Reversible Cables

Using some left over yarn from a sweater, I thought I would try to do a scarf with reversible cables.

After searching Ravelry, I found a nice pattern called Braid Cable Reversible Hiking Scarf  by Jeanna Quinones.  I made it a bit longer than the pattern indicates, which requires more yarn, but I just kept knitting until I ran out.

This is the first time I did  a reversible cable, and it is actually quite easy.  The concept is that the pattern is done in rib (knit one, purl one) and when the cables are made, it is the same on the back as it is on the front.  Incredible... just like magic!

If you are a cable lover, most definitely give this technique a try!

Nolan's First Birthday Sweater

I absolutely fell in love with a knitting pattern I found on Ravelry for a sweet little sweater for a 1 year old.  And now that we have a wee baby in the family, I just had to knit it up.

Our youngest grandson will be one on Christmas Eve 2013, so how adorable would this cabled hooded sweater be on him! 

 

 

 

I'm one of those people that really has difficulty following directions (my high school teachers will attest to that). So when I sat down to get started, the pattern just didn't make any sense to me. It was to be knit in pieces, sewn together and then pick up stitches for the hood. So, I modified it to knit it in one piece from the bottom up.

I used the recommended yarn and needle size, but the gauge was coming out all wrong. I pulled out my calculator and started modifying the stitch counts and ended up changing the size of the needles as well.

I pretty much just used the photo of the finished sweater as inspiration and just did my own thing. Which, in the end made this a most enjoyable knit. Nothing to keep track of, just good old knitting till it looked right. 

 

 

Maybe I have become to rigid in my ways, but all in all, I think I did it justice.

Freestyle Knitting

My most recent shawl project is finished with a bit of a twist with the design.

I normally follow patterns or design elements that require full concentration, calculation and counting. But for this one I decided to try something a bit different.

I had a hank of stunningly gorgeous handdyed yarn with a bit of sparkle that I bought at a fiber festival. This is the WINK line from the Periwinkle Sheep. I am such a huge fan of Karin's handdyed yarns that I use it when ever I can.

My thoughts on this shawl were that I really wanted the yarn to stand out so I didn't want to have a design element that would take away from the beauty of the yarn. As I loving cast on for the shawl I told myself not to rush, listen to the yarn and decide where to go as I knit.

 

 

After I completed a few repeats with some texture and lace elements, I felt that some cable work would fit nicely along the bottom. And it did!



I must say, that this was one of my most enjoyable knitting experiences with no counting, charting or hard thinking.  And what beats kntting up a hank of the Periwinkle Sheep's handdyed gorgeous yarn?

What is on your needles?

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Chunky Knits by Biscuit Scout

While searching through etsy this week, I came across a truly remarkable shop and just needed to share with you today. 

Cables and Bobbles make a statement in beautiful knit sweaters, mitts and hats.  But when you find these gorgeous designs on ottomons, chairs and lampshades the designs pop and I, for one, am in awe! 

I'm hoping you will visit BiscuitScout's etsy shop and see her fabulous work.  Here is some information from her profile:
"I am a graphic designer who left the big city in search of my fortune. (Actually I just really wanted to live in the countryside.)

I have recently settled in Napier in the Overberg (near the bottom, most Southern tip of Africa) and apart from discovering the joys of no traffic and growing your own vegetables, I have had time to indulge my passion for knitting.

"It all started a long time ago when I decided to knit a cover for my ageing washing machine. I loved the result so much, that I experimented with various patterns and wools and shapes and sizes; using knitting as a functional art form. It opened up a whole world of possibilities, but back then I still had a day job and knitting took a back seat.

So when I found myself sitting on my porch staring at the cows in the valley, I decided it was time to knit in earnest. I now knit in a thoroughly contemporary way using a chunky Aran style and do winter “jerseys” for ottomans and armchairs, funky cross-shaped scatter cushions and pretty much anything that takes my fancy".

I am truley amazed at her fabulous work.  I would love to cozy up in a chair covered with cables wrapped in one of her blankets, with my feet up on an ottomon while reading a good book using lighting from her  light cover on a cold winters day.  My idea of true bliss! 

Lynn ~ Thank you so much for sharing your creative work with us today!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Branched Cables

I found a lovely cable variance while looking through some of my knitting books recently.

I really like the way this branched cable design looks and flows and especially like the results when it is on an object ~ such as this wine bottle cozy.

The texture is interesting and fun at the same time.

The pattern for making this branched cable is worked over 10 stitches with reverse stockinette stitches on either side.  Note that I worked the bottle cozy in the round, so the actual pattern is reversed on the even rows as the front is always being worked.

Row 1: P3, CF4, P3
Row 2: K4 P4, K3
Row 3: P2, 3B, C3F, P2
Row 4: K2, P6, K2
Row 5: P1, C3B, K2, C3F, P1
Row 6: K1, P8, K1
Row 7: C3B, K4, C3F
Row 8: P8

** C3B =  slip next stitch onto a cable needle and hold at back of work, then knit next 2 stitches from left-hand needle, then kint stitch from cable needle
** CBF = slipe next 2 stitches onto a cabe needle and hold in front of work, knit next titche from left-hand needle, then knit stitches from cable needle.

You can also modify the direction the cables branch by switchin the first cable from front to back in the first row.

I also knit a cute little vase cozy with the same pattern.  I guess these are just too much fun to make!

What is your current knitting project? 

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Knitting for Spring

The calander says it is spring but someone forgot to tell Mother Nature that spring is here in Central NY.  Although it is sunny and I do hear some birds chirping here and there, we woke up to a cold 5 degrees again today. 

But I know that it will begin to feel like spring soon and I already have spring fever. And that doesn't mean my knitting needles are put away for the season.  In fact, I love knitting on the porch during the summer months, especially in the early morning. 

I'm also looking forward to seeing the daffidols, tulilps and other fabulous flowers.  And what better way to show these great flowers than in a unique vase?

My newest item available on etsy is a hand knit cabled vase cozy in soft pink.  This item comes with the vase and is ready to show your spring flowers.  (A perfect Mother's Day gift as well!)

I'm already working on a lovely lavender alpaca version with 'claw' cable design which is sure to be just as pretty. 

So don't put away your knitting needles and wool just because spring is here.  Keep knitting and make something wonderful for the season. 

What are some of your favorite spring projects?  I would love to hear and see what you are working on, so please leave a comment and link to a photo! 

Sunday Morning Kit Wit ~ Grey Cable Scarf and Olive Green Leaf Design Neckwarmer

I couldn't decide which project to feature this week, so I have included two this week.

While I was browsing through my knitting stitch book this week looking for some fun edgings to try, I came across this fun leaf design.  I felt that it would make a great edge on a cowl or neckwarmer, so I got to work on it right away.  I used Mission Falls Washable 1845 washable yarn in deep olive green.  This yarn is wonderful to knit with!  The cables in the neck area give the illusion of branches swirling down to the leaves and the wooden toggle button to keep it together adds a bit of woodland feel to the design. 

Already, I am thinking of other ways to incorporate this edging in my designs, so be on the look out for some new patterns using this edge in the future.

Olive Green Leaf Neckwarmer

My lastest creation is knit with super soft silver alpaca (my own hand spun) and grey wool (Paton's Classic).
Because it is knit on larger needles and the yarn is held double throughout, this scarf is airy, light and super soft.

I took the basic cable design a step further and incorporated a design that flows and swirls through the entire scarf.  I also made cables on each edge for the scalloped look. 

Grey Alpaca Wool Blend Cable Scarf

Both are available in my etsy shop and make perfect gifts.  Just beware:  If you are purchasing them for someone else, you just may keep them for yourself once you feel them!

What is on your needles?  I'd love to hear what your current projects you are working on.  Leave a message here or stop over to my FaceBook page and leave a photo too! 

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Reversible Cable Scarf

It is almost the end of February and we woke up to yet more snow today.  I was kinda hoping that spring would be showing her face soon, but here we are covered in white.

Today I can't help but show off my newest scarf. I combined some of my own hand spun alpaca yarn that has a bold colorway that goes from yellow to orange to reds with a commercial solid orange alpaca, merino, silk blend. The alpaca gives it softness and the merino gives it memory while the silk provides just a tad bit of sheen.


The cables are on both sides, making this one totally reversible and there is absolutely no curling in on the sides. It drapes perfectly and if I do say so myself, is just about the best one I've ever made. Now - I could be a bit too attached as I've spun the yarn and knit the scarf. Almost like a mother being proud of her babies.

In any event, here it is ~ Orange Colorway Cable Handknit Scarf in Alpaca Merino Silk Blend



The front has 3 rows of cables while the back has 2 rows. I worked the cables on the back while purling, which is something I have never done before.  It isn't much different that working them on knit stitches.  The only difference is I held the cable needle in the back rather than front when purling. 

What are you working on this weekend?  I would love to hear from you!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Honeycomb Scarf

I couldn't be more proud of this honeycomb scarf that I knit with my very own handspun wool.  This yarn was just screaming to be be knit into a textured item, and the honeycomb design was a perfect solution. 

The honeycomb design is nothing more than alternating directions of cable work and although it looks difficult, if you can cable, you can make honeycomb.  In fact, this knit up surprisingly quickly.

Honeycomb is worked in multiples of 8 stitches with whatevery you want on either side.  For this scarf, I just added 3 stitches that are knit (both front and back) to give it a solid edge.  I have 8 rows of garter sitch on each end as well.   To keep the garter stitch edges from 'rolling', I needed to cast on a few less stitches at the beginning and decrease a few stitches at the end. 

This is a a fun pattern and once your stitches are established, you can easily memorize the the work so it is a great project to work on if you have several intruptions as you can always figure out where you left off.

The cables are worked with either holding the cable needle in front or in back of your work.  This will determine which way the cable will slant.  So pay attention to F or B on the cable  rows.

You can make this scarf any size you like and gauge does not matter.  I used size 7 needles and the yarn would be equivalent to a heavy worsted weight yarn.  My scarf measures 5.5 inches wide and 48 inches long, but you can make it any length you would like.

Key:
Garter Stitch (Knit ever row - front and back)
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.
C4B – Cable 4 stitches - Slip first 2 knit stitches onto double pointed needle and hold in back of work. Knit next 2 stitches from left hand needle then knit the 2 stitches directly from the double pointed needle.


Cast on 26 (the math does not make sense at this point, but you will increase 4 stitches at the last row of garter stitch)

Garter stitch for 7 rows.  On the last garter stitch row increase 4 stitches evenly.  You now have 30 stitches - 24 for the honeycomb work and 3 on each edge.

Row 1 - Knit
Row 2 - K3, P 24, K3
Row 3 - K3, (C4B, C4F) * 3 times, K3
Row 4 - K3, P 24, K3
Row 5 - Knit
Row 6 - K3, P 24, K3
Row 7 - K3, (C4F, C4B) * 3times, K3
Row 8 - K3, P 24, K3

Repeat these rows to desired length.

Knit 8 rows of garter stitch and remember to evenly decrease 4 stitches on the first row of garter work.

Bind off and weave in loose ends.


I hope you enjoy this scarf pattern ~  Happy Knitting ♥

Until next week, keep the needles clicking

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - New Ascot Cable Pattern

Cables are my thing..  I can't seem to knit something that doesn't have a cable or two. I really love the way they add texture and and movement to a knitted item. I find knitting plain stockinette stitch really boring and will loose interest almost immediately if there isn't some type of cable work within the project.

I've been working on the design for this cable neckwarmer for quite some time and my cable ascot neckwarmer pattern is finally perfected and available for sale on etsy.  This was one that was a long time in the making, but well worth the modifications. 

Although it looks like it is pretty difficult, if you can make cables, it is pretty easy (I knit the entire neckwarmer in a total of 4 hours). I worked closely with my tester and together, we streamlined the instructions to make it easy to follow and have a really cool check off grid to make sure you stay on track!

What I like most about this pattern is by simply changing directions of the cables mid-way, a beautiful diamond is formed in the center of the neck in the back. And, of course my signature cables on each edge make scalloped edges stand out.

This is available in pattern form on etsy and ravelry for the DIYers, or I have a few fininshed versions on etsy and artfire.

I have a few more ascot style patterns being worked on, so stay tuned for some fun new patterns coming soon!

Until next week - keep your needles clicking and stay warm!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Hooded Scarf

I spent the day yesterday putting finishing touches on a new hooded scarf design that I was working on.  I'm pleased with the end result, but still need to tweak a few things. 

This one is so soft, warm and fluffy and reminds me being in a mid-evil forest with Robin Hood coming to save the day.   Ok -  a little too much imagination going on this morning. 

So here it is:

For the scarf I used a cable stitch that doesn't require using a cable needle (see previous post for the stitch pattern).  The top of the hood uses the kitchner stitch and I'm proud of the way this one came out... you can barely see where it connects. 

I'm calling this the woodland hooded scarf and it is available in by etsy shop.

I'm working on getting the pattern up and ready, so stay tuned for that soon!

Until next week - Happy Knitting and Stay Warm!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Fringed!

I've noticed that this years fashion scarves have fringes sideways.  And when they are wrapped they look incredible!

My most recent scarf project is a basic cable scarf with sideways fringes. 

I love the way it drapes.  And the warmth of wool is unbeatable!

This pattern is a simple seed stitch on each side of a 6 stitch cable.   I have found out that if you put one purl stitch right before the cable it will help the cable 'pop'.   So for this one I did the following:

Seed 4, P1, Cable Knit 6, P1, Seed 4

It doesn't need to be too long as when it wraps it really has alot to wrap with the fringes.

Until next week - Happy Knitting!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Classic Cable Collar

Good morning! 

It is a balmy 55 degrees here this morning, which is very unusual for mid-November in upstate NY.  I'll be outside planting some flower bulbs for next spring's enjoyment today and enjoying the mild weather.

I'm so happy to highlight my newest creation today, which is my own design as well as my first knit project using my own handspun 2 ply yarn!  This classic neckwarmer was a dream to make - from beginning to end. I started by spinning the gorgeous Corriedale roving (purchased on KnitPicks.com) and then reverse-spinning it into a lucious 2 ply yarn.

I then knit it up into this lovely collar/neckwarmer/mini-shawl with rows and rows of cables. It just shouts classic romantic to me, with 7 rose buttons.

I'm working out the pattern, so look for the PDF for this one in the near future if you are interested in knitting one up yourself.  The finished one is available in my etsy shop right now if you can't resist~

Until next week, keep your needles clicking!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Red Triple Cabled Scarf

Everyone needs a classic red scarf.  It just isn't winter without one!

I finally finished knitting up this super soft triple cabled scarf in 50% alpaca / 50% merino wool.   I will admit that it took awhile.  It was one of the projects that gets set aside and picked up again, over and over again.
But I made myself sit down and finish it yesterday and I'm so very glad I did. 

It is a long flowing scarf with a great drape and is just so cuddly and warm.

Happy Knitting!

Till next week.....

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Cables and Knots

Last week I bought Viking Patterns For Knitting by Elsebeth Lavold and I have been intrigued ever since.  This has got to be the most intricate cable pattern collection ever.  So I'm off to challenge myself and hopefully make some incredible scarves and hats!

I have been wanting to learn to make horizontal cables for quite some time and I finally found a couple in this book.  They are more like curlyques than cables, but I love them!

I made a swatch that I am super excited about.  Perhaps a bit more excited than I should be (based on Daryl's eyeroll when I excitedly showed him this):

I'm off to the second day of the Harvest Festival of the Arts in Lowville today, but I have a full weekend coming up that is just knitting!  (well, perhaps a bit of cleaning too, but mostly knitting only!)

Until next week, keep you needles clicking!

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

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!