Projects Update

free knitting pattern available from Wendy Knits.

Follow-up to this post.

Participating in Wordless Wednesday.  Well, it’s almost wordless!

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You’ve completed the knitting instructions: now what to do with the leftover yarn?

Well, after 6 months — 4 of which they sat on a shelf waiting for me to be inspired to knit them again — I finally finished my knee socks!

They are my first very own hand knit knee socks, custom-made using several sock knitting instructions which I combined. I do like the toe-up knitting instructions, because the sock can be tried on as you’re knitting. That way, changes can be made immediately and — at least theoretically — keeps the frogging to a minimum!

The patterned sock yarn is: Austermann Step Sock Yarn in the Sunset Fairisle colorway. The Fairisle pattern is in the dyeing of the yarn, so it’s like a self-striping yarn: except better! It’s soft, treated with Jojoba and Aloe Vera extracts. While knitting I noticed how soft it is on the hands. According to the label, the extracts and softening power last through hundreds of washings. I’m thinking they’ll be very helpful in the dry winter weather!

The solid toes, heels, and cuff are Wildfoote Luxury Sock Yarn in Temple Turquoise. The Fairisle colors really seem to “pop” with the contrast of the solid yarn sections.

There’s enough yarn left over, that one skein of the Austermann Step Sock Yarn probably would have been enough without the contrast.  Wow! One skein for a pair of knee socks for size 10-1/2 feet!

So, when the knitting instructions are complete, what to do with the left over yarn? Options include:

• Saving the yarn for later because sometimes the right project just doesn’t immediately jump out. Especially after finishing a big project, sometimes another yarn is calling to be knit, yes?
• Starting a project, and adding yarn as you get it from future as yet unspecified projects. This option adds the risk of maybe having an incomplete project that will end up either incomplete for a long time, or possibly being unraveled. Of course, if you like to work this way, it’s something to consider. This also could run the risk of adding to your yarn stash if you end up buying yarn to finish a project you can’t stand to remain incomplete another minute.
• Finding a small project now. After finishing a big project, the idea of a project that can be completed in an evening or two before starting another larger project has a certain appeal.

Needless to say, I decided to start looking for a small project. And one found me:

A tiny mitten! Jumping in without a pattern is always an adventure in itself. After making enough mittens to have memorized the basics of a mitten, it was easy. The Fairisle yarn makes a lovely pattern in stockinette stitch, without a great deal of thought. And since the mitten needed to look like a mitten but not necessarily fit anyone or anything, it’s a very forgiving project.

Now what to do with it?

It could be a doll mitten, although I quit playing with dolls some years ago.

How about a Christmas mitten? It — or perhaps a pair with an attached cord — would make a neat homemade ornament for a Christmas tree. And, it could also be used on the outside of a package as decoration: to be used by the recipient as an ornament.

Would you like a copy of the pattern? Subscribe in the box on the sidebar to get your free knitting bag pattern immediately, and you’ll get my Tiny Mittens pattern a couple of days later.

Adapting the knitting instructions for a lace purse

When I read about a bride’s purse in Knitting Daily, I knew I wanted to try its free knitting instructions.

However, I didn’t have enough white crochet thread, and the correct size needles were in use for socks I started a while back. I did, however, have a purse I’d started which was sitting on a shelf. Sitting alone because I found it too hard to knit. Not wanting to give up on crochet thread, the Knitting Daily pattern was just what I needed to try again.

I like the way the two colors of crochet cotton blended, and wanted to use them. The new purse started by ripping the “old” purse, and reusing the crochet thread.

So how did I customize the knitting instructions?

• By changing the colors
• By changing the thread from one strand to two and adjusting the sizes of the needles accordingly
• By stopping when I was satisfied with the size of the purse
• By creating my own edging
• By changing the crocheted cord to an I-cord

After ripping and winding crochet thread, I started my new purse. On size 3 double pointed needles since that’s what I had. When I needed a circular needle, I used my size 4 because I don’t have a size 3. And I wanted to make the purse now, not wait until I could purchase a circular needle.

So that’s what I did. Using the larger needles, because I have 2 strands instead of the one from the pattern. It also makes a larger purse, of course. My solution was to only do two repeats of the lace before adding my own edging.

And, I didn’t want to crochet the tie. Instead, I decided to try Elizabeth Zimmermann’s I-cord, from her book Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitting Workshop.

The result is a purse large enough for a cell phone, small wallet and keys. I added a lining made of two circles of fabric sewn rights sides together then turned and slip stitched in place. This has the right side of the lining peek through the lace and the right side of the lining also be inside the purse. The lining doesn’t show up well on my pictures.

Here is the final result:

For the edging, I made up my own. A close-up:

And, yes, that’s an I-cord cast off also from Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitting Workshop.
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Knitting with crochet cotton isn’t so hard. My earlier attempt at creating my own knitting instructions for a purse was complicated by knitting too few stitches on the circular needle.

All in all, it’s not so hard to customize the knitting instructions for a lace purse.

Want more detailed instructions for customizing a knit bag? Grab your free custom bag pattern by subscribing today!

Check out more fiber art blog posts at:

What’s the remedy for “boring” knit dishcloths?

Ever have one of those days?

You know, you search for a clean dishcloth. Only to discover …

Most of them are worn, many beyond repair. Amazing how they all seem to go simultaneously. And no, I don’t think it’s a conspiracy.

More likely, I wait until I need more than one, and then make a bunch at a time.

Dishcloths are interesting. They can be as plain or fancy as you like. Since I’ve recently been working with garter stitch, I thought I’d see how many variations of garter stitch I could make.

This is one of my favorite patterns. I start with how ever many stitches I want, using the size needles I feel like, and basically knit a square … unless I feel like making an oblong.

Then I bind off.

The diagonal knit dishcloth is a favorite with many folks. I see it listed often as “Grandma’s Dishcloth Pattern” or “Old-Fashioned Dishcloth Pattern.” That’s not to say Grandma is always old-fashioned of course.

Waffle Stitch is probably not technically garter stitch. It does use only knit stitches with no purling, so I’m including it. I like the thickness, and it makes a nice scrubbing dishcloth.

Mitered dishcloth is fun. Mostly because I like to start with the long end, and decrease as I go. It’s lovely to work fewer and fewer stitches as the square grows. Sure makes the project seem to be going faster, anyway. The pattern is here, just use one strand of yarn and adjust the number of stitches to make the size you want.

Rippled dishcloth is a stitch I modified. From the ripple afghan stitch, I changed it to a garter stitch ripple. Hey, it’s allowed! After all, it is only knitting!

After eight different patterns, I decided I have enough dishcloths for awhile. And, I still have some yarn left over. At least until I decide to knit some more.

I used my size seven Denise Knitting Needles from Alpaca Direct. I still smile whenever I use them because I enjoy them … like that they’re made in Virginia … and Alpaca Direct’s free shipping for orders over $50 always makes me smile.

The cotton worsted weight yarn is Sugar ‘n Cream Yarn Twists-Rose Twists and Sugar ‘n Cream Bronze Blue Culinary Colors-3 oz.

The ripple dishcloth is part of my Garter Ripple Kitchen Set, and available here.

Who wants a free knitting pattern that organizes and recycles?

Looking at my collection of darning needles, I realized I needed more organization.

Each needle is blunt. The good news is blunt needles are harder to poke yourself with. The bad news is, they don’t poke through the fabric on my pin cushion. <Sigh …>

Darning needles — and most sewing needles — come in cardboard and plastic packages.  To use the needles, the plastic usually needs to be ripped from the cardboard. While the plastic can be used as a tray, it’s a short-term not a long-term solution.

As I was considering what to do with my needles, I suddenly remembered one of my mother’s pin cushions.

It’s made from a discarded aerosol can top, and a crocheted oblong that’s rolled into the top. Darning needles easily go into the crocheted stitches. Should be easy enough to substitute a knit oblong for the crocheted. But then, I realized I don’t have any empty tops lying around. Probably because I rarely buy aerosol cans any more.

But I do have several measuring cups from laundry detergent.

Its sides aren’t square. I like the clear plastic that will show more of the knitting.

So, it was off to my basket of yarn scraps, and my knitting needles. I decided to make as much of a customized roll as I can. I love the idea of using bright colors. Hopefully they will make the pin cushion be more visible on my cluttered work surface.

My knitting gauge is 7 stitches in 2 inches, with size 7 needles and worsted weight wool. Actually the wool is hand spun doubles.

I cast on 8 stitches, and started garter stitch with a slipped stitch garter edging. The edging instructions are in the video on this web site. I made a slipped stitch along one edge, and changed colors as I ran out of yarn or as it suited me. The slipped stitch edge is the top.  All color changes were made along  the bottom edge.

I knit 10 inches of garter stitch. I bound off 3 stitches on the edge opposite the slipped stitch. Then continued garter stitch with the slipped stitch edging on 5 stitches for another 6-1/4 inches. Followed by binding off the remaining stitches.

I fit the roll into the container as I worked. I didn’t weave in any ends, just tucked them into the roll.

And, voila!

And another view:

I scrunched the roll into the plastic cup. The knitted roll very nicely fit inside it.

With a single project I’ve organized my darning needles, and recycled (reused) an otherwise non-recyclable.

Storage Tip:I like to store all my needles with yarn or thread attached. When one drops, they’re so-o-o much easier to find!

You can download a free pdf of this pattern here.

Now that my darning needles are organized, it’s time to tackle the clutter on my workspace …

Check out the fiber artists at Alpaca Farm Girl’s Fiber Arts Friday.

Free knit bag pattern

Earlier this year, I knit a bag.

It’s made of hand spun wool, which I dyed with Kool-Aid.  Two packages of black cherry, and one of orange. The original color was grayish brown. Or was it brownish gray?

The bag is knit on circular needles, because I decided to minimize the number of seams.  It has one seam at the bottom.  And even that one I closed without sewing.

How?

Well, more on that later.

The pattern is actually fairly simple. I used a combination of garter stitch and stockinette stitch. Stockinette because, well it’s easy on circular needles.  You just knit every stitch.  And garter, because I wanted a flat not rolled top and a thicker bottom.

The bag ends when it does because, well I was tired of knitting garter stitch on circular needles. Hey, I thought it’s as good an excuse as any!

Garter stitch makes a nice sturdy bottom, don’t you agree?

When I made the bag, I wasn’t sure if I’d use it for a purse or a bag.  I decided to line it because, well pens and knitting needles tend to poke through the knitted fabric.  And after I finished it, I decided I like it for my knitting.

So, now I have a knitted knitting bag.

The instructions, including how I closed the bottom and my suggestions for places you could customize it are all in the pattern.

The pattern is free. You can get it by as my thank you for signing up for a subscription to this blog, The Knitting Yarn. The sign-up box is in the upper right sidebar.

Just look for this e-Book:

Here’s another view:

Or two …

Small simple heart

Here’s a free heart pattern to knit.

Today I decided to make a small heart.  I have some scarlet Caron’s One Pound, which is a nice soft acrylic worsted weight yarn.

It’s a simple pattern, and only took me a few minutes.  I’m not sure what I’ll do with it, maybe make a pin.  Or send it to a friend who needs some extra TLC.  I’ll let you know.

The color is not the rosy pink as shown here.  Rather, it’s definitely scarlet red.

I used size 6 needles.  Gauge is not important.  Just adjust the needles to what looks right to you, and fits your yarn.  I used about 4 yards of yarn. (edited 2/10/09)

Make a slip knot, and cast on 1 stitch.

Row 1: Knit in back of stitch, and keep first stitch on left-hand needle. Slip knitted stitch onto left-hand needle.  You now have 2 stitches.  Knit both stitches.

Row 2: Purl both stitches.

Row 3: Knit 1 stitch in back and 1 in front of each stitch.  4 stitches.

Row 4 and Even Rows: Purl all stitches.

Row 5: Knit 1 stitch in back and 1 in front of first stitch.  Knit to last stitch.  In last stitch knit 1 stitch in back and 1 in front.  6 stitches.

Continue, increasing 2 stitches every other row until you have 12 stitches on needle (Row 11).  Purl next row, keeping in pattern.

Row 13: Slip 1st stitch as if to knit, knit 1 stitch, pass slipped stitch over.  Knit next 4 stitches. Turn.  Keep remaining stitches on needle to work later.

Row 14: Slip 1st stitch as if to purl, purl next stitch, pass slipped stitch over.  Purl remaining 3 stitches. (Working on 4 stitches)

Row 15: Slip 1st stitch as if to knit, knit 1 stitch, pass slipped stitch over.  Knit next 2 stitches. (Working on 3 stitches)

Row 16: Slip 1st stitch as if to purl, purl next stitch, pass slipped stitch over.  Purl last stitch, and bind off remaining two stitches on this row.  Cut yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches).
Correction (2/10/09): leave a tail at least 24 to 30 inches.

Thread yarn tail through the purled stitches to stitches still on needle.  Work Rows 13 through 16 as before.

Weave in yarn ends, and trim.

This pattern is available free.  If you use it, please keep my copyright and link back here.

Update on my Danish shawl:  I’m up to 259 stitches in a single row.  Phew!

Tonight was a lovely sunset.

Mitered scrubby dishcloth pattern

I enjoy knitting dishcloths.

They’re colorful, fast, and can be as challenging as you like. Their nearly universal usefulness makes them treasures.  An added bonus:  I like them better than the store-bought kind.

When they fade or become a little worn, they still make great cleaning cloths.  My frugal ancestors would have loved them!  And for all I know did …

I like to vary the style, but still like garter stitch best.

I’m intrigued with the mitered ones.  Knitting with 2 yarn strands makes a thicker cloth, better for scrubbing.  Because I knit fairly loosely, I can also use larger needles and still get a tight weave.

I like starting with a longer row, and decreasing to the point.  Here’s a pattern I designed:

Materials:

• Approx. 1-1/2 ounces of cotton knitting worsted yarn (e.g. Lily’s Sugar ‘n Cream)
• Size 8 knitting needles or size for gauge or gauge you want

Gauge:

• 14 stitches = 4 inches with 2 strands of yarn
• 27 rows = 4 inches with 2 strands of yarn

Directions:

• Cast on 40 stitches.
• Row 1:  Knit 20 stitches, yarn over 1 stitch, knit 20 stitches. (41 stitches)
  

  Optional Tip: Place a marker before the decrease stitches, moving it each row, to keep track of the decreases. Or, place a marker before the center stitch (the yarn over stitch on Row 1) to mark the center of the row.

• Row 2 and all even rows:  Knit all stitches.
• Row 3: Knit 18 stitches, knit 2 together, knit 1, knit 2 together, knit 18 stitches (39 stitches)
• Row 5:  Knit 17 stitches, knit 2 together, knit 1, knit 2 together, knit 17 stitches (37 stitches)
• Row 7: Knit 16 stitches, knit 2 together, knit 1, knit 2 together, knit 16 stitches (35 stitches)
• Continue decreasing 2 stitches on every odd row until you have 3 stitches left, Row 37.
• Row 38:  Bind off 3 stitches as if to purl.
  

  Optional Tip: If you prefer, bind off as if to knit.  Hey, it’s just a dishcloth!  Feel free to personalize it for your use.

• Break yarn & end.  Weave in ends.

Download a pdf of this pattern here.