The 1 Hour Skirt

Have you ever gotten that "I-must-make-something-NOW" feeling? Well, I got it today. So I made something. AND, it isn't just an apron either! It's an actual piece of clothing. Shocked? 

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I wanted something super-duper fast, so I checked over at Make it Perfect and found this pattern. I didn't actually use her pattern, but I got the whole idea of the elastic waist from her. I used a heavy-weight knit (part of the ever-growing stash), and some 1 1/4" stretchrite elastic. To get the shape I wanted, I just traced a skirt that I have. Ideally, it was going to be a maxi skirt, but seeing as I had only 1 1/2 yards of fabric, if that, I settled for a midi. I sewed up the edges with a medium zigzag and then just left them - knit doesn't ravel, after all! The waistband I sewed together with a regular stitch (obviously), and then sewed down the ends as well.

For the hem, I serged the edge and then hand stitched it up. That was the time-consuming part. However, with some Bonanza cranked up, it went pretty fast.

^that picture makes it look kinda blech!??^ 

If you are looking for an easy, fast skirt, this is it!

Thanks for stopping by!

P.S. Garden Apron pictures coming soon....taking pictures of something garden-related in February with snow all around and no vegetables, green grass or spring-like materials at hand is a slight challenge. :|

DIY Colorblock Infinity Scarf

You will need:

Two contrasting yarns; I used Red Heart in gray and tan multi

Knitting needles, size 13 or 15

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Cast on 30. Knit 84 rows, or until piece measures 24-25". Change to the contrasting color, and knit another 84 rows or 24-25". Bind off, and sew together.

For instructions on how to knit, go here.

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Thanks for stopping by.

Nine Hearts Hanging Dishtowel

Needle size 6

2 skeins Peaches and Cream *SEE NOTE AT END OF PATTERN* (preferably NOT a variegated yarn, because as you can see the pattern doesn't show up very well otherwise - too bad I didn't think of that sooner!)

CO 69

Rows 1 - 6: sl1, k across
Row 7: sl1, k5, p57, k6
Row 8 and ALL EVEN ROWS: sl1, k across
Row 9: sl1, k5, p57, k6
Row 11: sl1, k5, p10, k1, p17, k1, p17, k1, p10, k6
Row 13: sl1, k5, p9, k3, p15, k3, p15, k3, p9, k6
Row 15: sl1, k5, p8, k5, p13, k5, p13, k5, p8, k6
Row 17: sl1, k5, p7, k3, p1, k3, p11, k3, p1, k3, p11, k3, p1, k3, p7, k6
Row 19: sl1, k5, p6, k3, p3, k3, p9, k3, p3, k3, p9, k3, p3, k3, p6, k6
Row 21: sl1, k5, p5, k3, p5, k3, p7, k3, p5, k3, p7, k3, p5, k3, p5, k6
Row 23: sl1, k5, p4, k3, p7, k3, p5, k3, p7, k3, p5, k3, p7, k3, p4, k6
Row 25: sl1, k5, p4, k3, p7, k3, p5, k3, p7, k3, p5, k3, p7, k3, p4, k6
Row 27: sl1, k5, p4, k3, p3, k1, p3, k3, p5, k3, p3, k1, p3, k3, p5, k3, p3, k1, p3, k3, p4, k6
Row 29: sl1, k5, p4, k3, p2, k3, p2, k3, p5, k3, p2, k3, p2, k3, p5, k3, p2, k3, p2, k3, p4, k6
Row 31: sl1, k5, p5, k11, p7, k11, p7, k11, p5, k6
Row 33: sl1, k5, p6, k9, p9, k9, p9, k9, p6, k6
Row 35: sl1, k5, p7, k2, p3, k2, p11, k2, p3, k2, p11, k2, p3, k2, p7, k6
Row 37: sl1, k5, p57, k6
Row 39: sl1, k5, p57, k6
Repeat Rows 11-39 two times, until you have 99 rows, meaning three rows of hearts.
NOTE: You will no longer be knitting across on every even row. Pattern is written out from here to the end.
Row 100: sl1, k2tog across. 35 st total.
Row 101: sl1, k2tog across. 18 st total.
Rows 102 - 105: sl1, k across.
Row 106: sl1, k2tog across to last st. k1.
Row 107: sl1, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k1. 7 st total.
Rows 108 - 118: sl1, K across on even rows, sl1, P on odd rows.
Rows 119 - 132: sl1, K across on ODD rows, sl1, P on EVEN rows.
Row 133: sl1, k1, BO next 3 st, k2
Row 134: sl1, k1fb, k1fb, k1
Row 135: k2tog, k2tog, k2tog
Row 136: k2tog, k1. Slip first stitch over second. Pull end through. Raise arms in victory. Sew on button. The third picture below shows where you should place the button.

*NOTE* Here is my problem: after spending FOREVER making this, I washed it the other day after it had been out for a while, and when it came out, here's what it looked like:

SERIOUSLY??? All fuzzy and horrible looking! It is so frustrating to spend that much time on something and have it be basically ruined after one washing. So I just found a new cotton at Meijer - I believe it is Lion Brand. I'll be making something out of it soon and will post my results!!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I'd love to have you comment and follow my blog!

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Monogrammed "E" Dishcloth

Yayyyyy!!!!!! Another finished project!! Not to worry though, I've started enough others to keep me busy for centuries to come.
Who doesn't like a monogrammed dishcloth, right? Let's get started!
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CO 45
Row 1: K
Row 2: K
Row 3: K
Row 4: K
Row 5: K
Row 6: K
Row 7: k6, p33, k6
Row 8: k across
Row 9: k6, p33, k6
Row 10: k across
Row 11: k6, p33, k6
Row 12: k across
Row 13: k6, p33, k6
Row 14: k across
Row 15: k6, p8, k17, p8, k6
Row 16: k across
Row 17: k6, p8, k17, p8, k6
Row 18: k across
Row 19: k6, p8, k17, p8, k6
Row 20: k across
Row 21: k6, p8, k6, p19, k6
Row 22: k across
Row 23: k6, p8, k6, p19, k6
Row 24: k across
Row 25: k6, p8, k6, p19, k6
Row 26: k across
Row 27: k6, p8, k13, p12, k6
Row 28: k across
Row 29: k6, p8, k13, p12, k6
Row 30: k across
Row 31: k6, p8, k13, p12, k6
Row 32: k across
Row 33: k6, p8, k6, p19, k6
Row 34: k across
Row 35: k6, p8, k6, p19, k6
Row 36: k across
Row 37: k6, p8, k6, p19, k6
Row 38: k across
Row 39: k6, p8, k17, p8, k6
Row 40: k across
Row 41: k6, p8, k17, p8, k6
Row 42: k across
Row 43: k6, p8, k17, p8, k6
Row 44: k across
Row 45: k6, p33, k6
Row 46: k across
Row 47: k6, p33, k6
Row 48: k across
Row 49: k6, p33, k6
Row 50: k across
Row 51: k6, p33, k6
Row 52: k across
Row 53: k across
Row 54: k across
Row 55: k across
Row 56: k across
Row 57: k across
Row 58: Bind off and weave in ends.
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Thanks for stopping by!! Let me know if you have any questions or problems.

Knit Heart Dishcloth

Knit Heart Dishcloth

Yarn: 1 skein Peaches 'n' Cream
Needles: size 6 (4.25 mm)

CO 42 stitches.
Row 1: k across
Row 2: k across
Row 3: k across
Row 4: k across
Row 5: k across
Row 6: k across
Row 7: k across
Row 8: k6, p30, k6
Row 9: k across
Row 10: k6, p30, k6
Row 11: k across
Row 12: k6, p14, k2, p14, k6
Row 13: k across
Row 14: k6, p12, k6, p12, k6
Row 15: k across
Row 16: k6, p11, k8, p11, k6
Row 17: k across
Row 18: k6, p10, k10, p10, k6
Row 19: k across
Row 20: k6, p8, k14, p8, k6
Row 21: k across
Row 22: k6, p7, k16, p7, k6
Row 23: k across
Row 24: k6, p6, k18, p6, k6
Row 25: k across
Row 26: k6, p5, k20, p5, k6
Row 27: k across
Row 28: k6, p4, k22, p4, k6
Row 29: k across
Row 30: k6, p3, k24, p3, k6
Row 31: k across
Row 32: k6, p2, k26, p2, k6
Row 33: k across
Row 34: k6, p2, k26, p2, k6
Row 35: k across
Row 36: k6, p1, k28, p1, k6
Row 37: k across
Row 38: k6, p1, k28, p1, k6
Row 39: k across
Row 40: k6, p2, k26, p2, k6
Row 41: k across
Row 42: k6, p3, k24, p3, k6
Row 43: k aross
Row 44: k6, p4, k10, p2, k10, p4, k6
Row 45: k across
Row 46: k6, p5, k8, p4, k8, p5, k6
Row 47: k across
Row 48: k6, p6, k5, p8, k5, p6, k6
Row 49: k across
Row 50: k6, p30, k6
Row 51: k across
Row 52: k6, p30, k6
Row 53: k across
Row 54: k across
Row 55: k across
Row 56: k across
Row 57: k across
Row 58: k across
Row 59: k across
BO and weave in ends.

Heart Quartet Dishcloth

Too many flowers, and the strange urge not to use up all my beautiful fabric. There's the explanation for the lack of new and awesome projects. Sound good? I thought so.

I have been doing a little bit of knitting, however, so here goes.

Heart Quartet Dishcloth

This picture was taken after washing it once, so if it looks a little used, well, that's because it is!!

You will need: 

1 skein Peaches & Cream Cotton Yarn

Size 6 Knitting Needles

Directions:

CO 43.
Rows 1-6: Knit across
Row 7: k6, p31, k6
Row 8: k across
Row 9: k6, p31, k6
Row 10: k {across}
Row 11: k6, p9, k1, p11, k1, p9, k6
Row 12: k
Row 13: k6, p8, k3, p9, k3, p8, k6
Row 14: k
Row 15: k6, p7, k2, p1, k2, p7, k2, p1, k2, p7, k6
Row 16: k
Row 17: k6, p6, k2, p3, k2, p5, k2, p3, k2, p6, k6
Row 18: k
Row 19: k6, p5, k2, p5, k2, p3, k2, p5, k2, p5, k6
Row 20: k
Row 21: k6, p4, k2, p7, k2, p1, k2, p7, k2, p4, k6
Row 22: k
Row 23: k6, p4, k2, p3, k1, p3, k2, p1, k2, p3, k1, p3, k2, p4, k6
Row 24: k
Row 25: k6, p4, k2, p2, k3, p2, k2, p1, k2, p2, k3, p2, k2, p4, k6
Row 26: k
Row 27: k6, p4, k5, p1, k5, p1, k5, p1, k5, p4, k6
Row 28: k
Row 29: k6, p5, k3, p3, k3, p3, k3, p3, k3, p5, k6
Row 30: k
Row 31: k6, p31, k6
Row 32: k
Row 33: k6, p31, k6
Row 34: k
Row 35: k6, p9, k1, p11, k1, p9, k6
Row 36: k
Row 37: k6, p8, k3, p9, k3, p8, k6
Row 38: k
Row 39: k6, p7, k2, p1, k2, p7, k2, p1, k2, p7, k6
Row 40: k
Row 41: k6, p6, k2, p3, k2, p5, k2, p3, k2, p6, k6
Row 42: k
Row 43: k6, p5, k2, p5, k2, p3, k2, p5, k2, p5, k6
Row 44: k
Row 45: k6, p4, k2, p7, k2, p1, k2, p7, k2, p4, k6
Row 46: k
Row 47: k6, p4, k2, p3, k1, p3, k2, p1, k2, p3, k1, p3, k2, p4, k6
Row 48: k
Row 49: k6, p4, k2, p2, k3, p2, k2, p1, k2, p2, k3, p2, k2, p4, k6
Row 50: k
Row 51: k6, p4, k5, p1, k5, p1, k5, p1, k5, p4, k6
Row 52: k
Row 53: k6, p5, k3, p3, k3, p3, k3, p3, k3, p5, k6
Row 54: k
Row 55: k6, p31, k6
Row 56: k
Row 57: k6, p31, k6
Row 58: k
Row 59: k
Row 60: k
Row 61: k
Row 62: k
Row 63: k
Row 64: Bind off. Tie in ends.
You're done!! Hooray!
View this pattern on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearts-quartet-dishcloth

If you have any problems, let me know!! Let me know how this one works out for you!! 

Thanks for visiting!! Please follow my blog!

Furry Chemo Cap

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I decided to make a chemo hat for a very dear friend of mine, so I went looking for a pattern. I always cringe at the thought of using 4 double-pointed needles for knitting, so I had to find a straight-needle version. It came out really nice. (It's pink, how could it not come out nice!?!) I got the pattern from Lion Brand. There is a straight-needle version and a double-pointed version. I made a large, using one strand of Bernat Softee Baby, and one strand of Lion Brand Fun Fur. I was able to get a whole hat out of just one skein of Fun Fur. I also made a couple of slight alterations - instead of doing stockinette stitch, I just did regular knit. It was very easy to make, and worked up in just one evening. I would highly recommend this pattern for anyone wanting to make a bunch of them. So overall, I am pretty happy with the way it came out! It is SO soft, and I think it will feel good on her head. Next I'm going to be trying one with just two strands of Fun Fur. Have fun with this, and let me know how it works out for you!

Multi-Color Infinity Scarf

So, I saw this scarf at Kohl's the other day, and loved it. (they have it in a blue color too by the way) So, good old DIY Dolly decided to try making one herself.

 This picture shows what I used - Sensations Casual Boucle can be found at here (Joann Fabrics) - Yarn Bee Mosaic Twist is discontinued but you may be able to get it on Ebay or somewhere like that. 

To make it:

Size 19 (US) needles

6 different, distinct yarns of the same general color tones (this is where you kinda go crazy, finding anything and everything you might possibly want) :)

Cast on 23 stitches.

Knit until the color you are on measures approximately 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 inches. Be careful though when you're measuring, becaue some yarns stretch. Both the Homespun and the Simply Soft Thick N Quick stretched out an inch or two - so just try to work that in when you are meausring.

Once you have completed one "patch" of the color you are on, change colors. Repeat until you the scarf measures approximately 50-54 inches. Mine is 54 inches now, but that is after having been worn and stretched. So I would do about 50 or 52 inches, that way once you put it on and it stretches out, it's not going to be enormous. 

Bind off, leaving a long tail.

Join the finish edge and the starting edge. Weave in ends.

You're done!!!! 

Newest addition: Starbella Ruffle Scarf

This scarf was made with Starbella ruffle yarn. It works up quite fast!
Pattern:
Using size 6 needles, CO 4 stitches. Knit back and forth until scarf reaches desired length.
I did not even use the whole ball of yarn and it came out plenty long - over 4 feet. It is very pretty, and definitely makes a very nice gift. Be very careful when you are making it - because if it slips off of your needles, it unravels in about 1/10 of a second. Believe me, I know from experience!!! I suggest putting either a clothespin or some other kind of clip over your needles when you put it down, because it will come off very easily.

Machine Knit Cable Hat and Scarf Set

Machine Knit Cable Hat and Scarf Set
You will need:

-10 to 12 oz. of Caron One Pound Yarn (I used cream)
-one knitting machine :)
-a little bit of patience

The pattern: T8-2
E wrap CO 38-0-38.
Knit 3 rows.
Using your 1 and 2-prong tools, cable stitches according to this graph: (the number 2 by itself means plain stitches that are never transferred; 1x1 or 2x2 are cables)
2 - 1x1 - 2 - 1x1 - 2- 2x2 - 2 - 1x1 - 2 - 2x2 - 2 - 1x1 - 2 - 2x2 - 2
After transferring stitches, knit 8 rows. *Repeat transfers of cables and knit 8 rows. Repeat from * until scarf reaches approximately 50 inches. For hat, knit until it reaches approximately 9 inches.
Once you have done your last cable transfers, knit 3 rows and bind off with the garter bar (or whatever you prefer).
To join the scarf, take a tapestry needle and a long piece of yarn (or your long tail) and sew up using one of these methods, or your preferred joining method. For the hat, join the same way <--> horizontally, then to close the top, simply go through the end stitches back and forth until you reach the point where you started. Cinch as hard as you can (without breaking the yarn) and tie off. Weave in ends. Steam both pieces, but don't press them down or you will lose alot of the cable effect.
You're done!!! Enjoy.

Machine Knit Latch-up Scarf

Machine Knit Latch-up Scarf

bulky machine
You will need:
-several strands of fine yarn, or two strands of sport weight (just try some combinations and come up with something that you like)

I latched up the guy's scarf differently for a more manly effect.

The pattern:

For a little girl's scarf, E-wrap CO 16-0-16, from left to right, leaving 6 needles in work, 4 out, 12 in, 4 out, and 6 in. Leaving the needles out of work allows you to latch up the edges, which makes them lay very nice and flat as you can see in the pictures. Knit 284 rows. Transfer onto the garter bar. Latch up the out of work stitches, (pretend that however many strands of yarn you're using are one and take 2 "strands" through 2 "strands") Bind off all stitches except the end stitches (one stitch on each end), leaving those two on safety pins. Once you have done this, take the end stitches off the pins and unravel them as you latch them up (take two "strands" from one side and pull them through the other side.) Once you have done this, crochet a shell stitch into every stitch, creating a ruffled effect.

For a woman's scarf, E-wrap CO 20-0-20, from left to right, leaving 8 needles in work, 4 out, 16 in, 4 out, and 8 in. Knit 331 rows. Latch up, connect, and edge like the child's scarf.
For a man's scarf, E-wrap CO 28-0-28, from left to right, leaving 12 needles in work, 4 out, 24 in, 4 out, and 12 in. Knit 383 rows, knitting the first and last row 2 tensions tighter. (only do this on the man's scarf). Refer to little girl's scarf for binding off and latching up edges. To join, take the safety pins out and unravel the edge stitches as you latch them up: take one "strand" from each side so you have two "strands" on your latch tool. Then take another "strand" from each side and pull the first two "strands" through the last two. This creates a more manly look that matches the edge latching perfectly. Join the bottom edges.
Hope you enjoy this tutorial!