Kid Slippers -- Free Pattern

So I was so anxious to knit with the new Dia Duit Yarns.   I chose "Across The Universe".  Really bright colors and lots of them!  Here is the finished slipper.  I hope to get a picture with Oonagh wearing them (still working on this one.  she moves quick!)

Materials:

Dia Duit Yarns  DK Hand Painted Superwash Merino (available exclusively at Stitch DC)

US 3 24" circular needle

darning needle

markers (suggested but not required)

Size: 5 inches long from toe to heel

7 inches around center foot.

These fit Oonagh who is wearing a size 6-7 shoe and is 18 months old.

Gauge:

7 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette stitch

Notes:

1.  I used the magic loop method for knitting these slippers. 

2.  To make larger, simply make more toe increase to fit, then work until 2 inches shorter than foot.  You may have to adjust how many short rows you do for heel but make a small set first and you'll quickly feel the rhythm of turning the heel.

3.  I use Yarn Overs (YOs) instead of wraps.

4. You may also choose to put some puffy glue on the bottom of these slippers so baby can walk safely around in them.

5. You will have tons left over from the smallest size. so make a pair and give away a second pair!



Abbreviations:
YO: yarn over
K2tog: knit next two stitches together
 

INSTRUCTIONS:  (make 2 for a pair)

Cast on 20 stitches using the turkish cast on method.

Knit 2 rounds.

Start toe increases as follows:

Round 1: * k1, m1, k8, m1, k1 repeat from * across round.

Round 2:  knit all stitches

Repeat last two rows increasing the number of stitches to knit in the middle by 2 each repeat. (i.e. ROW 4: *k1, m1, k10, m1, k1 repeat from * and Row 6: *k1, m1, k12, m1, k1) until total 48 stitches.

Continue knitting in the round even (no more increases) until foot measures 3 1/2" long.

Turn the Heel as follows

Row 1: Knit 23, turn

Row 2: Yo, purl to last stitch on first needle, turn

Row 3: Yo, knit to last stitch before the previous yarn over, turn

Row 4: Yo, purl to last stitch before the previous yarn over, turn

repeat last two rows until you have 10 stitches remaining in the center.  You will have 9 yo/stitch couples on either side.

Next row:  knit to the first yo, knit the yarn over and the next stitch together, turn

Next row: Yo, purl to the first yo, purl the yarn over and the next stitch together, turn

Next row, Yo, knit to the next yo, knit the 2 YOs and the next stitch together, turn
Next row: YO, purl to next yo, purl the 2 YOs and the next stitch together, turn
repeat the last two rows until all the stitches are worked.
Return to knitting in the round.  Knit one row and bind off.

Weave in ends. 

Summer Picnic Napkins -- Free Pattern

Alan's birthday was last week and on Sunday we had a family picnic.  Alan is allergic to bees so we can't eat outside so we did the picnic inside and then went out to play games with all the kids.  Nora's Portland cousins are in town for the week.  So Nora wanted to make some special items for the picnic.  We decided to make cloth napkins.  I let Nora pick out the colors and she even seamed most of the napkins herself. 

I'd like to share this easy project.  Instead of using tons of paper napkins, why not make a few easy cloth napkins that can be thrown in the wash and used over and over again. 

Materials to make 8 napkins.
* 4 fat quarters of two matching cottons.  (Nora picked out Kona Orange and All American Girl Leaves)  * thread
* rotary cutters
* measuring tape.

Nora and I made these from start to finish in about 2 hours yesterday.  So you still have time before tonight's barbeque to make a few pretty napkins!

1. Cut each fat quarter into four equal pieces -- 11 by 18 each
2.  Matching two different patterns, sew right sides together on three sides and leave a 3 inch hole in fourth side.  All seam allowances are 1/4 inch.
3.  Trim triangles off the corners and turn inside out. 
4.  Press flat and with a contrasting color thread sew a 1/4 seam around all four sides.

That's it!  Enjoy!

Christmas Stockings

I grew up in a Ranch style house on Long Island without a Fireplace. So my family didn't do stockings.



I now have a great old Victorian with two fireplaces. So each year, I plan on making stockings for the whole family. Well, this year I got one step closer, I designed this easy stocking pattern. I'm still working on mine but Jen Dumas finished her stocking. Here it is and the free pattern. Enjoy!







(pboto credit: Jennifer Dumas)

Not a Sock Beret

Yes, I love berets. And I also love to find other things to make with Sock Yarn. So here is my creation.

Marie's Not a Sock Beret

Materials: 1 skein Lornas Laces and 1 skein Kid Seta
US size 4 (3.5 mm) 16” circular US size 6 (4.0 mm) 16” circular US size 6 (4.0 mm) set of double pointed needles
Gauge: 6 stitches per inch using US 4, and 5 stitches per inch using US 6

Instructions: Using US 4 circular needle, cast on 120 stitches. Place marker and join in the round, taking care not to twist stitches.
Row1: * K1, P1 repeat from * around. Repeat row 1 until brim measures 1 1/2 inches.
Increase Row: K2, m1 (make 1 increase), repeat from to end of row. (180stitches)

Change to US 6 and knit until beret measures 3 ½” from cast on row.

As you decrease, you will need to transfer to double pointed needles when beret can no longer be comfortably knit using the circular needle.

Decrease Rounds: K3, k2tog, repeat from to end of round. (144 stitches)

Knit 8 rounds.

Next round: K2, k2tog, repeat from to end of round. (108 stitches)

Knit 8 rounds.

Next round: K1, k2tog, repeat from to end of round. (72 stitches)

Knit 6 rounds.

Next round: K2tog, repeat from to end of round. (36 stitches)

Knit 4 rounds.

Next Round: K2tog, repeat from to end of round. (18 stitches)

Repeat last round. (9 stitches)
Cut yarn leaving 4” tail. Pull tail thru remaining live stitches and weave in end on the underside. Enjoy!