Free Pattern Friday!

Quick & Easy

Basket Weave Dish clothI've seen I don't know how many variations of the

Basket Weave pattern.

But, here is mine.

It makes a nice sturdy dishcloth

The details:
I used Sugar & Cream Cotton

(The pattern shows well with bold & rich colors colors)

Needles size 6 or 7

Cast of 40

row 1 Knit

row 2 Knit 5, Purl 5 repeat to end of row

Row 3 Purl 5, Knit 5 repeat to end of row

repeat row 2 & 3, 4 times

Row 9, Purl 5, knit 5 repeat to end of row

Row 10 Knit 5, Purl 5, repeat to end of row

repeat rows 9 & 10, 4 times

your pattern is established

Simply repeat rows 1-10 until you reach the length you desire

End with a knit row,

which will prevent curling.

Cast off

Hand to nearest child & have them perform a quality assurance test.

On the dishes of course!

Enjoy!

Elfin Topper, Free Pattern

I realized last night that I had not completed the 3rd baby Hat & Booties set for my friend Moni. She works in a Dr's. office & it seems half the staff if pregnant! I believe the boys outnumber the girls at this point!

This pattern has so may versions, and every one has one! Here is mine.

This Elfin topper with it's rolled brim is always a quick fun knit. No mater what you make it of, its just darn cute.

As this Momma wants a washable yarn I used "I Love This Yarn" purchased at Hobby Lobby.

Using size 6 needles I cast on 64 & joined in the round

Knit 5 rounds, switch to size 8 & continue until body is approximately 4 inches. Knit 1 round placing markers every 16 stitches. The next 2 rounds K2tog decreasing at each marker. From this point on I decreased every other row until I have 20 stitches. From this point decrease every other stitch. In other words, knit 1 k2tog, k1, k2to to end of row.

Repeat until you have 4 stitches. Knit I cord for approximately 1 inch & tie off. Make tassel and attach!

Takes just a little over an hour. Larger sizes can be made by increasing stitches in multiples of 4

Starting the 2009 "Gotta-Do" List with Free Patterns

I just found the cutest blog, UK lass in US. Hand made toys and ornaments. If Erika cooperates & produces a granddaughter, there is a super cute cloth doll house I would make. All kinds of free patterns and directions for handmade ornaments and toys. What I really like about it is, most items/projects are made from bits & bobs we already have about the house! Great way to use up all those scraps.
Wish I had seen this earlier in the year. Adding it to the "Gotta-Do" list for 2009

Poppel Hat, Instant Gratification Free Pattern

After these past few hectic weeks I needed some "Instant Gratification" Quick and easy, and a great Stash Buster! The ribs allow for a snug fit, It almost grips the head. I loved them as it was less time hunting in the yard for hats!
I call this the Poppel hat. Remember the poppel toys from the mid 80's? Not the plush toys, the plastic accordion type linking toy. I think there was a collapsible storage container system on the market for about 2 weeks!
Sz 7 needles
Worsted Weight,
Child size cast on 72

A simple stocking hat cast on for your size, simply knit in the round to approximately 3 inches. (My children preferred the ridges to start past the forehead.)
Purl for 4 rows, knit 6 rows, purl 4 rows.continue this repeat until it is long enough. Start your decreases here. Divide your stitches by 4 and place markers. K2tog at marker, every 2-3 rows depending on the size. (smaller sizes decrease
I usually k2tog every 3 rows (for a child)keeping in the pattern. Repeat until 12 stitches remain Thread through the last 12 stitches and tie off. It will come to a point and nestle in ridges. You can add a pom pom, but I prefer a I cord. These look great with k2, p2 ribbing for 1 inch, and knit at least 2 inches prior to starting the ribs. This is the first time I've written a patten down (such as it is) so feel free to comment if you have questions.