Cheri's Knits

Daniel

2010-07-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

A few people have stopped by and asked about the baby. He is doing great. We had a little boy named Daniel 8 months ago. Here are two pictures. The first is very recent. The second was taken when he was a couple of weeks old.

Baby knitting....

2009-10-11T07:58:00.001-07:00

Oh, it's hard to know where to start. I wanted to make a few things for our new baby, due Nov. 13, and then....a few things happened actually. The good news is that the baby is doing great. We did go to our June appointment and were told with 99% certainty we were having a little girl. I kind of thought it was a boy when we went in, but they said, no, it was a girl. It didn't take me long to start looking forward to that little girl, buying clothes and picking out pink yarn. Then, I started to get pregnancy carpel tunnel, which has severely limited my ability to get any knitting done. My mother-in-law made a few really nice items though, in neutral colors. The carpel tunnel is improving, so I was starting to think about making a sweater set or something smaller with the yarn I'd bought. Then, on September 24th, we had another ultrasound, because I have only gained 2 pounds during the pregnancy and the doctor wanted to make sure the baby's growth was on track. At 33 weeks, we were told we were having a little boy. Anyway, I was very attached to the idea of having a little girl; we came home and packed up the girl items and did some little boy shopping. We're still very excited about the baby, but we did go through kind of a grieving process, trying to let go of our preconceptions about the baby we thought we were having. Although we're almost certain the baby is a boy (I'm not sure how they could be wrong at 33 weeks, but I don't want to be shocked again), I'll be holding off on making anything until I see the baby. By the way, the baby is said to be very healthy and is growing right on track.

My biggest project yet, coming in November!

2009-05-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

I work in an office with 35 woman (all wonderful people that I love working with) and, as you know, are at the stage in their lives when they are having babies. I make a blanket for each of the babies that come and sometimes I fall a little behind (I love doing it, by my free time and energy do not always match up with the number of babies coming at work and church at any given time). I currently have 4 blankets to work on and a 5th friend who is expecting (I may do a sweater, hat and booties for her this time to mix things up a bit).

Anyway, the blue crocheted blanket I was talking about in my last post was really hanging me up a bit, because I had gotten a late start on it (I started after Christmas, but the baby was born in November.) I was making decent progress and suddenly found myself with zero energy or desire to work on it when I did have free time. And then, I started hating coffee, which was both perplexing to me and a sad loss to my knitting ritual. It all added up to this--I'm finally having my own baby. My husband and I are so excited; we'd almost given up. As I write this, I'm a bit over 14 weeks along. I'm starting to get some energy back and am trying hard to decide which blanket to do for our child.

We are hoping to find out the baby's gender in another 5 or 6 weeks, by which time I'm hoping that some of my other projects will be nearly finished so that I can make a few things before the baby comes.

2 Crocheted Blankes

2009-05-16T06:28:00.001-07:00

I had so many projects going for a while that I thought I might try crocheting to help me get done a bit faster (each crocheted row is about 3/4 of an inch, whereas I have to knit about 12 rows for every two crocheted rows). I forgot to factor in that I am not a good crocheter and that I don't enjoy it as much. I am left handed, but I knit and crochet like a right handed person because I've never been able to reverse all of the instructions. I think crocheting it just too much work for my right hand. The blanket on top is for a good friend who just had her third baby. I loved both the colors and the stitch pattern, which again, I took from the Japanese Moyo book at the bottom of my blog (the tan book). Although I didn't love the crocheting, the blanket is really pretty and something I might make again. The second pattern is for someone at work who was about to have a little boy (I say about to, but by the time I got this one finished, the baby was 6 months old-I'm so ashamed!). I did it in a dark country blue, using one of the patterns from the blue Japanese pattern book (I do use other books, but I love these two books and always go there first). I was a pretty stitch, which I found kind of difficult to do consistently and probably wouldn't do it again.
We were having camera issues the day I gave away the blue blanket, so I didn't get a great picture. Hopefully this photo shows at least some of the texture.

Braided cable

2008-12-07T17:12:00.000-08:00

I did this blanket in Caron's heather rose. It was kind of a mauve color with a nice sheen. The cable is a braided cable pattern taken directly from the Cables untangled book. There is a scarf and hat pattern in there using this braid that I used to plan out my blanket. The picture appears small, but if you click on it, you can see the detail. It makes almost a heart-shaped braid.

Finally, a red one!!

2008-12-07T16:55:00.000-08:00

I had a friend who was having a baby boy this summer; she requested a red baby blanket. I was very happy to oblige, since I usually don't work in red (I've done lots of baby blankets lately).
This was a pattern out of one of the Debbie Macomber books. It was very easy, but very pretty. My mother said it was her favorite one so far. The color was by Caron (of course!). It was about 110 stitches across, but since I used two strands, it knit up very fast and made a good sized blanket.

Trinity Stitch Blanket

2008-12-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

This is a blanket I designed for a good friend whose baby was born in April. I'm kind of ashamed how long it took me to finish this one. For some reason, it just didn't go quickly. I love the pattern though. It is made with caron heather yarn in green.

Here is the pattern:
Cast on 144 stitches, using a 7 inch circular needed.
Border:Rows 1-4 (work in seed stich) k1, p1 to end, each row and Last 4 rows.

Blanket Pattern: (odd rows are back of pattern)
Row 1: k1, p1, k1, p1, then section 1, p1 and place marker, section 2, p1 and place marker, section 1, p1 and place marker, section 2, p1 and place marker, section 1, p1, k1, p1, k1 (Section 1 (Jacob's ladder): k2, p4, k2, p12, k2, p4, k2 - Section 2 (Trinity stitch): (p3 tog, then k1, p1, k1 into the next stitch) repeat sequence 6 times for a total of 24 stitches in the trinity stitch )
Row 2: k1, p1, k1, p1, then section 1, k1 and slide marker, section 2, k1 and slide marker, section 1, k1 and slide marker, section 2, k1 and slid marker, section 1, p1, k1, p1, k1 Section 1 (Jacob's ladder): p2, work 4 stitch cable, holding first 2 stitches in back, p2, k1, p10, k1, p2, worker 4 stitch cable, holding first two stitches in front, p2 Section 2 (Trinity stitch): p24

Row 3: k1, p1, k1, p1, then section 1, p1 and slide marker, section 2, p1 and slide marker, section 1, p1 and slide marker, section 2, p1 and slide marker, section 1, p1, k1, p1, k1 Section 1 (Jacob's ladder): k2, p4, k2, p1, k10, p1, k2, p4, k2 Section 2 (Trinity stitch): (k1, p1, k1 into first stitch, then p3 tog) repeat sequence 6 times for a total of 24 stiches in the trinity stitch

Row 4: k1, p1, k1, p1, then section 1, k1 and slide marker, section 2, k1 and slide marker, section 1, k1 and slide marker, section 2, k1 and slid marker, section 1, p1, k1, p1, k1
(Section 1 (Jacob's ladder): p2, k4, p2, k12, p2, k4, p2 - Section 2 (Trinity stitch): p24 )

Row 5: k1, p1, k1, p1, then section 1, p1 and slide marker, section 2, p1 and slide marker, section 1, p1 and slide marker, section 2, p1 and slide marker, section 1, p1, k1, p1, k1
(Section 1 (Jacob's ladder): k2, p4, k2, p12, k2, p4, k2 - Section 2 (Trinity stitch): (p3 tog, then k1, p1, k1 into the next stitch, repeat sequence 6 times for a total of 24 stitches in the trinity stitch)

Row 6: k1, p1, k1, p1, then section 1, k1 and slide marker, section 2, k1 and slide marker, section 1, k1 and slide marker, section 2, k1 and slid marker, section 1, p1, k1, p1, k1
(Section 1 (Jacob's ladder): p2, k4, p2, k1, p10, k1, p2, k4, p2 - Section 2 (Trinity stitch): p24)

Row 7: k1, p1, k1, p1, then section 1, p1 and slide marker, section 2, p1 and slide marker, section 1, p1 and slide marker, section 2, p1 and slide marker, section 1, p1, k1, p1, k1
(Section 1 (Jacob's ladder): k2, p4, k2, p1, k10, p1, k2, p4, k2 - Section 2 (Trinity stitch): (k1, p1, k1 into first stitch, then p3 tog) repeat sequence 6 times for a total of 24 stiches in the trinity stitch0

Row 8: k1, p1, k1, p1, then section 1, k1 and slide marker, section 2, k1 and slide marker, section 1, k1 and slide marker, section 2, k1 and slid marker, section 1, p1, k1, p1, k1
(Section 1 (Jacob's ladder): p2, work 4 stitch cable, holding first 2 stitches in back, p2, k12, p2, worker 4 stitch cable, holding first two stitches in front, p2 - Section 2 (Trinity stitch): p24 )

Row 9: k1, p1, k1, p1, then section 1, p1 and slide marker, section 2, p1 and slide marker, section 1, p1 and slide marker, section 2, p1 and slide marker, section 1, p1, k1, p1, k1
(Section 1 (Jacob's ladder): k2, p4, k2, p12, k2, p4, k2 - Section 2 (Trinity stitch): (p3 tog, then k1, p1, k1 into the next stitch) repeat sequence 6 times for a total of 24 stitches in the trinity stitch )

Row 10: k1, p1, k1, p1, then section 1, k1 and slide marker, section 2, k1 and slide marker, section 1, k1 and slide marker, section 2, k1 and slid marker, section 1, p1, k1, p1, k1 (Section 1 (Jacob's ladder): p2, k4, p2, k1, p10, k1, p2, k4, p2 - Section 2 (Trinity stitch): p24)

Row 11: k1, p1, k1, p1, then section 1, p1 and slide marker, section 2, p1 and slide marker, section 1, p1 and slide marker, section 2, p1 and slide marker, section 1, p1, k1, p1, k1 (Section 1 (Jacob's ladder): k2, p4, k2, p1, k10, p1, k2, p4, k2 - Section 2 (Trinity stitch): (k1, p1, k1 into first stitch, then p3 tog) repeat sequence 6 times for a total of 24 stiches in the trinity stitch)

Row 12: k1, p1, k1, p1, then section 1, k1 and slide marker, section 2, k1 and slide marker, section 1, k1 and slide marker, section 2, k1 and slid marker, section 1, p1, k1, p1, k1 (Section 1 (Jacob's ladder): p2, k4, p2, k12, p2, k4, p2 -Section 2 (Trinity stitch): p24 )

Repeat rows 1-12 until the blanket measures approximately 33". Then knit 4 row border in seed stitch.

Cable Blanket

2008-04-14T17:51:00.001-07:00

This is a cable blanket I made for another person I knew who was having a baby. Six stitch cables alternate with three stitch cables accross the blanket. I used Baby Bee Pompador Yarn in Cream and a size 8 circular needle. It came out to about 25 by 30 inches in size.

Reverse Cable Blanket

2008-03-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

I used the reversible scarf pattern from the Book Cables Untangled to create this baby blanket. Using Baby Bee Sweet Delight Twist in Pastel (approximately 2.5 skiens) and a size 10 circular needle, I case on 126 stitches. I knit the first and last 6 stitches of each row and used the reversible pattern in the middle (the middle 114 stitches make the pattern) The finished size was about 25" x 30". The cables each have six stitches. I would recommend adding about 12 more stitches to the 126 cast-on in order to make a wider blanket. This one turned out a bit more narrow than I would have liked.

New Design

2008-02-23T16:48:00.000-08:00

This is a design I created myself for a new baby blanket. I completed the project in the middle of January. This one took several months to complete due to lack of free time. I used Caron yarn in sage green. It took about 3.5 skeins of the 5 ounce size. Using a size 9 needle, I cast on 134 stitches. I knit about 2.5 inches of seed stitch for the bottom border. Four the next 4 inches, I knit the blanket in stockinette stitch. The outer 14 stitches in each side are done in the seed stitch in order to create the border. After 4 inches, I knit the stripe pattern. The directions are:

Knit 5 rows in seed stitch

Row 6, 14 stitches of seed stitch, then *yo, kn2 tog until the last 14 stitches, which are done in seed stitch.

Row 7, seed stitch for first and last 14 stitches, knit all other stitches.

Row 8, same as row 6

Row 9, same as row 7

Row 10, same as row 6

Row 11, seed stitch first and last 14 stitches. For all stitches in between, use the seed stitch, but knit all purl stitches and purl all knit stitches (if you did a regular seed stitch in between the first and last 14 stitches, the 3rd row of lace closes up; this cheat actually opens up the lacework).

Rows 12, 13, 14, 15, seed stitch accross.

Continue alternating sections of the lace pattern with 4 inches of stockinette stitch until there are 5 internal rows of stripes (one running through the center of the blanket).

Blue Baby Blanket

2007-07-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

I finished this blanket on July 23rd. It was done on size 9 circular needles with 132 stitches cast-on. The finished size was 26" x 34". The edge contained 14 rows of garter stitch. The outer 9 stitches on each side of the blanket were done in garter stitch. I used about 2.5 skeins of Caron Simply Soft yarn in Country Blue (the larger skeins). The pattern contained alternating 10 row sections of rib stitch and a basket stitch with 6 rows of garter stitch between each. The pattern started and ended with the basket stitch with 13 sections in all. This will be the last project for a little while, because I'll be busy with other things for a while.

Here is the pattern:

Starting and Finishing-

Cast on 132 stitches

First 14 rows: knit all stitches

Last 14 rows: knit all stitches

Main pattern:

Starting with 15th row (I will call it row one of pattern), repeat the following:

Row 1: K9, *k2, p2, repeat* until 9 from end, then k last 9

Row 2: K9, *p2, k2, repeat * until 9 from end, then k last 9

Rows 3: Row 2

Row 4: Row 1

Rows 5 & 6: rows 1&2 again

Rows 7 & 8: rows 3 and 4 again

Rows 9 & 10: row 1&2 again

Rows 11 - 16: knit all stitches

Rows 17, 19, 21, 23, 25: K9, *k2, p2, repeat * across to last 9 stitches

Rows 18, 20, 22, 24, 26: K9, *p2, k2, repeat * until 9 from end, then k last 9

Rows 27-32: knit all

Repeat rows 1 through 32 until you are satisfied with the length, then knit your last 14 rows for the top border.

Patchwork Baby Blanket

2007-06-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

This is the baby blanket I was making for someone who is expecting a baby next month. It was a fairly quick project in terms of total knitting time, but I just worked on it here and there, so it took about 4 months of effort.

I used size 10 circular needles and cast on 116 stitches. The blanket ended up requiring 12 vertical squares of pattern and 9 hortizontal rows. In the end, there were 54 solid squares total (6 rows with 4 and 6 rows with 5). The finished size was 27" x 35". I used about 1.5 of the larger skeins of Caron Simply Soft in off white.

It's laying out now, drying after its first visit to the washing machine. If it dries overnight, I'll give it away tomorrow....

Finished Baby Blanket

2007-04-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

I needed to have this first blanket done in a few weeks, so I started working on it exclusively. I finished it yesterday afternoon while my husband and I sat in a local coffee shop. I used a size-8 circular needle and almost 4 skeins (85 grams each) of Caron Simply Soft worsted weight yarn in Orchid. The blanket is 133 stitches across with a pattern repeating every 4 rows. The border is 7 stitches in garter stitch. There are about 42 repeats of the 4 row pattern. I took the stitch pattern from the blue book featured in my last post, multiplied out to create an appropriately sized blanket and then added my garter stitch border. I've made this pattern once before. My mother-in-law has since had the opportunity to make it many times. I think it will become a family favorite. I feel really happy with how it turns out. The finished dimensions are about 24" x 29".

Pattern Books

2007-04-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

Here are the two stitch pattern books I use most frequently. I've used them to learn new stitches by making swatches out of cotton yarn.... I bought the blue book in 1994, several months after arriving in Japan. There was a nice department store downtown with a nice knitting and sewing section. It had copies of all of the books in this series. I bought the second book (1000 Moyouhen) when it came out in 1996. I had to special order it from a bookstore that was about 30 minutes away from my apartment by bicycle. I remember ordering the book in early March. My father died unexpectedly in mid-march of that year. When I returned, I had a call that the book had come in. I remember biking out there with my husband and a couple friends the Sunday after we returned from America. I felt like I was in a daze after all that happened. That trip out to the bookstore was the first thing I enjoyed doing after returning to Japan. It made me feel a little hopeful again.

My mother-in-law retired this January. She saw the 1000 Moyouhen book and loved the patterns, so we ordered one for her too. We're planning to make sampler afghans out of some of the patterns in there and give them to family members (if we ever find the extra time!)

Well, that's about all for now...

On the Needles

2007-04-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

I decided to start this blog, because, although I'm a pretty busy and very slow knitter, I do occassionally finish projects that I like to give away. I wanted to use this blog as sort of a knitting journal to keep track of what I'm doing. These are the three projects I currently (and will, for some time into the future!) have on my needles. Each of them is a baby blanket intended to be a gift for someone I know who is having a baby. The bottom is a patchwork design intended for someone expecting a baby boy in July. The blue one is for someone else who is expecting a baby boy in July. The lilac colored blanket is for someone expecting a baby girl in May. Both the blue and the lilac colored blankets are stitches I found in Japanese pattern books. I was a Japanese major in college and spent the first three years after graduation living in Japan. I bought several good stitch pattern books while I was there, but have only recently started using them. I knew some knitting basics (learned from my mother-in-law) when I went over, but never really spent much time with it. About two years ago, I received a set of Denise knitting needles for my law school graduation and really started trying some things out. I had to wait about 7 weeks for bar exam results, which gave me quite a bit of time to try and distract myself. Anyway, little by little, I've learned more about various techniques. I'm pretty busy now, and am still pretty slow, but I do knit a bit every day. I'll come back later to add some of my favorite links.

This is Cheri's Knits.

2007-04-01T17:29:00.001-07:00

After knitting for a while, I thought I'd share with you some of my work and progress.