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!