Top Down Ruffled Edge Sweater

Pattern: My own, thought I used Barbara Walkers book Knitting from the Top as a guide, and Nicky Epstein's Knitting on the Edge for the ruffles.

Size: children's 18-24 months

Yarn: Sirdar Country Style Double Knitting (45% Acrylic, 40% Nylon, 15% Wool; 100g/348yds) 1 skein, color 512.

Needles: US 5/3.75mm circulars.

Info: This is the first sweater that I made from the top down. I enjoyed the technique as there was minimal finishing involved. I made the sleeves at the same time on two circular needles, something that I am not particularly fond of, but may possibly do again in the future if need be. I also tried the magic loop method for the ruffled edges of the sleeve. That is something that I would not mind doing again. Though double points are still my first choice.

Later 'Gator & Duck Mitts

Pattern: Later 'Gator Mitts by Laura Grutzeck from Stitch n' Bitch Nation. Duck mitts were a variation of this. Gators are child's size 2-6; Ducks are child's size 8-12.

Yarn: Various Worsted Weights (scraps that I had from previous projects)

Needles: US 5/3.75mm & US7/4.5mm double pointed needles

Other Materials: 2 pairs of wiggly eyes for each set of mitts. Glue Gun

Info: A great stashbusting project and a quick knit. I finished the gator mitts in about three hours and the duck mitts in about four. The pattern called for sew on wiggly eyes, but I couldn't find any, so I used a glue gun to attach the eyes. I would not recommend this for young children. If you want to forgo the glued on eyes you could also just embroider the eyes on.

Broken Rib Ankle Socks

Pattern: I used Wendy's toe up template for the how to and I incorporated a broken rib pattern for the socks.

Yarn: Cascade Fixation (98.3% cotton, 1.7% elastic; 50g; 186yds) 1 skein + a smidge more (for about 3")

Needles: US 4/3.5mm double point needles

Info: I really enjoyed knitting the socks from the toe up. Whenever possible, I will probably use this method.

Odessa

Pattern: Odessa by Grumperina for MagKnits

Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK (57% extra fine merino, 33% microfibre, 10% cashmere, 142 yd / 130m per 50g ball)

Needles: US 4/3.5 mm circular needle, US 6/4 mm circular needle, US 6/4 mm double-pointed needles

Other Materials: Size 6 beads (about 120)

Info: I decided to make this hat for two reasons. The first was that I had some of the Rowan Cashsoft left from another project. The second was because I wanted to give knitting with beads a try. This was an easy project and it knit up in no time at all. I think it only took about 4 - 6 hours total. I still have some more Cashsoft left and am considering making another one. I have also received a lot of compliments everytime I wear this.