DUTCH SPRINKLES

a Top Down Sock with a bit of Sweetness

designed by Erin Joy Kortering

Piratenwolle Yarn on Etsy

• Fingering Weight Yarn - Regia, Opal, West Yorkshire Spinners, or any other sturdy 75 wool/25 nylon yarn.
• 2.25 mm, 32” circular needle - Magic Loop works best for this pattern, but it can be knit on DPNs
• Guage is 8 stitches per inch on 2.25 mm needles

• KTOG - knit two stitches together
• SSK - slip two stitches as if to K and K through the    back loop.

Cast on stitches - 60 for a women’s small … 66 for a women’s medium … 72 for a man’s sock.  

Divide evenly on the circular needle for Magic Loop … 30 and 30 for women’s small … 33 and 33 for women’s medium … 36 and 36 for a man’s sock.  

Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches!  Use a stitch marker or progress keeper to mark the beginning of the round.  

K3, P3 rib for 20 rows (or desired cuff length). 

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DUTCH SPRINKLES PATTERN

Row 1-3: Knit all stitches

Row 4: K3, P3 - repeat until end of round

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Now it is time to knit the leg of the sock!  

Referring to the above pattern, repeat these 4 rows until 1-1 1/2” from desired length, making sure to end on a K3, P3 (“sprinkle”) row. 

Next you need to prepare for the short row heel!  

Knit for 16 rows (4 “sprinkle” repeats) with the pattern on the top of the foot and stockinette on the back.  This allows the sock to fit smoothly and comfortably in your shoe. 

Fish Lips Kiss Heel

Let’s talk heels … I highly recommend using a Fish Lips Kiss (FLK) heel!  It is simple, quick, and fits well.  Most likely, you've already purchased the pattern, knit it before, and know how brilliant it is.  If not, hop onto Ravelry and buy it for a $1.00.  It is a really LONG pattern so skip over to page 9 and follow the instructions to knit the heel.  There are even tutorials on You Tube to demonstrate the stitches you need to make to create the short rows.  

After the heel is completed, continue knitting the foot - “sprinkles” on top & stockinette on bottom. End the foot when you it is 1 1/2 to 2 inches less then the desired foot length and on a “sprinkle” row.  

Time for the toes … double check before beginning the toe decreases that there are the same number of stitches on each needle.

I like to knit what I call a “Tidy Toe Decrease”.  It is exactly like a standard wedge toe, but with one small variation.  I think it matches the FLK heel better!

Row 1: First Needle - SSK, Knit until 2 stitches remain, K2TOG

Second Needle - K2TOG, Knit until 2 stitches remain, SSK

Row 2: Knit all stitches on both needles.

Repeat these two rows until you have decreased down to this number of stitches on each needle: 10 stitches (women’s small) - 11 stitches (women’s medium) - 12 stitches (men’s sock).  Kitchener stitch toe together.

Weave in ends … Block (maybe?) … Wear (gift?) … Warm Feet & Happy Heart!

Questions? Comments? Send me an email … ekortering at gmail dot com

Find me on Instagram & Ravelry as mamatoabigail

Keep up with my knitting adventures on the 
Holland Handmade Podcast (You Tube)

I have a Surprise and it is called STITCH ...

It has been VERY quiet here for the past few months because I've been working on 

Something Special!

a Good Bit of Stitching ...

 

 

LOTS of Machine of Quilting ...

Some Designing ...

(designed by Abigail ... stitched by Me)

More ordering then I ever imagined ...

 

STITCH ... studio & shop LLC

opening August 5th, 2013 

 

Words cannot describe how I am feeling right now!!!!!

In 29 short days my lease begins and I start painting, building furniture, and stocking shelves, so that in 50 days, I can Open. For. Business.  

Dutch Girl Yarns

We had a four day weekend and I spent some time in the Dye Studio.

  

 Some lace weight yarn for Wexford Dry Goods

But the most fun to create ... The Extended Rainbow of Sock Yarn.

This is going to Painted Trillium Yarns in my home town of Hudsonville, MI.  =)

I don't talk about my little cottage business of dyeing yarn very much as I do not want this to feel like a Spammy Blog.  Ick ... don't like those Blogs.At.All.  =(  

But I do like color ... just look at my hooky, knitting, and quilty projects.  =)  Dyeing yarn is just another way for me to get my Color Fix!!

A bit of Recycle AND Crochet

My scissors and rotary cutters used to be stored in a lovely milk glass vase.  The base chipped badly (more like a CHUNK) when I was cleaning up my Work Room last week so I needed a replacement right away.

So I rummaged around in the recycle bin, found my Stylecraft Stash, and pulled up Attic 24 for some inspiration.  I was very happy to use my collection of buttons that I bought at the Thrift Shop.

Best $1 I've spent in a long time.  =)

Hourglass Pillow

Hot off the sewing machine and slightly overstuffed with a down pillow insert.  =)

This is the first time I've used Essex Linen (solid color) and it was a Very Nice Experience.  

Next up ... Chartreuse or Aqua.  =)  Oh yes that will be Pretty!

Hope you have a Restful and Relaxing Weekend!!

PS - Bonus points to anyone who can name the painting in the background

Stripey-Stripe Tomten

I was in Garter Stitch Heaven while knitting this sweater!

The only seam in this entire sweater is the three needle bind off on the top of the hood!

Buttons ... they make or break the project.  

Elizabeth Zimmerman's Tomten Jacket 

#7-32" circular (I switched to a 60" cable on the buttonband)

Stash yarn - all worsted weight wool

Size - 4/5ish??  I sent it to my sister for her daughter to wear.  

She just turned 3 years old and it fits her well.  =)

Corners of my Home

Antique Desk ... Chair and Cushion ... Granny Square Blanket ... 

Thrifted Treasures ... Favorite Project Basket 

Granite Stitch Baby Blanket

This pile of yarn ...

Hooky, hooky, hooky ....

(I see a stray yarn I forgot to clip, LOL )

Finished ... =)

Inspiration - Kristen's Beach Stripe Surf Blanket  

Yarn - Northern Wool and Baritone (deep discount @ Webs)

Hook - Size I/5.5mm

Border - Crab Stitch (the crochet version of I-Cord)

I am SMITTEN with Granite Stitch!!!!!!  It looks Really Intricate but is So Simple to do.  =) 

This hook/yarn combo is perfect ... not to stiff and not too floppy.

Baby Levi is now wrapped in this blanket.  He is the 5th child of Mr. K's high school buddy.  It was pretty exciting when he was born ... he has FOUR big sisters.  

A New Job =)

Just before Thanksgiving I discovered that there was a new yarn and quilt shop in the area.  A mom at school told me about it because she knows yarn is my Thing.  =)  Abigail and I stopped in one day after school, started chatting with the owner about my projects, and I walked out with a job.

LoL LoL LoL!!!

The store is called Wexford Dry Goods and it is the Loveliest place to work!

YARN

FABRIC

SITTING AREA

(Hi there, Abigail!)

DISPLAY CASE

(that scarf on top is my own design!)

 This book was one of the first things I saw when I walked into the store.  I knew IMMEDIATELY that there was a Kindred Spirit here. 

 GIFTS and PRETTY THINGS

So what exactly do I do at WDG besides drool over beautiful fabric and pet pretty yarn?!

I teach classes ... mostly crochet with a bit of knitting and quilting. =)

I've always wanted a little job like this!!  It fits me to a T.  =)

So Dear Carolyn, the Other Erin, Sherri, and Marianne ... thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me be a part of your shop family.  

XOXOXO

Erin's Favorite Shawl

Half Granny Square Shawl
by Anastacia Zittel
(Ravelry link) 

One Skein of Lang Yarns Mille Colori - unknown colorway
 Ultra Alpaca Fine - border (from the All Shawl pattern)

Size 7/4.5mm hook



In Progress ... working on it whilst I wait for Abigail to get out of school.  Yes, I am That Weird Mom that sits on the steps knitting or crocheting All The Time.  =)

Do you see the little duck up by my shoulder?  That is my grandfather's tie pin that he wore every Sunday for as long as I can remember.  I use it as a small shawl pin.  

This shawl is 100% Erin and I could wear it Every Single Day.

Orange and white polka dot cardigan ... it matches.

Green Max Studio dress ... it matches.  

100% wool LL Bean sweater ... talk about being cozy warm!

(that's the sweater I am wearing in the pictures - $2 thrift store find)

Khaki, Jean, or Grey ... it matches.

I think everyone should have a shawl like this in their wardrobe.  =)

Low Volume Patchwork Pillow

I've sewn quilts ... lots of those.  =)

I've sewn tote bags, messenger bags, market bags, and knitting project bags.

I've sewn clothing ... well, sort of.  Does the baby variety count?!

I've never sewn pillows covers or drapes.

I don't ever plan on sewing drapes.  Perhaps curtains, if I really must.  =)

But Friday afternoon I sewed a pillow cover ... 

Leftover prints from a Low Volume quilt 

 Stash fabric for the envelope back

 Ikea pillow form kicking around the Work Room.

Start to Finish in less then one hour.  

I am seriously in LOVE with the Built-In walking foot on my Janome!!!!

    

Waiting for me in my Favorite Chair.  =)

Have a Lovely Weekend ... Stay Safe and Warm! 

New Year ... New Look!

DGD has been Spiffed Up!

I deleted any posts that had broken links.

I changed the background, clipart, and text to something Dotty, Colorful, and Happy.

Do you like it?!?!

This fall I got a new phone (the smarty-pants variety) and it was chock-full of pictures.  I successfully downloaded them all to the desktop and now I Can Not Find them!!!   Hopefully, Mr. K can locate them tonight. 

I was able to rescue this picture of my Work Room. =)

(yes, I tidied it up for the picture ... because I know you will ask)

Outside my window ... it is sunny but shivery cold.  I should not complain as it is actually warmer then yesterday ... 15 degrees instead of 7 degrees.  LoL  =)


I am thinking ... I want to blog LOTS MORE in 2013.  Last year was pretty skimpy here @ DGD and I am really sorry about that! (eta.  There are only 5 posts in 2012 ... that's pretty pathetic.  =(  )


I am thankful ... for all the lovely people who became followers of DGD last year even with the lack of blogging.  XOXOX


In the kitchen ... the dishwasher just finished running and I need to unload it.  Why is it that I so dislike that job?!


I am wearing ... a staple work outfit.  Cardigan with t-shirt and a Lacy Baktus on the top.  Skirt with tights on the bottom.  Would I be a total dork if I wore TWO pairs of tights one on top of the other so that I can stay warm?!?


I am creating ... a crocheted entrelac blanket for Abigail's 9th birthday (lots of hooky time yet as it is not 'til April) out of Stylecraft Special DK.  It is in Lucy colors + a "few" more that are coming from Deramores. 


I am wondering ... what to make for supper???  I made Zucchini Corn Chowder last week.  It was so YUMMY that I want to make it again.  =)  Thank you, Meg, for sharing the recipe with me!!


I am reading ... through the Bible with Mr. K and Abigail.  One chapter every night (when we remember =) ).  


 I am hoping ... that Abigail's presentation on the Netherlands goes well.  She made a poster and everything! 


I am looking forward to ... teaching the second session of Beginning Crochet today at Wexford Dry Goods.  I will tell you more about my new job sometime soon.  =)

I am hearing ... the hum of the furnance and not much else.  It is So Quiet when I am home alone.


Around the house ... lots and lots of baskets of yarn.  It is hard to keep them contained to the Work Room.  =) 


One of my favorite things ...Ravelry.  I've been tooling around it quite a bit lately and finding so much inspiration.   


I hope you have the Best Thursday Ever!

Erin

Weekend Project

I love to move furniture around and Mr. K was very kind to help me with this switch-a-roo.  =) =) =) 

 Hook & Needle Spot

Our bedroom moved to the small second bedroom.  

The office/sewing/knitting room moved to the big bedroom.  

 Personal LYS and Fabric Shop =)

It is Wonderfully-Fabulous!!!  I spend much of my time at home and this room is flooded with sunshine most of the day ... so Cozy and Inviting.  

The Teaching Table

 One day I dream of giving knitting and crochet lessons right here in this room.  

Absolutely free of charge ... I want to pass on the delight of these hobbies to others.  =)

 

I started baking our daily bread once again.  

It's something I've done off and on for years, but I've never been satisfied with the texture and crust.  

Until know.  I tried something on a whim and it worked better then I expected.  I will never-ever go back to store bought bread.  =)

Look at that HUGE rise!

I mix and knead the bread in the bread machine (Dough Cycle), pop it in the refrigerator to rise over night, and then bake it in the morning.  That is it ... So.Incredibly.Simple.

Whole Grain Sandwich Bread

1 cup warm water

1 tablespoon milk 

2 tablespoons oil (I use coconut oil)

4 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups unbleached bread flour

1 cup whole wheat or spelt flour

2 teaspoons yeast

Mix and knead on Dough Cycle (usually takes 2 hours and includes 1 rise).

Turn out onto lightly floured surface and shape into oblong loaf.

Grease loaf pan, plop in dough, and turn dough to grease all sides.

Cover with plastic wrap and put in refrigerator to rise overnight.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Bake 30 minutes or until bottom of loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Turn out of pan immediately and cool on wire rack.

Two little things ... 

I like to smear the top of the bread with butter as soon as I take it out of the oven.  

This helps keep the crust soft.  

I absolutely LOVE my bread pans!!!  They make all the difference and I'm so glad my sister suggested I buy them.  They are made by Norpro and you can get them on Amazon.  Or at an Amish Store, like I did.  =)

Happy Baking!

Erin

Winter Scrap Quilt Progress Report

The top is Done and I.Love.It.  =)

I made it bigger then I first planned.

Now it will fit perfectly on the back of my Ektorp loveseat.

Next up:

Backing

Quilt (or Tie?)

Binding

A Saturday of Simple Patchwork

I started piecing the blocks for a new Quilt this week and continued working on them today.  

It was such a lovely morning ... the purr of my sewing machine, Abigail's chatter while she pressed my seams (am I a lucky mama!), and Pandora in the background.

I am SOOOOOO enjoying my new cutting table (thank you Ikea!!!) and working from my stash.  =) 

2011 was the Year of Crochet.  Maybe 2012 will be the Year of Quilt-Making?!

Stress-Free Blogging ...

(or why I've been AWOL from Blog Land for the past two months!)

I did a yarn dyeing class in my hometown of Hudsonville, MI in November.

That lead to two (maybe THREE) classes in January and February .. =) =) =)

And ...

My very first Yarnie Party at Painted Trillium Yarns !!!!!

It is next Friday night from 7-11pm.

I've been dyeing yarn ... lots AND lots of yarn.

This is just one of FIVE tubs. 

Last count was 160 skeins ... I need to do another 40-50 tomorrow and Monday.

This re-blooming/re-birth of my yarn dyeing business took my by surprise but it's been lots of fun.  

I decided that a new name, new colorways and new labels were a must.

So the stress-free part of this post is that I've decided to do photo-only blog for 2012.

Ok, fine!  Maybe a "few" words.  =)

Happy 2012 to all my Dear Readers ... Love ya!

Erin

The Best 7 Posts in 2011

1. Granny Log Cabin Potholder
2. Newborn Wool Soaker Pattern - check back later in January for a free newborn wool pants (longies) pattern.  I'm knitting it right now and working out the bugs.  =)
3. Granny Log Cabin Blanket - if/when I make this blanket again, I will use my Stylecraft stash!
4. Crocheted Treasure Bag Tutorial - these were so much fun to make for Abigail's 7th Birthday Party.
5. Rainbow Granny Blanket - I love this blanket ... such a riot of COLOR!!!!!
6. Cloth Diaper Tutorial
7. Trinket Box Blanket

Crochet pretty much sums up 2011!

I wonder if 2012 will be another year of Crochet or will Knitting, Dyeing, or Quilting take the drivers seat???

Happy New Year to You All!!!!

Love,

Erin

PS - Check out my new URL =)

What I've been up to in the Past 30 Days ... Bullet Style =)

• Dyeing lots and lots of yarn.  I set up a little workspace in the basement and it is marvelous!  It's not very big but all my dye bottles, pots, rags, etc are within easy reach.  The utility sink and washing machine is just a hop away so I can rinse and spin easily.   Thank you, Mr. K for letting me take over a small corner of your Man Space.  XoXoXo

• Abigail had a whole WEEK off school for Thanksgiving and we spent all but one day in Michigan.  It was lovely!  Lots of Grammy time for her.  Lots of Thrifting and Hob-Nobbing for me at the Yarn Shop.  =)

• I taught my very first yarn dyeing class last Saturday ... Crockpot + Kool Aid.  I had so much fun!!!!  My students had so much fun!!!!  It was 3 hours of 100% bliss for me ... sharing my love & passion for dyeing yarn with other knitters.  XoXoXoXo  They want me to come back and do more classes.  Ok, I can handle that.  =)

• Christmas presents are flying off my needles!!  Right after Thanksgiving I often get this "Bah Humbug" feeling.  I think it's because of all the Black Friday hype plus all the extra advertising that ends up in my mailbox.  I am so glad we don't have a T.V. ... the onslaught of glitzy commercials would drive me batty!!!!!!  Anywho, I am trying to combate The Grinch in me by hunkering down with my knitting (and stash yarn, of course  =) ) and seeing how many knitted gifts I can complete before December 25.  So far it is Working!

As always ... Love,

Erin