November 28, Fox on a cap

Today I started something I planned a long time ago... and finished it in no-time. I used a thick yarn and hook 5 and completed the cap for one of my relatives (2,5 years old). I used 1 single crochet, 1 half double crochet for the main and then alternated front post and back post half double crochet for the rim. I really liked the fox stitch on, and made the earcaps matching in form and color (well, approximately) to fox ears. Now I'll have to wait for the mailman to surprise him (I have enough of this yarn to crochet a beanie for his mother as well, but I don't know if she would like to match with her son).

November 27, mitts and butterflies

Finished knitting the tumbs so my present for tomorrow is ready.

Also went along with the butterflies I need for my Sinterklaasparty next week. One is already finished, here are the ones I designed and cut from felt, but I still need to sew them.

But... time to remove my felt colorwheel from the ground so that I can walk safely again.

November 26, special knitting

Today I tried to finish at least one mitt for my father in law. The black one did fit (to my surprise) but it needed more length. I also added brown, these are the colors left over from the crochet remembrance bear I made for him (and his grandchildren) in loving memory of his wife who died 6 months ago.

I looked up what a magic loop in knitting was and then tried it (knitting with two short circulars rather than one long one because I couldn't find it). When I tried to make a nice pattern with brown and black and at the same time knit 2, purl 1, I discovered a nice, colorful touch. What was intended was the row as it became above (alternating black and brown) but the loops in front were worth having at the right side.

This is how far I was with the first mitt when it was just light enough to make a photo, in the meantime I knitted the second one and only need to finish the tumbs (and full it).

If you would like to try this stitch (I haven't read about it before, but undoubtely it has a name and history already): The first 3 rows are knit 2, purl 1 in black. Then knit 1 in black, attach brown and knit the stitch, then take the brown yarn to the front. Knit 2 black, take the brown yarn to the back and knit 1 stitch, then again to the front. Repeat all the way round.

November 25, crochet angel

Today I tried to crochet an angel. I deviated from the pattern a little because I did not understand it, but am quite satisfied with the result. Someone oredere two angels for Christmas to send to someone dear, so I'm halfway (making the second one exactly like this one is the hard part for me).

The pattern in Dutch can be found at l'heure bleu.

November 24, warm feet

Today I received an e-mail with a photo of these warm slippers I made for someone.

I used a pattern, but had to improvise because the yarn I used was not as thick as in the pattern. I fitted it around the ankle and then made a drawing of the feet to know what the form of the slipper had to be. She has very pointy toes, the ones I made for myself are more broad and round (finally took the time to weave in ends and sew a leather sole under them).

November 23, butterfly and mitts

I sorted through my stash of felt today, altough I failed to photograph the resulting color wheel. Then I went on designing a butterfly, an orange tip. I want to make 8 more for my Sinterklaas celebration (on December 6th) so I have to do some more (sew up the felt, add beads etc), but this is a start (it is about 10 cm wide).

Of course it would have been easier just to buy a package at Atelier Lindelicht (which has some amazing butterflies), but I want to make other varieties and more than 7... and there is enough felt lying around.
I also finished my first drag (a fingerless mitt) from a knitting pattern in the wonderful E-book Dreaming of Shetland. They were designed by Sheila January. Fumbling the thumb-part was the most time-consuming part, but I guess the right hand mitt would be easier (easier to photpgraph as well).

I added a small motif on the back of the hand, but it did not turn out as I planned. Anyway, this mitt is in the washing machine right now to full, curious which size it will turn out. I want to make a pair for my father in law for next week.. but I'll have to experiment to get the size right.

November 22, preparing for Christmas fair

Today I 'designed' some Christmastree ornaments which can be made during a workshop at the Christmas fair (on December 14th). I also tried to make an inventory of things I want to sell at the fair, and what I still have to do to prepare. So now the floor in my room is a total mess, but my list is pretty clear.

These ornaments (or if children would rather make it a necklace that is also a possibility - the one in the middel is long enough) are made with the silver coloured rings from the Dankbaar.org foundation. One of the goals is to enhance childrens' attitude of grace and to let them get in touch with positive energy and finding their true spirit. By teaching children how to make a gift for someone else I think I contribute to those goals, and if they learn how to crochet either with a hook or with their fingers I also teach them that it is nice to maken something yourself, and that you do not need much to explore your own creativity.