Basket Weave Baby Blanket

I've been working on this blanket and I'm about 1/2 way done. I love this pattern that I've come up with that should be posted on here once I'm finished with the blanket. It combines basket weave stitch with a seed stitch border that really makes the pattern pop.

Still a WIP (aka work in progress)

Small Phone and ID holder

I wanted something to be able to use to just carry cash, ID, and my phone in.
I came up with this little purse with some Daria by Noro that I had in my stash that I didn't know what the heck to do with. I made this really simple pattern that comes out looking amazing. Definitely a pattern that you can make even if you're a beginner.

Yarn used: Daria by Noro (I used just over one skein)
Needle Size: 5

Cast on 48 stitches making sure to leave a long tail to sew up one side of the purse.

Work in stockinette for 10 rows.

On a right side row *k2, yo k2tog. repeat from * to end of the row.

Continue in stockinette until desired length and cast off with a three needle bind off.

Sew up the side.

Cast on 3 stitches. Knit in icord until long enough to weave into the top of the purse and wrap around your wrist.

Weave in the icord then sew the two ends together.

Head wear

So, I have been on a hat and headwarmer kick lately. These are my two favorites that I've completed. Seems like they are already being put to good use! I crocheted the flowers on Nora's headband and it looks too cute on her. Reese has a very manly hat with black stripes. I'm finishing up a couple other projects and have a scarf to work on for commission. I'm super excited to start selling my knitting!!

Headband

So, I must have a huge head. I knit this headband on the Red Heart website exactly to gauge with size 8 needles and it barely fits my head! Good thing I have a few friends with children that this could fit. Just need to block it (the sides curl pretty badly) and put the finishing touches on it. I finished the kitty kicker that I did, but still need to stuff it and crochet the edges.

I love my interchangable harmony needles from Knit Picks. The only complaint that I have so far is that my yarn slides just a little too easily from needle to needle. I have slipped stitches when working on a small project. They do allow me to knit a lot quicker than aluminum or bamboo needles. I really can't be happier with them. Best Xmas present ever.

Ravelry

I love Ravelry. (pssst - shinypapillon there) I keep finding amazing patterns and getting wonderful ideas. For Xmas my mother got me a knitted ear-warmer/headband. It's adorable, but I knew I could knit it better. I tried to figure out the increases, but wasn't getting it right. I found a pattern on Ravelry that was better and used worsted weight yarn, which I have a ton of that I want to use up.

So, a little modifications and it will be a head-warmer for a coworker w/kitten ears done with pink in the ears. She's begged for one, so she gets one. I hope to have it done by the end of this week.

Currently finishing up a kitty kicker (as the pattern is easy and I have it memorized) which has become my "in between projects" project. Made quite a few for Rob's step-mother and they were a hit with her kitties. I also did another octopus and a few whales that look like strange fishies.

Kitty knitting is so quick and easy. I know that most cats are pretty easy to please. It's the picky ones like my Ruby that give the most satisfaction when they play with a toy you've made.

Scarf for Kat

I finished Kat's scarf with plenty of time for the holidays. Because it got so cold here so fast, she got an early present. She loves it and I think it turned out pretty spiffy. I love the colors and the way they are blocked instead of smaller stripes, as I was originally thinking.

Sure, it's just garter stitch, but it's warm and durable. I also found out that the Vanna White yarn is just a bit smaller than the Loops and Threads yarn as far as weight. I didn't realize that I had picked up two different brands until I got home and just worked with it.

Knit knit knit

It's that time of the year and I am busy with parties, work, cooking, cleaning...and knitting. OMG knitting. So far I've finished two scarves and a couple kitty kickers. I have a few more octopus cat toys to make for the boyfriend's stepmother. I have swore to not give my family knitted presents, so instead I'm doing a really neat thing with the shells collected in Destin this October on my first family vacation in about 12 years.

This time of year also means snow, which makes me just want to hibernate. I should head south with the migratory birds every year.

Oh, wait... I'm going to do that with my aunt during the first part of the year! Yes!!!

Until then though, knit knit knit...purl purl purl

Yes, pics will be forthcoming.