Busy, Busy . . . Babies Coming

It has been a busy few weeks! Knitting, knitting & knitting.  I have a small pile of completed baby knits, all ready for the arrival of few new babies in my life.  The funnest knitting ever, are little baby things.  They are always soft and cozy . . . and knit-up in a quick hurry.

Two little pumpkin picking suits for my grand-daughter and great nephew.  They are all set to arrive in September and October.  Just in time for a trip to the pumpkin patch!  Please send me lots of pictures of them!  They are both knit of the softest merino/cashmere blend KnitPicks Capra, and created from the pattern Small Things Romper, by Carina Spencer.  I added some little pumpkin hats, as I'm sure it will be cool and windy on those early autumn evenings. Knit from one of my free ravelry patterns Lil Pumpkin Hat.

In addition, I have a good start on this little crocheted blessing dress.  I started it with a soft, washable acrylic yarn, but soon decided the lace wouldn't stand out, so I switch to "Skinny Cotton".  It made such a difference.  The yarn was leftover from my "Botanical Medallion Vest", and I quick ran out.  I've ordered some additional skeins and will just need to finish up the sleeves and make the hat, diaper cover and booties.  Once blocked, this will be added to the pile of little baby things.  The funny thing about this pattern, is it is written for a doll.  No instruction on size, yarn or hook size.  I've pretty much had to size it myself.  I should have just written my own pattern.

In addition, I've been doing a bit of "knitting for hire".  An Ohio Grandmother contacted me wanting two "Poor Baby Swearters".  She was expecting two new grandbabies in the month of August.  I quickly cast-on, and had these two little beauties ready to mail in about a week.  I hope her little ones enjoy them!

I finished my Tolt Folded Bag, by Veronika Jobe.  Knit from HOOOKED Ribbon XL, on US 15 needles.  The yarn felt and looked just like cotton shoelaces.  It knit up fast, and was sewn together in such a creative way.  I am going to use and love this little shoulder bag.  It will be my "Knit Night" knit-a-long for Fall 2015.  A great beginner project, that won't be too overwhelming.  Our group doesn't meet during the Summer, so I am so excited to see everyone again, and to enjoy some winter evenings filled with laughter, story-telling, knitting and treats.  Watch for the 2015 pictures of our Annual Witch Knit . . . coming soon.

I've finished up my Poncho Sweater, by rix-strixerier too.  It turned out just like the picture on the pattern, and I am so happy with it.  Knit of Rasmilla Luksusgarn in Charcoal and KnitPicks Aloft Super Kid Mohair in Carbon.  The two yarns were held together and knit, creating a warm, light, super soft fabric, with lots of drape.  It will be my perfect "go to the movies" apparel.  The cuffs will keep it in place, and will make it easy to reach the popcorn.  No more dragging a blanket to the movies . . . I'll be cozy and comfortable.

I've got a pile of yarn to put on the winder.  This one will be for me, and I can't wait to get started.  There is nothing like starting a new project.

An Alecia Beth, by Justyna Lorkowska, just for me.  I need to get swatching, so I can assure a perfect fit.

I hope your Summer is coming to a smooth, memorable end.  School is starting and the days are getting shorter.  There is just a touch of Fall in the air.  Happy Knitting!

The Year of the Grandbaby

It has been a great year, so far . . . twin grandbabies in April, and a new baby girl expected in October. I'm expecting to hear of a new Grand-Nephew, born any minute, and another expected in September.  As always, new babies create a flurry of baby knits.

Grandchild #9 will be sporting this little Romper.  She will be named after her Dad, and GrandDad. She has been trying to make an early arrival, and everything is being done to keep her in the oven until October.  In addition, she is measuring small, which may just mean she is taking after her Mom.  We are excited to meet her!

You may remember that I made these for the Twins, back at the first of the year.  The Twins came home from the hospital in them, and have worn them for many special occasions.

However, they are 5 month old now, and have both grown out of them.

Small Things Romper, designed by Carina Spencer, has become my favorite baby knitting pattern.  I discovered it, when my Cousin Jill was knitting one for her friend.  Thank you Jill, I'm sure I will be knitting these for years to come. You may have seen on Instagram or Facebook, the first of two little pumpkin suits, that are "in process".  They should be finished soon.

This is the blessing dress, which has been requested for that new little Granddaughter.  It is just beautiful.  When I purchased the pattern, I discovered it was a pattern for a doll.  I haven't crocheted for a while, and I'll need to upsize the dress and bonnet.  Hopefully, I will be successful . . . we'll see.  I hope to get started in the next week, or so.

This hasn't been the best year for our vegetable garden, even with all of the Spring rain.  However, it has been a great year for the flowers on my deck.  The marigolds were planted from seeds harvested from last years flowers.  The other pots were given to my Husband, by our local nursery, because they appeared to be completely dead.  He has nursed them all back to health.  They are really beautiful. The strawberries have done well this year too, you can just see them in the side of the picture.

Also, seen on Instagram/Facebook, you may have seen the big pile of beautiful yarn I just received in the mail from Germany.  It is the first time a package of yarn has needed a signature from the UPS guy.  It is my first batch of Wollmeise, in the color "Vamp".  I am so excited to get started knitting it.  I've seen so many sweaters on Ravelry knit from this beautiful yarn, and many are calling it their "Desert Island Yarn".  From the look and feel of it, I expect to be claiming the same.

This is the pattern photo of Alecia Beth, designed by Justyna Lorkowska, which will be knit up in my new Wollmeise, in a bright red (Vamp).  I can't wait, but as you can see above, I have quite a pile of knitting that must be completed first.  In addition, I received an order this morning for two "Poor Baby Sweaters", which must be knit, packaged and mailed by the end of the month.  I better get cracking . . .Happy Knitting!