Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Open Weave Panel

Good Morning Knit Wit followers.  As I sip my second cup of coffee this morning watching the sunrise, I am dreaming of the days when I can bring my knitting outside and listen to the birds sing to me as I knit.  But I find myself next to the wood stove yet again.  Although spring has come, Central NY has not yet noticed.

Today's stitch is an Open Weave Panel lace, which is very easy and is worked by repeating only 4 rows, so it is easy to memorize. 




I used this stitch in a pair of fingerless gloves. 





Here is how to work the stitch:

Row 1: (right side) P2, Sl 1, K1, PSSO, YF, K3, YF, K2Tog, P2
Row 2: K2, P7, K2
Row 3: P2, K2, YF, Sl 1, K2Tog, PSSO, YF, K2, P2
Row 4: same as Row 2

Repeat these 4 rows

Try a panel for yourself and see how easy it is.  I found that there was a fun rhythym going on with the needles as I worked this stitch.

I have visions of making some really cool window treatments with this  stitch, but sometimes I get a bit over-enthusastic!  We will see if it ever happens.

Next week is Easter, so I will be taking the day off from posting knitting patterns.  But don't forget to come back April 11th!  I have three fun mixed up stitches lined up for April. 

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Faggoted Lace Panel

March is certainly here in Central NY ~  The wind has been blowing and howling all night long.  And that wind has melted so much snow that I can start to see patches of grass in spots now.  Oh, Spring is coming!

Today's Knit Wit pattern is Faggoted Lace Panel.  It is super easy to do and it a nice stitch to incorporate into an area that was just plain knit.   I've used it to make some fun to-go cup cozies or water bottle sleeves.  Now that Spring is here and we are on the move a bit more, keep a few of these in your car to keep your coffee from burning your hands and your water from sweating. 

My newest knit coffee cozy is is in a lovely mint green and knit with a bit chunkier yarn.

The Knitting Stitch is Faggoted Panel Lace and worked over 9 stiches with 4 repeating rows:

Row 1: (right side) P1, K1, P2Tog, YF, K1, YF, K2Tog through back, K1, P1
Row 2: K1, P7, K1
Row 3: P1, K2Tog, YF, K3, YF, K2Tog through back, P1
Row 4: same as Row 2

Repeat these 4 rows

 
I also have the pattern for the coffee cup cozy available on etsy as well.  This is a super easy pattern and the best thing about is that it takes very little yarn.  It is the perfect project for all your left overs - whether you keep what you make for yourself or give them as gifts. 
 
The pattern is worked on double pointed needles and I have included a grid so you can mark off each round as it is completed to ensure perfect results. 
 

 
 
Have fun with this very easy lace pattern. 
 
Next week ~  Double Eyelet Rib

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!

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!

Scarflette Knitting Pattern

After many inquiries, I am finally offering the Classic Cable Scarflette pattern for sale in both my etsy shop and artfire studio.


I never really followed patterns and when I make my own work, I just scribble notes to my self in a notebook. No one could decipher these notes, in fact, sometimes even I can't! But I've had so many knitters ask me to sell the pattern, that I took some time to write Classic Cables out properly.

I asked a sweet lady that inquired about purchacing the pattern if she would be willing to test the pattern for me and exchange, she would get the pattern for free. Well, after a few revisions and a few tips from my etsyhooker friends on how to use PDF technology, Classic Cables Scarflette Pattern is ready to debut!

The pattern includes photographs and a few tips that can be used with all your knitting projects. These tips will keep your work flat, even and easy to work. The pattern can be adapted easily for a full length scarf as well as a button up scarflette. All the photos in this blog entry are knit with the same pattern


I would love to share with you what my tester said about this pattern: I really enjoy making small projects. I like that it is done on big needles with two strands of yarn. I have arthritis and small needles are difficult for me to knit with. I like that the repeat is only eight rows - short enough that I could memorize it and not have to keep looking at the pattern and still be able to watch a movie while I'm knitting it.

I'm already starting to work on writing up a second one and couldn't be more excited that I am finally getting these documented. This pattern is available for $4.50 and will be sent to you via e-mail in PDF format.


So if you are looking for a quick and fun project and want to impress your friends and family with your knitting skills, consider this pattern. You won't regret it!