Knitting Daily : Crochet

All Hail the Snood!

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

"Snood" sounds like a Dr. Seuss creature, doesn't it? The snood has been around for quite a while—remember those hairnet type things in the 40s? They were the quintessential woman's look of the era, and when I see a photo of one or someone wearing one in a movie, that era is evoked perfectly. Today's snood is something altogether different—no hairnet involved!—it's really a garment that is part scarf, part hood, part scarf.

Even though the media is calling this accessory a snood, I think it's really better named an infinity scarf—no beginning or end—and you can wear it an infinite number of ways: as a hood, scarf, or shawl.

In our Tuned in to Knitting Daily TV blog, we recently welcomed Adina Klein, creative director for Tahki Stacy Charles and former editor in chief of knit.1 and Vogue Knitting magazines. She had this to say about the snood: "The fashion industry is touting the snood (a cross between a scarf and a hood) and the infinity scarf, or moebius, as the hot new accessories for winter 2009. Featured this week in the Wall Street Journal and last week on Oprah, these fashion scarves are hitting the mainstream and mass-market retail. But there's no need to tell knitters how fantastic they are—we have long been cultists of the moebius (a rectangle that has been twisted 180 degrees) as an easy and versatile project that is inherently reversible."

I took a stroll through our pattern store, and here's what popped out at me "snood-wise":


Lacy Kerchief Scarf	Mossy Cowl	Pfeiffer Falls Hooded Scarf
Lisa Daehlin	Katie Himmelberg	Anne Kuo Lukito

The Lacy Kerchief Scarf can be worn as a shawl, a scarf, or as a kerchief. To get the kerchief look, simply drape the widest part of the piece over your head, with the lace edge at the back, and then cross the ends at your neck and toss them over your shoulders. Very Doris Day. The Mossy Cowl is an easy crochet project, and it's a free pattern, too! You can wear it as a cowl, or pull it up over your head for for a hood look. The Pfeiffer Falls Hooded Scarf is a lovely hood-scarf combo that's perfect for this time of year!


Twilight Lace	Nomad Hat and Scarf	Candy Stripes Kerchief
Laura Wallins	Kat Coyle	Kat Coyle

Twilight Lace is a stunning scarf/wrap/hood that you can dress up or down. I think it's really gorgeous in the white silk-mohair blend shown in the photo. Perfect for holiday wear! The cozy Nomad Hat and Scarf is a wonderful combo that's interesting to knit and will keep the wearer warm and stylish all winter. Candy Stripes Kerchief is one of those simple patterns that's endlessly versatile: it knits up so quickly, and you can use any color combo. Silver-gray and white anyone? This one would look look like a million bucks with a little sparkle, too.

A Free Moebius Pattern

Today we give you a new take on the moebius with the Endless Love moebius, knit in a lovely lace pattern that's simple enough for even beginners to knit.

The Endless Love moebius is knit on a size 8 US circular needle. Just like everlasting love, this moebius has no end and no beginning.

This is a two-skein pattern (you'll need about 325 yards of a worsted weight yarn, like the new Tahki Stacy Charles yarn Dove).

Here's a video demo of Adina making the Endless Love moebius in Episode 303 of Knitting Daily TV:

(Please visit the site to view this media)

If you're working on a moebius, infinity scarf, or snood, share a photo in the reader gallery!

Cheers,

Kathleen

I Need a Hat: The Knitted Slouch

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

I am NOT one of those people who looks great in hats, especially the beanie-type hat. I wear those hats in the winter when I have too, but I much prefer the beret style hat or the slouch hat.

It was in the 30s this weekend in Spokane—it's getting hard to remember those 95-degree days when all I wanted for Christmas was a fan. I need a hat now, and I can't wait for the holidays to get one as a gift.

So, I was trolling through the free patterns on Knitting Daily, and I decided to try the Barrymore Slouch Hat by Lisa Shroyer from our recent free eBook, 6 Free Easy Knitting Patterns. This hat is really easy and quick-to-knit, and it's also stylish and warm. Some slouchy hats don't cover the ears, which isn't an option for this climate. The Barrymore Hat actually has built-in ear flaps tucked under the band for extra coziness.

This hat has a lot of design features, such as the garter rows every so often and the buttons on the side. I have quite a collection of buttons from my great gramma, my gramma, and my mom (not to mention my own OCD button-shopping tendencies). I keep them in a vintage Crisco jar, which just adds to the charm of the collection.

I usually find just the right button in that jar, and it gets replenished regularly from various sources (tell people you have a button collection, and you never know what you'll get).

Building Skills: No Slouching!

This project uses several basic skills and some more intermediate techniques that add just a bit of a challenge. You'll do your basic knitting in the round plus a slip stitch row and a purl row each time you switch colors. You'll also pick up stitches with a crochet hook

If you're new to knitting in the round, here's a quick tutorial from Knitting Daily TV that shows how to join in the round when using both circular needles and double-pointed needles. You'll learn a couple of tips in this video clip, too, including how to keep a round marker on the needles when you're using double-points.

(Please visit the site to view this media)

I have two black coats and one silver down vest, so I think I'll knit this hat out of a dark gray and a silver gray merino wool. Should be beautiful. (Or maybe some red and silver?)

Get the Barrymore Slouch Hat pattern and five more easy knitting pattern when you download your free eBook!

Cheers,

Kathleen

Knit up a Blizzard (Scarf), Plus a Free Edging Pattern!

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

A note from Kathleen: I'm always inspired by each new issue of PieceWork magazine, and the November/December issue doesn't disappoint. It hits newsstands on November 3, and I think there are some projects in there that will have you running to your local yarn shop to pick up supplies for holiday gifts. Here to talk about the November/December issue of PieceWork magazine is editor Jeane Hutchins. She recommends some heirloom quality knitted accessories to both keep you warm this winter and to present to your loved ones this holiday season.

You'll want to pick up your copy of PieceWork right away (or order a subscription here) so you can get started on some of these projects. In fact, why not get started right now on the free border pattern near the end of this email! It's a beautiful, classic pattern that ace-knitter Ann Budd adapted from a Victorian-English pattern book.

Here's Jeane to introduce this fabulous new issue of PieceWork.

A Blizzard of Knitting

It snowed in Colorado last week—big, puffy flakes fell from the sky for hours. Watching them was mesmerizing; waking up the next morning to a snow-covered landscape was one of those special Colorado moments. With temperatures in the teens though, I really wished I had Inna Voltchkova’s glorious Meteliza Scarf from the November/December issue of PieceWork around my neck!

Inna, who grew up in Ukraine and learned to knit when she was ten, used an angora yarn named Blizzard for the scarf; "meteliza" is the Russian word for “blizzard.”

The yarn evoked memories of Inna’s childhood, in particular her angora knitted hat whose earflap shape she used for this scarf along with traditional Orenburg lace motifs—Cat’s Paw and Mouse Print. In Orenburg lore, the cats are chasing the mice!

Do check out the christening bag project in this issue, too. The first ninety rounds are knitted; the remainder is worked in broomstick lace, a form of crochet.

The designer, Karen Hooton, became intrigued with broomstick lace a number of years ago, and her combination of the two techniques is brilliant. I am always amazed by the ingenuity of our contributors.

The small, child’s hat shown here is in Jacqueline Fee’s collection of “homeless knittings.”

Jacqueline, intrigued by its unusual three-rib construction, which allows the hat to expand into the fullness of a beret, recreated it. It definitely will delight the lucky child who receives it.

Since this is last issue of the year, our thoughts turned to the holidays (and the first snowfall of the season helped). Nancy Bush’s evening stockings knitted with yarn that has a touch of glitter will be perfect for a holiday party.

The small heart-shaped ornaments are quick-to-knit projects; they were worked in two weights of yarn: fingering and sport. Use them as ornaments for holiday trees and package adornments.

We also hope they will inspire you to enter PieceWork's 2010 contest-Heart Ornaments. You could win $500 in cash!

We know you'll enjoy all this issue of PieceWork has to offer. We sure enjoyed putting it together for you.

—Jeane

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A Wheat-Ear Border to Knit
Adapted by Ann Budd

If you’re searching for another quick-to-make idea, here’s a small project from our archives. Ann Budd adapted “The Wheat-Ear Border” from Volume 2 of Weldon’s Practical Needlework, a popular source for patterns in Victorian England. She used size 8 pearl cotton thread and size 0000 (1.3 mm) needles. We attached the edging to pillowcases, but that’s just one possibility. I think the edging will make a spectacular garland on a holiday tree!

CO 20 sts. P 1 row. Work Rows 1–16 until piece is desired length. BO all sts.
Row 1: (RS) Sl 1, k1, yo, k2tog, yo, (k2tog) 3 times, k2, yo, k3, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, (yo) twice, k2—22sts.
Row 2: K3, p1, k3, p13, k2.
Row 3: Sl 1, k1, yo, k2tog, (k3tog) twice, yo, k1, yo, k2, (k2tog, yo) twice, k5—20 sts.
Row 4: BO 2 sts, k4, p8, p2tog, p1, k2—17 sts.
Row 5: Sl 1, k1, yo, k3tog, yo, k3, yo, k2, (k2tog, yo) twice, k1, (yo) twice, k2—20 sts.
Row 6: K3, p1, k3, p11, k2.
Row 7: Sl 1, k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, (k2, k2tog, yo) twice, k2tog, yo, k5—22 sts.
Row 8: BO 2 sts, k4, p13, k2.
Row 9: Sl 1, k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, (ssk) twice, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, (yo) twice, k2—23 sts.
Row 10: K3, p1, k3, p14, k2.
Row 11: Sl 1, k1, (yo, k2tog) twice, k2, yo, k1, yo, (ssk) twice, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, k2tog, yo, k5—22 sts.
Row 12: BO 2 sts, k3, p3tog, p2tog, p9, k2—17 sts.
Row 13: Sl 1, k1, (yo, k2tog) twice, k2, yo, k3, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, k1, (yo) twice, k2—20 sts.
Row 14: K3, p1, k3, p11, k2.
Row 15: Sl 1, k1, (yo, k2tog) twice, k2, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k5—22 sts.
Row 16: BO 2sts, k4 p13, k2—20 sts.

Wet-block edging to open up and set the lace pattern.

Fall Favorites: Versatile Knitted Wraps

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

It's getting down into the 20s and 30s here in Spokane, so it's time to bundle up! I've amassed quite the collection of cozy scarves, but the one I go to more than any other is a large, simple rectangle that I can wear as a scarf or as a wrap. My favorite way to wear it is around my shoulders with a shawl pin.

One of the most popular knitwear designs of this fall is the Every Way Wrap by Okmin Park. The pattern is in the fall 2009 issue of Interweave Knits, and it's amazingly versatile. This one will work for myriad sizes and styles, as you can see below.



The Every Way Wrap, worn as a vest.		The back view of the vest option.



The Every Way Wrap worn as a shawl.		And as a scarf!

The Crosstown Convertible

Our next adventure in versatility is the Crosstown Convertible.

This piece was featured on episode 210 of Knitting Daily TV and the free pattern is available here.

The Crosstown Convertible is a simple rectangle with sixteen buttons and buttonholes added (it's one of our favorite easy knitting patterns!).

It's as simple as knitting a scarf, but you can drape it and button it in so many different ways, it'll become a wardrobe staple. The Crosstown Convertible can be worn as a vest, a scarf, a shrug, or a wrap, and it has built-in pockets, too.

And if you're a beginning knitter, this is the perfect project for you—you'll be able to practice buttonholes and a bit of seaming. This design is a great bridge from knitting scarves to knitting garments.

Here's a video clip from episode 201, in which Bonnie Burton from Colorful Stitches shows several of the ways you can wear the Crosstown Convertible.

(Please visit the site to view this media)

Try one of these patterns—I think you'll like the cozy comfort and style of either wrap (or both!). And if you've knit a wrap you love and you want to show it off, post a photo in our gallery section. We'd love to see it!

Cheers,

Kathleen

P.S. Stitches East is happening this week in Hartford, Connecticut, and the CYCA (Craft Yarn Council of America) is offering a new venue for reaching out to new knitters and crocheters as well as providing a meeting place for current enthusiasts: the Share & Care Cafe.

The Cafe is a place to learn to knit and crochet for FREE and a place for visitors to gather, relax, and exchange ideas. There will also be a Warm Up America exhibit in the Cafe. (Warm Up America is an organization made up of volunteers who create handmade afghan blankets, clothing and accessories to help those in need. These items provide warmth and comfort to people who have lost their homes, fled abusive relations, or are being cared for in hospices, shelters, hospitals, and nursing home.)

The Cafe will provide free yarn and needles or hooks for anyone who sits down for a lesson, free how-to instruction sheets and a Resource Guide listing helpful information about guilds, websites, and CYCA members, their products and programs.

If you're headed to Stitches East, be sure and check out the Share & Care Cafe!

Interweave Knits: Holiday Gifts Preview

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Interweave has produced the fabulous Holiday Gifts issue for the last several years, and this one is no exception (preview the upcoming issue here) . Interweave Knits editor Eunny Jang and I recently got a chance to talk about this year's Holiday Gifts, which will be available on October 27. As Eunny and I were chatting, we got to talking about lots of things, including our favorite part of the holiday season.

"To be honest, I think I love the food best; I should probably say the good cheer, the family togetherness, etc., etc. But candy, turkey and dressing, seven fishes feasts, pannetone, Yule logs—name the tradition, I'll name (and eat!) the food!" Eunny said.

I love the food, too—we usually have a traditional ham dinner—but my favorite part of the holidays is decorating the tree. I have a nice collection of glass ornaments in the German style, and I love how they sparkle on the tree. I spend a lot of time rearranging the ornaments so that they show to their best advantage, too. My favorite is a little bird in a nest, and the hanger is a gold, sparkly pipe-cleaner-type thing. It's really a special ornament.

Speaking of ornaments, Ann Weaver designed some beautiful patterns for German-inspired ornaments (at right) for Holiday Gifts.

The 2009 issue of Holiday Gifts is huge—almost sixty projects! Seeing it all come together is always so rewarding; going from a sketchy concept to a finished magazine is pretty satisfying. Some of our favorite designs in this issue include Courtney Kelley's Nuneh Mittens and Silka Burgoyne's Lace and Twist Mittens. Eunny learned a new technique from the Nuneh Mittens: the Armenian method of tacking down the yarn to eliminate long floats.

I really like the delicate Lace and Twist Gloves. They're simply beautiful; perfect for some of the fingering-weight yarn I have in my stash, and perfect for the ladies in my life (especially my Gramma, who loves pretty, feminine accessories).

The Gift of Handmade

Many of the ideas in Holiday Gifts are future heirlooms just waiting to be made, and seeing them sparked memories for Eunny and I, about some of our most cherished gifts—both given and received.

Eunny said, "My grandmother gave me her collection of crochet hooks a long time ago, and while that gift isn't something that was made for me, it is something that made countless things for others. The most memorable handmade holiday gift I've given is the year I knitted some pretty intricate, traditional shawls for my mother, aunt, and grandmother. They were all different, and all beautiful—they immediately started trading them with each other and arguing over who got what."

My most cherished handmade gift is an embroidered pillow my mom made for me. The design is the beautiful, floral love stamp from 1989, and twenty years later, that pillow still has a place of honor on my bed. As far as giving gifts, I've made lots of things for friends and family. My favorite gifts that I made are little cross-stitched ornaments with my family's names on them; they hang on the stockings to designate whose is whose.

Home (and Away) for the Holidays

Even though it's only October 12th, both Eunny and I are looking forward to relaxing during the holidays—catching up on much needed sleep, cooking, eating, drinking good wine, and watching bad movies.

Eunny will be holed up in a mountain cabin and I'll be hosting the Portland contingent of Cubleys (my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew Henry) in Spokane.

I'm thinking about making Lisa Shroyer's Nordic Striped Ball for Henry. At 23 inches in circumference, it's a fun size for a 4-year-old!

That busy, wonderful holiday time will be here before we know it, so I hope you'll get busy with some of the gift ideas in Holiday Gifts.

Cheers,

Kathleen

Knitting Daily TV: A New Season (Plus a Free Pattern!)

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

A note from Kathleen: We're so excited for our fourth season of Knitting Daily TV. Our TV crew taped the season this week and while it's fresh in our minds, we wanted to give you a peek behind the curtain at what went on during the three-day taping. So enjoy this quick look, and if you don't get Knitting Daily TV in your area, please take a minute to write, call, or email your PBS station and ask them to get with the program (pun intended!). And in the meantime, be sure and check out seasons one, two, and three!

Here are producers Annie Hartman Bakken and Jaime Guthals to talk a little more about what season four has to offer you.

Here in Beachwood, Ohio, we just wrapped the taping of the fourth series of the Public Television show, Knitting Daily TV—with some exciting new changes.

We're thrilled to announce that Interweave Knits editor Eunny Jang is now the single host of the show, joined by regular guest expert Shay Pendray and the show's newest talent, crochet guest expert Kristin Omdahl.

Plus you'll see interviews with some of your favorite industry designers and personalities, like Lily Chin, Clara Parkes, Mags Kandis, Linda Cortright, Cecily Glowick MacDonald, Melissa LaBarre, Linda Pratt, and many more!

Although we certainly have a fabulous time when we all gather in Ohio, much work was to be done.

We crammed the tapings into three long days with cameras continuously rolling and we even managed to revamp the current show's 15-second opening with a fresh, new look.

Check it out:

(Please visit the site to view this media)

Series 400 will be the best season to date, with lovely guests and new patterns, more back to basic tutorials, and even a new series dedicated to learning to crochet—from the basic chain stitch to elaborate motifs, you'll definitely build your confidence with the crochet hook.

What to Expect

With Series 400 you'll learn how to "release your inner knitting geek," knit building-block style, see how reversible cables add innovation and versatility to your wardrobe, learn how to design knitwear on a knitting machine, and more.

We hope you'll tune in to Knitting Daily TV on your local PBS station—series 400 will begin airing at the end of January 2010. Look for more information in upcoming Knitting Daily blogs.

Cheers,

Annie Hartman Bakken and Jaime Guthals
Producers

P.S. Have an idea for next season? We're back in the studios again in March! Leave us a comment below and tell us what you'd like to learn in 2010.

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We've got a special free pattern for you today, fresh from Knitting Daily TV Series 300, which just finished airing.

Kristen Rengren, author of Vintage Baby Knits: More than 40 Heirloom Patterns from the 1920s to the 1950s (STC Craft), was a guest on episode 302 of KDTV.

She shared her fascinating process of researching and collecting patterns for her book—she looked through hundreds of patterns! Kristen ended up with a wonderful collection of vintage patterns that are updated for today's knitters.

The Cleo Kitty slippers (today's FREE PATTERN!) were discovered in a New Zealand pattern book published in the 1950s. These darling slippers knit up so quickly; perfect for a last-minute shower gift!

Click here for more about Kristen's book and her appearance on KDTV, plus some finishing tips for the Cleo Kitties.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Kathleen

Knitting and Crocheting: A Successful Relationship (Plus a Finishing Tip!)

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

A note from Kathleen: Even though I'm a knitter first, I look forward to seeing each new issue of Interweave Crochet. There's always something that inspires me to try a new pattern or stitch. This time, the inspiration came from an article by the ever-adventurous Franklin Habit. Here to tell you more about Franklin and his foray into crochet is Marcy Smith, editor of Interweave Crochet—check out the preview of the fall issue! Marcy and her colleague Wimi were lucky enough to spend some time crocheting and laughing with Franklin. (And see my crochet finishing tip at the end of Marcy's story. It's the perfect edging for your knitted sweaters.)

Here's Marcy!

Flirting with the Hook

Here at Interweave Crochet, we love to share the joy of crochet. Even more so if we can bring a knitter on board.

So imagine our delight when we discovered that Franklin Habit, intrepid knitter and author of It Itches, had a dalliance with the crochet hook. We met up with Franklin in Chapel Hill, NC, in February. You may have read Franklin's hilarious cartoons and essays; he's even funnier in person.

With me at the reading was Wimi (say "Wee-Me"). Wimi began life as a Best Friend Doll then took on a career as a crafts journalist, meeting crafters throughout North Carolina. Nowadays, my little knitted friend hangs out with her on-again, off-again Peruvian boyfriend, Smyth, who is crocheted. They work daily to overcome their differences.

So after the reading, Wimi sidled up to Franklin to see if he had any insights into dealing with Smyth. And, as you can see, they hit it off right away. Franklin confided that he too has struggled with crochet. Wimi asked if he could write about it. And the result is “Filet of Soul: One Man's Journey into Crochet,” in the Fall issue of Interweave Crochet.

In a tale that begins on a Greek island and moves to Chicago—with Franklin curled around a crochet hook in the fetal position—Franklin unwinds his story of coming to understand and respect crochet. In between are stints of '70s-afghan-trauma therapy and spates of an odd disconnect between head and hands. By turns hilarious and poignant, Franklin's story demonstrates that even the most confirmed knitter can have a happy flirtation with crochet.

Take a whirl yourself in the Fall issue, where we offer several sweaters that will have you marveling at the style capacity of crochet. There are five quick gifts to crochet, as well as five patterns that call for just one skein of yarn. With a couple of beginner patterns and seven advanced beginner patterns (including a lovely laceweight shawl and an afghan that had a non-crocheter in the office reaching for a hook), you'll find something to sink your hook into. And everything you need to know to get started crocheting is right there in the magazine.

So spice up your own fiber life with Interweave Crochet!

Best,
Marcy

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The Reverse Single Crochet Stitch: A Nice Finish

Kathleen, here!

I've used the reverse single crochet stitch—also known as the "shrimp stitch" or the "crab stitch"—so many times it's almost my finishing signature. It gives you a nice, almost picot-looking edge that perfectly finishes a cast-off edge or a neckline.

At left is an example of this technique, on a sweater that I knit for my mom a couple of years ago. I like it with the delicate white yarn and cable pattern.

Here are the directions for this versatile stitch:

Step 1. Working from left to right, insert the crochet hook into a knit edge stitch, draw up a loop, bring the yarn over the hook, and draw this loop through the first one. *Insert the hook into the next stitch to the right (figure 1), draw up a loop, bring the yarn over the hook again (figure 2), and draw this loop through both loops on the hook.

Step 2. Repeat from * until the entire edge has been covered (figure 3).

Cut the yarn and secure the last loop by pulling the tail through it.

I hope you'll try this finishing technique, I think you'll like the result.

Cheers,

Kathleen

Gearing Up for Gift-Giving (plus two free bag patterns!)

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

We're having the most beautiful early fall here in Spokane. The air is crisp, the sun is shining, and all of my TV shows are starting up again. Well, I guess the TV shows are starting again everywhere, but that's still a sign of fall to me. I always knit while I watch TV, so I'm looking forward to some evening knitting time again!

And although it's just the beginning of fall, those winter holidays will be upon us before we know it. I've been giving knitted gifts ever since I started knitting, and this year will be no exception. Because of Knitting Daily, I'm busier than I have been in the past, so I need to get started ASAP. My past gift-giving efforts have included felted slippers, hats, mittens, and stuffed animals—smallish things that can be done in two or three weeks. This year, though, I have some projects in mind that need longer lead-times.

I've been so inspired by the books Knitted Gifts and Crocheted Gifts; I'm looking to those two books for holiday gift ideas. While none of these patterns are enormous undertakings, taken together, there are quite a few stitches that need to be knitted, so couch and stash, here I come!

Here are some of my gift contenders:

Ballet Flats (from Knitted Gifts)
by Marta McCall

There are lots of felted slipper patterns out there, but this one tops my list for its unique style and beauty. I would love to have a pair of these myself, but I think I'd like to give a pair as a gift even more. My sister would really appreciate these and they would look lovely on her; she has a sophisticated sense of style and a pair of Ballet Flats would suit her perfectly.

Animal Crackers (from Knitted Gifts)

by JoLene Treace

Nephew Henry loves dogs and cats, and I know he'd get a kick out of an Animal Cracker sweater. The knitted hem, cuffs, and rolled collar are such nice details on this sweater pattern and there are options for a dog, a cat, or a bear. Which one do you think is cutest for Henry?

Gentleman's Scarf (from Knitted Gifts)

by Veronik Avery

Although billed as a man's scarf, change the color (maybe) and the Gentleman's Scarf is appropriate for anyone. The stitch pattern is a zigzag and cable pattern that's knit at a fine gauge. Choose a yarn with some cashmere content and this gift will be a favorite for years! My mom's been wanting a pink scarf, and she always appreciates a nice gentleman!

Free (Gift) Bag Patterns!

Swirling Bag
by Kathryn Merrick

This one's from Crocheted Gifts, and it's a free pattern!

It's so nice to get gifts in a reusable bag, and this one is the definition of reusable. It's made from renewable cotton, and who wouldn't love to get a gift wrapped in a gift? Even if you're a novice crocheter, Kathryn's Swirling Bag is something you can accomplish. The color choices are endless—the sample is knit from Rowan Cotton Glace, which comes in so many colors it's staggering.

The Market Bag
by Vicki Square

Take a look at another free pattern, the knitted Market Bag. It's a wonderful gift for the eco-conscious shopper we all have on our list. I've "wrapped" gifts in reusable grocery bags (especially food gifts—imagine a baguette poking out of the top of the Market Bag) and the recipeints have been so happy with the ultimate in reusable giftwrap!

Why not take some time to plan your holiday gifts so you don't end up finishing things on Christmas Eve (believe me, I speak of what I know!)

Cheers,

Kathleen

What Are You Doing this Weekend? (Plus 8 Free Patterns!)

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Have any plans for the weekend? Might I recommend making your own dress forms and dyeing some sock yarn? And bar-b-queing flank steak and Portobello mushrooms while you're at it?

'Cause that's what I did last weekend and it was an absolute blast.

Designer Wendy Bernard came up with the idea of duct-tape dress forms, so my knitting group decided to give it a try. It was surprisingly easy, and not-surprisingly, super fun! Basically, you wrap a friend as tightly as you can in duct tape, cut it up the back, retape it, and stuff it with polyfill.

Check out Audrey and Soucia at left—we decided they looked like super heroes so we taped their initials onto their forms.

Our other activity was dyeing sock yarn. We bought a bunch of sock blanks and dyes and put the dyes in squirt bottles. It was amazing how all of the pieces turned out so differently and beautifully. Please note that we're doing this activity outside. One thing is certain: dyeing is messy, and spills don't come out. Just ask my flip flops!

We had such a wonderful time at our mini-retreat, I highly recommend that you plan your own weekend-knitting adventure soon.

Speaking of Weekends. . .

Our new special issue, Interweave Knits Weekend, is in stores so we thought it would be nice to roll out the instructions for our amazing staff projects from that issue. Just click on the photos to get the patterns.


By Anna-Liza Armfield Customer Service Representative Yarn: Farmhouse Silk Blend	By Marilyn Murphy Editorial Director Yarn: Naturally Tussock Aran 10 Ply	By Rebecca Daniels Editorial Assistant Yarn: Plymouth Tweed	By Lisa Shroyer Senior Editor Yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Organic Wool


By Eunny Jang Editor Yarn: Cascade Ecological Wool	By Annie Bakken Marketing Manager Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash	By Sharon Riggs Assistant Editor Yarn: Universal Deluxe Chunky, Classic Chunky, Classic Worsted, Jewel	Marcy Smith Editor, Interweave Crochet Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece

Have fun this weekend!

Cheers,

Kathleen

For the Love of the Small Project: Knitting Miniatures

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:27:00 GMT

A note from Kathleen: I think I can safely say that we all love a small project once in a while—something we can get done in a short time with a small amount of yarn. What comes to mind is a hat or a one-skein scarf, a dishcloth or a coffee cozy. But PieceWork magazine has taken the small project and given it that quintessential PieceWork spin: knitted miniature accessories for dollhouses and knitted heirloom pinballs in the tradition of 1800s Quaker schoolgirls.

Here's PieceWork editor Jeane Hutchins to tell you more about these special projects, coming up in the September/October 2009 issue of PieceWork magazine.

Knitting in Miniature

Just seeing the word "miniatures" makes me smile. Suddenly, I'm transported back in time; memories of my dollhouse and its minute furnishings are so vivid. I wasn't lucky enough, however, to have an exquisite handknitted-lace tablecloth for its dining room table—darn!

So when we started to work on PieceWork's September/October 2009 Miniatures issue, I knew an elegant dollhouse-size knitted-lace tablecloth would have to be part of the mix. I love the result; if I still had my dollhouse, this tablecloth would definitely be front and center.

Using one strand of seven-strand silk thread and size 6-0 needles, Mary Frances Wogec created the tablecloth, which is 5½ inches in diameter (top tablecloth in photo at left).

To provide perspective on its diminutive size, we placed one skein of the silk thread on one of the dollhouse chairs in the photograph at left.

Also, to provide perspective, Mary Frances duplicated the tablecloth in size 100 crochet cotton; it's 6¼ inches in diameter (bottom tablecloth in photo above left).

Check out the in-process photo of the tablecloth (above right). Mary Frances, avid lace knitter that she is, discovered that fine-gauge soldered jump rings and rubber nuts for pierced earrings, both sold at bead stores, work perfectly as stitch markers and point protectors, respectively, in lace knitting. Ingenuity at work!

The Knitted Pinball

Another small-scale project is the knitted pinball. I absolutely love the story behind these tiny (2 inches in diameter) accessories: A Quaker boarding school in England has several eighteenth- and nineteenth-century examples in its collection; schoolgirls often knitted them as "tokens of love" for their classmates. I don't know if I could bring myself to actually keep my straight-pins in this little work of art!

The pinball, like the tablecloth, is knitted with one strand of silk thread on size 6-0 needles. These will make absolutely lovely gifts for family and friends.

I just can't help smiling every time I look at the miniatures in this issue. I hope they make you smile, too!

—Jeane
Editor, PieceWork

P.S. If you are intrigued by miniatures, the 2010 PieceWork contest—Heart-Shaped Ornaments—will be perfect, and you could win $500 in cash or $200 in product from our sponsors! The ornaments, for any occasion, cannot be larger than 4 inches. We would love to be inundated with knitted ornaments. Be sure to check our website on October 16 or see the ad in the November/December issue for all the details.

Knitting Lace: Knitting Daily Presents 7 Free Knitted Lace Patterns

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Whether you are a first time lace knitter, or a seasoned expert, you'll enjoy the timeless beauty of knitting lace. Get these stunning projects that will continue to inspire, and be loved for generations to come. You'll want to make every one of these lace patterns, so download your free eBook now and get started (and don't forget to tell a friend so they can enjoy their own copy!)

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Another Technique for Finishing: Crochet Edging

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:30:00 GMT

A Note from Kathleen: My main craft is knitting, but several years ago I took a crochet class because I expected that I might like that craft, too. And I do enjoy crocheting, especially for items like baby blankets--it's simply so much faster than knitting. What I didn't expect was that knowing how to crochet could bring so much to my knitting. I use crochet skills all the time; the crab stitch (sometimes called the "shrimp stitch" or "backwards single crochet") is a lovely finishing stitch for necklines and the front edges of cardigan sweaters. The edging options are endless, really--just check out the array of crocheted edging resources out there!

Here's Marcy Smith, editor of Interweave Crochet, to share a perfect crochet-ending to a knitting story.

Rescuing a UFO with Crochet

Maybe you're not like me. Maybe your gauge is always spot on and the vision you have for your garment works perfectly.

Maybe you don't have a box of false starts and “Good golly, what was I thinking?” portions of garments. Maybe you don't have things that are too big / too small / just plain unwearable.

Well, I've got them. And when I finally admit that the thing just isn't working, sometimes I rip it back to a ball right away. And sometimes I stuff it in the Denial Drawer. Deep inside. And the balance is again tipped between unfinished objects (UFOs) and finished objects (FOs).

A recent Feng Shui unearthed a vast expanse of knitted purple fabric that I recalled, after a moment, wanted to be a guernsey back in the day. It was HUGE. But the texture is intriguing and I can see why I didn't rip it back to its essence. It would make a good kid-size blanket, if it were jazzed up a bit. It was time to remedy the balance: this UFO could become an FO, with a little help.

Now, I like knitting as much as the next fiber gal, but I Do. Not. Like. To. Pick. Up. Stitches. Especially a gazillion stitches around the edge of a thing that I don't like all that much anymore. Given that option, I'd just as soon stuff it back in the Denial Drawer. But there's a better solution, one that is accessible to anyone who loves all things yarny: crochet.

That's right. Crochet. With crochet, you work with just one stitch at a time, creating the edge as you work around. And it doesn't really matter how many stitches you make, so long as they look pretty even when you're done. And when you're done, you're done. You don't have to bind off a gazillion stitches. Just one.

To finish my blanket, I used the Simple Shell Edging from The Harmony Guides: Crochet Edgings and Trims, hot off the press. This book will guide even the most novice crocheter through the process. The Simple Shell Edging is a two-row edging, with the first being a base row of single crochet.

Because the edges of my knitted swath are pretty even and stable, I was able to make it even simpler: I eliminated the base row. So I just commenced crocheting green shells around the purple swath until my UFO became an FO—just a different FO. (To see the specifics of where I decided to put my hook when making the edge, check out the blog on CrochetMe.)

And now all is harmonious: I have one less item in my stash of “good gollies” and Project Linus has one more item in its stash of blankets.

While many of you already subscribe to Interweave Knits, now is a great time to add Interweave Crochet to your tool box. Get a free trial issue of Interweave Crochet and discover more fabulous edging ideas, amazing sweater patterns, expert tips, and more. We're on the front lines of the crochet revolution and we'd love to have you join in!

Best,

Marcy
Editor, Interweave Crochet

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The Knit-a-Long Post (Plus the Kitchener Stitch and a Free Pattern!)

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Monkey Socks: Wrap-Up

Our first knit-a-long was a great success! When I started this knit-a-long back on July 1, I wasn't sure how it would go. I'm thrilled that Monkey Socks by Cookie A. were knit by about 20 people and to date there are 241 thoughts shared on the forum.

I'm so happy that so many of you knit the sock with me and took the time to share your tips and tricks along the way. We really created a nice community, didn't we? I'm especially glad this knit-a-long filled a knitting group need many of you have--sometimes it's hard to find knitting groups for a variety of reasons, and I'm glad you all found us! We learned about Judy and her RVing lifestyle, and we admired Terry's beautiful Jitterbug blue colorway, and we shared tips about knitting different heels and some lace tricks, too. I had a fabulous time with you all, and since I've only knit one sock so far, the fun will continue.

Here are a few photos of finished socks:

Free Slipper Pattern and a How-to Video about the Kitchener Stitch

For those of you still working on your socks, I thought you'd like a video tutorial on the Kitchener Stitch (also known as grafting). This is one of those things that I have to look up every time I do it, so here's a reference for you, too! (If you're more of a picture person than a video person, get yourself a copy of The Knitter's Companion by Vicki Square. This little book has lots of technique help, including the Kitchener stitch.)

(Please visit the site to view this media)

This segment is from Knitting Daily TV episode #208. If you missed any of season 2, order the DVD here!

And Now . . . the New Knit-a-Long!

Yep, it's a landslide victory for the Central Park Hoodie (1838 votes, 49.2% of total votes). YAHOO!!

I hope I didn't unduly influence you, but if I did, THANKS FOR VOTING FOR THE HOODIE! My beautiful pink Tahki Donegal Tweed thanks you, too. The Every Way Wrap came in second, followed by the Falling Leaves Scarf, the Diagonal Rib Socks, and the Feminine Mittens.

The original Hoodie is in the fall 2006 issue with sizing up to 48" bust. For those who need the plus-size version, purchase the pattern with the complete size range exclusively at the Interweave Store. Here's a quick summary of the project:

Finished Size: Sizes 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)" bust.
Yarn: Tahki Donegal Tweed (100% wool; 183 yd (167 m)/110 g): #803 yellow-green OR #869 dark-taupe (brown): 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 18, 20) skeins.
Yarn weight: #4 - Medium
Gauge: 17 sts and 24 rows = 4" in St st on larger needles.
Needles: Sizes 6 (4 mm) and 8 (5 mm) needles, or size to achieve gauge, Size 6 (4 mm): 32-40" circular needle
Notions: Cable needle (cn), Stitch markers, Stitch holders, Yarn needle, Buttons (optional), Crochet hook (optional)
Originally Published: Knitscene, Fall 2006

Since this is a big sweater, the KAL will last until the end of October, so check in to the new Knit-a-Long forum and let's start swatching together (yes, swatching, not knitting the actual pieces until we all get gauge!).

Get Your Free Ribby Slipper Pattern!

To celebrate the end (for some of us) of the Monkey Sock KAL, here's a free sock pattern: Ribby Slipper Socks by Cathy Carron. These are on my list for Christmas for my nephew, and I might add a doggie face or something like that because nephew Henry loves animal slippers! (You'll also find five other patterns when you download the Ribby Slipper Socks because it's part of our free ebook Easy Knits: 6 Free Easy Knitting Patterns from Knitting Daily.) Download your free eBook today and don't forget to forward this email on to friends who could also use some free easy knitting patterns!

Cheers!

Kathleen

By the way, I had the honor of meeting Cookie A. at the Sock Summit. See how thrilled I am to see her? She was gracious and so glad to hear about our KAL with the Monkey Sock. Hers was one of the longest lines in the book signing area, and I was happy to stand and knit my way to the end of it.

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Need a new sock knitting pattern? Want a great free sock pattern? Here are five of our top sock knitting downloads together in one FREE ebook for you.

So what kind of sock patterns are in this eBook? Let's see. There's a knitted lace sock pattern, a cabled sock pattern, a colorwork sock pattern, a men's sock pattern, and an easy beginner sock pattern. Something for everyone!!

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Knitted Edging: The Perfect Match (and voting for a new KAL!)

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:16:00 GMT

A Happy Edging

A friend of mine just finished a garter stitch baby blanket and when my knitting group saw the finished product we decided it needed a border of some sort.

My friend didn't want a plain garter border, so I pulled out the new Harmony Guide, Knit Edgings and Trims: 150 Stitches, and we looked through it and found the perfect border: Garter Stitch Points. (When the blanket is finished, I'll post a photo.)

Here's the pattern in case you have a garter stitch blanket that's lonley for its perfect border.

Worked from bottom edge upwards.
Ends with multiple of 13 sts.
Note: Each point is worked separately and then joined on one row.

Cast on 2 sts.
1st row: K2.
2nd row: Yo, k2. (3sts)
3rd row: Yo, k3. (4sts)
4th row: Yo, k4. (5sts)
5th row: Yo, k5. (6sts)
6th row: Yo, k6. (7sts)
7th row: Yo, k7. (8sts)
8th row: Yo, k8. (9sts)
9th row: Yo, k9. (10sts)
10th row: Yo, k10. (11 sts)
11th row: Yo, k11. (12 sts)
12th row: Yo, k12. (13 sts)

1st to 12th rows form one point. Cut yarn and leave finished point on needle. On the same needle, cast on 2 sts and work 2nd point.
Cont this way until there are as many points as required.
Do not cut yarn after completing the last point, but turn and knit across all points on needle.
Work 9 rows in garter stitch.
These 21 rows form the edging.
Bind off or cont as required.
Weave in loose ends.

I really like this border because it's simple but interesting, and since it's in garter stitch it'll go perfectly with the blanket. A lot of edgings are so ornate (and beautiful!) that they don't go with simple stitch patterns, but with this book you'll find an edging or trim that'll work for anything from simple garter stitch to fancy lace.

In fact, as my friend and I were looking through Knit Edgings and Trims, we found so many lovely borders it got me thinking about other projects to add borders to. I think mittens would be a great project to add a border to--just make a pair of plain stockinette mittens with a very short cuff, and add one of the fabulous borders to the cuffs instead of knitting the cuffs from the mitten pattern. How easy is that? Or add one of the borders to the waist of a cardigan instead of doing the ribbing or whatever waist treatment is called for in your pattern. There's lots of ways to use these borders--just looking through the book will inspire you.

All of the Harmony Guides are fantastic, and this one is no exception. You should also check out Crochet Edgings and Trims. Sometimes a crocheted border is just the ticket to finish a knitted project.

The first knit-a-long in the Kathleen's Knit-a-long forum has been a smashing success. Working through the Monkey Sock pattern together has been a blast: and we've all gotten great tips and inspiration, and we've made some new friends, too! Our next KAL will start on Monday, August 17. If you haven't finished your Monkey Socks, don't panic--the forum will stay alive as long as you need it to.

Here are some options for the next project in Kathleen's Knit-a-long. Please take the survey and tell me which project you want to knit.

Central Park Hoodie (please, please. . .)

Diagonal Rib Socks

Every Way Wrap

Feminine Mittens

Leaves on the Path Scarf

I'm off to the Sock Summit in Portland, Oregon--so tune in next week for some photos and stories from the Summit!

Have a great weekend,

Kathleen

Knit Cardigan Patterns From Knitting Daily: 7 FREE Knitting Patterns

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Making Time for Knitting: Organization and Inspiration

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Carving out time for knitting has never been a problem for me, until now. I used to knit every evening for two or three hours while watching TV or listening to books on tape (and in between changing loads of laundry).

With my new position here at Knitting Daily and the classes I teach at my LYS, I think about knitting all the time, but I find I'm having trouble finding the time to actually knit! I guess it all comes down to time-management, right? And priorities . . .

Organization and Inspiration

I decided that the keys to getting my knitting time back are organization and inspiration.

First the organization part. I spent a couple of hours organizing my projects last week, and I ended up with two projects that floated to the top in "I-must-finish-this-before-I-start-something- new" land. I put each of those projects, with all of their accoutrements, in their own zip-up project bag and put them in my fab Kate Walker knitting tote. I carry my tote with me everywhere, and now I can pull one of those projects out whenever I have a moment of downtime.

I also organized and restocked my notions bag, which was a sad state of affairs. Here's what was in there:

various ends of yarn all tangled together with stitch markers and a paperclip
nail clippers that I've been using as scissors (they've never been used for their true purpose, only for clipping yarn)
a dried up-pen
a receipt with a list of patterns for "the next project"
a size 13 double pointed needle (no idea why. . .)
a paper tape measure from Ikea
a packet of stitch markers (all types in one packet)

Here's what's in my notions bag now:

stitch markers, each type in their own little plastic envelope
scissors
a real tape measure
a set of cable needles
two crochet hooks (a size D for fixing mistakes on small gauge projects and a size G for bigger gauge projects)
a pen that works
a little tablet of paper
two types of row counters (the clicker kind and the kind that fit on circular needles)

It's amazing how a little organization can make your life easier. If I could only apply this principle to my desk. . .

Now for the inspiration part of the equation. First off, we need to have something we want to knit! I mentioned the receipt with the list of patterns written on the back--I had forgotten about these patterns and how much I loved them when I saw them; enough to actually write them down and carry the list around for months. As I looked through the list again that inspiration came back full force.

Many of the patterns are Interweave patterns from Knits, and as I was going through the list I decided to seriously consider the Nantucket Jacket(photo at left). I wrote down the pattern names on my list, but not the specific magazine issues so I looked up the Nantucket Jacket on the website and found it was from the winter 2006 issue. I pulled out my back issues of Knits and found I was missing one--that one. I know that this issue sold out quickly, though, so it's actually no surprise that I didn't have it.

Then I realized that I do have every issue from 2006, on the Interweave Knits Collection CD! The CD is a compilation of all four Knits issues from 2006, exactly as they were printed, plus the Knits Gifts special issue. You can navigate easily to whatever pattern you want and print it out. I should know because I just printed out the Nantucket Jacket.

The Knits Collection CD is the perfect mix of organization and inspiration! I found pattern after pattern to add to my list (in the tablet, no more back-of-receipt lists for me!), and I think you will too.

I'm pretty sure I've solved my problem now--I can't wait to sit down tonight and start swatching. For my sweater knitting this fall and winter I'm going to tackle the Central Park Hoodie first, and then the Nantucket Jacket. Then it'll be spring and we can talk lightweight scarves and tee shirts.

Cheers!

Kathleen

5 Free Scarf Patterns, from the Interweave Knits Staff to You!

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:32:00 GMT

Whether you knit scarves to take a break from serious knitting, to practice a new stitch, or even to knit up a quick gift, there's no denying that scarf knitting is popular amongst all skill levels. First you start with garter stitch scarves, and then you break into stockinette (and learn that the edges roll!), and pretty soon you're trying all kinds of pattern stitches and maybe even your first cabled scarf.

I tend to have a scarf project in the works at all times, it travels well and it's nice to have a project that you can pick up any time you need to kill some time in a waiting room or wherever.

There are truly some scarves out there that are masterpieces--take a look at the book Scarf Style for some examples of said masterpieces. I've knit Vintage Velvet from Scarf Style three times; the pattern is interesting enough to keep me going and the result is just plain extraordinary. (You knit a reversible cable pattern out of chenille yarn and then you felt it. Amazing!)

At Interweave, we think scarf knitting provides wonderful opportunities to practice fun stitch patterns, play with luxury yarns, and impress your friends and family with beautiful gifts.

In that vein, the fabulously talented Knits staff decided to arm you with five gorgeous and varied scarf patterns in fall's Staff Projects offering (see page 52 of the magazine). And, in response to your feedback, all five patterns are available here and now. No weekly doling out of the free patterns for me--I want to populate your holiday gift-knitting list all at once!

And now, drumroll please, here come the scarves!

LEAVES ON THE PATH SCARF by Laura Rintala, managing editor

Laura designed this scarf in honor of her favorite season, fall. The yarn is Valley Yarns, Williamstown, distributed by WEBS.

WAVY ORANGE SCARF by Rebecca L. Daniels, editorial assistant

This scarf gets its ripples because the piece is knit lengthwise instead of widthwise. The yarn is ShibuiKnits, Highland Wool Alpaca.

STAR SCARF by Eunny Jang, editor

This is a small-skein wonder, or use up leftovers from lace projects. The yarn is Valley Yarns, 8/2 Tencel, distributed by WEBS.

MYOPIA SCARF by Sharon Riggs, assistant editor

Inspired by the runway, Sharon designed her scarf so even the most nearsighted fashionista will be able to see the beauty. The yarn is Louet, Dyed Corriedale (it's a roving, actually).

TWILLY NECKERCHIEF by Lisa Shroyer, senior editor

Lisa combines honeycomb brioche stitch with garter stitch to make this stylish scarf. The yarn is The Alpaca Yarn Company, Classic Alpaca.

I know it's hard to believe that it's scarf knitting time (it's 95 degrees here in Spokane today), but that fall Interweave Knits issue has inspired me to shop my stash and my LYS and gather supplies for several fall projects, and I'm guessing it has you revved up for fall knitting, too.

Have fun with these scarf patterns!

Kathleen

P.S. Don't forget to visit Sandi's blog, What's on Sandi's Needles, this week! Sandi posts a new blog every Thursday.