Lauri and Fiori: Which one is which?

These photos were taken by the hospital directly after the baby being clean up. One was Lauri's. Taken almost 4 years ago. The other one was Fiori's. Taken on 21 May 2008. Don't you think they look alike?

I Thinks It's The Time To Go To The Hospital

I got contraction every 5 minutes now. So, time to go to the hospital. Wish me luck and see you in next post with new baby :)

Muffy

Conversation between me and Lauri after watching Air Bud 2:

Lauri: Mama, I want puppy
Me: You have puppy in the room
Lauri: Where? Where? Lets go to the room!
So we went to the room and I showed her the puppy soft toys that she has:


Lauri: No, not this one
Me: What is wrong with this one?
Lauri: This one is different. This one can not talk.

The following week, the father brought back this:


It’s a male labrador. His name is Muffy. It’s lauri job to feed him everyday.

Lauri's Progress

After went to Kindy since January 2008 until today, Lauri is improving a lot. She is now able to draw something with a theme. Her favorite is to draw an ocean complete with the boat, a fisher wearing hat and holding fishing rod. Under the water she also drew several fishes, crabs, and octopuses. Another favorite is she drew herself attending a party.

Her favorite subject is Mathematics (counting objects and write down the number), and her least favorite subject is Bahasa Melayu.

However, her teacher complaining to me that she can not pay attention very long. She was always dreaming and did not pay attention to the teacher. The result, she could not keep up with the rest of the class and I have to teach her at home. Sigh!

I am hoping that this is because she is too young (although some of her classmate are even younger than her), and later on she can control her daydreaming.

Me, myself is a dreamer. I always like to daydream and full of imagination. However, I remember that in school I always managed to pay attention and controlled my mind not to wander too much. But probably because I started school not as young as Lauri.

Tomorrow is the starting of Lauri’s half semester exam. Hopefully she can do it well.

Baby Booties

Look what I got from Mimi! Very cute Baby Booties.

I must tell you that it is cuter in real person than in photo. I could not take a nicer photo because my tummy is too big already, so I could not bend down or kneel down properly to get nice angle.
It is made using a very fine thread and the stitches are very even. It’s a very delicate and cute baby booties.

By the way, this booties is her own design. If you are interested to buy the pattern, you can buy the pattern in PDF file in her Etsy shop.

Thanks Mimi!

Picot Bind Off Using Crochet Hook Tutorial

My Favorite bind off is a picot bind off using crochet hook. I used it in my Sunshine Top, Empire Top, and also in Lauri Dress. I like it because it makes a very flexible edging.

I am not sure whether there is tutorial about it, but the one I know is in Knitty Fall 2006 using knitting needle. When I tried, I don't really like the result. It flares too much. Thus I used my own method using crochet hook. Use the smallest hook possible and the tighter the better.

Step 1: Slip 1 stitch purlwise from left needle to the right hook

Step 2: Take working yarn with hook and pull it through both stitches

Step 3: Result

Step 4: Make 2 chains

Step 5: Insert the hook to the same stitch (that you slip in step 2), take working yarn with hook and pull through both stitches

Step 6: You just made 1 picot. Repeat from Step 1.

Green Baby Blanket

I forgot to blog about this FO. This is another baby blanket. I am so addicted to make blanket after I finish my version of Babette blanket that I decided to make another one.
This project is started and finished before I made the Simple Cable Cardigan.

Pattern: Green Baby Blanket (90 cm x 90 cm)
Source: Lets Knit Series
Materials: Bendigo Wollen Mills 4 Ply Cotton. Color: Lime 883. Dye Lot # 008. Qty: 2 x 200 gram
Needles: Tulip Hook no 7 or 4 mm
Total Cost: USD 18.20
Start Date: 1 February 2008
Finish Date: 22 February 2008

Lauri Knit Dress

I got this Elann Sonata yellow color. But it’s only 5 balls. I don’t think it’s enough to make something for me. Thus I decided to make a dress for Lauri. Just a simple dress with 2 pockets for the details.

What do you think? Anybody interested to test the pattern? I haven’t finished write it yet. Probably next week.

Need Tester!

Update: I have got enough tester. Thanks for all the responses and emails.

I still do not have enough tester for my Simple Cable Cardigan. Email me at lprajogo@hotmail.com if you are interested to test.

Here is the details:

Sizes:

Needle: 3.25 mm (size 3) and 3.50 (size 4) 80 cm long circular needle for Sport weight and 3.5 mm (size 4) and 3.75 mm (size 5) 80 cm long circular needle for DK.

Note: The entire pattern working flat, only the sleeves are working in a round

Yarn: Sport or DK Weight

Yarn requirement:

Sport Weight: XS: 900 meter, S: 1000 meter, M: 1100 meter, L: 1200 meter, XL: 1300 meter, XXL: 1400 meter, XXXL: 1500 meter

DK Weight: XS: 750 meter, S: 800 meter, M: 880 meter, L: 960 meter, XL: 1040 meter, XXL: 1120 meter, XXXL: 1200 meter
Notion: Tapestry needle, buttons (15 pcs), marker, scrap yarn

Gauge: Sport Weight: 25 sts and 30 rows = 4” (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch (St st) using 3.5 mm needle or adjust the needle size to get gauge.Double Knit Weight: 20 sts and 28 rows = 4” (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch (St st) using 3.75 mm needle or adjust the needle size to get gauge.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Ravelry

Oh look! There is new group in Ravelry that is using my sketch of Dahlia Top and also my photo as their banner. The group called Designers and Crafters Working Together.

I am very flattered. When they asked permission to use my sketch and photo, I thought they also used others as well, I didn't know that they only used mine.



Starting middle this month, I also tried to put my ad in Ravelry. Since the rate is very cheap, I think I should try it. I had no experienced putting an ad, thus this was something new. At first I linked it to my Etsy Shop, however, in the end I decided to link it here so I could check whether the Ad resulted to sales or not.

Simple Cable Cardigan Details

OK, here are the details of my Simple Cable Cardigan:

Finish the piece today, but not yet washing and blocking. At this below photo, I haven't attach the button yet.

As you can see, besides button up to the neck, you can also choose not to and let it flap open like a collar.

Cable details on the waist:

From the waist, the cable continue to the back:

Cable details on the sleeve:

Here are the button that I used:

The result:

What do you think?

Simple Cable Cardigan

At this moment I am knitting my next design. It's called: Simple Cable Cardigan. Because it has some simple cable. This is my first cable knitting, so I use simple cable design and see whether I like it or not. The cable is in the neck, the waist and a bit on the sleeves. Overall, it's just simple design.

At this moment, I almost finish knitting it. Just need to knit the button band. It means probably I need several testers by next week (hopefully, I am able to finish the pattern by then). As usual, I write the pattern in sport weight and in DK weight. Email me if you are interested to test this pattern.

Sorry, that I just able to post the sketches as I don't have opportunity to take the cardigan itself.

Happy Birthday, Mama!

This is conversation between me and hubby:

Me : So...What you got for my birthday present?

Hubby: Emmm..... (thinking)

Me: Nevermind. I got your credit card number. So, I can order whatever I want.

Hubby: Hah!

Hahahahahaha! So, I ordered some yarn online and also crochet book from YesAsia.

Empire Top as Maternity Dress and The DK Version

This is the reason why I have to ask my mother in law posed the Empire Top for me:


Yup, this is my "secret project" that I mention in my older post. I am pregnant! Another 2 months and Lauri got a little sister to play with.

As you can see in the photo, although originally I designed this top when I was not pregnant, however, in the end I am able to wear it. I think it’s because I knit this top using cotton yarn, and we are all know that cotton can stretch. The good thing about cotton is, once you wash, it shrinks back to the original size.

This is also the reason why it took 5 months to finish this top. I could not do anything on the first 4 months of pregnancy. I got bad morning sickness (I don’t understand why they call it morning sickness, when the reality is all day sickness) and just want to lie down and sleep.

Also you can see in the photo that I carried the flower button bag.

Below is the DK version of Empire Top (size L). Fernanda from FML Crochet tested the pattern for me. She is using Patons Classic Wool Merino (5 skeins). She decided not to knit the ruffles sleeve as it doesn’t suit her. Anyway, the empire top looks good on her. Although with the body like that, I think anything also looks nice on her.

Empire Top Knitting Pattern For Sale

After having Lauri, my tummy not so flat anymore, that is why I like to wear something that makes me looks slim, although I am not. Top with empire waist is my favorite, because it makes me look slim. That is the reason I create this design, thus the name.

Sizes: See measurement table. The sizing of the sweater is easy to customize. I’ve included sizing guidelines, but keep in mind that you can control the size. I also included tips how to make it fit to your own measurement. Since this is knitted from top down, you can try it as you go!

Needle: 3.25 mm (size 3) 80 cm long circular needle for Sport weight and 3.5 mm (size 4) 80 cm long circular needle for DK. You also need another pair of needles (same size or smaller). Can be straight or circular.

Yarn: Sport or DK Weight

Yarn requirement:

Sport Weight: XS: 1200 meter, S: 1300 meter, M: 1400 meter, L: 1500 meter, XL: 1600 meter, XXL: 1700 meter, XXXL: 1800 meter

DK Weight: XS: 1000 meter, S: 1075 meter, M: 1150 meter, L: 1225 meter, XL: 1300 meter, XXL: 1375 meter, XXXL: 1450 meter

Notion: Tapestry needle, button (optional), marker, scrap yarn

Gauge: Sport Weight: 25 sts and 30 rows = 4” (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch (St st) using 3.25 mm needle or adjust the needle size to get gauge. Double Knit Weight: 20 sts and 28 rows = 4” (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch (St st) using 3.5 mm needle or adjust the needle size to get gauge.

Difficulty: Intermediate

All about this project in my blog

Click on the button below to buy a copy. This pattern is a pdf file, which you will be able to download once your payment is complete. Thanks!

US$ 5.00,-

add to cart

FO: Empire Top

Finally I am able to post this FO. This is Empire Top that sketched last year. My mother in law modeled it for me. She is 60 plus, but the top still looks OK on her.

Pattern: My Own

Source: Click here

Materials: Karabella Vintage Cotton. Color: 302 Pink. Dye Lot # 4745. Qty: 9 x 50 gram

Needles: Addi Metal Circular Needle 3.25 mm

Total Cost: Yarn USD 39,- plus shipping USD 15.72,- Total USD 54.72,-

Start Date: 11 September 2007

Finish Date: 5 February 2008

All posts about this project: Here

There is discrepancy between the sketch and the final result. Originally I want to make the lace on the bottom section only, however, in the end I think I like it vertical. I also eliminated the lace on the sleeve.


It took me 5 months to finish this top, because somewhere in between, I lost interest in knitting. Only picked up again when Lauri started kindy. Since I had nothing to do while waiting for her, so I bring my knitting along.

Knitting the top part is interesting, however, it bored me to death knitting the bottom part. But, I have to say that the result is really worth it.

So far this top is my favorite. I wear this top too many times already. If it can talk, I am sure, it already called for help.

The yarn is nice to work with. I bought 10 balls from Sandra Singh. I used up only 9 balls and the remaining become a bag. After so many washing, it holds very well.

Solution To My Failed Blanket

Remember my post about failed blanket? Well, yesterday somebody emailed me the tip how to wash that.

"Was just reading your blog about the naturally dyed wool that you used for your blanket. Tip: when washing naturally dyed wool, never use laundry detergent - it is designed to digest anything organic, like perspiration, food, and natural dyes! I use hair shampoo (preferably, one for coloured hair), when I wash wool that I've dyed with natural dyes.

You may be able to even out the colour by placing it in a top-loading washing machine, with a good squirt of dish detergent, 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar, and raising the temperature to close to boiling, without aggitation. Leave it in the water to cool, moving it gently, from time to time (so the colour doesn't puddle). Then rinse carefully, spin and air dry. (I use a squirt of dish detergent, when dyeing to help the colour to take evenly. The vinegar should help to fix the dye better.)"

I tried to wash one square yesterday with shampoo. I don't have shampoo for coloured hair, so I just use normal shampoo that I normally use. It still bleed, but not too bad, and after it dried, I notice that the color is still nice and even. It works!

Thanks Lyn!

Flower Button Small Bag

I finally managed to put the lining. I used recycled black fabric (it used to be Hubby’s slack). Also put a zipper. A Zipper is a must, since I don’t want all my things come out if I drop my bag. I want all my things are secured inside.

Here are the lists of things that I can put inside:
1. Name card holder
2. Key chain holder (also function as my wallet)
3. Tissue
4. Camera
5. Hand sanitizer
6. Lip gloss
7. Hand phone

Pattern: Flower Button Small Bag

Source: My Own

Materials: Karabella Vintage Cotton (100% cotton, pink), Honeysuckle Yarns by Elmore-Pisgah (100% cotton, white), Local thread (100% acrylic, black)
Hook: Tulip Crochet Hook size 7 (4 mm)

Total Cost: USD .50 for the zipper, the yarn is leftover, the lining and the button is recycled.

Start Date: 16 January 2007

Finish Date: 16 February 2007
All entry about this project

Took me 1 month to finish this project because I also did other project in between. Also I don’t really like single crochet. It bored me to death. I enjoyed attaching the button, the lining and the zipper, though.

Oh by the way, I forgot to mention that I made this bag because I admired Futuregirl’s bags so much. Before I did this bag, I think her price is in the expensive side, but after made it myself, I think her price is cheap :)

Pillow Case

I like the babette blanket that I made so much and decided to make the matching pillow and bolster case for Lauri. I could not find any nice fabric in my local shop, so I went shopping in ebay.

Then I found this material. It’s 100% cotton Loralie Harris fabric.


I attached white cotton label with Lauri name embroidered on it.

I still have some leftover fabric, I plan to cut the heart shape and do some appliqués in white cotton for the matching bed sheet.

Failed Blanket and A Bag

Remember this granny square blanket project? I decided that I didn’t like the color and put it aside. Then I started another blanket. This time I used one color only. I used the yarn that I bought from Elmore Pisgah. It’s called Naturalee. The color is dusty rose. They used natural dyes. After made about 12 squares, I decided to wash one of the squares to see how it looks like after washing and blocking. To my horror, the color bleeds very badly! But, since I made the blanket only use one color, I supposed it didn’t matter.

But, after it dried, I notice the color faded unevenly. It looked awful! I didn’t even want to take photo of it. I have total 6 balls x 50 gram. I don’t know what I am going to do with them.

Anyway, I still have something to show you all. From the leftover yarn of my Empire top, I decided to make a matching bag. Since 1 ball was not enough to make a bag, I also mixed with white color (the leftover from the Babette blanket). The pink yarn is sport weight, and the white one is worsted weight, so I split the white yarn into two to make them the same weight.



However, there were still not enough yarns to finish the bag. In the end I just used black acrylic thread (double it). The result, the black seems too strong. To balance the whole thing, I just embroidered some flowers and attached some buttons.


Now, I just need to buy black zipper and line the bag before able to wear it.

Happy Chinese New Year

It's a bit late, but Lauri wants to say Happy Chinese New Year to everybody who celebrate it!