Knit Together Designs

Giveaway....

2012-02-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

Next week, I am going to release a new pattern. And on my blog, I am having a giveaway, where i am going to giveaway the pattern product! Please go check it out!!

~Lily :)

New Baby is Here!

2012-01-27T09:59:00.001-08:00

Free Pattern! Nouvelles Stitch Headband

2012-01-25T16:45:00.000-08:00

Nouvelles Stitch Headband

By Lily

Notions:

2 size 3 DPNS

1 Size 5 circular needle

1 ball (you won’t use all of it) of Knit Picks ComfyFingering yarn, or any other fingering weight yarn

Cable Needle

Pattern:

CO 4 sts.

Work an icord for 7 inches.

Switch to size 5.

R1: *KFB* across

R2: Purl

R3: *K1, KFB* across

R4: Purl

R5: *K2, KFB* across

R6: purl

R7 *K3, KFB* across

R8: Purl

R9: p2tog, k4, p1,k7, p1, k4, p1

R10: k1, p4, k1, p7,k1, p4, k1

R11: p1, k4, p1, k1,k2tog, yo, k1, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1, p1, k4, p1

R12: k1, p4, k1, p7,k1, p4, k1

R13: p1, c4f, ,p1,k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, sl1, k1, psso, p1, c4f, p1

R14: k1, p4, k1, p7,k1, p4, k1

R15: same as 11

Repeat R12-15 5 moretimes.

NR: p1, kfb, k2,kfb, p1, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1, p1, kfb, k2, kfb, p1

NR: k1, p6, k1, p7,k1, p6, k1

NR: p1, k6, p1, k1,k2tog, yo, k1, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1, p1, k6, p1

NR: k1, p6, k1, p7,k1, p6, k1

NR: p1, c4f, p1, k1,k2tog, yo, k1, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1, p1, c4f, p1

NR: k1, p6, k1, p7,k1, p6, k1

NR: p1, k6, p1, k1,k2tog, yo, k1, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1, p1, k6, p1

NR: k1, p6, k1, p7,k1, p6, k1

Repeat the last 6rows until you have 15 inches from the CO edge

NR: p1, k4, p1, k1,k2tog, yo, k1, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1, p1, k4, p1

NR: k1, p4, k1, p7,k1, p4, k1

NR: p1, k4, p1, k1, k2tog,yo, k1, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1, p1, k4, p1

NR: k1, p4, k1, p7,k1, p4, k1

NR: p1, c4f, ,p1,k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, sl1, k1, psso, p1, c4f, p1

NR: k1, p4, k1, p7,k1, p4, k1

Repeat the last 6rows 5 more times.

Decreasing:

R1: *k2tog, k2repeat until last 3 sts: k3tog

R2 and all evenrows: Purl

R3: *k2tog, k1reapeat until last k sts: k2tog, k2

R5: k2tog across

Change to size 3 dpn

Work and icord for 7”

BO and weave inends.

Baby Socks Updated!

2012-01-01T20:13:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a wonderful reader, I realized I made some BIG mistakes in my pattern for the basketweave baby socks. I learned a lesson though... that I need to be more clear in my own handwritten notes! I have also taken extra care to make it a little easier to size to your baby's foot by adding some average baby foot length measurments. I have updated the pattern on the blog post and will update the Ravelry pattern ASAP!

Sorry for the boo boos. And thank you Cindy for letting me know!

yarn along ~ 12/28/11

2011-12-27T21:00:00.000-08:00

For more yarn along goodness, check out Ginny's blog Small Things.

Well not much new to share, other than I finihsed the little high waisted pants for baby... Now just need the baby to put them in!

As for reading... I have only been able to read, well, nothing.

Sad, I know.

So what are you up to?

yarn along ~ December 21, 2011

2011-12-21T10:49:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it is almost Christmas! I have been busy nesting and getting ready for baby... which includes lots of knitting, as you can imagine.

For this weeks yarn along I wanted to share with you one of my projects which makes me just giggle. It is so cute! A pair of high wasited knit overalls. I mean, seriously, who doesn't need a pair of high waisted overalls? If you are curious, it is the Knitting Pure and Simple, number 262.

As for reading, as a family we are listening to Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol on Librivox. And for my own personal reading I am enjoying The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure. I did not really care for the opening parts, as it made me not think very highly of the author and I think this might be tyhe first time I have EVER said this, but I think the movie was better. But it is still fun and light reading, which is good for me right now... even if the cover is a little romance novel-esque.

And since it is almost Christmas, I thought I would share with you a little funny I came across.

You will notice above in the photo that Mary's hair is not blond. It used to be. But last year I could not take it anymore.

Hope you are all enjoying this season!!

Free Pattern ~ Baby Socks!

2011-12-07T22:11:00.001-08:00

UPDATED JANUARY 1, 2012!!!

I know, very orginal name, but there you have it. Enjoy!

Baby Socks

a Knit Together Design

by Amy Caroline

· 1 skein fingering weight yarn (forolder baby (6-12 months use sport weight yarn)
· set of size 2 double pointed needles

PATTERN{MAKE 2}:

Caston 36 stitches and spread evenly over three needles. Join in the round being careful not to twist thestitches. Mark your beginning.
Rnds 1 - 3 Knit

Rnds4 – 6: K1, P1

Rnds7- 12: K3, P3

Rnds13 – 18: P3, K3

Workheel flap over 18 stitches in stockinette stitch for 10 rows.

ShapeHeel

Row1: K13, skp, turn.

Row2: sl 1, p8. p2tog, turn.

Row3: sl 1, k8, skp, turn

Row4: sl 1, p8, p2tog, turn

Repeattill 10 stitches on needle

Nextrow: k5 and slip the just knit 5 stitches onto a spare needle. With new needle knit 5 and pick up 8stitches along heel flap (first needle), {k3,p3} across 18 stitches (secondneedle), pick up 8 stitches, k5 off spare needle (third needle). (36 total)

Rnd2: k13, {k3, p3} across second needle, K 13

Rnd3: k11, k2tog, {k3,p3} across second needle, k2tog tbl, k11.

Rnd4: k12, { k3, p3} across second needle, K 12

Rnd5: k10, k2tog, {k3,p3} across second needle, k2tog tbl, k10.

Rnd6: k11, { k3, p3} across second needle, K 11

Rnd7: k9, k2tog, {p3,k3} across second needle, k2tog tbl, k9 .

Rnd8: k10, {p3,k3} across second needle, K 10

Rnd9: k8, k2tog, {p3,k3} across second needle, k2tog tbl, k8.

Rnd10: k9, {p3,k3} across second needle, k9.

Repeatlast round 8 more times.

Knitevery round till foot measures approximately:

· Newborn foot length: 3 ¼ inches
· 3-6 months foot length: 4 inches
· 6 months - 1year: 4 ¼ inches

NextRnd: k4, k2tog tbl all around
Rnd 2: knit
Rnd 3: k3, k2tog tbl all around
Rnd 4: knit
Rnd: 5: k2, k2tog tbl all around.
Rnd 6: knit
Rnd 7: k1, k2tog tbl all around.
Rnd 8: knit
Rnd 9: k2tog all around.

Cutyarn and thread through last 6 stitches twice and secure. Weave in ends.

Slipon baby and admire!

download now

Homemade Glühwein Cranberry Sauce

2011-11-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

I am trying an experiment... wish me luck. I am posting it here so I don't forget it and in case you would like to join me in my maddness.

I have made homemade cranberry sauce before, in fact I don't think I have bought a can of cranberry sauce in... well, eons. But I wanted to try something a bit different this year. Number one, I wanted to do it in my crockpot. Number two, I wanted some red wine in there too. The inspiration for that thought was one of my favorite holiday treats German Glühwein (the link will take you to a recipe I want to try for it).

So without further ado, my experiment...

~*~

Amy Caroline's Cranberry Sauce

12 ounces cranberries
1/2 cup red wine
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 cinnamon sticks
1/8 teaspoon cloves

Cook in crockpot on high for 2-3 hours or until berries "pop." Smash berries, stir well and let cook for another hour. Remove lid for another 30 minutes while cooking. Remove cinnamon sticks and it is ready!

~*~

UPDATE (11/26/11): It came out great! It was tart, so if you like a sweeter sauce I would just add more sugar. It was a big hit!

All right, got my homemade Artisian bread cubed and drying for stuffing and now there are pies to be made... and, shhhh, don't tell, but Pandora is playing Christmas music in the background.

Saint Michael the Archangel (FINALLY!!!)

2011-11-22T12:06:00.001-08:00

I have finally finished the pattern for Saint Michael. I am so sorry it took so long! It has been a rather incredible year for us with so much going. I can hardly believe that I created this pattern when I found out I was pregnant and am only now done getting this guy up here... when I am 30 weeks pregnant!

You can click on the Buy Now button below and it will take you to Ravelry where you can purchase and download the crochet pattern immediately!

Prayer to Saint Michael

Saint Michael, Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And you, Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

Feast Day: September 28th

Fly Away!

2011-11-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that I finished my shawl! Isn't that insane? Like a week!! I feel like a supreme knitter...

I worked on this baby every spare moment (which believe me, was not much). I knit while the kids were reading to me. I knit while I was waiting for people in my car.

And now I have my shawl.

Smile!

Sigh.

yarn along ~ October 26, 2011

2011-10-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

For more yarn alongs, visit Ginny!

This week I have been a bootie making fool. That's right. I finally made something for Tiger. Since he is due at the end of January, that means cold. So I got to work.

Got to keep those little feet warm!

I am also reading a couple things but nothing seriously. So not much to share on that front. Any suggestions?

yarn along ~ October 19, 2011

2011-10-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

I FINISHED IT!

Ok, let momma get a picture...

No not in front of the messy homeschool shelf!!

Don't you give me that look!

Hey wait, come back!

Wait the lighting is better... No! Stop moving!!

Are you mocking me? Seriously? I made you a sweater that ALMOST killed me!

AWWW, ok, your welcome.

For more yarn alongs visit Ginny!

yarn along ~ October 12, 011

2011-10-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce you to th bane of my existence. This cardigan is going to kill me. I will die still trying to knit the stupid sleeve that I have alreadyhad to pull out three times.

It. Is. Going. To. Kill. Me.

And how can I stop when I am this close to being stinking done? I know there is some mistake in it too, since one of the front side is longer than the other, but I am hoping I can fix that while sewing it up. I just don't see how I can give it up after a month of work (of long, tedious, head banging work).

Honestly I would much rather work on this baby project that I won the pattern for. I already have the yarn and everything... but no, I need to finish this @%^$(&* sweater. Sorry, I went a little PG-13 there.

Deep Breath.

As for reading, I am working on a library book I checked out called How Children Learn by John Holt, since I finished Heaven on Earth. I LOVED Heaven on Earth. Not sure about How Children Learn yet, I am not far enough into it and he seems to be rambling a lot about the right brain/ left brain stuff right now.

How about you? Tell me ~~you are suffering too~~. For more successful yarn alongs head over to Ginny's blog!

Embroidery and My Inner Gypsy

2011-10-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

So the last few weeks, aside from way too much stress, I have been taking an embroidery class. I was hoping to maybe get out and meet some people who, maybe like me, are a little bit into crafts. The first meeting it was just me. The next meeting I missed because Bear was sick, and, finally, last night we were all there. I wish it could have been a few more classes just so we could all get to know each other more!

But, I did have a blast learning some embroidery stitches without staring at my computer. It is good to occasionally leave one's house after all!

I really enjoyed playing with the embroidery floss and can see how this will really enhance some of my projects or help make things we already have a little more, well, nice!

Here is the project I am working on right now:

It is from the book Doodle Stitching (author Aimee Ray also wrote this book: Doodle Stitching: The Motif Collection, which is an incredible collection of embroidery designs as well).

You can purchase the pattern to this beauty here

I was just looking at Aimee Ray's blog Little Dear Tracks and saw a designs for the above Gypsy Wagon, which was so adorable I think I might have to get it... soon... I hope, lol. And then I thought, maybe, with all this stress, I should just buy one of these:

photo credit: smiffysnail who awesomely built this little beauty

... and run away. Actually I would need about 8 of those to fit me, Hubby and the kiddos, but I think it would be worth it. And the kids would love to have some horses to pull our wagons.

So look for me, traveling the world in my caravan of gypsy wagons and maybe we could sit by the fire and do some stitching.

First Day of Autumn 2011

2011-09-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

I got the book I won from imainechildhood today! Can anyone say PERFECT?

Today we are celebrating the first day of autumn as well as the feast of Saint Padre Pio.

We started the morning by reading about Saint Padre Pio and coloring Charlotte's wonderful coloring page of this beloved saint. We will be eating this for dinner (the pictures on this post are terrible, need to update them!) in his honor.

Afterwards we got started on our Teddy bear Bread! I used to do this every year with the kids, but we fell out of practice. I figured it would be a fun thing to do again this year!

Teddy Bear Bread

2 cups milk
2 cups water
2 Tablespoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup sugar
7 Tablespoons butter
1 cup whole oats
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 1/2 Tablespoons kosher salt
3-4 cups unbleached white flour
3-4 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 cup raisins
1 egg white with 1 teaspoon of water

Warm water and milk on stove with butter. Do not bring to a boil but let warm till butter is almost melted. Add warm liquid mixture to bowl of mixer or bowl with yeast. Let sit about 5 minutes. Add oats, sunflowers seeds, raisins, and salt. Start adding flour a cup a time, alternating between white and wheat, until dough is smooth and elastic. Be careful not to add to much flour, but if you need more than I called for that is ok too! Just make sure you can handle the dough. Form it into a ball and place in oiled bowl. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.

Now for the fun!

Punch dough down and then separate the dough into:

1 big round

1 medium round

and 7 small rounds!

Have kids help arrange the rounds to make your bear. Once you have your bear assembled, place raisins on for eyes and nose. Carve the little mouth. Beat the egg and water mixture with a fork and then brush over bread. Cover and let rise for another hour.

Place in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 35 minutes or until done.

We are now about to color some pictures of autumn leaves to decorate the house!

Hope you all have a blessed Feast of

Saint Padre Pio

and a glorious first day of autumn!

New Free Pattern! Owl Cell Phone Cover,and Cable Cell Phone Cover!

2011-09-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

Owl Cell Phone Cover

Materials:

2 size 5 circular needles or 4 size 5 dpns

Vanna White Yarn, or any other worsted weight yarn J

Yarn needle

Cover:

CO 30 sts, 15 sts on each circular, and 10 on each DPN

K4, p1 knitting until you 3 inches of work.

Next Round: P4, k1 ribbing around

Next Round: *C1B, C1F, p1* around

Next 5 rounds: K4, P1 ribbing around

Next Round: *C1B, C1F, p1* around

Next 3 Rounds: K4, P1 ribbing around

Next Round: *C1B, C1F, p1* around

Next 2 rounds: K4, P1 ribbing around

Bind Off

Finishing:

Sew the cast on edge together, and weave in ends J Fits a cell phoneabout the size/a little smaller then a 2’’wide, 4’’ tall.

Cable Cell Phone Cover

Materials:

2 size 5 circular needles or 4 size 5 dpns

Knit picks Merino style Wool or any other DK weight yarn

Button

Yarn needle

Special Stitches:
CBF: Take 2 stitches and put onto either a cable needle or spare needle and put to the front of work. K2 sts, then take the two stitches on other needle and knit those.

Cover:

CO 30 sts, 15 sts on each circular, and 10 on each DPN

Rnd1-4: Joining in round, knit all sts around

Rnd5: P around

Rnd6: *C4F, p1, k4, p1* repeat once

Rnd7-11: *K4, p1* around

Repeat Rounds 6-14 until you have 4½ inches from Cast onedge

Next Rnd: repeat Rnd 6.

Next Rnd: K4, P1 around

Bind Off.

Finishing:

Sew the bind off edge together. Now, you are going to makethe strap on the top.

CO 8 sts.

R1-5: Knit across

R6: K4, YO, K2tog, K2

R7-17: knit across

Bind off.

Sew the strap on the top, and make sure you are leaving theYO section up, so you don’t sew it onto the work. Sew the button on the otherside of cover (not the side where you sewed the strap. Put your cell phone in,and it’s done! J Fitsa cell phone about the size/a little smaller then a 2’’wide, 4’’ tall.

Tiny Tea Leaves

2011-09-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

I mentioned on Wednesday that I finished my (well, Buttercup's really) tiny tea leaves sweater!

I am so happy with it. It came out so adorable and best of all...

Done with having her photo taken and more interested in catching big brother!

She LOVES it!

I really am so happy with it and will totally make another one! It really wasn't so bad, as this is a big project for me. It is a tad too big, which I think is perrfect. She can wear it for a long time! It went really fast, other than that bit about running out of yarn. Speaking of which, I made it out of Malabrigio 99 Stone Blue. Buttercup kept mentioning how soft it is. So it was such a pleasure to knit with.

Anyway, I am not sure if I will ever get it off her. Which is good! Right?

Yarn Along {Sept. 14, 2011)

2011-09-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

For more Yarn Along Goodness visit: Small Things

Sorry the picture is so dark, I meant to go outside and get a nice light shot, but I had to clean my bathroom. I know!

Anyway, I finished my tiny tea leaves cardi! It is blocking right now and Buttercup is very anxious (thank goodness!). While we were at the children's hospital I started a new cardigan for Sweet Pea. You can see some of the pattern book there under my fiction book. While in the hospital I was able to finish the back. I was quite impressed with myself.

And the book! I Capture the Castle, oh boy, I like this book so far. Jennifer at As Cozy as Spring mentioned reading it and I had thought about reading it before, but I am skittish about fiction lately, having had a lot of bad luck. I am one of those saps that likes a happy ending (not necessary, but I think you know what I mean) and nothing to nasty or graphic if you don't mind. And that can be very hard to come by! So far it is a delightful read and I am completely absorbed. In the old days, when I didn't have almost 8 kids, I would have eaten this book whole in about a day or two.

So what are you crafting?

Kinda New Patterns Available!

2011-08-31T21:08:00.000-07:00

I have decided to now offer the individual dolls from my collections for sale.

So now you can purchase just:

Mary and Baby Jesus

$6.00

and

Saint Joseph

$5.00

Stay tuned for the Fatima Collection.

**Remember it is cheaper to buy the dolls in a collection then it is individually.**

Homemade Wipes

2011-08-23T14:25:00.000-07:00

I used to do this along time ago, but when Bear started having troubles with cloth diapers, I stopped using homemade wipes. I forgot how much I like these better!

All you need are some old burpie blankets.

Cut them to desired size.

I thought about doubling them up and making them thicker by sewing them together (a serger would be perfect for this) but I kept having trouble with my machine, so I said "Forget it!" Anyway, if you do this, I recommend ironing them first before you sew them together, and trimming them to match.

Now for the recipe.

In a water proof container (old wipes box or a tupperware dish is perfect) mix the following:

1 Tablespoon of Baby Shampoo (I LOVE Burt's Bees)
1 Tablespoon Baby Oil
Several drops of essential oils (lavender is perfect. I also add just a few drops of tea tree, but some babies are sensitive to this, so be careful)
Approximately 2 cups of boiling water

After mixed add your homemade wipes. Use a spoon or some such thing to push wipes down. Don't forget the water is hot (I know you know, but I gotta warn you).

You can use them right away, but remember they are HOT. So I would wait awhile.

When I made up my batch today Bear made the comment his wipes were hot. He then giggled, so I don't think he was too upset about it.

All you do is throw the wipes in with your cloth diapers and wash like you do your diapers.

I Weep

2011-08-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I had to kill it.

I had no choice. I could not find another ball of this yarn anywhere. Only one lady on Ravelry had a skein for sale but she would not respond to my emails.

Sorry, Sweet Pea.

No sweater for you.

I weep.

Yarn Along ~ August 10, 2011

2011-08-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

For more Yarn Along fun, check out Ginny's blog Small Things!

Good Wednesday to you all! This week I am going to share with you one of my weaknesses. One of the things that I shouldn't buy, but once in awhile I just can't stop myself.

Yes, it is Country Living Magazine.

But not just any Country Living Magazine... but Country Living the British Edition.

I LOVE this magazine. The colors, the articles, the stories... Everything in it is absolutely perfect and I have never been able to find a magazine to compare to it.

Since it is kind of spendy to buy the British edition, I don't get it often, sigh. But I can often be found foundling copies at Barnes and Noble, until they politely ask me to leave.

For my needles, I have been busily stitching away on a cardigan for Buttercup. I kept seeing people making this pattern, so I thought I would give it a whirl. It has been great so far. In fact I am even further since I took this photo, already passed the sleeves. Oh, might share with you the name, lol, so I am making the Tiny Tea Leaves Cardi.

So what are you up to??

Bloomin' Dishcloth

2011-07-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

Earlier yesterday, I got a very brief moment to look at my Google Reader (things got a little wild there near the end and I ended up running a certain five year old to the doctor with a plastic bottle cap stuck to her finger, among other things, lol) and saw this: Blooming Flower Cushion. Don't you just love the way Lucy uses color? Goodness, I wish I had the same talent!

Anyway, I kept thinking how it was so cute. And then I thought about how I needed some new dishcloths. And then I thought, you know I think I will make something similar to what Lucy did but for my kitchen sink.

I grabbed all the cotton yarn I could find in the house (there wasn't much selection, so my colors are no where near as pretty as Lucy's things... then again if it was too pretty I may not want to use it for a dishcloth!!).

I didn't do the exact same pattern as Lucy, so I realized that it was going to need a back too, since it is not solid. Then I thought, why not a little handle? And why not a leaf or two, just for fun? We will see if I ever go that far with it, lol, after all it is only a dishcloth. I did think though, all those bumps and such would be good for scrubbing!

Sorry, I could not get a very good picture! The colors are really off. Humpf.

So anyway, it is not done yet, but I was having so much fun working away at it last night while we watched an old 4th season Doctor Who (I am not so patiently waiting for the 6th season on Netflix). So much fun, I wanted to share it with you before I even finished it.

It has been fun to do a little crochet again... which is good, since I have a doll to make before a certain baby is born for the winner of the baby contest!

Yarn Along ~ July 13, 2011

2011-07-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally have some progress to report! In other words something to share. I have finally finished the back of the little top I have been working on. My hope is to have it done for Sweet Pea for her first birthday next month. My worry? Not sure if I have enough yarn left! Gulp. I did all the calculations, but, the ball looks awful small to still have the front to do.

As for reading I am still working on Teach Your Own. I really love it, I just have had so little time lately to get any reading in. That is why I get nervous when I check books out from the library. I used to be able to read a book in a day, but then I had kids and started homeschooling. I read, but not really for me anymore! I mean we are working on The Secret Garden and several Magic Treehouse books. Maybe I should report on that reading instead!

Chocolate PB Chip Cookies

2011-07-07T10:19:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share with you another version of your classic chocolate chip cookie. Let's just twist things up a bit!

Here is my original recipe (don't ask me what happened to the photos, I will try and fix that later). And now here is the twist:

Amy Caroline's Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

2 sticks of butter, room temperature

¾ cup white sugar

¾ cup DARK BROWN sugar (that is important!)

Cream together

Add:

1 Tablespoon vanilla

2 eggs

Mix well.

Add:

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Mix well.

Add:

1 bag of peanut butter chips

Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for about 12 minutes. It should still appear a little gooey in the middle, otherwise it will overcook and get tasteless.

Enjoy!

Saint Michael the Archangel GIVEAWAY

2011-06-07T22:20:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the news of our upcoming new arrival I thought it would be fun to do a giveaway here at Knit Together! I have been wanting to redesign and write up a pattern for a Saint Michael doll I made a long time ago for my boys and this seemed like a great time to do it.

To win a chance go to Knit Together: Saint Michael Giveaway on my other blog! Giveaway ends June 15th at 5 pm PST.

Good luck!

Yarn Along ~ May 25, 2011

2011-05-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

For more yarn along's visit the very expectant Ginny at Small Things

Forgive me, I don't get to read anymore. I pick up a book I start to read it, I get really into it, excited about it even... and then I have no time to read, so a few day pass... and then I can't find the book. Most likely because someone else in the house heard me say how much I liked it and decided to read it too and then couldn't remember where they put it.

Or I lost it.

So I would be reading Sense and Sensibility... if I could find it.

As for my playing with yarn, I have found a few spare moments while we are all sitting down to movies or Doctor Who in the evenings to knit some of the dress I am making for Sweet Pea. I am using the yanr I won at the giveaway at Jen's. Can I tell you how much I love this yarn? Oh yeah!

On a side note... I dropped my cake. At least I didn't toss my cookies, but I totally dropped my cake, right on the oven door. I thought about getting angry at the lovely ladies at Like Mother, Like Daughter, since they made me want to make the cake in the first place. I should have known better when I couldn't find the bundt pan. I don't need cake... I just wanted cake. But how could I?

It was still good... As Rose said, at least I knew I greased the pan enough.

Yarn Along ~ May 11, 2011

2011-05-10T20:36:00.001-07:00

I have mentioned in my last post that I am readin Sense and Sensibility. I have tried to read it before, but have struggled with it. I think that happens sometimes when we see a movie too often... it can make it hard to read the book if you know the story so well. This time, however, I am booking along. I love getting rolled up in a good fiction story! It has been so long.

As for yarn, I am crocheting one of my favorite patterns! Baby Dress by Marianne Cant (you might recoginze that little girl in the photos on the page about 3 or 4 down). Hey, look at that! Marianne and I am reading about a Marianne. I didn't realize how it all fit so nicely, lol. Anyway, I adore this pattern and wanted to make another one for Sweet Pea. I am doing it in a 1/2 mm larger hook with a worsted weight cotton yarn instead of fingering. Hopefully it will fit her for this summer. I need to measure it on her! Better do that tomorrow!

See more at Ginny's!

FREE PATTERN! Little Bag

2011-05-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

New FREE pattern! Little Bag!!

Little Bag

by Lily

Materials needed:
Size 5mm (or H) crochet hook
Any worsted/bulky yarn, in any color
Thread
About 9” rectangle of fabric of choice (for inside of the purse)
Sew in snaps (for holding the purse closed)
Sewing needle
Yarn needle

The Bag:
Chain 26.
Row 1: In 2nd chain from hook, sc in each st across.
Row 2: Ch 2, dc in each st across
Continue Row 2 until you have completed 81/2 inches of dc. Fasten off.

With the 9 inches of fabric, sew it on all around the rectangle you have crocheted. When finished, sew two sides together (leaving one open so you can put things in it. Sew the snaps on tight to close the bag.
Now you have a little bag to use for putting you make-up in, or for putting little treasured items. J

Yarn Along ~ April 27, 2011

2011-04-26T21:43:00.001-07:00

For more Yarn Alongs, visit Ginny at Small Things.

This week I am sharing with you a little sweater I made for a dear friend who has a little girl going to get her First Communion. I love First Communions, don't you? I used to help with the masses just to be able to get a good seat, watching all those sweet faces receiving Jesus for the first time in this beautiful sacrament. I was so excited when elm asked me (and nervous!!) to make a small shrug like sweater for Branch.

I finished and can't wait to send it out to them. I am also dying to see some pictures of it on her!

As for reading? Well..... I have had no time for reading!!! After all the goings on with Easter (which was also Lily's 14th birthday) I have had barely anytime to do much of anything else! I am looking forward to a truly good read. I am going to go and search my shelves for something good!

So what are you up to?

Yarn Along~ April 20, 2011

2011-04-20T10:17:00.001-07:00

For more Yarn Alongs visit Ginny at Small Things!

So this week, has been a bit crazy... ok, most weeks around here are crazy. This week however, I am trying to finish up some much needed spring cleaning. This included painting the entryway I started cleaning last year when I fell and hurt my ankle, really bad!

So there has not been much reading. I have been reading this delightful book, Small Steps for Catholic Moms that a dear friend gave me for my birthday last month. I am truly loving it and getting much inspiration, which I need!! And I thought I would have more time for Turn off Your TV Week. Humpf.

See that blue? If you have been here before for a Yarn Along, you might recognize it. It was going to be a pair of Unmentionables for Rose. Well, I frogged it. I am now making this sweater for her. It is still a big project but not as big. Trying to remember baby steps... baby steps.

The Holy Family

2011-04-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce another new pattern collection from Knit Together Designs! I was talking to you all earlier about looking at an antique picture of Our Mother Mary and being inspired!
So here is the next group of patterns inspired by that day rocking my baby!

The Holy Family

This crochet pattern collection includes the patterns for:

Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus!

To purchase these patterns, click this link:

$10.00

Please wait 24 - 48 hours for delivery into your email account.
Thank you!!

German Pancake for the Pope

2011-04-14T23:32:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 16th, is Pope Benedict XVI's birthday! So in order to fully appreciate our German pontiff's special day we are going all German. Other than Brats for dinner we are going to have a German pancake for breakfast!

I adapted this from a recipe I found at Food Network a gazillion years ago. I, of course, double it too since there are so many of us.

German Pancake

4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons maple syrup ( you can also use sugar, but since we have someone who gave up refined sugar for Lent this works!)
1 cup milk
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons butter
1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
2 teaspoons shortening
Powdered sugar (optional)

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place cast iron skillet in oven while preheating.

In a saucepan or in the microwave warm milk with butter over medium heat till butter melts (or almost, don't let the milk boil!). Whisk together eggs, salt, syrup, warm milk, melted butter and vanilla. Sift flour over wet mixture and whisk till smooth.

Remove cast iron from oven and place shortening in pan. Using a brush cover all the sides and bottom with the shortening as it melts. Pour in batter and bake for about 12 minutes.

Lower the heat to 350 degrees F and continue to bake till nice and golden brown, about 10 to 15 more minutes.

There it is in the oven, poofing away

When you take out of the oven run a knife along the edge of skillet and serve immediately.

You can serve it with fresh fruit syrup (scroll to bottom of post), jam or jelly, or maple syrup. If desired shift powered sugar over the top!

Yarn Along ~ April 13, 2011

2011-04-13T23:37:00.000-07:00

Ha ha! Finished it last night. I didn't think the world was going to let me get this picot edge done, but voila! Half soaker, half skirt! Have a feeling it is more skirt, lol. I used the curly purly pattern for the panty and then just went with my head on the skirt.

As for reading? Well, pretty much the same thing, I have had very little time for reading, other than school work with the kids. But I downloaded a free kids book on my nook! How the Elephant Got it's Trunk by Kipling. It was so cool because... it read the book to my kids!

Here he is turning the page!

It was such a cool feature! I am sure to get more of the read aloud books for them.

For more Yarn Alongs, check out Ginny's blog Small Things.

Yarn Along ~ April 6, 2011

2011-04-06T23:35:00.001-07:00

This week I am taking a break from the big projects... yes, that patience thing, and started work on a wool diaper cover for Sweet Pea. As I was making it though, I decided to add a skirt to it. So that is the funny picked up stitches along the middle. I am planning on doing some stripes, thus that chocolate brown.

As for reading, I have been trying to get this book from the library forever!! For the Children's Sake by Susan S. MacAulay. Just a little spring inspiration, I hope, for the homeschooling front. i have heard this book mentioned at least a billion times, so thought I ought to get reading it!

So what are you up to?

To check out more Yarn Alongs visit Ginny at Small Things!

Skillful Hands (KCBWDAY6)

2011-04-02T23:43:00.000-07:00

"She obtains wool and flax and makes cloth with skillful hands."

The topic for our Knit and Crochet Blog Week today is all about skills I want to try and tackle this year. In order to understand what I wish to accomplish, I think it behooves (sorry, I love that word) me to look back and discuss why I started playing with yarn in the first place.

I started crocheting when I was pregnant with Monkey. It started with this desire to actually make something for the sweet babe that was growing within me. I had always had the desire. In fact, when I was pregnant with Rose, I bought some fabric with Flintstones characters on it. I cut them out and sewed them together into little dolls. It was pretty pathetic. I think we still have Dino. His head wobbles precariously to this day, like it is about to fall from his non-existent shoulders and roll under the couch along with all the dust bunnies, puzzle pieces, and missing remotes.

When I was pregnant with Buttercup, I learned to knit using books and videos on the internet. I had learned a little when I was a young girl, but lacked any focus and attention span, so it was really a failed venture. Funny though, how when I started again, nearly 20 years later, I actually remembered bits and pieces of what I had learned in my youth.

Do you see where I am going with this?

I started crocheting and knitting because of a desire to make something for my wee ones. See that quote up there at the top? I bet you know where it comes from, huh? Proverbs 31, verse 13 to be exact. "She obtains wool and flax and makes cloth with skillful hands." I can only aspire to be a Proverbs 31 kind of woman, but I find that part always makes me smile. It was that reason alone that I wanted to learn to craft things. To provide for those I love.

In all honesty, I have to say that I think I have only ever made myself one thing. A scarf. It was made with a very vibrant bluey-green alpaca. Everything else I have given away, even if its purpose was for me, I eventually gave it away... usually to one of my minons, I mean kids.

I have to admit that most of the things I make are for my little ones. I may knit and crochet like I couldn't when I was little, but I still lack focus and attention. I have more now then I did when I was say 10, but, you know what I mean. I LOVE little projects, things I can make up relatively quickly. Something I can whip up and slip on a baby and smile. Done.

So, that is one of the things I want to work on this year. Something big. Not huge mind you... I am not about to make a cozy for my 12 passenger van, but maybe a sweater for one of my big kids. A pair of cute pants for my oldest. And maybe, dare I even think it, something for me?

One other thing... a pair of socks. A lovely pair of socks. My husband has been begging for a pair for years now. I wouldn't even mind a pair. I don't know what it is about the socks that scare me so. They are supposed to be quick knits. You would think I would be making enough socks to clothe the feet of every person in my household! But every time I try, I get bored.

This year, I am going to think big and work on my attention span. All the while still making those sweet little things that make me smile rather than bite my lip in frustration. All the while striving to be that Proverbs 31 woman.

As the Yarn Turns (2KCBWDAY5)

2011-04-01T23:44:00.000-07:00

He was the one all the girls loved. His color, his strength. He was a workhorse and watching him work, breaking out in squeaks, always made the girls giggle.

Yet, Sage wanted more. He knew there was more to life than squeak. He tried dating other girls like him...

but something was missing.

Then he saw her...

Her curves, her swirls, her sweet soft merino goodness... he couldn't keep his eyes off her.

Queen Anne's friends told her he was no good for her. What kind of future could they possibly have?

Their love was too great. Too powerful. It didn't matter if he was from the wrong side of the tracks and she was royalty. Their love was destined, written in the stars.

The more they fought their love the harder it was for them to stay away.

Soon, it didn't matter anymore what the others were whispering behind their backs. Was love so simple a gift that it could be ignored? Thrown away like yesterday's garbage?

Sage, throwing away all his fears, fell to his knees, um to his label, and asked sweet Queen Anne to be his bride.

They were wed, their life together before them. Unknown but theirs to share.

Love is never easy. It is a temptress and a redemptress. It can save you from the darkest of days helping you soar into the clouds. An uncertain future means nothing when love is your guide.

Once Upon a Time, a True Story (2KCBWDAY4)

2011-03-30T23:45:00.000-07:00

When faced with the topic for Day 4 of the Knitting and Crochet Blog Week Extravaganza, I was at a loss as to what exactly I should talk about. The topic, you ask? To talk about what ever happened to some of our past projects. I figured I would open up my Ravelry project page and see what I wanted to talk about... and realized I had a lot of things in there.... by a lot... I mean A LOT. And honestly I didn't post everything up there, either! So what should I talk about?

The tons of dolls I made that now reside on my children's beds?

The cute little pants I made Buttercup that no longer fit her? Wow that was hard to admit. I knew it was time to put them up when I could no longer ignore that her little behind crack showed every time she bent over.

Or the chicken hats I made?

Or the numerous things I made for other people that I no longer see?

I just wasn't sure if I really had an interesting enough story to tell... And then I remembered... a tragedy.

I will wait while you go grab a hanky.

...

...

Ok, you ready?

Once upon a time there was a young mother who had finally succeeded in making a sock. She was almost done with the other one, when someone told her she was knitting wrong! The shame and embarrassment were extreme. You can only imagine. As a crafter caught doing something wrong, the automatic knee-jerk reaction is to become defensive.

But she was right.

So the young mother swallowed her pride and thanked the woman for pointing out to her the mistake she made. You see, she was knitting backwards! After the embarrasment waned she became so grateful to learn to that there was hope for her knitting. That not all had been lost.

She finished her sock. Only those with a trained eye would recognize her mistake.

Swearing to learn from her past, the young knitter cast on a new sock. A sock for herself. She pulled out a funky wool she found. It was cheap wool, but good for a beginner. She case on and worked and worked. She finished her masterpeice. She put it on her foot, modeled and admired it. Even took a picture or two.

Then she out it in her drawer and forgot about it.

One might think that was the end. But no. No, somehow (gulp) that one lone sock fell into the laundry. Tumbled among strangers in a land where she did not belong, the poor sock found herself unable to scream as she was tossed into a large cylinder. Without lips she could not call for help, trapped, drowning in a bath of hot soapy water our sweet little friend found her end. The young knitter, who had so lovingly made that ONE sock, discovered the limp and now tightly woven sock... crumpled broken and now completely useless. Felted to death, lost among the darks.

She never made another sock again.

Don't worry, I will look away while you dry your tears. Just remember that at the end of every tragedy there is still the possibility of a new beginning... a hope for the future.

A future where there will be two socks, together, forever.

The Way We Were (2KCBWDAY2)

2011-03-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

If you haven't guessed yet, I am taking part in the Knitting and Crochet Blog Week over at Eskmimi Knits. The assignment for the day is to look over the past year and see how far you have come. I think I have to admit I didn't challenge myself much this past year. If I were to describe this year it would be more in the lines of honing my skills.

There is one thing that I have been working on that I would qualify as a challenge. I have been steadily working on trying to work my crochet doll patterns into knit. I have had a lot of people request knit versions, so I have off and on tried to see if I could create a pattern that I am happy with. The last attempt I was pretty happy with.

It was my fairy doll made for Sweet Pea for Christmas.

She isn't quite done in that picture, but I do love how Sweet Pea is yanking on her hair.

Wow, now that I look back I also try my hand at a little bit of lace work, one thing that has scared me quite a bit in the past. Here is another little thing I made for Sweet Pea:

I completely LOVED making this dress (once I got the hang of it, lol). It is called Fiona's Top by Sanne Bjerregaard. She has some amazing patterns. And a lot of them for babies and adults too!

The last ting I can think of as far as challenging myself goes is expanding my doll pattern collections. I have really enjoyed crocheting up these new ones and am happy with some of the changes I have made to my pattern.

Fatima Children

The Holy Family

Well, I guess that isn't too bad, after all!! I know what my challenge is for the year to come. I need to start making bigger things!! As you can see, I have a penchant for small creations. I admit, I am one of those crafters that likes gratification. I am not patient.

So right now I am working on two things that, for me, are challenges! A pair or unmentionables for Rose and a pair of socks. I have only ever made one PAIR or socks before. And they were... not so good. That was when I learned I as knitting backwards! Good times, good times.

So how about you? What are your challenges for the upcoming year?

The Shame! (2KCBWDAY3)

2011-03-29T23:46:00.000-07:00

The horror. The shame.

I am not a very good stasher. And today I will share with you...

MY STASH.

This is my knitting basket in the living room. I store most of my circular knitting needles in there, along with a few skeins of yarn and some forgotten projects.

And this... this is the corner of my bedroom. Oh man, does that look bad.

Let's break it down. Here is the basket of little yarn leftovers. Small little balls of not much.

Underneath that is a basket full of various yarns. Mostly some acrylics I inherited. Oh and a doll I started to make once from a pattern... but I got bored and stuffed it in there.

This is the basket i usually tote around with me. But it has since become so full since I started too many projects. So now it is sitting in my room, where I am pretending it doesn't exisit.

This is, believe it or not, a drawer in my dresser. That is where I tend to hide, uh, I mean store, my better yarns.

Ok, I am now going to go splash my face with cool water and have a lay down.

Not Too Big a Snob (2KCBWDAY1)

2011-03-28T23:48:00.000-07:00

I never thought that when I started knitting and crocheting that I would develop a snobbery regarding what yarn I would use. As most first timers that idea of different kinds of yarn was just as confusing as yarn weight, yarn lengths, and I recall asking what on earth was a skein o some other yarn crafter.

So here is my confession. I am a yarn snob. I have grown to understand the difference between acrylic, wool, alpaca, and sweet, sweet merino.

I use acrylic yarn. I admit it. I am not so much a snob that I won't thought the stuff, but there is really only one brand of acrylic I will use. I crochet very tightly. I think it all started when I began making dolls. At first they were rather odd and I realized the tighter I corcheted the better the doll looked. As I crocheted tighter, however, yarn began to squeak.

Have you ever heard yarn squeak?

It really is a terrible sound. Like fingernails on a blackboard or two patent leather shoes rubbing together.

Let me say this, before I go on, I have not been paid or promised copious amounts of yarn for saying this, but the only acrylic I use is Vanna's Choice. Does it squeak? Yeah, but not as bad as some! It works really well for the dolls I make. I also firmly believe in making toys in yarn that is machine washable. Kids love their toys and sometimes even get sick on their toys. I have never been brave enough to make any of my kids a toy in something that I could not just toss in the washing machine after a flu bug caused them to, pardon the expression, toss their cookies, all over their bed.

So back to the yarn. You see, I am also cheap. I am not as cheap as I used to be... but, still cheap. So one way to avoid the squeak is to use a blend. I have used Encore's Plymouth. It is a nice blend and I can get it at a relatively good price at my lys.

So when it comes to yarn, I have my loves and my not so loves. I can't say I have never met a yarn I didn't like. But, even if , like me, you suffer from a bit of yarn snobbery there are ways around the cost and, most importantly, the squeak.

Yarn Along ~ March 23, 2011

2011-03-23T23:52:00.000-07:00

On my needles? I am still working on those pants, I think it will take me the rest of my life. Maybe my grandkids can wear them when they get to be teenagers. The other thing (isn't that purple yarn yummy???) is a pair of socks. Another challenge for me. I am hopeful I can finish both socks... someday! My goal is before Easter.

I am almost finished with my homesteading lady book and am thinking about reading Walden by Henry David Thoreau next. I have never read it but, it has been coming up a lot lately (the last time while watching Off the Grid with Les Stroud), and figured it was probably about time I cracked it open! But, I thought I would share with you this week a little nifty magazine I picked up. I almost bought it once a few months ago, but the name really threw me off. I was worried it would be some pro-pot magazine or some such thing. In all reality Mary Janes Farm Magazine is a pro-frontier kind of mag. This one is all about chickens whihc I thought would make my mother-in-law smile. After all, there is actually a pattern in it for chicken nappies. Yes, that is right... chicken diapers!

For more Yarn Alongs check out Ginny's blog at Small Things.

The Rogue Cap!

2011-03-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

The Rogue Cap

Knit Together Designs by Amy Caroline

 2010

Hook: H

Sizes: 0-3 months {3-6m, 6-12 , 2T-4T}

Yarn: Vanna’s Choice

Gauge: 4 sc per inch

Hat:

0-3 months

Round 1: With color A, chain 3, sc 6 in third chain from hook

Rnd 2: Chain 1, 2 sc in each stitch, join. (12 stitches)

Rnd 3: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 1 sc in next* repeat till end (18

stitches)

Rnd 4: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 2 sc* repeat till end, join. (24

stitches)

Rnd 5: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 3 sc* repeat till end, join. (30

stitches)

Rnd 6: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 4 sc* repeat till end, join. (36

stitches)

Rnd 7: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 5 sc* repeat till end, join. (42

stitches)

Rnd 8: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 6 sc* repeat till end, join. (48

stitches)

Rounds 9-15: Switch to color B, Chain 2, dc all around, join.

Rnd 16: Switch to A, chain 1, sc all around, join.

Round 17: Switch to B, chain 3, trc all around, join.

Round 18: Switch to A, Chain 1, sc in each stitch, join. Do not cut

yarn.

Round 19: Switch to B, Chain 2, dc in each stitch in next 21

stitches, tie off yarn, and cut. Pick up color A, and sc along edge

of dc brim, tie off yarn and cut.

Weave in ends. Sew on buttons on either side of brim.

3-6 months:

Round 1: With color A, chain 3, sc 6 in third chain from hook

Rnd 2: Chain 1, 2 sc in each stitch, join. (12 stitches)

Rnd 3: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 1 sc in next* repeat till end, join.

(18 stitches)

Rnd 4: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 2 sc* repeat till end, join. (24

stitches)

Rnd 5: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 3 sc* repeat till end, join. (30 stitches)

Rnd 7: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 5 sc* repeat till end, join. (42

stitches)

Rnd 8: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 6 sc* repeat till end, join. (48

stitches)

Rnd 9: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 7 sc* repeat till end, join. (54

stitches)

Rounds 10-16: Switch to color B, chain 2, dc every stitch, join.

Round 17: Switch to A, chain 1, sc all around, join.

Rnd 18: Switch to B, chain 3, trc all around, join.

Round 19: Switch to A, chain 1, sc in each stitch, join. Do not

cut yarn.

Round 20: Switch to B, chain 2, dc in each stitch in next 25

stitches, tie off yarn, and cut. Pick up color A, and sc along edge

of dc brim, tie off yarn and cut.

Weave in ends. Sew on buttons on either side of brim.

6-12 months:

Round 1: Chain 3, sc 6 in third chain from hook

Rnd 2: Chain 1, 2 sc in each stitch, join. (12 stitches)

Rnd 3: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 1 sc in next* repeat till end, join.

(18 stitches)

Rnd 4: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 2 sc* repeat till end, join. (24

stitches)

Rnd 5: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 3 sc* repeat till end, join. (30

stitches)

Rnd 6: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 4 sc* repeat till end, join. (36

stitches)

Rnd 7: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 5 sc* repeat till end, join. (42

stitches)

Rnd 8: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 6 sc* repeat till end, join. (48

stitches)

Rnd 9: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 7 sc* repeat till end, join. (54

stitches)

Rnd 10: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 8 sc* repeat till end, join. (60

stitches)

Rounds 11-17: Chain, 2, dc every stitch, join.

Rnd 18: Switch to A, chain 1, sc all around, join.

Round 19: Switch to B, chain 3, trc all around, join.

Round 20: Switch to A, Chain 1, sc in each stitch, join. Do not cut

yarn.

Round 21: Switch to B, Chain 2, dc in each stitch in next 27

stitches, tie off yarn, and cut. Pick up color A, and sc along edge

of dc brim, tie off yarn and cut.

Weave in ends. Sew on buttons on either side of brim.

12 – 2T:

Round 1: Chain 3, sc 6 in third chain from hook

Rnd 2: Chain 1, 2 sc in each stitch, join. (12 stitches)

Rnd 3: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 1 sc in next* repeat till end, join.

(18 stitches)

Rnd 4: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 2 sc* repeat till end, join. (24

stitches)

Rnd 5: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 3 sc* repeat till end, join. (30

stitches)

Rnd 6: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 4 sc* repeat till end, join. (36

stitches)

Rnd 7: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 5 sc* repeat till end, join. (42

stitches)

Rnd 8: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 6 sc* repeat till end, join. (48

stitches)

Rnd 9: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 7 sc* repeat till end, join. (54

stitches)

Rnd 10: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 8 sc* repeat till end, join. (60

stitches)

Rnd 11: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 9 sc* repeat till end, join. (66

stitches)

Rounds 12-19: Chain 2, dc every stitch, join.

Rnd 20: Switch to A, chain 1, sc all around, join.

Round 21: Switch to B, chain 3, trc all around, join.

Round 22: Switch to A, Chain 1, sc in each stitch, join. Do not cut

yarn.

Round 23: Switch to B, Chain 2, dc in each stitch in next 30

stitches, tie off yarn, and cut. Pick up color A, and sc along edge

of dc brim, tie off yarn and cut.

Weave in ends. Sew on buttons on either side of brim.

3T- PLUS:

Round 1: Chain 3, sc 6 in third chain from hook

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each stitch, join. (12 stitches)

Rnd 3: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 1 sc in next* repeat till end, join.

(18 stitches)

Rnd 4: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 2 sc* repeat till end, join. (24

stitches)

Rnd 5: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 3 sc* repeat till end, join. (30

stitches)

Rnd 6: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 4 sc* repeat till end, join. (36

stitches)

Rnd 7: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 5 sc* repeat till end, join. (42

stitches)

Rnd 8: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 6 sc* repeat till end, join. (48

stitches)

Rnd 9: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 7 sc* repeat till end, join. (54

stitches)

Rnd 10: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 8 sc* repeat till end, join. (60

stitches)

Rnd 11: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 9 sc* repeat till end, join. (66

stitches)

Rnd 12: *Chain 1, 2 sc in stitch, 10 sc* repeat till end, join. (66

stitches)

Rounds 13- 20: Chain 2, dc every stitch, join.

Rnd 21: Switch to A, chain 1, sc all around, join.

Round 22: Switch to B, chain 3, trc all around, join.

Round 23: Switch to A, Chain 1, sc in each stitch, join. Do not cut

yarn.

Round 24: Switch to B, Chain 2, dc in each stitch in next 33

stitches, tie off yarn, and cut. Pick up color A, and sc along edge

of dc brim, tie off yarn and cut.

Weave in ends. Sew on buttons on either side of brim.

Optional Tassel for top:

Chain 15. Cut yarn, leaving about a 5-inch tail. Do NOT tie off.

Then wrap yarn several times around a piece of cardboard

approximately 1 inch wide. Cut along on side of the yarn. Take

your trimmed yarn and weave through live stitch on end of your

chain, making sure they are all even. Tighten stitch and then

take tail and wrap several times around tassel. Knot it so that it

cannot come loose any trim any excess yarn.

Put on a cute little man and enjoy!

download now

Pattern & images © 2010 Amy Caroline.

Yarn Along ~ March 16, 2011

2011-03-16T23:58:00.000-07:00

OK! So the picture is no good, but... you can see I am starting something new. I am making some Unmentionables! Shhh...

Rose has asked me to make these for her for years, so I finally decided I swallow my fear of big projects and take the plunge! So, wish me luck!

I am also reading Letters of a Homesteader Woman on my Nook! I got my Nook for my birthday and was so excited. I really love it. I got this book and some others for FREE!

Did you know you can get Nook and/or a Kindle download for you iPhone, iPad, or iTouch? For freeeeee?? It is smaller of course, but I started reading this book on my phone before I got my Nook.

Anyway, having one of these readers really is great for taking places. And I lost my Everyday Saint book so I just open up Saint Anthony's Saint of the Day on my Nook and read it to the kids. Also, you can download PDF's! They really are worth every penny.

Ok, enough about my Nook. Sorry, it is my new toy!

For more Yarn Along's visit Small Things!!

The Holy Family

2011-03-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

The Holy Family

This crochet pattern collection includes the patterns for:

Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus!

To purchase these patterns, click this link:

$10.00

Please wait 24 - 48 hours for delivery into your email account.
Thank you!!

How to Crochet ~ Yes You Can!

2011-03-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

I have been playing with yarn for about 7 years now. I attempted to learn to knit when I was a very wee thing but I lacked the patience. In fact, I still lack a lot of patience! I have been doing crochet for 7 years and knitting for almost 5 years. I tend to make a lot of small projects, like baby clothes and toys (due to the aforementioned lack of patience!).

Today I am going to try and teach you the most basic crochet stitch there is:

the single crochet stitch (sc).

With this you can make headbands, potholders, scarves, washcloths, and yes, even a baby blanket!

Here is what you need:

Some worsted weight yarn (you can use a nice cotton yarn and make a washcloth or an inexpensive yarn to start and make anything you want!)
A size G crochet hook
Scissors
Yarn needle

Note:

A square is a great place to start. You can do anything with this. You can make a washcloth if you sue cotton yarn for your kitchen or bathroom. Or you can make several squares and make a blanket.

First you have to make a slip-stitch. This is the beginning of any crochet (or knit) project. Since this is easier to show you than to try and explain, I had my thirteen year old daughter make a little video to show you:

Now you will make a chain.

Loop yarn over your hook and pull through the last stitch. Repeat until you have about 30 stitches.

Now you are going to start working back through the chains you just made.

Slip your hook through the second stitch from hook. Snag the yarn and pull through the stitch.

You should now have 2 strands on your hook. Snag the yarn again and pull it through these two strands. You just did it. You made a single crochet stitch!

Repeat this until you get to the end of your chain (this should be 29 stitches).

When you have made your last sc make another chain stitch and turn.

Now these stitches will look different from your chain row. Instead of slipping through one strand of yarn you are going to slip your hook through two stitches that reside on the top of your sc row. They look kind of like a little "v."

Slip your hook under the first little "v" next to your hook. Snag the live yarn, pull through. You know have two stitches on your hook. Snag the yarn again and pull through two loops.

Do this several more times until you have a total of 30 more rows. Now you need to cut your yarn.

With hook still in your live stitch, snag the yarn you just cut and pull it all the way through the loop, making a knot.

Take new tail and thread onto yarn needle. Weave needle through a few of the last stitches made and pull through. Cut excess yarn.

Voila! A single crochet square. Imagine the possibilities! How about that baby blanket? Make some more (try different colors!) and sew them together.

This is only a beginning to some great possibilities. Start small and do not overwhelm yourself. There are so many great places to find inspiration, like Ravelry (my username is knt2gthr). Ravelry is a great community of crochet and knitting fanatics, from beginners to experts. It is full of free patterns and groups that can offer you tons of help. Most yarn addicts LOVE talking their craft and would more than love to help you in any way they can!

Good luck and don't give up! The possibilities truly are as vast as your imagination. The most important thing is to have fun!

The Fatima Collection

2011-02-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

Our Lady of Fatima is very important to our family, in fact she is our patron! Not only are we Portuguese but we have a deep love for the story of the three children who saw Our Lady in a cova nearly one hundred years ago.

I was rocking my little baby one day and looked up at a picture of Our Lady hanging on the wall and I was struck. Why hadn't I made a doll of her yet? What was wrong with me?!?!

So, that afternoon I started planning.

Our Lady of Fatima is only the beginning of these plans.

I am so excited and happy to introduce to you:

The Fatima Collection

In this collection of patterns you will receive the crochet directions to make Our Lady of Fatima, Francisco, Lucia, Jacinta, and a sun pillow!

$10.00 for all 5 patterns!

Please wait 24 - 48 hours for delivery into your email account.
Thank you!!

For more information about Our Lady of Fatima and the children who saw her, please visit EWTN's page: FATIMA.

Free Pattern!! Child's Lacy Head Scarf

2011-02-13T12:19:00.000-08:00

A few years ago my mother in law made a lovely head scarf for my daughter. It was so adorable and looked so precious on her. It was perfect for her to wear to mass as a chapel veil as well!

The other day I talked her into writing the pattern down! So now she has asked me to share it with all of you!

CHILD’S LACY HEAD SCARF

Fits about an average size little girl.

You will need:

Size 7 crochet hook

Size 10 crochet thread

White, red, pink, light purple, blue and med. Green

Row 1: White thread, ch 145, sc in 8^th chain from hook, ch 5, skip 3 ch, sc in next sp, across, turn. 35 ch 5 spaces

Row 2: slide to center of first ch 5 space. Ch 5, sc in center of next loop across, turn. 34 ch 5 spaces

Row 3: slide to center of first ch 5 space. Ch 5, sc in center of next loop, across, turn. 33 ch 5 spaces

Row 4-35: continue as above, decreasing 1 loop every row, creating a triangle having 1 loop at the bottom. Fasten off.

Edging

Row 1: attach white thread in first loop. Ch 3, 3 dc in first loop. 4 dc in the next loop around with 8 dc in each corner.

Row 2: ch 3, dc in each dc across top. On both sides, shell stitch (6 tc with ch 1 between each tc), skip 3 dc and sc in 4^th stitch, skip 3 dc and shell in next stitch.

Row 3: sc in each dc across top. Continue on each side with ch 3, sc in each ch 1 space of shell. Fasten off.

Ties (make 2)

ch 80, dc in each ch across. Sew to the top of scarf on each side.

Roses

Red, pink, purple, blue. Make 2 of each color.

Ch 25, loosly. Sc in 2^nd ch from hook, (1 dc, 2 tc, 1 dc) in next ch stitch, sc in next ch stitch. Continue though chain leaving 6 inches of thread. Fasten off.

Next roll the chain into a rose shape and sew the bottom to hold shape.

Leaf

Med. Green. Make 1 for every rose. Ch 15, dc in 4^th ch and in each ch across. Fasten off

Place rose over leaf and sew in place at the top of scarf.

Yarn Along ~ February 2, 2010

2011-02-01T23:52:00.001-08:00

Happy Groundhog's Day, y'all!

I have slimmed my projects down after my chaotic mess last week. Don't think that I am down to one though. There is still too much going on. But it has been paired down. In fact there is one project I am really excited about... I mean really excited! I can't wait to share it with you all, but I am not going to yet. It is going to be pretty big and I have only finished one part of it! So you will have to wait for that!

What I will share with you, is that Lily and I started work on a gift for a dear little friend who is having a birthday next week. Lily designed some fingerless gloves for her and I am working on a matching hat!

On second thought, I am not going to show you much more... after all it is a gift!
Ha ha, so I am being very cryptic this week.

As for reading there hasn't been much of that going on, I am sad to report. Too busy, sigh. So I am still reading Rebecca and not far into it at all. I love the writing and the story, just no time to escape and read it. I am not one of those people who can read with the TV going or other people talking. That is one talent I wish I had! Though, I am not sure if it is really a good thing to be able to shut out the world while reading... but I don't care. I wish I could do it. That and knit and crochet while in the car... not driving, silly, but riding. I am not that crazy... well....

ANYWAY, for more fantastic yarn along's, check out Ginny's blog: Small Things.

Free Rosy Cozy Baby Cocoon!

2011-01-26T23:55:00.000-08:00

I have decided to go ahead and give you all this pattern! It is similar to my other cocoon pattern but this one has a lovely rose I -cord, perfect for any little rosebud!

Rosy Cozy

Knit Together Designs by Amy Caroline

 2010

Supplies:

2 skeins Universal Classic Worsed LP in Rose Garden

Green worsted weight warn

Pink worsted weight yarn

1 pair of size 11 circular needles, 16 inches long

4 size 5 dpns

Gauge:

6 stitches per inch

Body:

Cast on 80.

Join in round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Mark the beginning

of the round and knit for two inches.

Purl one row.

Knit two rows.

K1, yo, knit 2 together, repeat till end of row.

Knit 2 rows.

Purl 1 row.

Knit till cozy is about 22 inches from cast-on row.

Purl one row.

Knit two rows.

K1, yo, knit 2 together, repeat till end of row.

Knit 2 rows.

Purl 1 row.

Knit for 2 more inches

Purl one row.

Knit two rows.

K1, yo, knit 2 together, repeat till end of row.

Knit 2 rows.

Purl 1 row.

Knit 2 rows.

Picot Edge:

K 1, slip stitch back on left needle, cast on 2 stitches, then bind off 4

stitches. Repeat to end of row.

Rose I-cord:

Using 2 size 5 dpns, cast on 6 stitches and work an i-cord for about 15

inches.

Kfb every stitch in round. (12 stitches).

Separate onto three dpns (4 stitches on each needle) and knit in round for

three rounds.

For the petals, work back in forth on each needle:

Knit.

Purl.

Kfb each stitch on needle (8 stitches).

Purl.

Knit.

Purl.

Knit 2 together, K to last 2 stitches, ssk.

Purl.

Knit 2 together, K to last 2 stitches, ssk.

Purl.

Knit 2 together. Bind off.

Repeat on other two needles.

The Rose:

Cast on 12 stitches on size 5 needles.

Knit.

Purl.

Kfb in each stitch (24 stitches).

Purl.

Knit.

Purl.

Kfb in each stitch (48 stitches).

Purl.

Cast off.

Twist into rose shape. Then pull the tail from the cast off row down

through the center of the rose and tie it to the tail from the cast on row.

Nestle rose into the center of the three leaves on the i-cord and sew in

place.

Then weave i-cord through the second set of fence posts (yarn-overs ;)).

Leaves:

For an added touch knit several leaves and sew onto body of the cozy in

various places. You can also make some roses to sew on too.

To make the leaves:

Cast on 4 stitches.

Knit.

Purl.

Kfb each stitch on needle (8 stitches).

Purl.

Knit.

Purl.

Knit 2 together, K to last 2 stitches, ssk.

Purl.

Knit 2 together, K to last 2 stitches, ssk.

Purl.

Knit 2 together. Bind off.

download now

Yarn Along ~ January 26, 2010 & An Update on Daisy

2011-01-26T13:52:00.001-08:00

overflowing basket of yarnie goodness...

There are so many things on my needles, I am not sure I could possibly show you all of them! I am making a hat for a friend off at the Air Force Academy, I making leg warmers for Rose, something in the works for Buckaroo, and now, I suddenly realized just how fast Daisy's 12 year birthday is coming upon me!

Yikes! Think I need to finish some things, huh?

I am also reading Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier. I love the movie and have tried to read the book before... in fact almost finished it but for some reason never did... I am also slowly working my way through Large Family Logistics. I was going through a bit of a stressful time and felt nothing like the Proverbs 31 woman and wondered if I ever would again! But now I am feeling more under control and am back into the book!

Don't forget to head over to Ginny's and see the other yarn alongs!

**I also want to thank you so much for all your prayers for Daisy. It looks like very soon we will be heading north for her surgery. The right side of her heart is swollen from the over abundance of blood on that side and so the doctor recommends having the procedure done that will close the hole in her heart. I have to say she took the news far better than I did. She had no questions, smiled at the doctor and then told me in the car, as soon as we were leaving, that she wanted to make sure we got a hotel with a pool when we went up for the procedure.

I am in awe of how brave she is. She even told her sisters she wasn't afraid at all.

Yarn Along ~ January 19, 2010

2011-01-19T10:49:00.001-08:00

This is really a terrible picture, but this morning has been stressful... ok, this week, lol. So this is as good as it gets!

So here you will see my library book Her Fearful Symmetry. So far it is pretty good. I am not that far in it yet, but I am still reading it, lol, so that is a good sign!

You will also see the pixie hat for Sweet Pea I have been working on forever. And a pair of legwarmers (well, one of them anyway) that I am working on for Rose. I am making up the pattern myself and hope to offer it free here... if I ever finish it, lol. So keep coming back to see. They are really blurry, but the ribbing will fold over and there is... yes, a little owl on there... can you see it? Probably not.

I also HAD to add that little disc up there in the corner. Do you see it? Do you know what it is? Oh yeah, it is DOCTOR WHO, Season 5. The new guy is no David Tennent... but who is? The filmography on this (so far) is not only excellent but beautiful. The use of color is superb! I can't even begin to tell you. The bold blue wallpaper, the little girls red boots and red hair... so pretty! We were all excited when it came in the mail yesterday. We all hunkered down and put it in and laughed and smiled and "Gross!"ed all together (minus the little ones, of course, who were nicely tucked into bed). And, of course, I like the new sidekick... after all her name is Amy.

Fish sticks and custard, anyone?

To see more yarn alongs visit Ginny at Small Things!

Yarn Along ~ January 5, 2010

2011-01-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here is the Milo I have been working away on. You can see that it is no longer red. That is because I pulled it all out and started again. I didn't like the way the yarn felt. Call me silly. I know, I am. Anyway, this yarn is so divine, and will look ADORABLE on Sweet pea. I am doing the owl cable on it and a totally enamored by it!

See the owl??

I am also working through the Grace Based Parenting. I just haven't had much time for reading this last week! I also skimmed though my new book that I heard about on Jessica's blog, Large Family Logistics. I read through some of it last night and woke up this morning feeling renewed and ready to take on the day. So that is always a plus!

You can see more Yarn Alongs at Ginny's blog Small Things.

A Forest Scene

2011-01-02T13:41:00.000-08:00

Since our trip to the Oregon Caves last October, Rogue has been longing to be a park ranger. Of course at mass he told me he wants to be a priest, but that is the beauty of being young, no? When you are seven it is possible to be a firefighting park ranger priest who runs a restaurant where all the food is free, oh yeah, and you can fly too.

This morning the little one started cutting out trees and coloring them. So I broke out one of the many boxes I have from Amazon (lol) and some construction paper. I cut down the sides and with some glue and some tape made this:

The kids then glued their trees into the scene.

And within no time they had a new place for their wooden saint dolls to play!

Lily Collection: Beautiful Braids Fingerless Gloves

2010-12-29T15:38:00.000-08:00

Lily, my 13 year old knit and crochet designer, has been hard at work on her latest fingerless glove pattern! So, without further ado, how about some cables?

Beautiful Braids Fingerless Gloves~

By: Lily

Materials:

Size 7 straight needles

1 size 7 dpn (or cable needle)

Vanna White Worsted Weight Yarn: Fern

2 medium sized buttons

Left Hand Glove:

CO 35

Row 1: K1, P1, K1 across

Row 2: P1, K1, P1 across

Row 3: Same as Row 1

Row 4: P1, K1, P1 across until last 4 sts. YO, K2tog, P1, K1

Row 5: Same as Row 1

Row 6: Same as Row 2

Row 7: K9, P2, CB4, CB4, P2, K14

Row 8: P14, K2, P8, K2, P9

Row 9: K9, P2, K2, CF4, K2, P2, K14

Repeat Rows 7-9 until you have 5 ½ inches of work (including the rib work). Bind Off.

Finishing Off:

Sew down the seam of the glove, leaving the rib work open. Sew a button across from the buttonhole you made on the 4^th row.

Right Hand Glove:

CO 35.

Row 1: K1, P1, K1 across

Row 2: P1, K1, P1 across

Row 3: Same as Row 1

Row 4: P1, K1, YO, K2tog. *P1, K1, P1* repeat from * to * across.

Row 5: Same as Row 1.

Row 6: Same as Row 2

Row 7: K14, P2, Cb4, CB4, P2, K9

Row 8: P9, K2, P8, K2, P14

Row 9: K14, P2, K2, CF4, K2, P2, K9

Repeat Rows 7-9 until you have 5 ½ inches of work (including the rib work). Bind Off.

Finish Off the same way as the Left Glove.

Yarn Along ~ December 29, 2010

2010-12-29T09:36:00.001-08:00

I know there is no official yarn Along this week, but it is too late. I already took the picture, so there.

The yarn looks very very red, I think it was the lighting and me trying to fix it, ok, I know that is why. I finished Hubby's hat last night and was not all that happy with it. He seems to like it, but he loves me.

The new project is a vest. I downloaded the pattern months ago thinking I would make matching yet different vests for the 4 youngest kids. It is called the Milo. It is terribly cute and Lily and I seem to be all about the cables here lately.

The book is called Grace Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel. I am only through chapter 2 and I am not sure exactly how I feel about it. It challenges me and that is good no? Poor Outlander got pushed aside. I seem to be reading a lot of non-fiction lately, which is not like me. Non-fiction and knitting magazines, lol. I found Kimmel's book as I was leaving the library the other day. PIcked it up on a whim, but I do like it.

This part really got me:

"There is one person who, if you handed him a piece of paper and a pen, would be able to write out all the answers to the three driving inner needs (of your children) perfectly. His name is...

Satan." (page 24)

Oh crust. He hit that nail on the head, huh? Anyway, it made me think. The book has challenged me and some of my thoughts on parenting, though I think (so far) he is right. The idea to love your children as God loves us is simply and quite perfect.

So there you go, my yarn along that wasn't official, but here all the same! There aren't anymore at Ginny's blog, but you can go over there and see what her baby is! Congrats Ginny and family!!

Yarn Along ~ December 22, 2010

2010-12-22T10:04:00.001-08:00

For this week's yarn along I am sharing with you a hat I am making up as I go. It is for Hubby in merino wool. Very soft! It is a simple cable repeat. Not sure how happy I am with it. We will see. I would really like for once to make Hubby something decent, lol.

As for reading, I have picked up a copy of Outlander from the library after seeing it on so many blogs the other week. But I have had little time for reading more than kid's books! So here are just two of our favorites that we will be reading these days leading up to Christmas, The Crippled Lamb and Room for a Little One ... can you believe it is only 3 days away???

For more Yarn Alongs, visit Ginny!

Tasty Tuesday: Cookies, Cookies, Cookies!

2010-12-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

The holidays have got me thinking about cookies. Lots and lots of cookies.

So for this installment of City Wife, Country Life's Tasty Tuesday I thought I would post some links to a few of my cookie recipes up here on the blog and share a new one, I am working on.

Amy Caroline's Oatmeal Spice

Peanut Butter Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

I have no pictures of this cookie but wanted to share with you the recipe for a very yummy cookie a friend gave me years ago.

No Bake Cookies

2 cups sugar

1 stick butter (1/2 cup)

1-3 Tablespoons of cocoa powder (depends on your mood or desire, lol)

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup peanut butter (crunchy or creamy)

2 cups oats

Bring first 4 ingredients to a boil for about 2 minutes. Take off heat and add vanilla and peanut butter. Once combined add oats. Drop onto wax paper to cool and harden.

Yarn Along ~ December 15, 2010

2010-12-15T10:35:00.001-08:00

Boy, I am dying here, people. I can't seem to get a routine going with anything. So as you can imagine there is not much reading going on. We have been reading a lot of picture books, but not much mom reading for mom time.

SO, here is the blanket I have been working on forever for Sweet Pea. Forever meaning since before she was born. I figured it will make a good Christmas present. I am almost done with the gifts, too!

So here is some Granny goodness for you all...

I am working on the trim now. I will finish the round in purple, I have another in a really lovely blue color, then a scalloped pink edging. Maybe tonight? We will see...

Happy Feast of Saint Lucy!

2010-12-13T09:46:00.000-08:00

Today is one of our favorite feast days! We will be eating Lucy bread, reading great books, and coloring!

We will be reading Lucia and the Light and Lucia, Saint of Light.

You can find the recipe for the Lucia braided bread recipe here at Family Fun.

There is a great coloring page over at Waltzing Matilda and if you would like... I made one too! It is just a silly little thing, but fun. You can download it here: Saint Lucy.

Our Christmas List

2010-12-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

This year will not be 100% handmade like last year. I hate to admit but it almost killed me.

Of course it will be pretty close!

I won't share with you any of the things that I am planning for the big kids, since they tend to read things on this blog just when I think they won't!

For Buckaroo

There will be handmade hats for all! During my bed rest (I am doing much better, I am still not able to do everything I would like to... you know, like bed over, but hey, at least I can go to mass and visit with friends) I worked a lot on my hat patterns. So new Rogue caps for the boys. You have even seen Rogue and Buckaroo's new hats:

For Rogue

I am also hoping to whip out some matching Rosalie caps for Buttercup and Sweet Pea. I am going to do the main blue color you see in Buckaroo's cap with red roses. I made one of these up for a friend and it was adorable!

Our Lady of Fatima and Saint Dominic discussing the joys of praying the Rosary in the turret of the princess castle

There will be plenty of wooden dolls to go with their Melissa and Doug Princess Castle, Wooden Castle, and Barn. These toys have been one of the best purchases we have made! I can't tell you how many hours of joy the little ones have had with these!

Sweet Pea will be getting this fairy doll, which isn't finished yet

Buttercup will be getting a certain mouse I am knitting from this little book.

There will be a buddy to go with Harry for Rogue.

I am also hoping to make a doll for Buckaroo too. Not sure which saint it will be yet!

And Rogue, Buttercup, and Buckaroo will each get a crown too!

I am also hoping to get some great books and art supplies for ALL the kids.

Well, better stop blogging and getting to work... Only 21 days till Christmas!

Yarn Along ~ December 1, 2010

2010-12-01T14:21:00.001-08:00

Well this week I am finishing up a new pattern! A fairy doll for Sweet Pea...

shhh, don't tell her the dolly is for her.

I have also started working on the mouse from Phoebe's Sweater, thanks to inspiration from Ginny! That will be for Buttercup!

Take that dolly hair!

I am also reading How to Raise An Amazing Child The Montessori Way. I am really loving this book and it really has me thinking. Poor Jane Eyre has been set aside while I greedily read through this other book!

For more Yarn Alongs visit Ginny at Small Things!

Ohhhh Boy!

2010-11-30T18:37:00.000-08:00

There is something about ordering yarn and then having it arrive in the mail...

Although, every inch of this is intended for other people, the yarn itself is a present for me too!

So much potential, so many future hours of joy...

Tis the season...

Which begs me to ask what goodies are you crafting this Advent?

The Rogue Cap Updated!

2010-11-24T16:39:00.000-08:00

I have ~~finally~~ updated The Rogue Cap! I am so excited about this and it even has a bit of a new look and new sizing too!

You can fine the new FREE pattern here:

The Rogue Cap

Tasty Tuesday: Parmesan Chicken

2010-11-23T11:03:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to post this forever! So here you go, so easy and so yummy...

Parmesan Chicken

Chicken breast or Thighs
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (you can use the canned stuff, I have. The fresh stuff, though, gives a slightly cheesier flavor... and I mean cheesier in the good way!)
Eggs
Salt and pepper

Break eggs into bowl and in another bowl places grated cheese and season with salt and pepper.

Dip chicken in eggs,

then in cheese.

Place in glass baking dish.

sorry, the photo is of kind dark... :)

Bake this at 400 degrees F, for about 45 minutes or until juices run clear. This is awesome with homemade marinara sauce.

Yup, it is that easy and ever so tasty!

The Fiona

2010-11-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

The latest crochet pattern from Knit Together Designs! This adorable hat fits sizes newborn to 4T. You won't believe the complements your little angel will get in this girly creation adorned with a huge Irish rose.

$5.00

Please allow 24-48 hours for the PDF to reach your email box!

Thank you!

Featuring: The Lily Collection's Zig~Zag Fingerless Gloves

2010-11-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

We have been wanting to update the photos for Lily's designs for awhile now, since our first photos did not come out right. So here you go enjoy Daisy posing in Lily's Zig~Zag Fingerless gloves!

For the FREE pattern, click here: Zig~Zag Fingerless Gloves

Lily Collection: Doctor Who's Fat Monster

2010-11-18T19:38:00.000-08:00

Well, Lily has done it again...

Anyone who watched Doctor Who will remember those adorable little fat monsters, can anyone say Super Nanny? Who could not adore these little bits of fat? So have one for your own without loosing a pound a flesh!

Doctor Who’s Fat Monster

A Knit Together Design: The Lily Collection

By Lily

 2010

Vanna White Yarn: White

Size “H” hook

Crochet Stitch marker

Body:

Chain 14 stitches.

Row one: sc all 14 st. Go onto the other side of work and sc the 14 sts.

Round 2-4: sc all stitches.

Rnd 5: sc all sts through back loop only

Sc 2 inches.

Next Rnd: sc through back loop only

Bind off.

Arms:

Make two

Chain 6

2^nd stitch from the hook: 4 sc in the st.

Next row: Chain one, 2 sc in the first st, sc to the last st; 2 sc in last st.

Next row: sc all stitches.

Bind off

Legs:

Make two

Chain 5

Second chain from hook: sc 4 stitch in the on stitch.

Next row: Chain one, 2 sc in first st, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st.

Stuff body and sew legs and arms one. Sew a face on it, and then its done!

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License

Homemade Advent Calendar

2010-11-17T13:47:00.000-08:00

photo credit The Royal Sisters

I have had a lot of time while sitting her on bedrest. And today, since I can actually sit up, I started thinking about things I ought to be crafting! I am panicked that Christmas is so close and I don't even think I am close to being ready.

I started thinking as I slowly worked my way through my Google Reader, that I ought to make something for the countdown to Christmas. And wouldn't it be grand if the kids helped me? And that is when I came across this: Grandma's Tree Tutorial. And then this: Grandma's Twinkle Tutorial.

I feel positively giddy!

Hopefully I will have something for you soon!

Yarn Along

2010-11-17T11:11:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to do one of these for the last few weeks and have missed out each time! I found Ginny's blog Small Things just two weeks ago and she creeped me out when I read her conversion story... we had quite a bit in common! It was trippy indeed to hear that I wasn't the only little girl who went to a Christian horseback riding camp, gave my heart to Jesus, and still felt like something was missing!

Since I am flat on my back and not able to do much crafting or photo taking, I really have nothing new to show. I can show you a picture of what I am working on, but it is an old photo.

So imagine all those squares crocheted together with a green border around it and then a row in that reddish color... Nestled prettily beside it is a copy of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, which I just finished last night. I really liked it! There was one or two things that were not necessary to the plot but all in all I really loved this glimpse into post WWII Britain.

So hopefully next week I will have something far more interesting for you! Until then...

The Rosy Baby Cozy Pattern

2010-11-13T10:22:00.000-08:00

This pattern is now FREE!!

Get it here: Rozy Cozy

Monk Hat

2010-10-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

So Rogue is going to be Saint Anthony for Halloween this year and instead of actually shaving his head into a monk 'do (you don't think I would do it?), I made a hat to give the illusion of a monk hairdo.

Doesn't he look happy?

Good now bend over and touch your toes!

Seriously, I am not torturing him...

If you are so inclined to make one, it is basically the Rogue Hat done in a skin color shade and brown. And the increases go up to: sc 2, sc 1 in the next 10 stitches. This will fit a child of about 7 or a 18 inch head!

A New Snuggy and Name Woes

2010-10-24T22:28:00.000-07:00

So I am currently working on a new design for a baby snuggy. It is very similar to my last design, but this will have a different girly twist. I am rather excited about it!

So, as for the woes... I have been working away on making new patterns and new designs. But the thing is, I have far more crochet patterns than knit. And I keep thinking, should I really be called Knit Together, when out of all my designs only one is knit.

I hope this will eventually change, but I am again thinking that Knit Together is not quite the "perfect" name.

Who knows, maybe I am being nuts again. I tend to crave change occasionally... which is not usually a good thing.

But sometimes it is...

Hmmm....

Indecisive Designs? ;)

Oatmeal Bake

2010-10-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

I have been using a certain recipe for Oatmeal bake for about a year now, but decided to change it up a bit. Then I figured, I would share it with you!

Since there are some people in this house that would rather eat dirt in this house than eat a bowl of oatmeal, this is a nice alternative. Everyone likes it and it make a ton, so even if you do not have a large family you can stick it in an air tight container and snack on it.

Oatmeal Bake

1 cup butter
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2/3 cup milk
1 Tablespoon vanilla
4 cups oats
3 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried raisins, cherries, or cranberries
shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Cream together butter and peanut butter. Add sugar and whip till fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and then vanilla.
In a separate bowl combine dry ingredients except dried fruit and coconut. Slowly add to wet ingredients. When fully combined add dried fruit.
Press into a buttered 10x15 pan. Helpful hint: wet down your hands. Sprinkle with shredded coconut and bake for 20-30 minutes.

This is so yummy with a tall glass of ice cold milk!

KTD: Saint Francis of Assisi

2010-09-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

presenting...

Saint Francis of Assisi

$5.00

Feast Day October 4th

Patron saint of:

against dying alone
against fire
animal welfare societies
animals
birds
ecology
environment
families
lace workers
merchants
needle workers
peace
tapestry workers
zoos
Italy
Assisi, Italy
Franciscan Order

For more about Saint Francis, click here.

Saint Anthony of Padua Pattern

2010-09-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

presenting...

Saint Anthony of Padua

$5.00

The Fiona Hat

2010-08-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

Another project done. I am a machine. I am a baby-making-yarn-wielding machine. Look out world! Lucky for you I work for good.

Ok, sorry... I think all the Tylenol and Tums are starting to affect my brain a little.

Someone Say Smoothies???

2010-08-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

We LOVE smoothies around here, so I thought I would share with you some of our favorites:

Strawberry
Fill blender to about 3/4 (a little less) with frozen strawberries. Fill with skim milk till completely covers fruit. Add 1-2 packets of Truvia.
Blend. If too thick add more milk. Once combined add about 5 ice cubes one at a time.
Serve!

Banana
First off I would like to say that I am not a big banana fan. Don't know why, I think it is the texture, but I really like this smoothie. I often take this one over the others!
Slice 2 frozen bananas and toss in blender. Add 2 Tablespoons of natural peanut butter and 1 Tablespoon finely ground flax seed. Fill blender to a little more than half with skim milk and blend. Once combined add, while blending, 8-10 ice cubes one at a time.
Serve!

Orange
You could almost claim this is a homemade orange drink that you can get at the mall... if you know what I mean. I got the original recipe here at: Catholic Cuisine but adapted it for our family, using 2 packets of Truvia instead of powdered sugar and usually forgetting the vanilla.

Free Pattern: Zig~Zag Fingerless Gloves

2010-08-11T09:32:00.001-07:00

This is a very special post, not because it is another pattern, or that it is FREE (don't you love that word?), but that it was written by my 13 year old daughter, who around here at Knit Together Designs, we call Lily!

So here you go, enjoy Lily's pattern!!

Zig~Zag Fingerless Gloves

~ Lily's Collection ~

Supplies:
Vanna White purple yarn
Size 4 double pointed needles
2 placeholders
Yarn needle

The Glove:
Using the long tail cast on method, cast on 36 stitches; each needle should have 12 stitches.
Round 1: K1, P1 around.
Continue K1 P1 rib for 4 more rounds.
You should have 5 rounds of K1, P1 rib.
Knit 2 rounds. Start stitch pattern.

Stitch Pattern:
Round 1: YO, SSK, K4. *YO, SSK, K4* Repeat  *to* around.
Round 2: Knit round.
Round 3: K1, *YO, SSK, K4* Repeat  *to* around.
Round 4: Knit round
Round 5: K2, *YO, SSK, K4* Repeat  *to* around.
Round 6: Knit round.
Round 7: K2, *Knit 2 together, YO, K4* Repeat  *to* around.
Round 8: Knit round
Round 9: K1, *knit 2 together, YO, K4 * Repeat  *to* around.
Round 10: Knit round
Round 11: *Knit 2 together, YO, K4* Repeat  *to* around.
Round 12: Knit round.

Thumb Gusset:
It is the same for both gloves.
Knit the 1^st round of the Stitch Pattern until last 4 stitches.
K1, place marker, K1, M1, k1, place marker, k1.
Next round: Knit round
Continue the Stitch Pattern until 1^st marker, K1, M1, k1, M1.
Next Round: Knit round
Continue Stitch pattern until third needle:
YO, SSK, K4, Slip marker, M1, K2, M1.
Continue in this manner until 13 stitches between markers.
Next Round: Continue stitch pattern until the first marker, slip marker, knit 13 stitches, slip marker.
Next Round: Continue stitch pattern until 1^st marker, take out marker, bind off 13 stitches, take out marker, K1.

Next Round: YO, SSK, K4. *YO, SSK, K4* Repeat  *to* around.
Next Round: Knit round
Next round: K1, *YO, SSK, K4* Repeat  *to* around.
Next round: Knit round
Next Round: K2, *YO, SSK, K4* Repeat  *to* around.
Next Round: Knit round
Next Round: K3, *Knit 2 together, YO, K4* Repeat  *to* around.
Next Round: Knit round.
Next Round: Work *K1, P1* rib for 5 rounds.
Bind off.  Weave in ends.

download now

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License

KTD: Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

2010-08-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

Presenting:

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

$5.00

This saint whose feast day is November 17th, is the patron saint of:
against in-law problems
against the death of children
against toothache
bakers
beggars
brides
charitable societies
charitable workers
charities
exiles
falsely accused people
homeless people
hospitals
lacemakers
lace workers
nursing homes
nursing services
people in exile
people ridiculed for their piety
and more!

For more info see here: Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

Please allow 24-48 hours for delivery to your email box!

Thank you!

KTD: Saint Margaret of Scotland

2010-08-10T09:05:00.001-07:00

I have been busily working on these patterns (since I can't do much else this pregnant!) and they are ready! I am so thrilled and hope you all will like them too.

Saint Margaret of Scotland

$5.00

This lovely saint, whose feast day is November 16th, is the patron saint of:
against the death of children
for learning
parents of large families
queens
Scotland
widows

For more info see: Saint Margaret of Scotland

If you ever have any problems or any questions please email me!

Please allow 24-48 hours for delivery to your email box!

Thank you!