Merry Christmas Everyone!

I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!

2-Needle Kids' Mittens

I created this pattern when I needed to make mittens for my son this winter. Here is how it turned out. Pretty awesome, I think, for a 2-needle mitten pattern.

Materials Needed:

4mm knitting needles, Worsted weight yarn, Stitch holder, Yarn needle

Instructions:

Cast on 30 sts. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 4 rows. Work  K2, P2 ribbing for 1½”. Work St st for 4 rows, increasing 1 st in 1^st row (31 sts)

For Left Mitten:

Row 1: K14, M1, K1, M1, Knit 16 (33 sts)

Row 2 (and all even rows): Purl across

Row 3: K14, M1, K3, M1, K16 (35 sts)

Row 5: K14, M1, K5, M1, K16 (37 sts)

Row 7: K14, M1, K7, M1, K16 (39 sts)

Row 9: K14, M1, K9, M1, K16 (41 sts)

Row 11: Knit 14, put 11 sts on a stitch holder, K16 (30 sts)

For Right Mitten:

Row 1: K16, M1, K1, M1, Knit 14 (33 sts)

Row 2 (and all even rows): Purl across

Row 3: K16, M1, K3, M1, K14 (35 sts)

Row 5: K16, M1, K5, M1, K14 (37 sts)

Row 7: K16, M1, K7, M1, K14 (39 sts)

Row 9: K16, M1, K9, M1, K14 (41 sts)

Row 11: Knit 16, put 11 sts on a stitch holder, K14 (30 sts)

Cont. in St st until entire length of mitten is 6”.

Decrease Row 1: K1, SKP, K9, K2tog, K2, SKP, K9, K2tog, K1 (26 sts)

Row 2 (and all even rows): Purl across

Row 3: K1, SKP, K7, K2tog, K2, SKP, K7, K2tog, K1 (22 sts)

Row 5: K1, SKP, K5, K2tog, K2, SKP, K5, K2tog, K1 (18 sts)

Row 7: K1, SKP, K3, K2tog, K2, SKP, K3, K2tog, K1 (14 sts)

Row 9: Bind off knitwise, leaving 8” tail for sewing.

Thumb:

Pick up 11 sts from stitch holder and work St st for 6 rows.

Decrease Row: K1, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K2 tog (7 sts)

Last row: P2tog to last st, P1. (4 sts)

Thread needle through sts, pull tight.

Sewing: Sew from top of mitten to bottom, and sew up thumb seam, weaving in ends afterwards.

Grey Balaclava, Part 2

Here are the photos of the finished piece before it is sent to the film set. I feel sorry for the poor actor who has to wear it. It's going to be SOOOO itchy... 100% wool. Lol

Learning from the Redwoods

I read this today in 'Our Daily Bread' and thought it was so profound, because we don't really marvel at creation anymore. We have become too jaded and self-centered to see the beauty around us.

"Learning from the Redwoods"

By: Mart De Haan

Isaiah 65:17 to 66:2

North America’s Pacific Coast Redwoods are some of the biggest trees in the world. The tallest on record, Hyperion, soars 379 feet into the air.

During a visit to California’s Muir Woods National Park, I was surprised and overwhelmed by the enormity of those redwoods. Trees as tall as a 30-story building seemed to press me into the forest floor while drawing my thoughts upward.

The memory of what I felt at the base of some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world has left me with lingering thoughts about their origin. Those redwoods, like the family tree of our own humanity, are rooted in a Creator who is infinitely and eternally greater than His creation.

The prophet Isaiah caught a glimpse of this God. In a vision that mingled the wonders of a Messianic kingdom with the promise of a new heaven and earth, he describes One who makes the skies His throne and the earth His footstool (Isaiah 66:1).

Yet Isaiah saw something even more overwhelming. He saw a great God who wants His people to be “glad and rejoice forever in what I create” (65:18). In response, let’s bow before Him in humble adoration (66:2).

How glorious to think ahead

Of blessings yet to be,

Of help from God while life shall last—

Then joys eternally!

-      Dave Branon

Knitted Grey Balaclava

Well, in an interesting development, I was recently recruited to knit a grey balaclava for an upcoming World War I movie being filmed in my area. I am super excited about this, as I hope to get more work like this in the future. Here are some pictures of the started project:

It is due by October 25 (my birthday, go figure) and I am knitting away like a madwoman to get it ready. TTFN. Have a safe and fun Halloween.

Halloween Is Near

I cannot wait to carve my pumpkins! Oh my goodness, I think that is my favourite part of fall. Hopefully it won't snow *fingers crossed. Liam wants to carve one as 'Lightening McQueen'. Lol I hope it turns out ok. I have begun my knitting for the Christmas Craft Fair at Ralph McCall School on Saturday, November 27. I am making slippers and mittens galore!

Oh, and also I have cancelled the Group Knitting Lesson, due to a lack of response. Anyone wanting one-on-one lessons can e-mail me anytime at hannah.storms@mail.com. Only $20 per hour of teaching (good deal). I also teach crochet.

Have a wonderful Halloween! Chat at you in November.

Happy Fall Everyone!

Now that school is back in, I am thinking about my fall craft fair, fall classes to teach and Christmas gifts. The craft fair is still a ways away, but how about coming out to Airdrie on Friday October 15, 22 and 29 at 7:00pm for a group lesson called 'Holiday Gifts 101'? Each class will be 1 hour long and materials will be provided. You will learn how to make quick and easy knitted gifts for your loved ones this holiday season. Cost is $100 for all 3 classes. (No refunds for missed classes, sorry). Basic knitting knowledge is required (cast on, cast off, knitting and purling). Minimum 3 participants, maximum 6. E-mail me for more info at hannah.storms@mail.com.

Liam's Mittens

So about a week and half ago, I took Liam to Michael's and let him pick out his own colour of yarn for me to make his winter set with. He picked bright blue. So I started knitting his mittens, and here are some pictures. They fit him perfectly, so hopefully he doesn't grow too much over the winter months. Lol.

I plan on knitting him a scarf and hat with the same yarn, and possibly some slippers, if there's any yarn leftover.

Super Chunky Mitten Pattern

I have perfected my new chunky mitten pattern! This is made in Women’s Size Medium. Here it goes…

Materials Needed:

· 8mm straight knitting needles
· Super Chunky Yarn (I used Wool-Ease Thick & Quick)
· Stitch holder
· Blunt-end darning needle

 

Instructions:

Cast on 22 sts, work in K1 P1 ribbing for 12 rows.

Row 13 (Right Side) K2, *M1, K3; rep from * to last 3 sts, M1, K3 (29 sts)

Rows 14 to 20 Work in St st.

Row 21 K9, M1, K9, M1, Knit to end

Row 22 P9, M1, P11, M1, Purl to end

Row 23 K11, Place 10 sts on a holder, Knit to end

Rows 24 to 34 Work in St st. (for a longer mitten add more rows here)

Row 35 *K2tog, K3; rep from * to end

Row 36 Purl across

Row 37 *K2tog, K2; rep from * to end

Break yarn, thread through darning needle and thread through remaining stitches. Pull tight, fasten off. Sew side seam.

Thumb: Pick up the 10 sts from holder, work in St st for 5 rows (for a longer thumb add more rows here, no more than 2-3 though). Next row, *K2tog, rep from * to end (5 sts).

Break yarn, thread through darning needle and thread through remaining stitches. Pull tight, fasten off. Sew seam and weave in ends.

Grey Cabled Scarf

Hey Everyone, I have been working on this new scarf lately. And it's a bit funny, because everyone is like, 'Why are you knitting a scarf in the summer?'. Haha, well, I am trying to build up my stash of winter stuff, before winter actually arrives, and living in Canada, that can be anytime between now and September. Plus, I participate every November in a local Craft Bazaar and sell my handmade items live. I would like to have more than 6 items to sell this year. lol

So here are pictures of my grey cabled scarf: It's turning out so beautiful!! I want to make one in every colour now.

Baby Booties, Baby Sweaters… It must be baby season!

There must be something in the water. Everyone I know is pregnant! So, I have been a busy little bee, busily making baby booties, baby sweaters, dresses, etc. My cute little blond friend is due any day now, my other friend is due in November, and there are so many pregnant women in my church, too!

Here is what I made the other day. I have discovered my deep, deep love for baby booties. They are quick, fast and easy. Here is the pattern I use, feel free to use it to make booties for those little ones in your life:

BABY BOOTIES

Size: 3-6 months

Skill Level: Easy-ish

Special Stitch Notes:

‘dc3tog’ is when you YO, insert hook into next st, draw up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops, repeat that twice more, you should have 4 loops on your hook, YO and draw through ALL loops on hook

‘dc5tog’ is when you YO, insert hook into next st, draw up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops, repeat that 4 times more, you should have 6 loops on your hook, YO and draw through ALL loops on hook

Materials: Sport weight baby yarn, size F crochet hook, yarn needle

Instructions:   Ch 16, leaving a 6" tail.

Row 1: 2 sc in 2^nd ch from hook, 1 sc in each of next 4 sts, 2 sc in each of next 2 sts, 1 sc, 2 sc in each of next 2 sts, 1 sc in each of next 4 sts, 2 sc in last st. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: 2 sc in first st, 1 sc in each of next 7 sts, 2 sc in each of next 2 sts, 1 sc, 2 sc in each of next 2 sts, 1 sc in each of next 7 sts, 2 sc in last st. Ch 1, turn.

Row 3: 2 sc in first st, 1 sc in each of next 10 sts, 2 sc in each of next 2 sts, 1 sc, 2 sc in each of next 2 sts, 1 sc in each of next 10 sts, 2 sc in last st. Ch 1, turn.

Row 4: 2 sc in first st, 1 sc in each of next 13 sts, 2 sc in each of next 2 sts, 1 sc, 2 sc in each of next 2 sts, 1 sc in each of next 13 sts, 2 sc in last st. Ch 1, turn.

Rows 5 - 10: working in back loops only, 1 sc in each st across, ch 1, turn.

Row 11: 1 sc in next 13 sts, dc3tog twice, 1 dc, dc3tog twice, 1 sc in last 13 sts. Ch 1, turn.

Row 12: 1 sc in next 13 sts, dc5tog, 1 sc in last 13 sts. Tie off.

With yarn needle, sew up back seam and bottom seam. Tie all loose ends under.

Rain, tea and other beautiful things

It has been raining all day here in Southern Alberta. I love the smell, and my garden will finally start sprouting (I hope). Rain always gets me all nostalgic and moody. Liam was born on a beautiful rainy day, rain makes my garden grow, but it can also be a bit dreary. Enough about rain. Other beautiful things.... tea. I love Starbucks Refresh tea!! OMG I am so addicted. It is exactly how it sounds, refreshing. Lol

I recently bought some beautiful hand painted sock yarn. I don't have any pictures yet, but they are on the needles right now, and I hope they turn out good. They look good so far.

Projects on the go right now include my new socks I mentioned above and some coffee/tea cozies on DPN's. Pictures on the way.

Clown Socks

Yikes! Those socks that I though would turn out so beautiful, turned out more like clown socks than anything. Here's a pic of the final product:

So I gave up on those and have moved on to pink, green & white stripes. Hopefully these turn out better:

Check me out on Ravelry here, or my Etsy store here, or e-mail me here.

Kasona Socks

I am so thrilled with how my socks are turning out. I used to be so anti-DPN's, but now I LOVE them!! Here are a few pics of the current WIP.

Yes, I am the crazy person who is up at 4am...

Oh my goodness, I can't believe I can't get back to sleep. I may as well blog since I'm up anyway. The socks I am knitting are coming along great. Almost done the first one.

Now, you should know that I love other things besides knitting, crochet, and all things yarn. I also love to garden, and I have a funny story to share with you about that. So,  I have recently rented a spot in the local community garden. I was in there a few days ago and was checking out the dirt level, seeing what tools were in the shed. You know... Checking out the situation. Well, I came across a rototiller in the shed and jumped for joy! I told Liam we were going for a drive to get a jerry can of fuel. So I locked the pad-lock on the shed and proceeded to walk away. But, oh crap! I locked my keys INSIDE THE SHED! Gah! As I start to panic, I realize that the hinges are on the outside of the door. Being the resourceful, crafty lady that I am, went over to a neighbor's and borrowed a screwdriver. I removed the door, grabbed my keys, re-attached the door and went along my merry way.

Needless to say, I took it as a hint that I wasn't supposed to rototill that evening. It would have been just my luck, I may have lost a leg or something ridiculous. Plus, it's been raining now, so I have to wait until the ground dries up a bit. Guess what I am planting? Here's my list: Corn, Onions, Carrots, Garlic, Beets, Radishes, Green Beans, Yellow Beans, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Cucumbers and Zucchini.

Until next time,
Cheers!

A day in the life

Well, I woke up to Liam chasing the cat around the house, 1 hour before my alarm was set to go off... A nice start to the day, including the melt-down on the way out the door. All I could think was "I just want to knit socks..." Wow. There is something wrong with me. haha lol. I am knitting some really sweet socks right now, here are a few pictures, but I am way farther than this now, I am turning the heel already. They are so incredibly cute, can't wait to finish them! I will post pictures of the finished product.

My First Blog Post

Good morning all! This is my first blog post on my new blog site. Will be having more up here soon.