Monica Knits

Traditionally, fingerless gloves were used by fishermen to provide dexterity for removing fish hooks, while providing warmth to the rest of the hand. Nowadays they are welcomed by keyboard users--allowing fingertip control, coupled with warmth. Just last weekend, I noticed that our favorite teller at the grocery store was wearing a beautiful pair of black and pink fingerless Valentine's day gloves. When I commented on them, she said that she needed them to keep her hands warm. Read more ... for fingerless glove knitting instructions.

This yarn from Drops (Norway) is so deliciously soft on the hands that it is almost decadent. It is wonderfully warm, light weight and a pleasure for both wearing and knitting. The yarn is available in both natural (undyed) and dyed colors and I purchased it based on color and touch from Mary Maxim's. I love this yarn! Trust the Norwegians to do warm wool well.

Click here to read the article: Alpaca Fingerless Gloves in Two Colors. Read more ... for additional information on this yarn.

These fingerless gloves were knitted with alpaca yarn so soft, it feels like you are caressing a kitten or puppy. Not only was the yarn a pleasure to knit, but the gloves are luxurious to wear. They were designed as fingerless gloves to allow me to wear them while typing at the computer. Alpaca yarn was selected for its warmth and a stranding technique was used to provide a further layer of insulation and greater warmth. The room in which our computer is housed is cold--good for computers, not so good for typing! The gloves provide the perfect mix of comfort and style, while keeping the fingers cozy. The photo on the right shows the stranding technique.

This two color cuff was knitted in 2 x 2 ribbing with the knit stitches in charcoal grey and the purl stitches in light grey. This cuff has 52 stitches and is 2-1/2" long. A stranding technique, with a float of 2 stitches was used and a fingertip yarn guide was used to manage the 2 colors of yarn. Read more... for additional information.

Watch a video on knitting with 2 colors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-0ApmvvhTA

Flower SprayI was introduced to cross stitching at age 26 by the plant nurse at the foundry where we both worked. I was the only female in manufacturing, so it was nice to spend my lunch hour with another female professional. In addition to projects for her home and family, she cross stitched small designs that could be sold at a church bazaar to raise funds for charity, like Christmas ornaments, and inspirational or entertaining wall hangings and desk ornaments. Read about other cross stitch inspirations...

The photo shows the cabled headband in process, after blocking, before joining in the round. This is the third one I've knitted. The first one was knitted with Patons Classic Wool in old gold over 2 evenings, the second gold headband was knitted for a girlfriend. This most recent one was knitted for my niece with Rich Red (#207), a color that reminds me of cherry, rope licorice. Since I have the pattern memorized, it took a single evening to knit. With 2 skeins of yarn, you can easily knit 5 women's headbands. Click here to read the blog article: Braided Headband - 2.

This poinsettia cross stitch ornament is accented with gold floss and ribbon embroidery. It is one of two variations of the original design that I created. The original design had a rhyme in red text and no ribbon, but I preferred the ornament without the words. This ornament is one of a series of counted cross stitch kits (The New Berlin Co.), purchased at Mary Maxim's.
Read more ...... for kit details.

What memories this rocking horse brings, of carefree childhood games and cozy family gatherings around a colorful, crackling fireplace. Accented with stirrups, a blue saddle, red reins and a poinsettia, this horse will swing on a garland or tree. This was a Christmas Greeting Card kit, but I framed it as an ornament instead.
Read more ...... for kit details.

Complete with top hat, mistletoe, scarf and mitts, and a holding a friendly cardinal this snowman, is definitely a holiday star. His carrot nose and cheerful raisin smile complete the look. This ornament is one of a series of counted cross stitch kits (The New Berlin Co.), purchased at Mary Maxim's.
Read more ...... for kit details.

A perky tiger striped kitten wearing a red bow, sits beside a green and white striped present also wrapped in a red bow. This is one of a series of counted cross stitch ornament kits that I purchased from Mary Maxim's. I made a few minor alterations, detailed below.   Read more ...... for kit details.