Karen's Christmas Stocking

This is actually the first stocking I knit for Christmas. I looked at several fair ilse stockings and created my own charts. I started one and had to abandon it (actually turned it into a hat) because it was WAY to wide. After modifying the pattern I began again with a count of 32 per side. It was quite tricky doing the math and making sure all the repeats were divisable by 4s and 8s but I worked it out. I am still surprised at how easy fair isle really is. This is also the first time I used the "after-thought heel". It was a little rough cutting the first loop to start picking up stitches but I truely believe this methods is easier and cleaner when working in pattern. I keep learning new tricks with each one I do and I will be making charts and patterns to sell for the next holiday season.

FYI: these are some of the best gifts I have ever made or given. They are heirloom quality and make me smile with a sense of pride. My ultimate goal is to make one for each of my immediate family and to continue the tradition on to my children.

John's Christmas Stocking

As promised!! My inlaws came down for a visit this weekend and graciously brought their stockings for me to photograph. This one I made for my father-in-law, John. I wanted something "manly" but with an outdoorsy feel. I searched online for charts and motifs and sorta combined and created my own, and this is what I got. I used the "after thought heel". I am getting better and better with it every time I use it on these stockings. I find it really makes it easier to knit the fair ilse in a tube rather than worry about the heel as I go. I shortened the heel and like how it turned out but I think I made the toe to big. Live and learn. I am making charts and a pattern and hope to sell them around Christmas. Wish me luck.

A Sweater for Lance

A very, very dear friend just celebrated the birth of her second child Lance Tyler. I just wanted to send my love from afar and knitting seemed like the thing to do! I've made this sweater before but have been perfecting the pattern each time. This one turned out so much better than the last. And its so QUICK and easy, just 2 days. I did a simple raglan pattern with 2x2 ribbing on the sleeves, neck, that continued down the sides, and the bottom. It is super stretchy, I can get my arms through the sleeves. Hopefully it will grow with him. Love you M!

Adyn's Christmas Stocking

I made this pattern all on my own. Adyn Vincent Ashander is my very first nephew and cute as can be. He is Irish and has the firey red hair to prove it. One of the projects I took on this Christmas was making stockings for family. Again, I made two really awesome ones for my mother and father-in-law but forget to take pics. So, here is Adyn's. I wanted it to have a celtic feel so I searched the web for celtics designs. I saw the swirls and knots and made a chart for them. I found the coolest yarn at walmart that is inexpensive and completely eco friendly. CHECK IT OUT!!

http://www.caron.com/color_cards/cc_sseco.html

FYI: these stockings were my first Fair Isle projects. :) I think I did good for a beginner making her own pattern. I could go on forever about the pattern and how much fun they were. I used the "after though heel". I promise as soon as I can to have my in-laws take pics of theirs I will post.

P.S. Can you find the mistake in the knotwork. It drives me crazy, my eye automatically goes to it.

Kai's Chiefs Gear

In February 2008 to celebrate the birth of my newest cousin, Kia I decided to make him some Chiefs gear since mommy and daddy live in Kansas City and are fans. I been using this pattern from etsy for a while and have been modifying it every time. I've come up with a coverse bootie that is knit in the round and is one piece. They turned out really cool and I have since made about 10 of these little guys as baby shower gifts. The hat is from Grumperina and it is the easiest, quickest, and most satisfying knit.

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=6242366

Another Sarah, Another Birthday Present

Again, I altered this Jelly Bean pattern,

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_2&listing_id=18875946

to make a punk rock bunny for my big sister's bday May of 2007. He turned out so cute. I made the eyes so you could turn them up or turn them down. I think he turned out super cute too.

Adventures of Boyfriend Monkey

Sarah's Monkey Boyfriend

I made this very sweet monkey for my little friend Sarah, for her 3rd birthday. I got the pattern from this site

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17188397

I of course modified it. I just cannot stick to patterns. I increased the size about 2x and added a love heart. He has been many places and is by far my favorite project ever. NOTE: this is my very first knitted toy.