November pattern sale

It's been a while since I did anything on here, and although I've got new patterns to finish writing and load onto the site, I just haven't seemed to find the time lately.  So I thought I might have a bit of a knitting pattern sale for the rest of the month.  My paid patterns can all be found here: Ravelry pattern page.  If you select one to buy the 15% discount is automatically added, yay.  So if you're looking for a new knitting or crochet pattern, then you might want to give one of my patterns a go, and save yourself 15%

How to block a hat after knitting

When it comes to knitting, I've always struggled with how to block a hat after knitting.  There's no doubt that blocking your knitting makes a huge difference, but I've never really known how to do it with a hat.  When I block other 'flat' items, I usually either wet and pin to shape on a thick towel, and leave to dry.  If I'm feeling particularly lazy, and it isn't a design that stands up, then I place a wet muslin cloth over the item and lightly press.  In the past I have been known to roll a towel up, and then press a hat with my iron, again with a wet muslin, but it's not a great result.  Suddenly the other day, I got inspired.......

How to block a hat after knitting

1. First of all, gently wash your hat.  This makes it wet (obviously) but seeing as I was in this case making a baby hat, I like to give them a wash before gifting them.
2. Gently squeeze out most of the water, try not to be too rough or you might stretch or alter the shape of the item.
3. Hold the hat open, place a balloon in the opening, and begin to inflate.
4. Do not fully inflate.  Blow the balloon up to the point where the hat is sitting on it completely open, but without being stretched too much.
5. Allow to dry.
6. Remove hat from balloon.

So there you have it, how to block a hat after knitting.  How do you do it?

Quick valentine's day knitted gifts

Here at three bags full, we might not have the biggest, or most complicated range of gifts, but one thing that we do cater for, is a quick valentine's day knitted gift.  For the past three, of four years now, we've added a few last minute valentine's day gifts to our range of free knitting and crochet patterns.

Last  minute valentine

It all started a few years back when I suddenly remembered that the next day was valentine's day, and I hadn't got a card for my husband.  I did have needles and red yarn though, so after a hunt for quick valentine's day knitted gifts, I decided to make my own.  The I love ewe last minute valentine was born.

A crochet valentine

The following year, I decided to stick with the theme, but rather than a knitted heart I went for a crochet heart instead.  I love ewe ; another last minute valentine was the end result.  I have to admit, that it's not quite as much fun as the original, but I love it all the same.

It was a while before I decided to come up with another one, and instead recreated my knitted and crochet hearts in different ways first.

Free Heart Knitting Pattern

A few years down the line though, I wanted to try something a little different.  Back to quick valentine's day knitted gifts this time round, and another free heart knitting pattern, and another cheesy name (sorry).  The end result was the wool you be mine?

I haven't quite decided what I'll do this year, and if we might end up with yet another quick valentine's day knitted gift, or if I'll recreate one of my old patterns.  If you decided to use one of my free heart knitting or crochet patterns, then I'd love to see some pictures.

Baby gifts

I mentioned in a recent post, that I had quite a few friends having babies soon.  I started just the other day on one of my all time favourite baby creations, the Hamish sandal. I've made this heaps of times now as a baby gift, and when it comes to quick baby gifts, it's my go to pattern.

Although it's called the Hamish sandal, after the little baby boy that I created the first one for over 4 years ago now, it's a great pattern because it works just as well for girls as for boys.  This time was for a little girl again, and following with tradition I went for a lovely pastel pink.  In fact it was the last of my elan organic merino yarn, but I can get at least two pairs out of one 50g ball, so we might manage another soon.

So, that's my first new baby project down.  I've also got a nearly finished little green cardigan for a baby who's flavour is as yet unknown, but with little green ladybird buttons I think it will suit a boy or girl.  Then it's onto a few more crochet baby shoes, and I also want to crochet a baby blanket for a special friends first baby.  I just need to decide on a pattern, my twinkle twinkle blanket or something else.......

Preemie singlet - free knitting pattern

This is a very simple pattern, that I drafted after getting a request for some premature singlets from New Zealand charity Earlybuds.  They do a great job of providing packs of essentials for parents with babies in NICU in New Zealand.  Please feel free to use this pattern for your own use, and if you want to knit some items for earlybuds if you're in New Zealand, or your local hospital's NICU.  It might be worth checking what they want or need first though.

Premature vest

The vest is designed to be knit in pure wool, as natural fibres are better for such small babies.  It is knit in the round, so there are no seams which may irritate, and is ribbed so that it will grow with the baby.  The shoulders have sleeves to give easy access to add wires and the like.  The vest will fit from around 34 weeks, but you could easily make larger or smaller by casting on more or less stitches.

What you need

8ply/dk yarn, (one 50g ball will do approx 2 vests)
4mm circular needles or dpns.

Free Preemie singlet knitting pattern

Cast on 68 sts on either dpns or circular knitting needlesusing your favourite casting on method, I prefer to use a nice stretchy cast on.
Join in the round
knit 2 purl 2 around, this will form 2x2 rib
Continue working 2x2 rib until work measures 17cm, (7inches) long
Next round: Cast off six stitches
Work with next four stitches ONLY, knit 18 rows, cast off these four stitches.
Reattach yarn, cast off 14 sts, work with next four stitches ONLY, knit 18 rows, cast off these four stitches.
Reattach yarn cast off 12 sts, work with next four stitches ONLY, knit 18 rows, next row k1 yo ktog kt1, knit one more row, cast off.
Reattach yarn co 14 sts, work with next four stitches ONLY, knit 18 rows, next row k1 yo ktog kt1, knit one more row, cast off.
Reattach yarn and cast off remaining 6 sts.
Weave in ends, add buttons to shoulders.