Sunday, January 23, 2011

Easy Mitten Pattern available soon www.spinnakeesfarm.com

The smallest pair of mittens can be tucked into the cuff of a warm jacket. I also crocheted a simple chain and inserted in at top of cuff to be tightened to keep out the snow and I think it adds character to this pair of mittens. Might be cute for larger pairs too. I think all three pairs could be either for a male or female.

I used 2 skeins of Maine worsted weight yarn: 4 oz/250 yards each. I still have 2 oz left to make a simple hat?


I have this yarn and will post it for sale soon on my website. Kelly of Romney Ridge Farm has this yarn for sale now. After I make adjustments to my mother's old mitten pattern I'll have the pattern forsale also. Her pattern tapered the tops of the mittens nicely and had a left and right mitten. I like the easier pattern of rounded tops and the thumbs are either right or left. Should be a nice pattern for beginners or for someone as busy as I am!

Friday, January 21, 2011

2 Skeins of yarn: 3 mittens using different sized needles, but not changing count of stitches

On left mitten I have 10 stitches on yarn holder. On back 2 needles I have picked up 2 stitches on each needle.

Working on thumb & picking up stitches on back of thumb: On right mitten I knit the first 2 stitches together on one needle then knit the next 2 stitches together onto the first needle and then took 2 stitches off the holder and knit them onto the 1st needle (total of 4 stitches). I then took 4 more stitches off the yarn holder and knit them onto the 2nd needle and then took the last 4 stitches off the yarn holder and knit them onto the 3rd needle. Continue knitting in the round until thumb is at desired length.

I'm on my 3rd pair of mittens using the 2 skeins of yarn I started with. Two skeins each: 250 yards/4 oz. I have 2 oz left after 3 pairs of mittens.


Planning to make a simple rolled hat out of remaining yarn and maybe make it a "kitten" hat with ears, eyes and whiskers. Will post when done!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Old Fashion Mittens

These mittens can be worn on either hand. I love the rounded tops and the simple pattern. I used size 6 double pointed needles. I'm only changing needle size to change size of mitten. Size 6 for adult, Size 5 for teen and Size 4 for youth. Adjust length of thumb and mitten for size and no need to change number of stitches used. I made a baby sweater that did the same so why not our favorite patterns.
This shows the inside of the mitten. I carried the white yarn on the backside of the blue stitch until the end of the row and then let it hang until the next 4th row.

This is the second pair of mittens out of the same 2 skeins I started with. I am using size 5 double pointed needles. I hope to have enough yarn left to make a third pair using size 4 double pointed needles.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Vest knit using my Babydoll Sheep/Bunny


"Dyeing to Knit" by Elaine Eskesen, has the most wonderful vest pattern. So simple. I used my Babydoll Bunny yarn, which Bartlett Yarn in Harmony, Maine processed for me. The yarn is listed as a light worseted, yet when washed and dried it is a light bulky! The only problem I have had with the pattern is that you need more than the 245 yards listed on the pattern.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Windsor Fair September 2, and Boothbay at the Commons Art Show September 4, and 5

The vest on the right is a new needle felting project. I like to use Angora yarn and blanket stitch around the edges of this wool vest. I then use Angora rabbit 3rds and needle felt flowers, leaves and wool "little people" hidden among the flowers and a Angora rabbit or 2. I'm also working on an Angora Tam. Will share pictures soon. I hope the weather will be nice for us in Boothbay this coming weekend. We will soon see. Hope to see many of my Boothbay friends.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Cumberland Arts & Craft Show - Maine Craftman


Bill and I had a wonderful time at the Cumberland Arts and Craft Show. We sold a lot of yarns and roving along with needle felting supplies and some crocheted and knitted product. The response to our being there was wonderful and we hope to be there again next year with the same spot 0-13. Thirteen in my lucky number!
Kelly Corbett of Romney Ridge Farm and myself plan on vending at SOWA in Boston! New venture for the both of us. Hopefully, we don't get lost.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Maine Fiber Arts Tour August 6, 7

Our farm is on the map! We will be open 10 am to 5 pm. We have a group of 40 home schooled children coming at 10 am the first day. I figured it would be fun to have them help me do farm chores.

I was juried to become a Maine Craftman and asked to attend the Cumberland Art Show, August 12,13 & 14!

New yarn: "Babydoll & Angora". It is one of the softest yarns I have ever felt. I have 120 skeins to sell. I need more sheep to make more of this downy yarn. Did you know that Olde English "Babydoll" Southdown sheep come from the downs of England. I was told most primitive sheep breeds are named after where they originated from. Can't seem to post a picture of my sheep or yarn. Will try later. Check me out on facebook - fan page - Spinnakees' Fiber Farm.