Monkey Sock Swap: take 1

here's my monkey sock for the monkey sock swap...this is three repeats of the pattern into it.

Blocks: take 2

here's the first block finished. I have another in the same colors just about finished. then four more to go, hopefully they'll be done by Saturday!

Blocks: take 1

I have waaaaay too many WIP right now. But these are top priority for a baby shower gift in a little over a week. I ordered the yarn and it just came in yesterday. I promise a picture later tonight of the first one minus the foam block that will go inside the knitting since I still have to locate those at a craft store.

ETA (edited to add): I lied, I still have one square left yet to do on the first block. but I really love the way it looks!

Cargo Pants: take 2

an update on the pants for Tristan's birthday: I finally have both legs done and together on the circular needle. that alone took awhile as my knitting group and I had a hard time figuring out what a backward loop cast on was. but eventually we got it and all looks good so far!

To frog or not to frog

Here's my dilemma- I love this yarn (Lorna's Laces Shepherd's Socks: Sweetie) but I don't like how the yellow is pooling all in one area. I was going to do another pair of Monkey Socks out of this, but I just might have to find another pattern. Frog (rip it) or keep going....suggestions?

Cargo Pants: take 1

Here is the first leg of the pants for Tristan's birthday, I finished it in a day, wasn't too hard. the hem is a bit uneven, but it was my first one ever. I have started the second leg and the hem is actually even on that one, go me! I looooooooove this yarn (Rowan's All Season Cotton: Mocha Chocolate), it is so soft and if I could afford enough for pants for myself you better bet I'd be making some!




ps- I need to find a shirt and shoes to go with these, suggestions welcome!

Monkey Socks: take 2

here's a better picture of the monkey socks, this is the back and you can see the turned heel a bit. I've a little more done now than in this picture.

Monkey Socks: take 1

the ribbing and the first four repeats of the Monkey Sock pattern. two more repeats and then I start the heel. I'll try to get a better picture tomorrow after I finish the other repeats.

my second bag

top view


the ribbing around the top, I really like how that came out, anxious to see how it looks after felting it.


full view of the bag

Pattern

base of bag

Using double pointed needles, CO 8 sts. Divide so that there are 2 sts on each of 4 needles. [Although it is possible to divide using 3 needles, I recommend using 4 needles as it makes the increasing a lot easier. The increases occur before and after the first stitch of each needle.]

Join by slipping first st onto Needle 4. Pull last st over first st and move the last stitch onto the Needle 1.

Round 1: Knit [8 sts]

Round 2: *K1, M1* around [16 sts].

Round 3: Knit.

Round 4: * K1, M1, K3, M1 * around [24 sts].

Round 5: Knit.

Round 6: * K1, M1, K5, M1 * around [32 sts].

Round 7: Knit.

Round 8: * K1, M1, K7, M1 * around [40 sts].

Round 9: Knit.

Round 10: * K1, M1, K9, M1 * around [48 sts].

Continue in this manner, so that all odd rounds are knit and all even rounds have 8 stitches increased until you have 80 sts. Since you are increasing before and after the first st of each of the needles, the first st is going to "pop" up, off the knitted fabric.

After you have the required number of stitches, do a few more knit rows (I did about 3). for the sides, knit up about 5" all the way around. the last inch K2, P2. to finish off I K5, BO 30, K10, BO30, K10 (this will put the first 5 stitches on the same needle as the last 5 stitches).

handles

do stockinette stitch (K one row, P next row) up as long as you want the handle. do this for both sets of 10 stitches. join together using kitchener stitch.

felt

put bag in a hot wash with a small amount of detergent, pair of jeans or towel to agitate it. check every 10 minutes until desired felting has occurred.

Afghan: after 2 skeins

full view, I hate how you can tell the slight shade difference in the skeins. but the yarn is supposed to be "no dye lot" and it shouldn't make a difference.



a closer look at the "shadow box"

French Market Bag

here's an updated picture of the French Market Bag, I'm about halfway done with the base of it. I can't do much more until my longer DPN's come in. I must say I'm anxious to finish it and use this to carry my knitting projects in.

Afghan: after 1 skein

the width of the afghan is just about 50"


here's a close up of the "shadow box" detail

Pictures!

The start of the French Market bag made with Paton Classic Merino Wool: Harvest


A simple garter stich scarf, the second of a pair for my husband's aunt and uncle's Christmas present. Made with Red Heart Super Saver: Navy and White in honor of Penn State since they're alumni

the beginning of the afghan. this is made with Caron Simply Soft: Bone, this is almost 4' long so I only showed a portion of it. I tried to show the detail with the blurry picture, but it didn't come out too well





the headband/earwarmer thing, as requested by Amanda. made with Paton Divine yarn and another cream yarn that I can't remember)




the purse, made with Red Heart Super Saver: beige and I can't remember the brown color, but its wool




My second pair of socks, made in Caron Simply Soft: Mango