Froggy Knits

December 06, 2004

weekend knitting...accessories


Mitts and fingerless mitts using Kate's Gifted pattern.


mini lovin' her mitts and side view of the fingerless mitts

Mini just loves her mitts and has requested other colors already. I'm already looking through stash for more chunky yarn. Thanks for another great pattern Kate! I knew I would be knitting them as soon as I saw them on Kate's blog. Knit flat, it was just a one-sitting project. I can't wait to make more. I just love the construction of them. I had some yarn left over from this purse that I knit a while back. I used Brown Sheep Lambs Pride Bulky in silver silver (no, its really called that. guess one silver wasn't enough) and onyx. This really turned out to be a really good sub yarn. Its very soft and warm and what made it even better was that I had some in stash. It was mini's idea to roll the cuff. And then I had to add a crochet chain so I could run it through the sleeves of her jacket/sweater. I am really glad that I decided to go fingerless on my pair. I only had a little bit of black yarn remaining when I finished the second mitt, whew.


I was able to work a bit on Kate's Clapotis too. Every time I take a closer look at the pattern, I am just in awe of the dropped stitches. It's really a fantastic design element. I'm already trying to decide on another color for my next one. I know a solid one is a must.


GGH Sierra neck warmer (i like it folded over or scrunched like this)

My mini has also claimed my favorite neck warmer. Now it is her head warmer (that's what i got when i asked her to turn around 'cause i couldn't see her face, what a smartalec!). Here's a better view. I think she really likes it 'cause it doesn't make her uncomfortable when she wears a top knot. And most of the time she has a hood on when its really cold so the top opening doesn't bother me. Luckily I had a few GGH Sierra color 02 balls leftover. I would have given them away if it had not fallen apart so badly. I forgot how much I love the way this sierra knits up. I knew one ball in that I wanted this one to be longer so I could double it over. I made it much thinner than the first one, so I was able to really increase the height of it. The sierra grows a bit when stretched and doesn't really bounce back so after mini wore it a few times my neck warmer became a cowl neck warmer fairly quickly. I'm glad I don't have to worry about it now that we have two. This will probably replace her favorite hat from last winter. And no, it wasn't my idea (though i thought it was hilarious), but her reason for not keeping her hat on was 'cause she couldn't pull it down over her ears with her hair up. And she prefers it up most times, so a small opening at the top worked like magic. I was happy to oblige when she suggested I leave an opening. Her hair is up and she wearing a hat. A win-win for sure. It's getting a bit small. I've been thinking of ripping back a bit to resize the top.

I haven't worked with such soft yarns until recently and its amazing how they tend to just slide right out of the ball. I also had planned on gifting some Blue Sky Alpaca, but as you can see it fell out the ball easily as well. Even picking it up after photographing resulted in more fallen yarn. Didn't have that gift appearance after only sitting around a few days. And don't bother saying its okay to give it that way 'cause it already looks like this. I'll figure out something to do with it. Next time that stuff will go directly from store bag to shipping box. Or was this an excuse to use it. It's sooo soft. I can't wait to knit it up. Hopefully I can think of something other than a scarf. I have several great scarves planned already. Any ideas?

Posted by froggy at December 6, 2004 04:05 PM
Comments

The little bag on the cover of Knitted Gifts is so cute and made out of BSA. It might be a nice gift as you could keep little treasure inside. I'm dying to do one. I love your multi- colored Clapotis. I have a nice yarn in a solid color but will find another yarn to make a second one. It's cool enough to have a couple, don't you think?

Posted by: margene at December 6, 2004 04:41 PM

I love the mitts! I had to make them too - my little guy insisted on red. He wa so happy to wear them to preschool today, so proud. Your Clapotis is beautiful! I love the colors. I just finished a solid one - you can see it on my blog if you want! :)

Posted by: Jackie at December 6, 2004 04:44 PM

Your mitts look great! Thanks for the link.

Posted by: sequinK at December 6, 2004 04:52 PM

What is it about kids' mittens that makes them so ding-dangly cute? I love 'em!

Posted by: Colleen at December 6, 2004 04:54 PM

It looks as if it would get cold! But you are armed! Beautiful Accessories! I love also clapotis! Knit him in another color, I am curious about it!

Many thanks for your nice comments in my weblog!

Kind greetings from Germany bye

Posted by: Cleo at December 6, 2004 05:04 PM

oh the mitts are so cute on her! for the blue sky, maybe some arm warmers or a hat or something from the new knitty!

Posted by: erika at December 6, 2004 05:13 PM

I love the 2 Sierras. And Mini's former fav - looks like some Cork in the color Bug? The alpaca would be sooooo nice as a scarf. How long is each ball? You could do that leaf cravat I made recently, or something in Scarf Style. If each ball is not long enough for a scarf, you could stripe them. Alpaca must be worn close to the skin!

Posted by: Lauren at December 6, 2004 05:16 PM

You and your mini are so stylin' this winter. I love the mitts and her spin on the neck warmer. I also love last year's hat too. You all are both very fashionable divas. ;)

Posted by: lynette at December 6, 2004 05:18 PM

Mini's hat is just so darn cute! What a creative little girl you have! I want to knit Clapotis, too.

Posted by: Moni at December 6, 2004 05:19 PM

Your clapotis looks wonderful... I'm inspired to start one for myself! It looks very versatile and like you said, a solid one is a must.

Posted by: Felicia from sweetgeorgia at December 6, 2004 05:51 PM

Cuteness all around. Love the chunky yarn hats and mitts. And your Clapotis is beautiful! I'm starting to want one...

Posted by: Melanie at December 6, 2004 06:07 PM

Great mitts. I wonder about that alpaca. Maybe it's wound that loose in purpose, that way they get less returns...

Posted by: Pioggia at December 6, 2004 07:23 PM

As usual everything you've knitted looks great! I especially love your Clapotis and the yarn you're using.

Posted by: monica at December 6, 2004 10:09 PM

I really love your Clapotis. It's a very unique knit. I agree, a solid color would be fabulous also. All your mitts are very cute. You got alot done!

I'm going to have to get some Blue Sky Alpaca. It looks very Yummy!!!

Posted by: Eilene at December 6, 2004 11:39 PM

I love your accessories. I'm going to have to cover my eyes or I'll end up being distracted and knitting everything on your blog before finishing my own projects. I have a serious case of envy going on here, and it's so hard not to think "mitts in one sitting...."

Posted by: Julia at December 6, 2004 11:50 PM

WOW. This is a veritable buffet of lovely knitted accessories! I don't know which is my favorite, but I am partial to the cute photo of Mini's adorable face!!

Posted by: Becky at December 7, 2004 03:22 AM

Wow, you have been very productive on the weekend! I love those mittens. I have printed out Kate's pattern, too and am plannin to knit some for myself.
The mini's hat with the opening on the top is soooo cute!
I alos like the idea of the little purse from "Last Minute knitted gifts" with the BS Alpaka.

Posted by: Marta at December 7, 2004 03:50 AM

Those mitts would make great quick gifts for my neighbors' kids! Thanks for the link. Adorable.

Posted by: Jean at December 7, 2004 05:32 AM

Love your stuff, Froggy. This Clapotis is very pretty--I really like the colors you chose! The head warmer you made is great, and of course, it looks great on Mini. Thanks for showing that pic of last year's hat--that is too cute!

Hvae a good one :)

Posted by: Lauren at December 7, 2004 06:24 AM

Wow, you've been on a roll! Those are some cute mitts. Would the alpaca work for some more fingerless mittens, and maybe a headband to match? Just a thought. Looks like you're getting a lot of good ideas.

Clapotis looks AWESOME!! (but not as cute as Mini!)

Posted by: Ann at December 7, 2004 08:07 AM

i love everything! you've done a great job! i really need to make clapotis soon ..

Posted by: kris at December 7, 2004 08:23 AM

oh don't you love quick knits for your kiddo? I know I do. Love the topknot hat! very cute!

the colors on your clapotis are gorgeous, What yarn are you using?

Posted by: heather at December 7, 2004 09:00 AM

I love the color on your Clapotis and, yeah, that dropped stitches really are something else, aren't they?

Posted by: Carol at December 7, 2004 09:42 AM

your mini looks so beautiful with these hats ! but she IS beautiful.
great works on your mitten !

Posted by: Melanie at December 7, 2004 11:16 AM

i looooove your clapper (errr...clapotis). dh decided to call my clapper... is that lion and lamb? i did mine with a more solid yarn (alchemy synchronicity) and now want to do a variegated one. just another reason to go shopping for yarn...

Posted by: amanda at December 7, 2004 11:17 AM

Thanks for the link to that mitten pattern. I need to churn out some quick gifts, and that pattern will be perfect! I'm doing a few novelty yarn scarves that are driving me crazy. I miss wool! :)

Love your clapotis. Once Yule knitting is done, I might just get sucked into that one....

Posted by: mamacate at December 7, 2004 11:49 AM

Mini is so smart! I have a ton of hair and I usually like it up too. I'm gonna do the same thing. I hope it looks as cute on a grown up as it looks on her.

Posted by: Laurie at December 7, 2004 12:40 PM

I think wrist warmers out of the BSA would be luscious! Scarves are nice, but this way you don't have to buy any more. Wrist warmers only take a small amount of yarn.

M

Posted by: Miriam at December 7, 2004 12:54 PM

It's small project time everywhere wheee! I love the variegated yarns.

Posted by: sally at December 7, 2004 02:32 PM

OMG! That little green hat from last winter is sooo CUTE! With a matching scarf, too ~ outrageously adorable :-D

Posted by: Meg at December 7, 2004 06:25 PM

Love all the mitts! And your mini is sooo cute :)
Very good job on Clapotis too! You're right, dropped stiches are fantastic! Have a nice day!

Posted by: Sandra at December 8, 2004 04:34 AM

you guys are set and stylin' for winter -- everything looks so cozy! love, love, love your clapotis colourway. i thought of your "who'd knit that?" post this weekend -- i saw the turtleneck shrug on display in two shops. :-)

Posted by: mrspilkington at December 8, 2004 05:59 AM

What an asortment of lovely and useful accessories ! And as always Mini is a beautiful little girl.

Posted by: Véronique at December 8, 2004 06:54 AM

Thanks for the tip on the sub yarn for Kate's mitten pattern...I think the LP Bulky will be much more durable than the Debbie Bliss. Love your blog!

Posted by: Dana at December 8, 2004 11:03 AM

Oh Mini is so creative - a little designer already! Love her hat design - it's darling!! Maybe the alpaca could become some really yummy knitted pillow covers in stripes with cute button closures?

Posted by: gaile at December 8, 2004 05:10 PM

You can *never* have too many winter accesories!!!

Posted by: Lara at December 8, 2004 07:42 PM

I love Kate's "Gifted" pattern, too! I had just started a second pair of bulky mitts and adapted her shaping to the pattern -- WOW! -- it makes all the difference. I'm anxious to knit some using her pattern from scratch -- good to know that the Lambs Pride Bulky is a good sub.

Your wee one is adorable -- modeling new mitts and keeping her cheeks warm at the same time!

Posted by: Vicki at December 9, 2004 12:15 AM

Mini is my kind of girl, stylish AND practical. Love all the latest gear you made.

Posted by: Alana at December 9, 2004 09:28 AM

Your yarn for Clapotis is beautiful. My son told me he wants me to buy some! LOL!

Love the mittens.

Posted by: Kimberly at December 9, 2004 10:41 AM

Such cute mittens! ^_^ I love 'em. That Clapotis ain't lookin' too bad either. Fabulous, just fabulous!

Posted by: Missy at December 11, 2004 07:54 PM

It's always so exciting to read your posts because I know there's always something amazing to admire :-) Love the mitts and your mini is too cute! And what a gorgeous colourway for your Clapotis too!

Posted by: lyn at December 13, 2004 12:47 AM