Sew What? Monster PJ Bottoms

Yes, this is my knitting blog, but sometimes fleece and sewing seem like a better choice!  I am knitting away on two other projects, but wanted get these Monster PJ Bottoms  in the mail!


Last weekend, my friend was excitedly telling me about some monster pants she knitted for her grand-daughter. There are some great patterns to knit or crochet, and her grand-daughter looks very cute!

But, I'd rather sew this project because this is the reply I received while asking my son for advice: "As his grandma, I think you can make him whatever silly stuff you want. Fleece sounds nice. Could you make him a top to go with it? He could wear them for PJs.  Love you."

Materials and supplies:
2 hours and basic sewing skills (one pair PJ bottoms)
1 yard fleece, and stash fleece for the monster's face (size 2)
pants pattern in the desired size
elastic for waist
thread (matching or contrasting)
scissors
pins
sewing machine
imagination
 
I checked the pattern drawer, fleece stash, coupons and sales, and headed up to JoAnns.

I  purchased 1 yard of two coordinating fleece fabrics, and gathered supplies.

My lucky day, the pattern fit on 1 yard.  I modified the pants, front,and bottom hems of the top.

I cut out the pieces.  There was enough fabric for two pair of PJs!

Getting started on one PJ bottom, I stitched the back seam.

With the back seam stitched, I folded the PJ bottoms at the sides to create a more realistic view.

I used a sliver of dry soap to trace around an 8.5"salad plate for the monster's head.

I traced around the 3" jar lid, and cut the eyes.

I cut pupils from the smaller dots of the coordinating fabric.  I also fashioned a mouth and teeth.  I pinned the details to the face, and carried just that to the sewing machine. I stitched, and trimmed the pieces into place.

I set the monster's face onto the back of the PJ bottoms, and saw that I needed to stitch the elastic casing at the waist.  Then I pinned the monster's face in place, and stitched it to the back of the PJ bottoms. 

Sorry, I didn't take photos of sewing the PJ bottoms.  I stitched the inside legs, then slid one leg inside the other to finish sewing the crotch. Next, I finished the elastic casing, and threaded though the elastic. Finally, I hemmed the legs.  

I made the second pair of Monster PJ bottoms.

The next morning, I made the tops.  Once I looked at them, the PJ's were really crazy, but then monsters have poor fashion sense.  I thought waffle knit tops would look much nicer.
 

A quick trip to the outlet mall Carter's made this fashion minded grandma happy, and the value of the package (JoAnn's fleece sale) more than the postage.  I put the 4 tops and both Monster PJ Bottoms in a medium flat rate box.

  The sun was shining, I walked the package to the post office.

Copyright 2016, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 1/9/16

for pattern support please contact marilynnblacketer@gmail.com 

D'Stash Bag

2016 had arrived, and it was time to look at the yarn stash.  I looked, weighed, recorded, and joined Ravelry group Stash Control 2016.  Then I pulled some wool yarn out of the closet, and started my first de-stashing project of the new year.

D'Stash Bag

300 grams of worsted weight 100% wool suitable for felting.

 With US size 11, 24” needles, cast-on 120 stitches, place marker, join to work in the round.

Rnds 1-10: Knit

Rnd 11: Knit 20, bind-off 20, knit 40, bind-off 20, knit 20

Rnd 12: Knit 20, cast-on 20, knit 40, cast-on 20, knit 20 (creating handles)

Continue to knit, joining another strand of yarn as needed by holding new&old together for 4 stitches.

With 20grams of yarn remaining, start base decreases as follows:

Rnd 1: Knit 4, k2tog(knit two stitches together); repeat to end

Rnds 2- 6 even: Knit

Rnd 3: Knit 3, k2tog; repeat to end

Rnd 5: Knit 2, k2tog; repeat to end

Rnd 7: Knit 1, k2tog; repeat to end (40sts remain, 20stitches on 2 needles)

Three needle bind-off , or Kitchener Stitch.

Finishing: Weave in tails. Place in mesh bag, and felt for 30 minutes. Shape, trim tails, and let dry.

 
I added the flower from itty-bitty hats, by Susan B. Anderson, “felted flower child”, p89, and attached it with 3 orange french knots.

I'd like to share photos of the process: 

I selected wool, decided I'd start with magenta, and complete the project with reds and browns.

I placed most of the yarn in a narrow bag, and started.

I clipped green and orange markers to mark the beginning and end of the bind-offs creating handles .

The markers were also helpful to note the cast-on following the handle shaping.

I continued to knit until I had about 20grams of yarn remaining.

I worked decreases, and used a 3needle bind-off to close the bottom of the bag.

I took the time to weave in the tails. The bag measured: 19" wide, 21" height.  I placed the work in a mess bag, and into the top loading washer with hot water for 30 minutes. The darker yellow yarn was acrylic, oops!  I solved that problem by securing that work with brown wool whip stitches, (Yes, the blue was acrylic, too.  I worked red wool through those with a running stitch.) I put the bag  back in the washer for another 30 minutes.

finished size: flat & folded 9", open circumference 30", 11"height

 The next morning, I added the flower from itty-bitty hats, by Susan B. Anderson, “felted flower child”, p89, and attached it with 3 orange french knots.

This pattern is available on marilynnsgardenknitdesign.blogspot.com.

Copyright 2016, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 1-9-16

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Simply Chevron Hat

Simply Chevron Hat works well in a cotton or wool blend. The hat is worked in diagonal left & right stitches (400 knitting stitches, p30, 31) giving the knitter something interesting to do, but keeping the texture simple enough for either gender. This hat takes just a few hours to knit, and makes the Simply Chevron Hat perfect for gifts or charity.

Photo: (toddler) Simply Chevron Hat is knit in Plymouth Encore worsted; 75% acrylic/ 25% wool;  color 1445

Finished sizes:

Adult/Teen: flat 16”, stretches to 22”circumference, height 9”

Child: flat 14”, stretches to 20”circumference, height 8”

Toddler: flat 12”, stretches to 18”circumference, height 7.5”

Newborn/Infant: flat 10”, stretches to 16”circumference, height 6.5”

Gauge: 5 stitches = 1”; (Toddler gauge: 5.5 stitches = 1”) Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Materials:

Yarn: cotton or wool blend in worsted weight

Adult/Teen: 150 yards / 2.5 oz;

Child/Toddler: 125 yards /2 oz

Infant: 90 yards / 1.5 oz

Needles: Size US#7, and Size US#8, 16” circular needles, set size US#8 double pointed needles

(for Toddler: Size US#6, and Size US#7, 16” circular needles, set size US#7 double pointed needles)

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Abbreviations: CO = cast on      K = knit      k2tog = knit 2 stitches together       p = purl
                        Rnd/s = round/s      sts = stitches

Special Stitches: Chevron (these 24 stitches and 12 rounds create the chevron pattern)

Rnds 1, 2: p1, k5, p1, k10, p1, k5, p1 

Rnds 3, 4: k1, p1, k5, p1, k8, p1, k5, p1, k1

Rnds 5, 6: k2, p1, k5, p1, k6, p1, k5, p1, k2

Rnds 7, 8: k3, p1, k5, p1, k4, p1, k5, p1, k3

Rnds 9, 10: k4, p1, k5, p1, k2, p1, k5, p1, k4 

Rnds 11, 12: k5, p1, k5, p2, k5, p1, k5 

Key:  Knit       , purl -

 

                 

   

Directions: Directions are written for adult size. [child and newborn/infant directions are in brackets] (for toddler, follow child directions using smaller needles)

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size US#7, 16” circular needles. Cast on 96 [72, 48] stitches.

Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.

(toddler: size US#6, CO 72sts)

Brim:

Rnds 1-12[10, 8]: * Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Hat: With size US#8 needles, (toddler: size US#7needles) (place maker after 24sts for repeats)

Rnds 1, 2: * P1, k5, p1, k10, p1, k5, p1; repeat from * to end

Rnds 3, 4: * K1, p1, k5, p1, k8, p1, k5, p1, k1; repeat from * to end

Rnds 5, 6: * K2, p1, k5, p1, k6, p1, k5, p1, k2; repeat from * to end

Rnds 7, 8: * K3, p1, k5, p1, k4, p1, k5, p1, k3; repeat from * to end

Rnds 9, 10: * K4, p1, k5, p1, k2, p1, k5, p1, k4; repeat from * to end

Rnds 11, 12: * K5, p1, k5, p2, k5, p1, k5; repeat from * to end

Work the hat in pattern for 8” [7.5”(7”), 5.5”] from CO ending on rnd 12.

For a taller hat, or fold-up brim work extra rounds of the pattern before starting the crown decreases.

Crown: Change to double pointed needles when needed.
Rnd 1: Knit

Rnd 2: K3, k2tog, * K6, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3sts, k3 

Rnd 3: K2, k2tog, * K5, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3sts, k3 

Rnd 4: K1, k2tog, * K4, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3sts, k3

Rnd 5: K2tog, * K3, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3sts, k3

Rnd 6: K1, * K2tog; repeat from * until 12,[9,6] sts remain.

Finishing: Cut 12” yarn and thread end through remaining stitches.  Pull together, and tie off neatly.

 
This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

Simply Chevron Hat pattern pdf is available on Ravelry.com

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 10-22-15

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Sew What? Mermaid's Tail Sofa Snuggler

Yes, this is my knitting blog, but sometimes fleece and sewing seem like a better choice!
My Roller Derby daughter asked for a mermaid's tail blanket like she'd seen on Pinterest. There are some beautiful patterns to knit and crochet, but I'd rather sew this project because I'd be making a mermaid's tail for my daughter and two grand-daughters. (And a sparkle costume for the NH grand-daughter.)



Let me share the process:

I made a trip to JoAnn's.  With sales & coupon magic, I spent $36.  The pattern was 40% = $9. The fleece kit, and fabric were 50% = $10 + $10.  I also bought some sparkle fabric to make the NH grand-daughter a Halloween costume.  (Next time, I'd purchase 2 yards fleece, and/or the 60"x72" kit.  Mermaids have long tails!) 

I came home, gathered supplies, and unfolded the pattern. The adult pattern was very large so I opted to use the children's, and placed it on fabric not concerned that it was also very wide.  I used pattern for the adult tail.

I folded the fleece right-sides together lengthwise 24"x 60", and again 12" x 60".
I placed and pinned the pattern. I trimmed the fabric around the bottom of the tail and fin.
(Next time, folded to 24"x72", and 12"x72".  Place the pattern at the bottom, leaving the extra fabric above the pattern. Mermaids have long tails!)

I continued to work with the right-sides together sewing the tail and fin.  I also zig-zag stitched the tail, but not the fin. 

Then I turned the work right-side out. I top stitched the edge and interior of the fin. 

 I took the work to the sofa.  Great fit for me, but as you remember from other posts, I am not 5' tall. These girls are 5'5".  Finished snuggler: 47" circumference, 60" length, but only 48" available for tail.  I did some thinking, and remembered most lap blankets are 72" long.

To solve that problem, I made a second trip to JoAnn's.  With sales & coupon magic, I spent an additional $14.  I purchase a yard of the chevron fabric, on the left, so I could  fussy cut an 18"strip centering the two blue chevrons.  The fabric, to the right, I cut in half creating two 48"x18" strips to sew at the top of the two tails. 

 Finished measurements: 47" circumference, 77" length, with 65" available for the tail. 

These are the finished Mermaid's Tail Sofa Snugglers.

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 10/4/15

For content support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

(And a sparkle costume for the NH grand-daughter.)

Ballet Wrap - Lots of Love

The Ballet Wrap - Lots of Love works well in worsted weight acrylic, cotton, or wool blend. The wrap can be finished in a weekend or two, and makes a perfect gift or accessory for any little dancer. This may be considered an intermediate level pattern because you'll be making yoke increases and following a chart simultaneously. The wrap is designed to fit a 4 or 5 year old, but can easily be made larger with more yoke increases. 

Finished sizes: Child: 22” chest, 10” height neck to hem, 9” sleeve

Gauge: Size US#8, 4.5 stitches = 1”; size US#7, 5 stitches = 1”   Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Materials: Yarn: acrylic, cotton or wool blend in worsted weight; 315 yards,170grams

Photo: Ballet Wrap Lots of Love was knit in Caron Simply Soft; 100% acrylic (This size required one skein.)

Needles: Size US#7 and US#8, 16”, 24” circular needles, and/or sets double pointed needles

Use your choice of two circular needles, or set of double pointed needles for the sleeves (I prefer working both sleeves at the same time, using the two circular needles.)

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Abbreviations: CO=cast on      K=knit      KFB=knit front&back     k2tog=knit 2 stitches together      k2togtbl=knit 2 stitches together through the back loop      p=purl      p2tog=purl 2 stitches together      pm=place marker      rm=remove marker      sm=slip marker      Rnd=round      sts=stitches      RS=right side      WS=wrong side      yo=yarn over

Ballet Wrap Directions

Yoke: With size #7, 24” circular needles, CO 31 sts. Do not join, work back and forth in rows.

Set up(WS): Knit3, pm, k5, pm, knit15, pm, k5, pm, k3 (garter stitch neckband)

Row 1(RS): KFB, k2, sm, KFB, k3, KFB, sm, KFB, k13, KFB, sm, KFB, k3, KFB, sm, k1, KFB, k1    (39sts)

Row 2 (WS): Knit

Row 3(RS): KFB, k3, sm, KFB, k5, KFB, sm, KFB, k15, KFB, sm, KFB, k5, KFB, sm, k2, KFB, k1    (47sts)

Row 4(WS): Knit

To insert the Lots of Love Heart, find the center back, and count back 8sts, place a different colored marker, count through the 15sts, and place yet another marker. (My markers were placed at 16st and 31sts, framing the chart, and I'm going to work rows 5,6 just one time before starting the chart.) When working the Row 5 increases, as the first colorful marker arrives, follow the chart. Check your work as your approach the 2nd colorful marker, then continue working Row 5 increases. (Work the chart through row 17.)

Row 5(RS): With size #8, 24”circular needles, Knit 3, yo, * knit to 1stitch before marker, yo, k, sm, k, yo; repeat from * to last 3sts, yo, k3

Row 6(WS): Purl

Repeat Rows 5 - 6 a total of 12 times.           (10 sts increased on RS rows, creating 167sts)

Work the WS row: Purl

Divide Body and Sleeves:

RS: Knit 3, yo, knit to 1st marker, sm, slip33 sleeve sts onto holder, rm, CO3 underarm sts, k43 across back, rm, slip33 sleeve sts onto holder, CO3 underarm sts, sm, knit to last 3sts, yo, k3 (front 30sts, back 49sts, front 30sts= 109sts)

WS: Purl. Snug the underarm stitches.           (109sts)

Body:

Row 1 (RS): Knit 3, yo, knit to last 3 sts, yo, k3

Row 2 (WS): Purl

Repeat Body Rows 1-2

If working the body plain, complete Rows 1-2 a total of 14 times. (front 44sts, back 49sts, front 44sts= 137sts, about 5.5” from underarm)

If inserting Lots of Love Hearts, repeat Rows 1-2 just a total of 4 times, about 1.5” from underarm. To insert the Lots of Love Hearts, find the center back, and count back 8sts, place a different colored marker, count through the 15sts, and place yet another marker. Continue counting 15sts, and placing markers. Repeat counting 15sts, and placing markers on the other side. (My markers were placed at 6sts, pm,(15sts, pm)7times, then 6sts to end = 117sts. I also removed the underarm/side markers.) When working Row 1, remember to start with the Knit 3, yo, as the colorful markers arrive, follow the chart. Check your work as you approach the next colorful marker, then continue to repeat the chart, and remember the yo, k3 edge. Also enjoy the front edges of the wrap growing, without partial hearts making an appearance. Repeat Body Rows 1-2 a total of 10 more times to complete the chart through row 20. (137sts, about 5.5” from underarm)

Bottom Border:

Row 21(RS): K3, yo, knit (removing markers) to last 3sts, yo, k3

With size#7, 24”circular needle, work the garter stitch lace border by following Rows 22 - 28 of Chart, and remembering to include the K3, yo and yo, k3 edges.

Row 22(WS): P4, knit to last 4sts, p4

Row 23(RS): K3, yo, knit to last 3 sts, yo, k3

Row 24(WS): P3, * p2tog, yo, p1; repeat from * to last 3sts, p3 (This happens to be a wrong side row. Follow the  written directions to create the desired eyelet on the right side.)

Row 25(RS): K3, yo, knit to last 3 sts, yo, k3

Row 26(WS): P4, knit to last 4sts, p4

Row 27(RS): K3, yo, knit to last 3 sts, yo, k3

Row 28(WS): P4, knit to last 4sts, p4 (145sts)

Row 29(RS): With size#8 needle, Bind Off loosely in knit.

Ties:

With size#7 double pointed needles, pick up 3sts on the inside corner of bottom border/hem, and make a 3stitch I-Cord, 24” long. Repeat for other side.

Second option: With size#7 double pointed needles, make two 3stitch I-Cords, 24” long. Secure the I-Cords to the inside corner of bottom border/hem of the wrap.

Third option: (no I-Cord) Sew buttons along one side of the front border. The eyelets will be used as button holes.

Sleeves:

Move 33 stitches from holder onto size#8 circular/or double pointed needles. Pick up and knit 10 sts from underarm, pm, and join to work in the round. 43sts

Rnds 1-4: Knit

Rnd 5: K1, k2tog, knit to last 2 sts before marker, k2tog

Repeat Rnds 1-5 a total of 5 times.                (33sts)

Work even until sleeve measures 8” from underarm.

Cuff:

With #7needles, work the garter stitch lace border by following Chart rows 22 – 28. (You'll be working in the round on the RS. It will be easier to follow the chart.)

Rnd 22: Purl

Rnd 23: Knit

Rnd 24: * K1, yo, k2tog; repeat to end

Rnd 25: Knit

Rnd 26: Purl

Rnd 27: Knit

Rnd 28: Purl

Rnd 29: With #8 needle, Bind Off loosely in knit.    

Repeat for other sleeve.

Finishing: Weave in all the tails.

Heart Chart Directions: 

Row 1(RS): K2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k2tog tbl, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo,    k2tog tbl, k2

Rows 2-20 even (WS):p15

Row 3(RS): K1, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, k3tog, yo, k3, yo, k2tog tbl, k1

Row 5(RS)): K1, k2tog, yo, k4, yo, k2tog tbl, k3, yo, k2tog tbl, k1

Row 7(RS): K1, k2tog, yo, k9, yo, k2tog tbl, k1

Row 9(RS): K3, yo, k2tog tbl, k5, k2tog, yo, k3

Row 11(RS): K4, yo, k2tog tbl, k3, k2tog, yo, k4

Row 13(RS): K5, yo, k2tog tbl, k1, k2tog, yo, k5

Row 15 (RS): K6, yo, k3tog, yo, k6

Row 17(RS): K7, yo, k2tog tbl, k6

Row 19(RS): K15

Let me share a few photos of the work in progress:

I gathered supplies.  This size used just one skein of yarn.

I worked the yoke with a heart centered in the back.

I used size US #4, 16" circular needles as the stitch holders for the sleeves.

 

I worked rows 1 - 21 of the chart to create the heart detail. Then moved/knitted the work to size US #7 needles to complete the garter stitch lace border. 

I used a size US #8 needle to bind off.

I picked up stitches, and knitted both I-Cords on the same needle by working the yarn from the inside and out of the skein.

I picked up the stitches, and worked both sleeves.  As I was getting near the end of the skein, I carefully unwound the remaining yarn, found the center, and rewound.  Then moved to size US #7 needles to work the cuff.

I used a size US #8 needle to bind off.  

Ballet Wrap Lots of Love

is available at MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

Intwined Pattern Studio pdf available at Ravelry.com

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 9/1/15

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com