Hand Knit Baby Pants from the Kanoko Pattern

On Friday night, I finished knitting a pair of baby pants for my child-to-be. Yes, I knit a pair of pants. Insane! Well, not really. The yarn (Lion Brand Cotton Ease) is durable and washable, plus warmer than the thin knit pants available in stores. The pattern was one shown to me by  my friend Gina when I was in DC this Spring.

To Gina’s credit, she followed the pattern and I diverted from the seed stitch rows (knit stockinette instead) a bit to save time. The big difference is that she was knitting her pair as a gift, which we all know is taken more seriously than something we knit for ourselves. And as much as I know my baby will be wonderful, I can’t fathom the wee one caring how many rows of seed stitch I knitted on something so much as how well it repels stains and absorbs diaper overflow. Yeah, I went there. It’s a baby, I’m realistic.

I intend to knit this pattern in the two larger sizes as well – in different colors, of course. I found the Lion Brand Cotton Ease a dream to knit with. There is a sturdiness and consistency I found ideal for baby projects, plus I’ve heard good things about how well it washes and wears.

To look at the project on Ravelry, click here (I created a special link so anyone clicking through this link can see it, even non-members). This is one of many baby-focused sewing and knitting projects I’ll be profiling in an upcoming nice big happy blog post on my new blog, EvinOK.net.

Of course, the project details are not enthralling so if you just want to see more photos of the pants in all their hand-knit glory, here you go:

Oh, did I mention, I crocheted the drawstring? Yeah, considering I don’t know how to properly crochet, I’m thrilled with the outcome. As I’m sure my child will be too. Comfy, cosy, washable, and versatile!

 

 

Enjoying Hedgehog Fibres Sock Yarn Club – with Photos

This summer, I wanted a little decadence, indulgence and a splash of color with a three-month membership in the Hedgehog Fibres Sock Yarn Club.

The sock club truly is the gift that keeps on giving. For three months in a row, members receive two skeins of lovingly dyed Hedgehog Fibres sock yarn, each in an exclusive sock club color way. Six skeins total.

Now, you’ve heard me mention Hedgehog Fibres before and it’s no secret I know the creative powerhouse behind one of Ireland’s favorite craft dyers, but that’s not why I buy, love, and knit with the yarn (plus give it as gifts). It’s GREAT fibre with unique and vibrant colorways.

Nothing sickeningly sweet, generic, or wall flowery about Hedgehog Fibres colorways. And they don’t pool or stripe so, the sock and lace weights in particular, are ideal for shawls and a broad range of projects. The colorways have depth and the names do too. You won’t find names like kisses or sunshine, but honest hues from reality like Lobster, Mozambique, Opalite, Petals, Petrol, Pollen, Sour Cherry, and Spell.

Here are the sock club selections from this summer that I’ve received so far. Try not to drool on your computer screen.

June brought Oileán (Irish for Island) and Potion

July brought Phoenix and Ondine

This is one of those wonderful things that is a thoughtful gift for a knitter or crocheter. Pair with a few shawl or fingering weight patterns and you have an amazing gift that will be remembered for a long time. Oh, be sure you or your recipient has access to a ball winder (or the patience to ball by hand) because the yarn comes in delicious hanks. If you need a ball winder, KnitPicks sells them for $20 each or they’re available on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

Previous mentions of Hedgehog Fibres by me:

Admiring Hand-Dyed Yarn
Putting Together the Perfect Care Package for a Crafty Friend
Delicious Hand-Dyed Yarn Treats
Mmm, New Yarn
Where To Buy Yarn in Cork City
Virtual Yarn Stash
Cork-based Spinning & Dyeing

DISCLOSURE: Hedgehog Fibres is a Cork-based craft dyer and I know her personally. She has given my two skeins as a gift over the course of our three-year friendship. And just to be clear, two (or even 20) skeins of yarn is not enough to make me write nice things without meaning them. All my thoughts and feelings are my own and completely sincere. Read about the FTC Regulation that sparked this disclosure.