Mustache + Lips

A friend of mine recently had twins (her second set!) and I had a fun idea for onesies. I think they turned out pretty darn cute if I do say so myself. I used knit for the applique and just stitched along the edge and stitched through the middle of the lips. This was really quick and easy and fun.
Please forgive the bad photos. I was in a bit of a rush. You can get the artwork for these cuties here.

Lace Hand Towel

This towel and wash cloth set was a fun project for practicing lace knitting. I choose a lace pattern from my pattern stitch collection and added a seed stitch border. This would be a great project to practice a lace pattern for your next sweater project. I could really see the stitches (and the mistakes) by the time I finished this simple project. This small project would also be useful for practicing reading charts. Choose your lace pattern and multiply the stitch count by the number of repeats you will make then add 4 to 8 stitches for the border and each side. Cast on your stitches and start with a 4 to 8 row seed stitch border. Keeping 4 to 8 stitches in your seed stitch pattern at each side continue with the lace pattern until you reach your desired length. Finish the towel with your seed stitch border. This is an easy way to sharpen your lace making skills. This project was made with a cotton and bamboo blend yarn that is very soft with great drape. I had enough yarn to make a matching wash cloth.

Baby Bibs Galore

A good friend recently had her second set of twins!  To celebrate the arrival I used the pattern Sylvia used last year from  Chick Pea Studio and made a boy and girl bib from fat quarters I had in my stash.  The backing is simply a soft and absorbent flannel. The construction is very easy.  Simply place the bib and lining right sides together and stitch around the edge using a 1/4 inch seam allowance leaving about a 2 inch opening for turning.  Be sure to trim the seam allowance and notch around the curves to make turning easier.  The notching will help you keep the curves smooth and keep your finished bib looking great. 

 A little secret in turning your bib is to roll the front very slightly to the back as you press so that when you top stitch none of the lining peeks out.  Press well when you have it all turned and top stitch very close to the edge.  I used snaps for the closure but you could use Velcro if you like. 

 I made up a couple extra while I was in the mood so I have a gift stash started when I want something hand made to add to a gift the next time a baby arrives.

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.