Leggings

Yes, Baby F is getting a lot of knitting attention these days. Why not? It is her birthday week. Can you believe she is already a year? We are also headed off to Black Sheep and I can't wait!

I finished these adorable leggings (rav link) for her! Twisted Sisters is selling a kit with a onesie and a 50g skein of yarn. From experience I know it is really difficult to match a wool based yarn to a cotton fabric. So when I saw these I knew I could do it myself, but it would be a lot of work. Besides I love trying out other dyer's yarn! It's so fun!

The set comes with pattern options like a hat and booties and such. One of my friends mentioned knitting a set of leg warmers out of the yarn. I thought what a great idea! So I set about measuring my wiggly baby and making up my own pattern. I made them a little big so she can wear them for awhile. I'm guessing they are a 12 month size. They took up exactly the skein of yarn. I have just a tiny bit leftover, so I'm glad I made them when I did! Any bigger and I would have had to buy more yarn!

Here she is posing thoughtfully with a couple of blocks. I kinda like the bunched up look the outfit has right now. I now she will grow into them in no time. Not to mention walking around with them! I'm hoping they will last at least into fall. I'll try to remember to get more photos of her wearing them then!

The blog may be quiet for a little while. We are off to Black Sheep this week and then there is all the unpacking and post-show mayhem. I'm also finishing up a sock club order for July. I'll post more about it when I'm sure everyone in the club has their yarn. I really love the color I came up with for it and can't wait for it to be released back to me so I can add it to the collection!

Photo Friday: Daddy

Amelie Dress

Last week I showed off this picture of F and her bunny. The dress is also something new I finished. 

The pattern is Amelie Dress (rav link) by Louisa Harding for her book Natural Knits for Babies and Moms. I actually have knit quite a few patterns from this book. I highly recommend it. The yarn is the same Little Lehigh Pebbles I knit the bunny sweater out of. I love this yarn!

The dress itself has actually been finished for awhile, but I couldn't decide on exactly how I wanted to finish it. I thought about pockets or the knitted flowers from the pattern. In the end I felt a few simple embroidered flowers were just perfect.

The last little finishing touch were these buttons I found awhile back on the sale table at the Button Emporium. They were a $1 for 5! I couldn't pass them up!

Overall, I love this pattern and I plan on making more for the girl child!

Edited to add: The book (in e-book form) this pattern is from is now on sale for $10.17 on Interweave's site through June 23rd. Check it out here: http://www.interweavestore.com/natural-knits-ebook

Photo Friday: Martha Speaks & Daddy

Bunny Love

I actually started bunnies for both of my kids for Easter. I finished the bodies, but then procrastinated on finishing them up. I don't know why when they turn out so very cute!

The pattern is called Hop (rav link) and is by Susan B Anderson for Blue Sky Alpacas. It, of course, calls for their yarn. I chose to do a bit of stash diving and used two discontinued yarns. The body of the rabbit is knit out of Inca Cotton, which I used to carry. I can still get the white, but the other organic colors have been discontinued. Then the body is knit out of Little Lehigh Pebbles. A yarn put out by Kraemer. I simply love it for baby things. It came in this huge ball which retailed for under $5. When it was discontinued a couple of years ago I stocked up. So now that I have kids it is getting put to use!

Here is the little miss with her rabbit. It is just the perfect size for her to grab and take along with her. Now I just need to finish up her brother's!

Photo Friday: Cannon Beach

Dancette

I love lime and purple together. It's so vibrant and spring!

The yarn is Cashmere Blend Sock in colors Berry Pie and Pear Blossom. I actually knit it out of the leftovers from my Color Affection. I would have made it to the end just fine, but I was about 2 stripes short with the purple (Berry Pie). So that should give you an idea of just how much mileage you can get out of the yarn. 

The pattern is Dancette (rav link) by Irish Girlie Knits. I am super happy because when I posted the pattern on Ravelry I actually got a comment by the designer herself on how she liked the color combo! I am always thrilled to support indie designers!

A lovely front shot with a Plover Designs Aluminum Swirl shawl pin. I love that this pattern is so versatile and can be worn in so many different ways. 

I would definitely knit this pattern again, perhaps in different colors. What colors would you knit it in?

Photo Friday: Cannon Beach Dresser

Oak Street Mitts

I love these mitts! They were one of the first patterns I designed, with simple ribs that run up the fingers.

I actually first designed them for my husband out of sock yarn, then liked them so much I made a pair for myself. The patterns are aptly called Man Mitts and then Girl Mitts. Then the pattern was republished by Gardiner Yarn Works and includes both patterns under the name Oak Street Mitts. 

I have had them knit up in colorway Bad Girl for many years in the booth and I decided they needed a fresh make-over. So I had my friend Jill knit them up again in Superwash Sock color Garden Party. I really love how they came out. We will have them in the booth at Black Sheep Gathering next month, so make sure to stop by and see it in person. 

Home!

We had a wonderful time at the coast! Lots of long walks and exploring was had by all. We ended up coming home a little early because X came down with a bug. So we rested at home. I have my energy back and the creative juices are flowing! I am working on dyeing up yarn for a Sock Club and for Black Sheep next month! If you would like anything custom dyed, just let me know and I'll be happy to include it!