Snowed In

Snow day!  Schools were called off and with a foot of snow since last night today was a good day to just stay home and enjoy some craft time.  Since it was unexpected I decided to do something a bit unexpected too.  The pillows on in the living room had seen better days and the colors needing updating so I took off the old covers and made new covers using 3 fat quarters from my stash.  The third pillow was made using a stock design embroidery pattern that came with my embroidery machine.  In a moment of insanity I bought a wonderful Viking Husqvarna Ruby that needs to get more use so I have started to look for some simple projects to try my skills.  I am really looking forward to learning more and becoming proficient. 

Another Sweet Stack

I whipped up another Sweet Stack for a friend's birthday and decided to girlie it up a bit with a ruffle. I just finished one end and then zig zagged it onto the towel. I think it turned out pretty cute. I should have one or two applique designs to share soon. Anyone else applique obsessed lately?

Winter Warmth

This simple pattern is available free from the Spud and Chloe blog.  If you haven't checked out the fun patterns available leap on over and take a look here:   Free Leaf Pattern .  This pattern was simple to make yet makes up into a very stylish scarf. I used Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky in Polar Bear, very appropriate for the weather you can get in Minnesota! This pattern can be knit up with any yarn weight using the appropriate needle size to create any thing from a book mark to this very bulky scarf. Now that I know the pattern perhaps a few book marks made from some sock yarn scraps are in order. 

Keyboard Mitts

My aunt recently requested a pair of fingerless gloves to keep at her desk at the chilly office she works in. I'm sure some of you can relate. I came up with these and have since made another 4 pairs or so. These whip up super quickly. The pattern is simple, but they still have some style. I've been wearing a pair here and there (we've had a bizarre winter up here in the north country). I love that they are washable too! Without further ado, here's the new FREE pattern. Enjoy!

Keyboard Mitts
Materials
Size 7 dpn's
1 hank Spud and Chloe Sweater
Stitch holder

Size
Women's medium

Gauge
17.5 sts and 28 rows = 4"

Instructions
CO 36 sts, distribute evenly on 3 ndls and join for working in the round.
Next Rnd: *K1, p1, rep from * to end. Rep last rnd.
Next Rnd: Knit. Rep last rnd 11 times.

Wrist
Rnd 1: *K3tog and don't slip sts off ndl, yo, k same 3 sts and slip
off needle, k 3, rep from * to end.
Rnd 2: Knit
Rnd 3: *K3, k3tog and don't slip sts off ndl, yo, k same 3 sts and
slip off needle, rep from * to end.
Rnd 4: Knit
Rep last 4 rnds 2 times. Knit 1 rnd.

Thumb Gusset
Rnd 1: Kfb, k4, kfb, knit to end. [38 sts]
Rnd 2: Knit
Rnd 3: Kfb, k6, kfb, knit to end. [40 sts]
Rnd 4: Knit
Rnd 5: Kfb, k8, kfb, k to end. [42 sts]
Rnd 6: K2, sl 8 sts onto holder, CO 2 sts, knit to end. [36 sts]
Knit 10 rnds.
Next Rnd: *K1, p1, rep from * to end. Rep last rnd.
BO all sts.

Place thumb sts on 2 ndls. Knit across thumb sts and pick up 4 sts
across thumb gap with a 3rd needle. Cont knitting in the rnd for 3
rnds.
Next Rnd: *K1, p1, rep from * to end. Rep last rnd. BO all sts.

A Little Luxury

I love the softness of Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino! This yarn is so soft and wonderful to work with, I just love the feel. It is lightweight around my neck but yet so warm! The pattern is a free download from Ravelry called Anthro-Inspired Scarflet by Kim Seio.  I added a simple knitted "rose" and large button.  This is a fast knit and I love the interesting construction making the easy slip through closing.  The Suri Merino is a great choice for this simple scarf but I am thinking silk or linen would make a stylish spring accessory. 

Simple Gift Giving

Hand made gifts are so special. I love spending the time to make something for someone, thinking of them the entire time I work on the project. I don't always allow myself time to make something very detailed so I look for easy projects that are still special. A special knitted wash cloth is the perfect last minute gift especially when handmade soap and some chocolates are included. I included some lotion and a soap dish to complete the gift.

The Reverse Bloom Knitted Washcloth, published in Weekend Knitting by Melanie Falick, is quick knitting but looks so special. The are a lot of wash cloth patterns available or sometimes I just start knitting making up the pattern as I go.  A kitchen cloth paired with an embellished towel would be a great hostess gift.  I used a worsted weight cotton to knit this simple gift. I need to make some more of these simple wash cloths to add to the gift stash for those last minute gifts.