Magic Number Baby Booties!!!!

I have worked several pair of Baby Booties using the magic numbers.  Now I have decided to Publish a Pattern and put it up on Patternfish.  I find the booties addictive and they are a great way to use up small amounts of leftover yarn.

They can be worked in three weights of yarn: Worsted, DK, and Fingering.  The size varies slightly depending on the brand of yarn but they all will fit Babies up to 6 Months. 

MommaBearKnits on into the Night, every Night.

KAL is finished

Callum sizse 3 is finished.

I have finished Callum KAL; my sample anyway, hope others are progressing well too.  Next I am going to design a similar pattern for Children, I think it will be size 4, 6, 8, 10 & 12.  Keep watching, because MommaBearKnits & Designs for Children too.

Basic Cardigan Pattern

I finally posted my Basic Cardigan Pattern.  It has been on my computer for a long time, I finally decided to post it.    It is just a basic cardigan but hopefully will encourage those knitters who are new to Top Down, No Sew to try it.  I have been careful to give very detailed instructions and of course, I am always there for questions and comments.  I especially like to see pictures from other knitters as well, as we all have preferences for colour and yarn.  I just finished posting it on Patternfish, it may take a while as it is Canada Day.

Have a Great Canada Day!!!!!!!

Callum is Finished

We took photos of Callum wearing Callum yesterday afternoon.  I now have to finish the Front Page of the Pattern and send it off to Patternfish.  I am still waiting for the photos from his Mom's camera to make the final selection.  He is an Awesome boy.  He is 13 months old and is an active, confident young man.  He loves the outdoors and runs, climbs and keeps Mom and Dad very busy.

The picture above is the size 1 yr for the photo, it wouldn't fit him this fall when it starts to get colder.  He will enjoy wearing the sizes 2 yrs when he is out in the great outdoors this fall.  Right now it is a little large but he will grow.

I couldn't believe it, he stood up on a pile of wood and was completely balanced.  He is a very active little man.  This one below is a sample of my Basic Cardigan, that I will post on Patternfish soon too.

I am a man!!!

MommaBearKnits and enjoys it totally.

Second Sample in the Works

I am now working on the sleeve of the second sample.  Hopefully that will be all the samples I need.  I did find some glitches in the written work, but working a different size and following the pattern very carefully helps.  Then I will try reading it quite a few times.  It is funny, when you calculate the numbers for all the sizes, glitches do show up, also there are typos.

Size 4 worked in Galway Highland Heathers Worsted Weight

MommaBearKnits all day long.

First Sample Finished

The first Sample is finished and is laying outside on a towel, getting dry.  I have already started a second sample in the largest size to check the pattern while knitting it and check that the size works also.

This one is a size 2 worked in Patons Canadiana Yarn.

I must admit that I did not devote all my knitting time to working out this pattern.  It requires concentration and sometime I just like to sit and knit out of my head, so I have completed 2 pair of socks and am almost finished the 3rd pair.  It is summer now so it is too hot for handknit socks but it will be cool again in the fall.  These ones are strictly stash busters.  They will all fit me, so I can keep my feet warm in the fall and winter, while I walk the RusterCruster in the snow, Yuk! did I say SNOW?

Now I must go and knit some more, following the pattern very carefully ------ Then you know what will happen, don't you?

MommaBearKnits around the clock, sitting in my chair, riding in the car, enjoying the outdoors, I still knit all the time. 

Progress Report:

I have finished writing the pattern, at least the first effort.  Now I have to double check everything, before I post the finished product.  I just finished the first sleeve, it is all written out, so I can now, work the second sleeve while checking the written work as well.  Then comes the checking, checking, checking and test knitting. I always do more than one sample in different sizes just to assure the numbers work for all sizes:

It's Name is "Callum"

"Callum"  is kind of complicated, but interesting,  as the cable patterns require lots of attention, but the result pleases me.   I make a great effort to write very detailed instructions,when that is finished the pattern will be posted on  Patternfish.

MommaBearKnits on into the night and all through the next day, every day.

Problem Fixed, Moving On

Yes, the cable error is corrected and it looks fine.  Whew!!!!!
Today, I wrote the Sleeve Instructions and have started knitting the first sleeve.  The good thing about sleeves, is that once you write one the other one is identical.

The Sleeves will have both Cables too.

The sleeves are worked in the Round with double pointed needles.  I am now ready to work them, it shouldn't take too long.  This sample is Size 2, but I will work at least one more of the sizes before I am finished with the Pattern.  It will be called "Callum" and the final sizes are going to be 1, 2, 3 & 4.  It won't necessarily be based on age, as children vary in weight and height so I will recommend that the measurements should be considered also.  When working the Body and the Sleeve lengths it is also possible to knit the Garment and Sleeves longer or shorter depending on height and arm length. That is another good thing about No Sew Knitting.

Until the next time, MommaBearKnits on into the night.

Progress Report

On my last post the Front Yoke Panel was complete.  Next I knit and wrote the Back Yoke instructions.

The first step is to pick up and knit the stitches along the Shoulder Panel, work the cable panel across the centre back panel, then pick up and knit across the second Shoulder Panel.  In the picture above the stitches are on the needle and I am ready to go ------

Both Yoke Panels are now complete -------

Front View

Back View

                                       
Next step is the body that is worked in the round.  Keep in touch, MommaBearKnits on into the night.

Progress

I am working on my latest idea.

Multidirectional Toddler Pullover

My passion is being fed:  Multidirectional; Garterstitch; Cables; No-Sew Knitting; Toddler Sweater; These are a few of my favourite things ------ Ta! Da!   MommaBear is still knitting.

Oh yes another of my favourite things is visitors to my back yard ----

Wild Turkeys

- Mommabearknits

Home Stretch!!!!!

Seven Samples have been completed.  One in every size and a couple in the middle sizes.  I like to work all sizes to confirm the #'s; besides I like to knit.

Who would have thought that the drawing above would become a fabulous journey in all directions and then return home again. 

Just one more to finish.  This one is size 18 months.  It will done later today and then I have to get my pattern checked one more time for typos, poor sentence structure, pictures taken, and then off to http://www.patternfish.com/ . I did not make my May 10/10 goal but it won't be long now.

There will also be a hat included in the pattern. 

Keep on Knitting, If I keep it up I will have to keep on Trucking to contain my stock.

MommaBearKnits in Orillia, Ontario, Canada, North America  

Christmas is Over for 2009 - Back on Track Moving on into 2010

Finishing up some projects:

These are 100% Wool (ends left over from other projects) Mittens.  Trust me they both are the same.  I knit the hand part twice, placed one inside the other and then worked a single cuff.  Now I have very warm reversible mittens - Very Warm.

Of course I have socks in progress.  Socks are always on my sticks.

Now A New Project is Coming!!!!!

I could not wait to tell everyone that I have started the pattern sample for the Tween Hoodie.  I am sooooooo anxious that I took a picture of the cast on-- I have yet to knit Row 1.  Deb, Dana and I met before Christmas and now we are all on a tight schedule to complete each of our own individual patterns.  Keep in touch, I will be updating my progress.

Don't Forget ------ MommaBearKnits

It's Winter in "(frozen) Lake Country"

Yes it's finally winter in Central Ontario.  But I am OK, lots of stash, lots of needles and a lazy boy chair draped with a warm afghan.  What else does MommaBear need.




I am working on a few projects and some are finished - just need to end the tails, Yuck.

Sweater is size 18 months- just for my stock and the socks are knit with Berroco Sox Metallic.  They fit me but will likely be a gift for someone, not sure who.

My main project right now is the teen hoodie.  I have the design in my head but must work it out so that the pattern can be understandable.  The first try is knit with a back panel and the two front panels worked down from the shoulder.  Then the sides are worked out from the sides, and the front band and hood will be done last.  I have already decided to do the back panel, bottom up, then the two front panels bottom up as well and joined at the shoulder.  Of course there will be no sewing, I will use 3-needle cast-off to join them. 
Until next time MommaBearKnits on into the night.

And, of course, I have another pair of socks, just for the mindless knitting periods in my day.  This pair is Bamboo yarn from my stash.

MY ADDICTION IS GETTING WORSE

I am addicted; I admit it; I can live with it (although, not sure if PapaBear can); and I am looking forward the the 'Arts and Craft Christmas Tour in Oro Medonte'.  I have finished some projects and am working on more:

This one (above) is a pullover version of the Jr. J.  It is worked in superwash wool and is size 2-3.  I have added a little different edging on the cuffs and bottom but the #'s are the same.  I encourage anyone who has worked the "J" series ('Baby J'; 'Jr. J'; and the latest cabin fever release 'J J Jacket') to branch out and be creative. The numbers can be worked for a sweatshirt style pullover; a crew neck pullover; a vest; and a hip length, waist length or I bet a full length coat would be great.  Go for it and if you do, please send me a picture, it will make me very happy to see my beloved "J" in many many different ways. I have worn my 'J J Jacket' in the public a few times already and it has never failed to attract attention and receive compliments.  Everyone is facinated with the directions and the no sewing.  If you are interested in seeing the leaflet patterns that I have self published and Cabin Fever published click on the link at the top of the left side panel.

This one (above) is similar to Sam's Delight, but not!  This one is size 8-10 and will be available for sale at the upcoming craft show.  I will likely write it up as a new pattern as the neckline is different, the yarn weight different, body texture different and there will be more sizes (2-52 hopefully).  That will likely not happen until January 2010 as I am kind of busy with the Craft show and working with Deb, Dana, Lynda and Sophie on the new Cabin Fever book.  Keep an eye out for it, you will like it, I promise. 

Hanging on my clothes line (I love outdoor clothes lines) are some more small projects, not quite finished but soon.  I gifted my Son, Daughter-in-Law, Grandaughter with the first three pairs of Fingerless Gloves, so will have to keep on knitting some more before November 20.  I think they are very popular now.  The hat looks weird right now but in my head it looks real neat.  Will post the finished hat, if it works.

I am also working on another multi-directional garment.  This one is just for ideas, so it is just size 1-2, but it will help me with the ideas and various panel stitch patterns.

Close-up of the back 2 panels.  Keep watching, it will change a lot before it is done.

As alway the addicted MommaBear cannot stop, is there help out there for me? Or if you don't have any help, join me, I love knitting with other knitters, awesome networking opportunity.

Progress Report for Adult JJ

I am making great progress --- I think.

I have finished the two front panels, and the centre back panel. I have picked up the stitches to work both of the sides and have completed a few ridges on each side. I have a long way to go, lot of knitting but I really like the collar and look forward to the finished JJ Jacket. The pattern does not instruct a knitter to work both sides at once but I am trying to get a feel for the fit before finishing the #'s. It is still a design under construction and Cabin Fever will have it out there for all you knitters before you know it.

Today, it is raining in Lake Country and it is forecast to be cloudy and rainy for the next five days.

Where-oh-Where is the sunshine for the Sunshine City.

MommaBearKnits in the sun, rain, hail, snow.

Whatever the season MBK's

Update on my Labour of Love!!!!

Yesterday I trashed a closet full of off season clothes, mostly never worn in many years; so -----dumped them, cleaned the closet and guess what, started to store my stash in some sort of system, yah right!!!!

This is just the beginning, I need more containers and likely more closet. I will keep on sorting and storing.

Oh, by the way, while I was looking and touching I brought out a big ball of yarn that I got at the K-W show last year. I didn't know what to do with it but had to have it. Bought it, stored it, and then it called me ----"Come get me, I want to be Lynda's (Cabin Fever) Fancy Stitch Cozy. Lynda demonstrated the fancy stitch cozy pattern and taught the local guild how to do it at the May Guild Meeting. My version is a little different, smaller needles, more stitches cast on and a different edge. The yarn is supposed to be doubled heavy worsted weight worked on size 9mm needles. I worked mine double but it is finer and the needles are size 6.5mm. The stitch is absolutely beautiful, I cannot wait to try it on something else.

My huggy bear (sort of like the pattern) in Bernat Jr. Jacquards is almost done, I was not happy with the previous picture, the blue striped T did not do it any favour so I took another photo. I am still working on socks, now have completed 7 pairs.

Bad Things Happen and Mistakes are made even to us who Knit:

Now I have a confession to make, I have fallen away from my shawl and tried to get back at it but no way, my sticks and string just would not work. Now I know why, I do not like it. It will be far to large for the person that I am knitting it for. Guess what I am going to do today -----Frog It. I will start another, smaller one and will finish it in time, I know I will. Frog Squad is coming in now. Commenters, I really appreciate your comments but do not try to talk me out of the frogging, I have made up my mind and by the time you comment it will be too late.

Good-bye, keep on knitting.

Knitting Again, Oh I guess it is Knitting Still

Current Projects are a variation of my Huggy Bear in Bernat Jr. Jacquards; and baby socks in a supply of Berroco Comfort DK that has been dwelling in my stash bins under my bed. I have five colours, so I am making a pair in each colour (so far three colours and one sock in the fourth colour, still have the royal blue to do) then I will mix the colours up with perhaps different colours for the cuffs, heels, toes and perhaps stripped socks as well. It is 50% nylon/50%Acrylic, should be good for wash & wear. It will be interesting to see just how many pairs I can get. I prefer bright colours for babys, none of that baby blue or baby pink lives in my world. The yarn calls for a size 4mm needle but I am working the socks in size 2.75 mm; makes for a nice tight texture and should really hold it's shape and stay on the foot nicely. Until next time keep on knitting, I am.

MommaBearKnits aka berniebydesign

ANOTHER PROJECT DONE

Picture shows it all. Garter Stitch version of Baby Compass.

MommaBearKnits on into the future, no problem with summer heat, just keep playing with the sticks and string.

Current Project and Blocking Inventory

Today I washed and blocked more of my stock. I had to use my dining table inside, and outside and even the lawn chairs. Twenty Eight garments and hats and even some baby socks.

Baby and toddler cardigans, hoodies & pullovers.

This pile is in the gazebo.

This is my current project. It is done in worsted weight yarn with the numbers from "Baby Compass". I expect that it will be a size 2-3 when complete. Instead of the textured pattern, I just used garter stitch. I have loved garter stitch for a long time and keep going back to it. Remember Baby "J". This one is similar but not the same. Back to my sticks and string. MommaBearKnits.

This is Baby Compass (one of many) that I just completed. It is also in worsted but the numbers are for a smaller size. (Size 12-18 months.)

Daily Grind

Ready to be stored until a craft sale becomes available. That is just the start. I have many many more.

Last night was a good knitting night, finished the cardi and will do the part I really don't enjoy ----- yarn ends worked in and buttons sewn on. Sometime the most difficult is finding buttons that grab me and say, "I am the button that will make this cardi shine."

I guess tonight I will start another-----------