About the Boys' Hats

Since I'd shared details about the girls' hats, I thought it only fair that I also share more about the boys' hats.  There were lots of options, but I decided on something related to Angry Birds (my older nephews really love Angry Birds).

I decided to use Red Bird with Attitude by Heidi Yates (free download at Ravelry) because the facial features looked great and didn't protrude from the hat (Also, I wanted my older nephews to wear their hats. Y'all know how older kids get about hand knits if they think it looks silly).

Finished hats before facial details are added

Here's the thing:  I needed to make some mods.  First off, the hat sizes tended to run on the small side.  I started with the child size, but that looked more like toddler size.  So I knit the next size up (teen size) to get something in a child size (sounds confusing, right?).  Also, I really didn't like the "tail" as written in the pattern.  I wasn't sure my older nephews would go for it.  What do you think (see version #1 pictured below)?

Hat version following pattern exactly as written

So for version #2, I made some mods:
1) Used 3.75mm circulars to work the brim for a more snug fit
2) Used K2P2 instead of K1P1.  That's just a personal preference.  Besides, I think my choice looks better.
3) Switched to 4.5mm circulars for body.
4) For decreases, worked them as written until row 16 where I made some minor changes in how the decreases are worked:
Row 16: K1 K2tog (18 sts for teen size)
Row 17-18: Knit
Row 19: K2tog (9 sts for teen size)
Row 20: Knit
Row 21:  K2tog till last st, K1 (5 sts teen size)
Row 22-24: Knit each round as I-cord
Row 25: K2tog K1 K2tog (3 sts teen size)
Rows 26-28: Knit each round as I-cord
Leave long tail and thread through last 3 stitches.  Fasten off.

Version #2 following modifications to "tail"

I think the modified version looks so much better than the first--so much better that I may rip out the first version and re-do.  Hey, I've got time. ;)

More Knitting Stuff . . .

Yup, there's more.  I don't think I shared any of the finished Batman hats (although I did write about the pattern and intarsia here back in October) .  Essentially I followed the instructions as written with no mods.

Two Batman hats for two brothers

I was initially leery of the pointy ears on the hat (and truthfully I was a little unsure about how to proceed), but I carefully followed the instructions.  And they look fine (although  I thought that maybe next time I would use the intarsia design on a regular stocking hat).

Batman pixie hat with earflaps

In fact, I did just that for the baby hat.  This baby Batman hat uses a cute pixie earflap pattern from Yarnspirations (written by Vicky Howell).  Since intarsia needs to be worked flat, I started the hat in the round, but worked it flat when doing the colourwork. Once completed, I returned to working in the round and added a couple of extra rounds in plain gray before starting the decreases (approx 4” total from edge of garter brim).

And my nephews were pleased with their gifts.  Guess how I can tell?  Somebody didn't wanna take off his hat . . .  ;)

My nephew being goofy for the camera

More to share later . . .

It's the Wrong Colour!

I have made an effort to knit more this week.  And the extra effort has netted some nice FOs.  Check out the earflap pixie hat with matching mittens.  Isn't it cute?

Finished pixie hat with matching mittens

This is headed for one of my nieces.  My other niece was going to get  the same pixie hat with matching mittens in a different colour--mainly orange and brown..  However, I noticed something as I worked on the mittens.  Do you see the problem?

Second pair of mittens

Mitten Detail

The mittens look as if they came from a different coloured skein altogether, but they came from the same skein.  I was going to redo one of the mittens . . . . .

And then I saw my niece's new winter coat.  It was not navy, black or blue.  No, it was pink--as in very pink!  No orange to be seen anywhere.  **sigh**  I may have to make a second hat with matching mittens in pink-purple. :(  At least I have lots of the pink-purple skein leftover.

The Beginning of . . .

A new friend. It's been so long since I've shown any updates to my "Iggy" project.  He was started early September.  

Body In Progress

Soon his head and body were completed . . . In fact, it was a matter of days!

Doesn't he have quite the happy face? And he already has a friend waiting for him.

Eggy Already Loves Iggy

I've introduced Eggy before (Rav link).  He is patiently waiting for Iggy's completion so he can finally have a cephalopod friend to play with. 

Sadly his tentacles are . . . well, they just don't exist.  At least not yet.  

I started them.  Well, I started one tentacle and I got as far two stripes.  I was trying to work them in the round, but I had forgotten how to hide the colour jog created by changing colours in the round. I need to find some how-to videos online.

Meanwhile there are other more pressing projects needing my attention.

Later,

About the Slipper Mods

Through the Woods

A few knitters have contacted me through Ravelry re: row-by-row instructions for the child version of the non-felted slippers.  So I decided to publish my changes here on the blog so I can re-direct other knitters here.  You will still need to print off the original pattern.


Child Version of Non-Felted Slippers

Here are my changes: Cast on 40 sts 
Row 1-K20 PM K20 
Row 2-Increase as per original pattern (44sts) 
Row 3 (and all odd rows)-Knit 
Row 4-Increase (48 sts) 
Row 6-Increase (52 sts) 
Row 8-Increase (56 sts) 
Row 10-Increase (60 sts) 
Row 11-Knit and remove markers

Instep: Row 1-Knit 
Row 2-P27 PM P6 PM P27 
Row 3-K20 ssk twice K3tog K6 sl 1 K2tog psso K2tog twice K20 (52 sts) 
Row 4-Purl 
Row 5-K16 ssk twice K3tog K6 sl 1 Ktog psso K2og twice K16 (44 sts) 
Row 6-Purl 
Row 7-K25 ssk (43 sts) 
Row 8-sl 1 P6 P2tog (42 sts) 
Row 9-sl 1 K6 ssk (41 sts) 
Row 10-sl 1 P6 P2tog (40 sts) 
Row 11-sl 1 K6 ssk (39 sts) 
Row 12-sl 1 P6 P2tog (38 sts) 
Row 13-sl 1 K6 ssk (37 sts) 
Row 14-sl 1 P6 P2tog (36 sts) 
Row 15-sl 1 K6 ssk (35 sts) 
Row 16-sl 1 P6 P2tog (34 sts) 
Row 17-sl 1 K6 ssk (33 sts) 
Row 18-sl 1 P6 P2tog (32 sts) 
Row 19-sl 1 K6 ssk DO NOT TURN K11 (31 sts) 
Row 20-P18 P2tog P11 (30 sts) 
Work cuff as written in original pattern.

Please remember this is NOT my pattern.  This great slipper pattern comes from Yuko Nakamura who has kindly provided her work for free here on Ravelry (it's a PDF file you can open and store on your computer or save in your Rav library).


Hope this helps out anyone who wants to make a child-sized version. I'll be back with a proper post soon.

Winter's Bounty

Faux-Thrum Mittens Revisited

Beginnings of Mitten

And revised.  Its been almost a year since I last looked at my Faux-Thrum mitten pattern.  And with the weather getting colder, I'd been itching to make a pair for my son.  With only one size in the original pattern, I've had to re-work the sizing.  More important, I'm re-checking my instructions.  After all, if I can't figure out my own directions, I can't expect some one else to understand, right?

Weaving in Ends on First Mitt

So as of yesterday afternoon, my mitten pattern has been revised and corrected (sadly I found a couple of typos, but at least I re-checked the numbers).  Hopefully there are no more errors.


Happy knitting :)

What Next?

When it comes to crafting, many beginner projects are geared for girls (at least I've had a hard time finding EASY projects for the guys).

Having conquered the very basics of knitting, my wee one has got it into his head that he must learn to crochet (secretly I think he wants to make a pile of amigurumi friends).  So we fiddled with hooks and yarn.  After much trial and error, he finally mastered chaining. And he chained and chained and chained . . . well, we had lots of chains!

So we took three of those chains, braided them and made some lovely bookmarks.

Crocheted Bookmarks

Bookmark Detail

Not bad for a beginner crochet project, eh?  Now here's the kicker: what next?!  We tried working on the single crochet stitch, but he's not quite got the hang of it.  It's challenging if you haven't learned how to "read" your stitches.  

I found a beginner crochet booklet from Leisure Arts with good how-to photos.  We also checked out various videos over at YouTube.

Beginner Crochet Book

But as you can surmise from the cover above, many beginner projects are geared for girls: scrunchies, headbands, flowers . . . **sigh**  I suppose he could make a scarf, but that can get boring for an 8 year old (seeing as scarves can go on forever and ever and ever . . . 'nuff said).  I'm looking for small, quick items. 

The book did have a project that might be doable: a key-chain/backpack decoration that could be "boyish" with the appropriate colours (yeah, that stuff matters to 8 year olds).

Keychain or Backpack Decoration

If you've got some better ideas, please pass on the links, author, book title (whatever) . . . need a little help to keep my son's interest going.

DS Case Details

So after posting yesterday's blog update, I set about finishing the DS case. 

I seamed the sides and also part of the pocket opening so that the DS and plastic game holder would fit more snugly in its pocket.  And since the openings were a tad shallow, I added some single crochet trim 'round the opening.  Don't want the game holder or DS to accidentally slip out--that would be very, very bad.

Like the red?  My son thought it looked cool with the grey.  Used the same contrasting red colour for the wrap-around cords.  The instructions called for straight knitting of 3 picked-up stitches, but it was easier to just work I-cord on double-pointed needles--and of course I got carried away and made them a wee bit too long **sigh**  I guess I'll know better for the second case :S

Case with DS and Game Holder Inside

Be honest: doesn't this case deserve googly eyes?  I can almost hear it muttering, "Feed me!"

The recipient of the case chose his own buttons from my lovely collection.  Over the year I've amassed a bag full of lovely and interesting buttons (someday I must photograph it).  Even though I preferred black ones, my older boy went for metallic ones.  I think it looks right pretty--and vaguely creature-like, n'est pas?

Finished DS Case

I'm not sure if I ever posted a link to the free pattern?  You can find details here at the Ravelry pattern page (lots of other knitters have made the project).  Or just head over to the free pattern at the designer's blog Crayon Disaster. 

Now to get back to my own knitting . . .  

He Did It!

My boy persevered and finally finished the DS case for his brother--well, he finished the knitting part.  I'll have to seam it for him.  It's a wee bit too wide--not sure how we're gonna fix that . . . .

Semi-finished DS Case

Nevertheless, he was proud of himself--and rightly so!  Even his brother was excited (the older fella really wanted a DS case).  Flush with accomplishment, my little guy promptly cast-on for his own DS case (with momma's  help).  This time he's using stripes.

DS Case Number Two

The idea of playing with colours blew his mind away, especially when he realized how easy it was.  Since I've got loads of leftovers (mostly Bernat Softee Chunky), there's lots of colour choices.  Right now he's gonna follow his heart and just ad-lib the striping.  It certainly looks interesting and he's already got 7" completed.  This second DS case might be a quick knit.

All Through the House . . .

Not a creature was stirring . . .
except maybe a mouse.
The stockings were hung near the faux fireplace
To lend the room a sense of whimsy and grace

Ahh, the best time of the year: Christmas!  

I love the scent of pine through the house after the tree gets set up.

Putting Up the Tree

I love the twinkling lights, both inside and out.

Outdoor Lights Aglow

And I love decorating the tree with all the lovely ornaments: some handmade, some special gifts from friends and some crafted by wee hands no longer wee.

Handcrafted Porcelain Angel, Tin Foil Bell, and Knitted Stocking



One of a Kind Santa and Plastic Canvas Train

But most of all I love spending time with my boys, and watching the joy on their faces.  Then after the excitement fades to quiet, dear hubby and I sip our coffee . . . 

A Cup of Jo and Toast . . . Perfection!

Hope your holidays are filled with peace and joy. :)

Spreading Joy

Knitting joy, that is.  My second Boyfriend Hat is done.  It just needs a few ends to be tucked in.

Another Hat

No real mods other than to change up the stripe placement from my previous project.  And obviously I used different coloured stripes so the boys wouldn't get their hats mixed up.

So what's up next?  This next WIP looks ordinary enough.  Can you guess what it might become?

Mystery Knit

It's not a scarf or even a sleeve and definitely not another hat.  Its going to be a case for a DS--a wee bit wide, but I think we can fix that during the seaming process.  More importantly, its not my project.  It belongs to my son. 

After finishing a hat for his Toad, he wanted to learn how to purl.  Then he decided to knit himself a DS case.  This particular pattern has a section for toting games too--a big plus in his eyes (You can check out the Ravelry pattern link here).  This case is for his older brother.

I'm just beaming that my wee babe has taken such an interest in knitting.  He also wants to try crochet.  Ahhh, spreading the joy of crafty goodness. :)

Have a good week!

Quick Knit

Have you seen this pattern on Ravelry?  The lovely Boyfriend Hat (Ravelry link) is a quick knit.

Quick Knit

My son lost his hat (not sure where, but I think it was at the movie theatre when we caught the latest Harry Potter flick).  Too bad 'cuz the one he lost was a memento from the Blue Jays second World series win back in 1993. 

Rear View

I used Lion Brand's Vanna's Choice.  What a lovely yarn!  The hat is soft, squishy and very stretchy.  The two balls were leftovers from Baby Sophisticate (one of last year's many Christmas knits).  Too bad I can't find this yarn locally.  Maybe my mother-in-law might procure some more whilst in Florida this winter?  I could ask.

I only made two modifications:
1) added a couple of red stripes for fun (have quite a few leftover Bernat Softee Chunky). When changing colours, I first knit the round and then proceeded in rib pattern on the next row;
2) added about an inch before starting the decreases. I wanted to make sure the hat would cover my son’s ears.

I like the pattern so much, I'm making a second one for my other son.  Sadly he too has lost his hat.

Have a good week!

All in the Details

Don't ya think that sometimes its the little finishing details that can make or break a knit (or at the very least take it from so-so to adorable).  I think the wooden buttons take my Little Navy Stripes from nice to super-duper cute (but that's just my honest opinion and I'm a tad biased).  Wotcha think?

Baby Cardi and Matching Beanie

I just love the rustic feel of the steel blue and cream paired up with the wooden buttons (I don't think they're real wooden buttons, but they're a darn good facsimile).

Detail of Buttons

This Little Coffee Bean cardigan pattern (Ravelry link) is a keeper: I can definitely see myself knitting this one again for future newborns (and I do know of at least one due this summer).  And the Beanie (Ravelry link) is a quick knit too.  Happy to report the new mom appreciated the gift.

The Jig Is Up :(

The boys figured it out on their own.  They devised an "experiment" to test their hypothesis and then they discovered the ugly truth: the tooth fairy ain't real.

A Special Box

Without telling anyone, my eldest lost a tooth.  When no one was looking, he put his tooth in the special box and then he waited.  And waited.  And waited.  After a week and no coin in sight, he figured that the great mythical fairy was just myth.

An Empty Box?

I suppose it was bound to happen eventually.  It just makes me a little sad.   

Fungi Friends

New Fungi Friends

So my boys finally have some new playmates: meet Toad and his brother Toad (if you've ever played Super Mario, you'll notice that sometimes there are numerous Toad-like characters in various colours.  That was the inspiration for my different coloured fungi)

Toad and Toad

They were "quick" projects in that the pieces were small and easy to make.  Perhaps I could have finished these sooner had I not dreaded the "finishing" process--darning in the ends, sewing the pieces together and embroidering the face. 

All Felt Eyes on Blue Toad

I must confess that the most "fiddly" part of the whole process was working the face.  I must have re-done the mouth  5 or 6 times before getting it right (I recommend black sock yarn to make the mouth.  DK/Sport is still too thick and embroidery floss was too thin).  The eyes, too, were a challenge (I recommend embroidering the white highlight). 

Embroidered White on Black for Red Toad

Still, not bad for my first crocheted toys.  I do plan to eventually make Mario and Luigi.  I even found a cute Yoshi pattern too--but that is for the future.  Next up . . . .

Hmmmm, let me ponder that one for a bit. ;)

To All the Moms . . .

Happy Mother's Day!

photo courtesy of Morgue File

Nothing can change one's life as much as having a child.  Suddenly this little person takes over your free time, your house . . .And your heart.   Mom sacrfices so her babies can have clean clothes and new shoes, healthy meals and a home that's spic-and-span.  Jaunts to the park and family outings to local fun spots entertain the wee ones.  And then the babies grow up.  Some day they'll leave the nest . . . but they'll still be you're babies.  Always.  And forever more.

Thanks mom.  

Knitting Updates

So I finished my red mittens--yay for me! 

More Red Mittens

My only complaint wth the pattern is that the thumb runs a little long, but that's an easy fix--just work one or two less rounds before decreasing.

And I've picked up my sock again--remember that sock that was started way back when?  It's now my take-along project.  I don't have an updated photo, but I'm working the heel flap and hopefully will work through the heel turn and gusset by the end of this week.

And of course, still working on my Bernat projects, but I soooo hate the "finishing" part of any project (the weaving in of ends and the sewing of buttons).  How do I motivate myself?  I start another project of course!  That's some leftover Bernat Softee Chunky Twists (loving the colour).

Another Beret

It's the same pattern as my blue beret minus the modifications.  This beret is gonna be knit as written (I'm actually farther along into the pattern than pictured above). 

Hope you've got a great week ahead!  Happy knitting! ;)

Oh Christmas Tree

I love getting the tree.  Usually it's the weekend before Christmas.  And its a real one.  Usually hubby and the boys go out to pick it--our little tradition.  I think this year's tree is a tad bigger than usual (doesn't it always look smaller on the lot?).

After years of fake ones, I've come to love the real thing.  The house fills with the scent of pine.  I don't mind the pine needles that fall away.  Nature isn't always neat and tidy.  Sometimes its a little bit messy--just like me.

We usually let the tree "sit" in the house for a day to ensure its drinking plenty of fluids.  The next day we decorate.

There are lots of special ornaments on our tree: special gifts from friends and family; many of them are handmade. It's fun to decorate with the kids and reminisce about who made what or the story behind a particular decoration.

Isn't Christmas lovely?