Sunday, January 31, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ 6 Stitch Spiral Cable

Welcome to this weeks knit stitch feature - slip stitch spiral cable. 

This stitch combination is worked over 6 stitches and by repeating small cables next to each other, it gives the illusion of a continuous spiral.  This can often be found in sweaters as a filler stitch and is thick, warm and solid.  I found that it was easy to knit and quickly memorized the repetitive pattern.


Row 1: (C2F) 3 times
Row 2: P
Row 3: K1, (C2F) 2 times, K1
Row 4: P

Repeat these 4 Rows

I used this stitch in a fun wine cozy which provides soft padding for the wine bottle and makes a super fun gift bag when wine is given.  The wine bottle cozy pattern can be found in my etsy shop and is a fun knit on double pointed needles.  The top can be tied up with an i-cord, ribbon or jute - you decide! 


This one is done in a rich beautiful red, just in time for a romantic valentines evening! 

I hope you enjoyed the month of January that featured variations of cables.  I will feature more cables later on in 2010, but in February I will focus on texture stitches. 

So get your knitting needles warmed up and clicking!  Next week ~  Lattice Stitch

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

New This Week~

Well, it seems that I may be a bit out of season with this Autumn Harvest bowl, but I do think it is one of my better pieces.  I hope you like it as well.



I had fun making this purple and green bowl, using some of the fabulous vintage buttons Daryl gave me for Christmas.  It's all about the buttons!


Most of my efforts this week have been focused on completing a baby blanket, hat and bib for one of my daughters high school girl friends.  She is just like another daughter to us, so I was very excited to hear she was expecting.  The baby shower is this weekend and I'm just about finished.  I love the design that I came up with and once I get the pattern tested, I will also have that pattern available.

I hope you are having a great week!

Till next time ~~

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Wavy Cable

Wecome back to week four of Sunday Morning Knit Wit.

Today I am featuring one of my very favorite cables ~ The Wavy Cable.  This is a great cable stitch for edges or border work and has fantastic texture. The cable shown is worked over 6 stitches and repeating 12 rows.   However, the number of stitches and rows can be modifed to suit your pattern.


The pattern requires using cable work held in front and in back while making cables. 


For a refresher on how to make cables click here.




The Pattern:

Row 1: K
Row 2: P
Row 3: C6B
Row 4: P
Row 5: K
Row 6: P
Row 7: K
Row 8: P
Row 9: C6F
Row 10: P
Row 11: K
Row 12: P

I have used modifications of this wavy pattern in several items. (I told you it was one of my favorites!)

Here it is used in a wine bottle cozy



And here in a warm scarflette:  (the pattern is also available)



This cowl is fun and the pattern is also available!


And this pattern for wavy fingerless gloves will just amaze you at how easy they are!



So get your needles going and make some wavy cables today. 

Warning:  It is easy to get addicted.
Side effects include: looking at your co-workers sweaters trying to find cables, looking at patterns to see if you can fit cables in somewhere, and finding your cable needle in your pockets while doing laundry - and be careful!  They can cause damage to your washer or dryer. 
Next Week - Sprial Cables!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

New This Week

Nana Anna is back at it this week and has some fun and colorful dish / wash cloths in 100% cotton for you.  If any of you don't remember, Nana Anna is my mom, the very same mom that taught me how to knit years and years ago!  She, of course, is the great- grandmom of my grandson, as well as my nieces' son.  She's working with some fabulous colors - just in time for spring/summer!  Here is the first set in teal, white and a fun teal, purple and green blend:



I'll be adding more sets during the week, so keep checking in! 

New from me this week ~~ Well, I can't stop thinking about spring and summer.  I even ordered some very cool sunflower seeds already!  I guess I just keep dreaming as I know there will be snow until April in Central NY!

But  how about this lovely garden ~ 

 Lily of the Valleys are my ultimate favorites!  They really give spring something to sing about and are so fragrant!  Here is my version in wool ~



Forget-me-nots are one of my favorites as well.  And here is my woolen version of those!



And last, but not least.. Daisies!  I just love daisies.   And here is my version in beautiful oranges and yellows! 



Enjoy your week and check back next Sunday for Sunday Morning Knit Wit where I will feature the Wavy Cable Stitch!

Until next time, Stay Warm! 

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Pearl Cable

This week I am featuring the Pearl Cable stitch. This is a great little filler stitch and can be used anywhere to add texture and fun. 

As with most cables, using purl stitches before and after will help it stand out and really make it pop.  This stitch requires making cables in front and in back of the work.

I used a 4 stitch variation, but it can be worked in 6 or 8 as well for a bulkier look.

The cable is made by repeating these 4 rows:
Row 1: C2F, C2B
Row 2: P
Row 3: C2B, C2F
Row 4: P

Click here for details on how to make cables

So far, I've used this sweet little cable in an electronic cozy and a couple scarflettes.  I really love it and I already have some ideas that include a shopping bag and a baby bib, but the details haven't been worked out yet.

For a quick and easy project, try this electronic cozy pattern for just $4.  It is worked in the round on double pointed needles and is a great way to use up left over yarn. 



Also check out this fun and warm scarflette in pink worked with alpaca and silk blend.  It is incredibly soft!


Or this scarflette made with merino wool in a beautiful charcoal grey

 
Until next week, keep those knitting needles clicking and stay warm!

Next week's stitch:  Wavy Cables

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

New This Week

Today I am showcasing some super fun new items in my shop. I hope you will stop by and take a peek!

This pink vessel is one of my favorites ~  make with a wool and silk blend yarn and adorned with some very unique vintage buttons forming a flower. 


This morning glory hair pony will just look lovely on a little girl ~ handknit and felted in wool


Or this hip shasta daisy hair pony in blue and lemongrass green!

I had fun knitting this clutch in plum ~ perfect size for checkbooks, passports or bare necessities!

Looking for a mini wool bowl to keep your tiny items organized?  This felted bowl in wool, alpaca and camel blend is perfect!


Also - check out my clearance section ~  I'm housecleaning to make room for new work and passing some great savings on to you ~   You'll find some felted slippers for children, felted bangles, some neckwarmers and a couple felted bowls. 

Until next week ~  Stay Warm!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Slip Stitch Cables

Welcome to week two of Sunday Morning Knit Wit!

And I couldn't be more excited about the featured stitch this week ~ Slip Stitch Cables.  As this is a new stitch for me as well, I couldn't believe how easy it is.  I've already made a full length scarf (in an oh so soft baby alpaca) and a scarflette (in a wool, alpaca, camel blend).   You can be sure to see this stitch pop up in future patterns.




The cable is worked over 3 stitches, typically with purl stitches before and after, which will help the cables stand out.
Row 1: S1 purlwise, K2
Row 2: P2, S1 purlwise
Row 3: C3L
Row 4: P

Repeat these 4 rows

S: Slip stitch from left hand needle to right hand needle with yarn in front as if to purl
C3L: Slip one stitch on cable needle and hold in front of work. K1 in back of stitch, P1, then K1 in back of stitch from cable needle.

And if you want to try an easy scarflette pattern using Slip Stitch Cables - check out this pattern available on etsy for just $4.50.






Or if your interested in purchasing a finished scarf or scarflette I currently have these two available. 





Next Week:  Pearl Cables ~  until then, Stay Warm and keep those knitting needles clicking!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Garden Party



Now that we are in the middle of winter, I am longing for flowers.  Although I don't mind the snow, I do miss color during these long winter months. 

I've added some colorful felted flowers to my etsy and artfire shops this past week, including a               daisy hair pony, a tulip vase cozy and a prim rose pin.  Oh... and is that an astor or a sea urchin?  I'm really not sure.  Be on the look out for more to come during the week!  The color will definately brighten up your winter. 









Valerie's Gallery on Etsy
Valerie's Gallery on Artfire

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Classic Cables

Welcome to the very first feature in a weekly series of knitting stitches.  As we start out a new year and a new decade, I am determined to expand my own comfort zone and perfect my knitting skills by learning new knitting techniques and methods in 2010.  I want to share my progress with you as well as help the beginning knitter gain confidence to try new patterns and keep hand made knitting a popular and modern craft. 

Each month will feature a different theme of stitch combinations and I will be offering new patterns for sale in my etsy and artfire shops for easy and fun new projects using the stitches that are featured in Sunday Morning Knit Wit.  I hope that you will follow my blog each week and will feel free to leave comments and suggestions of project patterns you would like to see in the months ahead.


I find that knitting is extremely relaxing and comforting ~ the repetitive work and the soft rhythmic clicking of the needles is very soothing. What a great way to keep sane in this fast paced crazy world!  If you know how to knit and purl, you will be able to do the stitches featured each week. So gather up your knitting needles, yarn and hot cocoa and join me each week.
 
January is Cozy Cable Month and we will start with making Classic Cables.
 
Cables are my favorite stitch. They are fun, easy and they add beautiful texture and interest to the finished work.  Some women are known as bag ladies or cat ladies ~ Well, I am the cable lady.  I love to figure out how I can fit cables into my knitting work.  So we will start with basic cables today.
 
Some beginner knitters have a fear of cables because they do look complicated.  But in reality, they are simple and easy and once the technique is learned they can be done in your sleep.  Well, not really, but I often dream of them!  Think of it as taking a few stitches off the left hand needle onto a third needle, putting them aside and forget about them for a few minutes.  Continue with your work for a few stitches and then come back to them. 
 

 
 






 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 








Holding the work in front or back will determine the direction of the cable





Follow this pattern to make classic cables:
 
Row 1 :  Knit
Row 2 : Purl
Row 3 : C4F
Row 4 : Purl
 
C4F = Cable 4 stitches - Slip first 2 knit stitches onto double pointed needle and hold in front of work. Knit next 2 stitches from left hand needle then knit the 2 stitches directly from the double pointed needle.
 
Now you have the basic knowledge to make cables. Come back each Sunday in January to see some cable variations.  Next week - Slip Stitch Cable!
 
And if you want to try an easy scarflette pattern using Classic Cables - check out this pattern available on etsy for just $4.50.  It will become your favorite pattern! 
 
 

 
Until next week - keep those knitting needles clicking!