| How to Knit Baby Pants Posted: 27 Jul 2020 01:00 AM PDT Homemade baby clothes make precious heirlooms and because they're so small, you can knit them quickly! Knit 2 flat pieces of fabric in a stockinette stitch pattern and then seam them together at the sides to form the pants. Since you'll make the waist with a double rib stitch, which is slightly elastic, there's no need to mess with buttons or drawstrings. This makes this project great for new to intermediate knitters. [Edit]Casting On - Select a soft worsted weight yarn for the baby pants. Choose a 125-gram (4.5 oz or 285 yd/260 m) skein of worsted weight (#4) yarn in any color. You might see worsted weight labeled as afghan, aran, or medium-weight yarn. Although you can use yarn made from any material, choose yarn that's soft enough for the baby and that will wash well.[1]
- Keep the label from the skein of yarn so you can remember the washing instructions once you finish making the pants.
- Make a slip knot with worsted weight yarn. To form a slip knot, pull the yarn and twist the end into a loop so the tail end is on top. Use 1 hand to hold the tail and slide your other index finger and thumb through the loop. Pinch the working yarn and bring it through the loop.[2]
- Slide the slip knot onto size US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles. Slip the loop of yarn onto a straight needle. Then, pull the yarn tail so the loop tightens around the needle. Stop pulling just when the knot is secure so you can easily insert your working needle into the stitch.[3]
- If you do accidentally pull too tightly and you can't insert the needle into the stitch, gently tug on the loop while you hold the actual knot. This loosens the stitch so you can put the needle through it.
- Cast on 36 stitches. Although there are several ways to cast on, one of the easiest ways for beginners is to knit a stitch. Instead of placing the stitch you just made on your right needle, insert the tip of your left needle into the loop and slide it back onto the left needle so you have 2 stitches on it. Keep knitting stitches and placing them back on the left needle until you have a total of 36 stitches on it.[4]
- You'll also need an extra set of size US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles so you can work each pant leg.
[Edit]Making a Ribbed Waist - Work 13 rows of a basic 2 x 2 rib pattern to create the waist. For the rib, purl (p) 2 stitches and knit (k) 2 stitches across the whole row. When you reach the end of the first row, turn the work and p2, k2 across the next row. Make a total of 13 rows in the rib stitch.[5]
- Make 6 rows of the stockinette stitch pattern. For the first row of stockinette stitch, knit every stitch. To make the next row, purl every stitch. Work the following 4 rows by knitting the odd rows and purling the even rows.[6]
- You'll knit rows 1, 3, 5 and purl rows 2 and 4.
- Work an increasing row for row 7. Once you've made 6 stockinette stitch rows, knit 1 stitch and make 1 left stitch (m1L). Then, k3, m1L across the row until there are just 2 stitches left. Knit the last 2 stitches to finish the increasing row.[7]
- You'll have 48 stitches on your needles once you finish this row.
- Knit 22 more rows in the stockinette stitch pattern. Purl the row after your increasing row to make row 8 of the stockinette stitch pattern. Continue to alternate purling and knitting rows for another 21 rows.[8]
- Remember to knit the odd rows and purl the even rows.
[Edit]Knitting the Legs - Purl 24 stitches and pass the remaining 24 stitches to a spare needle. To work the row where the legs split off, purl 24 stitches. Then, slide each of the remaining 24 stitches onto a spare US size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needle. You'll keep working the stitches that you just purled in order to make the right leg. Don't work the stitches on the spare needle just yet.[9]
- You can use a spare standard needle or circular needle, depending on what you prefer.
- Place a stitch marker on the first stitch of the left leg and turn your work. Attach a stitch marker to the first stitch that you placed on the spare needle. This will help you remember that this is the beginning of the left leg. Turn your work over so you can knit the stitches on your working needles.[10]
- If you don't have a stitch marker, attach a safety pin or small hair accessory to the stitch.
- Work the stockinette stitch for 44 rows. Knit across every stitch in the row after you've split them. Then, continue to work the stockinette pattern down the entire right leg. Remember to knit the odd rows and purl the even rows.[11]
- You'll be working 24 stitches across each row instead of the 48 that you did for previous rows.
- Make 6 rows in the seed stitch pattern. To give the pant's a little texture near the bottom of the leg, do 6 rows of seed stitch. K1, p1 across the entire first row of the seed stitch pattern. Then, p1, k1 across the second row of seed stitch. Work 4 more rows by alternating the stitches like this:[12]
- Odd rows: *k1, p1*
- Even rows: *p1, k1*
- Bind off the right leg stitches. Now that you've made the right leg, bind off each stitch on your working knitting needles. You can bind them off knitwise or purlwise, but you don't have to bind the stitches off using the seed stitch pattern. Then, tie off the last stitch and leave a yarn tail that's about long.[13]
- Work the left leg using the stockinette and seed stitch patterns. Go back to the stitch marker and purl each of the stitches in the row. Repeat the pattern that you used for the right leg. Stockinette stitch 44 rows and then make 6 rows in the seed stitch pattern. Once you finish with that, bind off the stitches of the left leg and tie a knot to secure the last stitch.[14]
- If you placed the left leg stitches on a circular needle, slide them back onto your standard knitting needles before you begin working them.
- Leave a tail that's about long so you can use it to join the leg pieces.
- Create an identical fabric piece to the one you just made. Once you've completed 1 whole fabric piece that has 2 legs, repeat the steps to make an identical piece. You'll sew the sides together to form the pants since you didn't sew them in the round.[15]
- Use the same yarn and needles when working the second piece so it works out to be the same size.
[Edit]Assembling the Pants - Lay the pants pieces side by side and thread a tapestry needle. Arrange both pieces of fabric so the right sides face up and 2 of the legs touch. Then, thread a tapestry needle with 1 of the long yarn tails that's at the bottom of the pant leg.[16]
- If you prefer, use a darning needle instead of a tapestry needle.
- Use the mattress stitch to sew together the sides of the pants. To mattress stitch, insert the needle into the opposite stitch on the fabric. Pull to connect the pieces. Then, insert the needle between the horizontal bar of the stitches and work from side to side. Pull again when you reach the end of the pieces to tighten the stitches. Weave in the tail once you reach the top of the pants.[17]
- The mattress stitch is a great stitch for seaming the stockinette stitch pattern since it creates an almost invisible seam.
- Fold the pants and mattress stitch the other side of the legs. Fold the pants so the seamed side is on the right and the top piece of fabric is right-side up. Thread your needle again and sew together the other side of the pants. Work from the bottom of the pant legs up to the waist. Then, weave in the yarn tail.[18]
- Sew together the inner legs to finish the pants. Now that the pants are joined on the outer sides, use the mattress stitch to sew the inner legs together. This forms the crotch of the pants as well. Weave in the ends to finish the pants.[19]
- If you'd like to check your gauge before starting the pants, knit 28 rows of 19 stitches to get a swatch.
- If you see part of a pattern surrounded by an asterisk (*), you should repeat the pattern inside. For example, if you see *k1, p1* k2 you'd knit 1, purl 1 until you reach the last 2 stitches, which you'd knit.[20]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - 2 sets of US size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
- 1 skein (125 g/4.5 oz or 285 yd/260 m) of worsted weight (#4) yarn
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch marker
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
[Edit]References |
| How to Season Summer Squash Posted: 26 Jul 2020 05:00 PM PDT Summer squash includes varieties like zucchini, pattypan, crookneck, and zephyr squash. It's easy to cook and tastes great with just a couple of added ingredients. Season summer squash quickly with spices and herbs like parsley, salt, and pepper, or add ingredients like garlic or parmesan cheese for additional flavor. Feel free to get creative with your squash seasoning and try out different combinations! [Edit]Using Fresh Herbs and Spices - Add fresh parsley, mint, and thyme to cooked squash for a mix of flavors. Season cooked summer squash with each of fresh parsley, mint, and thyme. Do this by either measuring the herbs into a bowl and tossing the cooked squash in it or sprinkling a little seasoning on the individual cooked slices. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper onto the summer squash too.[1]
- Use of each fresh herb for 2 medium squash.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, use of dried herbs for every of each ingredient.
- This recipe is made by seasoning the squash after it's been cooked already, but you can try seasoning it beforehand if you'd like.
- Use salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for a quick and easy seasoning. Cook summer squash in a pan and add salt and pepper to taste. Chop up fresh parsley so that you have and add this to the squash. Mix everything together so it's well combined before serving it.[2]
- of chopped parsley works well for 2 squash.
- Use of dried parsley instead of of fresh parsley, if needed.
- Combine chives or scallions with summer squash for an onion flavor. Cut up the herbs so you have of chopped chives or 2 scallions. Add the chives or scallions in with sautéed summer squash, stirring it so it's thoroughly seasoned before serving.[3]
- This recipe calls for the squash to be mostly cooked before it's seasoned, with the chives or scallions added in towards the end.
- Mix fresh dill with olive oil to rub it onto your summer squash. Chop up 2.5 summer squash into slices of whatever thickness you prefer. Cut up enough dill so that you have of it when it's chopped. Spread the squash slices out and sprinkle olive oil over them so they're lightly coated. Add the dill on top of the squash and stir them all together so the dill is well distributed. Cook or grill the squash, and it's ready to eat![4]
- You could also mix the chopped dill and olive oil together and then use a basting brush to apply the mixture to the summer squash.
- If you don't have fresh dill, use of dried dill instead.
- Stir fresh basil leaves into cooked squash for a refreshing taste. Cook your summer squash in olive oil, adding in things like garlic and salt if you'd like. Chop up fresh basil leaves with a sharp knife and add them into the cooked squash. Stir the squash so the basil is mixed in well before eating it.[5]
- You might use 10 to 15 basil leaves for of summer squash (or of dried basil).
[Edit]Adding Other Foods for Flavor - Top the summer squash with bread crumbs and parmesan for a savory taste. Cut up your summer squash into thick slices and drizzle a light layer of olive oil over them. Mix of Parmesan cheese with of breadcrumbs in a bowl, as well as enough salt and pepper depending on your taste preferences. Spread the squash out and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the slices, topping them all evenly before baking the squash.[6]
- This recipe calls for of summer squash.
- Create a marinade by using vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and thyme. Mix of white wine vinegar, of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon (8.4 g) of minced garlic, and 2 teaspoons (1.8 g) of chopped thyme leaves in a bowl together. Stir in some salt and pepper and add of sliced summer squash. Toss the squash so it's seasoned well and pour all of the ingredients into a pan. Let the squash sit in the marinade for about 3 hours to 1 day.[7]
- The squash can sit in the marinade at room temperature for up to 3 hours, but if you're marinating the squash for a full day, place the pan in the fridge and cover it.
- Cook the summer squash once it has soaked in the marinade.
- Saute the squash in onion and garlic for a stronger flavor. Chop up 3 squash so they're in slices and cook 1 small chopped onion in an oiled pan until it's soft. Add the squash to the pan and cook them for about 8 minutes or until they have brown spots on them. Place 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pan and mash it into the pan as it cooks. Stir all of the ingredients together and add a little parsley, salt, and pepper depending on your taste preferences.[8]
- Combine your squash with chopped jalapeno, garlic, and red pepper for a spicy taste. Cut up a jalapeno pepper and cook it in a pan until it's slightly browned. Add in 2 cloves of sliced garlic and of crushed red pepper flakes to the pan, stirring the ingredients together as they cook. Put of sliced summer squash into the pan and saute them until they're soft and slightly browned too.[9]
- Sprinkle a little bit of lime juice over the squash for added taste, if you'd like.
- If you don't want to add too many seasonings to your summer squash, it's always okay to just stick with salt and pepper.
- Ground cumin or coriander are also good on summer squash.
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid using as much dried herb as you would a fresh herb—dried herbs tend to have a stronger flavor.
[Edit]References |
| How to Turn a Bookshelf Into a Vertical Garden Posted: 26 Jul 2020 09:00 AM PDT A vertical garden is an excellent way to upcycle an old bookshelf! If you're jonesing for a fun and functional creative project, make it your own by painting the bookshelf and adding any other special touches. You can keep it inside or outside depending on where you want to showcase your favorite plants. However, if you're going for an outdoor vertical garden, be sure to check your USDA plant hardiness zone so you know your plants will stay happy and healthy. [Edit]Cleaning and Sanding the Bookshelf - Choose a hardwood or metal bookshelf you don't use anymore. If you recently found a bookshelf or want to upcycle your own, it might be perfect for your vertical garden! Try to pick one with at least 3 or 4 evenly-spaced shelves so you can fit lots of planters on each tier.[1]
- If you want to have tall plants, make sure the shelves are far enough apart to allow them to grow upward without hitting the shelf above.
- Check to make sure the shelves and sides don't show signs of rotting, cracks, or wobbly screws.
- Wooden bookshelves do better inside so the wood doesn't deteriorate from rain or harsh weather. However, you can waterproof it with a sealant so it stays in tip-top shape.
- Scrub down the bookshelf with a damp microfiber towel or sponge. For a hardwood shelf, spray a little water onto each shelf and wipe them down with a microfiber cloth. For a metal shelf, dampen a sponge, pour of white vinegar onto it, and use that to rub the shelves clean. Put some elbow grease into it to get as much of the dust and grime off of the shelves and sides as you can.[2]
- For a lustrous finish on a metal bookshelf, rub on some stainless steel polish with a soft rag.
- Sand down a hardwood bookshelf if you want to paint it. Use a 150, 180, or 220-grit sanding block to get the shelves smooth to the touch. Hold the block firmly in your hand and move it back and forth along the grain (not side to side) with even pressure. Wipe away the dust when you're done.[3]
- If you don't have a sanding block, you can also cut a rectangle of sandpaper and wrap it around a small piece of wood.
- If you have an electric sander, follow the directions in the instruction booklet about how to load it and use it safely.
- A metal bookcase usually doesn't need to be sanded. However, a good sanding or scrub-down with steel wool can get rid of any rusty spots.
[Edit]Priming and Painting The Bookshelf - Apply acrylic primer if you're painting it with acrylic paint or keeping it outdoors. Grains of the wood can show through the final coat of paint later on, so use an acrylic primer to ensure your paint job looks great and lasts a long time. Apply it in long, even strokes with a wide paint brush and let it dry for at least 4 hours before adding your first coat of paint.[4]
- You can find priming spray at any home improvement or hardware store in the same aisle as the paint-on primer.
- You don't have to use a primer if you're keeping your bookshelf inside, but it'll help the acrylic paint stay on longer without chipping.
- If you want to stain the wood with a wood stain like oak, mahogany, or chestnut, apply the wood stain first and then paint or spray on the primer to lock it in.
- Paint the bookshelf with at least 2 coats of acrylic or water-based latex paint. Apply the paint in long, even strokes with a wide paintbrush or roller brush. Wait at least 4 hours for the first coat to dry before adding a second coat. If you'd rather use spray paint, move to a well-ventilated area and put on a mask. Shake the canister and hold it away from the wood. Spray the first coat on in long, even strokes then wait 4 to 6 hours to do another coat. It may take a while, but it'll be worth it for a customized bookshelf garden![5]
- Feel free to get creative with stencils if you're using spray paint and want to add some artful touches to your bookshelf. Use a floral stencil to go with a garden theme or use stencil lettering to write your name, words of encouragement, or your favorite quote onto the side of the shelf—the possibilities are endless!
- Choose warm colors like red, orange, or yellow to make the green leaves on your plants stand out. Or, you can choose deep red, purple, blue, or green to make it look calm and inviting. Bright white paint is a good choice if you want it to look clean and minimalist.
- Consider painting the vertical backs and sides of each shelf a different color from the rest of the wood to add some character and depth. For instance, you might paint the backs and sides of each interior shelf a soft white and make the rest of the wood baby blue.
- Be sure to paint or spray paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated room and put down some newspaper or a tarp to protect nearby surfaces.
- Wait at least 4 to 6 hours for the paint to dry completely. After the final coat is on, check the time so you know when you're ready to start gathering or potting your plants. If the bookshelf is inside, open a nearby window or set up a fan to help the paint dry faster.[6]
- The paint will be dry to the touch after just 1 or 2 hours, but it may still be prone to chipping or smudging so it's better to wait a full 4 to 6 hours.
- Protect a wooden outdoor bookshelf with a waterproof sealant. After the paint has dried completely, apply a water-based polycrylic sealant with a wide paintbrush. If you're using sealant spray, hold the canister away from the surface and spray it on in long, even strokes. Let it dry for at least 4 to 6 hours before you start to decorate the shelves with plants and other knick-knacks.[7]
- You can buy polycrylic sealant from any home improvement or hardware store.
- The sealant will look a little cloudy at first, but it'll dry clear to show off your beautiful paint job!
- You can also use an oil-based sealant like polyurethane but it's not a great choice because it emits toxic fumes.
[Edit]Adding Plants - Place the bookshelf in a spot that gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight. Put the vertical garden somewhere that works for most (if not all) of the plants' needs. Pick a spot that's spacious and easy to get to so you can water the plants when you need to. Make sure it's in an area that gets at least 4 to 6 hours of direct or indirect sunlight to keep your plants healthy and happy![8]
- If you're putting it outside, don't put it near your driveway or a child's play area—anywhere with heavy foot traffic is a bad idea because it may accidentally get knocked over.
- Install furniture anchoring hooks on either side of the shelf to hold it in place. Once your bookshelf is in place in front of a wall or fence, screw or nail furniture anchoring hooks or brackets into the wall behind the bookshelf on the left and right sides. Attach the other end of the anchoring hooks (at the end of each strap) to the back of the bookshelf either with nails or screws. The strap between the shelf and the wall should have very little slack so the bookshelf won't wobble or topple over.[9]
- There are different types of furniture anchoring kits so choose one that works for the material of your walls and the shelf (e.g., heavy-duty screws work best for cement board walls while nails will work for wood and drywall). You can buy them at any hardware or home improvement store.
- This is especially important if you live in an area with earthquakes or strong winds that might blow it over.
- If you're using a leaning bookshelf, definitely secure it to a wall!
- If you're keeping it inside or only putting a few small plants on it, it's okay to skip this step.
- Choose plants that thrive in your climate or have similar water and light needs. If you're putting the bookshelf outside, look up your USDA hardiness zone to see which plants do best in your region. And no matter where you put them, take note of the temperature, light, and water the plants require so you know how to keep them healthy. It's okay if they have slightly different watering needs but make sure the plants you choose all need the same amount and quality of light (i.e., direct or indirect) since they'll be in close quarters.[10]
- Make sure the plants won't grow so tall that they hit the bottom of the shelf above.
- Succulents are great indoor or outdoor plants that are often pretty stout and easy to take care of.
- Herbs like rosemary, dill, cilantro, and basil are great additions to an indoor or outdoor bookshelf—plus you'll get to enjoy them on your favorite dishes!
- As an example, you might put some succulents and herbs on the top shelf, geraniums and begonias on the center shelves, and ferns or bromeliads on the bottom shelf.
- Avoid vining crops or flowers that need a trellis to grow—these include tomatoes, beans, peas, nasturtium, Mandevilla, trumpet creepers, morning glory, bougainvillea, black-eyed Susans, jasmine, and clematis.
- Put the plants in small, well-draining pots filled with nutrient-dense potting soil. Either purchase, plant, or propagate the plants you want to put on your bookshelf. Go to your local garden supply store or nursery to buy starter plants if you'd rather not go through the hassle of germinating seeds and waiting for them to sprout.[11]
- Buying plants can be pricey, so look for special sales and buy smaller ones to save a few bucks.
- Most flowers and houseplants can be put in potting soil, but things like succulents and air plants need different types of soil (or none at all) to ensure the roots don't get too moist.
- If you're sowing the plant from a seed, fill containers with potting soil and stick the seed into the soil (or however deep the seed packet specifies). Water them every day until you see sprouts. Once they're tall, you can transfer them into larger pots.
- If you already have some plants you like, consider propagating them if possible. Pothos, prayer plants, African violets, gardenia, umbrella plants, rosemary, and philodendron are all super easy to propagate from cuttings.
- Arrange the potted plants on the shelves with the heaviest at the bottom. Put the heaviest containers on the bottom shelf and the lightest ones on the top to help the bookcase stay level and sturdy. Be sure to leave some space between the plants so they're not too cramped and having to fight for sunlight.[12]
- For example, say you have a large potted fern, a big rubber plant, a few medium-sized flowering plants, and some small herbs or cacti. Put the fern and the rubber plant on the bottom, the flowering ones on the middle shelves, and the small pots on top. However, if you have a flowering plant that needs more sunlight than the cacti (like a shasta daisy versus Thanksgiving or Easter cactus), swap them so each plant gets the light it needs.
- If you have trailing plants, put those on top so the leaves can hang down the sides and front of the bookcase.
- If a bottom shelf doesn't get as much light because of the way the bookshelf is facing, it's okay to put that plant on a higher shelf if it needs more light. Just make sure the bookcase is secured to a wall or fence so it doesn't topple over.
- Hang small vertical planters onto the sides of the bookcase to maximize space. If you want your bookshelf garden to be bursting with beautiful greenery and blooms, stick vertical planters onto the sides. You can hammer nails into the sides to hang traditional vertical planters or use extra-strength tacky hooks.[13]
- Bromeliads (sky plants), Spanish moss, pink quills, and orchids are all beautiful air plants that will add a touch of tropical charm to your garden. Just make sure they're suitable for your USDA zone if the bookshelf is outside.
- Vines like pothos, ivy, philodendron, and wandering jew are perfect for draping down the sides of the bookshelf. Plus, they'll thrive if you're keeping the bookshelf inside where there's only indirect lighting.
- Decorate your bookshelf with lights, art, and any other trinkets. If the bookshelf is inside, feel free to put a small lamp on the top shelf to illuminate your lovely garden. If it's outside, string outdoor twinkle lights around the top or along the shelves of the bookcase. Place picture frames, candles, decorative vases, jugs, small paintings, sculptures, or books on the shelf to add your own style.[14]
- If you're keeping it outside, don't put anything on the shelf that can be damaged by water. Stick to stone sculptures and maybe some small pictures or art pieces in weatherproof frames or frames that you don't care about getting damaged.
- You can also buy short strands of LED "fairy" lights to put on each shelf. Just make sure they're suitable for outdoor use if your garden is outside.
[Edit]Warnings - Double check that the shelves are stable and that the whole bookshelf is situated in a safe, sturdy spot.
- If you have pets and are keeping your vertical garden indoors, make sure to choose non-toxic plants.[17]
- Always put on a mask and goggles before you start standing wood. Never sand indoors because the wood dust can hang in the air long after you're done and may cause respiratory problems.[18]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Bookshelf
- Water
- Microfiber cloth
- Sponge
- White vinegar
- Fine-grit sanding block (or sandpaper and small wooden block)
- Acrylic or water-based latex paint
- Wide paintbrush or roller brush
- Stabilizing hooks or furniture anchors
- Potted plants (or seeds, potting soil, and pots)
- Polycrylic sealant (optional, for an outdoor wooden bookcase)
- Small vertical planters (optional)
- Paint primer (optional)
- Wood stain (optional)
- Stainless steel polish (optional)
[Edit]References |
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