Lullaby in Lace, a Baby Blanket Pattern

The Lullaby in Lace Blanket features rosebud lace with borders of daisy-chains and garter. At 32 by 30 inches, it's the perfect size to stay cozy in a car seat, play on the floor, or snuggle on the couch.

Any little one is sure to feel loved when wrapped in this soft, light blanket.

This pattern is available for $4.99 as a pdf download via Ravelry.*

finished size: Width: 32"/81.5cm. Length: 30"/ 76cm
needles: US 4/3.5mm and US 5/3.75mm circulars or straights. Change needle size if necessary to get gauge.
yarn: Knit Picks Brava Sport, Tranquil, 3 skeins, or 800yds/732m of sport weight yarn
other: tapestry needle, stitch markers 
gauge with larger needles: 16sts/31⁄2"/9cm in Rosebud pattern; 20sts/4"/10cm in stockinette
stitches, skills: binding off, casting on, knit, purl, increasing, decreasing, knitting from a chart

 

* The buy now button will take you to PayPal. After entering your payment information, you'll receive an e-mail with a download link. If you're a ravelry.com member, the pattern will be placed in your library.

Eagle Pine Mittens

The Eagle Pine Mittens are fun to knit and wear. Knit with worsted weight yarn, these mittens work up quickly and will keep your hands cozy all winter. 

The pattern comes in sizes suitable for a woman, man, or child. Make them in a trio of brights on a neutral background, or with two contrasting colors. 

The slip-stitch pattern is easy. You'll never knit with more than one color at a time. These mittens are knit in the round, with your choice of double pointed needles or circulars. The stitch pattern is both charted and written. 

This pattern is available for $3.99 as a pdf download via Ravelry.*

You may also purchase a copy through Knit Picks.
The Eagle Pine Hat pattern is sold separately.

to fit hand circumference: 6-7 (7-8, 8-9)"/15-18 (18-20.5, 20.5-23)cm

finished sizes: Hand circumference, 7¼ (8, 8 ¾ )"/18.5 (20.5, 22)cm. Length, 9¼ (10¼, 11)"/23.5 (26, 28)cm.

needles: US 5/3.75mm and US 7/4.5mm. Use set of dpns or 1 or 2 circulars depending on method you prefer for knitting in the round. Directions do not specify needle type. Change needle size if necessary to get gauge.

yarn: For multi-color mittens, Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, 1 (1, 2) skein(s) Bramble Heather (MC), 1 (1, 1) skein each of Avocado (CC1), Calypso Heather (CC2), and Rouge (CC3). For bi-color mittens, Knit Picks Swish Worsted, 1 (1, 2) skein(s) Squirrel Heather (MC), and 1 (1, 1) skein Delft Heather (CC).

approximate yds/m: MC (either mitten option), 100 (110, 121)yds/92 (101, 111)m. CC1, CC2, and CC3, 21 (24, 25)yds/20 (22, 23)m. CC (bi-color mittens), 63 (72, 75)yds/58 (66, 69)m.

other: tapestry needle, stitch markers, scrap yarn

gauge over 4"/10cm: 20sts/32rws in slip-stitch pattern, and 20sts/28rws in stockinette

stitches, skills: rib, casting on, k2tog, ssk, Kitchner stitch, knitting in the round, picking up stitches, stockinette, working with multiple colors

* The buy now button will take you to PayPal. After entering your payment information, you'll receive an e-mail with a download link, or if you're a ravelry.com member, the pattern will be placed in your library.

Eagle Pine Hat

The Eagle Pine Hat is a classic beanie with a laid-back vibe. Knit with worsted weight yarn, you’ll have it off your needles and warming up your head before you know it.

The pattern comes in sizes suitable for a woman, man or child. Make it in a trio of brights on a neutral background, or keep it basic with two contrasting colors.

The slip-stitch pattern is easy. You’ll never knit with more than one color at a time. This hat is knit in the round, with your choice of double pointed needles or circulars. The stitch pattern is both charted and written.

This pattern is available for $3.99 as a pdf download via Ravelry.*

You may also purchase a copy through Knit Picks.
The Eagle Pine Mittens pattern is sold separately.

to fit head circumference: 18-19, (20-21, 22-23)"/45.5-48.5 (51-53.5, 56-58.5)cm

finished sizes: Brim, 15¼ (17¼, 18¾ )"/40 (44, 47.5)cm. Body, 18½ (20, 21½)"/47 (51, 54.5)cm. Length, 8¼ (9, 9¼)"/20.5 (22.5, 23.5)cm

needles: US 5/3.75mm and US 7/4.5mm. Use set of dpns or 1 or 2 circulars depending on method you prefer for knitting in the round. Directions do not specify needle type. Change needle size if necessary to get gauge.

yarn: For multi-color hat, Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, all sizes, 1 skein each of Bramble Heather (MC), Avocado (CC1), Calypso Heather (CC2), and Rouge (CC3). 
For bi-color hat, Knit Picks Swish Worsted, all sizes, 1 skein each of Squirrel Heather (MC), and Delft Heather (CC).

approximate yds/m: MC (either hat options), 86 (93, 109)yds/79 (86, 100)m. CC1, 23 (25, 26)yds/22 (23, 24)m. CC2 and CC3, 16 (18, 19)yds/15 (17, 18)m. CC (bi-color hat), 55 (61, 64)yds/51 (56, 59)m.

other: tapestry needle, stitch markers

gauge over 4"/10cm: 20sts/32rws in slip-stitch pattern, and 20sts/28rws in stockinette

stitches, skills: rib, casting on, increasing, k2tog, knitting in the round, stockinette, working with multiple colors

 * The buy now button will take you to PayPal. After entering your payment information, you'll receive an e-mail with a download link. If you're a ravelry.com member, the pattern will be placed in your library.

Pictures of the day

I'm trying to take a photo every day or so. I'll post some of them. I like these two. One of them is not even a cat! It's Don's Christmas sweater out on the town.

I want to write a pattern for the sweater, but I might change some details and maybe make a women's version. I used Barbara Walker's simultaneous set-in sleeve technique, and I have mixed reactions to it.

I tried the black and white setting on my camera. I couldn't get Ziggy to look up or to stay still...

The Highs and Lows of Photography

I want to take better pictures.

Ziggy, 1995

Ziggy, 1996

A cat, 1976

Most of the photos on this site and in my knitting patterns were taken by me.  Since I now use a digital camera and trash my failures, I had to search the archives for the best examples of my worst shots.  I get better results than I used to but still struggle to take good photographs.

When I searched online for help, I found Steve Johnson's Minimalist Photography 101.  The site and Johnson's ebook, Low Cost High Impact Photography, contain useful information for photographers who want to take great pictures using relatively inexpensive cameras.

Johnson writes, "An expensive camera and an in depth knowledge of photography is not required to take good photographs. "

The first part of this point is well illustrated by the photographs on his site and in his book. He took this photo with a Canon A3100 IS, a compact camera.

Woman on bridge in the snow, by Steve Johnson

Many of Johnson's photographs are black and white. He writes that shooting in black and white "is a very fast way to get a good appreciation for the importance of tone and it will feed back into your photography very quickly."

A new ebook

I found both Johnson's site and book inspirational. I have a dSLR, which I love, but there are times when I prefer my compact. I wasn't very far into Johnson's book when I had to admit I've been making a mistake leaving my compact on auto.

For the last few days I've been experimenting with different settings and finding a new appreciation for my old Canon PowerShot. It's quite fun to, as Johnson puts it, treat a camera as a sketchbook.

Even after reading this practical book, I'm lost when it comes to the technical aspects of cameras and photography. Fortunately, the book includes tips and techniques that one can put into immediate use while still mulling about f-stops, ISO speed, and depth of field.

I like to learn by reading, practicing, and then reading a little more. I'll be revisiting Low Cost High Impact Photography in between taking pictures. In the meantime, I'm keeping this encouraging advice from Johnson in mind:

Photography is never as complicated as it sounds on paper or screen; always treat this sort of writing as jumping off points for your own ideas and experiments. If something doesn't make sense don't worry about it, it may tomorrow or in six months' time.

Take lots and lots of pictures and treat the camera and photography as a learning process. The best photographers are the curious ones who have a reasonably developed eye.

by Steve Johnson

Steve Johnson's photographs and words are used here with his permission. No cats were harmed in the making of this blog post.

Talise Pattern

Photos by DJ

Last summer the nice folks at Knit Picks asked me if I'd be interested in designing something in one of their new yarns. I chose to work with Capra, a DK weight yarn of merino and cashmere. Needless to say, the resulting sweater is extremely soft.

Talise is a close-fitting, tunic-length pullover. Worked in the round from hem to yoke, front and back are then separated and knit flat. Sleeves are picked up around the armhole and knit in the round. Bold cables extend into the collar which is seamed in the back.

This pattern is available for $5.99 as a pdf download via Ravelry.*


You may also purchase a copy through Knit Picks.

Errata notice, 3/24/2011: The original pattern contained errors in the chart legend and in the written chart directions (page 5). Many apologies!

For 2/1 RPC it should read: Slip next st to cable needle. Hold in back. K2, p1 from cable needle.
Written chart directions should read: Circular: work every rw from right to left. Flat: Work odd numbered rws (rs) right to left, even rws (ws), left to right.

sizes: 32 (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54)

finished bust: 32¾ (35¼, 36¾, 39¼, 40¾, 43¼, 44¾, 47¼, 48¾, 51¼, 52¾, 55¼)"/83.5 (89.5, 93.5, 99.5, 104, 110, 114, 120, 124, 130, 134, 140.5)cm

finished length: 27¾ (28, 28¼, 28½, 28¾, 29, 29¼, 29½, 29¾, 30, 30¼, 30½)"/70.5 (71, 72, 72.5, 73, 73.5, 74.5, 75, 75.5, 76, 77, 77.5)cm

Zero to 2"/5cm positive bust ease. Sample shown with 1"/2.5cm ease.

needles: 24"/61cm and 16"/41cm circulars in US 6/3.75mm and US 7/4.5mm. Dpns in US 6/3.75mm and US 7/4.5mm. If necessary, change needle size to get gauge.

yarn: 10 (11, 11, 12, 12, 13, 14, 14, 15, 16, 16, 17) skeins Knit Picks Capra, DK, in Platinum, 85% Merino Wool, 15% Cashmere, 123 yds/112 m, 50g.

Approximately 1182 (1272, 1326, 1417, 1471, 1561, 1615, 1705, 1759, 1850, 1904, 1994) yds/1081 (1163, 1212, 1296, 1345, 1427, 1477, 1559, 1608, 1692, 1741, 1823)m total.

other: cable needle, tapestry needle, stitch markers, scrap yarn or stitch holders.

gauge: 20 sts and 28 rws in ST st over 4"/10cm.

Center panel for sizes 32-38, is 34 st over 5¼"/13.5cm, for sizes 40-46, 38 st over 6"/15cm, for sizes 48-54, 42 st over 6¾"/17 cm.

stitches and skills: 2x2 rib, cables, decreasing, k2tog, ssk, straight stitch, knitting in the round, picking up stitches, seaming. See page 4 for details on 3-needle bind off and short-rows.

* The buy now button will take you to PayPal. After entering your payment information, you'll receive an e-mail with a download link, or if you're a ravelry.com member, the pattern will be placed in your library.

Click image for larger schematics

Adagio, a Tunic Vest Pattern

Feel at ease in Adagio, a fitted tunic vest in a luxurious blend of Merino and Alpaca. The braided cables in the center panel are graceful and elongating. The drapey cowl keeps you warm while creating a lovely frame for your neck and face.

Adagio, in Knit Pick's City Tweed, is rustic when layered for a rainy afternoon at the beach. It is refined when worn on its own as a sleeveless shell. Versatile, simple, elegant, Adagio is relaxing to knit and to wear.

Adagio is worked in the round from hem to armhole, then separated at the yoke and worked in rows. The shoulders are joined with a 3-needle bind off. Cowl collar and armbands are picked up and knit in the round. There are no seams to sew in this tunic.

This pattern is available for $4.99 as a pdf download.*

You may also purchase a copy through Knit Picks.

Sizes: 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46

Finished bust size: 32.75 (35, 37.25, 38.75, 40.75, 43.25, 45.25, 47.5) in/83.5 (89, 94.5, 98.5, 104, 109.5, 115, 120.5) cm

Choose a size that will give you from 0 to 3"/7.5 cm positive ease. Sample shown is worn with about 1"/2.5 cm positive ease.

Techniques and stitches: 2 x 1 rib, 3-needle bind off, cables, decreasing, increasing, knitting in the round, stockinette stitch

Gauge: 22 st and 28 rws over 4"/10 cm in ST st. Center panel is 6.25"/15.5 cm for sizes 32 through 40, and 8"/20.5 cm for sizes 42 through 46.

Yarn: Knit Picks City Tweed DK, 7 (8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10) skeins in Plum Wine, 55% Merino wool, 25% superfine Alpaca, 20% Donegal tweed. I recommend buying 1 extra skein to accommodate gauge differences and swatching.

Substitute yarn of similar weight and composition in the following approximate amounts: 827 (884, 940, 978, 1028, 1091, 1142, 1199) yds /756 (808, 860, 894, 940, 998, 1044, 1096) m

Needles: US 5/3.75 mm and US 7/4.5 mm, 24" and 16" circulars, US 6/4 mm, 16" circulars. You will need a third needle in US 7/4.5 mm to work the 3-needle bind off. If needed, change needle size to get gauge.

Misc: cable needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle

* The buy now button will take you to PayPal. After entering your payment information, you'll receive an e-mail with a download link, or if you're a ravelry.com member, the pattern will be placed in your library.

Click image below for larger view of schematics.

More Runner's Mittens

After knitting Don's mittens, I cast on for my own pair. Wool mittens are so cozy to run in. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to use them for their intended purpose. It's been too warm to wear mittens while running. I did wear them while walking around Cannon Beach.

The pattern is improvised, just basic mittens with an offset thumb for a good fit.

The yarn is self-striping Regia sock yarn. My sister gave it to my mom who gave it to me. None of us are big sock knitters. It was in the family stash for several years before I went digging around to find mitten yarn.

In a skein, the variegation was nothing to look at. But when the self striping worked its magic, it was beautiful to behold. It was only later that I realized my mittens would coordinate well with my Garmin and Buff. It's highly satisfying when things effortlessly align.

Hand-knit running garb

Don's collection of hand knits for running is growing. He needed another hat because the Well-received hat grows like crazy in the rain. He wore it in a rainy six-mile race and was in danger of running blind because it got so long.

I improvised this slightly smaller, ribby version out of the last of the Elann Superwash Worsted (discontinued) left over from the Argyle Man sweater. The Well-received hat is still useful for dry weather or sitting in a cold house.


I like these mittens. They're a generic mitten I improvised after looking at a few patterns. I made right and left hands because I think it's more comfortable to have the thumb offset rather than sticking straight out from the side. The gusset starts about 55% from the start (or end) of the round.

They are light but plenty warm enough. Anything thicker would be too warm for running in our climate. I finished them just before Christmas when the weather here was unusually cold, 10 or more degrees below freezing. I confess that I took them on a 14-mile test run before wrapping them up for Don. My hands were really cold ,and I only had polyester or acrylic gloves. I did wash them afterwards!

I knit them with Austermann Step, a lovely sock yarn. I bought it years ago and nearly feinted when the clerk gave me the total for 2 skeins. It was over $40. Since then, I've become more accustomed to the price of yarn, but for a long time I couldn't think of a worthy project for such costly materials.

I think this was the right choice. Warm hands on a long winter run are deserving of a little luxury.

Several things

I saw several beautiful and unexpected things today while on my 10-mile run: waterfalls tumbling into stone basins full of ice, fallen trees in the lake with ice sculptures growing on top of the broken limbs, and a tree that someone had decorated with Christmas ornaments. On top of the tree was a angel made from a clear, plastic soap bottle.

All of this has nothing to do with knitting except that I kept thinking the whole time, "I'm a knitter. Why am I wearing thin, acrylic mittens that are letting my hands freeze."

Damson Slouch Hat Pattern

The Damson Slouch Hat pattern is available from Knit Picks for $3.99 as a pdf download.

I love relaxed, slouchy hats. This one's easy to knit and fun to wear. The yarn is Knit Picks City Tweed DK. It's warm, soft, and drapey. I love the plum color, which manages to be earthy and bright at the same time.


Sizes
to fit head circumference
small 18-20"/45.5-51cm
medium 21-23"/53.5-58.5cm

finished brim circumference
small 161⁄2"/42cm
medium 19"/48.5cm

Size medium will fit an average woman. Size small will fit children and teens

Yarn: Knit Picks City Tweed DK in Plum Wine (C102), less than 2 skeins (about 200 yds for size medium)
Needles: 16" circulars in US 4/3.5mm and US 7/4.5mm, and US 7/4.5mm dpns. If needed, change size to obtain gauge.
Other: cable needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle
Gauge: 1 cable rep slightly stretched = 4"/10cm (4.5"/11.5cm) after blocking. 28 rws over 4"/10cm. For reference, 22 sts/28rws over 4"/10cm in ST st.

Techniques and stitches
Stockinette stitch: k all rnds
Ribbing
Decreasing: k2tog, p2tog, p3tog
Increasing: yo
Cables
Working from a chart