With A Tangled Skein

We have a winner!!

2011-08-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

Congratulations go out to entry number 10, Robynne Savacool Cook!! You are the winner of the Original Pigtail Pal of your choice!! I will be contacting you shortly!!

Thanks so much to all who entered.

2011-08-12T22:17:00.000-07:00

Names have been taken down, and numbers have been assigned in the order in which the entries were received...I'll pop in to Random.org and announce the winner in the morning! Good luck to everyone who entered! ♥~Amy

Last chance for entries!!!

2011-08-11T22:59:00.000-07:00

Get your entries in ASAP! You could win the Pigtail Pal of your choice! The deadline for comments/entries is 11:59pm (Eastern Standard/NYC time) on Friday, August 12, 2011. I will choose and announce the random winner on Saturday, August 13, 2011. See THIS POST for more information.

Don't miss out on your chance to WIN!

2011-08-09T13:48:00.000-07:00

See the post below for information on entering!!!

Let's get ready for a giveaway!

2011-08-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

The Tangled Skeins Facebook page has reached 300 fans! You know what that means? It‘s giveaway time!!

This giveaway is for a Pigtail Pal Hair Accessory Organizer! (from my new little addition, Pigtail Pals! The lucky winner will receive the Original Pigtail Pal of their choice!

Pictured is Emmalee .

Official Giveaway Rules

1. Eligibility. Giveaways are open to readers and fans in the US and Canada

2. How to Enter.

1} Like Tangled Skeins on Facebook (counts as your first entry. Post to say hello, so I can count your entry. Open to current and new fans!!)

2} Like Pigtail Pals on Facebook, (counts as your second entry. Post to say hello, so I can count your entry. Open to current and new fans!!)

...then...

3} Visit Tangled Skeins and Pigtail Pals. Comment this post and tell me what your favorite items are. A limit of one entry is allowed per blog follower. (NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN GIVEAWAYS).

3. Disclaimer. Tangled Skeins will not be responsible for: (a) any late or lost entries; (b) telephone, electronic, hardware, software, network, Internet, or other computer or communications-related malfunctions or failures; any giveaway disruptions, injuries, losses or damages caused by events beyond the control of Tangled Skeins or by unauthorized human intervention; or (c) any printing or typographical errors in any materials associated with the giveaway.

4. Entry Deadline Date. The deadline for comments/entries is 11:59pm (Eastern Standard/NYC time) on Friday, August 12, 2011. I will choose and announce the random winner on Saturday, August 13, 2011. All entries for giveaways through With A Tangled Skein and Tangled Skeins must be received on or before the given “Entry Deadline Date” to be eligible to win a prize.

5. Winner Selection. A prize number will be assigned to your entry upon receipt of your entry on either the With A Tangled Skein blog, or the Tangled Skeins Facebook and Pigtail Pals Facebook pages. A winning number will be generated using Random.org on or shortly after the Entry Deadline Date. If your Prize Number matches the Winning Number, and you meet the eligibility requirements and otherwise comply with these Official Giveaway Rules, you win the prize.

6. Winner Notification. You will be notified via Facebook and/or email within three (3) days after the Entry Deadline Date if you win the prize.

7. Claiming Your Prize. Winner must respond within three (3) days of notification or forfeit the prize, in which case an alternate winner will be selected.

8. Prize Substitution. Winner may not substitute the prize for any other prize or for cash, however, Tangled Skeins may substitute the prize for any other prize of equal or greater value, in its reasonable discretion, in the event the prize is not available for any reason outside of Tangled Skein’s reasonable control.

9. Publicity. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission to use winner’s name and prize information for promotional purposes in any medium, except where prohibited by law, without further payment or other consideration.

10. Errors and Disputes. In the event of a dispute as to the ownership of any entry, the person whose name appears on the entry form associated with the prize for the winning entry will be deemed to be the winner. It is your responsibility to control access to your email account. In the unlikely event that the winning prize number is duplicated, or a similar error occurs, Tangled Skeins may conduct a random drawing among such inadvertently duplicated numbers or apply another equitable remedy in its discretion to determine the winner. Decisions made by Tangled Skeins are final. By entering the giveaway, you agree to be bound by the decisions of Tangled Skeins and these official rules. You and your entries may be disqualified if you attempt to circumvent these official rules.

11. Technical Problems. The giveaway may be canceled, suspended and/or modified, in whole or in part, if in the opinion of Tangled Skeins any fraud, technical failure or other factor beyond its control impairs the integrity of the giveaway.

Have fun everyone!!♥♥~Amy

Tangled Skeins has...

2011-08-07T14:34:00.000-07:00

a brand new baby sister! Recently a seed of inspiration struck my fancy...stuck and took root. It has flowered into...

Pigtail Pals Hair Accessory Organizers

It is just a newborn, lots of ideas are still in the planning stage (or are on hold while awaiting that wonderful big BROWN truck, lol), but I am simply thrilled with the possibilities! Come by and check it out, then stop by my new facebook page!

Did you know...

2011-07-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the Tangled Skeins page on Facebook has almost reached 300 fans??? (and something tells me some of you loyal followers haven't put in a "Like" yet, lol! ;D)

Upon reaching 300 Facebook fans, I plan to run another fun giveaway here on With A Tangled Skein. If you participated in the last one, you'll know it was a lot of fun. I have a couple of awesome prizes in mind, too :)

If you haven't joined the Tangled Skeins fanpage yet, click here...

And if it has been a while since you stopped by the Tangled Skeins shop on etsy, come on by! I have lots of new goodies listed, and I'd love to hear what you think!

4th of July sale at Tangled Skeins!

2011-07-01T14:41:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a bit patriotic today, and have decided to have a 4th of JULY SALE!! For a limited time only, get 20% off any purchase at Tangled Skeins!! (This is a GREAT deal if you have been eying my pattern licenses!) Use coupon code 20FOR4TH at checkout. Sale ends 7/5. Have a safe and happy 4th of July weekend everyone!

The "Blue Box" Beret

2011-04-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

"...Oh that box. Amy, (He's talking to me, I swear, LOL!!) you'll dream about that box. It'll never leave you. Big and little at the same time. Brand new and ancient and the bluest blue ever..."

Did I dream about that amazing blue box? You bet! LOL. I even crocheted a lovely one for a dear friend for Christmas. (pattern pending...it is hiding around here somewhere!) :D How glad am I that the Doctor is back? Well, it inspired a new design, so that should say quite a bit!!

The "Blue Box" Beret

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn
{Example uses Lion brand Wool-Ease in Blue Heather , accented with Red Heart in white.}
Size 5 and size 8 dpn’s and/or 16 inch circulars needles
Tapestry needle

With size 5 needles(s) and blue yarn, cast on 92 stitches using your favorite stretchy cast on method (I used the knitted cast on)
R1-2 Work K2P2 rib
R3-6 K2 in blue, join and P2 with white, *k2 with blue, P2 with white* around. Carry your yarn carefully so you don’t loose stretchiness.
R7-8 K2P2 for 2 rounds in blue
R9-12 Repeat R3-6 Cut white yarn leaving a tail to weave in later.
R13-14 K2P2 for 2 rounds in blue
R15 *K1 YO* Repeat around.
R16 *K1, K in back loop of YO* around (184 stitches)
R17-Knit onto size 8 needle(s)
R18-30 Knit around
R31-32 Purl around

R33 Knit 46, place a marker, knit 46, place a marker, knit 46 place a marker, knit 44 (you will have 2 stitches un-worked , knit those 2 together.
R34-R37 SSK, knit to 2 stitches before marker, K2tog, repeat around
R38 SSK, Purl to 2 stitches before marker, K2tog, repeat around
R39-43 SSK, knit to 2 stitches before marker, K2tog, repeat around
R44 SSK, Purl to 2 stitches before marker, K2tog, repeat around
R45-49 SSK, knit to 2 stitches before marker, K2tog, repeat around
R50 SSK, Purl to 2 stitches before marker, K2tog, repeat around
R51-54 SSK, knit to 2 stitches before marker, K2tog, repeat around until 2 stitches before the marker, knit those 2 stitches separately (16 stitches)
R55 Knit around
R56 Purl around
R57-60 Join white and knit around, then cut leaving a tail to weave in.
R61 Carry up the blue yarn and knit around
R62 Purl around
R63 K2tog around
Cut a long tail and run through the 8 live stitches on the needles, pull tight, pull to the inside
Use the long tail to embroider the light separations, and weave in all loose ends.

This pattern is provided for personal use only. Items made from this pattern are not to be sold. Thank you.

One World Market Bag

2011-04-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

We only have One World, with finite resources, making the use of reusable products vital to the health of our planet. We are One World, making cooperation between nations just as vital. I designed this market bag to encompass those two realities. The 70% Wool, 30% Mohair Peace Fleece yarn itself is central to the One World idea. Peace Fleece is a fiber cooperative bringing together farmers from Russia, eastern Europe, central Asia, the Middle East, and the US for mutual understanding and economic independence. And they make an incredible yarn in the process!

The One World market bag features an open but sturdy construction (I can easily carry a gallon of milk in one!) which is just stretchy enough to allow plenty of shopping space. It is perfect for the grocery or the farmers market. The addition of the drawstring allows you to close the bag to prevent run-away fruit :D

One World Market Bag

Materials used in the project:

Peace Fleece Yarn
Size I crochet hook
Tapestry needle

Ch6, Join in loop
1 ch4 (DC Ch1) around, 12 DC’s
2 slst in ch1 sp…Ch4, dc in same st, (ch1, dc, ch1, dc, ch1) in each ch sp around.
3 slst in ch1 sp…Ch4, dc in next ch sp, ch1, *( dc, ch1, dc, ch1)* in next ch sp , repeat around
4 slst in ch1 sp…Ch4, dc in same st, ch1, (dc, ch1) in next 2 sts, *(dc, ch1 dc ch1) in next ch sp, (dc, ch1) in next 2 ch sp*, repeat around
5-6 slst in ch1 sp…Ch4, dc in next ch1 sp and in each sp around
7 slst in ch1 sp…Ch4, dc in same st, ch1, (dc, ch1) in next 3 ch sp, *(dc, ch1, dc, ch1) in nexc ch sp, (dc, ch1) in next 3 ch sp* repeat around.
8-20 repeat round 5
21 ch1 and sc 2 times in each ch sp around
22 ch1, sc around
23 ch1, 3 sc, dec2tog
24 ch1, sc24,, ch 32, sc 24, ch 32, join.
25-26 ch1, sc around

Join yarn inside handle, sc evenly around
Sc around, dec’ing 2 tog at the corners

Finish off, weave in ends.

You can also purchase these bags on my etsy Tangled Skeins

Congratulations!

2011-03-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

Sending out a HUGE congratulations to Jennifer Miller, winner of the first Tangled Skeins giveaway! Jennifer is the winner of this lovely set of stitch markers...but don't fret, there will be other chances to win coming up!!!

Much love to everyone for participating. Hope to 'see' you all again soon! :D ♥~Amy

Last chance for entries...

2011-03-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

The deadline for comments/entries is 11:59pm (Eastern Standard/NYC time) TONIGHT, March 24, 2011. If you haven't gotten your entries in yet, get them in now!

There are 3 ways to enter the giveaway...

1> Like the Tangled Skeins page on Facebook and post a hello.

2>Comment the 'Giveaway' post here on With A Tangled Skein with your favorite item from Tangled Skeins

3>Share the Tangled Skeins love with your friends on Facebook (tag @ Tangled Skeins so I can count our entry!).

Keep the entries coming!

2011-03-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

32 entries as of this writing...keep them coming! :)

a reminder...

There are 3 ways to enter the giveaway...

1> Like the Tangled Skeins page on Facebook and post a hello.

2>Comment the 'Giveaway' post here on With A Tangled Skein with your favorite item from Tangled Skeins

3>Share the Tangled Skeins love with your friends on Facebook (tag @ Tangled Skeins so I can count our entry!).

The deadline for comments/entries is 11:59pm (Eastern Standard/NYC time) on Thursday, March 24, 2011.

Good luck!! ♥~Amy

Tangled Skeins is having a Fan-tastic Giveaway!

2011-03-20T22:19:00.000-07:00

To get myself, and all of you wonderful fans and followers back into the swing of things, I'm going to have a little giveaway!

This giveaway is for a lovely set of handmade knitting and crochet markers. (Made by yours truely, of course!) A little something special for yourself, or for the crafter in your life.

Set of 2 stitch markers, fitting up to US 15 knitting needle, and 1 lobster-claw clasp row/crochet marker. Hand-rolled, sealed paper beads in shades of green, with green glass accent beads and cat themed charms (in honor of Aspen Clive!).

Official Giveaway Rules

1. Eligibility. Giveaways are open to readers and fans in the US and Canada

2. How to Enter.
1> Like Tangled Skeins on Facebook (counts as your first entry. Post to say hello, so I can count your entry. Open to current and new fans!!)

2> Visit Tangled Skeins on Etsy, (NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN GIVEAWAYS)....then...

3> Comment this post and tell me what your favorite item is at Tangled Skeins! (counts as your second entry) A limit of one entry is allowed per blog follower.

4> Share the Tangled Skeins Facebook page with your friends. (Counts as a 3rd entry. Don't forget to tag Tangled Skeins in your post so I can count your entry!)

3. Disclaimer. Tangled Skeins will not be responsible for: (a) any late or lost entries; (b) telephone, electronic, hardware, software, network, Internet, or other computer or communications-related malfunctions or failures; any giveaway disruptions, injuries, losses or damages caused by events beyond the control of Tangled Skeins or by unauthorized human intervention; or (c) any printing or typographical errors in any materials associated with the giveaway.

4. Entry Deadline Date. The deadline for comments/entries is 11:59pm (Eastern Standard/NYC time) on Thursday, March 24, 2011. I will choose and announce the random winner on Friday, March 25, 2011. All entries for giveaways through With A Tangled Skein and Tangled Skeins must be received on or before the given “Entry Deadline Date” to be eligible to win a prize.

5. Winner Selection. A prize number will be assigned to your entry upon receipt of your entry on either the With A Tangled Skein blog, or the Tangled Skeins Facebook page. A winning number will be generated using Random.org on or shortly after the Entry Deadline Date. If your Prize Number matches the Winning Number, and you meet the eligibility requirements and otherwise comply with these Official Giveaway Rules, you win the prize.

6. Winner Notification. You will be notified via Facebook and/or email within three (3) days after the Entry Deadline Date if you win the prize.

7. Claiming Your Prize. Winner must respond within three (3) days of notification or forfeit the prize, in which case an alternate winner will be selected.

8. Prize Substitution. Winner may not substitute the prize for any other prize or for cash, however, Tangled Skeins may substitute the prize for any other prize of equal or greater value, in its reasonable discretion, in the event the prize is not available for any reason outside of Tangled Skein’s reasonable control.

9. Publicity. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission to use winner’s name and prize information for promotional purposes in any medium, except where prohibited by law, without further payment or other consideration.

10. Errors and Disputes. In the event of a dispute as to the ownership of any entry, the person whose name appears on the entry form associated with the prize for the winning entry will be deemed to be the winner. It is your responsibility to control access to your email account. In the unlikely event that the winning prize number is duplicated, or a similar error occurs, Tangled Skeins may conduct a random drawing among such inadvertently duplicated numbers or apply another equitable remedy in its discretion to determine the winner. Decisions made by Tangled Skeins are final. By entering the giveaway, you agree to be bound by the decisions of Tangled Skeins and these official rules. You and your entries may be disqualified if you attempt to circumvent these official rules.

11. Technical Problems. The giveaway may be canceled, suspended and/or modified, in whole or in part, if in the opinion of Tangled Skeins any fraud, technical failure or other factor beyond its control impairs the integrity of the giveaway.

Here is to what is hopefully the first of many fun giveaways!!♥♥~Amy

Wow, it has been a while!

2011-03-18T23:51:00.000-07:00

Life seems to have a way of catching up with you sometimes, doesn't it? The birth of my youngest son, Brenden, seemed to throw the balance of daily life a bit out of kilter for me, LOL. I shouldn't be surprised after so many, LOL! Each addition has it's blessings and challanges, and you can't have one without the other. A million other things have been my focus of late...my kids, our extended family, the crumbling job market...but I haven't stopped writing. I have several new designs that I hope to have fully edited and ready to share very soon.

I will be back soon, so keep your eyes out!

Licensing...

2010-08-25T12:42:00.001-07:00

I have been approached by quite a few people about licensing the Little Fire and Li'l Aries patterns...and after much much debate and mulling it over, I think I might give it a try. I am in the process of writing up licensing agreements for both lines, as well as logos to go with them for 'authorized sellers'. I am actually very excited about the prospect, and honored that so many wish to use my designs! Right now I am trying to nail down fair pricing...and whether I want to do only lifetime agreements or offer yearly options too. I welcome any feedback you might have!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

UPDATE!! You can now purchase license agreements for the Little Fire line, and for the Li'l Aries line on my etsy!! Tangled Skeins-Tangled For Crafters

It was a lot of work, and took several weeks to get in motion, but I am really excited about this new venture. :D

Tangled Skeins on Facebook!

2010-07-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

You can now keep up with all things Tangled Skeins (blog and etsy shop) on facebook!! Come by and 'like' the new page!!

Little Whale Tail Newborn Hat

2010-01-27T15:07:00.001-08:00

Little Whale Tail Newborn Hat
Originally uploaded by tangledskeins

Materials:

Sport weight yarn (example uses Knit Picks Shine Sport in River, about 2/3 of a skein)

US 5 DPN’s

Tapestry needle

Measuring tape

Hat:
CO 80 stitches (on US 6, then transfer to US5 or DPNs)
R1 K for 24 rounds for rolled brim (for a ribbed brim, K2P2 for 6 rounds then knit for 14 rounds)
R2 (K4, K2tog) around (*Note: do not worry if decs do not come out even, it will work out in the end :D)
R3 K for 3 rounds
R4 (K3, K2tog) around
R5 K for 3 rounds
R6 (K2, K2tog) around
R7 K for 3 rounds
R8 (K, K2tog) around
R9 K for 3 rounds
R10 (K2tog) around (14 sts)
R11 K for 3 rounds

Tail fin 1:
R12 K1, M1, K5, M1, K2, M1, K5, M1, K1
R13 K around
R14 K1, M1, K7, M1, K2, M1, K7, M1, K1
R15 K around
R16 K1, M1, K9, M1, K2, M1, K9, M1, K1
R17 Purl back 6 stitches, turn
R18 **K5, M1, K2, M1, K4, K2tog, turn
R19 Purl across, turn
R20 K2tog, K4, M1, K2, M1, K4, K2tog, turn
R21 Purl across, turn
R22 K2tog, k10, K2tog, turn
R23 Purl across, turn
R24 K2tog across, turn
R25 Purl across, turn
R26 K2tog, across, turn
R27 Purl across, turn
R28 K3tog, pull yarn through last stitch, and cut, leaving a long enough end to seam that half of the tail.**

Tail fin 2:
Join yarn with wrong (purl side) facing and purl across
Repeat fin instructions as for fin 1, from ** to ** (rows 18 to 28)

Seam the open parts of the tail, pull ends to the inside, and weave in.

Some suggested supplies for this project:

No Scratchies Newborn Mitts

2010-01-24T18:59:00.000-08:00

Materials:

Sport weight yarn (the softer the better…examples use Knit Picks Shine Sport)

US5 DPS’s

Tapestry needle

CO 24 stitches
R1 Join in a loop witout twisting and work K2P2 rib for 12 rounds
R2 (K4, M1) around (30 sts)
R3 K around
R4 (K5, M1) around (36 sts)
R5 K around for 10 rounds
R6 (K7, K2tog) around (32 sts)
R7 (K6, K2tog) around (28 sts)
R8 (K5, K2tog) around (24 sts)
R9 (K4, K2tog) around (20 sts)
R10 (K3, K2tog) around (16 sts)
R11 (K2, K2tog) around (12 sts)
R12 (K1, K2tog) around (8 sts)
Cut yarn and draw the tail through the remaining stitches, pull to the inside of the mitt, pull tight, tie off, and weave in the ends. Repeat for the second mitt.

Newborn Froggie Hat

2010-01-24T18:51:00.000-08:00

Materials:

Sport weight yarn (example uses Knit Picks Shine Sport in Grass, about 2/3 of a skein, and scraps of White)
US 5 DPN’s
Tapestry needle
Measuring tape

Hat:

CO 80 stitches (on US 6, then transfer to US5 or DPNs)

R1 K2P2 rib for 6 rounds
R2 K for 2 inches
R3 (K4, K2tog) around (*Note: do not worry if decs do not come out even, it will work out in the end :D)
R4 K for 3 rounds
R5 (K3, K2tog) around
R6 K for 3 rounds
R7 (K2, K2tog) around
R8 K for 3 rounds
R9 (K, K2tog) around
R10 K for 3 rounds
R11 (K2tog) around
R12 K for 3 rounds
Break off yarn leaving a long enough tail to run through the remaining live stitches, tie off, and weave in.

Eyes:

CO 20 sts in main color on US5
R1 K across
R2 P across
R3 K, K2tog, K14, SSK, K
R4 P across
R5 K, K2tog, K12, SSK, K
R6 P across
R7 K, K2tog, K10, Ssk, K
R8 P across
R9 Bind off

CO 8 sts in white
R1 P across
R2 K, K2tog, K2, SSK, K
R3 P across
R4 K, K2tog, SSK, K
R5 P across
R6 Bind off, leaving a long enough tail to attach the whites to the outer eye piece.

Sew the white and outer eye pieces together using a whip stitch, embroider the iris in the eye, sew the eyes in place (about 8 to 10 rounds down from the crown) stuffing with a tiny bit of poly. Embroider ‘nostrils’ in place if desired.

Some suggested supplies for this project:

Newborn Puppy Hat

2010-01-20T18:31:00.000-08:00

Designed to go with my expected little one's coming home outfit, this adorable hat is the perfect newborn accessory.

Materials:

Sport weight yarn (example uses Knit Picks Shine Sport in Willow, about 2/3 of a skein)

US 5 DPN’s

Tapestry needle

Measuring tape

Hat:

CO 80 stitches (on US 6, then transfer to US5 or DPNs)

R1 K2P2 rib for 6 rounds
R2 K for 2 inches
R3 (K4, K2tog) around (*Note: do not worry if decs do not come out even, it will work out in the end :D)
R4 K for 3 rounds
R5 (K3, K2tog) around
R6 K for 3 rounds
R7 (K2, K2tog) around
R8 K for 3 rounds
R9 (K, K2tog) around
R10 K for 3 rounds
R11 (K2tog) around
R12 K for 3 rounds
Break off yarn leaving a long enough tail to run through the remaining live stitches, tie off, and weave in.

Ears:

CO 20 stitches on us 5 DPNs

R1 K 2 rounds
R2 K1, M1, K8, M1, K11
R3 K 2 rounds
R4 K1, M1, K10, M1, K11
R5 K 6 rounds
R6 K1 K2tog, K8, SSK, K11
R7 K 2 rounds
R8 K1 K2tog, K6, SSK, K11
R9 K 2 rounds
R10 K1 K2tog, K4, SSK, K11
R11 K 2 rounds
R12 K1 K2tog, K2, SSK, K11
R13 K 2 rounds
R14 K1 K2tog, SSK, K11
R15 K 2 rounds
R16 K2tog, SSK K10
R17 K 2 rounds
R18 K2tog, K10
R19 K 1 round
Break yarn and draw through live stitches.

Repeat for the second ear. Sew ears in place.

Some suggested supplies for this project:

Velvety Newborn Cocoon

2010-01-19T18:36:00.000-08:00

This cocoon is super soft and fuzzy, and soooo squishy! I absolutely cannot wait for my new little one to arrive just so I can use it! (I will update with pics of him when he gets here!!!)

Materials:

Lion brand Velvet Spun yarn…about 2 skeins (or a comparable soft and plush bulky weight yarn)

Size US11 DPN’s

Tape measure

Cast on 5 stitches and work an I-cord for about 8 inches (this will be knotted later)
R1 Split sts onto 2 DPNs (add DPNs as needed through out the pattern) Kf&b around
R2 K around
R3 Repeat rounds 1 & 2 until you have 40 stitches.
R4 K for 3 inches
R5 Bind off 16 stitches, continue knitting around
R6 Cast on 16 sitiches, continue knitting around
R7 K until garment measure 17 inches from the top
R8 (K6, k2tog) around
R9 Knit 2 rounds
R10 (K5, k2tog) around
R11 Knit 2 rounds
R12 (K4, k2tog) around
R13 Knit 2 rounds
R14 (K3, k2tog) around
R15 Knit 2 rounds
R16 (K2, k2tog) around
R17 Knit 2 rounds
R18 (K, k2tog) around
R19 Knit 2 rounds
R20 (k2tog) around
R21 Knit until tail measure about 6 inches, (or to the end of your yarn)
Pull yarn through live stitches and up into the “tail”, pull tight, weave in if desired,
Tie top and bottom “tails” in knots…I used a double loop knot on the top, and a regular knot on the bottom. To do the double loop, I make a small loop close to the top of the cocoon, wrap the tail gently around the loop twice, then tuck the end of the tail through the loop and gently tug…I wanted it to stay sort of fluffy, not super tight.

Li’l Aries Longies

2010-01-04T14:12:00.000-08:00

Materials:

Yarn: Worsted Weight Wool
Recommended needles: US 6 straight (for cast on), US 5 circular or DPN’s (for waist and leg cuffs), US 7 circular or DPN’s (for body and girly options {as instructed in the Li‘l Aries Soaker Pattern}), US 8 (for leg cuff bind offs, and skirty bind-offs {as instructed in the Li‘l Aries Soaker Pattern})
Stitch markers, at least 4
Stitch holders or scrap yarn
Tapestry needle
Tape Measure

**Read all instructions carefully first.**

Suggested gauge: 5 ½ stitches per inch & 6 rows per inch in stockinet on US 7

General measurements (unstretched to slightly stretched)
NEWBORN= WEIGHT up to 11lbs WAIST 11-15 in. RISE 14-15in. INSEAM 5”
SMALL= WEIGHT 11-17 lbs WAIST 12-18 in. RISE 15-16 in. INSEAM 7”
MEDIUM= WEIGHT 15-20 lbs WAIST 12.5-20 in. RISE 16-17 in. INSEAM 9”
LARGE= WEIGHT 20-24 lbs WAIST 13-22 in. RISE 17-18 in. INSEAM 11”
X-LARGE= WEIGHT 25lbs+ WAIST 14-24 in. RISE 18-19 in INSEAM 13”

Weights are just an estimate as each baby is built differently. To measure for the waist, measure just above your baby’s diaper, around the waistline. To measure for the rise, measure over you baby’s diaper, from the top front to top back (approx from navel to mid-back). To measure the inseam measure from crotch to ankle on the inner part of the baby’s leg. If your baby fits within the measurement range for a particular size, use those figures in the pattern. If your baby fits most of the measurements for a particular size, use those figures in the pattern, and follow the customization instructions in those areas where your baby’s measurements differ.

Instructions are for Newborn(Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large)

Waist band:

Cast on 64(80, 96, 112, 128) stitches on US 6 needle (maintains stretch). Transfer stitches to US 5 circular or DPN’s, place stitch marker and join in a loop.

1. For a drawstring waistband: K2P2 Rib for 8(10, 12, 14, 16) rounds. You may wish to change yarn colors after your ribbing. (TIP* Tie the tails of your old color and new color in a tight bow as close to the needles as you can. This will make picking up the last increase stitch in the next section easier, keep the ends from pulling loose as you knit, and allow you to weave the ends in later.)

For an elastic waistband: Knit for 8(10, 12, 14, 16) rounds., Purl for one round, then work your K2P2 ribbing for 8(10, 12, 14, 16) rounds. You will eventually fold the band in at the purl round and sew it down over a loop of elastic with a length of yarn. To measure your elastic, the average is to subtract 10% from your baby’s waist measurement. (ex: Your baby’s waist measures 15 inches, 15-10%=13.5 inches, so you will cut your elastic 13.5 inches, and sew securely it in a loop with a needle and thread.) This option will also work for an encased drawstring.

Body:

Switch to US 7 circular or DPN’s
1. K4(5, 6, 7, 8), M1 (Insert left needle from the front and pick up the bar between the stitches, knit into the back.), around. (80, 96, 112, 128, 144 stitches)

2. K 2(3, 4, 5, 6) rounds.

3. K 20(24, 28, 32, 36) stitches, place hip marker, K 40(48, 56, 64, 72) stitches, place hip marker, K remaining 20(24, 28, 32, 36) stitches.

4. Work Wrapped Short Row Set:
Work around to the turning point (second hip marker placed), turn, yo purl-wise. {Purl-wise YO=bring yarn behind needle and insert needle into first stitch purl-wise}…Purl across to the turning point (first hip marker placed), turn, yo knit-wise…{Knit-wise YO=bring yarn in front of needle and insert needle into first stitch knit-wise}…Knit across to the last stitch before the marker, slip that stitch purl-wise, remove marker, replace stitch on left needle, place marker on right needle. K2tog (yo and 1st stitch after the ‘gap’) Continue knitting around past the joining marker, to the stitch before the next hip marker. Slip that stitch knit-wise, remove the marker, slip the next stitch knit-wise, knit those 2 stitches together (as in SSK), place marker on right needle. Continue knitting around to the joining marker

5. K 2(3, 4, 5, 6) rounds.

6. Repeat 4&5 3 more times. (If you want even more rear coverage add an extra repeat of round 4 here, adding about ½ inch to the total rise measurement for the size you are working in step 7)

7. Knit until the total rise (front and back together) measures 12(13, 14, 15, 16)inches. If you need a longer rise than is listed in the chart above for the size you are making, add additional rounds here (6 round per inch). On the last round, count 20(24, 28, 32, 36) stitches from the first hip marker and place a marker for the rear gusset placement.

Gusset:

1. Knit around to 3(4, 5, 6, 7) stitches past joining marker.
2. Purl back 3(4, 5, 6, 7) stitches past joining marker, turn (you will have a total of 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 gusset stitches at this point)
3. K1, M1, k to last stitch, M1, K1, turn
4. Purl across, turn
5. Repeat 3 and 4 until there are 12( 16, 20, 24, 28) gusset stitches on your needle.
Cut tail to weave in and slip gusset stitches onto a stitch holder or dpn

8. Place the next 34(40, 46, 52, 58) stitches on a stitch holder or scrap yarn (to 3(4, 5, 6, 7) stitches before rear marker). Join a new yarn and follow gusset instructions for the rear half of the gusset, cutting a tail that is at least 12(14, 16, 18, 20) inches long for seaming and thread onto a tapestry needle. Kitchener the gusset together…
Always keep yarn below needles…
1. Insert tapestry needle into the 1st stitch on the front needle as if to purl.
2. Insert tapestry needle into the 1st stitch on the back needle as if to knit.
3. Insert tapestry needle into the 1st stitch on the front needles as if to knit and remove stitch from the needle.
4. Insert tapestry needle into the next stitch on the front needle as if to purl.
5. Insert tapestry needle into the 1st stitch on the back needle as if to purl and remove stitch from the needle.
6. Insert tapestry needle into the next stitch on the back needle as if to knit.
Repeat steps 3 to 6 until all stitches are bound off.

Legs:

1. Join a new yarn and pick up 10(12, 14, 16, 18) stitches along the edge of the gusset, place a marker and knit around the leg opening for 30(42, 54, 66, 72) rounds You will have 44(52, 60, 68, 76) leg stitches. If you need a longer inseam than is listed in the chart above for the size you are making,, add additional rounds before beginning a cuff option. (6 rounds per inch)
Leg options:
1. Work only 12(14, 16, 18, 20) rounds for shorties
2. Work only 15(21, 27, 33, 39) rounds for “board” shorties
3. Work only 20(28, 36, 44, 52) rounds for Capri’s

Cuff options:
1. Knit to last round in stockinet for a rolled cuff
2 Knit the last 3 or 4 rounds in seed stitch for a straight cuff.
3. Switch to US5 DPN’s and knit the last 4(6, 8, 10, 12) rounds in K2P2 ribbing for a ‘sweatpants’ cuff (bind off with US6 for this option)
4 Knit the last 2 rounds in K2M1 for a ruffled cuff
5. Knit the last 8(10, 12, 14, 16) rounds increasing about 4 stitches per round and using the ruffle cuff at the bottom for a flared leg.
6. Work a swirled cuff by knitting the last 9 rounds as follows: 3 rounds garter, 3 rounds K1P1, and 3 more rounds garter.
7. Work the last 6 rounds in box stitch…K2P2 for 2 rounds, P2K2 for 2 rounds, K2P2 for 2 rounds.
8. Work a double ruffle by purling one round at the bottom of the leg, knitting each stitch front and back the next round, and knitting 4 more rounds and binding off, then pick up both the top and bottom purl bumps of the purl row and knitting 4 more times around
(You can work other edging patterns as long as they are worked in multiples of 2 or 4 stitches)

Bind off with a size 8 needle unless otherwise indicated, and in stitch pattern as needed.

Repeat for the second leg opening, picking up stitches from the stitch holder or scrap yarn and across the gusset as indicated for each size.

Footie option:
Work the sweatpants cuff option as directed for the size you are making. Do not binding off. Set up your US5 DPN’s as follows: Beginning at the center back of the leg, place 16(19, 22, 25, 28) stitches on the first needle (referred to as needle 1). Place the next 12(14, 14, 18, 20) stitches on the second needle (referred to as ‘toe’), and the remaining 16(19, 22, 25, 28) stitches on the third needle (referred to as needle 3). Place marker.
1. Knit the stitches on needle 1
2. A) Knit the toe stitches across, turn
B) Purl the toe stitches across, turn
Repeat A&B 1(2, 3, 4, 5) more times (4, 6, 8, 10, 12 rows of K and P)
Knit across toe once more
3. Pick up 5(7, 9, 11, 13) stitches along the side of the toe and knit the stitches on needle 3
4. Knit across needle 1, picking up 5(7, 9, 11, 13) stitches along the other side of the toe and k around to the marker.
5. K an additional 3(5, 7, 9, 11) rounds
6. **SSK first 2 stitches on needle 1, K remaining stitches on needle 1.
K2tog the first 2 stitches of the toe, K across to last 2 stitches, SSK
K to last 2 stitches of needle 3, K2tog **
Repeat ** to ** until only 2 stitches remain on the toe needle.
Slip the 2 remaining toe stitches onto their nearest DPN and Kitchener the sole closed. Pull the yarn to the inside and weave in.
Repeat for leg 2.

pic'd with hat, pattern coming soon!

Drawstring: Knit an I-cord, crochet a chain, or twist a drawstring, and weave through the waistband.

© Copywrite 2010 by Amy O’Holleran. This pattern is for personal use only. Items made using this pattern may not be produced for sale without my express permission. Thank you!

A huge thank you to all of my testers for their amazing help, and a special thanks to Sally for the use of her pictures (the mint and purple colorway)!!

Recycled Sweatshirt Preflats

2009-12-07T21:52:00.000-08:00

Recycled sweatshirt preflat diapers and doublers.

I made mine 'toddler' size, but basic size measurements are:

Preemie- 8 X 11 inches (cut fabeic 8.5 X 11.5) fits small babies & newbies to 10 lbs

Infant- 10 X 13.5 inches (cut fabeic 10.5 X 14) fits newborn through 15 lbs

Regular- 13 X 18 inches (cut fabeic 13.5 X 17.5) fits aprox. 15 lbs on up

Toddler- 15 X 19 inches (cut fabeic 15.5 X 19.5) fits aprox. 30+ lbs

Cut rectangular panels from the front and back of your cotton (or mostly cotton) sweatshirts using the specified measurements listed above for the size you are making. If you have a serger, you can cut to the first measurement listed, but for a regular sewing machine, cut the full size. Place right sides together and zigzag around (do not PULL the fabric through from the back, but gently push it through from the front...pulling will stretch the fabric and cause a 'lettuce' edging.)at about 1/4 inch from the edge, using a long stitch width and length (I used a 4 for width and a 3 for length on my machine) leave a couple of inches open for turning. Trim corners and turn, pin closed the opening and straight stitch closed at about 1/8 inch, just for the opening. Switch to zigzag and move over to a 1/4 inch, continuing evenly around the diaper, past the straight stitched opening to where you began to zigzag. Using the zigzag maintains the stretchiness of the fabric. Trim your strings, and done!

For doublers I usually prefer to do no more than 3 layers so that they do not take too long to dry. I cut each layer 5 X 14 inches, with rounded off ends, then overlock stitched around. If you do not have an overlock option on your machine, you can use the longest zigzag width you have with a shorter stitch lengeth (on my machine it would be a 5 for width and a 1 for length) Again, do not pull the fabric through, but push it.

This technique also works quite well with new fabrics...

Here I have used organic cotton and bamboo velour (first one is cotton, the other 2 bamboo) on one side, and a cute cotton knit print on the other.

It started with a pile of felt

2009-11-05T08:38:00.001-08:00

Felt Puppet Theatre
Originally uploaded by tangledskeins

Ok, truely it started with a Diaperswappers challenge, LOL. The ladies in the Craft Chat forum were discussing making card table playhouses out of felt like this one. My girlies already have the "Rose Petal Cottage" so really were not in need of another playhouse. What they needed was a puppet theatre (since the paper mache one we had made was an unfortunate casualty of a large rainstorm,LOL). So a trip to Joann's was in order! A huge pile of felt later we were ready to begin. The girls were entranced by the idea even before the felt was cut, and were already playing under the table...I could have just stopped there, LOL. Nope...had to continue! I measured the dining table and cut the felt for the top and sides of the theatre. I cut super large 'windows' on three of the sides...initiating the REAL challenge of the design...how to keep the windows from drooping (and a 19mos old from crawling through them!). I had originally planned to just sew the window sills, fringe trim and Minkee curtains (oh how I LOVE Minkee!!) on, but it was soon apparent that was not going to be sufficient. Next step, stuffing the bottom sills...well, that helped some, but there was still some droop...of course I didn't realize that until I had all 4 walls sewn together...lovely hindsight, LOL.

So the real wrestling match began. Pinning, stuffing, and sewing the support 'stripes' under the windows. It worked beautifully, and looks like it was planned that way, LOL, but oh it was a bear to do! If I make any more of these in the future (or if any of you decide to try and tackle this idea) I'll have to remember to do the supports BEFORE sewing the walls together!! We have lots of happy little puppeteers, though, so it was all well worth it!