Fall Sewing and Knitting
With the changing of the seasons, I find myself with new project goals. One of my goals this year was to knit a hat for my littlest boy. I am a fairly new knitter, having only made a scarf (almost 15 years ago–and we’re still wearing it–and just this week I watched the children use it as a shawl, a blanket, a scarf, and something else I couldn’t interpret. So it has received a lot of love and use.), and a growing stack of dishcloths.
But I was quite determined to knit a hat. With earflaps. It simply had to have the earflaps to keep his little ears warm. And it also needs to have ties, so that it will stay on his head!
Even though there have been many new things to learn with this project (many!), I have so enjoyed the process. I learned how to knit using a circular needle (love), how to use double-pointed needles, how to knit in the front and back of the same stitch (this was hard for me to “get,” but after ripping out the whole thing and starting over six times, I think I finally have it memorized!), and how to do a cable cast-on. It has been a very worthwhile project.
Even though I am not completely finished with this hat yet, I tried it on my son’s head, and it fits perfectly, which made me so very happy! I now only have the very top to complete, the ends to weave in, and the I-cord to make for the ties (another new skill to master). And hopefully, I will have accomplished my goal of completing this hat before the cold weather sets in.
I also wanted to mention that I could not have made this hat without the help of YouTube videos posted by other knitters (especially this one), and also KnittingHelp.com videos. They are better to me than having a teacher here in person, because I can watch them as many times as I need to.
I am using a lovely superwash wool in marine heather. I love the color of blue and the little hints of green.
I also managed to make a new dress for my youngest daughter that was almost entirely free. At least the fabric was free. My mother-in-law gave me the main dress fabric, and another friend gave me many yards of the red dot fabric that I used for the waistband. I think it turned out so cute, and it was easy and fast. I made it in an hour or so.
The pattern is the lovely Miss Madeline by The Handmade Dress. She has so many adorable patterns that I would love to try. I’m pretty sure I’ll be making this dress again. The only cost for me in this dress was the pattern, and I believe I will be getting lots of use out of it, especially since the sizing goes up to 10. I can see matching dresses for my younger daughters using this pattern. I can also see adorable little tunics made from it by just shortening the skirt portion to tunic-length. I added the ribbon bow to the front so she could tell the front from the back.
I have so many other projects lined up, but first I must finish this hat! In between homeschooling, laundry, cleaning, making applesauce, yogurt, and kombucha, I pick up the hat. And I now find myself saying, “Just let me finish this row…”
In between all this knitting and life, I’m reading a Lamplighter book (pictured above) called Rosa of Linden Castle. I am only in the beginning chapters, but so far I love the wise and gentle mother in the story, and the sweet daughter.
Hi Kristen,
Thanks so much for your comment!
I just finished making a small pile of dishcloths. They are so much fun and so easy to make. I finished these recent ones while watching a movie with my children.
I have still only made a scarf, a bunch of dishcloths, and the baby hat. So I'm still pretty new to knitting. I really love it, though, so I hope to do more knitting in the future.
Regarding where to get needles, I really like Knit Picks. They have really nice knitting supplies at better prices than some places. I also got some yarn there (the one I used for the baby hat), and it was a good price and nice quality.
I'm not sure where you might want to go from here. Scarves and square blankets would be easy. If you are interested in baby hats I have a book that I just love called "Itty Bitty Hats," by Susan B. Anderson. I haven't made anything from it yet, but it is a very beautiful and inspiring book. I referenced it when I was making my baby hat. The photography in that book is so lovely. I just like looking at it. She has several very beginner hats, and she tells you all the supplies you'll need. She starts off the book speaking to beginners, and she shows you how to get started. I would still need YouTube or Knitting Help.com videos for help, but the book and patterns are great. She also has two other books for baby knitting that look really cute.
Hats are so much fun, and I liked knitting in the round even more than using straight needles.
Are you a member of Ravelry? If so, there are so many simple and cute things on there. You can find reviews, photos of other knitters' finished projects, and also free projects there. I highly recommend it.
I hope this is helpful, Kristen! Just let me know if you have any other questions or ideas!
Blessings,
Joy
Hi Joy.
I am also new to knitting and began with your dishcloth pattern awhile ago. I only have one set of needles size 6 wooden. I wondered what you think would be next, where to get needles, what kind, any recommendations you have. I don't know anyone in my area that knits, but have been enjoying it.
Thanks for sharing your lovely blog as well!
Kristen
Hi Sarah~
I just finished the hat for Ezra today! I'm so thrilled that I did it and that it actually fits!
Thanks for the compliment on Faith's dress! The pattern I used was very easy and quick. I hope to make more in the future. 🙂
I remember that you recommended the Rosa book to me, and that it was one of your favorites. I'm still not finished reading it, but I really like what I've read so far. Thanks for recommending it!
Hope you have a great week!
Once again, Joy, I really liked these photos! How is your knitting project going? Isn't it a wonderful feeling to persevere on a project like this even if it does mean lots of 'ripping'? I remember when I was crocheting booties for Adelyn, it took me three tries before I finally made one right!
I love Faith's dress! And you made it in only an hour?! Wow, I am impressed. 🙂 It is so simple and feminine yet little girlish all at the same time.
Rosa of Linden Castle is one of my favorite of the Lamplighter books. As you shared, I loved her wise and gentle mother, and then Rosa's sweet character as well. I hope you enjoyed reading the rest of it!
pinkundine~
Thank you! YouTube is so great for learning things! 🙂
ohangelina~
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Joy~
Thanks for stopping by and for such a lovely comment!
Learning projects are the best! I love the color and texture of that yarn. Yum! The dress is gorgeous. 🙂
beautiful stunning photos, and projects. lovely curls too !
That hat is looking excellent 🙂 Love the colour. I really like it when projects introduce new techniques (and where would we be without youtube?!)
Dear Mrs. Arrow~
Thank you for leaving a comment! I know it can be frustrating to have curly hair in a world where most people either have or want straight hair.
I really like the Kinky-Curly Curling Custard. I discovered it "by accident" in the health food store this summer.
I do my usual hair routine in the shower, then pat excess water using a curl cloth (made out of knit like t-shirt material–you can also just use an old t-shirt). Then I smooth some conditioner on my hair and lastly I evenly distribute the curling custard on my hair. I use it like gel. I then wrap my hair up in a knit cloth (or use an old t-shirt) and let it start drying that way for a while. If I'm in a hurry I use a diffuser (blow dryer attachment) to dry my hair.
I haven't noticed any flaking with the curling custard. I do like that it is made from natural ingredients.
A support group would be nice! People with straight hair have no idea what it's like to live with curliness. It's so different (like I can't just get up and run a comb through my hair in the morning and I'm done. It's so much more involved.)
I'd suggest the following resources:
1. Naturally Curly.com (they do have a forum, articles, and lots of other helpful info)
2. The book "Curly Girl," by Lorraine Massey
And here's a link to the KC Curling Custard. If you click on the link that says "reviews," you can read lots of opinions from other curly girls on this product.
http://www.curlmart.com/store/kinky-curly-curling-custard.html
I hope that's helpful to you, and I hope your journey to wearing your hair curly is a success! 🙂
Dear Joy,
I've lurked around your blog for over a year! Now I'm delurking for a rather silly reason…I have curly hair that I have been blowing straight for YEARS. Well, this momma has no more time for that! How do you use KC Curling Custard? Does it flake? Does your hair take forever to dry?
I need help learning to live w/ my hair in its natural state. Perhaps you can start a support group :)!
I told you it was a silly reason to delurk!
Thank you. I've learned so much from your blog, it is very inspiring.
Maria,
Thank you so much for your comment! Knitting the hat really has opened up new avenues for me in knitting. I'm so excited. Online knitting videos are so helpful. You could make one, too! A hat without earflaps would be much simpler, I think. 🙂 Blessings to you!
Collette,
You can do it {sewing, I mean}!! I taught myself just by carefully following the directions on a fairly simple dress pattern. I think a skirt would be the easiest clothing article to start with. Just a basic elastic-waist skirt. I hope your Sunday is blessed!
Grace Mae,
Thank you so much for your I-cord demonstration…that will help me to visualize it better when I actually do it! ♥
Josette,
I know what you mean about the chaos being present but still loving it! Blessings to you as you find little bits of time for crafting in the midst of it all!:)
Jedidja,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Deanna,
Thanks for the encouragement! Halfway into the project I had a feeling I might should have started with a more "beginner" item, but this hat idea (complete with earflaps) just wouldn't go away! 🙂
Ellen,
Wouldn't it be fun if we could get together and just knit and crochet while visiting? 🙂
Lisa,
Thank you!
Mary,
I so appreciated your comment! I have tried several times to make it to my mother's knitting group, but something always happens to prohibit me (too busy, a sick child, etc.). So, it is fun to at least have an "almost knitting group" experience. 🙂 That's the nice thing about knitting…that you can work on it a stitch here and there. Hope things slow down for you soon!
I love seeing what projects you are working on. It almost feels like a knitting group but without all the travel. I can't wait to see the finished hat on your ds. And your dd's dress is sooooooo sweet. It makes me yearn to sew. But alas I have to wait till after Nov. 20th. Life should calm down by then. But till then I sneak a stitch or two on my knitting when ever I can. [o=
Blessings in Him<><
-Mary
Joy,
What a lovely dress for your daughter!
Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Lisa
The dress came out so sweet! That is the kind of pattern that will make up so pretty in just about any fabric you choose to use.
I love the color you chose for the hat. Knitting is something I haven't tried just yet.I do need to pull out my crochet needles again and create something.
Have a blessed day dear one!
Joy,
Your knitting project is great! I am a knit, purl kind of knitter but it is my goal for this year to be able to do what you did! Thanks for the links…I have a friend who is a great knitter and she wants to help me but we have had trouble working our schedules out…
That dress you made is sweet, too.
Thanks for sharing!
Deanna
I need to pick up my crocheting once again. I love the color of the hat it reminds me of the sea.
Your day sounds a lot like mine. Grabbing bits and pieces of domestic goodness in between doing our domestic duties.
Seriously, though, with all the chaos I still love it!
God bless you.
J
Oh, how nice! A beautiful color wool to knit a hat. I like the pictures and the dress is adorable / romantic. Well done!
Dearest Joy,
How wonderful that you have been knitting and accomplishing the task also ! 🙂
I have not tried to knit a hat as of yet, I have stayed with scarfs and shawls. Hats are a bit daunting, but maybe this winter, I will try them.
The dress for your lovely daughter came out so pretty. And it looks like something that can be made quickly and without too much hassle. They do grow up so fast, and thinking ahead is really a very good idea when it comes to their clothes.
Be blessed sweet friend,
maria b.
HI Miss Joy~
That hat is so cute~
I know learning new skills are hard but they are so much fun once you know how to do them.
I-Cord is very easy and I'd be wiling to show you how to do it sometime.
Hope to see you tonight.
The little dress is so very sweet…and I am amazed that it only took one hour to make. I have long thought about sewing some dresses or skirts for my daughter (and maybe myself!) but have put it off thinking it would be a long project.
Also, your photos are beautiful – very artfully done!