Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Hand Knit Movember

I’m auctioning off my mustache on ebay to support the Movember cause! This cause means a lot to me because my dad has been fighting prostate cancer for about 5 years, and "men's" cancers receive far less attention and funding than "women's" cancers. So get a prostate exam, and bid on my Mo!

That's right, this hand knit mustache is up for auction, and 100% of the selling price will be donated to Movember!

And because I know you’re going to ask- yes, you can knit your own, pattern here, and yes, the designer gives express permission to sell a mo for charity. (And yes, I’d love it if you tell all of your philanthropist friends about my little auction!) And, if you feel inclined to donate, that’s good too. Its a good cause.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

I've been knitting...

...and knitting. Quite a lot lately, actually, which is a nice change! I actually finished something- my sweater, that was my train knitting until it got too bulky, which meant the hood took as long as the whole rest of the sweater- but its done now, and so soft and snuggly and warm, and I'm so glad I'll be able to wear it all winter! Gypsy Wools Gaia Bulky (organic supersoft Merino) is sooooo yummy to be covered in!

I've also been making hexipuffs lately on the train, I'm up to 7. Its fun pulling out these little bits of leftovers to revisit in puff form! And as if I'm not addicted enough, I'm working on making mini skein kits and sample puffs for Sheepskate... and of course one of those kits is going to have to come home with me. This is really just enabling my stash acquiring... *sigh*

And finally, I've started a brand new project- knitting my wedding favors! Since Ryan and I are such space nerds, we're going to give out space themed amigurimi to our guests. I'm starting with Yoda, and I've already finished one. He doesn't have eyes yet, but isn't he cute? And the pattern's free, which never hurts!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Loofah, Washcloth, or Potholder- A Perfect Gift!

The full directions for this free pattern are included in this post, but if you prefer you can download a pdf copy. download now
Use any worsted weight cotton or cotton/linen blend to make these quick and easy circular washcloths! Use them flat as potholders as well, or braid some yarn and thread it through the eyelets, cinch it closed around a bar of soap and use as a loofah for a luxurious washing experience.

Mercerized cotton works great for washclothes and loofash, because it is exfoliating to wash with, a softer cotton (like Lily & Cream) works great for potholders because it creates a dense and not slippery texture.

Pair one of these loofahs with a bar of boutique soap, and you have a quick, inexpensive gift that will bring a little touch of luxury to each day for the receiver. Perfect for the holidays, hostess gifts, etc. 

Washcloth/Potholder/Loofah gift knit
Jen Stone-Gerardy – knitolution@gmail.com – www.knitolution.com
Gauge: 20st/4inches on size 8 needles (note- you can use yarn at another gauge, your loofah will just come out larger or smaller than the approx. 8” diameter that this gauge produces.
Cast on 19 sts.
Row 1: Knit one row and turn
Row 2: K3, yo, k15- 1 st remaining on needle.
Row 3: Turn, placing yarn to the back of the work, and knit to the end of the row. Do this for all odd numbered rows.
Row 4: K3, yo, k15- 2 sts remaining on needle.
Row 6: K3, yo, k15- 3 sts remaining on needle.
Row 8: Bind off 3 sts, k2, yo, k12- 4 sts remaining on needle.
Row 10: K3, yo, k12- 5 sts remaining on needle.
Row 12: K3, yo, k12- 6 sts remaining on needle.
Row 14: Bind off 3 sts, k2, yo, k9- 7 sts remaining on needle.
Row 16: K3, yo, k9- 8 sts remaining on needle.
Row 18: K3, yo, k9- 9 sts remaining on needle.
Row 20: Bind off 3 sts, knit to end of row.
Repeat Rows 1-20 7 more times.
Bind off all stitches.
Sew up the seam to make a circular dishcloth, and pull the center hole tight.
Wash and block so that it lays flat.
For loofah- make a braid long enough to go around the whole cloth. Thread it in and out of the centermost set of holes created by your yarn overs, tie the ends of the braid together, put soap in the middle and pull tight around it. Wash with the soap inside for an exfoliating luxurious washing experience!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

November Classes!

I've updated my class schedule for the next 2 months! Here are the next 3 classes coming up, you can find the full schedule on my Classes page. Call or email Eileen at Sheepskate to sign up for any of these! 781-320-9276 or email Eileen@sheepskate.com.


Wed 11/9: Dyeing with Koolaid- Dye your own skein of superwash sock or worsted weight yarn in a rainbow of brilliant colors using Koolaid! You'll lean how to dye yarn without harmful chemicals or a big mess- and you'll keep your skein to make something completely unique with! Class is $35 plus yarn to dye.

Wed 11/16: Loofah Holiday Gift- Want a quick gift for everyone on your list this year? Make a circular washcloth with a scalloped edge using cotton yarn. If you prefer a loofah, you can cinch the circle closed around a bar of soap. Pair this with a bar of fancy soap for a quick gift that will give the most luxurious shower experience! Class is $20 plus materials.

Wed 11/30: Hexipuff Madness- Have you seen the Beekeeper's quilt? It's takingravelry by storm, and it's a brilliant way to use up little bits of leftover yarn, have a quick and easy take-along project, and end up with a gorgeous puffy knitted quilt! Learn how to make these fun and addictive 'puffs in this class. Class is $20 plus yarn- bring your own scraps, or buy our $25 kit that includes the pattern and 10 mini skeins.