Technique Tuesday...

S2KP

Today's technique is a great way to decrease two stitches at a time in your work without them slanting, it is the S2KP, otherwise known as the Center Decrease.  To do the S2KP, you will slip 2 stitches to your right hand needle then knit 1 stitch, you will then take the point of your left hand needle and pass the 2 slipped stitches over the knit stitch.  The following video by KNITFreedom will show you just how easy this decrease is.

ENJOY!

One Ball Wonders...

Today's project is probably the best slipper pattern I have ever found, and can be completed with one ball of yarn, or two if you want the multi-color effect.  If you choose two colors, you will be able to make two pairs of slippers in opposite color combinations.  These slippers are felted and are a great starter project if you have never felted before, they are also perfect for wearing year round.  Felt or leather may be sewn to the bottom of the slippers for added durability.  This easy knit pattern was created by Mindie Tallack and is worth every cent, as you will see how much work she put into it.  You will receive very detailed instructions for a wide range of sizes for both standard and wide feet. 

I almost guarantee you that once you make one pair, you will use this pattern over and over again; I couldn't even begin to tell you how many pairs of these slippers I have made.  So go ahead and grab at least 220 yards of feltable wool (I prefer Cascade 220), a pair of size 11 needles ( long or circular) and 2 stitch markers, then head on over to Ravelry and pick up this wonderful pattern and start knitting right away!

 

Duffers - Click Here! 

Technique Tuesday...

Today's post I dedicate to my friend Jodi.  Recently Jodi and I got together for two days so I could teach her how to knit and she could teach me how to spin yarn on a drop spindle.  I love teaching as much as I love learning new things, so it was the perfect experience.  Now I am hooked on spinning, but more on that later.

When I teach people how to knit, the first project I usually give them is a dishcloth, it is quick, easy and functional.  Also, you can make a dishcloth out of just about any knit and purl stitch combination so it is good practice for learning new stitches.  Today's technique is an easy stitch that works very well when making a dishcloth, it is the Double Basket Weave Stitch.  The video instruction is again brought to you by New Stitch a Day.

Double Basket Weave Stitch- Click Here!

Skill: Easy
Cast On: Multiples of 4 + 3
TECHNIQUES USED IN THIS STITCH:
K- knit
P- purl

Pattern Instructions:

Row 1 (RS): Knit
Row 2: *K3, p1; rep from * to last sts, k3
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: (row 2) *K3, p1, rep from * to last sts, k3
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: K1, *p1, k3; rep from * to last 2 sts, p1, k1
Row 7: Knit
Row 8: (row 6) K1, *p1, k3; rep from * to last 2 sts, p1, k1
Repeat these 8 rows until you have reached your desired length.

One Ball Wonders...

Over the past few months, babies have again entered my life and inspired much of my knitting and sewing.  I love knitting baby items, they are cute and quick, giving almost instant gratification.  Baby items are also small and usually only require one ball of yarn or less. 

Today's One Ball Wonder pattern is knit with worsted weight yarn and can be made in all sizes from infant to adult.  You will need to gather between 60 and 160 yards of yarn, depending on size.  This is a good project to get rid of some of the leftover yarn in your stash.  Here it is, the Garter Ear Flap Hat by Purl Soho...

 

Pattern Link- Click Here! 

Enjoy!

Favorite Etsy Shops...

Happy Thursday and welcome back to Favorite Etsy Shops!  With Etsy being such a huge marketplace full of talent, it is tough to choose each week what shops I would like to feature.  Everyday I find more and more great shops and items that I can't wait to share with you and today is no exception.  Here you go, enjoy!

 Beanie on Helina- Click Here!

Beanie on Helina is a gorgeous little shop that creates fun and functional home decor.

TratGirl- Click Here!

Made to order clothing, accessories and award winning fiber art book covers.

Technique Tuesday...

Welcome back to Technique Tuesday!  If you are anything like me, by default I almost always choose the traditional cast on method in my knitting, unless the pattern calls for something else, that is.  The traditional cast on works fine for most things, but has little give as far as stretchiness goes and can just plain get boring after a while.  With all of that in mind, today I bring to you the Long Tail cast on, also known as the Continental cast on.  The Long Tail cast on can be a little daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, it is actually kind of fun.  A little tip for working this cast on is to not pull your yarn too tight, or you will have a difficult time with your first row.  Tension is definitely key with this method.  My favorite time for using the Long Tail cast on is when knitting hats in the round. 

Long Tail Cast On Video- Click here!

Honestly, the written instructions are a bit confusing, I highly recommend watching the video on this technique!

Step 1: Take a length of yarn from your ball of yarn.
Tip –  For the long tail measure about one inch per stitch. How many stitches will be dependent on your pattern

Warning! – If you do not measure enough yarn to begin with you may run out will have to start over.You can always cut off extra yarn when you finish casting on.

Step 2: Make a slip knot and insert the needle into the loop. Tighten slip knot onto needle.
Warning!- When casting on a lot of stitches the yarn has a tendency to untwist. Make sure the long tail is closest to you so you can easily retwist the yarn as you go.

Step 3: With your bottom three fingers grab both pieces of yarn and hold them in your palm.

Step 4: Take your index finger and thumb and push them through the two pieces of yarn.

Step 5: Shift your thumb and forefinger backwards to pull the yarn tight.

Step 6: Take the tip of your needle and pick up the bottom piece of yarn closest to your body.

Step 7: Swing the needle around and under the yarn wrapped around your index finger.

Step 8: Pull the needle through the loop of yarn on your thumb.


Step 9: Release the yarn around the thumb.

Step 10: Pull the yarn closest to your body tight on the needle.


Repeat steps 6-10 until you have reached the desired amount of stitches on your needle.
Tip – If your pattern calls for a loose cast on use two needles together to cast on instead of one.

Favorite Etsy Shops...

Another snowy day here today, so I think it is time to warm up with a couple of my favorite Etsy shops.  Today I bring to you Amy C. Lund Handweaver and BrasiLee Boutique.

Amy C. Lund Handweaver is a shop packed full of woven goodness!  From shawls to towels to miniature items, this shop has it all.  Handweaving at it's finest!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/aclhandweaver

BrasiLee Boutique is a great shop filled with unique hair accessories and jewelry for women, children and pets.  BrasiLee also welcomes custom orders, so if you don't see what you are looking for, send her a message and see about setting something up.

 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BrasiLeeBoutique 

Technique Tuesday...

Being so sick last week, I hardly got anything done, and that includes knitting.  Not knitting really bums me out, I try to knit at least a little everyday as it always gives me a sense of accomplishment.  I also have some great yarn that I've been really wanting to use and have just wanted to cast on; two skeins of Berroco Vintage Chunky, it is super soft and lightweight for being a chunky yarn.  I am a very indecisive person and this case is no different, I've been trying to decide for months on what I should knit with this yarn.  I've finally decided that I am going to use today's technique and make an infinity scarf... I think ;)  So here it is, today's technique brought to you by New Stitch a Day (I better dig in before I change my mind).  I apologize, the video would not upload, but if you click on the link below it will take you right to it.

The Diagonal Lace Stitch

TECHNIQUES USED IN THIS STITCH:

Knit Stitch – K
Purl-P
Yarn Over-yo
Purl 2 Together-p2tog
Purl 2 Together Through Back Loop-p2tog tbl
Knit 2 Together-k2tog
Pass Slip Stitch Over-psso
Slip Stitch-sl st

Skill: Intermediate

Cast On: Multiple of 8 sts + 4.

Pattern Instructions

Row 1: (Right Side): k2, *yo, sl 1, k1, psso, k1, k2tog, yo, k3, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 2: p7, *p2tog tbl, yo, p6; rep from * to last 5 sts, p2tog tbl, yo, p3.

Row 3: k4, *yo, sl 1, k1, psso, k1, k2tog, yo, k3; rep from * to end.

Row 4: p5, *p2tog tbl, yo, p6; rep from * to last 7 sts, p2tog tbl, yo, p5.

Row 5: k1, *k2tog, yo, k3, yo, sl 1, k1, psso, k1; rep from * to last 3 sts, k2tog, yo, k1.

Row 6: p3, *p2tog tbl, yo, p6; rep from * to last st, p1.

Row 7: k3, *k2tog, yo, k3, yo, sl 1, k1, psso, k1; rep from * to last st, k1.

Row 8: p1, *p2tog tbl, yo, p6; rep from * to last 3 sts ,p2tog tbl, yo, p1.

Repeat rows 1-8 until you have reached your desired length

One Ball Wonders...

Happy Monday everyone!  At least I am doing my best to be happy; on one hand I am feeling better, so that is a big plus, on the other hand, there is a few inches of snow on the ground with no signs of stopping.  Ugh!  I am so sick of winter, just yesterday I was celebrating how we only had a tiny bit of snow left, and now this.  Okay, enough of me complaining and on with the show. 

To celebrate spring, today's pattern is a light project and something that I am actually working on right now, the Triton Socks, a free pattern by Laura Sparling.  The Triton Socks are lacy and knit toe-up on two circular needles, DPNs or the way I am knitting them is two at a time with Judy's Magic Cast On.  Being the first time I've tried two at a time with Judy's Magic Cast On, I don't think that this would have been the pattern I would have chosen, but it seems to be working with having to fix some mistakes along the way.  Also, I prefer longer cuffs, so I plan on knitting until  I run out of yarn.  Solid, light colors or slightly variegated colors will work the best for showing off the pattern of these socks.

Gather up a skein of 4 ply fingering weight yarn, your needles and a tape measure and lets get knitting the Triton socks.  Note, if using Judy's Magic Cast On, you will need to divide your skein of yarn into two balls.

Triton Socks by Laura Sparling

Sock it to Me

 

Blush

I'll be back next week...

I apologize, but due to illness, I will not be creating any posts until next week.  I hope everyone has a great week that is full of spring and sunshine!  Ta ta for now.

One Ball Wonders...

Happy Monday and dare I say that in Wisconsin, spring has sprung!?  Although my backyard is still covered in snow, it is a sweltering 44 degrees today, and I have high hopes of it melting.  Even with warmer weather in sight, if you are like me, you just keep on knitting or crocheting the whole year through.  I still knit hats and cowls and other toasty warm things, as Christmas is always coming and they make great gifts.  The warmer weather does put me in the mood to also knit lighter things, which has inspired me to choose this week's One Ball Wonder pattern.

Today's pattern is a beautiful shawl pattern from Maggi Magali that uses fingering weight yarn.  This shawl is perfect for spring days and summer nights and would look beautiful in solid, ombre or variegated yarn.

 

Ginko Shoulderette Shawl - Click here! 

 

Creating with Sticks Pink Poppies yarn

Creating with Sticks Clean Slate yarn

Favorite Etsy Shops...

Well, it is Thursday again, another week almost done and time for me to show you two more of my favorite Etsy shops.  Today I have two very bright and colorful shops that I would like to introduce you to, Inspirational Gecko and Wild Garden Designs.

Inspirational Gecko is full of fun, colorful and soft designs including key chains, bookmarks, notebooks, ornaments and more.  A stop by this shop is sure to brighten up your day.

 Inspirational Gecko

 The next shop of the day is Wild Garden Designs which specializes in beautiful jewelry inspired by nature.  If you are looking for earrings for a special occasion or just for every day, take a look at Pam's designs.

 

Wild Garden Designs

Technique Tuesday...

Today I bring to you the Linked Rib Stitch, which is a beautiful stitch that looks almost like a cable stitch.  This stitch is a lovely stitch that would work well on hats, scarves, cowls and sweaters.  Without further ado, here is the Linked Rib Stitch...

Techniques Used in this stitch:

Knit Stitch - K
Purl Stitch - P
Cross 2 Left (C2L)- Insert the right needle into the second stitch, while holding the first stitch with your left finger. Carry the needle right off the first stitch on the left needle, knit, knit on the first stitch. Pull the left needle out of the second stitch. The left stitch crosses over the right stitch.
Cross 2 Right (C2R)- Put the left needle behind the first stitch, Insert it into the second stitch knitwise. Push the right needle away, and knit to right of the first stitch. Knit on the first stitch, pull the left needle out of the stitch, the right stitch crosses over the left stitch.

Skill: Easy
Cast On:Multiple of 8+ 4 sts.

Pattern Instructions

1. (Right Side): p4, *k1, p2, k1, p4; rep from *to end.
   
2. k4, *p1, k2, p1, k4; rep from * to end.
3. p4, *k1, p2, k1, p4; rep from *to end.
   
4. k4, *p1, k2, p1, k4; rep from * to end.
   
5. p4, *C2L, C2R, p4; rep from * to end.
   
6. k4, *p4, k4; rep from * to end.

Repeat rows 1-6 until you reach your desired length.

One Ball Wonders...

This week's One Ball Wonder is really more of a stash busting project, using only 30-40 yards of yarn and some googly eyes.  This pattern is by Sabrina Thompson and is a great way to introduce yourself to or practice cables.

This coffee cup cozy isn't only cute, but environmentally friendly as well.  Always a hit and makes a great hostess gift.

Owl Coffee Cup Cozie

 

Beach Super Wash Merino

Favorite Etsy Shops...

Today's favorite Etsy shops are similar in not what they sell, but that they use natural items in their work.  The first shop, Stix and Stones Crafts makes a variety of items from bird feeders to bookmarks, all inspired by nature.

 

 Stix and Stones Crafts

Next up is Planted Digs 2, a jewelry shop that makes all of its items with natural stones and freshwater pearls.

PLANET DIGS 2

Stop by and visit these nature inspired shops today!

 

How to Stay Creative...

Creativity can sometimes be a challenge, and for me, it seems that I lost my creativeness some time ago.  Sure, I can still come up with things and make them, but all of my really great ideas seem to have disappeared.  In my efforts to try and regain my creativity, I've come up with a list on how to stay creative...

How to Stay Creative

Go outside

Carry a notebook or sketchpad and make lists

Bring your camera with you

Surround yourself with other creative people

Listen to music and sing along

Eat something new

Journal

Go somewhere new

Practice makes perfect

Take naps

Do what makes you happy

Get away from the computer

Cook or bake something

Take a walk

Meditate

Read a book or magazine

Dance

Eat Chocolate

Buy yourself flowers or gather a bouquet of your own

What do you do to stay creative?

Technique Tuesday...

Today's technique is a beautiful cable technique and probably one of my favorites.  I especially love to use this stitch for hats, but it looks good on scarves and cowls too. 

 

You must have basic cable knitting skills to understand this technique.  Here are the instructions in case you do not know how to knit cables.  Cable 4 Front instructions, Cable 4 back instructions.  I also have included the written instructions to today's technique below the video.  Once again, video and instructions are from New Stitch a Day.

Skill: Intermediate
Cast On: Multiples of 12 + 6 (+ 2 for a selvedge stitch on each end)  If knitting in the round, do not cast on the selvedge stitches.
TECHNIQUES USED IN THIS STITCH:
Knit – k
Purl – p
Cable Six Front – C6F
Cable Six Back – C6B

Pattern Instructions:

Row 1 (RS): Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: 1 edge st, *C6F, k6; rep from *to last st, 1 edge
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: Purl
Row 7: 1 edge st, *k6, C6B; rep from *to last st, 1 edge st
Row 8: Purl
Repeat these 8 rows until you have reached your desired length.

 

One Ball Wonders...

Today's One Ball Wonder is a beautiful shawlette called Miss. Winkle, to keep your shoulders warm.  This shawlette is a fun, quick knit, being that you use mainly the knit stitch.  This pattern works great with variegated hand dyed yarn.  Go ahead and give this pattern by Martina Behm a try today!

 

Miss Winkle 

 

Caliente

 

Sock it to Me