A couple mini-projects....

I finished the sweater... and I really like how it came out.  I will definitely make this pattern again.  I will put up pictures of that shortly.

Over the past few days, I have been working on a couple of projects for my fall Etsy collection and also have had another article published on the Naughty Knitterz website regarding the differences between your local LYS and the Big Box craft stores like Michaels and JoAnn fabrics.

The newest project that I've done has been a unisex cowl in a great shade of army/olive green.  I really like how this one came out, and if you like it too, here is the pattern!  Please feel free to make a bunch to share with family and friends, charities too, but please don't sell the pattern.  Thanks!

Easy Unisex Cowl

What you need:

Size 8 circular needle

Worsted weight yarn (in two colors if you want a contrasting band)

What you're going to do:

CO 124 (Note: I've had a comment saying that it didn't work with 124, and changed it to 122, and then received another comment saying that no, 124 was correct.  I did 124 and it was fine.  :))

Join and work in a K2, P2 rib for 5 rounds (or more, if you want a wider banding on it)

Knit 1 round with first yarn type, change to contrast yarn

The majority of this project will be worked in a half-linen stitch.

Pattern Rows:

Round 1: *K1, bring yarn to front, sl 1, bring yarn to back, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 2: Knit.
Round 3: *Bring yarn to front, sl 1, bring yarn to back, k1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 4: Knit.

Continue these four rounds until cowl reaches desired width.  I did about 5 inches.
Change back to first yarn, Knit 1 round
Work in K2, P2 rib for 5 rounds, Bind off.

This is a super easy pattern that goes very quickly once you get into a rythym.  It results in a loose fitting cowl that slips over the head, with a cool, nubby texture.  Enjoy!

*Disclaimers, etc:  This pattern  (not the stitch pattern) was made up on the fly as I was trying to use up some extra wool yarn from another project.  Any similarity to previously existing patterns is coincidental.  Thanks!*

Another Free Coffee Wrap Pattern

I love making these little coffee holders... especially in different sizes and varieties.  My first ones were very simple, and as I've grown in skill, they've become more complex.  I still love my basic coffee wraps that you can find a little farther down on the page, but I've developed several others, the following being one of them!

These work up super quickly and are great for teacher gifts or perfect for that last minute present - think a cute little mug from Ikea, wrap it in a little holder and toss in a gift card or a few packages of the new Starbucks Via instant coffee.

The pattern is simple and is as follows:

You Will Need:
SZ 11 (US) needles
Worsted Weight - Chunky Weight yarn (Either will work just fine)
Cable needle
Tapestry/Yarn needle
Harry Potter Soundtrack (Okay, this item is optional... but certainly preferred)

Explanation of Stitch:
C4F:  Slip 2 stitches onto cable needle, let hang in front of work, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 off of the cable needle, proceed with rest of row.
Pattern:

CO 14 stitches
R1: P1, K2, P2, K4, P2, K2, P1
R2: K1, P2, K2, P4, K2, P2, K1
Continue until R7
R7: P1, K2, P2, C4F, P2, K2, P1

Repeat these stitches until wrap is nearly desired length - after last R7, continue R1 and R2 repeats until R6.  At end of this R6, Knit every stitch for the next two rows.  COff/BOff using your preferred method - I really like the sewn cast off, which you can find here, at Knitting Daily.

I can't crochet.  I keep meaning to learn, but until then, I stitch a button on the COn edge. Then I take either a piece of yarn or ribbon, make a circle and make a knot through the BOff edge.  See pictures below.  I've found that this works just as well, and looks really cute if you use a contrasting color to the yarn.

Step One: Slip your circle through the work

Step 2:  Slip the bottom of the loop up through the top part of the loop

Step 3:  Pull tight, and you're done!  Very simple and easy.  If choosing to use two buttons, just space loops out accordingly along the bound off edge!

A New Freebie!

The other day, I found a shirt in the closet that I got for my husband over a year ago.  He hasn't worn it - not once... so, I decided to modify it to fit me.  Good thing that I can sew too!  :)  That being said, it is a navy blue mechanic's style shirt with a red and white design on the back and even though I love my Yankee ballcap, I get tired of wearing hats all the time.  (I'm attempting to grow my hair out)  I decided a red headband would look super spiffy with a red tank top underneath... I even painted my fingernails red.  I have OCD - can you tell?

I love patterns that are short, quick, and useful... so here is another freebie!  :)





The Thirty Minute Headband – Level: Beginner


This is a quick and easy, beginner level knit, using a moss stitch. It should take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the size of the head you are knitting it for!

A few abbreviations to know:

M1 – make an additional stitch by picking up the “bridge” between your right and left needles and pull up to the left needle, then knit as you would any other stitch. This is an easy increase stitch. Not working for you? No worries, just use your favorite increase method!

K2tog – knit two stitches together. Instead of sliding your right needle through one stitch on your left needle, just slide it through two! This is a super easy decrease stitch.

Materials:

Size 7 (US) needles

Your favorite cotton or cotton blend (Lion Cotton, Sugar n Cream, Cotton Ease) yarn. I use cotton for this project because of the ease of care.

Enough Already! Here are the instructions:

CO 3

Knit these three stitches back and forth in garter stitch for approximately 6”

First Increase Row: K1, M1, K1, M1, K1

Row 2,3,4: Knit

Row 5: K1, M1, K3, M1, K1

Row 6,7: Knit

Row 8: K1, M1, K5, M1, K1

Row 9: Knit

Pattern row: k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Continue Pattern row for about 12”… or as long as you need, depending on head size.

Prep Row for Decreases: Knit

First Decrease Row: K1, k2tog, k5, k2tog, k1

Row 2,3: Knit

Row 4: K1, k2tog, k3, k2tog, k1

Row 5,6,7: Knit

Row 8: K1, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k1

This will give you three stitches remaining on your needle. As with the first tie, knit for approximately 6”, or to size of your head.


Notes, Disclaimers, etc.: This was made up on the spur of the moment because I needed a red headband. If it resembles anything else out there, it isn’t intentional. I don’t care if you make these for sale on Etsy or craft fairs, or fundraisers, however, please don’t sell the pattern, and give me credit (Kusala Knitworks) for the pattern content.