Easter Cloths...

I really had to focus this week to finish these new cloths. I've been so busy lately with the kids and housework that it's almost been impossible to find the time to knit, let alone design and write patterns. We're going through a Spring cleaning over here and I hope once I finish organizing my office next week I'll be able to figure out what I'm doing for the next few months. I hope I find all my lost needles as well!

Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid:

Cross - 00071: Grape (Purple)
Lamb - 00093: Soft Violet (Purple)
Egg 1 - 01215: Robin's Egg (Turquoise)
Egg 2 - 00042: Tea Rose (Orange)
Egg 3 - 01712: Hot Green (Green)
Bunny - 00046: Rose PInk (Pink)
Chick - 00010: Yellow (Yellow)
Basket of Eggs - 00082: Jute (Tan)

This pattern is available as a PDF download and priced at $3.25. There are eight cloth patterns in this set. You can purchase this pattern if you are a Ravelry member by clicking the "Buy Now" button below the pictures. The Easter Cloths are also available in my Pattern Store here as a Ravelry Download. There are 5 pages total and the download is sized at 4.5MB. If you have any questions about the pattern or payment options, please feel free to contact me via email at KrisPatay4@yahoo.com or on Ravelry: KristenKnits.

Heres a link to the pattern page on Ravelry!

I made each written pattern with a corresponding chart for the dishcloth. From the sets that I've already made, I've managed to get about 2-2½ cloths out of one ball of Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid Yarn. Though you can use any kitchen cotton you prefer.


I keep finding things around the house that I've finished but never shown anyone. I'm sure there will be lots of posts this month as I slowly go through everything. I still have tons of yarn in boxes from the move last April! Some other news, I'm about halfway done writing up the pattern for the spring bag that is currently on my needles. I cannot wait to be able to offer it to you. Hoping everyone is well!

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Babies..Babies...

They're everywhere these days, how could you not smile. It seems like every week there's something to knit or sew for another baby shower or welcoming gift and I'm perfectly alright with this. Last week I had heard of another baby shower and started the hunt for something sweet and memorable for the new arrival and his family.


Browsing through Ravelry late one night as I normally do, I spotted a perfect tiny design and decided to jump on the "owl-bandwagon". After seeing all of the beautiful sweaters that were made from the Owls pattern by Kate Davies I wanted the finished look but an adult sweater was too much of a commitment last month.

Pattern: Owl Baby Vest by Jodi Haraldson
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Stone and Lake
Needles: US #5 3.75mm
Gauge: 22 stitches & 30 rows to 4"

Here's the project page on Ravelry!

I finished the vest in a day and it's already wrapped and ready to go for next week. I made a few changes to the pattern. I made a 0-3 month size by omitting one of the cabled owls in the pattern and going up one needle size. The finished circumference is 16" with a height of 9". I left out buttons for the eyes and embroidered them instead with the trim color.


I'm very happy with how this turned out and how fast it was knitting in the round for a newborn. Lately I've been attempting to use up most of my stash yarn that's been sitting for too long. I haven't used these colors for at least a year. It's a good thing I keep everything in ziploc bags.

On another note I should have everything finished for the Easter Cloths by Monday the latest. Thank you so much to everyone for all of your support. Art and design have always been my life and I feel so blessed to be able to share it with you.

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Stash Update...

I finally took a trip with some great friends into Manhattan yesterday to Knitty City . The trip was long overdue but just what I needed to break up the work week. I needed to find the perfect color in Cascade 220 to knit up a bag that I'm in the middle of designing. I ended up falling in love with a beautiful shade of Baby Rose Heather #9442. I was quick to grab enough yardage and keep moving.


I kept passing by the Malabrigo yarns beside the register and ended up buying the first skein of laceweight I picked up. I wanted a delicate color that would suit something I have in mind for the summer. This one reminded me of a cremesicle. I believe the color is Kettle Dyed Solid # 72 Apricot. Honeslty, who isn't in love with this yarn?


Lastly I wanted to pick up enough yarn to work out a pattern for a lacey shrug I'm working on. I wanted a somewhat neutral color that would work over a pale camisole or dress. I decided on Koigu Premium Merino Semi Solids in a wonderful light shade of brown #1303 dye lot #34. I can't wait to give these my full attention.

This morning was back to normal with the kids as usual. Though I had lots of new yarn to play with at naptime, and I just couldnt help myself. Hopefully I'll have enough time this week to finish everything I have on my agenda. Now, I'm excited for some springtime knitting.

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Taking A Break...

That title might be a little misleading though. We all need to take breaks from time to time to balance work and family. I however needed a break the other day from my regular knitting and pattern writing to just sit in front of the TV with my kids and work up a mindless garter bib for a friends baby. The outcome was too cute for words. I had found some mystery gray cotton/acrylic yarn at my Mother's last week and took it home instead of letting it sit for a for another year. I think it became something quite lovely.


I'ts a very simple and generic bib pattern. Using US size 6 needles I cast on 40 sts and knit in garter for about 6". Then bound off 30 sts and continued in garter for around 9-10" adding a yarn over button hole a few rows before I bound those stitches off. Sewed a Button in the correct place then traced and cut a felt whale and embroidered it on. Start to finish with the applique it took me under 2 hrs, but I tend to knit very fast when I'm distracted by television.


I'm really going to make it a point to start updating more often. So many projects make it off my needles before I ever get a chance to photograph and share them with you. I've been lacking a bit in the sleep department lately, but that happens when I try and do too much at once. It seems I never truly stop working. I'm sure any Mother will say that, and with love too.

Here's a link to this projects Ravelry page!

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Spring Cloths

There's no denying that springtime is here. It's getting warmer by the day and the trees are starting to bud. So of course I had to design another cloth set. It was the perfect excuse to head out and buy some more beautiful cotton colors. I swear these look like candy.

I always tend to have a favorite design in each of the sets but I just can't pick one this time. From designing the charts to knitting up the finished cloths each one was perfect. I hope you will enjoy them just as much as I did.

I've been a busy bee myself these days. I have lots of patterns in the works at the moment. Between that and being a full time mom I'm a bit overwhelmed. But everyday gives me the creative outlet to have fun and enjoy every moment of parenting.

Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid:

Sun- 00073: Sunshine (Yellow)
Butterfly- 00093: Soft Violet (Purple)
Umbrella- 00083: Cornflower Blue (Blue)
Flowers- 00046: Rose PInk (Pink)

Lion Cotton Solid:
Tree- Avocado Article: #760-134

Peaches & Crème:
Bumble Bee- Camel #89

This pattern is available as a PDF download and priced at $3.25. There are six cloth patterns in this set. You can purchase this pattern if you are a Ravelry member by clicking the "Buy Now" button below the pictures. The Sprin Cloths are also available in my Pattern Store here as a Ravelry Download. There are 4 pages total and the download is sized at 3.5MB. If you have any questions about the pattern or payment options, please feel free to contact me via email at KrisPatay4@yahoo.com or on Ravelry: KristenKnits.

Heres a link to the pattern page on Ravelry!

I made each written pattern with a corresponding chart for the dishcloth. From the sets that I've already made, I've managed to get about 2-2½ cloths out of one ball of Lily's Sugar'n Cream Solid Yarn. Though you can use any kitchen cotton you prefer.

At the moment I'm currently working on Easter cloths and a spring bag design that is turning out beautifully. I can't want to finish the pattern. Hoping everyone is well and enjoying the "better" weather we've been having.

**I just love the ideas that some of you are having with these and posting on Ravelry and twitter. I think using a bigger needle lets say a US #6 or 7 and any worsted weight yarn that can be blocked would make a spectacular baby blanket. I might have to pick up some soft wool and try this myself. I know someone who's expecting this summer and it would be perfect!**

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St. Patrick's Day Cloths...

I would've had these up much sooner if everyone in the house hadn't come down with the stomach flu one right after the other. Talk about a stressful week. Everyone is feeling better finally. I hear there's a few bugs going around. On another note I'm still having major issues with organization. My home office is a mess, (I'll show you one of these days) I can't seem to find a work routine that makes everyone happy. If I crack down and finish up the next design then I should have the spring cloths up sometime next week. I'm crossing my fingers.

The larger cloth is sized at 10"x10". It knit up beautifully and the shamrocks came out just how I wanted. I haven't done a regular sized dishcloth in awhile and decided it was about time. This one is perfect for my kitchen right now. Though I'm tempted to give it away as a gift.

The smaller cloths measure approximately 5½"x 5½". They're an extremely fast knit. Especially if your just looking for something to start while your watching a TV program and get a FO before it's over.


For the hanging loop on the larger cloth I did something a little different this time. When binding off the final row I left 3 remaining stitches and knitted an I-cord for 3". Then I binded them off and sewed the end of the cord to the underside of the cloth where the I-cord started. I loved the look of it and how sturdy it was. I'm going to use this as my loop method from now on.

- Large Shamrock Cloth -

Finished Measurements : Approx. 10"x 10"

Materials: 1 ball solid kitchen cotton yarn
US #3/3.25mm needles*
Tapestry Needle
*I used a smaller needle size to obtain denser fabric and to make the picture stand out more.

Chart :

Pattern:

With Size 3 needles,
co 47s

row 1: (an all odd numbered rows) k
row 2: k
row 4: k
row 6: k
row 8: k4, p39, k4
row 10: k4, p6, k1, p24, k1, p7, k4

row 12: k4, p7, k1, p22, k1, p8, k4
row 14: k4, p8, k1, p15, k2, p3, k1, p3, k2, p4, k4
row 16: k4, p4, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p10, k4, p2, k1, p2, k4, p3, k4
row 18: k4, p3, k4, p1, k1, p1, k4, p8, k6, p1, k1, p1, k6, p2, k4
row 20: k4, p4, k4, p1, k4, p11, k5, p1, k5, p4, k4,

row 22: k4, p3, k11, p8, k15, p2, k4
row 24: k4, p4, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p9, k6, p1, k1, p1, k6, p2, k4
row 26: k4, p6, k5, p12, k3, p2, k3, p2, k3, p3, k4
row 28: k4, p5, k7, p14, k7, p6, k4
row 30: k4, p5, k7, p4, k2, p7, k9, p5, k4

row 32: k4, p6, k2, p1, k2, p4, k2, p8, k9, p5, k4
row 34: k4, p14, k2, p10, k3, p1, k3, p6, k4
row 36: k4, p13, k2, p12, k2, p1, k2, p7, k4
row 38: k4, p5, k2, p6, k1, p5, k2, p18, k4
row 40: k4, p4, k4, p4, k2, p4, k4, p17, k4

row 42: k4, p3, k6, p3, k2, p3, k6, p16, k4
row 44: k4, p3, k7, p2, k2, p2, k7, p6, k1, p9, k4
row 46: k4, p4, k7, p1, k2, p1, k7, p8, k1, p8, k4
row 48: k4, p5, k16, p10, k1, p7, k4
row 50: k4, p4, k18, p5, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p3, k4

row 52: k4, p3, k7, p2, k2, p2, k7, p3, k4, p1, k1, p1, k4, p2, k4
row 54: k4, p3, k6, p2, k4, p2, k6, p4, k4, p1, k4, p3, k4
row 56: k4, p4, k4, p2, k6, p2, k4, p4, k11, p2, k4
row 58: k4, p5, k2, p2, k8, p2, k2, p5, k4, p1, k1, p1, k4, p2, k4
row 60: k4, p8, k10, p9, k2, p1, k3, p1, k2, p3, k4

row 62: k4, p7, k12, p10, k5, p5, k4
row 64: k4, p7, k12, p9, k7, p4, k4
row 66: k4, p8, k4, p2, k4, p10, k7, p4, k4
row 68: k4, p9, k2, p4, k2, p12, k2, p1, k2, p5, k4
row 70: k4, p39, k4

row 72: k4, p39, k4
row 74: k
row 76: k
row 78: k
row 80: k

row 81: Bind Off to last 3 sts, begin knitting I-cord.
Knit for 3" and BO. Fasten to underside of cloth with tapestry needle.


Weave in ends.

Block and lay flat to dry

- Small Shamrock Cloth -

Finished Measurements : Approx. 5½"x5½"

Materials: 1 ball solid kitchen cotton yarn
US #3/3.25mm needles*
Tapestry Needle
*I used a smaller needle size to obtain denser fabric and to make the picture stand out more.

Chart :


Pattern:

With Size 3 needles,
co 29s

row 1: (an all odd numbered rows) k
row 2: k
row 4: k
row 6: k13, p3, k13
row 8: k10, p9, k10
row 10: k8, p13, k8

row 12: k7, p4, k2, p9, k7
row 14: k6, p6, k2, p9, k6
row 16: k5, p8, k2, p9, k5
row 18: k5, p2, k3, p4, k1, p4, k3, p2, k5
row 20: k4, p2, k5, p3, k1, p3, k5, p2, k4

row 22: k4, p2, k6, p2, k1, p2, k6, p2, k4
row 24: k3, p4, k6, p1, k1, p1, k6, p4, k3
row 26: k3, p5, k6, p1, k6, p5, k3
row 28: k3, p4, k15, p4, k3
row 30: k3, p3, k6, p2, k1, p2, k6, p3, k3

row 32: k3, p3, k5, p2, k3, p2, k5, p3, k3
row 34: k3, p4, k3, p2, k5, p2, k3, p4, k3
row 36: k4, p7, k7, p7, k4
row 38: k4, p6, k9, p6, k4
row 40: k5, p5, k9, p5, k5

row 42: k5, p5, k9, p5, k5
row 44: k6, p4, k4, p1, k4, p4, k6
row 46: k7, p4, k2, p3, k2, p4, k7
row 48: k8, p13, k8
row 50: k10, p9, k10

row 52: k13, p3, k13
row 54: k
row 56: k

row 57: Bind Off


Weave in ends.

Block and lay flat to dry

Yarn Colors:

Sugar'n Cream Solid
00084: Sage Green (Green)

Bernat Organic Natural Cotton
(knitted slightly looser)
Cactus

Lion Cotton Solid
Avocado
Article: #760-134

If you have any questions leave a comment or write me an email at KrisPatay4@yahoo.com and I will try and help you as best I can. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Heres a link to the cloths Ravelry Page.

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