Classic Cable Unisex Wool Scarf in Forest Green

I've been knitting up a storm here lately and have had so much fun knitting holiday gifts and shawls.  But I thought I would take a moment to knit something simple that didn't require alot of thinking or counting.

So I resorted to my favorite original pattern with classic cable design and pulled out my forest green tweed wool stash.  This scarf is just a classic and perfect for all types of outings.  It is knit with 2 strands of yarn for the chunky look, but is very soft and has a very nice drape. 

This scarf is available in my etsy shop as well as the pattern for those of you who like to make their own.

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Knitting with Beads

Good Morning!  When we last left off, I was working on a pair of Two at at Time Toe Up socks.  After working on them for 2 weeks, I finally decided to rip them out and move on to another project.  Maybe if I try again from scratch I will have better luck with them.

So for now, I have redirected my efforts on learning how to knit with beads. I have several shawl patterns lined up in which I want to add beads, so I thought I would practice on a scarf before I tried the shawls. 

I'm using a method that my close friend, April has described during our knitting group and I think it is much easier than stringing the beads on the yarn.  You will need a very small crochet hook (I'm using size 2.  I can't tell what alpha size it is, but you will get the idea from the photos... it is very, very small).

After charting out the pattern and determining where bead placement, have a small bowl filled with the beads and the crochet hook handy.

When you are ready to place the bead follow the steps below:
1) Put the bead on the crochet hook

2) Pull the working stitch off the left hand needle with the crochet hook:

3) Slip the bead off the hook and onto the working stitch:

4) Place the working stitch back on to the left hand needle:

5) Knit the stitch and continue with pattern.

So far, I am really enjoying knitting with beads in this method.  For this project I am using a very delicate lace weight mohair yarn and size 3 knitting needles.  Because the mohair is so extremely light and almost weight-less, the beads are adding some weight which I think will make the scarf more practicle for daily use. 

I hope you will give this a try and let me know what you think!  April - thanks so much for sharing your technique with me!  Once this scarf is done, I'm going to cast on the "Dog Gone Lifeline Shawl" and add some beads to it!

I also finished spinning 4 oz of this wonderful mohair wool blend this week.  The colors are amazing when looked at closely with shades of blues and bits of lavenders and purples.  It is about a fingering weight yarn and I think will make a lovely wrap. ... another project on my to do list!

Enjoy your week and Happy Knitting! 

Sunday Morning Knit With - Old Faithful

This morning I finished one of my 'old faithful' projects while the rest of the family slept. 

I call this project my 'old faithful' project because it is one of those projects that:
1) I don't want to think about the design as it is one that can be done mindlessly and I always can tell where I left off
2) There is no tracking a pattern as it is easily memorized
3) The result is a classic accessory that is easily worn and coordinated with my outfit of the day
4) A project that is always in my knitting bag, ready to take with me where ever I go

Basically, these projects are worked on while I am riding in the car, talking on the phone, waiting at an appointment or at knitting group when the conversations are so much fun that I can't concentrate on a difficult pattern.  (Know what I mean, April?)

The thing is with my 'old faithful' project is this - they seem to take forever to complete.  Because they are left waiting for a convenient time, I'm not in a hurry to get them done.  Although this one should have only taken a few days to complete, it has been with me where ever I go for the past month. 

So, here it is, a classic red cranberry scarf  with cables.  I used large size 11 needles and double worsted weight yarn.  The yarn is two very very slightly different shades of red/cranberry that gives just enough highlight to the colors to make it more interesting.

I think it is a classic - after all, everyone needs a red wool scarf.  And this one is knit with Mission Falls Washable Wool for an ever so soft next to skin comfort.

What are some of your 'old faithful' projects?

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 ~ Ribbed Cable Stitch

For those of you following my blog,  you know that cable work is my favorite.  For those who are new, you just have to check out this ribbed cable stitch that I found.

It is worked without using a cable needle and it is an amazing quick knit!  I've only tried it with 2 stitch ribbing, but will try some modifications soon.

The cable working pattern goes like this:

K2, P2, *  (as many repeats as you like)
P2, K2
K2 tog without taking them off the left needle, then K 1st stich of the 2 on the needle and slip off both, P2
P2, K2

Repeat these 4 rows

I used this stitch to knit this super soft scarf in 100% alpaca wool with 6 cable rows surrounded by seed stitch boarders. 

I hope you will give it a try.

As the holidays are approaching soon, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and thank those who have supported me through out the year in 2010.  I appreciate every single comment and click on my little blog so very much! 

Merry Christmas ♪ ♪ ♫ ♫ ♪ ♪

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 ~ 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!

The Morning After

Yesterday the word of the day was snow.  It snowed all day long without stopping for even a few moments.  This morning, I woke up to this ~  and it was a picture perfect morning!

And now, a few hours later, the snow is starting again - gently falling as is my world is in a snow globe. 

This is the time of the year when I love to knit.  It is so relaxing to hear the needles clicking and gliding in rythym while sitting next to the fire and sipping hot chocolate.

And here is the result of my snow day ~~  This fun and warm scarf in none other than winter white!

This scarf is worked with very large size 14 (US) double pointed needles.  I found working with them a bit clumbsy at first, but got used to them quickly.  This scarf is a very quick knit and forms it's own shape with no raw edges.   I don't think that gauge and sizing is important on this scarf as it can be modified and worked in what ever yarns are on hand.  I used 2 strands of Bernat Softee Chunky yarn.  The entire scarf took about one 100 gram ball.  I used 2 balls at one time and have a  half ball of each left over. This measures 87 inches long and 2.25 inches wide.  

I think I will try mixing some yarns together to see how it turns out.  It only took about 2 hours of knitting time altogether, so it is a fun, quick knit!  You still have time to whip some up for Chirstmas gifts and impress your friends.

Here is the pattern for those of you who would like to give it try ~

Materials:
Size 14 (US) Double Pointed Knitting Needles
160 yards of chunky yarn (80 yards of each using 2 strands)
Cable holder or 5th double pointed needle
Yarn Darning Needle
Stitch Marker

Guide:
K = Knit
CF4 = Cable Front 4 stitches

Making Cables:  CF4 – Cable 4 stitches - Slip first 2 knit stitches onto double pointed needle or cable
holder 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.

Cast on 12 stitches evenly on 3 double pointed needle (4 on each needle) holding 2 strands of yarn together.
Connect making sure there are no twisted stitches. Add your stitch marker to right hand needle.

Round 1: K
Round 2: K
Round 3: K
Round 4:  K4, CF4, K4
Round 5: K
Round 6: K
Round 7: K
Round 8: K
Round 9: K
Round 10: K

Repeat Rounds 4 - 10 to desired length
Then do 3 more rounds of K  and bind off

Weave in loose ends and add fringe if desired

Stay Warm and Happy Holidays!

Another Wool Lariat

Yes, these are just way too much fun, so I made another! This one is 72 inches long and can be worn so many, many ways: as a belt, or a scarf, or a necklace .... use your imagination!

Lovely teal and multicolored flowers and green leaves make this an accessory must have!

Sunday Morning

Warren has gone home and life is back to normal here. I will miss the little bugger but I know he is happy back home with his Mom and Dad.

We had severe thunder storms off and on yesterday and through out the night yesterday, but woke up to a bright sunny day. Daryl and I resumed our walking schedule (we certainly didn't need to walk when Warren was here - he kept us hopping all day long!)

But now, it's back to business. I knit up a scarf and a couple scarflettes last week and they are available on etsy and artfire. And I have finally written up a pattern for the classic cable scarflette which is being tested by a wonderful woman who has been knitting for 40 years. When she gets done trying it out, I hope to have it available for sale for $5 on etsy.

New this week is a fabulous wool/silk blend cabled scarf in lucious chocolate brown. This scarf is thick, soft and warm!



Also new is a wool/acrylic blend scarflette in a double seed pattern. Just right to keep off the chill and the natural color will look great with any outfit.


This new 100% wool ribbed cable scarflette in a rich deep blue is incredibly soft and warm.


Hoping you will stop by my etsy shop and artfire studio this coming week as I will have some brand new felted bowls and another new scarflette!

Bamboo / Wool Blend Scarf

Wow! I just finished knitting a scarf with a bamboo / wool blend yarn that is absolutley beautiful.

I never worked with bamboo yarn before and I am amazed at how easy it is to work with. A few years ago I switched to wooden knitting needles and bamboo yarn and wooden needles are a match made in heaven. The yarn simply glides and seems to form effortlessly with the pattern.

I used traditionally cables on each edge and a braided cable through the center for this charcoal beauty. It is soft, warm and simply perfect!



Find more knit scarves in my etsy shop and artfire studio.

Sunday Morning

Sunday mornings are my favorite time ~ The house is quiet as all other family members sleep in. Coffee never tasted so good as when I am exploring etsy and artfire at my leasure.

This week, I added 2 new items to my shop, both seem to have the same color themes.. which was not planned but just happened.

This set of wool nesting bowls remind me of the 70's - yes, we did have and avacado refridgerator in our kitchen!


And this golden wheat scarf was a test run that turned out beautifully! I tried a new knitting stitch that has become my favorite.. be on the look out for more in this pattern using wools and wool blends


Don't forget to visit me on etsy, shophandmade and artfire.

Daisy's Week in Review

Well, it has been a busy, busy week!

Daisy finally was named and her work assignment has been established. She is one busy sheep now!

New items in my shop include:

Knit Scarf - Classic Ribbed - Mother Earth $40


Knit Scarf - Classic Cable - Montana $40


Knit Scarflette - Classic Cable - Blue Swirl $25


Knit Cowl - Blueberry Cream - $25


Knit Cowl - Pumpkin Spice - $25


Felted Bowl - Blue Snow - $17



Felted Bowl - Basketweave - $17


Felted Bowl - Daisy $36


Felted Coin Purse - Purple Passion - $20


Knit Quick GetAway Key Fob Wallet - $12.50



I am running a sale through Sunday Evening in my Artfire Studio - 20% off and FREE Shipping to my very first customer! Just mention 'Artfire Rocks' in note to seller and I will refund 20% through paypal.

Next week be on the lookout for another scarflette, two great bowls and a beautiful knit purse!

Etsy
Artfire
Shophandmade

New This Week ~~

The gifts are all opened, the pies have been eaten and the visitors are on their way home.

I am stuck on knitting lately and I really must get back to felting soon! I have one lovely bowl that I am just waiting to get a good photo of that will be listed next week. But until then, I am knitting away!

I have these listed on my ArtFire Shop as well as Etsy, so feel free to visit which ever shop you like!

Knit Scarfette ~ Cafe Latte This is super soft and has a lovely cable pattern throughout. $25


Knit Scarf ~ Enchanted Forest This bulky, warm scarf has a wonderful color combination of greens, yellows and white. $40


Knit Scarfette ~ Jasmine This beautiful ribbed scarfette is made with a wool/silk blend that is very luxurious! $25


Hoping I will see you at my stores soon ♥