On My Needles: June

First, off my needles:

One handsome hooded vest for my nephew:



This vest is the Askel Pattern from the Winter 2010 Issue of Petite Purls (Ravelry Link).  From the first time I saw the issue, I knew I wanted to knit this vest.  It is so charmingly simple and wearable... especially for little boys who are somewhat difficult to knit for. The directions were excellent, and the only adjustment I made was to use a somewhat self-striping variegated yarn for the body of the sweater and a solid for the ribbing.

Now, on my needles:



A Shoulder Shawl, pattern from Caron (Ravelry Link), at my mother's request and made with the salvaged yarn from her turtleback sweater I had grown to loath. This one is turning out much nicer.



Blocks for the most recent "Knitting with Friends" project the Plaid Boucle d'Or (Ravelry Link).



A Vanilla Super-Soaker to top night-time diapers.  This is what the cloth diapering, wool covering world likes to call "bulletproof". Knit tight with two strands of Lion Brand Fisherman Wool this is a super-thick soaker!

Many more to come! Happy Knitting :)

Knit: Little Johns

Recently, I had the opportunity to test-knit a pattern for the first time.  What is test-knitting? It is the testing process a pattern goes through before being published.  Designers and publishers will have their patterns knit up by multiple people to check for errors.  Ravelry has an entire group of knitters and crochets willing to test patterns for free.  I have never been a part of that group, however, recently Megan Grewal "The Witty Knitter" asked for testers from my "Soakers and Longies" Group and I just had to join in the fun!


We tested her newly released "Little Johns" Pattern which is now available on Ravelry and her website for $4.99.





This pattern is adorable! Perfect winter jammies for any little one (though it is sized newborn - 10 years old!). I made the 3T size in hopes that they will fit my Helen perfectly this winter... a replacement for her Monster Pants she has outgrown.





The waist and cuffs are knit in a twisted rib which makes them super stretchy, and I knit my first 2 stitch I-cord for the tie around the waist.


Knit in Patons Classic Wool, if Helen is still in nighttime diapers this fall and winter I can lanolize them to use as a diaper cover.





Helen loved running around the yard while I took pictures of her new pants... though these pants are definitely too warm for the Texas summer!




That's my little hot tamale! Such a trooper!


This pattern is excellent, very well written and easy to follow.  I highly recommend it and can't wait to knit another pair for my new little girl on the way. I am so happy to have had the  opportunity to test-knit - such fun!  To read more about it, check out The Witty Knitter.