FOs from Head to Toe

First up, the second hat from my Hats I knit for my children even though they didn't ask for them, but they better like them series. This one is for the 11 year old and is a fraternal twin of the hat in the previous post. Some DNA in common, but not identical. I'm growing quite fond of these hats, so if all else fails, I'll wear them!

Toby's Hat
Pattern: A loose interpretation of Ryan's Hat by Pam Allen
Needles: US size 7 dpns and 2 circulars
Yarn:Noro Cash Iroha
Modifications/Notes: Just like the hat in the previous post, I worked my increases more quickly so that I would get a more rounded top. I also worked stockinette earflaps instead of garter stitch. I'm feeling happier about this yarn choice. It IS deliciously soft, and while it may not be the perfect hat for our coldest days, it should be just right for many of them.

Next up, felted clogs that I gifted to my sister for Hanukkah. I've been keeping them off the blog even though I finished them weeks ago. (You never know who might be reading your blog.) I was all set to post a cheery Happy Hanukkah post on Tuesday, when I got the word that she'd be waiting to open her presents until Sunday night when she could get together for latkes and Hanukkah revelry with my brother and his family. So I've been waiting, and waiting...

Beth's Clogs
Pattern: Fiber Trends Felt Clogs by Bev Galeskas
Needles:US size 13
Yarn: Cascade 220, used double. 1 skein for the tops, ~1.5 skeins for the soles
Size: Women's Medium
Notes: This is the new, updated pattern (AC-33) which creates a narrower slipper. I've made one pair from the original pattern and they are quite wide. The revised pattern includes instructions for the wider clog.

A Change in the Weather

I found this nifty pattern while cruising around Ravelry and suddenly it was all about the crocheting around here. I just could not resist. I started it one afternoon and finished while watching The Wizard of Oz that evening.

And then I turned around and made another little bit smaller one. I may have gotten the crocheting out of my system for awhile, but you never can tell...

Pattern: Fan Bookmark, by Crocheteroo

Yarn: DMC 5
Hook: 2.1 mm (US3)
Modifications: Besides using a heavier cotton and bigger hook than suggested, I made the tassels longer - long enough to hang outside of a book so that I could add beads.

Pattern: Fan Bookmark, by Crocheteroo
Yarn: DMC 8
Hook: 1.65mm
Modifications: I made the tassels longer - long enough to hang outside of a book so that I could add beads. And I only did 7 pattern repeats. I like things in odd numbers.

I ironed both with spray starch as the pattern suggested, and was pleased with the level of starchiness I achieved. They're not too crisp, not too floppy, just right.

In other changing weather news, just over a week ago, we got our first snow in Juneau. This photo was taken the next morning when the skies cleared and the sun shown on our freshly whitened peaks. But since then it's been mostly rainy and warmish*, and nearly all of the snow at sea level has melted away. I'm sure it will be back.


*warmish being a relative term, of course. It's been in the mid to high 30's (Fahrenheit) most days. Today it got above 40!