Doll Round-Up: Madeline Hatter Ever After High First Chapter Doll with Varying Skin Tone and Doll Wig Making for MGA Moxie Girlz Dolls

Madeline Hatter, First Chapter Doll - The Tanned Version 

There have been a few new additions to the doll house this past week. In the lot of pre-loved dolls that moved in was a Madeline Hatter Ever After High First Chapter doll. I already have this Madeline doll in the collection (the joys of buying used lots) and wasn't paying too much attention to her initially. 

Madeline Hatter Ever After High First Chapter Doll in Custom Picot Dress 

However, upon closer inspection and when compared to the other Madeline doll in my collection, the new Madeline appears to have a somewhat darker complexion. In fact, she looks like she has been to the tanning salon when comparing her skin tone to my other Ever After High Madeline Hatter First Chapter doll.

Madeline Hatter Ever After High First Chapter Doll (tanned skin tone) 

Madeline Hatter Ever After High First Chapter Doll (tanned skin tone) 

Madeline Hatter Ever After High First Chapter Doll (tanned skin tone) 

There are also subtle differences to the way her eyes are painted. For want of a better description, it appears that her green eyes are more vivid as a result of the darker skin tone and a larger highlight underneath her pupil, whilst the other Madeline seems to have an altogether matte, flesh-coloured complexion and a less playful expression.   

Madeline Hatter Ever After High First Chapter Doll: Differing Complexions and Varying Make-Up 

Free Lace Choker Knitting Pattern: The Jera Rune Lace and Cable Choker

After an initial test knit and following some minor adjustments to the design, here is, as promised, my new knitting pattern for the Jera Lace and Cable Choker.  

The Jera Choker - A Rune-Inspired Choker Design

As mentioned in a previous post, which is featuring an earlier version of this design, the pattern  for this choker was inspired by the Jera rune, the twelfth rune from the Elder Futhark. 

Jera in its literal translation means ' (good) year' or 'harvest'. 

The Jera rune is a symbol for connection and perpetual movement, representing the seasons and the natural cycle of recurring change at a steady pace and regular intervals. 

With the vernal equinox now behind us, the release of this design celebrates this seasonal flow -  the passing of long, dark nights and short, gloomy days and it welcomes the arrival of spring as we are approaching summer solstice. 

Jera Rune Inspired Lace Choker Knitting Pattern 

Just like my earlier lace choker knitting patterns (the Nameless, the Brocade Choker, the Cascade Choker, and the Virga Choker) the Jera Choker is a quick and beginner-friendly knitting project, incorporating elements of both lace and cable knitting techniques in a quick-to-knit project. The choker can be completed in a day or two, including the time it requires to block the finished piece. It's also ideal for using up tiny amounts of yarn. (For my choker I used approximately 6g to 7g of Scheepjes Maxi Sugar Rush mercerised cotton yarn.)

Jera Rune Inspired Lace Choker Knitting Pattern

The choker's simple elongated cable motif is created over 6 rows, consisting of knit and purl stitches, a variety of standard in-and decreases and by creating elongated stitches, which are subsequently worked as cable stitches. 

The choker is worked on 2mm - 2.5mm double-pointed needles (dpns). I knitted my choker on 2.5mm dpns. It is, of course, absolutely possible to substitute with different yarns, including sock yarn and to adjust the needle size accordingly.

Though it is possible to knit the choker on wood or bamboo needles, I recommend the use of pointy, metallic dpns, especially if you are opting for the use of mercerised cotton yarn with this pattern. This will make the knitting experience much more enjoyable. 

Jera Rune Lace and Cable Choker Knitting Pattern 

The length of the choker can be adjusted easily for different neck circumferences and I recommend you check the fit whilst knitting. Altogether, you should ensure that the body of the choker covers around 80% - 85% of the neck before the piece is blocked. 

The piece is secured with the help of two i-cords, which each measure approximately 20cm to 25cm in length. These will be tied to a bow to secure the choker. Beads can be attached to the ends of the i-cords for a more sophisticated finish.

Jera Rune Lace and Cable Choker Knitting Pattern - I-Cord Detail 

The completed piece should be wet-blocked (to open the lace detail) and left to dry over night. Blocking is absolutely essential for the choker to look its best and I have compiled some hints and tips on special choker blocking techniques. These can be found here. 

Depending on your chosen needle size and whether you decide to substitute the mercerised cotton with another type of yarn, the number of lace repeats might differ. As you can check the fit whilst knitting, this should not be a major issue, making this project ideally suited for using up various types of yarn leftovers.

Jera Rune Lace and Cable Choker Knitting Pattern 

Jera Lace and Cable Choker

Free Knitting Pattern

Materials and Tools

• app. 7g of Scheepjes Maxi Sugar Rush mercerised cotton yarn 
• 2 mm or 2.5 mm double-pointed needles
• cable needle
• 1.5 mm crochet hook / fine darning needle (for sewing-in yarn ends and attaching beads)
• 2 beads for securing the ends of the i-cords (optional)
• Blocking utensils

Jera Rune Lace and Cable Choker Knitting Pattern 

Knitting Instructions

Cast-On and First I-Cord 

• Cast-on 6 stitches
• Knit an i-cord that measures approximately 25cm. 

Increase to Body of Choker:

Row 1 (wrong side): Sl 1 (knitwise), p4, k1. (6 stitches)

Row 2 (right side): Sl1 (knitwise), kfb, k to last two stitches, kfb, k1.(8 stitches) 

Row 3: Sl1 (knitwise), p to last stitch, k1.

Row 4: Sl1 (knitwise), kfb, k to last two stitches, kfb, k1. (10 stitches) 

Row 5: Sl1 (knitwise), p to last stitch, k1.

Row 6: Sl1 (knitwise), kfb, k to last two stitches, kfb, k1. (12 stitches) 

Row 7: Sl1 (knitwise), p to last stitch, k1.

Row 8: Sl1 (knitwise), kfb, k to last two stitches, kfb, k1. (14 stitches) 

Row 9: Sl1 (knitwise), p to last stitch, k1.

Row 10: Sl1 (knitwise), kfb, k to last two stitches, kfb, k1. (16 stitches) 

Row 11: Sl1 (knitwise), p to last stitch, k1.

Row 12: Sl1 (knitwise), kfb, k to last two stitches, kfb, k1. (18 stitches) 

Row 13: Sl1 (knitwise), p to last stitch, k1.

Body of Choker - Lace Pattern 

Row 1 (right side): Sl1 (knitwise), k2tog, yo, k to last 3 stitches, yo, ssk, k1.

Row 2 : Sl1 (knitwise), p to last stitch, k1.   

Row 3: Sl1 (knitwise), k2tog, yo, k 1, *wrap yarn round the needle twice, k1, rep. from * to last 3 stitches, yo, ssk, k1.

Row 4: Sl1 (knitwise), p2, *slide next 6 stitches from left-hand needle to right-hand needle, dropping the extra loops created on previous row, return 3 stitches to left-hand needle, place the 3 remaining elongated stitches on the right-hand needle from the right hand needle onto a cable needle and hold at back of work, p3 elongated stitches from left-hand needle, p3 elongated stitches from cable needle, repeat from * to last three stitches, p2, k1.   

Row 5: Sl1 (knitwise), k2tog, yo, k to last 3 stitches, yo, ssk, k1.

Row 6: Sl1 (knitwise), p to last stitch, k1.

Row 7: Sl1 (knitwise), k2tog, yo, k to last 3 stitches, yo, ssk, k1.

Row 8: Sl1 (knitwise), p to last stitch, k1.

Repeat Rows 3 to 8 for pattern.

For a choker body measuring 27cm repeat the above lace sequence x times. Adjust the number of repeats according to your own requirements and check the fit whilst knitting. 

When the body of the choker has reached the desired length and after completion of the final lace cable pattern repeat, work 2 more rows in above pattern: 

Row 1 (right side): Sl1 (knitwise), k2tog, yo, k to last 3 stitches, yo, ssk, k1.

Row 2 : Sl1 (knitwise), p to last stitch, k1.  

Next, proceed to decrease the total stitch count before working the second i-cord.

Decrease to Second I-Cord

Row 1 : Sl1 (knitwise), k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. (16 stitches) 

Row 2: Sl1 (knitwise), p to last stitch, k1.   

Row 3 : Sl1 (knitwise), k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. (14 stitches) 

Row 4:  Sl1 (knitwise), p to last stitch, k1.   

Row 5:  Sl1 (knitwise), k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. (12 stitches) 

Row 6: Sl1 (knitwise), p to last stitch, k1.  

Row 7:  Sl1 (knitwise), k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. (10 stitches) 

Row 8: Sl1 (knitwise), p to last stitch, k1.  

Row 9:  Sl1 (knitwise), k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. (8 stitches) 

Row 10: Sl1 (knitwise), p to last stitch, k1.  

Row 11:  Sl1 (knitwise), k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. (6 stitches) 

Row 12: Sl1 (knitwise), p to last stitch, k1.  

When the total stitch count has reached 6 stitches, knit the second I-cord, equal in length to the initial I-cord, and bind off.

Attach beads to the ends of both i-cords. (optional)

Finishing:

• Weave-in all yarn ends and block the piece to ensure the lace is fully opened up.  

Should you require pattern support, please feel free to contact me via Ravelry, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, by e-mail or leave a comment below.

This pattern is for personal use only and may not be reproduced for commercial purposes without permission. Neither may you sell any items made from the directions in this pattern.

Should you wish to knit another of my chokers, the pattern for my Nameless Choker is available here, the pattern for the Brocade Lace Choker is available here, the pattern for the Cascade Lace Choker is available here and the pattern for the Virga Choker is available here and here (for the beaded version).

Nameless Choker:

Brocade Choker

Virga Coker and Virga Beaded Choker

Cascade Choker

© 2021 Clarice Asquith. All rights reserved. http://makedoandmendnovice.blogspot.com

Pebble's Trip to the Vet: Dental Extractions, Abdominal X-Rays and an Unusual Amount of Sublumbar Muscles

It's been a busy week in cat care terms. 

Pebble had to see the vet for dental extractions (five teeth). Though she is a healthy, almost ten-year-old cat, her teeth appear to be a weak point. Following her first trip to the dentist back in 2019, this was the second dental she has had in as many years. She appears to be recovering well from the procedure and will hopefully feel the benefit of the extractions going forward.

During the course of Pebble's dental intervention, we decided to take advantage of the anaesthetic and had a small lump removed from her thigh, which thankfully turned out to be a lipoma and not a dreaded mast cell tumor. (Following Pickle's death from colorectal adenocarcinoma I was preparing myself for the worst.) 

We also had abdominal x-rays taken to see whether these would provide a clue as to why  Pebble appears to be constipated at times and has a tendency to scoot across the carpet after visiting the toilet for a number 2. 

After ruling out the obvious culprits, including parasites and anal gland issues, x-rays were the next logical step.

Abdominal X-Rays and Pebble's Sublumbar Muscles

I am now pleased to present the two most expensive images taken this year so far: 

Image no 1 of Pebble's abdominal x-rays:

Abdominal X-Ray Pebble (Feline) 

Introducing the Jera Choker: A Rune - Inspired Free Lace Choker Knitting Pattern

It's been a productive weekend in crafting terms. The first test knit of my new choker knitting pattern is finished, blocked and I have finally decided on a name for this design. Looking at the lace pattern motif, which is achieved by a series of elongated cable knit stitches, I was somehow reminded of the Jera rune, the twelfth rune from the Elder Futhark, which in its literal translation means ' (good) year' or 'harvest'. 

Made up of two separate charachters, which appear to spin around one another from the centre, this rune symbolises connection and perpetual movement, representing the recurring seasons and the natural cycle of  perpetual change at a steady pace and regular intervals. 

How to block a knitted I-Cord or ...a new way to block an I-Cord

I am currently working on a new choker pattern, which will be up on the blog very soon. The new choker design (no name yet, and I am having a hard time finding one...) is a quick and simple lace project, which incorporates a cable stitch motif with some simple lace.

The Weekly Swatch: Braid Cable Knit Stitch Pattern / Tutorial

 

Following up on my plan to explore more cable stitch motifs in my weekly swatch motifs, I have prepared another simple cable stitch for this week's swatch post, the Braid Cable Knit Stitch. 

The cables are worked on the right side rows and following the completion of the set-up rows (1 and 2), the stitch is worked over three rows.

The Weekly Swatch: Garter Lace Diamonds

Sticking to the diamond motif from last week's swatch, for this week I have prepared another knit stitch featuring diamonds, the Garter Lace Diamond Knit Stitch, a lace knit stitch which requires absolutely no purling. :-) 

The Weekly Swatch: Irish Moss Diamond Knit Stitch

For today's weekly swatch, I have prepared a simple textured knit stitch, which just requires knit and purl stitches. 

The stitch incorporates Irish Moss stitch diamonds, which are framed by a background of stocking stitch. The stitch motif is knitted over 16 rows on a multiple of 14 plus 8 stitches. 

Vintage 1980s Knitting Patterns - Part 11: The Kaffe Fassett Special

Time for another fix of 1980s knitting patterns. 

As no review of 1980s knitting patterns would be complete without making reference to the knitwear designs of Kaffe Fassett, a designer synonymous with 80s knitwear and best known for his elaborate colourwork creations, I decided to feature some of the patterns from Glorious Knitting, Fassett's seminal 1985 collection of knitting patterns, in today's instalment of my ongoing series on vintage 1980s knitting patterns. 

Originally published by Century Hutchinson and now out of print, second-hand copies of this vintage publication are widely available in both paperback and hardcopy formats and I highly recommend getting your hands on this classic. 

Even though the patterns in Glorious Knitting may seem daunting at first sight and some of the bolder statement pieces in this collection may not be to everyone's taste, Glorious Knits is a fantastic showcase of the possibilities offered by integrating colourwork into knitwear design.

The book has an extensive section on colour knitting, in which Fassett sets out his approach to colourwork (not colour theory!) and knitwear design, before introducing us to the elements and motifs constituting the building blocks of his designs.

 

Kaffe Fassett Striped T-Shirt

The Weekly Swatch: Bud Lace Knit Stitch Pattern / Knit Stitch Tutorial

After a series of more involved knit stitch motifs over the past few weekly swatches, this week I have prepared a very simple lace knit stitch, the Bud Knit Stitch. On the right side, the stitch pattern produces what appear to be staggered columns of bud- or droplet-shaped motifs. 

This stitch is knitted over twelve rows on a background of reverse stockinette stitch and the texture on the wrong side has a nice look and feel, too - making this a good candidate for a reversible stitch motif.  

A Sock Knitting Weekend - Stylecraft Head over Heels Sock Yarn Review

It's been a sock knitting kind of weekend...

Stylecraft - Head over Heels Sock Yarn (Shade: Olympus) 

I haven't knit socks in ages, but a return to sock knitting has been on the cards for some time. Having picked up two skeins of Stylecraft Head over Heels sock yarn on a whim some time late last year, I finally got round to starting on my socks this weekend. 

I am pleased to say, the first sock is now finished (I always knit them individually) and presently blocking on a makeshift cardboard sock blocker. Looking at my homemade sock shaper, I think it's fair to admit that the instep section will have to go on a diet.

Sock Blocking in progress (on homemade cardboard sock shaper)

Today, I am planning to cast-on for sock number 2.

I am not following a pattern or attempting to produce anything fancy with this project. Instead, I wanted to get back into sock knitting by starting off with a simple, ankle-length, top-down stockinette stitch sock with a ribbed cuff. 

This project is predominantly an exercise in (re-)familiarising myself with basic sock anatomy, revisiting sock construction techniques (turning the heel / picking up stitches / working toe decreases) and the calculation of measurements to achieve a good, personal fit. 

All in all, a fun, simple and quick knit, which, most importantly, allows me to knit a portable project on small needles. I have just finished a condo knitting, openwork project with mohair yarn, the Winter's End Scarf, on size 2mm and size 8mm straight needles, using Yeoman's Elsa mohair fingering weight yarn, which comes on a cone, and was thus confined to my work desk to accommodate the cone and the growing mohair scarf for the duration of this project. The current sock project certainly feels like a relief in this respect. I can even knit this project standing up.

Now, after completing sock number one with my first skein of Stylecraft Head over Heels, I wanted to share my experience of knitting with this sock yarn, especially after reading some of the reviews of the yarn on the web and on Ravelry. 

Stylecraft Head over Heels Sock Yarn Review

The Weekly Swatch: Lattice Cable Knit Stitch Pattern / Knit Stitch Tutorial

It's been absolute ages since I last worked on a cable knit project and only one of my weekly swatch posts features a cable knit stitch. High time to address this absence of cable knitting and so I have decided to prepare a cable knit swatch for this week's weekly swatch post. 

I have chosen the Lattice Cable Knit Stitch, a classic and simple cable knit stitch, which is knitted over 10 rows (once the set up is done, 7 rows) on a multiple of 6 stitches.

The Weekly Swatch: Wrapped Openwork Lace Columns (Knit Stitch Tutorial)

I am still in love with openwork knit stitches and have prepared another super simple openwork knit stitch for this week's weekly swatch. 

This knit stitch is worked over two rows on a multiple of three plus two stitches, making this an extremely simple, yet highly versatile lace ribbing stitch. This stitch looks (and feels) entirely different, depending on the yarn used. To showcase the look of this stitch in different yarn weights, I knitted my swatches in the images below with Araucania Botany Lace (sock yarn) and Rowan Bamboo Soft. 

The Weekly Swatch: Ratchet Eyelet Knit Stitch

Catching up with the weekly swatch posts today, next up is the Ratchet Eyelet knit stitch. 

This stitch motif is knitted over 28 rows, making this a more elaborate stitch. When complete, the stitch results in what looks like garter stitch medallions, which are framed in a circle of eyelets, resembling ratchets. All the wrong side rows are purled throughout, allowing you to take a break from all the in- and decreasing on the right side rows. 

The Weekly Swatch: Openwork Lace Knit Stitch

 

I don't seem to get enough of openwork lace at the moment. After completing my Winter's End Scarf, a mohair lace scarf that combines condo knitting and twisted stitches, I decided to prepare an openwork swatch sample for this week's weekly swatch.