Earflap Baby Hat

The only boy item I've made recently that didn't find it's way into Evan's wardrobe! My daughter, Natalie, claimed this for her future firstborn son while I was knitting it to simply try out the pattern. I used Sublime's machine washable silk and bamboo DK yarn (although I'd hand wash any hand knit item)! 
A basic earflap hat pattern is free at Hey Julie or Ravelry.

I seem to always inspire a snowfall when I visit Denver. And my most recent trip was no exception! Little Evan didn't have a hat, so I quickly knit this up one evening (fortunately I had brought some yarn and needles with me). It's knit with worsted weight wool on size 9 needles. I think Evan is trying to say, "Thanks, Grams!"

Last night was a "Penelope" night. I just love the message of that movie. And the character James McAvoy plays is so darn sweet behind all that scruff! He sees Penelope for who she truly is before anyone else does, and I love him for that. Of course, I couldn't sit without knitting, so here is what I created - and, of course, named it Johnny. The hat is knit with self-striping Kureyon by Noro (100% wool) on #9 needles, sized 1-2yr.

Note: I didn't like the color sequence after the red stripe, so I broke the yarn and started with the color on the opposite end of the skein (yellow). Although it makes a hard line between the red and the yellow stripe, I think it looks better overall.
Even though it's slightly battered from living in my purse for the past 2 months, I wanted to introduce you to a great little knitting friend: The Altoids can. It perfectly holds placement rings, large eye needles, safety pins, needle tip covers, and anything else little that is knitting related which might otherwise get lost!

Hats! Hats! Hats!

Once they arrive and are old enough, it will be fun for my granddaughters to come shopping for a new hat at Grandma's hat shop (name suggestions anyone?). I've gotten a good start already, and there will be even more to choose from as time goes on. I have another hat on needles right now!


(Red pom-pom fetish noted.)

Current Charity Projects

I feel that it is important to use the abilities that God has given me to bless others. I only write this post to give those with the same opportunity an idea or two. There is great joy being in the service of your fellow men, just as the scriptures promise.

These are a sampling of some of my crocheted caps for preemies. It is a simple pattern and easy to work up anywhere! There is a free pattern at Lion Brand Yarn website linked here: preemie cap.

The design of these dolls came about by merging a couple of doll patterns that I had seen and are easily assembly-line produced. They are made from all or part flannel and are so soft and cuddly. Originally I was going to send them to to my church's humanitarian organization, but they weren't needed. Instead I will take them to a shop on my local military base who's proceeds benefit our dear Marine families.

This is a bundle of 4 flannel blankets to be sewn and donated to the hospital on Camp Pendleton. Although I do not belong to the Fallbrook Quilt Guild, they were kind enough to supply me with the materials and give me the opportunity to again help our Marine families. This is a project I must finish soon as there is a deadline!