My Projects- The Beekeeper's Quilt

Hi Y'all,
I've been busy as a bee, working on the Beekeepers Quilt from Tiny Owl Knits. A great project for using all your stash yarn! I'm making these little "Hexipuffs" and will probably need to make around 400 to complete a quilt.
Here is a sample of how it should look finished...

and here it is in process (photo from Tiny Owl Knits):

I started mine with a kit from http://www.knitcrate.com/products/beekeepers-quilt-kit 
it's a great way to start this fun project.

Also, KnitCrate has gathered us all together in Ravelry.com for a Hexipuff challenge at: http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/knitcrate/2858576/1-25#23

  
My hexipuffs for February:

So come join us! Please post any questions or comments!

Wrist Warmers

Even though spring is in the air, you still may need a little warmth. These wrist warmers fit the bill!


Materials:
• Yarn: Bernat Satin (Solids: 100 g/3.5 oz or Ombres: 80 g/2.8 oz) 2(2) balls or Bernat Berella '4' (Solids: 100 g/3.5 oz or Ombres: 85 g/3 oz) 1(2) ball(s) or Bernat Super Value (Solids: 197 g/7 oz or Ombres: 142 g/5 oz) 1(1) ball
• Knitting needles: Size 5 mm (U.S. 8) or size needed to obtain gauge.
Gauge: 18 sts and 24 rows = 4 ins [10 cm] in stocking st.

Instructions:

Make 2 alike
Cast on 45 sts.
1st row: P1. *K3. P2. Rep from * to last 4 sts. K3. P1.
2nd row: K1. *P3. K2. Rep from * to last 4 sts. P3. K1.
Rep last 2 rows until work from beg measures 2½ ins [6 cm].
Cont in stocking st (Knit on RS and purl on WS) until work from beg measures 9 ins [23 cm], ending with RS facing for next row.
Rep 1st and 2nd rows of (K3. P2) ribbing until work from beg measures 13 ins [33 cm], ending with RS facing for next row. Cast off in pat.
Mark 2 sts at cast off edge 2 ins [5 cm] in from each side edge.
Sew side seam.
Sew marked sts tog to form division for Thumb opening and Fingers.

Roxanne Hat and Scarf

Ok, I know there is snow somewhere and you are going to need to stay warm! What better way than a matching hat and scarf!

SIZE
Directions are for women’s size
Small/Medium. Changes for size Large/X-Large are in parentheses.

MATERIALS
BERROCO HIP-HOP (100 grs), 1 hank #7236 Be Bop.
Straight knitting needles, size 13 OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE.
GAUGE
11 sts = 4" in k1, p1 ribbing.
TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE.

HAT
With straight needles, cast on 50(54) sts. Work even in k1, p1 ribbing for 3 1/2".
Change to St st and dec for crown as follows:
Row 1 (RS): * K8, k2 tog, rep from * to last 0(4) sts, end k0(4) – 45(49) sts.
Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl.
Row 3: * K7, k2 tog, rep from * to last 0(4) sts, end k0(4) – 40(44) sts.
Continue to dec 5 sts every RS row in this manner, having 1 st less between decs each time until 10(14) sts remain, end on WS.
Next Row (RS): * K2 tog, rep from * across – 5(7) sts. Cut yarn, leaving an end for sewing. Draw end through sts on needle and secure tightly. Sew back seam.

SCARF

SIZE
Approximately 2 3/4" wide x 76" long (Not including fringe).

MATERIALS
BERROCO HIP-HOP (100 grs), 3 hanks #7236 Be Bop.
Straight knitting needles, size 13.
Crochet Hook, size 5.50 mm (I).

NOTE
A suggestion- cut yarn for fringe first. This way you will be sure to have enough yarn. To do this, cut 32 fifteen inch long strands and set aside.

SCARF
With straight needles, cast on 16 sts.
Row 1: * With yarn in front, sl 1 purlwise; with yarn in back, k1, rep from * across. Rep this row until piece measures 76" from beg, or desired length. Bind off all sts.
Fringe: Put two 15" long strands tog and fold in half. With crochet hook, draw center of strands through first st of cast-on edge of scarf, forming a lp. Pull ends of fringe through this lp. In this manner, make 7 more fringes across cast-on edge of scarf. Work fringe in same manner along bound-off edge of scarf. Trim fringe to even off, if necessary.

Noro Hat - New Crown

Yesterday I had a Noro Hat Pattern. Here is another version of the pattern with a different crown.

It's made from about one and a half skeins of Noro Kureyon color #182 and knit it on a 16 inch size 7 circular and when it got too hard to work with I went to double points.

It's pretty straightforward for a hat. Saartje de Bruijn, the designer of the original has you cast on with 95 stitches. I upped it to 96 just to make the crown decreases work out easier.

You start with 8 rounds of knit, then 4 rounds of purl, then 4 rounds of knit, then 4 rounds of purl. I kept going, alternating 4 rounds of knit and 4 rounds of purl until I had completed six purl sections.

I knit one round then on the next round I K10, k2tog around.

Then a plain knit round; then K9, k2tog around; then a plain round; then K8, k2tog around, then a plain round...

I kept going until there were only 4 stitches on the needles and I pulled the yarn through the stitches snugging them tight and secured it inside the hat weaving it in the ends.

Noro Hat

This is a cool little hat designed by Saartje de Bruijn
It uses Noro Kureyon nr. 92 and 7 (4.5mm) needles. It took a little more than one ball.

Gauge: 4.5 spi

Cast on 95 sts loosely, join in a round.
Straight part
Worked in alternating bands of 4 rows knit, 4 rows purl
1-8: k (8 rnds)
9-12: p (4 rdns)
13-16: k (4 rnds)
17-20: p (4 rdns)
21-24: k (4 rnds)
25-28: p (4 rdns)
29-32: k (4 rnds)
33-36: p (4 rdns)
37-40: k (4 rnds)
41-44: p (4 rdns)
Shape crown
Continue the knit/purl bands, but start decreasing in every second knit round in the knit band.
45: k
46: (k7, k2tog, k8, k2tog) 5 times (85 sts left)
47-48: k
49-52: p (4 rnds)
53: k
54: (k6, k2tog, k7, k2tog) 5 times (75 sts left)
55-56: k
57-60: p (4 rnds)
61: k
62: (k5, k2tog, k6, k2tog) 5 times (65 sts left)
63-64: k
65-68: p (4 rnds)
69: k
70: (k4, k2tog, k5, k2tog) 5times (55 sts left)
71-72: k
73-76: p (4 rnds)
77: k
78: (k3, k2tog, k4, k2tog) 5times (45 sts left)
79-80: k
81-84: p (4 rnds)
85: k
86: (k2, k2tog, k3, k2tog) 5 times (35 sts left)
87-88: k
89-92: p (4 rnds)
93: k
94: (k1, k2tog, k2, k2tog) 5 times (25 sts left)
95-96: k
97-100: p (4 rnds)
101: k
102: (k1, k2tog) 12 times, k1 (13sts left)
103: k
104: (k2tog) 6 times, k 1 (7 sts left)
Break yarn and draw through the 7 sts that are left. Work in yarn ends.
Finished! Enjoy your Noro hat!

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.

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.

Fabulous Needle Sale @ www.knitpicks.com

If you are looking to purchase new circular needles or...how about a set of interchangable circular needles?...

http://www.knitpicks.com/ has a great sale on these items, as well as great prices on yarn. You can sign up to receive their mailing catalog, too.

Check it out!!! This sale ends January 4th!

OK...It's Cold in Austin...

...Cold enough for wearing my felted wool hats! These hats were made from patterns from one of my favorite knitting books: Hip Knit Hats by Cathy Carron!

Reversible Rib Hat

Happy Holidays to All!

A different take on the usual beanie!

Materials:
Yarn: 100g/100yd 1 skein

Stitch Marker

Nedles: size 10 1/2 double pointed needles

Hat size: small (med/large) Finished: 15 1/4" (17 1/4) circumference, 8" height

Pattern:

CO 65 (75) sts. Join in rnd, don't twist yarn.

Rnd 1: *P4, K1, rep from* to end, work even (rep rnd 1) to 5" from beg.

Shape Top

Rnd 1: *P3, K2tog, rep from * to end {52 (60) sts}

Rnd 2: *P3, K1, rep to end

Rep last rnd 2 more times

Rnd 5: *P2, K2tog, rep from* to end {39 (45) sts}

Rnd 6: *P2, K1, rep from * to end

Rep last rnd for 2 more times

Rnd 9: *P1, K2tog, rep from* to end {26 (30) sts}

Rnd 10: *P1, K1, rep from * to end

Rep last rnd for 2 more times

Rnd 13: *K2tog rep from * to end {13 (15) sts}

Rnd 14: K1, *K2tog, rep from * to end {7 (8) sts}

Pull yarn thru all sts to close opening, weave in ends.

Chain Scarf

Yarn: Cascade 220- 1 ball of each

Needles: US 10 1/2 12"circular

Materials: Stitch markers

You can see my scarf is 16 links, but you can make yours as long as you want.

First Link

CO 32 sts. Place marker on RH needle for beginning of rnd.

Join, careful not to twist sts.

Beg St st (knit every rnd), work until piece measures 3" from cast on edge.

BO loosely.

Weave in ends

Rest of Links

CO as first link

Insert the LH needle tip through the center of last link, place marker at beggining of rnd. Join, careful not to twist sts.

Beg St st (knit every rnd), work until piece measures 3" from cast on edge.
BO loosely.

Cont until you have all the links and length you want. Make scarf approx. 6 feet.

Activewear Knitted Cotton Cowl

Are you active outdoors...even in winter? Or, do you know someone that is a runner even in inclimate weather? Well, this knitted cotton cowl will do the trick to keep out the chill.

SKILL LEVEL: Easy
SIZE: One Size
Finished Circumference About 26 in. (66 cm)
Finished Height About 11 in. (28 cm)


MATERIALS
Cotton Yarn weight: 3.00 oz./85 g (103 yd/94 m)
2 Balls or 210 yards of medium weight cotton yarn
Stitch Markers
Circular knitting needle size 10 (6 mm), 24 in. (61 cm) long

GAUGE:
12 sts = 4 in. (10 cm) in St st worked in the rnd (k every rnd). 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:
PATTERN STITCH
K2, p2 Rib (worked in the rnd, multiple of 4 sts)
Rnd 1: *K2, p2, rep from * around.
Rep Rnd 1 for K2, p2 Rib.

COWL
Cast on 80 sts. Join, being careful not to twist sts. Place marker for beg of rnd.
Work in K2, p2 Rib for 1 in. (2.5 cm).
Change to St st worked in the rnd (k every rnd) and work until piece measures about 10 in. (25.5 cm) from beg.
Work in K2, p2 Rib for 1 in. (2 cm). Bind off.

FINISHING
Weave in ends.

Squares and PomPom Scarf

Find a great yarn, and in Garter Stitch, knit 12 (or as many as you want) squares and with a pompom maker, make enough pompoms to connect the squares together as in the photo. this is a quick fun scarf that makes a great gift.

...And sometimes it's the Pattern...Pearl Scarf

Pearl is a skinny scarf of Pearls that are created by increasing and decreasing at regular intervals. The tassels are encased within the first and last Pearl. I knit the scarf with Noro yarn.






One size

SIZE
Approximately 2” wide at widest point (side edges curl under) x 60” long (Including tassels)

MATERIALS
2 Skeins: Noro Kureyon Yarn
Fiber Content: Wool
Ball Weight: 50g
Yardage: 109 yds.
Texture: Plied Yarn
Worsted Gauge: 18(Stitches per 4.0 inches/10cm.)
Needle Sizes: 8-9 U.S. (4.5-5mm)
Care: Dry Clean According to Label



Straight knitting needles, size 9 (5.50 mm) OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE Tapestry needle

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

PATTERN STITCH
Row 1 (RS): * K3 tog, rep from * across – 10 sts.
Row 2: Purl.
Row 3: Knit.
Row 4: Purl.
Row 5: * K in front, back, then front of next st, rep from * across – 30 sts.
Row 6: Purl.
Row 7: Knit.
Row 8: Purl.
Rep these 8 rows for Pat St.

SCARF
With straight needles, cast on 30 sts. Work even in St st for 4 rows, end on WS. Work even in Pat St until piece measures approximately 54” from beg, end on Row 8. Bind off.

FINISHING
Sew side edges of cast-on end of scarf tog up to second narrow stripe. Repeat on bound-off end.

Tassels (Make 2): Cut eighty 8” long strands of yarn and two 16” long strands. Put shorter strands tog and tie in the center with one longer strand. Thread ends of long strand into tapestry needle; insert ends into cast-on end of scarf and through second narrow stripe from the inside out. Pull tassel into sewn end of scarf so that cast-on end of scarf fits down over top of tassel. Wrap ends of strand in tapestry needle around scarf several times and fasten off securely. Pull end of scarf down over top of tassel as far as possible. Wrap second 16” long strand around first narrow stripe tightly and fasten off securely. The cast-on end of scarf will roll back slightly giving the appearance of a ruffled edge. Repeat on the bound-off end of scarf with second tassel.

Sometimes it's the Yarn That Makes it Amazing!

Even a simple scarf can look sensational by using amazing yarn(s).

With this scarf I used 10 different yarns and knitted long. I cast on 110 stitches and changed yarns every 3 rows.

PolarKnit Yarn w/ Classic Beanie Pattern

Another fun yarn in great colors and weight is from PolarKnit!

Using 2 balls of PolarKnit Chunky Weight, you can create a cute, fast and warm beanie hat!

Materials: 2 balls of PolarKnit™ (50g) -- shown in colors "Leap Frog" and "Mallard" - 1 ball of each color One set of Size 10.75 U.S. (7mm) double pointed needles.

HINT: If you knit with a very tight tension, it is recommended that you knit this pattern with Size 11 U.S. (8mm) double pointed needles. Size 10.75 U.S. (7mm) circular needles 16" long (optional)Size 11 U.S. (8mm) straight needle Stitch markers Tapestry needleAbbreviations: dpn = double pointed needles k = knit K2tog = knit two stitches together p = purl SSK = slip, slip, knit two slipped stitches together st(s) = stitch(es)

Directions:
1. Using your 8mm straight needle, cast on 64 sts.
2. Transfer these sts onto either your Size 10.75 U.S. (7mm) dpn or your Size 10.75 U.S.(7mm) circular needle.
3. Begin a rib pattern of K2, P2 and continue in the round. Knit this rib pattern until your hat measures 3 inches from the cast on edge (about 18 rows).

Directions To Decrease Crown:
1. The rest of the hat will be knit in stocking stitch.
Row 1: *K1, SSK, K11, K2tog, place marker* repeat three more times. (56 sts)
Row 2: Knit row.
Row 3: Knit row.
Row 4: *K1, SSK, K9, K2tog* repeat three more times. (48 sts)
Row 5: Knit row.
Row 6: Knit row.
Row 7: *K1, SSK, K7, K2tog* repeat three more times. (40 sts)
Row 8: Knit row.
Row 9: Knit row. (Switch to dpn if you are using a circular needle.)
Row 10: *K1, SSK, K5, K2tog* repeat three more times. (32 sts)
Row 11: Knit row.
Row 12: *K1, SSK, K3, K2tog* repeat three more times. (24 sts)
Row 13: *K1, SSK, K1, K2tog* repeat three more times. (16 sts)
Row 14: *K2tog* repeat until end of row, 8 sts will remain.

2. Break yarn and thread yarn through remaining stitches. Draw tightly and secure.Finishing: Always machine wash your finished garment to rid it of residual fluff.

And if you find you like knitting with PolarKnit Yarn, check out their Mega Yarn at:http://www.polarknit.com/itoolkit.asp?pg=YARN

Ashford Shawl

For those knitters that are just starting out or live in a really cold climate, make yourself an Ashford Shawl.

It's made with a Fisherman's Wool Yarn, like:

Lion Brand Yarn Fisherman' Wool
Weight Category: 4
8.00 oz./227 g (465 yd/425 m) size 9 needles

Authentic 100% Pure Virgin Wool with natural lanolin oil, or any other 100% wool yarn.

GAUGE:
18 stitches + 22 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in Pattern stitch. 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 fewer 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.


SHAWL Cast on 91 stitches. Row 1: Knit 1, *purl 1, knit 1; repeat from * across. Row 2: Knit. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until almost all yarn has been used. Bind off.
FINISHING Weave in ends.

Easy Self- Fringing Shawl or Scarf

Materials: one to two skeins of yarn (it depends on whether you want to make a scarf or a shawl) and needles to match gauge. Circular needles are recommended.


You should do a gauge test to see how large your project will turn out.


Directions are for scarf first, followed by shawl in parentheses.

All rows are knit in garter stitch.


Cast on 6 (7) sts.


First half- increase rows


Row 1: knit
Row 2: K1 include next st by knitting into the front and back, place marker, K4 (5)
Row 3: K4 (5), slip marker to right hand needle, K to end of row
Row 4: K to 1 st before marker, inc, slip marker, K4 (5)


Repeat rows 3 and 4 until half the yarn is used or until scarf/ shawl is half a big as you want, ending with Row 3.


Second half- decrease rows

Row 5: K to 2 sts. before marker, K2tog, slip marker, K4 (5)
Row 6: Repeat row 3


Repeat Rows 5 and 6 until 7 (8) sts. remain

Finish:
Row 7: K1, K2tog, K4 (5)
Row 8: Knit
Row 9: K2tog, remove marker leaving 4 (5) unworked sts. on left-hand needle. Cut working end approx. 6 (7)' and pull through the st. just worked.


Unravel the unworked 4 (5) sts. forming the fringe. Knot fringe close to base if desired.

The Noro Striped Scarf

Everybody's knitting one...