Happy Cowl-o-ween!

Happy Cowl-o-ween! After you're done eating your treats and all the tricks have been played...time to knit up some fabulous gifts for the holidays! Quick, easy and gorgeous...these cowls will keep all your friends and family warm!

Materials:

1 - 50 gm ball Chunky Mochi Crystal Palace Bamboo (I used Lana Grossa Olympia yarn, purchased in Germany)

16" circular needles - size 13 Needles

1 large stitch marker or loop of smooth contrasting color yarn.

Abbreviations: K-knit; K2tog-knit 2 together; P-purl; PM-place market; yo-yarn over.

Fan Stitch: (multiple of 18 sts) is worked in 2 repeats with 4 sts between each fan stitch section.

Pattern:
Cast on 44 sts using cable cast on.

Join into round being careful not to twist the round when joining. Rnd 1: PM, Knit one round.

Rnd 2: Slip marker: K4, *[K2tog]3 times, [k1, yo] 6 times, [k2tog] 3 times*. K4, repeat between *.

Rnd 3: Purl 1 round slipping marker

Rnd 4 & 5: Knit these 2 rounds, slipping marker

Work 3 more repeats (4 total) of the Fan Stitch (Rnds 2-5)

End with a final row of Knit.

Bind off LOOSELY to allow neck cozy to stretch over head.

Hooded Vest...Talk About Versatility!

This versatile hooded vest can be worn belted or loose, layered and open. Either way, this cozy layer will be a go-to garment this winter.

Shown in size Large

SIZES
Directions are for women’s size X-Small. Changes for sizes Small, Medium, Large, 1X and 2X are in parentheses

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust (closed) – 32(36-40-44-48-52)”
Length – 24(24-25-25½-26-26½)” (Not including hood)

MATERIALS
7(8-9-10-11-12) Balls BERROCO BLACKSTONE TWEED (50 grs), #2646 Salt Water
Alternate color: #2607 Wintery Mix.
Straight knitting needles, size 7 (4.50 mm) OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE
2 St markers
2 St holders

GAUGE
18 sts = 4”; 25 rows = 4” in St st
22 sts = 4”; 25 rows = 4” in Pat St
TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE

PATTERN STITCH (Even number of sts)
Row 1 (RS): * K in front and back of next st, p1, rep from * across.
Row 2: * K1, p2 tog, rep from * across.
Row 3: * K1, p1, rep from * across.
Row 4 (WS): Rep Row 1.
Row 5: Rep Row 2.
Row 6: Rep Row 3.
Rep these 6 rows for Pat St.

BACK
With straight needles, cast on 103(117-129-142-155-169) sts.

Ribbing: Row 1 (RS): K1, * p1, k1, rep from * across.
Row 2: P1, * k1, p1, rep from * across. Rep these 2 rows until piece measures 1½”, end on RS. P the next row, dec 30(36-38-44-46-52) sts across – 73(81-91-99-109-117) sts. Work even in St st until piece
measures 4(4-4½ -4½-5-5)” from beg, end on WS.
Dec Row (RS): K1, k2 tog, k to last 3 sts, SSK, k1 – 71(79-89-97-107-115) sts. Rep this dec every 2¾” twice more – 67(75-85-93-103-111) sts. Work even until piece measures 11½(11½-12-12-12½-12½)” from
beg, end on WS.
Inc Row (RS): K1, M1k, k to last st, M1k, k1 – 69(77-87-95-105-113) sts. Rep this inc every 1½” twice more – 73(81-91-99-109-117) sts. Work even until piece measures 15½(15½-16-16-16½-16½)” from beg, end on WS.
Shape Armholes: Bind off 6(6-7-7-8-8) sts at beg of the next 2 rows, then 2 sts at beg of the next 2 rows – 57(65-73-81-89-97) sts.
Dec Row (RS): K3, k2 tog, k to last 5 sts, SSK, k3 – 55(63-71-79-87-95) sts. Rep this dec every RS row 0(4-6-8-10-11) times more – 55(55-59-63-67-73) sts. Work even until armholes measure 7½(7½-8-8½- 8½-9)”, end on WS.

Shape Shoulders: Bind off 4(4-6-6-6-7) sts at beg of the next 2 rows, then 5(5-5-6-7-8) sts at beg of the
next 4 rows. Bind off remaining 27 sts for back neck.

LEFT FRONT
With straight needles, cast on 73(79-85-91-97-103) sts.
Establish Frontband: Row 1 (RS): Work ribbing same as back over 31(37-43-49-55-61) sts, place marker, work Row 1 of Pat St to end.
Row 2: Work Row 2 of Pat St to marker, work ribbing same as back to end. Work even in pat as established until piece measures 1½” from beg, end on RS.
Next Row (WS): Work in Pat St to marker, p to end, dec 8(10-11-13-14-16) sts across – 65(69-74-78-83- 87) sts. Keeping 42 sts at front edge in Pat St and remaining sts in St st, work even until piece measures
4(4-4½-4½-5-5)” from beg, end on WS.
Dec Row (RS): K1, k2 tog, work to end – 64(68-73-77-82-86) sts. Rep this dec every 2¾” twice more – 62(66-71-75-80-84) sts. Work even until piece measures 11½(11½ -12-12-12½-12½)” from beg, end on WS.
Inc Row (RS): K1, M1k, work to end – 63(67-72-76-81-85) sts. Rep this inc every 1½” twice more – 65(69-74-78-83-87) sts. Work even until piece measures 15½(15½-16-16-16½-16½)” from beg, end on WS.
Shape Armhole: Bind off 6(6-7-7-8-8) sts at beg of the next RS row, then 2 sts at beg of the following RS row, end on WS – 57(61-65-69-73-77) sts.
Dec Row (RS): K3, k2 tog, work to end – 56(60-64-68-72-76) sts. Rep this dec every RS row 0(4-6-8-10- 11) times more – 56(58-58-60-62-65) sts. Work even until armhole measures 7½(7½-8-8½-8½-9)”, end on WS.
Shape Shoulder: Bind off 4(4-6-6-6-7) sts at beg of the next RS row, then 5(5-5-6-7-8) sts at beg of the following RS row, end on RS – 47(47-47-48-49-50) sts.
Next Row (WS): Work in Pat St to marker, then sl these 42 sts to holder for hook, p to end – 5(5-5-6-7-8) sts. Bind off.

RIGHT FRONT
Work to correspond to left front, reversing all shaping and placement of Pat St. Work side decs at end of RS rows as SSK, k1. Work side incs at end of RS rows as M1k, k1. Bind off for armhole on WS rows. Work
armhole decs at end of RS rows as SSK, k3. For shoulder, bind off at armhole edge on WS rows twice, end on WS.
Next Row (RS): Work in Pat St to marker, sl these 42 sts to holder for hood, then k to end. Bind off remaining sts on WS.

FINISHING
Sew shoulder seams.
Hood: With RS facing, sl 42 sts from right holder to straight needle, place marker, pick up and k27 sts across back neck edge, place marker, work 42 sts from left holder in Pat St as established – 111 sts.
Next Row (WS): Work in Pat St as established to first marker, p to next marker, inc 7 sts across, work in Pat St as established to end – 118 sts. Keeping 42 sts at each front edge in Pat St as established and
remaining sts in St st, work even until hood measures 10”, end on WS. Bind off. Fold hood in half lengthwise and sew bound-off edge together forming top seam. Sew side seams.

Fingerless Gloves & Wristers are in, in, in!

Every catalog I'm receiving in the mail and every store I've been to is selling fingerless gloves, wristlets and long gloves without fingers!
Here's another pattern for you to try:

Directions are for size Small. Changes for sizes Medium/Large are in parentheses.
Finished Length: 8”
Finished Hand Circumference: 7 (8)”

RED HEART® “Collage™” 1 skein in 2250 Rose Dust. RED HEART® “Collage™”: Art. E748
3.5 oz (100g), 218 yd (200 m) skeins.

Knitting Needles: 4.5mm [US 7] set of double-pointed needles.
Stitch markers.
Yarn needle.

GAUGE: 20 sts = 4”; 36 rows = 4” in Pattern stitch.
CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size needles to obtain the specified gauge.

PATTERN STITCH
Pattern Stitch (multiple of 2 sts)
Rounds 1-2: *P2, k2; repeat from * around.
Rounds 3-4: *K2, p2; repeat from * around.
Repeat Round 1-4 for Pattern st.

WRISTER
Cast on 36 (40) sts. Join, taking care not to twist sts. Place
marker for beginning of round.
Round 1: *K2, p2; repeat from * around.
Repeat Round 1 for 4”.
Beginning with Round 1, work in Pattern Stitch until piece measures 6 1/2”.

Shape Thumb Opening
Round 1: Bind off next 4 sts, work as established around.
Round 2: Cast on 4 sts, work as established around.
Work as established for 1 1/2” more.
Bind off.

FINISHING
Weave in ends.

Back from Paderborn, Germany

Even though I was in Paderborn on business, I found the local yarn shop, selling Lana Grossa yarns.
Big chunky yarns in fabulous colors, had to buy a few (and stuff them in my backpack)...even though I may never wear the scarves or cowls I plan to knit (Austin, Texas????)...my friends in Chicago may benefit from my weakness...

Little Box Holiday Ornaments

These cute little knitted boxes will be treasured forever!

SIZE:
Small Boxes: 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. (6.5 x 6.5 cm)
Large Boxes: 3 x 3 in. (7.5 x 7.5 cm)
CORRECTIONS: None as of Sep 14, 2010. To check for later updates, click here.
MATERIALS
• 861-170 Lion Brand Vanna's Glamour: Topaz 1 Ball (A)
• 861-150 Lion Brand Vanna's Glamour: Platinum 1 Ball (B)
• 861-149 Lion Brand Vanna's Glamour Yarn: Moonstone 1 Ball (C)
• 861-186 Lion Brand Vanna's Glamour Yarn: Bronze
1 Ball (D)
• 861-171 Lion Brand Vanna's Glamour Yarn: Gold
1 Ball (E)
• Double-Pointed Needles - Size 5
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles
• Additional Materials
For Small Boxes, three 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. (6.5 x 6.5 cm) craft foam cubes
For Large Boxes, three 3 x 3 in. (7.5 x 7.5 cm) craft foam cubes
T-pins
Craft glue
Sewing needle and thread

GAUGE:
24 sts + 30 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in St st (k on RS, p on WS). 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:
1. Materials are sufficient to make multiple boxes.
2. A T -shaped piece is knit to cover each of Boxes #1-#5, and sewn around a foam cube. Box #6 is made
by wrapping and weaving strands of yarn around a cube.


SMALL BOX #1
With A, cast on 15 sts.
Work in St st (k on RS, p on WS) until piece measures 2 1/2 in. (6.5 cm) from beg, end with a WS (purl) row.
Note: End with a WS row means that the last row you work should be a WS row, and the next row that you are ready to work will be a RS row.

Next Row (RS): Cast on 45 sts, k to end of row - 60 sts at the end of this row.
Work in St st as established until piece measures 5 in. (12.5 cm) from beg, end with a WS Row.
Next Row (RS): Bind off 45 sts, k to end of row - 15 sts at the end of this row.
Work in St st until piece measures 7 1/2 in. (19 cm) from beg. Bind off.

SMALL BOX #2
With B, make as for Small Box #1.

SMALL BOX #3
With C, make as for Small Box #1.

LARGE BOX #4
With D, cast on 18 sts.
Work in St st until piece measures 3 in. (7.5 cm) from beg, end with a WS row.
Next Row (RS): Cast on 54 sts, k to end of row - 72 sts at the end of this row.
Work in St st as established until piece measures 6 in. (15 cm) from beg, end with a WS Row.
Next Row (RS): Bind off 54 sts, k to end of row - 18 sts at the end of this row.
Work in St st until piece measures 9 in. (23 cm) from beg.
Bind off.

LARGE BOX #5
With E, cast on 18 sts.
Work in St st until piece measures 3 in. (7.5 cm) from beg, end with a WS row.
Next Row (RS): Cast on 54 sts, k to end of row - 72 sts at the end of this row.
Work in St st as established for 3 more rows.
Next Row (RS): Purl, to create a ridge on the St st background.
Work in St st for 3 rows.
Rep last 4 rows until piece measures 6 in. (15 cm) from beg, end with a WS Row.
Next Row (RS): Bind off 54 sts, k to end of row - 18 sts at the end of this row.
Work in St st until piece measures 9 in. (23 cm) from beg.
Bind off.

LARGE BOX #6
Leaving a long beg tail, wrap C smoothly around 4 sides of craft foam cube, without overlapping any strands of yarn, until the 4 sides are completely covered. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread each tail into blunt needle and weave under wrapped strands.
Mark one unwrapped side of cube for base of box.
Cut a 24 in. (61 cm) strand of C and thread into blunt needle. Secure end of C to base of cube with a T -pin. Bring strand up from base, weave needle in and out of wraps on side of cube, wrap strand across top of cube, then weave needle in and out of wraps on other side of cube.
Rep this weaving and wrapping, adding new strands of C as needed, until 2 sides of cube have been completely woven and top of cub is
completely covered.
If desired, repeat weaving and wrapping in other direction to weave remaining 2 sides of cube.
Secure all yarn ends by gluing to base.

FINISHING
Boxes #1- #5
Pin knit piece in place around foam cube. With sewing needle and thread, whip st adjoining edges of knit piece. Weave in ends.

Cords
Cut a 48 in. (122 cm) length of desired color yarn. Fold length in half and knot about 1 in. (1.5 cm) from each end. Slip one end over a doorknob and slip a knitting needle through the other end. Turn the needle clockwise to twist the strands until they are tightly twisted.
Keeping the strands taut, fold the strands in half, remove the needle and allow the Cord to twist on itself. Knot ends of Cord. Tie Cords around Boxes as desired.

Fair Isle Cowl

I'm feeling a bit European today...how about a Fair Isles Cowl Pattern?

Approximately 10½” wide x 26” long
Note: Piece is double thickness and is worked sideways around neck

MATERIALS
2 Hanks each BERROCO ULTRA ALPACA LIGHT (50 grs), #4220 Lagoon (A) and 1 hank each #4212 Cordoba Grape (B), #4228 Poppy (C) and #4247 Fern (D)
16” Length circular knitting needle, size 5 (3.75 mm) OR SIZE TO
OBTAIN GAUGE
Straight knitting needles, size 5 (3.75 mm)
2 St markers (2 different colors)
Three 1” buttons

GAUGE
23 sts = 4”; 32 rows = 4” in St st
TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE

COWL
With circular needle, using A, cast on 126 sts. Join, being careful not to twist sts. Mark for beg of rnd and carry marker up. Join B. Work in St st (k EVERY rnd).
Rnd 1: work Rnd 1 of Chart 1 over 63 sts, place marker, work Row 1 of Chart 2 over 63 sts. Work even in pat as established until piece measures 21” from beg. Drop B and C and knit 1 rnd with A. Change to D.
Next Row: Hold ends of circular needle parallel with 63 sts on front end of needle and 63 sts on back end.
Using straight needle, * k1 st from front of needle and 1 st from back of needle tog; rep from * across – 63 sts remain.

Buttonband: Ribbing: Row 1 (WS): P3, * k3, p3, rep from * across.
Row 2 (RS): K3, * p3, k3, rep from * across. Rep these 2 rows until band measures 2 ½”, end on WS. Bind off in ribbing.

Buttonhole Band: Fold cast-on edge of cowl in half with 63 sts in front and 63 sts in back. With RS facing, using straight needles and D, pick up and k63 sts across cast-on, working through double thickness of cowl.
Work in ribbing same as buttonband for 1¼”, end on WS.
Buttonhole Row (RS): Work 5 sts, bind off 4 sts, (work 8 sts, bind off 4 sts) twice, work to end.

Next Row: Work in ribbing as established, cast on 4 sts over each group of sts bound off on previous row.

Complete same as buttonband. Sew on buttons.

Yarn Crawl...and more

Last Sunday was the Annual Central Texas Yarn Crawl....it was amazing!



We took 2 buses all over Austin and the Hill Country. The girls on the bus were fabulous! It was totally "Hip Dingo! "

I have pics on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/44611272@N04/sets/72157625141769282/with/5072221378/

and I was also mentioned on the KnitBuzz blog! http://knitbuzz.blogspot.com/

OK, I now have more yarn than I will ever use!

Warm Worm Hat

This hat will adjust to your hair style of day!

Yarn
2 skeins of lana grossa cool wool 2000 (100% merino, 160m per 50g, shown in shade 536 plum)

Needles
4 mm circular needles, using magic loop method
3.5 mm dpns or circular needle for starting, using magic loop method
1 stitch marker to mark beginning of round
1 tapestry needle to weave in ends

Gauge
24 stitches and 34 rows = 10cm in stockinette stitch with smaller needles

Sizes: small (medium/large)

Pattern
co 90 (100/110) sts using 3.5 mm dpns, place stitch marker and join for round k 12 rnds (you can try and use circular needles after a few rounds, it’s much faster, use magic loop method if you got a long circular needle)
p 1 rnd, k 13 rnds
fold at purl round (with knit side facing and purl side inside the double blending), pick up first st from cast on edge and k together with live st, repeat this for making a double edging of hat
knit 1 rnd, then switch to 4 mm needles
inc rnd: *k10, m1 *repeat
begin main pattern: *p 5 rnds, k 4 rnds *repeat 10 times (or after you reached length), end with p rnds
dec rnd 1: *k1, k2tog *repeat
k 1 rnd
dec rnd 2: *k1, k2tog *repeat
k 1 rnd
dec rnd 3: *k2tog *repeat, break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight and fasten off.

Toe-Up Socks Instructions

Here's the instructions for knitting socks toe-up. I've had so many requests...so here it is... thanks Fran!

Materials: Two circular needles in one to two sizes smaller than recommended on ball band, two stitch markers and a tapestry needle.

Sock Yarn
 Sock-weight yarn: Approx 350yds, knit at 7-8 sts/inch
 Sport-weight yarn: Approx. 300 yds, knit at 6.5-7 sts/inch
 Dk-weight yarn: Approx 250 yds, knit at 5.5-6-5 sts/inch
 Worsted-weight: Approx 200 yds, knit at 5-6 sts/inch

Note: Exact yarn quantities will depend on your stitch pattern, foot size, and sock length. Quantities given are for a pair of socks that will fit a Women’s size 9 foot, with an 8” cuff.

Techniques
Make one: to make a M1, using the left hand needle, pick up the bar between the stitches from front to back. Using the right hand needle knit this bar through the back loop.

Judy’s Magic Cast-on:
http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEATmagiccaston.html
Cat Bordhi’s demonstration of the magic cast on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhBIS0AhhQY

Directions
Here are some simple steps required to make toe up socks for any size foot. You will be determining a few simple measurements in order to use the worksheet.
Gauge- Knit a swatch using a needle 1-2 sizes smaller than recommended. You want your swatch to be a firm, tight knit (no day light!). You may knit your stockinette swatch flat but add a ½ stitch per inch for a final gauge.

Gauge: ______stitches per inch

Foot circumference (measure the ball of the foot): _______inches
Multiply foot circumference by Gauge: ______stitches
***for a snug fit, multiply by 0.9 ***

Adjust the number of stitches as desired to work with a chosen stitch pattern. We will be working a 2x2 rib so we will need to use multiples of 4. This will be known as the “Key Number”. It is the number of stitches on which most of the sock will be worked, and the other numbers, which follow, will be calculated from this number.


Key Number: _____ (A)

Determine the number of stitches on each needle after toe increases is completed: Divide A by 2: _____ (B)

Determine number of stitches cast on each needle for toe: Multiply B by 0.4 ______(C)

Measure length of foot: _____ (D)

Record your results here:

A: ______ Key #

B: ______# of sts on each needle

C: _____# of sts cast on each needle

D: _____desired length of foot


Toe:
Using Judy’s Magic cast on, cast on ____(C) stitches onto each needle. Using the make one increase method (or you favorite increase method) increase every other round on each end of the needle until you reach ______stitches (B).
Your increases should be knit as following: knit 1, increase, knit to last stitch, increase, knit 1. Repeat for second needle.

Note: If you are using sock weight yarn on# 0 or a # 1 needle, you may want to increase the number of even rounds between the increases rows to create more length for the toes.

Begin Foot:
Continue knitting on _____ (A) stitches until your sock measures 2/3 of (D) ______. If desired, knit for an additional one-half inch to allow for ease.

Begin Heel:
Heel is worked in rows on ______ (B) sts. (One needle only!) Knitting the heel this way may seem unusual at first. On a “cuff down” style sock, the heel flap is at the back of your foot, but with this method, it runs under your foot.

Heel Bottom Pattern:
Row 1: Slip 1, knit across
Row 2: Slip 1, purl across
** End with a knit row.
Work in heel bottom pattern until the heel flap reaches the edge of your heel (or total length of foot), Try your sock on! If your ankle is particularly deep, you may need to add additional heel flap rows. Remember: turning the heel will not add any additional length to the sock.

Turn Heel as Follows:
The formula for turning the heel on a sock is very simple. Using _____ (B), divide in half and add 2_____ (E).

Turn Heel
Row 1: P_____ (E) sts, p2tog, p1, turn
Row 2: Sl1, K 5 sts, k2tog, k1, turn.
Row 3: Sl1, P across to 1 stitch before the “gap”, p2tog, p1, turn.
Row 4: Sl1, K across to 1 stitch before the “gap”, k2tog, k1, turn.
Repeat rows 3 and 4 until all stitches have been knitted, finishing with row 4.

Gusset
To start the gusset, we need to do a few more easy calculations.
 Count the remaining # of stitches on the needle used to turn heel______
 Subtract this # from (B) ______
 Divide results by 2 _____(F)
Set Up for Gusset
 Slip spare needle into slipped stitch (outside loop only) on left side of heel flap
 Knit into the back of the loops, remembering to place a marker after _____ (F) stitches are knit. Continue until all stitches are knit on the heel flap.
 Knit across instep stitches using other needle. Remember this needle only holds the instep stitches.
 Slip spare needle into slipped stitch (outside loop only) on right side of heel flap
 Knit into the back of the loops (using the needle that is holding the other heel flap stitches), remembering to place a marker before the last ______ (F) stitches are knit.
 Knit all stitches on both needles stopping at the end of the instep stitches.


Gusset Decrease & Heel Back Patterning
We will be knitting a pattern for the heel between the markers and decreasing for the gusset at the same time.
Round 1
 (using needle holding heel sts) K1, SSK, Knit to marker, sm, *Slip 1, Knit 1* repeat to marker, sm, knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.
 (using needle holding instep sts) knit across sts.
Round 2
 Knit all stitches on both needles
Continue in this manner until total stitches equals ______ (A).
Before starting the cuff, (and if there’s yarn to spare) knit a few rounds of stockinette st to separate the heel back patterning and the ribbing for the cuff.
Cuff
Knit to desired length using a 2x2 rib pattern.


Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Sewn Cast off
Break yarn, leaving a tail about 4 times as long as the circumference of the sock. Thread a tapestry needle.
*Sew forward (right to left) through two stitches as if to purl, leave the stitches on needle. Sew backward (left to right) through one stitch as if to knit and remove the stitch. Repeat from * until you run out of stitches. Work in tail on the inside of the sock and trim any excess.

Urban Planner Slouchy Hat by Vickie Howell

Vickie Howell came out with this great slouchy hat pattern...enjoy!

SIZE (Stretches to Fit)
Toddler (Child, Women’s S/M, Women’s L/XL&Men’s S/M)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
14 ½ (16, 18, 20, 21)”/37 (40.5, 45.5, 51, 53.5)cm (unstretched)


MATERIALS
Caron International's Simply Soft® Paints (100% Acrylic, 4oz/113g,
200yd/182m): Shown in: #0009 Sticks & Stones, 4 (4, 4, 6, 6)oz/113 (113, 113, 170,170)g
One size U.S. 8 (5mm) circular needle, 112 (12, 12, 16, 16)”/30.5 (30.4, 30.5, 40.5. 40.5)cm long
Stitch Marker
Yarn Needle

GAUGE
In k2, p2 rib, 18 sts and 20 rows = 4”/10cm

BEANIE
CO 64 (72, 80, 88, 92) sts. Place marker; join, taking care not to twist sts.

Brim:
Rnds 1-8: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.

Body:
Rnd 9: *(P1, k1, p1) in to next st, k3tog; rep from * to end.
Rnd 10: Purl.
Rnd 11: *K3tog, (p1, k1, p1) into next st; rep from * to end.
Rnd 12: Purl.
Rep Rnds 9-12 until piece measures 8 (9, 10, 11, 12)” from CO edge. BO, leaving a 12” tail.

FINISHING
Note: Last round worked is top of hat with the tail at the center back of hat.
To close Hat: Thread tail through yarn needle, insert into top, center and sew a couple of sts. Pinch side edges to the same center point and stitch the edges together. The top of the hat will now be in a star formation. Continue to pinch opposite edges and stitch them together until top of hat is completely closed.
Fasten off.
Using yarn needle, weave in ends.

My Review of Convertible Tote

Originally submitted at Timbuk2

A messenger and a tote in one.

Convertible Tote

Another Winner!

By marlat111 from austin,tx on 10/8/2010

 

4out of 5

Pros: Attractive, Good Strap Length, Easy Access, Great Color, High Quality, It holds my whole day

Cons: More pockets on outside, Not Enough Compartments

Best Uses: Commuting, Traveling, Office, Computer

Describe Yourself: Stylish, Modern

This bag holds everything. I would love to see this bag in olive green. Would love lots of pockets on outside, sometimes a pain to dig to the bottom for small stuff.

(legalese)

So Many Stripes...So Cool on a Scarf!

This multi-stitch scarf is so interesting, not only for the striping but the use of different stiches in the stripes.

SIZE:
6 x 62 in. (15 x 157.5 cm)

MATERIALS
• 860-174 Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Yarn: Olive
1 Ball (A)• 860-170 Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Yarn: Pea Green
1 Ball (B) • 860-108 Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Yarn: Dusty
1 Ball (C) • 860-173 Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Yarn: Dusty Green
1 Ball (D) • Lion Brand Knitting Needles- Size 9 [5.5 mm]
• Large-Eyed Blunt Needles


GAUGE:
16 sts + 22 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in St st (k on RS, p on WS). 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.

STITCH EXPLANATION:
Seed Stitch
Row 1: *K1, p1, rep from * to end.
Row 2: P the knit sts and k the purl sts as they appear.
Rep Row 2 for Seed st.

NOTES:
Colors and stitch patterns used are changed throughout the Scarf. New colors are sometimes added in the middle of the row. Leave 4 in. (10 cm) length of new and old color hanging loose when changing colors. Do not weave in ends.

SCARF
With A, cast on 24 sts.
Rows 1-3: With A, work in Seed st across.
Rows 4 and 5: Join B, work 2 rows in Garter st (k every row).
Rows 6 and 7: Join A, work 2 rows in Garter st.
Rows 8-10: Join C, work 3 rows in St st (k on RS, p on WS).
Row 11: With C, k16. Change to D, k8.
Rows 12-14: With D, work 3 rows in St st.
Rows 15-18: Join B, work 4 rows in Seed st.
Rows 19 and 20: Join C, work 2 rows in St st.
Rows 21 and 22: Join A, work 2 rows in St st.
Rows 23 and 24: Join C, work 2 rows in St st.
Row 25: With C, k8. Change to D, k16.
Rows 26-28: With D, work 3 rows in Garter st.
Row 29: With D, k12. Change to B, k12.
Rows 30 and 31: With B, work 2 rows in St st.
Row 32 (WS): Join C, work 1 row in St st.
Rows 33 and 34: Join B, work 2 rows in St st.
Row 35: With B, k8. Change to D, k16.
Rows 36-38: With D, work 3 rows in St st.
Rep Rows 1-38 until Scarf measures 62 in. (157.5 cm) from beginning.
Last 3 Rows: With A, work 3 rows in Seed st.
Bind off.

FINISHING
Knot yarn ends together to close holes. Weave in ends.

Picot Cuff Socks

These fold-over ankle socks are just so soft and girly!

Materials
4 .88oz/25g balls (each approx 109yd/100m) of Elann.com Collection Peruvian Baby Cashmere
(baby alpaca/wool/cashmere) in #2699 starlight blue
Note: Additional yarn required if length will be added to leg and/or foot
• One set (4) size 4 (3.5mm) double-pointed (dpn) needles
• Stitch markers

Size
• Sized forWoman’s Medium.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
• 7"/18cm foot circumference
• 4"/10cm from cuff to heel (folded)
• Approx 8μ"/21cm from heel to toe

Gauges
• 25 sts and 34 rows = 4"/10cm over St st using size 4 (3.5mm) needles with 2
strands held together, unblocked.
• 24 sts and 36 rows = 4"/10cm over pat st using size 4
(3.5mm) needles with 2 strands held together, blocked.
TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGES.

CUFF
With 2 strands held together and cable cast-on, cast on 45 sts. Divide sts evenly over 3 needles. Join, taking care not to twist sts. Place marker for beg of rnd and sl marker every rnd.
Rnds 1-4 Knit.
Rnd 5 *K2tog, yo; rep from * to last st, k1.
Rnds 6-9 Knit.
Rnd 10 Purl.
Rnds 11-13 Knit.
Rnd 14 K1, *p7, k2; rep from * to last 8 sts, p7, k1.
Rnd 15 K2, *p6, k3; rep from * to last 7 sts, p6, k1.
Rnds 16 and 17 K5, *p2, k7; rep from * to last 4 sts, p2, k2.
Rnds 18 and 19 K4, *p2, k7; rep from * to last 5 sts, p2, k3.
Rnds 20 and 21 K3, *p2, k7; rep from * to last 6 sts, p2, k4.
Rnd 22 K2, *p6, k3; rep from * to last 7 sts, p6, k1.
Rnd 23 *K2, p7; rep from * around.
Rnds 24-26 Knit.
Rnd 27 Purl.
Push knitted piece through needles so it is inside out withWS facing. The working yarn should be on the left-hand needle at the beginning of the rnd.
Next rnd With yarn in front, sl 1 st to the left-hand needle, bring yarn to back and sl that st back to the right-hand needle, k to the last 2 sts, k2tog—44 sts.
Work 32 rnds in St st (k every rnd).

HEEL
Heel flap
Worked back and forth over next 22 sts.
Set-up row (RS) K22.
Row 1 (WS) Sl 1, p21.
Row 2 Sl 1, k21.
Rep last 2 rows 6 times more.

Turn heel
Row 1 (WS) Sl 1, p12, p2tog, p1, turn.
Row 2 Sl 1, k6, ssk, k1, turn.
Row 3 Sl 1, p to 1 st before gap, p2tog, p1, turn.
Row 4 Sl 1, k to 1 st before gap, ssk, k1, turn.
Rep rows 3 and 4 once more. Rep row 3.
Next row Sl 1, k12, ssk—all heel sts have been worked
(14 heel sts).

GUSSETS
With RS facing and Needle 1, pick up and k 10 sts along side of heel flap; with Needle 2, k22 instep sts; with Needle 3, pick up and k 10 sts along side of heel flap, k7. Pm for beg of rnd and slip rem 7 sts onto Needle 1—56 sts.

Shape gussets
Rnd 1 For Needle 1, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1; for Needle 2, knit; for Needle 3, k1, ssk, k to end.
Rnd 2 Knit.
Rep rnds 1 and 2 until 44 sts rem.

FOOT
Work in St st until foot measures 6≤"/16.5cm from back of heel (or 1≥"/4.5cm less than desired length; see NOTE at right).

TOE
Rnd 1 Knit.
Rnd 2 For Needle 1, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1; for Needle 2, k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1; for Needle 3, k1, ssk, k to end.
Rep rnds 1 and 2 until 16 sts rem.
With Needle 3, k4 from Needle 1. Graft toe sts using Kitchener st.

FINISHING
Fold hem to inside along eyelet round and sew in place
using one strand of yarn.
Weave in ends. Block cuff.

Wrist Warmers Hit a High Note!

With a chill in the air, these wrist warmers may just be the thing to help keep your hands nice and toasty!

KNITTED MEASUREMENTS
9½”/24cm long x 7”/18cm in circumference

MATERIALS
1 ball Tahki Yarns DOVE 44% extrafine merino wool, 44% alpaca, 12% nylon (1.75oz/50g; 163yd/150m) in color #12 brick
One pair size #8 (5mm) needles OR

SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE
Two stitch markers
Yarn needle to weave in ends

GAUGE
24 sts + 23 rows in K2, p2 Rib (unstretched)

TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE
NOTE: Row gauge is not essential.

PATTERN STITCH
K2, p2 Rib (even number of stitches)
Row 1 (RS) K2, *p2, k2; repeat from * across.
Row 2 (WS) P2, *k2, p2; repeat from * across.
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 for Rib.

WRISTWARMERS (make 2)
Cast on 38 stitches.
Work in K2, p2 Rib for 10 rows. Place marker at end of row.
Work in K2, p2 Rib for 6 rows. Place marker at end of row.
Continue to work in K2, p2 Rib for 40 rows.
Bind off in Rib.

FINISHING
Sew seam along long edge of Wristwarmer,
skipping the section between markers for
thumbhole. Remove markers.
Weave in ends.

Vertigo Afghan

Round and Round you knit, color after color...starting in the middle and working out to the edge...once you're done, this blanket will keep you warm, I pledge!

SIZE: One Size
Approximately 64 in. (162.5 cm) square. Since piece is not a perfect square, measurement is based on row gauge. Measurement of piece will vary greatly depending on where measurement is taken.
MATERIALS
• 620-098 Lion Brand Wool-Ease®: Natural Heather 1 Ball (A
• 620-403 Lion Brand Wool-Ease®: Mushroom 1 Ball (B)
• 620-126 Lion Brand Wool-Ease: Chocolate Brown 2 Balls (C)
• 620-138 Lion Brand Wool-Ease®: Cranberry 1 Ball (D)
• 620-139 Lion Brand Wool-Ease®: Dark Rose Heather 1 Ball (E)
• 620-104 Lion Brand Wool-Ease®: Blush Heather 1 Ball (F)
• 620-171 Lion Brand Wool-Ease: Gold1 Ball (G)
• 620-177 Lion Brand Wool-Ease®: Loden 1 Ball (H)
• 620-107 Lion Brand Wool-Ease®: Blue Heather 1 Ball (J)
• 620-123 Lion Brand Wool-Ease®: Seaspray 1 Ball (K)
• Double-Pointed Needles - Size 8
• Stitch Markers
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles
• Additional Materials
· Size 8 (5 mm) circular needle 16 in. (40 cm) long
· Size 8 (5 mm) circular needle 24 in. (60 cm) long
· Size 8 (5 mm) circular needle 36 in. (91 cm) long
GAUGE:
18 sts and 24 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) over St st (k on RS, p on WS). 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.

STITCH EXPLANATION:
M1 (make 1 st) Knit rows Insert left needle from front to back under horizontal strand between st just worked and next st on left needle. Knit this strand through back loop to twist it.
M1 (make 1 st) Purl rows Insert left needle from back to front under horizontal strand between st just worked and next st on left needle. Purl this strand through front loop to twist it.

NOTES:
Many different lengths of circular needles are called for since throw begins with very few sts and ends with very many.
THROW
Beg at center with A and double pointed needles (dpn), cast on 8 sts. Divide evenly on 4 dpns with 2 sts on each needle. Join, taking care not to twist sts and mark beg of rnd.
Rnd 1: Knit.
Rnd 2: * K2, M1; rep from * to end of rnd - 12 sts.
Rnd 3: * K3, M1; rep from * to end of rnd - 16 sts.
Rnds 4-6: Cont in this manner, knitting 1 st more before each M1 every rnd (4 sts are increased every row) -28 sts after Rnd 6.
Color Rnd 1: Change to B and work rnds as before, inc 4 sts each rnd with 1 more st before M1 - 32 sts.
Color Rnd 2: * P8, M1; rep from * to end of rnd.
Color Rnds 3- 6: Cont as in this manner, purling 1 st more before each M1 every rnd.
Color Rnd 7: * K13, M1; rep from * to end of rnd.
Color Rnds 8- 12: Continue in this manner, knitting 1 st more before each M1 every rnd.
Repeat Color Rnds 1-12 in each color as in color sequence as follows: C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, H, E, F, A, B, C.
Knit Color Rnds 1 and Color Rnds 7-12, purl Color Rnds 2-6. This alternates color stripes in St st and Rev St st. Always work 1 stitch more before each M1 every rnd. Change needle lengths as needed to accommodate number of sts. After working last Color Rnds 1-12 in C, cont with C in garter st (p 1 rnd, k 1 rnd) for 5 rnds.
Bind off all sts loosely in knit.

FINISHING
Weave in ends.

4th Annual Hill Country Yarn Crawl

If you live in, or are visiting Austin October 8-11, 2010, the Austin Yarn Crawl is here!

4th Annual Hill Country Yarn Crawl

Columbus Day Weekend
October 8-11, 2010
http://hillcountryyarncrawl.com/
Yeehaw!!!! Hope to see you there!