Back to Shoes

Through a new turn of events that I won’t bore anyone with the details on, I am currently working on relaunching my neglected soft sole shoe business, LilyGiggle shoes. I really let it go after some difficult personal problems stole my focus and I didn’t think I would ever make them again. Though my online store and etsy shop are pathetically out of stock I’m working hard to change that by next week. I’m showing them next weekend locally and this pair even got a shout out on our local news station where they were worn in a small fashion show promoting Munchkin Market. Unfortunately, the cameraman apparently had not had enough coffee that morning because he never panned down on the shoes or even the outfit, for that matter, but kept his camera directly on the young model’s face the whole time! My whole family glued around the tv to see mom’s creations in the spotlight got a great laugh out of that one.

Felted OVEN Mitt

This week I’m sharing a pattern for a pretty nifty oven mitt.  And yes, it does “work”!  I’ve actually used it for standard baking pans and dishes.  However, on some of my stoneware, I either have to work quickly or double-up with another mitt.  Those baking stones get way hot!!! 

I figured you could put some cute embroidery and such to add a personal touch.  Also a simple knitted i-cord for a handy hanging loop would be easy and practical!

If you are new to knitting or rather new to the world of felting, this would be a perfect beginning project. 

Here you go…Cheers!

Oven Mitt

Supplies for this project:

 250 yards of Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride (hold 2 together)

Small amount of contrast color for band, if desired

Size 13, 15, or 16 inch circular needles

Set of double pt. needles in size 11,13,15

Size 10 or smaller circular needle

Marker

Stitch holder

~~~HOLD 2 STRANDS OF YARN TOGETHER~~~~

Using larger circular needle, CO 35 stitches loosely (co 1 extra to join circle) w/ contrast color.  Place marker and join circle by purling 1st two stitches together, then purl around.  Purl 4 more rounds = total of 5 rounds.  Cut yarn.

With spare circular needle, pick up lower loops of the cast on edge.  PUT NEEDLE TIP THROUGH THE RIGHT SIDE TO WRONG SIDE TO PICK UP CAST ON STITCHES.  Fold the cast on edge up to the inside like a hem.  Join main color and work a 3 needle join (just like a 3 needle bind off BUT do not bind off).

Increase round: *Knit 6, inc in next stitch;  repeat from * around—40 sts.   Knit 18 rounds even. 

Thumb Gusset: 

Round 1: Knit 2, m 1 (make 1), knit to last 2 sts, m1, k2—42 sts.

Round 2-6:  Knit

Round 7:  Knit 4, m1, knit to last 4 sts, m1, k4—44 sts.

Round 8-12:  Knit

Round 13:  Knit 6, m1, knit to last 6 sts, m1, k6—46 sts.

Round 14-15:  Knit

Divide for Thumb opening:  Knit 1 round, ending 7 sts before marker.  Slip the next 7 sts onto a holer, remove marker, and slip the next 7 sts onto the holder—32 sts remain on the needle, 14 sts on the holder.  Replace marker and join the remaining 32 sts into round.  Knit 10 rounds even. 

Shape top: 

Round1:  *ssk, k12, k2tog;  repeat from * once—28 sts.

Round 2-7:  Knit

Round 8:  *ssk, k10, k2tog;  repeat from * once—24 sts.

Round 9:  Knit

Round 10:  *ssk, k8, k2tog;  repeat from * once—20 sts.

Round 11:  Knit

Round 12:  *ssk, k6, k2tog;  repeat from * once—16 sts.

Round 13:  *ssk, k4, k2tog;  repeat from * once—12 sts.

Round 14:  *ssk, k2, ,k2tog;  repeat from * once—8 sts.

Round 15:  *ssk, k2, k2tog;  repeat from * once—4 sts.  Cut yarn and draw through all remaining sts.  Pull together tightly. 

THUMB:  Slip the 14 sts from teh holder onto a double point needle.  With second dpn, pick up 2 sts from body of mitten.  Arrange sts evenly on 3 dpn’s, place marker between the 2 picked up sts fro beginning of round and join 16 sts.  (Pick up stitches by putting point of needle from right side to wrong side), have your #1 needle start between the original 2 picked up sts.

Round 1-4:  Knit (be sure flat side, knit, is facing you)

Round 5:  ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog—14 sts.

Round 6:  Knit

Round 7-10:  Repeat rounds 5 & 6 two more time—10 sts.

Round 11:  * k2tog, repeat from *—5 sts.  Cut yarn and draw through all remaining stitches.  Pull together tightly and fasten off.  Weave in all loose ends. 

Felt away in some soapy water, agitated in your washing machine. 

 This might take a couple of cycles to felt down to the proper size oven mitt. 

Picnic.

Hope you all had a fabulous 4thof July!  I constantly experiment with different recipes to help entertain my family’s palette….here’s one that was successful on the yummy chart.

 GREEK POTATO SALAD

 (courtesy of MaryJanesFarm…June/July’09)

Dressing:  2/3 cup plain yogurt, 1/3 cup sour cream, & 1/3 cup grated cucumber (mix together and set aside)

Salad:  garlic (to taste), 6 cups roasted potatos, 1 cup diced tomato, 1 cup cucumber (seeded & chopped), 1 cup diced black olives, 1 cup feta cheese, salt & pepper (to taste).

I diced up some red potatos, seasoned them to my liking (a little olive oil and fav seasonings), 

and baked them around 375′

Mix the other salad ingredients together and add potatos (once cooled) & dressing. 

ENJOY!   There’s plenty to share for your next summer picnic!