2009 Finished Objects

1. Eddie's Felted Clogs, 2. Marley Hat, 3. Funky Monkey, 4. Postwar Mittens, 5. Cable Lagoon Socks, 6. Ishbel Beret, 7. Ishbel Scarf, 8. Eric's Socks, 9. Baby Surprise Jacket, 10. Baby Snow Cap, 11. Mac's Pink-Purple Socks, 12. Starsky Jr, 13. Tapestry Cowl, 14. Celtic Icon, 15. Nubby Cardigan, 16. St. Brigid, 17. Selbu Modern Hat, 18. Generic Socks, 19. GumDrop Socks, 20. Itachi Hat, 21. Norwegian Star Hat, 22. Ornaments, 23. Willoughby Scarf, 24. Norwegian Star Hat 4me

FO: Norwegian Star Earflap Hat

Pattern: Norwegian Star Earflap Hat by Tiennie Knits

Yarn: Cascade 220 in Pink and Purple (half a skein in main color and a quarter of the other)

Needles: US 5 circular needles

Started: November 30, 2009

Finished: December 5, 2009

This hat was super fast to make and I loved the pattern enough to make a second one for Miss Mac. I really should clarify that. I indented on making one for Miss Mac and misread the instructions and ended up making a hat for myself first!

This photo was taken before I added the top tassel, which I will have to eventually take pictures of. It's just really difficult to find proper daylight during this time of year.

I did finish the other two hats for the kids in time for Christmas. I waited with anticipation the morning of hoping that they would swoon over my knit wears. The craziness took over and without even knowing it my son had opened his present. All I saw was a blur as he came dashing over to slam hug me as I sat on the couch trying to stay above the holiday wrapping paper and boxes.

He was really pleased with it and I was shocked. I figured he would have tossed it to the side without a second glance. Now Miss Mac opened her slowly and picked it up and the next thing you know dropped the hat on the floor without a second thought. WHAT?? She's the one who has always loved my knitting. To say I was a tad hurt is an understatement. I'm leaning towards the Too-Much-Going-On-In-One-Day kinda reasoning for her reaction. Hopefully I'll get finished pictures of all the hats over the New Year weekend.

New Years. wow. Hard to believe it's 2010. I raise my cup to everyone of you out there. Be Healthy, Be Safe and Knit-On!

Snicket Count Down Begins

I have roughly 60 hours left till the end of the year for me to finish these socks.



Do you think that is going to happen? I don't think so either. It would be nice though, right? I have approximately 5 inches of knitting left to these.

I'm also planning on ignoring the off pattern section that happened along the way. I see nothing.

Lemony Snicket

I fell in love with this pattern some time ago, but it wasn't until now that I've decided to cast-on for these socks based off of Lemony Snicket – A Series of Unfortunate Events.



The only downside to doing this pattern on two circular needles is the traveling cables that are suppose to happen in between the two socks. If you've knit socks on two circ's you might be familiar to the danger having to move stitches.

This is not an easy task when it comes to knitting two-at-a-time. If you plan on having the traveling cable meet with the other cable on the other side then stitches need to be placed on holders. Then when they travel back to the other side then again your moving stitches.



I chose to not travel the stitches on either ends of the socks. The cables will run more like a panel on top and a panel to the back. Life if too short for me to do this finicky task.

I don't think these will be done in time for xmas but I'm hoping a late gift will still be appreciated.

I Now Want To Add Fleece To EVERYTHING

With the seriously low temps hitting the Chicagoland area, I'm thinking of fleecing every article of fabric in my home.

I found the perfect tutorial for lining hats with polar fleece. Check out TECHknitting's blog post that totally helps in the construction.

Unfortunately, in the tutorial it wants you to wear the fleece on your head to give a more perfect fit. With gift knitting, that's kinda hard. So, I used the my matchy-matchy to Mac's hat as a test.



I measured my head and then pinned the fleece. I then tried the fleece on my head to see if it would fit and it does. I then placed the knitting hat on top of the flat fleece and pinned around the outside of the hat to get the slop of my skull. Give your self plenty of wiggle room. You don't want to match it perfectly because it will need room to stretch. You can see I also included the earflaps on my tracing.



Then pick up some matching thread. I used a general all purpose thread and was happy to see it matched so well.



You then sew along the pinned area with the good side facing towards each other. I really don't have a clue what kind of sewing technique that is... mattress, whip... something that is strong. What I love about fleece is there are no worries about fraying.



You then take your knitting hat and turn it inside out and do the same with the polar fleece. You place the fleece on top of the hat and begin pin the two items together.



Once pinned in place you go along with your needle and thread to secure the fleece edges with the knitting edge of the hat. And really that's all there is to it. I've made three of these so far and I'm kinda hooked.