Tag Archives: Knitting Patterns

August 16, 2011 · 6:51 pm

Tips on blocking your finished garments….

If you block, you can shape pieces into the way you want them to live – Jessica Fenlon Thomas of Knitty.com

Many knitters often ask themselves, “To Block or Not to Block” and are often unsure if they should block or are even unsure of the process of blocking.   Blocking is one of the essential elements to completing any garment and can literally make your hand-knitted items stand out from the rest of the crowd by showing that you can provide a professionally finished garment.

There are actually three ways you can block garments.

  • Wet-Blocking – When using this method, you wet the pieces of your knitted items and pin them out to the desired shape or size to let them dry.   Drying will take a few days.  Remember to never  wring while wet as wool can be very fragile and you can damage your knitted fabric.  This method is particularly good for wool, alpaca, blends and linen.
  • Steam-Blocking – When using this method, you will first pin your knitted pieces, wrong side up. Next,  wet an old sheet or pillowcase and wring out to insure that it is just damp and not soaking wet.  Using a hot iron,  lightly press down on the sheet or pillowcase.  This will cause your iron to start steaming, which will go through the fabric.  Continue until the sheet or pillowcase is completely dry.  If you choose not to use a damp sheet or pillowcase, simply set your iron to a steam setting and float the iron over the surface of the knitted garment to force the iron to start steaming.  Make sure that you do not touch the fabric with the iron.  This method is particularly good for cotton.
  • Pin Blocking -  For this method, simply pin your pieces out to the desired shape and size. When finished pinning, use a spray bottle to lightly spritz until each item is damp.  This method is particularly good for fine-gauge woolens, cashmere, merino, mohair, silk and man-made fibers.

Tools for blocking will include blocking pins or t-pins, a steam iron, a spray bottle, tape measure and blocking boards.   For more information on blocking techniques, visit Knitting Daily for the Basics of Blocking Part One and Basics of Blocking, Part Two by Sandi Wiseheart.

With that said, keep in mind not every single item you knit must be “blocked”.   In my humble opinion you should always block anything that is lace related, for example scarves or shawls.  This helps the stitch pattern “pop” and it helps shape the design and allows it to hang or drape better.

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August 7, 2011 · 12:58 pm

A bit of yarn, a bit of knitting and a bit of baking!

I’m so excited to almost be done with my lace worsted weight shawl design for Sam’s Yummy Yarn Studio Shawl and Wrap Club.  Creating this design has really gotten my juices flowing and I have four new patterns that will be available within the next few months.

I can’t share all the details but here are a few hints and the yummy yarns I’ll be using.  I’ve just started to swatch my ideas and love what I’m coming up with.  I think  I have  just the right amount of design elements for each accessory piece to give interest, depth and lace for each piece that I will creating.  Can’t wait to get started!

Featured from left to right:

Sunflower Yarns in Fitzwilliam in Olive – destined to be a lovely scarf featuring leaves and cables.

Valley Yarns Berkshire in grey heather- destined to be a cozy warm hat with a very Victorian appeal.

Springtree Road Muscadine Sock in Tanis – destined to be a lacy shawlette.

Liberty’s Yarn Sockingbird in Amaranth – destined to be an Aran cabled wrap.

KAL Indea:

I’ve been thinking about offering a KAL on one or more of these designs.  If I do, would you be interested?  If yes, please leave a reply and let me know what type of KAL you would like – a scarf, a shawlette, a hat or a wrap.

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Yesterday I made my husband a cinnamon coffee cake and thought I’d share my recipe.   Note:  This makes a very moist but slightly heavy cake which would be perfect to incorporate cooked apples or peaches into for a more fruity style coffee cake.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Cake mixture:

  • 1/2 cup canola oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups of flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 cup sour cream

Cinnamon mixture:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large mixing bowl, cream oil, sugar in fluffy and mixed.  Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract.  Combine flour and baking powder and slowly mix in egg mixture; alternate with sour cream.  Spoon mixture into a greased (or buttered) 8 x 11 baking pan or bundt pan.  In a chopper, mix brown sugar, pecans and cinnamon.  Chop until pecans are in pieces and all three are well blended.  With mixture, layer evenly over batter.  With a knife, cut in the cinnamon mixture into the batter until well blended.

Bake at 350 degrees for 70 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

 

Have a wonderful day everyone!  Happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

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May 27, 2011 · 5:24 am

An actress with a fiber passion!

I’m always in awe of those who can create works of art and today I want to recognize one such fiber artist.   Many of you will remember Karen Allen as the feisty love interest opposite Harrison Ford in the “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, but did you know that this actress is a very talented fiber artist.

Courtesy of Karen Allen

Karen Allen, a life long knitter and designer,  was  drawn to ancient and modern textiles from around the world, which inspired her to create exotic and often extraordinary pieces.   From 1995 to 2000, Karen ran her Berkshire Mountain Yoga studio in the town she resided in and could also be found teaching workshops in creative knitting, sweater design and intarsia at the Omega Institute in Rhineback, New York.   In 2002 Karen decided to return to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City,  to study machine knitting and by June of 2005, she opened Karen Allen Fiber Arts  at 35 Railroad Street in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

Her store gives her the ability to sell a full line of sweaters, scarves, shawls, hats, blankets and gloves, all made from the finest quality of Scottish and Italian cashmere yarn that are available.  You can also find creations from other artist and designers that she admires.   Karen’s  work is pure art and her designs are truly breath taking.

A quote from her interview with Donna Freydkin of USA Today puts her love of knitting into perspective, and realizes we all share in her passion.

I’ve been knitting my whole life.  This was my first love.  When I was a child, my passionate thing and my first experience of ecstasy was standing at the threshold of a fabric or yarn store.  Something about texture or design got my heart pounding.” ~  Karen Allen, USA Today, May 20, 2008

To learn more about Karen Allen and her designs, visit her website.  She is a true inspiration to all of us who love knitting and the fiber arts.

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April 12, 2011 · 5:38 am

Craft Cruises … what an awesome idea!

When you think of cruises, you automatically think of Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean or Mexico.  Cruises are a great way to see new sights, tastes new foods and find new friends.  But what if you had the ability to take a cruise dedicated to your particular craft, such as knitting, spinning, crocheting or crafting in general.

Melissa Gower-Pence, founder of Craft Cruises, created her company in 1998 for that very reason.  Melissa organized the very first cruise just for hand knitters and since then, crafters from across the country and the world join together to enjoy the atmosphere of a cruise while enjoying the ability to learn, share experiences, shop and meet others who share their passion of crafting.

Craft Cruises specializes exclusively in educational cruise groups and in addition to their schedule of cruise sponsored trips, they now offer the ability for you to create your own educational retreat at sea.  Knitting cruises offer classes from instructors such as Jared Flood, Lorilee Beltman, Judy Pascale, Myrna Stahman, Joan Schrouder, Donna Druchunas and Lily Chin.   During these specialized cruises not only are you able to improve your skills, but you are able to visit the most spectacular and interesting ports of call. 

What better way to enjoy your passion and love of knitting than from the enjoyment of a cruise or even a land tour.  If knitting is not quite your thing, they do offer cruises that include crocheting, beading, needlepoint, handspinning and more.

For further information on knitting or crafting cruises, please visit Craft Cruises online or on their FaceBook page.

Now if I can just talk my hubby into one of these cruises!

Happy knitting everyone!

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April 4, 2011 · 6:04 am

Hippity Hoppity … Easter bunnies to knit

Here comes Peter Cottontail, Hoppin’ down the bunny trail,hippity, hoppity,
Easter’s on its way. ~ Beatrix Pottter

Spring is in the air and Easter is just around the corner.  It’s a perfect time to start knitting Easter bunnies!

Bunty in Summer Dress by Debi Birkin is an adorable little bunny all dressed up and ready to go.  Bunty is approximately 11″ tall when  finished, with instructions that include all clothing and accessories as shown in the photo.  This pattern has been designed to use a DK or light worsted  weight yarn and using an US size 2 ( 3mm ) pair of needles.   All pieces are knitted flat on normal needles and then sewn together.   This pattern can be purchased directly from Debi’s website here or online at Ravelry as an instant download. (Photo courtesy of Debi Birkin)

For more information on Debi’s cute animal designs, visit her website or join along in the Debi Birkin Pals Ravelry Group .

Bunny by Berroco is knitted and jointed stuffed toy, which includes a pouch that can sweet treats and has an optional pompom tail.   This cute pattern will require 1 Ball each Berroco Comfort (50 grs), #9733 Turquoise (MC) and #9723 Rosebud (CC), a small amount black worsted-weight yarn for eyes, 1 Set (4) of size US 7 (4.50mm) double-pointed knitting needles or size to obtain the gauge, a size G (4.50mm) crochet hook, two 3/4” buttons, two 1” buttons, 1 bag polyester stuffing and a tapestry needle.   Be sure to take a moment to view Blue Bird, another adorable knitted toy perfect for springtime and Easter.  (Photo courtesy of Berroco)

Bunny by designer Susan B. Anderson, is the sweetest and most huggable looking bunny.  This pattern is included in Susan’s  book, Itty Bitty Toys and requires  Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cotton (2 skeins of Tulip #615, 1 skein of Shell #606),  US Size 5 ( 3.75 mm) knitting needles and a tapestry needle.  The finished size when seated is approximately 8″ tall and 4.5″ wide.

Hop, a new pattern for Blue Sky Alpacas, is very sweet with an old- fashion flair,  perfect for any little one to carry around.  This project requires 1 hank of Blue Sky Hand Spun Organic Cotton, 1 Hank of  Blue Sky Skinny Cotton, US size 3 (3.25mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge, US size 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge, a tapestry needle,  poly-pellets, small amount (optional),  fiberfill, small amount, embroidery needle, black embroidery floss and  1″ wide piece of cardboard.   For further information, please visit  Susan online on her blog,  online at Twitter or join along in the Itty Bitty Knits group on Ravelry.

There are more fun patterns to knit or crochet that can be found online at Ravelry.

Happy knitting!!

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March 31, 2011 · 6:51 pm

Back in the swing of things….

 

It’s been a very good week for me and I got so much accomplished, including making a few changes and decisions in my “fiber” world that I hope will carry over to my website.

If you have just a moment and wouldn’t mind, I have a short 10 question survey  that I’m conducting and would love your feedback.   The results will truly help me decide what path I want to take for my website the remainder of the year and it would be highly appreciate.

To take this survey simply CLICK HERE. 

Thank you so much and I will be back in full force on Monday!

Thank you everyone – my survey is now closed.

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March 27, 2011 · 7:24 pm

Spring break.

Hello everyone!  Can you believe that this coming Friday is already April 1st ?  Time is truly flying past us this year.  

Since it is spring, I decided that it’s time for a “spring break” and will be taking a week off from blogging .  I hope you all will continue to follow me online at Ravelry and FaceBook, I just won’t be quite as active.  If you have a question, don’t be bashful, ask, it might just take me an extra day to answer.

Have a wonderful week and I plan to come back the first week in April with lots of new reviews and maybe a few new giveaways too!

Until then .. happy knitting, crocheting, quilting and crafting in general!

What’s coming up:

  • Book review featuring Vogue Knitting – Knitopedia
  • Ravelry Pattern Reviews
  • Indy Fiber Artists found on Etsy
  • More Etsy Finds
  • Software reviews
  • New shawl pattern release for Peacefully Knitting

 

Podcast of Interest:

Be sure to check out the Podcast Junkies group on Ravelry!

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March 24, 2011 · 5:41 am

Etsy finds that keep your yarn in place.

I recently purchased the Spring/Summer 2011 issue of Vogue Knitting and loved seeing a whole page dedicated to yarn bowls.  I love stoneware and I love the simplicity of keeping ones yarn in check.  This week I went in search of yarn bowls, where I came across quite a few beautiful pieces that would be perfect to house even the most luxurious of yarns.

First up is Darrielles Clay Art, a local artisan that resides north of Phoenix in Cottonwood.  In this Etsy shop, you will find a nice collection of yarn bowls in a variety of colors and glazes.

Photos courtesy of Darrielles Clay Art

 
 
Second up is Blueroom Pottery of Minnesota.  This Etsy artisan has a lovely collection of yarn bowls in many shapes, sizes, colors and glazes, all of which will keep your yarn in place. 
  

Photos courtesy of Blue Room Pottery

 
Last is Little Pig Pottery of Middletown, Ohio.  This Etsy artisan offers knitters unique one-of-a kind yarn bowls that are functional, funky and adorable, including the little lamb holder.
 

Photos courtesy of Little Pig Pottery

 

Featured Etsy Artisans in Vogue Knitting:

 

I hope you enjoyed my finds today!

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March 23, 2011 · 6:23 am

Wednesday’s Pattern – Franny

Fun, flirty and versatile, today’s featured pattern, Franny, by Jennifer Wood of Wood House Knits, is a swingy top down sweater that is worked completely in the round in one piece.  This sleeveless pullover with its slight empire waist offers figure flattering style that is perfect to wear alone or to layer, and  would be a great addition to any summer wardrobe. 

Jennifer has used double knitting for the bodice to add a bit of extra support and coverage, and has used gentle increases in the body to provie that swingy effect.  This project is perfect for an advanced beginner and for those who have an understanding of double knitting.

For this project you will need 2 to 6 skeins of Berroco Pure Merino DK for the bodice and 4 to 9 skeins of Berroco Bonsai for the bottom, or any DK weight to match the gauge of 19 stitches and 24 rows to = 4 inches in stockinette, a size US 5 (3.75mm) and size US 7 (4.5mm) needles.  This pattern is available in sizes ranging from X-Small to a size 3-X, with finished bust sizes ranging from 29″ to 53″.

Yarn Suggestions:   Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK, Debbie Bliss Prima, Frog Tree Meriboo, Classic Elite Magnolia, Elsebeth Lavold Bambool, Berroco Glint, Berroco Origami or Berroco Seduce.

The inspiration for this sweater came from a top that a friend of mine was wearing. I thought it would intriguing to try to design something like it. The top was made with a matte fabric for the bodice and a shiny fabric for the bottom. So I picked out a wool yarn for the bodice and a bamboo yarn for the body. I love the way the two fabrics have opposing textures, yet compatible colors. – Jennifer Wood

Courtesy of Jennifer Wood

 

You can find more of Jennifer’s patterns online at Raverly, Etsy and on her website, Wood House Knits.

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March 16, 2011 · 5:40 am

Wednesday’s Pattern – The Weekend Shawl

Today’s featured pattern is the simple, yet elegant Weekend Shawl by knitwear designer Anne Kuo Lukito of Crafty Diversions.   If you have been looking for a fairly quick knit shawl project, this pattern is for you!  Not only is this shawl a wonderful accessory piece that can complement any style, but could easily become a wardrobe essential and could become the perfect gift for a special friend or a loved one.

While this shawl appears to be a triangular or even circular, it’s actually a three-quarter circle that is worked top-down using a background of stockinette and then finished off with a simple yet elegant lace border.  Even though this design looks a bit complicated due to the shaping and lace work, this pattern is perfect for an advanced beginner who would like to try a shawl  but might have been a bit intimidated.  With Anne’s detailed written step-by-step instructions, charts for the lace design, as well as notes, abbreviations and blocking tips, knitters of all levels will find this pattern to be a breeze!   Anne has also provide instructions using two weights of yarn, fingering and lace, and sizes small, medium and large.  

If you choose to knit the fingering weight version, you will need approximately 614 to 750 yards of fingering weight yarn, a size US 9 (5mm)  40” (100cm)  circular needle, or size to obtain the gauge of 18 sts and 20 rows = 4” (10cm) in stockinette.  The approximate finished size for the span will range from 65″ to 74” (165-188)cm) and a depth that will range from 21 3/4″ to 24.50” (55.5-62)cm).   

If you choose to knit the lace weight version, you will need approximately 598 to 711 yards of lace weight yarn, a size US 5(3.75mm) 40” (100cm)  circular needle, or size to obtain the gauge of 22 sts and 30 rows = 4”(10cm) in stockinette. The approximate finished size for the span will range from 57″ to 64 1/4 ” (145-163 cm) and a depth that will range from 18 3/4″ to 20 3/4” (47.5- 52.5 cm).

Yarn Suggestions:   Sanguine Gryphon Gaia Fingering (shown in red),  Yummy Yarn in Studio in Alpaca Silk Lace (shown in blue),  Knit Picks Lace Yarns, Claudia Hand Painted Yarns in Silk Lace, or  Madelinetosh Prairie.

Courtesy of Crafty Diversions

 
You can find more of Anne’s beautiful designs on her website, Crafty Diversions and on Ravelry.  You can follow Anne online at Twitter and FaceBook.  If you belong to Ravelry, be sure to join her Raverly Group, Crafty Diversions to stay in formed of her latest designs.

 

About:  Anne Kuo Lukito has been knitting and making up her own patterns ever since she taught herself to knit a few years ago in order to pass time during her long train commute to work.  Her designs have been in several publications, including Knitty, Interweave Knits, Twist Collective, Luxury One Skein Wonders, Knitting in the Sun, and Knitscene.

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I am very excited to announce that Anne has generously offered one  two free copies of her Weekend Shawl Pattern pattern as giveaway to my blog readers and I have a special sponsor, the Sanguine Gryphon, who has generously offered 2 hanks of their incredible Gaia Lace in A Sound of Thunder (40% Mongolian cashmere and 60% silk). 

There will be two drawings for this giveaway:

 

First Prize:  One copy of Anne’s Weekend Shawl Pattern, 2 hanks of Gaia Lace in A Sound of Thunder and a set of stitch markers.

Second Prize:  One copy of Anne’s Weekend Shawl Pattern

To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment (one comment only) and provide either your Ravelry ID or Twitter ID.  This giveaway starts today and will end on Saturday, March 19th  at 7:00pm Arizona Time, with the winner being selected by a  random number generator.  The winner will be announced on Sunday, March 20th.  This giveaway is open to all US and Canadian residents, and the winners will receive these items directly from me!

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This giveaway is sponsored by the Sanguine Gryphon, purveyors of one of a kind handpainted yarns.  Knitters will be delighted with the beautiful blends that offer subtle color shifts as well as the selection of weights that include lace and fingering.  

Who are we? We’re Sarah, Gryphon, and the Elves! Sarah and Gryphon design all the colourways and the elves do all the magic to help us get those colourways onto luxurious yarns and into your hands. We work out of two studios, one in Easton, MD and the other in Baltimore, MD. You can chat with us on our Ravelry forum; we’d love to get to know you. 

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED – THANK YOU !

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