Apple Tape Measure

For the fourth and final required project for the swap, I chose to use the pattern Apple or Orange Tape Measure by Amalia Samios. Jill said that she loves tape measures, so what's better than an apple one?  Since the finger puppet was red and the hat was red, I made the tape measure green.

At first, I had a hard time deciding if it was going to work.  Each half (circle) is knit separately and then seamed together.  After the first half was finished, I wasn't convinced it was big enough.  I tried casting on more stitches following the rhythm of the pattern and making a larger circle but this failed miserably.  It was ruffly and wavy. So I knit a third half the same as the first.

To seam together, I laid the wrong sides together and seamed, without the tape measure inside.  I tried it initially with the tape measure, but it was awkward.  When I was far enough that I almost couldn't fit the tape measure in, I inserted it into the pocket and closed up the remaining stitches.  This worked really well. Actually, I was surprised it worked at all.  I was prepared to be frustrated.

I love that the tape measure pulls out by the stem & leaf.  So clever!  I think more people should design patterns to cover tape measures.

Another item to note: When you knit the halves, you are actually knitting a half circle that has a natural inclination to curl itself into a circle.  You have to seam the edge together to officially make it a circle.  When doing this, the pattern says to stop something like 1/2" from the edge of the circle.  You then line up this point on both halves.  If you don't stop seaming at this point, your tape measure won't retract when you ask it to.  Trust me, I'm talking from personal experience.  I had to rip back my seaming job so it would work.

My only wish is that the stitches didn't stretch out so much.  You can see through them if you're really looking.  Not huge, but I can't help but obsess about things like that.

These would be really fun grab bag gifts - the tape measures themselves are about 99 cents to maybe $1.50 (USD).   It takes a very minimal amount of yarn so any stash yarn would do.  What a fun present for a knitter (or crocheter or sewer or crafter of any kind) in your life!  Easily finished in a couple hours. :)  And another item I had a hard time letting go of.... Enjoy any future measuring, Jill!

Finger Foods: Apple

My third knit project for the swap was the apple from Finger Foods.  Since I'd already made the apple once before (for my own Finger Foods set from the Teddy Bear Picnic swap), I had a better of idea of the construction of the apple.  These finger puppets are really fun and X has had a lot of fun playing with them.  Little kids AND adults love putting these on their fingers!

For this project, I was planning on copying Raili (Fairytale Knits) and making the "puppet" portion of the apple in crazy colored sock yarn.  But...I didn't have any.  So I used Cascade Fixation in Red and Sage (for the leaf), and Universal Yarn Pace in Chocolate for the puppet.  This yarn I got from Raili in the Teddy Bear Picnic swap.  It's so handy and I appreciate it so much when I get yarn in swaps!  I love having great knitterly friends!

My biggest struggle with these toys is how to stuff them.  The first time, I tried filling the toy around the finger puppet portion, wrapping the fiberfill around the finger.  This time I tried stuffing the toy and pushing the finger puppet in afterwards.  I'm not convinced either is the best way.  How did the rest of you do it?  I did a lot of rolling in-between my hands to get a consistent stuffing throughout the apple.

The Fixation is an interesting yarn.  It's sproingy (I know that's not a real word but it's expresses my thoughts on the yarn better than any other) so the stitch definition isn't uniform.  While pulling the thread through your fingers, it will stretch because of the elastic contained within it, and when released it will spring back.  So even if you think you're pulling it through consistently, you're probably not.  The yarn is soft and provides a pretty completed texture, but it can be frustrating when it leaves loose stitches.  And I don't know about anyone else but I don't block my toys. :) The only other problem for me is that the red is so hard to photograph.  It's bright enough that all my photos come out a bit blurry or fuzzy, like the camera can't decide where to focus.

I think the fruits from this pattern would also be fantastic in a slight semi-solid with subtle color shifts.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - both kids and adults love this toy! :) 

Green Apple Washcloth

Today I'm going to share with you the Apple Washcloth by Susan B. Anderson.   

The majority of the apple was easily finished in one night, with the stem, leaf and edging finished on the second night.  As with many of my FOs, it only took so long because I didn't have the ability to knit on it all night, or it was really close to bedtime.  I can't remember which it was this time. 

The green is KnitPicks Comfy Worsted in Honey Dew and the stem in Berroco Vintage in Chocolate.  The dark green edging and leaf are made from Knit Picks Comfy Worsted in Cypress.

I chose to accentuate the slip-stitch crocheted edging with a different color just to give it a little pop.  I really like how it turned out!

And just so you can see the backside (because I love all angles of projects), here's what the other side looks like. Because this is garter stitch it is incredibly quick!

I really should knit myself some washcloths...our dogs have gotten ahold of some of ours and they  now need replacing.  I got a few from Raili (FairyTale Knits) for the Teddy Bear Picnic swap.  They're so lovely I have a hard time using them - I want to keep them perfect forever. :)   In fact, I squirrel them away so that only I can use them. :)  (Oops, now you all know my secret!)

Tell me, Readers...how many of you use knit or crocheted dishcloths/washcloths?

Friday Favorites 3/4: Mom's Brea Bag

This Friday's Favorites is a little closer to the heart than usual.  Today I'm sharing with you Mom's Christmas present, the Brea Bag.  It's taken me a little while to finish, but all those little details really make it so worth it in the end, and I'm really proud to share how it came out.  So here we go!

This yarn + this pattern = perfection.

We'll start with the knitty-gritty (haha) details this time.  This pattern is Brea Bag by Norah Gaughan, knit with Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in Almanac.  The pattern calls for a worsted weight, held double.  So in the end, I used 4 skeins of yarn, but if you use a bulky yarn, you could probably get away with 2 skeins.  My yardage is also a little skewed, which I'll discuss in a moment. 

I fell in love with this pattern the first time I saw it. The cables and stitch pattern create an image that resembles the lotus flower (look towards the middle top of the bag).  I think this bag and design probably is best when used with a yarn that will show off the textural details. 

I thought this bag would be a fun, casual weekend purse.  The bag doesn't require a lining, but many people lined it anyway. That's what we did to.  Made for Mom for her Christmas gift, I wanted this to be something she wanted.  When I finished the knitting, Mom picked out her fabric and helped sew the lining into the bag.  

Part of my reason for wanting a lining to was to maintain the structural integrity of the pattern.  The pieces of the bag are seamed with a crocheted slip stitch and create very clean lines.  And since these pieces all blocked out so nicely, I didn't want their look compromised. To help with that, fusible interfacing was used on the lining gusset.  

The actual knitting for this project was fairly fast.  The front and back panels took a couple days each - the cables are very engaging.  The gusset, on the other hand....took forever!  

Instead of a leather shoulder strap, I knit the shoulder strap using the book "Super Stitches Knitting" to pick out a cable pattern that would compliment this bag. This is the reason the amount of yarn I used is different than what many people would get.  The strap was reinforced using the same fabric as the bag lining.  (We didn't want the knit strap to stretch.)  The cable pattern is OXO on pages 182-183.

And the final finishing detail was the button.  Honestly, I had forgotten about what kind of button I wanted to use until I we got the lining in.  I had seen another Raveler's Brea Bag and she had made a gorgeous button using embroidery thread.  I wanted one too.  The pattern is called Dorset Button (Ravelry link for Dorset Button here) and uses plastic rings, embroidery thread and a yarn needle.  Super simple!  I really recommend trying this out.  It produces a really neat, fun result that can be customized to whatever project you're working on.  And since you can find plastic rings in so many different sizes, you can have a wide assortment of these buggers! :)

I must say - this is one of my favorite projects to date. :)

Apple Hat

So - the Apple Hat.  Very, very quick when knit in such a tiny size.  As mentioned in my previous post, this was for the Let's Start at the Beginning swap.  

Knitting such a small size worked perfect for me.  I only had small amounts of green and red and was hoping to stash-dive for this swap.  For the hat I used Ella Rae Milky Soft in red that I received from Melissa (Knitting a Baby).  I really enjoyed this yarn.  I thought it was soft and perfect for the project.  It's a 50% cotton, 50% milk blend.  I also used Berroco Vintage in Chocolate (again, from Melissa from the Easter swap) for the stem and Knit Picks Comfy Worsted in Honey Dew for the leaf.

I've not knit the Apple Hat before but it's deliciously cute.  X gets tons of compliments on his Pumpkin Hat and I imagine this style of hat would be the same.  It will look so cute on a little newborn baby!

I took pictures out in the snow.  My hat stand was a large clay mug from the Renaissance Fair.  It was the only thing I could find that was small enough for the hat to fit over.  Because it was so tall, I was able to stick it down in the snow far enough to make the hat look like it was an apple that had fallen from the tree. :)  

I have to say, again, that X tried and tried to put this hat on his head.  He really wanted to wear it but it was just too small for his 2-year-old head!

I'm really in love with the way this hat decreases.  Honestly, I don't usually pay much attention to hat decreases unless it incorporates some of the pattern as well.  Perhaps the crisp, clean stitches draw attention to them here. 

So that's the Apple Hat!  Check back soon to read about the Apple Washcloth! :) 

WIP Wednesday

I was looking through my list of current WIPs and it's actually getting smaller!! :)  Hooray!  I'm feeling so much better about this.

Over the end of last week and weekend I've took what was meant to be a tiny break from my WIP march.  I knew I needed to knit the Knotted Cap I mentioned on Monday, and I wanted to finish up a dog sweater for Evie (which I figured could easily be done by the beginning of this week).  Well, let's just say I'm taking an extended vacation from my old WIPs to share a few new ones.

I sometimes wish that Ravelry allowed for increments other than 5% at a time to share how far I am from finished.  Mom's Brea Bag is 98% complete!  The strap is attached, I've added the crocheted button loop and all that's left it attaching the button.  Sounds simple, right?  But it's not quite that easy because I don't seem to ever make things simple.

I found a pattern on Ravelry for Dorset Buttons.  These look really neat and I'm going to attempt to make one for this bag.  I've picked up the plastic rings and embroidery thread, now I need to sit down and make them.  If they don't work out, Mom & I will pick out a button we like better.  See how far I've gotten? Hey, it counts as progress if you've purchased the materials! :)

I have to mention that I worked on my Sinful Ribbed Scarf last week when I spent a lot of time in the car.  I actually finished off the second skein of yarn and bound off.  But then I went back and measured and decided it wasn't long enough so I undid the bind off, attached a new skein.  It needs to be 70" long. It was something like 56" long.  Half of the 3rd skein should be enough to get the length I need.  But, I put it back in the hibernation pile because it's knitting that I take out when I don't know what else to work on or I need something simple and mindless.

Evie's sweater is coming along slowly.  I've got the collar finished and have started the shoulder increases.  The pattern is simple and straight forward but I'm finding that I don't enjoy knitting it on dpns.  I think I'll switch it to a circular needle soon and magic loop it the rest of the way.   I made her try it on a couple of times to make sure it wasn't too tight on her neck.  I didn't want her to be uncomfortable.  Poor puppy, she was so confused!

I sort of got derailed by the next project.  Well, make that plural.  I'd been meaning to knit some hats for the February Charity KAL (knit-a-long) on the Itty Bitty forums, but I just didn't have time.  Well, February is now over but I'd still like to make the hats.  They're super quick and I figure I should be able to finish them this week.  I've got several patterns picked out to use (so there is a little variety).  I finished one last night in just a couple hours.  I'm not sure if I'll work on these straight through the week to get them finished as soon as possible, or if I'll knit a little on Evie's sweater, then a hat, and so on.

Finally, just because I need to put it out there and hold myself accountable, I've pulled out X's Bathrobe. It's just in the early stages of the pattern, which only goes up to 24 months.  He turns 2 on Sunday so I really need to finish this.  Once I finish the button, Evie's sweater and the hats, I'll turn my attention to the bathrobe (hopefully this will be next week).

That was a long list today!!  I think it all could easily be overwhelming, but everything is so small and quick that I'm confidant this week will give me plenty of time to finish these diversions up. :)

What's on your needles?

A is for Apple

Now that my swap partner has received her package, I can share with all of you what I included in her box!  I had Sauceyjill of Saucy and she was so fun to stalk and find items for!

The requirements this time were to include 4 things: the Apple Hat, the apple from Finger Foods, and an Apple Washcloth - all patterns from Susan B. Anderson.  We were also meant to include one extra item that we had made.  I think some people may have chosen to sew this project but a lot of us knit this extra item.  I should also add that although it is certainly not an expectation or requirement, it is always implied that we all love tasty goodness as well - whether it be in the form of chocolate, or other sweet treat, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc.  

I'm going to do things a little differently this time and share all the contents of the package in this post, but over the next week or so, I will do a more in-depth post on each knit item.  Then the item gets the attention it deserves, but doesn't make this swap post super duper long.  I may repeat some information between all the posts, I hope no one minds. 

So, on to the knits.  First, Jill asked for a newborn size apple hat.  This hat was a pleasure to knit.  So tiny!  X wanted to wear it but it was too small.  Knit in Ella Rae Milky Soft in red, using Berroco Vintage in Chocolate for the stem and Knit Picks Comfy Worsted in Honey Dew for the leaf. 

The washcloth was my second project.  I'm in love with how it turned out.  Made from KP Comfy Worsted in Honey Dew, the stem is again Berroco Vintage in Chocolate.  The leaf and crocheted edging are KnitPicks Comfy Worsted in Cypress.  I think the Cypress really gives the apple some pop. 

My original plan for the third knit didn't work.  Turns out, I don't have a lot of sock-weight yarn.  I hear a lot of people say they have tons and tons of sock yarn.  I don't knit socks, and most patterns I knit call for worsted weight.  But I can understand that it's hard not to buy sock yarn as there are so many pretty colors and brands out there!  This apple finger puppet is made from Cascade Fixation in Red, the leaf in Sage.  The stem and finger puppet portion are knit with Universal Yarn Pace in Chocolate.  

The final project from me was a green apple tape measure.  From the pattern Apple or Orange Tape Measure by Amalia Samios, I chose green since the hat and finger puppet were red.  If you're thinking of knitting this project, I suggest you read my future post about this project.  I loved the final result, but was a little frustrated in the making of it. My favorite part is the pull - it's the leaf and stem of the apple.  How cute is that?  I chose this pattern because Jill says she loves tape measures.  Another reason for the green is because Jill has said on many occasions how much she likes green.  This is KP Comfy Worsted in Honey Dew, with Berroco Vintage in Chocolate and KP Comfy Worsted in Cypress for leaf & stem. 

And since we're talking color and yarn, that's a good transition to mention the yarn I included.  On her list of "yarns to try" was Blue Moon Fiber Arts.  Now, Blue Moon has a lot of options to pick from.  But I finally settled on Socks that Rock in Spruced.  This looked like a neat mossy brown green.  I really hope that Jill likes the yarn.  It can be so hard to pick colors for other people.  I've never tried Blue Moon, but I'd love to have it in my stash some day. 

To go with her Spruced, I added the book "Sock Yarn: One Skein Wonders."  There are tons of really cute patterns in the book and I was tempted to keep it for myself. :)  She mentioned she didn't have much sock yarn in her stash, but hopefully she'll get a lot of use out of this book in the future!

Before I bought the OSW book, I sent Jill the pattern for End of May Mittens by Mandy Powers.  She said she already had the yarn and they'll be great for her 11 in 2011 mitten challenge.  

(photo by ginni; I sent her the pattern electronically through Ravelry, so I don't have my own picture to share with you)

Since this swap is actually called Let's Start at the Beginning (aka A = beginning of the alphabet), it was only proper to find more apple related items.  I found the game Apples to Apples (the game is ages 12+, but I figured eventually everyone in the family would grow into it), as well as Appletters (which is like a dominos game except with letters instead of dots).  I always enjoyed playing games as a family and can't wait for that age with X. 

In the process of shopping, I found some summery apple kitchen towels.  Perhaps not her style, but it's nice to have extras when needed!  There's chocolate living at Jill's now, too.  M&M's as well as some Choxie Assorted Chocolates. 

I found some neat finds on Etsy, as well.  First, a Twilight Scrabble pendant that reads, "Bite Me," from PaisleyMonday.  For whatever reason, this really seemed to scream at me to buy it for Jill.  She says she has a love/hate relationship with Twilight.  What better way to express that?  I made it into a stitch marker.   I also found a charm at beyondcharms that can be used as a stationary stitch marker (the kind that clips into the stitch or is used in crochet) .  Finally, I made 3 extra stitch markers in green and red to follow the theme.  

Do you see this?  It's one of my favorite things in the box - an apple keychain.  I think I'll have to visit this seller's shop again.  The keychain was found at oggiestwinkles. 

Last and finally not least, I included a book for Jill to read with her little boy.  The book is Ten Apples Up On Top by Dr. Seuss.  The writing is by Dr. Seuss but the book art is by someone different.  This was the first Dr. Seuss book that I ever owned and I read it over and over and over as a child.  I hope her little man finds the story just as fun. :)  

So you see why I need additional posts to tell you about the knits?  This is an insanely long post and perhaps a little scattered.  I wanted to include something sewn but I just didn't have time this month.  So, dear swap partner, enjoy it all!