Miss Marple Collar

A few months back I was shopping and found an adorable knit collar.  Of course my first thought was, "You want what for that?!  I can make it." And I did.

But then one of my readers mentioned that she had seen this same collar called a "Miss Marple Scarf."  So after a bit of hunting, I found this great free pattern off ravelry.  Armed with an official pattern this time, I had to make another one! 

I found a nice, medium blue yarn with tiny sequins scattered throughout.  The pattern directions were very easy to follow, utilizing mostly knit stitches except for the short ribbed sections.  If I were to make yet another one, I'd knit it just a bit longer in length and narrower in width.  But as it stands, it's very cozy.

This was the perfect project to pick up in the evenings while I was watching tv or sitting by the woodstove.  Next up on the Handwork To Do List are a few knitted can coozies.  I love knitting in winter, but I'm starting to dream about summer!

Knitted Cowlneck Scarf

So funny story...Wild Kat sends me an email saying, "Would you knit me a cowlneck scarf?  And in return I'll pinstripe your Singer sewing machine case?"  "Heck, yeah!!" I replied.  So she writes, "I'll get the yarn and needles in the mail to you this week."  Excellent.

Fast forward three or so days when the family and I return home from an outing and find the dog contentedly chewing on something unidentifiable.  "What did Bosley pull out of the garbage this time?" wonders my husband out loud, as he bends down to retrieve a tangled wad of gorgeous pale green yarn and some scraps of what used to be the box it came in.  Let's suffice it to say that the dog got a sound tongue lashing and spent some time in the kennel while I went in the house to sort out the pieces.  Miraculously the yarn was tangled but not destroyed, and the pattern sheet was crumpled but still legible.  Total disaster avoided!

So over the next few nights I worked up this oh-so-soft baby alpaca yarn into a cowlneck scarf.

The pattern that Kat sent was one of those freebies from JoAnn Fabrics.  You know the ones that they have hanging in the isles?  I love patterns that have only five lines of directions!  Admittedly I'm a better crocheter than knitter, but this whipped up in no time (although I did refer to Stitch 'n Bitch to brush up on my circular knitting basics). 

And here you have it.  A warm and snuggley cowl that I will get out in the mail to Kat...one of these days...I promise.  And I'll be sure to show you my Singer sewing machine case all decked out in gold pinstriping!  

So the moral to this story is twofold:  If you can't do it yourself, barter for it.  And secondly, don't ever assume your dog won't eat yarn and knitting needles.

Pillow Talk

In my caffeine-induced frenzy yesterday, I whipped up two new couch pillows.  To make the covers, I found heavy cotton scraps left over from various sewing projects (ironing board cover, striped tote bag, plaid jumper, floral tablecloth for my daughter's playhouse).  The pillows themselves are feather-filled and perfect for sleeping in front of the tv.

 I used a basic pinwheel pattern from my quilt book, constructing four 2-piece triangles (per pillow) and then sewed the large triangles together.

The back opening is a simple overlap.  I cut two sides that extend to approximately 2/3 the full width of the pillow.  In this case the pillow measures 21" square, and the back sides are 16" wide.  I hemmed the opening edge.  The pillow stays tucked in nicely, and the cover can be removed for washing.  

No need for zippers or buttons!

Mission oak chair that my hubby reupholstered.

I also finished up a pair of pillows I made for my niece.  The fronts are knitted from chunky, chenille yarn and sewn to a fabric foundation.  The back is made the same as above.  These measure only 12inches square and worked up fast on size 17 needles!  Like knitting with wooden spoons!

These dandies should make some stellar marks on her face while she's sleeping!

Pillows make great gifts (I've done it several times).  So easy to find fabric and styles to match whomever you have in mind!  And in my case, pillows are like hotpads.  They get used to death and new ones are such a treat!

1940s Tie-On Knit Cap

A few years back I purchased a full-length cloth coat at the local thrift store.  Most likely a late '50s/early '60s design, it closes with one button at the neck and has a slight A-line style.  It fit perfect.  It was in mint condition.  It only cost $3.00.  The hangup?   It was peptol-bismol pink.  After building up a little courage, I began wearing it around town.  Later that winter I added a mink collar that I found at the same thrift store.  Needless to say, I love it. 

And I've finally made a hat to match!  I dragged my coat with me into countless yarn shops looking for the perfect color match (because I'm OCD like that).  I'm happy to report that it's not "peptol-bismol" after all, but rather "coral rose!"  I used Patons Canadiana acrylic yarn.  I would have preferred wool, but color was more important.

I had previously crocheted this cap (using my own design), but was thrilled when I found this pattern online at Baby Dee's.  This was a free pattern and there are several other styles available at their etsy shop..  I am much happier with the knit version.  Looks cleaner and less like I should be stirring my pot of boiling soap outside my stone cottage.  The pattern is all knit stitch, increase and decrease.  Simple and quick!

I only made two slight alterations to the pattern.  I used #7 needles because I didn't have #8s.  And I didn't make the hat as long as it was supposed to be.  You start at one bottom point, increase and then knit straight rows until you begin to decrease down to the other point.  It's easy to adjust to your own melon.

I think I may make a couple more of these to match my other coats.  It's warm enough for winter, but doesn't smush my curls.  So when the nights get dark before supper (ug), remember to make a date with the couch and your knitting needles!  'Tis the season for wooly (or acrylic-y) projects!