A Creative Spirit

Newborn Raglan Cardigan ~ Crochet

Tammy — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 13:29:09 +0000

Newborn Raglan Cardigan

Materials:
About 2 1/2 oz of baby sport yarn
Size G hook For shell: Work (1 hdc, ch 2, 1 hdc) in stitch indicated.
Note: In this pattern the ch 2 at the beginning of the row DOES NOT count as the first hdc. You would work your first hdc in the same stitch and when coming to the end of the row you will work into that hdc, not in the ch 2 space. This gives a straighter edge and a no gaps from the turning chain.

Starting at neck edge, ch 38
Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. (36 hdc)
Row 2: Ch 2 (see note above), hdc in first 4 hdc, work shell in next hdc, (8 hdc, shell, 8 hdc, shell, 8 hdc, shell, 4 hdc) across; turn. (32 hdc, 4 shells)
Row 3: Ch 2, hdc in next 5 hdc, shell in next ch 2 space, (10 hdc, shell in next ch 2 space, 10 hdc, shell, 10 hdc, shell, 5 hdc) across; turn. (40 hdc, 4 shells)
Row 4: Ch 2, hdc in next 6 hdc, shell in next ch 2 space, (12 hdc, shell, 12 hdc, shell, 12 hdc, shell, 6 hdc) across; turn. (48 hdc, 4 shells)
Rows 5-10: Ch 2, working in established pattern, (hdc in each hdc, shell in each ch 2 space) across.
Row 11: This row will form the armholes. Ch 2, hdc to 1st shell, work 1 hdc into that ch 2 space. Folding your work so that the 1st and 2nd shells line up work 1 DC into both ch 2 spaces, connecting them, then work 1 hdc in the 2nd ch 2 space. Hdc across to the 3rd shell and repeat this forming the 2nd armhole, hdc to end of row.For the remainder of the sweater you could hdc across each row or switch to any stitch you prefer and work that until the sweater is the length you want it to be. I’ve found that another 11 rows of hdc gives a good length.

Sleeves:
Rnd 1: Join to underarm, ch 2 and work 28 hdc around, join to 1st hdc.
Rnds 2-5: Ch 2, hdc around, join.
Rnd 6: Ch 2, (hdc in next 2, hdc next 2 tog) around. (21 hdc)
Rnds 7-12: Ch 2, hdc around.
Rnd 13: Ch 1, (sc in next 2, sc next 2 tog) join to 1st sc.
Rnd 14: Ch 1, sc around. Fasten off and weave in ends. Repeat for other arm.

Finishing:
Using same yarn or contrasting color, join at bottom of sweater, ch 1 and sc around sweater, working 3 sc at end of each side of neck and each side of bottom. Fasten off and weave in ends. Sew ribbon to each side at neck for ties. I usually sew another set of ties about mid-way down.

How to slow down a fast knitter – Part 2

Tammy — Sat, 10 Jun 2006 17:49:05 +0000

Okay, I've made some progress on Sweet Mary Jane. And not only have I made progress, but I have gotten used to the yarn and have picked up considerable speed once again. Whew! For a moment there I was feeling like a beginning knitter all over again! =)

I will persuade Hubby Dearest to show me how to use his very fine and very expensive professional digital camera (remember, he's a photographer by trade) and I'll be able to show my progress as I make my way through this pattern.

One thing I've discovered ~ this pattern is a lot easier than I originally thought! The lace pattern is accomplished with a 4 row repeat. And the use of stitch markers (many of them, in fact) really simplifies it all! Two thumbs WAY up to Celeste Culpepper! (the designer)

More later……..

How to slow down a fast knitter =)

Tammy — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 20:10:54 +0000

I am a fast knitter. No, I am not bragging…simply stating a fact. I am a Continental knitter, which is faster and less labor intensive than the English version. (If you're not sure which is which – check out the info a Fuzzy Galore ) Very useful info, as well as some awesome free patterns there! Check them out!! =)

Anyway, back to the topic at hand…….I am a fast knitter….normally! I can whip out rows and rows of stockinette in the blink of an eye. And how does one down a fast knitter? Here's how….first, you get this pattern Sweet Mary Jane then you get this yarn Oregon Coast and you cast on 252 stitches (I'm making a size Large) using your size 6 circs. The first row of knitting ~~took~~ seemed to take forever!!! Okay, maybe not forever, but those tiny little stitches were a bit harder to work with – on the first row anyway. I've knit socks before using sock weight, but since socks have dramatically fewer stitches than this sweater does, one round didn't seem to take so long.

I am determined to make this thing…even if it takes all summer!!! I will keep you posted on my progress. Since I do needlework during the day (my paying job) I have to be content knitting in the evening.

Thoughts for today

Tammy — Sat, 03 Jun 2006 21:32:00 +0000

I have just about finished up the Mini Sweater that I found at Glampyre. I've finished the body and one sleeve…have one sleeve yet to do then figure out how I want to edge it. I don't want to do the points, but I might give them a try anyway. I've also had my eye on a few of her patterns that I want to buy. She has some really cute ones….like the Easy V-neck Raglan
Once this sweater is done I will be casting on for the Sweet Mary Jane pattern I bought earlier this year from Knitpicks. Here is the link for the yarn, I'm using the color Oregon Coast It's a bit more challenging pattern, but it's oh so adorable!! And I just LOVE the yarn.
Okay, now for my decision…..I plan to shut down my free pattern website as soon as I can get all the info that I want off of it. I have been finding my original patterns (photos included) in crochet groups with someone else's name on them. These people, usually the manager of the group, posts what she calls her newest original design and several times now I have discovered that it's actually MY design, copied verbatim! I hate a thief! I offer these designs for FREE and some lowlife who couldn't design a thing has to steal it and try to claim it as her own. She didn't even have the decency to take her own photo!!! Unfortunately I have noticed a growing trend in this lately, and it's not just my stuff they are stealing. I suppose I should feel flattered….my designs – as simple as they are – are worth stealing? I'll post them here slowly but may not leave them on for too long. Maybe do a design-a-month or something? We'll see…….

Doing the Happy Dance!! =)

Tammy — Thu, 11 May 2006 09:18:00 +0000

Doing the happy dance!! Last night I finished our granddaughter Kelly’s Christening gown and as soon as Grandpa takes photos of her in it I will post them. The dress turned out amazingly well! I’m quite pleased with it. =)
And I was worried that I wouldn’t finish it on time…isn’t that hilarious? Who me, worried? lol See? There wasn’t anything to worry about….I got it done in time and still have 3 days in which to wash and block it. Now I get to start my sweater! Three cheers for me…… hip, hip, hooray! (go ahead and finish up the other two cheers for me, will ya please?) I’m too tired. =)

P.S. The angel photo of Kelly was taken last weekend by my hubby – aka Grandpa. =)

Almost there!!!

Tammy — Tue, 09 May 2006 20:22:00 +0000

Our grand-daugter Kelly Marie will be baptized this Sunday. Already 3 1/2 months old, can you believe it??!! The dress she will be wearing for the occassion has been knit by Grandma ~ ME! =) Oh and did I fail to mention that it is not finished yet?? Today is Tuesday, she’s being baptized on Sunday and IT’S NOT FINISHED YET!

Have no fear….I only have about 2 inches left on the skirt to do, then it’s an eyelet row followed by the bead row, then binding off. No sweat! Who me, worry? I’ll post the photo ~ complete with baby in it ~ when it is complete….which it WILL be before Sunday!! You can bank on that.

The really good news is that once the dress is finished I can FINALLY start on my cardigan. =) I got the pattern from Knitpicks So adorable!! I chose the color Oregon Coast, which is the color in one of the samples.

Eyelet Charm Bookmark Pattern

Tammy — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 15:46:00 +0000

Eyelet Charm Bookmark
Materials:Size 10 crochet cotton
Knitting needles – size 2
Steel Crochet Hook – size 7
Optional – Charm of choice
Cast on 14 stitches.
Knit 3 rows.
Row 4 and all even rows: K3, p8, k3
Row5: K5, yo, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, k4
Row 7: K across
Repeat rows 5-8 until desired length (I made 17 eyelet holes), ending with row 7. Knit 3 rows, bind off leaving last loop on needle.
Transfer last loop on needle to the crochet hook.
Ch 1, sc in same space. Sc evenly around, working 3 sc in each corner. Adding charm 1/2 way across last short side.To add the charm: sc to half-way point of short side, ch 20, sl st into ring on charm, ch 20 sl st into top of last sc. Continue to work sc in remainder of short side, join to 1st sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Note: If you don't want the crochet edging just fasten off after bind off.

Thank You, thank you, thank you!!!

Tammy — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 10:47:00 +0000

Wow, have I been getting lots of donations for Warming Families since the start of 2006!!

Just for the month of March alone I have received the following donations:

22 scarves

12 hats

2 baby blankets

1 pair of mittens

Pretty amazing, no? YES!!! I have 2 more baby sweaters that I’ve knit that I will be adding the the list. One I knit for our granddaughter Kelly, but she doesn’t fit into it any longer….in fact, she never got to wear it. I’ll have to make sure to make some larger sweaters for those newborns who are slightly bigger than average. =)
Speaking of little Miss Kelly, here’s a photo of the little darling.

Merry Christmas

Tammy — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 15:40:00 +0000

Only 3 more days until Christmas, can you believe it??! It sure seems to sneak up on me more quickly every year.

The tree is up, the house is decorated, cookies are made, most presents are wrapped (though we’re not done shopping), I’m going to start a knit dishcloth to use as a package trim for hubby’s Mom. She loves those knit dishcloths, but always says “they’re much too pretty to use”. She’s right, of course…but they are so quick and easy to make that I don’t mind. =) I’ve made her one with 3 crosses on it and think I’ll make her a “K” cloth (for the last name lol) or a flower one. I’ll start it in just a little bit.

Both of my Marines ~ Justin and Jessica ~ are home for Christmas, that is fabulous!! All we are missing is Kristin. She’s in Missouri with hubby Chris and the new baby Jonathon ~ he was born on December 9, 2005.

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**Cross stitch assignment update: I am about 95% done with square #2, then just have one more square to do before I mail it in. As of today I am 14 days late on completion! =(

Feeding The Fiber Fiend – and it’s hungry!!

Tammy — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 16:47:00 +0000

Oh my, this really is so getting out of control! I seem to be suffering from the worst documented (or not) case of knitting and crocheting fever in all of history! There just don’t seem to be enough days to feed the fiber fiend! Ah, but it is a good thing, no?

I’ve started yet another pair of knit socks, using that ball of Lion Brand Magic Stripes. I scrapped the crochet version….I dislike the look and feel of that sock. I think I’ll stick to knitting them. I knit a Seaman’s Cap for hubby….I found patterns for all kinds of really cool caps and eagerly showed them to him…but alas, he wanted to stick with something plain, knit up in deep green. Ah well……his noggin will be warm anyway. =)

I found this amazing crochet vest over at Crochet Me called the Stash Buster Cardigan Vest and I’ve started it. For the front of the vest I’m using up some leftover wool I bought to make a tote bag. I’m using some leftover WoolEase in black for the back and the hood. It’s an awesome little vest!!! If you click on it’s name you’ll go right to the pattern. Check it out!!! That Chloe Nightingale is one talented young lady!

I found this pattern today ~ Crystal Cove ~ and am going to use up some of that Chenille Sensations I have in my studio…I know I have more than enough of it to make the shawl. Oh and the Chenille is the most beautiful shade of purple, it will make a gloriously gorgeous shawl!!! Oh yeah!!! =)

Fiber junky….who me???? giggle>>