These little moccasins are technically not my first project of 2010. I think I finished them on Christmas Day after my sister learned that one of her friends had given birth to a baby girl named Olivia. We both got knitting straight away: my sister on one of my favourite baby hats, Cisco; and I on these Baby Mocs by Whitney Van Nes and a pair of Yumiko Sakurai’s Kanoko Pants (Ravelry link). I didn’t get a shot of the pants before my sister packed them so I’ll have to share a photo once Olivia is big enough to model them!

[Ravelled]

I’m a big fan of Kristen Rengren’s Vintage Baby Knits.  These slippers are my second project from the book, and I loved making them just as much as the first.  The pattern is also available as a free download from Melanie Falick Books, along with others from STC Craft books that would make great holiday projects.

I’m particularly aware of my unwieldy stash at the moment, so I resolved not to buy any new yarn for this project. I decided on Mirasol’s Cotanani – the one ball I had ended up being just enough. It’s a nice yarn to work with – the merino blended in makes for a much softer cotton yarn!

I made a couple of modifications to the pattern: I made I-cords for the ankle straps, instead of garter stitch bands; and I made the ears a little bit smaller (CO 5 sts rather than 9), since I used a heavier weight yarn than called for.

How about you, any stash-busting projects to recommend?

[Ravelled]

I used up the last of my Misti Alpaca handpainted suri and silk for this lovely knit from Ysolda Teague’s Whimsical Little Knits collection. The Tiny Shoes are tiny indeed. I think this Mary Jane style will be very cute on. There is something so satisfying about making such small, sweet shoes.

I finished them off with mother of pearl buttons from Etsy. Every time I knit with this yarn I love it more. Baby alpaca suri and silk!!! It’s absolutely beautiful.

My original intention was to give this elephant away. I don’t think I can do it. It’s just too cute. It’s knit from Ysolda’s Elijah pattern and is worked in one piece by picking up stitches for his (or her) appendages. I think this elephant is definitely a Peanut. It has been suggested before, for Big Teddy Bear, but it’s sticking this time!

Peanut’s eyes are embroidered French knots. This video tutorial was really helpful – I haven’t done much embroidery so I needed the guidance. As it turns out, French knots are easy!