Orange Fish Knits

Ladder Shawl

2008-09-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

This is less a design than it is an idea. Have fun with it and be creative!

Materials:
Size 13 needles
About 200 yards of aran to worsted weight mohair or mohair blend yarn (400 yards for mirror version)
I used Kidmo by Blue Moon Fiber Arts. Unfortunately this yarn has been discontinued, which is a shame because it is absolutely lovely. Kidmo is aran weight 90% mohair 10% nylon to give you an idea for what to look for in an appropriate substitution.

Pattern:

CO 60 stitches very loosely

Knit in stockinette stitch for ~20 rows.
Continue knitting in stockinette st, but start dropping stitches in random places in random rows. I dropped about one stitch on every right-side row for the first couple of feet of the shawl. After that I began dropping one stitch every 6 rows or so.
When you have 35 stitches left stop dropping stitches and work in stockinette until you run out of yarn or the shawl is as long as you would like.
You can bind off loosely now to create a shorter, asymmetrical shawl like the one pictured. Total length of mine is about four feet, and is long enough to wrap around my shoulders. The shawl is super light and the mohair "clings" to itself enough that no pin or clasp is needed.

If you want a larger shawl or if asymmetry makes you want to pull your hair out (I get it, I really do) a mirrored version is easy enough to create. Knit the first half as above but instead of binding off, place the shawl on a stitchholder. Knit the second half of the shawl the same way. Graft the two halves together using the kitchener stitch.

Geo Armwarmers

2007-12-30T18:50:00.000-08:00

Mmmm... Jasper. I've been lusting after it since it came out a few months ago. I finally succumbed to temptation over Christmas when I eyed a pile of the lovely stuff at Boucle Yarn Studio in my home town of Fargo, ND. I am happy to report that it is just as lovely as it looks on the Berocco website and a dream to knit with.

It didn't take me long to figure out what to make with those two skeins of heavenly wool. Those of you that visit my blog regularly know that I hate, Hate, HATE working on double pointed needles. Hate them! But I realized that I am missing out on an entire world of knitting by refusing to use them, so I told myself that every new project I start (once the Christmas knitting is done, of course) has to be on dpns until I stop hating them so much. Well, two socks, two armwarmers, one hat, and a couple of mini sweaters later I am happy to report that my loathing of dpns has gone from abject hatred to a mere general dislike. Yay!

So anyway, back to the yarn... I knew I had to make something with dpns, and I have been wishing for a nice pair of typing gloves that I can wear to work since the building is always freaking freezing - seriously, why has every office I've ever worked in been extremely cold? I mean sheesh, at least when I was delivering pizza I had a warm car to get into - but I digress. Armwarmers = toasty hands + knitting on dpns. Perfect!

Materials:
2 skeins Jasper by Berocco. I used the Rosso Asiago colorway.
5 size 8 double pointed needles.

Terms:
kfb - Knit into the front and back of the stitch.

Pattern:

Cast on 36 stitches. Divide evenly among four needles.
Knit in K3, P1 rib until warmers are as long as your forearm.

Thumb gusset:
Round 1: kfb, k1, kfb, p1, *k3, p1* (work stitches between *'s to end of round)
Round 2: k5, p1, *k3, p1*
Round 3: k1, kfb, k1, kfb, k1, p1, *k3, p1*
Round 4: k7, p1, *k3, p1*
Round 5: k2, kfb, k1, kfb, k2 p1, *k3, p1*
Round 6: k9, p1, *k3, p1*
Round 7 k3, kfb, k1, kfb, k3, p1, *k3, p1*
Round 8: k11, p1, *k3, p1*
Round 9: k4, kfb, k1, kfb, k4, p1, *k3, p1*
Round 10: k13, p1, *k3, p1*
Round 11: k5, kfb, k1, kfb, k5, p1, *k3, p1*
Round 12: k15, p1, *k3, p1*
Round 13: k1, place next 12 stitches on a stitchholder or waste yarn, k2, p1 *k3, p1*

Palm and fingers:

Continue working in k3, p1 rib for 8 more rounds.

Variation: For fingerless gloves just cast off here and skip down to the thumb and make as instructed.

Index finger:
k4, put next 27 stitches on waste yarn. Now you should have 9 stitches on your needles - the 4 you just knit and 5 more on the other needle.
Cast on one stitch. Knit the remaining 5 stitches to join the round and divide all 10 stitches among 3 needles.
Work 3 rounds of stockinette.
Bind off loosely in k1, p1 rib.

Middle Finger:
Pick up 5 stitches from your waste yarn on the palm side and 4 from the knuckle side (there really isn't a palm and knuckle side since each mitt will be identical and can be worn on either hand, but it is important to alternate which side you pick up 5 stitches from so your warmers don't end up all bunchy and funky looking.)
Pick up the cast on stitch from the last half finger you worked. Divide all 10 stitches among three needles.
Work 4 rounds of stockinette.
Bind off loosely in k1, p1 rib.

Ring finger:
Pick up 4 stitches from your waste yarn on the palm side and 5 from the knuckle side
Pick up one stitch from the last half finger you worked. Divide all 10 stitches among three needles.
Work 4 rounds of stockinette.
Bind off loosely in k1, p1 rib.

Pinkie:
Pick up the remaining 9 stitches from your waste yarn.
Pick up one stitch from the last half finger you worked. Divide all 10 stitches among three needles.
Work 4 rounds of stockinette.
Bind off loosely in k1, p1 rib.

Thumb:
Pick up the 12 stitches on your holder.
Pick up one more stitch from the body of your warmer.
Work 4 rounds of stockinette.
Bind off loosely in k1, p1 rib.

Use your numerous yarn tails to sew up any holes.

Work second warmer the same way.

Paradox Scarf

2007-12-15T07:53:00.000-08:00

Mmmmm Rayon... well, not really. If this project has taught me anything it's that you get what you pay for no matter what kind of fiber you are using. I picked up a cone - we're talking like 1200-1500 yards here - that's right, a whole cone of beautiful off-white 100% rayon for the amazing price of $5 at the Blue Moon Fiber Arts de-stashing sale. What a deal, right?

Well... let's just say I found out why it was only $5 the moment I cast on. The yarn is barely spun at all and super splitty. Knitting with the stuff is an absolute nightmare. But, oddly enough, despite the terrible quality of the yarn, the fabric it creates is absolutely gorgeous - drapey, slinky and super soft - just like rayon should be. I may even have to go undergo the frustrating task of knitting a tank top with it because I love the look of the fabric so much. Well, that and I still have an enormous cone of the awful stuff left and I wouldn't want to give it away and burden anyone else with this frustrating curse of a yarn.

It just seems strange that a yarn that is so beastly to knit with could look so beautiful when all knit up. That's why I am calling this the Paradox Scarf.

Materials:
Size 8 16 inch circular needles
Fingering or DK weight 100% rayon yarn (you could probably get by with a nice mercerized cotton if finding 100% rayon is difficult in your area. The important thing is the drapy-ness not necessarily the fiber content).
One stitch marker

Terms:
k2tog - knit two stitches together
k3tog - knit three stitches together
sk2po - slip one stitch, knit two stitches together, pass slipped stitch over the stitch you just knitted (decreases 2)
yo - yarn over
kfb - knit into the front and back of the stitch

Pattern:

Cast on 288 stitches
Join and place marker at beginning of round
Knit 2 rounds
K2tog across all (144 stitches)
Knit 2 rounds
K2tog across all (72 stitches)
Knit 1 round

Begin twin leaf lace pattern:

Round 1: K4, k3tog, yo, k1, yo, p1, yo, k1, yo, sk2po, k4, p1 (repeat to end of round (4 times))
Round 2: K8, p1 (repeat to end of round (8 times))
Round 3: K2, k3tog, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, p1, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, sk2po, k2, p1 (repeat to end)
Round 4: As round 2
Round 5: K3tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, p1, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, sk2po, p1 (repeat to end)
Round 6: As round 2

Repeat rounds 1-6 until the scarf is as long as you want.

Knit 1 round.
Kfb across (144 stitches)
Knit 2 rounds
Kfb across (288 stitches)
Knit 2 rounds
Bind off loosely.

Sommerfugl

2007-11-26T23:13:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned my love of big silly hats recently? Hmmm... probably. How about my newest great love, fair isle? Yes? Oh well, here's a pattern that combines them both. Yay!

I normally don't like posting patterns that are too hard because, well, hard patterns are, you know, like, hard to make and stuff. Ahh, but the Sommerfugl was just too much fun not to share, so here it is. Newbies beware, this pattern uses some pretty advanced techniques, so you might not want to try it until you've gained a few experience points. Knitting paladins level 40 and above only. Oh jeeze, my nerdiness is showing. Just ignore that last bit. Hmph! And I don't even play WoW.

Materials:
Size 8 16" circular needle
Size 8 dpns
Paton's Classic Wool - 5 different colors. I used New Denim, Denim Marl, Worn Denim, Natural Marl, and Winter White.

Hem Pattern:

Cast on 80 stitches (I started with New Denim color).
*note* I don't mind picking up stitches, so I just used the classic knit on cast on method. However, you may want to do a provisional cast on instead so you have a round of live stitches to work with when you knit the hem.

Work in stockinette stitch using the color chart below. You will repeat the pattern chart 5 times each row.

When you are done with the charted pattern work 20 rounds in stockinette (this part will be inside the hat so it doesn't really matter what color it is).

Hem:

OK, so this is where it gets a little weird. You are going to create a knitted hem.

1. Flip the hat inside out (the stranded purl side will now be facing the outside).
2. Knit one round.
3. Fold the brim so that the right (knit) side is facing out and the cast on edge is next to your newest round and needle.
4. Pick up one cast on stitch and knit it together with the next stitch on your needle. Continue in this manner to end of round.

Voila! A knitted hem!

Top:

Continue working in stockinette stitch, following the color chart below. When scooting a tiny number of stitches along your circular needle becomes more maddening than working on the dread double pointed needles (sorry, I just really, really hate dpns. Argggh!) switch over to your dpns.

Symbols:
/ = K2tog (knit two together)

You should end up with five stitches on your needles. Break yarn (leaving a long tail) but do not bind off or sew through the stitches just yet.

Braided Tassel:

Cut about 15 2-foot long pieces of yarn (I like to wrap the yarn around my palm and elbow, then cut the whole lot to get them all about the same length).

Find some sort of object to use as a pin for your braid (I stuck a dpn in a couch cushion). Drape the strings around the pin and braid them up.

Cut a length of yarn about 5-7 feet long. Wrap the yarn around the end of your braid several (hundred!) times to create a neat little ball to fasten off the braid. Trim the end so it looks nice.

Remember those last few stitches I told ya not to bind off? Use your yarn tail to sew through the top of the braid a few times so it won't unravel. Then, sew through the remaining stitches at the top of your hat (removing the dpns as you sew through each live stitch) and sew through the top of the braid several more times to fasten the braid securely to your hat.

Yay! It's finally over! Sommerfugl!

Strikket Hatt

2007-11-25T19:24:00.000-08:00

So, I finally broke down and tried fair isle. I must say, I am in love. I don't think I'll ever knit with a single color again. Well, no that's not true, but get ready for a slough of fair isle patterns! Did I mention that I also love charting? Mmmmm.... Excel for Mac.

*Again, I apologize for the crappy photos. My camera is near death and appears to have acquired a profound distaste for both light and color.

Here's the first of (hopefully) many fair isle patterns:

Strikket Hatt!
(it means knitted hat in Norwegian in case you are wondering. Real original, huh?)

Materials:
Size 8 16" circular needle
Size 8 dpns
5 colors of Patton's Classic Wool - I used New Denim, Denim Marl, Worn denim, Natural Marl and Winter White.

Pattern:

Cast on 80 stitches using your main color (I started with New Denim).
Work in K1 P1 rib for 8 rows.
Continue knitting in stockinette stitch using the charted pattern below. You will repeat the charted pattern 8 times each row. Switch to dpns when necessary.

Symbols:
/ = k2tog (knit two stitches together)

Finishing:
You should have 8 stitches left on the needle. Break yarn leaving enough to sew through the remaining stitches on the needles a few times. Weave in ends.

Fishtail

2007-11-10T20:07:00.000-08:00

Mmmm... rayon. I always thought it was overrated until I picked up a luscious skein at the Blue Moon Fiber Arts de-stashing sale. It is beautiful, drapey, and just a joy to work with.

I apologize for the crappy photos, my digital camera appears to be on its way out. I tried a bunch of different lighting methods, but camera just refuses to pick up all the wonderful colors in this yarn. Oh well, you're all here for the pattern anyway, not to hear me gush about yarn, right?

I thought a simple chevron would best show off the magnificent colorway, and I really like the way it turned out.

Materials:
1 skein Kork by Blue Moon Fiber Arts
Size 8 Needles

Terms:
kfb: Knit into the front and back of the stitch
K2tog: Knit two stitches together.
ssk: Slip two stitches together (as if to k2tog) from the left needle to the right. Place both stitches back on the left hand needle and knit them together.

Pattern:

Cast on 20 stitches.

Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: k2tog, k7, kfb, kfb, k7, ssk
Row 4: purl
Row 5: k2tog, k7, kfb, kfb, k7, ssk
Row 6: purl
Row 7: k2tog, k7, kfb, kfb, k7, ssk
Row 8: purl

Repeat these 8 rows until the scarf is as long as you want it. Knit two more rows. Bind off.

Condylactis

2007-11-08T19:01:00.000-08:00

I've wanted to knit a scarf with a curly fringe edging for a while now, but just couldn't decide on the body. I finally decided on a tube scarf as the curly fringe edging would create a sort of sea anemone-ish look. This scarf is knit using the cross stitch method - a method usually used for creating mock cables and other texture patterns. When an entire row is knit using crossed stitches it creates and interesting twisted texture, plus it's a heck of a lot more fun that plain ol' stockinette. This scarf could easily be knit in the round - just knit the purl rows and add one more Cr instead of the two knit stitches on the texture rows - but if you are like me and hate, Hate, HATE working on double-pointed needles, it's easier just to knit flat and sew up the seam.

Materials:
US size 3 knitting needles
2 skeins Melody by Jojoland, color number Y46, or other fingering weight yarn

Gauge:

Terms:
Cr: Cross stitch. Knit into the second stitch on the LH needle, but do not slip the stitch off the needle. Then, knit into the first stitch on the LH needle. Slip both of the stitches off the needle.

Pattern:

Close up of the cross stitch texture.
Body:

Cast on 40 stitches. Knit one row, purl one row.

Row 1: k1, Cr to last stitch, k1
Row 2: Purl

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until the scarf is as long as you want.

Bind off.

Sew up the sides of the scarf creating a long tube.

Curly fringe edging:

Pick up one stitch at the end of the scarf. Cast on 14 more stitches (I prefer the Knit On method as it gives a little more stability) Bind off the 14 stitches you just cast on.
Pick up another stitch. Slip your one remaining stitch over the newly picked up stitch (so you again only have one stitch on the needle). Cast on 14 more stitches. Bind off the 14 stitches you just cast on.
Continue in this manner until you have created 40 little "tentacles" around the entire edge of the scarf.
Repeat at the other end.

Spaceman Beanie

2007-09-24T17:38:00.000-07:00

I was going to call this the "Strawberry Sundae" hat because the wool/alpaca blend yarn by Nashua I used is sooooo creamy and delicious, but when it was finished it looked more like some sort of alien mind-control-ray-blocking helmet than delicious foodstuffs. Thus, the Spaceman Beanie was born.
This kinda happens a lot. I've stopped expecting my finished projects to look anything like the picture I have in my head. At least I'm usually pleased with the results. I mean, who doesn't need an alien mind-control-ray-blocking helmet?

Materials
US size 6 needles
2 colors of your choice of Nashua Creative Focus Chunky. I used Natural and Carnation for the pink hat and Natural and Grass for the green.

Pattern:
*note* This is a pretty small hat, so if you are using a very non-elastic yarn, or making this hat for a person with an especially large head, you may want to cast on an additional 14 stitches and add an extra repeat of the stitches in parentheses.

Color A rows are in Grey, Color B Rows are in Red.
Using A, cast on 72 stitches. Knit 2 rows. Change to B.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: k1, kfb, k4, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, (k4, kfb, kfb, k4, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog) 4 times, k4, kfb, k1
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: As Row 3
Row 6: Knit

Repeat these 6 rows 6 times.

Decrease Rows:
DRow 1: Knit
DRow 2: Purl
DRow 3: k6, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog (k10, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog) 4 times, k6
DRow 4: Purl
DRow 5: k5, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog (k8, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog) 4 times, k5
DRow 6: Knit
DRow 7: Knit
DRow 8: Purl
DRow 9: k4, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog (k6, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog) 4 times, k4
DRow 10: Purl
DRow 11: k3, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog (k4, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog) 4 times, k3
DRow 12: Knit
DRow 13: Knit
DRow 14: Purl
DRow 15: k2, sl1, k1, psso k2tog (k2, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog) 4 times, k2
DRow 16: Purl
DRow 17: K2tog across
DRow 18: Knit

Break yarn leaving a long tail. Sew the tail through the remaining 11 stitches on the needle, then sew up the side of the hat.

By popular demand I am also posting a pattern knitted in the round. You'll need 5 size 6 dpns for this. Again, if you want a larger hat cast on 14 additional stitches and repeat the stitches in parentheses 6 times instead of 5.

Using A cast on 70 stitches. Knit one round. Purl one round. Switch to B
Round 1: Knit
Round 2: Knit
Round 3: (kfb, kfb, k4, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k4) 5 times
Round 4: Knit
Round 5: As row 3
Round 6: Purl

Repeat these 6 rows 6 times.

Decrease Rounds:

Round 1: Knit
Round 2: Knit
Round 3: (k6, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k4) 5 times
Round 4: Knit
Round 5: (k5, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k3) 5 times
Round 6: Purl
Round 7: Knit
Round 8: Knit
Round 9: (k4, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k2) 5 times
Round 10: Knit
Round 11: (k3, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k1) 5 times
Round 12: Purl
Round 13: Knit
Round 14: Knit
Round 15: (k2, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog) 5 times
Round 16: Knit
Round 17: k2tog across
Round 18: Purl

Break yarn and sew through the remaining stitches on the needles.

Cozy Cat Crescent

2007-09-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

We've all done it. You walk into your local craft store intent on buying that size 11, 24" bamboo circular needle and NOTHING ELSE. "I will be strong this time! " you tell yourself. But alas, you are no match for the 25% off bin filled to the brim with soft, delicious, discounted yarn.

Happens every time. That's how I ended up with seven skeins of Yarn Bee Soft Delight. It was so pretty and fluffy and soft, I just kept grabbing more and more... only to get it home and realize that not only is it a total pain in the @$$ to work with, but it SHEDS! That's right. Shedding yarn. I might as well have a cat!

Well... actually I have four. Which gave me an idea.

I present the amazing shedding cat pillow for your amazing shedding cats:

Materials:
5 skeins of Yarn Bee Soft Delight or any other crappy impulse buy yarn you want to get rid of. Use at least five different colors for maximum stripitude.
U.S. size 8 knitting needles
Approximately 24 ounces of fiber fill.

Gauge:
About 3.5 stitches per inch, not that is matters all that much.

Terms:
kfb: Knit into the front and back of the stitch.

Pattern:

Cast on 3 stitches
Row 1: knit
Row 2: purl
Row 3: kfb, knit to end
Row 4: purl
Repeat rows 3 and 4 until you have 45 stitches. Bind off.

Work 14 triangles as above, changing colors randomly throughout. Try to make sure no two triangles are alike. I like to leave the ends long when changing colors or binding off so I can use the tails to sew the pieces together.

Sew seven triangles together to make a crescent.
Repeat with the remaining seven triangles.
Sew the two crescents together leaving a hole large enough to stuff the pillow.
Start stuffing (this part is really fun)!
When your pillow is sufficiently stuffed sew the hole shut and offer your pillow up to the kitties for scrutiny.

Sunshine says, "This is sufficient."

Goofy Ribbed Hat

2007-04-23T15:24:00.000-07:00

Silly hats are one of my favorite things, so I thought I'd knit one for the boyfriend.

Materials:
Size 8 needles
2 skeins

Gauge:
About 4 stitches per inch

Terms:
K2tog - Knit 2 together

Pattern:

Cast on 72 stitches.

Rows 1-25: Work in K2 P2 rib
Row 26: (k2, p2, k2tog, p2) 9 times (63 stitches)
Row 27: (k2, P1, K2, p2) 9 times
Row 28: (k2, p2, k1, p2) 9 times
Row 29: (k2tog, p2, k1, p2) 9 times (54 stitches)
Row 30: (k2, p1) 18 times
Row 31: (k1, p2) 18 times
Row 32: (k2, p1, k2tog, p1) 9 times (45 stitches)
Row 33: (k1, p1, k1, p2) 9 times
Row 34: (k2, p1, k1, p1) 9 times
Row 35: (k2tog, p1, k1, p1) 9 times (36 stitches)
Row 36: (k1, p1) 18 times
Row 37: (k1, p3) 9 times
Row 38: (k1, k2tog, p1) 9 times (27 stitches)
Row 39: (k1, p2) 9 times
Row 40: (k2tog, p1) 9 times (18 stitches)
Row 41: (k1, p1) 9 times
Row 42: (k2tog) 9 times (9 stitches)
Row 43: Purl
Row 44: (k2tog) 4 times, k1 (5 stitches)

Break yarn and sew through the remaining 5 stitches. Seam up the side of the hat.

Muddy Waters

2007-04-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

This super-simple scarf uses a classic ripple pattern to show off this beautiful self-striping yarn.

Materials:
Size 10.5 needles
JoAnn Sensations Casual Boucle color #1132 Aqua-Brown

Gauge:
About 3 stitches per inch

Terms:
K2tog - Knit two stitches together
M1 - Make one stitch

Pattern:

Cast on 36

Rows 1-3: Knit
Row 4: (K2tog) 3 times, (K1, M1) 6 times, (K2tog) 6 times, (K1, M1) 6 times, (K2tog) 3 times

Repeat rows 1-4 until scarf is as long as you want. Knit 3 more rows, then bind off. I got about 5.5 feet of scarf from one skein of Casual Boucle.

Springtime Hat

2007-04-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

This hat uses a simple leaf design. The pattern begins with a few increase rows to give the hat an interesting wavy brim. If you are using one skein of di've Teseo make sure to keep track of your gauge as I ended up with very little yarn left over.

Materials: 1 skein di.ve Teseo yarn
Size 8 needles

Gauge: 4 stitches per inch

Terms:
yo: Yarn over
ssk: slip two stitches one at a time knitwise, place back on the left hand needle and knit them together.
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together
k3tog: knit 3 stitches together

Pattern:

Cast on 82 stitches.

Repeat the stitches in parenthesis 10 times.
Rows 1 and 2: Knit
Row 3: k1 (k3, yo, k1, y0, k4) k1 [102 stitches]
Row 4 and all even rows from now on: Purl
Row 5: k1 (k4, yo, k1, yo, k5) k1 [122 stitches]
Row 7: k1 (ssk, k7, k2tog, k1) k1 [102 stitches]
Row 9: k1 (ssk, k5, k2tog, k1) k1 [82 stitches]
Row 11: k1 (ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k1, yo) k1
Row 13: k1 (ssk, k1, k2tog, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1) k1
Row 15: k1 (k3tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2) k1
Row 17: Knit
Row 19: k1 (yo, k1, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog) k1
Row 21: k1 (k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, ssk, k1, k2tog) k1
Row 23: k1 (k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, k3tog) k1
Row 25: Knit
Repeat rows 11-24 once more.
*note* This hat is meant to be pretty short. If you want to make it longer, repeat rows 11-25 once then rows 11-24 again (you will need more yarn... er... I suppose that's obvious though, huh?)

Decrease rows:
Row 1 (right side): k1 (ssk, k3, k2tog, k1) k1 [62 stitches]
Row 3: k1 (ssk, k1, k2tog, k1) k1 [42 stitches]
Row 5: k1 (k3tog, k1) k1 [22 stitches]
Row 7: k2tog across [11 stitches]
Row 9: k2tog 5 times, k1 [6 stitches]

Break yarn leaving a long tail. Sew through the remaining 6 stitches then sew up the side of the hat.

Short Row Scarf

2007-03-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

Short rows can be a little intimidating for the beginner knitter, but this short-row scarf is super fun and easy to knit. Plus the fluffy boucle yarn hides any mistakes!

The black and white color pattern on this scarf is from the self-striping yarn. I tried to make the triangles just big enough that the colors would alternate. It's not perfect, but pretty close.
While I originally intended this to be a straight scarf, the short row triangles gave it an interesting wavy look. Not what I was going for, but I like the way it turned out. That's the nice thing about trying new things - you never quite know what you're going to end up with.

Materials:
Size 8 needles
1 skein Bernat Super Stripes

Gauge: About 3.5 stitches per inch.

Term:
W&T: Wrap and Turn. With yarn in front, slip the next stitch, turn the work. With yarn in front, slip the stitch again.
*Note: This is how I like to do a wrap and turn, there are other techniques, but I personally find this one easier. With this pattern, you can use any technique you like and it should yield the same result. Another wrap and turn technique with video is available here (scroll down).*

Pattern:

Cast on 22 stitches.
Knit 4 rows.

Short-row (triangle) pattern:

Row 1: Knit 21 W&T
Row 2: Knit 21
Row 3: Knit 20 W&T
Row 4: Knit 20
Row 5: Knit 19 W&T
Row 6: Knit 19
Row 7: Knit 18 W&T
Row 8: Knit 18
Row 9: Knit 17 W&T
Row 10: Knit 17
Row 11: Knit 16 W&T
Row 12: Knit 16
Row 13: Knit 15 W&T
Row 14: Knit 15
Row 15: Knit 14 W&T
Row 16: Knit 14
Row 17: Knit 13 W&T
Row 18: Knit 13
Row 19: Knit 12 W&T
Row 20: Knit 12
Row 21: Knit 11 W&T
Row 22: Knit 11
Row 23: Knit 10 W&T
Row 24: Knit 10
Row 25: Knit 9 W&T
Row 26: Knit 9
Row 27: Knit 8 W&T
Row 28: Knit 8
Row 29: Knit 7 W&T
Row 30: Knit 7
Row 31: Knit 6 W&T
Row 32: Knit 6
Row 33: Knit 5 W&T
Row 34: Knit 5
Row 35: Knit 4 W&T
Row 36: Knit 4
Row 37: Knit 3 W&T
Row 38: Knit 3
Row 39: Knit 2 W&T
Row 40: Knit 2
Row 41: Knit 1 W&T
Row 42: Knit 1

At this point there are a couple options. If you are using a fluffy boucle yarn, like the yarn this scarf is knitted with, you can just knit across the next row and continue the pattern with Row 1 without worrying about making the wraps invisible. With less forgiving yarns, pick up each wrap and knit it together with the stitch it is wrapped around (work the whole row like this then continue the pattern with Row 1).
Either way you choose, knit only one whole row between pattern rows, so when you start a new triangle your W&Ts will be on the opposite side.

Continue working Rows 1-42 + one knit across row until your scarf is as long as you like.

Next, knit 3 rows and bind off.

Scarfhat

2007-02-13T19:19:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you just want to make a big silly hat. Unfortunately, they are just not that practical. That's why the scarfhat is the perfect solution!

Both a scarf and a hat - Practical!

OR
Big silly hat - Fun!

Materials:
1 skein Sensations Rainbow Boucle
1 skein Caron One Pound
Size 9 double pointed needles (4)
*note* You'll only need about 1/2 to 3/4 of a skein of each yarn, so a couple of regular sized skeins of caron will do the trick, but it may be cheaper just to buy the One Pound. Rainbow Boucle only comes in giant size, but it's beautiful yarn and I like to have extra laying around.

I used Deep Purple Caron One Pound and Berry Print Rainbow Boucle for this hat. If you are not all that in to purple I've tried several other color combinations that look great together.
Light Blue Boucle and Bright White Caron:

Red Boucle and Scarlet Caron:

Dark Blue Boucle and Cape Cod Blue Caron:

Need yarn? You can get it from Joann at the links below. Unfortunately, it looks like the online selection of Rainbow Boucle is very limited.

Jo-Ann Sensations Rainbow Boucle Yarn

Caron One Pound Yarn

Gauge: About 3.5 stitches per inch

Terms:
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together
C4F: slip 2 stitches onto cable needle, hold in front of work, k2, k2 from cable needle
C4B: slip 2 stitches onto cable needle, hold in back of work, k2, k2 from cable needle

Pattern:
This pattern is knitted holding one strand Rainbow Boucle and one strand Caron together.

Cast on 72 stitches, 24 on each needle.

Knit 25 rounds.

Swirly pattern:
Round 1: C4F across all stitches
Rounds 2-4: Knit
Round 5: C4B across all stitches
Rounds 6-8 Knit
Repeat Rounds 1-8 twice more.

Decrease Round 1: (k10, k2tog) 6 times (66)

Knit 24 rounds.

Decrease Round 2: (k9, k2tog) 6 times (60)
Repeat Swirly pattern Rounds 1-8 3 times.

Decrease Round 3: (k8, k2tog) 6 times (54)

Knit 24 rounds.

Decrease Round 4: (k7, k2tog) 6 times (48)
Repeat Swirly pattern Rounds 1-8 3 times.

Decrease Round 5: (k6, k2tog) 6 times (42)

Knit 24 rounds.

Decrease Round 6: (k5, k2tog) 6 times (36)

Knit 24 rounds.

Decrease Round 7: (k4, k2tog) 6 times (30)

Knit 19 rounds.

Decrease Round 8: (k3, k2tog) 6 times (24)

Knit 9 rounds.

Decrease Round 9: (k2, k2tog) 6 times (18)

Knit 4 rounds.

Decrease Round 10: (k1, k2tog) 6 times (12)

Knit 1 round.

k2tog across all stitches (6)

Break yarn and sew through the 6 remaining stitches to close the top of the hat.

Tiny Frog

2007-02-12T17:53:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend has this strange obsession with frogs. It could be worse - at least it's not monster trucks or World of Warcraft. Besides, frogs are rather cute, and I can handle our house being filled with plush frogs and beanie babies. So, anyway, for Valentine's Day I decided to knit him a little felted frog. I call him Croaky.

Materials: Worsted weight dark green 100% wool yarn.
Scraps of red or orange wool yarn.
U.S. size 6 double pointed needles (4)

Gauge: Not too important, but about 6 stitches per inch.

Finished size: About 3 inches across and 9 inches from nose to toes.

Terms:
kfb: knit into the front and back of the stitch
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together
icord: Cast on 3-4 stitches. Knit. Slide all the stitches to the other end of your dpn and knit them again. Repeat. (it's like working in the round on a really tiny scale)

Body:

Cast on 6 stitches, divide 2 to each needle.

Round 1: Knit
Round 2: kfb 6 times (12)
Round 3: (k1, kfb) 6 times (18)
Round 4: (k2, kfb) 6 times (24)
Round 5: (k3, kfb) 6 times (30)
Rounds 6-13: Knit
Round 14: (k3, k2tog) 6 times (24)
Rounds 15-17: Knit
Round 18: (k2, k2tog) 6 times (18)
Rounds 19-21: Knit
Round 22: (k1, k2tog) 6 times (12)
Round 23: Knit
Round 24: k2tog 6 times (6)

Break yarn. At this point you can stuff the frog with some fiber fill, or just leave it be. Sew the yarn tail through the 6 remaining stitches and weave in the end.

Hind Legs: (make 2)

Cast on 4 stitches leaving a long tail.
Work in icord for about 5 inches.
Foot:
Row 1: (WS) purl
Row 2: k1, kfb, kfb, k1 (6)
Row 3: Purl
Row 4: k2, kfb, kfb, k2 (8)
Row 5: Purl
Row 6: Knit
Row 7: Purl
Row 8: k3, kfb, k4 (9)
Row 9: Purl
Toes:
K3 stitches.
Turn work and purl back.
Turn again and k3tog.
Break yarn.
Reattach yarn and work two more toes the same as the first.

Front Legs: (make 2)

Cast on 3 stitches leaving a long tail.
Work in icord for about 1.5 inches.
Foot:
Row 1: (WS) Purl
Row 2: k1, kfb, k1 (4)
Row 3: Purl
Row 4: k1, kfb, kfb, k1 (6)
Row 5: Purl

Bind off.

Use your cast-on yarn tails to sew the legs onto your frog body.
You can use scrap yarn to embroider some froggy eyes, or glue on some plastic googly eyes after felting it. I chose to embroider the eyes and then feed the leftover yarn through the nose end to create a little tongue.
Placement of the limbs:

Felting:
Since Croaky is so leggy I didn't want to risk felting him in the washer and ending up with a big frog knot, so I decided to try hand felting for the first time. The thing about hand felting is... well... it kinda sucks. But if you are willing to suffer sore fingers to avoid the risk of having a frog knot here's how I did it:
Fill a sink with water as hot as you can stand it. With your fingers, scrub the frog with mild soap. Now, don't be shy about it. It takes quite a bit of elbow... er... knuckle grease to get the fabric to felt. Once you've got some feltage going on (or your fingers are too cramped to continue) rinse your frog in very cold water.
Repeat the above steps until your froggy is as felty as you want.

Lace Slant Hat

2007-01-25T20:56:00.000-08:00

I have fallen in love with di.ve Teseo yarn. It is beautiful, so nice to work with and very affordable - at least compared with other high quality yarns. I decided to make a different version of the Seafoam Hat with a slanty twist, so here it is.

Note: The colors are a little more accurate in the above picture.

Materials:
1 skein di.ve Teseo Color #25565
US size 8 needles

Terms:
yo: yarn over
ssk: slip two stitches one at a time knitwise, place both back on the left needle and knit them together.
k2tog: knit two stitches together
tbl: through back of loop

Close-up of pattern:

Pattern:

Cast on 77 stitches.

Row 1: p2, (k1 tbl, yo, ssk, p2) 15 times
Row 2: (k2, p3) 15 times, k2
Row 3: p3 (k1 tbl, yo, ssk, p2) 14 times, k1 tbl, yo, ssk, p1
Row 4: k1, p3 (k2, p3) 14 times, k3
Row 5: k2, p2, (k1 tbl, yo, ssk, p2) 14 times, k1 tbl, yo, ssk
Row 6: p3, (k2, p3) 14 times, k2, p2
Row 7: (k1 tbl, yo, ssk, p2) 15 times, k2
Row 8: p2, (k2, p3) 15 times
Row 9: p1, (k1 tbl, yo, ssk, p2) 15 times, k1
Row 10: p1, (k2, p3) 15 times, k1

Repeat rows 1-10 three more times, then Row 1 again.

Decrease rows:
Row 1 (wrong side): (k2tog, p3) 15 times, k2tog (61 stitches)
Row 2: k1, p1, (k1 tbl, yo, ssk, p1) 14 times k1, yo, ssk
Row 3: (p3, k1) 15 times, k1
Row 4: k2, p1 (k1, ssk, p1) 14 times, k2 (47 stitches)
Row 5: (p2, k1) 15 times, p2
Row 6: (p1, ssk) 15 times p1, k1 (32 stitches)
Row 7: (p1, k1) 16 times
Row 8: (k2tog) 16 times (16 stitches)
Row 9: purl
Row 10 (k2tog) 8 times (8 stitches)
Row 11: purl

Finishing:

Break yarn leaving a long tail. Sew the tail through the last 8 stitches on the needle and then use it to seam up the side of the hat.

Scrapilicious Mini Tote

2007-01-07T19:50:00.000-08:00

I'm sure many knitters have had this problem: I love the look of fair isle projects, but just don't want to deal with all the work. So many colors, yarns, and *gasp* bobbins! Not to mention all those darn ends to weave in. Luckily, slip stitch patterns create a similar effect with only a fraction of the effort.

This felted tote is perfect to use up those odds and ends sitting in your knitting closet, and great for beginners that want to try some color work.

Materials:
A. 1 skein white worsted weight wool (I used Patons classic merino).
B. About half a skein dark green worsted weight wool
C. About 1/3 skein bulky lavender wool. (You can use worsted as well, but the bulky yarn gives the tote a nice texture).
U.S. size 8 needles

Gauge:
About 4.5 stitches per inch, but gauge is really not too important here.

Terms:
sl - slip one stitch from left to right needle without knitting it.

Pattern:

*Note: Make sure your yarn is on the wrong side of the work when you slip stitches.

Cast on 55 stitches using A.

Row 1: Knit
Row 2: p1, (k5, p1) 9 times
Row 3: switch to B, k2, sl1, [k1, sl1] twice, k5 (sl1, [k1, sl1] 3 times, k5) 3 times, sl1, [k1, sl1] twice, k2
Row 4: p2, sl1 [p1, sl1] twice, k5, (sl1, [p1, sl1] 3 times, k5) 3 times, sl1, [p1, sl1] twice, p2
Row 5: switch to A, [k1, sl1] 3 times, (k7, sl1 [k1, sl1] twice) 4 times, k1
Row 6: [p1, sl1] 3 times, p1, (k5, p1 [sl1, p1] 3 times) 4 times
Repeat Rows 3-6 once more, then Rows 3 and 4 again.
Row 13: switch to A, knit
Row 14: as Row 2
Row 15: switch to B, k6, sl1 [k1, sl1] 3 times, (k5, sl1, [k1, sl1] 3 times) 3 times, k6
Row 16: p1, k5, (sl1 [p1, sl1] 3 times, k5) 4 times, p1
Row 17: switch to A, k7 (sl1 [k1, sl1] twice, k7) 4 times
Row 18: p1, k5, p1 ([sl1, p1] 3 times, k5, p1) 4 times
Repeat Rows 15-18 once more, then Rows 15 and 16 again.
Row 25: knit
Row 26: as Row 2
Break off B
Rows 27- 30: using A, work in stockinette (knit the right side, purl the wrong side)
Rows 31 and 32: switch to C, knit
Rows 33-36: switch to A, work in stockinette
Rows 37 and 38: switch to C, sl4, (k3, sl1, k3, sl3) 5 times, sl1 (or if you prefer work to last 4 stitches on Row 37, then turn the work and work back starting with the parentheses)
Rows 39 and 40: switch to A, work in stockinette
Repeat Rows 37-40 again, then Rows 37 and 38 again
Rows 47-50: switch to A, work in stockinette
Rows 51 and 52: switch to C, knit
Break off C
Rows 53-56: switch to A, work in stockinette
Attach B
Work Rows 1-26 twice more, but reverse colors by starting with B.
Work rows 27-52 once more.
Work rows 1-26 once more, using original color pattern.

Finishing:

You should have a large rectangle of fabric. Fold it in half and sew up the sides.

Handle:

Holding a strand of B and C together, cast on 4 stitches. Work in Icord (knit the 4 stitches, then slip them all back onto the left-hand needle, repeat) for about 10 inches, bind off. Repeat for the second handle. Attach each end of the handle 11 in stitches from each corner of the bag. Repeat on the other side for the second handle.

Felting:

Put the tote inside a pillowcase. Wash on the hot/cold cycle. I didn't felt my bag completely because I wanted the texture to show. If you want the same effect, remove the bag after about 15 minutes rather than letting it run through the whole cycle.

Seafoam Hat

2006-12-30T23:15:00.000-08:00

Materials:
1 skein di.ve Teseo - light green
U.S. size 8 needles

Gauge:
About 4.5 stitches per inch

Terms:
yo: Yarn over
ssk: Slip two stitches one at a time knitwise, place both stitches back on the lefthand needle and knit them together.
k2tog: knit two stitches together

Pattern:

Cast on 77 stitches.

Row 1: p2, (k1, yo, ssk, p2) 15 times
Row 2: (k2, p3) 15 times, k2
Row 3: p2, (k2tog, yo, k1, p2) 15 times
Row 4: (k2, p3) 15 times, K2

Repeat rows 1-4 until the hat is about six inches long.

Decrease rows:
Row 1: p2, (k1, yo, ssk, p2) 15 times
Row 2: (k2tog, p3) 15 times, k2tog (61 stitches)
Row 3: p1, (k2tog, yo, k1, p1) 15 times
Row 4: (k1, p3) 15 times, k1
Row 5: p1, (k1, k2tog, p1) 15 times (46 stitches)
Row 6: (k1, p2) 15 times, k1
Row 7: p1 (k2tog, p1) 15 times (31 stitches)
Row 8: (k1, p1) 15 times, k1
Row 9: k2tog 15 times, k1 (16 stitches)
Row 10: k2tog 8 times (8 stitches)

Finishing:

Break yarn and sew through the remaining 8 stitches to close the top of the hat. Sew down the side and weave in ends.

Earthtone Wristwarmers

2006-12-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

I've resisted going to the little yarn shop down the street from my house for months now, but last week I finally gave in to temptation. I was immediately captivated by Noro. Even though I can't wear wool, it was just too pretty to pass up. It turned out to be the perfect yarn for lovely earthtone wristwarmers for my boyfriend to wear around the house.

These will make a great last minute gift (each warmer only takes a few hours), or a great project for a beginning knitter looking to practice cables.

Materials:
2 skeins Noro Kureyon. I used color number 178.
U.S. size 8 needles

Gauge:
About 4 stitched per inch.

Terms:
C4B: Slip 2 stitches onto cable needle, hold in back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
C4F: Slip 2 stitches onto cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle

Pattern:

Cast on 38 stitches.

R0w 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: K1, (C4B, K4, C4F) three times, K1
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: Purl
Row 7: K3, C4F, C4B, (K4, C4F, C4B) twice, K3
Row 8: Purl

Repeat rows 1-8 eight times.

Row 65: Bind off 10 stitches at the beginning of the row, knit
Row 66: Purl
Row 67: K3, (C4B, K4, C4F) twice, K1
Row 68: Purl
Row 69: Knit
Row 70: Purl
Row 71: K5, C4F, C4B, K4, C4F, C4B, K3
Row 72: Purl
Row 73: Knit
Row 74: Purl
Bind off knitwise.

Finishing:

Sew up the sides making sure to leave a space for the thumb where you bound off the 10 stitches in Row 65. Weave in ends.
Instead of using the end of your first skein to start your second warmer, start the second skein so the stripes match. Work second warmer the same as the first.

Holiday Ornaments

2006-11-28T22:02:00.000-08:00

Every year I am faced with the same holiday conundrum: What do you buy for the people that already have everything? Especially on my meager law student budget. For the solution I turn to my wonderful Grandma.

My Grandma has 6 kids, 15 grandkids, and 15 great-grandkids. She gave up trying to buy gifts for all of us long ago. Instead, she makes something from the heart: scrapbooks, cookies, packages of lefse... Sometimes she even regifts something from the past like when she gave my cousin his two favorite children's books for his wedding, or when she gave my aunt the puppets she loved as a child. Whatever the gift, everyone always ends up in tears of gratitude for her thoughtfulness.

This year I'll do something similar by making knitted Christmas tree ornaments. What could be better than a hand-made personalized ornament you can use year after year? OK, maybe a Nintendo Wii would be better, but these ornaments will probably stick around a lot longer and maybe have a little more meaning down the road.

Here's the first batch:

Terms:
kfb: knit into the front and back of stitch
ssk: slip two stitches together knitwise, then pass both back onto the left-hand needle and knit them together through the back.
k2tog: Knit two stitches together.

Poinsettia:

Materials:
Patons Classic Wool, bright red
US size 6 double-pointed needles

Need supplies?

Patons Classic Merino Wool Yarn - 100% Wool

Clover Bamboo Double Point Knitting Needles 7''

Pattern:
Cast on 6 stitches - 2 on each dpn

Center:

Row 1: kfb every stitch (12)
Row 2: kfb, k1 6 times (18)
Row 3: kfb, k2 6 times (24)
Row 4: kfb, k3 6 times (30)
Row 5: kfb, k4 6 times (36)
Row 6: kfb, k5 6 times (42)
Row 7: kfb, k6 6 times (48)

Petals:

Row 1: k8, stop and turn work over so you are working at the WS
Row 2: purl back on the 8 stitches you just knitted, turn.
Row 3: ssk, k4, k2tog, turn
Row 4: purl, turn
Row 5: ssk, k2, k2tog, turn
Row 6: purl, turn
Row 7: ssk, k2tog, turn
Row 8: purl
Row 9: k2tog

Break yarn and fasten off. Reattach yarn at the next group of 8 stitches and work the same way as the last petal. Repeat until all the petals are done.

Finishing:

Weave in all ends. Now comes the fun part - Felting!
Place your poinsettia inside a pillowcase to keep the fuzz off of it and wash on the hot/cold cycle with some towels or other laundry for abrasion. My poinsettia only partially felted after one cycle, but I liked the look so I left it like that.
Next comes blocking. The petals like to curl up, but this is easily remedied by placing a heavy object on it while it dries. I used my Constitutional Law book - take that John Marshall!
Simply attach a loop of yarn on one of the points for a hanger, or use icord if you want something a little fancier. Metal ornament hangers or hook earrings will also work (you can find these at most craft stores - especially the hook earrings).

Starish thingy:

Materials:
Patons Classic Wool, bright red and winter white
US size 6 double-pointed needles

Pattern:

This one is easier than the poinsettia. It starts out the same way, but just keep going with the increases in every row.

Using red, cast on 6 stitches, 2 on each needle.

Row 1: kfb every stitch (12)
Row 2: kfb, k1 6 times (18)
Row 3: kfb, k2 6 times (24)
Row 4: kfb, k3 6 times (30)
Row 5: kfb, k4 6 times (36)
Row 6: kfb, k5 6 times (42)
Row 7: kfb, k6 6 times (48)
Row 8: kfb, k7 6 times (54)
Row 9: Switch to white yarn, kfb, k8 6 times (60)
Row 10: Switch to red yarn, kfb, k9 6 times (66)
Row 11: Switch to white yarn, kfb, k10 6 times (72)
Row 12: Switch to red yarn, kfb, k11 6 times (78)
Row 13: Switch to white yarn, kfb, k12 6 times (84)
Row 14: kfb, k13 6 times (90)

Bind off.

Finishing:

Weave in ends and felt and block just like the poinsettia.

If you want to personalize the ornament embroider the name of the beneficiary in the center using contrasting yarn.

This ornament would also make a fantastic holiday coaster.

Triangle Purse

2006-11-11T21:35:00.000-08:00

As much as I love big voluminous purses that hold every item I could possibly need, they just aren't convenient sometimes. For those occasions when you're going to a concert or out for a few drinks during happy hour, a small purse with a long strap to hang off your shoulder is ideal.

This felted triangle purse is a unique stylish accessory that's just large enough to hold all the essentials for a night on the town.

Materials:
Lion Brand Landscapes Autumn Trails
Size 13 needles

Terms:
kfb - knit into he front and back of the stitch
k2tog - knit two stitches together
Icord - knit two stitches. Slip both stitches onto the left hand needle and knit them again. Repeat.

Pattern:

Purse:

Cast on 20 stitches.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2 and all wrong side rows: Purl
Row 3: Knit
Row 5: K1, kfb, K1, kfb, K12, kfb, K1, kfb, K1 (24)
Row 7: Knit
Row 9: K1, kfb, K1, kfb, K16, kfb, K1, kfb, K1 (28)
Row 11: Knit
Row 13: K1, kfb, K1, kfb, K20, kfb, K1, kfb, K1 (32)
Row 15: Knit
Row 17: K1, kfb, K1, kfb, K24, kfb, K1, kfb, K1 (36)
Row 19: Knit
Row 21: K1, kfb, K1, kfb, K28, kfb, K1, kfb, K1 (40)
Rows 22-28: Work in Stockinette.
Row 29: K1, k2tog, K1, k2tog, K28, k2tog, K1, k2tog, K1 (36)
Row 31: Knit
Row 33: K1, k2tog, K1, k2tog, K24, k2tog, K1, k2tog, K1 (32)
Row 35: Knit
Row 37: K1, k2tog, K1, k2tog, K20, k2tog, K1, k2tog, K1 (28)
Row 39: Knit
Row 41: K1, k2tog, K1, k2tog, K16, k2tog, K1, k2tog, K1 (24)
Row 43: Knit
Row 45: K1, k2tog, K1, k2tog, K12, k2tog, K1, k2tog, K1 (20)
Row 47: Knit
Row 49: K1, k2tog, K1, k2tog, K8, k2tog, K1, k2tog, K1 (16)
Row 51: Knit
Row 53: K1, k2tog, K1, k2tog, K4, k2tog, K1, k2tog, K1 (12)
Row 55: Knit
Row 57: (K1, k2tog) 4 times (8)
Row 59: k2tog 4 times (4)
Row 61: k2tog twice (2)

Break yarn and draw the tail through the last two remaining stitches.

Fold the fabric over and sew up the sides.

Strap:

Pick up 2 stitches at one side of the purse at the opening.

Work in 2 stitch Icord for about 5 feet (remember it will shrink considerable after felting). Attach to the other side by picking up one stitch at the opening of the purse and knitting it together with a stitch on your needle. Do the same with the other stitch. Break yarn and draw the tail through the two remaining stitches. Use the remaining tails on both sides to reinforce the strap by stitching it to the body of the purse.

Felting:

Place your purse inside a pillowcase and close the end with a rubber band or just knot it. Wash for the full cycle with some towels or other laundry for agitation. Remember to use the hot/cold cycle (the first time I tried felting I didn't realize that the temperature change was critical to the process and washed my project in cold water. I was very disappointed when it hadn't felted one bit after washing it three times).

Now you can sew on a button and make a clasp by sewing a loop of yarn to the flap.

Blizzard Scarf

2006-11-05T20:01:00.000-08:00

It's November, yet there is no snow on the ground, the temperature hovers around 55 degrees, and there hasn't even been a hard freeze! Needless to say, I'm not accustomed to this Pacific Northwest weather. Even though I'll probably never need it, what better way to feel at home than knit a super-gigantic warm winter scarf. Perhaps I'll send it to one of my chilly friends back home in North Dakota.

This scarf is made extra-wide and then folded over and sewn up to make a double layer of fabric for extra coziness. Plus, this way the pattern shows on both sides.

Materials:
2 skeins white Bernat Berella

I think this scarf would look absolutely lovely in a beautiful mohair or soft alpaca yarn, but, alas, I just can't tolerate wool. I only use it when I find a fabulous pattern or yarn that makes the itchiness and little red bumps worthwhile.

On the bright side, my grandma gave me 60 skeins of off-white Bernat Berella (thanks grandma!), so I'll use that instead.

U.S. size 13 needles

Gauge:
About 2.5 stitches per inch.

Terms:
yo - yarn over
k2tog - knit 2 stitches together

Pattern:
Cast on 39 stitches.
Row 1: knit
Row 2: purl
repeat 3 more times
Row 9: k1, (yo, k2tog) 19 times
Row 10: knit

Repeat until your scarf is gigantic.

A close-up of the pattern pre-finishing.

Finishing:

Leave and extra long tail of yarn when you bind off. Fold the scarf over and use the tail to seam up the sides.

Add four tassels on each end. You know how to make tassels right? If you don't, here's an explanation.

Memories of Summer Scarf

2006-11-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

The flowers are disappearing. The leaves are falling from the trees. The deep green hills of the Pacific Northwest are turning yellow, red, and orange. All these changes make me miss the green foliage and beautiful flowers. A leafy, flowery scarf is the perfect functional reminder of summertime.

Materials:
I used olive green, forest green, and rosy pink acrylic yarn.
U.S. size 8 needles.

Gauge is not too important here.

Terms:
yo - yarn over
k2tog - knit 2 stitches together
k3tog - knit 3 stitches together
ssk - slip 2 stitches one at a time onto the right needle, slip both stitches back on the left needle and knit them together.

Base scarf:

Using the olive green yarn, cast on 15 stitches.
Row 1: K1, (yo, k2tog) 7 times
Row 2: Purl

Repeat until the scarf is as long as you want it.

Leaves:

Use the forest green yarn.
Leave the cast on end and the fastened off end long so you can use them to sew the leaves to the base scarf.

Small leaf
Cast on 3 stitches
Row 1 and every wrong side row, purl
Row 2: k1, yo, k1, yo, k1
Row 4: k2, yo, k1, yo, k2
Row 6: knit
Row 8: ssk, k3, k2tog
Row 10: ssk, k1, k2tog
Row 12: k3tog

Medium leaf
Cast on 3 stitches
Row 1 and every wrong side row, purl
Row 2: k1, yo, k1, yo, k1
Row 4: k2, yo, k1, yo, k2
Row 6: k3, yo, k1, yo, k3
Row 8: knit
Row 10: ssk, k5, k2tog
Row 12: ssk, k3, k2tog
Row 14: ssk, k1, k2tog
Row 16: k3tog

Large and extra large leaves
You get the idea right? Just add another row of yarn overs and decreases to make bigger leaves.

Flowers:
Using the pink yarn, cast on 15 stitches.
Rows 1: knit
Row 2: purl
repeat once
Row 5: knit into the front and back of each stitch
Row 6: purl
repeat once

Bind off loosely and leave the ends long.

The fabric should have a natural curl. Simply wind it up until it is in the shape you want. Use your end to sew it into place. Leave the rest of the end loose to sew the flower to your scarf.

I made 20 leaves (5 small, 9 medium, 3 large, and 3 extra large) and 4 flowers.

Finishing:

Sew all your leaves and flowers onto the scarf. I sewed the leaves in clusters around the flowers and left a few scattered around the rest of the scarf.

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2006-11-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

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