I am knitting my mittens and loving it. My only complaint is that most of the patterns I have found call for a lighter DK weight yarn. And, I have so much worsted weight yarn that I would like to use. I will have to figure out how to modify the patterns to a worsted weight as I get more familiar with knitting these lovely, yet practical accessories. Surprisingly, knitting mittens take longer than knitting hats.
So far, I have not learned how to knit any fingers or gloves. But, it seems that fingerless mittens are a popular trend. Knitting fingers will be something for next year, which is fast approaching.
I found a simple stitch pattern that I wanted to use for some fingerless mittens. I call this one my Braided Fingerless Mitts. The stitches on this pattern creates columns of braids that are not cables. This pattern is also written for those who want a snug fit to their fingerless gloves. Click here to download. It is also available on Ravelry.
I knitted my first mitten! For me, this is no small accomplishment considering I spent almost my entire first year of knitting “all things square and four sided”. My knitted hats have been so fun to learn and create, and really helped me learn how to comfortably use my double pointed needles. I debated between mitten or sock knitting as my next knitting challenge, and am thoroughly thrilled with the outcome!
This project is called Merci Boku Mittens because I am so thankful for finding this yarn for this knitting pattern titled Noro Fingerless Mitts. The original pattern calls for Noro yarn, a very expensive yarn that knits into the most beautiful colorways. I have desired to knit with Noro but the cost of the yarn for each pattern was too much for my budget.
Then, this lovely yarn from Plymouth called Boku entered into my knitting adventures and stash. This wool and silk blend yarn is my “fake Noro” and will allow my budget the luxury of knitting Noro patterns. I have my first mitten to help me fight the winter chill. Merci Boku!
Now I just have to finish the right-handed mitten to complete my set. And, then get over the fear of knitting socks! Maybe by next spring …
Not yet in the holiday spirit? Feeling Scrooge-d? Then take a moment to have some Straight No Chaser. There is no secret recipe for this holiday drink. They are an a cappella group that has found new life. The story behind this group was featured here on an ABC News broadcast. The group sang together while in college, then each of the members moved on with their normal lives before reuniting on YouTube when a copy of their 12 Days of Christmas performance became an instant hit. Straight No Chaser has been reborn this holiday season with a new tour of live performances and their first album of holiday hits titled Holiday Spirits. Click here to view a video of their new album. Want more? Visit the Straight No Chaser Web site.
One more illusion knit pattern for today. This pattern is a Tree and Branches Illusion Knit. When I was a young girl, I did not consider myself an artist. I could not draw or cut a straight line, and my drawings were not as detailed and picture perfect as my younger brother. He could draw anything, with all the shadows and lines in the right places.
The one thing I could draw well was a tree with its branches. Sometimes I would dot it with a leaves, but mostly it was a tree without its foliage. So, I decided to try to create my simple tree in an illusion knit pattern. I have not written the K1, P2 instructions yet; it will have to wait for another day. This chart is tall with 80 rows, similar to the height in my Cat Illusion Knit design.
The branches on this tree are close together, so when you knit this you may see this as a tree with leaves, rather than a tree with its branches. Kind of like the glass is half empty or half full analogy. Either way, it is a tree. Click here to download the PDF file. As always, this pattern is available on Ravelry.
I just finished another illusion knit pattern – the Dog Bone Illusion Knit. The pattern includes the K1, P2 written instructions. The chart is 24 stitches across, perfect for a scarf. A dark or bright colored dog bone shows the image better than the traditional “white” bone, but alternating several bones on a scarf would be a great option. Be sure to knit several rows of plain knit in between each dog bone for the best effect.
Click here to download and knit your dog a bone. This pattern is also on my Illusion Knits page and on Ravelry.
Well, I am also addicted to designing my own knits. Today I spent the entire day trying to design a new hat intentionally and not by accident. 🙂 So far, I have unravelled completely several times. The pattern is working itself out properly, but I just lose track of my stitches and am making impossible to fix errors. Ugh. But, I am trying again later tonight. Why bother? I ask myself. Am I trying to avoid the lovely laundry basket, dishes and dust? Or, am I actually addicted to designing my own knits? Once again, the addiction to knitting wins.
I have created a new page on this blog with links to my recently designed hats titled “More Free Patterns.” As I develop my knitting and design skills further, I will post my non-illusion knit designs on this page. My illusion knit designs, which continue to be the most visited page, will stay dedicated to the Illusion Knits page. I have also placed links to some great, free patterns posted on other designers’ blogs. So, sit, stay and have a cup of tea while you visit this new page and its links.
For more great stuff, patterns and resources for knitters and crocheters – sign up on Ravelry.
I have updated the Horse Illusion Knit pattern with the “K1, P2” instructions for those who prefer not to use a chart. All my illusion knit patterns are available for free download on my Illusion Knits page and on Ravelry. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the PDF files.
Lorna's Horse Illusion Knit Scarf
Lorna on Ravelry just shared an early photo of her Horse Illusion Knit scarf. To make the width more narrow than my original sample, she used a U.S. size 7 needles and Cascade Superwash yarn. A DK weight yarn would also work very well. Thanks for sharing this photo! My original swatch used Plymouth Encore Worsted yarn and U.S. size 9 needles.
If you have any photos of your finished projects using any of my created designs, please feel free to share them with me.
I accidently created a hat pattern yesterday. How does a person do that? It is actually simpler than you think.
First, you start off knitting a hat pattern that hopefully will challenge you and teach you a new stitch. In my case, it was an entrelac hat pattern. You attempt to complete the hat several times, but end up with an unravelled mess – the third time was not the charm – and two cats ready to pounce on the pile of yarn. So you decide to start an easier hat pattern, get bored after completing the top of the hat (the crown). then, out of frustration, boredom and a need for creative independence is the critical decison to scrap the rest of the pattern and “wing it” on your own. Next thing you know, you have accidentally birthed a new hat pattern!
I call this pattern Bucket and Brims because while I was knitting it, it looked odd and reminded me of a bucket with a brim. But, once finished, the bucket shape disappeared, and formed a more normal shape around the head. This hat fits tightly, and can be unisex. I suggest doing a rolled up brim for a guy and a crocheted edge for the gals. Click here to download the PDF file. This pattern can also be found on Ravelry.
Slight Correction as of December 14: I incorrectly calculated the total number of stitches if you choose to knit an extra round for a larger sized head. The pattern file has been corrected.
For larger head, add an extra round of * k9, kfb * for 66 stitches total (not 72). Knit another round and continue to the turn of crown and the end of the pattern.
Need something to brighten your day and beat the holiday blues? You have to view this video, with the sound on. It is so funny – even if you are not a cat person. This video can also be found on my Videos Worth Watching page.
With only a couple of weeks to go, and lots of yarn in my stash, I am ready to make some quick holiday gifts for the remaining folks on my Christmas list. Thank goodness for Sarah’s Christmas Ball pattern, graciously provided by Ceci on Ravelry. To do this pattern, you just need to know two techniques – using double pointed needles (dpns) and creating an i-cord.
My biggest struggle with dpns was joining the stitches tightly in the first place and then splitting them up. Another Ravelry member gave me a great tip that helped me love my dpns. The secret is that you start by casting on the number of stitches onto two dpns, joining one end of it with a knit stitch, knitting on the two dpns for the first round, and then splitting the remaining stitches onto the 4 dpns in your pattern. It really helped me start with tight stitches and no “ladders” of loose stitches in between the dpns.
Kkhymn's Corner 