Baby Einstein Coat

I've been doing a few of Sally Melville's pattern, the Einstein Coat in a baby size. They include, so far three: one already given (pictured); one waiting for snaps; and the final one on the needle. I found the buttonhole far too small for any buttons I wanted to use. Therefore, I used decorative buttons with snaps underneath. Snaps are probably safer for babies anyway. I'm hopeful, they will pop open if too much stress is placed upon them.

I found I liked using the slip stitch edge as a decorative enhancement by placing it on the right side of the garment(shown in below photo). The pink and lavender is made using Bernat's Satin. Sorry, I don't remember the color name. I already gave the label with some yarn, plus an extra button, to the mom-to-be. I will also be adding pictures of the other two coats before long.

Easy BLOCKING how to

My easiest and fastest blocking method is to:
(Do not wet the garment)

1. Wet 2 or three towels in the washer by filling tub enough to cover towels and spin water out. This is damp enough to do the job. Towel should be damp but not dripping wet.

2. Place first towel down on a drying rack, make sure there are no wrinkles (if you don't have a drying rack, use top of dryer)

3. Lay garment out flat that is to be blocked on top of the damp towel.

4. Lay another wet towel on top of the garment, pat smooth.

5. If garment has sleeves; lay them out on the top of 2ND towel and cover with another wet towel.

6. Do not fold garment under the towel.

7. Let sit until all the the towels are dry.

I strongly suggest a mesh drying rack for best results and faster drying time.
I place my rack over the bathtub.
Drying time varies from 24 - 48 hours.

Irene

Leg Cramp Quick Cure

This has nothing to do with knitting but feel it is important to share just the same.
Some of the gals at the gym shared this with me and I am sharing with everyone I know that has ever suffered from those awful leg, foot or toe cramps. I get them so bad my toes twist over one another making it impossible to walk.
**PLEASE NOTE - Best to check with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to follow the below posted instructions.**

QUICK CURE for LEG CRAMPS:

1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar - mix with orange juice or take plain.
Cramps will disappear within 30 seconds to one minute, honest!
I swallow 1 or 2 teaspoons straight... taste awful but it works so fast I forget how bad it taste.

I've taken to carrying a small amount of the stuff to take just in case.

Hope it saves your life as it has mine,
Irene

Cable Stitch Cast On, My Favorite

I've been asked over and over, what my favorite cast on is? It's the Cable Stitch C/O http://www.knitting.about.com/od/learntoknit/ss/cable_cast_on.htm
Click on the link and you can see picture by picture instruction for this very simple cast on.

Q: Why do you like this cast on?
A: I never will run short of yarn as when using two strands.

Q: Is this the cast on you teach beginners?
A: Most defiantly! When a beginner learns this cast on it is very easy for them to see the forming of the stitch. Therefore, knitting into a stitch is a natural progression forward, from a beginners point of view.

Gauntlet

Gauntlet left DK weight right worsted







Pattern Easy





Knitted using DK weight yarn and US 7 single point needles.




Cast on 38 - 42 stitches *

Cuff
Knit in rib 1 x 1 or 2 x 2 for 1 and 1/2 inches.
Knit in stockinet [knit a row purl a row] for 1 to 2 inches or desired length.

Shape thumb
On knit side or the right side.
Increase 1 stitch in the 3 stitch from the beginning place marker.
3 stitches before the end of the row, place marker and increase in 3 stitch from end.
Purl next row.
Repeat the increase and purl rows until you have 9 stitches added to each end of the needle.
Bind off 9 stitches beginning of next two rows
Knit remaining stitches in rib used at the cuff.
Bind off in rib
Sew side seam together

*I used 40 stitches and for gloves I'm a medium.

Want a larger size use worsted weight yarn.

Happy knitting
Irene