Pumpkin Dishcloth Freebie

I thought it was about time I shared another free pattern. Just my way of saying "Thanks" for hanging around and reading my blog even though lately I really stink at keeping it updated. :P
So....here's a little pattern for you that's appropriate for the season and the upcoming holiday. The pattern is written for one color like the first photo but for those of you skilled in changing colors...the second photo is also an option. For those who aren't...don't feel alone...I am not a color changing skilled knitter either. Thanks to Shirl for the test knitting...otherwise I wouldn't have that second photo. :P Hugs!

Pumpkin Dishcloth

©Designed by Melanie Thompson

Test Knit by Shirley Smith

US Size 6 needles

100% Cotton Yarn

Cast on 47 stitches

Rows 1-5: Knit

Row 6: K4, P39, K4

Row 7 & All Odd Rows: Knit

Row 8: K4, P39, K4

Row 10: K4, P9, K21, P9, K4

Row 12: K4, P7, K3, P3, K5, P3, K5, P3, K3, P7, K4

Row 14: K4, P6, K3, P3, K6, P3, K6, P3, K3, P6, K4

Row 16: K4, P5, K3, P3, K6, P5, K6, P3, K3, P5, K4

Row 18: K4, P4, K3, P4, K6, P5, K6, P4, K3, P4, K4

Row 20: K4, P3, K4, P4, K6, P5, K6, P4, K4, P3, K4

Row 22: K4, P3, K4, P4, K6, P5, K6, P4, K4, P3, K4

Row 24: K4, P3, K4, P4, K6, P5, K6, P4, K4, P3, K4

Row 26: K4, P3, K4, P4, K6, P5, K6, P4, K4, P3, K4

Row 28: K4, P3, K4, P4, K6, P5, K6, P4, K4, P3, K4

Row 30: K4, P3, K4, P4, K6, P5, K6, P4, K4, P3, K4

Row 32: K4, P4, K5, P3, K5, P5, K5, P3, K5, P4, K4

Row 34: K4, P6, K4, P3, K4, P5, K4, P3, K4, P6, K4

Row 36: K4, P8, K3, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, K3, P8, K4

Row 38: K4, P10, K3, P2, K3, P3, K3, P2, K3, P10, K4

Row 40: K4, P12, K15, P12, K4

Row 42: K4, P17, K4, P18, K4

Row 44: K4, P18, K4, P17, K4

Row 46: K4, P19, K4, P16, K4

Row 48: K4, P39, K4

Row 50: K4, P39, K4

Rows 51-55: Knit

Bind off and weave in the ends.

Calendar Of Hope

I just had to make a quick post to let you all know that our Calendar Of Hope is up! You can find it at Knit Pink and all the profits from the sale of the calendar go towards Breast Cancer Research. The price is $15 US Dollars and it is an instant download. (PDF) I am so excited and honored to be a part of this project. I hope you'll go check it out.




This is my contribution. It's called Wings Of Hope. The photo was taken by Rachel and she does such a great job of making the cloths look good. I wanted to send out a huge thanks to Cindy and Rachel for their hard work getting this calendar together and for letting me be a part of such a worthwhile project.

July Dishcloth Freebie

I know it's a little late for this year's July 4th knitting but it was a KAL for our knitting group so I had to hold off on posting. Maybe it will make it on somebody's list for next year.

Soaring Rocket (Happy July 4^th)

©Copyright 2008

Designed by Melanie Thompson

Cast on 45

Rows 1-5: Knit

Row 6: K4, P37, K4

Row 7 & All Odd Rows: Knit

Row 8: K4, P7, K1, P9, K1, P19, K4

Row 10: K4, P6, K1, P3, K1, P5, K1, P20, K4

Row 12: K4, P6, K1, P2, K1, P6, K1, P20, K4

Row 14: K4, P4, K3, P2, K1, P6, K1, P20, K4

Row 16: K4, P3, K1, P3, K1, P2, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P17, K4

Row 18: K4, P8, K1, P3, K1, P7, K1, P16, K4

Row 20: K4, P5, K2, P2, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P6, K1, P16, K4

Row 22: K4, P4, K1, P2, K1, P2, K1, P2, K2, P6, K1, P15, K4

Row 24: K4, P9, K1, P2, K4, P6, K1, P14, K4

Row 26: K4, P8, K1, P2, K4, P1, K1, P5, K1, P14, K4

Row 28: K4, P9, K5, P2, K2, P5, K1, P13, K4

Row 30: K4, P10, K3, P2, K4, P5, K1, P12, K4

Row 32: K4, P11, K1, P2, K6, P4, K1, P12, K4

Row 34: K4, P6, K3, P3, K6, P2, K1, P10, K1, P5, K4

Row 36: K4, P9, K2, P2, K4, P2, K3, P8, K1, P6, K4

Row 38: K4, P11, K1, P2, K2, P2, K5, P1, K2, P3, K1, P7, K4

Row 40: K4, P15, K1, P1, K5, P1, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P7, K4

Row 42: K4, P16, K5, P1, K1, P2, K1, P3, K1, P7, K4

Row 44: K4, P17, K3, P1, K1, P3, K1, P2, K1, P8, K4

Row 46: K4, P9, K1, P8, K1, P1, K1, P4, K1, P6, K1, P4, K4

Row 48: K4, P10, K2, P7, K1, P5, K1, P7, K1, P3, K4

Row 50: K4, P12, K1, P5, K1, P6, K1, P7, K1, P3, K4

Row 52: K4, P13, K2, P3, K8, P7, K1, P3, K4

Row 54: K4, P15, K1, P12, K1, P3, K1, P4, K4

Row 56: K4, P16, K1, P8, K1, P3, K3, P5, K4

Row 58: K4, P25, K1, P11, K4

Row 60: K4, P21, K1, P2, K1, P12, K4

Row 62: K4, P22, K2, P13, K4

Row 64: K4, P37, K4

Rows 65-69: Knit

Bind off and weave in the ends.

Showers In Spring Dishcloth Freebie

Sorry it took so long for me to get this one posted...kids+summer vacation=crazy Mom.

Showers In Spring

©Copyright 2008

Designed by Melanie Thompson

Cast on 46

Rows 1-4: Knit

Row 5: K4, P38, K4

Row 6 & All Even Rows: Knit

Row 7: K4, P38, K4

Row 9: K4, P17, K1, P5, K1, P5, K1, P8, K4

Row 11: K4, P15, K2, P1, K2, P2, K1, P1, K1, P2, K2, P1, K2, P6, K4

Row 13: K4, P17, (K1, P2) 4X, K1, P8, K4

Row 15: K4, P17, (K1, P2) 4X, K1, P8, K4

Row 17: K4, P17, (K1, P2) 4X, K1, P8, K4

Row 19: K4, P17, (K1, P2) 4X, K1, P8, K4

Row 21: K4, P17, (K1, P2) 4X, K1, P8, K4

Row 23: K4, P38, K4

Row 25: K4, P15, K17, P6, K4

Row 27: K4, P14, K1, P17, K1, P5, K4

Row 29: K4, P13, K1, P7, K5, P7, K1, P4, K4

Row 31: K4, P8, K1, P3, K1, P7, K1, P5, K1, P7, K1, P3, K4

Row 33: K4, P8, K1, P3, K1, P6, K1, P7, K1, P6, K1, P3, K4

Row 35: K4, P3, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P5, K11, P5, K1, P3, K4

Row 37: K4, P4, K1, P3, K5, P4, K1, P11, K1, P4, K1, P3, K4

Row 39: K4, P5, K1, P1, K1, P5, K1, P19, K1, P4, K4

Row 41: K4, P6, K1, P2, K2, P2, K1, P19, K1, P4, K4

Row 43: K4, P6, K1, P4, K1, P1, K1, P19, K1, P4, K4

Row 45: K4, P6, K1, P1, K1, P2, K1, P2, K1, P5, K1, P5, K1, P5, K1, P5, K4

Row 47: K4, P3, K4, P4, K1, P2, K3, P13, K2, P6, K4

Row 49: K4, P6, K1, P2, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P11, K1, P8, K4

Row 51: K4, P7, K1, P4, K2, P4, K1, P9, K1, P9, K4

Row 53: K4, P6, K1, P1, K4, P2, K1, P4, K9, P10, K4

Row 55: K4, P5, K1, P4, K1, P4, K1, P22, K4

Row 57: K4, P4, K1, P5, K1, P27, K4

Row 59: K4, P10, K1, P27, K4

Row 61: K4, P38, K4

Row 63: K4, P38, K4

Rows 64-68: Knit

Bind off and weave in the ends.

Hugs!

"InTents" Camping Dishcloth Freebie

I thought since I've been kinda quiet lately....I'd at least offer a freebie for ya. It's been a while since I've done that too. Yeah, I suck. So, here's a dishcloth pattern for all you campers out there. Enjoy!!

“InTents” Camping Dishcloth
©Copyright 2008
Designed by Melanie Thompson
Test Knitted by Shirley Smith

Cast on 46

Rows 1-5: Knit
Row 6: K3, P40, K3
Row 7 & All Odd Rows: Knit
Row 8: K3, P2, K14, P2, K4, P2, K14, P2, K3
Row 10: K3, P2, K1, P4, K2, P5, K2, P1, K6, P1, K1, P4, K2, P5, K2, P2, K3
Row 12: K3, P2, K1, P4, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P1, K6, P1, K1, P4, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P2, K3
Row 14: K3, P2, K1, P4, K1, P2, K1, P1, K1, P2, K1, P1, K1, P1, K2, P1, K1, P1, K1, P4, K1, P2, K1, P1, K1, P2, K1, P2, K3
Row 16: K3, P2, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P3, K2, P1, K1, P1, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P2, K3
Row 18: K3, P2, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P4, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P2, K3
Row 20: K3, P2, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P4, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P2, K3
Row 22: K3, P2, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P8, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P2, K3
Row 24: K3, P2, K6, P3, K1, P3, K1, P8, K6, P3, K1, P3, K1, P2, K3
Row 26: K3, P3, K1, P4, K1, P5, K1, P10, K1, P4, K1, P5, K1, P3, K3
Row 28: K3, P4, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P12, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P4, K3
Row 30: K3, P5, K1, P4, K1, P1, K1, P14, K1, P4, K1, P1, K1, P5, K3
Row 32: K3, P6, K6, P16, K6, P6, K3
Row 34: K3, P40, K3
Row 36: K3, P12, K1, P1, K3, P4, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P12, K3
Row 38: K3, P12, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P12, K3
Row 40: K3, P12, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P12, K3
Row 42: K3, P12, K1, P1, K4, P3, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P12, K3
Row 44: K3, P12, K1, P1, K1, P6, K1, P1, K2, P2, K1, P12, K3
Row 46; K3, P12, K1, P2, K3, P3, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P12, K3
Row 48: K3, P40, K3
Row 50: K3, P4, K4, P1, K1, P2, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K5, P3, K3
Row 52: K3, P3, K1, P5, K1, P2, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P3, K3
Row 54: K3, P3, K1, P5, K4, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K3, P1, K1, P1, K1, P2, K2, P1, K1, P1, K3, P3, K3
Row 56: K3, P3, K1, P5, K1, P2, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1 P7, K3
Row 58: K3, P3, K1, P5, K1, P2, K1, P1, K2, P1, K2, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K2, P2, K1, P1, K1, P7, K3
Row 60: K3, P4, K4, P2, K2, P2, K1, P3, K1, P1, K3, P1, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K5, P3, K3
Row 62: K3, P40, K3
Row 63: Knit
Rows 64-69: Knit

Bind off and weave in the ends.



Hugs!

I Finally Finished Something!

I feel like I haven't finished anything in ages. I knit (not as much as I normally would) and still I don't get anywhere. I have managed to get my socks knitted to the same point. Now I just need about 2 more inches on each one and then I can do my toe decreases.

I finished this dishcloth. It was our first stitch KAL in the group and it turned out so pretty. Shirl designed this cloth and has at least 5 more almost ready for future KALs. I've seen next month's and it is just as nice. I can't wait to knit it up too!

I finished my Everlasting Bagstopper today! I changed the handles to garter stitch rather than sewing on some ribbon. The ribbon is really pretty but since this is intended for carrying wet stuff back and forth to the pool....I thought it would be better to leave off the ribbon. It would probably just get messed up anyway. This way I can throw the bag into the washer with the suits and towels.

This is the bag with a bottle of Tide laundry detergent inside. This thing will stretch soooo much! And it was tough enough to hold that heavy bottle. The bag knit up pretty fast but the handles seemed to take forever. I'm not sure if I'll do the handles the same way next time...we'll see. I only need to make 4 more regular size....1 a bit smaller and then 1 kid size for the little nephew man. I don't think his dad will want one but if he does...what's one more, right? lol I just have to get the colors that everyone wants so there's no fighting over which one belongs to who.

Heading off to stash dive....think I have some bright colors in there somewhere to use for Ms Thang's bag. Who knows WHAT I might find in there. lol

Hugs!

Showers In Spring Dishcloth

We just wrapped up our first KAL in Shirley's Knitting Knook so I thought I would post it here also as a freebie for anyone who's interested. I will add it to the free downloads as soon as I can. The cloth in the photo was knitted by Shirl .

Showers In Spring
©Copyright 2008
Designed by Melanie Thompson

Cast on 46

Rows 1-4: Knit
Row 5: K4, P38, K4
Row 6 & All Even Rows: Knit
Row 7: K4, P38, K4
Row 9: K4, P17, K1, P5, K1, P5, K1, P8, K4
Row 11: K4, P15, K2, P1, K2, P2, K1, P1, K1, P2, K2, P1, K2, P6, K4
Row 13: K4, P17, (K1, P2) 4X, K1, P8, K4
Row 15: K4, P17, (K1, P2) 4X, K1, P8, K4
Row 17: K4, P17, (K1, P2) 4X, K1, P8, K4
Row 19: K4, P17, (K1, P2) 4X, K1, P8, K4
Row 21: K4, P17, (K1, P2) 4X, K1, P8, K4
Row 23: K4, P38, K4
Row 25: K4, P15, K17, P6, K4
Row 27: K4, P14, K1, P17, K1, P5, K4
Row 29: K4, P13, K1, P7, K5, P7, K1, P4, K4
Row 31: K4, P8, K1, P3, K1, P7, K1, P5, K1, P7, K1, P3, K4
Row 33: K4, P8, K1, P3, K1, P6, K1, P7, K1, P6, K1, P3, K4
Row 35: K4, P3, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P5, K11, P5, K1, P3, K4
Row 37: K4, P4, K1, P3, K5, P4, K1, P11, K1, P4, K1, P3, K4
Row 39: K4, P5, K1, P1, K1, P5, K1, P19, K1, P4, K4
Row 41: K4, P6, K1, P2, K2, P2, K1, P19, K1, P4, K4
Row 43: K4, P6, K1, P4, K1, P1, K1, P19, K1, P4, K4
Row 45: K4, P6, K1, P1, K1, P2, K1, P2, K1, P5, K1, P5, K1, P5, K1, P5, K4
Row 47: K4, P3, K4, P4, K1, P2, K3, P13, K2, P6, K4
Row 49: K4, P6, K1, P2, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P11, K1, P8, K4
Row 51: K4, P7, K1, P4, K2, P4, K1, P9, K1, P9, K4
Row 53: K4, P6, K1, P1, K4, P2, K1, P4, K9, P10, K4
Row 55: K4, P5, K1, P4, K1, P4, K1, P22, K4
Row 57: K4, P4, K1, P5, K1, P27, K4
Row 59: K4, P10, K1, P27, K4
Row 61: K4, P38, K4
Row 63: K4, P38, K4
Rows 64-68: Knit

Bind off and weave in the ends.

Enjoy! Hugs!

Long Weekend

Major Cuteness looks better doing it but this is how I'm feeling right now. It seems like it's been the longest weekend ever. I'm knitting my fingers off trying to get my baby things ready. The baby shower is next Saturday but I'm more concerned with her going into labor early and not having the baby's knitting done. I got a few more cloths done and I'm probably 2/3 of the way done with her blanket. It's not so bad really....I just hate feeling rushed. I really wanted to have a teddy bear done for her too but I don't know if that's going to happen. I guess if I give her that later it won't be so big a deal since the baby won't be ready to play with him for a while.

I don't have to frog the Icelandic Shawl...thank goodness! I haven't had a chance to do any knitting on it though with the baby deadline. You're all going to be shocked though when I get it done...cuz I will!

Short post since I'm so tired and I'm heading off to bed. Hugs!!

I'm Back With My Little Friend.

Well since blogging was forbidden yesterday...I had to shut up and sit on my hands. It was surprisingly hard to NOT blog. Whew...glad that's over! Here's lilduckie's little brother done and ready for birthday gifting. His name is "Spike". Froggie suggested the hair and I thought it was a cute idea....turns out that it is kinda cute. It also makes him a one-of-a-kind duckie. For him I used a piece of yarn on his bow...didn't think ribbon was quite appropriate for a little boy.

Skaterboy helped me out with my leap day photo that I posted on my photo blog and was going to use here too but...refer to the No Blog rule. It took a lot of tries to get this one right and I know he had to be tired when we finally got it but he's a trooper and it was worth the effort.

I've been planning on using tomorrow to catch up on my Icelandic Shawl since I used the wrong gray...DUH. Now, I am seriously considering frogging the whole thing and starting over from scratch. I'm hoping someone will slap me to my senses and stop me from doing this. lol
There's a lot of talk about the pattern lining up right and to be honest...I don't know if mine is lined up or not or even how to know for sure. I've never done anything of this size before or one so complicated.

For now, it's back to the baby cloths. My cousin is on bed rest and I gotta hurry!

New Fast Food Dishcloth Design

It has been many moons since I posted any new patterns for sale. I'm trying to get some ones charted and ready to post...it will be slow but I am working on it. This is the new one I just posted. There will hopefully be one more coming soon. It's available here .

Baby Cloths And Duckie Parts....

I got started on my baby knitting right away since the little one seems to be in a hurry. I considered doing a handful of cutesy little baby cloths but given the rush I thought just quick little garter stitch cloths might be best. I can always do some cutesy ones later. I have a skein of Cotton Tots in Confetti...it's the first time I've knitted with this yarn. I have heard some complaints but I have to say that I really like it. It does seem to fuzz up a bit but I've been able to easily brush off the bits of fuzz so far. It's very soft and I like the feel of it while knitting. I think I have a skein of pink around here somewhere....will have to stash dive and get it out to make more.

I still don't have lilduckie's brother seamed and stuffed yet but I thought I would post a picture of the duckie parts....give ya an idea of what he's gonna look like. It's really not such a neat pile of parts but I hid all the ends underneath so it would look all neat and tidy. :P *Froggie, DON"T LET CHRISTOPHER SEE THIS POST!!!*

*Still haven't touched my Icelandic Shawl yet. I am so disgusted about having to frog back. I will get back on track...not to worry.

It was an awesome warm, sunny day today. 64 degrees F and I can check the mail without swimming out to the mailbox or renting a boat. YAY!!

In Progress....

The weather has been pretty nice today....sunny and 60 degrees F. I'm beginning to look forward to Spring though. The kids and I are already making plans to go camping. We haven't been in quite a while and we really miss it.

Ms Thang slept in that sock last night...it was so funny. I didn't even realize she still had it on until she got up this morning to get ready for school. Monday is her birthday so she brought home a present from her interpreter. That woman is the best! She got her a big Dry Erase Board with 2 boxes of markers and an eraser. Ms Thang loves to draw and has been playing with it since she got home. We're going to hang it up in her room.

Lilduckie wanted to show you a couple of things we've been working on. This is part of a Spa Set we're putting in the Christmas gifts box. The square one is face cloth and the other one is a headband. The face cloth is actually a modified mug rug.....I thought my recipients would have more use for a face cloth than the mug rug so I just added a few more stitches and went with it.
The pattern is one of Sue's at Harvest Moon . She has the nicest designs...something for everyone.

This is the progress to date on the Icelandic Shawl. So far, I'm doing great keeping up with the KAL. I'm a few rows ahead at this point and I'm going to try my best to stay on track with everyone. Ahead is great but as long as I'm on schedule...I'm happy.

Okay, gotta get that second sock OTN and start on lilduckie's sibling...birthday gift for Froggie's little one.

Hugs!

Peek A Blue...Freebie

I have another free pattern for you. My nephew is a big fan of the blue dog and I thought he would enjoy this one. I hope you do too.

Peek A Blue
©Copyright 2008
Designed by Melanie Thompson
US Size 6 needle 100 % Cotton Yarn
Test Knit by Shirley Smith

Cast on 45 stitches

Rows 1-4: Knit
Row 5 & All Odd Rows: Knit
Row 6: K3, P39, K3
Row 8: K3, P39, K3
Row 10: K3, P2, K35, P2, K3
Row 12: K3, P4, (K1, P2) 3X, K1, P4, K3, P4, (K1, P2) 3X, K1, P4, K3
Row 14: K3, P2, K1, P2, K1, P6, K1, P5, K1, P1, K1, P5, K1, P6, K1, P2, K1, P2, K3
Row 16: K3, P3, K1, P2, K6, P3, K4, P1, K4, P3, K6, P2, K1, P3, K3
Row 18: K3, P4, K1, P2, K1, P7, K1, P2, K1, P1, K1, P2, K1, P7, K1, P2, K1, P4, K3
Row 20: K3, P4, K1, P2, (K1, P7) 3X, K1, P1, K1, P5, K3
Row 22: K3, P5, K1, P2, K1, P6, K1, P7, K1, P6, K1, P2, K1, P5, K3
Row 24: K3, P6, K1, P2, K1, P6, K1, P5, K1, P6, K1, P3, K1, P5, K3
Row 26: K3, P6, K1, P3, K1, P6, K5, P6, K1, P3, K1, P6, K3
Row 28: K3, P7, K1, P3, K1, P15, K1, P4, K1, P6, K3
Row 30: K3, P7, K1, P4, K1, P13, K1, P4, K1, P7, K3
Row 32: K3, P7, K1, P5, K1, P11, K1, P5, K1, P7, K3
Row 34: K3, P2, K1, P5, K1, P5, K1, P2, K2, P1, K2, P2, K1, P5, K1, P8, K3
Row 36: K3, P3, K1, P4, K1, P5, K1, P2, K2, P1, K2, P2, K1, P5, K1, P8, K3
Row 38: K3, P4, K1, P4, K1, P4, K1, P9, K1, P4, K1, P6, K1, P2, K3
Row 40: K3, P5, K1, P3, K1, P4, K1, P9, K1, P4, K1, P5, K1, P3, K3
Row 42: K3, P6, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P9, (K1, P4) 3X, K3
Row 44: K3, P7, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P2, K2, P3, K2, P2, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1 P5, K3
Row 46: K3, P8, K1, P3, K1, P2, K1, P2, K3, P2, K1, P2, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P6, K3
Row 48: K3, P9, K1, P4, K1, P9, K1, P2, K1, P3, K1, P7, K3
Row 50: K3, P10, K1, P2, K1, P11, K1, P4, K1, P8, K3
Row 52: K3, P11, K2, P13, K1, P2, K1, P9, K3
Row 54: K3, P27, K2, P10, K3
Row 55: Knit
Row 56: K3, P39, K3
Row 57: Knit
Row 58: K3, P39, K3
Row 59-63: Knit

A Tribute To The Sock Monkey

I had a request for help with a Sock Monkey cloth. I don't know if this is exactly what she was looking for but this would be my little tribute to the sock monkey. If you were looking for the full body...I'm so sorry. I just did this one really quick and I hope it helps. I didn't have an appropriate color for him so I just changed the color of the photo afterwards to give him more of a sock monkey like color. lol So, here's another little freebie for ya...hope you enjoy him. :)

Sock Monkey Dishcloth
©Copyright 2007
Designed by Melanie Thompson
US Size 7 needles 100% Cotton Yarn

Cast on 43 stitches

Rows 1-4: Knit
Row 5: K4, P35, K4
Row 6 & All Even Rows: Knit
Row 7: K4, P35, K4
Row 9: K4, P12, K11, P12, K4
Row 11: K4, P11, K1, P11, K1, P11, K4
Row 13: K4, P10, K1, P13, K1, P10, K4
Row 15: K4, P9, K1, P15, K1, P9, K4
Row 17: K4, P8, K1, P17, K1, P8, K4
Row 19: K4, P8, K1, P17, K1, P8, K4
Row 21: K4, P8, K1, P1, K15, P1, K1, P8, K4
Row 23: K4, P8, K19, P8, K4
Row 25: K4, P8, K2, P15, K2, P8, K4
Row 27: K4, P8, K1, P17, K1, P8, K4
Row 29: K4, P8, K1, P17, K1, P8, K4
Row 31: K4, P9, K1, P15, K1, P9, K4
Row 33: K4, P9, K2, P3, K1, P5, K1, P3, K2, P9, K4
Row 35: K4, P9, K1, P1, K1, P11, K1, P1, K1, P9, K4
Row 37: K4, P6, K2, P1, K1, P2, K11, P2, K1, P1, K2, P6, K4
Row 39: K4, P5, K1, P2, K2, P15, K2, P2, K1, P5, K4
Row 41: K4, P4, K1, P4, K1, P15, K1, P4, K1, P4, K4
Row 43: K4, P4, K1, P4, K1, P3, K2, P5, K2, P3, K1, P4, K1, P4, K4
Row 45: K4, P5, K1, P2, K2, P3, K2, P5, K2, P3, K2, P2, K1, P5, K4
Row 47: K4, P6, K2, P1, K1, P1, K1, P4, K1, P1, K1, P4, K1, P1, K1, P1, K2, P6, K4
Row 49: K4, P9, K1, P2, K4, P3, K4, P2, K1, P9, K4
Row 51: K4, P10, K1, P13, K1, P10, K4
Row 53: K4, P11, K1, P11, K1, P11, K4
Row 55: K4, P12, K11, P12, K4
Row 56: Knit
Row 57: K4, P35, K4
Row 58: Knit
Row 59: K4, P35, K4
Row 60: Knit
Rows 61-64: Knit

Bind off and weave in the ends.

*I'm bringing in the new year with a monkey...what does that say about my future? :P

It's A Good Day To Knit

It's a yucky, cold and rainy day. This was earlier this morning but now it is a full blown downpour. It's just not suitable for anything other than staying in under a blanket and knitting. I know we need the rain but...YUCK! and BRRRR!

This is what I will be doing today, other than working on my slowly progressing La Dentelle Belle. This is a headband from Drops Designs. I should have taken a photo of the other side so you could see the texture a little better. Too late now, the batteries died and I had to put them in the charger. I'm using James C Brett Marble...the colorway says MT8..whatever that means. lol If it turns out well, I may make a few of these for Christmas gifts for 2008. Oh yeah, I'm starting on next years gifts now. Knitters always worry about how our hand knits will be received. Some people just don't have an appreciation for them it seems. I personally think that these particular people are very materialistic and don't deserve a gift at all. Thankfully, all my gifts were well received and appreciated...I even got a few requests for more hand knits. YAY ME!!

If you're interested in getting an early start and need a little cheering section to help you along, you might want to check out the Year Long Gift Along. Sign ups are until Jan. 31, 2008.
http://knitallyear.blogspot.com/

This was a gift for my cousin for Christmas. He is a huge fan and so the wonderful Froggie charted it up in a second and sent it my way. The pattern is posted on her site as a free pattern.
Hop on over and enjoy!
http://frogiezplace.blogspot.com/2007/12/her-clothfreebie.html

Cute Cloth....Weird Moon

This is the new pattern from KnittingKnonsense...it's the Wrapper Cloth. I thought it would be a cute gift for my mail carrier with a little bar of soap tucked inside. Don't look too closely at my bobble...he's a sad excuse for a bobble. I have never done them before and that part of the pattern was confusing to me...I kinda winged it and kept going. If I make more and I probably will, I will try to do a better bobble next time. lol
The pattern is available for free here...http://www.knittingknonsense.com/Wrapper_Cloth.html

Here is...as my Skaterboy would say...some "Moonage" for you. My sister called me on her way home from work yesterday and while we were talking she says that the moon looks really weird. Knowing that I won't pass up an opportunity to take photos, she explains that it looks to her as though there is something hanging down off the moon. So, when we finish talking, I grabbed my trusty little camera and head outside.

I couldn't see anything just looking up at the moon but I figured I would take a few shots anyway and see what happens. These are two of the photos I took last night. I have no idea what the little thing is at the bottom. But now at least I can see what she talking about. I took three photos total and it's there in a different little swirly shape in all three photos. Just a little something strange I thought I would share with you.

I hope you are all having a great holiday. I am now, unfortunately, nursing a yucky old cold. It's driving me nuts. It could be worse though so I won't complain. At least now I can relax and decide what I want to knit next...no pressure...no stress....aaahhhh.

Almost There And Contest Goodies....

I have, at last, a "Hunny Bear" to give my cousin for Christmas. This is thanks to my good friend, Froggie. Thanks so much, girlfriend...I so appreciate this. Not to worry folks, I already sent her a message to post the pattern...please, please, please...it's time to share.

ETA...Froggie has now posted the Hunny Bear Freebie...hop on over and check it out...the button is on my sidebar. :)

This is my second place prize for the Google Christmas Trivia Contest in the gettingtoknowyou dishcloth group. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gettingtoknowyoudishclothknitters/
A ball of Sugar & Cream striping yarn in Violet Stripes...so pretty...a ball of Peaches & Cream in Deep Purple...I haven't seen this color around here...YAY...and a really cute little notepad...I love notepads. You just can't have enough little notepads for the desk. I go through them like lightening.

I also managed to get a little knitting time in on my La Dentelle Belle Scarf KAL. I am so far behind, it's just not funny but I will finish....sometime. Poor thing doesn't look much longer than it did before I started knitting last night but it really is a bit longer.

Off to finish my last dishcloth...I'm about 2/3 of the way done and will be finished with it tonight. This is a good thing since we're exchanging these gifts tomorrow. lol
Hope you're all having a wonderful holiday!

Dishcloth Dungarees/Bathtime Bloomers

Okay, if you read my post the other day, I mentioned a cute crochet pattern that I really wanted to do but since I don't crochet anything other than a chain...that wasn't happening. So, I have been working on doing it in a knitted version. It's really simple and pretty flexible...you could do any size you want and change it to suit your own taste. You just knit two identical cloths like these. And the cuteness happens when you put them together. And then you have this....

I love these little britches. They're just too darn cute. I don't know who originally came up with this idea and I sure don't take credit for the brilliance that these little buggers are. I'm posting my version...which is just me winging it so feel free to do it your way. I just wanted to share this with everyone since I haven't been able to find a knitted pair anywhere.

I used US Size 8 needles and a ball of Sugar & Cream cotton yarn in Cherry Swirl. I started by Casting On 36 stitches.

Rows 1-4: Knit
Row 5: K1, YO, K2tog to end of row
From here, just continue in garter stitch (knit every row) until you get the just a bit shy of your desired length.
Row of: K1, YO, K2tog to end of row
Knit 4 rows and bind off. Weave in your ends.
You will need some ribbon (your choice...you could also probably just use yarn leftover from the cloths)...using a long piece of ribbon, pull it through the eyelets on the top of the two cloths and tie them together(make a pretty bow)
I didn't have access to much ribbon...yours will most surely look better. It would also be helpful to use a shorter piece of ribbon to tie a little bow at the crotch area of the cloths to hold them together.
Then use two shorter pieces of ribbon through the eyelets on the bottom of each "leg" to give them that puffy look and tie a pretty bow. (Don't tie the bottom pieces together...these are your legs.)

I worked up a little poem to include with them if you wish...you won't hurt my feelings if you don't use it...I'll never know if you don't tell me. lol (Please don't tell me if you don't. :P)
I've named them Dishcloth Dungarees and Bathtime Bloomers depending on the recipient and what they will use them for...you can switch the names in the poem to suit the gift.

These are Dishcloth Dungarees (Bathtime Bloomers),
And here is a little clue...
When you remove the ribbons,
You'll find not one surprise, but two...
A pair of cotton dishcloths (washcloths),
That I hand knit just for you.

For any crocheters out there interested, here's the link to the crochet version...
http://www.jimsyldesign.com/dishbout/cpatterns/kitchenpants.html

Today was the last day of school before the Christmas holiday. Ms Thang gave me this cute little Gingerbread Man she made for me at school. He is so cute and special because he was hand made, too. I hope you're all warm and toasty (no fire going tonight but warm just the same).

The "Awesomeness" That Is.....

The Picot Swirl Dishcloth!

I just cannot say enough good things about this cloth. I love, love, love it!!! Thanks, Toni!!!
This is the perfect cloth to knit if you're in a hurry and you still want something pretty and functional. After I get going, I don't need the pattern and now...in a moment of sheer blonde, I realized that...if I use a stitch marker, I don't even need to think about it at all. No counting...just knitting. I have knit so many of these, you would think I would have figured this out a looong time ago, oh well. Just put the stitch marker at the end of the row when you turn (just before the stitch you're going to stop at on the next row) and keep on going. Did that make sense? I hope so...if you knit one, you'll understand when you get there. lol

This one was done in Sugar & Cream in Country Side Ombre. It was marked down at Hobby Lobby which is sad news for me because I really like the colors. Isn't that how it goes...you find something you like...they stop making it. :P

You can find this awesome pattern here:
http://foothillsofthegreatsmokymountains.blogspot.com/2007/07/picot-swirl-cloth_25.html


I know this doesn't look like much now but I have high hopes for this little thing. I don't want to say too much but there's a pattern I found a while back that was just too cute but it's a crochet pattern. I have searched high and low for a knit version and I can't find it so, I am attempting to do a knitted version myself. I'm pretty sure it will be a super simple pattern that even a beginner can do. It's just knit, purl, yarn over and knit 2 together. As soon as I get it worked out, I will share it...hopefully soon cuz I'm thinking it would be a cute Christmas gift.

Back to knitting like a woman possessed. lol Will the madness never end?

A Christmas Surprise & La Dentelle Belle Progress

My daughter has THE BEST interpreter there is...I have proof. Today when "Ms Thang" got home from school, she ripped into her bookbag like a mad woman. She was signing a mile a minute about "V" saying to open this now...DONT wait until Christmas! ("V" is her interpreter.)
She opened the card first...this took a LOT of willpower....inside "V" said that since my dd and I have such a close relationship, she thought we should both have this same gift. How sweet is that? We had identical little wrapped boxes and this is what was inside.....

This is "Ms Thang's" necklace. Oh yeah, we put them on immediately! Her chain is just a tad bit shorter than mine. They are so much prettier than the photos show. The reflections of colors and lights in the room distort the finish in the photos.

This is mine. I took it off hoping I could get a better photo. This is not quite as bad as the other with the colors reflecting on the necklace but it still just doesn't compare to the real thing. They're just dainty little things but the detail is pretty good. I just wish I could have gotten a better shot.

It was a really nice early Christmas surprise. "V" always gives dd a little something but I was totally not expecting a gift for me. She is awesome!

Now, the La Dentelle Belle progress...well, it's not so much progress but I will get there. I've had to set this aside to get those teacher gifts finished and they almost are...YAY ME! I love this yarn and even though I wasn't too thrilled with the colorway, I am more than happy with it now that's taking shape. I don't normally buy bright colors but this was a super good deal. I have another hank and I'm already trying to decide what else I can knit up with this. I may even make a scarf for myself with this. If my sister is reading this, don't worry, this one is yours. I promise.


I have two dishcloth dresses done and just waiting on the crochet edging at the top and another just OTN. It will done tomorrow, I hope. I'm using the Sugar & Cream striping yarn in the Holiday Stripes. So far, the first two have been a pleasant surprise in the way the striping has worked out. You know you're gonna get photos.