Edwardian Carrying Cape

This is going to be for Baby Louise, Windy's baby who is due December 21st. I chose this instead of a Lace Christening Shawl for several reasons. 1) It has the lace effect without the tedious knitting on tiny needles. 2) It's quicker and easier to make. 3) It's pretty damn cute. The pattern is from Oat Coutoure, I'm using size 5 straight 14" needles and 100% acrylic Barisienne yarn from Bergere de France.

Baby Surprise Jacket

This is the start of an Elizabeth Zimmerman pattern from Schoolhouse Press. It was originally published in 1968 as Newsletter #21. This little garter stitch baby sweater only has two seams and it's reversible. It will "grow" with the baby. This version is made on a size 7 24" circular needle with washable acrylic/rayon Sunsette yarn from Plymouth Yarn. You can use larger needles and heavier weight yarns and make larger sizes, including adult.

Lollypop Afghan

This is a bright and cheery "quickie" I'm starting with Red Heart Baby Soft yarn and a size G crochet hook. It's made on the diagonal using what I call the "Lin Stitch." Lin is my friend who many years ago showed me this stitch and how to start the triangle . This is the only crocheting I can do. I have no idea what the real name of the stitch is. I can't even remember how to do it from one time to the next. I have to just close my eyes and start and then it comes back to me. I've made several full-size afghans this way but this will be cradle size for the Wee Lassie.

Baby Hat

My first little granddaughter will be arriving in December. So I have some knitting to do. The first cap was made before we knew the sex of the baby so it was green (although it looks white below). Now I get to switch to pink! This pattern came from Yarn Garden and it was made with Rowan Baby Weight Wool/Cotton on size 4 double point needles. The brim with the picot edge was a little tricky. I had to start over once but here is the finished product!!

The Comfort Shawl

May the Mother of Mercy, the Father of Faithfulness and the Spirit of Compassion wrap you in their all-encompassing love this day.

May you find comfort from all that appears too much to bear at this moment

from all that feels as if it might be the breaking point

from all that seems to threaten your peace of heart.

May this prayer shawl be a shelter for time of overwhelming grief

a shade in times of sorrow too deep for words

a shield from times of unimaginable loss.

May you be comforted by the presence of those who love and support you

by faith in the eternal Loving One

by the memories of what you hold most dear.

May you be strengthened in your daily comings and goings

in your tentative new beginnings

in your unfolding new memories.

Blessings of the Angel of Comfort be with you and all you love now and forevermore.

Comfort Shawls

I have made a few for bereaved friends and others who are going through challenging times. On my camping trip this past weekend, I took along a project I am starting for a high school friend who recently lost her husband. I saw them at the 50th Reunion two years ago and I am saddened at the loss of this admirable man. The shawl is the third triangle hap style I have made. I found the pattern in Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls by Martha Waterman. I am using a size 7 circular needle 36". Trying a new yarn called Accord from http://www.sierrapacificcrafts.org This is the tip of the shawl which will be much larger when complete.

Bunny Hop

The first of what promises to be a raft of baby items knit in wild anticipation of my first grandchild who is expected on December 21st. Since we don’t yet know boy or girl, I chose a neutral color. This was a quick one-day project. Bunny Hop yarn from Crystal Palace on size 6 dp needles. The pattern came free with yarn purchased from a hole-in-the-wall knit shop in Sandy Oregon.