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.

Groovy Purse

Pattern: My Own

Yarn: Groovy (nylon cording)

Needles: US 10/6mm circulars

Other materials: 1 set of circular pursce handles in black

Info: I originally purchased this yarn for something else, but after I was messing around with various stitch patterns, it was begging me to become a purse. It is a pretty quick knit and I actually like how the color pools.

Here is a close up of the stitch pattern:

Rib & Cable Socks

Pattern: Rib and Cable Socks by Nancy Bush from the Fall '05 Interweave Knits

Yarn: Silja (80% superwash wool, 20% nylon), 2 skeins

Needles: US 1/2.25mm double points

Info: I followed the pattern exactly. Though the yarn called for 3-3.5mm, I did not like the way the yarn was so loose and airy with the larger needles. The needles I used made a much more dense fabric, though not as stretchy as I initially thought that it would be. If I were to use this yarn again I would use US 2/2.75mm. I didn't have any and I got the correct gauge using the US 1/2.25mm. I have to say that I did enjoy making these.

Short Row Sweater

Short Row Sweater

Pattern: My Own

Yarn: Lion Brand Micro Spun, Patons Brilliant, Lion Brand Fun Fur

Needles: US 11

Info: A friend of my mother has a sweater that is made using this technique. My mom (seen here) brought the sweater home and asked if I could make her one because she liked it so much, and her friend couldn't find another one. When I first saw the sweater I was very intrigued and was kinda dumbfounded because I wasn't sure exactly how they did it. After a while I realized that the sweater was done completely with short rows. The sweater is made in one piece, the arms are knit in the round and have no "seams" as there is no right side up or down. Because the body of the sweater is round you can also have a "hood"

2 x 2 Ribbed Hat

2 X 2 Ribbed Hat

Pattern: None

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease, double stranded

Needles: US 11/8mm circulars & double point

Info: This was just one of those quick knits. I had done a bunch of holiday knitting and I needed to work on something that would give me instant gratification.

Cropped Jacket

Pattern: from Vogue Knitting Holiday 2005 - Cropped Jacket
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas - Blue Sky Bulky (#1004, Polar Bear; 15 hanks)
Needles: US 19/15mm knitting needles
US P/15 /11/5 crochet hook
Size: Medium

Info: I absolutely love this jacket. It is sooooo warm and I actually get a lot of compliments when I wear it. I had fun working the cable and bobble pattern.

Bamboo Purse

Bamboo Purse Pattern: My Own

Yarn: South West Trading Company’s Bamboo (less than 1 skein, black)

Needles: US 6/4.0mm knitting needles & US6/4.omm dpns

Other Notions: Flower Beads, Zipper, Fabric & Interfacing (for lining)

Info: I hate to waste, so I decided to make this with the leftover yarn from the bamboo tank. This has a picot edge on the flap, an I-Cord strap, and is lined and zippered.

Bamboo Top

Pattern: My Own

Yarn: South West Trading Company – Bamboo (3 skeins, black)

Needles: US 6/4mm 29” circular needles US 6/4mm dpn

Info: There is a cross cable pattern right below the bust line that goes all the way around, unfortunately the color of the yarn doesn't show very well in the photo.

Winnie the Pooh & Friends Blanket

Winnie the Pooh & Friends Blanket, by Leisure Arts Pattern: Pooh Cuddle & Snooze Sets

Yarn: Various Worsted Weight Yarn

Needles: US 8/5mm & US 10/6mm

Finished Size: Approximately 48" x 52"

Info: This was my first attempt at intarsia work. My son insisted that I make it for him (he wouldn't let me leave the store without the pattern). I am glad I did, he loves it.