Tricia's Blog

Valentine's Hearts Cardigan

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:30:00 +0000

The ruffle is from the heart-motif cardigan by Zoe Mellor, which comes from an amazing book called Adorable Knits for Tots. The method for attaching the sleeves to the cardigan and the decreasing formula are taken straight from the wisdom of guru Elizabeth Zimmerman's book Knitting Around. So here is my almost entirely seamless no nonsense fair isle cardigan. Enjoy.

Valentine's Hearts Cardigan

Gauge:
20 sts =5 inches and 23 rows=4 inches

Materials:
size 5 circular or straight knitting needle(s)
size 5 dpn's
yarn darner
stitch markers
MC 1.5 skeins Cascade 220 Superwash (red)
CC 0.5 skeins Elann superwash worsted (cream)

Abbreviations:
pm-place marker
skpo-slip, knit, passed slipped stitch over
psso-pass slipped stitch over
yo-yarn over

Size and Measurements:
1-2 years old, Chest 24”, Total length 12”, Sleeve length (from armpit) 9”.

Body:
with CC co 240 sts
Row 1: P.
Row 2: [P3, skpo, k3, k2tog] to end.
Row 3: K all k sts and p all p sts.
Row 4: [P3, skpo, k1, k2tog] to end.
Row 5: As 3rd row
Row 6: [P3, sl 1, k2tog, psso] to end
Row 7: K3, p1 to end

Switch to MC
Buttonhole row: K1, p1, yo, p2tog, k1, (pm), k to last 5 sts, (pm), k1, p1, k1, p1, k1.
Row 9: P1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k to last five sts. P1, k1, p1, k1, p1.
Row 10: K1, p1, k1, p1, k to last four sts, p1, k1, p1, k1.
Repeat rows 9 and 10 placing a buttonhole row every 8th row, until piece measures 7” or to desired length to the armpit.
Last row: (armhole bind-off) K 20, bo sts 4, K 44, bo 4 sts, 24

Sleeves: (Make 2)
with CC and dpn's co 60 sts
join yarn being careful not to twist
Round 1: Knit.
Round 2: [P3, skpo, k3, k2tog] to end.
Round 3: K all k sts and p all p sts.
Round 4: [P3, skpo, k1, k2tog] to end.
Round 5: As 3rd row
Round 6: [P3, sl 1, k2tog, psso] to end
Round 7: P3, k1, to end

Switch to MC
K around for four rounds
Kfb at the beginning and end of every fourth and sixth rounds respectively until you have increased five times.
Work sleeve to desired lower armpit length
Last round: K to last two sts, b.o. two sts and next two sts of beginning of next round.

Joining sleeves to body
Note: Make sure to continue working seed st for first and last five sts of body and buttonholes every eighth row throughout

Work 5 sts seed sts, K to first armhole bo, begin knitting live sts on first sleeve to body, k to next armhole bind off, add second sleeve and k to marker, 5 rows seed st.

Yoke
Work 2 rows of MC even
work fair isle pattern incorporating decreases as follows:

Decreases
Row 4, Dec 1: K2, K2 tog to end
Row 10, Dec 2: K1, K2 tog to end

Fair Isle Pattern (six stitch repeat):

cc	cc	mc	mc	cc	cc	12
cc	cc	mc	mc	cc	cc	11
mc	mc	mc	mc	mc	mc	10
mc	mc	mc	mc	mc	mc	9
mc	cc	cc	mc	cc	cc	8
mc	cc	cc	cc	cc	cc	7
mc	mc	cc	cc	cc	mc	6
mc	mc	mc	cc	mc	mc	5
mc	mc	mc	mc	mc	mc	4
mc	mc	mc	mc	mc	mc	3
cc	cc	mc	mc	cc	cc	2
cc	cc	mc	mc	cc	cc	1

Work four or five more rows of stockinette stitch

Dec 3: K2, K2 tog to end

Collar:
Row 1: With CC only, continue seed st on to marker, K to next marker, work seed stitch to end
Rows 2-5: Work seed stitch to end incorporating one last buttonhole on third round
b.o. All stitches in seed st pattern.

Asian Inspired Cold Pasta Salad Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 01:21:00 +0000

Asian Inspired cold pasta salad

1 carrot, cut like match sticks
2 stalks celery sliced thinly on the diagonal
1 cucumber, deseeded and cut in match sticks
2 green onions, thinly sliced
½ cup slivered almonds, toasted*
¼ cup sesame seeds, toasted
1 pound meat, marinated (recipe follows), grilled, and cut into small strips
1 pound thin whole wheat spaghetti or soba
Dressing (recipe follows)

Marinade
2 tbs rice vinegar
4 tbs soy sauce
1 tbs sesame oil
2 tbs Oyster sauce

Dressing
4 tbs. sesame oil
6 tbs. soy sauce
6 tbs. lemon juice
8 tbs. teriyaki sauce
4 tbs. rice vinegar

Method:
Marinade meat over night; chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu will work. If you are using shrimp, you don’t need to cut the shrimp, just add it whole.
Cook past according to directions. Rinse well in cold water and drain well. Cut pasta, I use a pair of cooking scissors and cut it right in the bowl. Add all veggies and toss. Add dressing. Grill meat and cut into strips and add to salad. Refrigerate if desired, but allow to warm a bit before serving. Add more dressing if needed.

*To toast nuts, use a frying pan with no oil added. Turn heat to med/high. Add nuts and shake pan constantly until nuts are light brown. Do not leave pan unattended! Nuts will burn fast and they brown within a few minutes. Sesame seeds brown especially fast and taste disgusting when they burn. Can you tell, I’ve had experience with this?

Summer petals cardigan from Summer Interweave Crochet

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:51:00 +0000

Spanish Dancer

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:21:00 +0000

Top down cotton girls' dress

Size
10 child

Yarn
MC: 8.5 skeins patons grace, (50 grams) black
CC: 2 skein patons grace, (50 grams) red

Gauge
22 sts and rows =4”

Tools
• size 2 (2.75 mm) 29”circular needle
• size 1 (2.25 mm) 29” circular needle
• crochet hook size D (3.25 mm)
• yarn needle
• stitch markers

With MC, C.O. 88 stitches, join being careful not to twist. Place marker to mark beginning of row.

Neckband
Row 1: K1 P1 around for 1”

Raglan Increases
Row 1: K22, pm, K22, pm, K22, pm, K22, pm
Row 2: K to one stitch before marker Kfb, sm, Kfb, repeat around to marker
Row 3: K
Repeat row 2 and 3 41 times, OR until armhole depth is deep enough to fit under armpits (mine measured 8 ½ “ from neck ribbing to bottom of armpit)
End at the beginning of any stitch marker.

Divide for Sleeves

Leaving stitch marker in place, Slip stitches between two markers onto scrap yarn, remove one stitch marker, leaving one remaining, K to next marker, Slip stitches between two markers onto scrap yarn, remove one stitch marker, leaving one last stitch marker to mark beginning of row.

Count your stitches. You should have a multiple of four. If not, decrease or increase stitches evenly around until you have a multiple of four stitches. Continue knitting in the round until top is at desired length to begin the waist. In example, I began waist ribbing when piece measured 11” from neckband. End at a stitch marker.

Waistband
Begin K2, P2 ribbing around for 2 ½”

Skirt
Row 1: Kfb around
Row 2: K around for 2 ½”
Row 3: Purl around
Row 4: K for 3”
Row 5: P around
Repeat row 4 and 5 three times more, or until desired length.

B.O. loosely in purl.

Skirt edging
Row 1: With CC, join with a sl st, ch 1, Sc 296 sts around (or a multiple of 8 stitches) , join with a sl st
Row 2: Chain 5, sk3, *dc 3 ch2 dc3 in next st, ch2, sk3, dc in next st, ch 3* repeat *to* around. (37 shells)

For other ruffles
With right side facing, using every other free loop from purl rows, follow the same method for bottom ruffle, except, for every single dc, on the last loop through, bring the crochet hook through the dress and pull the last loop through. This makes sure the ruffle doesn't flare up and lies flat.

Sleeves (make 2)
Row 1:With MC, b.o. all stitches
Row 2: with CC, sl st, ch 1, sc 64 sts around, join with sl st
Row 3: *sk 3 sts, 6 dc in next sc, sk 3 sts, sc in next st* repeat * to * around, join with sl st to last dc. (8 shells)

Flower
I used the flower from this pattern. http://crochetme.com/patterns/rose-choker

Sew underarms if needed.

Weave in all ends.

Lexi

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:31:00 +0000

Lexi
Top down girl’s raglan ruffled top

Size
8/10 child
Finished bust approximately 26”

Yarn
MC:1 skein Caron Simply Soft 7oz (366 yards), purple
CC: 1 skein Caron Simply Soft 7oz (366 yards), white

Gauge
14 sts and 18 rows =4”

Tools
• size 4 (3.5 mm) 24”circular needles
• size 4 (3.5 mm) dpn (if not using magic loop method)
• yarn needle
• stitch markers
• two stitch holders

With CC, C.O. 68 stitches, join being careful not to twist. Place marker to mark beginning of row.

Neckband
Row 1: P
Row 2: K
Repeat 1 and 2 and then 1 again

Raglan Increases
Switch to MC
Row 1: K17, pm, K17, pm, K17, pm, K17, pm
Row 2: K to one stitch before marker Kfb, sm, Kfb, repeat around to marker
Row 3: K
Repeat row 2 and 3 13 times

Divide for Sleeves

Leaving stitch marker in place, Slip 43 stitches onto stitch holder (you don’t really have to count, the stitches are already marked from your markers you used to increase), K to next marker, Slip 43 stitches onto stitch holder and leave last stitch marker to mark beginning of row.

Continue knitting in the round until top is at desired length to begin the waist.

Waistband
Switch to CC
Row 1: (K4, P2, K4) around to last 4 sts, P2 tog, P2 tog
Row 2: (K4, P2) around
Row 3: (Cn2F, P2) around
Row 4-6: Repeat row 2
Row 7: (Cn2B, P2) around
Row 8-9: Repeat row 2

Repeat until 4 full cables have been made, ending with row 7
Repeat row 2 once more

Switch to MC
Next row: Kfb around to marker
K around until one inch from desired total length

Ruffle
Switch to CC
Row 1: P
Row 2:(Kfb, M1) around
Row 3-5: K
Bind off in purl with needle at least two sizes larger (I used size 9)

Sleeves (make 2)
Row 1:With MC, K1 round
Row 2: (K6, K2tog) around to last three sts, K3
Switch to CC
Row 3: (K4, P2) five times, K4, P2tog, P2tog
Row 4: (K4, P2) around
Row 5: (Cn2F, P2) around
Row 6-7: Repeat row 4
Row 8: (Cn2B, P2) around
Row 9-10: Repeat row 4
Row 11: Repeat row 5
Row 12: Repeat row 4
Bind off with needle at least two sizes larger (I used size 9)

Sew underarms if needed.

Weave in all ends.

Navite

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 02:47:00 +0000

Navite
Top down girls’ raglan striped dress.

Sizes
2 (4, 6, 8, 10) Shown in size 10

Yarn
MC:1 skein Caron Simply Soft 7oz (366 yards), navy
CC: 1 skein Caron Simply Soft 7oz (366 yards), white

Gauge
14 sts and 18 rows =4”

Tools
• size 4 (3.5 mm) 24”circular needles
• size 4 (3.5 mm) dpn (if not using magic loop method)
• yarn needle
• stitch markers
• two stitch holders

With MC, C.O. 63 (63, 70, 70, 78) stitches, join being careful not to twist. Place marker to mark beginning of row.

Neckband
Work 4 (4, 6, 6, 8) rows of garter stitch

Divide for raglan
(switch colors, from this point on, work two rows of each color unless otherwise noted)
K11 (11, 13, 13, 14) sts, pm, K21 (21, 22, 22, 25) sts, pm, K11 (11, 13, 13, 14) sts, pm, K21 (21, 22, 22, 25) sts

Row 1: *K to one st before marker, Kfb, sm, Kfb* repeat from * to *around

Row 2: K around

Repeat rows 1 and 2 3(5,4, 5, 5) times, then continue knitting until armhole slant measures 4, 4.75, 5.5, 5.75, 6”) from beginning of raglan increases, do not remove stitch markers

Divide for sleeves
Slip 17 (21, 21, 23, 24) stitches onto stitch holder (you don’t really have to count, the stitches are already marked from your markers you used to increase), leave one stitch marker to mark right side, K to next marker, Slip 17 (21, 21, 23, 24) and leave one stitch marker to mark left side.

Continue knitting in the round in color pattern. If your child has a small waist, you may which to make waist decreases, otherwise, skip to waist band instructions.

Waist decreasing
Row 1: K to 2sts before marker, K2tog, sm, ssk, repeat once more.

Row 2: K around

Waist band
When top measures 6.5 (7.5, 8.5, 10.5, 12)” begin waist

Switch to MC
Row 1: K around
Row 2: P around

Repeat row 2 until waist band measures 1 (1, 1.5, 1.5, 2)”

Next Row: K around

Skirt
Switch to CC

Kfb around
Continue knitting around in color pattern until skirt is 2” shorter than final desired length.

Switch to MC
K 4 rows
Work 6 rows of garter stitch, bind off in purl stitch.

Sleeves (make 2)
With MC, K1 round
Work 4 rows of garter stitch, bind off in purl.

Sew underarms if needed.

Weave in all ends.

Scarlet twists

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:02:00 +0000

Free cabled sweater
Scarlet Twists

Sizes
32 (36, 40, 44) Picture shown shows a size 40” with about 4 inches of negative ease.

Yarn
Elann superwash worsted (50 grams/1.76 oz) 45296 Candy Cane Red: 7(9,11,13) skeins

Gauge
Two rows of horseshoe pattern 4” on larger sized needles

Tools
• size 5 32”circular needles
• size 3 32” circular needles or dpn’s
• yarn needle
• cable needle (cn)
• two stitch holders
• closure (zipper, snaps, or buttons)

Special Stitches
CNB: Sl 3 sts to cn and hold to back, k3, k3 from cn
CNF: Sl 3 sts to cn and hold to front, k3, k3 fron cn

Yoke Pattern (worked over 40 stitches)

Row 1 and 5 K2, P2, K12, P2, K4, P2, K12, P2, K2
Row 2, 4, 6 and 8 P2, K2, P12, K2, P4, K2, P12, K2, P2
Row 3 K2, P2, 3CNB, 3CNF, P2, 2CNB, P2, 3CNB, 3CNF, P2, K2
Row 7 K2, P2, K12, P2, 2CNB, P2, K12, P2, K2

Horseshoe Pattern (for body)
worked over 14 sts
Row 1 and 5 P2, K12 across to last 2 sts, P2
Row 2, 4, 6 and 8 K2, P12 across to last 2 sts, K2
Row 3 P2, 3cnf, 3cnb, repeat to last two sts, P2

Sleeve pattern
Row 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 P3, K4, P3, K12 repeat around
Row 3 P3, 2cn back, P3, 3CNF, 3CNB around
Row 5 P3, 2 cn back, P3, K12

Yoke
Cast on 40 stitches with larger sized needles. Work yoke pattern until piece measures 33 (35, 37, 39) cast off in pattern

Body
Beginning at side seam, with larger circular needle, pick up 226 (254, 282, 310) sts )
14 (16, 18, 20) horseshoes

Divide for Sleeves
Setup Row (ws) K2, P12, repeat 3 (4, 4, 5) times, place 28 sts on stitch holder, K2, P12, 6 (6, 8, 8) times, place 28 sts on stitch holder, K2, P12 to last two sts, K2

Row 1 (rs) P2, K12, 3(4, 4, 4) times cast on 14 (14, 14, 28) sts, P2, K12, 6 (6, 8, 8) times, cast on 14 (14, 14, 28) sts, P2, K12 across to last 2 sts, P2
Row 2 K2, P12 across to last 2 sts, K2

Repeat rows 1 and 2 working in horseshoe pattern until piece measures 14.5 (15.5, 16, 16.5”) OR 1.5 inches less than desired length.

Ribbing
Switch to smaller needles. P2 K2 around, continue until ribbing is 1.5” or desired length.

Arms
Slide arm stitches onto larger needles. Pick up an and additional 38 (60, 60, 60) sts

Place marker to mark beginning of row
Row 1 P3, K4, P3, K12 around
Repeat until you have five horseshoes

Next row
P1, P2tog, K4, P1, P2tog, K12 around to marker

Next row
P2, K4, P2, K12 around
Repeat until 8 horseshoes have been made

Next row
P2tog, K4, P2tog, K12 around

Next row
P1, K4, P1, K12 around
Repeat until 11 horseshoes have been made

Next row
K2tog around

Ribbing
K2, P2 around until ribbing is 2”
Bind off in pattern.

Button Band
Beginning in top right corner, pick up 56 (60, 62, 64)
Sizes 32, 36, and 44
Row 1 K2, P2 to end
Row 2 P2, K2 to end
Repeat until band measures 2”

Size 40
Row 1 K2, P2 to last 2 sts, K2
Row 2 P2, K2 to last 2 sts, P2

Repeat for left corner, adding button holes if desired.

Neck
Beginning in corner of yoke, pick up one st every other space.
Row 1 K2 tog around
Row 2, 4, 6 P around
Row 3, 5, 7 K around
Row 8 P2 K2 around
Bind off all sts in pattern

Weave in all ends

Add closure desired (buttons, zipper, hook and eye, etc)

Funky Flowers Cardigan

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:49:00 +0000

Adapted from Leisure Arts Cuddletime Blossoms and Sunflower Sweaters

SIZES
Child’s 4, (6, 8, 10/12)

YARN
Worsted weight yarn (Red heart super saver used)

Color A=fall colors 10 oz
Color B=Yellow ½ oz
Color C=Blue 3 oz
Color D=Orange ½ oz
Color E=Burgundy ½ oz

TOOLS
• Size G (4.0 mm) and H (5.0 mm) or size to obtain gauge.
• Yarn needle

GAUGE
Square 3 ½ inches
4 3dc groups and 4 rows= 4 inches

PUFF STITCH
*YO, insert hook in st indicated, YO and pull up a ½ “ loop; repeat from* 3 times more, YO draw through all 9 loops on hook.

SQUARE make 12 (12, 16, 16)
With B, ch 4; join with slip stitch to form a ring.

Rnd 1: (RS): Ch1, 8 sc in ring; join with slip st to first sc. Finish off.

Rnd 2: Join color C with a slip St where last stitch was finished off, pull up loop on hook to measure ½ ”, work Puff St in same st, ch 3, (work Puff St in next sc, ch 3) around; join with slip st to top of first Puff st, finish off: 8 Puff Sts.

Rnd 3: With right side facing, join A with slip st in any ch-3 sp; ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, 3 dc in next ch-3 next ch-3 sp, *(3dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp, 3 dc in next ch-3 sp; repeat from* 2 times more, 3 dc in same sp as first dc, ch 2; join with slip st to first dc. Finish off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

RIGHT FRONT
Size 4 and 6: Sew 6 squares together in a 2 X 3 rectangle pattern
Size 8, 10 and 12: Sew 8 squares together in a 2 X 4 rectangle pattern.

RIBBING
With small size hook, and right side facing, and starting at bottom left of front, slip st in corner ch-1 sp.
Row 1: Sc in back ridge of second ch from hook and in each ch across: 9 sc
Row 2: Ch 1, turn; sc in back loop only of each sc across.
Repeat Row 2 until 13 ribs (26 rows) are complete. Finish off.

LEFT FRONT
Repeat as for right front.

BACK
RIBBING
With small size hook and C, ch 10 loosely.
Row 1: Sc in back ridge of second ch from hook and in each ch across: 9 sc
Row 2: Ch 1, turn; sc in back loop only of each sc across.
Repeat Row 2 until 16, (21, 23, 25) ribs 32, (42, 46, 50) rows are complete. Finish off.

BODY
Change to larger size hook.
Row 1: (Right side): Ch 1, working in end of rows, 1 sc in first row, working , 34 (43, 46, 49) sc in each row across.
Row 2: Ch 3, turn; (skip next 2 sc, 3 dc in next sc) across to last 3 sc, skip next 2 sc, dc in last sc: 10 (13,14,15) 3-dc groups.
Row 3: Ch 4, turn; skip next 3 dc, 3 dc in each sp between 3-dc groups across to last 4 dc, ch 1, skip next 3 dc dc in last dc: 9 (12, 13, 14) 3-dc groups.
Row 4: Ch 3, turn; 3 dc in next ch-1 space, 3 dc in each sp between 3-dc groups across to last ch-1 sp, 3 dc in last ch-1 sp, dc in last dc. 10 (13,14,15) 3-dc groups.

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until back measures same length as front pieces, finish off.

Sleeve (make 2)
Ribbing
With small size hook and C, ch 10 loosely.
Row 1: Sc in back ridge of second ch from hook and in each ch across: 9 sc
Row 2: Ch 1, turn; sc in back loop only of each sc across.
Repeat Row 2 until 10 (11, 12, 13) ribs 20 (22, 24, 26 rows) are complete.

BODY
Row 1: switch to larger size hook. Work ch 1, work 25 (28, 31, 34) sc evenly spaced across end of rows.
Row 2: Ch 3, turn; (skip next 2 sc, 3 dc in next sc) across to last 3 sc, skip next 2 sc, dc in last sc: 10 3-dc groups.

For size 4, repeat row 2 using the following color pattern:
Row 1: A
Row 2: B
Row 3: A
Row 4: D
Row 5: A
Row 6: E
Row 7: A
Row 8: C
Row 9: B
Row 10: C

For size 6, repeat row 2 using the following color pattern:
Row 1-2: A
Row 3: B
Row 4-5: A
Row 6: D
Row 7-8: A
Row 9: E
Row 10-11: A
Row 12: C
Row 13: C

For size 8, repeat row 2 using the following color pattern:
Row 1-3: A
Row 4: B
Row 5-6: A
Row 7: D
Row 8-10: A
Row 11: E
Row 12-13: A
Row 14: C
Row 15: B
Row 16: C
Row 17: C

For size10/12, Repeat row 2 using the following color pattern:

Row 1-5: A
Row 6: B
Row 7-8: A
Row 9: D
Row 10-11: A
Row 12: E
Row 13-14: A
Row 15: C
Row 16: B
Row 17: C
Row 18-29: A
Row 20-21: C

Finish off leaving long tail to sew sleeve together.
Sew sleeves.

ASSEMBLY
Place front pieces on top of back piece. Sew shoulders by sewing together one and a half of the squares to each side, leaving half a square on each side for the neck. Sew sides together, leaving five inches at the top for sleeves. Sew sleeves to sleeve openings.

BUTTON BAND

RIGHT FRONT
Row 1: Beginning with top right front, slip st color C. Ch-1, work 46 sc evenly to bottom of square (where ribbing begins) in back loop only of next 8 sc across.
Row 2: ch-1, turn sc in back loop only of next 8 sc across. Sc in remaining sc to top.
Row 3: repeat row 2. Finish off.

Sew buttons in desire spots.

LEFT FRONT
Repeat rows 1-3 but DO NOT FINISH OFF.
Row 4: slip stitch in each st across, until you reach first button, ch-3, sk-1, sl st in next st. Check to see that loop fits over button. Adjust length of loop and amount of spacing between loops to accommodate buttons you are using. Repeat for each button on button band to top. Sl st in last sc and finish off.

NECK BAND
Sl st with color C, Work 66 sc across neck area. Ch 5 loosely.
Row 1: sc in back ridge of second ch from hook and in each ch across, with right side facing, slip st in first 2 sc on foundation rnd: 6 sts.
Row 2: Turn; skip first 2 slip sts, sc in back loop only of each sc across, 4 sc
Row 3: Ch 1, turn; sc in back loop onlyu of each sc across, slip st in next 2 sc on foundation round: 6sts.
Repeat rows 2 and 3, ending with row 2. Finish off.

Lace and Pleats

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:55:00 +0000

Sizes
Child’s 2 (4, 6, 8,10, 12)

Yarn
Lily Sugar'n Cream Confectionary Colors, 8 oz
color A nougat (pink) 1 ball
color B cupcake (blue shade) 1 ball
color C custard (yellow) 1 ball

Gauge
15 stitches and 26 rows=4”

Shell Stitch
for shell used in skirt and sleeve, 2 dc in st, ch 2, 2dc in same st

Notions
• size 4 24”circular needles
• crochet hook size G
• stitch holders
• yarn needle
• stitch markers

Front bodice
In color A, CO 40 (42, 46, 50, 54, 56) stitches
Row 1 K
Row 2 P
Work st st. for 4.5 (5.5, 6.5 ,8.5, 10, 11.5) inches

Armhole shaping
B.O. first and last 4 (5, 6, 7, 7, 8) stitches. Continue in st. st. for 1”

Neck shaping
K 9 (9,10,11,12,13) sts, B.O. 13 (15, 16, 17, 18,18) sts, K 9 (9,10,11,12,13) sts. Place live left stitches on stitch holder.

Right Front
Knit right front until piece measures 4 (4.25, 4.75, 5, 5, 5.25)” from armhole bind-off. B.O. all stitches

Left Front
Repeat as for right front
Back bodice
Repeat as for front bodice

Sew bodice front and back together to make a tank top.

Skirt
In color B, pick up and knit 80 (84, 96, 104,104, 112) sts., placing a marker every 10 (12, 12,13, 13,14) sts.
Row 1 K to marker, M1, slip marker, M1, repeat around.
Row 2 K around
Repeat row 1 and 2 eight times

Continue knitting in the round until color B measures 4 (4.5, 5,5, 5.5, 5.5) inches, Switch to color C and knit an additional 4 (4.5, 5,5, 5.5, 5.5) inches. Bind off all stitches.

Crocheted Skirt
Row 1 in color A sc 160 (168,192, 208, 208 224) st evenly around
Row 2-4 ch-5, sk next 3 sts, work shell, ch-2, *sk next 3 sts, dc, ch-2, work shell, ch-2* repeat from * to * sl-st in third ch of first turning dc. Finish off. 20 (21, 24, 26, 26, 28 shells)

Row 5-7 with color B, repeat row 2, finish off.
Row 8-10 with color C, repeat row 2, finish off.

Sleeves
Row 1 with color A, sc 40 (40, 40, 50, 50, 50) sts. evenly around.
Row 2 ch-5, sk next 4 sts, work shell, ch-2, *sk next 4 sts, ch-2, dc, sk next 4 sts, work shell, ch-2* repeat from * to * around to first dc, sl st in third ch of dc.
Row 3 with color B, repeat row 2
Row 4 with color C, repeat row 3
Row 5 with color A, sc around
Row 6 *sc 5, sc 2 tog* repeat around, sl st to first sc. finish off.

Neckband
Row 1 sc 72 (72, 90, 90,108, 1080
Row 2 ch-1 * sc in same st, sk next 2 sts, dc 5 times in next st, sk next 2 sts,* change to color B, repeat from * to *, change to color C, repeat from * to * continue in this pattern until first sc, sl-st in first sc, finish off.

Weave in all ends.

Garter stitch jackets with faux fur trim

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 04:03:00 +0000

Garter Stitch Jacket with Faux Fur Trim

Child’s Sizes

4, ( 6, 8, 10)

Finished Chest 26.5 (29, 31, 32)”

Yarn

Paton Shetland Chunky (100 grams/3.5 oz) Black: 4 (4, 5, 5) skeins

Paton Cha Cha (50 grams/1. ) Disco 2 skeins

Lion Brand fun fur (50 grams/ ) 1 skein

Gauge

20 stitches=7”

Tools

size 10.5 29”circular needles
stitch holders
yarn needle
crochet hook size J
4-6 buttons

BODY

CO 76 (84, 88, 92) stitches.

Row K

When piece measures 14 (15, 16, 17)” shape armholes

Armhole Shaping

K 14 (16, 17, 18) sts, BO 10 sts, K 28 (32, 34, 36), BO 10 sts, K 14 (16, 17, 18) sts.

You will now have three sections, a front right, front left, and back piece. Place two front pieces on stitch holders.

Back

Join a ball of yarn to back. Work garter stitch until back piece measures 5” from armhole shaping. BO all stitches

Front right

work garter stitch until piece measures 1” from armhole shaping.

Neck Shaping

BO 5 sts at the end that is opposite of the armhole bind off section. Continue garter stitch until front measures back.

Front left

Repeat as for front right.

Sew shoulder seams

Sleeve (make 2)

CO 21 (23, 25, 27) sts

Work garter stitch for four inches.

Increase 1 stitch at beginning of each end and every eighth row until sleeves are desired length approximately 13 ½ (14, 14 ½, 15)”

Shape Sleeve Cap

Bind off 3 sts at beg of next 2 row; dec 1 st each end every other row 2(4, 6, 8) times; then ever row 6 (4, 2, 0) times. Bind off remaining sts.

Sew sleeves to jacket.

Faux fur trim

Bottom of Jacket

Row 1 Look at the first purl row at the bottom of the coat. Slip stitch yarn to just the top loop of the purl. Sc in just top loops of purl stitch around, sl st to first st. Place marker.

Row 2 Bring yarn up to next purl row directly above row just made. Sc around as for last row.

Repeat row 2 until faux fur trim measures app. 2” or desired thickness

Sleeve Cuffs

Repeat method as for bottom of jacket until sleeve bottoms measure 2 ½”

Neck trim

Row 1 Sl st yarn to front right top corner edge of neck. Work sc around top purl loop to other edge of neck, place marker.

Row 2 Bring yarn down to purl row below row just worked. Sc to other end of neck.

Repeat row 2 until trim is desired thickness.

Button band

Left front

Row 1 On bottom left of coat, sl st yarn. Sc to the beginning of the neck shaping.

Row 2 ch 1, sc in next sc and each sc to end, finish off, weave in ends.

Sew buttons in desired positions on left band

Right front

Row 1 On bottom right of coat, sl st yarn. Sc to the beginning of the neck shaping.

Row 2 ch 1, sc in next sc and each sc to end.

Row 3 ch 1, *sc in next sc and each sc to 2 sc below first button, ch 3 sk 2sc, sc in next sc* repeat until all button holes are made (check at this point to see if button hole fits over your button, adjust size as necessary). Finish off, weave in ends.

Almost seemless braided cardigan

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:52:00 +0000

Sizes

32 (36, 40, 44) Picture shown shows a size 40” with about 4 inches of negative ease.

Yarn

Cascade Peruvian highland wool (100 grams/3.5 oz) #2410: 4 (4, 4, 5) skeins

Cascade Peruvian highland wool (100 grams/3.5 oz) #8420: 1 (1, 1, 1) skeins

Gauge

17 stitches=4.5” on larger sized needles

Tools

size 8 29”circular needles
size 8 16” circular needles or dpn’s
size 6 29” circular needles
size 6 dpn’s
stitch holders
yarn needle
crochet hook size I
stitch markers
cable needle (cn)
zipper (do not buy until sweater is completed)

On smaller needles, CO 120 (135, 150, 165) stitches.

Row 1 *K2, P2; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.

Row 2 *P2, K2; rep from* to last 2 sts, P2.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 for (2 ½”)

Change to larger needles

Row 1 (RS) work Row 1 of Chart A, place marker (pm), K3 (5, 6, 8), pm, work Row 1 of Chart A, pm, K6 (10, 14, 18), pm, work Row 1 of Chart A, pm, K4 (6, 8, 10), pm, work Row 1 of Chart B, pm, K4 (6, 8, 10), pm, work Row 1 of Chart A, pm, K6 (10, 14, 18), pm, work Row 1 of Chart A, K3 (5, 6, 8), work Row 1 of Chart A.

Row 2 (WS) Work Row 2 of Chart A, P3 (5, 6, 8), Work Row 2 of Chart A, P6 (10, 14, 18), Work Row 2 of Chart A, P4 (6, 8, 10), Work Row 2 of Chart B, P4 (6, 8, 10), Work Row 2 of Chart A, K6 (10, 14, 18), Work Row 2 of Chart A, K3 (5, 6, 8), Work Row 2 of Chart A.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 in pattern until piece measures approximately16”, or size from armhole to bottom desired length of sweater, making sure to end on the last row of your cable pattern (row 7), armhole shaping will be row 8 of your pattern so you do not get confused later.

Armhole shaping (RS)

work Row of Chart A, K3 (5, 6, 8), work Row of Chart A, K 0 (2, 4, 6) BO 6 st, K 0 (2, 4, 6), work Row of Chart A, K4 (6, 8, 10), work Row of Chart B, K4 (6, 8, 10), work Row of Chart A, K0 (2, 4, 6), BO 6 st, K 0 (2, 4, 6), work Row of Chart A, K3 (5, 6, 8), work Row of Chart A.

Place right front and left front stitches on stitch holders.

Back

Add a ball of yarn to middle section of sweater. Continue in pattern until back sweater measures to desired length, measurements will vary depending on your torso, sweater shown is 21.5” Make sure to end your last row on row 8 of pattern. BO all stitches.

Left Front

Add a ball of yarn. Work 16 rows (twice through pattern)

(RS) BO 11 st. Continue in pattern until front matches back, or, for larger busts, make the front 8-24 rows longer than the back. Sweater shown is 16 stitches longer in the front than back. BO all st.

Right Front

Repeat as in left front.

Sew shoulder seams.

Sleeves

With larger 16” circular, pick up and knit 38 (46, 54, 62) st.

Continue in circles around sleeve working the following pattern:

All rows K11 (15, 19, 23) pm, work Row of Chart C, pm, K11 (15, 19, 23)

Work all rows of pattern 5 times then decrease the first stitch before and after your markers on the first row of the pattern five times. 28, 36, 44, 52 st remaining. If sleeve is not tight enough, continue binding off every other row until desired size is attained. Continue in pattern until sleeve is 2 ½ in above the length you want your sleeve to be, at the end of this row, join CC and begin rib pattern.

Ribbing

switch to dpns

P2, K2 around until sleeves measure 2 ½ in. BO all stitches.

Zipper band

With smaller sized needles and CC, starting at bottom right front, pick up and knit 78 st. (note: since lengths of band will vary, measure the length of your sweater from bottom to top, then multiply this number by 3.77. This will give you the number of st. to pick up, round to the nearest even number.

Row 1 K2, P2 to last 2 st, K2

Row 2 P2, K2 to last 2 st, P2

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until band measures 1 ½ inches or length desired to give you the fit you want in your cardigan. BO st.

Repeat for other side.

Neck

With CC, and crochet needle, slip stitch on top right of zipper band. *sk ½ in, dc 6 in next st. sk ½ in sl st in next st * repeat around, finish off.

(note: if you do not know how to crochet, the rib pattern on the neck will work just fine)

Weave in all ends.

Now, measure zipper band’s length and purchase zipper for sweater. Sew zipper.

Chart A

●

Chart B

●

Chart C

●

Legend

□ k on RS, p on WS

●

p on RS, k on WS

>>> sl 3 sts on cn, hold in front, k3, k3 from cn

<<< sl 3 sts on cn, hold in back, k3, k3 from cn

So far in February and only one WIP

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 02:20:00 +0000

I have read about both process and product knitters and I guess I find it hard to pin one or the other term upon myself. I think I'm one of those people who fits in right in the middle. I really enjoy the process of knitting, or crocheting for that matter, if I enjoy the project, but I also enjoy the end result. This is why it's almost unheard of for me to have more than one WIP. So far, this year, I have made the following:

January:

Central park hoodie (turned out way too big, I'll post a pic later...and explain)
Beanie for brother
garter stitch scarf for Rochelle
Sweet Pea Shawl for Zuzy
Flower afghan for Amber
February:
Two berets
Two hats to match twin's garter stitch sweaters, pics to follow
Two garter stitch sweaters for twins
Matching scarves for the twins sweaters, pics to follow

WIP: Cabled cardigan (I am making this one up )

Beret from Interweave Crochet

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 02:16:00 +0000

My mom asked me to make her a beret and I found a pattern in the Winter 08 issue of Interweave crochet. The pattern itself was a bit of a disappointment, because I had to tweak it to make it way less baggy. The twins said it looked like a clown hat the first time around. But the eventual end results were good; I liked it so much, I decided to make my sister Rochelle a blue one with some more of that blue baby yarn. The blue one turned out really well, now I know a really good use for baby yarn.

Fancy girls garter stitch jackets

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 02:06:00 +0000

These are combo crochet/knit sweaters which I made up. I used paton's shetland chunky (about 4.5 for each sweater), 10.5 circular needles and one ball of paton's eylash yarn for the purple one and one ball of lion brand fun fur for the blue one. These were so loved by my family that my little sister, Alexis, has requested one in pink with purple trim for her b-day, which is perfect because I have four balls of rose lion brand boucle in my stash and plenty more of that purple eyelash yarn, and my mom wants one for her b-day. The good news, these only take about a week to make.

Sweet Pea Shawl for Zuzy

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 02:01:00 +0000

I decided to make my sister in law Zuzy something for xmas since she always makes me things. I had this baby blue baby yarn, which must have been about eight or nine years old and since my goal is to work through my stash as much as possible by June, I went for it. I have to say that in the future, I'd spring for some fancy yarn that is more suited for a shawl. This shawl took me a couple of days to make, it is pretty easy once you get the rhythm of the pattern. Here it is:

garter stitch scarf for Rochelle

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:58:00 +0000

I never would have thought a garter stitch scarf, so simple to make, could look so cool. But one day a student of mine came to class wearing one. She is always wearing the most delicious scarves, I think her grandmother makes them for her, and she keeps asking me to crochet her a doll, maybe I will one day, we'll see.

Afghan for Marianne

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:41:00 +0000

I made this for my daughter Marianne for x-mas. I used patons shetland chunky which is really warm. Got the pattern here http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/chs-borderPatternBlanket.html?noImages=

Flower Afghan for Amber's Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 19:46:00 +0000

So, it all started with a trip to visit my betrothed... I promised myself I wouldn't bring any yarn with me so we could spend lots of time together. Well, the truth is, I'm an addict. And so I realized I had left some yarn at his house the last time I was visiting because I had too much stuff to take back home. It didn't take too long for him to drive me to the fabric store to get a set of crochet needles. Since I only had one ball of Caron simply soft in orchid, I decided to make a scarf. I found this pattern online. http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/projects/nov04_redscarf.html
And I made the scarf without the fringe. Since my little sister Amber's birthday was two weeks away I asked my step mom what she thought. She told me to make a blanket. So I went back to the store and bought more yarn and continued the pattern. My mom always taught me to improvise. Since the afghan wasn't quite long enough, I made some rows of the patten on each end to make it longer. I decided against fringe, since I thought it might not be as easy to machine wash, and frankly, I ran out of yarn. This is six balls. It really is a pretty flower crochet pattern. And believe it or not it only took me a week (yes I have two kids and a full time job!)

Diary of Projects

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 19:43:00 +0000

The Yarn Harlot mentioned in her book that some people keep diaries of their projects. I'm not quite the anal type person, and in all honesty, I'd probably lose a book, but why not an electronic diary? So here it goes. January's projects....

Stimulus Package a really bad idea

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 04:50:00 +0000

I don't always like to admit it to everyone, but I love doing my taxes. I love doing them so much, that I end up doing everyone else's taxes because for some reason, they don't love it as much as I do. But I was a little surprised when Tony, my fiance, told me that I will probably be getting a bigger refund than I had anticipated. And you know what, I say I don't need that refund because it is just plain ridiculous. As Tony put it in his letter to his congressman,

"The basic idea is to borrow money from China, give it to the people so that they buy stuff imported guess where from? China.

In the end, we are left with more deficit and cheap plastic crap. China has US dollars and treasury bonds.

I know you want to be re-elected but this is really dumb."

Why would we borrow money to be more in debt. How does a 150 billion dollar deficit help us out in any run? The poor already have their earned income credits and lower tax brackets and middle incomers like me do not need the extra money badly enough to destroy our economy. If anyone is reading this blog, please write your congressmen and tell them not to vote for this.

New Projects

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 01:57:00 +0000

I'm actually trying to keep track of what I make this year, just for fun. I may be a little obsessed w/ knitting and crocheting, but at least I look like a Panda when I do it (according to Tony).

So, in January...

Beanie for my brother, modeled by my brother

Projects I have known in '07

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 16:40:00 +0000

The months of the year blanket for Anastasia

For your Money

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:56:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me knows that I am the go to person for finances and money info. I finally forked over the money to subscribe to Money magazine and I'm already so glad I did. This month's issue has an entire section on best websites. My favorite so far is Yodlee money center, which is a lot like Microsoft Money, except it's free. You can download virtually all of your online accounts and this program will manage them for you. Take a few minutes to set up categories and you'll have a monthly analysis of your spending. Sound like a lot of work? I promise it takes just a few minutes in the beginning then it practically runs itself. I especially freak out about people stealing my credit cards and this program has an alert function that will email you if anyone uses it, or spends over a certain dollar amount (you choose). Not only does this site include your financial accounts such as investments, checking, savings, and credit cards, but it will sign in to your online billing accounts such as your cell phone, cable bill, utilities, the possibilities are endless.

Benefits:
Get spending reports
Know your net worth
Set up reminders and alerts
Pay your bills
Have all of your online accounts in one place

So what are you waiting for, check it out!
https://moneycenter.yodlee.com/

Dulce De Leche Cheesecake

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 23:21:00 +0000

For X-mas dinner, I wanted to plan something that would use leftover turkey. I decided on a Mexican theme, with Enchiladas Suisas and Dulce De Leche cheesecake. Here they are:

Enchiladas Suisas

10 Corn tortillas
1 28 oz can mild green enchilada sauce
2 cups Monterey jack cheese
1 70z can diced green chilies
Left over turkey meat
1 cup Crema Mexicana (Mexican Sour Cream)
1 cup sliced olives

Heat oven to 350. Take tortillas and heat them in the microwave in 30 second increments until the tortillas are soft. In a bowl, shred turkey meat, then add, green chilies and 1 cup of the cheese, add enough enchilida sauce to saturate the meat, but it should not be runny.
To assemble: Pour enough sauce to cover the bottom of a 9x13 pan. In a pie plate, pour about 1/2 inch of enchilada sauce. Dip a tortilla on each side, fill with meat filling, roll, and then place in enchilada pan. Do not stack enchiladas on top of one another. Pour crema over enchiladas, cover with remaining sauce, top with remaining cheese, then olives. Bake 2o minutes, covered with foil, then ten without foil.

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake

Apparently, there was some controversy online about this cheesecake. I decided to make up my own after I saw all the bitching and I'm giving my disclaimer now that I'm a total gringa and I made this up, so I'm sorry if it's not authentic. My sister loves dulce de leche ice cream though and she said it tasted just like that, so there!

graham cracker crust, or 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers mixed with 4 oz melted butter
2 cans sweetened condensed milk
3 8oz packages of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tbs vanilla

Fill a large pot with water, remove paper from condensed milk cans, then place in pot. Make sure the water covers the cans at least two inches. Boil the cans in the covered pot for one hour. Let cans cool for about 2o minutes before preparing cheesecake. Preheat oven to 325. Mix cheesecake, egg, and sugar until well blended. Open one can of the sweetened condensed milk (which is now dulce de leche) and stir in to cheese mixture. Add vanilla. Pour batter into pie pan with graham cracker crust (make sure you use a deep dish pie pan). Place the pie pan inside of a water bath (this step is mandatory). Bake 45 minutes. Open second can of condensed milk and pour the contents on top of the cake. Return to oven and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until set. Remove the pan from the oven and let the cake sit in the water bath for 15 minutes. Then remove pie pan from water bath and let it sit an additional 45 minutes. Cover and refrigerate over night.

Things I did over X-MAS

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 23:11:00 +0000

I don't cook Thanksgiving dinner since my step mom does that. Instead, I look for after Turkey day deals on turkeys. That is why we had Turkey on x-mas. My favorite thing from that dinner was the stuffing. Last time I checked, it was called stuffing because it is supposed to be stuffed into something, in this case a turkey's butt. Make sure you put it in there too because stuffing that hasn't been basting in the juices and fat of a bird is not worth it.

Turkey Stuffing

For a 15 pound bird:
1 Box of stuffing (two bags)
3 stalks celery, diced
1/2 large onion, diced
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 can chicken broth
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

Saute the onion and celery until the onion is translucent and the celery is soft. Add the mushrooms until cooked. Mix vegetables, stuffing, broth, cranberries and walnuts together in a large bowl. Stuff turkey in the back and the front. Don't worry if your stuffing is a little dry, all those juices from the turkey will run into your stuffing, giving it flavor and moisture.

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