DO I NEED TO STOP GOING IN ALL DIRECTION!!! ALERT!!!! Chatty Post, get a cup of coffee and sit down.

Of course that need will be met when I finish all my projects and patterns, in my lifetime, right?  I have made a decision to finish one at a time! Yeah Right, well kind of one at a time.  Sometimes a sock is just plain relaxing, I always have socks on the needle.   I have a sock project on the go now, not a pattern, just my addiction to socks.  I have finished the first sock, and have started the second one.  Socks are my mindless knitting late at night when I am tired or when I am a passenger in the car.  So I give myself permission to work on socks along with other projects.

Just before the toe was finished

I do have the Adult Compass pretty well written, I just have to finish those big samples, check the numbers, take the pictures and it is hot weather now and that is not good for knitting big projects with 100% wool.  But I promise the pattern will be out very soon.

I know, I posted these pictures before, but I have knit quite a bit more, of the Compass Cardigans.






In my dreams I saw a Hoodie Bear in Worsted Weight, sizes 2 - 12, the original was in DK size Preemie to 18 months.  Darn it, I got hooked again.  The pattern is done, the numbers checked, and I just finished the size 2  and size 4 samples.   I still have to knit a collared version and then it will be photographed and posted as well.

Not finished yet, but the knitting is finished.

Then another sleep, another dream and there I go again.  I have started a new multidirectional baby (Preemie-18months) pattern designed for a girl and a boy. 

 

The beginning is similar to the Baby Compass but that similarity ends at the yoke.   It will have a Garter Stitch Yoke and the sleeves and body in Stockinette Stitch.  There will be two or more options for the sleeve cuffs and bottom borders.  I plan a lace option for the baby girl and a ribbed option for a baby boy.  I may also include a third option for both, not sure.  The pattern is written to the body section, then it is the sleeves and likely a hat to be completed. 

I think my passion is becoming multidirectional but still no sewing.  I find there is limitations when you work a top down that you don't encounter when go go off in all directions.  I also decided that the Compass Logo that I created for the Compass Patterns will be included in the title as symbol of the technique in all of my future patterns that are worked North, South, East and West. 



Compass Logo



Of course there is Cabin Fever's Baby Book.  That is awesome.  I always learn so much from Deb when we work together on a project.  Deb has so kindly included me as an Author.  I have to admit that she has written most of the text and patterns, I followed along and made a few changes and helped with the final versions.   Some of my ideas where  taken, Some not, no problem, it was fun and boy did I learn a lot about publishing. 

My passion is spreadsheets.  I created a spreadsheet for each of the sizes in each of the gauges (36 pages of spreadsheets in all).  That gave me the opportunity to check the patterns, charts, and pattern repeats over and over again.  It really is not hard to make that many, you just have to cut and paste a lot, then adjust the gauge numbers and the  beginning numbers.  They work great when you are working through the patterns - neck, yoke, sleeves, body - those numbers are available at every row of the process.   I cannot wait to see the printed book, I think it will go to press by mid June.  Deb and Lynda have plenty of work left to do with the editing, layouts and photo selections.   

Sorry I rambled on so long, it has been a long time since my last post, I promise I will post more often in the future.  Until next time ----- MommaBearKnits and Designs for Babies and More. 

Progress Report

I have finished, washed, blocked and dried the latest sample for the baby book. 

At this time it was still in the drying stage, but now it is finished and ready to pose.

Next, as I promised I am working on my final Compass(es). 

This is knit in 100% wool worsted weight - My size.

This one is in Patons Canadiana, the new generation in the second size.

The new Patons Canadiana is 100% Acrylic of course.  It is very nice to knit and it looks good.  It will be better for washing, but I still like the 100% wool garments better.  These pictures were taken outdoors a few days ago when it looked like it was going to be spring.  Then the snow fell - yuck.  Oh well, Happy Easter everyone and believe me Spring will arrive soon I hope.

In the meantime I am also working on a pair of socks, what else is new, and I have not given up crocheting.

MOMMABEARKNITS and she loves to play with colour.

Still Knitting

I was worried that I would run out of yarn for the baby hoodie that I just finished, but I did not. So I knit two pairs of socks too.

Socks are in sock yarn single strands and the hoodie is in the same sock yarn only knit double.

Then I had another pair of children's socks on the needles, so I finish them as well.

These will fit a toddler, they are knit in acrylic sock yarn weight.

 Then on Thursday Deb, Dana and I met to do a lot of finishing on the many many samples that are complete for the New Baby Book.  That night I started another sample in Cabin Fever Tweed DK.  It is finished, washed and blocked.

Size 12 months - basic pattern sample

 Then we went over the pile of completed samples and found that we need another border sample in sock yarn. 



This one is a Border Sample, size 0 - 3 months. 

I have it on my needles and it will be finished very soon I promise.  Deb and Dana also have some more to knit.  It is a lot of work but I enjoy being included in this project.  Thanks Deb.
I will keep on crocheting too.  I am getting into it again, I cannot remember how long ago I preferred crocheting over knitting, one of the reasons were that when you crochet you rarely have to sew any seams, now I have learned how to do that with knitting too.

I have also been working on the Adult Compass.  Samples for adults take a long time, and my practice is to do several (if not all) sizes just to be sure there are no problems.  This one will have a 7 size range, so I for sure will not be able to do all sizes, but at present I am working on the second size (36-38) and my size (44-46) after all I really need another cardigan.   Yeah Right!!!!!

I guess I have to say  "MommaBearKnits and Crochets".

Taking a Break! Who am I kidding?

I have finished the knitting for the baby book sample that was posted the other day.  I just have to end the tails and sew on the buttons.  I will post the picture of the finished garment by tomorrow.

But, do you remember the green hoodie for the soon to be arrival.

Thiis is where I was two three days ago

I started it some time ago but became nervous that I wouldn't have enough yarn to finish it and because it was purchased at a knit show before I even knew that the boy was on the way I have not been able to find any more, just in case. 

Yes, we have been informed that it is a boy and will likely be a big boy.  I was trying to figure out what to do to make sure there was enough yarn.   Then, I had a light flash in my head.  The baby will be born in May so a hoodie won't be suitable until the fall, he will be about 4 - 5 months old before the days cool and he will be wearing it.  The baby along with his mom and dad will live in Oro-Medonte.  The leaves are beautiful in late September through October in this part of Ontario and Mom and Dad are great outdoor people.  Soooooooo ------ Maple Leaves it is. 

Oh yah, this project is based on my Hoodie Bear Pattern but is worked in sock yarn doubled.  I had to adjust the numbers a bit and I just added the border pattern for fun.  If you have purchased the pattern, try it, (you do not have to choose leaves, anything will do, just fit it into the number of body stitches) you do not have to follow any pattern exactly, that is what Deb and I are encouraging with the new book. 

Just need to find wooden or leaf buttons.

As it turned out, there is plenty of yarn left sooooooo the boy will get Green Socks, Multi-coloured socks, and likely there will be enough for a striped pair of socks.  The cardigan is in a size 6-9 months so it should fit in the right season for the leaves.  Hope they like it.   To the best of my knowledge, they do not follow this blog so it will be a surprise, I HOPE. 

MommaBearKnits and Designs and she crochets too.

Taking a little Break!

Yesterday Deb and I met to discuss the book.  She is teaching this weekend and I am taking a break from the baby book but not from knitting.   I have gone off in a new direction (or old direction) and I am currently in a crochet mode. 

First of all:



This is where I was at my last post.



This is how far I am today.

 This baby cardigan will be finished very soon.  And then I likely will start another. 

Cindy, you asked in your comment when the book would be released.  At the present time Deb expects it to be on the shelf in June. 

Now my new direction just for the fun of it and without any pattern:

Just for the fun of it, I am crocheting baby hats.  New baby on the way in the family.

Guess what, the mom loves green.

This is also for the new little one - guess what---green

Yes, I have crocheted for many years too, but have become addicted to knitting and designing. I think I will try a crocheted baby sweater out of my head just for a break, but the knitting will continue.

I have not forgotten about my other projects: 



My Adult Compass is well on its way.



I have two in progress, different colours and sizes and different yarn.

MommaBearKnits and she Crochets too.  Funny, MommaBearCrochets doesn't sound right. 

Have a great Spring Day ------

Had Trouble Yesterday, the pictures wouldn't display, Today I think they will.

I am still working on the Top Down, Baby, Multi-Gauge, 4 size book together with Deb of Cabin Fever.  If you think I am working, you should see how much work Deb is doing.  Deb, Dana, and Lynda are all knitting too.  Deb is busy working on the written part of the book and then Lynda will do the set-up for printing.  They are a great pair of Knitting Sisters.  So, if you think I am Knitting a variety of patterns, trust me, there are many many more and in different combinations and gauges.  Even the basics are great and they all are in 9 different gauges as well, I cannot stop promoting that idea, it is great.

I had to frog a couple of border pattern samples as we decided to change the edge and the cast-off, so here they are again:

Worked in DK, two border patterns.  Just need their buttons sewed on.

Next, two of the newborn baby sock yarn weight samples are also finished in two different border patterns.  All patterns work in all weights of yarn, Awesome!!!  If they don't work for all gauges they are gone from the book.


Knit in a Twist Stitch Border using Hand Dyed Sock Weight Yarn (28st=4"/10cm)



A different Border, sock weight yarn.  This one is the reason we changed the last row and cast-off.



Worsted Weight, Panel Pattern, Front View



Back View, same weight, same panel pattern.

This combination of two patterns in the same panel has been discarded - complicated.
The cardigan will warm some little darling, it will not be frogged but not in the book either.

Another sock weight size 6-9 months, panel pattern.  Not much done when
photographed but almost 1/2 finished now

As I posted yesterday, I could not get my pictures to display, but today it seems ok.  I cannot imagine what the problem was, was it me or was it Blogspot.  Anybody else have the problem?  It was frustrating.

Oh well, I couldn't blog so I knit. 
MommaBearKnits and blogs.

Having a major Problem

I have progress pictures to show and I cannot get them to be visible on the blog.  The text works but the pictures just are as follows.  I am ticked off, hope it gets better soon.  Does anyone have a problem too.

MommaBearKnits and she likes to show photos.

Progress on the Latest Cabin Fever Book, Samples & Test Knitting

I have been knitting a lot, and also frogging a LOT.

Number 1:  I want to thank Cindy and catsamalea for their wonderful comments on my last post.  They are providing great encouragement for me to continue.

Number 2: Deb and I have been meeting, meeting, meeting.  Re-writing, re-writing, re-writing.  We have also been knitting, testing pattern ideas and coming up with many many very good ideas (that is my opinion, I guess that is a little bragging) and I must admit, also a lot of ideas that will not work for the multi-guage; 4 size pattern range.  What works with fingering may not work with chunky, it takes a lot of testing testing testing.   I am totally possessed by my addiction and I am loving it.  So, I want to thank Deb, big time,  for the opportunity to join her in the writing of her latest book.  Believe me, she is working the hardest with the layout and the text, I am really really enjoying the whole process.    Deb is awesome.

Number 3:  Sample pictures speak better than my text, so here are some pictures.

This is my first idea for panel patterns on the basic cardigan, not working, will be frogged, but part of idea will remain.

DK border pattern test.  Will remain, I think.

Another border pattern in DK, works well.

DK Cabin Fever Tweed.  Panel Pattern testing, I think works well.





Another possible Border Pattern, this one is in fingering also.



 Until my next post, I will still be totally enjoying my retirement years.  I love to knit and design, after all, I am called MommaBearKnits.

Just so my followers know, I have not forgotten my other projects, "Adult Compass"; "Baby Emilee"; "2 Men's Pullovers" and a "Men's Vest".  They will happen soon, I promise.

Now MommaBear will Knit, all day and into the night.

Update on Current Projects

I have been knitting, not posting.  Deb and I are working on the basic baby cardigan for her new book.  Next it will be the pattern designing but I do have to comment that the basics are very attractive too.  That will be fun.  I have been working with the numbers along with the gauges.  WOW!!!!! I had no idea how complicated that can be.

Samples speak louder than words:

DK Weight Size 6 Months (Cabin Fever Cotton Tweed)

DK Weight Stash Yarn Size 12 Months

DK Weight Size 6-9 Months (used the numbers but not the Garter Bands

Worsted Weight 12 Month Size

Worsted Weight Size 18 Months

Sock Yarn Size 18 Months

Next we will work on the basic samples for the photo opps.  Then the working out all the sizes and gauges with patterns. e.g. Lace, Cable, Checkerboard. etc. etc. etc.  As always MommaBearKnits.

Been Lazy about my Blog but not about my Knitting



Knitting a hoodie for my new grandnephew - to be born in May 2011



Man's Pullover is finished, just need to double check the stitch numbers for all sizes and finish writing the pattern
I think I will name it for my Brothers, Bernard, Robert and Donald

The vest will now be a pullover also, then I will feature it as a vest as well.  Thus, three styles, three brothers. 
That should work and it will honour them in print as well.



Just testing the numbers, not the final style



Working more of the numbers



I am also working on the baby book with Deb Gemmell, Cabin Fever.  I am so proud she has invited me to participate in the production.  It is awesome and the working of the numbers for the 4 sizes in 9 guages is a big job but totally enjoyable.  I love numbers almost as much as I love knitting.  Deb is a great no-sew designer and I am priviledge to participate.  I love to use spreadsheets to work the numbers so I hope I can help with the checking of numbers as well as assisting in the designing.  Also the knitting of photo samples. 

Momma Bear Knits and in her spare time she plays with numbers.

Progress

The vest is coming along, I have finished the first sample of the yoke and now will begin the body.  I am satisfied with the look so far.

The vest yoke displayed over the pullover

While I was working on the yoke I realized that the neckline would work for a completely different sweater.  Perhaps there will be 2 pullovers and a vest.  Who knows!  Three designs all similar, but different.  Maybe I can work out another neckline for the vest, will it ever end?  Oh, well, back to the sticks and string.

MommaBearKnits

2011 Here I Come!

Well the New Year's Celebrations are over.  I am now into the winter, into the year 2011, trying to focus on finishing the many ideas for patterns that are bursting out of my brain.  I know, an old brain does get a little frustrated when it goes off in all directions.  Maybe that all direction problem will help me finish my adult compass pattern.  I do have the numbers figured out, I just have to sit down and knit it.  The problem is, when I sit down and knit, I start more socks, start crunching the numbers for a new pattern or just knit, knit, knit!  But I have been working on the Man's Pullover.  I think it will be called ????????.  Sorry, brain freeze not sure yet.



The first sample of the man's pullover is finished --- Yeah!




I have started the Pullover Vest, it will fit over the pullover on cold days for more warmth or over a shirt just as a vest for cool spring or fall days.

 It is funny, the yarn is identical and the picture taken on the same spot in the same light, one looks like a denim blue and the other looks navy.  At least that is how it looks on my computer.  They will be a matching set and hopefully look good layered.   I have a similar set that I knit years ago in heavier yarn and I still wear it and get compliments and questions every time I go out.  I hope the men out there like it too. 

I have a "Baby Emilee"; "Adult Compass;" and this "Pullover/Vest" set to finish.  I will work hard and get them done very very soon.  I promise. 

MommaBearKnits always.