Current Favorite Baby Pattern

I love this bib. It cannot be ripped off. I may make it have two sides, with a bib in front and back. That way it could offer protection from the inexplicable way food gets on a baby's baby!

Here is the link!

http://knitting.about.com/od/patternsforbabies/ss/stay-on-bib.htm

Advent Wreath

As a Catholic, the Chistmas season begins on Christmas and last through the Epiphany. The time before Christmas is Advent. One symbol is the Advent Wreath. I wanted a little brooch for the season, so I can remember Advent as a time of preparation and joyful expectation.

It is a simple idea. I chained ten, and joined in a circle. On the first round I single chained into each stitch. On the second round, I double chained into every stitch. I then sewed on a pin back, and three purple and one pink bead as the candles. Feel free to make your own style ring and sew on the beads of purple and pink.

Moe's Molar

I saw a cute pattern for a molar, but it had seams. I hate seams. The seams on the top if my molar leave much to be desired due to my inability to sew knitted seams. However, it is quite cute if I do say so myself. I think my dentist will like it!

I used a light worsted om size 4 DPN. I do not think it would matter much if you vary the weight and needle size; I just used a smaller needle for the yarn weight because I like anything I stuff to be a tight knit.

Cast on 60.

Join for working in the round and knit 27 rounds.

*K4, K2Tog repeat from * around (50)

Knit 4 rounds.

Turn inside out and stitch closed cast on edge into four cornered- X. Turn back to right side. Decide where you would like the front of the tooth to be. Below this, evenly divide the remaining stiches into 25 stitch sets. Place 25 on a stitch holder. (I used basting pins.) Resituate the other 25 on the DPN (these are on the side with the active yarn.) This is the root. Join and begin working in round.

Knit 5 rows. (25 stitches)

*K3, K2Tog repeat from * around (20)

Knit 5 rows.

*K2, K2Tog repeat from * around (15)

Knit 5 rows.

K2 together to end, K1 (8)

Knit 1 row.

Break yarn and thread threw remaining stiches to close seam. Tie inside tooth. Leave tail inside if you are lazy like me.

Place stitches on holder on DPNs and work in the round as for the other root. Leave a long tail when joining yarn to remaining 25. You can use this to sew up any spaces between the roots. I stuffed the tooth before I began the decreases on the second root. I pushed stuffing up to the points of the tooth to make it look crown-y. I stuffed the remaining second root before I closed the stitches.

I stacked a small black button on a larger blue one to make the eyes and poorly stitched on a smile. I cannot embroider to save my life.

You could put a little pocket on the back if you like. Use a crochet hook to pick up 10 stitches slightly below middle of the tooth's back and knit in stockinette for 10 rows. Sew side pocket seams to molar.

I am going to embroider a sad face and a little brown spot on the back side. Don't forget to floss!

Hrmpf.

I am getting frustrated with the baby blanket. I keep froggin' it.

Where have I been?

Well, I have not posted for a very long time. I have since started a great job and I am now married. (Of course, the man who gives you a knitting related necklace is a keeper!)

I have completed some projects since then and my husband took my favorite slouchy beret. I have a ridiculous amount of projects going right now, since I am off for the summer. I will post the projects as I finish, but here are links to the projects:

Elf Hat: I am making it in a heathered pink and scarlet.
Elf Hat
Update: This is my adorable husband modeling my hat for me. He wants it now. He always wants the finished projects! (I have started making everything in "girl colors" in the hopes he will be less likely to covet it.)


Baby Blanket in Minty Blue: It is just a knit and purl basket weave pattern. I kinda of winging this one.
Update: The baby blanket is complete. Now we await the baby.




I am making generic cotton wash cloths for my kitchen and bathroom. You have to love $1.98 Sugar and Cream Yarn! I am also trying to come up with my own version of "tea panties." I put examples below. I am thinking of crocheting a version that is adjustable with funky buttons. We'll see how it turns out. I do not yet know how to write crochet patterns, but I will do my best to describe it. Here is a felted version:
Tea Panties
Update: Tea Panties were a disaster.

crochet

I have taught myself to crochet. It is so much faster. Well, it is fast because I am only making scarves in single chain on huge hooks with bulky yarn... In any case, I enjoy it. I have made a few scarves that I embellished. I love making a simple scarf with lots of embellishments; it makes it look harder than it really is. Pictures will follow. My camera cord is missing at the moment.

All I want for Christmas

All I want for Christmas....





















from Etsy ^
Update: I got it! My wonderful boyfriend bought it for me in this color.

Adam's Birthday Hat

Adam's Hat is worked on size 8 16" circulars and double pins. I used Cascade 220 in navy 8393 and red 9404. A tapestry needle is used for the duplicate stitch. I made the graph myself. My duplicate stitch skills are not superb, but I am sure the chart can be done justice by an established stitcher.

On circulars, cast on 75 in red yarn (9404) and place marker (pm). Join for working in the round.

Work 1 3/4 inches in K2P1 rib.

Work one round knitting all stitches (stockinette).

Switch to blue yarn and work in stockinette until piece measures 6 inches from the cast on edge.

Begin decreases.

Decrease round 1: *K2tog, K11, SSK, place marker* (distinguishable from begin round marker), repeat 3 times, K2tog, K11, SSK (65)
Round 2: Knit
Round 3: *K2tog, K9, SSK,* repeat to end of round (K2tog after markers, SSK before markers)(55)
Round 4: (I switched to DPNs) Knit
Round 5: *K2tog, K7, SSK,* repeat to end of round (45)
Round 6: Knit
Round 7: *K2tog, K5, SSK,* repeat to end of round (35)
Round 8: Knit
Round 9: *K2tog, K3, SSK,* repeat to end of round (25)
Round 10: *K2tog, K1, SSK,* repeat to end of round (15)
Round 11: *K2tog K1* repeat to end of round (10)

Break yarn and draw tail through remaining stitches. Close and secure.

Duplicate stitch the graph onto the beanie.

Royal Rooters cry "Wicked awesome beanie! Go Red Sox!"

He liked it.

Radiology Tech

My friend is almost done with school to be a radiology technician. She likes to tell me about the different bones in my body. Anyway, I made her a hat with skulls, because I am so proud of her.

The hat pattern is my invention, but I took the chart from somewhere else. You could put any chart on it, use KnitPro (in my links) and it creates charts for you.

I used Encore Worsted in black and white on size 8 16" circulars and double pins.

Hat is worked in black and duplicate stitch skulls in white.

CO 72 on the circulars.

Knit 1 inch in K2, P2 rib.

Switch to stockinette and work until hat measures 5.5 inches from cast on. Begin decreases (switch to DPN when you feel stretched).

*K2tog, K8, SSK* repeat to end (60)
Knit one round.

*K2tog, K6, SSK* Repeat to end (48)
Knit one round.

*K2tog, K4, SSK* Repeat to end (36)
Knit one round.

*K2tog, K2, SSK* Repeat to end (24)
Knit one round.

*K2tog, SSK* Repeat to end (12)
K2tog to end (6)

Draw tail through remaining yarn. Pull closed and secure.
Embroider skull pattern using white and duplicate stitch.


I used this chart. http://www.supermitten.com/images/SkullCharts.gif

Miscellania

I think I made up that word... Miscellania. I am coining it as the world of my hobbies and also the items I make in said world. It means two things. It's a homonym.

I made this adorable cupcake for a friend, and another for my principal. (Yes I am a kiss up). The pattern is from the book One Skein.

This is the FCAT. He makes the standardized testing not nearly so scary. He makes trips around the 3rd grade classrooms during testing and just sits somewhere in class to lighten the mood. The pattern is Kate Cat from Knitty.com.

This is Beans' devil DISS hat. It is the Kittyville baby devil hat.

What Type of Yarn Are You?

What kind of yarn are you?

You are Mohair.You are a warm and fuzzy type who works well with others, doing your share without being too weighty. You can be stubborn and absolutely refuse to change your position once it is set, but that's okay since you are good at covering up your mistakes. Take this quiz!

Haha... Moe-Hair

Cat in Cap. Word.

The Weavers

The Weavers

I was sittin',
I was knittin'
On a sweater I could wear.
When I finished, I said proudly,
"Hey, I've done some weavin' there."
But ol' spider on the wall said,
"Can you do it in the air?
Can you spin it out of gossamer
From the ceiling to the stair?
Can you let the wind blow through it
So it sways but doesn't tear?
Then can you grab onto it
And swing lightly on a hair?
When you can- then you may truly say,
'I've done some weavin' there.'"

by Shel Silverstein

Nippertails

Here's Nippertails from MagKnits.

I wore this hat to work and everyone called

me Punky Brewster.

Twin Blankets

My stepbrother and his wife are having twins! It's very exciting. A boy and a girl.

Here is the blanket that I made for my soon to be niece. It has a seed stitch border with the rest stockinette. I cast on 100 stitches on size 10 needles in a bulky weight yarn. It seemed to take forever to finish because I had to keep experimenting with the cast on number. 100 was a good number.

Here is the blanket in progress for my nephew. It happens to be the exact color of Cookie Monster. The Little Man discovered that fact. It is coming along much more quickly, probably because it's old hat now. I used the same yarn, different color, same needles, same cast on, etc. That's an alpaca stuffed animal that my mom gave me for Christmas by the way. Cute right? His tag says his name is Paddy O'Llama, so I guess he's Irish like me!

Alpacas

I was on my way to Target with the Little Man, when what do I see? Alpacas! In Florida? I have the picture to prove it. I hope the owners of the ranch don't think I'm a nut for pulling the car over and snapping a quick shot!

Zorro

Here's my best friend's nutty cat, Zorro.

It's nice to know I'm not the only one who likes yarn!

Free Pattern- Snake Scarf

I made a snake scarf for the Little Man for Christmas. the size is not set in stone, so use what ever size needles you like. I used size 8 and worsted green Encore, a small amount of black for eyes and tongue and a crocket hook to help make the tassel tongue. It is worked from the tail upwards.

KFB- knit into front and back of stitch

K2tog- knit 2 together

SSK- Slip, slip, knit

Start Tail
Cast on 3 stitches. Knit 5 rows (garter stitch)
Kfb, K1, Kfb (5 stitches)
Knit 5 rows
K1, kfb, K1, kfb, K1 (7 stitches)

Knit 5 rows

K1, kfb, K3, kfb, k1 (9 stitches)

Knit 5 rows

K1, kfb, K 5, kfb, K1 (11 stitches)

Knit 5 rows

K1, kfb, K7, kfb, K1 (13 stitches)

Knit 5 rows

K1, kfb, K9, kfb, K1 (15 stitches)

Knit 5 rows

K1, kfb, k11, kfb, k1 (17 stitches)

Knit 5 rows

K1, kfb, K13, kfb, K1 (19 stitches)

knit 5 rows

K1, kfb, K15, kfb, K1 (21 stitches)

Knit 5 rows

K1, kfb, K17, kfb, K1 (23 stitches)

Work in garter stitch until piece measures 36 inches from cast on edge.

Begin to shape neck

K1, k2tog, K17, K2tog, K1 (21 stitches)

K1, k2tog, K15, K2tog, K1 (19)

K1, k2tog, k13, K2tog, K1 (17)

K1, K2tog, k11, k2tog, k1 (15)

K1, k2tog, k9, k2tog, k1 (13)

Knit 2 rows

K1, kfb, k9, kfb, k1 (15)

K1, kfb, k11, kfb, k1 (17)

K1, kfb, k13, kfb, k1 (19)

K1, kfb, k15, kfb, k1 (21)

K1, kfb, k17, kfb, k1 (23)

Work 10 rows garter stitch

Shape snout

K1, k2tog, k17, k2tog, k1 (21)

Knit 5 rows

K1, k2tog, k15, k2tog, k1 (19)

Knit 5 rows

K1, k2tog, K13, k2tog, k1 (17)

Knit 5 rows

K1, k2tog, k11, k2tog, k1 (15)

Knit 5 rows

K1, k2tog, k9, k2tog, k1 (13)

Knit 5 rows

SSK, K9, K2tog (11)

Knit 1 row

SSK, K7, K2tog (9)

Bind off

Embroider on black eyes, take 3 pieces of red yarn double the length that you want the tongue to be. Fold in half, using crochet hook pull red yarn through at middle of snout, then pull ends through, making tassel of 6 strings. Braid strands evenly, two pieces to a section. Tie in knot at end and snip to make even. Ssssssss...

There were errors in the orginal pattern, but I believe they are now fixed.

Thanks! Moe

Free Pattern- My Cupcake Hat

Well I did it. I made my own pattern. I was inspired when I made a Kittyville hat for my nephew. I altered the Kittyville pattern by using a 2x2 rib at the bottom instead of a seed stitch. The hat was black and yellow and was intended to look like Batman. The ribbing reminded me of the yellow paper that you put cupcakes into when you bake them. So I came up with this hat.

Here's the pattern for a three year old hat. Enjoy!

I used leftover worsted-weight pink, yellow and red yarn.

You'll need size 8 circular (16") and double pointed needles.

Cast on 80 stitches with the yellow yarn.

Work 2x2 rib for 3 inches.

Change to pink yarn work *Knit 3, Knit one into front and back* for entire round, ending with 100 stitches.Work until piece measures 5 inches from cast on edge.

Then you start the decreases.

*Knit 8, Knit 2 together* for entire round (90)- Knit next round

*Knit 7, knit 2 together* for a round (80) - Knit next round

*Knit 6, knit 2 together* for a round (70) - Knit next round

*Knit 5, knit 2 together* to end (60) - Knit next round

*Knit 4, Knit 2 together* (50) - knit next round

Switch to double pointed needles.

*Knit 3, knit 2 together* for one round (40)- Knit next round

*Knit 2, knit 2 together* (30) - Knit next round

*Knit 1, Knit 2 together* (20)

*Knit 2 together* to end of round (10)

Break yarn, draw yarn through remaining stiches and secure inside hat. Make a red pompom and attach to top of hat. Ding! The cupcake hat is done!

Little Man's Hedgehog

I checked out Family Circle Easy Toys from the library. In my opinion, most of the patterns were not easy. However, this hedgehog was so easy that I made the toy in one night. It's adorable and I hope to get three toys from the one ball of fuzzy yarn and one ball of worsted beige.

Red Hat and Scary Guy in Momo's Room

I recently fell in love with this yarn at my local yarn store. I bought 5 balls of it. One in shrimp, one in green, one blue and two in red. Its width is variegated as is the color. It's pretty cool to work with. Here's the hat I made with red and leftover green.

I purchased a glass head to model my hats. I left it on my dresser and forgot about it. Then the Little Man came to my house one afternoon. While I was in the kitchen he ran to me and said with wide eyes,"Momo, there's a scary guy in your room!" I had no idea what he was talking about, so he grabbed my hand and took me to my room. Then he pointed at the glass head. Scary Guy. I laughed because he was with me when I bought it. I put a hat on it. After that he wasn't afraid of the scary guy.

My Little Wizard

I finally finished my house scarf. It's just in time for the new movie, too. I brought my scarf to my yarn store and the ladies there thought I did a good job. I was pretty proud. It took me about two months to make it. Now I am working on knitted presents for my family and friends. I cannot post them in case they look up my blog, although it seems nobody comes to my blog.

Little Man's Hat & Mittens

Here's the Wee Man's new hat and mitten set. He liked them so much, he wanted to wear them around town, but August in Florida is not mitten weather! He adorably implored,"Momo, where my mitts?" Still, it's nice to have my work appreciated! The pattern is from Family Circle Knitting, and I can't wait to make a pink and black pair for Punky. He picked out the yarn himself a month ago, but the House Scarf has been taking up most of my time. I want to make Punky a scarf, but it is very time consuming and I'm all about instant gratification! He is not the most patient boy, either, so I may have to knit it in secret to avoid the daily interrogation.

House Scarf

I'm working on a house scarf. I think every Harry Potter fan who knits makes one, like a right of knitting passage. The pattern is from atypicallyknit. Punky wants a Slytherin and a Gryffindor. I told him he only gets one, and we'd find a sorting hat online. I was sorted into Gryffindor on the Warner Brothers' Harry Potter website and I suspected everyone was, until my friend was sorted into Slytherin!

Make Funky Knitting Needles

I read in Melanie Falick's Kids Knitting that you can make your own knitting needles from wooden dowels. I want to start a knitting club with the children at the day care where I work, and thought I'd try to make some cool needles for the kids to use. I purchased 1/4 dowels, and cut them into thirds. Then sharpened them to point, but not too sharp, the little ones can be accident prone. I also bought oven bake sculpting clay to make little trinkets for the tops of the needles. Here are my first attempts.

Make Your Own Snail Needle Toppers - Free Instructions

Make two rolls with oven bake for each snail. I suggest making both pieces at the same time so the toppers are the same size.

Roll the larger piece to make the shell.


Flatten the smaller piece to prepare for blending into the shell.

Blend the two pieces togther on the underside.

Place glass bead eyes on the snail with a toothpick.

Push the snail onto the needle/dowel to make a hole. Be careful not to push too hard and ruin the snail.



I also put a smile on the snail with a toothpick. You could also put more beads into the shell for decoration. Then bake the clay according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then you glue them on after cooling. Voila! Escargot for your knitting needles.

Knit Lit. 101 - Knitting in the Harry Potter Series

Now that I knit, I notice it everywhere. While rereading the Harry Potter books in anticipation of Harry Potter and the Half- Blood Prince, I realized that many characters in the series knit. Of course this is not a new observation, there are websites devoted to the subject. One of my favorites is atypicallyknit.com. It has knitting patterns for the clothes in the movies. Still...here is a page reference.

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, there are a few knitting references. Hagrid knits on the train to London after he and Harry first meet. Harry cannot decifer exactly what it is, only that is is yellow and huge. Hagrid seems to know what he's doing, he talks and counts stitches at the same time! (Rowling 65) Of course I guess you can be secure in your masculinity when you're a half giant. Harry and the Weasley boys each receive a sweater from Mrs. Weasley on Christmas, too (202).

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. New York: Scholastic, 1997.

In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry gets another sweater from Ron's mother. It says that it's hand-knit, so for her to make it for Harry without magic, the muggle way, it's really an effort (212).

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. New York: Scholastic, 1999.

The third book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, has another new sweater for Harry. While Ron gets the faithful but detested maroon without an initial, Harry's is red with a lion. Ron receives what I assume are hand-knit maroon socks as well that year, but all cannot compare with Harry's firebolt (223). All that stitching upstaged by a broom...kids.

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. New York: Scholastic, 1999.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is my favorite book in the series so far. There are a few reasons for this. One of the Irish team Quidditch members at the World Cup has my surname and another player has the same last name as one of my close friends. He's Irish, too. I cannot wait to see the uniforms in the fourth movie, I want to knit myself one with my maiden name on it. All I can surmise from the book is that the uniforms are green with silver names on the back (105). I also like that the bushy haired bookworm goes to the ball with a celebrity (414). ( Hermione's my favorite character. I was once called cobweb head in middle school. I also tend to go overboard in school and read reference books. I'm hoping that J.K. Rowling will write Hogwarts, A History for charity as she did with the other school books for Comic Relief. How much of a nerd am I?!) Back to the knitting. Knitting is appreciated in this book, mainly by Dobby the elf. He is ecstatic to have Ron's yearly Christmas sweater and socks. Dobby knits socks for Harry as a Christmas present. He uses his pay to purchase the wool, and makes a red one with brooms and a green with Snitches (409). I am ruminating on how to reproduce them myself, but have yet to make socks. It would probably be wise to see if they are shown in the movie, then I can use that for inspiriation.

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. New York: Scholastic, 2000.

In year five, the knitting is more prominent. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Hermione starts knitting for SPEW. In her fervor to free house elves, she knits hats and hides them, hoping an elf will unwittingly pick it up and be freed. The first hats are not recognizable as such, she knitted them slowly, by hand, since over the summer the students are forbidden to practice magic. She looks forward to producing hats more quickly with the use of magic back at Hogwarts, even if Harry and Ron object to her methods of freeing elves (255). Hermione seems like any knitter, finding time to stitch while talking to a friend, although the floating needles clicking by themselves is less common. She does expand her skills, and tries a pair of socks that are also barely recognizable (295). It does not take her long to improve though. Near the first outing to the village, Harry notices that her socks and hats no longer look like the same thing (334). By fall, Hermione makes scarves, too. Her preferred yarn is wool (350). She places her wool clothes around the dormitory, and we see that they are being taken. Unfortunately, they are all confiscated by Dobby. He still has an unusual sense of style, wearing every hat stacked like a tower. He also layers the socks and scarves. Dobby gives some clothes to Winky the house elf, but she resents them. The other elves refuse to clean the Gryffindor den, for fear of picking up clothes. Dobby takes the job on himself and gladly takes the clothes, too (385). Hermione is forced to put her knitting aside during the holiday season. She is busy, but worries about the state of the house elves. Harry is nice enough not to tell her that Dobby is wearing all her creations (451). Hermione is not the only one who knits, though. Mrs. Weasley still gives the Weasley children and Harry sweaters for Christmas, but Percy has the nerve to return it (502). After the holiday break, Hermione picks up her needles (527). However, the year progresses and she has less free time because of approaching exams (706). Then the friends become entangled in another adventure and there are more important things to think about than knitting.

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. New York: Scholastic, 2003.

The most interesting knitting tidbit is revealed in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince . Dumbledore likes to peruse Muggle knitting patterns while in the loo (73)! Mrs. Weasley's sweaters are put to good use on the first outing to Hogsmeade (240). Once again the sweaters are said to be "hand-knit" and I wonder if they truly are, or if they just were not purchased from a store, but made with magic by Ron's mother. A muggle may never know, but I think she knits with needles in hand. During Christmas vacation, while the Weasley family, Harry, Hermione and Fleur sit by the tree, Mrs. Weasley becomes nostalgic when hearing a song that she and her husband danced to as teenagers. Her eyes become misty and she dabs them with her knitting (330). To me this implies that the knitting was in her hands, because putting yarn that is attached to bewitched, flying needles near her eyes would be pretty risky. For Christmas this year, she makes Harry a sweater with a sizable snitch on it. As everyone is with Mrs. Weasley on Christmas, everybody dons her sweaters for the day, with the exception of Fleur, who did not receive one (339). It seems Hermione is preoccupied in this book, she is less interested in setting out clothes for elves, probably due to her social life. We shall have to wait to see what happens in the conclusive book of the series. I'm certain Mrs. Weasley will still knit, but we will have to look for other references, though it is easy to forget about knitting when the plot of the books is as exciting as these.

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. New York: Scholastic, 2005.

Harry Potter, characters, names, and related indicia trademarks of Warner Bros. Harry Potter publishing rights Copyright J.K. Rowling

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy 50th Birthday to my mom!

Here she is in 1955 with my grandmother.

Fifty happy, healthy more years to you, Mom!

Congratulations!

One of my best friends had a baby on July 9th and she's beautiful! Welcome to the world, Little Queen B!

Little Man's Bee Hat

Welcome to the first posting at Funky Moe's.

I have only one finished project with pictures so far. I made the Bzz Hat for Queen Bees from S'n'B Nation by Debbie Stoller. The hat was originally for me, but while I knitted it, The Little Man started eyeballing it. He and I waited while Punky (who is named so because of his sense of style- think blue and black hair one day, pink the next) had piano lessons and karate class; I knitted the hat. I tried it on him at karate to give him something to do. It still had the needles in it, but he looked so adorable that I had to give it to him. Click on the photos for a better look at the bee buttons. I purchased them at Michael's Arts and Crafts. I'm making another hat for myself. I am eagerly awaiting the 16th of July for two reasons. First, The new Harry Potter book by J.K. Rowling comes out, and my local yarn store is having a 40% off sale on everything in the store. I want to buy yarn for a few upcoming projects, a House Scarf and a Kittyville hat from S'n'B by Debbie Stoller.