tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78534999703464938422024-03-04T23:12:46.695-05:00The Knitting ManiacCRAZY ABOUT KNITTING WITH TUTORIALS, PATTERNS, AND ALL THINGS KNITTING!The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-12846671161168744822013-03-09T19:24:00.002-05:002013-03-10T12:26:59.462-04:00My Free Knitting Patterns<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Free Knitting Patterns</span></span></u></div>
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by: The Knitting Maniac<br />
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"DOROTHY" MITTENS<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dorothy-mittens" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/SqueakinCheeksDorothyMittens130wide.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/badges/redirect?p=dorothy-mittens"><img src="http://api.ravelry.com/badges/projects?p=dorothy-mittens&t=.gif" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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"OPHELIA" BABY FOOTPRINTS DISHCLOTH<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ophelia-baby-footprint-dishcloth" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/SqueakinCheeksOpheliaDishcloth130wide.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/badges/redirect?p=ophelia-baby-footprint-dishcloth"><img src="http://api.ravelry.com/badges/projects?p=ophelia-baby-footprint-dishcloth&t=.gif" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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HUNGER GAMES "MEGA MOCKINGJAY DISHCLOTH"</div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7853499970346493842#editor/target=post;postID=8245831019349179842" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/mockingjaydishclothravelrySMALL_zps3e9a9135.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/badges/redirect?p=hunger-games-mega-mockingjay-dishcloth"><img src="http://api.ravelry.com/badges/projects?p=hunger-games-mega-mockingjay-dishcloth&t=.gif" style="border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: currentColor; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: currentColor; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: currentColor; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" /></a><br />
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"CRAZY SEED DISHCLOTH"<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crazy-seed-dishcloth" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacPatternCrazySeedDishclothIcon.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/badges/redirect?p=crazy-seed-dishcloth"><img src="http://api.ravelry.com/badges/projects?p=crazy-seed-dishcloth&t=.gif" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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"MINI SLEEPING BAG" created for "Littlest Pet Shop"<br />
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<a href="http://theknittingmaniac.blogspot.com/2012/01/littlest-pet-shop-sleeping-bag-w-pillow.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacLPSBagPatternLink.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/badges/redirect?p=mini-sleeping-bag-knitting-pattern"><img src="http://api.ravelry.com/badges/projects?p=mini-sleeping-bag-knitting-pattern&t=.gif" style="border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: currentColor; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: currentColor; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: currentColor; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" /></a><br />
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"TINY SACKS ADVENT CALENDAR"<br />
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<a href="http://theknittingmaniac.blogspot.com/2011/11/free-advent-calendar-knitting-pattern_25.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacAdventCalendarIcon.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/badges/redirect?p=tiny-sacks-advent-calendar"><img src="http://api.ravelry.com/badges/projects?p=tiny-sacks-advent-calendar&t=.gif" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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"SCRAPPIE SURI SACK" sleep sack / baby cozy<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scrappie-suri-sack---sleep-sack---baby-cozy" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/SqueakinCheeksScrappieSack130wide.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/badges/redirect?p=scrappie-suri-sack---sleep-sack---baby-cozy"><img src="http://api.ravelry.com/badges/projects?p=scrappie-suri-sack---sleep-sack---baby-cozy&t=.gif" style="border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: currentColor; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: currentColor; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: currentColor; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" /></a><br />
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"SCRAPPY (or not) CHRISTMAS STOCKING"<br />
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<a href="http://theknittingmaniac.blogspot.com/2012/12/free-christmas-stocking-knitting-pattern.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/sockpattern_zpsb90d44f7.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/badges/redirect?p=scrappy-or-not-christmas-stocking"><img src="http://api.ravelry.com/badges/projects?p=scrappy-or-not-christmas-stocking&t=.gif" style="border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: currentColor; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: currentColor; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: currentColor; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" /></a><br />
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The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-86223249352919907952013-03-09T18:42:00.001-05:002013-03-09T18:42:53.853-05:00Knitting Abbreviations & Video Tutorials<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Knitting Abbreviations</span></u><u><br /></u></div>
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<i>in alphabetical order</i><u><br /></u></div>
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<u><span style="color: red;">UNDER CONSTRUCTION ~ please be patient with me!</span></u></div>
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<b>BO</b> = bind off <i><a href="http://youtu.be/qpQQXFTrRPk" target="_blank">video tutorial</a></i></div>
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<b>CO</b> = cast on <i><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://youtu.be/_D-F9bO8Njw" target="_blank">video tutorial</a></span></i></div>
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<b>K</b> = knit<i><span style="color: red;"> </span></i></div>
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<b>K2tog</b> = knit two together<i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<b>K2tog tbl </b>= knit two together through back loop
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<b>KFB</b> = knit front back<i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<b>M1L</b> = make 1 left
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<b>M1R</b> = make 1 right
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<b>P</b>= Purl<i><span style="color: red;"> </span></i></div>
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<b>P2tog</b> = purl two together
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<b>PSSO</b> = pass slipped stitch over <i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<b>SSK</b> = slip, slip, knit</div>
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<b>S1</b> = slip one</div>
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<b>Inc = </b>increase</div>
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<b>YO</b> = yarn over</div>
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The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-19133811299182501102013-03-09T14:59:00.004-05:002013-03-09T15:00:33.716-05:00My Knitting Video Tutorials
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <i><b>BEGINNER KNITTER SERIES:</b></i></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://youtu.be/Xkbs4uWOWgY" target="_blank"><img height="112" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/LearnToKnitIntro_zps12a31e86.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://youtu.be/6VWG_hG0y8Y" target="_blank"><img height="112" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/aBitAboutKnitting_zps0c5f2404.jpg" width="200" /></a></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://youtu.be/IZuJPyq26Vo" target="_blank"><img height="112" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/AllAboutYarn_zpsd35bb6f2.jpg" width="200" /></a></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://youtu.be/_D-F9bO8Njw" target="_blank"><img height="112" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/HowToCastOnWiththeThumbMethod_zps102c36c8.jpg" width="200" /></a></span>
<a href="http://youtu.be/Fsst3X2vyTg" target="_blank"><img height="112" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/HowToKnitandPurl_zpsf5ae4717.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/HowToBindOff_zps6065cc81.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="112" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/HowToBindOff_zps6065cc81.jpg" width="200" /></a></span>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">KNITTING TUTORIALS:</span></b></i>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/lNFtG0lOQUY" target="_blank"><img height="112" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/HowToCastOnWiththeKnitMethod_zpsf3d0c267.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><a href="http://youtu.be/pvr_jExbhAw" target="_blank"><img height="112" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/HowToCastOnWiththeCableMethod_zps92dd1d21.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></i></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://youtu.be/P7uMPXNPWSg" target="_blank"><img height="112" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/HowToCastOnWiththeLongTailMethod_zps692fd57b.jpg" width="200" /></a></span>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><em><br /></em></span>
<em>
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<em><strong>My older videos under Youtube Channel ~ "TheEastSideKnitter"</strong></em><br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/iJ0s_2TBwCQ" target="_blank">HOW TO KNIT AN I-CORD</a><br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/Jn3z451G7U8" target="_blank">LONG TAIL CAST ON METHOD</a><br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/z1kSOCVI28Y" target="_blank">HOW TO KNIT AND PURL</a> <br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/8mUBZIm6RFk" target="_blank">HOW TO BIND OFF KNIT STITCHES</a> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-20768225719043666832013-03-09T13:52:00.001-05:002013-03-09T13:52:24.593-05:00Lovin' Free Dishcloth Patterns<div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love <b>Free Dishcloth Patterns</b>!</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLPhAdVV0lKeEYAZMSucjZNDYL1puwAk2jRECrUaqW05I6AUVduLevX-eenrReGXp8y5Uy0wiMBfrWw8cbttVkuOw3D7tqFoeiNB6aruOpiCP0Wh3AI7wu-GyKrGTfBaqPQehtPoGhAw/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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I have been in dishcloth mode. I don't personally need ANYmore dishcloths, but they are so stinkin' fun to knit.</div>
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I've finished the Elvish Leaves cloth (click <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elvish-leaves-dishcloth" target="_blank">HERE</a> for the pattern)<br />
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<a href="http://s914.beta.photobucket.com/user/usplus/media/Knitting%20Maniac/elvishstarted_zpsfedf1980.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo elvishstarted_zpsfedf1980.png" border="0" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/elvishstarted_zpsfedf1980.png" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s914.beta.photobucket.com/user/usplus/media/Knitting%20Maniac/elvish_zps14b4aa59.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo elvish_zps14b4aa59.png" border="0" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/elvish_zps14b4aa59.png" /></a></div>
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and moved onto Holy Night Christmas dishcloth (click for that pattern!) . . . which is O Holy Huge! </div>
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It will be a pot holder. Sorry, "dishloth", I hope you aren't offended. </div>
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<a href="http://s914.beta.photobucket.com/user/usplus/media/Knitting%20Maniac/oholystarted_zpsbfefba71.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo oholystarted_zpsbfefba71.png" border="0" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/oholystarted_zpsbfefba71.png" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s914.beta.photobucket.com/user/usplus/media/Knitting%20Maniac/ohholynight_zps13974f11.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo ohholynight_zps13974f11.png" border="0" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/ohholynight_zps13974f11.png" /></a><br />
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And I think I've found another addiction . . . homemade stitch markers! I raided my daughter's glass beads and made myself a few for when I knit longies! I made a "beginning of the round" marker (larger bead), a side marker (a bit smaller bead) and 4 gusset markers! These little beauties make me so very happy! </div>
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<a href="http://s914.beta.photobucket.com/user/usplus/media/Knitting%20Maniac/stitchmarkers_zpscc61931d.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo stitchmarkers_zpscc61931d.png" border="0" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/stitchmarkers_zpscc61931d.png" /></a></div>
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Well, I'm thinking of running a contest soon! I feel like giving away something! Stay tuned...<br />
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The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-91374882639016629422013-01-02T10:17:00.001-05:002013-01-02T10:43:25.423-05:00Random Ravelry Review ~ Addicted To Cupcakes.<div>
I found this great pattern the other day called, "<a href="http:// http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cupcake-6">Cupcake</a>", and now I'm completey hooked! My goal is a dozen, or maybe a baker's dozen, or maybe a baker's dozen plus 1. I really don't know if I can stop!<br />
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Grab a muffin tin, knit your little fingers off, fill the pan, and open your pretend bakery! I promise, your house may not get cleaned and you may have to order out for pizza, but your kids will be in toy food heaven!<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOQ6FWYGkWHZlRbO5IHY1Wlgq9_SB7Cd3Hr6aQisAAxM561JjKQI3XUpomOFZDhWj8eytrvvODQraSeyyV4I49hIQiS7eneB_3mWxSp3jh9ed9gbZVoVajbTD_z8-Kr0uiUEgXQlkvTg/" /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkJNDJ5Iae0AGBxqjwI4x_D34cKOBU9wfSRFEutTt91OOm2N_ygiQLjZ97TEc3lI3v1dxtllWmdmvjU9MeoSY_Huzk3O-NuZVb5oqruAJit0SfSQRs6rckkGZ1jUbTh4ntY1D6QMwv6w/" /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVM57Zhg9wwOeoN8a6s7QHoBCoJYdeWEwOFtlgh40lvXzcB7DycFMlIvVT_lCueM7y5AUoMPmpywxto1h2JXWiVdSzFz-2WqlklDTb0wP-6IO5oCznxKLjZgu4YogcNpaVffvx_rI9Kgo/" /><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwp4YWMjAIqCu85CBuocJdsoSsnr35eHH-wioxGUUjhwI40wmrmBO1ozcfCq33FYBAPkMbuO7S70wUsW2KPKk4I2rp5Qq97u-NOA1kGAIuSc26bB6T1-QIF7eVrbP16z8OKQreOrN5yoo/" /></div>
The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-19537039570697271202012-12-12T18:26:00.001-05:002013-03-10T11:20:09.667-04:00Free Christmas Stocking Knitting Pattern<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s914.beta.photobucket.com/user/usplus/media/Knitting%20Maniac/ChristmasStockingPatternSmall.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/ChristmasStockingPatternSmall.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><a href="#pattern">CLICK HERE to go directly to the PATTERN and skip my ramblings ;-)</a></span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've had many people ask me what pattern I used for my children's Christmas stockings, but since it was my own pattern, I couldn't direct them to anything online! My pattern was actually just a bunch of scratchings on a REALLY abused piece of paper... plus some coffee stains. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that my kids are happy, after I made them some of my <a href="http://theknittingmaniac.blogspot.com/2011/11/homemade-hot-chocolate-recipe.html" target="_blank">homemade hot chocolate recipe</a>, I'm going to sit and type up my pattern for you all to enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know it isn't too long before Christmas, but they really don't take THAT long to whip up! They are mostly straight knit, so except for the little socky type things along the way, they are a good relaxing knit! I timed myself once and the whole process was approx. 6 hours. So really... whether you are slower or faster, you can take a couple hours here and there and finish one pretty fast!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keep in mind... this stocking is pretty BIG! I modeled it after the Christmas Stocking that my Grandmother, Dorothy, made me when I was young. PLENTY of room for lots of goodies! Ooooo ya! ;-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm writing this as a "scrappy" pattern (<i>like the 2nd photo shown below</i>), although you can have a lot of fun choosing just what colors you'd like! I will give directions for TWO COLORS also. AND, if you feel extra creative, you can duplicate stitch a fun design on the legs!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's a photo of all of our stockings (<i>even my daughter's "Snoopy-looking" stocking for her annoying little firefly puppet, "Sparky"</i>). This photo was taken prior to my little Squeaker being born, back in 2010, so I've added hers below this photo!</span><br />
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<a href="http://s914.beta.photobucket.com/user/usplus/media/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacChristmasStockingsUsKidsNoSuri.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacChristmasStockingsUsKidsNoSuri.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This shows what a great stash buster these stockings can be!! I just think hers is SO cute!!! This scrappy stocking is actually a little different than the rest I've knit, and more like what THIS pattern ends up to look like! I didn't like the way I did the top before, so I switched to seed stitch!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*I hadn't added her name yet...but it's there now!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/129564100/Scrappy-or-not-Christmas-Stocking-Pattern" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="View Scrappy (or not) Christmas Stocking Pattern on Scribd">CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD & PRINT!</a> </span></div>
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The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-20887543677596198372012-06-05T18:25:00.004-04:002012-06-06T10:26:52.268-04:0018" Doll Clothing & Toy Food CONTEST!!!Time to give something away to someone... actually a few somethings! I love giving and it's been a while since my last contest! <b><i style="background-color: #ffd966;">The Rafflecopter contest is below </i></b>but keep reading to see what you could win! This contest will last a week and starts tomorrow, June 6, 2012!<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/" id="rc-e47e032">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js">
</script><br />
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I am in the swing of getting my "<a href="http://hyenacart.com/stores/SqueakinCheeks/">Squeakin' Cheeks</a>" shop hoppin' again, and wanted to start things off with a giveaway! Why am I not holding this over at my shop's blog? That's a good question! Well, it's because I am trying to kill 2 birds with one stone, so to speak. I am working hard to make this blog active along with my shop and decided to just squish them together! <br />
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SO...on with the CONTEST! Once you have looked at what I'm giving away, scroll down to the Rafflecopter section and ENTER!!<br />
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#1... You will receive a tester of my little toy food design (soon to be sold with other toy foods on my "Squeakin' Cheeks" shop)... a tortilla wrap, a leaf of lettuce, a leaf of spinach, half a slice of tomato, a pickle, and 2 half slices of deli cheese! All are made with random fabrics, mostly 100% cotton and the tomato has a wee bit of batting inside! **Remember... keep any small toys like this out of reach of children who still love to suck on or pop things into their mouths!!**<br />
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<a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Squeakin%20Cheeks/?action=view&current=SCTortillaWrapContest-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Squeakin%20Cheeks/SCTortillaWrapContest-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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#2. The winner will also receive this American Girl style doll outfit. It fits 18" American Girl and comparable sized dolls. This outfit includes a 100% cotton shirred top with buttonhole back for strap, 100% handknit merino wool pants (remember, I am "The Knitting Maniac"!!!) w/ tiny duplicate stitched design, and handmade foam sandals!<br />
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<a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Squeakin%20Cheeks/?action=view&current=SCButterflyTopWooliesShoesLongWay.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Squeakin%20Cheeks/SCButterflyTopWooliesShoesLongWay.jpg" /></a><br />
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This photo shows the back of the cute shirt!<br />
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<a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Squeakin%20Cheeks/?action=view&current=SqueakinCheeksDollButterflyPantsShoes.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Squeakin%20Cheeks/SqueakinCheeksDollButterflyPantsShoes.jpg" /></a><br />
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THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!!!<br />
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js">
</script>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-15929678429236328882012-05-02T08:24:00.001-04:002012-05-02T08:33:39.137-04:00And the WINNER IS...The winner of my blog contest is.... RONDA T.!! Congratulations, Ronda!! I will be sending you a copy of your Budgie Bloomer pattern and if you could please email me your mailing address, I can get your woolies out! My email is: theknittingmaniac@hotmail.com :) <br />
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THANK YOU, EVERYONE, for being a part of my contest!! Keep your eye out on my Facebook page for more giveaways!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggG-txyO20jasv3bt5voGobUQ-XuHWKnHh65QfKvRha0h2RfAhDs1CHIS6E8D0mZvEBmjDQuvRgqqfXZQw50Cu6iC__a2RPr5sY2W2AvaimtCgSPioHexj0DVwqnuW_oF_a31oGmvEtDc/s1600/BridgetSignatureHeartToo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggG-txyO20jasv3bt5voGobUQ-XuHWKnHh65QfKvRha0h2RfAhDs1CHIS6E8D0mZvEBmjDQuvRgqqfXZQw50Cu6iC__a2RPr5sY2W2AvaimtCgSPioHexj0DVwqnuW_oF_a31oGmvEtDc/s1600/BridgetSignatureHeartToo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a class="rafl-powered" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com" target="_blank" style="font:10px sans-serif;color:#999;width:100%;text-align:center;display:block;" id="rpow-4e3c521">a <i>Rafflecopter</i> giveaway</a>
<noscript><a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js">You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.</noscript>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-82547804759615002552012-04-30T14:53:00.002-04:002012-04-30T14:53:54.931-04:00Free Dishcloth Knitting Pattern ~ Crazy SeedI created a cute little dishcloth and am offering it <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crazy-seed-dishcloth" target="_blank">FREE ON RAVELRY</a>, but you don't have to be a Ravelry member (although it is also FREE and AWESOME, so you SHOULD be!!!!)... you can just download the pattern from the link on my sidebar!<br />
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This is what OPTION #2 of the dishcloth looks like. It measures 8" X 8". I thought it would be nice for those who like to knit squares and then seam them together to make blankets!<br />
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<a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=CrazySeedDishcloth8X8.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/CrazySeedDishcloth8X8.jpg" /></a><br />
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This was my tester (OPTION #1) which ended up to be 8" across by 9" high. The pattern includes the extra middle rows :)<br />
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<a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=CrazySeedDishcloth9X8.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/CrazySeedDishcloth9X8.jpg" /></a>
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I hope you enjoy my pattern! If you knit it up, please make sure to comment here to let me know what you think of it and add it to your Ravelry projects!! If you send me a photo, I'd love to add it to my blog! Thanks a bunch!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggG-txyO20jasv3bt5voGobUQ-XuHWKnHh65QfKvRha0h2RfAhDs1CHIS6E8D0mZvEBmjDQuvRgqqfXZQw50Cu6iC__a2RPr5sY2W2AvaimtCgSPioHexj0DVwqnuW_oF_a31oGmvEtDc/s1600/BridgetSignatureHeartToo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggG-txyO20jasv3bt5voGobUQ-XuHWKnHh65QfKvRha0h2RfAhDs1CHIS6E8D0mZvEBmjDQuvRgqqfXZQw50Cu6iC__a2RPr5sY2W2AvaimtCgSPioHexj0DVwqnuW_oF_a31oGmvEtDc/s1600/BridgetSignatureHeartToo.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-41476607063889457212012-04-24T15:53:00.036-04:002012-04-24T18:20:41.741-04:00Giveaway!! Newborn Longies, Knit Ball & Budgie Bloomer Knitting Pattern!!<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I finally found time to get a contest up and rolling along!! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is my first time using Rafflecopter, so we'll see how I like it!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>This contest starts tomorrow, April 25, 2012 and last for a week and ends May 2, 2012!! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<b><span style="background-color: #ffd966;">VIEW DETAILS UNDER GIVEAWAY SECTION</span>
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<a class="rafl-powered" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/" id="rpow-4e3c521" style="color: #999999; display: block; font: 10px sans-serif; text-align: center; width: 100%;" target="_blank">a <i>Rafflecopter</i> giveaway</a></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here's what I decided to give away: (all for the love of newborn babies!!!!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">#1. A little matching set of Newborn Cestari Fine Merino longies and matching knit ball! If you are expecting, hope to be expecting, have a newborn, know someone who is pregnant, hope you will soon know someone who is pregnant, want to randomly giveaway a pair of longies to a perfect pregnant stranger, love wool, love playing ball, etc... this contest is for you!</span><br />
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<a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacContestLongiesBall.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacContestLongiesBall.jpg" /></a></h4>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">#2. A free </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/budgie-bloomers-longies---pants---skirty-pattern" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Budgie Bloomer Knitting Pattern</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> so that you can either:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Knit some cute woolies up yourself (if you know how to knit!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">LEARN how to knit so you can get addicted like me and knit lots of woolies...OR... </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Beg your bestest knitter friend to knit you another pair!!!</span></li>
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<i style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">"May the odds be evah in your favah." Sorry. I HAD to say that!!</i>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-74207140434248375142012-04-24T14:13:00.003-04:002012-04-24T14:39:22.546-04:00Big Cardboard Box.<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><div><span style="font-size: 100%; ">I have found as a homeschooling Mama, that it's the simplest of things (usually FREE) that keeps my kids occupied for the longest time!</span></div><br />A few days back, my kids were visiting a neighbor. She called and told me they wanted to bring home a refridgerator box and wanted to know if it was ok. Was it ok??? OF COURSE! Heck, I used to go to store after store begging for big oversized boxes! Due to some of the new recycling rules of stores, they usually quickly prepare them for recycling and they don't give them away!! SO, YES. YES. YES!!!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012Aprill21RefridgeBoxKids.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012Aprill21RefridgeBoxKids.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Every now and then my youngest would get a little scared by it's hugeness...</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012Aprill21SuriScared.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012Aprill21SuriScared.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div><div>And every now and then she thought it was super fun...</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012Aprill21SuriKidsBox.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012Aprill21SuriKidsBox.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Until they stood it up... then she was freaked again! haha Run away!!!!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012Aprill21SuriRUN.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012Aprill21SuriRUN.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div><div>I had so much fun just watching THEM have so much fun!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012Aprill21KidsBoxHeads.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012Aprill21KidsBoxHeads.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I was glad my baby girl was in front and not behind or she would have been flattened into a little woolie pancake!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012Aprill21KidsBoxfum.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012Aprill21KidsBoxfum.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I was watching my youngest son love on his baby sister and it's really just so darn sweet to not want to hang this photo on the wall and look at it every time I see him tease her like a crazy, wild child!!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012Aprill21KidsLove.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012Aprill21KidsLove.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div><div>This one too. They may drive each other crazy, but who's there for you when your Crocs fall off? Yup, that's right!! Your littlest Big Brother!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012Aprill21EvanSuriHelpShoe.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012Aprill21EvanSuriHelpShoe.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div><div>You can tell she was very thankful...awwww.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012Aprill21SuriEvan.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012Aprill21SuriEvan.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div><div>I love this little squeaker!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012Aprill21SuriSittingBox.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012Aprill21SuriSittingBox.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div><div>After a while, she got tired of the box hype and came over to sit with her biggest Big Brother! She's his #1 fan!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012Aprill21CamSuri.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012Aprill21CamSuri.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />My oldest and youngest. I am surely blessed!<br /><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012Aprill21CamSuri2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012Aprill21CamSuri2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />This is off topic (although this whole post is off topic because it has NOTHING to do with knitting whatsoever!!), but here are some sweet daffodils from the big-cardboard-box-donating neighbor! She and her daughter are so sweet!<br /><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012Aprill21Daffodils.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012Aprill21Daffodils.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div><div>And I'm ending with this photo. After I was done taking pix of the kids, I looked over at our brick wall and saw the lone name, "Jesus". My 11 year old daughter had written it in chalk and it was too beautiful to ignore! My oldest son had grabbed my camera and took this of me using my phone's camera to capture it and send it to Instagram! (my new addiction!!!) If you get the <a href="http://instagr.am/">Instagram App</a> on your phone, look me up and "follow" me! I'm, of course, TheKnittingManiac!</div><div><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012Aprill21JesusWallMe.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012Aprill21JesusWallMe.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Goodbye for now! Get those needles clicking!!!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=SqueakinCheeksTinyHeart.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/SqueakinCheeksTinyHeart.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a> </span><span >Bridget</span>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-78039241858690300322012-03-30T12:34:00.000-04:002013-03-09T13:56:02.248-05:00"Like" me on FACEBOOK!Please visit my Facebook page and "like" me! That way you can keep up on all the random things I do through the days! CLICK THE PHOTO BELOW TO "LIKE" ME!<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Knitting-Maniac/213770105346857" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacFacebookSMALL.jpg" /></a>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-20318866831845250982012-03-29T10:45:00.013-04:002012-03-29T11:22:08.643-04:00The Kid Maniac<span style="line-height: normal; "><span>When I'm not knitting, this what what keeps me busy: Raising 6 </span>home-schooled<span> kids.</span></span><div style="line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: large; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="line-height: normal; font-size: large; ">Wait...there's someone missing!!!</span><div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012March29KidsTable-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012March29KidsTable-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">My heart actually stopped for a minute when I got ready to ask my son to grab my camera and wondered where my little girl had gone! OH YA, I was nursing her!! It's one of those "am I getting Alzheimer's" moments! (like when you are talking on your cell phone and scouring the house FOR your cell phone until you finally realize the facts and feel completely ridiculous!! ~ ESPECIALLY when you DON'T realize it on your own and ask if anyone's seen it and hear, "you're ON it, Mom!!!" haha)</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Multi-tasking Mama. Devotions and reading to my kids and nursing my precious little 2 year old.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012March29MamaNursing.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012March29MamaNursing.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">I DID knit this morning (or COURSE) and am working on a sweater for my daughter. I am doing a "<a href="http://www.theknittingmaniac.blogspot.com/search/label/Random%20Ravelry%20Review" target="_blank">Random Ravelry Post</a>" about it that I will publish when it's done, but this is what I have so far...</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Using up lots of wool scraps!!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=ZebraSweaterPic2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/ZebraSweaterPic2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">So after I talked with the kids about a few things I had on my mind and read a few scripture verses to back up my convictions, I read more of this book that we are reading...</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012March29Henry.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012March29Henry.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">I've read it before and will read it here and there through the years because it helps me remember how great a quiet & simple life is! I think everyone should read it!!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">It talks about Henry and his family and how their simple life ends up not so simple as society progresses. Whenever I read it, I think back to the way life was when I was a kid. I shared a few stories this morning about how we used to sit at "Bernard's Market" in the carts in the entryway and talk for hours. We'd say, "the next man that comes in you are going to marry someday" and in would walk and old man with a cane and we'd all giggle!! There was a soda machine in the middle of the entry aisle and you'd crank the lever and your glass bottle of pop would come down and you'd pop off the cap with the silver cap remover thingy on the machine. Oh, the simple days when there were no cell phones, hand held games, etc.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Anyway, I love gathering my kids around the table to re-group and get our focus on the Lord. I was blessed this morning that my baby girl decided to leave her waffles & banana and snuggle up with me. She nursed a while and fall asleep...</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012March29MamaSuriAsleep-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012March29MamaSuriAsleep-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Ahhhh... a nice quiet morning to blog and then get a few dishes done while she does this for a while...</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012March29SuriAsleep.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012March29SuriAsleep.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Have a wonderful day and remember to keep a lookout for upcoming contests and fun giveaways!!!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">And remember...</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span>"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."</span> ~ </span><span>1 Corinthians 10:31</span></span> </div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span>:) Bridget</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div></div></div>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-8656449320738323902012-01-17T12:07:00.008-05:002012-01-17T15:12:51.657-05:00Winter KnittingAhhh... a cup of coffee, my knitting bag close by, the snow lightly falling outside, a warm house... my Husband busy painting and 5 kids occupied playing quietly or getting their energy out on the Wii... and the baby asleep all snuggled up on the couch beside me. That is my idea of a perfect winter afternoon in Maine.<div><br /></div><div>That will be me in a few minutes after blogging. I need to take advantage of my baby's surprise early nap!! Lately she's been staying up "almost" the whole day and then falling asleep when she SHOULD be eating dinner!</div><div><br /></div><div>After a busy December of my contest and Christmas... I took a little blogging break, but I thought I'd pop on here and let you know what I've been up to!</div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday, my baby girl turned 22 months old and I quickly finished a pair of capris for her to wear for her monthly photo!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is my "2 month shy of 2 years old" baby girl...<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>oh wait... that's not the picture I was going to add...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2012January17MamaSuri.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2012January17MamaSuri.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Seems a little girl wanted to surprise me AGAIN and wake up so that I couldn't finish my blog post!</div><div><br /></div><div>But... really. Would I rather blog... or nurse my sweet girl?? My middle son snapped both photos and I like this next one a lot. My baby girl always plays with my hair, so this is a keeper. The day will come when she doesn't.... ok. I need to stop there before I cry. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's a relaxing day here at our home. My oldest son is on his Ipod and I am in my Husband shirt. It's a good day!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiac2012January17MamaNursingSuri.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiac2012January17MamaNursingSuri.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>OK... as I was saying...</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is my "2 month shy of 2 years old" baby girl... </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiac2012January16Suri22MonthsOld.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiac2012January16Suri22MonthsOld.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And these are the capris I knit. When I took her photo, they didn't have an i-cord. I went to take a photo of them this morning and I looked down at my big bag of her woolies that don't fit anymore, and the first thing I saw was a pink i-cord that I quickly stole from a "too small" pair of longies!! It's the same color as the owl... so I'm happy to not have to knit another cord!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiac2012January17SuriCapris.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiac2012January17SuriCapris.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This shows the little owl closer. It's not perfect but she says, "Ow-woo" so it must LOOK like an owl to her and that's all I care about!</div><div><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiac2012January16Suri22MonthsOldOwl-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiac2012January16Suri22MonthsOldOwl-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />And last month was the first month she didn't have her OBV blanket in the photo. I hunted everywhere and couldn't find it. So this weekend I prayed that the Lord would help me find the blanket for her photo this month. The EVENING BEFORE her photo, we had company come over for dinner. I went to clean out a section of our Living Room for the babies to play and decided to move a big rolled up carpet we had leaning against the wall from way before Christmas. As I moved it, I saw something squished underneath it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, Lord, for even the little things:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiac2012January17WooliesOBV.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiac2012January17WooliesOBV.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's my sweet girl after her photo...all snuggled up asleep...<br /><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiac2012January17SuriAsleep.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiac2012January17SuriAsleep.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And this is the custom I've been working on for a sweet little girl's birthday! Her Mama can't wait to get them! They will have a cute kitty face on the back with a bow and a purple i-cord!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiac2012January17KittyFaceAlmostDone.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiac2012January17KittyFaceAlmostDone.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And then I have this in my room just waiting for me to create something with it. I'm thinking of knitting up a little something to give away for my next contest!! What do you all think??<br /><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiac2012January17Wool.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiac2012January17Wool.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I guess I will end with a little knitting tip. (just kidding...this really isn't a tip about knitting at all and it's really rather ridiculous)</div><div><br /></div><div>While I was photographing upstairs, I heard my daughter yelling to me, "Mama!! Mama!!!" I came down to find that she had found my big circular needle that I knit hip skirtys with and she was trying to let me know!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiac2012January17SuriMyNeedle.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiac2012January17SuriMyNeedle.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>She then showed me that if I ever get tired of pushing the heater button with my finger, the needle works JUST as good. See? Not a knitting tip... just something really random that will never help any knitter in any way, shape or form.<br /><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiac2012January17SuriNeedleHeater.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiac2012January17SuriNeedleHeater.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time... get those needles clicking and knit like a maniac!! It's winter and it's cold, so why not???</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOj7EfnfHdnwOYfzc_RdfVq_yGaDxORA2SvQxnaLIHUH9s0M2GjBG2b7Q5GT_UbrcdzL7sclwYNesfvjCvplF4wPuMQvh-2Lec3hbSJsX-eBkHAglCU73LNmrjt_Zh5LVr1lmro0TufiY/s400/TheKnittingManiacBridget.png" /> </div>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-10297700386638381492012-01-03T09:32:00.003-05:002012-01-03T09:44:33.354-05:00Ravelry FriendsMy 2 older daughters (ages 10 and 7) and I would love for you to add us to your Ravelry!! Click the image below to pop over to your Ravelry account and add us!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/"target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/TheKnittingManiacRavelry-findus.jpg"></a>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-27586324426249050582012-01-02T17:47:00.039-05:002012-01-03T12:02:47.342-05:00Free Printable Knitting Graph PaperFree printable knitting graph paper is really hard to find!! This one mimics a real knit stitch! After hunting for a good one to print off and having no luck with what I was looking for, I decided to create my own.<div><br /></div><div>Click the photo below to go directly to my download post, or continue reading my mumbo jumbo about why and how I created the knitting graphs!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://theknittingmaniac.blogspot.com/2012/01/free-printable-knitting-graph-paper_02.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacKnitGraphPaperAllThree-1.jpg" /></a><div><br /></div><div><b><i><span>Mumbo Jumbo:</span></i></b><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>I remember the night I did it. I was up until midnight and by the time I was done, my eyes were all glossy and I was exhausted, but had I set out to do something wonderful... and I succeeded! (at least I think so)</div><div><br /></div><div>Talk about happiness! I went into the living room (after ignoring my Husband that evening) and told him what I had done and forced him to come to the computer to see my creation!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Since I have a small online knitting business creating knit pants for children, I often have had to duplicate stitch cute designs onto my knitting. In order for my designs to actually be "actual size" for stitching, I really needed a good design sheet where I could color in little "knit stitches". I didn't want to color in rectangles or squares (like regular graph paper)... I wanted to color in little, tiny, cute,"to scale" KNIT STITCHES!! Come on, it only makes sense, people!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>I used to take regular graph paper, color in the areas and make the cutest little animals, faces, etc. but then once I stitched them onto the knitting, they looked completely wonky!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>SO... in my photo editor, I literally cut out a knit stitch from a photo of my knitting. (I am going to TRY to remember exactly how I did it, but I really WAS tired, and I am amazed at how I actually figured out a little math that late at night!) I then had to figure out about how many stitches per inch I got when I knit with my favorite wool, Cestari Fine Merino. Then I made the little stitch to scale and used the "copy" and "paste" method to create a bazillion trillion of them onto a page the size of a piece of regular printable paper.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I realized I didn't have any guidelines. So I added some. Then I realized that I added them every 5 stitches, but on the right side that left only 4. Then I realized there was no way on God's green earth that I was going to try to figure out how to remedy that... so that is how they stayed.</div><div><br /></div><div>THEN I realized that I also tend to duplicate stitch "half" stitches, to make more unique patterns. SO I had to "cut" each stitch in half in order to be able to color each little section differently!! I made the half stitches on the graph paper without guidelines, so that is what you end up downloading, and as soon as I have some spare time, I'll add guides and make that a downloaded paper too!</div><div><br /></div><div>Once I was done, I was thrilled to find out that if I opened the document in my favorite FREE photo editor, Gimp, that I could color to my hearts delight!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is an example of a pattern I designed for the back of my daughter's longies. It was the first one I designed using my own paper!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacKnitGraphDesignSuris2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacKnitGraphDesignSuris2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And here is the design stitched onto her longies...with some added roots, leaves and a bird at the top ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacSuriTreeDesign2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacSuriTreeDesign2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b></b><div>Now you can design your OWN creations!!! ENJOY!!! And if you use my design, please share a link on your blog, facebook, Ravelry project, etc!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-72949601137338769182012-01-02T17:40:00.017-05:002012-12-12T18:27:26.973-05:00Free Printable Knitting Graph Paper DownloadsEnjoy my FREE PRINTABLE KNITTING GRAPH PAPER ~ which mimic an actual knit stitch ~clickable images that you can download, create designs, and then print! If you are smart, (which of COURSE you are, because you are a knitter!!!!) you may want to <a href="http://www.gimp.org/downloads/">DOWNLOAD GIMP FOR FREE</a> (unless you find the graph paper opens just lovely in your own photo editor!) Below I will give a little quick tutorial on how to use it in Gimp just because that's all I use!<br />
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Just download the files to your computer (I uploaded the pdf's to Google Docs, so I feel that is a very safe place!!) and then open them in Gimp. I then make sure it is viewed at 100%. You can look down to the bottom and you'll see what percentage it is opened at and make sure to choose "100%" or you can just click "View" from the top menu and "Zoom" and then choose 1:1 100%. I then make sure the toolbox is open (choose "Tools" from top menu and then "toolbox") and choose the can of paint. You can also choose the colors from the color choices. Then just click on the little knit stitch of your choice and create your patterns!! If you make a mistake... choose "white" and color over your boo-boo!!! Easy as pie! (which I don't really find as easy as cake, so I'm not sure why I just said that!)</div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0Bx-i1Vk1hlrOYWE0MzZmZjgtYmY5MC00YTk0LWE2ZTEtNTQyODZmYTVkYjk0&hl=en_US" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/SqueakinCheeksKnittingGraphPaperMyCreationFullSheetsCestariGuageSMALL.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>WITH GUIDELINES</b></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0Bx-i1Vk1hlrOODRhMjRhNGMtZmIzMC00YWVjLTkxMjctZmIyZTc1YmFjMDE5&hl=en_US" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/SqueakinCheeksKnittingGraphPaperMyCreationFullSheetsCestariGuageGUIDESsmall.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0Bx-i1Vk1hlrOMTFkN2Q2M2EtNGI2Yi00ZjJiLWE1NmUtMTZkODVjMmY5NjM0&hl=en_US" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/SqueakinCheeksKnittingGraphPaperMyCreationFullSheetsCestariGuageHALFlinessmall.jpg" /></a>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-23138895490156645752012-01-01T11:50:00.020-05:002013-03-10T11:54:47.331-04:00Free Mini Sleeping Bag Knitting Pattern<div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Free Mini Sleeping Bag Knitting Pattern</span></u></div>
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Great for Littlest Pet Shop! (which is why I designed this in the first place!)
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This is the LARGE size: (with a little bit of salsa for the LPS to snack on! OOPS!!!)</div>
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And this is the SMALL size:</div>
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And this shows how the can look if you knit the lengths of the bag or the pillows different...</div>
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<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/129569419/Mini-Sleepingbag-Knitting-Pattern" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="View Mini Sleepingbag Knitting Pattern on Scribd">CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF!</a> </div>
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You can view the PDF below before downloading!</div>
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The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-61210435588252339332011-12-29T16:52:00.003-05:002011-12-29T17:23:27.467-05:00Little Pet Shop Knit Sleeping BagsI am a lover of mini things! It is so much fun knitting regular patterns into something miniature! <div><br /></div><div>I started my love of mini knits after knitting small versions of my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/budgie-bloomers-longies---pants---skirty-pattern" target="_blank">Budgie Bloomer pattern</a>! If you are a part of Ravelry, you can view my projects <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/purityseekers" target="_blank">HERE</a> and hunt around for the mini's I've made... but I show them in another post called "<a href="http://theknittingmaniac.blogspot.com/2011/12/bitty-britches-mini-knits-my-knitting.html" target="_blank">Bitty Britches Mini Knits</a>" :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, my girls LOVE "Littlest Pet Shop" and so last night I decided to make her a little sleeping bag for her animals. After knitting 25 sacks for our <a href="http://theknittingmaniac.blogspot.com/2011/11/free-advent-calendar-knitting-pattern_25.html"target="_blank">Knit Advent Calendar</a> , I was well prepared to knit a little sleep sack inspired by one of my favorite kid toy knitting patterns, the "<a href="http://www.3gcs.com/adcock/free%20patterns/beanie_baby_bag.htm"target="_blank">No-Sew Beanie Baby Sleeping Bag with Attached Pillow</a>"...</div><div><br /></div><div>After showing my daughter this morning, I ended up knitting a smaller version because the 1st one fit 2 Littlest Pet Shop animals in it! I gave that one to my middle daughter (7) and made another smaller one for my older daughter.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sleeping Bag #1... (my daughter got some salsa on it and it looks like the little LPS is having a taste!)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacLPSBag1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacLPSBag1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sleeping Bag #2...</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacLPSBag2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacLPSBag2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div><div>And the 3rd one is on the right...<br /><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacLPSBag1and3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacLPSBag1and3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then I had enough of the sleeping bags and decided to knit a separate pillow and blankie. My daughter has made some sleeping bag requests for her other animals which I will try to do over time, but I get bored and need to spice up my knitting a bit. Here's her list...</div><div><br /></div><div>"ONLY" 6 Big...and 5 small... UGH. haha (but as a homeschooling Mama, I was glad to see she knew how to tally!!!)</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacLPSRequests.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacLPSRequests.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div><div>And here is the little bats pillow and blankie! I just double knit the pillow and stuffed it with roving and then just messed around with the blankie and added a cable up the middle. It isn't blocked and looks FAR from perfect, but she loves it and that makes me happy!!!</div><div><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacLPSPillowCabledBlanket.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacLPSPillowCabledBlanket.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Keep on the lookout for more mini knits!!! I think I'm on a roll!!!!</div>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-69642994443649361442011-12-27T11:17:00.002-05:002011-12-27T11:25:17.010-05:00Wool Winner!I have to say just how hard it was to only be able to choose ONE winner!!! There were so many faithful entrants that I wish I could pick ALL of you!!!!<br /><br />I compiled a list of everyone that had won my pattern and typed it all out... (and some little typer kid added a few letters at the end! I'm thinkin' it was my littlest "Squeaker")<div><br /></div><div>There were several people that got lots of chances to win!!<br /><div><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacWoolEntries.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacWoolEntries.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then I cut them all out, folded 'em up, and put them in my baby girl's "<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/purityseekers/uber-funky-hat">Über Funky Hat</a>"...<br /><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacWoolEntriesHat.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacWoolEntriesHat.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then I had my Husband pick the winner! <br /><br /></div><div>Congratulations!!! I'll be emailing you a link to the <a href="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Squeakin%20Cheeks/CestariFineMerinoColors.jpg">Cestari Color Chart</a>, so you can choose your THREE colors!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Yay for ERICA!!! Keep a lookout for my next contest!!! Happy New Year!!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacWoolWinnerErica.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacWoolWinnerErica.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-37096498611803636822011-12-14T21:59:00.005-05:002011-12-15T11:11:38.640-05:00Twitter Knitter...It's hard to see in the little Twitter yarn ball under my blog header, but that little Twitter bird is a Twitter Knitter I found online today!!! I turned her into a png image and then pasted her onto a photo I took of a skein of my yarn today! I love doing fun graphic stuff like that, and am glad I came across this cute little tweet! If you click her, you'll be able to view the site where I found her!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.creativityhaus.com/2009/08/30-day-challenge-day-21-knitting.html#comment-form" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacTwitterKnitter.jpg" border="0"></a>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-75189555598412365402011-12-14T21:49:00.003-05:002011-12-14T21:54:59.592-05:00Hip Skirty Textured Longies w/ Matching Ear Flap HatI call these...<br /><br />My daughter's new...<br /><br />Über Funky Longies w/ matching Über Funky Hat... (I'll be posting photos of her in it on the 16th when I take her 21 month photos!) (and I love that word "über". I'm sure I won't love it forever, but for now I love it)<br /><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacUberSet.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacUberSet.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-1140988753795401042011-12-13T11:37:00.004-05:002011-12-13T20:10:41.886-05:00Free Advent Calendar Knitting Pattern ~ Done Except NumbersPhew! I finally finished all 25 sacks! Aren't they CUTE???<div><br /><div> </div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacAdventCalendarSacksDoneButNumbers.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacAdventCalendarSacksDoneButNumbers.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I have it hanging in our LR :) I put them in order so that I can easily take some off from the right side when I want to number the next in line! SO... no particular order THIS year, but next year they will be all numbered! Every morning, the kids find the sack that has candy in it (I fill it each night) or count because I always put it in the sack that is in the right number place :)</div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to make this fun <a href="http://theknittingmaniac.blogspot.com/2011/11/free-advent-calendar-knitting-pattern_25.html"target="_blank">Free Advent Knitting Pattern</a>, it is here on my blog and will soon be a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tiny-sacks-advent-calendar"target="_blank">Free Ravelry Download</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacAdventHanging.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacAdventHanging.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><div><br /></div></div>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-59839231289344215432011-12-11T10:28:00.003-05:002011-12-13T20:08:16.609-05:00Choosing a Contest Winner ~ Call Me Old Fashioned.I start by cutting up little pieces of paper. Yes, I do this everyday because my contest is running 30 days! I COULD do something in notepad on my computer and print it off or something, but I am a little old fashioned sometimes, and actually like writing. Weird, huh?<div><br /></div><div>Then I go to my blog and look at all the previous days entries. I put each name on a separate piece of paper and then fold them up... (this is a cruddy photo because the sun was shining in SO bright that the computer was WAY over exposed! But... it's sun and I like sun... so all is good.)<br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacComputerEntries.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacComputerEntries.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then I put them in a knit hat (well, of COURSE... I'm the Knitting Maniac!!!). Today's hat is my middle son's "hunting" hat. He's never hunted a day in his life.<br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacEntriesHat.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacEntriesHat.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then I figure out which of my kiddos hasn't picked a name for a while. Then I listen to the others fight for THEIR right to choose a name. THEN I end up letting my oldest pick because he doesn't care either way. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes I feel like I just need to reel him in and make him feel young again. Then I come over to my blog & write all this stuff and start getting teary eyed at how mature my oldest son is, and how he'd much rather watch his younger siblings have fun. Then I want to cry. Then I realize that it's a GOOD thing that he is growing up and is such a great young man. Then I still make HIM choose a name because... well... because it's just fun and he's only 14.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacCamPickingWinner.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacCamPickingWinner.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Then I add the winners names to my "wool entries" piece of paper, which also has my hen scratchings at the bottom of a wool order for me and my friends :)<br /><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacEntriesPaper.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacEntriesPaper.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then I add a photo of my "almost" 21 month old daughter sitting on the potty because it's just too cute that she's clapping for herself! The painting by the flush was crafted by my Aunt Phyllis and it says, "No job is finished until the paperwork is done." Guess that is fitting for my baby girl's situation... and my contest. haha<br /><br /><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=2011December11SuriPotty.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/2011December11SuriPotty.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The End.</div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=SqueakinCheeksTinyHeart.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/SqueakinCheeksTinyHeart.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>Bridget</div>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853499970346493842.post-42497180618441797322011-12-10T14:24:00.006-05:002011-12-13T20:10:41.887-05:00Longies, Knit Advent Calendar, & Childhood StockingMy little fingers have been knitting like crazy! I am almost done my youngest daughter's textured scrappie longies! I need them to be done by the 16th when I take her 21 month photo! I just have to knit the hip skirty and the i-cord and they will be finished!<div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacSuriScrappieLongiesSkirtless.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacSuriScrappieLongiesSkirtless.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div><div>I am still working on my knit <a href="http://theknittingmaniac.blogspot.com/2011/11/free-advent-calendar-knitting-pattern_25.html" target="_blank">Advent Calendar</a>! #20 is on my needles, but here are numbers 1-19! Over on the right hand side, you can see how I've started knitting 2 colored stripes since I ran out of unique solid colors!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacAdventSacks19.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacAdventSacks19.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div><div>And as I was hunting for my kids Christmas stockings, I came across the sock my Grandmother knit for me when I was small! (and for my 3 siblings and my 2 cousins!) She loved to knit as much as me! If you had known her, you'd see where I get my passion for knitting from! Every Christmas we all got handknit socks and mittens and they were one of my favorite gifts from her!</div><div><br /></div><div>My Christmas stocking has the name, "Kewpie", on it because my name was one letter too long for the front! haha I collected Kewpie dolls and that was my CB handle and it fit perfectly! Who remembers the days when CB radios were popular? "Breaka 1-9, how 'bout cha Kewpie" ... those were fun days!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacMyOldChristmasStocking.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacMyOldChristmasStocking.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div><div>So, my big "hold a ton of stuff" stocking was inspiration for creating my own pattern! (which I am going to add to "<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>" one of these days! I started to write up the PDF file, but it's not completely finished because I decided to modify it so you can make other sizes instead of just the super huge size!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>My Mom helped me knit these up before Christmas 2009! I knit the tops, she knit the legs, then I knit the heels and feet! The names were duplicate stitched on when I was finished! I also made a little tiny sock for my daughter's favorite little firefly, "Sparky". This year I have a few more little ones to make for my other children's favorite toy animals! Am I crazy, or what?</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacChristmasStockingsUsKidsNoSuri.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacChristmasStockingsUsKidsNoSuri.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>And my sweet Suri was not born when we made all of the other stockings, so I took a scrappie sock I was going to sell, and gave it to her!! I still haven't added her name on, but will before I hang it this year!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=TheKnittingManiacSurisScrappieChristmasStocking.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/TheKnittingManiacSurisScrappieChristmasStocking.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Do you still have your childhood stocking? Do your children have stockings? </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Knitting! <a href="http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/?action=view&current=SqueakinCheeksTinyHeart.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/usplus/Knitting%20Maniac/SqueakinCheeksTinyHeart.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>Bridget</div>The Knitting Maniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10645503920962596798noreply@blogger.com6