Knit Along

I am participating in my very first knit along. It is explained here. I buy a lot of my yarn from Jimmy Beans Wool. I am not sure exactly how I found them. I think I searched for some kind of supply on amazon a couple of years back and they came up as an outside seller. I like their easy to use website, their rewards points, and their fast shipping. Ideally, I would love to be able to go to my local yarn shop to see and feel the yarn for myself but I so rarely get out and when I do I can't indulge in a trip like that.

I downloaded the pattern from Ravelry. Have you signed up yet? It is free and if you knit or crochet you should get on board right away. There are hundreds of free patterns and many more that are fairly priced and available for electronic download.

So the knit along begins today but I am still deciding what yarn to use. I am NOT allowing myself to buy any new yarn for a while. I have a stash that needs to be used. I have a few bundles of yarn that I bought on clearance without a project in mind and they have to be used before I spend money again. I am choosing between Rowan Cashsoft DK and Lorna's Laces Swirl DK. I am leaning towards the cashsoft because I think the gauge will work out better and the feel of the yarn is more similar to the yarn in the pattern I think.

I don't know if I will be able to keep up with the knit along since this is a very busy time at work. I have stacks of papers to grade and averages to calculate. I am hoping to at least cast on tonight!!

Mermaid Dolls

I made dolls for Hannah's first birthday last month. I made dolls ( plural) because making two was easier than dealing with a jealous older sister. Truthfully the idea of making a mermaid doll came from Maya's interest in The Little Mermaid so it seemed only fair for her to get one too. I wanted to make a doll that could be a mermaid or a little girl. I drew my own pattern and my first run wasn't exactly what I wanted but I was able to re-draw the pattern to make something I think is pretty fabulous. I really want to make a few more to keep around for birthday gifts and such but I haven't had a chance.

Pants!

I made the girls some simple pants a couple of weeks ago and they are just perfect. I used the Kid Pants with Pockets tutorial from www.danamadeit.com for Maya's pair. Next time I will make them about an inch longer but otherwise they are perfect. I got some inexpensive grey broadcloth and a remnant of pink broadcloth for the pockets (from Joann's). She insisted that they had to be worn with cowboy boots.

I drew my own pattern for Hannah's pair. They are great too but she is growing so fast I think they will only fit for another week or two! Here is the tired baby in her pants-

I just ordered some discounted pink organic cotton twill from www.fabric.com to make them each another pair. I don't think I will do the contrasting pockets again. I have been working on designing pockets of different shapes. I just have to make up my mind which to try,

Two Layer Skirt

I made these double layer skirts for the girls a couple of weeks ago and they were a hit. Instead of folding both layers to make the waistband (and getting thick bunches of fabric) I staggered the layers. The top layer creates the waistband and where it is stitched, it catches the brown layer and secures them both. Maya thought the skirt deserved a ballet twirl!