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...

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.

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

Temple Cats Hat Pattern

This pattern is available from Knit Picks for $3.99 as a pdf download.*


Once I decided to design a cat-themed hat, I became a little obsessed.  Originally I was going to knit with a traditional pattern gleaned from one of my books.

But the heads seemed to be lacking something, namely, a body, and I think this pattern looks a little menacing. I wanted purring, not hissing, cats. So rather than traditional, I decided to be original. Imagine that!

After several overly complex sketches, I blocked out a simple shape. These cats look naive and sweet, like a cross between a Maneki Neko (beckoning cat), and a pixelated kitty from a classic video game.

I've named the hat "Temple Cats" in honor of one of the legends of Maneki Neko, and because everyone loves a pun.

I'm fond of the curling tail.


*1/21/10: This pattern is now being offered at Knit Picks.

Pattern Information
Techniques and stitches
Stockinette stitch, decreasing, knitted braid, stranded knitting, knitting from a chart, knitting in the round

This pattern is suitable for intermediate knitters. The directions assume that you are familiar with stranded knitting.

Sizes
To fit head circumferences
xs / toddler: 15.25-17.25 in /39-44 cm
s / child: 17.75-19.75 in /45.5-50 cm
m / adult: 20.25-22.25 in /51.5-56.5 cm
l / adult: 23-25 in /58 -63.5 cm

Finished circumferences
xs / toddler: 15.25 in / 39 cm
s /child : 17.75 in / 45.5 cm
m /adult: 20.25 in / 51.5 cm
l/adult: 23 in / 58 cm

Hat pictured is size m, worn with 2 inches negative ease.

Yarn: Knit Picks Elegance, 1 (1, 1, 2) skeins of Ash (MC) and 1 (1, 1, 1) of Cornflower (CC).

1/21/10: Since Ash has been discontinued, I recommend substituting Knit Picks Andean Treasure in Fog Heather for the main color.

Substitute yarn of similar weight (DK) and composition (70% alpaca, 30% silk, or wool and wool blends) in the following approximate amounts:
For MC: 70 (80, 100, 130) yds / 65 (74, 92, 119 ) m
For CC: 40 (50, 65, 80) yds /37 (46, 60, 74) m

Needles: US 4/3.5 mm circular, US 6/4.0 mm circular and dpn’s. If needed, change size to obtain gauge.
Misc: stitch markers, tapestry needle
Gauge: 22 sts and 26 rws over 4 in/10 cm, in stockinette st, after blocking.

Woolly Copse

My sister has a talent for finding expensive yarn in thrift stores. Sometimes this is cause for celebration, and at other times, lamentation. At first glance, I couldn't imagine what this strange yarn should be used for. My sister must've have thought the same thing because she gave a big bag of the stuff to my mom.

My mom is not daunted by weird yarn. She knit a blanket, and it's kind of cool. Look how good it looks on Ziggy! Ziggy's been under the weather for more than 3 months now :( But, at least he's keeping cozy in this thicket of wooly boucle.

I'm nearly done with a summer cardigan. I think these buttons look about right. Best of all, both the yarn and the buttons are from my stash.

And, here's a little swatch of what I hope will be a simple, summer tank. I'm experimenting with combination knitting. I have a couple of wrong way decreases, but other than that, I like the results.

I don't generally have trouble with rowing out, and I'm not opposed to imperfections, but the stitches in this 100% cotton yarn looked a little too uneven for my tastes. Combination knitting helps to keep the tension of the purls equal to the knits. (It's probably hard to tell from this stupid picture.)

Learn more about combination knitting from Annie Modesitt and Grumperina.

Argyle Man Pattern

This pattern is available for $6.00 as a pdf download via Ravelry.*


Argyle designs are timeless and beautiful. The set-in sleeves and standard fit on this sweater add to its tailored, classic look. The pattern includes two charts for the color work: one scaled for the smaller sizes and one for the larger.

The argyle motif appears on the front only. The back piece is solid. You'll get plenty of argyle goodness without the sorrow involved in trying to match the design at the side seams.

Argyle looks classic in subdued colors, funky in bright shades, and subtle in earth tones.

Information
Recommended skill level: experienced knitters and patient beginners

Size: 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50
To fit chest size: 37-38 (39-40, 41-42, 43-44, 45-46 ,47-48,49-50) in / 94-96.5 (99-101.5, 104-106.5, 109-112, 114.5-117, 119.5-122, 124.5-127) cm
Sweater pictured has about 3 inches of positive ease.

Yarn: Elann Superwash Worsted
11 (12, 13, 14, 14, 15, 16) skeins in Jet Black (MC), 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2) skeins in Denim Grey (CC1), 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1) skein in Pewter (CC2)

Substitute yarn of similar weight (light worsted) and composition (wool) in the following approximate amounts:
For MC: 1301 (1393, 1487, 1584, 1667, 1772, 1909) yds / 1190 (1274, 1360, 1449, 1525, 1620, 1746) m
For CC1: 79 (81, 83, 84, 113, 116, 121) yds / 73, (75, 76, 77, 103, 106, 111) m
For CC2: 29 (30, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) yds / 26 (27, 28, 28, 29, 30, 31) m

Needles: US 4/3.5 mm, US 6/4.0 mm straight, US 4 circular,16 in/40 cm (for neckband)
Misc: stitch markers, tapestry needle, optional yarn bobbins

Gauge: 22 sts and 28 rws over 4 in/10 cm

Techniques and stitches: casting on, binding off, intarsia, following a chart, increasing, decreasing, picking up stitches, mattress stitch or invisible seaming, Stockinette st, 1 x 1 rib

Click image below for a larger schematic.

* The 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.

k10, ssk, k1, k2tog, k10. Rep 8x.

Is there anything more irritating than trying to spell check a knitting pattern ? Yes, it's spell checking a knitting pattern at the end of a long day with tired eyes and a fuzzy head.

But, if I'm checking the spelling on my document it must mean I'm very nearly done with my pattern.

Hot Toes

Is it just me, or are these some good looking feet?

These are basic, toe-up socks. I added a few hugs and kisses cables on the cuff. I thought the cables were appropriate for a Valentine's Day gift, but unobtrusive enough that a fellow wouldn't feel ashamed to wear them.

I tried to use a tubular bind-off, but couldn't get it to look nice. I'll need to practice more before I master that technique. Instead, I worked the [k2tog, transfer just-worked-stitch back to left needle] repeat, bind-off. It's stretchy though nothing special to look at.

I think Don's feet look not only handsome, but happy.

Stats
Pattern: improvised the ribs and cables, consulted Wendy's Toe-up Socks for toe and heel construction (can't remember which pattern--they're all good).
Yarn: Paton's Kroy Socks, 75% washable wool, 25% nylon, in Flax, 2 skeins
Needles: size 2 dpns
Size: Don's. I traced his foot.

Poll: Pointed vs. Rounded Hoods

Do you like pointy or round hoods?

I like a pointed hood. But, they can look, well, too pointy.

Since I'm writing a pattern for the hoodie pictured, I thought I'd ask my readers. So, to my few and cherished readers, please make your voices heard and take the poll to the right. Leave a comment if you need more room to expound.

I did a few decreases to make the hood a little less angular. I like the way it looks here. Still, I can't decide if a round hood might not be better. I could easily rip out a few rows and rework the top.

When I write that part of the pattern, I could include instructions for both a pointy and a round hood. Maybe that's the best solution.

Birdie: free hat pattern

I like my running hat so much I decided to design a knitterly version of it.

Birdie is a trim hat with a petite brim. It is knit in the round from the bottom. On top, the cables twirl together in a sunburst design. Just like the classic baseball caps which inspired it, Birdie is topped off with a button.

Made from lightweight yarn, you won’t have to wait for cold weather to wear Birdie. Knit it in a luxurious silk and merino blend, or choose an affordable soft acrylic. Birdie also looks great as a beanie. Instructions for a brimless version are included at the end of the pattern.

Info
Yarn: 150 yds (135 m) of dk/sport weight yarn. The orange-red hat was knit in Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend, 30% silk, 70% wool, in color 3069. The purple hat is in Bernat Satin Sport, acrylic, in plum. Choose substitute yarns that have some elasticity, and that will meet the gauge below.
Needles: U.S. 4 (3.5 mm), 16” circular and 4 dpns
Crochet hook: U.S. D (3.25 mm)
Cable needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle
Gauge: 23 sts, 38 rws per 4 in. in st st. One 16 st pattern rep at cast on edge, where it is stretched, is 2.5 in. One pattern repeat, relaxed, is 2 in.
Size: One size fits most teens and adults. Finished hat at bottom band, before brim is attached, is 14.25 in, after brim is attached, 17.5 in. Hat will comfortably stretch up to about 23 in. The brim is 1.75 in deep by 5.5 in wide.

Crochet Button Tutorial

Crochet buttons are easy to make, and they're cute as a, uh, button.

You can make the button smaller or bigger by changing the number of single crochets in step 4. If you need a firm button for a garment closure, insert a hard plastic or wood button into the center. Since I used this as a decorative topper for a hat, I just stuffed the yarn tail into the center.

Gauge: not important
Hook: size that works with your yarn

There are a couple of different ways to start the initial circle, but my favorite method starts off with a big loop. A big loop is easy to crochet into, and it feels very satisfying when you pull it shut after completing the the first round.

This tutorial assumes you know how to chain, slip into a stitch, and single crochet.

1. Make a large loop by placing the yarn tail behind the working yarn. Leave a 6 inch tail.

2. Insert the hook through the front of the loop and pull the working yarn through.

3. Chain 1.

4. Make 5 single crochets into loop. Pull tail to close loop.

5. Complete the circle by slipping into 1st single crochet. Chain 1.

6. Single crochet into same single crochet as slipped into. Single crochet twice into each stitch. Close the circle by slipping into 1st single crochet. Chain 1.

7. Single crochet into each stitch. Close the circle by slipping into 1st single crochet. Chain 1.

8. Decrease round: Insert hook into next stitch and pull through a loop (2 loops on hook). Insert hook into next stitch and pull through a loop (3 loops on hook). Yarn over, and pull through all loops. Repeat to end of round.

9. Leaving about 12 inches, cut yarn and fasten off. Stuff all (for a fat button), or some (for a flatter button), of the 1st tail into center of button.

10. With 2nd tail, sew closed and attach to your project.

Here's the button atop the Birdie hat.