Time to Knit!

First off, Thanks for all of you concerns with the boys especially Hillard. Although we have had another bought of the sickness here, we are all well now and things are looking up! Thanks goodness! Now I can finally get my sock club people their packages!!!!!!


You saw my most recent FO in the past post, these are some current works in progress. I have a little helper to model them too!



Colinette Jitterbug! mmmmm yummy!


I made these markers just for this Fifi project; Cute huh?

I didn't want to announce it until I stuck with it for awhile, but I am officially on a diet, oh excuse me "life style change". I am using Sparkpeople.com and this site is a godsend! Chris and I both have healtheir eating habits and we find ourselves entering EVERYTHING we eat in our meal planner. Its TOTALLY FREE!If you decide to do it refer me (user name catherinekerth)I get points for it.

I have taken up Yoga as well, I have never done it until now, and I really like it.... It's very relaxing and I have found a free daily video available through Yogatoday.com. Just download the Instant Media Player and subscribe to their RSS feed and your set! You get a new video everyday to do a yoga class for free! Now I just have to justify getting myself the little knick knacks that you use with yoga... And maybe some "yoga clothes".....



Well, I have posted more often now, next on goal list is to get back in the grove of reading my favorite blogs!
take care

Free Pattern!

I am making a PDF for this, but wanted to post it quickly for you guys! Happy Spring! Hope you guys can use this for the summer!



Catherine’s Mini Cardi/Shrug



This is a VERY fast knit and can be made in 3 days or less depending on your commitment to it. I suggest 100% silk yarn because it drapes very well, Silk blend yarns will work well also. I do not recommend 100% cotton because it will distort the shape of the cardigan.

This Mini Cardi is meant to be worn like the picture. The “frog clasps” make this top look fabulous and they are a must! They can be found at your local sewing stores.

Needles:
Sz 7 US 24” Circulars;
Sz 8 US 24” circs.
Set of Sz 8 US double point needles
Yarn:
Tilli Tomas (American Beauty) 2 balls
OR any worsted weight silk ; Small 295 yds, Med 310 yds, Large 330 yds, extra Large 350 yds
(Substitutions: Debbie Bliss Pure Silk, Handmaiden, Fleece Artist Sea Silk (doubled), Louisa Harding Grace, Lorna’s Laces Lion and Lamb)
Frog Closures: 3
Black , For neck trim and each arm trim
Tapestry needles
Sewing needle and thread

Gauge: 20 stitches/ 4 inches

Sizes: Measure your upper arm; sm 12”, Med 14”, Large 16”, XL greater than
(I have Sz 15.5” upper arms and 42” bust. I made the Med. It fits a little snug but I prefer it that way.)

Pm-Place marker
Sm- Slip Marker
K- Knit
P-Purl
Yo- Yarn over (increase)

K1P1 Trim Ribbing
Row1: K1, P1 repeat until last stitch you should end on a knit.
Row2: P1, K1 repeat until you come to the last stitch, you will end on a Purl.





Cast on: 81 Stitches (knitted cast on) using your 24”mSz 8 needle. Work back in forth in K1 P1 ribbing for 5 rows.
{Start working your Stockinette Stitch with garter border and place markers using Sz 7 needles on 6th row.}
Place sitich markers: (RS row)P3,k 12, PM, K 10 (arm), PM, k 31 (back), PM, k 10 (arm), PM, K 12, P 3
Ws row: K3 Purl across (sliding markers) until last 3 stitches, K3




Start Increases: Row 1: P3, k12, *yo, sm, k1, yo, k to next marker….. Repeat this increase at each marker. Purl last 3 stitches.
Row 2: K3, *Purl, repeat from *until last three stitches then, K3


Keep repeating these two increase rows until the smaller sections (ragalan section for your arm) reach…. Sm (58 stitches) Med. (62stitches) Lg. (66 stitches) XL (70)

Try on! Slip waste yarn through your stitches… Make sure to separate the raglan arms with their own waste yarns (tip: make sure your waste yarn is the size of your upper arm or larger to ensure fitting)

Does it fit? Remember you will do a K1 P1 in a larger needle to finish up the trim so it will have a little more room…..

If you are happy with the fit go ahead and keep the arm stitches in their separate waste yarns and return the front and back to the Sz 8 needle to begin the “K1 P1 Trim ribbing”. (joining the front and back at the sides)
K1 P1 for 4 Rows and Bind off on your 5th row keeping in pattern! Please Bind off Loosely!

Return the arm stitches to your Sz 8 Double pointed Needles to prepare for the Trim Ribbing. You will be working back and forth. Place them on your double pointed needles with the half split facing out instead of underneath your underarm (like it is now). Work back and forth in K1P1 ribbing for 4 rows then bind off on your 5th row in pattern. VERY LOOSELY!

Sew your frog closures on! Follow the directions on the packaging.



Lightly block


Questions? Please contact me catherinekerth@hotmail.com , please put “cropped cardi” as the subject…..
For personal use only, do not copy or sell with out permission

Long Time No Post!

I'm still here, and alive! I have been a MAJOR slacker in the blogging world and I think I have joined a pick me up! SP10! I have a questionaire to fill out for my pal so here it goes:
The Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love all yarns, even the dreaded "acrylic/belnd"! I am a big fan of silk blends and anything that is super soft! I live in the south so I try to get fibers that won't be too warm...

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have a trusty of make up bag that I put EVERYTHING in and its bustin' at the seems! Would love something to organize my circs!

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been knitting over 2 yrs.... I am self taught, and as far as my skill level goes, not sure... I teach about 5 different classes at my local yarn store, so I know a lot of tecniques, its just I lack in the length of using those techniques.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?yes, but it's never updated... sorry :(

5. What's your favorite scent? Lavender!!!!!!

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Yes, I love those boxes of chocolates! but its summer time so I suggest you send candy for the hubby.... it won't melt! his fav. is starburst jelly beans and strawberry twislers... ;)

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I am a dyer, and I am a beader as well. Love all my hobbies a little too much!

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like punk, and alternative music

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I love all colors! (i am begining to love the neons now too! but I would never wear those! )ewwww.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? just me and three guys! 2yr old, 6 yr old and a 30 yr old ;)

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? summer scarves ( light sild or cotton blends)

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? SOCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!! they never let me down! Lace!!!!!!!!!! It's fun!

13. What are you knitting right now? a tilli tomas cropped cardi.... my own raglan pattern

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Who doesn't?!!!! I would LOVE a hand made gift!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Addi turbos!!!! ummmm, I would like to try those option needles too.....

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? yup

17. How old is your oldest UFO? 2 yrs...

18. What is your favorite holiday? halloween

19. Is there anything that you collect? other than yarn? candles.....

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? the new lace style and interweave sock books!!!!!!!!!

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? nope... i'm set ;)

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I wers a ladies Sz 7.... 8 circum. and 9 length

23. When is your birthday? 2/4/1974

Priorities

You may wonder.... What the heck happened to Catherine? Well, I've been a busy beaver and something had to give... Blogging was it! and reading my fav. blogs too :(

I am worried.... Hillard is ill, and has been for two weeks.... I think the culprit can only be rotavirus.....Its the stangest thing; Hillard will be extremely ill, then seem to get better for a day and then he is back down with vomitting, diarreha, and fever. Brandon had it, and I had a touch of it before we left to go to Las Vegas.... Chris was queasy on our romantic get away.... But we are all very well and feel great....

Poor Hillard is the one that seems stricken with it constantly.... I really thought we had beaten it this time and he went to school today....He came home lethargic and the teacher called to tell me that he had been "going down hill" since afternoon snack.... He had no appetite and was laying in his bed until it was time to go to sleep... Then ol' failthful puked his poor little guts out :(
Damnit! Atleast he isn't in the hospital for it... It could be worse right?

I have been dyeing like a mad woman lately and I am looking forward to a little break soon..... I have the yarn to do Fifi, by French Girl and it should make a wonderful summer top! I'll swatch this week (when I find the time)

Any encouraging advice about Hillards illness?