Mason Dixon KAL

Just wanted to wish everyone a very happy new year. I've really enjoyed being a part of Mason Dixon KAL!
I'm happy to say I finally was able to find some babies to knit for. I just finished these four bibs to give as gifts in the new year:
Sure wish I had had these for my boys when they were babies! I love the pattern. :) It's such a simple design, but I think they will come in very handy for keeping the babies outfits nice and clean.

happy knitting in 2007 :)

hakucho
http://hakucho.blogspot.com/

I've been dying for an excuse to make the heartbreakingly cute baby kimono, and now I have three excuses (two co-workers and nephew and his wife). Have any of you found the wrist on the kimono to be too small for a baby to put its hand through?
Mine is the four inches wide at the wrist like the directions say, which means folded in half it is two inches (or a little less after seaming) and it just seems really tiny to me. Are baby's hands really that small? (it's been awhile!).

Hello, I'm new to the KAL! This is my first post and here are my first projects from the book: I got it for Christmas and immediately cast on the Baby Kimono for the baby of a friend that will arrive any day now. I loved the projects and I had great fun hunting for yarn in my stash. Other info about me? I'm 30, I live in Germany and I'm a teacher. We don't have Peaches and Cream yarn here but the local dishcloth cotton works ok.

Here are my warshcloth's getting all fancied up to be given away for Christmas. It is embarrassing how addicted I am to knitting these. But hey, bad habit & all, the end result is so freakin cute! Right?





















I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday and I would like to toast the New Year.

Ladies, lift your glasses & needles to yourselves, for keeping the craft alive!
Here's to Peace & Happiness in 2007!
Cheers!!!

Wishing all Canadian and British bloggers a very happy Boxing Day (as well as any others who celebrate it!). I have been spending mine in pure contentment making... you guessed it!... boxes while managing to deal with a whole lot of my stash. The above is one of them. The other two are still in progress.

Or should I say... "Bowling Day"? (this Christmas has been very productive, knitting-wise!)





Now off to pig out on leftovers...

Kristina

PS. see my blog at tinathegreek.blogspot.com for more info and also more photos of the REST of the stuff I've made in the last two days!... also my log cabin in progress...

I thought to myself, "Who else but the MDKAL-ers would really appreciate this photo?" Taken on the night my knits started speaking. Happy holidays to all, and hope all your warshrags reached properly appreciative giftees!

I've made about a dozen of these ball-band washcloths. This colorway is for my Mom. The colors perfectly match her bathroom. Soon to be started: A camo log cabin afghan, Absorba bath mat and more washcloths.

I have finally finished knitting the larger-sized Moderne Log Cabin. Here it is:



Did you notice that I said "finished knitting" vs. finished? That means I still have about a million ends to tuck in. I managed a few yesterday, but then needed to take a break. I will probably really finish this today sometime.

For those of you who are interested, I thought I would share a bit of the details:

First, I scanned the page from the book that showed the color layout. Then after chosing the yarn I wanted to use, I brought the scan into my PaintShop Pro and worked on the scan - making rectangles to overlay and then filling in with colors. I didn't like the original color layout, so I changed it up a bit.

Next was figuring out my gauge and doing the math to determine how to get the correct finished size 50" x 60" out of worsted weight yarn (Cotton Ease).

From the gauge swatch I determined that I was getting 4 stitches and 8 ridges (16 rows) per inch. I then marked up the print of my colored scan so that I would have all the numbers handy.



While I was knitting I kept track of how many stitches I could get out of a whole skein. It came out to approx. 9216 sts per skein. Knowing that, I determined each square total stitch count (stitches x ridges x 2 (because each ridge is 2 rows)) so I could be sure I had enough of each color.

I knit this up leaving the live stitches on the needle instead of binding each rectangle off, and then having to pick up those bound edges. My Denise needles came in really handy here - especially since I had already purchased the additional extra long cables that are sold separately.

Just for the curious, for this large size log cabin in worsted weight it came out to a total of 96,000 stitches - without the i-cord binding calculations.

For the 2 side-by-side squares I had originally went about following the directions, but I thought it looked sloppy, so I tore that all out and knit each one separate. I zipped them up together at the end.

The edge is done with i-cord in the dark blue color. I wish I had flipped it before I started the i-cord so that the raised edge would be on the front vs. the back.


front with i-cord edging


back with i-cord edging

To end, I would make this again and probably will. Another worsted weight but not cotton-ease because I don't have enough to do another and I am not liking the new colors - too pale.

If anybody has questions about my calculations or such, please feel free to email me at shaguirre@comcast.net

Here is a last photo of my dogboy Spencer helping me:


Peace!
Susan / ZenKnit

I finally put some batteries in the digital camera...I took a photo of all of my Mason Dixon knitting. There are 4 ballband dishcloths ( I made a red white and blue one but already gave it away), the "godmother" edging still in progress, a baby kimono waiting to be sewn together.....and my crowning achievement, a Mason-Dixon inspired use for all of those tiny balls of peaches and creme left from disclothes-it's intended to be a bath mat. I've been dying to do a modular type project and these little bits and bobs that are leftover from the dishcloth are perfect.

oh man, FINALLY done! FINALLY!!!

if you want details on yarn, etc., click the photo to go to my blog.

Al

Here's a set of Felted Boxes for my in-laws. I used Nature Wool Chunky. They felted a little wonky since the different colors felted at different rates. I did not anticipate this. Oh well. I still really like the color variation in the Nature Wool.

These will be sent to my grandmother for Christmas. I have included some awesome Chef's Soap from NapaSoap. I love how these warshcloths turned out, they remind me of fields of heather. I decided to do them on US 6s and am much happier with them.

I'm living dangerously, as I'm sure other knitters are. One last project to finish up before we leave later for Christmas with our family. Details at my blog.

Ballband dishcloth I made for a good friend (christmas gift, of course). This is the third dishcloth I have made. Not yet made anything else from the book, but I love every one of the patterns. Maybe a log cabin blanket next? We'll see!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

Yeah, me too! I'm almost done (remember my LIST). I hope everyone has their gifts sorted out and I hope that everyone enjoys their washcloths, etc. This is the year of the handmade washcloth in my house and I know in many of yours too.

I've got three more items to work on and then I can relax and knit some washcloths for myself (and maybe a few for the 2007 gift basket).

Thanks to all for your cheers and support - you've all got mine as well. This forum is so much fun and it's so nice to connect with people of similar interests all over the world! Thanks.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe
Etsy

I put together baskets of dishcloths, Method Dishsoap, and a bar of holiday soap. The poem reads:

‘Twas the week before Christmas
With much left to do,
But I have to take time
To say thank you to you.

Thank you for
Of my kids you take care
For teaching them things
I would never dare.

Thank you does not
Seem like enough
And I know that you have
Too much ‘teacher stuff’

So I knit you this dishcloth
Added some soap too
To clean dishes and counters and
Places dirty fingers leave goo.

I hope that your new year
Is shiny and bright
That you take time to
Rest each and every night.

Thank you again
for all that you do
My whole family says,
“Merry Christmas and Happy (clean) New Year too!”

Feel free to use it as well!

2006 - the year of the ballband warshrag Christmas! These are for my daughter's preschool teachers - 4 of them! I also gave this gift to the hostess of a party last week - she loved it!

Season's Greetings to all!

Obviously, another Mason*Dixon felted box, this one in Brown Sheep Co, Lamb's Pride Bulky, color - Victorian Pink. These boxes are such a great way to gift a variety of items. I have filled them with washcloths, yarn, soaps and lotions, and now a collection of tea bags, loose tea, and an infuser.

Visit my blog to see Ballbands and other recent projects.

Isn't this just too cute! This is the Bib O' Love from Mason*Dixon Knitting. I have been waiting for an excuse to try this pattern. The perfect excuse presented itself when I received a Christmas card from a friend who had a new grandchild this year.

I used Crystal Palace Yarns' Cotton Chenille in colors 2342 Fern (.75 hank) and 1404 Dark Lilac (.25 hank),#6 Addi Turbo, and #F crochet hook. I picked up these buttons months ago at my favorite yarn shop, Sea Needles in Bethany Beach, Delaware. The button collection is called Stitchin' Up the Pieces by Denise Clason for JHB International, Inc. For more bib details and other vital info, visit my blog.

Whoohoo! Finished at 2.00 this am in time to catch the last post before Christmas. Frankly, I'm so proud of this - looks so impressive, but is really easy. Can't help delurking and bragging a little - lol!

Fiona

My aunt won't get this in time for Christmas, but I just finished! I like the colors, reminds me of my grandma. The purple is "hot purple" Sugar and Cream and the minty color is Peaches and Creme (sorry, lost the label).

I would like to be taken off the list of contributors Mason Dixon KAL. I don't know how to go about it. If it is up to me, please explain. Thank you.

Hi all:

Attached please see my version of the Nina shawl in the MDK book - in blanket form. Edging is done in i-cord (although sadly you cannot see it all in the photo). Yarn is Super 10 (mercerised cotton).

If interested in more info, specs are on my blog - http:\\tinathegreek.blogspot.com



PS see also my "festive hat" which I made in part to banish the winter blues (although temperature in Toronto is a balmy 7 C ... hat pattern from Hip Knit Hats. (and I don't look like a conehead when wearing it although it does have that appearance when not on :-) )

A very nice thing happened to me lately...I got an email from Lisa who belongs to the Monthly Dishcloth KAL Yahoo group that I also belong to. She reminded me of her idea of using EZ's applied i-cord technique on the edges of the ballband to make the edges very neat and tidy which was posted here at the Mason-Dixon KAL in August..

Here's a comparison of the three techniques for edging a ballband:The orange/green is the original ballband with no modifications. The blue/purple is the slip first stitch of every row, and the yellow/blue is the applied i-cord. I think you can see the differences.

Thought this was very worthwhile to pass on again in case you didn't happen to see it in August!
It's a good thing :) I have more pictures and the" how to" on my blog if you are interested!

happy knitting :)
hakucho
http://hakucho.blogspot.com/

I'm making the felted boxes and I'm confused about the part of the knitted fabric that folds. I think the pattern is written so that the knit side of the folding section is on the outside of the box. But the fabric seems to fold naturally with the purl side on the outside of the box. What have you all done? Does felting change folding tendencies of the fabric?

I knit this from Socks that Rock heavyweight. I loved the yarn!! I had to make some adjustments for gague, but I really like the way it turned out! More details in my blog.

I hope someone can help me. I made a large felted box and I washed the box twice in hot water, in a pillowcase and with a pair of jeans and it's not felting. What am I doing wrong?

Don't think I ever posted my dish cloth. Thought I would add mine to the stack. I made it over the summer. It was quick and easy! I loved making it!

hi all! i found this bib half knit on a stich holder buried in my stash! lucky me becuase i have a classmate whose baby is due in february. i finished it up and hopefully will get a baby blanket done to go with it before the baby makes his or her arrival! i just love this pattern. so easy and so cute! it really isn't that crooked, i just took the picture on the uneven ground.

I got a WHOLE CONE of Elmore-Pisgah cotton @ a thrift shop in my town for only a DOLLAR!! Wahoo! :D

Na-na-na boo-boo! :) *squeeling*

Check out the other goodies I got on my blog.

Hooray!

Here are 14 fabulous MD washcloths with Christmas treats that I gifted to my classmates. As much as I was excited to make them and gift them, my hands are looking forward to a little rest from the knitting!

I know that there was a post sometime ago looking for verses/poems about the dishcloth and it use. Did anyone come up with anything cute? I am giving Dishcloths and soap to my kids teachers and would like to include a cute poem/verse.

Thanks, Ladies!

Hi all:

Having become obsessed with squares and blankets (thanks, Kay!... I think, anyway! hee hee), I have decided to make an Advent Blanket using some old Paton's Decor I had lying around - 20 balls of different colours. The idea is: one square per day until it's done, hopefully before 6 January (this in addition to finishing up the Nina blanket for my mother... 'tis the season!)

I am trying to do each square (10x10) in a different stitch pattern (see below):

Diagonal Garter Rib:

Chequerboard:

Reverse Parallelogram:

Shooting for 20 squares (4 x 5) which should make a mighty big blankie! Today's square is seed stitch in powder blue. Thanks again to those who helped in my last enquiry about the similar blanket I saw on Kay and Ann's blog!

Wishing you warmth, style and comfort for the holidays...

http://tinathegreek.blogspot.com/

I'm using some Ballband warshcloths I knit in white and peppermint colored Peaches 'n Creme as bows on little gifts I am giving to some co-workers.

For everyone that has finished a mitered square blanket, I was wondering if you blocked every miter individually or if you sewed them into blocks and blocked them? Thanks!

Hi there,

I am a new participant! Actually I already finished something from the book, the Mitered Square Blanket. You can see pictures on my blog: http://onepotato.blogspot.com/2006/12/mason-dixon-mitered-square-blanket-and.html.

There are many other things I hope to make out of the book, though, so hopefully I'll be back again soon!

Thanks,
r

I need a quick baby item and have been waiting for the opportunity to get creative with the bib. Has anyone tried cotton chenille? Despite the care instructions on the label, I have had good luck machine washing/drying Crystal Palace's Cotton Chenille, and have lots of it in my stash.

The Winter 2006 Knitty is out - here.
I always feel like I'm the last to know so here you guys go :)

And here's some MDK love -

Hi all:

Curious if any Canadians (especially any in the GTA) know where I might find Peaches and Cream cotton or a reasonably-priced substitute? I don't buy stuff on line as I have no credit card...

Regards,

Kristina

I'm ready to start a big dotty pillow for my brother, but I have a question. Do you carry all the yarn colors up the side as you knit, as instructed with the ballband washcloth, or do I need to break yarn after I am done with each color?

Thanks for the help!

I made this kimono for my faux grandaughter Ava. I tried to get it up sooner, but the computer was not cooperating! Look at her cute little poochie lip! Sherry

I have been working on my mother's Christmas present and I am officially halfway done. The washcloth is almost done. This is white Peaches'n'Creme and Candy Cane Peaches'n'Creme. I cast on 33 stitches and knitted 9 bands. It came out pretty cute if you ask me. Oh, excuse the picture. I was taking that picture on a bus ride to Montgomery on a field trip. There isn't really a weird white stripe. lol.

Sarah
lacerox.blogspot.com

This is Absorba from Mason*Dixon Knitting. I finished this up just before Thanksgiving but neglected to take a photo before gifting the rug. This is not the best picture but it is proof of Absorba. I used 4 strands of Sugar'n Cream in Hot Blue and # 15 Denise Interchangeables. The measurements were 28 x 39 before washing, and 27 x 35 after. I used a total of 16-2.5 oz. skeins.

The Denise needles were great for this project -- I was able to add length to the cord as needed making it very comfortable to work with the size and weight of the rug. I liked it better after it had been through the washer and dyer. It had a thicker feel to it because the stitches had tightened up a bit and it feels great under the feet. I will definitely be making more of these as time allows.

Happy Holidays everyone! I made this ballband for Christmas, but I'm beginning to think it looks a lot more like a good Valentine's Day color. The pink in it just makes me think of V-Day. What do you think?

My blog---stop by and say hi! :)

The dreaded list everyone is trying to finish, baby bibs here, wash cloths there, oh wait there's one I forgot... Hope everyone gets all of their gifts finished with their sanity in tact and without carpal tunnel. If you want to feel better about YOUR list of "to make" check out mine - I need your support - because YES - I'm just that crazy!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe
ETSY (out of time? Buy something handmade!)

Have not posted in a while, I have been on a bib bender....These are made mostly with peaches and creme, sugar and creme and a touch of Rowan and Debbie Bliss. Basically whatever I could get my hands on. I started with the baby bib o love pattern and off I went....and am still going...