Made by Mummy

Hats off to ya baby!

2008-02-19T09:42:00.005+11:00

I'm really excited to say that hopefully very soon I will become a seller on a well known WAHM site!!

I've expressed my interest to the owners, who have in turn, said they are interested so I've been working hard on getting some stock built up.

I will most probably sell knitted baby wear - hats, MCN soakers, shorties and longies, coats etc.

Here are some of the hats modelled by my adorable son and his best friend "Teddy".

~*~Thom is wearing "Teddy Ears" (size 2years+); Teddy is wearing "Stripey Stocking Hat" (size 1-2 year old) ~*~

~*~Thom is wearing "Tassled Toque" (size 12 months); Teddy is wearing "Stripey Stocking Hat"~*~

~*~Newborn "Beanie Blooms"~*~

~*~Thom is wearing "Paper Bag Hat" (size 2 years+) ~*~

~*~Thom is wearing "Very Vertical Stripes" (size 1-2 years); Teddy is wearing "Beanie Blooms" (newborn)~*~

Just so I remember

2008-02-16T07:55:00.002+11:00

For Lily's jumper -

Chest - 20 inches
Arm - 9.6 inches
Length - 12.8 inches

Size for Winter 08 - 2/3 years old

"Silly Stripes" - Toddler hat

2008-02-07T09:25:00.000+11:00

Here it is :) The photo in my last post wasn't much chop but I'm so happy with the end result!

I will add more details of the pattern later but basically you knit 1 inch on circs as if to start a very simple hat. Then you pick up 8 stitches at a time and knit vertically to add the panels. You need to join the panels as you go which, to begin with, is pretty tricky, but not hard to pick up and remember.

It was a surprisingly fast knit too. It took me 3 days of knitting on and off when my son was asleep or otherwise occupied.

Whodunnit?

2008-02-04T13:00:00.000+11:00

Oooh I wonder what this is and who it's for? Stay tuned!!

A professional painter I am NOT!

2008-01-27T19:45:00.000+11:00

But Thom seems to like his new bed :-)

Berrocco Panache Poncho

2008-01-25T16:18:00.000+11:00

In Christmas/New Year of 2006/2007 the three of us took a trip to Tassie to visit my parents-in-law. While we were there we visited an Alapaca farm and I was lucky enough to pick up some beautiful wool. I was only really starting out with serious knitting so I stashed it away to make something special with. I didn't want to just play with it because it was too nice, and too expensive!

I've always had the idea in the back of my mind to knit myself some sort of wrap/poncho out of it but I really didn't want anything plain. The wool is so lovely and I wanted to put some real effort into making something memorable and expand my skills at the same time.

I came across this pattern here and decided to add some other colours into the mix as well. The pattern stitch is actually a lot lot easier than it looks. I'm so happy with it so far and can't wait to wear it during our trip to Tassie this year :-)

The Alpaca wool is the ball in the bottom left hand corner of the first photo.

Longies for Nat

2008-01-21T17:09:00.000+11:00

Here are some progress shots of a pair of longies I am making for Nat's little boy. So far I'm really happy with them and the wool is lovely to knit with.

I'm nearly ready to divide for the legs and they should be ready soonish :-)

**The darker colour is a jade green even though it has come out as a navy blue colour in the photo! The waist band is a mint green.

Thomas' big boy bed!

2008-01-16T18:51:00.000+11:00

Last year I bought a simple, single, pine bed from Ebay. I've painted it up and it's going to be Thom's bed when we move him out of a cot. I'm hoping that will happen by this weekend!

The bed was "white washed" hideously and I gave it a gentle sand and got a-painting. Thom and I went to Bunnings and chose the colours together :) The photo is of the bed head. Since taking the photo, I've painted the white section green. I did intend to paint it yellow but had a masking tape mishap and the easiest way to fix it was to carry the colour through to the back panel.

While we were in Berrima, I managed to pick up some inexpensive wooden letters. One set of them spells "TOYS" and I'll somehow attach them to the toybox that I intend on painting. The others spell "SLEEP" and I'm going to mount them on little square canvases (that I will first paint with craft paint) and hang them just above his bed head.

Debbie Bliss Double Breasted Coat for Miss Jenna

2008-01-16T18:31:00.000+11:00

A couple of nights ago I finished Jenna's coat and I am SO pleased with the results. It was a very easy pattern to follow and although the stitch pattern is a little fiddly, it's easy to get used to (it becomes automatic very quickly) and the results are very worth it. I hope Jenna enjoys it!! I'll start her brother's one soon!

I've sewn up Thom's as well and just need to knit the collar.

Here are the photos of Jenna's. Photos of Thom's to follow.

Stitcheries - what am I thinking?!

2008-01-12T10:51:00.000+11:00

Not that I don't already have a million and one craft projects on the go! We recently went on a family holiday to Berrima, on Sydney's sothern highlands, and I came across a fabulous craft shop.

Here are my purchases, and some family holiday snaps :)

New Fabric

2008-01-12T10:47:00.000+11:00

We were lucky enough to get a lovely new lounge late last year and I've been keeping my eyes open for some nice fabric to make some cushions. The price of cushions is ridiculous (and they're not that nice!) so I had an attack of the "I can make that"s.

I've been very picky looking for material because I want it to be "just right" and I finally found some I love! I've been braver than usual and have bought some fabric that will add a shot of colour to our lounge. Our lounge is a nice safe tan colour (feels like suede) and we have a little green in a print we have on the wall, so green was my inspiration.

Christmas t-shirts for Thom

2007-12-18T16:56:00.000+11:00

They WERE going to be a present, but Thom caught me sewing them!! He likes them, though, which is all that matters!!

Here they are (I didn't make the t-shirt, I just machine embroidered around the cut out shapes).

I'm most happy with the teddy one. There was one disaster though and one t-shirt sadly ended up in the bin :-(

**disclaimer - they need an iron!**

Rory the Lion

2007-12-10T21:24:00.000+11:00

My little guy is going to find a new friend for him under the Christmas tree this year! I'm making him a lion from a Simplicity pattern 4222. The best thing is I've been able to find some left over fleece in my material stash so he's very inexpensive to make.

I'll get some photos up soon, but here are some photos from the pattern slip.

Christmas craft interrupting knitting!

2007-12-05T08:03:00.001+11:00

I've really been looking forward to Christmas this year since it will be the first that Thom will really understand what's going on. Thom will be 2 in February and is really noticing all of the decorations etc that are around. He enjoys looking at the decorations on our tree and finds the santa and bear decoration straight away.

To make this Christmas special for Thom, I've been spending some time doing some craft to make our home look festive!

Here are some photos -

Mr and Mrs Claus panel that I'm making into a wall hanging.

The bells that I've added to the panel :)

Close up of the fabric of a tree skirt that I'm making. I'll put a photo of the finished product up once I've sewn on the braid.

I've also been busy working on a cross stitch for my mother in law, and of course knitting the jackets for Thom and Shan and Rose's little people!

We apologise for your break in transmission...

2007-12-05T08:01:00.000+11:00

If you've followed a link from a user's profile on EB and you've found yourself here, be assured that user is not me. I suspect I know which sad individual it is.

On EB I am GlindaTheGoodWitch and have taken the link out of my profile.

Now back to our regular program!

From me to you :)

2007-10-01T11:31:00.000+10:00

Thom's jacket is coming along nicely. I've done both sleeves, the back panel and I'm up to the raglan shaping on the front left panel. Then all I need to do is the front right, the collar and sew it up! I'm absolutely chuffed with it.

It seems that two of my online friends were chuffed with it too...so much so that I'm knitting coats for their kiddies! And the best part is that I get to knit for one little boy and two little girls. That means I get to knit pink! woohoo! It'll be a fun change from all of the blues that I usually knit with. Little J and Little L will get a lovely double breasted coat each in this wool:

"Cayene"

And little Mr D is getting a double breasted coat in this wool:

"Denim"

And last but not least, Miss L is getting this hoodie in these colours:

"Magnolia" & "Woodrose"

Progress shots of Debbie Bliss Double Breasted Coat

2007-09-18T17:32:00.001+10:00

Progress of the back panel.

Close up of weave pattern.

Completed back panel.

Sleeves, back and front left panels

Double breasted knit coat

2007-09-18T08:11:00.000+10:00

Here is my next project. The pattern is from "Easy Baby Knits - clothes & accessories for 0-3 year olds" by Claire Montgomerie.

I'm using "Cedar Fleck" 12ply from Bendigo Woollen Mills and it's really lovely to knit with. I'm also using size 8 needles.

So far I'm up to the raglan shaping on the back and once I've bound off, I'll take a photo.

I'm almost tempted to alter the pattern and and knit myself one - it's so snuggly and warm looking!

A spring vest for my little guy

2007-09-14T10:52:00.000+10:00

I used Sweater Wizard to generate a pattern to knit Thom this little vest. From past experience I knew that I would have to alter the pattern, however, because Thom is quite tall and standard patterns for his age always knit up too small for him.

I not only knit it according to his torso length but also pesonalised it to his own measurements around his arms as well. I was pretty pleased that I was able to alter the pattern without too much stress on my part!

I'm really happy with how it turned out and it should be perfect for this in between weather we've been having :-)

Long time no blog

2007-09-03T09:38:00.000+10:00

My GOSH it's nearly been a month since my last blog entry!

I haven't really done anything major knitting wise. I have been plodding along with some little projects that I seem to get bored with easily (hence the number of projects!).

At the moment (and I'll get photos up later) I'm working on:

A scarf for my mum (an overdue birthday present)
Two Christmas decorations (a snowman and Mrs Claus)
A crocheted string bag
A coat for myself (for next Winter).

That's all ;)

Back later with photos.

Two jumpers for Thom

2007-08-10T08:43:00.000+10:00

Here are the two jumpers that I've finished for Thom. The variegated one is bigger and Thom will get wear out of it next winter I hope. The first one, is almost too small for him NOW! I'm sure he's had a growth spurt!

It looks like it's destined to become a teddy jumper very soon. I don't mind too much. It was fantastic practice on a jumper that I've been meaning to knit for a long time.

I put 3 buttons either side of the neckline so that the neck size could be adjustable. It's a little too wide on Thom at the moment so it needed to be brought in some but I didn't want to sew it

Vancouver in Thom's Vestee

2007-07-25T22:18:00.000+10:00

This is "Vancouver". He's from Canada, funnily enough! He's from Victoria, BC, but I don't think the name "Victoria" is very becoming to a boy bear. Yes, a boy. Can't you tell? :-P

Anyway, here he is modelling Thom's Vestee. I sewed the side seams together (that was agonising and I had to improvise) and it still needs blocking, but I wanted to see how the shawl collar sat and Vancouver was the closest teddy at hand ;-)

My tote arrived!!

2007-07-25T17:59:00.000+10:00

After a disappointing experience with my first ITEIV pal, I was blessed by a knitting angel who made me another tote.

Here it is :)

Vestee nearly done!

2007-07-21T21:20:00.000+10:00

Here are the latest progress shots of the vestee I'm knitting for my little guy. I only need to knit the shawl collar which I'll be able to do in an evening no worries.

It hasn't been drama free and I've had to make some improvisations here and there but I'm SO happy with how it's coming together!

Photos of our new house

2007-07-18T18:06:00.000+10:00

We are homeowners :-D

Thom, his nanny (my mum) and I went to the house this afternoon with a few boxes. I was able to snap some photos before the truckloads and boxes and furniture get delivered!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Out the front door, looking left.

Front door and entrance.

Looking right from the front entrance towards the carport.

Looking out the front door.

Side of house (dark and spooky!)

Backyard (dining room windows on the left).

Looking left our of the laundry door.

Backyard. White gate through to carport (dining room windows on the left).

Carport.

Esuite (shower).

Ensuite (vanity and door through to toilet).

Hallway (front door behind me and Thom is heading into the bathroom/ensuite).

Kitchen.

Looking right out of the laundry door.

Thom checking out his "friend" in our wardrobe door.

Thom IN our walk in wardrobe.

Main bedroom (with my back to the ensuite).

Main bedroom from doorway.

Ensuite (bath side).

Loungeroom.

Loungeroom.

Loungeroom.

Loungeroom.

Main bedroom.

Thomas checking out the lightswitch in the 3rd bedroom.

Third bedroom.

Thom's bedroom.

Thom inspecting ANOTHER lightswitch.

And ANOTHER! (in main bedroom)

Hallway.

Dining Room.

Looking into the laundry from the dining room.

Kitchen.

The tote is ready to make a looooooong journey to Judy

2007-07-17T18:56:00.000+10:00

I finally finished putting together my package for the ITE IV and it's ready to make a looooong flight to Judy's home in the US.

The vestee is va-va-vrooooooooming along

2007-07-14T15:18:00.000+10:00

I don't know what's happened to me. Perhaps I'm just becoming a faster, more efficient knitter? I've now finished the front and back of the vestee and I'm half way through the first sleeve. Woohoo! Thom will actually get to wear his jumpie THIS winter. LOL!

Vestee progress shots

2007-07-10T13:34:00.001+10:00

I've finished the back of Thom's jumper. Here are the progress shots so far.

Big Knits for Big Girls

2007-07-10T13:30:00.000+10:00

Here is my new book. I love it!

I've changed my mind about what to knit for myself next. I want to knit this Natalie Coat.

Excuse the dodgy photos - I don't have a scanner.

An update on Thom's Vestee

2007-07-08T20:17:00.000+10:00

I've started knitting Thom's Vestee and it's a good test of my patience and "stay-withedness"!!

The main pattern stitch is "garter rib" which is k2, p1 and I looooooooooooooathe too much ribbing. I'm going to stick with it though because it is a nice pattern (I'll post progress shots once I've done more) and I've been wanting to knit this jumper for so long. I'm also sick of starting things and not finishing them! lol.

Also, I'm not liking the way the wool is knitting. It's very different to the wool I usually get from Bendigo. I usually get 100% hand wash only wool but I'm using 100% machine wash wool. Since it's going to be a jumper for Thom I thought it was a no-brainer to use machine washable wool but it's just not as nice :-( The ply keeps splitting and the stitches are just not sitting nice and straight and neat. I am a little persnickety at the best of times though ha! It'll be nice though and I know I'll be super proud when I finish it (which will be by 2009 at the rate I'm going!) :-D

Some update photos

2007-07-05T10:02:00.000+10:00

The Bendigo wool for my jumper and Thom's.

The lining sewn into my tote.

Mum's cat, Lucy, who sat with my while I sewed in the lining.

The garter stitch jumper I'm knitting Thom.

Hello Megan!

2007-07-05T07:56:00.000+10:00

Yesterday, Thom, hubby and I had the pleasure of meeting one of my EB (Essential Baby) friends, Megan. It was so nice to meet her and her two children after chatting for so long! We had a lovely day at the zoo, chatting and walking. I'll pop some photos up soon.

Wooly mail and woolly lit

2007-07-05T07:49:00.000+10:00

My woolly parcel from Bendigo arrived yesterday. I'm pretty happy with it. The colour of the wool for my top is just what I was after - it's a lovely cherry red. The wool for Thom's is nice, it's called "Chilli", and it's a bit more rusty than I thought it was going to be. Sort of like a burnt orange. It'll be nice though.

I also receveived a knitting book yesterday from The Book Depository which I'm really chuffed with. It's got patterns for 0-3 year olds and, Mon, funnily enough IS the same as the one you have!

There are some gorgeous newborn things in there and since hubby and I will be having another baby at some stage I'm hoping to knit some in anticipation. I need to lose some weight beforehand (to try to avoid gestational diabetes again) so a little pair of booties might be some nice motivation.

Homemade stitch markers

2007-06-29T19:02:00.000+10:00

My next large project....

2007-06-28T07:41:00.001+10:00

Once I get my pal's tote mailed off I'm going to embark on my next big project - and the wool is already on it's way!

Ever since Mon and I first started talking about knitting, we both drooled over this pattern for our little people. As soon as I saw it was ribbing I decided against it but since, now, I've tackled a few things knitting wise, I'm confident enough to try it. I did start that vest for Thomas but it was just a disaster. The sizing was all wrong despite following a pattern from Sweater Wizard. Thom is pretty tall and the vest ended up being too short, despite adding length to it. But I did come away from that project understanding the basics of knitting a vest so I'll be able to tackle another one when the mood takes me.

Anyway!

I have some Classic Wool from Bendigo Woollen Mills in "Chilli" on it's way for Thom's Vestee Jumper and I have some Classic Wool in Tuscan on it's way for this pullover for me.

I'm really looking forward to getting started on them soon!

A simple baby hat for Thom

2007-06-28T06:28:00.000+10:00

Here is the hat for Thom - modelled by me :-P

It's made from Rustic Wool in Damson from Bendigo Woollen Mills .

I am such a chuffed craftymummy this morning!

2007-06-27T09:15:00.000+10:00

In under 24 hours I have achieved 2 great knitting feats for myself!

1. I completed a hat for Thom in the correct gauge and it fits! (yet to add a pompom and knitted stars)

2. I taught myself how to do magic loop!

And to think I thought knitting a hat was a major project! hehe

Fancy felted tote Mark II

2007-06-26T21:46:00.000+10:00

Here are some progress shots of my little tote (1/4 the size of the big one) that I felted today. I love it!

It's made from Rustic Wool in Damson from Bendigo Woollen Mills

Look, I know this is a knitting blog...

2007-06-26T21:37:00.000+10:00

but, my GOSH, how much of a spunk is my little man!?

This is definitely my bag baby!

2007-06-25T15:55:00.000+10:00

I've enjoyed knitting my pal's tote so much that I've begun one of my own with a ball of wool I have left over. It's a lovely purple colour (with flecks of blue and red if you look closely) and is going to be a quarter of the size of my pal's tote.

I went to Spotlight today (20% off sale - woohoo!) and bought some lovely quilters material to line my pal's tote with and some to line mine with.

Here are some piccies.

Lining for my pal's tote:

Lining for my bag and a progress shot:

I'm having a felting good time!

2007-06-25T12:33:00.000+10:00

The bag felted up BEAUTIFULLY and I'm having a ball with the embroidery.

I initially had a different embellishment idea but the creative juices have been flowing and the embroidery is evolving really nicely. I absolutely love the bag and it will be sad to give it away! I guess I'll just have to make myself one ;-)

Here are some photos of the embroidering so far - you can see the felting in them. I've tried to include some Australian flowers like the bottle brush (thhe bright red one) and the wattle (the yellow spikey one). I still have more to do but wanted to show what I've come up with so far.I've also decided to line the bag to hide the embroidery stitches inside and to also give the bag even more stability.

Yay me!!!

2007-06-20T16:18:00.000+10:00

Dear ITE IV pal ;-)

Your tote is now felted and I am rather chuffed with myself hehehe.

Forgive the bad photos but here are a few for you. (the first 2 are before felting)

Now I'll begin on the embellishments....this is the part I'm REALLY looking forward to!!

One inch to go!

2007-06-19T07:27:00.001+10:00

I've been madly knitting of a night time once Master T is in bed (and on and off during the day when I can) so it shouldn't have been a surprise when I measured the progress on my tote this morning and found I have knitted 25 inches. That means one more to go!! Then I knit the handles and I can felt the tote. Then I get on to the fun stuff - the embellishments. Yay!

ITEIV Tote progress

2007-06-16T21:31:00.000+10:00

My ITEIV tote is coming along nicely.

I've knitted 13inches...only another 13 to go! haha! It's reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally easy knitting which is great. I'm trying to go super fast (thank goodness for continental knitting!) so that I can spend the drying time after felting to really concentrate on the embellishments. It's winter here in Australia so I expect the tote to take a while to try.

I wish my scanner was working because I could scan in a picture (from one of my knitting books) of the embellishments I want to do. I might try and see if I can get a decent photo of it.

(Oh and there is Rosie staying warm next to me as I knit!)

Here are some ideas for embellishments. Hmmm which one to choose? ;-)

Plummy goodness

2007-06-15T18:44:00.000+10:00

Here is a lovely ball of Merino 8ply DK from The Knittery and a pom-pom maker that I received today in the mail!

I plan to make this scarf for my mum for her 55th birthday. I hope I get it done on time and she loves the colours as much as I do!! I actually think I should have enough over to make myself one ;-)

Rip it Rip it!

2007-06-15T07:27:00.001+10:00

Almost immediately after I posted my photos last night I had a good hard look at the tote and decided I didn't like something about it! LOL So I frogged it back to a certain spot and I'm beginning again from that point. Am I a glutton for punishement or WHAT? hehe

I also found some inspiration online for a different kind of embellishment ;)

Tote Progress

2007-06-14T19:56:00.000+10:00

Photos as promised :)

Let the knitting begin!!

2007-06-14T15:20:00.000+10:00

My wool FINALLY arrived and I've started knitting! YAY!This wool is a pleasure to knit and my 6.5mm addi turbos are a DREAM!

I got the wool from Bendigo Woollen Mills and I'm using Rustic in Bluestone and Mariner with some Damson on the way. I've also thrown some other 100% wool into the mix in cream, rainbow and dusky pink for a bit of colour. My pal is bright and friendly and I'm aiming for a bag to suit her personality.

The blues are lovely but on their own I decided they were a little too dreary.The knitting is eeeeeeeeeeasy knitting and it leaves me a lot of brain power to constantly change my mind about the embellishments I plan to do. I'm also REALLY motivated to make myself a bag once I've finished this one.

I'll get some photos up tonight :-D

Mr T's vest doesn't quite measure up

2007-06-10T14:21:00.000+10:00

That'll teach me for not measuring Thom before I knit him a vest. Grrrr. I've just followed the pattern with blind faith and haven't taken into account that Thom is quite tall. His torso is longer than the vest so I need to extend it. Trouble is I've already cast off the back and the shoulder seams. Grrr again!!!

Never fear...I'm going to pick up some stitches along the seams (a la photos) and hopefully it will work out ok. Worst case scenario is that I'll have to place a couple of little cute buttons to cover the shoulder seams but I think it should be ok. By the time I put the ribbing around the neck and arm holes it should look great.

I LOVE this wool. I got it from Canberra. It's hand painted Bendigo Wool.

Technical help!

2007-06-10T11:16:00.000+10:00

Argh!

My progress bars at the right of the page have stuffed up for some reason and I can't remember where I initially got the code for them.

Can anyone help??!?!

Mr T's vest is nearly finished

2007-06-10T11:04:00.000+10:00

I must upload some photos when I get a chance.

The little v-neck vest I'm knitting for Thom is nearly finished and I am SO happy with it. Initially I started it and the ribbing (k1, p1) was really sloppy as I was purling using the continental method. That's not to say that ALL purling using that method is sloppy - just mine! So I undid it, changed to k2, p2 ribbing, knitted using the continental method and "threw" the purl stitches and it's much neater. When I came to the neck shaping I got rather confused by the pattern but with a little help from my other half I worked it out and it's going great guns. I'm just shaping the neck now, I'm almost ready to sew the shoulders together and then it will just be some ribbing for the neck and armholes and I'll be ready to try it on Thom!

I'm really proud of this project...it feels like my first proper "grown up" project :-P

Here woolly woolly woolly woolly!

2007-06-06T07:37:00.000+10:00

I'm still waiting (somewhat impatiently) for my Bendigo Wool to arrive so I can begin knitting Judy's (hi Judy!) bag.

I'm lucky to have a lovely pal to knit a bag for and despite my secret squirrel attempts, Judy has worked out who I am! lol I guess it's not hard when there's only a handful of us aussies in the IV ITE.

I'll post photos as I go, but they'll have to be sneaky secret squirrel ones so that they don't give away (to Judy :-P) exactly what the "bag" looks like.

Pretty picot photos MIA

2007-06-06T07:34:00.000+10:00

Even though I spent a bit of time last night blogging and fiddling with the layout and adding photos and typing away, I've just realised I haven't actually added a proper progress shot of the picot edge socks. Der! The photos that are there are kind of cool, they just don't show the whole sock. I say it againl...der!!

I'll get one on by tonight ;-)

Pretty Picot Socks - progress report

2007-06-05T19:12:00.001+10:00

I'm looooooooooooving knitting these socks. Firstly because I adore the baby addis (3mm, 30cm) that I get to use, secondly because I love seeing the colour of the yarn come together and because the pattern (which is easy to follow) just comes together so well and the effects it makes always has me oohing and aahing. I love the texture of the heel in particular. I hope the photos show the detail enough.

I got the pattern from here and wanted to add it here for anyone who would like to try them. Go on!

Yarn 4 ply sock yarn, 100grams (?); Ribbon to thread through eyelets
Ndls: 3mm DPNs (US 3) or 3mm 30cm circs.

Measurements are for an average size with a foot length of 24cm (9.5in)
Tension 7 sts and 10 rows = 1" (St st in the rnd)

SOCKS

Using 3mm ndles, CO 60 sts and join.
Facing K 6 rnds
Picot edge *K2tog, yo; rep from * to end of rnd.
K 6 rnds… 13 rnds.

Attach facing Fold facing along picot edge to inside of sock and attach as folls: Pick up the edge of the first CO st and knit this tog with the first st on the ndle. Cont to end of rnd.

Next rnd P
Eyelet rnd *YO, k2tog; rep from * to end
Next rnd P
K in rnds until work meas a total of 24cm (adjust length here if desired).

Heel... 30sts

Row 1 (RS) *Sl 1, K1*
Row 2 Sl 1, P29
Rep these 2 rnds until heel meas 6cm ending with with RS row facing

Turn heel

Row 1 (RS) Sl 1, K16, K2tog tbl, K1, turn
Row 2 Sl 1, P5, P2tog, P1, turn
Row 3 Sl 1, K6, K2tog tbl, K1, turn
Row 4 Sl 1, P7, P2tog, P1, turn
Row 5 Sl 1, K8, K2tog tbl, K1, turn

Cont working 1 more st until all sts have been worked.

Next row Sl 1, K across

Pick up 15 gusset sts per side

Foot

Rnd 1 N1 K to last 3 sts, K 2tog K1; N2 K; N3 K1, SSK, K to end
Rnd 2 K
Rep rnds 1 and 2 until 60 sts rem

Cont without dec to toe

Star toe
Rnd 1 * K2, P1, K to last 2 sts on ndle, P2tog *
Rnd 2 K
Rnd 3 * K3, P1, K to last 2 sts on ndle, P2tog *
Rnd 4 K
Rnd 5 * K4, P1, K to last 2 sts on ndle, P2tog *
Rnd 6 K
Rnd 7 * K5, P1, k to last 2 sts on ndle, P2tog *
Rnd 8 K
Rnd 9 * K6, P1, K to last 2 sts on ndle, P2tog *
Rnd 10 K
Rnd 11 * K7, P1, K to last 2 sts on ndle, P2tog *
Rnd 12 K
Rnd 13 * K to last 2 sts on ndle, P2tog *
Rep last rnd until 8 sts rem

Finishing Break yarn leaving a 21cm tail. Thread tail through rem sts, pull tight and fasten off. Weave in ends. Steam block lightly.

The claytons cabled scarf - the cable scarf you're knitting when you're not knitting a cable scarf!

2007-06-05T18:56:00.000+10:00

It's my friend, Jo's, birthday on Friday. Our birthdays are 4 days apart and we've known each other since we were 4. That's a lot of birthdays!

I decided that I would knit Jo a scarf for her birthday and since she works in Sydney city, I hoped it would come in really handy. I've never handmade a birthday present so I'm really nervous about Jo's reaction. Having said that though, I'm really happy with how it knitted up. The scarf itself is super chunky and squishy and cuddly. I used bits and pieces of yarn I had in my stash and the ply is roughly 12 or more. The dark green section is actually made by knitting with two strands of 8ply.

I LOVE the way that the scarf gives the impression of cableing when it isn't actually cableing! Trickyyyyyyyyyy!!

Here is the pattern for anyone who wants to try it. I really recommend it. The pattern is super easy to remember - I didn't need to have the pattern sitting beside me after not too long.

*taken from http://knitswellwithothers.blogspot.com

Materials: 12 ply or more yarn; 6mm needles

Directions:

Cast On 34 stitches

Row 1 and 3: Slip 1, Purl 1, *Knit 2, Purl 2* until end

Row 2 and 4: Slip 1, Knit 1, *Purl 2, Knit 2* until end

Row 5: Slip 1, Purl 1, *Knit 2 Together without slipping sts from needle, then k first st again, drop sts off of needle, Purl 2* until end

Row 6: Slip 1, Knit 1, *Purl 2, Knit 2 Tog as above*until last two stitches, Knit 2

Continue this until 5 feet or desired length. Then tassle the heck out of it!

A birthday, a house and a bit of knitting in between

2007-06-05T10:42:00.000+10:00

It's about a week since I last updated! I keep wanting to post photos and never seem to have any...

Yesterday was my birthday and I got the best present ever - we found out that our offer on a house was accepted! WOOHOO!!! So that means lots of packing for me over the next two months. But guess what will be packed last? My woolly stash of course ;) Oh and Rosie the cat!

Knitting wise I'm all over the place!! I'll do separate posts (hopefully with photos) about what projects I'm up to tonight, just for you Mon :)

A family update

2007-05-29T07:31:00.000+10:00

When I started my knitting blog I also intended to do some family updates for any family members that may stumble across my blog. So here goes :)

Thom, M and I are well. We're house hunting at the moment since we sold our local investment unit. The housing prices in our area are astronomical but M and I grew up here and would only consider moving out of the area as a last resort. We've seen a few places and we're starting to get a feel for what we can afford. I'm most looking forward to just having more space and a backyard for Thomas. A 3rd bedroom for a future mini me would be nice as well but since that's not an immediate need we're not too concerned about it.

Thom is going great guns. He's about 15 months now and keeping us on our toes. We go to music classes every Monday (sometimes with Ana and Lil) and Thom is slowly coming out of his shell. He can be quite serious and obvservant and quiet at times so he mostly likes to watch what the other babies and parents are doing and sometimes joins in. He loves playing with his trucks and bouncy balls outside on our balcony and also loves a trip the park. He's getting braver with the big equipment there and M says that he's learnt how to climb up the big slippery dip. He's taken are his mummy and ADORES teddy bears. His favourite teddy, "Teddy", goes everywhere with him and gets oodles of kisses and cuddles. We also often get asked to give Teddy a kiss and cuddle!

He loves his Nanny and Aunty L who come and baby sit sometimes when I need to go out or when M and I are househunting. He's still on a bit of a futile quest to befriend our lovely puss Rosie but she's still very wary of him. I think she'll appreciate the space in a new house too!

I'm going ok. I keep myself amused with Thom most of the time and in my downtime my hobbie is mostly knitting, obviously! I'm really looking forward to being able to decorate Thom's room when we move as well and I have some ideas already. I'm planning on doing an animal theme, since he's a fan.

We recently took a trip to Canberra to visit my friend, B and her new baby boy A who is ADORABLE. B and I went to uni together (feels like a past life now!) so it was lovely to visit. Thom enjoyed meeting A and got a little jealous when I gave the bub a cuddle. Unfortunately I can't add any photos because our scanner is broken and they weren't digital photos.

That's all for now!

Jen x

Woohoo. Let the ITE knitting begin!

2007-05-29T07:30:00.000+10:00

I'm excited! I got my ITE pal today (no hints incase they come across my blog ;-) ). I'll have to put my thinking cap on (knitted of course) and do some secret squirrel investigations and then get knitting!

The german purling gods have finally smiled on me!

2007-05-27T19:55:00.000+10:00

I've been having a break from knitting (hence the lack of updates). I was getting MIGHTY frustrated with the time it was taking me to k1,p1 or k2,p2 or other such time consuming purling combinations.

I was determined to learn how to purl using the continental method and while I knew the theory and had studied the knitty videos AND looked over Mon's shoulder as she did it, I STILL couldn't get in. So in true hissy fit style, I threw down my lime green Caliometry and declared a knitting ban!!!

Just tonight I decided to persevere because I REALLY want to make a vest for Thomas and the ribbing (11 rows ARGH!!!!) is k1,p1. I'm proud to say after about 10 minutes of feeling all thumbs I've now mastered continental purling :-D It may not look conventional but it works for me! yay!

I'll post some photos once I've got anything to show :-P

Pretty picot photos

2007-05-15T20:02:00.000+10:00

I'm in the middle of making these lovely socks . I'm using 3mm 10cm addi turbos and 4ply handpainted sock yarn.

I fell in love with the pattern when I saw it and was initially scared off because it's more complicated that anything I've tried. But I remember Mon always telling me that we can knit anything because "it's just knit and purl", so I gave it a go!

I plan to put some lovely velvet ribbon (colour tba) in the eyelet hole row.

Rosie and new additions

2007-05-14T10:33:00.000+10:00

Here is my other baby - Rosie-May. She does love sinking her claws into my stash when I'm not looking and she was more than happy to help me with this shoot!

This the wool that I dyed, now balled up.

Here is some lovely 10ply handpainted wool that is a new addition

And here is some gorgeous 4 ply sock wool I scored last week, balled up.

Medium Boy's Soaker - yet another WIP!

2007-05-14T10:27:00.000+10:00

And here is the medium boy's soaker I'm working on at the moment. This one is going to be for sale soon in my online store (a girl needs to fund her woolly addiction somehow!). I'm using
my favourite soaker pattern for this one and 100% wool.

Here is a small boy's soaker that I finished last week. It's been made using the same pattern and wool, but this time I didn't include the eyelet holes in the waist ribbing. I also haven't done any detail on the legs. I know the leg holes look wonky and mismatched, but I promise they're not....it was just laid out weirdly for the photo!

Felted Wet Bag - WIP

2007-05-14T10:20:00.000+10:00

Here is the wetbag I'm working on at the moment. It's one of my many works in progress and I realised I hadn't taken a photo of it (so far) for my blog.

I'm going slowly on it...it's my easy project that I just pick up and knit when I don't want to think about reading patterns or doing something tricky. I'm also using up all of the scraps from my stash so I can make room for more woolies ;-)

Update as per request

2007-05-13T09:39:00.000+10:00

Apparently I haven't updated in a while...says a fellow knitting mummy ;-P

Knitting wise, I have finished a small boy's soaker and I have balled up my hand dyed green wools. I'll take a photo of both of things soon.

I'm the proud owner of some 30cm 3mm and 60cm 5mm addis. Mmmmmm! I'm itching to get some socks knitted with the baby addis.

I only have a week to finish Thom's hooded cardigan!!

I'm waiting on a delivery from Bendigo Mills for 400grams of wool to dye and 200grams of lovely pink wool to knit myself something special with.

Back soon with some photos!

Introducing Thom and his Tassle Hat

2007-05-09T17:07:00.000+10:00

I guess I should introduce my knitting muse!!

Meet Thom :-)

Thom is 15 months (born in Feb 8th 2006) and is my mischievous toddler who says "ah ah" (read: no no) when I ask him to do something. As you can see in the photos, he's none too fond of modeling hats that mummy has made for him.

(the quality of the shots is shocking....Thom wouldn't stand still and kept ripping the hat off)

Oh! The hat! I actually came across it the other day in an old craft bag. I had started knitting it in garter stitch and in the flat because at the time I was terrified of knitting in the round and purl stitches. I basically just knitted a rectangle and then sewed it up. Easy peasy! I then attached two tassles to the points and I think it looks super cute.

Mondyeitis Photos 3

2007-05-07T15:04:00.000+10:00

While I like this (it's the Inca) the colours are very different. It's interesting to see how different wools dye. I used the exact same colours on the Cleckheaton and Inca (but less yellow on the Inca) and both wools "drunk" the colours so differently. The colours on the Inca are a lot more muted and pale. The blue green dye on the Inca came out in an interesting mossy green colour.

Mondyeitis Photos 2

2007-05-07T15:03:00.000+10:00

This is the cleckheaton. I think this is my fave :-)

Mondyeitis Photos

2007-05-07T14:56:00.000+10:00

Excuse the laundry in the background! It's washing day! The colours are also a little different (mainly brighter) in real life.

Green finger!!

From left to right: Patons "Inca" 10 ply, Cleckheaton "Country" 8ply, Jolly Jumbuck "Aurora" 8 ply.

"Aurora"

Mondyeitis

2007-05-07T14:36:00.000+10:00

Today is Monday...the start of another week with a demanding toddler and housework to do *sigh*.

As I was grumping around this morning, I spied my Jolly Jumbuck dyeing kit. I raced around trying to find the instructions that I had misplaced and then got busy dyeing during Thom’s morning nap.

I firstly dyed a 100g skein of JJ “Aurora” in shades of emerald green, jade blue/green and light (almost lime) green. I’m in love with it and acid dyes. They are SO strong and vibrant.

This afternoon during Thom’s afternoon nap I dyed 100g each of some Patons Inca and Cleckheaton 100% wool. I had mixed up too much dye this morning so I decided to find some more wool that was lying around and looking boringly white or cream.

This afternoon’s effort was decidedly “mad scientistish” as I diluted some of the colours and added splashes of yellow to the wool in a very haphazard and unplanned manner. Needless to say, I ended up with a green index finger and a patch of lime green pebbles on the balcony! Ha!

Here are some things I learnt today:

Acid dyes STINK. Not just a pong, but a stench. I think it’s the citric acid. It’s funny though. My nan also dyes wool, has for years, and every time I go to her place and she’s dyeing, you can smell it a mile off. I always wondered what the stench was coming from her laundry when she was a-dyeing and now I know. It’s like a terribly strong vinegar smell.
If you have a hole in your glove you will end up with a stained finger. If you wash up the things you used for dyeing, glove free, you will end up with stained fingers (plural).
You don’t need to mix up much dye. I mixed up too much in the morning, hence the need for some afternoon dyeing.

Dyeing is SO fun and, I suspect, addictive. Don’t expect to get anything else done during the day!

Try and keep any curious cats at bay when dyeing. We didn’t have any mishaps, but there was a lot of potential for Rosie to turn all shades of green today.

I’ll take some photos soon :-)

It's yuck, don't like it, but here it is....

2007-05-05T19:05:00.000+10:00

So here is the result of my first attempt at dyeing and I'm really not happy with it. As you can see from the photo, the wool looks like it didn't "drink" the dye in properly. I think it's probably because of the wool (Cleackheaton) as opposed to the dyeing method.

I might make another caliometry out of it.

Bag lady

2007-05-05T18:18:00.000+10:00

I've been admiring Ana's lovely felted bag and I've been listening to Mon's design ideas and I've decided to have a go at a bag myself!!

I managed to salvage these bag handles from my mum's place and I'm already milling over some design ideas. It's a little hard to explain my ideas but, at this stage, I'm planning on making a rectangular shaped bag (I haven't decided on the colour yet) that has "tabs" that go through the metal loops of the handle. I then plan to find some unique buttons (4) to attach the tabs to the main bag body.

The design looks good in my head at least! hehe

A new project is in the works!

2007-05-05T18:02:00.000+10:00

I managed to pick up some lovely jade green 100% merino on sale today. It was $2.99 a ball and was originally $5.99 so it was a bit of a find! I got 15 balls, and plan to make this top from Knitty http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall06/PATTlucie.html .

I plan to lengthen the torso (which is why I got 15 balls - ie more than I would need).

I'm pretty excited about it and hope I can carry it off!

Colours to DYE for!

2007-05-01T08:30:00.000+10:00

Wish me luck!!!!

This morning I'm all "a twitter" because I'm leaping into the world of hand dyeing wool!

The steps I took are:

I based my project on these set of instructions http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring07/FEATdyeyourown.html

1. I unraveled 3 balls of 50g of 100% wool into a skein (I used the kitchen cupboard handles to help!).

2. Soaked the wool overnight in the crockpot with enough water to cover it and 3/4 cup of white vinegar.

3. In the morning I put the wool on a gentle spin cycle to get out excess moisture (so it was easier to handle) and then placed it back in the crockpot with enough cold water to cover it and 1/2 cup of vinegar. I then put the dial to high and waited for it to heat to the point of steam rising.

4. I mixed up three pots of colour using food dye (yes!) and tested the colour mix on some serviettes. To be honest....it wasn't a good indication of the colours.

5. I carefully poured the dye over the wool and put the lid on.

*I actually just went back to check the colours and I took the photo above (the one on the bottom). The white patches in the photo aren't so obvious in real life but much to my horror, when I looked at the underside of the wool it was WHITE! ARGH! I turned the wool over, mixed up some of the same colours and poured them over the top. I hope I haven't made a disastrous mistake. I'm sure it'll be fine....just more colourful!*

Mini project "Calorimetry"

2007-05-01T08:22:00.000+10:00

I'm excited about this mini project I'm doing at the moment.

Since finding the pattern for a knitted headband I've wanted one that I was convinced looked good in my hair. I have short hair (have most of my life) and I've always had trouble with headbands that go the whole way around my head - they tend to make my hair at the back flick up. Not the most attractive of looks.

So when I came across this pattern I was wrapped and got started almost immediately. http://www.knitty.com/issuewinter06/pattcalorimetry.html

I'm using some left over merino/silk that I knitted some longies from and I just hope hope hope that I actually have enough to complete the project. I did a guage swatch this time because the project says it's very important. The great thing about this project too is it's basically repetition of numerous short rows so it's giving me a lot of practise with pesky short rows and it's also a different (and very easy) technique.

I just hope I have enough yarn! If not I'll just put it down to practice as I unravel it.

Knitted headband with crocheted flower

2007-04-28T21:51:00.000+10:00

This is a headband that I intended to be a birthday present for a friend's 8 year old daughter. Since the wool is so chunky (Lionbrand chenille) it knitted up really thick so it ended up too big for an 8 year old's head. Woops!

The up side though is that I scored the first attempt for myself. I'll wear it as an ear muff in winter though (a hat alternative) because it really is to thick to wear as a headband with my short hair.

I also made a crocheted flower and will make it detachable.

It's MY blankie Mummy!

2007-04-28T21:44:00.000+10:00

I love crocheted, homemade blankets on the bed in winter. I've never knitted one though!

This one I'm doing at the moment is out of chenille yarn that is super chunky and I'm using 10mm wool. I'm using cream and dusty pink as the colours and one ball of wool knits one square!! I think it'll turn into an expensive project but it'll be a lush blanket when I'm finished.

Rosie (my cat) crawled under one of the squares tonight as I was knitting. It's just her size!

So far I've only done 1 and a half squares (ha!) but it's knitting up so so quickly.

Past projects

2007-04-26T09:08:00.000+10:00

Here are a few soakers that I made in the past.

The first one I used 100% hand dyed wool from Susanne's House of Wool (on ozebaby). I used the Ottobre pattern ( http://www.ottobredesign.com/en/print/pdf/wool_diaper_cover_en.pdf ) . I adapted it as I went so that it had a higher rise and was wider through the crotch. It's not my most fantastic work (it's shaped rather oddly) but it really does the job despite being a finer ply.

The second is a little newborn soaker that I made for my friend's baby. I also used the ottobre pattern and embroidered some snowflakes.

The last one is also the ottobre pattern and some 12ply hand painted wool I used. I've actually decided to unravel it because it's too girly for my boy!

The importance of knitting a gauge swatch

2007-04-24T12:02:00.000+10:00

I made this hat wanting it to match Thom's Turtley Doodlepants. Well....it DOES match but it fits me! It looks ok on Thom, but it's more a beret on him than a hat. Oh well! This was my lesson in the importance of knitting a gauge swatch!

It's not entirely finished...I need to embroider the head, feet and tail on to the turtle.

I used 5mm circular needles and Cleckheaton "Jet" wool (alpaca/wool blend).

Blue longies for my blue-eyed beauty

2007-04-24T11:53:00.002+10:00

I absolutely LOVE these longies.

The blue pair are a pair I just finished today. It was my second attempt at the Aubrey Doodlepants pattern (http://www.aubreydoodlepants.com/ ) and I'm a lot happier with them. These ones have garter stitch cuffs and rather than a crocheted cord in the waist ribbing I've inserted millinery elastic. I also extended the length of the legs hoping that they would last Thomas longer. I used 5mm circular needles and a hand dyed yarn from Benambra Blue on ozebaby (http://www.ozebaby.com.au/). The yarn is a silk/merino blend and was a dream to knit with.

Fluffy "jumpie"

2007-04-24T11:45:00.000+10:00

I'm making a leap into what I think of as "proper knitting". I know the pants I knit are hard enough but this jumper I'm knitting for Thom is a little more complicated that anything I've done before and I'm determined to finish it well!

By the time it is finished it will have a cute hood and hopefully some cute wooden buttons (I'm yet to find some I'm happy with).

I'm not using wool for this...it's Moda Vera yarn from Spotlight and it's an absolute devil to knit with. Because it's fluffy, it's hard to actually see the stitches so when I drop a stitch, all hell breaks loose!!

I woolly woolly like to knit

2007-04-23T17:34:00.000+10:00

Knitting is my latest "thing". Before this it was sewing cloth nappies, so knitting nappy covers (soakers and longies to use the correct lingo) is along the same line!

First I started knitting things with mass produced standard "shop bought" wool and then I discovered that there was such a wonderous thing as handpainted wool. Next, the world of dyeing my wool is about to open up to me!

I have two friends who are just as obssessed with woolly nice wool as me (their blogs are in my links) and we get together for a gassbag, yummy dinner and some knitting (if we stop talking for long enough!).

Oh....my old blog is at http://jenandmarkrenoden.spaces.live.com/ but this one is woolly nice and much better ;-)