So, I'm trying my hand on designing. And boy, is it discouraging.
Yes, I can design and knit a scarf or a cowl (who can't? They're so easy) but what I really want to design are garmets. And I just can't get a hang of it. I do gauge swatches, and somehow the garmet grows and grows and grows. When things do look like they're going to work out, I run out of wool. I'm knitting this totally gorgeous vest and I'm running out of wool!! Too soon! That's what I get for just knitting something with stash yarn. Ugggh...
How do you keep going and not want to give up? 'Cause right about now I'm so ready to give up.

Double Chunky Cowl Recipe

The Double Chunky Cowl... it knits up in no time and is so warm and cozy! Perfect for outside in the cold, or snuggling down inside, under a blanket.

I call this a recipe more then a pattern, because you can make your own out of any wool, on any needles, to any size! 

The Double Chunky Cowl features a double moss stitch pattern knit with two strands of contrasting chunky wool. It's knit flat, and knit up in only a couple hours! Nothing to it at all :) 


You can find it on Ravelry! 

Like I said, you can do this with any materials you want (as long as you get the gauge), but I'll let you in on what I used! 

• US 19 15mm straight needles 
• I had some Bernat Chunky wool laying around in balls left over from a few other projects. I have no idea how many grams I used to make this, but if I were to guess, about 50 to 75 (I think) of EACH colour! This pattern is double stranded, which used TWO strands of yarn, one from each colour! 
• GAUGE: 2 inches (height) by 2 inches (width) = 5 by 4 stitches in double moss stitch 
• The final measurements will be 12 inches wide, 25 inches long 

CAST ON 25 sts

Row 1: K1, P1 repeat to end of row 

Row 2: Knit as appears (knit where you have knits, purl where you have purls)

Row 3: Purl where you have knits, knit where you have purls 

Row 4: Knit as appears (knit where you have knits, purl where you have purls)

Continue in this pattern (knitting as appears for two rows, then switching for the next two) until the cowl reaches 25 inches or desired length. Cast on, and sew edges together. 

And that's it! Easy, painless, and easily changed to suit your wool and needles.

Have fun! 

(Here's a close up of the pattern, and how the cowl looks flat)

***November 5th Update***

I have a new Facebook page which you should totally join! Keep up with new pattern releases and follow my adventures in knitting :)

Jour de Neige Scarf

It's a snow day today! And what better to do on a snow day then stay home, get bundled up, and knit a scarf? 

This is a lovely unisex pattern that I made to knit my Father a scarf for Christmas. It features lovely opposing horseshoe cables, with a timid moss stitch trim and fringes on the end. So, open your blinds, watch the snow fall, and knit away :) 

Jour be Neige Scarf 

US 8 5 mm straight needles 

measuring tape 

darning needle 

scissors

cable needle

I used Bernat Wool Blend Natural Blends yarn. You will need aproximately 200 grams of wool, depending on the length of your scarf and fringe. You can use any medium weight yarn or needles needed to obtain gauge. 

Gauge: 2'' (height) x 1.5'' (width) = 12 stitches over the 12 stitches in horseshoe cable pattern

P= Purl 

K= Knit 

C6F= slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold to front of work, knit 3 stitches, then knit the three stitches off the cable needle.

C6B= slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold to back of work, knit 3 stitches, then knit the three stitches off the cable needle.

CAST ON 33 sts. 

Round 1: P1, K1, P1, K12, P1, K1, P1, K12, P1, K1, P1 

Round 2: P1, K2, P12, K3, P12, K2, P1

Round 3: same as Round 1

Round 4: same as Round 2 

Round 5: same as Round 1 

Round 6: same as Round 2 

Round 7: P1, K1, P1, C6F, C6B, P1, K1, P1, C6B, C6F, P1, K1, P1

Round 8: Same as Round 2 

Repeat this pattern until scarf measures about 67 inches or to desired length. Finished by knitting Round 1-3, then binding off on Round 4. You may want to block your scarf, as it may roll a small bit. Then, it's time for your fringe (this step in optional.)

Cut three pieces of yarn about 14''. This will make fringe about 6.5'' long. If you want you fringe shorter or longer, this is up to you. 

Fold your yarn in half. 

Find a hole between stitches a few rows up from your cast on edge. This is where you'll insert your fringe. 

Take the loop end of your fringe and insert it into the hole you found between your stitches. Make sure you insert it from the right side. Make sure the ends of your fringe stay even, so one end of the yarn isn't much longer then the other.

Bring the loose end and put it through the loop. Pull tight and then... 

You have a fringe! I always start with the edges and work my way in :) 

This way, I know how much room. On this scarf, there's room for 9 fringes on this scarf :) 

Your ends may bit a little uneven. Just trim off the very end bits. It's okay if there are lots of uneven bits in your fringe. 

And there you go! Scarf is done :D 

Enjoy your jour be neige scarf! 

***November 5th Update***

I have a new Facebook page which you should totally join! Keep up with new pattern releases and follow my adventures in knitting :)

Sock!

I knit a sock this week c: 

Another will come shortly, I'm sure. 

I'm starting to think I shouldn't start so many projects all at one time... I'm currently knitting:

1. The Beekeepers Quilt

2. Hundred of Sheep Sweater

3.Alaska Ankle Socks (seen above)

4. A bit of a random cowl 

5. A hat for a friend (which I've yet to really start. Very little motivation at this point)

And then last night I bought wool for a scarf I've been DYING to knit. And it's just perfect.

So... 

yeah. 

sneak peek c:

So... I thought with the leftovers I had from my Isadore cowl, I might design another cowl. Why not, right? I have the wool to use, and I certainly have the time (even though midterms are this week so I really should be studying). Here's a sneak peek of what I'm working on c: 

Check back to get this pattern for free or visit me on ravelry!

Black Sheep Sweater

I've been working on this sweater for ever. 

And this is all I have... 

So I started it in May, 2011. I've put it down for a good chunk of that time, but every now and then, I think why not just knit a bit of that damned sweater. 

It's not that it's hard, it's just boring. 

So boring. 

But... I kinda can't wait at all for it to be finished! 

And if it doesn't fit... I swear... 

You can get this pattern for free of Ravelry! What could be better? 

Here's the link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hundred-of-sheep

(p.s. - I didn't write this pattern, just knitting it. so check it out and support the lovely designer who gave us this gem for free!)

Isadore Cowl

Isadore is a beautiful, versatile cowl that can be worn long, wrapped twice, or wrapped three times.

Finished length: 29 inches
Gauge: 1 1/4 in = 8 rows in pattern
150 grams of main colour
50 grams of contrast colour

US10 6 mm 29" circular needle
I used Bernat Aplaca Natural Blends, but you can use any bulky wool :)

This pattern is made up on a series of purl ridges seperated by knit rows. It's very easy to remember :)



Cast on 200 sts using main colour.
Place marker and join in the round, careful not to twist.

Rows 1-3: Purl all stitches
Rows 4-5: Knit all stitches
Rows 6-8: Purl all stitches
Rows 9-10: Knit all stitches
Rows 11-13: Purl all stitches
Rows 14-15: Knit all stitches
Rows 16-18: Purl all stitches
Rows 19-20: Knit all stitches
Rows 21-23: Purl all stitches

Rows 24-25: Knit all stitches
Rows 26-28: Purl all stitches
Row 29: Knit all stitches
      *change to contrast colour
Row 30: Knit all stitches
Rows 31-33: Purl all stitches
Rows 34-35: Knit all stitches
Rows 36-37: Purl all stitches

Bind off purl wise.
And you're done :)

                                                                                       Enjoy!

 

***November 5th Update***

I have a new Facebook page which you should totally join! Keep up with new pattern releases and follow my adventures in knitting :)