Wristlet Art Bag

I made this cute little bag to throw my wallet, phone and lipstick in, great for little trips to the store or a night out with friends.

Materials:

2 spools Judi & Co. nylon "Groovy" (125 yards)

#6 knitting needles

F/5 Crochet hook

Stitch holder

Pattern Stitch:
Garter St+ Knit every row

Gauge:

4 sts= 1"

Size:

7 1/2" wide x 13" high

Front:

Cast on 31 sts loosely, begin at bottom and working toward handle.

Work in Garter St until piece measures 8".

Work across 15 sts. BO center stitch, place remaining 15 sts on holder.

Work 2 sides separtely

Continue working 1 side at a time for 4 1/2". BO loosely.

Attach yarn to center and work other side to match.

Work back the same as Front.

Finishing:

Place Front and Back together with wring sides together. With F hook, beginning at side (at BO ctr st row) begin to attach Front to Back with sc around sides, lower edge and up other side. Leave center to top side edges open. Attach top edges together. Slip one arm through opening to form one wrist handle. I attached a giant button.

In memory- Sherwin

Garter Stitch Shawl- Use your Yarn Stash!

This is a very flexible pattern—you can make it with just one kind of yarn, lots of different yarns; you can make a shorter shawl or longer shawl just by changing the number of rows you knit.

Finished Size: Will vary according to your preferences.
Yarn:Use about 20 different worsted and chunky weight yarns. Needles: Size 15 (10 mm): 30" (80-cm) circular.
Gauge: Will vary according to your yarn.

Pattern:
CO 2 sts.Row 1: K1f&b, k1--3 sts.Row 2: K1, k1f&b, k1--4 sts.Row 3: K1, k1f&b, knit to end--1 st inc'd.
Repeat Row 3 for pattern.
Switch to a different yarn every 3 or 5 rows, depending on how wide you want the stripe to be and how much yarn you have. Leave the ends of the different yarns out to make the fringe. Switching yarns on odd-numbered rows will make a fringe on both sides of the shawl.
Continue knitting until you have about 230 sts, or until the shawl is the desired length. BO loosely.

Finishing:
Tie on leftover yarn pieces to balance out and thicken the fringe, if desired. Lightly block if desired--finished shawl will be triangular in shape.Helpful TipUse smaller scraps of yarn near the base of the shawl so you don't run out of yarn mid-row on a longer row.

My First Knotty Knitters Meeting

Last night was the first night I went to the Knotty Knitters meeting in Austin. I found them on http://www.meetup.com/ . There was about 15 of us, all ages, all backgrounds...some working on knitting projects, some crocheting and even a few cross-stitchers were there! I sat next to a 22 year-old UT student, originally from Portugal. She said she used to knit as a child, but completely forgot what to do. What a joy to teach her cast on and the garter stitch! She's making a scarf for her boyfriend. She completed 5 rows and asked me to teach her how to Purl!

What a great evening and what lovely women!

If you are looking to connect with fellow knitters, check out http://www.meetup.com/ and type in your zip code. Go out and knit and make friends!!!

Big Fat Cable Scarf and Wrist Warmers

A very cool scarf with attached wrist warmers...if you're still facing cold weather...knit one of these babies up! Now!

SIZE: One size

KNITTED MEASUREMENTS
Width: 41_2" [11.5cm]
Length: 87" [221cm]

MATERIALS:
3 skeins of Twinkle Handknits Soft Chunky (100% merino wool; 83 yds/77 m per 200g
skein) in #60 Deep Sea

NEEDLES
US size 17 (12.75mm) straight needles
US size 19 (15mm) straight needles
Cable needle

GAUGE
12 sts and 12 rows = 41_2" in Cable Panel on size 19 (15mm) needles; 9 sts and 13 rows = 5" in 2 x 2 Rib unstretched on size 17 (12.75mm) needles. Take time to save time, check your gauge.

SPECIAL TERMS
C8F: Slip 4 sts to cn, hold in front; k4; k4 from cn.
C8B: Slip 4 sts to cn, hold in back; k4; k4 from cn.

PATTERN STITCHES
2 x 2 RIB (multiple of 4 sts + 1)
Row 1: (RS) *K2, p2; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 2: Knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts as they face you.
Rep Row 2 for 2 x 2 Rib.

CABLE PANEL (panel of 12 sts)
Rows 1, 5, 7, and 11: (RS) Knit.
Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl.
Row 3: K4, C8F.
Row 9: C8B, k4
Row 12: Purl.
Rep Rows 1–12 for Cable Panel.

CABLE CAST-ON METHOD:
Place a slipknot on LH needle and k1, slip new st onto LH needle; *insert RH needle between _ rst 2 sts on LH needle, k1 from this position, leave the _ rst st on LH needle and slip new st onto LH needle. Rep from * for desired number of sts.

STOCKINETTE STITCH (St st)
Straight—Knit on RS, purl on WS.

SCARF
With smaller needles, CO 17 sts. (RS) Begin 2 x 2 Rib; work even for 26 rows, end after a WS
row.
Change to larger needles, Dec Scarf and
Est Cable Panel: (RS) BO 2 sts in rib, work 12 sts in Cable Panel, work to end as est—15 sts
rem.
Next row: (WS) BO 3 sts in rib, work to end in Cable Panel—12 sts rem. Work even until 13
full reps of Cable Panel have been completed.
Then work only Rows 1–10 of Cable Panel.
Change to Smaller needles, St st and Inc
Scarf: (RS) Use Cable Method to CO 2 sts, work to end—14 sts. Next row: (WS) Use Cable Method to CO 3 sts, work to end—17 sts.
Change to 2 x 2 Rib; (RS) work even for 26 rows,
end after a WS row. (RS) BO all sts in pattern.

FINISHING
Block lightly if desired. Sew up seams along 2 x 2 Rib portions for armwarmer sections.

ABBREVIATIONS
BO: bind off
C8B: see Special Terms
C8F: see Special Terms
CO: cast on
cn: cable needle
dec: decrease
est: establish(ed)
inc: increase
k: knit
LH: left hand
p: purl
rem: remain(ning)
rep: repeat
RH: right hand
RS: right side
st(s): stitch(es)
St st: Stockinette StitchWS: wrong side

Felted Bowl...A Place to Hold Your Stuff

Knit a cool little bowl to keep your little things together. Make a few to display!

Materials:
one skein of Caron Felt-It, 93 yards (I used color 003, Wildflowers) or any comparable 100 percent wool yarn
one pair size 11 circular needles, with 24-inch cord
scissors
crochet hook or tapestry needle
washing machine or sink for felting

Gauge:
Fifteen stitches and 16 rows equals four inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical, but you'll want to get somewhere close.
Finished size:
Before felting is 6 inches by 8 inches for the base of the bowl and 8 inches for the sides of the bowl. After felting, the diameter of the base is about 5.5 inches and the sides of the bowl are 5.5 inches.

Instructions:
Cast on 24 stitches.
Work flat in stockinette stitch for 32 rows.
After you knit the 32nd row, begin to pick up and knit one stitch for every other row of the sides and one stitch for every other stitch along the bottom of the piece, for a total of 68 stitches.
Join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Add a stitch marker before the last stitch to mark the end of the row.
Knit every row in the round until the piece measures 8 inches from the picked-up stitches.
Bind off. Trim any excess yarn and weave in ends.
Felt using your washing machine or by hand until piece is desired size.

Project Tips:
If you want to make and felt a gauge swatch before knitting this project, you will likely need just a little more than a skein of yarn, or you will end up with a slightly shallower bowl, which is perfectly fine.
I felted this project in my washing machine on the lowest water setting and the highest temperature setting. It took about 10 minutes to complete the felting process.

I'm Back to My Knitting!

I did bring a little knitting project with me to the Sales Conference...ask me how many rows I knitted...go ahead ask....OK...ONE row...so bad. So many meetings...so many late night..er..dinners...

Here is a pattern for a Shrug made with Recycled Silk!

Materials:
300 yds (2 Skeins) Recycled Silk
300 yds of Springy Capelli (or Kid Mohair)
Bumble Bee 100 yds
Cotton Ribbon 75 yds
Lurex Ribbon 75 yds

Instructions are for size Small/Medium (Medium/Large)
US #10.5 or 11 Needles - to give correctgauge
U.S. needle size 13 (9 mm) * for collar
K crochet hook (optional)

Gauge: 11 sts = 4" ~ 13 rows = 4"Stockinette Stitch
St st = stockinette stitch.
RS rows knit,
WS rows purl.
*Row 1 (RS) knit Row 2 (WS) purl
Note: Use two strands of yarn throughout 1 strand of Springy Capelli and 1 strand of Recycled Silk or Novelty Yarn. Alternate Recycled Silk and Novelty Yarn (Bumble Bee and Ribbons) every 4 to 5 rows
Note: Shrug is worked from cuff to cuff. It consists of two rectangular pieces, stiched together
at neck band: no shaping required.

Pattern:
Body: CO 26(29) sts. Beginning with a RS row, k 2 rows, then continue in St st until work
measures 58(61)in from beginning (CO row), ending with a RS row. K 2 rows, BO.
Seaming: Fold the piece in half lengthwise and seam the side edges together starting at the
cuff and seaming for 20(21)in or desired sleeve length. Repeat at the other end to form the
second sleeve.
Note: There will be about 20(21)in of shrug left open in the middle between the two
sleeves. This opening will accommodate the collar.
Collar: With larger needles CO 12 (16) sts. Working in Garter st (knit every row) work for 130
(136) rows 65 (68) ridges). Piece should measure 50(52)in. BO. Being careful not to twist,
sew BO edge to CO edge, forming a ring.

Finishing: Collar may be joined to body either by sewing with a tapestry needle or crocheted
together as follows. Place seam in collar at center of raw edge opening on shrug (what will be
center lower back, right sides together.Ease the side edge of ring evenly around the opening
between the two sleeves. Opening is approximately 40(42)in, ring is approximately 50(52)in
so there is enough ease to make the collar flare and fit properly. Seam using your preferred
method. When you wear this shrug place seam in garter st. ring down center back so the
collar has no seam showing when it is rolled back.

Knitting Hiatus

Hi Fellow Knitters...I will be at a Sales Conference for the rest of the week. Will continue knitting and blogging on Sunday! Stay tuned for more exciting patterns!

Ribbed Hat

Yes, it's another ribbed beanie, but the ribbing is interesting with the right yarn.

Sizes: Adult Medium (Adult Large)
Materials: 2 balls Nashua Painted Forest OR a bulky wool yarn

16" circular size US13 (9,0mm) One set dpns size US13 (9,0mm) Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Gauge: 2 sts = 1" in

Pattern stitch Abbreviations: K – knit, P – purl, k2tog – knit 2 stitches together, p2tog – purl 2 stitches together

Pattern Stitch: p2, k2

With circular needle, cast on 48 (52) stitches. Place marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist.
Knit in Pattern Stitch for 24 rows (or 7"), then begin decrease as follows (change to dpns when it becomes too difficult to continue on circular):
Rnd 1: (p2, k2, p2, k2tog) repeat to end (larger size will end p2, k2)
Rnds , 2, 4, 6: k the knit sts and p the purl sts
Rnd 3: (p2, k2tog, p2, k1) repeat to end (larger size will end p2, k2tog)
Rnd 5: (p2, k1, p2tog, k1) repeat to end (larger size will end p2, k1)
Rnd 7: (p2tog, k1, p1, k1) repeat to end (larger size will end p2tog, k1)
Rnd 8: (k2tog, p1, k1) repeat to end (larger size will end k2tog)
Rnd 9: (k1, k2tog) repeat to end (larger size will end k1)
Rnd 10: (k2tog) repeat to end (larger size will end k1).
Cut yarn, leaving a 10" tail. Thread tail onto tapestry needle and thread through remaining live stitches. Cinch top closed and weave in ends.

Giant Cable Scarf

If you are just starting to knit and want to try cabling, this pattern is a fun easy way to get into cables.

Materials:
YARN- COLOURSCAPE by Rowan 2 x 100gm
NEEDLES- 1 pair 7mm (no 2) (US 10½) needles
Cable needle
TENSION- 14 sts and 18 rows to 10cm measured over st st using 7mm (US 10½) needles.

SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS
C14F – slip next 7 sts onto a cable needle and hold at
front of work, K7, then K7 from cable needle.
C14B – slip next 7 sts onto a cable needle and hold at
back of work, K7, then K7 from cable needle.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Using 7mm (US 10½) needles cast on 25 sts.
Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2: K2, P21, K2.
Rows 3 to 6: Rep rows 1 and 2 twice.
Row 7: K9, C14F, K2.
Row 8: As row 2.
Rows 9 to 16: Rep rows 1 and 2, 4 times.
Row 17: K2, C14B, K9.
Row 18: As row 2.
Rows 19 and 20: As rows 1 and 2.
These 20 rows form patt.
Cont in patt as set until scarf meas approx 158cm, ending
with row 4 or 14 and RS facing for next row.
Cast off.

More info: http://www.knitrowan.com/

Wine Bottle Cozy

These make a great gift even better!

Materials:
1 ball each in #147 Purple, #173 Sage or #178 Teal of Lion Chenille by Lion Brand, 3oz/85g balls, each approx 174yd/157m (acrylic)
One pair size 6 (4mm) needles OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE
Size H-8 (5mm) crochet hook OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE

THE MEASUREMENTS
Circumference Approx 9"/23cm
Height 12"/30.5cm

THE GAUGE
13 sts and 22 rows to 4"/10cm over St st using size 6 (4mm) needles. BE SURE TO GET THE GAUGE.

LOOP STITCH PATTERN
Used in Sage version

Row 1 (RS) K1, *work loop st as foll: (k1 but do not slip off LH needle, bring yarn to front between the needles, pass the yarn over left thumb to make a loop approx
1"/2.5cm long, bring yarn to back between needles, k the same st again and slip off needle, yo, pass 2 sts just worked over the yo loop, locking it in place—loop st complete),
k1; rep from * to end. Note: Do not make loop st on first or last st. Rows 2 and 4 Purl. Row 3 K2, *work loop st, k1; rep from * to end. Rep rows 1-4 for loop st pat.
MAKE THE COZY

Cast on 38 sts. Work in k2, p2 rib for 1 1/2"/4cm. Eyelet row (RS) K2, *yo, p2tog, yo, k2; rep from * to end. Next row P2, *k1, k2tog, p2; rep from * to end. Cont in k2,
p2 rib until piece measures 3"/7.5cm from beg.

For Purple and Teal versions, work in St st for 9"/23cm, dec 1 st at end of last WS row—37 sts.

For Sage version, work in St st for 5"/12.5cm. Work 4 rows of loop stitch pat 3 times. Cont in St st until piece measures 12"/30.5cm, dec 1 st at end of last WS row—
37 sts.

For all versions, make a ridge on next (WS) row as foll: *Pick up the purl bump from the WS from 6 rows below, p this loop tog with st on needle; rep from * to end.

Tip: To make this easier, take a contrasting color thread or yarn and weave it through all the purl bumps before making the ridge row. Then just pick up the bump that is
identified by the thread. Unweave the thread every few sts.

Next (dec) row (RS) K1, *k2tog, k2; rep from * to end—28 sts. P 1 row. Next row K2tog across—14 sts. P 1 row. Next row K2, *k2tog, k2; rep from * to end—11 sts.
Last row P2tog 5 times, p1. Cut yarn, leaving an end for sewing and draw through rem 6 sts on needle. Sew seam.

MAKE THE CROCHET EDGE

With crochet hook, working along cast-on edge, work 1 rnd as foll: Join yarn at seam edge, *ch 4, sc in next 2 sts, skip 1 st; rep from * around. Join and fasten off.

Make a twisted cord and weave through eyelets at top.

from knit.1

Infinity Scarf

This scarf can be worn draped loosely around the neck, wrapped twice around the neck, or wrapped twice around the neck and pulled over the head as a glamorous head covering.

Finished Size: Approximately 54" circumference x 8" wide (slightly stretched).


Materials:
Suggested Yarn: 3 skeins Jade Sapphire 100% Mongolian Cashmere 6-Ply (150yds/55g)
Gauge: 4.5-5 stitches/inch
Weight: Worsted
Yardage: 150yds (137m)
US 9 (5.5mm) 24" or 32" Circular Needles
1 Stitch Marker
Darning Needle

Instructions:
Cast on 200 sts.
Join to work in the round (careful not to twist stitches), placing marker between first and last stitch to indicate end of round; *knit 5 rounds; purl 5 rounds.*
Repeat from * to * 6 times.
Knit 5 rounds.
Bind off.

Pattern from www.dreamweaveryarns.com

Pocket Scarf

Need to run to the store? Grab your coat and wrap this scarf around you. Put your wallet and a lip gloss in your pocket and go!

Materials:

Lion Brand Chenille Thick & Quick: 2 skeins or 150 yds. of any super bulky yarn
Size 11 needles

Scarf:

With size 11 needles, cast on 17 sts. Row 1 K 1, *p 1, k 1; rep from *. Repeat Row 1 for 76". Bind off. Finishing Lay scarf flat, fold up 8" on each end to form pockets. Sew sides in place invisibly.

My New Favorite Knitting Book

I love Noro Yarns!!! I have many Noro books, but this gives a little insight into the company and the man behind Noro. If you love Noro like I do, this one's a keeper!

Baby, It's Cold Outside...Let's Knit a Quick Afghan!

BRRR!!! Coldest day in 14 years in Austin! It makes me wanna curl up with a glass of wine, a good book and a nice, thick blanket....oh wait...I have to knit one up!


SIZE: One Size
34 x 54 in. [86.5 x 137 cm], not including fringe

MATERIALS
• 790-393 Lion Brand Homespun® Yarn: Cream
2 Balls (A)
• 790-403 Lion Brand Homespun® Yarn: Earth
2 Balls (B)
• 790-335 Lion Brand Homespun® Yarn: Prairie
2 Balls (C)
• 790-381 Lion Brand Homespun® Yarn: Barley
2 Balls (D)
• Knitting Needles - Size 50 [25 mm]
• Crochet Hook - Size K-10.5
• Large-Eyed Blunt Needles

GAUGE:
4 stitches = 4 in. [10 cm] in Stockinette stitch (knit on right side rows, purl on wrong
side rows) with 4 strands of yarn held together. BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE.
When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the
pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you less
stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or
needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

NOTES:
Due to the nature of the fabric when working with Speed Stix, gauge may vary
throughout the knitting and is not crucial to this project.

THROW
With 1 strand each of A, B, C, and D held together, cast on 34 stitches.
Row 1 (right side): Knit.
Row 2: Purl.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 54 in. [137 cm] from beginning. Bind off.
FINISHING
Weave in ends.
Fringe
Cut 68 strands of each color yarn each about 20 in. [52 cm] long. For each Fringe, hold one strand of each color (4 strands total) together and fold in half. Use crochet hook to draw fold through edge of Afghan, forming a loop. Pull ends of Fringe through this loop. Pull to tighten. Make one Fringe in each stitch along first and last rows of Throw. Trim Fringe ends evenly.

Chunky Yarn Vest & Hat

I completed a chunky yarn vest and hat with Schaefer Elaine Yarn and here are the results:

Ozark Yarn Neck Warmer

If a cowl scarf is too much, yet the temperature outside is frightful, try a neck warmer made with Ozark Yarn. Ozark Yarn is handspun and no two skeins are exactly the same. It knits up really fast and you'll be warm in no time!

MATERIALS:
1 Skein Ozark Handspun Yarn or Ozark Handspun Opulent
1 Pair US size 17 knitting needles
1 Large button
1 Needle and thread
Abbreviations: K=knit; p=purl; k2tog=knit 2 together; c0=cast on; b0=bind off; st(s)=stitch(es)
Gauge: Ozark Handspun Yarn=1.5 sts per inch; Ozark Handspun Opulent=3 sts per inch

INSTRUCTIONS:
Using US size 17 needles, co 14 sts loosely. This neckwarmer is knitted in garter stitch.
Knit each row until neckwarmer measures approximately 10 inches.
Next row: k2tog, knit to the last two sts and k2tog (12 sts.)
Continue knitting until skein is almost gone (saving enough to bind off.) Loosely bo. Fasten off and bury ends.
Finishing: Because of the size of needles used and gauge of yarn, no buttonhole is required. attach button to narrow end of the neckwarmer with needle and thread. Slip button through wider end in area that gives you a perfect fit.

designed by Janice Rosema for Ozark Handspun, March 2008

Yoga Socks

These easy, fast and cool socks are not only great for yoga, but you can wear them with your flip-flops!!!

SIZE
One size to fit average lady.

MATERIALS
Patons® Kroy Socks (50 g / 1.75 oz)
2 balls of #55612 (Summer Moss Jacquard)
Set of four double-pointed knitting needles 3.25 mm (U.S. 3) or size needed to
obtain tension.

TENSION
28 sts and 36 rows = 4 ins [10 cm] in stocking st.

INSTRUCTIONS
Cast on 64 sts loosely. Divide into (20, 20, 24) sts on 3 needles. Join in rnd.
Place marker on first st for beg of rnd.
Work 10 rnds in (K1. P1) ribbing.
1st rnd: Knit.
2nd rnd: *K1. P3. Rep from * around.
3rd and 4th rnds: As 1st and 2nd rnds.
5th rnd: Knit.
6th rnd: *P2. K1. P1. Rep from * around.
7th and 8th rnds: As 5th and 6th rnds.
Rep last 8 rnds for texture pat until work from beg measures approx 4 ins [10 cm],
ending on a 4th or 8th rnd of pat.
Next rnd: Knit, inc 8 sts evenly around. 72 sts. Divide into 24 sts on each of
3 needles.
Work 5 rnds in (K1. P1) ribbing.
Shape heel opening: Next rnd: Cast off 36 sts loosely in ribbing. Rib to end
of rnd.
Cast on 36 sts loosely. Rejoin in rnd.
Work 5 rnds in (K1. P1) ribbing.
Next rnd: Knit, dec 8 sts evenly around. 64 sts.
Beg on a 2nd rnd, work approx 2 1/2 ins [6 cm] in texture pat ending on a 1st or
5th rnd of pat.
Work 10 rnds in (K1. P1) ribbing. Cast off in ribbing.

For more info: http://www.vogueknitting.com/Default.aspx

Cowl Scarves are in this Season!

A cowl not only provides warmth but it can add a new dimension to a sweater or shirt. And this pattern from http://www.knitpicks.com/ is a great example:

Finished Measurements: 14" tall x 26" circ.
Yarn: Knit Picks Imagination(50% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Alpaca, 25% Nylon; 219 yards/50g): Seven Dwarves 24361: 4 balls.
Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) 24" circulars or DPNs
Notions: Yarn NeedleStitch Marker
Gauge: 24 sts and 32 rows = 4" in St st on US 4 needles

Directions:
CO 312 sts. PM and join in the round. Work in Garter st (K 1rnd, P 1rnd) for 1".
Next rnd: K2tog around: 156 sts.

Begin Ruching Pattern: Work 1" in St st (K every row).
Next round, inc 1into every st: 312 sts.
Work in St st for 1".
Next round: K2tog around: 156 sts.
Repeat this sequence six more times.

This will give the cowl one smaller, flat end and one ruffled end.
For two ruffled ends, repeat the ruche sequence to the increase round.
Work 1" in St st, then work 1" in garter st. BO all sts loosely.
Weave in ends.

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! MAY THIS YEAR BRING YOU PEACE, PROSPERITY AND PLENTY OF KNITTING!!!

WELCOME TO 2010!
HAPPY KNITTING!!!