Pattern: JOVEN

Yarn: Patons Classic Merino Wool in Good Earth and Leaf

Technique: Ultimate Sweater Machine in KP 2.5, Hand knit k2p2 ribbing with US 5, 3.75mm circular needles

Completed: September 2007

I am so proud of these. I can say with absolute certainty that these pants came out PERFECT. They feature short rows in the back so that there won’t be any diapers or butt cracks peeking out of the top. The crotch gusset ensures a better fit so that your baby or toddler can move around freely without your having to fear that any seams might get pulled and stretched out over time.

These are the pants that have finally allowed me to say that after 3 years of owning a knitting machine, I have finally made a pair of knit wool pants with all the great options of being knit in the round but knit flat. With the blueprint of these pants, I am finally able to standardize sizes. All of my ideas for the business have come to fruition with these pants.

When I first learned to knit, I learned that hand knitting when you are new to it is quite time-consuming. It didn’t seem I could make money if my business was hand knitting driven. I could crochet fast enough but how was I going to produce all of these beautiful knitted baby clothes in a timely fashion? Enter the Ultimate Sweater Machine. Once I got it, I started making things right away. There was this gray sweater that I ripped out, a pattern from Kangamoo Knits, and then there were these sweaters that I still haven’t finished. And of course, there were the pants. It has taken 4 attempts that require(d) ripping and 3 completed pairs of pants to get to where I am now with this pattern. These below are simply the ones that I haven’t ripped out yet.

Read the extended entry for more about how I became a work at home mom.

Read more…

Pattern: JOVEN

Yarn: Top- Bernat Handicrafter Cotton in White*, Elann Sonata in 2355 Tapestry Blue, Patons Grace in Sky; Skirt- Bernat Cotton Tots in Wonder White

Technique: Top- Single Crochet with US ? hook, Skirt- Stockinette on USM KP 2.5

Completed: August 2007

I love these baby dolls. I’ve never seen anything like these in brick and mortar stores- not that I’m looking around much being that I have 3 boys who don’t really care for dolls. When my cousin lamented not being able to find a latina baby doll, I bought a case of these and made her a dress. Two more dolls are slated to be holiday gifts so I need to start making their dresses right away.

My problem is that while I took detailed notes, I FORGOT TO WRITE DOWN THE HOOK SIZE! DUH!!! I’m guessing it’s an F Hook. I’ll know for sure when I make them. The back closes with velcro.

*This is a baby weight yarn, not worsted. I don’t have the ball band. I bought bags of this years ago. My guess is that it’s discontinued.

Pattern: JOVEN

Yarn: 100 Pure Wool in Mesto (I think), Patons Classic Merino Wool in Dusky Blue for ribbing and cuffs

Technique: Ultimate Sweater Machine in KP 2.5, Hand knit k2p2 ribbing with US 5, 3.75mm circular needle, crocheted cuffs with US H hook.

Completed: June 2007

These were for a customer. The pants look great in person but for some reason the picture doesn’t. They were hard to photograph because these pants are pretty big. They were made to fit a 3 year old with room to grow. These pants may be ordered through the store. Just look for the swatch named Stormy Dusk.

Pattern: JOVEN

Yarn: Patons Bumblebee Baby Cotton in Waterlily

Technique: Half Double Crochet with US F hook, knit ribbing with 3.5mm circular needles

Completed: January 2007

These took a while to finish because I kept putting them down to work on other projects. However, if I were to work on them straight through, they would probably take about 4 hours each to complete.

I didn’t get good enough pictures so I’ll have to make another one for the store. Once that’s done, people will be able to order them. If any of you readers want one before then, let me know. I’m perfectly willing to make them. These hats are so cute, you will LOVE them.

Of course I didn’t go anywhere but I’ve been knitting and crocheting quite a bit. And no, I haven’t been spending all my time at Ravelry (username: Hilista)

I’ve also been updating the website. Everything is practically completed there, just a few things need to be finalized. I’m very excited about this new look and will be putting a fair amount of resources towards advertising. There will also be organic yarns and organic tees. I hope to have it all ready to order by December.

Anyway, over the next few days I’ll be sharing all of the projects I’ve completed as well as all of new ones I’ve started. I definitely broke my “no casting on for new things until WIPs are completed” rule. Oh well, it was an admirable goal but as you’ll soon see it conspired to be unattainable.