Total Bummer - Knotions is Closing

Read about it here on the web site's blog. We like Knotions a lot, for a variety of reasons: fresh patterns with new-to-the-scene designers, great price (i.e. free), the good sense to publish our own Jordynn's pattern.

We will miss Knotions.

FYI--I would have paid $15 a year without batting an eye for a subscription. Prospective online knit-mag folks, keep that in mind!

Baby Layette Set

I made this set for my sister’s new baby, Nicholas. The yarn is Paton’s Silk Bamboo, in “Sea” and “Ivory.” The yarn is a little slippery, but not too bad to work with. It doesn’t split like a lot of craft store yarns do.

The patterns I used are:

Hat – Welcome to the World Newborn Hat

This was quick and easy. My only mod was to use garter stitch instead of ribbing for the edge.

Pants – Pimp My Longies

These turned out a bit skinny, compared to regular newborn size pants, but Nicholas is kind of long and skinny, so I think they will fit him well.

Sweater – Garter Yoke Baby Cardi

This turned out a bit wide, I think. But it was easy to knit.

Booties - Seamless Baby Booties (top down)

I highly recommend this pattern! I made mine a bit smaller by doing fewer short row rounds to shape the front of the bootie. I was happy to find ribbon that matched so well!

Hopefully I’ll get pictures of Nicholas wearing this soon!

Verena FO: "Britta"

Pattern: Britta (#7), Verena Fall 2009
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden Color 206, 6.5 skeins
Needles: Size 9 and Size 7 circulars, two of each (sleeves worked in double-circular method)
Modifications: Lengthened sleeves and body. Worked looser gauge than called for, size is about 37".

This went REALLY fast. This sweater jumped right out at me in the magazine. I had the yarn on hand, a gift from another local knitter. I'm struggling with the post-partum weight--the pictures really emphasize how I'm not the same size as before. Nevertheless, this is a super snuggy sweatershirt substitute. I'm wearing it now, as I write this.

This is the first top-down yoke sweater I've knitted and I really love the technique. This was a great project to learn on and I really recommend it. I made a list of modifications on my Ravelry project page for this, if you are considering knitting it.

Knitting in Miniature

This is amazing—check out this video showing Althea Chrome, who knit tiny garments for the movie Coraline:

Itty Bitty Knitty Model

Here's Adrian, modeling some items that were knit for him before he was a person.

First, a baby blanket based on the Lady Eleanor shawl, knit of Noro Niji, a super soft silk blend. [See project on Ravelry.]



And a close-up:



Second, and more importantly, here he is in the outfit that Jordynn knit for him. The sweater and pants are of Lion Brand Cotton-Ease, which is really soft and easy to care for. Plus the colors are just great. She also got the sizing just right, because this is start to fit him just as we are coming into winter. [See project on Ravelry.]

Add THIS To Your Wish List

Don't get me wrong. I really liked the Twilight books.

This, however, is too much. Too weird. Too freaky. Seriously--Ken Dolls are already one of the most bizarre inventions of the 20th century. So, weird vampire Ken?

In swanky boot-cut jeans, Italian leather shoes, and a P-Coat.

Yours for just 25 bucks.

In case you’re thinking about holiday gifts already…

There’s a new site for craft items that should never have been made: Regretsy. Crocheted toilet paper roll, anyone? How about a Christmas nativity featuring meerkats?

I’m going to skip the holiday gift guide this year, because Regretsy has you covered.