...More Quick Gifts...Pretty Potholders

Are you a "qwik-knitter" LOL...whip up a couple of these potholders and gift them with a great bottle of Olive Oil or spices.

About 6 x 6 in. (15 x 15 cm)

MATERIALS
• 760-136 Lion Brand Lion Cotton Yarn: Clove 1 Ball (A)
• 760-159 Lion Brand Lion Cotton Yarn: Mustard 1 Ball (B)
• 760-146 Lion Brand Lion Cotton Yarn: Fuchsia 1 Ball (C)
• Knitting Needles - Size 7 [4.5 mm]
• Double-Pointed Needles - Size 7
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles

GAUGE:
17 sts = about 4 in. (10 cm) in Garter st (k every st of every row).
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:
kfb (knit into front and back)
An increase worked as follows:
1.Knit the next st through the front loop, but do not remove the st from your left hand needle.
2.Knit the same st once more, this time inserting your needle through the back loop of the st. You will have created 2 loops (sts) on your right hand needle.
3.Drop the st from your left hand needle – you will have increased 1 st.

FRONT
Note: Front and Back of Potholder are worked in random color stripes. Cast on and work Increase Section with A,
then change color as desired to work Decrease Section.
With A and straight needles, cast on 3 sts.

Increase Section
Increase Row: K to last 2 sts, kfb in next st, k last st – 4 sts at the end of this row.
Rep Increase Row until you have 35 sts on your needle.

Decrease Section
Decrease Row: K to last 3 sts, k2tog, k last st – 34 sts at the end of this row.
Rep Decrease Row until you have 3 sts on your needle.
Bind off.

BACK
Make same as Front, changing color as desired.

FINISHING
Sew Front and Back together.
Attached I cord border
Notes:
1.I-cord is attached to Potholder at the same time the cord is knit.
2.I-cord is worked on 2 double-pointed needles (dpns).
Work attached I-cord Border as follows:
With B, cast 3 sts onto one double-pointed needle. Beg at one corner of Potholder, *insert needle through both
layers of Potholders, pick up one st and place on dpn – 4 sts on dpn. Slide sts to other end of needle and k2, k2tog.
Rep from * to next corner.
Hanging Loop: Work I-cord without picking up sts from Potholders as follows:
**Do not turn work. Slide sts to other end of needle and k across. Rep from ** for 11 more rows, then pick up next
st in corner (to the left of the corner), to join hanging loop to Potholder.
Work attached I-cord border around rem des of Potholder, picking up sts evenly spaced around and 3 sts in each of
the remaining corners. Do not bind off.
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Draw tail through rem 3 sts, then use tail to sew end of cord to beg of cord.
Weave in ends.

Cowl, Cowl and More Cowls!

It's been a few days since my last blog, busy wrapping gifts and more important, busy making gifts.

To all my Northern friends... You're getting a fabulously warm, thick cowl.

Here are a few examples of what I've been doing...and the yarns are from knit collage, and pagewood farm.
The needle I used was a 19 circular 16 in.

Let me know if you would like the easy pattern.

The Cowl and More!

A little shaping goes a long way to looking spectacular!


FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Length: 40 inches
Width: 34 inches
Note: Measurement taken after blocking.

MATERIALS
Yarn
Manos del Uruguay [100% wool; 138yd/126m per 100g skein]
[MC] G-Coffee; 1 skein
[CC] 115-Flame; 2 skeins


Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below -- every knitter's gauge is unique]
1 40-inch US #10/6mm circular needle
1 set US #10/6 mm double-point needles (for I-Cord loop; only two are used)
Notions
3 stitch markers
1 toggle or button (optional)
Yarn needle

GAUGE
14 sts/20 rows = 4 inches in stockinette st

PATTERN NOTES
yo2: Yarn over twice (wrap yarn twice around right needle, from front to back)

DIRECTIONS
Stockinette Section:
Using MC, CO 42 sts.
K 3 rows.
Set-up Row [RS]: K2, [yo, k8, yo, k1, place marker, k1] three times, yo, k8, yo, k2. 50 sts.
Next Row [WS]: K2, p to last 2 sts, k2.
Next Row [RS]: K2, [yo, k to 1 st before marker, yo, k1, slip marker, k1] three times, yo, k to last 2 sts, yo, k2.
Repeat these 2 rows 14 times more. 170 sts. Break MC and join CC.

Lace Column Section:
Note: In the following directions, a semi-colon denotes the end of a section indicated by the placement of a marker. In order to make the directions easier to read, the few differences between Row 1 and Row 3 are shown in bold type.
Row 1 [RS]: K2, yo, k4, [yo2, k2tog, k2tog] to 1 st before first marker, yo, k1; k1, yo, [k2tog, k2tog, yo2]
to 5 sts before next marker, k4, yo, k1; k1, yo, k4, [yo2, k2tog, k2tog] to 1 st before next marker, yo, k1;
k1, yo, [k2tog, k2tog, yo2] to last 6 sts, k4, yo, k2. 8 sts increased.
Row 2 [WS]: K2, p to last 2 sts, working [k1, p1] into each yo2, k2.
Row 3 [RS]: K2, yo, k2, [yo2, k2tog, k2tog] to 1 st before first marker, yo, k1; k1, yo, [k2tog, k2tog, yo2]
to 3 sts before next marker, k2, yo, k1; k1, yo, k2, [yo2, k2tog, k2tog] to 1 st before next marker, yo, k1;
k1, yo, [k2tog, k2tog, yo2] to last 4 sts, k2, yo, k2. 8 sts increased.
Row 4 [WS]: Work as for Row 2.
Repeat Rows 1-4 seven times more. 298 sts.
K 4 rows. Loosely BO all sts.

FINISHING
Weave in ends and block. Note that shawl shown was blocked gently, only enough to open the lace pattern
and smooth the edges.

Button Loop (optional):
Using double-point needle and MC, CO 3 sts. Work I-Cord until cord forms a loop long enough to fit around button or toggle (loop shown measures 5 inches). BO all sts.
Sew ends of cord to side edge of shawl, using photos as guides; loop shown has been sewn approx. 4 inches down from upper edge.
Sew button or toggle to other side edge, opposite loop.
Weave in remaining ends.

Your First Sweater

OK, you've made your scarves and cowls and wraps...it's time for an easy sweater...it's only 4 pieces...come on newbie...give it a shot!

SIZE: XS, Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X, 3X
Finished Bust 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54) in. (76 (86.5, 96.5, 106.5, 117, 127, 137) cm)
Finished Waist 25 (29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49) in. (63.5 (73.5, 84, 94, 104, 114.5, 124.5) cm)
Finished Length 23 (23 1/2, 24, 24 1/2, 25, 25 1/2, 26) in. (58.5 (59.5, 61, 62, 63.5, 65, 66) cm)
Note: Pattern is written for smallest size with changes for larger sizes in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To follow pattern more easily, circle all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

MATERIALS
• 825-210 Lion Brand Amazing Yarn: Joshua Tree 5 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Balls
• Crochet Hook - Size H-8
• Knitting Needles- Size 9 [5.5 mm]
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles (Set of 6)

GAUGE:
17 sts + 22 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in St st (k on RS, p on RS) on larger needles. 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:
kfb (knit into front and then back)
An increase worked as follows:
1. Knit the next st through the front loop, but do not remove the st from your left hand needle.
2. Knit the same st once more, this time inserting your needle through the back loop of the st. You will have created 2 loops (sts) on your right hand needle.
3. Drop the st from your left hand needle - you have increased 1 st.

sk2p (slip-k2tog-pass slipped st over) A double decrease worked as follows:
1. Insert right needle as if to knit, and slip the next st from the left needle to the right needle.
2. Knit the next 2 sts together.
3. With tip of left needle, lift the slipped st (the 2nd st on right needle) up and over the k2tog (first st on right needle)
and off the needle - you have decreased 2 sts.
ssk (slip, slip, knit) Slip next 2 sts as if to knit, one at a time, to right needle; insert left needle into fronts of these 2
sts and knit them tog - 1 st decreased.

NOTES:
1. Pullover is worked in 4 pieces; Back, Front, and 2 Sleeves. Each piece is worked from lower edge up.
2. Crochet slip sts are worked as edging on Sleeves, neck and lower edge of Pullover. If desired, you may work a knit edging instead. To work a knit edging, pick up evenly spaced sts around neck, Sleeves or lower edge of Pullover. Without working any rows, bind off all sts.

BACK
Cast on 64 (72, 81, 89, 98, 106, 115).
Work in St st (k on RS, p on RS) work until piece measures about 2
1/2 in. (6.5 cm) from beg, end with a WS 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.

Shape Waist
Decrease Row (RS): K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1 - 62 (70,
79, 87, 96, 104, 113) sts at the end of this row.
Work even in St st for 5 rows (work even means to work without
increasing or decreasing).
Rep last 6 rows 4 more times - 54 (62, 71, 79, 88, 96, 105) sts rem.
Increase Row (RS): K1, kfb, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 - 56 (64, 73,
81, 90, 98, 107) sts at the end of this row.
Work even in St st for 5 rows.
Rep last 6 rows 4 more times - 64 (72, 81, 89, 98,106, 115) sts
when all increases have been completed.
Work even in pattern as established until piece measures 15 in. (38 cm) from beg, end with a WS row.

Shape Armhole
Bind off 3 (4, 4, 5, 6, 6, 6) sts at the beg of next 2 rows - 58 (64, 73, 79, 86, 94, 103) sts rem.
Bind off 2 (3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 5) sts at the beg of next 2 (2, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4) rows - 54 (58, 61, 63, 66, 74, 83) sts rem.
Decrease Row (RS): K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1 - 52 (56,
59, 61, 64, 72, 81) sts at the end of this row.
Next Row: Purl.
Rep last 2 rows 2 (3, 3, 3, 3, 5, 8) times - 48 (50, 53, 55, 58, 62, 65) sts rem, then work even in St st until armhole measures 7 (7 1/2, 8, 8 1/2, 9, 9 1/2, 10) in. (18 (19, 20.5, 21.5, 23, 24, 25.5) cm), end with a WS row.

Shape Shoulders
Continue in St st, working shoulder shaping as follows: Bind off 3 (3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 5) sts at beg of next 2 rows - 42 (44, 47, 47, 48, 52, 55) sts rem.
Bind off 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5) sts at beg of next 4 rows.
Bind off rem 34 (36, 35, 35, 36, 36, 35) sts.

FRONT
Work same as Back until armhole measures 6 (6 1/2, 7, 7 1/2, 8, 8
1/2, 9) in. (15 (16.5, 18, 19, 20.5, 21.5, 23) cm), end with a WS
row - 48 (50, 53, 55, 58, 62, 65) sts.

Shape Neck
Next Row (RS): K16 (16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24) sts for first shoulder; join a 2nd ball of yarn and bind off next 16 (18, 17, 17, 18, 18, 17) sts for neck, k to end of row for 2nd shoulder - 16 (16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24) sts for each shoulder.
Work both shoulders at the same time using separate balls of yarn.
Next Row (WS): Purl across first shoulder; on 2nd shoulder, bind
off 2 sts, purl to end.
Next Row (RS): Knit across first shoulder; on 2nd shoulder, bind
off 2 sts, k to end - 14 (14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22) sts rem on each
shoulder.
Rep last 2 rows 2 more times - 10 (10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18) sts rem
for each shoulder.

Shape Shoulders

Next Row (WS): Bind off 3 (3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 5) sts,
p to end of first shoulder; on 2nd shoulder, p to end of row.
Next Row (RS): Bind off 3 (3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 5) sts, k to last 3 sts of first shoulder, k2tog, k1; on 2nd shoulder, k1, ssk, k to end of row - 6 (6, 8, 8, 8, 10, 12) sts rem on each shoulder.
Next Row (WS): Bind off 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5) sts, p to end of first shoulder; on 2nd shoulder, p to end of row.
Next Row (RS): Bind off 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5) sts, k to last 3 sts of first shoulder, k2tog, k1; on 2nd shoulder, k1, ssk, k to end of row - 3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 6) sts rem on each shoulder.
Next Row (WS): Bind off 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5) sts, and fasten off last st on first shoulder; on 2nd shoulder, p to end of row.
Next Row (RS): Bind off 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5) sts, fasten off last st.

SLEEVE (make 2)
Cast on 34 (36, 38, 40, 42, 42, 42) sts.
Beg with a knit row, work in St st for 6 rows.
Increase Row (RS): K1, kfb, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 - 36 (38, 40,
42, 44, 44, 44) sts at the end of this row.
Work even in St st for 5 (5, 5, 5, 3, 3, 3) rows.
Rep Increase Row - 38 (40, 42, 44, 46, 46, 46) sts at the end of this row.
Rep last 6 (6, 6, 6, 4, 4, 4) rows 2 (2, 2, 3, 4, 10, 14) more times - 42 (44, 46, 50, 54, 66, 74) sts when all increases have been
completed.
Work even in St st for 7 rows.
Rep Increase Row - 44 (46, 48, 52, 56, 68, 76) sts at the end of this row.
Rep last 8 rows 4 (4, 4, 4, 5, 3, 2) more times - 52 (54, 56, 60, 66, 74, 80) sts when all increases are complete.
Work even in St st until piece measures 19 (19 1/2, 19 1/2, 20, 20, 20 1/2, 20 1/2) in. (48.5 (49.5, 49.5, 51, 51, 52, 52) cm) from beg, with a RS row.

Shape Cap (top of Sleeve)
Bind off 3 (4, 4, 5, 6, 6, 6) sts at the beg of next 2 rows - 46 (46, 48, 50, 54, 62, 68) sts rem.
Bind off 2 (2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 5) sts at the beg of next 2 rows - 42 (42, 42, 42, 44, 52, 58) sts.
Work even in St st for 3 rows.
Decrease Row (RS): K1, sk2p, k to last 3 sts, sk2p, k1 - 38 (38,
38, 38, 40, 48, 54) sts at the end of this row.
Rep last 4 rows 3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5) more time(s) - 26 (26, 26, 26, 28, 32, 34) sts rem.
Work even in St st until piece measures 4 (4 1/2, 5, 5 1/2, 5 1/2, 5 1/2, 6) in. (10, 11.5, 12.5, 14, 14, 14, 15) cm) above beginning of cap shaping, end with a WS row.
Decrease Row (RS): K1, sk2p, k to last 3 sts, sk2p, k1 - 22 (22,
22, 22, 24, 28, 30) sts at the end of this row.
Work even in St st for 3 rows.
Rep Decrease Row - 18 (18, 18, 18, 20, 24, 26) sts rem.
Rep last 4 rows until 14 (14, 14, 14, 16, 16, 18) sts rem.
Bind off 4 (4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows.
Bind off rem 6 sts.

FINISHING
Sew shoulder seams. Sew Sleeves into armholes. Sew side and Sleeve seams.
Neck Edging
Note: If you'd rather not work a crochet edging, see Note #2 at beg of pattern.
From RS with crochet hook, join yarn with a sl st on neck edge at one shoulder seam. Sl st evenly around neck edge.
Fasten off.

Lower Edging
From RS with crochet hook, join yarn with a sl st on neck edge at one side seam. Work edging around lower edge.

Sleeve Edging
From RS with crochet hook, join yarn with a sl st at one Sleeve seam. Work edging around Sleeve. Rep on rem Sleeve.
Weave in ends.

Ruffle Cape

It's a sweater...not it's a poncho...no it's a cape and it's going to keep you toasty!

Finished Measurements
Width 24in/ 61cm
Length 50in/ 127cm

Yarn
Misti Alpaca Chunky (100% baby alpaca, 100g = approx. 108 yards/ 100 meters)
10 hanks or Misti Alpaca Tonos Chunky (50% baby alpaca/ 50% fine merino, 100 g = approx. 108 yards/ 100 meters 10 hanks

Needles
U.S. 10 (6 mm) needles or size necessary to obtain gauge

Gauge/Tension
12 sts = 4 in/ 10 cm in garter stitch

Knitting Notes

The ruffle effect is achieved by a method called Short Row Shaping, commonly
indicated in patterns as "wrap and turn" and abbreviated as w&t.
To work short rows:
1. With yarn in back, slip the next stitch purlwise.
2. Pass the yarn between the needles to the front of the work.
3. Slip the same stitch back to the left needle, then turn the work (yarn is in the back of the work).
4. Knit back to the beginning edge.
For a smooth edge: Purl the last stitch of every row, and slip the first stitch of every row
knitwise.
All measurements are approximate.

To knit
CO 72 st.
Rows 1 - 4: Knit.
*Work short rows as follows:
Row 5: K6, w&t.
Row 6: Knit.
Row 7: K12, w&t.
Row 8: Knit.
Row 9: K18, w&t.
Row 10: Knit.
Row 11: K24, w&t.
Row 12: Knit.
Row 13: K30, w&t.
Row 14: Knit.
Row 15: K36, w&t.
Row 16: Knit.
Rows 17 - 20: Knit.*
Rpt from * to *, ending with 4 rows of garter and approx 6 yards/5.5 meters of yarn rem. BO loosely.

Finishing:
Weave in ends.

Abbreviations
approx = approximately
BO = bind off
CO = cast on
k = knit
rem = remain/remaining
rpt = repeat
st/sts = stitch/stitches
w&t = wrap and turn

On the Road...Knit up a Travel Blanket!

This blanket is small enough to bring on the airplane or keep in the car...wherever you go, don't forget your wobbie!

One size

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 30” x 36” (Not including wrap)

MATERIALS
2 Hanks BERROCO VINTAGE (100 grs), #5105 Oats and 1 hank each #5122 Bananne, #5112 Minty, #5192 Chana Dal, #5121 Sunny, #5125 Aquae, #5179 Chocolate, #5156 Cork, #5185 Tide Pool, #5176 Pumpkin,
#5184 Sloe Berry, #5182 Black Currant, #5175 Fennel, #5183 Lilacs, #5134 Sour Cherry, #5177, Douglas Fir, #5123 Blush and #5150 Berries
Straight knitting needles, size 8 (5.00 mm) OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE Crochet hook, size 5.00 mm (H-8)
Five 1” button

GAUGE
18 sts = 4”; 32 rows = 4” in Seed St
TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE SEED STITCH (Odd number of sts)

Row 1: K1, * p1, k1, rep from * across.
Rep this row for Seed St.
NOTE
This throw is made in 3 strips

THROW
Strip 1: With straight needles, using #5105, cast on 45 sts. Keeping 2 sts at each edge in St st and remaining sts in Seed St, work even for 7”, end on WS.
Change to #5129 and work even for 7”, end on WS.
Change to #5179 and work even for 3”, end on WS. Change to #5176 and work even for 8”, end on WS.
Change to #5175 and work even for 3”, end on WS. Change to #5177 and work even for 8”, end on WS.
Strip should measure 36” from beg. Bind off.
Strip 2: With straight needles, using #5122, cast on 45 sts. Keeping 2 sts at each edge in St st and remaining sts in Seed St, work even for 5”, end on WS. Change to #5121 and work even for 7”, end on WS.
Change to #5156 and work even for 8”, end on WS. Change to #5184 and work even for 5”, end on WS.
Change to #5183 and work even for 7”, end on WS. Change to #5123 and work even for 4”, end on WS.
Change to #5105 and work even for 11”, end on WS. Strip should measure 47” from beg. Bind off.
Strip 3: With straight needles, using #5112, cast on 45 sts. Keeping 2 stseach edge in St st and remaining sts in Seed St, work even for 7”, end on WS. Change to #5125 and work even for 7”, end on WS.
Change to #5185 and work even for 3”, end on WS. Change to #5182 and work even for 8”, end on WS. Change to #5134 and work even for 3”, end on WS. Change to #5150 and work even for 8”, end on WS. Strip should measure 36” from beg. Bind off.

FINISHING
Sew strips together, following diagram.
Buttonloops: With RS facing, using crochet hook, join #5105 with a sl st in first st on bound-off edge of Strip 2. Ch 1, working 1 sc in each bound-off st, work 3 sc’s, ch 2, skip 2 sc’s, * work 7 sc’s, ch 2, skip 2 sc’s, rep from * 3 times more, work in sc to end. Fasten off. Fold blanket in thirds lengthwise along seams
between strips. Starting at cast-on edge, roll blanket towards bound-off edge. When 3 strips are rolled, wrap #5105 single section in center around roll. Mark placement of 5 buttons under buttonloops. Unroll blanket and sew on buttons.

O-Ring Cowl...Keep That Neck Warm!

This cowl will keep you oh-so warm and it's oh-so easy to knit!

Materials:
1 skein Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Rich Chocolate
4.5 mm 16” circular needles (U.S. size 7)
1 stitch marker

Gauge:
4 inches = 16 stitches/24 rows in stockinette stitch

Stitch Guide:
Inc: Increase. To increase, insert the tip of the right needle into the stitch below the one you are about to knit and slip it onto the left needle. Knit the new stitch through the back loop.
K2tog: Knit next two stitches together.

Instructions
Cast on 84 stitches, place marker, and join to knit in the round.
Knit for 11 rounds.
Round 12: *Inc 1, k1. Rep from * to end.
Rounds 13 through 18: Knit.
Round 19: *K2tog. Rep from * to end.
Rounds 20 through 25: Knit.
Repeat rounds 12 to 25 two more times. Knit 4 rounds more. Cast off.

Finishing
Sew in the ends, steam block and wear.