Pattern Debut: Hugs and Smooches

I can't tell you guys how excited CP was to model this hat outside in the June heat yesterday.

Ah, to be the husband of a crazy knitter.

But model he did, so I could get my latest pattern out to you guys.

Introducing Hugs and Smooches, the full version of the Smooches newborn hat I released earlier this year.

The full version includes 5 sizes: newborn, toddler, child, women's and men's.

The child sizes are knit in sport weight yarn, and the adult sizes in worsted.

A unisex design, this hat knits up quickly, and is a great project for learning or practicing cabling without a cable needle. The cable stitch pattern is easy to memorize, making it a great portable project too.

Cast on now and be ready when cooler weather arrives, or start a bunch for holiday gifts!

Details:

Sizes: newborn (toddler, child, women’s, men’s); head circumference approximately 14” (16”, 18”, 20”, 22”) / 35.5 (40.5, 45.5, 51, 56) cm.

Gauge: 28 sts over 4”/10 cm in stockinette stitch in sport weight yarn; 20 sts over 4”/10 cm in stockinette stitch in worsted weight yarn.

Supplies:

Yarn: 1 skein Madelinetosh Tosh Sport, or approximately 75 (100, 125) yds / 70 (90, 115) m sport weight yarn for newborn (toddler, child) hat; 1 skein Knit Picks Swish Tonal, or 150 (200) yds / 140 (180) m worsted weight yarn for women’s (men’s) hat.

Needles: set of US4/3.5mm DPNs for newborn (toddler, child) hat; US8/5mm 16”/40cm circular needle and set of DPNs for women’s (men’s) hat; or size needed to obtain gauge.

Stitch markers

Stitch holder or scrap yarn

Yarn needle

Cable needle


Now available for download in my Ravelry store for just $4.99.

Mommy Escape: Fibre Space Adventure

Since we moved to Maryland, Fibre Space is no longer my local yarn shop. In fact, I don't really have one. There are a few in the area, but I was supremely disappointed by the one I visited. And while I was working, Fibre Space was only about 20 minutes from the office, which was reasonable.

Now it's more like 50 minutes away, and since having JJ, spare time to dawdle around a favorite yarn shop, or find and explore a new one, has been rather limited. But on Monday, I left Mr. Stinky Pants with CP, and trekked down to check out Fibre Space's new digs.

They're still in Old Town, Alexandria, but have moved to a space on the main street. It's airier, brighter and roomier. And of course, the good news is, they still have all their usual amazing yarns.

So, what did I walk away with?

A skein of The Fibre Company's new laceweight yarn, Meadow, in Larkspur, a lovely dark blue; and 3 skeins of worsted weight for small projects: Plucky Knitter Plucky Sweater in Sticky Toffee, the Uncommon Thread Lush Worsted in Nutcracker, and SweetGeorgia Yarns superwash worsted in Riptide.

I also picked up a copy of the new Knitscene Accessories, and 2 Brooklyn Tweed patterns--I generally prefer digital patterns, but I also like to support local business, so there you go.

Time, and money, well spent. 

Tuesdays with Dory: Laundry Tip

Recently I've decided I'm going to sleep in the laundry. Sometimes it's the dirty laundry, which is obviously Kristen's preference, but sometimes it's the clean laundry. Whatever. If I fits in it, I sits in it.

Anyway, I thought I would share a laundry tip while I'm in here.

If you find your towels are still smelling a little . . . off . . . after washing, try this: sprinkle a cup of baking soda into the wash with the dirty towels. Then, add a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. And voila! No more mildewy smell. And it doesn't smell like vinegar either. Just nice fresh towels. For your kitteh to sleep in. 

Studio Redo: Plotting and Planning

You might recall this is, more or less, what my "studio" looks like--only a lot messier lately, as I keep just throwing stuff in there.

It's functional, but I have big plans for it.

You know. "Someday."

For starters, new blinds. Roman shades, maybe. And curtains. And a sewing table!

And definitely yarn-themed artwork.

But first, a paint job.

I think I've decided on "aqua breeze."

Saturday Sampler: Father's Day Gift Ideas

I know it seems like we just had Mother's Day, but somehow, it's nearly a month later, and Father's Day is just around the corner. Not sure what to give dad? A few ideas:

Photo courtesy Mindie Tallack

June's not exactly the month for knitwear, but it will get cold again eventually. And everyone needs slippers. These knit up quickly with bulky yarn, and make a fun felting project.

Photo courtesy Stephen West

Or maybe a hat. This one, Windschief, is on my "to knit" list, and should be another quick knit, in worsted weight.

Or, maybe you prefer to not drive yourself crazy with last minute knitting, and plan to buy a gift. Good idea.

Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Automatic Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Maker

CP has expressed interest in an ice cream maker. Because we don't have enough kitchen gadgets that we only use twice a year. And clearly, we need to be able to make lucuma ice cream.

If you have kids, grandparents seem to enjoy nothing more than photos of them, and Shutterfly has a lot of great photo gifts available. They ship fast, too.

InStep Sync Single Bicycle Trailer, Green/Gray

Or maybe dad would like an easy way to fit in his workout, and bring the kid(s) along--or maybe YOU would like that. Either way. JJ is still too little for this, so CP will probably get it for Christmas instead.

And if you have a Crumbs bake shop in your neighborhood, I highly recommend purchasing some cupcakes (or a colossal cupcake) as a Father's Day treat. I'm sure dad will share.

Wittle Wednesdays: Little Oak Revisited

When I brought that little guy home from the hospital 4 months ago, he weighed 6lbs, and looked like this in his coming home outfit:

He now weighs nearly 15 pounds, and his sweater finally fits.

Of course.

Because it's June.

Who doesn't need a wool sweater when it's 85 degrees outside?

At least he looked cute in it for his 4 month photos.

And now I guess it will be retired to await the next baby . . . whenever that is.

Speed Knitting: Arroyo Shawl Bound Off

As usual, I got in a little over my head with knitting last month.

I signed up for a swap a few months ago, and things were moving along swimmingly, until I realized I hadn't knit anything for the required handmade element.

This was about a week and a half ago.

Or, approximately 8 days before the package had to be mailed.

Oops.

So I quickly reviewed all my notes and discovered that my spoilee liked shawls.

And somehow I got it in my head that I should knit her one.

In a week.

Fortunately, I found a pattern that fit the bill.

This is the Arroyo shawl, by Sarah H. Wolf, which is knit in worsted weight yarn, and consists mostly of garter stitch short rows.

I dug some yarn out of my stash that I had actually dyed myself and couldn't decide what to do with. I overdyed some Knit Pick Swish Tonal in Pearlescent, and it's just slightly too variegated for a sweater, but I thought it would work well with the fairly simple lace pattern on the edge of this shawl.

I had quite a lot of fun working on this project--the garter stitch was squishy and enjoyable, with the short rows to keep you on your toes.

I generally still find short rows to be rather magical.

It made it into the mail on time (well, 1 day late, due to the self-service machine at the local post office being non-functional), and I'll find out soon if my spoilee likes it. Fingers crossed!

Blogiversary: Celebrating with a New Site

Ta-da!

The new Learner's Per-knit and home of MediaPeruana Designs is here!

And just in time for my SIXTH blogiversary, which is tomorrow.

Please, have a look around. I think you'll particularly like the new PATTERNS page.


So, new site, blogiversary . . . this calls for a celebration.

Now through June 10, use the code 'blogiversary' in my Ravelry store for 50% off any pattern!

Enjoy!