KittyK(hat) also known as the PussyHat

Oh my! This has got to be the easiest knitted hat pattern of all time, AND the cutest. I take no credit for this pattern, I just want to share how easy it is. If you can knit a scarf you can knit yourself a KittyK(hat).

I used chunky yarn, it was an wool+alpacca mix from Big W and knitted it on size 8mm needles.

Cast on 30 sts
Knit
Knit
Knit
Yay, you just made "garter stitch"
Keep knitting until you reach 8 inches (20-21cm) and bind off.
Now fold that long rectangle in half to form a square, sew the top and the side - leave the bottom open, that's for your head!
When you put your KittyK(hat) on your head the EARS will magically form. Make sure you tweak them forward and not to the side otherwise they look like horns.

For the pink KittyK(hat) I used 2 strands of 8ply yarn knitted together on 7mm needles
Cast on 40st and repeat the above instructions.

Translated Finnish/Russian Leaf Pattern Slippers #2

Translated from Finnish. http://arkisto.novitaknits.com/cms.php?cms_cname=neulemallisivu&nlm_id=1786

To fit AU size 8

Knit on 3mm needles. I used 8ply yarn and 3.25mm needles. Approx 100g cream and less than 50g of the 2 greens. Some patterns say to use sport weight yarn which is 5ply. 

Cast on 20 sts with a base color. Knit every row (garter stitch) For the first 10 rows add 1 st every second row total of 5 stitches = 25 sts (= heel rounding). Continue knitting every row for a total of 42 rows.  (10 more rows for a bigger foot, 10 less rows for a smaller foot)

End on a right side row.

Start knitting a leaf pattern. (Heel shaping is at the bottom right corner)

 1 row: Knit 15s with base color, 4s with color 1, 4s with color 2, leave 2 sts on needle, turn.

2nd row: Slip the first st, Purl mirroring 1st row.

3rd row: Knit 13 st with base color, 4 st color 1, 4 st color 2, leave 4 s on needle, turn.

4th row: Slip 1st st, purl like 2nd row.

5th row: Knit 11 sts with base color, 4 st color 1, 4 st color 2, leave 6 sts on needle, turn.

6th row: Slip 1st st, purl like 2nd row.

Row 7:   Knit 9 sts with base color, 4 st color 1, 4 st picture color 2, leave 8 sts on needle, turn.

8th row: Slip 1st st, purl like 2nd row.

Row 9:   Knit 7 sts with base color, 4 st color 1, 4 st color 2, leave 10 sts on needle, turn.

10th row: Slip 1st st, purl like 2nd row.

Row 11: Knit 5 sts with base color, 4 st color 1, 4 st color 2, leave 12 s on needle, turn.

Row 12: Slip 1st st, purl like 2nd row.

Row 13: Knit the entire row to end with base color (25 sts), turn.

14th row: purl like row 13

15th row: Knit 5st with base color, 4 st color 1, 4 st color 2, leave 12st without knitting, turn.

Row 16: Slip the first stitch, Purl mirroring previous row

Row 17: Knit 7 st with base color, 4 st color 1, 4 st color 2, leave 10 sts on needle, turn.

18th row: Slip the first stitch, Purl mirroring previous row

Row19: Knit 9 st with base color, 4 st color 1, 4 st color 2, leave 8 sts without knitting, turn.

Row 20: Slip the first stitch, Purl mirroring previous row.

21st floor: Knit 11 sts with base color, 4 sts color 1, 4 sts color 2, leave 6 sts on needle, turn.

Round 22: Slip the first stitch, Purl mirroring previous row

23. rows: Knit 13 st with base color, 4 st color 1, 4 st color 2, leave 4 sts on needle, turn.

24th row: Slip the first stitch, Purl mirroring previous row

25th sts: Knit 15 sts with base color, 4 sts color 1, 4 sts color 2, 2 sts left on needle, turn.

Round 26: Slip the first stitch, Purl mirroring previous row

Row 27: Knit the entire row (25 sts) with the base color, turn.

Round 28: Purl the entire row with the base colour

29th row = 1st row

30th row = 2nd row, etc.

Knit three leaf patterns.

Continue knitting in garter stitch with base color to mirror of the first edge. You should end with 20 sts. Bind off.

Sew heel and sole seams.

Translated Russian knit Slippers

This is the original pattern http://arkisto.novitaknits.com/cms.php?cms_cname=neulemallisivu&nlm_id=1786
I think it is from Finland but all the others you see on the 'net are from Russia which doesn't translate very easily. If you follow the link she says to use 3mm needles and 5ply yarn. I use 8ply for everything so I made adjustments for my translated pattern. I'm NOT claiming this pattern as my own but I think you know my frustration when I saw all the pretty photos on Pintrest and I couldnt read them. 
A HUGE thank you to all the clever Russian and Finnish ladies who posted their gorgeous knitted leaf design slippers and tempted me.


Translated - Russian knit slippers.

I obsessed with these because they are so pretty 😊

3.25mm needles and 8 ply yarn, the leaf pattern doesn't use much, 25g should be ample, 100g of the main colour 

To fit AU size 8 

Cast on 20 stitches. 

1 knit

2 increase in first st, knit to end 

Repeat these 2 rows 4 times, total of 25 stitches, you have now shaped the heel. Continue working straight in garter stitch (knit both rows) for 42 rows inclusive of heel shaping.

Begin the leaf pattern.

1 k17 main colour, k7 colour #1 TURN

2 slip the 1st stitch, purl the row matching the colours, make sure you twist your yarn at the colour change otherwise you will end up with holes in your work

3 k15 main colour, k7 colour #1 TURN

As row 2

5 k13 main colour, k7 colour #1 TURN

7 k11 main colour, k7 colour #2 TURN

9 k9 main colour, k7 colour #2 TURN

11 k7 main colour, k7 colour #2 TURN

13 k5 main colour, k7 colour #2 TURN

15 knit to the end of the row using main colour

16 purl to the end of the row using main colour

17 k5 main colour, k7 colour #2 TURN

18 slip the first stitch, purl the row matching the colours

19 k7 main colour, k7 colour #2 TURN

21 k9 main colour, k7 colour #2 TURN

23 k11 main colour, k7 colour #2 TURN

25 k13 main colour, k7 colour #1 TURN

27 k15 main colour, k7 colour #1 TURN

29 k17 main colour, k7 colour #1 TURN

31 knit to end using main colour

32 purl to end using main colour

Repeat twice more - 3 leaf patterns formed. When you complete the 3rd leaf do NOT work rows 31 and 32, here you begin your garter stitch rows again to mirror the beginning. Knit 32 rows garter stitch then form the heel, this is shaped with the right side facing you

K2tog, knit to end of row

Knit to end of row

Total 42 rows.

Bind off and sew the heel and sole edges together using whatever stitch suits you. I used whip stitch.
To make smaller or larger slippers I suggest working your garter stitch rows in increments of 10. 10 rows more will fit an AU size 9-10, 10 rows less would fit an AU size 6-7.
 

My Flower Checkerboard Afghan

I have been randomly crocheting and knitting throughout winter, mostly making baby beanies and little blankies but when I need distraction I whip up a couple of squares for my bright pink and black rug ...

 

I have no idea how much yarn you require for this - I'd guess aproximately 10 balls of black and 10 balls of pink, enough to make a rug 11 squares along and 9 squares across = 99 squares each measuring 6 inches by 6 inches (15cm x 15cm). All my crochet is double crochet except for the flower itself.

You need a basic granny square:

 And an 8 petal flower square:

Here's the link for the original flower square pattern http://rosehip.typepad.com/rose_hip_blog/2008/11/index.html 

With the color of yarn you wish to use for the center of the flower, ch 4 and join with a sl st into the first ch to form a ring. Continue working in the round as follows:

Round 1: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc, ch 1), * 1 dc into ring, ch 1 **; repeat from * to ** 6 times. Join with a sl st into 3rd ch of the ch-4 made at the beginning of this round. (There should be 8 ch-1 spaces in the round.) Fasten off and break off the first color.

Round 2: Join the color you wish to use for the petals into any of the ch-1 spaces, ch 1 and * 1 sc, 3 dc, 1 sc ** into the same ch-1 space; repeat from * to ** into the next 7 ch-1 spaces. Join with a sl st into the first sc of the first ch-1 space. (There should be 8 petals around the center.)

Round 3: Ch 1, and working behind the petals now, sl st into the stem † of the last sc made in round 2. Ch 4, sc into the stems of the next 2 adjoining scs (between the two petals) and then * ch 3, sc into the stems of the next 2 scs; repeat from * to ** 5 more times, ch 3, and then sl st into the first ch of the ch-4 done at the beginning of this round. You should now have a ch-3 space (or loop) behind each petal made in round 2.

Round 4: Ch 1 and work * 1 sc, 5 dc, 1 sc ** into the first ch-3 space and repeat from * to ** into all the next ch-3 spaces; sl st into the first sc of the first petal made in this round. You should now have another 8 petals behind the first 8 made. Fasten off and break off this color. 

Round 5: Still working behind the petals, join the yarn you wish to use as the background for the flower to the stems † of any 2 adjoining scs of round 4 (between two petals), and then ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2dc into the same sc stems, and ch 1. Into the stems of the next 2 scs  of round 4, * 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc to make a corner, ch 1, 3 dc, into the stems of the next 2 scs , ch 1 **; repeat from * to ** 2 more times, and then 3dc, ch 1, 3 dc into the stems of the next 2 scs, ch 1 and sl st into the 3rd ch of ch-3 done at the beginning of this round.

 

Continue to crochet around until your flower square is the same size as your granny square ie: flower plus 5 rounds.

Sew them together in a checkerboard design.
I think this is my favourite afghan yet :-)
Now that summer is on its way I doubt I'll be getting out my hooks or needles much. I have so many projects I want to do though ...!!!

Crochet Paperclip Iceskates - Christmas Ornament

Cute Crochet PaperClip Iceskates

 

I found this cute little pattern while browsing google for something else. They are SO easy - less than 10 minutes from start to finish!

All credit goes to Suzie ... http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com.au/2008/12/my-paperclip-ice-skate-ornament-c.html

MATERIALS:
Approximately 5 yards of worsted weight yarn
Approximately 1 ½ yards of fuzzy white yarn
G crochet hook
Two jumbo paper clips

INSTRUCTIONS:
With the continuous wire of paper clip on bottom for blade and the larger loop to the right, attach yarn to paper clip with a slipstitch into the larger loop.

Always crochet over the beginning tails.

Row 1: Ch 2, 7 dc to end of paper clip (work first dc in the larger loop, work remain dc in smaller loop and around both wires). This row forms the foot of the skate.

Row 2: Ch 2, turn, Dc in 4 sts. This row forms the ankle of the skate.

Row 3: Ch 1 turn, sc in 4 sts. After last st, Ch 10, fasten off. On the second skate, only chain 8, so that the skates are offset after tying together.

Row 4: Join fuzzy white yarn with a sc in turning chain of row 3. Sc in 3 sts, 2 sc in last st.
Fasten off and weave in ends. If you crocheted over the tails you will only have the ending tail of the trim to weave in.

Repeat for the second skate and tie the two skates together with the tails of the ch 10 and ch 8.

 

I'm Back

Well summer didn't see me knitting or crocheting much at all. Instead I bought a house! I have spent since October 2011 until now polyfilling, sanding, ripping up carpet and lino, painting, tiling and being a general female tradie (read that as Jill of all trades, master of none).

that was after I attacked the bathroom!
My house has gone from being the worst on the street to one of the nicest. I have a brand new kitchen and bathroom and fresh paint and tiles ... all the way I want it and so comfy and cosy.

Yay - freshly painted and tiled bathroom LOL
Now that the rainy season has started it's time to get the yarn and needles/hooks out - I can't wait to share my creations with you all.

Knitted Bunny Draft Stopper

This is my latest project. Isn't he just the cutest?
PDF file available here
I hope you enjoy making him as much as I did inventing him. Any questions, message me :-)

Soon to come: Bunny Bag Lady (for all those plastic supermarket bags)

Earflap hat with or without Panda ears

Supplies:

Size 6mm 16" circular needles and dpns (double pointed needles)

Stitch Marker

bulky wool of your choice (I have used a strand of 8 ply in 2 different colours to achieve the desired thickness for these hats - so 2 strands knitted as one)

Crochet hook (optional)

Earflaps:

CO 5 sts onto one dpn.

Row 1: *increase into first stitch, k until last stitch, increase into last stitch*

Row 2: knit all stitches

Repeat these two rows until there are 13 stitches on the needle. Continue in garter stitch (knitting all stitches) for 12 rows

Cut yarn leaving a 10cm tail.

Repeat for second earflap.

Hat:

Slip stitches from one earflap onto circular needles. Attach yarn and cast on 19 stitches (loosely!) Knit on second earflap. CO 14 sts and place marker for the beginning of the round. Join in the round (being careful not to twist) And work garter stitch border (k1 row, p1 row) for 4 rows (Or to taste)

Work stockinette stitch (knit every row)until your work measures 15cm

Decreases:

Round 1:*K7, K2tog* around.

Round 2:*K6, K2tog* around.

Round 3: *K5, k2tog* around.

Round 4: *K4, k2tog* around.

Round 5: *K3, k2tog* around. Here you will need to change to double pointed needles.

Round 6: *K2, K2tog* around.

Round 7: *K1, K2tog* around.

Round 8: *K2tog* around.

Cut yarn leaving a six inch tail, thread through remaining stitches. Weave in ends.

(optional: single crochet border around edge of hat in contrasting color.)

Braids: 

Cut 6 pieces of 28" long yarn. thread through the end of the earflap until folded in half. Divide into three sections and braid until 5cm of unbraided yarn remain. Tie knot and trim edges. Repeat on other side.

Ears (make 2 in secondary color):

I use a size 5mm crochet hook and one strand of whatever colour I want the ears to be.

Start with a magic ring.

R1: sc 5 into ring

R2: 2hdc in each st (10)

R3: 2hdc in each st (20)

R4: *hdc, 2hdc in next st, repeat from * (30)

R5-R6: hdc around

R7: *hdc, hdc2tog, repeat from * around (20)

R8: hdc2tog around (10)

Fold the ear in half and slip stitch the bottom together, then tie off. Leave a long tail for sewing. Attach where you see fit.

Newborn Matinee Jacket

Well, whodathunk it was so hard to find a matinee jacket pattern on the internet? I found a few but they weren't what I wanted (wrong size or wool weight). I also figured that what my mother and her generation call a matinee jacket for a baby isnt what this generation calls them. I always liked this style of cardigan/jacket for my babies, you can throw it on over a onesie or stretch 'n' grow for extra warmth and it's got nice wide sleeve holes so no contorting your new baby into it.

So, I had to 'invent' a pattern ....

Ingredients
Size 3.25 needles
1 x 100g 4ply baby wool
3 medium buttons


 
Abbreviations
k – knit, p – purl, st – stitch, st st – stocking stitch, g st – garter stitch, alt – alternate, beg – beginning, inc – increase, dec – decrease, rep – repeat, tog – together, sl – slip, sl1 – slip one, psso – pass slip stitch over, pat – pattern, yon – yarn over needle, m1 – make one
er, pat – pattern, yon – yarn over needle, m1 – make one

TW2: knit into front of 2nd st on left hand needle then knit into front of the first st, slipping both st off the needle at the same time

Using 3.25 needles cast on 176sts 

1st row: K3, *P2,K2, P2, repeat from * to  last 3 stitches, K3

2nd row: K5, *P2, K2, repeat from * to last 5 sts, K5 end

3rd row: K3, *P2,TW2, P2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, K3

4th row: as 2nd row

these 4 rows form the "mock" cable pattern. The 3 stitches on either side of your work are the front band, knitted in garter stitch ...

Repeat these 4 rows 10 times - 44 rows in total, 11 mock cable rows 


From now on you are knitting in stocking stitch - knit one row, purl one row.

Dec row: K3, (k2tog) 3 times, * k1, (k2tog) twice, k2, (k2tog) twice, rep from * to last 3 sts, K3 (119sts)
Divide for armholes
K3,P21 for left front, cast off 12sts, p42 (includes the stitch already on needle) for back, cast off 12sts, purl to last 3 sts, K3
 

Right Front
Row 1: knit
Row 2: purl to last 3 stiches, K3
Rep the last 2 rows until armhole measures 5.5cm/ 2 ¼ inches ending after a purl row
Shape neck
Next row: K3, slip these onto a safety pin for later use. Cast off 4sts, knit to end (17sts)
Continue in st st, dec 1 st at neck edge on every row until 11sts remain
Continue without anymore dec until armhole measures 8.75 cm/3 ½ ins, cast off
 

Back
With right side facing, rejoin yarn to centre 42sts
Starting on a knit row continue in st st until back measures same as left front 8.75 cm/3 ½ ins ending on a purl row,
Shape shoulders
Cast off 11sts, at beg of next 2 rows, slip remaining sts on a holder for collar, break of yarn, (20sts)
 

Left front
With right side facing, rejoin yarn to remaining 24sts
Starting with a knit row, continue in st st.

On the 2nd row make a buttonhole: K2,YO, K1, P to end. K6 rows and repeat the buttonhole row.

Complete right front to match left front, remember the 3 sts that make up your front border to be knitted in garter stitch.
 

Make up
Sew shoulder seams

Collar
Using main colour with right side facing
With right side facing you, pick up the 3 sts from the safety pin, knit and pick up from right side of neck 15sts, then 20sts of holder on back, the 15sts down left side of neck and the remaining 3 sts from the other safety pin (56sts)
Knit 2 rows, On the 3rd row make a buttonhold, K2 rows, cast off

Sleeves
Using contrast 1 cast on 58sts

1st row: K3, *P2,K2, P2, repeat from * to  last 3 stitches, K3

2nd row: K5, *P2, K2, repeat from * to last 5 sts, K5 end

3rd row: K3, *P2,TW2, P2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, K3

4th row: as 2nd row

Repeat these 4 rows 10 times (11 mock cable patterns in total)

Cast off loosely, sew in threads
Sew sleeve seam. sew sleeve into jacket, sew buttons on to correspond with buttonholes 

Please let me know if there are any mistakes in this pattern.

Shawl for Angus

THIS shawl has taken me over 2 months to make - working full time on the ward and trying to find time to make this in time for Angus's arrival drove me crazy but it is now finished. The pattern is copied from an old 60's pattern book and it confused the hell out of me so my shawl isnt exactly like the picture in the book. When I get a bit of time I'll type up the pattern and maybe some bright spark will figure it out.

I love the corners of this shawl and the basket-weave stitch makes the 4ply appear thicker than it really is.

Mini Muks

I found the pattern for these a while ago but have had so many other things to make that I've only now found time to create them.

The link for the pattern can be found here http://windrosefiberstudio.blogspot.com/2010/04/mini-muk-luks-crochet-along-part-i.html - this tutorial is the best ever. 

For Aussies and kiwis - I used a 6.5mm hook and DOUBLED my 8 ply to give me the correct thickness of yarn ie: used 2 strands of 8ply together. I tried 12 ply with the 6.5 hook but it was too 'breezey' across the top of my foot. I also had to do 4 rounds of the squares because 3 as per the pattern wasn't big enough. As long as you make 2 squares that meet when you wrap them around your calf you'll be fine. These are soooo warm!

Mock Cable Booties

Size: prem, 0, 3mo

Materials:

4ply yarn 25g

size 3.25mm needles

Abbreviations:

TW2: knit into front of 2nd st on left hand needle then knit into front of the first st, slipping both st off the needle at the same time

Method:

Make 2 - begin at the ankle.

Using 3.25mm needles cast on 46, 50, 50 sts and begin pattern

1st row: P2, *K2, P2, repeat from * to end

2nd row: K2, *P2, K2, repeat from * to end

3rd row: P2, *TW2, P2, repeat from * to end

4th row: as 2nd row

these 4 rows form the "mock" cable pattern

Work a further 20, 20, 24 rows pattern (decrease 14, 16, 14 sts evenly along last row) 32, 34, 36 sts

Shape instep:

Work in stocking stitch for remainder of bootie (knit one row, purl one row)

Next row: K20, 21, 22 turn

P8

turn

Continue on center 8 stitches for 14, 16, 18 rows stocking stitch (There should be 12, 13, 14 stitches on either side)

Turn, break yarn and leave these 8 sts on left hand needle

Shape sides:

With right side facing, rejoin yarn to the first group of 12, 13, 14 sts at right edge. Knit up 10, 13, 13 sts evenly along first side of instep, knit across 8 sts of instep then knit 10, 13, 13 sts evenly along other side of instep, then knit across remaining 12, 13, 14 sts to end.

Work 7, 9, 9 rows stocking stitch beginning with a purl row

Shape heel and toe:

1st row: K2 tog, K 22, 26, 27, K2 tog, K2 tog, K 22, 26, 27, K2 tog

2nd and alt rows: Purl

3rd row: K2 tog, K 20, 24, 25, K2 tog, K2 tog, K 20, 24, 25, K2 tog

5th row: K2 tog, K18, 22, 23, K2 tog, K2 tog, K 18, 22, 23, K2 tog

6th row: Purl

Cast off loosely and join seams.

Chevron Crochet Afghan (zig zag stitch)

Zig Zag Crochet also known as chevron crochet produces an awesome result. You need at least 3 different colours for the zigs and zags to look effective and you can crochet in your favourite stitch! I prefer double crochet for this afghan. Single crochet is just too teensy and the result is quite tight. Half double crochet is also nice and thats what I used for my Grandbaby's Cot Blanket - the mint/white and lemon one above.

The beauty of this is that you can use whatever ply yarn that takes your fancy and whatever hook size you want to use. I usually use 8 ply yarn and a size 5.5 hook. Play with your stripes. One of my favourite rugs is the blue one pictured. It has 6 rows of Colour 1, 3 rows of Colour 2, 6 rows of Colour 3,  3 rows of Colour 2 then back to Colour 1 ....

Here is a basic pattern:

The only stitch you need to know how to do is double crochet (dc)

Note: V stitch is: one double crochet into the hole of the row below, then 2 chain, then another double crochet into the same hole.
...
Materials: I usually use 8ply wool and a size 5.5 hook, 4 x 100gm balls of 3 different colours - total 12 balls

Make a chain as wide as you want your blanket. For example 160 chain. Increase or decrease in multiples of 24
Row 1: dc into the second chain from the hook - continue in dc  to the end of the row, last chain - 1 dc ,1 chain, 1 dc
TURN
Row 2: 4 chain, 1 dc into the first hole in the row below, **7 dc into the following next 7 holes, SKIP 2, 7 dc into the next 7 holes, V STITCH into the next hole** repeat to the last hole ... 1 dc, 1 chain, 1 dc into the last hole.
TURN
Row 3: 4 chain, 1 dc into the first hole in the row below, **7 dc into the following next 7 holes, SKIP 1, 7 dc into the next 7 holes, V STITCH into the next hole** repeat to the last hole ... 1 dc, 1 chain, 1 dc into the last hole.

Row 3 is the pattern, repeat until your rug is as long as you want.

The V stitch is the peak of the zig zag and the skip is the trough.


have fun!

Knitted Hotwater Bottle Cover

This is a hottie cover I usually knit on circular needles but I broke the wire on my size 8mm and decided to try knitting it up on the flat. You'll end up with a side seam but because you use fluffy wool the seam isnt obvious AND you can always knit it on circular needles - the principle is the same. I absolutely love knitting these up because they grow so fast, I whip one of these up in about 3 hours. They are lovely and thick so you wont burn yourself and the fluffy yarn makes them snuggleable.

Ingredients:

2 x 50g balls of ostrich, eyelash, feathers or any of that lovely cheap fluffy yarn you can get these days

1 x 100gm ball of a matching 8 ply yarn
size 8mm needles and size 6mm needles

Method:

You are using one strand of the fluffy yarn and one strand of 8 ply knitted together as one strand.

On size 8mm needles cast on 52 stitches.

Knit in stocking stitch (knit 1 row, Purl 1 row) until your work measures 10 inches (25cm)

Shape the "shoulders"

Knit 2 tog, knit 24, knit 2 tog, knit 24

Purl 2 tog, Purl 23, Purl 2 tog, Purl 23

Knit 2 tog, knit 22, knit 2 tog, knit 22

Purl 2 tog, Purl 21, Purl 2 tog, purl 21

Knit 2 tog, *knit 6, knit 2 tog* to end of row

Change to size 6mm needles and using 2 strands of 8 ply knitted together as one knit 1, Purl 1 to end of row

Continue in rib until work measures 8 inches (20cm)

Cast off leaving a long tail to sew your side seam and bottom seam.

Turn right side out. "Squish" your empty hottie into it's cover, fill with hot water and ENJOY!

For circular knitting you just KNIT around and around and around until your work measures the required length. Do the "shoulder" shaping thus: Knit 2 tog, knit 24, knit 2 tog, knit 24, knit 2 tog, knit 23, knit 2 tog, knit 23, knit 2 tog, knit 22, knit 2 tog, knit 22, knit 2 tog, knit 21, knit 2 tog, knit 21. Work the extra decrease row: knit 2 tog, *knit 6, knit 2 tog* to end. Change to your size 6mm needles and work in rib for the required length. Cast off. Sew the bottom seam and turn right side out.

Still working on my Africa Flower Afghan

Just thought I'd post this so y'all know why I havent posted anything recently. I still have a few hexagons to make AND all those half hexagons but I decided to sew some together just to satisfy my curiousity about what the heck it would look like completed.

Not bad huh?

Knitting pattern: 8 ply "London" Beanie ... now known as Hamish's TeenieBeanie

My teenage son Hamish asked me to make him a beanie but "not one of those chunky hats with that stupid fold up" Hey, no problem! Actually it turned into a drama of googling and googling and resorting to an old 70's hat book my mother-in-law gave me years ago. I loved the LONDON beanie http://www.headhuggers.org/patterns/kpatt16.htm because it's exactly what Hamish wanted but it's knitted up on worsted weight (Aran weight) wool on size 4.5mm circular needles (which I have but wasnt in the mood to use). The first line said to cast on 72 stitches .... hmmm, that's not right I thought. I'd just finished making a beanie for myself with 12 ply on size 6.5mm needles and had cast on 70 stitches to get a fabulous result - there was no way 72 stitches on size 4.5mm needles would work.


Ugh! American knitting patterns drive me crazy!

Here is Hamish's TEENIE BEANIE

Recipe

Ingredients: 

               1 x 100gm ball of 8ply wool

                size 4mm needles

Method:

Cast on 92 stitches

1st row: *knit 2, purl 2*, Repeat ** to end

Repeat 1st row until work measures 6cm

Next row: knit to end

Next row: purl to end

Repeat last two rows until work measure 14cm

Next row: *knit 7, knit 2 tog,* repeat ** to end (NB: you WONT have 7 stitches at the end. Just knit whatever is left to complete the row. Don't fret - it looks great when it's finished and whoever gets close enough to count your decrease rows needs shot)

Next row: Purl to end

Next row: *knit 6, knit 2 tog*, Repeat ** to end 

Next row: Purl to end

Next row:  *knit 5, knit 2 tog*, Repeat ** to end

Next row: Purl to end

Next row:  *knit 4, knit 2 tog*, Repeat ** to end

Next row: Purl to end

Next row:  *knit 3, knit 2 tog*, Repeat ** to end

Next row: Purl to end

Next row: *knit 2, knit 2 tog*, Repeat ** to end

Next row: Purl to end

Next row:  *knit 1, knit 2 tog*, Repeat ** to end

Next row: Purl to end

Next row: *knit 2tog*, Repeat ** to end

Break wool leaving a long tail. Thread tail through the remaining 10 stiches on the needle and pull tight.

Sew your seam neatly.

                                                                                 Thanks Mum!

Crocheted Can Cap

So many projects, so little time!

I've been busy this past week working and also my daughter Lisa and grandson Jayden came to visit from Northcliffe so I haven't had much time to crochet or knit. Lisa noticed my pile of can labels sitting on the microwave and couldn't picture a Can Cap so I whipped one up for her.

Isnt she a cute model?

There are heaps of different tutorials on the internet for making these. I liked the concept of recycling something and making it into something so totally, radically different.
I am seriously considering combining PLARN and cans and having a hat that is made fully from trash. If I ever make it I will post a photo of it.

Send me your cans!

Plarn - recycle your supermarket bags!

CREATING A BALL OF PLASTIC YARN:
Straighten the plastic bag and lay it flat on the table or ironing board which is where I cut mine.  
Smooth to remove any trapped air.

           
Start by cutting off the bottom and handles/top of the grocery bag.  
      


            1) 
These are fastened together with a half hitch knot.  1) Lay out 2 loops, laying 1 loop on top of the other.  2) Pull  the top loop under and through the bottom loop.  3) This will form a half hitch.
  2) 3) 4)
4) Be really careful when you pull the knots as flat as possible without stretching the plastic - it WILL break.
     
After all loops are fastened together--roll into a ball.  
This can be crocheted like 'yarn'.
This ball is your 'yarn'. from which bags, mats and etc can be crocheted. 
NOTE: You cannot stretch the yarn tightly over your fingers as it will stretch the yarn and break it. As you crochet, hold it firmly but not tightly.
This link will take you to a fabulous website with free patterns to use your plarn for.

http://www.myrecycledbags.com/

Enjoy!

Crocheted Cloche Hat

This is MY version of the fabulous Cloche Hat. It's sized to fit an average woman's head.

Materials:

• Size 6mm crochet hook
• 12 ply yarn (I used Moda Vera Marvel)

Instructions:

Chain 3 and join.
Round 1: 7 hdc in ring formed by joined chain, join with a slip stitch(7hdc)
Round 2: ch 1, 2 hdc in ea st around, join (14hdc)
Round 3: ch 1, *1 hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st* rep around, join (21hdc)
Round 4: ch 1, *1 hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st* rep around, join (28hdc)
Round 5: ch 1, *1 hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st* rep around, join (35hdc)
Round 6: ch 1, *1 hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next st* rep around, join (42hdc)
Round 7: ch 1, *1 hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st* rep around, join (49hdc)
Round 8: ch 1, *1 hdc in next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next st* rep around, join (56hdc)
Round 9: ch 1, 1 hdc in ea st around, join (56hdc)

Your increases should line up as you work your way from round to round.
Round 10-19 : rep Rnd 9

Once the body of the hat is as long you as want (work less or more rows to get the length you want) you start on your brim as follows.

Round 20: ch 1, in back loops only, *1 hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st* rep around, join (84hdc)
Round 21: ch 1, 1 hdc in ea st around, join.
Round 22-24: rep Round 20

Round 25: ch 1, sc into each stitch to the end of the row. Fasten off.

Abbreviations:

• ch = chain
• ea = each
• hdc = half double crochet
• sc = single crochet
• st = stitch
• rep = repeat

Adorn your hat with a flower made as follows:

size 5 mm hook and yarn

Chain 30

(dc,ch 3, slip st, {ch 3, dc, ch 3, slip st} twice) all in the 4th ch from the hook, 

*(slip st, ch 3, dc, ch 3, slip st)* all in the next ch, repeat from * across the chain to the end. Fasten off.

Starting with the first 3 petals you made, spiral the petals around in layers and stitch in place from the back.

Stitch firmly to your hat.