Holiday Knitting Quickie - Stockings!

 

Spindleknitter's Stockings by Kristen Hall are my first must knit rave of the 2013 holiday season.  Knit 'em up.  The pattern is free, and it's really good.  I've read it through and these are definitely on my holiday list.  Add 'em to yours!

Espace Tricot, Montreal Que - Free Pattern

When I first Tweeted that I was looking for recommendations of knitting shops to visit in Montreal, one answer far out-tweeted the others.  "Espace Tricot" or "Well, of course, Espace Tricot" came up again and again.  Who am I to argue with overwhelming public opinion?

We found our way to the shop on our way out of town.  It's the opposite of Effiloche (see previous post) in many ways.  Where Effiloche is a shop for all needle crafts, Espace Tricot is laser-focused on knitting.  Where Effiloche is large, with casual displays, Espace Tricot is small, with very neat and organized displays.  Espace Tricot is in a new building, full of light, and on a second floor. (See website and blog here.)

Friends and co-owners Melissa and Lisa have done an amazing job of creating a shop welcoming to knitters of every level.  As a person living in a small apartment, I was very impressed with how efficiently and thoroughly the space was utilized.  Yarns, books and notions were laid out in an attractive way that was easy to shop. They had everything a knitter would need, and a variety of price-points was represented, with quality being universally high.

One thing Maggie (staff member) explained to me with emphasis was the pride with which they represent Canadian yarns.  Americans will be well familiar with Koigu, the extraordinary sock-weight yarns, but there are other wonderful Canadian brands to be had.  I found this emphasis endearing, and the yarns to be truly stunning.  (A personal new favorite is a silk cashmere blend from Tanis Fiber Arts.  How did I miss that up to now?)

The knitted samples throughout the store are beautiful.  Although Lisa was busy with customers during my whole visit, I was able to have a few moments with Melissa.  What a lovely person!  She's full of energy and ideas.  She was also very open and patient with the DH walking around taking photos of everything.

As Maggie (a very pleasant and helpful staff member) was packing up my purchases, Melissa showed me one of the original designs available on their blog.  It was a lovely and cozy striped chevron blanket in Cascade Eco Cloud.  It's really cool, but then they showed me the Missoni-Inspired Scarf.   It's a colorful combination Colleen, color-embracing assistant and I (more traditional color palette) can both love!  My queue lengthens, again.

Go to Montreal.  Visit Espace Tricot.  I completely understand why it's Montreal's most recommended.  You will, too.

Montreal and Scarves - Free Pattern

For all of us who feel we've moved past the knitting of scarves, we should think again. 

I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Montreal, Quebec this week.  For those who are unfamiliar, Montreal is a city in southern Quebec heavily influenced by the French who settled it over 350 years ago.  It is devoted to the fine arts, and there are museums, galleries and performance art spaces in every neighborhood. The original architecture stands side by side with modern architecture, and all ages in between.  French language dominates, sometimes to the exclusion of English. French food and European style baked goods are everywhere. For those who want a European-style holiday without the expensive airfare or the jet lag, it's an excellent get away.

One thing that is very French about Montreal is the ubiquitous scarf.  Scarves are worn by young and old, men and women, in hot and cold weather.  They are worn with dressy outfits, and shorts and t-shirts.  They are worn around necks, in and around hair, and at the waist as a shawl. People watching from an outdoor cafe, in 20 minutes easily 40 people passed wearing scarves.  It was 75 degrees and sunny. 

As the DH and I sat savoring coffee and croissants, it occured to us that no two women wear their scarves in quite the same way.  Some pile them in multiples, wearing two or three at a time.  Some wear them swept to the side.  Knotted low on the chest is popular, too, sometimes with fringe or a necklace, sometimes without. 

On a trip many years ago, I asked if the scarf was a fashion trend.  "No.  It has always been this way," I was told by a friend.  "People here are less interested in fashion trends, and more interested in self-expresson.  Scarves make expression quick and easy without have to adust an entire ensemble."  She smiled.  "Once you possess a scarf, you don't throw it away.  You collect them through your life.  Each one is a memory and a small work of art."

Scarf Around

The lovely scarf at left is reminiscent of the scarves available in shops.  If you're over the cowl thing and still excited about decorative neckwear, have at it!  It's by Maia Discoe of Maia Spins.

Lovely Freebie Shrug

The shrug at left is a very pretty, fairly uncomplicated piece that I would love to make in a spring palette.  I can see it in a sage green in silk and linen blend.  I'd love to see it in off white in a bamboo or tencel blend.  In the right colors and fibers, you could enjoy making this pattern for any season.

It gets even better!  It knits up on a US 9 needle, making it quick.  It has a 12 row pattern repeat, but all the even rows are purl rows, so it's really only 6 rows to remember.  It's knit cuff to cuff, which is a little unusual and will be fun if you always knit bottom up.  Go get it!   From our friends at Red Heart Yarns.  Open Front Shrug

Father's Day Freebie - Knit Ahead Vest

Sidelines Vest by Creative Knitting

This sweater vest is ageless and charming.  Originally made in Berroco Peruvia, and published by Creative Knitting Magazine, it can be knit in any worsted weight yarn making it a go-to vest for any climate.  It's shown knit with lots of positive ease, maybe 6 inches worth, which is also a choice you can manipulate to your own taste.  If this were knit in a soft yellow in cotton, I could see it going to the country club for dinner.  If it were in its current color and more fitted, it could go to the office.  If your man has a flair for fashion, try a more fitted amount of ease and a turquoise shade in a wool/cotton blend.  If you start now, it's sure to be ready for Father's Day!

Autism Awareness - Cascade Yarns' "David's Hat"

My daughter has Asperger's Syndrome, which is a high-functioning type of Autism.  (I know, some kids have CD collections...)  In general, she's pretty cool, and pretty happy.  She's not a fan of touching, or most sounds, or interacting with people for extended periods of time.  She loves books, electronics, and cats.

When she learned she had Asperger's, she was surprised to hear it's considered a disability.  I tried to explain that not everybody processes information the way she does, and that it might explain why people, from her perspective, behave so strangely.  "So if I didn't have this, I'd act like everybody else?"  I considered.  "Well, more like everybody else."  She frowned.  "I'm glad I have this, then.  I want to be like myself!"

Over the years, her Asperger's has brought many unique perspectives to our home life.  "It doesn't seem like cooperation of only one person gets what they want."  "TV is easier than people, because the soundtrack tells you what they're thinking."  She doesn't understand many idioms, and was appalled when I mentioned a TV character doesn't hold a candle to her.  "Well of course not!  Why would you want to do that to a person?"

For everyone who loves and supports someone with Autism, the joyfully-colored logo for Autism Awareness makes sense.  It's not always fun, or gloomy, or confusing.  It's a whole rainbow of experiences (sometimes within a couple of minutes!)  It's tough to be or to love a person with Autism, and yet uniquely rewarding. 

If Autism hasn't touched your life yet, cool.  If it has, you're probably learning that you're stronger than you ever thought.  As knitters, we often express ourselves with "sticks and string".  This free hat pattern from Cascade Yarns is one of those times.  It's for the Cascade blogger's son, David, and I love it.  My daughter won't wear knitted hats (they feel funny), but I'll make this one for me and wear it with pride.  Thanks, Cascade, for sharing it with us.  David's Cabled Hat

Lo-Cal Easter Bunny - Free Pattern!

Here's a new, free bunny pattern for those not into candy.  (You know, babies, toothless people, diabetics...)  It's available on Ravelry, and the free pattern link is here.  This may be the best bunny pattern I've seen, in that it is realistic, cute, and not too difficult.  Try it!  And be sure to post a nice comment to Sara Kellner on her terrific pattern!

Knitted Dolls and Toys

I've neglected the toy makers in our readership for a while now, and I'm sorry.  I just hadn't come across something truly unique.  It seems like many doll patterns are just slightly reworked versions of each other, and that's not too exciting.  And then there's this.

Take a look at this wonderful blog from the UK.  It's called Flutterby Patch, and I'm in love with the little dolls and critters.  The patterns are scrumptious, and some of them are free!  (Including these!)

Each post appears to be a story in words and pictures developed around a large cast of knitted dolls and critters.  I won't tell the stories here, as it would ruin the surprise, but they are ideal children's stories, and I would happily read them to kids under 8. Take a look, and enjoy!

Free Legwarmer Pattern

This very easy legwarmer pattern is called "Deux", and it's available free of charge, from Berroco.  Pattern written for S, M, and L.  They knit it up in "Foliage", a wool and acrylic blend with lovely color changing self-stripes.  Since this yarn is now discontinued, you may have trouble sourcing it at your LYS. Not to fear!  There are substitutes... 

Try Universal Yarns "Poems Chunky" in Ultraviolet for a similar look.  It's 100% wool with long color repeats.  Or try Noro "Hitsuji".  The colors are dreamy, but the stripe repeats are much longer, giving a different effect.  Noro "Iro" is also discontinued, making it available on sale in LYS and online, with a nearly identical striping profile.

Not a variegated fan?  Prefer your yarns to variegate without striping?  Those yarns are available everywhere.  Just make sure that you choose a yarn with the same weight and get the same gauge, and have a ball!

Valentine's Mitten - Free Pattern

A Valentine for all my friends and readers: Valentine's Mittens!

Materials: Size 5 needles
Cascade Yarns 220 Worsted Wool, one skein each red, and white

Makes women's size med/large mittens. For smaller or larger size, decrease or increase needle size respectively. Finished size 4.25 inches across, 8.5 inches long.

Cast on 52 sts needed. Please note - there is a white stripe up each edge of the mitten, so make sure to count those on the above chart. I admit, they are not super clearly marked.

On Round 20, (solid red above stripes) increase 1 stitch every 6 stitches 8 times, finish round.  60 Stitches.

This pattern is designed in the round, with an afterthought thumb. The front and back of each thumb are the same, so repeat the thumb chart twice. The grey lines on the palm of the mitten body represent where to knit with scrap yarn for thumb placement.

Happy knitting!

My Silly Little Hat

I finished my slouchy silly hat project I was dreaming of on Friday.  It's so warm!  And truly a very silly look.  It makes me so happy!  There are lots of reasons.

First of all, I really like the way the pattern came out, and I'll definitely use it again.  Second, it's snuggly, warm and soft because it's made from the wonderful Cascade Yarns Baby Alpaca Chunky.  Third, it's the first thing I've designed and knit in my new apartment. 

I used to say that you don't really feel like you live in a new place until you've gotten really sick, thrown a great party, and depending on your situation, been home for the holidays.  Now I know that as a knitwear designer I can add design and knit a garment.

As I set up my new yarn swift and ball winder, I was very excited.  But then to settle into a corner of the couch and get this hat finished - it's priceless.  To me, anyway.  I've included the pattern in case you're feeling a little silly yourself.

The Silly Little Hat

Cascade Baby Alpaca Chunky yarn in your choice of colors

4 US 7 DPNs

2 US 7 Circulars longer than 16"

2 US 5 Circulars longer than 16"


Cast on three stitches and divide across all three needles. 

Round 1: Knit, make 1, knit, make 1, knit, make 1
Round 2: Knit to last stitch on needle 1, make 1, knit to last stitch on needle 2, make 1, knit to last stitch on needle 3, make 1. 

Repeat round 2 30 times, switching to 2 circular needles as needed.

Round 33: Knit

Repeat round 33 until hat is desired length ( I did 18 rows for mine.)

Ribbed rounds:  Switch to size 5 needles, and knit in (k2, p2) around.
Repeat the ribbing rounds for a total of 12 rounds. 

Bind off! 

Weave in your ends.

Free Mitten - Birdhouse and Vines

Birdhouse and Vines Mitten Pattern. 

Sorry for the funky pic. The PDF is much clearer!  I'm experiencing technical difficulties!  Sorry!

First Free Pattern of the Season

The first free pattern of the season is coming!  It will be published here on Saturday the 15th of October.  Yep, two days from now.  I'm so excited!  Are you?

Spud and Chloe - Knit Simple Giveaway

Spud and Chloe and Knit Simple have combined to make a terrific giveaway of yarn, patterns, and a copy of the Holiday 2011 edition of the magazine.  Too cool!  Get your free stuff!  Click here.

A Little Love

Comfort Dolls are adorable!  This free pattern is my new favorite.  They're easy to make, and totally customizable to the recipient.  Make a doll who looks like someone they know, admire, or even like themselves!   (There are better pictures on the website.) 

Some ideas:  give them to kids as holiday or birthday gifts, charities, a cubicle-based office worker who needs a reason to smile, guest room decor, or as a voodoo toy for a recently divorced loved one.  They make ideal boyfriends/girlfriends: cute, loves to cuddle, and won't run around or argue.  The possibilities are endless!  Just personalize as you wish, and let your imagination run wild!

I have four knitting festivals/conferences to teach in on the next three weekends.  There's so much to look forward to!  In the meantime, I just got my son home from the hospital after five weeks in critical care, and I've just gone back to my day job now that I'm home from his bedside.  I'm finishing design samples for two different yarn manufacturers, and my kids are in the throes of the back-to-school madness.  (I was interrupted twice by my kids in the two minutes of writing this!)

Knit Kitchen Rug Pattern

In the midst of it all, I received a visit from the "yarn fairy".  A friend of a friend passed on a big bag of rug yarn.  I've never worked with rug yarn, and I'm excited about all the ideas that started flowing as soon as I saw it!  But when do I have time to play with it? 

Knitting is such a refuge for me.  It's the calm in the storm of my life.  Unfortunately, I really have to focus on the storm right now!  I love having all the madness being good news for a change.  I'm just going to need a lot of coffee, a little help, and a lot of luck!

If you'd like to start experimenting with rug yarn, you might want to start with the pattern above.

Coffee Cup Cozy - Free Pattern

As I've hung out at the Cleveland Clinic, I've respected their effort to make the hospital as green as possible (no easy task!)  One popular choice is to skip the cardboard sleeve at the coffee shop and use one that's hand knitted or crocheted.  Folks even use them on their reusable ceramic cups to keep the coffee hotter longer. 

I made my first one of these little numbers years ago, and still use it and many others today.  I have longer sleeves for "car coffee" in the winter, and shorter ones for daily indoor use.  This pattern can be adjusted to fit your needs.  Just mind the increase ratio, and it will fit those to go cups like a glove!

Coffee Cup Cozy  Elisabeth Marino

Materials

Size US 7 needles, circular or straight
Worsted yarn in natural fiber
Yarn needle
Scrap yarn, buttons, ribbon as desired

Dimensions:  This pattern as written will make one cozy of standard dimensions, 2.75 inches across at the bottom edge, 3 inches at the top edge, and 2.75 inches tall.

Instructions
Cast on 34 sts.  If knitting in the round, join.  K1, p1 for 6 rows.

Row 7: K2, M1, K until 3 st remain, M1, K2. (36 sts)
Row 8: Purl
Row 9: K2, M1, K until 3 st remain, M1, K2. (38 sts)
Row 10: Purl.

Row 11 (RS):Knit
Row12: Purl 
Row 13: Knit 
Row 14: Purl

Repeat rows 9, 10, 11, and 12 until the cozy is the desired length, minus 3/4 inch of ribbed trim.

Row 15: K1, P1, M1, (K1 P1) until 3 st remain, M1, K1, P1. (40 sts)
Row 16 –20: K1, P1 across

Cast off loosely in K1, p1.
Tie off end.

Finishing
With regular needle and thread, sew up seam.  Sew on buttons, embroider an initial or design if desired.

Freebie Friday - too cool for school

Elisabeth here.  I'm still in Cleveland with my son at the hospital, but I have a rare internet connection, so I thought I'd share a freebie.

Yesterday in the hospital cafeteria I saw a woman wearing the vest below.  It was gorgeous!  She had made it in a mohair blend, in a marled grey/brown.   I asked her about working on it, and she mentioned that it was only her second sweater!  (She looked to be about 20 years old.)  She'd been knitting for 3 years, and found it "challenging but not hard."  Give it a try!

Cabled Teal Vest 

Freebie Scarf/Holiday Knit-Ahead

Looking for a beautiful project that will be a great gift and easy to do in the summer heat?  Try this.  It's called the Romantic Ruffle Scarf, and it's by Piper's Quilts.  It appears on their blog post from January 7th of this year.  (Click here for the post.)  Many thanks to Piper's Quilts for making this lovely free pattern available.

I'm casting it on in cashmere today, and I can't wait to see the finished product!  It's in fingering weight yarn, on US 5s or 6s, and they say it will take about 350 yards.  I'm going with fern green, and maybe a chocolate edge. 

Made in linen or silk, this would be a great addition to your summer wardrobe.  Enjoy!

Freebie Friday - Surprise!

This week's freebie comes from Cherry Tree Hill Yarns, and it's not your standard late-spring fare:  Gloves!

Ok, hear me out.  First of all, many of my readers are from the Southern Hemisphere, so it's fall for them.  Second, in the summer, we want light, small, portable projects.  A whole lap full of wool is tough to take on a hot and sunny afternoon.  Third, they're made on TWO NEEDLES!  I know, right?  Thanks to Discounted Brand Name Yarns for making this PDF available free of charge.

Make these stocking stuffers now, and cross one recipient off your list.  Or make a few pair, and spend this fall baking apple pies and carving pumpkins instead of frantically knitting your gift list items.  Nobody will associate the knitting now with a gift they'll receive in six months.  Even if the recipient sees them now, you're golden!  Lie!  They'll forget by Christmas/Hanukkah.