Summer Knitting and crocheting, aka Getting Ready for the Holidays

Summer knitting and crocheting

Once the flip flops and beach apparel have been created, it’s still too hot to knit or crochet large items.   It's also probably too hot to think too hard for patterns.  Quick and simple to complete projects are great.  Now is the time to think of what you might want to gift to co workers for the upcoming holidays.  Now is the time to think of what you might want to craft for your decorations.

I offer the following ideas.  All are small and won’t make you much hotter.

1.       Decorations for a specific holiday or year round appeal.

          a.      Crochet wreaths

          b.      Snowflakes

          c.      Holly leaves, knit or crochet

          d.      Nativity figures

          e.      Mini mittens, hats, sweaters, socks

          f.       Ice skates
               g.      Easter Eggs
          h.      Butterflies
          I.       Acorns
          j.        Pinecones
          k.       Autumn leaves
          l.        flowers

2.       Amigurumi Christmas animals and people

3.       Hats mittens, cowls, mitts, socks

4.       mug rugs, mug hugs (keeps a  hot cup hot longer or cold drinks cold longer, depending.  The rug will also keep the sweat from running down to stain the tables or the heat from leaving a mark.)

All of the above ideas are available in knit or crochet ideas.  Patterns are available all over the internet.  Search for the item, either knit or crochet and free pattern.  You will be amazed at what you find.

I wrote this before the summer was much of a thought.  Summer was a hope at the end of the winter that never seemed to want to end.  At I type this update, today's high temperature was 80.  Yesterday it didn't make it above 74.  This is the end of June.  For the past 30 years or so, it gets HOT, as in 90+, and is very dry at this time of year.  So far we have had a very wet late spring and early summer.  I'm not minding the larger projects yet.  But be assured, these ideas will be needed soon.  I think.

Just a quick flower posting

I have patterns for all the ornaments for the ornament classes with one exception.  The flower.  I can't devote much time to it for another week.  But I do think about it in odd little moments when carnival thoughts allow it in.

I have the basics worked out.  I'm just having trouble with finding an increase that works like I want.  I even asked my husband one morning at breakfast what he thought of using yarn overs.  Before you all yell that he won't understand, this is one he does.  He knows this makes a hole.  He didn't like it.  I did a petal in it anyway to see what it would look like.  Jury is still out on my thoughts.  I might pull out "The Principles of Knitting" to see what I can find there that is along my thoughts for increases.

For the crochet ornament class, there will be a stocking, bird, butterfly, popcorn garland with and without cranberries and a stocking.  For the knit ornament class I have planned for a stocking, a sweater, a hat, a bell and this flower.  Some patterns will have size variants or variations to make it look different but still the same.

Pictures will come in 2 weeks.  Next week is the carnival and I have a ton of details to finish for my jobs.  These are all last minute things that can't be done ahead of time.  Then comes the carnival and a day of rest.  Two Mondays from now will be clean up day and then I'm back in teaching mode again.

Have a safe July.

Christmas in July day 24

Today is about nativities.  I know not everyone puts one up.  I know further that mothers and grandmothers who put up very old or very fragile ones don't want little hands touching and breaking.

Here are a couple of links to ones that can be handled and not broken.  They can also be easily washed when they become soiled.  Make sure to put them into a lingerie bag to prevent snags.

Nativity #1  This is crochet.  This pattern is from Red Heart.  

knitted-nativity-scene  You have to be a member (free to sign up) to access this pattern.

knit nativity #2  This uses Panda Disco yarn.  This yarn is not available in US that I have found, it's Austrailian.  An equivalent would be Caron International Simply Soft.  The Panda Disco is a sport/DK weight.  This pattern is worked at a gauge of 26 sts and 36 rows to 4 inches.  

For any of these you want a fairly firm fabric so the fiber fil doesn't show through.  Once you have the figures made, you can embellish as you wish.  That's half the fun.

Christmas in July day 23

This is a bit of a departure.  Yesterday was sweaters, and as I noted yesterday, those patterns are all over.  Today the quest is for skirts that are knit or crochet.  

I have several knit skirts in my closet.  They are the very simple "pencil" skirt.  I knit 2 panels 150 stitches wide each and a length of about 24 - 28 inches for each, then seamed them together.  I turned under one edge 1 inch sewed it down and ran elastic through for the waist.  The bottom hem can be done several ways.  I can turn under an inch or so and hem it.  I can do something like garter stitch or seed stitch for a couple of inches.  I would not do anything like ribbing though since that will pull in the hem and make my hips look even wider.   This would not be bad if I wanted them emphasized, but I choose not to.  I could also handle them hem by doing crochet work around.  I have done this.  I like this look sometimes.

striped-mini-skirt

miami-beach-skirt

fringed skirt

Have fun with this idea.  You never know what could be the new fashion trend.

Christmas in July day 22

Sweaters are a main focus for many.  They use a majority of knit and crochet skills.  There are tons of neat patterns out there.  Sizes range from micro preemie to 5 and 6 XL.  They can be matching sweaters for the whole family or all different.  Holiday themes or something for the whole winter's wear is the next choice.  Colors are also important to pick carefully.  What looks good on one might not on the next in line.  You can also use knitting graph paper and take a plain sweater and put your own graphic on it.

Here is a raglan baby/child crochet cardigan

Here is anne's spencer

here is emily's sweater

one piece baby pullover

outdoor-sweater

Christmas in July day 21

Today is about the sports enthusiast.  Gifts could include anything from previous posts done in someone's favorite team colors, camoflage for the hunter/fisherman.  In the past I have found a lot of difficulty in getting free patterns of the licensed logos.  For that matter, I have found difficulty in getting paid patterning for licensed logos.  If you are really determined, though, you can use graph paper and draw it out yourself.  For crochet, use single crochet and graph paper found anywhere that is square.  For knitting, you need specialized paper that is wider than tall to mimic the nature of the stitch.

Here is a link to some

https://www.google.com/search?q=knitting+graph+paper&rlz=1C2OPRB_enUS512US520&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=RcW3UYD7GLe14AP1xIGIDQ&sqi=2&ved=0CDUQsAQ&biw=1325&bih=837

Christmas in July day 19

Socks!  Socks!! Socks!!!  Lovely socks!  Love to knit them in worsted weight to wear in the house.  I'm a barefoot kinda girl.  I have done socks with fine yarn and given them away and they are worn out.  I have done the slipper sock  in worsted weight and some felted after mishandling in the washing.  

When I teach socks, I have new people do a training sock with thicker yarn and needles to learn the parts of a sock and to make it easier to learn fundamentals of socks.

For durability, I personally prefer some nylon in the yarn and a good pedicure on the wearer.  The pedicure is to get rid of rough spots on the feet to prevent snags or excessive wear.  The nylon is because I like to be barefoot.

The basic "vanilla" sock pattern out there is fairly simple to follow whether it is toe up or top down.  You need 3 basic measurements of your intended recipient.  1) From the floor up the leg to the desired height.  2) From the back of the heel to the tip of the toe minus 1/4 to 1/2 inch.  3) Around the ball of the foot, also minus 1/4 to 1/2 inch.  Remember knitting stretches and socks should have negative ease.

Patterns abound since the sock craze hit in the early 2000's.

sockies
ribbed socks
slipper socks

There are even crocheted socks.  colorful crochet socks  

Christmas in July day 18

Today I look at gloves.  One they are more popular than mittens.  Two they are requested by more shelters. Three they are a challenge for some.

I offer these patterns for consideration.  Most are more advanced than most of my other patterns.  HOWEVER, even a beginner can do them if time is taken to read the pattern.

Lion Brand Fledgling Gloves

LIon Brand Atelier Gloves

I also offer this pattern for gloves.  It is a simple garter stitch glove.  Urban Rustic Gloves  This is similar to the pattern I learned on so long ago.

Enjoy them.

Christmas in July day 17

When we entertain for the holidays a large group or have overnight guests, I make sure to have some face cloths available for guests.  Moms love this for kid clean ups and the overnight guests love the soft, cushy, smooth feel of hand crafted cloths to use in the mornings.

Here are a few patterns

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/ckc-tissueBox.html?noImages=0

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/spa-necessities

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L30180.html?noImages=   

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/crochet-eco-chic-bath-set

Christmas in July day 16

Christmas is more fun with little ones around.  I think most will agree.  I know how much they love toys too and someone to play silly games with them.  Today is about making some timeless toys and some just for fun.

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/leon-lion-ornament

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/colorful-elephant

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0582.html?noImages=0

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L10018.html?noImages=0

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/purr-fect-mini-kitty

These ideas should spark some ideas.  Share what you create for the young ones in your life.

Christmas in July day 15

Yesterday was such a big topic, it needed two days.  Today will touch on those pieces that sit around for decorative purposes, kind of like the animated things seen in malls and store windows.  Unless you have skills to animate these, they are still lives.  I don't possess those skills.

Angels  tree top angel angels of all kinds 

Santas  Santa-gnome-ornaments  a bunch of jolly old elves

This can also be a skirt for your tree, Christmas stockings, gift bags.  The list goes on and on.  In addition to links online, I know Leisure Arts puts out a lot of pattern books for holiday knit and crochet patterns.  I find them at thrift shops, yard sales, in stores.  Sometimes all that is needed is an update of the colors because the item is back in fashion.

One thing I wanted to do for my kids but never seemed to find the time for was an Advent Calendar.  Advent Calendars might not have gotten done, but we did have an Advent Wreath each year, complete with handmade candles.  (I could never find the 3 purple and 1 rose colored candles over Thanksgiving and never thought to look earlier in the year)

Each year, I have a collection of Santas I put on top of my refrigerator on one side and a collection of snowmen on the other.  These are small collections.  However, one of the snowmen is a knit creation with a knit scarf and wearing a stocking hat.  I will post a pattern and picture of him closer to the holidays.  My Santa that is hand made is a crochet creation made by someone in my dad's side of the family.Since most of these relatives are no longer with us, I can't ask.  Again I will post a pattern and a picture.  One year I gave my husband's grandmother a crocheted moue for Christmas.  His name is Christ Mouse and was a Leisure Arts pattern.  After she passed, the mouse came back to me.  My mother in law wanted a similar one but sadly my pattern had flown the coop by that time.  Christ Mouse now lives with her.  I will see if I can get a picture of him to post.

As you might be able to tell, Christmas and it's traditions are a big part of our family life.  I might just be getting out of one of the traditions though.  The annual Cookie baking frenzy.  My oven controls are shot and I don't intend to fix them anytime soon.  With just a husband and me, we can use a toaster oven.  I'm not crazy enough to bake cookies in one of those.

Christmas in July day 14

Ornaments.  This covers so many things  I know I am covering this on 2 days.

Today's ornaments will be the smaller things you hang on your trees or use as gift tags.  There are literally thousands upon thousands of patterns out there.  Let your imagination soar.  These are just a few to get you started.

There are snowflakes, do them in thread for a delicate look, do them in yarn and have a more robust look.  See these posts for more ideas with these http://wendyteaches-mrsscubafish.blogspot.com/2012/07/more-about-snowflakes.html and http://wendyteaches-mrsscubafish.blogspot.com/2012/07/idea-for-christmas-crocheting.html 

There are full on ornaments like we all think of.as well as more novel approaches to ornaments and for something different you can use something like these.  You can do a simple ball but change it up with novelty yarns.

And finally a popcorn garland that I can no longer find on the internet where I initially found it.

I use Red Heart Super Saver in aran because to me that looks like my popcorn.  You can add red beads if you want the popcorn and cranberry look or leave it plain.  I did mine plain.

Popcorn Garland

Red Heart Super Savor, 8 oz in color Aran
Size I hook

Ch 5, work 5 dc in 5th ch from hook.  Remove hook from last loop, insert in top of ch 3 and then back into the loop and pull through.  (popcorn made)

* Ch 8, (5 dc in 5th ch from hook, remove hook from last loop, insert in top of ch 3 and then back into the loop and pull through).

Rep from * until your garland is as long as you want.  Gauge for this project doesn't matter.  If you use the whole skein for this you will have around 75 ft of garland.  My knitting guild made these for a bazaar one year and we measured.  If you add the red beads, put them in the second chain of the 3 chains between the popcorns.

This is fast and easy (unless you do the whole skein) and can be kept from year to year unlike the edible version.  It also doesn't draw bugs or mice.

Christmas in July day 13

Headbands continue to have a following.  I will admit to using these on occasion.  The reasons why people wear these instead of hats are many and varied.  There are some who wear them with hats as well.

Here are some quick and easy patterns

Ribbed headband

Fair Isle headband plus matching mittens

crocheted Headband

and finally  cold weather cables

Some of these sites require registration.  All are free.  Sign in to access your preferred pattern.

Christmas in July day 12

E-readers are a big thing again this year.  Will you be giving one?  Do you know someone who is going to get one?

How about giving a felted sleeve for it?  For felting, you will work at a larger gauge than usual and use larger needles or hooks for the patterns.  Paton's Classic Wool is great for this type of project.  It will felt.  Synthetics won't felt and neither will superwash wool.  Plant fibers also don't felt.

http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory/cases_caddies.php  This link has a bunch of electronic case patterns to felt.

Christmas in July day 11

Boots are a fun fashion for Christmas for every one.  Boots are also a must have for those in snowy climes.  Dress up those boots with cuffs.

warm-ribbed-boot-cuffs  There are knit and crochet versions of this pattern available.

ruffled boot toppers

Christmas in July day 10

Tote bags are incredibly useful all year round.  For holiday time, create them in holiday colors.

trendy-tote-bag

ruffled tote

every day tote 

Christmas in July day 9

Hats are a quick and easy project.  The can go from simple watch caps to more elaborate creations like jester hats and beyond.

There are also books dedicated to hats sold in Michaels.  Check the selection at your local store.  Here are a few links to free patterns.  

wear-it-well-beanie

Judy's hat

Electric ear flap hat

Hats for everyone in the family - crochet

Hats for everyone in the family - knit

Christmas in July day 8

Today is all about cowls.  Small and quick to finish or larger and a little more time consuming, cowls are things with staying power.

bright-stripes-cowl

laras-cowl

fast and easy cowl

Amazing 45 minute cowl  I really like this one.  It works up in 45 or less minutes, looks fantastic and is great for fall or spring.

Grande Wrap  This is larger but still easily doable.

Do a bunch of these in different colors or yarn textures and have a bunch of gifts ready to go.

Christmas in July day 7

Today is all about shawls.Whether they are triangles, rectangles, squares, circles or half circles, they are incredibly useful and stylish.  They can be just for show or keep you warm as well.

Here are links to just a few

Lacy Shawl

Square in a Square shawl

Here is a link to the Patons Yarn company list for shawls

Chirstmas in July Day 6

Today is the day to think about who might need an afghan as a gift.

Do you have a wee one coming into the family?  Feather and Fan baby afghan is a quick and easy pattern to be completed in time for the new arrival. This is one that would work equally well in Christmas colors.  

Do you have a new couple in the family?  Tree of Life Afghan for knitting  or  Tree of Life afghan for crocheting  is a very nice gift for the newly weds gathered under your tree.  Lion Brand even  a has a baby version.  

Do you just want to keep someone warm?  Try these beginer choices choices in knit and crochet.

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/knit-lapghan
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/crochet-granny-blues-lapghan
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/reversible-squares-afghan
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/blue-ice-throw

You might enjoy these more challenging choices.

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/tumbling-blocks-throw
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/pattern-correction-isle-aran-throw
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/tumbling-blocks-throw
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/colorful-squares-throw