Zoe's Baby Hat

Another long time between posts. January's finished objects seemed to all be gifts that needed to be kept under wraps until after given. I know, I know. Most people do their gift knitting and giving in December. But, as usual, I'm just a little bit off the beam.

One of the things I made in January was a baby hat for Zoe, a friend's first grandbaby. 

I don't know Zoe, but I'm acquainted with her Big Mama, so something classic but classy seemed in order. Basic with a little bit of flair. So a simple hat with a flourish of cables was settled upon.

I'm a little addicted to cables now that I've practiced them more. Ordinarily I'm all about the flashy colors, but I like the way the texture of the cables looks on a solid color.

So, inspired by Zoe, I am now learning to read charts and making a cabled scarf for myself.

Knit One, Save One Hats

Have been neglecting my FO blog during the holidays, but I wanted to start the new year off right.

During my time off, I made a few of these little hats for Save the Children's Knit One, Save One Campaign. Save the Children distributes hats like this in developing countries, where something as simple as a baby hat is beyond the means of many new mothers and could make the difference between life and death for a low-birthweight baby.

These little hats are easy to make, easy to take along as a portable project, and awfully cute when done.

Afghan Squares

Made these for the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. There's a lovely woman in my home state of Louisiana who assembles them into finished afghans, so this project couldn't be easier: just knit some 6x6 squares, don't even have to weave in the ends. 

If you're on Ravelry, check out the Afghans for Pine Ridge group. Great way to bust some stash while helping to keep people who live in a harsh climate warmer.

Dash Cloth

This is my new favorite washcloth pattern. Found the pattern on Ravelry. If you're not on Ravelry (Why aren't you? Seriously. Check it out.), you can find it here.

I'm making 4 of these right now, knitting them like a chain smoker smokes: starting another color combo on another pair of needles before I've even finished the previous one. Every pair of #7 needles that I own have one of these puppies on 'em.

Good thing I make washcloths for charity. I'm not nuts for this pattern, I'm helping my fellow man. A lot. 

Soda or Juice Sleeves

This week's off-screen unpleasantry: mouth surgery. (And no, it wasn't a bigmouthectomy, although many have diagnosed me with that condition.) Doctor's orders were to drink as many cold beverages as I could hold to keep the swelling down.

Problem is, it's a little cold these days in Beantown. Wrapping my sensitive typing hand around a cold can or bottle all day long for days on end wasn't the most appealing thought, so I did what any self-respecting crocheter would do.

I whipped up a cozy. Or two. Possibly six.

Couldn't be simpler. Just a few rows of single crochet with a couple of loop closures on the last row, and two beads to pull the loops over. Interestingly, the size, with a little stretching, seems to fit any size or shape of bottle.

I used beads to close mine, but buttons would work. It would be easy to work in stripes, and the gauge isn't that important because you can easily check the size as you go by holding it up to a bottle of your favorite beverage and adjust the size with a few more or less chains or rows.

SODA OR JUICE SLEEVE

Hook: Size H

Yarn: I used leftover worsted weight dishcloth cotton

Other: Large beads or small buttons, tapestry needle

1. Ch 16.
   
2. Sc in each chain across (15 sc), ch 1, turn.
   
3. Repeat this row 32 more times (33 rows sc).
   
4. On row 34, sc in first 3 stitches, chain 4, sc in next 9 stitches, chain 4, sc in last 3 stitches. This will create 2 loops evenly spaced across the edge.
   

Break off yarn and pull through last loop.

Attach a bead or buttons on the other edge (beginning of piece) in the 3rd stitch from each side.

Weave in all ends.