Happy New Year

Hope you all have a safe and wonderful New Year filled with joy, happiness, and tons of Yarn.

Knit New Born Baby Mittens

September 2011 Pattern of the Month Knit

 

Knit New Born Baby Mittens@
 1977 N. L. Banks

 

Size 4 knitting needles

4 ply yarn, about an oz or two

2 pieces of ribbon about 15 inches long

 

When I had my daughter in 1977, I could not find patterns using 4 ply yarn any where, so I made my own. This is one of three patterns that I made lots of in different colors. Hope you enjoy it.

Cast on 24 stitches

K2 P 2 for one inch

Beading row:

K1, yo, K2 tog., across row.

Then purl one row, knit one row for 2 ¼ inches from beginning.

Decease as follows:

Row 1: k 1, k 2 tog, k 7, slip 1, k 1, psso, place marker, k 1, slip 1, k1 psso, k to last 3 stitches, k 2 tog, k1.

Row 2: and all even rows:  Purl

Row 3 and all odd rows: K 1, k 2 tog, k to 2 stitches before marker, slip 1, k 1, psso, slip marker, slip 1, k 1, psso, k to last 3 stitches slip 1, k 1, psso, k1.

Continue till 6 stitches remain, cut 10 inch piece and run thru stitches, pulling up tight, then weave side stitches tog. at sides.  Make 2, weave ribbon in and out the beading row on mittens.

 

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites, lists, newsletters, nor sold, recopied or reformatted. It is for your pers

Mail Order Mistletoe Brides

Mail Order Mistletoe Brides

This is an historial two novels in one by Jillian Hart and Janet
Tronstad. It's two wonderful tails about two women Mercy Jacobs and Maeve Flanagan who want new beginnings, hoping for love and a better life than what they and their children have left behind them. A change tostart over and make it right this time.

 They travel far from their home towns on the east coast, traveling
through cold, snow, mountains and the unknow to total strangers hoping and praying that they have not made a mistake coming so far.

 This takes guts and lots of prayers as they reach their new homes,
Mercy to Cole Matheson and his daughter Amelia. Can Mercy win the love of his daughter, can she win Cole's love instead of a business like arrangement?

Can Cole love her son? Maeve Flanagan answered an ad for a cook and a marriage in name only. Can she win Noah Miller love's and will he love her daughter? 

 These are two really good books in one, I gave it 5 stars.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18050808-mail-order-mistletoe-brides?from_search=true

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope your Christmas is overflowing with love and happiness!

Strawberries & Cream Potholders

Strawberries & Cream Potholders

@1998 by N. L. Banks

 

This is the last of the set, the potholder, I noticed that I had not put it up, so hope you enjoy it.

 

Peaches and Cream by Elmore-Pisgah, Inc.

 3 balls White #1

 3 ball Strawberry Cream # 144

 G hook

with White, ch 27

Row 1   hdc in 3 ch from hook, hdc across row, turn.

Row 2-20  ch 2, hdc across row, turn. At end of row 20, fasten off white.

Repeat rows 1-20 with Strawberry crème, do not fasten off after row 20.

Row 21  holding the two pieces together, ch 1, sc around, placing 3 sc in each corner. Join with slip stitch.

Row 22  ch 2, hdc around placing 3 hdc in each corner, fasten off.

For second potholder, make both front and back of white, then do rows 21 and 22 with the strawberry creme.  Fasten off and weave the ends in.

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites, lists, newsletters, nor sold, recopied or reformatted. It is for your personal use only.

 

 

 

July 2011 Stitch of the Month Knit WAVES!

July 2011 Stitch of the Month Knit Waves

 

This stitch would be nice for just about anything that you want warm. Also potholders, dishcloths, baby items.

Multiple of 8 sts  ( 8 x 3 = 24 or 8 x 4 = 32)

For sample cast on 24 stitches or 32

Row 1: right side-K 7, * p 2, k 6; repeat from *, end last repeat k 7.

Row 2: K 2, * p 4, k 4; repeat from *, end last repeat k 2.

Row 3: K 1, * p 2, k 2; repeat from *, end last repeat k 1.

Row 4: K 1, p 1, * k 4, p 4; repeat from * 3 times, k 4, p 1, k 1.

Row 5: K 3, * p 2, k 6; repeat from *, end last repeat k 3.

Row 6: K 1, * p 6, k 2; repeat from *, end last repeat k 1.

Row 7: K 1, p 1, * k 4, p 4; repeat from * 3 times, k 4, p 1, k 1.

Row 8: K 3, * p 2, k 2; repeat from *, end last repeat k 3.

Row 9: K 2, * p 4, k 4; repeat from *, end last repeat k 2.

Row 10: K 1, p 2, * k 2, p 6; repeat from * 3 times, k 2, p 2, k 1.

Repeat these 10 rows for pat. Until square, or desired length. 

 

January 2011 Stitch of the Month The Pique Rib Stitch

January 2011 Stitch of the Month

The Pique Rib Stitch

This stitch is really easy and would make nice dishcloths, towel toppers, and a very warm scarf.

Multiple of 10

For sample, cast on 30

Row 1: * P 3, k 1, P 3, k 3 *.

Row 2: * P 3, k 3, pi, k 3 *.

Row 3:  * P 3, k 1, P 3, k 3 *.

Row 4: K.

For pattern work rows 1 to 4 until square.

 

Gift Bags

Gift Bags by N. Banks

Need an inexpensive, but personalized gift bag? 
Here is a real easy one to do and takes about 2 hours
from start to finish. You will need:

1 Green bag from Walgreen's or any other christmas color bag

Green thread to match bag

4 5x7 pieces of white material   

2 5x7 pieces of iron on stabilizer

2 Christmas designs, I used Christmas Bears by Laura (http://www.designsbysick.com/details/bearychristmas)

Thread for designs,

1.     Take out the card board base in the bag, lay it aside for now
and cut bag on fold lines (see below) so that you have a front and back.

2.     Iron the stabilizer to 2 pieces of the white material.

3.     Stack 1 piece of white material and the one with the stabilizer together and sew over the Walgreens logo on the front of bag with a satin stitch, repeat for the back of the bag.

                                                                               



 

4.     Center and hoop the front of the bag with the white material in center.  Set the Christmas design off a bit to the left so that you have room to add the person's name the bag is for. Make sure the bags handle and sides are out of the way before you start to sew.

5.     Place your hooped peice on your machine and stitch your design out.

         
6.     Using your machines fonts, stitch on the front the person's
name you are making  the bag for. This bag is for my granddaughter who loves bears.

Repeat for the back, but leave the name off.     At this point you can add more designs to the front or back of the bag, just use tear a way stabilizer and sew any that you want.

Pin the right sides together, and sew using a ¼ inch seam allowance.

Then turn bag right side out and stitch the seam again. Place cardboard base back in bag and you are done.    

I have also made these for Halloween bags for my grandkids, again using designs from http://www.designsbysick.com/.

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media including websites, lists, newsletters, nor sold, recopied or reformatted without permission.  It is for your personal use only.

December 2011 Stitch of the month crochet

December 2011 Stitch of the month

This is a really pretty stitch, you can use it for shawls, scarves,
even curtains!

 

Based on a multiple of 8 chain plus 4.

For sample chain 28( 3x8= 24 + 4 = 28)

Row 1: In 8th ch from hook work 3 dc, ch 3, 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook for a picot, work 3 more dc in same ch as first 3 dc for a picot shell, * skip 3 ch, 1 dc in next ch, skip 3 ch, 1 picot shell in next ch, repeat from * across, end skip 3 ch, 1 dc in last ch, ch 5, turn.

Row 2: Skip 2 dc of first picot shell, * 1 sc in dc before picot, ch 5, 1 sc in next dc after picot, ch 2, skip 2 dc, 1 sc in single dc, ch 2, repeat from * across, end last dc in top of turning­ ch, ch 3, turn.

Row 3: * 1 picot shell in ch-5 loop, 1 dc in dc of row 2, repeat

from * across, end last dc in 3rd ch st of turning-ch, ch 5, turn.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for pattern.

The directions for this pattern stitch have been rewritten and are copyrighted. You may not use it on any media, including websites, lists, newsletters, nor copied. It is for your personal use only.

 

 

August 2011 Stitch of the Month Crochet

August 2011 Stitch of the Month Crochet

   

 

 this simple stitch is fast to work up and would make nice dishcloths. Also potholders if you crochet two and sew them together.

Ch: multiple of 6 + 3

For sample, chain 21.   (3 x 6 = 18 + 3 = 21)

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in next ch, *1 dc in each of next 3 ch, 1 sc in each of next 3 ch, repeat from *, turn.

Row 2:  Ch 3, skip first sc, 1 dc in each or 2 sc, *1 sc in front loop of each of  next 3 dc, 1 dc in each of 3 sc, repeat from * with last dc in ch, turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, skip first dc, 1 sc in back loop of each of 2 dc, *1 dc in each of 3 sc, 1 sc in back loop of each of  3 dc, repeat from *  across row to last stitch,   sc in 3rd ch of turning chain, turn.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for pattern until square.

You can use these samples as an Afghan, just use one main color to crochet around them and sew them together or make coasters.

 

Happy Thanksgiving

Just want to wish each of you a wonderful, safe, and joyful Thanksgiving.

October 2010 Stitch of the Month Crochet

October 2010 Stitch of the Month Crochet

This stitch is so pretty, it would make a lovey shawl, just crochet until it's have done, then make another one, and sew the flat ends together in the middle.

Based on a multiple of 8 chains, plus 5.

For sample, chain 29 (3 x 8 = 24 + 5 = 29)

Row 1: Work 3 dc in 9th ch from hook, ch 3 & 3 dc in same place for a shell, * ch 2, skip 3 ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 2, skip 3 ch, 1 shell in next ch (3dc, ch3, 3 dc), repeat from * across, end ch 2, skip 3 ch, 1 dc in last ch, ch 5, turn.

Row 2: * 1 shell in ch-3 sp of next shell, ch 2, 1 dc in next dc, ch 2, repeat from * across, end last dc in 3rd ch after shell of previous row, ch 5, turn.

Repeat Row 2 for pattern until square.

 

 

 

 

Under A Blackberry Moon

Under A Blackberry Moon by Serena B Miller

            I won this book in a contest from Goodreads, first time I have won anything like it. The book is so good I've read it twice now. And that's saying a lot. Most of the time if I want to read it again, I put in on a shelf in my library and read many years later.
            Moonsong is a beautiful Indian woman, that to save her life and the life of her new born infant went though many awful hardships including living with a drunken husband that was killed, giving birth alone, going to a village of white men where she and her baby could be killed, living in the forest after her ship blew up, running from hungry wolves, just to name of few.
            She father deserted she as a child, now she has to learn to trust a white man name Skypilot, and he has to learn in live in a world that meets some where high in the Hurland Mountains.  A beautiful moving love story that will surprise you, make you laugh and cry. You will want to read it again and again. I gave it 5 stars.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17384591-under-a-blackberry-moon

Penney's Picot Choker

Penney's Picot Choker@2006 by Penney Wilfort

 

This is a really cute choker that my sister Penney did for my list. Thank you so much for this donate to the blog!

 

 

 Materials:

Southmaid size 10 thread, any color, Size 5 crochet hook

Chain any length you need, for a 15" choker, chain 95., ch 1, turn.

Row 1: sc in each chain across to end, ch 1, turn.

Row 2: * sc in next 4 sc, ch 6, skip 3 sc,  Repeat from *  across row, ch 1, turn.

Row 3: *sc in next 4 sc, at the 6 ch space, sc each ch to  top of hoop, ch3, sc in same space (picot made), sc in each of remaining sc's of hoop, repeat from * across row, end sc in last remaining sc, fasten off.

Finishing:

At each end, ch about 8 to 10 sc, and add metal screw, tie off.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

 

Ryan's Ski Hat

Ryan's Ski Hat   @ 2013 N. Banks

This hat I deisigned and knit for a very close friend of my daughters for Christmas, it's another one of the patterns I did for the Hat charity in Maine. Hope you enjoyed all the ski hats.  

Materials:

Black and Red worsted weight yarn (I used Red Heart)

Size 5 & 7 circular knitting needles

1 set size 7 double point needed

1 row counter

9 stitch markers

With Black and size 5 circular needles, cast on 100 stitches, join being careful not to twist the stitches.

Rds 1 to 5: K 2, P 2, around, drop black, attach Red

Rds 6 to 7: With Red k 2, p 2 around, drop Red.

Rds 8 & 9: With Black knit around, drop black.

Rds 10, 11, & 12: with Red knit around.

Rds 14 to 18: With Black knit 1, with Red knit 1, after round 18, drop black. (You will be working Black over Black and Red over Red)

Rds 19 to 21: With Red, knit, drop Red.

Rds 22 & 23: With Black knit, drop black.

Rds 24 & 25:  With Red, knit,

Rd 26:  With Red, knit, inc 1 stitch.

Rds 27 to 31: With Black knit 1, with Red knit 1. (on next rounds you should be working red over black, and black over red). After round 31, drop black.

Rds 32 & 33: With Red knit.

Rd 34: With Red knit, dec 1 stitch, drop Red.

Rd 35: With Black, knit.

Rd 36: With Black, knit, place 1 marker after every 10th stitch. Drop Black.

Rd 37: With Red knit to 4 stitches before first marker, knit 2 tog, k 2.

Rd 38: With Red knit.

Repeat rounds 37 and 38 once more, then using Black, repeat rounds 37 and 38 2 times, working red for 4 rounds and black for 4 rounds until you have 4 stitches between markers, fasten off black, and with red repeat above rounds until you have a total of 10 stitches left.

Finishing:

          Run yarn needle through remaining stitches and draw up tight, run needle through again, drawing up tight and fasten off. Weave all loose yarn ends in.

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites, lists, newsletters, nor sold, recopied or reformatted. It is for your personal use only.

 

My Winter Shawl

My Winter Shawl @ 2009 by N.L. Banks

This pattern is a simple knit shawl, you can use very long needles instead of the circular ones, but they would be easier to work with. If you can knit, purl and do a yarn over, then you can  knit this pattern. You knit back and forth on the circular needles.

Materials:

1 size 10 circular knitting needles,

 two stitch markers,

1 skein (1 1/2  or two skeins if you want it larger, just keep going) Caron One Pound size yarn, any light color.

Note: slip markers as you come to them. pm = place marker.

Cast on 6, 

Row 1: k1, p1, k1, k1, p1, k1

Row 2: k1, p1, k1,yo,  k1, p1, k1

Row 3: k1, p1, k1,(pm) yo, knit to last 3 stitches, (pm),  k1, p1, k1

Row 4: k1, p1, k1, slip marker, yo, knit to next marker, slip marker, k1, p1, k1.

Repeat row 4 until you about 15 to 17 yards left.

Row 5: k1, p1, k1, *yo, K2 tog, from * to last 3 stitches, k1, p1, k1

Row 6 to 8 k1, p1, k1 across row, (you may have to add or dec 1 stitch so that the last 3 stitches are k1, p1, k1)

Bind off, weave in the ends. 

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites, lists, newsletters, nor sold, recopied or reformatted. It is for your personal use only.

Double Cross

Double Cross  by James patterson
 great book, lots of suspance, action and of course murder. Really good.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/552887.Double_Crossa

October 2010 Stitch of the Month Crochet

October 2010 Stitch of the Month Crochet

 

Based on a multiple of 8 chains, plus 5.

For sample, chain 21 (3 x 8 = 24 + 5 = 29)

Row 1: Work 3 dc in 9th ch from hook, ch 3 & 3 dc in same place for a shell, * ch 2, skip 3 ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 2, skip 3 ch, 1 shell in next ch (3dc, ch3, 3 dc), repeat from * across, end ch 2, skip 3 ch, 1 dc in last ch, ch 5, turn.

Row 2: * 1 shell in ch-3 sp of next shell, ch 2, 1 dc in next dc, ch 2, repeat from * across, end last dc in 3rd ch after shell of previous row, ch 5, turn.

Repeat Row 2 for pattern until square.

 

 

 

 

White Christmas in Dry Creek

White Christmas in Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad

To quote Caroline Gordon "A well-composed book is a magic carpet on which we are wafted to a world that we cannot enter in any other way."

When Renee opened her front door, and found a man lying there, she would not know the changes he would bring into her and her young daughter's lives.

This book was a great read. I loved the characters of Renee, Tassie and Rusty. So well planned and developed. The well developed story line just draws you in.  Scenes that are funny and thoughtful make you laugh. 

I would love to see another book in the Dry Creek series about Rusty, Dog and Annie his horse and his ranch. I’ve wondered what happened to the dog and horse. And Eric.
This book was so good, I read it twice. I gave it 5 stars.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17738310-white-christmas-in-dry-creek?from_search=true

Cross

Cross by James Patterson


     This is the first Alex Cross series book that I found to be a bit to much for me, great action, lots of suspense but the psychopath was just too sick in this book.


I love reading and have been reading as far back as I can remember. When I moved to this home several years ago, I set myself u[ a library and it's loaded with great books to read.  With 6 bookcases, I think I'll be busy reading for a long time.



http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13128.Cross

Flowers Potholder

Flowers Potholder @1999  by N. L. Banks 

I have a new pattern for you. This one was done some time ago. I just wanted a potholder that was simple and I could change the colors in it to match the seasons. Like browns and orange for fall, or add black for halloween. The reds, greens, white for christmas.
I hope you enjoy it.

Materials needed:

 

1 ball Peaches & Crème cream #3  by Elmore-Pisgah, Inc.

few yards each Luster Sheen  Blue #425   and Tea Leaf Green #615

G hook

3 hook 
 

Front:

Rd 1 with G hook and cream, ch 3 loosely, 12dc  in 3rd chain from hook, join with slip stitch.

Rd 2 ch 3, 2 dc in same place, 2 dc in each dc around, join.

Rd 3  ch 3, 2 dc in same place, * 1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, repeat from * around, join.

Rd 4  ch 3, 2 dc in same place, * 1 dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, repeat from* around, join.

Rd 5  ch 3, 2 dc in same place, * 1 dc in next 3dc, 2 dc in next dc, repeat from * around, join.

Rd 6  ch 3, 2 dc in same place, * 1 dc in next 4dc, 2 dc in next dc, repeat from * around, join. Fasten off.

Flowers: make 3

Rd 1 with a 3 hook and blue, ch 2, 12sc in 2nd chain from hook, join with a slip stitch.

Rd 2 ch 1, 2 sc in same place, 2 sc in each sc around, join.

Rd 3 * ch 4, skip 1 sc, sc in next sc, repeat from * around, do not join.

Rd 4 * working behind row 3, ch 6, sc in skipped sc, repeat from *. Join, fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew flower to potholder with.

Leaves: make 4 full leaves and 3 half leaves.

Rd 1 with green and a 3 hook, * ch 10, 1 sc in 2nd chain from hook, 2hdc in next ch, 1 dc in next 2 ch, 3 tb (yo 2x) in next ch, 1 dc in next 2 ch, 2 hdc in next ch, 3 sc in last ch, *. Working on opposite side, 2 hdc in next ch, 1 dc in next 2 dc, 3 tb (yo 2x) in next ch, 1 dc in next 2 ch, 2 hdc in next ch, 1sc in last ch, fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew to potholder.

Half leaves: repeat * to * for leaf, leave a long tail to sew to potholder.

Back:

Repeat rows 1-6 of front.

Finishing:

In the center of potholder, arrange leaves on potholder and sew in place, tack tips of leaves down, sew flowers on top of leaves.

With right sides of potholder facing outwards, and using a 3 hook,  attach blue to any dc, ch 1, 2 sc in each dc around, join.

Rd 2 ch 1, 1sc in same place, * ch 3, skip 1sc, sc in next sc, repeat from * around, join and fasten off.

 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites. It is for your personal use only.

 

Mary Mary

Mary Mary


 Another great book by James Patterson. I love the Alex Cross books and the twists and turns, keeps you guessing as to "who done it". But I would have liked to know what happened to one of the murder victims kids.

 http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/84736.Mary_Mary

Kira's Kite Bookmark

Kira's Kite Bookmark@2006 by Kira Wilfort

Designed by Kira Wilfort, age 11

 This bookmark was made by my niece when she was learning to crochet at age 11. She has done several olther patterns which are on this list. Thank you Kira for this pattern, love you, Aunt Nina

What she does is pick out a ball of any color yarn.

Hook G

Chain 8 one to turn on. sc  across  row to end. ch1 turn sc across row.

Keep doing this till you have about 9 rolls down at end of last row ch 30 and cut off. This makes the tail.

Now with scraps of about 2 inch pieces of different color of yarn tie a bow down the tail of the kite.

Last you just pull the square to look like a kite not a square.

There you have a kite bookmark.

This is for Aunt Nina's crochet list.

Kira Wilfort

age 11

6th grade

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites,

lists, newsletters, nor sold or recopied. It is for your personal use only.