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Learn to Felt – Easter Basket

You have plenty of time to make this basket before Easter! Well, depending on when you’re reading this. This Easter Basket is knit up with double-strands of worsted yarn and size 10.5 or 11 needles. That means you’ll have a finished basket, ready to felt, in just a few evenings of knitting.

Pattern includes links to 6 instructional videos, and also includes instructions for two sizes, in either stripes or gingham design.

Larger size measurements after felting: approx 12” x 6”, 4.5” high
Smaller size measurements after felting: approx 6″ x 6″, 4.5″ high

Materials needed:
The yarn amounts below are enough for the larger basket. The smaller basket will require slightly less yarn.
Yarn for Striped Version:
• 440 yards of worsted-weight, 100% wool (I used a light blue color in the sample)
• 220 yards of worsted-weight, 100% wool (I used a tan color in the sample)
• 220 yards of worsted-weight, 100% wool (I used a navy color in the sample)

Yarn for Gingham Version:
• 440 yards of worsted-weight, 100% wool (I used a dark pink color in the sample)
• 220 yards of worsted-weight, 100% wool (I used a lighter pink color in the sample)
• 220 yards of worsted-weight, 100% wool (I used a natural color in the sample)

Additional Materials:
• Size 10.5 or 11 US, 24” circular needles
• Size 10.5 or 11 US double-pointed needles
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle

Gauge: 3 stitches per inch

This pattern is available in three different formats, each includes links to 6-part video tutorial:

1. PDF Pattern, traditional and printable. $8.00 via PayPal

2. Amazon Kindle digital download (suitable for Kindle devices and devices that use the Kindle app): $6.00 US.


3. eReader (For non-Kindle eReaders, like Sony eReader and Barnes & Noble Nook, or any device using the Google Play Books app) $6.72 US

Preview of instructional videos:

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2 Socks at-a-time on 2 Circulars

You asked for this tutorial, so here it is! Here’s how to avoid “second sock syndrome”. This series of seven videos guides you through knitting two socks at the same time, using two circular needles.

Materials Needed:
• 1 skein/hank of worsted-weight yarn, about 120-150 yards
• 2 size US 6 circular needles, at least 24″ in length (longer is better)
• Tapestry needle
• Gauge – 6 stitches to the inch in stockinette stitch

Pattern + links to seven instructional videos is $8.00 via PayPal.

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Learn to Knit an Earflap Cap


Earflap hats have become very popular recently, but there are some tricky parts to knitting them, including the earflaps themselves. This 4 part video series walks you through the entire pattern, including the cast-on, working cable stitches, switching to double-pointed needles, and adding the trim.

This pattern includes sizes for both men and women.

Materials Needed:
• Worsted-weight yarn in 2 colors, about 50g in each color (about 100 yards each color)
• Size 10.5 US needles 16” circular needles, size 10.5 US double-pointed needles
• Stitch marker
• Cable needle
• Tapestry needle
• Size H crochet hook
• Gauge – 20 sts = 4” in 2×2 rib, using double-strands of yarn, unstretched

This pattern is available in three different formats, each includes links to 4-part video tutorial:

1. PDF Pattern, traditional and printable. $8.00 via PayPal

2. Amazon Kindle digital download (suitable for Kindle devices and devices that use the Kindle app): $6.00 US.

3. eReader (For non-Kindle eReaders, like Sony eReader and Barnes & Noble Nook, or any device using the Google Play Books app) $6.72 US

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Whiskey’s Forever Home

You gotta love it when things go even better than expected.

Whiskey, my foster dog since early December, went to his new home on Friday. Here he is with his new sister, Domino, a beautiful Basenji/Border Collie Mix. The weather was perfect, so the dogs got to tear around the backyard to get acquainted.

Whiskey’s new mama, Patty, has been looking for a new friend for both herself and Domino. She lost her Jack Russel Terrier a few months back, and Domino has missed him terribly. Some dogs were never meant to be only-dogs. Whiskey is the same way.

Whiskey has a lot to learn from Domino. Because she’s half Border Collie, she is much more responsive to commands than any purebred Basenji I’ve ever seen. This is also because Patty is really good with dogs. She adores them, but she also doesn’t take any BS. I like her style.

Letting go of a foster is tough, but it’s so much easier when I know the placement is good, and the dog is going to get all of the love and guidance they need and deserve.

Patty said to Whiskey that day, “You’re moving from Basenji Disneyland (aka my house) to Basenji Disneyworld!”. Perfect.

I spoke with Patty on the phone yesterday, and Whiskey has settled into her home faster than we ever expected. He and Domino have very similar energy levels, so they play and play until they both pass out on the sofa. Patty said that Domino has broken out of her depression, and is finally a happy dog again.

Whiskey is a lucky dog to have his two new ladies, Patty and Domino, so in love with him. I’m a lucky foster mom to watch my little guy start such a happy new life.

Best of luck and XOXO to Patty, Domino, and Whiskey!