Thursday, October 8, 2009

Oversized Cowl



An easy, quick project that will give you instant gratification—not to mention keep you warm as the temperature starts to drop this fall.
This cowl is knit in the round in one piece using super bulky weight yarn. I used Reynold’s Blizzard which I got at The Knitting Experience in Brunswick, Maine.
It features a row of eyelets that serve two purposes. It gives visual interest as well as provides a place to weave in a crocheted tie. This tie can be used to cinch up the neck and keep you even warmer—perfect when worn under a vest or coat. Worn with or without the crocheted tie, this cowl will feel great not to mention knit up super fast!





Gauge:
2.5 sts = 1” in k2,p1 ribbing pattern

Supplies:

  • Size 13 & 15 24” circular needles (note: a size 15 isn’t 100% necessary. I just prefer to use a larger needle to bind off for this project to ensure the bind off edge is loose & flexible)
  • 2 skeins of Reyond’s Blizzard (132 yards)
  • 1 stitch marker
  • Size N crochet hook (if you want to create the crocheted tie)

Directions:

  • Using size 13 24”needles, CO 72 sts very loosely, pm, join for working in the round
  • Row 1: *k2, p1; repeat from * to marker
  • Row 2: repeat row 1
  • Row 3: YO, k2tog, *p1, YO, k2tog; repeat from * to marker
  • Row 4: *k2, p1; repeat from * to marker

Repeat row 4 until piece measures 11”

  • Using size 15 24” needle (optional), BO all sts very loosely in pattern (i.e., BO 2 sts knitwise, BO 1 st purlwise, etc.)

For crocheted tie:

  • Using size N crochet hook, chain 86 sts
  • Cut yarn and secure through last loop
  • Weave crocheted tie through eyelets on cowl

As an alternative, if you'd prefer a slightly less oversized and shorter cowl, cast on 60 stitches instead of 72 and follow the same directions, except only knit for 7 or 8" instead of 11"

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Touch of Grey Belted Cardigan


A great layering piece, this buttonless belted short-sleeved cardigan is knit in one piece with limited seaming. Sized from XS-XXL, it is knit on circular needles, working back and forth from the bottom to the underarms. At that point the sleeve stitches are cast on and the back and front pieces are divided and each worked separately. Short rows are used to shape the shoulders. Front and back shoulder stitches areattached by binding off the stitches together using the three-needle bind off technique. Finally, stitches are picked up and knitted to create the neck band ribbing, sleeve ribbing and front bands. The only seaming you’ll have to do is at the underarm on each side—that’s it!



You can purchase this pattern for $5 using a credit card (via pay pal).Click the "buy now" button-after you enter your credit card information, a link will be emailed to you. This link will allow you to download the pattern right away.

This pattern provides detailed descriptions and a review of all necessary techniques. Special techniques used include: cable cast-on method, short row shaping, three-needle bind off, and creating an i-cord (for the belt). If you have not done some of these techniques in the past, this is a great pattern to try them out on.




Below is information regarding the sizes and supplies you will need for this pattern:

To fit bust sizes:
XS (S, M, L, XL, XXL)
To fit bust sizes: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48) in / 71 (81.5, 91.5, 101.5, 112, 122) cm

Finished Garment Size:
Bust: 26 (30, 34, 38, 42, 46) in / 66 (76, 86.5, 96.5, 107, 117) cm
Length: 19.5 (20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22) in / 49.5 (51, 52, 53.5, 54.5, 56) cm
Armhole Depth: 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5) in / 15.5 (16.5, 18, 19, 20.5, 22) cm

Sample is knit at size S, being worn with negative 2 in / 5 cm of ease.

Gauge: (in garter st) Make sure both stitch & row gauges are accurate.
Before blocking:
17 sts & 32 rows (16 ridges) = 4 in / 10 cm
After blocking:
17 sts & 26 rows (13 ridges) = 4 in / 10 cm

Supplies:
• Cascade Baby Alpaca Chunky 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 10) skeins
o 638 (727, 816, 905, 994, 1083) yd / 584 (665, 746, 828, 909, 991) m
• Size US 9 / 5.5 mm 29 in / 74 cm (or longer) circular needles (or size need to obtain gauge)
• Size US 7 / 4.5 mm 29 in / 74 cm (or longer) circular needles (or 2 sizes smaller than size needed to obtain gauge)
• An extra size US 9 / 5.5 mm needle (straight or circular) to be used for three-needle bind off
• Size US 7 / 4.5 mm double pointed needle (DPN) to make the i-cord belt
• Stitch markers
• 3 stitch holders
• Scrap yarn
• Tapestry needle
• Row counter (not necessary, but helpful)