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Gradient with a Twist Mitts Knitting Pattern

Gradient with a Twist Mitts

Did you miss out on May’s YarnYAY! box, but would love to make the Gradient with Twist mitts? I’ve got you! Now, the pattern is available on Ravelry. 

 

Materials

1 mini hank each, The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Juicy DK in colors: Heartbreak Hotel, Leaning Tree, and Eagle Eye

Size U.S. 6/4.5 mm double pointed needles

Skills

Knitting in-the-round using dpns
Twisted Rib Stitch
Simple Lace Pattern
Stripe colorwork
Thumb Gusset

 

For more information on YarnYay! by Vickie Howell click below. 

The post Gradient with a Twist Mitts Knitting Pattern appeared first on Vickie Howell.

How to Knit & Crochet Wire Rings [VIDEO]

How to Knit with Wire | How to Crochet with Wire

This week on Ask Me Monday, we set yarn aside and opt for a little metal work. We focus on how to knit with wire and how to crochet with wire, then using our skills to make sweet, beaded rings that are the perfect accessory for Summer outfits. Make these rings for your friends, or set-up a ring-making station at your next ladies night or scout meeting. Hey, can you think of a better way to ring in the Summer season? You’re welcome.



***This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro***

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

Wire and Bead Rings

MATERIALS

28 Gauge Wire

Size U.S. D/3.25 mm Knitter’s Pride Waves Crochet Hook 

OR

Size U.S. 1/2.25 mm Knitter’s Pride Karbonz Needles

Selection of Beads

Jewelry Cutters

How to Crochet with Wire |Ring #1

Written in U.S. terms. In the UK, please sub dc for sc.

Pre-string wire with 9 beads.

Chain (ch) 4 (for narrow version) or 6 (for wider version).

Row 1: Single crochet (sc) in 2nd ch from hook, and to end. Turn. — 3(5) sts

Row 2: Ch1, sc in next 2(4) sts. Turn.

Repeat Row 2, twice more, or until piece measures 1/4 of your finger’s circumference. 

Thin Version Only:

Next Row (RS): Ch1, slide bead up and sc, sc last st. Turn.

Wide Version Only: 

Next Row (RS): Ch1, sc, slide bead up and sc, sc last 2 sts. Turn.

Both Versions:

Next Row: Ch1, sc to end. Turn.

Repeat last 2 rows, twice more.

Sc every row until piece is long enough to fit your finger’s circumference.

Fasten off, leaving a tail for seaming.

Using fingers and wire tail, whip stitch ends of piece together to form ring. Weave in tail through a row or two of stitching. Use jewelry cutters to snip.

How to Knit with Wire |Ring #2

Pre-string wire with 9 beads.

Using backward “e” wrap cast on, CO 5 sts.

Knit (k) every row for 5 rows, or until piece measures 1/4 of your finger’s circumference. 

Next Row (WS): K1, [slide bead up and k stitch] three times, k1.

Next Row: Knit.

Repeat last two rows, twice more.

K every row until piece is long enough to fit your finger’s circumference.

BO, leaving a tail for seaming.

Using fingers and wire tail, whip stitch ends of piece together to form ring. Weave in tail through a row or two of stitching. Use jewelry cutters to snip.

Tune in to Facebook on Mondays for more, Ask Me Monday videos. You can watch past videos here!

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How to Knit Socks | Basic Sock Recipe

Women of the Comforts Committee, ca. 1910–20. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/ LC-DIG-HEC-13931 (h/t Atlas Obscura)

How to Knit Socks

***This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro***

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

Wow, here we are less than 3 years into my Ask Me Monday, Facebook live series and have hit the 100th episode! I feel so grateful to all of you, worldwide, who share some of your time with me every week. Thank you, community!

For this episode, I decided to lean into the 100 thing — you know how I like a theme! That meant looking at where knitting was at 100 years ago. During the show we talked about the advent of circular needles, and the WWII “Knit Your Bit” campaign that had knitters making garments for soldiers, especially socks. To that end, it seemed like the perfect time to talk socks, while giving the formula to enable knitting a sock of any size and using any weight yarn.

We rounded out the episode giving away two, very generous prize packs — each value at around, you guessed it, $100 — from our friends at Knitter’s Pride/Knit Pro.

Watch. Read. Knit. Enjoy!

How to Knit Socks: Video



How to Knit Socks: Basic Recipe

MATERIALS

Superwash wool of any weight 

Knitter’s Pride Marblz, Zing, or Symfonie Dreamz DPNs in the corresponding size

Tapestry needle

Step 1: ESTABLISH GAUGE

No matter what yarn you’re working with, or size sock — from baby to grown man — you’re knitting the basic model for making on is GENERALLY the same. The difference is really only in the numbers. To that end, you’ll first need to knit a swatch with chosen yarn, needles, and stitch pattern to establish stitch and row gauge. You’ll need this info for the next step.

For the purposes of this tutorial, let’s say we’re using size U.S. 6/4 mm needles and sport-weight yarn, when knit in Stockinette Stitch, gives us a gauge of 4 stitches and 6 1/2 rows per inch.

Step 2: CALCULATE CAST ON (CO) NUMBER

To get started, you have a couple of choices: either measure the foot circumference of the person you’re going to knit for or use the average sizing provided by Yarn Standards. I prefer the latter.

Since the genesis of this post was the WWII patriotic knitting for soldiers effort, let’s go with the numbers correlating to a men’s medium size sock for our pattern. To calculate a cast on number, you’ll just need to multiply the foot circumference and stitch gauge numbers. Using our results from Step 1, and the chart above that will look like this:

9 in. x 4 sts = 36 

That’s it! Keeping in mind that we may need to adjust the number one way or another to accommodate a stitch pattern, we know that 36 stitches is a good amount to cast on for our socks! Bonus: If we want to work in 2×2 ribbing, we’ll need a multiple of 4. If we want to work in 1×1 ribbing, we’ll need a multiple of 2. Either way, 36 means we’re golden. High-five!

How to Knit Socks: Let’s get knitting!
Step 3: THE LEG

CO stitches to dpns (double-pointed needles). Divide evenly between needles; join, taking care not to twist.

Knit stitches in desired stitch pattern, maybe ribbed for a cuff, then stockinette for the leg, rib for the whole let, seed stitch; you do you! The length is really a preference; ankle, calf, or knee-high are all worked the same except for how long. Using the chart and our calculations, however, our numbers will look like this:

8 in (height) x 6 1/2 rows = 52 

This means we’ll work 52 rounds of leg stitches in our desired stitch pattern.

 

Step 4: THE HEEL FLAP (Square heel method)

The heel flap is the only part of this sock that won’t be knit in-the-round. For this step, you’ll place half (the front/instep) stitches on waste yarn or spare needles, and the other half (the heel) on 1 needle. For our example, that means 18 heel stitches. I like a thick heel, so recommend knitting in the following manner, but you can technically use any stitch pattern that makes you happy.

Row 1: *Slip (Sl)1, knit (k) 1; repeat from * to end.

Row 2: Sl 1, purl (p) to end.

Repeat those two rows until your heel flap is a square. If math makes your whole hear sing, then, by all means, do the multiplication to determine exactly how many rows that will be. If not though, do what I do, which is to just fold the heel from corner to corner. Once it’s even, you’ll know you have a square and your heel is complete!

 

Step 5: TURNING THE HEEL

Since we’re not two-dimensional beings (no offense to Flat Stanley), we need some shaping to cup our heel. This is created with a series of simple, short rows. Here’s how:

To turn a heel, you’re going work 2/3 of the RIGHT SIDE heel stitches, decrease, and turn. Then you’ll work  1/3 of the WRONG SIDE heel flap, decrease and turn, work to gap, decrease and turn, etc. For our example using 18 heel stitches, that looks like this:

Row 1: Sl 1, k11, ssk (slip, slip, knit together through the back loop). Turn.

Row 2: Sl 1, p5, p2tog. Turn.

Row 3: Sl 1, k to 1 st before gap, ssk. Turn.

Row 4: Sl 1, p to 1 st before gap, p2tog. Turn. 

Repeat Rows 3-4 until all heel stitches are worked.

Step 6: THE GUSSET

For this part of the sock, you’ll revert to working in rounds.

Rnd 1: Place half of the heel stitches on free dpn (Needle 1), with the same dpn pick up stitches evenly along the first side of heel; place instep stitches on Needle 2; use Needle 3 to pick up stitches along the second side of heel and work remaining heel stitches.

Rnd 2: Work in straight pattern stitch. (i.e. Knit all stitches, if working in Stockinette Stitch)

Rnd 3: Needle 1, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1; Needle 2, work straight (i.e. knit); Needle 3, k1, ssk, work to end.

Rnd 4: Work in straight pattern stitch.

Repeat Rnds 3-4 until you get back to your original, CO number of stitches. For our purposes, that would be 36 sts.

Step 7: THE FOOT

Work every round in straight pattern stitch until foot is 2 1/2″ shorter than the desired length. Using the chart above, we want our foot to be 11″, so that means we’ll work rounds until the foot measures 8 1/2″.

Step  8: THE TOE

Arrange stitches so 1/2 (top) are on Needle 2, and 1/4 are on Needles 1 & 3. For us that means, Needles 1 & 3 have 9 stitches each, and Needle 1 has 18. Shape as follows:

Rnd 1: Needle 1, k to last 3 sts, k2 tog, k1; Needle 2, k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1; Needle 3, k1, ssk, k to end.

Rnd 2:  Knit. (I’m making the assumption here that regardless of foot stitch pattern that the stitcher will work the toe in Stockinette as is necessary for the next step to look right.)

Repeat Rnds 1-2 until about 1/3 of the stitches, rounded to an even number, remain. For us, let’s say 12 sts.

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail for grafting.

Step 9: GRAFTING TOE 

We’ll seamlessly graft stitches together using Kitchener Stitch. To do so, you’ll need to divide the stitches evenly over 2 needles and hold parallel. Thread tail into tapestry needle and work as follows:

Set up:

Insert tapestry needle purlwise into the first stitch on FRONT needle. Pull tail through, but don’t let the stitch fall off.
Insert tapestry needle knitwise into the first stitch on the BACK needle. Pull tail through, but don’t let the stitch fall off.

Begin Grafting:

Insert tapestry needle knitwise into the first stitch on the FRONT needle and pull tail through, letting it fall off the knitting needle;
Insert tapestry needle purlwise into the next stitch on the FRONT needle and pull the tail through, WITHOUT letting the stitch fall off knitting needle.
Insert tapestry needle purlwise into the first stitch on the BACK needle and pull tail through, letting it fall off the knitting needle;
Insert tapestry needle knitwise into the next stitch on the FRONT needle and pull the tail through, WITHOUT letting the stitch fall off knitting needle.

Repeat those 4 steps until all stitches are grafted. Weave in ends.

 

Now you have it! The basic formula to make any size sock with any type of yarn. Go on now, and spread your sock-y wings! Oh, and don’t forget to tag @vickiehowell with your sock photos. Know a friend who might dig this tutorial? Share it but pinning, tweeting, or posting. Thank you!

How to Knit Socks: More Tutorials

Interested in a more intensive, step-by step tutorial? Take my Knit Maker 202: Socks Class on Creative Live!
Prefer to knit socks from the toe-up? Check out our tutorial on The Trends Episode of The Knit Show

More of a Loom Knitter? Check out my loom knit ankle tutorial here.
Math reference: SockKnitters.com

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How to Crochet Beaded Bracelets

How to Crochet Beaded Bracelets

In my twenties, I was really interested (amongst many metaphysical topics) in the healing properties of gemstones, and lately, as part of writing The Intention chapter of The Knit Show Book, I’ve revisited that interest. Unrelated, a couple of weeks ago, our Ask Me Monday topic covered pre-stringing beads for stitching with them. So, for this week’s show, I thought I’d combine the two focuses by sharing a crochet beaded bracelets tutorial incorporating beautiful hand-dyed tencel and natural hemp blend yarns, with several stones for energy, vision, and self-discovery. Here’s to the healing of hooking!



***This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro***

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

 

 

Gem Granny Crochet Beaded Bracelet

MATERIALS

Small Amount, Lace Weight Yarn (I used Trailhead Yarns Cabot Trail/100% Tencil)

Size U.S. C/2.75 mm Knitter’s Pride Waves Crochet Hook

3, Gemstone Beads (Shown in Pyrite, Citrine & Labradorite)

Embroidery Needle

Jewelry Chain & Clasp

Jewelry Pliers

For both crochet beaded bracelets, pre-string beads onto yarn. Need a refresher? Check out this post.

DIRECTIONS

Granny Square: Make 3

With a DOUBLE STRAND (one beaded, one plain) ch 4. Sl st in 1st ch to create ring. 

Rnd 1: Side bead up, ch 3, (counts as a dc here and throughout), 2 dc in ring, [ch 3, 3 dc in ring] 3 times, the last time. ch 3; join with sl sl in 3rd ch of beginning ch-3. — 4 dc clusters, 4 ch-3 spaces

Fasten off.

FINISHING

Using embroidery needle and yarn, sew granny squares together in a row. 

Sew the desired length of chain, onto either side of the granny strip. Weave in ends.

Attach clasp.

 

Moonstone Crochet Beaded Bracelet

Small Amount, Lace Weight Yarn (I used Bare Naked Wools Hempshaugh/ Silk, Hemp, Merino)

Size U.S. C/2.75 mm Knitter’s Pride Waves Crochet Hook

12-16, Gemstone Beads (Shown Moonstone)

Embroidery Needle

Desired Jewelry Findings

Jewelry Pliers

DIRECTIONS

Ch 45 (OR work in multiples of 3 + 3 for the desired length.)

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and to end. Turn.– 44 sts

Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in next st, *hdc (sliding bead into place), 2 hdc; rep from * to end. Turn. — 14 beads 

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in every st to end.

Fasten off.

FINISHING

Weave in ends. Attach clasp.

 

Tune in to Facebook on Mondays for more, Ask Me Monday videos. You can watch past videos here!

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How to KNIT Crochet Stitches

How to KNIT Crochet Stitches

Years ago when I hosted DIY Network’s Knitty Gritty, designer Lily Chin came on as a guest to show how to knit a particular stitch to look like crochet. Since my community tends to be split amongst knitters and crocheters — both sides often wanting to create similar versions of a project in their chosen craft  — I’m always mindful of ways for everyone to feel included, and this is just one way for that to be so. Unfortunately, however, I’ve searched high and low for reference (that episode was shot before the existence of blogs) of Lily’smethod, but without success. Never one to be deterred though, this morning I set off to experiment and discover what may be my own method for how to knit crochet stitches. The resulting findings are the topic of this week’s episode of Ask Me Monday (Facebook Live). Watch the video for how to work what I’m calling: knit single crochet, knit double crochet, and knit triple crochet. Once you get the gist, then grab your needles, use the instructions below and take this knitting technique out for a spin!



***This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro***

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

 
How to Knit Crochet Stitches Practice Info

Materials

Size U.S. 6/4 mm knitting needles (I used Knitter’s Pride Royale Single Pointed.)

Sport-weight yarn 

Knit Single Crochet Stitch (ksc) Swatch

ksc = Knit (k) stitch leaving it on the left-hand (LH) needle, yarn-over (YO), knit the same stitch again, let drop off of LH needle (3 loops on RH needle), pass the first two loops over (p2so)the last. 

CO 20 sts.

Row 1: Ksc in every st to end. 

Repeat Row 1 until the piece is desired length.

BO. 

Knit Double Crochet Stitch (kdc) Swatch

kdc = YO, k stitch, YO, p2so stitches on LH needle. 

CO 20 sts.

Row 1: Kdc in every st to end. 

Repeat Row 1 until the piece is desired length.

BO. 

Knit Triple Crochet Stitch (ktr) Swatch

ktr = YO twice, k stitch, [YO, p2so stitches on LH needle] twice. 

CO 20 sts.

Row 1: Ktr in every st to end. 

Repeat Row 1 until the piece is desired length.

BO. 

 
Tune in to Facebook on Mondays for more,  Ask Me Monday videos. You can watch past videos here!
Are you a crocheter who doesn’t knit? Check out a recent episode just for you, on how to crochet open work stitches! Watch and swatch here. 







  








 

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Knitting with Beads

Knitting with Beads

This week on Ask Me Monday we’re knitting with beads! 

Years ago I was invited to take part in the “Crafting from the Collection” series at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in which I was asked to pick a few pieces from the collection as inspiration for handicrafts I would create. One of the works I chose was a painting by Wilson Alwyn Bently entitled, “Dew on Spider’s Vertical Web.” My take on the piece was a lace-weight, knit ascot with elongated stitches to mock the web and glass beads to evoke the look of dew. 

With Summer coming upon us, I thought elements from this scarf seem timely, especially updated with brightly, hand-dyed yarn. Our focus is on how knitting with beads is an easy way to add interest and texture to a piece while pairing with graduated loops balances out a project to keep it airy. Tune in live on Facebook at 12pmCT (today, Monday 5/8), or watch the recorded broadcast below. Then put your beading skills to work by knitting your version of the Dewy scarf!

 

***This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro***

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

 

Tips for Knitting with Beads

Always knit beads on the wrong side of the piece.
If your sewing needle has too small of an eye to accommodate both the bead hole and the yarn size, use a piece of thread as a catalyst (see video)
If you need to add a bead on the right side of the piece and/or run out of pre-strung beads, use a tiny crochet hook to place bed directly on the stitch.



Knitting with Beads: Dewy Ascot 

Materials

Approx 230 yds, laceweight yarn 

Size US 6 (4.0mm) Needles — I used Knitter’s Pride Marblz

Glass Beads

Sewing thread & needle (see video)

Finished Measurements

4 1/2” (at beaded ends) x 30”

Gauge

25 sts x 24 rows= 4” (10cm) in pattern

Note: Gauge is not important for this project

Directions (Make 2) 

Pre-string beads onto yarn.

CO 26 sts.

Rows 1-2: Knit.

Row 3: Knit.

Row 4 (WS): Knit (sliding 1 bead up per stitch).

Row 5: K 6, *YO, K1, YO2, K1, YO3, K1, YO2, K1, YO, K6. Repeat from * to end

Row 6: Knit all knit sts, drop all YOs.

Rows 7-8: Knit all sts.

Row 9: K1, *YO, K1, YO2, K1, YO3, K1, YO2, K1, YO, K6. Repeat to last 5 sts. YO, K1, YO2, K1, YO3, K1, YO2, K1, YO, K1.

Row 10: Repeat row 6.

Repeat Rows 3-10, 8 times more.

Repeat Rows 3-10, 4 times more, but WITHOUT using beads on Row 4.

BO.

Finishing

Use mattress stitch to attach seam two pieces together at narrow ends.

Weave in ends. Block if necessary.

Tune in to Facebook on Mondays for more,  Ask Me Monday videos. You can watch past videos here!

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Knit and Crochet Sachets

This week on Ask Me Monday, we rounded out our month of episodes focusing on openwork with a tutorial on knitting and crocheting lacy sachets. Fill them with aromatic ingredients and place them in your lingerie drawer or yarn stash for fragrant fibers, or gift them to your mom-friends for Mother’s Day. Either way, take a moment to breathe in; stitch out. Enjoy!

Tip: Not into fragrances? Fill these instead with dried lentils or beans and use as pattern weights or bean bags!

Knit & Crochet Sachets: Watch the Rebroadcast Below

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***This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro***

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

Supplies Used

US Size F/3.75mm Knitter’s Pride/KnitPro Waves Crochet Hook 

Sock-weight Yarn

Tapestry Needle

US Size 4/3.5 mm Knitter’s Pride/KnitPro Zing! Knitting Needles

Fabric

Sewing Thread & Needle

Sewing Machine (optional)

Knitter’s Pride/Knit Pro Lace Blocking Mat

Knitter’s Pride/Knit Pro Knit Blockers

Rice

Essential Oils or Dried Flowers and Herbs

 

 

Knit Sachet

Front:

CO 23 sts.

Row 1: k1, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, k3; rep from * to last 4 sts, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, k1.

Row 2: Purl.

Rows 3-8: Repeat Rows 1-2, three times more.

Row 9: K4, *yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, k3; rep from * to last st, k1.

Row 10: Purl.

Repeat Rows 1-10, once more.

Bind off.

Back:

CO 25 sts.

Work in Stockinette Stitch until piece measures 4″/10 cm or same size as Front.

Both pieces:

Weave in ends. Block.

 

 

Crochet Sachet

Sachet Instructions in U.S. Terms 

U.S. to U.K. Conversion

hdc = htr

Make Two:

Ch 21.

Row 1: [Hdc, ch 1, hdc] in 3rd ch from hook, sk 2, *[hdc, ch 1, hdc] in next st, sk 2; rep from * to last st, hdc. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 2, *[hdc, ch 1, hdc] in next ch-1 space, sk 2; rep from * to last st. Turn.

Repeat Row 2, twelve times more, or until the piece is square.

Fasten off.

Knit & Crochet Sachet Finishing

Sachet Filling:

Mix rice with a small amount of dried flowers/herbs or a few drops of essential oil. Set aside.

Fabric Pouch:

Cut fabric to twice the length plus 1/2″/1 cm. Fold in half with WS together; using a 1/4″ seam allowance, sew sides. Trim edges; turn RS out. 

Fill the pouch with rice mixture (does not need to be very full.) Fold top edges in and hand sew closed.

Covers:

Using tapestry needle and yarn, hand sew three sides of cover Front & Back pieces together. Insert sachet pouch; sew closed.

 

Reference:

Lace & Eyelets, Edited by Erika Knight

Tune in to Facebook on Mondays for more,  Ask Me Monday videos. You can watch past videos here!

Hey, you. Love yarn and knitting treats? Want to hang and knit with me in a more intimate, virtual setting? Subscribe to my new, knitting subscription box service, YarnYAY!

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Crochet Openwork Stitches for Spring/Summer

Crochet Openwork Stitches for Spring/Summer

This week on Ask Me Monday, we focus on openwork stitches for crochet which are perfect for warmer weather. Like their knitted counterparts (see last week’s Ask Me Monday post), these stitches can be used as the basis for overall garments, or just airy detail sections in plainer stitched garments. I love these stitches for wraps, bags, lightweight scarves,  and hanging planters. Watch my video tutorials, then take these stitches for a spin using the below swatch instructions. Enjoy! –VH

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***This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro***

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

Supplies Used

US Size 8/5mm Knitter’s Pride/KnitPro Waves Crochet Hook 

Sport-weight, denim wash cotton

Tapestry Needle

Knitter’s Pride/KnitPro Jumbo Birch Size 30 mm Knitting Needle

Swatches in U.S. Terms 

U.S. to U.K. Conversion

sc = dc

dc = tr

tr = dtr

Checkerboard Filet Crochet Swatch

Ch 31.

Row 1: Dc in 7th ch from hook (counts as dc, ch 2, dc), *ch 2, sk 2, dc; rep from * to end. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), sk 2, dc, *ch 2, sk 2, dc; re from * to end. Turn.

Rows 3-7: Ch 3, 9 dc, [ch 2, sk 2, dc] 3 times, 9 dc. Turn.

Rows 8-11: Ch 5, sk 2, dc, [ch 2, sk 2, dc] twice, 9 dc, [ch 2, sk 2, dc] three times. Turn.

Rows 12-13: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), sk 2, dc, *ch 2, sk 2, dc; re from * to end. Turn.

Fasten off.

 

Indian Crochet Cross Stitch Swatch

Ch 16.

Row 1(WS): Dc in 4th ch from hook and in every ch to end. Turn. — 14 dc.

Row 2:  Ch 4 (counts as tr), *sk 1, 3 tr, create cross-stitch by working a dc in the skipped st by pulling up a long loop across 3 tr; rep from * to last 2 sts, sk 1, tr. Turn.

Rows 3: Ch 2, dc in next st and in every st to end. Turn.

Row 4: Rep Row 2.

Rows 5-6: Rep Row 3.

Fasten off.

 

Broomstick Lace Swatch

Ch 20.

Row 1: Place loop from hook onto knitting needle; *using hook pull loop up from the next ch and place onto knitting needle; repeat from * to end. Turn.

Row 2:  *Holding knitting needle in left hand, slip 5 loops from needle to crochet hook; [YO, pull through loops, YO pull through rem loop to close], 5 sc in center of hole just created; repeat from * to end. Turn.

Rep Rows 1-2, three times more.

Fasten off.

Suggested Projects for Other Openwork Crochet Stitches

Silverlake Shawl 

Echo Park Infinity Scarf

Arcade Stitch Cardigan (Take my full class on this sweater on Creative Live!)

Mossimo Dress Hack

Reference:

Mon Tricot Knitting Dictionary Stitches Pattern (vintage)

Tune in to Facebook on Mondays for more, Ask Me Monday videos. You can watch past videos here!

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Plarn Lunch Tote for Earth Day

Plarn Lunch Tote

In many cities, plastic grocery bags are, thankfully, a dying breed. In others, however, trashcans and landfills are still being bombarded with these little plastic problems every single day. Do your part by transforming your supermarket sacks into reusable lunch totes. Remember, anything that can be cut up can be crocheted!

This plarn lunch tote was originally featured in my book AwareKnits but, is free for you today. Happy Earth Day!

***Get Plarn instructions here.***

 

Materials and Tools

“Plarn” (recycled plastic bag yarn), approx 350yd/319m of bulky weight yarn

Crochet hook: 6mm (size US J) or size to obtain gauge

Stitch markers

Tapestry needle

Black waxed twine

Gauge

12 sts and 8 rows = 4″/10cm in sc

Size

One Size

Finished Measurements

15″ x 11 1/2″/38cm X 29cm (including handles)

Plarn Lunch Tote Instructions

Tote Bottom:

Ch 4, join in a ring with a sl st.

Round 1: Work 6 sc in center of ring. Join round with a sl st—6 sts.

Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each sc around. Join with a sl st—12 sts.

Round 3: Ch 1, *sc, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around, join with a sl st—18 sts.

Round 4: Ch 1, *2 sc, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around, join with a sl st—24 sts.

Continue in this manner, increasing 6 sts evenly around, every round, 11 more times. Bottom measures 11″/28cm in diameter—90 sts.

Body:

Next round: Ch 1, sc in every sc around.

Rep last round until sides measure 8″/20cm tall. Fasten off.

Shape Top:

Place marker at center of top edge at front and back of bag. Place marker at left and right side edge of bag (4 markers evenly spaced along top).

*Join “plarn” at marker on front of bag. With RS facing, work to marker at side as follows:

Sc2tog, sc to 2 sts before marker, sc2tog, turn.

Rep this row 3 more times, working between these 2 markers only. Fasten off.

Rep from * 3 more times for other handle points.

<>Handles:

Join “plarn” at top of 1st handle point. Ch across to other handle point on same side of bag. Join with a sl st, fasten off. Rep on opposite side.

Finishing

With black twine held double, sc around the bottom perimeter of tote.

Rep this step around top edge and on both sides of handles.

Fasten off.

Weave in ends.

YarnYAY! ‘s Premiere Knitting Subscription Box Goes Out Soon!

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5 Reasons a Knitting Box Subscription Could be Great for YOU

5 Reasons a Knitting Box Subscription Could Be a Great Fit for You

Although mail order products have been around since the 19th century, subscription boxes, in which subscribers get a curated collection of items catered to their niche interests, are relative newbies to the delivered-to-you marketplace. Beginning in 2010 when Birchbox, which specializes in skin care items, took the beauty genre by storm the subscription industry has since blown up spanning pretty much every category

imaginable. From beard oil and vegan jerky to life-coaching literature and pop culture ephemera, if you like something … anything, there’s likely a box for that. This includes, you guessed it,  knitting!

There are several options to choose from out there, based on your personal fancies and budget. But first, you may be wondering, “What’s all the hype? Why I consider a stitcherly subscription?” Well, I feel like I could probably have you at, “yarn” but in the spirit of elaboration, here are 5 reasons a knitting box subscription –like that offered by my company, YarnYAY! or others — could be a great fit for you!

1. You love surprises!

You know that feeling of being a kid and getting a package from a relative? I’m not talking about one like the aunt who always sent classic literature, which mom intercepted and promptly exchanged for an on-point E.T. doll and shoelaces. No, I mean like the one who actually consulted with your parents to know what your tastes (Joan Jett, “I Love Rock n’ Roll” record and Jelly purse, please) were. You tear through the box with delight at both the thoughtfulness of family and the coolness of your new haul. Oh, what a feeling! 

Well, now you can recreate that feeling, every month of the year, by receiving lovingly curated items handpicked for knitters just like you! Ah, the delight when the fiber-filled box of wonders lands in your mailbox!

Psst! Not into surprises? Several services offer “unboxings” surrounding the respective months’ offerings. If you choose to, seek out those spoilers before you opt-in.

2. You’re Looking for Fiber Exposure.

Whether you live in an isolated rural area or are at the center of a thriving city, the truth is that there are so many amazing yarns out there that even under the best-case yarn store scenario, it’s impossible to be privy to the latest fibers, on-trend dyers, and new knitting-related tools. Knitting boxes can help with that conundrum though, by offering handpicked selections from experts. They’ve done the research, so you needn’t raise a finger! Well, until you receive their purl-y packages, that is.  Then, hands will, in fact, need to be raised so that you can knit with them. Obvs.

As the co-founder of YarnYAY!, this part of the process makes me really happy. I can only guess that I’m not alone in the love of finding beautiful yarns and then sharing them with as many knitters as possible. I suspect that other subscription box business owners feel the same, too.

3. You Could Use Some Creative YOU time.

In an age when we have so much information coming at us, and when (for some) every moment of every day seems to have requirements, sometimes carving out the time to plan projects so you can squeeze some precious creative time into your day, is hard. “Hard” shouldn’t be a word that’s ever associated with yarn, folks. Yarn is soft and comforting, and lovely. (Most) knitting boxes reinforce that fact by providing you with gorgeous fiber and a pattern for a project to make with it. Time saved in planning equals time earned for stitching! Ahhhhhh.

4. You Care About Supporting Small Businesses.

Not only are most knitting box companies small businesses themselves, but many also collaborate with others to bring you independent yarns, notions, bags and more!

YarnYAY! does that, as well as uses a family-owned printing company for patterns. We also encourage subscribers to, after they’ve worked with them through our boxes, to go out and buy more of the featured products at their own local yarn stores. We feel that a rising tide raises all knit boats!

5. You Seek Meaningful Community.

The knitting community is vibrant and thanks to the internet, also now global! Whether you share photos of your finished knitting box project on Ravelry, or unbox your latest goodies on Instagram there’s a whole world of folks out there that would love to chat about your knitting and perhaps knit-along with you. Some box services, YarnYAY! included, even offer  Facebook groups where you can directly connect with like-subscribed others, ask questions, watch expert videos, and discuss future boxes. It’s like being in a club, without ever having to put on pants. That my friends is a knit-win!

For more information and to subscribe to the premiere month of YarnYay! by Vickie Howell click below. 

Happy knitting!

Yours in yarn,

Vickie

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