Things to knit before Christmas:

-3-4 toques
-5+ sets of slippers
-one mitten (I lost one of the pair I made! grrr)

List will probably be added to. It doesn't sound like much but it'll probably take a while.

"Newfie" Mitts

I was searching for a plain mitten pattern (if I work without one they turn out funny) but found this one instead. It looks awesome, and it also looks like it'd be difficult. But it's not. It's actually really easy.

Here's what I've got so far:



I'm in the process of casting on for the second :D I think I might make some of these into Christmas presents. We'll see. Speaking of Christmas and winter things...



It's a little early for snow, but whatever. The weather does its own thing. Last year's first snow was November 9th. In 2007 it was Oct 27th. Definitely early this year.

Child's toque pattern

A cute and colourful toque with an interesting pattern. This was my first attempt at this style of knitting (whatever it's called, haven't even gotten that far yet!). It's also my first attempt at writing down a pattern. I think this would make a great Christmas present (although the child might prefer a toy :) you can give it to the parents though, who might appreciate it more). Better picture to come! I might make another one that actually adheres to this pattern ^^



Measurements: about 6.5" to the crown, about 18" circumference unstretched

Materials needed:
-2 colours worsted weight yarn (I used cheap acrylic stuff) 1/4 a ball of each will do.
-16" size 10 circular needle and/or same size dpns.
-stitch marker, yarn needle

Gauge: 20 st/4 inch stockinette

Loosely CO 80 st, join to work in the round.
Work 2x2 rib in main colour for 4 rows.
Begin pattern in stockinette using main and alternate colour
Pattern for design:

Work 15 rows of pattern, making sure to string along alternate colour yarn where more than three stitches of main colour are together.
Two rounds in stockinette in main colour.
Decrease round: k2 *k5, k2tog, repeat from * around.
next round: k all
decrease round: k2 *k4, k2tog, repeat from * around.
next round: k all
decrease round: k2, *k3, k2tog, repeat from * around.
next round: k all
decrease round: k2, *k2, k2tog, repeat from * around.
next round: k all
decrease round: k2, *k1, k2tog, repeat from * around.
next round: k all
decrease round: *k2tog, repeat from * around.

Break yarn, and, using yarn needle, thread the end through remaining loops and tighten. Weave in ends. Make pompom in alternate colour for the top. Sew in lining if desired.

Patterened toque

First of all, here's a picture of a toque I made. It's for a child. I don't know how old a person it would fit though, since I don't know any children. It was my first venture into this kind of knitting and I created my own pattern for it. I think the pattern would have shown up better had I used a non-multi-colored yarn, but oh well. Such is the nature of experimentation. I think I might post the pattern later.



Finished Charles, with hat:

And now, a random picture of my fall decorations on top of my bookshelves. :D