Knitted Chicken

This is the one project that draws lots of cutesy oohs and aahs.  Although I’m not into anything too “cute” this was a fun project to knit, and it’s different than your typical stuffed animal.  Knitted in Blue Sky Organic Cotton, it takes 2 skeins of yarn, and the pattern has instructions for 3 different chicken designs and sizes.

Sunburst Tree Skirt

I saw this pattern in Interweave Knits 2009 “Holiday Gifts” edition and had to make it for my first full height, real Christmas tree.  Having grown up with fake trees I never gave any thought to hiding the very unattractive tree dish.  The pattern is called “Sunburst Throw” by Daniel Yuhas whose website has instructions for a very cool cast on method called “Diasappearing Loop Cast On.”  I knitted the skirt using 3 skeins (478 yds. per skein) of Cascade Eco Wool.  My version is larger than what the pattern instructed, and I opted to not do the ruffle bind off.  In the end I had 969 stitches and a finished piece that was equivalent to a man’s x-large sweater.  I would have made it larger but given that we’ve had our tree for almost 2 weeks and that Christmas is a week away, I had to stop so we could decorate it!  And I ran out of yarn.

Hot off the needles

Finished Tree

Show and Tell

I love posting the creative project knit by our wonderful customers.  Cynthia’s mouse and Priscilla’s egg and nest ornaments are perfect, whimsical adornments to liven any Christmas tree.  Ellen whipped up UKS’s Linen Stitch Headband Hat in an orange version for her sister.

Christmas Stockings

There are 36 days left until Christmas, and this is the second year I’ve put “Knitted Christmas Stockings” on my list.  Looks like they’ll have to wait another year.  Instead I’m knitting a Christmas tree skirt which I’ll post as soon as I’m finished.  However, I did finish these cute stockings for my friend Aimee and her family.  Knitted in Cascade 220 they’re festive and will look great on her fireplace.

Alpaca “Sockies”

Knitted in “Alpaca Sox” these little socks are cozy and perfect if you think you’ll fall asleep knitting the legs in Stockinette Stitch.  The “Sockies” pattern is from Vogue Knitting Ultimate Sock Book. Ginny knitted these alternating solid and multi colors.

I finally finished my husband’s socks!!  I’m not sure when he’ll be able to wear them since they’ll take residence at the store for a while.

Heel Detail

Alpaca Sox

Every year I knit my husband a pair of socks for his birthday.  One of these years I will actually finish a pair on time.  While he patiently waits, I thought I’d share pair number 3 in progress.  It’s knitted with Classic Elite “Alpaca Sox,” a fabulously soft blend of alpaca, merino and nylon.  The pattern is adapted from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush, which is one of my favorite socks books.  She includes a history of sock patterns and interesting techniques for the heel and toe.

A couple of tips I always recommend:

• Knit the pair at the same time.  There’s nothing worse than finishing one and then have to knit another one all over again!  I’ve found that sometimes my gauge changes between socks or the second sock doesn’t get knitted until months later.
• Cast on, leaving extra length for the tail.  Knit the first row with the tail and working yarn.  Then begin pattern and continue as you would normally.  This leaves an elastic yet sturdy edge which will help retain its shape.

The top sock is shown in a sock stretcher – almost finished!

Detail of pattern and heel