Ladychatia's Blog

The Ribbed Neck Warmer improment

2012-02-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

A few years ago I knitted a Ribbed neck warmer in a simple light color. Shown below:

I improved the pattern and made another with a front opening.

Today I tried one more time in different colors, with black yarn at the edge for contrast.

Time has passed but a good neck warmer will never be a thing of the past.*********************************************************Check out Ravelry for the free improved pattern

Monster Mania

2011-11-10T13:06:00.001-08:00

I've been busy knitting monsters and it has turned to an obsession... Just take a look at this:

It all started with "The Love Bug" Experiment by Kelsey Leib (also known as Caffeinated Frenzy in Ravelry). Then I knitted a few of my own designs...

This beautiful octopus turned out to have 9 legs, yes I know octo means eight not nine. But I was just having to much fun knitting and did not count the legs until I posted in the internet. Someone noticed my mistake right away and made a comment on it. Next monster was a little kitty:

How about a gingerbread gnome! I made him up with a bunch of I-cord and magic loop knitting. He is just the sweetest knitted toy standing about 4 inches.

Then there where a few more that need no explanations:This was made with the "monster chunk pattern"; check out Ravelry for more:

Little Birdie by Rebecca Danger:

Monster Chunk by Rebecca Danger. You can find the free pattern at: http://www.rebeccadanger.typepad.com/DangerCraftsMonsterChunksKnittingPattern.pdf

or find her in Ravelry under the projects "Monster chuncks"...

2011-10-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

October 20, 2011

Beware of the crocodile:

The gang is ready to defend the territory.

2011-10-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

Even in death the man was a genius

2011-09-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

Healthy RecipesQuinoa with Onion, Peppers1/4 Onion-chopped1/3 Cup Quinoa rinsed2 Cups Organic Chicken Broth 1/4 cup celery chopped1/4 Cup Red,Green,Yellow Peppers-chopped or use one color if you likeSpices: 1 Tsp of the following: cumin, Black Pepper, Dried Mustard, Mrs Dash Table Blend1/2 Tsp Paprika, Sage, ground oregano, ground bay leaf1 Tbsp Olive Oil1 clove garlic mincedSea Salt to tasteLarge frying pan with high sides. Add oil, medium heat. Add onions, peppers and celery then Saute for 5-10 minutes. Add garlic and spices, stir. Pour in the rinsed/washed quinoa and mix well. Stir to mixed well, about a minute or so. Add chicken broth, mix well. Bring to a boil. Stir again, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.Makes approximately 2 to 3 servings.A great substitute for rice or potato and goes well with Chicken, Beef, Turkey or even Pork.Refrigerate any leftovers; then all you have to do is re-heat.I personally like to grill chicken or pork spear ribs, broccoli or mix veggies and Quinoa.Veggies on the Grill1/2 cup broccoli cut in bite size1/2 cup carrots sliced1/4 cup green beans cut bite size1/4 cup green, red and yellow peppers sliced1/4 onions sliced With aluminum foil make a pocket and add all the ingredients. Close pocket and place in the grill for 15-20 minutes in the top rack. *CAUTION: Be careful opening the foil, contents will be extremely hot.Sprinkle a little salt and pepper to taste.I also add oil and vinegar and serve as a salad.BREAKFAST and / or DESSERTQuinoa Apple Cinnamon 1/4 cup Quinoa rinsed2 cups low fat milk2 sticks cinnamon2 tbs Xylitol1/2 cup apples cut bite sizeIn a saucepan at medium heat add the cinnamon, milk, and the rinsed Quinoa then bring to a boil. Lower heat and cover for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and add the apples. Turn off heat cover and let stand for another 5 minutes and fluff again. Add Xylitol and serve.I am following the Anti-fungal Phase one diet, you can find it at www.knowthecause.comCheck it out...

Summer has come and gone

2011-08-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

Summer is one of my favorite seasons. The beach, the pool, and vacation time are all rolled up into a few moths of pure pleasure. And who can forget the hours of knitting near a window while watching the rain fall (except when there is a thunderstorm).
check out one of the few projects I managed to design this summer:
Delicate Apron

The pattern will be in Ravelry soon. Still have to modify some parts, and correct a few I forgot to write down. It took a few days (more like 20) to come up with the right calculation or inches versus stitches and rows. But now that it is finished I really think the time was well spent.

Vacation got in the way of my knitting but who's complaining, I really had lots of fun this summer. Here a only a few of the pictures, I managed to take over a thousand pictures this trip alone. An unforgettable trip that will last a lifetime.

A picture is worth a thousand words, and there are no words to describe the pleasure of this amazing trip.

Another Simple but useful pattern

2011-06-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

The summer is just around the corner and workouts become more intense. I made this headband with gardening in mind. The heat in Florida becomes overpowering at times so it is helpful to have the right gear.
It is one very simple pattern in rib so it keeps its shape better.
Here it is:

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Here is a poem I thought I would share with the world:
Your Destiny
"Watch your thought for they become words,
choose your word wisely for they become actions,
understand your actions for they become habits,
study your habits for they become character,
develop your character for it becomes your DESTINY"

- . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . -

I designed another simple project

2011-06-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

I Phone Carry Case, a simple pattern that can be finished quickly, you can find the pattern in Ravelry.

********************

The moment has arrived for most of my patterns to emerge from the drawing board. I have finished several simple ones and one or two for the more advanced knitter.
In the next few weeks I will post some free here in my blog and others will be for sale at Ravelry.
Take a look at what is coming:

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING ...

TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER

2011-04-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

Take a look at my new Minions, aren't they the most adorable things.

Check out the great hats I found at Disney...
LOVE THEM ALL

This is a picture of my miniature Chihuahua named Mikito Yamamoto.

And now we will talk about the Purple Shelf Monster who is here to stay, so don't be afraid because he does not bite. At least he is purple not green and that makes him a Royalty not martian.
If you hear "TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER", it might be this wonderful looking monster trying to make you laugh.
You can find the Pattern in ravelry, "Purple Shelf Monster".

Celtic Braid Royal Neck Warmer

2011-04-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my new design "Celtic Braid Royal Neck Warmer". I think it is more for the intermediate than for beginners but if you like the challenge give it a try.
It is a combination of two famous patterns sewn together in a perfect harmony. I couldn't help myself and knitted in my favorite color PURPLE witch is also the color of royalty; or so I am told.
Blocking is highly recommended so the intricate work and the braided top can truly be seen.
I am going to ask three or four people to test knit this project before I put it up for sale, just want to make sure there are no errors in the pattern itself. If you are interested it is up for testing in "free pattern tester group" in Ravelry until May 7, 2011.
If you are interested let me know, pm me on Ravelry if you want to test any of my pattern.

A new stitch marker for sale

2011-04-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

My new design is almost finished, I can't wait to see how it turns out.
Another pattern will follow shortly so stay toned if you are interested.
I have another hobby, stitch markers. Here are some of easiest one to put together.
For sale from $2.00 and up, buy 4 for $8.

You can find me in Ravelry as "ladychatia".

A Very Simple Ribbed Hat

2011-01-15T17:32:00.000-08:00

This is another great pattern that anyone can make from a beginner to advance knitters and simple to follow instructions.
You can find the free pattern in Ravelry.
More to come real soon...

The Royal Celtic Cables Neck Warmer is done

2010-12-01T09:25:00.001-08:00

I took a few patterns from different places, altering them and combining it into one wonderful looking piece.
The Royal Neck warmer is an alteration made to minimize the neck area in order to add the cable piece. I made the Celtic Cables from the book "Knitting on the Edge" and added it as the neck warmer.

Parking for Knitters only

2010-12-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

Life is like a glass of lemon aid, sometimes sour, bitter and other times can be as sweet as honey. I have become the living acknowledgment of this concept.
Here are a few perfect examples:
Bitter, sour lemons

This one is a little sweet

and the honey pot of all times

I need a little distraction to focus on my objective. So I took a trip to several places with a few friend. We had a wonderful time for lunch in an oriental restaurant, shopping in a very nice yarn store (famous knitters place), then we went to a farmers market where we bought lots of vegies. The day was entirely as sweet as honey and it certainly sweetened the sour life I've been having.

Peace at last, the worries are gone and I feel freeeeeeeee....

Small Breathing Mask

2010-09-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

Here it is the smaller version to the Cold / Dust Breathing mask. I thought I try another pattern for a child or adult who like a small mask. Great for cold days or dusty roads while biking or jogging. I use mine constantly since I suffer from allergies and the cold weather triggers my asthma.
Hot pink to match my walking outfit.

You can decorate it with an embroidered mouth and /or mustache. Beads can also be added for the diva in your life.
While in cold days I may want to cover the entire face this smaller mask is the perfect size for covering the nose.

Chemo caps are here

2010-08-31T18:16:00.000-07:00

But first let me share a few pictures that will really put a smile on your faces.

Patches and Miki are enjoying a relaxing nap together. Who said dogs and cats are enemies, no one told this two about it.

Ok now lets talk about the chemo caps. Even though I have been very busy this month with a lot of visitors from up north I still managed to knit up a bunch of chemo caps. We had time to tan, swim in the pool, enjoy a day or two at the beach and lots of quality time enjoying each others company.
This is one of the nicest chemo cap I knitted.

"Shedir" by Jenna Wilson was published in www.Knitty.com
I found it to be a little difficult since it was my first chart pattern. But I think the end result speaks for itself. I really enjoyed knitting it and will enjoy it more giving it away to someone who will cherish it.

This lacy beauty is from Patternworks free patterns. It is one of the easiest ones and it only took about an hour to knit up.

I knitted a carry bag for my I-pod, a small bag to store earphones and the pedometer devise. Easy projects that took less than an hour to finish.

and lastly I knitted this Japanese doll from Flutterby Patch
http://flutterbypatch.typepad.co.uk/flutterby_patch/2009/02/japanese-garden.html
She has a great deal of amigurumi patterns free.

Cold / dust mask

2010-06-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

COLD BREATHING MASK

Another great pattern by Maria Rei-Rod for those spring pollen filled allergy days or for dusty roads while bike riding.
Made small enough for a child, can also be used by an adult. The ear pieces made of I cord and sew together.
Materials:
1 or 2 oz of worsted weight yarn
Size 6 needle
And DPN for I-cord
Gauge: 5 sts / 7 rows = 1 inch
Ear loops: make 2. I-cord of 3 sts for 5 or 6 inches
Mask: Co 40 sts and k 6 rows.
Next Row 7 (WS): k5, p30, k5
Row 8: k across.
Repeat rows 7 and 8 once more.
next row: k5, p30, k5
Shape:
Row 1 (RS): k 25, turn
Row 2: P20, k 5 sts, turn
Row 3: K to end.
Row 4: k5, p20, turn
Row 5: k to end
Row 6: k5, p30, k5
Repeat these 6 rows once more.
Row 13: k across.
Row 14: k5, p30, k5
Rep rows 13 and 14 once more
Then K 6 rows for edge.
Cast off.
Make 2: I-cords about 6 to 8 inches for ears and sew together.

ERRATA: The original pattern has been revised and found several errors with it. It has been fixed and I added new row for easier understanding. I apologize for any discomfort this may have caused.

Shawl Neck Warmer

2010-06-11T16:36:00.001-07:00

Create a very simple shawl that with a few buttons can be made as a neck warmer. A very simple creation to keep you warm on those cool winter nights.
SHAWL NECK WARMER
materials:
2 skeins worsted weight yarn
Size 8 knitting needles or size to obtain gauge
3 buttons
gauge: 5 sts and 7 rows to 1 inch
abbr: inc 1= k front and back of next st
pm = place marker
Front: make 2 Rectangular pieces
cast on 22 sts and stockinette stitch for 7 inches making a 4 stitch border in each side of garter stitch
row 1: K4, k14, k4
row 2: k4, p14, k4
bind off and set aside.
Back: triangle shawl
cast on 2 sts and follow pattern:
row 1: k1, inc 1, k1 (3 sts)
row 2: k to end
row 3: k1, inc 1, k1, inc 1, k1 (5 sts)
row 4: k1, inc 1, k3, inc 1, k1 (7 sts)
row 5: k1, inc 1, k5, inc 1, k1 (9 sts)
row 7: begin leaving 4 stitch border in each side in garter stitch k4, inc 1, p1, inc 1, k4 (11 sts)
row 8: k4, pm, inc 1, p3, inc 1, pm, k4 (13 sts)
row 9 (RS): k4, inc1, k5, inc 1, k4 (15 sts)
row 10 (WS): k4, inc 1, p7, inc 1, k4 (17 sts)
continue this pattern increasing at beg and end of row until piece goes around neck and hang at least to front of elbow.
Sew the two rectangular pieces and add buttons.

Small Carry Bag

2009-06-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

This one is a simple pattern in Stockinette Stitch with two tone Caron Simply Soft yarn …
Made for beginners to learn how to use two colors at once and for the more advance knitter will be a breeze to finish in no time.
It is done in a rectangle shape with light blue and black yarn to contrast the color. The strap has an added cotton string inside to prevent it from stretching. Then finished edge is an I-cord for a clean look.
Small Carry Bag
Materials:
1 or 2 oz worsted weight yarn (I used Caron Simply soft in black and light blue)
With Main color cast on 46 Sts and Stockinette Stitch for 5 inches
Next row (right side): k 40, add new color (I used light blue) and k 6 Sts
row 2: p7 CC, p39 MC (make sure to move yarn top or bottom not to leave a hole)
row 3: k38 in MC, k8 in contrast color
row 4: p9 CC, P37 MC
continue adding CC and dec MC until 20 rows has been finished
now dec CC and add MC to form the triangle.
Finish rim with an attached I-cord:
With Double Pointed needles cast on 3 sts
do not turn work around simply move the DP needle make the attached I cord
Pick up one stitch from where you want the attached I cord to start, now you have four sts on DP needle; k2, k 2 tog. Next row pick up another stitch and repeat the k2, k2 tog.
continue this pattern till the end of the rim, cast off the sts from DP and attach both ends to make a circle.
for more information check out http://www.purlbee.com/attached-i-cord-tutorial/ or see the video on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJAzaa5bqZQ
For strap make a regular I cord (4 sts) for as long as you want. I added a cotton string in the middle for strength and to prevent stretching.
HAPPY KNITTING!
ENJOY

Mikito is in love with Patches

2009-03-22T19:59:00.000-07:00

Mikito who is my male chihuahua/schnauzer is in love with the neighbors cat Patches. Everytime he sees her he runs to smell her and she rubs herself all over him. It is a great site to see indeed since cats and dogs are natural enemies... I guess no one told this two about it.
Here are a few picture to show how they behave around each other. They are so cute together and very funny to watch...
My neighbor even cough them sleeping with there arms around each other while she watched him the last time we were away. I wish she would have taking pictures of that to post.

Ribbed Cap for gifts

2009-02-12T12:34:00.000-08:00

RIBBED CAP
The free PDF file can be found at: http://www.vogueknitting.com/free_patterns/ribbed_cap.aspx

One ball of hand dyed yarn plays out beautifully in a symphony of stripes in this uniquely colored cap.
Size: one size fits all. This cap is a standard fitting style.
Head Circumference (slightly stretched) 21" / 53 cm, depth 7" / 18 cm
Materials: 1 3/4 to 2 oz of any scrap yarn in worsted weight, and one pair # 8 (5mm) straight needles or size to obtain gauge.
Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows to 4" / 10 cm over k4, p4 rib. Take time to check gauge.

Pattern: k4, p4 rib on RS. All WS rows k the knit and p the purls.

Cast on 106 sts.
Row 1: (RS) k1 (selvage st), work in k4, p4 rib pat to last st, k1 (selvage st). Work in patt with one selvage st in each side of row until piece measures 6" / 15 cm from beg, end with WS row.
Shape Top: Row 1: (RS) k3, *p1, p2 tog, p1, k1, k2tog, k1; rep from * to last 3 sts, end k3 - 81 sts.
Row 2: k the knit and p the purl sts.
Row 3: k3, *p2tog, p1, k2tog, k1; rep from * to last 3 sts, k3 - 56 sts.
Row 5: k3, *p2tog, k2; rep form * to last 3 sts, k3 - 43 sts.
Row 6: k the knits and p the purls sts.
Row 7: k1, *k2tog, p1; rep from * to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 - 29 sts.
Row 8: k1, *p1, p2tog, rep from *, end k1 - 20 sts.
Row 9: [k2tog] 10 times - 10 sts.
If plan hat without top knot is desired move to Finishing.
Next row: p3 tog, [p2tog] twice, p3tog - 4 sts. Using dpn, work I-cord as foll: *k3, slide sts to beg of needle to work sts from same position. Bring yarn around from back and rep from * until I-Cord measures 6" / 15 cm. Bind off. Knot twice...
FINISHING: Do not block or flatten rib.
For plain hat, cut yarn leaving a long end for sewing back seam. Pull through rem 10 sts and draw up tightly to secure. For both styles, sew back seam.
Abbreviation:
k = knit
p = purl
k2 tog = k 2 sts together (dec)
dec = decrease
dpn = double pointed needles

More Baby outfits...

2009-01-05T11:36:00.000-08:00

I started another baby outfit to add to my future grandkids box... It is a box I started in Sept 2008 to add things for my grand kids whenever they arrive in case I can no longer knit... Osteoporosis, Arthritis and Fibromyalgia are taking a tall on my body. Who knows how long I will be able to knit... so I will make things ahead of time for future generations...
I think this is one of the easiest top down sweater or cardigan to make even for charity.
check out the free pattern at
http://fpea.blogspot.com/2007/07/free-pattern-fridays-super-natural.html
or check out the Ravelry page (if you are a member...) http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/super-natural-stripes
I made the booties to match from a pattern I found free at
http://ooobabyknits.typepad.com/ooo_baby_knits/2005/02/mindless_knitti.html
or at Ravelry http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-baby-booties
check out the product.

A very cool top is finished at last

2008-12-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

It took me a long while to finish this project, I guess because of my health I could not knit as fast as wanted but finally it is done. It looks better than I though but still not perfect...

Baby Sweater, booties and hat Set

2008-12-11T19:42:00.000-08:00

This tiny little outfit was made from various patterns like Preemie cardigan by Carole Barenys http://carole.barenys.com/PreemieCardigan.html and the booties are Bosnian Boot, Super Natural Stripes Sweater http://carole.barenys.com/BosnianBooties.html. The hat is my design with pattern on top to resemble a star. I added buttons to the front and crochet edge some button loops.

Life is a terrible thing to waste ... so knit until you die.

2008-02-16T16:37:00.001-08:00

Knitting is my passion or more like my obsession. In a world full of stress and chaos it is the food that keeps me sane.

Abby's ruffled tank top

2008-02-16T16:18:00.000-08:00

I started in January to knit this tank top for Abby, my neighbors niece who is 8 years old soon. This small tank top makes a great gift for any little girl. A chevron ruffle and attached I-cord makes it an elegant look.
God has been very good to me, with Good neighbors, great friends and excellent health; that is everything I need to be happy.
what more can you ask for.