KnittingArchive: Knitting

November 2, 2009

How-To: Knit Socks

Just last night, I was visiting with a friend who casually whipped out a work-in-progress knit sock from her purse. I marveled at the tiny, double-pointed needles poking out every which way, and was a bit intimidated by the whole thing. The latest videos from Lion Brand Yarn might help ease my fear a bit. They've just released a collection of six how-to videos for knitting a sock from the cuff down.

Posted by Rachel Hobson | Nov 2, 2009 10:00 AM
Knitting | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

October 28, 2009

Mervin the Molar Knitting Pattern

For your little ones, knit up Mervin the Molar - The Tooth Fairy's Friend a pattern by Kat's Scratch Pad that comes with a tiny pocket to place a fallen tooth.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 28, 2009 11:00 AM
Amigurumi and Toys, Kids, Knitting | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

Big Microbe Knit in the UK

Join fellow crafters at the Touchstones Art Gallery in Rochdale, UK, for microbe knitting! This event is part of the Manchester Science Festival.

Join us for a day of creativity as we 'knit' micro-organisms such as Swine Flu, Salmonella and the common cold! Find out more about the microbes we encounter in our everyday lives and some of the more uncommon ones. Learn how to knit and add to our growing colonies! This is a drop-in event for all abilities - bring your own knitting kit, but some supplies will be available on the day.

If you can't make it out to the event, you can download free patterns for knitting models of Tuberculosis, Cholera, Salmonella, Common Cold, Swine Flu, and Penicillium. [via Art Yarn]

Posted by Becky Stern | Oct 28, 2009 07:00 AM
Events, Knitting | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

October 23, 2009

Threadbanger's Roundup of Knit and Crochet Halloween Costumes

If you have nimble fingers, you should be able to whip up one of these knit or crochet masks in time for Halloween. Lee Meredith at Threadbanger has gathered up the coolest and weirdest knit and crochet costumes for the season.

Posted by Becky Stern | Oct 23, 2009 07:00 AM
Crochet, Halloween, Knitting | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

October 12, 2009

Knit Watermelon Hat Pattern

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Susan B. Anderson shares her knit watermelon hat pattern which is just so adorable to knit up for kids. Click the link and take a peek at the adorable photo of two little girls wearing their watermelon hat and eating watermelon!

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 12, 2009 11:00 AM
Fashion, Kids, Knitting, Patterns | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

October 7, 2009

Prince Hat Pattern

Prince Hat01
I don't know why Prince decided to change his name to this symbol but I love this Prince hat pattern by Holly at Unfurled. Wear it at the next Prince concert or when you are thinking back nostalgically like I am to Junior High and singing "Raspberry Beret" to yourself.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 7, 2009 06:00 PM
Knitting | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

October 5, 2009

Lion Brand Yarn Studio Window

Andrea of the Lion Brand Yarn Studio (34 W. 15th Street, NY) is busy knitting a scarf for The Partnership for the Homless. If you are in NY, stop by and check out the staffers who will be knitting or crocheting in the window display each day through November 22nd. Then stop inside and get your supplies to knit a hat or scarf to benefit the great cause.

From our previous CRAFT post:

From now until December 1st, let the staff know you are working on a hat or scarf for the charity and you'll get 10% off all yarn, hooks, needles, and supplies. Once you finish making all your hats and scarves, drop them off at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio. As a thank you, you'll receive a 20% off coupon for your next purchase.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 5, 2009 03:00 PM
Cozy Up to Yarn, Events, Knitting | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

October 3, 2009

Game Knitting eBook by Lee Meredith

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Congrats to Lee Meredith who just launched her Game Knitting eBook. You can preview the table of contents and see some of the project images.

Lee writes:

Game knitting is a concept as opposed to a pattern, which means it can be used to make anything you can knit, as long as it’s a simple enough shape. The book features mostly hats, but there are also examples of scarves, mitts, headbands, and cuffs; knit whatever you love most, as it works out best to game knit an object you are familiar with knitting in the first place. As you can knit any shape, you can also game knit with any yarn/needles/gauge. You could even take it further and use the concept in non-knitting projects!

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 3, 2009 07:00 AM
Books and Magazines, Knitting | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

October 2, 2009

Knitting Pattern: Stash Socks

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Too often we are left with mountains of little balls of sock yarn. here is a nice and easy way to use up those leftovers bits.

You can use one of two methods:
1. If you have two colors you want to use up, use one color for the cuff, heel flap, and toe.
2. If you have 3 or more colors to use up, use one for the heel and toe and alternate the other
colors every few rows. Just makes sure you use the same striping pattern for both socks.



Read full story

Posted by Kristin Roach | Oct 2, 2009 10:00 AM
CRAFT Patterns, Knitting, Yarn | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

September 30, 2009

Knit Aviator Baby Hat

CRAFT: Cozy Up to YarnLion Brand Yarn
aviatorhat2.jpg

When my son Huck was born this spring, the Craftzine team bought him this adorable hat from the Ikeasaurus benefit auction, which was raising money for a sick baby named Ike in Austin. It made me happy to think of one baby helping another. And now Huck's finally big enough to wear it! The hat was knit by the very talented Beth Reyburn and is perfect for cool San Francisco autumn days.

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I also got a photo and an update on Ike's health from his mom, Kari:

Ike-a-saurus is now a rockin' 13 months old. The trach isn't slowing him down at all, even as he crawls upstairs and tries to throw himself in the laundry hamper. He enjoys watching So You Think You Can Dance while he learns to walk, silly boy.


He is still at very high risk for dangerous respiratory infections, so we have to be vigilant with our hand sanitizer, and Ike isn't allowed out of the house, except for doctor's appointments and walks around the block. We're very busy teaching him how to chow down on things like high cal/high fat Greek yogurt so that he can pack on some pounds before the spring. If we can get his weight up, he'll be able to travel to the specialists in Cincinnati for airway reconstruction surgery. Then he'll finally, finally be trach free.

It's not easy around here at Chez Ike-a-saurus, but with the support from our friends, family and community, we're weathering everything surrounded by more love than we could ever comprehend.

Ike is not daunted by any of this, and despite everything, he's even trying to talk. (Something the doctors told us he would never do with the trach.) Here's a link to Ike jabbering, and here are some pictures. He's our sweet boy, and we are stunned every day by how he touches the lives of everyone around him.

Three cheers for charming, brave Ike and his wonderful family and friends! And three cheers for my amazing, thoughtful, big-hearted, crafty coworkers!

Posted by Arwen O'Reilly Griffith | Sep 30, 2009 06:00 PM
Babies, Knitting | Permalink | Comments (5) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

Knit Your Own Team Logo Scarf

CRAFT: Cozy Up to YarnLion Brand Yarn

Knit Your Own Team Logo Scarf
By Michelle Kempner

Fall is an exciting time. The leaves are changing, the kids are back to school, and football season is starting up. Since you are starting to pull your knitting needles and yarn back out of the closet, why not use them to knit a scarf to support your favorite sports team? The scarf could have an image of the school mascot or a professional sports team logo. You can design the pattern yourself using photo software and the existing sports team logo and have a very unique scarf to wear to games.

Read full story

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Sep 30, 2009 12:00 PM
Cozy Up to Yarn, CRAFT Patterns, CRAFT Projects, Knitting | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

September 29, 2009

From Russia, with Love: Cabled Balaclava

CRAFT: Cozy Up to YarnLion Brand Yarn

From Russia, with Love: Cabled Balaclava
By Nikol Lohr

Balaclava 4Ways2

The balaclava, named after the town of Balaclava in Crimea (now Ukraine), was originally worn by Russian soldiers in the Crimean war. While the balaclava retains a military association, it's also well loved by skiers and climbers for its flexibility and warmth. A sort of sock for your head, the balaclava is wonderfully warm and efficient — doing double duty as both hat and scarf in a single garment, without the added bulk and fuss of a separate scarf. It has an opening in the front, which can be stretched to reveal just your eyes, your eyes and nose, or your whole face. The extra length can be folded over to make an extra-warm hat, or you can pop your whole head through the front opening and wear it as a cowl.

The balaclava is a marvelously practical garment that everyone in a cold climate should own. It eliminates the trouble of finding hat and scarf and bundling up like Ralphie if you're just running to the mailbox or walking the dog on a bitter cold day. Of course, the classic black or olive drab balaclava might give you a S.W.A.T./bank robber vibe that you're not really going for — and it might not be the wisest look when you're popping into the corner store for some beer. To shake off the alarm factor, I've made this one in a totally plush sugary pink cashmere blend, with lots of cushy cables for added warmth.



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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Sep 29, 2009 02:00 PM
Cozy Up to Yarn, CRAFT Patterns, Fashion, Knitting | Permalink | Comments (12) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

September 28, 2009

Alice Wrist Warmers

CRAFT: Cozy Up to YarnLion Brand Yarn

Alice Wrist Warmers
By Vickie Howell

When a professional knitter and a movie critic live in the same household, there's bound to be some crossover. In our house, that convergence takes form as "Movie Mondays" on my blog. Every week I post screenshots of the knitwear I spot in one of the many flicks we're watching — we've become veritable eagle eyes of Silver Screen yarn; my sons even commenting when a beanie or blanket flashes across the television. Recently, while researching Twilight for his movie news website, smellslikescreenspirit.com, my husband came across this photo still of Alice wearing fingerless mitts in the upcoming sequel, New Moon. Enter this project: simple wrist warmers for a complicated girl!

Alicenewmoon Movieshot
(Photo: Summit Entertainment)



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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Sep 28, 2009 12:00 PM
Cozy Up to Yarn, CRAFT Patterns, CRAFT Projects, Fashion, Knitting | Permalink | Comments (8) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

Lion Brand Yarn Studio Hat and Scarf Collection for Charity

CRAFT: Cozy Up to YarnLion Brand Yarn

The Lion Brand Yarn Studio in New York is collecting hats and scarves for The Partnership for the Homeless, a organization committed to helping New York City families in need. From now until December 1st, let the staff know you are working on a hat or scarf for the charity and you'll get 10% off all yarn, hooks, needles, and supplies. Once you finish making all your hats and scarves, drop them off at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio. As a thank you, you'll receive a 20% off coupon for your next purchase.

Starting October 1st to November 22nd, the staff of the Lion Brand Yarn Studio will be knitting and crocheting scarves in the window during operating hours to donate to The Partnership for the Homeless. (We'll post some pics of these when it happens!)

For more information, visit the Lion Brand Yarn Studio blog.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Sep 28, 2009 11:00 AM
Cozy Up to Yarn, Crochet, Knitting | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

September 26, 2009

How-To: Make Lace Knitting Charts

Sylvie at Chez Plum shows you how to make your own lace knitting charts using software like Excel.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Sep 26, 2009 07:00 AM
Design, Knitting | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

September 25, 2009

Compost Critters: Fingerless Mitten Pattern

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Of course we need our mittens and gloves when taking walks, but there are many times we need are fingers, say when we are turning compost piles, taking pictures, or drawing little sketches of squirrels running around the warmed up soil.

These are really fun to work up because they are both simple, cute and really quick. How can you make a pair of fingerless mittens in just an evening? Well, you just let a little knit fall in love with a little crochet and then you have some great little fingerless mitten critters to keep your hands nice a toasty warm in a snap.



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Posted by Kristin Roach | Sep 25, 2009 02:00 PM
Cozy Up to Yarn, CRAFT Patterns, CRAFT Projects, Crochet, Knitting | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

Best of the CRAFT Pattern Podcast: Short-Rows Wavy Hat

CRAFT Pattern Podcast

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Today we're dipping into our pattern archives to feature one of my favorite hat patterns by the awesome Lee Meredith of leethal.net. (This was first featured back in April 2008.) Make your own short-rows wavy hat. A great way to mix up your favorite yarn colors and reate some great wavy stripes.


Download the Pattern PDF | Subscribe in iTunes

Leethalquickknits
Subscribe to the Leethal Quick Knits Club!
I just got my package for September's "Back to School Knit Set" and I love opening up and playing with all the goodies that Lee packs in each bag. Thank you Lee!

Three month subscriptions are now available starting with the October club, with the sign-up deadline next Thursday on Oct 1st. There's no club in December, so the 3 months will be Oct, Nov, and Jan, and you save $2 per month by subscribing! Find out more about leethal quick knits.

Each club package includes:

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Sep 25, 2009 12:00 PM
Cozy Up to Yarn, CRAFT Patterns, CRAFT Podcast, CRAFT Projects, Fashion, Knitting | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

September 22, 2009

Three-Season Mitts E-Book and Sarah Mitts Pattern

CRAFT: Cozy Up to YarnLion Brand Yarn

Threeseasonmitts
Robyn Devine of A Devine Life just launched the Three-Season Mitts E-Book for sale on Ravelry. The e-book is just $8 and features six unique patterns for hand/arm warmers, each one matching the personality of the friend she was making them for (or the level of warmth needed!). I love all the beautiful details in each pattern. From a subtle cable to a button accent, you'll be keeping your hands warm in style. You also have the option to purchase each pattern separately too. Make them for yourself or start working on your holiday gifts for friends.

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Sarahmitts Devine
As a special to CRAFT readers, Robyn is sharing with us her pattern for these awesome Sarah Mitts!

Download the PDF for the Sarah Mitts Pattern
(Note: If you are having problems viewing the PDF, please right-click on the link to download the file to your desktop.)

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Sep 22, 2009 06:00 PM
Bazaar, Books and Magazines, Cozy Up to Yarn, CRAFT Patterns, Knitting | Permalink | Comments (4) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

September 21, 2009

How-To: Knit Caution Tape

CRAFT: Cozy Up to YarnLion Brand Yarn

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Knit Caution Tape
Police line: do not cross-stitch.
By Michelle Kempner

In the days before mass production, things had to be made by hand. From stockings to gloves, knitters worked long hours making beautiful garments and accessories. Who's
to say that the earliest cops didn't knit their own police tape?

I first knitted police tape in 2006 as an experiment. I wanted to learn how to knit with color, incorporate text into my craft projects, and design something that my partners at the Graffiti Research Lab might find useful for urban pranks and hijinks. The result is a simple pattern for knitted police tape that's perfect for crafty barricades, marking a crime scene, or wearing as a unique urban-inspired scarf. Experiment with your own color-switching technique and customize your version for the protesters without permits in your town.

Materials

Worsted-weight acrylic yarn, 2 skeins gold and 1 skein black I used Dark Horse Fantasy #26 and #1, but you can swap these for your own faves.
US 8 knitting needles
Tapestry needle

Directions

police-tape-pattern.jpg

Letter chart: Each letter is separated by 2 rows of gold; each word is separated by 6 rows of gold; and each group of words is separated by 16 rows of gold. One group of words is about 3 feet long.

Note:This pattern includes a letter chart and 2 variations of the tape: one that knits fast for rapid production and one that takes more time for a polished look.

Pattern 1 (for rapid production)
1. Cast on 18 stitches in the gold color.
2. Knit 2, purl 2 to end. On wrong side, purl 2, knit 2 to end. Continue in 2×2 rib pattern.
3. After 16 rows, begin knitting the text according to the letter chart. To work the letters, knit 2, purl 2, and then begin working each letter as shown.
4. Once the police tape has reached the desired length, bind off and sew in all ends. Block for good measure. One skein of yarn creates about 9 feet of police tape.

Pattern 2 (more finished look)
1. Cast on 29 stitches in gold.
2. Knit 14, purl 1, knit 14. Continue in stockinette with the 15th stitch always purl on the right side and knit on the wrong side.
3. After 16 rows, begin knitting the text on an RS row according to the letter chart. This is a 2-sided pattern with the letters appearing on only one side. Therefore, knit 2 stitches before working the letter. After the letter, complete the row in pattern.
4. Once the police tape has reached the desired length, bind off. Sew in all ends. Block the police tape.
5. To finish, put the right sides together and use a tapestry needle to seam the open side using a backstitch. Pull the police tape right side out, and you're done. One skein of yarn creates more than 4 feet of police tape.

Letter chart: Each letter is separated by 2 rows of gold; each word is separated by 6 rows of gold; and each group of words is separated by 16 rows of gold. One group of words is about 3 feet long.

For other variations on knitted police tape, check out Crime of Fashion by Marnie MacLean on marniemaclean.com.

For more knitting projects in the urban landscape, visit knittaplease.com.

About the Author:
Michelle Kempner has a degree from NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program. She lives in New York and splits her time between technology and crafts.

Posted by Goli Mohammadi | Sep 21, 2009 12:00 PM
Cozy Up to Yarn, Knitting | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

How-To: Felted Christmas Trees

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It's not too early to start some Christmas home decor projects, especially if they are of the knit variety. These charming felted Christmas trees from Whitney at The Purl Bee are just the thing to try.

Posted by Rachel Hobson | Sep 21, 2009 06:00 AM
Holiday projects, Knitting | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | Suggest a Site

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