Next on the Needles

I'm going to make another baby sweater for Drew.  Mom helped me look at some patterns, and suggested I pick one with raglan sleeves instead of set-in sleeves.  I ended up picking the Green Zebra Sweater.  I've been into stripes lately--they're a good way to add some interest to a project, but keep it simple at the same time.

I also want to make a Mommy and Baby Monster.  This pattern is so cute.  I think Drew would love putting the baby in and out of the pouch--and it reminds me of us since I still wear Drew in the Ergo carrier just about everyday!  As a side note, the Ergo was a great purchase.  I bought it when Drew was about four months old (the Baby Bjorn was really hurting my back as he got heavier), and wondered how much I'd really wear him in a carrier as he got older.  I've ended up using it a ton--he is happy as can be to do chores with me in the house when he's in the Ergo, and it's great for going on walks to shops in the neighborhood that are too small for a stroller.  We both wear our coats, and into the Ergo he goes!  I really recommend it.

"Hop" in his sweater!

My knitting critic examines the embroidery on the sweater...

Tugs on a floppy ear...

And decides he likes it!  

I really like this bunny, too.  I just need to pick up some black embroidery floss to add the details to Hop's face.

Whooooo

I've been wanting Jim to take a few photos of Drew in his "Hoot" hat...I pulled it out of the closet last week for the first time, and it fits him perfectly!  I love this quirky, cozy hat on him.

Our boy has been more camera shy lately...

but we can still coax a smile out of him now and then :)

My hat is the "Grande Cloche."

Hop Update

I worked on the bunny a little bit each night this week.  It was pretty neat to see it come together.  It amazes me that Susan can come up with these patterns!  Maybe someday I can write my own pattern!

Voila!  Hop is completed.

On to the sweater next.  The sweater is not sewed to the bunny--you can pull it on and off so maybe I will make two different sweaters.

El headband

No, I'm not speaking Spanglish--this is Jill's new headband for riding the "El!"

This girl can make anything look good.  Jill requested one of those headbands that gets narrower at the nape of the neck, but I had a hard time finding a well written pattern on Ravelry.  I worked on one for awhile, but the increases and decreases were sloppy.  So, I ended up improvising a pattern (loosely based on the American Beauty Rose headband on Ravelry).  The leaf may have turned out a little big...but she pulls it off. :)

Hope it keeps your ears warm on the way to work in the morning, Jillybud!

Baby Hats Galore

I know a few people who are expecting babies in February through April, and you all know how much I love making baby hats!  There is nothing sweeter.  

The below hat is for my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's baby girl.  When I was looking for ribbon for the hat, I was tempted to get something matchy with pink in it, but then I saw this green and white polka dotted ribbon.  I am trying to think a little outside the box--not always easy for this mind that likes order and rules! ;) 

The second hat is a version of the candy cane hat.  It's for one of Becky's friends--a fellow blogger!  Love this hat.  I think Drew might need another one too.

I gave the third hat at a baby shower this past weekend.  This was knit up with squishy Nashua Cilantro yarn on size 10 needles.  I started and completed it while watching "First Knight" with Jim last weekend.  Sometimes knitting is the only way I stay awake during a movie...sad I know... ;)

Hop--legs completed

Thanks for all your encouragement about my slightly challenged bunny legs, but being the perfectionist that I am, I frogged the second leg and fixed it!  Now they look the same!  It really is clever how this is starting to come together...

Hop

I started working on Susan B. Anderson's Hop pattern.  It's a bunny that's knit all in one piece--no seaming at the end--hooray!

(photo from Susan B. Anderson's blog)

I decided to try putting poly pellets in this toy.  I loved how Susan's toys felt with a little extra weight to them when I went to her book signing at Nina back in March.  I bought some muslin at Hancock fabrics, and then cut two ovals, stitched around the edges, turned it inside out, and filled it halfway up with poly pellets.  Then I stitched the top closed.  I am not the most skilled seamstress, but I think it will work out ok!

Anyways, the first foot and leg went great, but when I finished the second foot, I realized that it's bigger than the first one!  Argh!!  I don't really want to re-do it, but I will probably have to...or maybe I'll just take a break from this one and make a quick hat--always instant satisfaction. :)

Hmmm...what can I knit with this?