Hats for Girl Scouts

I've been busy this last week knitting for Girl Scouts.  These are hats I made with leftover or unwanted for my daughter's troop to sell at their Tot Shop on Dec 3.  I have one still on the needles and enough yarn for another.  Hopefully I can get the last two finished before the sale.

Stashbuster

My yarn stash has been of a thing of contention for me for a long time.  I vowed several years ago to use up what I had before I would buy anymore.  That only worked if I wasn't picky about what yarn I wanted to use for new projects.  Over the last couple years I've been able to dwindle my stash down by donating skeins, or deciding that 1/2 a ball of Red Heart really wasn't worth keeping.  I'm down to my last 5 skeins of nicer cheap acrylic yarn.  I've kept them because I liked them when I bought them and always thought I'd do something with them, but they've been sitting in my stash for quite some time.

My daughter's girl scout troop is hosting a Holiday Tot Shop, where little kids can come and buy presents for Mom & Dad.  So I thought what better way to get rid of my yarn than knitting hats for the sale and what doesn't sell will be donated to charity.  And then I'll finally be able to buy new yarn with out the quilt.

Introducing my first pattern for sale

Tutu Tank Top

A cute toddler's tank top with a little bit of a ruffled hem.  Pattern available in sizes 24 months to 4T.  Available for purchase on Ravelry for $6.00.
Sample was knit with Corny Goodness dk in 4T.

Don't know how to knit?  I can knit it for you.  Contact me for more information.

Test knitter wanted

I think I have the pattern finalized for the Diamond Brocade toddler sweater, but before I publish it, I really want to have somebody else test it out.  It's written in sizes 18/24 mos. to 4T.  If anyone is interested, leave a comment and we can work something out.

Sneak peak at a new pattern

I've been knitting alot lately, so much so that my hands are starting to hurt.  I think I better take that as a sign to lay off of it for a while.

Diamond Brocade Toddler Sweater

I've been working on a new pattern.  This drop shoulder sweater features an expanded neckline by shoulder fastening, a diamond brocade design on the body with a little bit of diamond brocade on the sleeve too.  Right now I only have the pattern written for 18-24 months, but I'm working on making it multiple sizes.  When done, the pattern will be available for sale in the shop.

Baldwin the Bathroom Monster

The other week I was at the craft store, picking up more yarn when I ran across  Rebecca Danger's The Big Book of Knitted Monsters.  Paging through it, I thought what a perfect way to use up all my left overs or single odd skein.  The projects are fairly simple and knit up fast.  I was able to knit Baldwin on a 5 hour car trip.  I have more left over yarn to use up, so I'll be making more in the near future and donating them to a local children's charity.

Vine Lace Beanie pattern

I tried to make this pattern a PDF file, but here it is in case you can't access it.

 Vine Lace Beanie

Brenda Hoffman

Gauge: About 20 sts/4 inches     Vanna’s Choice WW Yarn

Needles:  #7 & #8 16” circular needles

With a #7 needle cast on 88 sts.  Place marker to indicate beginning and work k2, p2 rib for 12 rows or 1 ½ inches.

Increase round as followed

With #8 needle, work 43, kfb, work 43, kfb  (90 sts)

Start lace pattern, starting with row 2

Lace Pattern (multiple of 9)

Row1: k                                                                                                  

Row 2: *yo, k2, skp, k2tog, k2, yo, k1 rep from * to end

Row 3: K

Row 4:*k1, yo, k2, skp, k2tog, k2, yo rep from * to end

Repeat these 4 rounds, until hat measures 6 inches

Crown

On the next round (work 43 sts, k2tog) 2 times. [88 sts]

Work one round even.

Shape crown as described below.

Round 1: *Work 6, k2tog. Repeat from * around. [77 sts remain]

Round 2 and all even rows: K

Round 3: *Work 5, k2tog. Repeat from * around. [66 sts remain]

Round 5: *Work 4, k2tog. Repeat from * around. [55 sts remain]

Round 7: *Work 3, k2tog. Repeat from * around. [44 sts remain]

Round 9: *Work 2, k2tog. Repeat from * around. [33 sts remain]

Round 11: *Work 1, k2tog. Repeat from * around. [22 sts remain]

Round 13: *K2tog. Repeat from * around. [11 sts remain]

Finishing

Cut yarn, a generous tail. Draw tail through remaining stitches on the needle. Pull gently to close hole. Weave in tail.

Weave in ends.

Finished projects and a free pattern

I finally finished the vest I've been working on for quite a while.  I was planning on offering the pattern for sale, but as I worked on it I made changes here and there and never bothered to write them down.  And once it was done I wasn't to thrilled with it.  Don't get me wrong, it looks fine, there's just something about it that I don't like.  I'm going to try it again with a couple revisions in mind and a different yarn.  Maybe those changes will be enough to make me change my mind.

On another note, I do have a pattern to offer.  This beanie is the result of playing around.  My daughter loved the pattern and requested a hat.  Since then I've gotten couple requests for the pattern and decided to offer it here for free.  I'm working on matching fingerless gloves, if I can figure out how to do the thumbs without messing up the pattern.