Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from May, 2011

Arizona AC-Proof Destashification Sweater

I came across this great post and a link to a pattern which has a great sweater so useful when you live in a hot climate but the AC inside is always freezing! You can read it HERE And below is a summary..... " The Arizona Desert in the summer is hot, but the AC is not.  Most buildings are air conditioned to a surprisingly cool temperature, although even 80 degrees is chilly after being in 110+ degrees. AC-Proof Sweater Lace Detail To ward off the summer indoor chill, the AC-Proof Destashification Sweater was knit. The pattern used was a combination of two patterns.  The  Oriel Lace Cardigan  by Kirsten Hipsky  is what the cardigan was based on, but the lace pattern came from Bamboozle Cropped Lace Cardigan  by  Gail Tanquary ."

Very easy shawl knitted sideways

..or scarf.. this is so versatile and you can add your own personal touch by using different colored stripes, changing the stitch from K to a pattern,  the possibilities are endless. The sides have an increase and  then a decrease to get a triangular shape. The YO makes a lacy edge on the top and sides. It is knitted sideways. You can use any yarn you like and its corresponding needles. You knit in the pattern as much as you like - calculate that the rows make the length of the shawl from top to bottom and the amount of stitches make the width from side to side. the amount of yarn needed will vary according to the size you would like it to be. This is what i used: Knit Picks Stroll in 2 colors Size US 7 needles - 4.5mm ( I had 2 different colors of yarn left over from a project, so I started with one color,  increased till I finished the ball then started the decreases using the other color. This shawl took 100gms of  yarn) This is how you start. Cast on 6 sts Row 1

One Ball Wonders

..or should i say one skien?? Im making a collection of these wonders so if you have any let me know! Here are some links to One ball Wonders! One Ball Cowl O ne ball Hat Serpentine Gloves by  Caroline Pasyanos This pattern is available as a free download from ravelry.com A cute (and warm) pair of fingerless gloves inspired by slithering snakes. They would look great in many shades of green, brown, or wild colors! Just make sure the color is not too dark, or you will not be able to see the cables! You will either need to make your gauge swatch small or unravel it and use the yarn again in the gloves. If you are extremely attached to your swatches or like big swatches, I suggest buying an extra skein of yarn. This pattern MAY NOT be made and sold for personal profit. It may be made and sold FOR CHARITY ONLY. Pattern may be distributed during classes with credit to me,  kitsuneSlytherin . Pattern MAY NOT be sold

Looking for someone to try this pattern

This is an easy to make cowl pattern. The instructions may not be that easy as i never really write down patterns but this was a request. So here goes. You will need a multiple of 9 sts plus 4. Depending on the yarn and needles you are using, cast on a number of stitches for the required height. I did not use circular needles so you have to cast on the number you need for the height of the scarf and knit as many rows as you  need to get the width (circumference) you would like. I found that if you used larger needles than the yarn requires you will get a softer cowl. Dont use very think yarn, I would not go much thicker than double knitting I used USA number 10 needles and using double knitting, I cast on 58 sts. (6 x 9 =54 + 4 =58) That made the cowl about 12" high. (its squashy so it will gather down)You will have to figure out how many stitches you need according to yarn and needles used, but basically it is a multiple of 9 plus 4. Start with a false cast on, that means 1s

Featured Designers

Threads and Things When I was seven years old I received a child's Singer sewing machine. I designed and sewed my doll's dresses. (Basically they were cloth tubes cinched at the waist with a piece of ribbon). But I was hooked on sewing! By the time I was sixteen I was making my own clothes. People began hiring me to sew for their families. After I married, I sewed most of my family's clothes to help save money. I wish my machine had an odometer on it to record how many miles of cloth has been fed through it. Now that I'm an "empty nester", I'm turning my attention to selling hand crafted items on   etsy.com . I specialize in quality sewn items from wearables to home decor. Also I've just started making jewelry and, with the help of my two daughters, we've made quite a few items to sell. I love to use the latest patterns, fabrics, and ideas, so check back often to see what's new. Everything is made in a smoke-free and pet-free environment

Knitting cables

Easy instructions for cables - i found this on a great site  Knitting cables for dummies The simple technique of cabling (crossing one group of stitches over another) lends itself to many interpretations in knitting. It's easy to do, you can make all kinds of interesting and imaginative cable patterns. All it takes is a little patience and practice. You can make any kind of cable by suspending (holding) a number of stitches on a cable needle (cn) while you knit that same number of stitches from the LH needle. Then you knit the suspended stitches either by returning them to the LH needle and knitting them or by knitting them straight from the cable needle. This process of knitting stitches out of order enables you to cross stitches, creating cables. Whether you're making simple or intricate cables, all you're doing is crossing stitches. Easy, right? Standard or rope cables are the most basic cables. They generally cross stitches predictably up a single column of stitche

Blocking your knitting

Blocking is a method of stretching and shaping a finished knitted piece to reach the dimensions suggested in the pattern, to make two pieces that need to match the same size, or to make your stitches look nicer and more even.  Lace almost always needs to be blocked to "open up" the design so all those beautiful holes and patterns show in their true glory. There are some useful  instructions  here at Knitting about I found a simple way to block my shawls. First, I wet them in warm water, to which i have added some fabric conditioner and then squeeze the water out. I shake the knitting gently and stretch it flat on a towel Then I fold up the sides and fold again and leave to dry...there is no humidity where i love so by the next day the shawl is ready! I am sure there is a more professional way to block..but this is so easy!

Crochet jewelry?

YES...and it is amazing!!!! My name is inbar shahak and I am a jewelry designer with prior background as a textile designer and take her inspiration from ancient lace and crochet patterns which are translated into stunning pieces that can be worn as every-day pleasures or special occasions. The Design Studio is located in Kibbutz Ma'agan Michael, Israel   I have 2 lines in my collection, my fashion jewelry collection and my sterling silver collection. The "Art Deco" fashion jewelry collection takes it's inspiration from luxurious Art-Deco jewelry. This inspiration was transformed into new pieces as the initial Art-Deco design, which is very rich and royal looking - becomes something more fashionable, fun and contemporary . The collection has a royal atmosphere by using motifs in black and gold colors as well as adding beautiful black and crystal white gemstones All model are drawn by hand and etched into metal Victorian Flowers" sterling silver collection- i

Coco Knits

I have been given permission by Coco Knits to link to her gorgeous patterns. You really have to check them out! This is one of my favorites and you can download it FREE There are really wonderful patterns so go take a look!

Knitting Essentials and Some pattern sites

STITCH MARKERS Stitch markers are little round items, usually made of plastic or metal, that can be slipped onto the knitting needle to mark a certain place in a row. Stitch markers are often used to mark the end of a row in circular knitting, where it is not obvious where the circle begins and ends. They can also be used to mark where increases, decreases or blocks of different stitches should be placed. I like these from Knitpicks   FLEX NEEDLES Flex needles Clover Bamboo Flex Knitting Needles Two knitting needles with addition length with plastic lines  These are great when you have many stitches as they are super light! NOW FOR SOME PATTERNS:  Baby Crochet Sandals Available From LovingHandsCrochet Buttermilk Cottage Kit to make your own sheep!! For Vintage knitting patterns look no further! Check out AllThePreciousThings store

Shawls are in demand!

Even Royalty wear them!

Knitting Stitches

I found a really good site with lots of stitch patterns its called Knitting on the Net This is one of my favorites - a really cute edge pattern CO 9 sts. It is worked lengthwise. Row 1 and all odd rows (RS): k Row 2: k3, k2tog, yo, k2tog, (yo, k1) twice Row 4:   k2, (k2tog, yo) twice, k3, yo, k1 Row 6:   k1, (k2tog, yo) twice, k5, yo, k1 Row 8:   k3, (yo, k2tog) twice, k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog Row 10:   k4, yo, k2tog, yo, k3tog, yo, k2tog Row 12:   k5, yo, k3tog, yo, k2tog

This week's featured Artists

Tiffman Handbags We are best friends from central New Hampshire that just can’t get enough of creating or doing something constructive with our time. For most of our friendship we have always been working on something or trying to create something together. We finally found something that we both love to do and it just works. Honestly what woman doesn’t love a new handbag?  We certainly do which is why we created Tiffman Handbags. We started our business 4 years ago and have been very busy trying to create new items each year to keep our store fresh. We have a line of diaper bags, large totes, mid size tote style purse, mini-tote style purse, checkbook covers, card pockets, also some very unique and different necktie purses, and our two newest items key chains and clutches. Wow, have we been busy! www.tiffmanhandbags.etsy.com tiffmanhandbags@aol.com www.tiffmanhandbags.blogspot. com Bobbins and Bits Hello! My name is Michelle and I love all things handmade. I started my shop as

My latest creation

Don't know why but I have become addicted to knitting shawls! I made this one yesterday....I might give it to mum for mothers day!! at the moment it is for sale 

Featured designers

Victoria Letemendia Koupparis I'm an American living on the beautiful island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea, with my husband, two kids, and two German Shephards.  I grew up in the most colorful city in the world, Mexico City, which I think is one of my biggest influences for my creating such brightly colored crochet jewelry.     My links: etsy:    www.lavenderfield.etsy.com blog:    www.thiswayhandmade.blogspot. com twitter:    www.twitter.com/ lavenderfield63 squidoo:    www.squidoo.com/crochetbubble STEPHANIE SMITH Hi! I'm Stephanie, And I am a handmade artist. I have been crocheting for 18 years (And I'm only 24!), and knitting for 3 years. I also make matchbook notepads, recycled tags, mini journals, origami favor boxes, spin yarn, weave beads, recycled piggy banks, and more! I don't try to sell all of these crafts, many I still give away, but when I think a craft is ready, I add it to one of my online stores. I have a daughter named Anna,