Tropical Lily

A new pattern to share.

This pattern arose out of the need to knit something with cotton. I chose this particular cotton as it was the only one I had a substantial amount in my stash of - and I am supposed to be knitting from my stash exclusively.  I started off with the plan to knit a short sleeved Oriental Lily but the striping wasn't matching up on the bodice. A Rainbow Dress would probably have worked but before I got the chance to try that a vision of this entered my head, and suddenly I was possessed!

I looked everywhere for what I had in mind, but could only find crochet. I can crochet. Sort of. But it is pretty cack handed, upside down, back to front and all inside out, and of course, left handed.  Plus I can't follow a crochet pattern to save myself, the US and UK differences really confuse me. And so, the Tropical Lily was born.

This wasn't actually meant to be for my Lily. I was actually pleased when I finished it and she told me she didn't like it, because the green in it was too pale. She went through a stage where she didn't like green at all, now she only likes bright coloured greens.  Unfortunately, when I convinced her to try it on for me she changed her mind, and now I have to knit another one. The second one has some minor pattern improvements.

Pattern:

size: adjustable, fits from around a 20 inch chest upwards. The tie back and crossover straps make it a longer lasting style.  It would be very easy to upsize or downsize this by working extra or fewer of the 6 stitch lace pattern.

Yarn: 10 ply/worsted weight cotton.  I used just under three balls of Anchor Magicline (205 metres approximately)

Needles: 4.5 mm or the size that gives you the right tension

Tension: 20 stitches to 10cm/4 inches in stocking stitch

You will also need:

* 2 buttons

* stitch holder

Abbreviations:

K: knit

YO: yarn over the needle; bring the yarn over the needle to create an extra stitch

k3tog: knit  3 stitches together as one, effectively decreasing by two

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one, effectively decreasing by one

SSK:  slip, slip, knit. Slip one stitch, then slip the second stitch. With the left needle, knit into the front loops of the slipped stitches and knit them off as one stitch, effectively decreasing by one.

you may wish to visit Knitting Help to learn how to execute these decreases. 

Lace pattern:

Row 1 & 2: knit

Row 3: * K1, YO, k1, k3tog, k1, YO  repeat  from * 

Row 4: purl

Cast on 92 stitches.

Row 1 & 2: knit. 

The first and last four stitches of each row are knit to form a garter stitch edge.

Row 3 & 4: knit

Row 5: k4, *k1, YO, k1, k3tog, k1, YO   repeat from * until last 4 stitches, k4

Row 6: k4, purl to last 4 stitches, k4

Rows 3 -6  forms the lace pattern for the body.

Row 7: knit

Row 8: k4, purl to last 4 stitches, k4

Repeat rows 3- 6 a further 16 times, or until body reaches desired length.

Knit one row, cast on 30 stitches.

Turn work and knit to end of row, cast on 30 stitches. (152 stitches)

Turn  work and knit to end of row. 

This creates the stitches for the back ties, they are about 16cm in length.

Knit 2 rows.

Buttonhole rows: k42, YO, k2tog, knit to end of row.   Repeat.

Knit 4 rows.

Cast off 53, knit to end of row.  Repeat. (46 stitches)

k5, purl 36, k5.

Knit 1 row.

k5, purl 36, k5.

*k5, ssk, knit to last 7 stitches, k2tog, k5

k5, purl to last 5 stitches, k5

Repeat from * these 2 rows a further 4 times, and then the decrease row once  for a total of 6 sets of decreases. (34 stitches) 

With the wrong side facing knit a row.

*k5, ssk, knit to last 7 stitches, k2tog, k5

knit 1 row.

Repeat from * these two rows twice, for a total of 3  sets of decreases. (28 stitches)

k6, cast off 16, k6.

Turn work and knit a further 74 rows (or desired length) on these 6 stitches to form straps. You may wish to place the other  stitches on a stitch holder while working the first strap.  When considering strap length, remember the straps will stretch.  I used a strap length of approximtely 24cm. Cast off. 

Rejoin yarn at remaining live 6 stitches.

Knit 74 rows. Cast off.

Sew buttons on straps.

Weave in ends and block. 

Please email me if you have any questions or find any errors in this pattern ~ tikki@ozebaby.com.au

The copyright of this pattern remains with myself.  This pattern is provided free for personal home use only. Commercial use of this pattern is a violation of the copyright.  Selling products made from this pattern is prohibited under the copyright unless express written permission has been granted by myself as of February 11 2009. 

Random Act of Kindness

This lovely parcel of goodies arrived about the same time as Toby was getting ready to make his entrance ~ hence the late piccie posting.  It came from Courtney  and was part of the RAOK swap organised by Woolaholics.  It was a good fun swap, it was great fun organising a surprise package for someone else and also eagerly anticipating the arrival of your own totally out of the blue.

  

Courtney knitted me this gorgeous bag, just perfect for stashing my knitting projects in. Another knitting bag means another project on the go.. hehehe

She also included this lovely rainbow yarn to knit something for Lily and a delicious smelling soy melt ~ yummo!  

Thank you so much Courtney :D

all for a good cause

A couple of pieces donated for auctions.

Firstly, these size 3 wide leg pants are being auctioned over here to raise funds for Jess. You may have seen Jess's story on A Current Affair last week. If not, read her story on the Wear it Baby mall. Some very lovely ladies have got together to organise some auctions and donations have come from a wide variety of WAHMs donating some awesome offerings.  Give it your support!

A fair few months ago Megsie and I auctioned a surprise set to raise money for the Chibobo appeal. I realised as I was looking through my photos that I hadn't posted pics of the finished set, very remise of me, particularly as Megsie hasn't seen the finished outfit.

So here it is. One very cute outfit for a train loving boy. 

Oriental Lily Dress Pattern update

I've just added some extra sizes to the Oriental Lily Dress pattern
It now has sizes from newborn to size 3.

Let me know if you find any errors: tikki@ozebaby.com.au

blog blitz

time for a little blog blitz to catch up on some stuff I haven't posted about, some crafting goodness, some customs, pattern updates, a new pattern. a giveaway and of course some cute baby and kiddy photos to come.

Firstly, Toby's woolly stash knitted over the course of my pregnancy. I haven't posted pics of these until now because, well, it sort of would have been pretty obvious what gender our bub is and it was meant to be a secret... meant to be, although I did overhear Lily saying to my mum one day, "Gran, our little baby is going to be a boy." 

TOP: All Perfection Pants longies in Baabum aran BFL, Monster Knits DK BFL 'Electric' and Woolly Butts SSS Merino

MIDDLE: 2 Spare Ribs shoakers, (Rav link only) the first with a Curly Purly waistband in the yarn cafe aran BFL 'Earth Rainbow' and the second in WOOLganics 8 ply merino custom dyed by Monster Knits 'Happy'; and 2 Mini Wonder Soakers,  in Treliske 8ply organic merino dyed by Lily and I and in WOOLganics 8 ply Monster knits 'Happy' and WOOLganics 'Raindrops'

BOTTOM: Ladybug Loops shorties in Utiku multicolour 8ply 'Ocean' 

the little man modeling his wares

and his next pair will be coming from this; the scrumptious December installment of the yarncollective soaker club from Monsterknits, yum!!!   Do you get the idea that I like Monster knits yarns?  LOL

Mr Sunshine ;)

All those blog surfers out there have probably already spotted this gorgeous set over on Kris's blog.  If you haven't, check them out and her work over there.  Over here, you can see them in action.

Is it just me or is it hard to capture newborns on camera?  Two photo shoots later and I had some pics that I was reasonably happy with. 

Here's the big boy at nearly three weeks of age!!!

Toby was lucky enough to receive this awesome pressie from Kris consisting of some shorties and a handpainted tshirt, made especially for our little Mr Sunshine :D  The tshirt isn't modeled here as it's too big for him at the moment but at the rate he's growing (900 grams in three weeks), it won't be long!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this set!! It's perfect for our little fellow. I love how unbelievably soft this yarn is, it's droolworthy. I love the bright yellow of these (my favourite colour), I love the combination with the red (Andy's favourite colour). I love the flare and I love how cool the picot hem looks in the red. These are super cool duds!!! (Even when I knit with yarn Kris has dyed for me, my soakers/ longies never look as awesome as hers ~ she really is a very very talented lady with a great eye for colour)
And how cute is this angel Ellie made for Lily !

Thank you so much Kris, we love them and they will be worn with much appreciation.

And just because they're cute, here's the bro and sis sharing some sibling love :D

finally here...

Our new baby finally arrived last Wednesday. Only 12 days overdue.

After a wonderful drug free seven hour labour, our new little boy joined us and here he is, so blissfully beautiful and relaxed. And has been ever since the birth.

This is little Tobias Andrew. 

Born November 12 2008 at 11:54am.

Weighed in at 4.o65 kg (8pd 15), length 52cm and head circumference 37cm.

Needless to say, we are all totally smitten with our gorgeous little boy.  

Lily met Toby on the Thursday morning and she was instantly in love.  She is already a wonderful big sister and has adjusted really well to our new family member.  She loves to kiss and stroke him and has been a terrific little helper for Mummy and Daddy.

getting ready for baby...

oh poor neglected blog, I'm sorry to have left you in this sorry state without any attention.

We've been busy getting ready for the arrival of our new little baby, which will be here very soon!  This has involved unpacking and washing lots of baby stuff that hasn't seen any action for three and a half years.  Lily has been terribly helpful in trying everything out to make sure it still functions well.

First out came the change table for Daddy to repaint.  She was a bit concerned about the shelves on the table and told him, "Daddy, we're only having one baby not three!"  

Once it was all pretty and set up, she thought it best to climb up and lie on top to test it out and have her pretend nappy changed.  Once the teeny tiny nappies were washed and added to the shelves, these of course were eagerly tried on all the dolls!

Next up, the bassinet top for on the pram. This obviously passed with flying colours for comfiness as I found her like this one evening....

asleep in there!

She's been giving the baby carriers a try out too.  Her favourite toy Ellie the Elephant got a ride in the mei tai.  Lily put in an order for me to make her a kid sized mei tai, a sling, and thinks she'd also like a kid sized ergo!

The amby hammock was also set up which Lily spent much time gazing at longingly and saying, "I wish I could have a go in that." Despite being a bit of a lightweight she's probably a smidge over the weight it will comfortably hold.
So when it was dismantled and the hammock part placed on the ground she took full advantage and endeavoured to try it out.  I think she's going to stick to our bed though ;)

spring shorts

just added a couple of pairs of Spring shorts to the store.

A pair of size 3 pants and more shorts to come later in the week, maybe weekend :)

no peaking....

it' probably ok to now actually, as both recipients of these have received them; it's just the second recipient hasn't guessed yet know who they're from!

These little strawberry widelegs are part of a trade for little Zoe; they're to match a pint tshirt that her Mummy bought her earlier with the same strawberry fabric.  I decided to make them a bit more spesh with the strawberry applique. I made a little matching hairclip, but typically didn't photograph it!!!

These pair of shorts are for an Upcycle Swap, where the idea was to create/make/gift something that is upcycled from stuff that's already been used.  These are made from hemp/cotton and are recycled from a pair of Andy's old Rip Curl jeans circa 1997.  The dinosaur and back pockets are cut from fabric that comes from recycled vintage kimonos.  

I think they're pretty cool. I like how the fabric suggests a sort of reptilian feel to them. Ok, so strictly speaking I don't think dinosaurs are reptilians but hey, you know what I mean!!

And here's Lily with our gift from the Upcycle Swap. A gorgeous little pink bag found in an op shop and directed with a gorgeous mermaid with a cute sparkly tail. Just perfect for Lily to keep all her treasures in. It currently houses two hankies, a lace ribbon, a pink makeup brush, a baby sock, a wooden bead and three wrappers from some balls of wool.  All the important things in a three year old's life!  She's very taken with it as you can see.

Thank you Melissa and a big thank you to your gorgeous girls for their lovely card:D 

because there can never be too much princess in your life..

well, possibly not true...

Last Saturday morning I finally sat down at the sewing machine enthused and ready to sew. Lily looked at me with her best cute look, batted her eyelids and said, "Mummy could you please cut up your blue dress for me today?"

So I relented. I'd been promising her I'd do it for sooo long, I didn't think it was fair to put it off any longer.

I wish I had have taken a photo of this dress pre-reconstruction, as it was truly hideous; in only the way a classic 80's dress can be. I bought it about five years ago at an op shop to wear to a bad taste ball.  

 

It had leg of mutton sleeves with the puff of the sleeve emphasised some internal tulle, a v-neck backline, fitted through the bodice and the skirt until the skirt puffed out about knee length or a bit lower and was calf length; sort of a fishtail design.  The front of the skirt was slightly higher than the back, and the underskirt lovely thick tulle. The finish off this hideous creation the back was complete with a bow and rhinestone buckle to emphasise the shine of the fabric .... hmm, very special. 

So with a hack of the scissors; some shirring elastic and a little bit of sewing, it was transformed into this spectacular and a little over-the-top princess dress.
The result: one very happy little twirling princess.

a fairy tale for tully

Once upon a time there were two little princesses. They were princess cousins who loved each other very much; so much so that they were best friends. Unfortunately they lived far far away from each other, which sometimes made them very sad.

They loved to go and visit each other so they could play together and share their wonderful princess games and stories.  They shared many games and jokes that no one else understood.  And when they were apart, they missed each other very much.

One day a parcel arrived in the royal post for Princess Tully and her brother Prince Asher. Inside there was a special pair of pants for Tully; a pair of princess pants.  They had arrived from the royal castle of Princess Lily.

"But I don't wear pants," said Princess Tully puzzled by the present for didn't everyone know that she was a dresses and skirts only kind of gal.
Far far away at the royal castle of Princess Lily, she too had received a special pair of princess pants exactly the same as Tully's.   Unlike Princess Tully, however, Princess Lily happily put her pants on and wore them. She discovered that they were great for splashing in puddles, riding her bike and dancing in her royal yard.  Princess Lily decided she quite liked wearing pants, they were quite practical sometimes and really, sometimes a princess does need to be practical.
By wearing her princess pants, Princess Lily discovered that there was something very special about them. They were actually princess wishing pants. Each time she wore them, she could think of her dear friend and cousin Princess Tully who had a pair exactly the same.  And she could wish that she could see her again soon.  

This magic wish would come true if the princesses happened to be wearing their pants on the same day and made the same wish at the same time.
oh, how Princess Lily longed for that to happen...

to be continued....