Play Time

With only a couple of days before Eid, I did not feel like starting any major project. Also, I had observed my daughter's recent fascination with little cribs and an childhood doll of mine had outlasted her rocking crib. So I decided to make a cradle purse. The pattern I used was Cupcake cradle purse.

I did one extra row at the cupcake bottom to fit a slightly larger doll.

While at it, I also made a new dress and cap for the doll. My daughter is very happy with her new toy/purse.
Feeling a little guilty that I did not make anything for my son, I asked him if I should make him a car or something. And guess what, he also wants a cradle purse, LOL.

More Mittens

When I finished my Bronte's Mitts a few days ago, my son was rather taken with them. He took the pair to try on and I let him, thinking he will hand it over in a few minutes. He handed them back all right but those were all wet! It turned out, he was trying to block them, Lol. Well, I managed to dry them but he was still hovering around, so for the sake of my mitts' safety, I asked him if he would like a pair of his own. Affirmative. Now what goes for my son also has to go for his little sister and this brings me to this current FO.

I made these mitts for my daughter. This is a heavily modified version of Mouse Mittens. I left out the tail( lesser yarn for her to put in the mouth). I used yarn scrap for this project and it took one day to knit.
Next I have to make a pair of dinosaur mitts for my son. I will have to come up with a pattern of my own and I am thinking hard :) I have not shown my kids these ratty mitts yet as I want to finish the dino pair first and then give both the kids their mitts at the same time. Some time next week, inshallah!

On The Needles

I seem to have started a lot of projects at the same time. I am knitting a cardigan for my son. It is my own design. I still have done the back and right front. I am using a cable pattern down the middle of each front. The cardigan is going to have two pockets as well.

The other knitting project is a sweater for my daughter. It is the Pinwheel Sweater pattern. I am nearly done with the body. Have to do the egding and sleeves. The picture is an earlier one before the armholes were knit. The armhole instructions are a bit tricky, otherwise it is a straight-forward knit and quite quick too.

I am also doing a few gift projects in crochet. I will post details and photos later. In the coming week, I also plan to sew the sockbags for my contest(inshallah).

Cricket Pullover

I finished this pullover for my son in February, but was a bit slow in writing out the pattern. Here it is now, done and complete. I wanted something a little more grown up for my son, something more on the boyish side rather than the usual baby styles.It looks a lot like the kind of pullovers cricketers wear. Being in a cricket-crazy part of the world with my husband being a huge fan of the game, the most likely name to come to my mind was Cricket pullover.

Last Edit: November 13, 2012

CRICKET PULLOVER

Material:- Any Dk weight yarn or yarn that gets the right gauge (100%) dark green (MC)... approx 250gm, and 50gms each of pistachio green (CC2) and off-white (CC1).
- One pair each of straight needles size 3.50 mm and 4.00 mm and circular needles size 3.50 mm.
- Tapestry needle

Size:3 (4-5, 6-7) years

Finished measurements:

Chest: 26 (28, 30) inches
Length: 16 (18, 20) inches
Sleeve length: 11.25 (12.5, 14) inches

Tension:11 sts x 15 rows = 2 inches in st st with larger needles.

Abbreviations:CC: contrasting color.
ccb2: pass the next two sts onto the cable needle and hold at the back of the work, K the next 2 sts, k2 from the cable needle. (with practice, this cable can be done without a cable needle.
ssp: sl st purlwise.
PM: place marker.
M: marker.
MC: main color

Cable Pattern : (multiple of 12 sts)
Row 1 (RS): (K4, p2) repeat to the end.
Row 2 and all even no. rows (WS): work as set.
Row 3: (K4, p2, ccb2, p2), repeat to the end.
Row 4: as row 2.
Row 5: repeat row 1.
Row 6: as row 2.
These 6 rows make up the pattern.

BACK:
With 3.5 mm straight needles and Dark green (MC), cast on 72,(78, 84) sts. Work in k 2, p 2 rib for 16 rows.
Change to 4.00mm needles and off-white (CC1), work 4 rows in st st (starting with a k row) then join Pistachio green (CC2) and work 4 rows of st st in this color. Fasten off this yarn. Then with CC1, work another 4 rows in st st, increasing 6 (6, 8) sts evenly distributed across in the last row. [78 (84, 92) sts] Fasten off CC1 and continue in main color as follows:
Row 1: K.
Row 2: P
Row 3: K 1 (0, 2), work row 1 of the cable pattern 6 (7, 7) times, k 5 (0, 6).
Row 4: P 5 (0, 6), work row 2 of the cable pattern 6 (7, 7) times, p 1 (0, 2).
Continue in pattern as set until the piece measures 15.5 (17.5, 19.5) inches from the start, ending with a WS row.
Next row (RS): Work 35 (37, 41) sts in etablished pattern, cast off the next 8 (10, 10) sts, continue in pattern till the end of the row. Joining yarn to the right half, work both halves simultaneously as follows:
Next row (WS): Work as set. Next 2 rows: Cast off 5 (6, 7) sts at the neck margin on both sides.[ 30( 31, 34)] sts on both sides. Next 2 rows: Cast off 5 (5, 6) sts over the next two rows.[25 (26, 28)] sts on both halves). Work 2 more rows. Bind off.

FRONT:Work as for back until the piece measures 9.5 (11, 12.5) inches, ending with a WS row.
Neck Shaping:Next row (RS): Continuing in pattern, work till the 2 centre sts, cast these off, work to the end.
Join another ball of yarn and work both sides simultaneously.
Next row (WS): Work as set.
Dec 1 st at the neck margin on both sides in the next row and then in every alternate row, a total of 13 (15, 17) times. [52 (26, 28) sts remain]
Continue in pattern until the front matches back in length, bind off.

SLEEVES (make 2):
With 3.5 mm straight needles and Dark green (MC), cast on 38 (42, 46) sts. Work in k2, p2 rib for 16 rows.
Change to 4.00mm needles and off-white (CC1), work 4 rows in st st (starting with a k row) then join Pistachio green (CC2) and work 4 rows of st st in this color. Fasten off this yarn. Then with CC1, work another 4 rows in st st, increasing 4 sts evenly distributed across in the last row.[42 (46, 50 sts)]. Fasten off CC1 and continue in main color as follows:
Row 1: K.
Row 2: P
Row 2:  K1 (3, 0), work row 1 of the cable pattern 3 (3, 4) times, k 5 (7 , 2). Continue in pattern as set, increasing 1 st at both ends of every 4 ( 4, 5)th row, 17 times. [76, (80, 80 sts)]. Note: work the increased sts in st st. Continue in pattern until the piece measures 11.25 (12.5, 14) inches from the start, ending with a WS row, bind off.
FINISHING:
Neckband:
Join right shoulder seam. With 3.5 mm circular needles and CC1 (RS facing), join yarn, pick up and knit 41(43, 45) stitches down the left neck front, PM (place marker), K1 at the front center, PM, pick up and knit 42(44,46) sts across the right neck front and 30 sts across the back. [114(118, 122) sts]
Row 2 (WS): P till 2 sts before the marker, p2tog, sk marker, p1, sk marker, ssp (slip st purlwise), p to the end.
Row 3: K till 2 sts before marker, ssk, M(marker), k1, M, k2tog, k to end.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 three times (i.e. 6 more rows), working initial three rows in CC2 and the last three rows in CC1 again.
Join MC and repeat row 2 once, then work in k2,p2 rib for 5 rows, working decreases before the 2 markers as before (k center st on RS and p on WS). Bind off loosely in rib.

Sew together the left shoulder seam and the sleeves and side seams. Weave in the loose ends.

[1]
© copyright ummeyusuf , 2008 http://ummeyusuf.blogspot.com/
This pattern is for personal, non-profit use only.

Peach Blossoms

When I bought this yarn to make a sweater for my daughter, I thought of flowers,blossoms to be exact. Also I thought of a turtle neck and a scalloped border to dres it up a little. So that's how I started and came up with this. It has blossoms all over the front with a plain back and sleeves and a turtle neck with back opening which makes changing of clothes easier. I have also made a matching cap to round off the outfit. I am really happy the way it turned out and so I decided to share the pattern. My only advice, read carefully through the pattern first. Notify me about mistakes if any. (I will try to get a better pic tomorrow)

PEACH BLOSSOMS

Material:
· Bambino DK 5-ply yarn (100 gm+300 meters/ ball) 2 balls or any yarn that gets the correct gauge
· Knitting needles size 3.50 mm and 4.00 mm
· Tapestry needle
· Matching buttons 3

Size: 2-3 years

Finished measurements: chest 24 inches Length 15 inches

Gauge: 10 sts x 14 rows = 2 inches in st st with 4.00mm needles

Special abbreviations:
C2BP: Sl next st to cable needle and leave at back of work; k1 then p1 from cn.
C2FP: Sl next st to cable needle and leave in front of work; p1 then k1 from cn.
Bobble: work 4 sts (k,p,k,p)into this st,turn and knit one row on these 4 sts, turn and k4tog.

Blossoms pattern: worked on multiples of( 7+7)sts.
Row 1(RS): P2, k3, p9.
Row 2(WS): work as set.
Row 3: P1, C2BP, k1, C2FP, P8.
Row 4: work as set.
Row 5: C2BP, p1, k1,p1,C2FP,p7.
Row 6:work as set.
Row 7:Bobble,p2,k1,p2,Bobble,p7.
Row 8:k10,p1,k3.
Row 9: P3,bobble,p10.
Row 10: K
Row 11: P
Row 12: K
Row 13: P9, k3, p2.
Row 14: work as set.
Row 15: P8, C2BP, k1, C2FP, P1.
Row 16: work as set.
Row 17: P7, C2BP, p1, k1,p1,C2FP.
Row 18: work as set.
Row 19: P7, Bobble,p2,k1,p2,Bobble.
Row 20:K3,p1,k10.
Row 21:P3, Bobble, p10.
Row 22: K
Row 23: P
Row 24: K
These 24 rows form the pattern.

Pullover:
Back:
With 4.00 mm needles cast on 68 sts.
Row 1(WS): knit.
Row 2(RS): *K2tog,inc 1 st in the next st, k2,increase 1 st in next st , k2tog*, repeat from * to * till 4 st remains,k2tog, inc 1 st in tht next st, k1.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 twice. These six rows form the rib.
Now work in st st, starting with a P row, at the same time decreasing one st at both ends of every 14th row, 4 times.(60 sts) Work a total of 69 rows or until the piece measures 10 inches from the beginning.
Continuing to work in st st, cast of 2 sts at the beginning of next 2 rows, then cast off 1 st at the beg of next 4 rows.(52 sts) Work even for a total of 82 rows in st st, ending with a K row.
Next row( divide for the button band):
P 25, put these sts on a needle holder, bind off next 2 sts, P to the end.
Working on the last 25 sts, continue to work in st st till the back measures 15 inches from the beginning. Bind off.
Now transfer the s5 sts from the needle holder, join yarn and knit equal number of rows in st st on this side as well. Bind off.

Front:
With 4.00 mm needles cast on 68 sts.
Row 1(WS): knit.
Row 2(RS): *K2tog,inc 1 st in the next st, k2,increase 1 st in next st , k2tog*, repeat from * to * till 4 st remains,k2tog, inc 1 st in the next st, k1.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 twice. These six rows form the rib.
From the next row, start working in the Blossoms pattern as follows:
Row 1: P3, work row 1 of the pattern(4 +1/2 times) until 2 sts remain, p2.
Row 2 : work as set.
Row 3: P3, work row 3 of the pattern(4 +1/2 times) until 2 sts remain, p2.
And so on. Continue working in this manner for 72 rows, AT THE SAME TIME, decrease 1 st at both ends of every 14th row, 4 times(60 sts)
Shape armholes:
Bind off 2 sts in the beg of next 2 rows while continuing to work in pattern as set and then decrease 1 st at the beg of next 4 rows.(52 sts)
Work further 6 rows in pattern.
Next row: P4, k3, p11,k3,p4,k2,p5,k3,p11,k3,p3.
Next row: K3,p3,k11,p3,k4,p4,k3,p3,k11,p3,k4.
Next row: P3, C2BP, k1, C2FP, P9, C2BP,k1,C2FP,p1,k6,p2, C2BP, k1, C2FP, P9, C2BP,k1,C2FP,p2.
Next row: K2, (p1, k1) twice, p1,k9, (p1,k1) twice, p1, k1, p8, (p1,k1) twice, p1, k9, (p1,k1) twice, p1, k3.
Next row:P2, C2BP, p1, k1, p1, C2FP, P7, C2BP, p1, k1, p1, k10, p2, k1, p1, C2FP, p7, C2BP, p1, k1,p1, C2FP,p1.
Next row: K1, p1, (k2, p1) twice, k7, p1, k2, p1, k1, p13, k2, p1 , k7, p1, (k2,p1) twice, k2.
Next row: P2, Bobble, p2,k1,p2,Bobble, p7, Bobble,p2, k15, p2, Bobble, p7,Bobble, p2, k1, p2, Bobble, p1.
Next row: K4, p1, k12, p17, K12, p1, k5.
Next row: P5, Bobble, p11, k19 , p11, Bobble, p4.
Next row: K15, p21, k16.
Shape neck:
Next row: P15, K8, put the next 6 sts on a holding needle, turn and work on the first 23 st:
Next row (WS): P9,k14.
Next row: p13, k10.
Next row: P2tog, p9, k12.
Next row: P11, k11.
Next row: P2tog, p10, k10.
Next row: p9, k12.
Next row: P2tog, p11, k8.
Next row: p 7, k13.
Next row: P2tog, p12, k6.
Next row: k5, p14.
Next row: P2tog, p13, k4.
Next row: k3, k15.
Next row: k16, p2.
Next row: K1, p17.
Next row: k18.
Continue in st st until piece equals back in length, bind off.
Join yarn and knit the other side of neck, reversing the shaping and pattern.

Sleeves ( make 2):
With 4.00 mm needles cast on 34 sts.
Row 1(WS): knit.
Row 2(RS): K1,*K2tog,inc 1 st in the next st, k2,increase 1 st in next st , k2tog*, repeat from * to * till 1 st remains, k 1.
Now work in st st, starting with a P row, at the same time increasing one st at both ends of every 6th row,12 times.(58 sts) Work a total of 79 rows. Bind off.

Finishing: Sew the shoulder seams.
Turtle neck: With the right side facing and smaller needles, join yarn and pick up and k 8 sts across the left side of neck at back and 14 sts across the left neck front, pick and knit 6 sts from the holding needle, 14 sts across the right neck front and 8 across the right back.(50 sts) Work in k1,p1 for 25 rows. Bind off loosely in rib.

Button bands: Fold the ribbed turtle neck outwards into half and pin in place.
Right button band: Join yarn and with RS facing and smaller needles, pick up and k 30 sts evenly spaced over the folded edge of the turtle neck and the right button edge at back. Knit in k1,p1 rib for 3 rows, bind off in rib.
Left buttonhole band: Join yarn and with RS facing and smaller needles, pick up and k 30 sts evenly spaced over the folded edge of the turtle neck and the left button edge at back. Work 1 row in rib. On second row make 3 buttonholes evenly spaced (yo, k2tog). Work another row and then cast off in rib.
Sew the side and sleeves seams and sew on the buttons.

Cap:
With 3.50 mm needles, cast on 98 sts. Work 8 rows in k1,p1 rib.
Next row: Change to larger needles, K all.
Next row: P.
Next row: K 3,*p1, k6* repeat from *to* till 4 sts remain, p1, k3.
Next row: P2, *k3, p4, repeat from *to* till 5 sts remain, k3, p2.
Next row: K 1,*p5, k2* repeat from *to* till 6 sts remain, p5, k1.
Next row: K.
Work first 12 rows of the blossoms pattern next. Then work in st st for 10 rows ending with a WS row.
Shaping:
Row 1: (P14, p2tog)repeat to the end.
Row 2 and all WS rows: K
Row 3: (P13, p2tog)repeat to the end
Row 5: (P12, p2tog)repeat to the end
Row 7: (P11, p2tog)repeat to the end
Row 9: (P10, p2tog)repeat to the end
Row 11: (P9, p2tog) repeat to the end.
Row 13: (P8, p2tog) repeat to the end.
Row 15: (P7, p2tog) repeat to the end.
Row 17: (P6, p2tog) repeat to the end.
Row 19: (P5, p2tog) repeat to the end.
Row 21: (P4, p2tog) repeat to the end.
Row 23: (P3, p2tog) repeat to the end.
Row 25: (P2, p2tog) repeat to the end.
Row 27: (P1, p2tog) repeat to the end.
Row 28: K2tog, across(7 sts).
Cut of yarn, leaving a sizable length and thread it through a needle. Thread the needle through all the sts, pull and secure tightly. Sew up the seam.

Mohawk hat

Seeing a couple of such hats at crochetville, I was tempted to make one for my son. So here is mine It has had mixed success. My son is undecided whether he likes it or not while my husband thinks it's "funny" but "ok for a kid".

Currently I am working on a bag (yeah) and a pair of socks.That would be my first pair for adults.