I created a Ravelry group for those who like to knit for BIG dogs! All are welcome. This is a place to share customizations or good pattern tips and projects for BIG DOGS (you determine what BIG means to you!). I had a difficult time finding patterns for deep chested boxers so I customized this one for our Ellie, but we have a chubby pandemic dog, too, and I see a lot of customization in my future knitting…
I had so much fun altering a basic knit dog sweater pattern for our boxer’s deep chest and long neck. It’s been a while since I knitted this, though, and even though I wrote down the changes, I’m worried I won’t be able to do it again – oh well, the fun is in trying, right?! Learning to enjoy the process as much as the product.
The pattern I based mine from is the Bernat Knit Dog Coat.
If you’re on Ravelry, let’s connect!
One of my resolutions for 2015: spend more time knitting. In several years (years!) of knitting, I have never knitted myself anything but washcloths. Well, that ended Christmas Day 2014. I was able to quickly knit up this gorgeous slate-putty-charcoal-colored squishy 100% baby alpaca yarn (Baby Alpaca Grande from Plymouth Yarn, color 2878) into a super soft and stretchy beanie for me to wear on runs, walks or around the house. I’m cold. I’ve absolutely been wearing this around the house!
I’m so excited about this beanie and having finally knitted something for myself that I am even posting pictures without makeup and after a run. Yep. Au naturel. It’s SUCH a cute hat. And super-soft. I highly recommend this yarn and can’t wait to work up my other 5 skeins into a scarf, mittens, earband, headband, and perhaps even a hat to give away.
If you’re interested in knitting, too, head on over to Ravelry and we can connect! I’m addicted and you should be, too.
Knitted Neon Mary Janes. Could they get any cuter?! I packaged them up for a baby shower in a plain kraft box, printed a label, and added a ribbon. JUST MY LUCK — I forgot the shower was for a boy. That’s okay, though, because I actually had made these for another baby girl and was using them in a pinch because the shower is today! I might have to just do booties just to keep up with baby shower gifts for church. If you click on the template for the label, it should take you to Flickr where you can download the file as a free printable. If you like these, please give them a “like” on Ravelry.
So way back in late 2008, I created my very first crocheted project: an elephant. The elephant is from Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts Amigurumi by Tomoko Takamori. I didn’t want to bother with switching colors since I was such a newbie and I think he turned out pretty cute anyway! The boys have loved him and he has survived two moves since then. Mostly I get a little teary-eyed at how much Ben looks like a baby then (unfortunately, we still baby him now – consequences of him being our last, I suppose!). It seems to me, in hindsight, I had my act together back then…what happened? Can I blame my current bout of flakiness and lack of energy on two moves. Why, yes, I think I can!
I love this worm scarf pattern so much that I have made several of them. I love mine and wear it all the time! That is why I gifted this scarf to a very kind friend and I hope she loves it as much as I do. I cast on double the stitches this time, however, so this particular scarf is extra-wide. It took twice as much yarn as the original pattern which makes complete sense since it’s only supposed to be 9 stitches wide. Oh well – turned out beautiful if I do say so myself. Yarn: Lumpy Bumpy by Farmhouse Yarns, 99% merino wool and 1% nylon. One of my favorite. yarns. ever.
My very favoritest scarf works up quickly and easily and is a very gratifying gift to give (and equally, if not more, gratifying to keep and wear — oh how selfish I am!). Details on The Worm Scarf, originally created by Julie Weisenberger, can be found on my Ravelry page. It works up most beautifully in Farmhouse Yarn’s Lumpy Bumpy which is a fantastic, textured wool yarn. I first became familiar with it at the Hen House in Spring, Texas, but I’m not sure if they carry that line anymore. The blue scarf pictured above, however, was worked up in a more readily available, less-expensive yarn: Lion Brand Homespun. It is so soft and pretty but I must admit that I love the Lumpy Bumpy wool better (pictured in the Cherry Pie colorway from Farmhouse Yarns).
From the DROPS Alpaca baby bonnet pattern available for free. You can link to the pattern and other information about it at my page on Ravelry. It is such a cute pattern. Last time I worked it up in the recommended alpaca and it was very soft but this time I did it in sunny yellow cotton and I like this so much better with more distinct stitch definition – plus, I’ve had a bit of practice so it looks better all around. I haven’t finished the seams or picot edge but I wanted to try it on Megan’s cute little head – isn’t it – I mean she – adorable???
Ravelry: I have known about the site for years but I was afraid to get too deeply involved…with good reason. One could surf the project pictures and patterns indefinitely (you know, those *other* people without any self control!). I finally gave in and set up a profile – 10cowife – to document my adventures in yarn. Other than this blog, that is. Truly addicting. A great way to keep track of needles, yarn, pattern sources, etc. It’s so fun to see patterns in the many different color combinations that other Ravelry members have thunk up. Off to do a little more browsing…I’m sick in bed so it’s fully justified, right?