Busy Busy Busy

Wow, I have been super busy for the last couple of months! I sorta forgot about my blog but I promise to keep it updated from now on!

I have been busy spinning and knitting lately. I have a pair of Monkeys almost completed (the "proper"ones with the purls!) I am also working on a pair of Angee from Cookie's new book, Sock Innovation. The patterns in this book are totally awesome! I got the new Wendy Johnson book yesterday called Socks From The Toe Up and I can't wait to cast on something out of it. The Hearts Afire socks that I am working on are hibernating but what I do have done looks great.

Next Saturday is the Red Carpet Event at Hollywood Hills Boutique in Albia, Iowa. I am planning on attending to show off my Whisper Shawl and the January Mystery Socks from the Ravelry group Sock Knitters Anonomous. The shawl was knit in The Alpaca Yarn Co. Suri Elegance in the color Raku. I love this yarn but, oh boy, I sure couldn't afford to buy it often! I knit the socks in Mary Maxim Bamboo Stripes, it is so soft but I wish that I had knit them at a tighter guage. I hope that they come out with some other colors of this yarn, it was my first foray into bamboo blend yarns.

If you are on Ravelry, check out all of my finished projects at My Project Page.

Why didn't anyone tell me about Lime and Violet? I have learned so much since joining Ravelry, it is unbelievable! I have been busy catching up on all of the knitting/fiber related podcasts that I can find. I have so many downloaded in iTunes right now! If you know of any good podcasts please let me know.

New Projects and New Yarn Listed

I finally got the dog sweaters and hats finished and mailed to their new home! Whewww! I'm disappointed in myself for not getting any photos taken but I'll remember to do that next time.

I also finished the baby shrug for the baby contest at the fair. Wouldn't you know it that it was pouring down rain and cold so she didn't get to wear it yet! But I got an order for another one! So now I'm working on that, a pair of camo hunting socks for my husband, and a multitude of other little things.

I have gotten some new handpainted sock yarn listed at www.adjones826.etsy.com so check it out!

My Current Projects

I have recently started my very own Etsy store! I have some handpainted sock yarn for sale and a few hand knit gift items listed. I hope to have more items listed soon! I have made two sales already so I am super thrilled!

Currently I am working on 2 custom dog sweaters by request, an infant shrug for a contestant in the baby show at the county fair, and 2 customer stocking caps! I will be very busy this weekend and next week. I am designing the infant shrug as I go so it is taking me a little bit longer than I had planned but I will have written another pattern when I am done!

Basic Toddler Mittens

This pattern is for a pair of basic toddler mittens to fit a palm that measures 5 inches around.

Materials:
Approximately 1 ounce worsted weight yarn
Size 5 and 7 double pointed needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Stitch holder
Stitch markers
Yarn needle

Gauge: With size 7 double pointed needles, in Stockinette Stitch (knit every round), 20 sts and 28 rows = 4 inches

Ribbing:
With smaller size needles, cast on 23 stitches.
Round 1: P1, (K1, P1) around
Round 2: K1, (P1, K1) around
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until ribbing measures approximately 2 inches from cast on edge, end by working round 1.

Body:
Change to larger size needles.

Round 1: Knit around increasing 5 sts evenly placed
Round 2: Knit around

Shaping:
Round 1: Knit 13 sts, place marker, K1, M1, K1, M1, place marker, knit around
Round 2: Knit around
Round 3: Knit to first marker, slip marker, K1, M1, knit to 1 st before next marker, M1, K1, slip marker, knit around
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 one more time.
Work even in stockinette stitch until piece measures approximately 3 1/2 inches from cast on edge.

Next round:
Knit to first marker, remove marker. Slip stitches between markers onto stitch holder. Turn work and cast on 2 stitches, turn work and knit around.

Hand:
Work even in stockinette stitch until piece measures 4 3/4 inches from cast on edge.
Next round: Knit 14 sts, place marker, knit around.

Shaping:
Round 1: K2, slip 1 as if to knit, K1, PSSO, knit to 3 sts before marker, K2tog, K1, slip marker, K1, slip 1 as if to knit, K1, PSSO, knit around to last 4 sts, K2tog, K2
Round 2: Knit around
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 one more time.
Next round: K2 tog across.

Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread yarn needle with tail and slip each stitch from the needles onto the yarn. Gather the stitches and pull together. Weave in end.

Thumb:
Slip thumb stitches from stitch holder onto double point needles, divide evenly.
Round 1: Knit around, picking up 2 stitches where 2 stitches were added for hand, join.
Round 2: Knit around.
Repeat round 2 until thumb measures 1 1/4 inches.

Next round: K2tog around.

Cut yarn leaving a long tail, thread yarn needle with tail and slip each stitch from the needles onto the yarn as for the hand. Gather the stitches and pull together. Weave in remaining ends.

Repeat for 2nd mitten.