I do all my own stunts

In my spare time

I've been knitting.

...up a storm.  

These little babydoll dresses just flew off my needles.  Absolutely no seaming was involved.  That seems to be my criteria for embarking on a new knitting project.  I used Sirdar Snuggly Bamboo DK yarn.  It is so easy to work with and the colors are so beautiful.  The pattern came from Ravelry which I am absolutely obsessed with.  It has become my most trusted source for knitting inspiration, patterns and helpful tips.  

What are these?  Why they're cloth diaper covers, of course.  I've read that knitted wool is the best material for a diaper cover.  It absolutely never leaks.  I was skeptical at first, but my grandma confirmed that yes, this is how they used to do it 'in the olden days' (her words, not mine).  I have an enormous amount of wool in my yarn stash, so I thought I'd give it a go.  

Cloth diapering with twins - you may think I've completely gone insane.  I won't dispute you on that.  I've read that one should expect to go through 600 diapers in the first month with twins.  But I've also read that each child using disposables is responsible for one ton of landfill space.  I just can't get over that statistic.  I've also read that the chemicals used in disposable diapers are dangerous not just for the environment, but for your baby as well.  And the fact that cloth diapers are less expensive made the decision an easy one.  Look at me.  I'm so green and frugal I hardly recognize myself.  

If you're interested in learning more about cloth diapering check out these quick articles recently posted on Simple Mom.  Here  and here.  

Next up:  Sweet Pea Hats to match the two little cardigans I wrote about a while back.  I just love this yarn, Manos Del Uruguay Silk Blend.  I had quite a bit of it left over from the cardigan project and there is just nothing cuter than a baby in a hand-knit hat, right?  Oh wait, there is:  Two babies in matching hand-knit hats.  

I used my go-to hat pattern for this:  'Kim's Hats' from Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson.  And the flower instructions come from Stitch and Bitch Nation.  

And lastly:  My book club buddies gave me this fantastic Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton yarn as part of a baby gift.  The colors are so calming and delightful, I thought a pair of bonnets would be a perfect use for it.  Even though bunnies have totally creeped me out ever since I saw Donnie Darko, I really liked this patern I found on Ravelry.  

I think it is supposed to be modeled after an anime character, but I am entirely unfamiliar with that craze.  I just like its silly little face and floppy ears.  The blue eyed one has a little bit of the Donnie Darko look, but not enough to give me nightmares.  I hope.  

I taught myself how to crochet for this pattern in order to embroider those eyes on the bonnets.  It was an interesting diversion, but I think I'll stick to knitting.  I have a lot of spare time right now, but once the babies arrive, I highly doubt I'll be at liberty to just strike up a new hobby on a whim.  Who am I kidding?  Hobbies are like handbags; there is always room for more in your collection.  

Babymoon in Vegas vs. Weekend Craftastical

Sweet Pea Cardigan

Did you know about this?  This 'babymoon' thing.  It really exists.  Parents-to-be are supposed to whisk themselves away to some tropical destination as some sort of a 'last hurrah' before the baby comes.  Relax and reconnect with one another...before it's too late.  

To each his own, I guess, but this just seems like one more example proving that this baby-having business is a RACKET.  Have you checked the price tags in some of these maternity boutiques?  Not to mention the baby gear.  They would have you think that all of it is absolutely essential of course, right down to the wipes warmer.  Seriously?  That seems like the pinnacle of frivolity to me.  If you're interested, Simple Mom did a post recently on the things you don't need (but they say you do) for a new baby.  I love that site.  

Anyway, Brian and I technically did have a 'babymoon' way back in November when I was newly pregnant.  We went to Mexico for a wedding.  It was nice, but it would have been nicer if I could have imbibed a margarita or ten.  This is one of the reasons Brian set out for a babymoon in Vegas...on his own.  He did his 'last hurrah' thing with one of his buddies who coincidentally is also expecting twins.  I swear, it's in the water.  

It worked out well for both of us, because while he and his boys were on the Vegas club scene until 4 AM, a tornado of yarn, Mod Podge, fabric, paint and glue guns swept through our house.  My idea of a babymoon:  an intense Weekend Craftastical.  It was awesome.  

I was able to finish up these little Sweet Pea Cardigans.  The pattern is as fast and simple as the design is adorable.  I used a double strand of Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend yarn with US 10 and US 9 needles.  I absolutely love that yarn.  They are knit from the top-down and there is absolutely NO SEWING.  The pattern is available online for free here.  These cardigans just flew off my needles.  And having getting to make two of everything for the twins, I appreciate that immensely.  This is my new go-to pattern for baby sweaters.  

You should try it.  You'll love it, I promise.  

Reports on more Weekend Craftastical exploits are on their way...

Mary Jane's first dance

I adore knitting baby clothes, don't you.  They're so quick.  Through the years, I've gained positively loads of experience with all things baby:  miniature blankets, socks, sweaters, hats and mittens.  Most of my projects have been gifts for my nieces, Madeline and Adrienne, or for my friends' kids, of which there are many.  

Well, the time has come to usher in a new era here at Briana's Knitting Factory.  I have now begun knitting items that will stay in-house.  Sadly, all my friends who have babies in the future will most likely be opening store-bought baby shower gifts from me.  Because my needles are going to be busy.  I'm expecting.  Twin girls.  

Indeed, those of you who are knitters yourself know that there exist far more adorable baby patterns for girls than for boys.  Some might say I've hit the knitting jackpot!  In fact, those were my exact words as I lay in the ultrasound chair after finding out their genders, trying with all my might to focus on the immediate positives and not allowing my mind to fast forward 15 years to the high-drama, hormone induced female mania that will inevitably infiltrate our household when these girls are teenagers.  (Pause for air.  Just breathe Briana).  

I came across the pattern for these little Mary Janes on Ravelry.  I feel like I'm a little late to the game, having just discovered Ravelry a couple months ago.  It is awesome.  Like facebook for knitters, and just as addictive, you can post all your knitting projects, peruse other's projects, download patterns, shop for yarn, meet up with local knitters.  Just trust me, it is awesome.  Here is a link to my profile.  

If you like, you can get the pattern for these Mary Janes here.  They are called 'bootees' in the pattern, but I can't say that word without cringing a little bit.  I prefer 'Mary Janes'.  And I figure these girls better learn appropriate footwear terminology as early as possible.  One can't start educating them too soon, right?  

As you may have guessed, I am entirely consumed with darling handmade projects for these girls.  In fact, the fabric background in the photos above will soon become a pillow for their nursery.  Those silly little owls make me want to do a dance they're so cute.  There are so many ideas bouncing around my head, I can't wait to make them all a reality and share them with you.  Stay tuned.  

Incroyable!

Jean K Jean

Bringing the beret back

This guy makes me laugh so hard.  

I don't know if you've noticed, but the beret is making a comeback.  Merci, Jean K Jean.  Just kidding, I highly doubt the beret's popularity can be attributed to Keenan Thompson's SNL character, but you guys don't mind if I make some imaginary connections for the sake of a blog post that makes me laugh, do you?  Mais, non.  

C'est moi.  

I have a colossal stash of yarn.  Mostly odds and ends left over from past knitting projects, but I also have a healthy inventory of untouched skeins from elaborate enterprises that lost my interest before I even picked up my needles.  If you're like me, you've already realized that a knitting hobby is like a cocaine habit.  It'll make you go broke.  You could end up homeless on the streets.  But of course, you would have plenty of warm, luxurious sweaters to keep you snug at night.  

I made a deal with myself.  No new yarn purchases until an attempt was made to exhaust some of my yarn stash.  Accordingly, I've been making a lot of quick, little items like washcloths and hats.  Ergo, this beret.  

It's not really the classic Jean K Jean style, it's more like a bulbous beanie.  But it'll keep you warm at football games or on your morning walk to the bus stop.  It is incredibly easy to make and everybody has at least one skein of worsted weight yarn stashed somewhere in their house, right?  Zut alors!  

Here's how you make it:

I used worsted weight wool, US 8 16 inch circular needles and US 8 double pointed needles.  

SSK (slip, slip, knit) Slip next 2 stitches as if to knit, one at a time, to the right needle; insert left needle into fronts of these 2 stitches and knit them together.

Cast on 80 stitches with the circular needles.  Mark beginning of round and join.  Work in K1, P1 rib for 1 1/2 inches.  

Increase round:  (K1, K into front and back of stitch) all the way around = 120 stitches.  

Knit until beret measures 4 1/2 inches from beginning.  Place markers every 20 stitches = 6 markers total.  

Decrease round:  (SSK, knit to marker, slip marker) all the way around.  Knit 1 round even.  Repeat last 2 rounds 6 more times then repeat the decrease row every row until 6 stitches remain.  Switch to double pointed needles when beret is too small for the circular needles.  

Using a tapestry needle, draw the yarn through the remaining 6 stitches and secure with a knot on underside of work.  Weave in ends.  

Voila.

I like knitting

Quick, ego boost knitting project:  Wavy lace washcloth

Ugh.  Enough already with the crafting projects that are way over my head.  This one,  for example.  Or this other one I've been working on (no link provided because I have yet to find a sufficient amount of Vaseline to smear on my camera lens in order to photograph it properly).   

I think I broke my sewing machine.  I'm too ignorant to know what's wrong with it and too lazy to figure it out.  Upon recognizing this, I did not throw a tantrum and tip over an ironing board in the manner of Annie Savoy in Bull Durham.  No, I am a well-adjusted, mature human being.  I do not engage in such behavior.   

Hey, Briana, here's an idea.  Forget all this sewing bull sh...how about doing something you're good at?  What the?  

It's true.  I'm a good knitter.  

I really needed an ego boost.  A mini project to restore my confidence in myself and affirm my...not...sucking.  In an uncharacteristic burst of enterprise, I decided to pick up my needles and knit a pretty little wash cloth to prove to myself that I don't, you know...suck.  Quick, fun, instant gratification.  

This is the perfect project to quell one's irritation.  Knitting by itself is so meditative and calming, but I've found that it gets even better when paired with another tranquil activity.  Namely, listening to This American Life podcasts.  Didn't you all know that Ira Glass is the world's best knitting companion.  (I have an enormous crush on Ira Glass.  In an entirely non-romantic way, of course.  Similar to my infatuation with Tim Gunn or Barack Obama.  Love, but don't want to marry).  

Anyway, I was listening to this episode of This American Life while I was knitting this perky little washcloth.  In act one, David Sedaris reads one of his essays from Naked, entitled, I Like Guys.  So, David Sedaris is pretty successful, wouldn't you say?  I decided to take a cue from David and name this here blog post, I Like Knitting.  Because I do, and I'm good at it.  

Here's how you make it:  

Wavy Lace Washcloth

Yarn:  worsted weight cotton

Needles:  US 7

Cast on 43 stitches.

Row 1:  Knit

Row 2:  Purl

Row 3:  P5;  K 4 together;  YO K1 (6 times);  K 4 together;  P5;  K 4 together;  YO K1 (6 times);  K 4 together;  P5

Row 4:  Purl

Repeat rows 1-4 13 more times.  Cast off.  

 

 

Totally easy.  You can do this project in the span of about 2-3 podcasts. I highly recommend this one.  It's about inmates at a maximum security prison rehearsing and staging Act V of Hamlet.  I know what you're thinking.  Ew, Hamlet?-I'll probably be compelled to learn something if I listen to this one-No thanks.  But just trust me, it is truly amazing.  And all the objectionable learning doesn't hurt that bad.  I also really like this one about music lessons with David Sedaris and Sarah Vowell contributing.  And don't worry, there's hardly any learning to be found.  You'll just laugh.  

So.  Now I have redeemed my faith in myself to the point where I just might have the determination to dig out my sewing machine instruction manual.  I just might have the mental fortitude to actually read it.  I may even possess the true grit and valor to pick up and properly stow my ironing board.  It's been a good day.