It's a Girl Grandbaby, or as her big sister would say, it's a PINK BABY! A good thing too, because big sister had informed us that if it was a boy, she would simply dress it in pink and name the little brother "A GIRL". I see more pink knitting in this grandmother's future.

Holding hands with Nana. Wrapped in the softest organic cotton hand woven blanket, made by her aunt.

Speaking of big sister, and on to knitting content, I had fun preparing the food for my granddaughter's birthday. She is at the age where playing house, or restaurant, is great fun, so was very appreciative of the high fiber, no calorie food I knit up. Made in the USA with no risk of lead paint!

BROCCOLI

PATTERN: Garden Variety by Christina D.
NEEDLES: US 4 (Pattern calls for US 5)
YARN: Recycled yarns from wool sweaters

STRAWBERRIES

PATTERN: Knit Strawberries by Pezdiva
NEEDLES: Size US 3 (pattern calls for size US 6)
YARN: Red merino from recycled sweater, Green varigated from recycled sweater

SANDWICH

Pattern not yet available.

CARROTS

PATTERN:Garden Variety by Christina D.
NEEDLES: US 3 (Pattern calls for US 5)
YARN: Left over acrylics

PRETZELS

PATTERN: 5 stitch I-cord
NEEDLES: US 3
YARN: Laines "Fonty" 54% cotton 46% viscose
Yes, I actually bought a yarn just for pretzels! It has a slight chenille feel to it.

EGG & TOAST

PATTERN: Not yet available.

I hope you have even half as much fun checking these out as I had knitting them! Thanks for stopping by.

Mama Bear

I want to say thank you to those who left a comment to my previous post. Each and everyone was comforting and greatly appreciated.

I had a dear family friend send me this lovely handcrafted lace doily along with the family’s sympathies. I think it’s beautiful and I know it will warm my heart every time I see it.

The doily is sitting on top of a favorite Christmas gift. I love color. It’s one of the main reasons my stash is as big as it is, I always seem to need a little of this color or that color to make what I want, and having a full palette of colors is such a joy! So what gift could please me more than a box of 132 Prismacolor pencils! It’s even better than getting the big box of Crayons when I was a child.

It’s hard to believe it’s actually spring. Not only has life seemed a bit “out of time” so far this year, but generally by Easter much of our snow is gone and the spring colors are starting to show. This photo was taken almost a decade ago.

It was our first and only Easter where snowshoes were required for the egg hunt. We would have had our second snowshoe Easter this year, except it rained on top of our abundant snow, so we had an indoor hunt with the grandchildren instead. The rain didn't make much of a dent in the snow level, as it turned to snow that night.

I know that despite the snow, time passes quickly and before long we will be watching flowers bloom and the bees buzzing round while I’m still trying to catch up posting knitting from last year.

With that oh-so-iffy lead in, I'll share a project from last October with you. I actually knit two of these hats, but I need to get more bee buttons before I have the grandson's version completed. They were a fun and fast knit from the Debbie Stoller Nations book.

Size US 7 Needles
Cascade 220 Superwash
Cast on 75 stitches to fit a smaller head

On a side note, I have added several more places to order buttons from online to my "Button Time" post.

In honor of the start of spring, I leave you with this little bluebird. It's from a free Berroco pattern.

It's a very fast knit, but a bit difficult to get to hold it's shape. If I knit this again, I would probably back off on the stuffing so that maybe it would sit upright on it's own, and make the beak with a DK yarn on a smaller needle. As it is, I folded the beak under a little to keep it from overwhelming the birds face.

Happy Spring!

This post is only minimally about knitting, in the sense that until this week, I hadn’t done any knitting for several weeks. Since I generally carry my knitting with me almost anywhere I go, those who know me noticed and commented on it.

I tried to knit. Maybe if I had already had a sock going I would have knit. I don’t know. I tried starting a sock 8 times! Every time I did something wrong, I had to rip it out and start again. Eventually, I simply set my knitting aside. For me, it was not the time nor place to knit with yarn.

Instead, it was time for a close knit family to become even closer knit as we gathered around my father’s bed for those last precious days we would share with him on this earth. We weren’t given much warning that his time was so short, but I was very blessed to have that time to say goodbye and will always treasure those days we were given.

Not everyone gets the chance to say the things they always mean to get around to saying or the chance to say goodbye. Sadly, my daughter and my grandchildren were unable to come right away because of weather. It was a blessing that they had a nice visit with my dad a few months earlier.

After traveling over for the memorial service, my granddaughter was in my parent’s living room and announced, “Papa’s picture is here but Papa isn’t”. I gently told her that no, Papa wasn’t there. Sadly, she announces “But I didn’t get to say goodbyeseeyoulaterIloveyou.”

Goodbye Daddy, I love you, and I’ll see you later.

Save me a spot at the 42 table...

Still playing 2007 catch up. One night last September, I was wanting a quick knit. Grabbed this ball of chenille yarn and decided to try a small bear. I was taking a risk as it was some left over yarn, much less than a skein, and I was using different size needles and yarn than the pattern called for, so had no idea if I had enough. I figured if I ran out I would get creative and make some of the appendages a different yarn.

I reached near the end of the yarn and was still short the ears when I discovered that I had somehow knit 3 arms(??) and so I frogged the extra arm and used it for the ears. When I finished, I had about 5 inches of yarn left, if that!

My daughter, PinkDandelion thought he was cute and said he looked like Yoda. So we named him "Yoda Bear" and I gave him to her. :) I think it's the first thing I have knit for her since she took up knitting.

BOOK: Teddy Bears: 25 Irresistible Designs for Knitted Bears, by Debbie Bliss
PATTERN: Small Bear in Sweater
NEEDLE SIZE: US 3
YARN: DK weight Chenille (I'll post the brand if I ever find the ball band).

PATTERN NOTE: I didn't respond to the requests for when the free patterns would be done right away because, silly me, hoped to come back and put the most requested patterns up this week and be able to say.. here they are!

Obviously, that didn't happen. Many things I hoped would happen this week didn't happen. Many things I hadn't planned on this week, did happen instead. I wish I could say when the patterns will be up, but I simply don't know. Too many business and family things going on right now that take up my brain cell time!

I can knit without much thinking, and in the car, on the phone with a headset, and in little spurts. I could write patterns that way too, but trust me, you wouldn't want to knit them! All I can say is I'll keep trying!

Mama Bear

A couple months ago I left my woods and ventured out into the city. While I was there I bought these.

At $3.99 for 1/2 pound bag of same color buttons, these little bags of buttons are a great deal! Not only is the price right, but when I have the grandkids and need a few moments, giving them a bag of these buttons and a string can keep them busy for a LONG time!

When I see a button I really like, I often can picture a sweater design to go with it. I find inspiration in buttons. Often though, it's hard to find just the right button. Especially for those of us who don't live near major shopping centers.

With that in mind, I compiled a list of online buttons sources and thought I would share it here. This isn't a complete list, I'm sure, but I found it a good starting place. The list can be found at the end of this post.

I hope to start a side bar with links of helpful sites. But I have to figure out how first, or get one of my children to do it for me.

On a seperate note, I am still trying to catch up documenting my 2007 knitting. I have a fair amount I still need to add. While the holidays are over and the leftovers gone, these turkey finger puppets remain and continue to be played with.

I have a little treasure chest I picked up on sale. I put the turkey puppets in "Nana's Treasure Chest" and set it out on the table on Thanksgiving. The kids know that means there is something in the chest for them.

This was a free pattern
NEEDLE SIZE: US 2
YARN WEIGHT: DK

The pattern calls for a size US 3 needle and worsted weight yarn, but since I wanted these to fit small hands, I opted for the size 2 and DK weight.

For the browns in the pattern I used left over Filati Italian Collection Tebe Extrafine Merino from my nativity set. The creams are a recycled wool/angora blend and the red is a recycled merino.

Happy Thanksgiving ;)
Mama Bear

BUTTON WEB SITE LINKS:

Farm House Fabrics

MJ Trim

Button Drawer

Clay Buttons

Morehouse Farm

Buttons galore and More

Trim and Fabric

Lets Knit

Denver Fabrics

Cis Buttons

Windsor Buttons

gita maria hand crafted buttons

Sawyer Brook

Danforth Handcrafted Pewter Buttons

reprodepot

Button Emporium

As Cute As a Button

Button Shoppe

Crafty Buttons

Waechter's Silk Shop

We had a lovely New Year's Eve with neighbors and family. Good food, good conversation, and no driving out on the public roads.

In my last post I said I was sharing my last project of the year. As it turns out, I added a few unexpected small projects before the end of the year. I have continued working on the second nativity set, but I needed a break from the fiddliness (is that a word?). I noticed the boyfriend hat on Woolwinders Blog and decided it was just the pattern I needed. The pattern is free at the boyfriend hat link.

Each hat took approximately 3 hours from start to finish. Knit in the round with no seams, it was a nice break from seaming and sewing all the tiny pieces of the nativity set.

First I made this cream colored version.

I decided I wanted a little bit more of a break so I knit this second version of the same pattern.

Details:
NEEDLE SIZE: US 8
YARN WEIGHT: Worsted
YARN TYPE: Wool (Wool and Angora on the Cream hat)
CHANGES: I make the 1" longer version of the pattern with 90 stitches. If I were making the hat for a grown man, I think I would go with the 100 stitches.
SIZE: I have tried this hat on grown women down to 5 year old boys, and due to the amount of stretch in the ribbing, it fit them all!

A great hat if you aren't sure what size to make for someone. I don't think it would fit a man or an adult with a really fluffy head of hair without the additional 10 stitches.

I can't tell you exactly what yarn I used. I bought some unmarked mill ends from Paradise Fibers at a fiber festival a couple of years ago. I know they are wool, and from the feel I suspect it's a Merino. Very soft! The nice folks at Paradise Fiber told they would be glad to identify the yarn if I wanted to send them a sample, but I haven't managed to get to that.

I ran a thin strand of recycled Angora along with the worsted weight wool on the cream hat. It's super soft :)

I then went back to my granddaughter's Nativity set. You can see my progress in the photo.

My granddaughter pulls the dolls out of my work basket. Plays with them, and then returns them to the basket while giving me instructions. Nana, knit this one arms! Nana, knit this one a coat! With a task master like this, I'll be sure and finish this set.

Despite such a task master, I did take another small break before the year's end and knit this pair of baby slipper socks.

NEEDLE SIZE: US 6
YARN: Jaeger Matchmaker Aran Superwash Merino
PATTERN: No pattern, see basic construction notes.
SIZE: 6-12 months

Basic Construction Notes:
Worked over 28 stitches using a K2, P1 ribbing.
Worked a twisted stitch over the K2 of the ribbing every 4th row for the length of the cuff.

Worked the heel over 14 stitches. For baby socks, instead of a traditional heel, I use a k1, p1 ribbing. Baby socks don't need the thicker heel flap, and this gives more stretch for pulling socks on those little feet. I knit 10 rows for the heel flaps.

When doing heel turns on baby socks, I generally eliminate the stitch after the decrease (so for this sock is would be slip 1, k7, skpsso, turn, row 2, slip 1, p2, p2tog, turn.
Row 3: Slip 1, knit to 1 st. before the last turn (look for the gap), K2tog, turn. Row 4:Slip 1, purl to 1 st. before the last turn (look for the gap)p2tog, turn. Repeat row 3 and 4 till stitches are used up.

For the Gusset, I picked up 6 stitches (5 plus one in the corner) on each side and knit in stockinette stitch around. Decreasing until I am back at 7 stitches per needle (28 stitches total).

Knit to length desired and end with toe of choice. I tend to go down to 6 stitches total and kitchner. Some people prefer to simply draw up the last stitches B&T.

Mama Bear

God has blessed my family with yet another year together, for which we are very thankful. It's been a very busy year full of new experiences. May God bless each of you as richly in the coming New Year.

The busyness has kept me from posting as often as I had wished. Each time I thought things were going to slow down, it seems they just got busier. I would start posts to put up here on my blog, and then never manage to finish them. At this point I feel like a visitor on my own blog!

I did want to at least visit a little before the year ends and share my last project of the year.

Some of my favorite patterns are those by Jean Greenhowe. This year I was part of a year long secret-sister exchange. The woman I was a secret-sister for is a very giving and lovely lady. I wanted to do something special for her. On her list of things she likes, she had listed hand made items and decorations. The Nativity set by Jean Greenhowe immediately came to mind.

This set has 100 individually knitting pieces. Sewing and piecing these dolls takes more time than the actual knitting. My plan was to knit two pieces a week over the year and piece things as I went. The reality was that I knit most of the set in the last 3 weeks before the final secret-sister Christmas party and unveiling. Each doll taking approximately 6 - 8 hours to knit, piece, stuff, and stitch on features. The recipient loved them, and it was a joy to be able to give them to her.

My granddaughter was fascinated by the dolls. Each day she would come in to see what I had finished and then take my hand, and with the dolls I had completed, lead me to the table. "Nana, let's play knitted dolls!" This is a case where I received far more than I gave.

I had to break the news to her that these dolls were to be packed up and would be going to a new home.

She assured me that was ok, because I could knit HER some for Christmas!" Oh.. and I was to put Mary in a PINK dress, because she loves pink!

Time was short and I wasn't able to complete the entire set before Christmas. But she was very happy today to find Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus, and a Wiseman under the tree. We have played with them several times since they were opened. Shhhhhh, at the moment I have been told that they are sleeping!

I have knit most of the pieces for the other two wisemen and the two sheppards, as well as one of the sheep. They each need their coats knit, as well as assembly and we need two more sheep. Once that is complete, the nativity set will be complete, but not the project.

The children enjoy playing with these so much, that we have agreed that Nana will add to a basket of bible dolls so we can act out various bible stories with our dolls. I'm sure there will be some dolls called upon to fill more than one roll during casting calls. Joseph may be called upon to play the part of Jonah, or Daniel. The Wiseman may fill the role of a King or Pharaoh, and baby Jesus can play the part of baby Moses.

I'll continue to add dolls as able, and eventually we should be able to fill the rolls of the 12 apostles.

As I wind down this long post, I want to share a special part of my day. I love how children find joy in the simple things. Today when stockings were opened, my grandchildren were thrilled over the simplest of gifts, the apple in the bottom of the stocking, the oranges, and even the boxes the gifts came in. One favorite phrase, heard several times today after paper was ripped off: "Wow, it's a box!" followed by a kind reminder from the giver that yes, it's a box and boxes are so fun, and there is more, keep looking :)

My wish for all of you in the New Year, is that you may see the wonders of the world through the eyes of a child, and that you might remember to have as much fun with the box as with what's in it.

Merry Christmas,
Mama Bear

PROJECT DETAILS

Pattern:
From the book;
"Jean Greenhowe's Christmas Special"
Christmas Crib

Needle Size: US 2
Yarn Weight: DK
Yarns used: Filati Italian Collection Tebe Extrafine Merino from Elann; Cascade Cherub; and a wide variety of recycled yarns.

In fairy tales it is the knight that slays the dragon. This weekend, at my house, it was the princess who slayed the dragon. Though, I must say I don't think that was what she set out to do.

I have been working on a dragon hand puppet. The grandkids can barely wait for me to finish and have had to try the dragon out at each step of the way. I think my princess decided she needed to help me work a little faster. While the princess was sitting in my lap, I was working to bind off the bottom edge of the puppet body with a simple crochet edging.

Princess says "I NEEEEEEED to knit, Nana!" and proceeds to open my double needles knitting box. "Nana, I need to find a hole to knit!" As you can see from the photo, she found many "holes to knit". It was rather challenging to finish my edging with so much help.

Finally I finished the edging and the princess finished her "knitting". One look told us all, the dragon had been well and truly slain.

Where No Knitter Has Gone Before!

Continuing to add this years projects to my blog I decided to post an unusual project that I sort of doubt has been done before. I made these at the request of a boy who had seen a picture of the gnome corks. He figured if corks would make good gnomes, they would make good officers.

Of course I'm a push over for a child who loves knitted toys. Resistance is futile!

Yes, I am aware that Deanna Troi is missing. I have also been duly informed that it's hard to put on a proper TNG "cork people" show without some extras, and that it would be really great to have Wesley, Tasha Yar, Q and some Borg. Maybe those will show up in a Christmas stocking this year. For the time being I needed a break from tiny uniforms.

It was time "-to explore strange new patterns, to seek out new ideas, and new projects-"

The corks are actually great for kids to play with. They are just the right size for little fingers, stand up easily, and are very portable! Turn a shoe box into the bridge, toss the figures in the box to carry them along, and a child (and some adults) can entertain themselves for over an hour while sitting in an accountants office!

"Beam me up Scotty!"

The hummingbirds have left, the garden is winding down, and the nights are getting cold. It’s hard to imagine that in another month, we could see the first dustings of snow.

We had a busy summer, full of work and fun. One of the new things we did this summer was to have a spinning party! We had so much fun and it was a big hit. It may well turn into an annual event. You can read about it on PinkDandelion's blog.

I have so enjoyed the button and penny memories some of you shared :-) They remind me of times from my own past. Somehow it’s comforting to know that something so simple can strike a chord with people from all over.

I’m reminded of a pillow I saw at a local shop. It was quilted, and had vintage buttons around the edges with this saying embroidered in the middle: “These buttons you see here, once belonged to Grandma dear” I keep thinking I should make a pillow like that from some of my grandmother’s buttons.

Sticking with the button theme… This sweater is Mendocino from “The Children’s Collection” by Alice and Jade Starmore. There are several patterns in this book I would enjoy knitting. This is the one my granddaughter picked out.

I tried laying out several button ideas on the sweater. The green buttons look yellow in the photo, but in person they look the same shade of green as the dragonfly buttons.

Next we tried pink spotted buttons:

I left the final choice to my granddaughter, who the sweater was for and this is what she chose.

That left sewing on the buttons. This is when I really appreciate my embroidery box! It had gone missing for a couple of years, and we unearthed it this summer when we did a major clearing out of closets and storage shed. It's a great way to find just the right color for sewing on buttons.

Details:
PATTERN: Mendocino by Jade Starmore from “The Children’s Collection”
YARN: Debbie Bliss Merino Aran 9 skeins
NEEDLE SIZE: US 6 (for ribbing), US 8
SIZE: 3T/4T Oversized

Yarn review: I get along with most yarns, although I generally prefer natural fibers. However, I have to say that I was disappointed in the yarn I used for this. I bought it online, on sale for about 70% off. Until now, I had never met a merino yarn I didn’t like. I’m glad I didn’t pay full price. I know people look for different things in a yarn, so I'll give details of why it's not my kind of yarn in case anyone is trying to decide on whether or not to purchase this yarn without being able to check it out first.

My biggest disappointment is the softness, or more accurately, lack of softness of this yarn. I kept hoping it would soften up when washed. It did a little, but not near as much as I had hoped. Plus, it was already looking a little pilly before it was even worn.

I generally enjoy knitting with merino, but found this rough to the touch, and very drying to my hands. More drying than the acrylics I use for preemie knitting. It simply wasn't fun to knit with.

For a yarn in its retail price range, it also had more areas that weren’t spun well, hay bits mixed in and such. Things I would have been more forgiving of if it were soft and nice to knit with.

I really enjoyed the pattern, but I would have to recommend a different yarn than I used.

Fortunately this is an outerwear sweater, more of a coat, so it's still soft enough for that purpose. I doubt it will be a sweater to be passed down, but if it provides a full season or two of warmth, wear, and enjoyment, then I can be happy with that. :-)

I'm back. It must be fall. I notice blogs are being updated more frequently, so with a thank you for the encouragement of recent comments, I'll join in :-)

What does one talk about after 5 months absence? I'll start with knitting, since this blog is supposed to be a way for me to keep a record of my knitting to pass on to my children and/or grandchildren. Of course grandchildren anecdotes might sneak in here and there.

While I haven't been blogging much, I have been knitting. Knitting is portable. Blogging, though technically portable, isn't portable for me. I don't carry my laptop around much and when I blog I'm always jumping up to take a photo or find information on the project. I'll need to do some catch up to my record keeping.

I decided to start with two projects. One from each end of my time away. The first, in today's post, I made last February and the second, coming up soon, I made this month. I'll start with the one from February and next post will be about the one I just finished.

I chose these two projects because they have something in commons. Namely, buttons! Now Buttons are a very important thing for a grandma to have, whether she knits or sews or never lifts a needle. At Grandma's house, buttons are not simply to hold a garment closed, they are toys!

I found this fun little bag of pink buttons at Pacific Fabrics for only $3.99 a bag. They have them in a wide variety of colors. Pink is a favorite of the granddaughter, so I brought these home to add to our button collection.

Buttons can be sorted and spooned back and forth between bowls. It feels great to run fingers through a big bowl of buttons, and of course sort by colors or thread them onto a string. Most of this is done while sitting on Grandma's lap.

Now, finally... onto the knitting. Both the sweaters needed buttons. The fun of trying out different buttons is only dimmed ever so slightly with the lack of available buttons to buy in my area. We have one store with one tiny rack of very old cards of fairly plain buttons down in the dark corner of their basement. I did manage to find buttons to use in my button stash, but I might change my mind again. I haven't actually sewn any on yet.

The February sweater is from the free Tater's Cotton Cardi Pattern.

The pattern calls for a simple tie. It looks cute that way, but I decided I would prefer a button or clasp.

I think the silver clasp gives it a little dressier look. I'm not sure yet if I'm in the mood for dressy or fun.

This photo is with a button I had on hand, and would need a button loop added.

I may not use either, and go shopping for something that really jumps out at me the next time I'm around stores.

The details:

PATTERN: Tater's Cotton Cardi
YARN: Recycled Cotton from a 99 cent thrift store sweater. I would call it a heavy DK or light Worsted.
NEEDLE SIZE: US 5
SIZE: I made the size 2 pattern, but with the heavier yarn and larger needles it fits more like a 3/4T

PATTERN CHANGES: I edged the sweater by picking up stitches from one front edge, across the neck, and to the other edge of the front. Then I crocheted around the bottom, making 3 stitches on each outer V. I finished all this by doing a crocheted slip stitch around the entire sweater edging. I like the finished look given by the slip stitch.

Up next: September's sweater from the Children's Collection by Alice and Jade Starmore.

Mama Bear

I'm dusting off my keyboard to give an update on Aaron's Afghan! Jen has done such a great job and I really wanted to show all of you who helped out what is becoming of your squares.

If you want to read more about it visit Jen's blog

I also want to say thank you for all the lovely comments on my post below and for those of you who shared about your own very special children.

Mama Bear

I am back. My computer has just returned from warranty service.

I have kept busy knitting. Here it is March and I haven’t even finished posting January projects. I'll try and do a knitting update very soon.

Although March is barely begun, it has been an emotional month. Sometimes it’s hard to know how much to post. Mostly I try to stick with knitting here, but occasionally something happens in life that so affects my days, that to post as if everything is the same feels off kilter. Today I am going to take liberty with this post. There is no knitting content in this post. If you are here to read about knitting, this might be a post to scroll on by.

This week a dear friend had a child. Three days later he died in her arms of a rare heart defect. Babies die everyday and they are all equally precious, but sometimes we are closer to the people who are left behind to cope with empty arms, and so it strikes a deeper emotional response. For me, this is one of those times. It has been a teary time. In honor of my friend and her dear child I share the following.

It’s hard to talk about the fact that babies die, but I believe that it’s important that we do so. When babies die parents not only lose their loved child, but they often lose the opportunity to freely enjoy and share the special moments of their child’s short life. It’s hard enough to lose a child, but to lose the ability to share their lives adds to the weight of grief and loss.

Each of us has the ability to change this simply by learning to listen and make it ok and safe for parents to share these special children with us. I believe that it is a true blessing to get to know these children who live so close to God.

When parents share stories of their children, the parent of a child who died learns early that most people don’t want to hear their stories, not even the happy ones before the child died. Listeners often become uncomfortable and change the subject. Granted it’s often because the listener doesn’t know what to say or is trying to avoid saying the wrong thing. None-the-less, the parent of the dead child understands that people are uncomfortable and that memories are not to be freely shared. The parent not only looses their child, but looses the opportunity to enjoy precious memories through sharing with others.

If you are someone who would like to see this change but doesn’t know how to go about it, I would offer a few suggestions.

If you know parents whose child died, and you know the child’s birth date or death date, consider sending a card. Whether the child died last year or 20 years ago, it will mean so much to the parents. The card will also be an opening that tells the parents that you are someone it’s ‘ok’ to talk to if they wish. It’s ok to say, “I was just thinking about your son the other day and how he would have started kindergarten this year”. You aren’t saying anything the parent hasn’t already thought about, they are well aware of the milestones, and just knowing that their child wasn’t forgotten and that others remember brings a certain comfort.

If you meet someone and they mention they have had a child die, don’t change the subject! They wouldn’t have said so if they weren’t ok talking about their child or testing to see if you were someone they could share this precious child with.

Ask the child’s name. If you like the name, don’t be afraid to say so. It’s OK to ask.. how old was he/she when they died or if they had much hair when they were born. You can say.. oh.. my daughter was totally bald or had a full head of hair… you can ask and share and allow them to share.

It’s not about what to say, it’s about letting them know it’s OK for them to talk and that you can listen. Try and say things that leave the conversation open if they wish to continue. Platitudes, even those with the kindest intentions, are best avoided. They tend to be conversation stoppers and can often be hurtful to the parents.

Do you like sharing photos or details of when your child was young? So do parents who’s child has died! It’s just very hard for them to find people they feel safe sharing with.

Think of when a grandparent dies. We are much more comfortable with that. Someone says.. “my grandma died.” A response may come… “I’m sorry to hear that. I miss my grandma, she was a great cook! I loved her chocolate cake and the conversation goes on and it’s clear it’s OK and good to talk about memories of Grandma. It's important that the same be allowed for memories of children.

If you have a friend who you would like to support through a loss, or want to know more about this subject, I highly recommend the book: “When Your Friend Is Grieving, Building a Bridge of Love” by Paula D’Arcy.

This book is out of print but readily available through secondary sellers on Amazon, half.com and such. There is also an expanded and updated version in print, but I have not read it yet, so can’t recommend it directly. This book is small and easily approachable! In my opinion it is an excellent addition to anyone’s library.

Mama Bear

I had a post in mind and thought I would get it up on Sunday. All the sudden it's Thursday! Forget global warming, I think the earth's rotation is speeding up.

The original intent of this blog was to keep a record of what I had knit, in case any of my descendents every wanted that information. I am running behind and will work on catching up a bit with listing some of my January knits.

January turned into a catch up and wait month. First I finished out my Christmas knitting. Part of my gift to my mother included several skeins of Caron Simply Soft for the slippers she likes, with a promise to get some knit up right after Christmas.

I added a fibertrends leather sole to one pair. Unfortunately I had a smudge on my camera lens and didn't realize it. These were the catch up part of the month's work.

I ordered supplies for a couple of larger projects I want to do, and then the waiting began. Unfortunately patience is not one of my stronger virtues. I don't like waiting for glue to dry, supplies to arrive, or a page to load on the computer. My husband teases me about all the windows I will have open on a computer at once. It's because I start a bunch loading, go do something else, and then come back and read them when they are ready. I don't want to sit and wait!

 
 
 
 

To get me over the "waiting" period for the supplies I had ordered, I knit several small project. In addition to the squares for the afghans, I sadly had reason to knit this angel for a friend.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Next, I knit the following Elizabeth Zimmerman Tomten Jacket along with some matching socks from her "Knitting Without Tears" book.

First things first... credit to my son for laying out the photo shoot complete with the bear.

The jacket is an interesting knit. It's knit in one piece and the only seams are the underarms of the sleeves.

I knit this using Jaeger Matchmaker 100% superwash Merino for the Navy Blue and the Purple, and Karabella Aurora 8 Merino for the gold. They are both nice yarns, but oh my... I really do like knitting with the Aurora 8. It is a beautiful yarn. This was knit on a size 5 US needle and should be able to be machine washed by the mother who ends up with it.

I don't know yet who this will go to, as I was making it for a baby shower. I had the date wrong and it was not quiet finished, so ended up giving a hat and sock set I made along with some other things. I was in such a hurry to get the hat done, knitting up to the last moment, that I didn't get a photo taken.

Hopefully coming up on the next installments of this blog:

1. The rest of January's knitting and how Nana messed up.
2. Update on Aaron's Afghan. Squares continue to arrive! I post photos and updates when they are available.
3. February's plans.

Have a lovely day!

Mama Bear

This post is all about squares! Different kinds of squares. Fun squares, intriguing squares, and squares of comfort, but all share the common shape.

If you want to knit a square - for a pocket, a good cause, a purse, a pillow or whatever, you may wish to bookmark the following two sites.

Nona Swatches is "A year of swatches, one day at a time." Now, not all the swatches are squares, but many are. Be sure and click on the January archives if you want to see all 31 squares so far this year. I particularly like this square from January 28th.

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The Walker Treasury Project is A pooling of efforts to illustrate, in color, all of the Walker treasuries. This is a new project and could be a great visual reference for the Barbara Walker Treasuries. The project leaders are looking for knitters who would like to help.

If you have reason to knit a square and use a Walker Treasury stitch pattern, you might consider seeing if it's one they need a photo for. If you want to knit a square, but need a reason or motivation, there are several charities that would be happy to provide a use for your square once you are finished.

Pink Dandelion and I used the Walker Treasuries when we knit these squares for Project Compassion's first project after reading about this new site at Woolwindings blog. The project is for a mother and daughter and touched both of us. As mother and daughter we each wanted to knit a square for each of their afghans.

I knit the lavender squares using the Fancy Lozenge Pattern for the left square and the Moss Diamond Lozenge Pattern for the right square. They can both be found on page 17 of the Second Treasury.

The lavender squares were knit using Jaeger Matchmaker 100% Merino Aran superwash using a size 8 US needle.

And last, but definitely not least, an update on Aaron's Afghan.

The squares have started to arrive! THANK YOU to all who have knit squares and who are working on squares! Jen very kindly provided photos of the squares that she has received so far.

Squares from Maureen, Jan, Tracy and Anne.

Squares from PinkD

A square I forgot to photograph.

And here they are all together, including Jen's own squares. I think this afghan is going to be beautiful thanks to all of you!

I know there are more squares already knit and on the way. For those who asked, it's not too late to knit a square :)

Mama Bear

There are some lovely people knitting lovely squares! I want to say thank you to all those who are helping with Aaron's afghan.

If you would like to see some of the squares that have been knit, and meet some of the knitters who knit them, you can click on the names below. If you knit a square and have it on your blog, and I don't have it linked yet, let me know as I would love to add it to the list! I'm sure I missed some, as memory is not my strong point.

Ant Knit
Out of the Basket
Wool Windings
Inca's Sewing Blog
Arleta's Motley Wool
Pearly Knit Heaven

Oh, and I was a bad mom! I mailed off Pink Dandelion's squares without remembering to take a photo.

Mama Bear

Just a quick post to try and catch up a little on some of the things I have been meaning to post but haven't made time for.

I wanted to share one of my knitting gifts from Christmas. You have to watch out for Pink Dandelion She sneaky!

Somehow, while living in the same small cabin with me. While sharing most of our knitting time - we like to curl up and watch episodes of old TV shows while we knit in the evenings. While marooned by storms and such. Somehow... she managed to knit my gift without ANY Suspicion on my part!

The photo doesn't do it justice. The colors are so rich and she needle felted the paw that matches the paw on my blog (that she designed for me in the first place).

She really caught me off guard because she was working really hard on her sister's gift, which was large and a major project. Bug her to get it up on her blog if you want to see it ;)

Mama Bear

Ya'll are great! Thank you so much for your support.

Aaron's afghan update and details.

Jen's original plan was to make the afghan 7 squares by 9 squares. A total of 63 squares. We already have 47 squares that we know have been knit!! In addition to that, we have at least 10 more squares coming that readers here have promised. That brings us very close to completing this afghan! Jen will provide a photo when it's done for me to post here.

If you are wondering if your square is needed, yes it is! All squares sent in will be used. We want the family to know how many people are thinking of them. If Jen has extras she said she would use them for pillows or small afghans for Aaron's brothers. What she does with them will depend on how many squares she receives, but they will all be used for Aaron's family.

I know this is only an afghan, but sometimes it's amazing how far reaching a little bit of caring can go.

A bit of a ramble here...

When I was six years old our home burnt to the ground. Now, the things that are important to a six year old, and the view a six year old takes of such an event, will be different from those of the adults involved. We were away from home on a trip when the fire occurred. My first concern: Were the Skipper paper dolls I had received for my birthday ok? I had left them tucked under my bed.

Skipper was a casualty of the fire, along with most everything in the house. A gas leak pretty well blew up the place and the fire burned anything that survived the blast. We were basically left with the clothing and items we had with us for the trip.

Something else we were left with: A town of friends and relatives who cared and showed it. While I do have memories of the loss - one lone blackened wall left standing next to the ashes that had once been a home - those memories are vague in comparison to the ones that followed.

The memories that stand out in my mind are of the house we were loaned by friends. Of the town, church, and relatives filling the house with furniture, food, and extras. Of my parents taking “home” with us and showing us that the house had only been the shell that held the home. I don't think I'll every forget the little doll with brown curly hair and tan dress that some little girl took from her toys and gave to me. I don't know what eventually happened to that doll, but I'll always remember her and what she represents.

The caring of others during our time of need had a lasting effect many years beyond our initial loss. The people who helped us probably have little idea how far-reaching their actions were. Their acts of kindness helped me build a lasting belief that people, for the most part, are good and caring. I came away from that fire with much more than I lost.

Of course losing a child cannot be compared, in any way, to losing a house. A house and things can be replaced. Hopefully though, the support of knowing that there are those out there who care, will shine a little light during this family’s difficult time. I know the response here has only added strength to my beliefs started all those years ago. Thank you for being part of that.

Mama Bear

When a child dies, there are no words or actions that will make the hurt stop or go away. However, there is balm in knowing that others care.

A friend of mine is close friends with a family in need of such balm.

On New Years Eve a family with 4 young boys was in a car accident. Aaron, age 2, died from injuries received in the accident.

Their friend, Jen, is putting together an afghan for this family with 7" squares from all over. Sadly, there are more needs out there than any of us can fill. I know many of you have your own causes. If, however, this project happens to be something you would like to help with, please read on for the details.

The requirements/needs are very simple:

Jen is requesting 7" squares, made from a soft acyrlic type yarn, in blues or greens.

Contact for mailing address: njbush at netins dot net

If you would like, you may send a postcard along with the square/squares showing the area the square comes from. This is not required.

Maybe you have some left over yarn in your stash to use up, or want to try out a new color pattern or technique. Simple solid colors are needed also.

A simple way to make a square without figuring out gauge is to knit a square on the diagonal. Working in garter stitch, simple cast on 2 stitches. Knitting each row, increase one stitch at the beginning of every row until a side measures 7". At this point, begin decreasing one stitch at the beginning of each row until you work down to one stitch. End off.

Each square adds to the stack.

Thank you!

Mama Bear

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I don't know if this is the year of the snake in China, but I guess it is here on my blog! Here is an early copy of the snake pattern.

I say early because this pattern is untested from this typing. I tested the handwritten version I typed this from. I know a few of you are in a hurry for this pattern, so I am going to go ahead and post it here despite having only done a very cursory proof-reading. For those who prefer to wait, I will post a more carefully tested and proof-read version on my pattern page when I can.

Left to right: Green snakes are made with Schachenmayr Nomotta Regia 4 Line Steps (this would use the finger weight pattern, not yet posted).

Rainbow colored snake in the back center is from Patons Astra's paintbox varigated. This is a DK weight yarn.

The multicolored center front snake is from Cascade Yarns Cherub collection Kaleidoscope D.K

The pink with purple and yellow striped snake on the left is made with Caron Simply soft worsted weight. I tend to like the DK or sock weights better, personally, as the worsted weight yarns get a little stiff when knit tight enough to keep their beans in.

Things I discovered while knitting the snakes:

If the gauge is too stiff or the snake overstuffed, the snakes won't curl up or slither well.

If the gauge is too loose, the snakes won't hold their beans!

I like the idea of being able to use up left over yarns in a variety of weights. I have included instructions for DK, and worsted weight at this time. Finger/sock yarn weight pattern will follow later.

I don't offer an exact gauge. Knit a little bit and see if you think it's tight enough to keep the stuffing in. If you knit this pattern and find errors, I would appreciate knowing about them.

I know there is a more succinct way to write out this pattern, but for the sake of those who are in a hurry for this pattern, I'll post it now in it's less polished form.

SNAKE PATTERN FOR DK WEIGHT YARN:

MATERIALS:
Needles: Set of size 2 US double points
Darning needle
Stitch marker
Crochet hook size 1 or close (optional)
Stuffing for Snakes*
*I used pinto beans to stuff my snakes. This gives the snakes a bit of weight and helps them curl and slither in a way polystuffing doesn't. I would not recommend pinto beans or similar for children who are young enough for choking hazards to be a concern.

Abbreviations:
K knit
Kf&b Increase by knitting through front and back in same stitch. http://knittinghelp.com/knitting/basic_techniques/increase.php
M1 Increase 1 stitch by picking up the yarn between stitches and knitting into it. There are several version of the M1 increas. I use the M1F (or make one front) shown here: http://knittinghelp.com/knitting/basic_techniques/increase.php
K2tog Knit 2 stitches together for a decrease. http://knittinghelp.com/knitting/basic_techniques/decrease.php

Cast on 3 stitches
Knitting rows 1-6 as an i-cord
Row 1 K3
Row 2 K1, K1f&b, K1
Row 3 K4
Row 4 K1, K1f&b, K1, K1f&b
Row 5-6 K6

Divide onto 3 needles, with 2 stitches on each needle. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each row.

Row 7 K1, M1, K5 (7 stitches)
Row 8-9 K7
Row 10 K4, M1, K3 (8)
Row 11-12 K8
Row 13 K7, M1, K1 (9) *at this point you should have 3 stitches on each needle
Row 14-23 K9 (10 rows)
Row 24 K2, M1, K7 (10)
Row 25-27 K10
Row 28 K6, M1, K4 (11)
Row 29-31 K11
Row 32 K10, M1, K1 (12) *at this point you should have 4 stitches on each needle. A 4th needle can be introduced at this time with 3 stitches on each needle if you prefer.
Row 33-47 K12 (15 Rows)
Row 48 K2, M1, K10 (13)
Row 49-52 K13 (4 rows)
Row 53 K6, M1, K7 (14)
Row 54-57 K14 (4 rows)
Row 58 K10, M1, K4 (15)
Row 59-62 K15 (4 rows)
Row 63 K14, M1, K1 (16) If you did not introduce a 4th needle in row 32, you may wish to do so at this time, placing 4 stitches on each needle.
Row 64-73 K16 (10 rows)
Row 74 K4, M1, K12 (17)
Row 75-78 K17 (4 rows)
Row 79 K9, M1, K8 (18)
Row 80-83 K18 (4 rows)
Row 84 K14, M1, K4, (19)
Row 85-88 K19 (4 rows)
Row 89 K19, M1 (20) *5 stitches per needle
Row 90-99 K20 (10 rows)
Row 100 K2, M1, K18, (21)
Row 101-104 K21 (4 rows)
Row 105 K8, M1, K13 (22)
Row 106-109 K22 (4 rows)
Row 110 K14, M1, K8 (23)
Row 111-114 K23 (4 rows)
Row 115 K20, M1, K3 (24) *6 stitches per needle
Row 116-215 K24 (100 rows) or to desired length

NECK
Row 216 *K4, K2tog* 4 times
Row 217 K20
Row 218 *K3, K2tog* 4 times
Row 219 K16

HEAD
Row 220 *K1, M1* 6 times, K2, *K1, M1* 6 times, K2 (28)
Row 221-222 K28
Row 223 *K2tog, K8, K2tog, K2* 2 times (24)
Row 224 K24
Row 225 *K2tog, K6, K2tog, K2* 2 times (20)
Row 226 K20
Row 227 *K2tog, K4, K2tog, K2* 2 times (16)
Row 228-229 K16

Stuff snake before continuing
Row 230 *K2tog, K2* 4 times (12)
Row 231-233 K12 (3 times)
Row 234 *K2tog, K2tog, k2* 2 times (8)
Row 235 K8

For the tongue: Cut a piece or yarn approx 12" long. Using a darning needle run one end of the yarn through a purl bump on the inside (purl side) of the snake near the opening. You should end up with the yarn caught in the middle with two ends coming out the opening.

with the first 4 stitches on one needle, and the last 4 stitches on another, finish stuffing the snake, and then kitchner stitch the end closed, keeping the two yarn ends in between the 2nd and 3rd stitches on the needles so they remain centered.

For the center of the tongue, tie the two pieces of yarn together for 3 knots. For the forks of the tongue, take a small crochet hook and make a tight chain of 3 or 4 stitches each side. End off. Using a thin darning needle, pull the yarn at the end of the forked tongue back through the crocheted ends and secure into the snake.

If a crochet hook is not handy, the forks of the tongue can achieved by tying a few knots very closely together on each.

Worsted Weight Snake

MATERIALS
Size 3 US double Point needles
Darning Needle
Size 0 or close crochet hook (optional)
Stitch marker
Stuffing for Snakes*
*I used pinto beans to stuff my snakes. This gives the snakes a bit of weight and helps them curl and slither in a way polystuffing doesn't. I would not recommend pinto beans or similar for children who are young enough for choking hazards to be a concern.

This pattern is designed with the 5 piece double point needles in mind. This keeps the stitches evenly placed for the longer knitting sections. However, a 4 piece double point needle set will work fine, the stitches simply won't divide as evenly over the longest sections of knitting.

Cast on 3 stitches
Row 1 K3 as for an I-cord
Row 2 K1, k1f&b, K1
Row 3 K4
Row 4 K1, K1f&b, K1, K1f&b
Row 5-6 K6

Divide onto 3 needles, with 2 stitches on each needle

Row 7 K1, M1, K5 (7 stitches)
Row 8-9 K7
Row 10 K4, M1, K3 (8)
Row 11-12 K8
Row 13 K7, M1, K1 (9) *at this point you should have 3 stitches on each needle
Row 14-23 K9 (10 rows)
Row 24 K2, M1, K7 (10)
Row 25-27 K10
Row 28 K6, M1, K4 (11)
Row 29-31 K11
Row 32 K10, M1, K1 (12) *at this point you should have 4 stitches on each needle. A 4th needle can be introduced at this time with 3 stitches on each needle if you prefer.
Row 33-47 K12 (15 Rows)
Row 48 K2, M1, K10 (13)
Row 49-52 K13 (4 rows)
Row 53 K6, M1, K7 (14)
Row 54-57 K14 (4 rows)
Row 58 K10, M1, K4 (15)
Row 59-62 K15 (4 rows)
Row 63 K14, M1, K1 (16) If you did not introduce a 4th needle in row 32, you may wish to do so at this time, placing 4 stitches on each needle.
Row 64-188 K16 (125 rows or until desired length)
Row 189 *K2, K2tog* 4x's (12)
Row 190 K12 *K1, M1, K2* 4x's (16)
Row 191 K16

HEAD
Row 192 *K1, M1* 6 times, K2, *K1, M1* 6 times, K2 (28)
Row 193-194 K28
Row 195 *K2tog, K8, K2tog, K2* 2 times (24)
Row 196 K24
Row 197 *K2tog, K6, K2tog, K2* 2 times (20)
Row 198 K20
Row 199 *K2tog, K4, K2tog, K2* 2 times (16)
Row 200-201 K16

Stuff snake before continuing
Row 202 *K2tog, K2* 4 times (12)
Row 203-205 K12 (3 times)
Row 206 *K2tog, K2tog, k2* 2 times (8)
Row 207 K8

For the tongue: Cut a piece or yarn approx 12" long. Using a darning needle run one end of the yarn through a purl bump on the inside (purl side) of the snake near the opening. You should end up with the yarn caught in the middle with two ends coming out the opening.

with the first 4 stitches on one needle, and the last 4 stitches on another, finish stuffing the snake, and then kitchner stitch the end closed, keeping the two yarn ends in between the 2nd and 3rd stitches on the needles so they remain centered.

For the center of the tongue, tie the two pieces of yarn together for 3 knots. For the forks of the tongue, take a small crochet hook and make a tight chain of 3 or 4 stitches each side. End off. Using a thin darning needle, pull the yarn at the end of the forked tongue back through the crocheted ends and secure into the snake.

If a crochet hook is not handy, the forks of the tongue can achieved by tying a few knots very closely together on each.

SCARF:
The scarf on the snakes is simply done in a garter stitch over 6 cast on stitches to desired length. I generally used a US size 3 needle.

All patterns and photos © Bear Toes

I started life in a small town and if I am given the choice, it's likely I'll live out my life in a tiny town. In between I spent my fair share of time living in some of the larger cities in the U.S.

I know cities have plenty to offer. I guess I am just a country girl at heart and always will be. So where is this ramble going?

Even in a little town in the mountains, it's easy to get caught up in the buying of the season. After all, shopping is simply a click of the mouse away and the UPS man comes right to the door. E-mails show up hourly telling of the latest bargain, deal, and free shipping! Of course that all disappears when the power goes out and things start to change. I am thankful for the reminder to keep things simple.

Children love simple things. Maybe that's why the box something comes in is often enjoyed by a child as much as the item in the box. The other day a ship was needed at my house. How can little boys play pirate without a ship? I was asked to help procure a ship. I did what I could. What is the most important part of a ship? Why a wheel that turns of course! A few cuts of some cardboard, attach it to a water jug that has a spigot to hold the wheel between, and this is the ships wheel that I came up with. It has been played with more than any of the fancy new toys.

I think that's why I like knitted toys (ah finally.. the knitting part!) They seem to leave so much to the imagination. As I mentioned before, I have been working on snakes. Each Christmas stocking will have a snake curled up in the bottom. I decided I would knit snakes for peace (now that's a new one!). The snakes here are very popular and sometimes there just are not enough snakes to go around. More snakes will help keep peace in my house.

While making snakes I worked on getting the pattern figured out. You would think a long tube would be simple! Maybe it is for some but I couldn't help but keep tweaking it. Trying to get the snake just the way I wanted. I think I have finally come up with a final version. I have started typing it out and will post it here on my blog first for those who don't want to wait for the tested and tried version.

I have two snakes left to stuff, but I ran out of filling.

For now, back to the last minute gift knitting!

Mama Bear

Little drops of water, little grains of sand,
Make the mighty ocean and the pleasant land.
So the little minutes, humble though they be,
Make the mighty ages of eternity.

Julia A. Fletcher Carney (1824–1908)

We have running water! Our pipes have thawed.

Amazing how easy it is to take such blessings as running water for granted. Shouts of joy and "We can wash the dishes!" "We can do the laundry!" "We can flush the toilet!" and most of all "We can take hot showers!" where heard at my home. I never expected my children to be so happy to be able to do those things.

May your little minutes be fruitful ones!

Mama Bear