The Babester Dos

This is a design alternative for the Babester Orig.  It creates a flat knitted front instead of the knobby purls. Still simple, still sweet.:) You’ll need 45 yards of ReStitch Yarn, needles, a biggish button (as big or bigger than a quarter), and a needle to weave in ends.

Using size 10-15 needles (depending on how tight you want the stitches), CO 15

Row 1: knit

Row 2: knit through the front and back (kfb) of the first stitch, knit to the last stitch, kfb

Row 3: knit

Row 4: repeat row 2

Row 5: knit

Row 6: repeat row 2

Row 7: knit

Row 8: k5, purl to last 5 stitches, k5

Row 9: knit

Repeat rows 8 and 9 until the bib measures 7 inches (or desired length) from the bottom, ending on a purl row. Switch colors along the way if you want to.

Next row: With the knit side toward you, knit 7 and begin casting off by slipping the 6th stitch (already knitted) over the 7th.  This will leave 5 stitches on the right needle. Continue casting off by knitting one and slipping the the previous stitch over until there are 4 stitches remaining on left needle.  Knit these 4 stitches so there are 5 stitches on each end of the needle. These begin the collar of the bib.

Next row:  Knit 5, slip the next 5 stitches onto a stitch holder.  Knit the 5 stitches on the needle until the collar measures 5 inches (or desired length).

Next row: Shape the button hole. Knit 3, pull 2nd stitch over the 3rd to cast off, k1, pull the previous stitch over, k1, pull the previous stitch over, knit the last stitch. There should now be 2 stitches on the needle (one on each end).

Next row: Knit 1, finger CO 3 stitches, knit 1. There are now 5 stitches on the needle and the button hole is formed.

Next row: cast off and shape the button hole as you weave in the loose ends.

Go back to the other side of the collar and pick up the 5 stitches.

Knit 3 rows and then cast off.  Use the loose end to attach the big button and there you go! Another fabulous Babester!  Please feel free to ask any questions or comment on the pattern.  And check out the ReStitch Facebook page.  Happy knitting!

This is a really simple knitted pattern for a Kindle Fire and doesn’t take long at all. ReStitch Yarn provides ample protection given its chunky, sturdy nature.

This pattern takes 150 yards of ReStitch Yarn.  When buying yarn, try to get balls with roughly the same yardage and weight.  This will assure the same thickness and width for the entire pattern.  I used five vibrant colors though I wouldn’t change colors on the flap part again–just because when you flip it open, you can see where the ends are weaved in.  In the pocket part, obviously this doesn’t matter, so get crazy with color if you want to. You’ll also need size 10 straight needles, 2 buttons about the size of a nickle, and a needle to sew in ends.

OK!  Get your bevvy of choice ready, and set yourself up with all necessary comforts.  I’m a fan of my doggie on my feet, and, if it’s Saturday morning, NPR on the radio.

Using size ten straight needles, cast on 18 stitches using a long tail cast on.

Knit 6 rows.

row 7:  knit 3, purl 12, knit 3

row 8: knit

Repeat these two rows for a total of 75 rows.  Get funky by changing colors at any time if you want to.

Next row, with the right side (knitted side) toward you, knit 9 and bring the 8th stitch (already knitted) back over the 9th to cast off.  In this way, cast off 3 more stitches for a total of 4 stitches casted off, knit 6.  This should result in 7 stitches on the right side of the needle, a space of 4 and then 7 more stitches.

Next row: knit 3, purl 4, finger cast on 4, purl 4, knit 3.  18 stitches total.  You have just created a hole for the power button, etc.

power button hole

Next row: knit

Next row: knit 3, purl 12, knit 3

Repeat these 2 rows ’til just shy of desired length.  I repeated for a total of 24 rows.

Knit 4 rows.

Next row form button holes: Knit 3, finger cast on 3 stitches, knit 12, finger cast on 3, knit 3.

Last row: cast off all stitches.

With the purled side out, fold up the bottom to come to the power button hole. Making sure the fold is straight, sew up the sides of the kindle cover. It pays to take your time here and sew up using a pattern.  Just sew into the same spot on both sides.  It looks much neater.

Sew buttons on the front, making sure they are evenly spaced and aligned with the button holes.  And that’s it!

side view

Thanks for purchasing ReStitch Yarn!  Yay!  Happy knitting!

I’m at the age when all of my bffs are popping out babies left and right. To keep up with celebrating their procreation, I designed this baby bib pattern.  They are cute, comfortable, and washable. They knit up in under two hours and they are eco-fab. You can pick up some of this recycled t-shirt yarn at happyknits in downtown Skowhegan, Maine.

The Babester--A baby bib pattern by ReStitch Yarn

YARN: This pattern uses 35 yards of ReStitch Yarn (100% upcycled chunk weight, 98 grams).
NEEDLES: Size 13 circular or straight needles.
NOTIONS: One big button (at least 1” diameter)
GAUGE: 5 stitches = 2 inches
NOTES: CO = cast on; kfb = knit through the front and the back of the stitch

The Babester!

This pattern has many possible variations, so don’t be shy about freestyling a bit. ReStitch Yarn is really easy to experiment with.

yarn: at least 30 yards of ReStitch Yarn (30 yards is enough for a cowl)

needles: read the label on the yarn for needle size.  If you want more drape, go bigger.  If you want more stiffness, go smaller.

notions: a yarn needle and buttons if desired

The Shenan Again cowl by ReStitch Yarn

Pour yourself a nice cup of tea, glass of wine, or whatever and relax.  Cast on an even number of stitches–I usually do 18 for a cowl.* First row:  knit 2 (K2), yarn over (YO), knit 2 together (K2T), repeat to end. Continue knitting every row in this pattern until you reach your desired length then cast off.  You can sew the ends together or leave them to hang freely. Add buttons, pins, beads, make it yours and enjoy!

*this can be a cowl, a headband, a bracelet or wristwarmers, a garter, a belt or just a simple scarf.