Full Knitted Jacket

Two socks at a time Little cabled knee socks

2014-11-16T18:09:00.003-08:00

Two socks at a time Little cabled knee socks.

Sizes Women's S,M and L (extra small)

Foot Circumference: 7 1/4 (8 1/4, 9 1/4) inches (unstretched)

Calf Circumference (at widest): 9 1/4 (10 1/4, 11 1/4) inches (unstretched)

Foot Length: Adjustable

Height from Heel to Top of Cuff (unfolded): 21 inches (unblocked)

(The photos in this pattern show a size Extra Small.)

Using this method http://heidibearscreative.blogspot.com/2011/10/two-socks-at-time-on-one-circular.html we will be working two at a time toe up knee socks.

Here is a good video for Judy's magic cast on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkyd3nq3Yn8 Toe:
Co using Judy's magic co method 16 sts for each sock (8 each needle each sock)

Round 1:
Sock 1: kfb, k5, kfb, k1
Sock 2: repeat
turn
Sock 2 (other side): repeat
Sock 1 (other side): repeat
(10 sts each side each sock, 20 sts per sock total)

Repeat 4 (8, 12) times until you have 14 ( 22, 30) sts each side each sock and 28 (44, 60) sts total each sock.

Next row knit all stitches both socks.

You will now alternate increase rounds as written above and knit rounds 7 (5, 3) more times you should have 60 (68, 76) total for each sock and 30 (34, 38) sts each sock each side. Or until you have an even number of stitches on your needle and your socks fit your feet around. (Example I have very small feet so I stop at 22 sts each side each sock, or 44 sts total each sock. This is perfect for one size down to fit my size 5 feet. I have provided some limited notes on making extra smalls.)

Foot:
Knit every round until socks measure 6 (6 3/4, 7 ½) inches long or 2 1/2 (2 3/4, 3) inches shorter desired length from toe to back of heel.

Here's a guideline for final sock lengths:

US size 6 shoe (European 37) = 9 inches

US size 7 shoe (38) = 9 1/4 inches

US size 8 shoe (39) = 9 5/8 inches

US size 9 shoe (40) = 10 inches

Arrange stitches thusly 30 (34, 38) sts for top of feet and {15-15 (17-17, 19-19)} for bottom, place a marker at the middle of the foot bottom.

Heel Gusset:

For this section the first pass will be foot top and return pass will be foot bottom.

Round 1:

Top of foot: Knit

Bottom of feet: K1, kfb, knit to the mid foot marker; Knit to last stitch, kfb, k1. (2 stitches increased)

Round 2:

Top of foot: Knit

Bottom of the foot: Knit

Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 eight more times (6 more times if you have tiny feet like me). 78 (86, 94) total stitches for foot tops and 30-24-24 (34-26-26, 38-28-28) stitches for foot bottoms

Knit across foot tops.

Turning Heel:

First sock:

Row 1 (right side):

Bottom of the foot to first marker; Knit;

Bottom of the foot from marker on; K7 (9, 11), kfb, wrap and turn. (5 if you have really tiny feet)

Row 2 (wrong side): P16 (20, 24), pfb, wrap and turn. (12 if you have little feet)

Row 3: K14 (18, 22), kfb, wrap and turn. (10 if you have little feet)

Row 4: P12 (16, 20), pfb, wrap and turn. (8 if you have little feet)

LARGE SIZE ONLY

Next Row: K18, kfb, wrap and turn.

Next Row: P16, pfb, wrap and turn.

MEDIUM AND LARGE SIZES ONLY

Next Row: K14, kfb, wrap and turn.

Next Row: P12, kfb, wrap and turn.

ALL SIZES

Next Row: K10, kfb, wrap and turn. (6 if you have little feet)

Next Row: P8, pfb, wrap and turn. (4 if you have little feet, last row)

Next Row: K6, kfb, wrap and turn.

Next Row: P4, pfb, wrap and turn.

(skip ahead for little feet)

Knit to the end of bottom of foot, working the wraps together with the wrapped stitches.

Repeat for second sock.

Knit across top of feet;

Knit across bottom of foot to marker, working the wraps together with the wrapped stitches as you go. 86 (96, 106) total stitches and 30-28-28 (34-31-31, 38-34-34) stitches on each needle

(work next section for foot one and then come back to work bottom of the foot and heel flap on for foot two)

Heel Flap:

NOTE: The Heel Flap is worked over just the stitches on the bottom of the feet. You'll be working back and forth in rows.

Set-Up Row (right side): Stitches after marker: K14 (16, 18), ssk, turn. 85 (95, 105) stitches

Row 1 (wrong side): Working just the stitches on bottom of foot, slip 1, p28 (32, 36), p2tog, turn. 84 (94, 104) stitches

Row 2: *Slip 1, k1, repeat from * to 2 stitches before the gap, slip 1, ssk (the 2 stitches on either side of the gap), turn. (1 stitch decreased)

Row 3: Slip 1, purl to 1 stitch before the gap, p2tog (the 2 stitches on either side of the gap), turn. (1 stitch decreased)

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 eleven (12, 13) more times. 60 (68, 76) total stitches and 30-15-15 (34-17-17, 38-19-19) stitches.

Next Row:

Bottom of the foot: *Slip 1, k1, repeat from * to last stitch before marker, slip 1. *K1, slip 1, repeat from * to last stitch on needle, k1.

Repeat last row of turning the heel along with all of heel flap for second sock.

We will now go back to working in the round.

(For little feet;

Row 1: K across working wrapped sts by picking them up and knitting with the sts; on last wrapped st, sssk the wrapped, the st, and the following st, turn.

Row 2: P across working wrapped sts by picking them up and purling with sts; on the last wrapped st, p3tog the wrap, st and following st, turn.

Next row (RS): Sl1 pwise wyib, k till one st before gap, ssk, turn.

Next row (WS): Sl1 pwise wyif, p till one st before gap, ptog, turn.

Repeat these two rows until you finish decreasing all increased gusset stitches and have 22 stitches again for bottom of foot.

Repeat for second foot, then work leg.)

The Leg:

Set-Up Round 1:

Top of foot: Knit;

Bottom of foot to marker: Knit to last 3 stitches, p1, k2;

Bottom of foot, marker to end: K2, p1, slip these 3 stitches to before marker, knit to end. 30-18-12 (34-20-14, 38-22-16) stitches.

Set-Up Round 2:

Top of foot: Knit;

Bottom of foot to marker: Knit to last 6 stitches, p1, k4, p1;

Bottom of foot marker to end: Knit.

Cable Round 1:

Top of foot: Knit;

Bottom of foot to marker: Knit to last 6 stitches, p1, make cable (see How to Make the Cable bellow), p1;

Bottom of foot marker to end: Knit.

How to Make the Cable

Make Cable: Slip 2 stitches purlwise to cable stitch holder and hold in the front of the work; knit next 2 stitches from double pointed needle; knit the 2 stitches from the holder.

Rounds 2-4:

Top of foot: Knit;

Bottom of foot to marker: Knit to last 6 stitches, p1, k4, p1;

Bottom of the foot marker to end: Knit.

Repeat Rounds 1-4 eight more times.

+Increase Cable Round:

Top of foot: Knit;

Bottom of the foot to marker: Knit to last 7 stitches, m1r, k1, p1, make cable, p1;

Bottom of foot marker to end: K1, m1l, knit to end. (2 stitches increased)

Repeat Rounds 2-4.

*Work a Cable Round.

Repeat Rounds 2-4.

Repeat from * 1 more time.

Repeat from +, 7 more times. 76 (84, 92) total stitches and 30-26-20 (34-28-22, 38-30-24) stitches on each needle.

**Work a Cable Round.

Repeat Rounds 2-4.

Repeat from ** 4 more times, ending last repeat with Round 3.

The Cuff:

Round 1: *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of round.

Repeat Round 1 until cuff measures 5 inches.

Slip one sock onto scrap yarn or spare needles and Bind off loosely in rib pattern, repeat for second sock using same needles.

Finishing:

Weave in ends, block and enjoy.

All original credit to Purl Soho at The Purl Bee

Link to the original pattern can be found here...

http://www.purlbee.com/2012/11/21/whits-knits-little-cable-knee-highs/

All changes and additions credit to Lae Morae at Full Knitted Jacket

(c)Lae Morae / Adina Higdon of Full Knitted Jacket, September 2014

Jul blog

2014-11-13T21:41:00.002-08:00

I often get asked about our families celebrations, and what exactly we do. Each year things area bit different and tend to be some what fluid depending who will be at home, which kids, how many kids and their current ages and what fits our current lives the best. But some consistencies exist, a general outline lets call it. A continuity of over a months celebrations and a lot of giving and kindness. So here fallows is a general outline of our holiday season or Jultide.

Our festivities begin Nov 30 , or roughly the last weekend in Nov and as close to Dec 1 as possible. This is when we being any count downs. This first weekend will be the first of the 4 candles we light, as well as if we are doing daily gifts they will either start now or Dec 12th, depending. Traditionally we use wreaths of evergreens with 4 candles one is lit each week till Yule. We also will start the baking and cleaning in preparation. We will also begin decorating for Yule.

Dec 5th and 6th. Sinterklaas eve and Sinterklaas day. Or Krampus day and Sinterklaas day.

Dec 5th. This is when we leave our shoes out and Sinterklaas, Krampus and Zwarte Pieten come. We leave out a bit of hay, a carrot and some cookies or and possibly sweet biscuits.

Zwarte Piet keeps track of who is good and bad all year letting Krampus and Sinterklaas respectively know who to visit. Sinterklaas leaves gifts for good children in their shoes left by the fire, and Krampus takes bad children back to his cave in Spain where they are from, so they can spend the next year learning to be kind. We play down the scary bits and Krampus also comes to our house to run off any bad spirits, so he does as much good and helping as being scary. And face it he is scary enough to run off the most persistent hang abouts.

In the evening usually either before neighbors get home from work, or just before bed, when we are least likely to be seen we put on our red caps, dress warm and take around gifts to all the neighbors. These are often paper or felt woven hearts that can be used as ornaments, with either a hand made ornament in it or maybe candied nuts, or some other simple and thoughtful gift. We anonymously leave on on every neighbors door.

Dec 6th. On Sinterklaas day we may do treasure hunting games with poems, riddles and clues to treats and gifts. We may eat special biscuits and any treats left the night before by Sinterklaas. Often including apples, oranges, Ginger breads, chocolates and such.

Dec 12th. this is when the Julasveinn or Yul lads arrive and a different one is known to visit homes until Yule eve. They might leave treats in the windowsills of good children or potatoes or notes reminding kids to be good for those who haven;t behaved. Common gifts are a candle, new clothes, packs of cards and books. Some years the kids might get a different book each night they have been good.

Dec 13th. Lucia Day. In the afternoon or evening we dress in white with red waist sashes and the girls wear ever green wreaths with led candles and if up to it carol, and we take around little baked goods often in hand made paper baskets to hang on every neighbors door. These often include little ginger bread cookies.

In the morning we might eat saffron buns with raisins. and before bed the kids will make Lucia a sandwich and leave out a carrot for her donkey and she may leave them some little gift. We may also get our Yule tree on this day and begin decorating it for Yule.

Dec 20th. Yule eve and some traditions Modraniht or Mothers Night. This is a time when depending who is at home we will honor the disir and all female beings. This includes leaving out offerings as well as writing letters and making gifts for the women in the family, namely the moms and grandmas and matriarchs of the home.

This is also when we will hang treats in the trees for the birds and put out food for the wild animals and take around some sort of hand made gifts to all the neighbors, again wearing our red caps and trying not to be seen, we may wear bells to be heard though. We also often contribute to some form of secret Santa program, often for the elderly and we may donate hand knitted goods and warm clothes items to the homeless.

Before bed the kids will leave out sweet rice pudding (milk, vanilla, almonds and whipped cream) for the good nisse and maybe some ginger breads for Father Winter.And carrots for the deer and goat.

During the night Weinachtsmann (Winter/ Christmas Man) or Julemanden (Yule Man) will come with his reindeer and his helper nisse (Jultomten or Julnisser) ridding the Julepokki (Yule goat). The Nisse will leave sheaves of wheat and suet for birds and treats for the wild animals and might hang treats on our Yule Tree or place under the tree if too heavy.

Dec 21, Yule day. In the morning we may have rice pudding, or sweet buns for breakfast. This is a laid back day to spend time with family. Traditionally when the pudding is made one whole almond is placed in the pudding and who ever gets it gets a treat, normally a small hand made gift anyone would like.

We spend the day relaxing and snacking, having a Julbord (Jul buffet) consisting of snacks, often having crackers, biscuits, cheeses, meats, fish, open faced sandwiches, fruits, nuts and so forth.

In the evening we may have a ham dinner, potatoes, baked fruits, sweet buns, vegetables, and so forth. For desert we may have a different rice pudding, maybe with pumpkin added in, or a pumpkin custard.

After dinner the kids will sit around sipping warmed cider, or hot cocoa and the grown ups may sip hot toddies, hot buttered rum, mulled wine (glogg) or some other warmed drink. We will also light the 4 candles of Jul at this time as well as placing the Jul log on the fire. Then we will exchange our gifts, maybe playing a game where we sit in a circle and sing songs passing gifts till the song ends. When it ends who holds it gets to keep it Perfect for home made gifts or gifts where every one gets something similar. Or passing presents about till everyone gets the ones marked with their names.

Julbukking (like caroling but dressed up in disguises) may happen between Yule and New years.

New Years eve. We may again exchange small gifts or treats. The kids will stay up as late as they can and we will again dine on small treats and special snack like foods. Grazing through the night. Who ever stays up till midnight will exchange 3 kisses for a lucky new year, and the mothers will kiss the sleeping children placing 3 on each. The Mother Diser may bring small gifts for the kids as they sleep.

This is when elves moves homes and it is advantageous to leave out puddings and offerings to the weights and nisser at this time. And Bon fires and fire works are often lit to celebrate and to dissuade ill tempered spirits from settling. We may also take around bottles of cider to all the neighbors or other tasty celebratory beverages that may be consumed by all.

On New Years day the kids give their moms, god mothers and the women of their families the special carefully written letters in their best penmanship and other gifts they made them. It is also customary to light a candle and visit the graves of loved ones.

Jan 6th. 12th night and the last day of Yule. Bonfires are often lit to help drive back the dark and elf dances may be held to celebrate the elves and gnomes finding their good homes. More offerings are left out for the good folk hoping for good favor through the coming year. More Julbukking may occur. General celebration on this day.

This may sound like a lot of gifts, but in truth it is a lot of very simple things and hand made items. Nothing brought by any of the spirits of Yule are store bought except food items may be or books. We try to keep anything store bought from family members and put the focus as much on hand made and simple as possible. Everything is also spread out. So instead of sitting down to a tree over flowing with mass marketed gifts, there are a lot of small meaningful things, and because it is spread out through the month we find that it gives us a lot of opportunity to think of others and focus on being giving when others need it most. This can be a very stressful and difficult time for many and this gives us a time that is not stressful or complicated where we can remove the focus from ourselves and place it on those who need us.

I also find that children receiving things through out the month calms things. Instead of a giant mass getting moment, the giving is the emphasis, and the joy of making others happy, even if you get no credit (we do a lot of anonymis stuff) things that are received are mostly only received after giving. A moment of giving without expecting credit, and then the receipt is a random feeling act of kindness back. A lot of focus and attention is paid on the emotions and feelings of those receiving things, even if they don;t know who gave it. Even the offerings to the spirits of the season are all with a focus of leaving food for the animals and nature spirits. Lots of animal themed foods, and even the porridge and puddings are prepared in a manor with nature nutrition in mind. So rather than just cookies and milk, we are leaving out essential winter nutrition for wild life. I see my children getting far more excited about what they are doing for others, than opening the gifts for them. And when they open them they are more appreciative and spend time enjoying the one single item at a time, rather than rip the paper off glance, toss move on to next that can happen with all at once gift getting.

I hope maybe you can take something from this and make a tradition of your own. Many of the traditions listed above are from, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Holland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and that region. There are still areas left where their traditions are very reminiscent of their pre Christian influence.

God Jul

Last minute gifts

2013-12-15T19:11:00.001-08:00

Cast on tonight for a last minute gift set for hubbies grandmother. She is elderly and in a home and he fears this may be her last year with us, thus he wanted to do something special. He picked out a lovely hat and gloves set for her to wear and stay cozy warm.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escargot

and

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/camp-out-fingerless-mitts

It was hard to decide but we chose these two patterns over these other two lovelies that are just as wonderful and charming.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lee-3

and

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fingerless-mitts-18

If you as of yet still have some last minute gift orders to fill maybe consider these charming free patterns. Whimsical and lovely.

Julenisse of Kindness

2013-12-14T20:12:00.001-08:00

Finished up my Julenisse doll and the pattern is now available.

This project was inspired by a blog I read on Kindness elves. I liked the idea so I decided to make our own version.

In upholding our families traditions of celebrating the Nisse and Tomte I wanted to capture that spirit in a little visitor, someone who can hang out every year with Julebukk.

You can find the pattern for this doll with outfit in my stores, link here... http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/julenisse-of-knidness

To read the original blog that inspired this doll click here... http://theimaginationtree.com/2013/11/alternative-elf-on-shelf-tradition-kindness-elf.html

Wool donations for warming centers

2013-12-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

Our local area has warming centers for the homeless that are invaluable during cold snaps like the one we just suffered. I am taking up a project for just this cause.

If anyone has any wool, alpaca, or other animal fiber yarn that they would be willing to donate I will use that yarn to knit donation items for the warming centers. It must be wool, wool blend, or animal fiber of some sort.

Cotton lowers the bodies natural temperature especially when wet and can cause hypothermia, whereas wool is a natural insulator helping the body maintain its natural temperature even when wet. Another good quality of wool is that it can be water proof. I have lanolin on hand and can waterproof every item before donating. This makes wool very superior for donation purposes as it can keep folk warm and dry even in the worst conditions.

Any weight, color or amount would help! Washable wool and super wash is fine. Sock yarns would be great even if just ball end scraps as I can work those into the feet of 100% wool socks making them more durable. Any amount of wool yarn will help greatly! Mill ends, partial skeins, whatever you have on hand!

I will also happily accept raw locks of fiber, again must be animal fiber such as wool, alpaca, llama or other. I can use these raw locks to make thrummed items for donation such as thrummed mittens and partially thrummed hats. This will add extra warmth for folks.

My goal is to start collecting donations now and work on knitting items for the Egan Warming Centers and other charities year round. It would be great if no one had to be cold!

For more information on the Egan Warming Centers please visit their fb page at... https://www.facebook.com/EganWarmingCenters

Local tragedy fund raiser

2013-12-12T22:11:00.002-08:00

This is the little boy of one of our local mamas. This is some one from our own little community that many of us know. Today he took a hard fall and ended up needing surgery to repair a massive brain bleed. Please help if you can. Any little bit will help. This is not a stranger, this is one of our own!

I will be donating a portion of all December pattern sales to this family. If you are able to contribute directly that is wonderful, and if you would like to give by buying a pattern that will contribute that is great too.

http://www.gofundme.com/5qjjm4 To donate directly.

And visit any of my pattern shops to give via purchase.
http://www.ravelry.com/stores/full-knitted-jacket

http://www.craftsy.com/user/346836/pattern-store

https://www.etsy.com/shop/FullKnittedJacket?ref=seller_info

Mittens for charity

2013-12-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

I am knitting up some wool toddler mittens for charity. With sub freezing temperatures, ice and snow along with power outages and burning bans there are lots of little cold hands out there.

These Charity mittens will be knit using cuffs with the Brioche technique and the pattern will be available when done. Like all of my patterns a portion of the funds goes to buy yarn to knit items for charity.

Little Red Tomten Cap

2013-12-10T19:03:00.000-08:00

I finished up the little red cap for Bear. Ended up making two of these one for my grandson and one for little Bear.

I was inspired by Tomte or the Julenisse on this one.

Tomte leading his goat, laden with packages through the snow.

I wanted to capture the spirit of the kindly Nisse and all the joy he brings.

You can find the pattern in my stores, here is a link. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-red-tomten-cap

Gifts and goodies

2013-12-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

I have been working on gifts and goodies for Jule. Wanted to share some of the finished goods.

I made two sets of lovely Dainty cable leg warmers for my daughter. I really think they turned out lovely!

You can find the pattern for these in my shops here is a direct link. www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dainty-cable-leg-warmers

I also made a matching hat to go with them.

You can find the pattern for this cap in my stores. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dainty-cable-fishermans-hat

Juletide Projects

2013-12-08T13:48:00.002-08:00

I have been very busy working on Juletide goodies the last couple of months. I had a few Jule gifts to get knit up, that I went back and forth between a shawl and them. There will be a new hat pattern coming out of the gifts I made so be watching for that. The shawl has been back burnered and is awaiting frog status as I am not really happy with how it was turning out. After the holiday crunch and when I decide what to do with it I will get back to it.

I have also been working on a Krampus doll. His body is all done, he just needs horns, ears, a tail and the rest of his face. But seems the inspiration hasn't been flowing so he has been sitting for a couple days. Once the pattern is completed I will be publishing him so that others can make their own Krampus dolls for next season.

Last night I started on the little Julenisse of Kindness doll for little Bear. I have the body form done and the pants. Tonight after she goes to bed I will get started on the sweater.

And today I am casting on for a little red Tomten cap for Bear in the brightest, softest, holy berry red yarn. If all goes well you can expect to see the pattern for it very soon as well. Perfect for knitting up a little cap for your favorite little nisse next year!

Post Sinterklaas visit

2013-12-07T11:46:00.002-08:00

I hope the Holiday cheer is treating you all well. We awoke to having had a visit from Sinterklaas last night. I love that little Bear had zero expectations for Sinterklaas and was oh so very happy and thrilled with her apple, tangerine and treats! He left just enough goodies to fill her little boots. There were two little socks filled with Yule tree taffies, a few chocolates and a marshmallow pop. Bear is a happy kiddo who has been running around the house saying "Thank you Sinterklaas! Thank you for your kindness Sinterklaas!" She is also being sure to pass on the cheer by sharing her treats and being kind.

I hope this sunny and cold, snowy white day finds you as happy, warm and blessed.

Belated Sinterklaas Night

2013-12-06T23:56:00.001-08:00

With all of my plans to put Sinterklaas's visit off until Jule, we went and visited Sinterklaas today and when we got home, after some playing in the snow, Bear set all of our boots out for Sinterklaas to fill with treats tonight. And this makes sense, of course he should visit while he is already in town, right? So little change of plan Sinterklaas can come tonight and Juletomten can come on Jule eve.

Julenisse of Kindness

2013-12-06T20:44:00.002-08:00

I saw this blog on Kindness elves, a spin off of Elf on a Shelf, who honestly creeps me out! http://theimaginationtree.com/2013/11/alternative-elf-on-shelf-tradition-kindness-elf.html

So today I picked up some beads to give these a try on my own, since I have no clue where to buy them. I figured Juletomten can leave a little Julenisse of kindness for little Bear. I am now trying to decide the best way to attach the beads. Maybe a little crocheted chain body inside? Like chains going to each leg and arm with beads for hands and feet, then back to a main body and up through the head and securing to a braid of hair? Then knit the clothes to go over?

My Grandmother used to make me the most amazing and beloved clothes pin dolls with little Bead heads when I was a child and I now wish I had paid better attention. This will be a bit of a learning experience for me but will update how it goes.

I think these little guys will fit in nicely to our current traditions and holiday activities. Today while visiting Sinterklaas at the mall we picked up an ornament to get some one a Secret Santa gift. We picked some one in a retirement home and got them a Knitting Loom pack. We are all very excited about this one since we are such a crafty family.

We also have been thinking of ways to be giving to our neighbors this season with thoughts of gifting the neighbors with St Lucia cakes and then maybe Julebukking and taking cookies about. If you think of any great ideas please leave your ideas in the comments.

Julebukking

2013-12-06T00:21:00.002-08:00

I wanted to share A couple really great blogs on Julebukking that I found while trying to think of a way to incorporate that into something doable for little Bear, a little something fun to do after Yule and Hogswatch and all the festivities. Yulebukking is traditionally celebrated after Christmas but it's origins of course are far older.

http://www.asatrublog.com/2012/11/30/what-is-the-julbock/

http://ojhoff.areavoices.com/2010/12/05/lets-go-julebukking/

Happy Sinterklaas night!

2013-12-05T23:33:00.003-08:00

Happy Sinterklaas night to everyone who is celebrating. Get your klompen set out for Sinterklaas to bring by treats and sweet meats and fill your shoes to the brim.

This year we didn't do Krampus night on Nov 30 and we aren't doing Sinterklaas night tonight Dec 5th, I think he will wait till Yule eve to come and visit our house. He will bring little Bear apples, oranges, chocolates and sweet treats, but no big gifts. All the big stuff comes from mom and dad. I just really wish we had some klompen for Sinterklaas to leave the treats in.

I think this year we will do a mini St Lucia Yule eve or Yule night, instead of the 13. Just a little march up and down our street with little l.e.d. candles in crowns. That sounds fun. Something simple yet festive. Maybe I will give Bear a basket of little treats and she can go and take a gift bag of cookies to each neighbor and leave it on their porch, or something like that.

As little Bear gets older We may spread the festivities out through the month on their traditional days if I have the energy for that. Add in Julebukking after Hogswatch. For now we do a month of Yule Tide gifts. Bear has been opening a book a day and each Saturday she gets to open a larger gift.On Yule we sit around feasting all day and evening while sipping hot cocoa and hot buttered rum, we open our gifts as a family and just enjoy time together. This year sissy is visiting after Yule so we will likely have a Hogswatch to celebrate with her and baby nephew as well.

What ever your family celebrates I hope you have a wonderful Holiday and a very blessed new year!

Holiday Words of Wisdom

2013-12-05T14:27:00.005-08:00

This Cold December day I gift you with a few Holiday words of wisdom to remember.

I would like to impart some self learned lessons to you, this knowledge comes from me personally as a crafter, mother and member of a family that tended to treat the holidays with stress and dread.

1) Plan ahead, start early.
For shoppers and everyone: No shopping on Black Friday is not getting a jump on holiday shopping. Hubby and I are already buying for little Bears Yule next year. Not kidding. While things like clothes can not be planned too far out, You can predict your child's development in stages a year ahead with some accuracy. No you can no buy into what the media will say is the hot new toy next year, but you can get good quality toys year round. Buying ahead allows you to save up and get better quality items. Know your child, know their likes and focus on what they will genuinely enjoy. Not what will be a fad they will play with once and discarded before the Yule tree is down.

For crafters: No one wants to craft holiday goodies in May or June, no one! We all want to wait till mid November then think we are getting an early start, then come the first week of December or in some of uses case third week, the panic sets in. We all do it every single year! Every Year! Do not do it to yourself! Do not give in! Start in September or whenever the first signs of chill hit and only pick a couple of projects to get done. After they are finished you can approach any further crafts with no expectations. Stick to day or weekend projects. Keep them small, keep them simple. And Know your own pace. It is good to know how long it takes you to complete different projects of different size.

2) Lower your expectations.
Shoppers and everyone: Take a deep breath and know it will all be okay! No one "needs" stuff. Shopping, baking, decorating, it is about the joy of the season, and giving not about stuff. Once things are in perspective you can move forward. Do what you enjoy and only how much you can. I suggest creating a mental flowchart, those you feel most driven to do for at the center then work your way out. Only allow your focus to remain on the middle of your bubble and then when chance or luck allows you to bubble over feel joy from that. If you plan ahead and start early for kids and close family, then you may be surprised as you get closer that you have a little extra to splurge on buying things for those folks you normally wouldn't. It feels super good to give to those who don't expect it.

Crafters: Set realistic goals, be forgiving of yourself, and keep it simple. Know what you can get done, don't commit to more than that. Be realistic how long it takes to do things. Set achievable goals and once they are completed enjoy the extras you get done as just that, extras. Focus on gifts early, way early, once gift are done focus on fun stuff for yourself.

3) Remember what is important ad where the focus should be.
SHoppers and everyone: Remember where the focus should be. I am not talking religion. What dose the holiday mean to you? Giving? Time with family? Joy? What ever the important things are to you, hold that message tight and stick to it. Put those priorities first for yourself and make sure everything you do keep that in mind. If giving is what it is about for you, keep that message in mind. Be careful getting caught up in commercialism traps, wants and expectations. Instead maybe focus on giving the unexpected to those without expectations. If family is important to you maybe switch the focus to crafts you can do together or baking and decorating cookies and treats together.

Crafters: Be realistic when deciding what is important. Keep priorities realistic and in mind from start to finish. I suggest keeping gifts useful and only made for those who will use and appreciate them for you own sanity. Keep fun crafts limited to things you can reuse, will use and enjoy. Hats, scarves, socks, and mittens for the poor can be made year round in your spare time. Edible garlands and decorative treats for outside animals can be made with kids and family. Family can have fun baking treats to give as gifts. Just keep it fun and not overwhelming.

4) Have fun!
Shoppers and everyone: If it is not fun stop!!! I am serious! If you are not enjoying it why are you doing it? Little Timmy will not die without the latest Turbo Man doll! This is not a competition! Remember why you are doing this and what is important to you. If little Sally doesn't deserve a Potty Patty doll and you resent "having" to buy her one, then don't! Maybe Sally needs to spend the Holiday feeding the homeless and doing for others while spending time with you. Which gift will benefit her more in the long run?

Crafters: If you hate it set it down! No really! Walk away now! Go for a walk, sip some tea, read a book, pick up another project and come back refreshed. No one wants a gift filled with hate, rage and anger! We all want gifts made with love by someone who had fun making them for us. Something made by someone who wanted to be making it. So, if you do not want to make it, DON'T!

Remember traditions are what you make them, and what do you want other people to remember when they think of you and the holidays?

Feel free to share this wisdom by linking back to our blog if you think others could benefit from these bits of wisdom.

Holiday Sales Events

2013-11-27T16:18:00.001-08:00

Full Knitted Jacket Holiday Sales Event!

Get 25% off through Cyber Monday when you enter coupon code BlackWeekend at checkout.

Get a surprise discount on Cyber Monday by typing in coupon code CyberMonday at checkout.

Get 10% off all patterns through the Holidays by typing in coupon code Holiday at checkout.

Coupons are not combinable. https://www.etsy.com/shop/FullKnittedJacket?ref=l2-shopheader-name

New patterns

2013-11-27T16:11:00.002-08:00

Beach combing, drift wood dragging, tide pool jumping, this skirt is made for doing it all!

This skirt features a light texturing reminiscent of a mermaids scales.

Fit and flair with a stretchy touch allows freedom of movement without sacrificing garment attractiveness.

Knee length adds extra movability while maintaining style.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/168684757/toddler-and-young-childs-fit-and-flair?ref=shop_home_active

Crisp breezes gusting through layers. Frost, fires, long walks holding hands, sipping cocoa while riding in a horse drawn sleigh. Crackling fires and cedar bows.

These dainty cable leg warmers are perfect for keeping legs or arms warm while still looking delicate and feminine. Great with boots, slippers, mary janes or heels. I love to pair mine with lush layers for a feeling of indulgence.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/169683390/dainty-cable-and-lace-buttoned-leg?ref=shop_home_active

Gothic Witches Cowl

2013-10-07T20:30:00.003-07:00

Dark corridors, cold stones, child goblets and red wine.

This Gothic era inspired cowl is perfect for keeping your neck warm even when your shoulders are bared.

Perfect when paired with a cape, Pixie witch sleeves and spats, and some pointy toed shoes.

This pattern allows you to knit up a cowl to fit neck sizes 13" to 16" with additional sizes available upon request.

This pattern is available in all of my pattern stores along with my other designs, or you can click this link to be taken straight to this pattern. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gothic-witches-cowl

Little Pixie Witch sleeves and spats

2013-10-03T23:47:00.002-07:00

Cobwebs, witches brooms, black cats and bubbling cauldrons. These are perfect for keeping arms and legs warm while bat gazing, cauldron stirring or broom riding.

This pattern allows allows you to knit up either sleeves or spats in women's sizes 6" writs up to women's size 11" wrist or ankle
.
Pattern allows you to make lace up or buttoned versions.

Check the pattern out in any of my shops or click here to be taken straight to the pattern. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-pixie-witch-sleeves-and-spats

Sharing

2013-10-02T23:04:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share this great crochet blog with everyone. Look at her beautiful stuff! http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/

Pixie hats and little spats

2013-09-29T21:08:00.001-07:00

I have gotten two more patterns published over the weekend.

Women's Pixie hat
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/womens-pixie-hat-2

A hat inspired by fresh spring greens, dancing in moonbeams, flower petal dresses, spider web shawls and curl toed slippers.

This hat is the perfect combination of whimsy and practicality.

Available in women's hat sizes 21" - 23".

And a baby and child's Pixie Hat
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-and-childs-pixie-hat

This little hat is inspired by Brownies, Tomte and Nisse, Pixie dust, fairy rings, dew drops in cob webs and Jack frost painting window panes.

This little cap is perfect for sitting by crackling fires sipping hot apple cider from cups grasped with mittend hands, or watching marshmallows melt in hot cocoa.

This pattern fits from birth to 6 years.

My next project that I am currently working on is a pattern for fingerless armlets which can also be worked up and worn as spats. The little Pixie Witch glove-lets and spats will be perfect to wear with your little Pixie or Elven Witch hat.

Here is a quick sneak peak.

Pattern is workable with either lace or button options.

Pattern should be available soon in all of my pattern shops, giving you plenty of time to work up a pair or two before All Hallow's Eve!

I also have two more pattern ideas in my head, the first is a Gothic Witches Cowl and the second is for another pair of felted slippers inspired by square heels ad square, pointed toes. So be on the look out for them in the coming weeks. I am hoping to have both patterns finished and published in time for Halloween projects.

Women's Elf Slippers

2013-09-28T19:16:00.001-07:00

Sometimes a project starts out as one thing or with one goal in mind and just sort of morphs into something else.

I wrote this pattern with witchy slippers in mind and ended up with little Elfen clogs instead.

The end result is perfect for crisp chill mornings, autumn leaves scattered across the ground, fog hung low, toadstools in circles, and fairy bells tinkling in the distance as lights flicker in and out.

Theses slippers call for cold hardwood floors, warm fires, hot cocoa in hand, alpaca socks and these warm woolen slippers on your feet.

This pattern has instructions for women's elf slippers in sizes 5/6, 7/8 and 9/10.

These felted clog style slippers are perfect for cold floors and warm feet!

Pattern is available along with all of my patterns in any of my pattern stores, or you can simply clock the link and be taken straight to it. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/womens-elf-slippers

New Pattern: Kitsune the Winter Fox

2013-09-25T21:51:00.001-07:00

I have a new pattern finished up and listed, meet Kitsune the Winter Fox.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kitsune-the-winter-fox

Kitsune are noted for having as many as nine tails. Generally the more tails the older and wiser the fox, a Kitsune may not earn any additional tails until after they are over 100 years of age. One, five, seven and nine tails are the most common in folk tales. When a Kitsune gains it's ninth tail it's fur becomes white or gold. Nine tailed Kitsune may gain infinite wisdom. White foxes, black foxes and nine tailed foxes are considered good omens.

A Kitsune over the age of 100 may gain the ability to take human form. Many Kitsune retain fox attributes when in human form.

This pattern captures the whimsy of Kitsune, the fox spirit. Perfect for dress up, costumes and play.

This is a set with patterns for a hat and a matching tail, both available in child's sizes S, M and L.

Painting and sewing and rain

2012-05-25T23:05:00.003-07:00

It has been raining all week!!!

View of the rain from our front window, as seen from my sewing table.

Which means inside projects. The first half the week John primered the little bedroom and I worked on a little dress project. It has an embroidered bodice featuring a hand sketched version of Sun Bonnet Sue and a colorful little skirt. The bodice work has taken me most of the week to complete.

I have always loved Sun Bonnet Sue and you know about my passion for gardening! This is inspired by a darling quilt my great grandmother made me when I was a wee one. (c) Full Knitted Jacket, May 2012

I decided to go with a thread tone that would compliment the skirt fabric I chose. (c) Full Knitted Jacket, May 2012

I love adding all the little accent touches, they are what really make a piece special! (c) Full Knitted Jacket, May 2012

I decided that it was silly that every little Sue I had ever seen had white skin, so I chose a beautiful, warm, chocolate tone for my bodice. (c) Full Knitted Jacket, May 2012

One of my favorite things to add, the flowers!

Missy Cat said I had been working hard enough through the nasty rainy weather that I deserved a break. So I put my embroidery aside long enough to make Short Round and the rest the family a healthy treat. I made two batches of power balls, little healthy energy snacks.

Then it was back to work for me!

The chickens wondered what had happened to mom, since they hadn't really seen much of me all week.

But Chewy Dog assured them I was working away inside and would be back out as soon as the weather cleared up.

I just love her little braid! it finishes her off so completely. Very happy with how she turned out.

Bear decided she really liked the fabric I picked!

So much that I had to chase her down to get it back! But in the end it worked out, She helped mom pin pleats and sew the skirt to the bodice. One straight pin at a time.

I am presently finishing off the bodice edge with a lovely blanket stitch. I will then turn my attention to the hem line and it shall be complete!

But it hasn't been a week of all sewing. I have painted and baked some as well.

Calzone half fail. Still tasty, but not right.

I made calzone, which didn't turn out so great due to old yeast and I made lemon cookies which turned out fabulous enough to make up for the calzone and then some!

Yesterday I even took a day off, simply called in sick to life with the blahs. Today I was back to work though, I got a first coat of my base colors on the little bedroom walls.

You can see the original brown ceiling paint through my pink texturing. The ceiling and all of the trim was that deep brown originally. And all the walls were the color that the door presently is.

Bear was really excited about getting her own room! This was the girls' room, but Short Round has moved into the big bedroom now that grandpa is gone and Bear has been waiting in anticipation for a room of her own. She was so excited when dad started primering the walls and mom painted the ceiling. However...

When she woke up from her nap to see I had transformed her room to this... I simply do not have words for the look of horror and disgust that contorted her face. Apparently Bear does not approve of pink walls, no matter how many times mom tells her it is a lovely rose color and it will be assuredly beautiful when it is done. In her defense, it is very pink.

Too bad she can not share my country cottage vision. The two wall shades will have a textured over layer to blend them and tone down the colors. The window will be framed in roses and the ceiling and walls will have a border trim of little flowers and vines when it is all completed.

Not sure if you can see the floral pattern on the blue tile flooring in these photos, but I just love this floor!

I think it will be lovely when it is all done. Let's just hope Bear can bear with me. I think I may even have enough paint left to do the big bedroom as well, though I may end up having to buy a bit more. I keep thinking I would love to paint the walls of the big room teal with a painted white picket fence and roses on the fence. Guess we shall see how the mood strikes me and what my inspirations are when I get to it. I originally was going to paint the big room light mint green and a light lilac or lavender purple, but why buy more paint if I have enough of this one left? Hmmmm, sudden thoughts of a light minty green on the walls and lilacs painted into the corners or framing the window with the painted fence and roses. Ohhh!

Anyway, that's been my week. The little dress is almost done! And the weather forecast is supposed to warm up, with clearer skies ahead. Which means back outside to button up the coop and clamp down on our gardening.

Which reminds me, I have much blogging to catch up on in regards to both the coop and the garden!

All photos in this blog are the soul property of Full Knitted Jacket. Please contact me for permission before using any images from my blogs. All product designs, descriptions and images copyright Lae Morae / Adina Higdon and Full Knitted Jacket unless other wise specified. All Rights Reserved.