Super Easy Knit baby Booties

Knitting for babies is fun for you, and appreciated by those who enjoy the finished product. If you're in the mood for something traditional, start with the cute baby booties. These super easy baby booties are such a breeze to knit that a set of three would be a perfect gift. I would love if people used this pattern as a starting point to make booties unique to their own inspirations.

Baby soft Double Knitting type yarn
Size 4mm needles

Cast on 32st and work 10 rows k2,p2 rib

Next row (RS) eyelets k1,*yo,k2 tog to last yo,k1 - 33sts
Next row purl

Divide for Instep
Knit 22sts turn leaving remaining sts unworked
Next purl 11sts turn and leave remaining sts unworked
Work 12 rows in St st across the 11sts for instep, break yarn

With right side facing rejoin yarn to last st on right hand needle pick up 7sts down righ tside of instep,
knit across 11sts of instep and pick up 7sts down left side then knit 11 sts from left hand needle 47 sts in all.
knit 11 rows garter (every row knit).

Shape Heel and Toe

Row 1 (RS)  k2, k2tog, k17, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k17,k2tog, k2
Row 2 knit
Row 3 k2, k2tog, k15, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k15, k2tog,k2
Row 4 knit
Row 5 k2, k2tog, k13, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k13, k2tog, k2
 Cast off loosely
Sew seam and thread ribbon or cord through eyelets.



They are so cute! It's fun to make knit baby booties for a baby shower gift. They are nice with  mittens and a hat as a set.

Easy Knit Baby Mittens

This is a great little pattern when you need to make a baby gift FAST!
The Baby Mitts can be made in no time at all. This is an awesome go-to gift item when you need something sweet and handmade but don’t have lots of time to get it done.

Materials:
Size 4 mm (5 US) needles
DK weight yarn Blue and White or Pink and White

Gauge:
21.5 sts= 4 inches (10 cm)

Mittens
With  pink or blue cast on 28 sts and work in K2, p2 for 8 rows

work in St st for 2 rows.,

Eyelet row: k1,*yo,k2tog, k1, rep from* to end

next row purl

Knit 1 row

Purl 1 row

change to white knit 6 rows st st

Change to pink or blue

Work 2 rows St st

Shaping
Next row: (k2tog, k11) twice, k2tog - 25 sts

Next row: purl

Next row: k2tog, k10, k2tog, k to last 2 ts, k2tog - 22 sts
Next row: purl

Next row: (k2tog, k8) twice, k2tog - 19 sts
Next row: purl
BO. Cut yarn, leaving a long length of yarn for sewing side seam

Note: The mittens can be made larger by increasing the number of stitches by increments of 4 stitches and then adding length as needed.

I always had these little thumbless mitts on my daughter when she was tiny but my version always had a string to attach them. I would run the string through the sleeves of her sweater or jacket. Nowadays I am not sure if this is considered safe so I didn’t add a string to the pattern. Mittens on a string sure are cute though!

Have fun with your tiny Baby Mitts!

I-Cord Jewelry & Accessories

Making an I-cord is one of those things that seems mysterious and difficult until you now how to do it. I waited a long time to sit down and make an I-cord because it always sounded kind of scary to me, probably because it involves double-pointed needles, which I'm not too keen on.
The good news is that making a I-cord is really quick and easy, and you can use them for all sorts of things, from the strap of a bag to hair accessories.

Uses for I-Cord

I-cords is great because once you've made one, you'll start thinking of all sorts of uses for them. Here are just a few ways you might use them:
Strap or handles for a purse or bag.
Straps for a knitted shirt or dress.
Use it as a belt.                                       


                                                                             Make a headband




Sew the cord together to make a flower, a spiral, or some other shape you can use on another knitted project.
Use as a tie for a hoodie or in place of elastic in a hem.

Necklace, bracelet or broach the list is endless

Knitting For A Premature Baby

A premature baby, or preemie, is born before the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature birth occurs in between 8 percent to 10 percent of all pregnancies. Because they are born too early, preemies weigh much less than full-term babies. They may have health problems because their organs did not have enough time to develop. Preemies need special medical care in a neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU. They stay there until their organ systems can work on their own. Premature babies are amazing – they can grow and thrive despite huge obstacles, and catch up to full-term babies in both size and development.

When I get question from people who are looking for premature baby knitting patterns to knit for an early baby, often they don't know what they are looking for. Usually they want to know whether the clothes  for a Baby doll are suitable to knit as garments for the tiny premature child. To help i have put a selection of preemie baby clothes together in an e booklet you can download it here:http://dianne-jones.blogspot.com/2012/05/thoughful-thursday-lily-love-in.html .or please leave you email address and i will be happy to send you a free copy.

A premature baby has very delicate skin so make sure you use baby soft yarn. Sometimes premature babies are allergic to wool, so it's best to steer clear of using wool mix. You can use cotton and acrylic yarn. 100% Egyptian cotton is very soft, a fantastic soft yarn for delicate skin, warm when it is cold and cool when it is warm.

  Don't put too much emphasis on trying to perfect the size of a preemie garment. There is a great variation between premature baby sizes that an item of any size should be suitable for at least one baby. As a general guide premature babies head circumference is approximately the same as their chest circumference. The average prem baby's chest measurements are 8"-14". However clothes of all sizes are required for preemies, so no matter how big or small your item is it will most likely fit at least one baby.

Plain flat half-inch buttons are best to use for fastening. Avoid nylon and metal fastenings, as they get very hot under the incubator heaters. Do not use Velcro as a fastening, it is very scratchy on the hook side and also damages knitted garments when they are laundered. Ease of dressing is vital for preemies and as a general rule it is best not to use ribbon as a fastening as ribbon can often be fussy to tie on a garment so small.

Knitting items for premature babies can be very rewarding and is definitely appreciated by the charities and the families who receive them. If you are excited by the prospect of getting your knitting needles working for charity please see 'Knit for Lisa's Stars' and 'Knitting with Loving Hands' earlier posts on this blog.





For Free E Booklet 'Knitting For Premmies' please leave your email address in the comment box at the base of this blog. I promise to respect your privacy and will not pass your details on to anyone else.

Soft, Elegant and Stylish Chemo Cap

Hand-knitted chemotherapy hats are needed to help cancer patients during one of the most difficult parts of their treatment. Many patients face the heart wrenching side effect of chemotherapy hair loss during treatments meant to help them recover. Not only must these cancer patients face a life-threatening illness, they must also learn to deal with seeing a different person in the mirror. Wearing special chemo caps can help suddenly bald cancer patients feel like themselves again. Hats fend off the cold, as well as unwelcome stares. But, many cancer patients have a hard time finding hats that work. Hats sold at retail stores are often scratchy to bare skin because they are designed to be worn over a full head of hair. Also, standard headgear often fails to cover the entire back of the head, exposing the skin to the cold and making baldness obvious. Worse still: a lot of hats sold at retail stores contain wool, which can be harmful to highly sensitive cancer patients. What these patients need are chemotherapy hats designed just for their situation. Attractive, hand-knitted chemo hats for cancer patients allow them to go out in public feeling less self-conscious or cold. When cancer patients receive handmade chemo caps, they know that someone cares. During a time in a cancer patient's life when everything else seems to be falling apart, your caring can make a world of difference. It is best to use soft yarns, such as those made out of cotton,  "Baby" yarns make a good choice for chemotherapy hats, since they tend to be soft and light. Avoid using any yarn that contains wool in your chemo caps, as it can be harmful to some cancer patients.

I chose a pink multi soft baby double knit type yarn for this cap.

FINISHED SIZE
About 20¼" (51.5 cm) in circumference.
NEEDLES
 size U.S. 8 (5 mm).
Adjust needle size if necessary to
obtain the correct gauge.
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch

Cast on loosely 92sts
Row 1 Knit
Row 2 Purl
Row 3 k1, *yo, k2tog repeat from * to last st k1
Row 4 Knit
Row 5 purl 1 stitch from needle and corresponding stitch from cast on row  purl both together to form picot edge  see photo

Knit 6 rows in stockinette stitch.
Eyelet row: K1, *yo, k2tog repeat from *to last stitch k1
Next row  purl
Continue in stockinette stitch until work measures 14cm  from last row of picot edge.

Shape Crown
ROW 1: (RS) *K7, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—81 sts rem.
ROW 2: AND ALL WS Rows : Purl.
ROW 3: *K6, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—71 sts rem.
ROW 5: *K5, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—61 sts rem.
ROW 7: *K4, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—51 sts rem.
ROW 9: *K3, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—41 sts rem.
ROW 11: *K2, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—31 sts rem.
ROW 13: *K1, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—21 sts rem.
ROW 15: *K2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—11 sts rem.
Break yarn, thread tail through rem sts, draw
tight to close hole, and fasten off on WS.
Finishing
Block as desired. Weave in loose ends. With yarn threaded on a tapestry needle, use a backstitch
or mattress st to sew seam make sure seam is soft to avoid rubbing on sensitive skin. Beg and end at
seam, thread ribbon through eyelets, and secure in place with a few stitches using sharp-point sewing needle and matching thread. Trim ends of ribbon as desired.

Make 3 Flowers or more if desired.

Cast on 4 stitches.

Row 1. Knit front & back of 1st stitch, knit 3 (5sts)

Row 2. Knit front & back of 1st stitch, purl 4 (6sts)
Row 3. Knit front & back of 1st stitch, knit 5 (7sts)
Row 4. Knit front & back of 1st stitch purl 6 (8sts). Cut yarn leaving a 4’’ tail and leave on a spare needle.
Repeat 4 more times but do not cut yarn on last petal
Row 5. Join all petals by knitting across (40 sts)
Row 6. Purl 2 together across row (20 sts)
Row 7. Knit 2 together across row (10sts)
Row 8. Purl 2 together, purl 3 together, prul 2 together, purl 3 together
Thread yarn through stitches and pull tight.
You can finish off flowers by adding beads, buttons or anything you wish in the center as shown in photo. All flowers can be made smaller or larger by using finer or thicker yarn and needles.

Arrange on hat as desired and sew into place.

Making caps and brightening the lives of people who are suffering from the ravages of cancer is such a small thing to do, but the results have a big impact on the patients. Why not donate your chemotherapy hats to the patients that need them. Look in your phone book to find hospitals or cancer organizations in your area and give them a call to see if they are accepting cancer hat donations.

A little time and a little yarn go along way in making someone's life just a little bit better !

 Remembering October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Blankets for Van Earthquake Victims

On Sunday, the terrible news came from Van in eastern Turkey, of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
As the hours have turned into days, following the quake, the extent of the devastation is becoming clearer. The authorities have confirmed 366 fatalities, with well over a thousand people injured and missing. Over 2,000 buildings were destroyed in Van and surrounding towns and villages. The village of Erciş appears to have been particularly badly affected.The Turkish Red Crescent organisation has been involved in bringing relief to the survivors, whilst the Turkish emergency services have been working day and night to locate those trapped in collapsed buildings. Rescuers today pulled a pregnant woman and her two children alive from the rubble 35 hours after the devastating earthquake. Search teams working round the clock also pulled police a officer and his wife from the wreckage of a public building. And just a few hours ago a 14day old baby girl, the baby's mother and grandmother were resued from the rubble. Residents meanwhile spent a second night outside in freezing temperatures.With night-time temperatures expected to dip to two degrees Celsius (36 fahrenheit) and snow forecast for Wednesday, residents took shelter anywhere they could, some in cars, tents and others under just a blanket.

Yesterday Knitting Galore put out a plea for knitted squares to make blankets and knitted hats, scarfs and gloves. The Turkish women of Kuşadasi came through magnificently and I have just packaged up 40 blankets, 25 hats and about 15 scarfs.

The parcels have now gone to Ksşadasi PTT (post office) who will deliver aid parcels free of charge to Van. We are still knitting but felt there was an urgency to get the first lot off to help now.

           Well Done!
         Keep 'em Comming!

Earthquake Victims Need Help!

In september I dedicated this blog to Knitting for charity and covered many worthy causes that need knitters help. Now I am asking for help as an  7.2 Earth quake has hit Van in Eastern Turkey and blankets are urgently needed as temperatures are due to drop. The quake hit yesterday triggering the collapse of buildings and killing many people, at least 10 buildings in central Van and 25 buildings in the Erciş district, including a dormitory, collapsed. Aid teams handed out parcels of bread and food, while people wrapped in blankets huddled around open fires after spending a cold night on the streets. Blankets and warm clothing are urgently needed.

Knitters Can Help!

To make and send 8"/20cm squares takes little time, costs little and DOES make a difference.

Knitting Instructions: For one 8"/20 cms square, you will need:

Yarn from a 100 gram (3.5 oz) ball of yarn or scraps of yarn or wool. worsted (USA), double knit (UK)

Size 6mm needles (Aus) 4 (UK, Canada) 10 (US

1.Cast on 32 stitches (try to make your stitches neither too loose nor too tight to help ensure uniform squares)

2. Row 1: knit

3. Row 2: knit. These two rows form the 'garter' stitch knitting pattern for your square

4. Continue knitting as per these two rows until you have knitted a square

5. To ensure you square is 8"/20cm either use a tape measure or form a triangle by folding one corner of your square over to meet the opposite corner - if all sides are equal - then you have a square!                            

6. Cast off
7. Use your yarn sewing needle to sew in all the yarn ends using a darning method

VERY IMPORTANT

Leave a one metre (one and a quarter yards) length of your yarn attached to your work after you have cast off. This will be used to join the squares together. If you're an experienced knitter and enjoy working with different stitches, (eg stocking, moss, basket weave) or a combination of stitches and patterns, then please enjoy yourself and be creative with your squares.
Apart from blankets also scarfs, hats mittens also needed.

Please Help If You Can

Once you have your knitted (or crochet) donation please get intouch to arrange delivery you can reach me by leaving a message here (don't forget to leave your contact details)
or www.facebook.com/knittinggalore
or dbjones5559@yahoo.com
or dbjones5559@hotmail.co.uk

Sweet Lace Baby Dress

This is the sweetest little dress, with a lacy skirt. Its simple and delicate shape will look gorgeous on your favorite little princess it will keep her both warm and fashionable.This adorable baby dress is perfect for parties, holidays, and other special occasions as well casual everyday .

You will Need:
Cotton 4PLY 100g 2 balls
1 pair each 3.25mm (UK 10) (US 3) and 2.75mm (UK 12) (US 2)
Knitting Needles
Size: (shown)
Newborn  - actual size at underarm = 38cm (15ins), Length approx 30cm  (12ins)


NEW SIZES ADDED ( 3mnths, 6mnths, 9mnths, 12mnths, 18mnths.)
actual sizes at underarm :
3 months = 43cm (17ins), length 34cm (13.5ins)
6 months = 49cm (19.5ins), length  38cm (15ins)
9 months = 51cm ( 20 ins), length 43cm ( 17ins)
12 months = 55cm (21.5ins), length 48cm (19ins)
18 months = 58cm (23ins), length  50cm (19.5)

Tension
28 sts and 36 rows to 10 cm over stocking st, using 3.25mm needles.
Please check your tension carefully. If less sts use smaller needles,
if more sts use bigger needles.

DRESS
BACK
Using 2.75mm Needles  cast on 71 sts.(81,91,91,101,111)
1st row (right side) - K1, * P1, K1, rep from * to end.
Rep 1st row for moss st 7 times ... 8 rows moss st in all.
Change to 3.25mm Needles and beg lace patt.
1st row (right side) - Knit.
2nd row - Purl.
3rd row - K3, * K2tog, yfwd, K1, yfwd, sl 1 knitways, K1, psso, K5,
rep from * to last 8 sts, K2tog, yfwd, K1, yfwd, sl 1 knitways, K1,
psso, K3.
4th row - Purl.
5th row - Knit.
6th row - Purl.
7th row - K1, * yfwd, sl 1 knitways, K1, psso, K5, K2tog, yfwd, K1,
rep from * to end.
8th row - Purl.
Rows 1 to 8 incl form lace patt.
Cont in lace patt until work measures approx 17 cm (20,23,27,32,33)
from beg, ending with a 4th or 8th patt row.
Next row - K4,(5,6,7,7,1) K2tog, * K2,(2,2,3,2,2,) K2tog, rep from * to last 5 sts,(6,7,7,8,0) K5 (6,7,7,8,0)  ... 55 sts.(63,71,75,79,83)
Next row - Purl.
Change to 2.75mm Needles.
knit 3 rows garter st.
Ribbonhole row (wrong side) - * P2tog, yrn, rep from * to last st, P1.
Knit 2 rows garter st.
Change to 3.25mm Needles. 
work 2 rows stocking st.
Beg yoke patt - 1st row (right side) - K1, * P1, K3, rep from * to last 2 sts, P1, K1.
2nd row - Purl.
3rd row - * K3, P1, rep from * to last 3 sts, K3.
4th row - Purl.
Rows 1 to 4 incl form yoke patt for remainder.
Keeping patt correct
SHAPE ARMHOLES
 cast off 2 sts (2,3,3,3,4) at beg of next 2 rows ... 51 sts.(59,65,69,73,75)
Dec one st at each end of next row, then in every foll alt row until 47sts rem. (55,61,63,67,69)
Cont without shaping until armhole measures 5 cm, (6,6,7,7,8cm)
working last row on wrong side. **

DIVIDE FOR BACK OPENING
Next row - Patt 23, (27,30,31,33,34), turn.
Cont in patt on these 23 sts (27,30,31,33,34) until armhole measures 10 cm, (11,12,13,13,14) working last row on wrong side.

SHAPE SHOULDER
Cast off 4 sts (5,5,6,6,6,) at beg of next row and foll alt row.
Work 1 row.
Cast off 3 sts (4,6,5,7,7,) at beg of next row.
Work 1 row.
Leave rem 12sts (13,14,14,14,15) on a stitch holder. 

With right side facing, join yarn to rem sts, K2tog, patt to end.
Cont in patt on these 23 sts (27,30,31,33,34) until armhole measures 10 cm,(11,12,13,13,14) working last row on wrong side.
Work 1 row.

SHAPE SHOULDER
Cast off 4sts (5,5,6,6,6) at beg of next row and foll alt row.
Work 1 row.
Cast off 3 sts (4,6,5,7,7) at beg of next row.
Leave rem 12 sts (13,14,14,14,15) on a stitch holder.



FRONT

Work as for Back to **.

SHAPE NECK
Next row - Patt 16, (20,23,24,26,27) turn.
*** Cont on these 16 (20,23,24,26,27) sts.
Dec one st at neck edge in every row until 14 (16,21,22,24,23) sts rem, then in every foll alt row until 11 sts (14,16,17,19,19) rem.
Cont in patt without shaping until armhole measures same as Back to beg of shoulder shaping, ending with same patt row.

SHAPE SHOULDER
Cast off 4 sts (5,5,6,6,6) at beg of next row and foll alt row.
Work 1 row.
Cast off rem 3 sts.(4,6,5,7,7) ***
Slip next 15 sts ( onto a stitch holder and leave.
With right side facing, join yarn to rem sts and patt to end.
Rep from *** to ***, working 1 row more before shoulder
shaping.


SLEEVES
Using 2.75mm Needles  cast on 47 sts (51,55,59,59,63).
Work 8 rows moss st as for lower band of Back.
Change to 3.25mm Needles and beg patt.
work 2 rows stocking st.
Work 2 rows yoke patt as for Back.
SHAPE TOP
Keeping patt correct, cast off 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows  43 sts (47,51,55,55,59).
Dec one st at each end of next row, then in every foll alt row until 21 sts (25,25,33,33,33) rem,
then in every row until 11 sts ( rem.
Cast off.


Neckband
Join shoulder seams. With right side facing, using 2.75mm
Needles knit across sts from left back stitch holder, knit up 14 sts (14,16,16,16,16) evenly along left side of neck, knit across sts from front stitch holder,
knit up 14 sts (14,16,16,16,16) evenly along right side of neck, then knit across sts from right back stitch holder  67sts (69,75,75,75,77).
Work 7 rows moss st as for lower band of Back.
Cast off in moss st.

BACK OPENING EDGING
With right side facing, using 2.75mm Needles knit up 37 sts (37,43,43,43,43) evenly along back opening and side edges of neckband.
Next row - Knit. Cast off knitways.
MAKE UP
Join side and sleeve seams. Sew in sleeves. make 1
buttonloop and attach  to top right side edge of neckband at
back neck opening. Sew on button to correspond with buttonloop. Sew in all ends. Thread
ribbon or cord through ribbonhole at waist, beg and ending at centre front. Draw up and tie in a bow.
Personalise this dress by using the colour of your choice and a special ribbon.

Adult Headband / Ear Warmer

This headband will keep your ears warm when the outside temperature starts to drop. You can also adapt these instructions to make a lighter, thinner headband that can be worn in warm weather to hold your hair off your face. This pattern is suitable for novice knitters, takes very little time to make (within an hour, you can have a beautiful headband completed) and, again a good use of leftover yarn as it uses very little.  Headbands make wonderful gifts or party favors for girls.

You will need:
1 Ball boucle or aran type yarn
4mm needles
Cast on 80sts
Work 4 rows k2, p2 rib
With right side facing
Row 5: knit
Row 6: purl to last 5 sts, turn
Row 7: knit to last 5 sts, turn
Row 8: Purl to last 7 sts, turn
Row 9: knit to last 7 sts, turn
Row 10: purl to last 9 sts, turn
Row 11: knit to last 9 sts, turn
Row 12: purl to last 11 sts, turn
Row 13: knit to last 11 sts, turn
Row 14: purl to last 9 sts, turn
Row 15: knit to last 9 sts, turn
Row 16: purl to last 7 sts, turn
Row 17: knit to last 7 sts, turn
Row 18: purl to last 5 sts, turn
Row 19: knit to last 5 sts, turn
Row 20: purl
Row 21: knit

Work 4 rows k2,p2 rib
Cast off.
Stitch sides together.

Bow
Cast on 15 sts work in stockinette stich until measures 8 iches.
Cast off.
Sew cast on edge and cast off edge together.
Wrap yarn around centre to create bow shape and sew to smallest part of band.

Alternatively, you can make knit or crochet flowers For Flower pattern see 'No green Thumb Required' post on this blog.


If you want something more decorative, you can change yarns either randomly or in a more structured pattern for a striped band. You could also try some new styles of knitting, such as this lace stitch. You can also do embroidery stitches to decorate.
This was knitted in pink as this month is Breast cancer Awareness Month.

Pretty In Pink Baby Bonnet

Bonnets give a bit of postmodern flair to a classic design and truly substantial protection from the elements, this bonnet will keepyour little girl warm, stay on her head and add a bit of funky fashion flair to her wardrobe! 

This bonnet is knitted in a multi coloured baby soft double knitting type yarn in shades of pink and lilac.I love using a multicoloured yarn and particularly love the delicate shading in this yarn.

Gauge:
For 6 to 9 months: 22.5 sts=4" in St st with larger needles
Materials: Baby double knit type yarn
Size 4 US (3.5 mm) needles or size needed to obtain gauge
Size 5 US (3.75 mm) needles or size needed to obtain gauge

With smaller needles, cast on 100 sts. Work in ribbing of K 2, P 2, for 1 inch.
Change to larger needles, K 1 row, P 1 row for 1/2 inch.
Row 1: K 5 *YO, K 2 tog, rep from *to last 4 sts, K 4.
Row 2: And all even rows, K 4, P to last 4 sts, K 4.
Row 3: K.
Row 5: K 6, *YO, K 2 tog, K 6, rep from *to last 6 sts, K 6.
Row 7: K 4, *K 2 tog, YO, K 1, YO, K 2 tog, K 3, repeat from * to last 5 sts, K 5.
Row 9: Same as Row 5.
Row 11: K.
Row 13: Same as Row 1.

K 1 row, P 1 row, until work measures 4 inches.
Cast on 6 sts at end of next row; cast on 7 sts at end of next row.
K 2 tog, K 11, * YO, K 3 tog, K 11, repeat from * 7 times, YO, K 2 tog.
Alternate rows: P.
Now K 2 tog, K 10, * YO, K 3 tog, K 10, repeat from * 7 times, YO, K 2 tog.
Cont to dec this manner, having 1 st less on each K row between eyelets until 25 sts remain.
K 2 tog across row. Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Draw tog and sew seam of crown to where sts were added.
With smaller needles, pick up 88 sts across bottom of cap and K 2 sts, P 2 sts, for 4 rows.
Next row, K 2, *YO, K 2 tog, repeat from * across row. K 2, P 2 for 4 rows,
Bind off.

Whether you are an experienced knitter or just a beginner, a fun knitting project is to knit a baby hat. Baby hats can be made in a small amount of time and with a single skein of yarn. This makes knitting a baby hat a popular knitting project.

Cosy Pink Slippers

Make these super cute slippers and lounge around the house. These thick and cosy slippers are easy and quick to knit. You'll love padding around the house in them and they'll keep your toes toasty warm.

You Will Need:

2 skeins of Chunky type yarn any color. I chose pink as it's breast cancer awareness month.
Size 10  (6mm)knitting needles, large plastic needle, regular sewing needle and thread and 2 decorative buttons. This makes one pair of slippers.

Tension 4 sts  and 6 rows (3 garter stitch ridges) = 1 inch

Available in small, medium and large size

Outer Moc:
Cast on 29 (35-41) sts
Row 1: Knit across.
Row 2: K9(11-13), *P1,K9(11-13), repeat from *once more.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until  30 (34-38) rows have been knit.

Shape Toe:
Row 1: P1, *K1,P1, repeat from *across row
Row 2: K1, *P1,K1, repeat from *across row
Repeat these 2 rows until you have 12 rows (14-16) then work row 1 once more, cut off yarn leaving an 8” end.

Finishing:
 Draw 8” end through remaining sts and pull up tightly, then sew with large plastic needle from beginning of ribbing to form toe. Fold cast one edge in half and sew inside seam for center back. Make 2 pom-poms and tie to each front side tightly and knot to inside of slipper or decoration of your choice, buttons, ribbons etc.

Here in Turkey parents teach their children that it’s polite to take off your shoes when entering someone’s house. When they arrive at home,  visit grandma, go to a friend’s house, infact whenever they enter someone’s house, the first thing to do is look for a place to put your shoes.

It's a custom you become so used to it you just do it automatically whitout even questioning it. They even put a little shoe rack by the door, so it’s obvious where the shoes should go.  Think about all the surfaces your shoes come into contact during the day. The sidewalk, the parking lot, public bathrooms…not exactly some of the cleanest places on earth. Taking off your shoes keeps all that dirt, grime, and germs outside where it belongs and not tracked all over the house. So i supose it only makes sense. In most houses the family keeps some extra pairs of slippers ('terlik' in Turkish) for their guest to wear. Which is one of the reasons i decided to knit these slippers, so i would always have a supply on hand for guests and they can easily be tossed into the washing machine after guests leave also i keep a pair in my bag so when i am visiting i have my own slippers.(not keen on wearing someone else's :) )

Try knitting these today!

Gracie Apron Baby Dress

A little more challenging to knit but so worth it. I really enjoyed knitting this dress and the colours work great together.

SIZES
To fit chest measurement
6 mos 17 ins [ 43 cm ]

TENSION
22 sts and 30 rows = 4 ins [10 cm] with larger needles in stocking st.

MATERIALS
Baby Double knit type yarn
Main Colour (MC) (White)
2 balls
Contrast A (Dk Pink)
1 ball
Contrast B (Lt Pink)
1 ball
Contrast C (Green)
1 ball
Sizes 3.25 mm (U.S. 3) and 4 mm (U.S. 6) knitting needles. Sizes 3.25 mm (U.S. 3) and 4 mm (U.S. 6) circular knitting needles 24 ins [60 cm] long or sizes needed to obtain tension. St holder. Length of¾ inch [2 cm] wide elastic or twisted cord. 2 buttons.

ABBREVIATIONS
M1 = make one st by picking up horizontal loop lying before next st and knitting into back of loop.

INSTRUCTIONS
Note: Knit Rows - right side of work - read chart from right to left                          
Purl Rows - wrong side of work - read chart from left to right
When working from the chart, carry colours not in use loosely across WS of work. When colours must pass over more than 3 sts, weave them over and under center point of color in use. The colours are never twisted around one another.

APRON DRESS
SKIRT
With A and smaller circular needle, cast on 164 sts. Join in round, placing a marker on first st (center back) and proceed as follows:
1st rnd: Purl.
2nd rnd: *K2tog. yfwd. Rep from * around.
3rd rnd: Purl.
Change to larger circular needle.
4th and 5th rnds: With MC, knit.
6th rnd: *K13. M1. K14 M1. Rep from * 5 times more. K2 -176 sts.
Work Chart to end of chart reading rows from right to left, noting 22 st rep will be worked 8 times.

Next rnd: With MC, knit.
Next rnd: *K13. K2tog. K12 , K2tog. Rep from * 5 times more. K2 164 sts.
With MC, cont knitting in rnds until Skirt from beg measures 8¾ ins [22 cm].
Next rnd: *K1 . K2tog. K2. K2tog. Rep from * to last 3 sts. K3 118 sts. Break MC. Place a marker at end of last rnd.
Next rnd: With A, knit.
Next rnd: Purl.
Next rnd: *K2tog. yfwd. Rep from * around.
Next rnd: Purl.
With A, knit in rnds until work from marker measures 1 inch [2.5 cm].
Next rnd: (Fold line). Purl.
Knit in rnds until work from fold line measures 1 inch [2.5 cm]. Cast off loosely.

BIB
With A and larger straight needles, cast on 34 sts.
1st row: (RS). *With A, K2. With B, K2. Rep from * to last 2 sts. With A, K2.
2nd row: *With A, P2. With B, P2. Rep from * to last 2 sts. With A, P2.
3rd row: *With B, K2. With MC, K2. Rep from * to last 2 sts. With B, K2.
4th row: *With B, P2. With MC, P2. Rep from * to last 2 sts. With B, P2.
These 4 rows form check pat.
Cont in check pat until work from beg measures 5 ins [12.5 cm], ending on a 2nd or 4th row of pat.
Next row: (RS). With A, knit, dec 3 sts evenly across. 31 sts.
Change to smaller needles.
Next row: With A, knit.
Next row: With A, K1. *K2tog. yfwd. Rep from * to last 2 sts. K2.
Next row: With A, knit.
Cast off knitwise.
Side Edging: With RS of work facing, A and smaller needles, pick up and knit 29 sts along side edge of Bib.
Next row: Knit.
Next row: K1. *K2tog. yfwd. Rep from * to last 2 sts. K2.
Next row: Knit.

Cast off knitwise. Rep on opposite side of Bib.

STRAP (make 2)
With A and smaller straight needles, cast on 9 sts.
1st row: *K1. P1. Rep from * to last st. K1.
This row forms seed st pat.
Cont in seed st pat until Strap measures 8½ ins [21.5 cm].
Cast off in pat.

FINISHING

Fold waistband to WS along fold line and sew in position, leaving an opening at center back to insert twisted cord, attaching Bib to waistband stitching and sewing sides of Bib to waistband on WS. Sew Straps in position. Sew buttons on Straps using eyelet holes of Bib edging to form buttonholes and noting Straps cross at back.
If you need any further advice for knitting with colour please see Colourful Knitting a previous post on this blog.

Happy Knitting!

The Chart

Cute Baby Headband

Knit a headband to take to the next baby shower. Knitting for a baby can be one of the most enjoyable projects. Homemade gifts often become cherished family heirlooms. Knitting a headband for a baby is a great weekend project for a beginner, they are quick to make and a good use of left over yarns. Basic stockinette stitch and ribbing can be used to create a headband for babies zero to six months of age. Use easy-to-wash yarn, so mum will not need to hand wash baby's new gift is a good idea.

This is such a cute fashion!

With size 3.75mm needles Cast on 68 sts in contrast colour then change to main colour
Rows 1-6  knit 3, purl 1 rib
Row 7 change to contrast colour knit 3, purl 1 rib
Cast off.
(colour rim is cast on row then main part then colour rim 1 row and cast off)
Headband is approx 1inch (3cm) wide

Small Fower
Cast on 4 stitches.
Row 1. Knit front & back of 1st stitch, knit 3 (5sts)
Row 2. Knit front & back of 1st stitch, purl 4 (6sts)
Row 3. Knit front & back of 1st stitch, knit 5 (7sts)
Row 4. Knit front & back of 1st stitch purl 6 (8sts). Cut yarn leaving a 4'' tail and leave on a spare needle.
Repeat 4 more times but do not cut yarn on last petal
Row 5. Join all petals by knitting across (40 sts)
Row 6. Purl 2 together across row (20 sts)
Row 7. Knit 2 together across row (10sts)
Row 8. Purl 2 together, purl 3 together, prul 2 together, purl 3 together
Thread yarn through stitches and pull tight.
Sew into place

Small bow
Cast on 8 st
Knit 28 rows stockinette stitch
Cast off
Sew cast on and cast off ends together.
Wrap yarn tightly around the centre to form bow shape.
Sew into place.

The button in the centre of this flower is the Turkish Nazar or evil eye amulet. It is a custom here in Turkey to attach a Nazar to baby's clothes to keep away evil.

Turkish people believe that with the evil eye amulet you will be protected and all the bad energy will be directed to the amulet and it will brake. No bad energy will reach you since you are protected with the amulet of nazar boncuk. Have you just had a new child? Bought a new car? Built a new office building? Worried that your "friends" and others are filled with envy about your good fortune? The protection of the Nazar is used for anything new or likely to attract praise. The belief is that even well-intentioned compliments include a conscious or unconscious dose of envy and resentment. The bead reflects the evil intent back to the onlooker. It somewhat resembles an eye and it is said the typical blue color is a factor in protecting the user. The force of the evil eye (nazar) is a widely accepted and feared element in Turkish daily life. While it is my pleasure to be able to share these patterns with you free of charge, I ask you to spare a thought for the Syrian refugee children. LILY- Love In the Language of Yarn is a non profit organisation I founded in the memory of Lily my grand daughter, we provide blankets and warm clothing to orphans and Syrian refugee children. If you could make a small donation to help towards transportation of these items it would be greatfully appreciated. Thankyou.