Mancho for Hugh

For some reason, Neva started wearing her poncho non-stop in January. She wore it to school; she wore it at home; she wore it to bed. So Hugh decided he also wanted a poncho. We finally decided that making him one with a road on it would be a good solution; this way he could play with his toys while staying warm. I finished it over March Break; he came home, put it on for about two seconds and now it has a spot in his room on his toy shelf. Was it worth it? Who can say. I got to knit, and the kids each have a poncho, and maybe ponchos take a while to fall in love with. Maybe, like Neva, he'll start wearing his non-stop about four months after it's done. We'll see. (Props to Courtney for the great name. It's not a poncho; it's a MANcho. Very manly, indeed.)

Fingerless Gloves for Jeffy

Okay, so technically these were a Solstice gift, but they required a bit of finishing and modification afterwards and I only just got them done a couple of days before Jeffy's birthday. I like them because they have a nice long cuff to keep wrists warm while allowing for use of fingers when driving, adjusting one's iPod, etc. I think Jeffy likes them, too. I can tell because he's worn them. More than once.
Pattern: Cigar Gloves (modified)
Yarn: Dream in Color "Classy" in "Black Pearl"

Fancy-Pants Dress for Neva

Fancy-Pants Dress for Neva So I took Neva to the NAC last weekend to see the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's production of The Nutcracker. She was less than impressed with having to drive to Ottawa, but loved everything else about being there -- especially getting to dress up. I myself was prepared to make her a dress in more "festive" colours (I have a red velvet sparkly piece which is just awaiting use) but when she saw this pink sparkly organza, there were no other options. So I made her this "special" dress, which she will also get to wear to my cousin's wedding next May, and to any other special events in the meantime. There's room for her to grow in it, though it's not super-long; however, a frothy pink tulle crinoline peeking out from under the hem will be just the thing to make it even more danceable and wearable as she grows. She was delighted with it, as you can tell, and declared that the only people who had nicer dresses than she did at the ballet were the Sugarplum Fairies. Pattern: Butterick 3714 Fabric: Pink Organza with sparkle detail; Crepe-Backed Satin underlay

Hat for Hugh

Hugh is slightly more impressed with his hat than Rory was. I had made him long scarves on either side of the hat but he was not happy about those; we compromised, and I frogged about 16 inches off of each scarf and put a little button on and now he has a bit of a neckwarmer thing instead of a scarf. He has worn it, but apparently it "picks" him a little bit so I have no idea how much use it will get. It was a quick and fun knit, though, which makes up for a lot. (Added later: It turns out that he wears this hat all the time and seems to love it. Definitely worth it.)
Pattern: "Nomad Hat and Scarf" from Interweave Knits Fall 2007
Yarn: Patons Shetland Chunky Tweeds

Useless Hat/Scarf Combo for Rory

Seriously -- I'm just not sure why I bother. I should have known that knitting a hat for a 15-month-old would be an exercise in futility. (This, in addition to the fact that we currently own 513 hats sized for children, what with the two older ones' hand-me-downs and various gifts/sale purchases/hand-me-downs from others.) I was seduced, however: seduced by the idea of ultra-soft alpaca/acrylic yarn; seduced by the small head of the child involved (rendering this a quick and easy knit); seduced by the pattern, which combines hat AND scarf in one, thus increasing the chances of the hat remaining on the head (due to the scarf being tied around the neck) and decreasing the chances of either hat or scarf being lost (since they're attached).
Although Rory looks like he's smiling here, I only managed to snap this picture because he was momentarily distracted by the novelty of the camera coming out. To see his real reaction to the hat, have a look at the News In Brief section on our main page. He will not keep this thing on. The cheap-o fleece thing from Old Navy with the velcro strap? No problem. Just fine. But the hand-knit, soft-as-anything work you see before you is clearly Un.Acceptable. (In his defense, I should point out that not everyone thinks this yarn is super-soft; I tried to pass this one on to Hugh and he rebelled as well, saying that the yarn was "scratchy." There's another one in the works for him, though, because he liked the style fine.)
I must stop knitting for Rory. We have too many sweaters already (only if we move to a colder clime will they all get used) and clearly hats/mitts/scarves are not an option. Someone remind me of this if the wool fumes get to me in the future, will you?
Pattern: "Nomad Hat and Scarf" from Interweave Knits Fall 2007
Yarn: Bernat Alpaca Natural Blends in "Indigo"

Neva's Poncho

Neva's Poncho I'd thought for a while of making Neva a poncho, for these transition-y days when it's warm and cool all in the same day. Neva requested these colours, and was especially happy about the fuzzy-sparkly bits at the bottom. It's actually a pattern which can be made longer as needed (just pick out the bottom cast-off edge and keep knitting) which is why I chose it; however, the interminable number of stitches around the bottom of this slightly-too-short poncho were making me crazy, so I'm not confident about how much longer this thing will ever get. It was an easy knit, though, and she seems to love it, which is really all that matters. Pattern: Grow With Your Child Poncho Yarn: Three colours of chunky acrylic yarn; pink fluffy Bernat "Disco" yarn for the border

Baby Cling-On

Baby Cling-On You may remember that some time ago I was looking for a back carrier for baby. I thought that as Rory grew and became more independent, my need for a purpose-built back carrier would lessen, but it turns out that's not the case. Our little Newbie is quite clingy these days; whether that's due to teething, or a persistent cold, or separation anxiety, or just wanting attention, I'm not sure. But when I'm toute seule with the kids, having a sad Rory on my hands does not help anything or anyone. (The older two especially are very sensitive to his upsets, sometimes getting upset themselves due to the high levels of emotion coursing through our home.) Anyway, this past week I decided to get one of these carriers. I was frustrated and looking online and I was about to order one, but I just couldn't pay $100 plus taxes and shipping and handling and possibly duty for a collection of fabric I knew I could make, given the time and materials. Then it occurred to me: my sewing machine is still in our (cleared out) basement; Rory naps for about 4 hours per day; and I have fabric stashed away somewhere. Voilà: time and materials. All I needed was to borrow an iron (ours is stashed away somewhere in the bowels of our storage unit), and Catherine saved my sanity by coming through on that one. I found a pattern online, some appropriate stash fabric in the basement, and three hours of time, so for the grand total of $5 (which I paid for the fleece lining), I now have a mei-tai style carrier. When I tried it on, I realized that the super-wide (but very comfy) straps made me look a little like a Klingon, and the title for this post, and this craft, became clear. So far I've worn it three times in 24 hours, with Rory in both front and back positions, and I love it. It's comfy, Rory's happy, and I can get stuff done. Totally worth the $5! Pattern: Baby Mei-Tai Style Carrier Fabric: heavy cotton from my stash

Baby Jester Hat

Baby Jester Hat So here's what happened: I found out the Yarn Harlot is launching her new book in Toronto on April 1st. Miraculously, it looks like I might be able to go. I would, of course, bring Rory, both because of the feeding issue and because the YH loves babies (she used to be a doula). As you might imagine, it is kind of "The Thing" to bring some knitting (both completed and in progress) to a YH event, so I started thinking about what I might do. Then it hit me that the event will be happening on April Fool's Day, and everything fell in to place. I'm thrilled. Pattern: Woolly Wormhead + some other patterns and my own imagination Yarn: Mission Falls 1840 Wool

Jade Socks for Jeffy

Jade Socks for Jeffy In an effort to find something to make for Jeffy for holiday gift-giving occasions, I knit him a pair of socks. (I actually finished these a good month or so ago, but since he only got them tonight, this was the earliest I could post them. This will happen a lot over the holidays as recipients of my hand-knitted gifts get their stuff. Anyway:) This is my own pattern of cables, and the yarn is supposed to go with his medical greens, in case he wears socks at work. I'm quite pleased with how they turned out, though there are a couple of mistakes which I decided I could live with. (I don't think they're noticeable to the untrained eye.) Pattern: my own Yarn: Dream In Color Classy, in "Good Luck Jade"

Santa Booties for Rory Amidst all of the holiday preparations, I decided that I wanted to knit Rory some holiday booties. So, yesterday, I did. These booties are super-quick and my standard recipe from a book I bought five years ago when Neva was a baby. I used stash yarn and overall am very pleased with how they turned out. Plus he'll be well coordinated and extra-cute for the holidays, n'est-ce pas? Pattern: Patons Look At Me! Yarn: Ella Rae Classic

Fall Booties

Fall Booties So here we have the booties to go with the pumpkin hat. This is my standard bootie pattern, which I like because they're fast to make and if you put elastic in through the eyelet row, they actually stay on the baby's feet! I had to modify the pattern to accommodate the thicker yarn I was using, but the pattern and construction is exactly the way it is in the book. Now Rory is all set for any Fall/Hallowe'en engagement. Pattern: Hat - Tuttie Cutie Fruity Hats; Booties - Patons "Soft Shades Layette" from their "Giggle Knits" pattern book Yarn: Mission Falls 1840 Wool

Pumpkin Hat

Pumpkin Hat It's fall. I have a baby. I can't not make him a pumpkin hat. Pattern: adapted from Brook's Tuttie Cutie Fruity Hats Yarn: Mission Falls 1840 Wool

Rory Shedir Hat

Rory Shedir Hat I started making this hat back in the spring when babies of all kinds were expected over the summer. I had originally thought it might be a gift for someone else, but then as I got working on it and realized how incredibly fiddly and concentration-requiring it was (see all those teeny-tiny cables? with the teeny-tiny yarn and the teeny-tiny needles? what was I thinking?), I decided to make it for Rory. I have very clear memories of working on this in the hospital post-partum, when he was in the NICU, so it seems appropriate that it should end up on his head. The wonderful gift of time and two extra pairs of adult hands this past weekend at my parents' place meant that I could concentrate on the pattern and finish it up. I'm delighted with it, and luckily it's super-stretchy so it will hopefully fit him on in to the fall. Pattern: Baby Shedir Hat, as per her modifications from the original Knitty Shedir Hat pattern Yarn: Lana Gatto VIP (wool/cashmere blend)

Socks for Nimah

Socks for Nimah This is the result of improvements and modifications on Rory's socks. I basically used the same pattern (out of my head), but made it a wee bit bigger and changed the heel. This was my first attempt at doing a short-row heel, and I used the method described by a very smart knitter named Michelle in her basic sock pattern. I'm very pleased with how they turned out. They're a gift for new baby Nimah, who's joining team Kapower. Pattern: Rory socks v. 2.0 Yarn: Cascade Fixation

Socks for Rory

Socks for Rory Rory, compared to our other babies, is a "delicate flower" with skinny little arms and legs. Plus he's still pretty new, and they always say that you should dress babies however you would dress yourself and then add one layer. So when I noticed that his little legs and feet were a bit cold over the past few days, I decided to whip him up a pair of baby socks. (He's still too little for the Robeez slippers I bought him.) I used a yarn with a bit of elastic in it, so they should stretch as needed and also stay up better than yarn without the elastic. And I know Uncle Brad will object to the knee-high length of these socks, but don't worry; they can easily be folded in half to form a cute little cuff, and the ribbing will hopefully keep them on his feet. (For right now I'm going for the leg-warming aspect of the knee-high length, but that will change depending on the weather and the environment he's in.) And, if they really won't stay on his feet, I knit in an eyelet row around the ankle so we can put in an elastic or a tie of some kind to keep the little sockies on his feet. Pattern: my own design, with the help of the Yarn Harlot's Knitting Rules! book Yarn: Cascade "Fixation"

Dress for Neva

Dress for Neva My dad is retiring from the ministry after 37 years next weekend. As you might imagine, it's kind of a big deal, and the whole family will be there. Since Neva doesn't get the chance to wear fancy dresses too often, I took advantage of this occasion to make her a summery, girly-girl dress to wear to the various events. I think she'll be pleased. There's no lack of pink, anyway. Pattern: New Look 6582, slightly altered Fabric: Cotton and Embroidered Cotton, with ribbon trim

Antependium

Antependium What is an antependium, you may ask, and why would I make one? For a thorough description, I refer you to this Wikipedia article, but the short answer is that it's a decoration on the pulpit in a church. The reason that I made one is that my dad is retiring from the ministry after 37 years, and he wanted to give the congregation a Christmas antependium as part of his parting gift. The design is based on a couple of sketches he gave me to use as models. Overall, I'm pleased with the effect; I hope he will be too, and that the congregation will use and enjoy it. Pattern: original design Fabric and Yarn: dupioni silks from my stash; gold lamé for halos, stars and accents; Patons Glittalic yarn in "Cream Gleam" for straw effect

Hat for the Homeless

Hat for the Homeless The Yarn Harlot is having the Canadian launch of her new book tonight in Toronto at Indigo. (The American Launch was two months ago, and the book is already out here, so it's more of a formality than a true launch, but I digress.) Part of her tradition at these launches is to collect hats from knitters which are then donated to local homeless shelters. Last Friday, the planets aligned and it became clear that I could whip down to Toronto for about 24 hours to attend the launch. So I knit this hat. I used yarn from my stash and an online pattern, and it knit up super-quick (5 days from start to finish) and is super-warm and quite lovely, if I do say so myself. I would happily knit this hat again, so if there are any requests for one like it out there, let me know. Pattern: Knitty's Coronet Yarn: Briggs and Little Heritage

Rachel's Wonky Socks

Rachel's Wonky Socks I swear I thought these socks were going to look different than they did. The yarn was this great combo of purples and blues and when Rachel announced she was going to live in England for a few years, I thought that wool socks would be a good thing to have on hand. (I understand there are a lot of cool, damp months over there, and apparently wool actually warms when wet, so it seemed like a good idea.) Purples and blues are some of Rachel's favourite colours, so it all seemed good. The first sock flew by no problem (knit mostly in Cuba). Then I started the second one, and the colours started pooling in this weird, asymmetrical way, and as I knit the sock just got wonkier and wonkier. For a time I considered not giving them to her (because it's hard for me to give a gift that isn't "good enough") but then I realized that these socks were more about comfort and having a piece of us with her than about fashion (thank goodness), and also we're kind of a wonky family so maybe the wonkiness of the socks is appropriate. From what her blog is saying, I can't imagine she'll be wearing them anytime soon, but my hope is that she'll get some use out of them and think of her friends and family who are across the pond and loving her as she lives out this new phase of her life. Pattern: Generic pattern from the Yarn Harlot's Knitting Rules! Yarn: Patons Kroy in Winter Eclipse

Bolero Sweater for Neva

Bolero Sweater for Neva This is the beginning of the sewing/crafting frenzy which I'm engaging in to prepare for my dad's retirement at the end of June. I like having events to sew or knit for, and one of the treats is making Neva some stuff, including a couple of new dresses (pink, of course). I decided to knit her a little sweater to wear over these dresses in case it's cool that weekend (not likely, but still...). Anyway, this was not a hard pattern but it required a great deal of attention because every row was different, due to the shaping of the sweater. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out, actually. I'd be even more pleased if it fit her. Sigh... Despite the fact that I checked my gauge and measured her and chose the appropriate size, it's a wee bit too small. We may be able to find a way to make it work, but ultimately she may not even need it, so it may be a moot point. Pattern: Sirdar Lacy Bolero Yarn: Estelle Mystik DK in Soft Rose