Knitting for the NICU

Happy Thanksgiving 2012

 

Knitting that Looks Like Cakes or Cakes that Look Like Knitting?

 These creative and fun cakes combine two of my favorite hobbies: knitting and cake decorating and inspire me to want to do more of both!

When you have time to peruse, click on the links and check out more of the skillful and entertaining work of these brilliant bakers.

 

Basket of Yarn by Truly Scrumptious Cakes

Work in Progress  by Happy Hills Cakes

Knitting cake by Katie's Cakes

Knitting on the Couch by Cakes of Distinction

 

 Grandma Knitting cake by We Want Cake

Knitting and buttons cake by A Little Imagination Cakes 

You Never Know Where a Hobby Will Lead

 

What Would You Knit For? A Klondike Bar or something less G-rated?

When the copywriter with Leisure Arts, Inc first requested  a photo from me for my book (Warm Hats for Wee Noggins) we had, at that point, emailed back and forth enough by that time that I knew I could get away with send a smartbutt photo and had Gene take this one of me.  Not surprisingly she liked it but suggested, perhaps, a photo with less hair accessorizing might be appropriate.  Well. Ooooookaaaaaay.  So I sent a serious one.  But I still like this one the most.

If Yarn Were Meth...

 

The Infamous Nipple/Boob/Hooter Hat! (free pattern)

The number one search term on this blog for the last three weeks running has been "nipple hat". You people are pervs! (It's what I like most about y'all!)

This is the Facebook pic that started it all, at least in my group of friends. At least four people posted this to my FB wall as a "suggested" NICU hat.  Are you trying to get me fired?  Kidding. It is really cute and very funny.

 You can even purchase this particular hat at  Nursing Bra Express in three different skin tones:  ivory, tan, or chocolate and two sizes:  newborn and 6+ months for $19.50.

"Baby Nip" Nipple Hat by Nursing Bra Express

Or you can grab some leftover yarn in your stash and make your own.

 Nipple/Boob/Hooter Hat

Pattern by Glenna Anderson Muse

Materials:

MC = Approx 1-2 oz flesh colored worsted weight yarn

CC = Approx 1/2  oz areola colored worsted weight yarn

Size 9 double pointed needles, or size to make gauge

Yarn needle

Gauge:  4" = 16 sts x 32 rows, garter stitch

Sizes: Newborn (<1 year, toddler, adult)

Directions:

Using MC, loosely CO 50 (60, 70, 90)

Place marker at end of row and join to knit in the round.

1) Knit around

2) Purl around

Continue garter stitch in the round until length measures 4" (5", 6", 6.5")

**For Adult size only: Change to CC and complete 4 additional rows alternating Knit row with Purl row in garter stitch pattern.

Change to CC (rest of sizes)

Begin decrease.

K2tog, K3, repeat around row.  Remaining sts:  40 (48, 56, 72)

Purl around

K2tog around.  Remaining sts:  20 (24,28, 36)

Purl around

K2tog around. Remaining sts: 10 (12, 14, 18)

Purl around.

K2tog around. Remaining sts:  5 (6, 7,9)

K2tog around to last stitch. K1 (except <1yr). Remaining sts:  3 (3, 4, 5)

Place all sts on one dbl ptd needle and work as I-cord for 1/2 - 3/4" 

***Pattern Note:  As written, pattern creates a 2" diameter areola on baby/child sizes and a 3" diameter areola on the adult size.  This size can be made larger by changing to CC however many rows desired prior to beginning decrease. Keep gauge and finished length in mind:  8 rows equals 1 inch.  Finished lenghths:  5" (6", 7", 8")