HoB Mitts free pattern

I've been itching to make something using Lion Brand's Cotton-Ease yarn ... but it has been nearly impossible to find it. I guess all the yarn stores in my area just don't carry it. Yeah, I know, that doesn't make sense to me, either.

But I finally found some in stock at JoAnn. I'm not too sure about the color (Taupe), but I bought what I hope is enough to make a shawl.

In the meantime, I decided to experiment with a pair of fingerless mitts. This HoB Mitts pattern by Mechee Meador is very nice - quick and easy.

I used a provisional cast-on of 35 stitches so I could add an i-cord edging to the finger opening and also graft the side seam after working the thumb gusset. The other thing I did differently was to work the entire mitt in garter stitch, omitting the stockinette panel.

Sock Monkey Blanket free pattern

I used the free pattern by Linda Cyr, available at the Yarnspirations website, to make this cute hooded Sock Monkey Blanket for baby Caleb. Here is my boyfriend modeling it:

I followed the pattern as written, but since I tend to be a tight crocheter, the finished blanket turned out way too stiff for my liking, so, sadly, I ended up frogging the yarn to use for another project.

This design IS super cute, though, so hopefully I'll try it again sometime, knowing that I definitely need to work with a larger hook.