Tag Archives: Cables

November 26, 2012 · 10:44 am

Casting On and Casting Off: Aidez is finished!

I’m so thrilled with my new cardigan and I look forward to wearing later this year in Phoenix and when we take our road trip to Flagstaff to enjoy the cold winter weather.   I have to truly thank Kelly over at the Celtic Cast On for hosting the knit along for Aidez.   For me, it was the perfect motivation to knit this beautiful design by Cirilia Rose.

Since our cast on date for the Aidez KAL was September 24th with a finish date of November 24th, I felt this was a project I truly could buckle down and tackle.

The Facts:   Overall, this design is fairly quick to knit as it’s done up in bulky weight yarn and a size US 10 1/2 needle.   The pattern is very well written, easy to follow and easy to understand.  I can say that the way Cirilia wrote this pattern, an experienced knitter can easily change out the cable stitch pattern to meet their desires.  You can see all my notes online on my Ravelry project page.

Modifications:   I only made two modifications to this pattern.  I did not do any of the shaping decreases for the back or front panels.  I also changed the cable stitch for the back to a left cable/right cable stitch pattern on either side of the woven lattice design – I just liked the look better.

The Yarn:  The pattern calls for 824 – 1339 yards (753 – 1224 m) of  Berroco Peruvia Quick, a super bulky weight yarn.     I did do a gauge swatch (do not faint, I actually do this now and then) and found that I could use my stash of  ten skeins of Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Grande, which is 1,100 yards.  All said and done, I only have .50 oz left of my yarn, so it was pretty much used to the max.

The Needles:  I used straight needles in the size called for the pattern, US 10½ (6.5 mm)

Now on my needles is the Acer by Kirsten Kapur for my Mom’s birthday present.  I’ve separated the sleeves and I’m now working on the body.  It looks rather small, but I think it will be fine once it’s finished and blocked.

I also casted on a shawl called Rivendell, which is part of the Hobbit Journey KAL by Erica Jackofsky of Fiddle Knits.  I’ve decided to knit this shawl using my stash of Springtree Road Muscandine in Tanis and I love how it is looking.  I’m working on clue 1 and have finished one full pattern repeat and have eight more to go!  I also hope to have time to do Erica’s Dwarven Mystery KAL, which is for an infinity scarf.

So many projects and so little time but hey, what else can a knitter do, right?

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

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October 23, 2012 · 5:39 am

An Aidez update….

I’m still plugging along on my Aidez and yesterday I finished up the back. I’m quite pleased with how everything is starting to look and take shape and I have my fingers crossed to be all done by the end of the month.

It will be interesting to see how much the finished cardigan will grown once it’s blocked and seam.   I’m truly hoping that it won’t get too large but have a feeling I will be rolling up the sleeves.

Here’s a photo of the back.

I decided to insert a right and left cable in lieu of the right cross and left cross cable.  For me I just liked the look of it better.

Here’s an updated photo of the sleeves.

Be sure to take a peak at the finished Aidez cardigans over on Kelly’s blog.  There are some beautiful ones!

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October 2, 2012 · 6:44 pm

Casting On and Casting Off: Woodburne, Aidez and Schooner!

I finished my Schooner shawl in two weeks, a record for me, and I’m so excited to have finally finished a shawl that is a decent size!  I took great pleasure in using yarn from my stash too and had to make a pattern adjustment due to yardage.  So instead of being a solid shawl as the pattern calls for, I ended up making this shawl in two colors.

The Facts:  This is a super quick bottom up shawl design that gives terrific results!  The directions were quite easy to follow, which included not only written instructions but charts for the lace stitch pattern.  Since I only had enough yardage in the Thistle for the body of the shawl, and because I felt I would run out before finishing, I decided to only knit 8 rows of the repeat for the last part of the shawl and ended with a the garter stitch top.

For those of you interested in this pattern, the Schooner by Lori Gayle is available in the  Classic Elite Quick Knits book, which also includes many other fantastic designs including those by Jared Flood.  This really is a great accessory book to have in your library and I will be doing a review over the next few weeks!

I promise to post a better picture soon but I was so excited that I had to share now!

Finished Size:  58″ long and 38 1/2″ wide

Yarn:  4 skeins (a total of 392 yards) of Louisa Harding Thistle in Berry and 2 skeins  (a total of 200 yards) of Blue Moon Ranch Alpaca in Chocolate Brown

Needle:  US Size 9

Currently on the needles is Aidez by Cirilia Rose.  As mentioned in an earlier post, I joined Kelly’s KAL over on her blog, Celtic Cast On.  I haven’t made much progress due to my shawl knitting but I can say I love the yarn I’m using and I love the stitch pattern.  I’m still on the first sleeve but hope have it done soon, as well as its mate. If I’m lucky, I’ll start working on the body this weekend!  For those of you interested, check out what the other ladies have managed to complete so far for this KAL – there’s some beautiful work!

I’ve also taken the plunge and signed up for Carol Feller’s new KAL, featuring her latest and loveliest creation, the  Woodburne Cardigan.  When I received Carol’s newsletter today,  I knew I had to knit this gorgeous cabled cardigan.  I have high hopes of using yarn from my stash but can’t seem to make up my mind.

If you’re interested, this KAL will be starting mid-October, so there’s plenty of time to purchase your pattern and get your yarn ordered!

Courtesy of Carol Feller

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

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August 12, 2011 · 6:18 am

KAL progress and Cabling without a Cable Needle

On Monday I mentioned that I was starting a new KAL featuring  Simone’s lovely cabled  Yuletide Scarf.  I had truly planned to use my newly acquired skein of Liberty’s Yarn in Sockenstein for this project realized I need more of an Aran weight yarn.

After going through my stash, I came across five skeins of  King Cole Merino Blend Aran that I had left-over from my  Atlantean Wrap and Bag.    While I haven’t had too much time to knit this week with other things going on I thought I would share a tiny progress photo of what I’ve done so far.  I must say this yarn really shows off the cable pattern and it’s so soft!

This pattern is super quick and easy to knit, which makes it perfect for gift giving.  I have also being knitting without using a cable needle. If you’ve never knitted without a cable needle, there are a few great tutorials out there to teach you how to do this technique and once you learn, you’ll never use a cable needle again!

Here’s my list:

 

 

 

 

 

KnittingHelp.com also has a great YouTube Video as follows:

 

 

Happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting everyone!

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June 1, 2011 · 5:15 am

Wednesday’s Pattern – Celtic Child Small Miracles Baby Blanket

Today’s featured pattern is the lovely Celtic Child Small Miracles Baby Blanket designed by Luise O’Neill of Cranberry Ocean Knits.  Created in organic cotton using a moss stitch that alternates with a diamond cabled leaf pattern, this blanket would make a wonderful baby shower gift or would be perfect to give to someone who enjoys lovely lap blankets!

This pattern is worked flat in one piece and is finished off by a lovely moss stitch border.  Knitters will love this pattern as it contains detailed written step-by-step instructions as well as fully charted instructions.   This project requires approximately 820 yards of sport weight yarn (model knitted using Knit Picks Organic Cotton Sport) and a size US 3 knitting needle, or size to match a gauge of 24 stitches and 30 rows  to equal 4 inches in stockinette.   The finished size of this blanket measures 27 ½ x 27 ½” ( 70 x 70 cm ).

Yarn Suggestions:   Blue Sky Alpacas Sport, Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Cotton, Cascade Heritage, Pakucho Organic Cotton, Debbie Bliss: Eco Baby Fair Trade Organic Cotton or Queensland Collection: Joey’s Baby Silk

Courtesy of Louise O'Neill

You can find this pattern as well as Luise’s other designs online at Raverly and her website, Cranberry Ocean Knits, designs for babies and toddlers.  Luise also has two other self-publishing labels,  South Mountain Naturally Knit Studio for garments and PurpleSage Designs for accessories.  You can also follow Luise’s knitting adventures online at Cranberry Ocean Knits, online at Shifting Stitches and now online at FaceBook.    Her newest venture is knitXpress, a software program that compacts and formats written knitting directions into publication-ready format.  You can  join her Raverly group to ask questions about this software program and it’s use.

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I am happy to announce that Luise  has generously offered my readers a free copy her  Celtic Child Small Miracles Baby Blanket pattern and  will be providing the lucky winner the pattern via Raverly or by email.

This giveaway is open to all  and to enter, simply leave a comment (one entry only) along with either your Ravelry ID or Twitter ID.  This giveaway starts today and will end on Saturday, June 4th  at 5:00pm Arizona Time, with the winner being selected randomly and announced on Sunday, June 6th.

 

Thank you for entering – this giveaway is now closed!

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August 5, 2010 · 6:04 am

On the Bookshelf: Continuous Cables by Melissa Leapman

Stunning, gorgeous and the true epitome of cable stitchery, Continuous Cables by expert knitwear designer, Melissa Leapman, goes far beyond the traditional cable pattern  by  exploring intricate motifs, cabled knots, rings, swirls and curlicues.   With 20 designs that are versatile for the home, while sophisticated and stylish for women, family and friends, this book is destined for those who love, adore or are simply intrigued by the artistry of cable stitches.   There are many soon to be favorites in this book, but a few that truly stand out are the Tweed Sampler Afghan, the Man’s Entwined Circles Pullover and the Child’s Cables and Knots Pullover.  While these patterns are not for new knitters, the offer experienced knitters a challenge of mastering cable stitchery on a whole new level that feature tons of texture with beautiful Celtic- inspired designs.

From the From the beginning to the end, from simple to complex, this innovative book features more than 100 individual stitch patterns for endless possibilities.  Included is a primer on the basics of cable knitting, a comprehensive guide to using gauge, symbols, charts and closed-ring design, the use of embellishments on knitwear, tips on finishing techniques, as well as a stitch dictionary covering closed-ring panels, motifs and horizontal bands.

Continuous Cables is a must-have for every knitter’s reference library and true inspiration for those who want to go beyond the basics of traditional cable design.

Photos:  courtesy of Potter Craft

Tweed Boyfriend Sweater

Fireside Afghan

Sage Tunic

Celtic Motif Throw

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May 23, 2010 · 12:48 pm

On the bookshelf: Lily Chin’s Power Cables

Loveland, Colo.:   Expert knitter and crocheter Lily M. Chin has been teaching cable knitting for nearly 20 years to packed houses and eager students. With her latest book,  Power Cables: The Ultimate Guide to Knitting Inventive Cables (Interweave, June 2010),  she shares her designing and teaching expertise to explore the wide possibilities of the knitted cable’s form and function.

Lily Chin offers patterns and techniques for knitted cables of all kinds but focuses on three areas in Power Cables : charting cables (both regular and reversible), reversible cables and integrating cables into design, not just applying them.  Power Cables takes the reader from the most basic twisted stitches through complex and imaginative interpretations of cables that add texture, color, and even nontraditional explorations (such as turning stitches around, constructing cables with I-cord, and wrapping stitches to create the illusion of cables).  In addition, Lily’s signature and sought-after technique for creating reversible cables is thoroughly explained and integrated with the rest of the techniques, teaching the knitter how to make almost any cable reversible.

Power Cables gives knitters the know-how to be able to knit any cable pattern, as well as:

  • Lily’s charting system, which shows the behavior of the cable more clearly
  • Lily’s tips for cabling without a cable needle
  • Suggestions for choosing the best yarns to show off different cable effects and
  • Ideas for designing cable patterns.

Throughout the book, readers will be encouraged to practice each of these skills in an original knitted pattern.  This book contains over 15 patterns designed by Lily exclusively for this book, ranging from pullovers and jackets to bags, socks and accessories.

Try reversible cable knitting today by downloading this gorgeous Five Way Cable Wrap pattern designed by Lily Chin.   With a finished size of 16″ wide by 54″ long, this project requires 8 skeins of Classic Elite Lush (50% wool/50%angora) or any worsted weight yarn, US size 9 (5.5mm) needles or size to obtain the proper gauge, stitch markers, a cable needle, twelve 1/2″ buttons and a tapestry needle.

After reviewing this wonderful new book my Lily I must say that if you love cables and are yearning for new techniques, especially the innovative design of reversible cable knitting,  this book is for you.  Starting with Chapter One, Lily explains cables in detail and provides the reader with charts and tips for basic cable stitches.   Chapter Two covers the wide-rib cable stitch and the technique to recreate this simple cable pattern in a reversible manor.  The remaining seven chapters covers techniques in texture, traveling stitches to give depth and background, colorful cables such as a bi-color Brioche, and even how to create phony cables.   Once you learn the new techniques,  you will be able to mix and match any design to form your very own creation.  Lily’s new book truly is a must for every knitter’s book shelf  that is not only a wonderful guide, but an incredible reference tool.

I am excited  to announce that the publishers of Interweave Press were  gracious enough to send a brand new book to offer as a giveaway to my blog readers.   To enter this giveaway simply leave a comment and do be sure to include how I contact you by providing your email address or Ravelry name.  For an extra chance to win, announce this giveaway on Twitter and leave a comment that you’ve done so.

This giveaway is open for residents of the United States and Canada only and will end on Sunday, May the 3oth at 12:00 p.m midnight – so hurry and enter today!

Be inspired today to be creative and innovative!

(Photos and download courtesy of Interweave Press and Knitting Daily)

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