My birthday is fast approaching. I don’t mind so much this year, nor most years. However last year was a different story. That is in the past though and so I will focus on the here and now. As usual my husband asked me if there was anything in particular I wanted to be gifted for my birthday or something I wished to do. The only thing that came to mind was a book of knitting projects I had been eyeing for some time. A few days later I picked him up from work and as we were headed home together he happened to mention that he had ordered my birthday present. I inquired after whether or not this would be the book I had previously indicated. He felt inclined to keep that bit of information to himself though I felt certain I was right. Later on as I was checking on some emails I happened to notice that I had received a confirmation email from a site that I had set up an account with for our joint use. Of course he had used that. Now here was my moral dilemma. Do I look to see exactly what I will be receiving for my birthday or wait till he hands it over to me possibly all wrapped up with a bow but more than likely in whatever packaging it was shipped in? I apparently still have a few faults to work on as I indeed chose to go against better judgement and confirm that yes indeed he bought me the wonderful book I had requested! I can not wait! I guess though that I should continue on with things that need to be completed for christmas before this book shows up so that when it does I can give it my undivided attention!
And speaking of Christmas projects.... I will share one of the projects I have been doing. Nothing major. I decided to make cowls as these ones can be used either around the neck/face or as a head cover. I like to think of them as the winter bandana. My husband loves the one I made for him last year and so I thought others may want one as well.
I start by measuring the circumference of the head this gift will be going to. Then, knitting up a little swatch with the circular needles and yarn I will be using, I find out what the gauge is. Whatever the stitch per inch is I then times that by the circumference inch minus an inch or two. I prefer minus two inches I am finding. Now you have the approximate number of cast on stitches. However since I put ribbing on mine I have to make sure that it is divisible by six. If it did not come out that way I take away stitches till numbers fit. Cast on to your circular needles. I have been using a chunky yarn and so use a number 10 16inch. Some people also prefer to use one size smaller for the ribbed section I start and end with. Now knit 3 purl 3 all the way around joining the yarn when you come to the end of the row. After about five or so rows of this ribbed stitch I then move on to stockinette stitch. With the circular knitting this mean you just knit every row. How much you knit here is completely up to you and your personal taste. Then finish up with another five rows of the ribbed stitch. Finish the project by weaving in the ends of the yarn into the project. I prefer to use a needle while others go with a crochet hook.
