I made up this cable hat pattern after getting a good deal on some chunky yarn.  Sadly, the LYS that sold it is going out of business.    



This koala is from Jean Greenhowe's Knitted Animals.  I'm ususally not a big fan of sewing knitted pieces together, but I think his final cute-ness was totally worth it.  He'll get a bow-tie after I find out if the recipient is going to be a baby boy or girl.  

This is my first self-designed piece of clothing, naturally after seeing someone else make a similar version on craftster.  It's partly crochet (8 mm hook) and partly knit (US size 10 needles), using less than 2 skeins of Lion Brand Cotton Ease.  I crocheted a small round to cover the plastic button used here.



Here's the link for the inspiration:
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=34719.0

Even though I can barely sew a straight line, all these knitting needle/crochet hook holders I've seen on craftster inspired me to make my own case.  Plus, when I saw this fabric featuring little skeins of yarn (sorry they're hard to see), I couldn't think of a better use for it. 

I had quite a bit of yarn left over after my last project and decided to put it to use on this shrug, based loosely on the "Shimmer" pattern from knitty.  Instead of a ribbed edging and lacy lozenge pattern for the body, I used a lacy edging and stockinette stitch for the body.   Somehow the sleeves got a bit longer than I intended, but hey, at least my hands won't get cold.   

Here are the pics (before blocking).

Front

Back

Only when I finished this poncho a few months ago did I realize that the front and back are not the same.  Well, I suppose that gives it added versatility-- it can be worn with either side in the front or with the point to the side if you like the asymmetrical look. 

The pattern is basically a giant rectangle knit in mistake rib, with one short side sewn to the long side. 

Lately a whole slew of people I know have been having babies-- the perk for me is that I get to knit cute and whimsical things for them.  This is a pattern adapted from the book Animal Knits, which I borrowed from the local library.  They're supposed to be bears, but in different colors, I think they could pass for mice, lions, etc.