address if you'd like me to share it, and put "question" in the subject spot for the email so it doesn't get accidentally missed.

I'll try to answer as many questions as I can within reason and at my own discretion. I won't promise to answer every question due to time constraints but I will do my darndest. Email me here with those questions!

My email is always on the sidebar, too. I love hearing from knitters and I'd love to hear from you!

Have a beautiful week.

best, susie

Good Eggs

Hi Knitters,
Don't you just love this magazine? I got this April 2008 issue of Parents in the mail yesterday.
These egg cozies are my design! I am so excited to be a contributor to this issue of Parents magazine. I have been working with them on several projects over the last 4 or 5 months, some of it involves knitting and some does not. It is all about kids, crafting and playing though. Here is the first project. Can you tell what the egg cozies are made out of?
That's right, the toe of a baby sock. Doesn't everyone have old baby socks or single kid socks around? I do and I thought what a perfect size to fit right over the top of an egg. The directions to make these are included in the magazine and there are couple of other fun egg crafts included in here, too. All of the stuff added on is just simple craft supplies you can get anywhere. I got such a kick out of seeing my name and project in this mag. I have read Parents ever since I had babies of my own. It is a staple.
Here are the little cozies in my studio before flying off to their photo shoot. If you make any of these egg cozies be sure to let me know. I would love to see them!

I have temporarily popped through the knitting bubble. I have already returned safe and sound to the inside again, knitting away, no worries. Those cozies would be cute knitted, right?
best, susie

Step by Step Gloves

Hi Knitters,
I had no idea that a lot of knitters are intimidated by gloves. I guess it is all of the fingers. I want to show you how simple gloves really are if you just break it down into steps. I know that cable pattern is pretty complicated but you could always do stockinette stitch instead.

You start by knitting a tube just like the one above. I always knit things like this in the round on my double-pointed needles. The blue yarn is the scrap yarn to hold the stitches for the fingers and the thumb hole. I love the way Robin Melanson did this thumb hole by knitting with scrap yarn where the thumb should be placed.
Then on the top of the tube you place each finger of active stitches on scrap yarn. You take, for example, 5 stitches from the back of the hand and 5 stitches from the palm of the hand to create a 10 stitch finger.
Here you can see the 4 finger holes all set to knit.
You just go finger by finger placing the stitches on your double-pointed needles and knitting as long as fits over your fingers. It is easy to custom size gloves because you can try them on as you go.
Now I have the fingers finished and really those work up in a jiffy because the number of stitches is so small. So I placed the thumb hole stitches on my dpns and then I will remove the scrap yarn. Next I redistribute the stitches on 3 dpns and knit up the thumb.
Here they are! I love how these turned out. I talked about these gloves extensively here. They are lovely gloves and they fit and feel like a dream. Now I won't embarrass the kids since I have a finished pair.
I took this shot while I was photographing the gloves. My daughter is so funny. She basically never takes off her stripey stocking hat (the pattern is in itty-bitty hats) I made her about 3 or more years ago. She adores this hat and even wears it to bed on many a night. A lot of times she can't find her hat in the morning and it ends up being in her rumpled bed. I keep wanting to replace that felted pom-pom but I don't even ask her about it. I know she will say no. It is hat love. Big time.

Now go make some gloves!
best, susie

I Have a Yarn Thing

Hi Knitters,
Have you seen this new book by Robin Melanson called Knitting New Mittens & Gloves? It's a winner for sure. When I saw it at Barnes and Noble I had one of those moments. I stopped cold when I saw the Welig gloves, the last pattern in the book. You know the kind of moment where you have to run home and immediately start a project before you even get your coat off. That's what this was for me. I love that feeling beyond description.

Welig is an Old English name for willow. Perfect. The yarn is Julia (mine are in the color Geranium) which the pattern calls for. I am knitting on US size 7 dpns instead of the suggested US size 6. For some reason I can't stand tight fitting gloves so I always make sure they will be loose enough for my liking. These fit just right.
I got one glove done yesterday and this morning I got the second one started. My daughter laughed at me when I took her to school because I slapped on my right glove to drive her. She gave me a, "Mooooooom." We giggled. That glove is making me happy, nothing wrong with that. That's why I have to finish the other one right away. I can't be the one glove wonder or I will cause embarrassment for the kids.

I wish you could feel this glove on your hand, it is squishy and exquisite. Don't you love the way the cables run straight up the index and pinkie fingers? And those bobbles are excellent, love 'em. Robin has a very clever pattern here including the thumb technique using scrap yarn which I haven't done before. There is one cable twist that uses 2 cables needles at a time which I haven't done before either. Fun, fun, fun. That's what I say to myself as I learn something new like that. Bravo, Robin!
I ordered yarn yesterday for a couple more of the projects that I adore. Can't wait and I will surely be sharing those as I go along. The lace arm things on the front cover, although pretty and interesting, don't represent the many practical and beautiful projects on the inside pages. There are some really great patterns in here.

Oh my gosh, I have to share this. When I just looked up the link for this book on amazon there was a review that commented on the tiny print in the book. I have really good eyesight, and I always have, but for this book I have had to turn on a bright lamp and wear low grade reading glasses to read the text and chart. I was feeling kind of like my time had come but now when I look at the book it does have teeny tiny, light print. It's all about space when it comes to books. Phew, I may have just narrowly escaped a life with reading glasses for a little while longer.
Other exciting news is that the wonderful Marly of the Yarn Thing podcast has just uploaded an interview I did with her a couple of weeks ago. She is cute and full of life and love for all things knit and crochet. She is an exclamation point and I love that. It was fun to chat with her. Check it out if you get the chance.

I also purchased and downloaded the fiddlehead mittens pattern by Adrian Bizilia. I ordered the yarn for these yesterday, too. Yesterday was not a good day for the old wallet I'd say. I am knitting the tweedy option with the Rowan Scottish Tweed DK weight. I am forever a sucker for tweed. The inside of the mitt is knit in Blue Sky Alpaca's Brushed Suri in the colorway called fudgesicle. Yum, yum. I had to order from three different online shops to get all of the yarns and colors. Persistence pays off sometimes, my friends.

Okay, Knitters, you have a great weekend if I don't pop on here before it's over. I'm going to try my best to keep warm around here.

Knit on.
best, susie

Au Pair

Hi Knitters,
Get it? Au pair, oh pair! I'm on a roll. These socks have been languishing in an almost finished state for quite some time now. Finally, I sat down and forced myself to knit one last 12 round repeat and then finish the toe. The yarn is the always wonderful yarntini in pumpkin spice.

My exclusive model has smaller feet than the socks are sized for, which would be my size 7 1/2's. They are a bit baggy on her petite feet, they fit me just right. My feet used to be a perfect size 7 up until I had my fourth child. Then my poor feet couldn't take it any more and had to go up a half size. It was worth it!

This is a fun, easy pattern and it works well with the self-striping sock yarns. I may even do this one again for some easy repeat knitting.

Have a good Thursday, Knitters.

best, susie

I Gotta Pair

Hi Knitters,
I finally have a pair of completed Vesper socks. That was a long time coming. I finished a single Sweet Water Vesper stockinette sock last summer and the second sock has not even been started. The reason for this is beyond me.

This particular colorway is called Knit and Tonic, I am assuming to pay homage to the wonderful Wendy and her fantastic blog. I like this colorway enormously and I don't have any socks that are similar.

I thought to push that basketball out of the picture but as it is a permanent fixture in my living room I decided to just leave it there. This is the way my house is all of the time, a little messy and heavily lived in. If you can't beat'em, join'em!

Ah, sweet Vesper. My daughter is the foot model for these shots but the socks are now on my feet. Wool socks are still in need around here. My husband, aka the weatherman, has just informed me over breakfast that this Saturday morning we will wake to the balmy temperature of 7 below. I know you are all jealous of that.

I have a few more new and fun personal projects on the needles I hope to finish up and share over the next week. Of course, I will probably be casting on a new sock or two...

best, susie

It's Aboot Time

Hi Knitters,
Don't you just want to sink your cold feet into these topped off boots? I do and I can now that I made Kristin Nicholas' Boot Toppers for myself.

These boot toppers are ingenious. Why didn't I think of that? They even make my old beat-up boots look kind of cute. What a quick and easy project that is especially great for a beginner fair isle starter. The pattern is found in Kristin Knits which you can order directly from her blog.

After seeing Kristin's samples in Minneapolis a couple of weeks ago, I wanted to show like she did how a bit of simple duplicate stitch can change the look of your project dramatically. The teal ring of stitches around the diamonds literally took minutes to add and the drama factor goes way up. Love that embroidery!

I knitted these on US size 7 dpns and I used Kristin's own yarn, Julia. I adore this yarn, it is rich and lush. I used different colors than in the book samples. The cool thing is that with the color range that Julia offers you can basically combine any shades and come up with a beautiful project. It is made easy for you.

The ribbed section slips right into your boot and then you fold the fair isle section over the top. My daughter wants a pair for her Ugg boots. The Uggs have a much larger opening at the top. I will go up to a US size 9 when I make some for her.

Happy feet!

best, susie

Simply Put

Hi Knitters,
Sometimes the simplest statement is the best. I knitted this plain hat for a compilation book project but then at the last minute I submitted an entirely different project. The project for the book was to be completely monochromatic. I used a creamy Blue Sky Alpaca Organic Cotton and as always fell in love with this scrumptious yarn.

I knitted a little cup at the top. Originally there was a knitted flower inside the tiny cup and several knitted leaves circling the flower. It was cute but it was also very white, a little too white actually. This morning I pulled the hat onto my lap and removed the flower and leaves. As I scanned my messy studio (which I am making progress on cleaning by the way) my eyes rested on my felted ball collection. It is funny how things just happen sometimes. I realized by eye-balling the larger-sized ball that it would fit perfectly into the little cup. I plopped the ball in and sure enough, perfect fit. Next I took a sprinkling of tiny-sized balls and stitched them around the edge of the cup. The effect is wonderful, flower-like, colorful and yet still simple. I love this new hat. Wonder who will get this one?

This fabric is not simply put, instead it is a circus of color and pattern. I am using this fantastic collection of Anna Maria Horner fabric for lining some other book projects I am working on. I love combining knitting and fabric. I got this fabric in a bundle here. Ordering a sample bundle of fabric is excellent because you get to see the entire collection in small pieces. I make a lot of small projects so the amounts are perfect for me. Anna's collection is called Chocolate Lollipop and it is de-lish!

*warning: random thoughts ahead*

So, Knitters, I am working away the week still covered by mountains of snow, still feeling like it is the dead of winter. My husband and I were out running the other day and we heard birds chirping like it was springtime. Those birds must be crazy or something, it is pure winter around here. Maybe if I take down the paper snowflakes on my windows it will hurry spring along.

Different subject, a couple of days ago I turned on the morning news and Ann Hood was on msnbc talking about a political article she wrote about being in a bi-political marriage. Remember Ann wrote the novel called, The Knitting Circle (new out in paperback), which I read about this time last year. Anyway, it was great to hear knitting being referenced repeatedly on msnbc and Ann Hood is really cool. I met her last year in Lexington at a book conference. She has a new book coming out on grieving which I will be reading for certain. This woman has true insight.

Later that day, as I am desperately trying to get a workout in before the kids get home from school, I jump on the elliptical and turn on The Martha Stewart Show. Lo and behold the entire studio audience is knitting. For the life of me I can't remember exactly what the reason was behind this knitting because she had a guest on making sock creature stuffed toys. What was that knitting about? Martha was knitting along as well. Anyway, it doesn't even matter because it was a good day for knitting being featured on two national tv shows in one day. Go knitting!

A funny thing happened to me when I was getting a new pair of shoes for my Minneapolis trip a couple of weeks ago. The shoes were for an Itty-Bitty promotion trip and as the clerk handed me the receipt to sign she sweetly asked, "Could I get you to sign on the itty-bitty line?" I smiled to myself and said, "Sure."

Take care, Knitters.

best, susie