Marly Bird's Blog, page 179

Knitting Short Rows by Jennifer Dassau

Knitting Short Rows by Jennifer Dassau is the book we learned about on Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird, and we took up the challenge of a different technique with joy. 



Jennifer Dassau is an independent knitwear pattern designer who loves combining engaging construction and modern shapes; her new book is Knitting Short Rows: Techniques for Great Shapes & Angles. She is a particular fan of garments worked seamlessly from the top down, asymmetric shawls that feature color and texture, and the magic of short row shaping. A lover of good writing and beautiful design, she blends her background in law and fashion production when creating knitwear patterns.
Her self-published designs are available on Ravelry at www.ravelry.com/designers/jennifer–dassau and her website iswww.jenniferdassau.com
Find her on Ravelry, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest as knittingvortex, and on Facebook and YouTube as The Knitting Vortex.

If you missed getting to hear this episode live, it’s still available as an archived episode where it aired originally: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/10/20/knitting-short-rows-by-jennifer-dassau or with your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes or Stitcher Radio.

Be So Brave with Kristin Omdahl

Be So Brave with Kristin Omdahl is more than this morning’s inspiration, it’s NEW YARN and Kristin shares it with us on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird. 

Kristin has been a regular guest on the Yarn Thing podcast, because she’s a dear friend and inspiration. Here is the list (very long!) of her visits: March 2009, December 2010, March 2011, February 2012, May 2012, November 2012, June 2013, July 2014, February 2015, March 2016 and May 2016. She can be followed at her website: KristinOmdahl.com, and a YouTube channel, also, she has a Facebook page, Ravelry Designer page and one for her Yarns, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and for shopping check out THIS LINK.

If you missed getting to hear this visit LIVE, it is still available where it aired originally as an archived episode: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/10/18/be-so-brave-with-kristin-omdahl or with your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes or Stitcher Radio.

Amimono Kimono Free Crochet Pattern

Get the Amimono Kimono Free Crochet Pattern by Marly Bird. This was one of my FIRST crochet patterns ever published and it is still a favorite. In this free crochet sweater cardigan pattern you will find both the written instruction and charts to help you with the simple shaping of the piece.

This was originally published by Classic Elite Yarns in their newsletter. But now you can find it here

Self-Striping Yarn Studio by Carol Sulcoski

Self Striping Yarn Studio by Carol Sulcoski, celebrates another beautiful book in Carol’s Yarn Studio Series and keeps us caught up with Carol at the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird.

Carol Sulcoski is a former attorney who left the practice of law when her oldest child was born. She learned to knit as a child, and returned to the craft as an adult. Today she juggles several roles in the knitting industry as designer, writer, handdyer and teacher.

Carol’s foray into knit design began when she started modifying patterns as she knit them. She then began creating her own designs. Today, you can find her original designs in print magazines like Vogue Knitting, KnitSimple, Interweave Knits, KnitScene, and Noro Magazine, and books, including Knit Noro & Big Girl Knits. She frequently designs for yarn companies like Koigu, Universal Yarns and St-Denis Yarns. In 2009, she began her own pattern line, Black Bunny Fibers, available on Ravelry and Patternfish. She is particularly interested in designing with fine-gauge yarns (including sock yarns) and handdyed yarns.

Carol’s first book, Knit So Fine, was published by Interweave Press in 2008; she and her co-authors presented a collection of sweaters and accessories knit in fine-gauge yarns. Her second book, Knitting Socks With Handpainted Yarns (Interweave Press 2009), focused on the unique challenges presented by handdyed yarns, along with a curated selection of sock patterns especially designed for tricky handpaints. Her third book, Sock Yarn Studio, was just released by Lark Crafts in fall 2012, and features a curated selection of patterns using sock yarn — for items other than socks. All three books were praised for their introductory chapters as well as their designs, giving knitters tips and techniques to help the knitter succeed.

Occasional experiments in Kool-Aid dyeing led to Carol’s fascination with handdyed yarns and fibers. She now creates unique handdyed yarns and fibers as Black Bunny Fibers. Unlike most other dyers, Carol does not have set colorways, but prefers instead to dye in small batches to ensure top quality and truly one-of-a-kind color combinations. You can find her yarns and fibers on her ArtFire Studio. Because Carol dyes all her products herself, in very small batches, she is not able to wholesale yarns on a traditional basis. Her yarns and fibers can be found at Loop, Philadelphia.

Carol lives outside Philadelphia with her husband, their three children and a pet bunny rabbit, Charcoal — the real-life bunny in Black Bunny Fibers. We can continue to follow her at her website: BlackBunnyFibers.com, she also has a Ravelry Designer Page, a fan Group there too, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

There are three previous visits that Carol has made to the Yarn Thing podcast that we have access too. Here they are: October 2012, April 2015 and February 2016 when she shared Knitting Ephemera with us.

If you missed getting to hear this visit LIVE it is still available where it aired originally as an archived episode http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/10/13/self-striping-yarn-studio-by-carol-sulcoski or with your favorite podcast catcher, like iTunes or Stitcher Radio. Also, you may find behind-the-scenes video available at Marly’s Facebook page.

Marly Bird Crochet-along Section 4

The Marly Bird Poncho Crochet-along  is sponsored by Red Heart.

That’s right, it’s that time of year for a crochet-along and boy do I have a good one for you. Welcome to Section 4 for the Marly Bird Popular Poncho Crochet-along. (Get Section 1 here, Section 2 here, Section 3 here)

Once the CAL is complete the full pattern will be available at RedHeart.com

Queue it up and Like the Pattern on Ravelry

Find all the details you need for this pattern on the details page here http://www.marlybird.com/marly-bird-poncho-crochet-along/

Each rectangle piece measures 12¼ (21¼) x 27 (36)” (31 (54) x 68.5 (91.5) cm).

Finished Poncho measures 30 (40)” (76 (101.5) cm) across at widest point and 24¾ (34¾)” (63 (88) cm) in length when laid flat, not including neck or bottom edgings.

THE PATTERN

Below you will find the instructions for SECTION 4 of the Marly Bird Popular Poncho.

ABBREVIATIONS:

ch = chain; dc = double crochet; dec = decrease; dec = decrease; dec = decrease; hdc = half double crochet; sc = single crochet; st(s) = stitch (es); tr = treble (triple) crochet; yo = yarn over; [ ] = work directions in brackets the number of times specified; * or ** = repeat whatever follows the * or ** as indicated.

SPECIAL STITCHES

Bpdc = Back post double crochet: Yo, insert hook from the back of the work to front and to back again around the post of indicated st, yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), [yo and draw through 2 loops] twice.

Fpdc = Front post double crochet: Yo, insert hook from the front of the work to back and to front again around the post of indicated st, yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), [yo and draw through 2 loops] twice.

Bpdc2tog = Back post double crochet 2 together: * Yo, insert hook from the back of the work to front and to back again around the post of indicated st, yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo and draw through 2 loops; repeat from * once more, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

Fpdc2tog = Front post double crochet 2 together: * Yo, insert hook from the front of the work to back and to front again around the post of indicated st, yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo and draw through 2 loops; repeat from * once more, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

Sc2tog = Single crochet 2 together: [Pull up a loop in next st] twice, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

Crab Stitch: Sc in last st of previous row or rnd, * sc in next st to the RIGHT of last st worked; rep from * to end of row or rnd (reversing normal direction of work).

Let’s Begin

FINISHING

Neckline

 

The time has come for you to make a decision about the neckline of your poncho. There are four different neckline instructions written up for you to choose. Each is a different and unique and will make YOUR poncho PERFECT for you. Take a look at the instructions below.

Designer Note: take a look at how much yarn you have remaining and be conscientious of the neckline you choose. If you choose one that requires a lot of yarn (aka dramatic cowl) you want to make sure you have enough to finish it

Kate Oates designs for Grown-Ups

Kate Oates designs for Grown-Ups by creating a new book, GROWN, and sharing it on Yarn Thing with Marly Bird.

Kate Oates is the designer for Tot Toppers & When I Grow Up and the author of a new book, Grown: Sophisticated Sweaters designed by the maker of Tot Toppers.  Her first two books are Knits for Boys and Knitting Clothes Kids Love.  You can find her patterns at your local yarn store or online. She also does freelance work for a variety of publications.

In her non-knitting life, Kate holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Florida. She lives with her family in South Carolina, which includes husband Ryan, boys Jesse, Charlie, Oliver & Eliot (4 very handsome Tot Topper’s models)  and beloved dogs Cooper and Lou. You might also see the Oates’ clan at a Clemson football game. Go Tigers!

Keep following Kate Oates through her website: TotToppers.com , where you can find her e-book, and a blog post about the book, too. Here is the link to her Ravelry Designer page, the Tot Toppers Group, the Tot Toppers Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.


If you missed getting to hear this LIVE you can hear it as an archived episode where aired originally  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/10/11/kate-oates-designs-for-grown-ups or with your favorite podcast catcher like iTune or Stitcher Radio.

Nicky Epstein Celebrates 30 Books

Nicky Epstein Celebrates 30 Books with the audience of the Yarn Thing podcast hosted by Marly Bird.

Nicky Epstein is a world renowned knitwear designer, teacher and author of over 20 bestselling books. Her knitting and crochet books range from highly original resource books, to historical books, to travel books, to Barbie Doll books, to amazingly creative design fashion/pattern books. Her books are “must haves” in the libraries of designers and knitters alike, and she has won the National Independent Book Publisher’s Award for Best Craft Book Of The Year…three times!

Her innovative, fashionable, whimsical and award winning designs have appeared in every major knitwear magazine, in museums and on television, and she has taught classes to knitters around the world and hosted many Vogue Knitting Tours overseas as well as others.

The last time Nicky visited Yarn thing was prior to Stitches South 2015, where she gave a special presentation, here is the link to those show notes. You can also listen to that visit HERE and her visit in 2009 HERE.

Nicky Epstein can be followed through her website: www.NickyEpstein.com, she has a designer page in Ravelry, and a Group. Also, she has a Facebook page, is on Twitter,

If you missed getting to hear this live, it is still available as an archived episode where it aired originally http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/10/06/nicky-epstein-celebrates-30-books or with your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes or Stitcher Radio.

Blue Diamond Lace Scarf Errata

Hello my fellow knitters,

As you know, I designed a beautiful scarf for my friend, Carol Sulcoski’s book, Lace Yarn Studio. The scarf was named the Blue Diamond Lace Scarf and I am sorry to say that there is a little bit of errata for the pattern.

(c) Carrie B. Hoge

The mistake is when you transition from the first lace bit to the second lace. If you do as written you will not have the right number of stitches. The pattern should read:

Transition Chart (multiple of 12 sts plus 1, minimum 25 sts)

 

Row 1 (RS): K2tog, k3, yo, k1, yo, ssk, * yo, k3, s2psso, k3, yo, k2tog, yo, k1; rep from * to last 5 sts, yo, k3, ssk.

Row 2 and all even-numbered rows: Purl.

Row 3: K2tog, k2, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, * ssk, yo, k2, s2psso, k2, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, yo; rep from * to last 6 sts, ssk, yo, k2, ssk.

Row 5: K2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k3, * yo, ssk, yo, k1, s2psso, k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k3; rep from * to last 5 sts, yo, ssk, yo, k1, ssk.

Row 7: [K2tog, yo] twice, k5, * yo, ssk, yo, s2psso, yo, k2tog, yo, k5; rep from * to last 4 sts, [yo, ssk] twice.

Row 9: K1, * k2tog, yo, k7, yo, ssk, k1; rep from * to end.

Row 10: Purl.

I’m am also including a new chart to help those who are more visual (like me)

Anyway, I am so sorry for the mistake and I hope that if you are making this pattern you will share with me your progress.

Cheers!

Marly Bird

Marly Bird Poncho Crochet-along Section 3

The Marly Bird Poncho Crochet-along  is sponsored by Red Heart.

That’s right, it’s that time of year for a crochet-along and boy do I have a good one for you. Welcome to Section 3 for the Marly Bird Popular Poncho Crochet-along. (Get Section 1 here, Section 2 here)

Once the CAL is complete the full pattern will be available at RedHeart.com

Queue it up and Like the Pattern on Ravelry

Find all the details you need for this pattern on the details page here http://www.marlybird.com/marly-bird-poncho-crochet-along/

Each rectangle piece measures 12¼ (21¼) x 27 (36)” (31 (54) x 68.5 (91.5) cm).

Finished Poncho measures 30 (40)” (76 (101.5) cm) across at widest point and 24¾ (34¾)” (63 (88) cm) in length when laid flat, not including neck or bottom edgings.

THE PATTERN

Below you will find the instructions for SECTION 3 of the Marly Bird Popular Poncho.

ABBREVIATIONS:

ch = chain; dc = double crochet; dec = decrease; dec = decrease; dec = decrease; hdc = half double crochet; sc = single crochet; st(s) = stitch (es); tr = treble (triple) crochet; yo = yarn over; [ ] = work directions in brackets the number of times specified; * or ** = repeat whatever follows the * or ** as indicated.

SPECIAL STITCHES

MD = Make Dreadlock: Pull up a loop in next st, and loosen it to make it 8″ (20.5 cm) long, or twice as long as desired finished dreadlock. Twist loop clockwise until it is very tight, then allow it to fold onto itself at the center, placing the end of the loop back onto the hook. Insert hook back into the same st just used, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook – dreadlock locked in place. When all are finished, pull on the ends of the dreadlocks to straighten them if necessary.

Crab Stitch: Sc in last st of previous row or rnd, * sc in next st to the RIGHT of last st worked; rep from * to end of row or rnd (reversing normal direction of work).

Let’s Begin

FINISHING

Seaming

Pin pieces together as shown in the seaming diagram.

Designer Note: once the pieces are pinned in place take a look and see if the poncho is the right size for you. You could even try it on at this point and see if you wish to make some additions to make the piece a little larger and more custom fit for you.

add some extra length to the panels by working more rows (caution: adding too much length to the panels will make your neckline too big and the poncho will fall off your shoulders). 

Raised Chevron Panel: undo the last double crochet row of stitching you completed then join your yarn on the last repeat row the Raised Chevron Panel and only work 1 more full row repeat. Then, work the double crochet row again and fasten off.  

Loopy Chevron Panel: undo the final rows so that the loops are all free. Join your yarn to the last repeat row of the Loopy Chevron Panel and work as many 2 row repeats as necessary  to match the *new* length of the Raised Chevron Panel. Then, rebraid where necessary, work the final rows again and fasten off. 

and/or after the seaming is complete, add a couple extra rounds of half double crochet (round 2 of the edging instructions) before doing the final round of the edging to get a little extra around the body. Make Sure that you have the correct stitch multiple when indicated. 

Sew the pieces together along the edges that are highlighted red in the diagram. I suggest using a whip stitch. When you match up the Loopy Chevron edge to the flat edge of the Raised Chevron don’t leave any gaps, seam the full row of single crochet to the edge.

Designer Note: if you left the final loop unattached so you can add a decorative button, make sure you are seaming the edge with the loose loops to the edge of the other panel. 

The poncho should look like this:

 

Bottom Edging

The time has come for you to make a decision about the edging of your poncho. There are four different edgings written up for you to choose. Each is a different and unique and will make YOUR poncho PERFECT for you. Take a look at the instructions below.

I’ve made the name of each edging the same color as the ROUND instructions that apply to that edging. Hopefully that will help you know which set of instructions you need to follow.

If there is a particular stitch you don’t know, remember to take a look at the Special Stitches portion of this pattern.

Simple No Fringe Crab Stitch Edge 

With right side facing, join yarn with a slip st in first stitch to the left of a corner along the bottom edge of Poncho.

Round 1: Ch 2 (does not count as a st here and throughout), * work in hdc evenly to corner, 3 hdc in corner st and mark center st of 3 hdc just made; repeat from * once more, join with slip st in top of beginning ch-2.

Round 2: Ch 2, * hdc in each st to marked st, 3 hdc in marked st; repeat from * once more, hdc in last hdc, join with slip st in top of beginning ch-2.

Round 3: Ch 1, work in Crab st (see special stitches) around, join with slip st in first sc.

Simple Shell Edge

With right side facing, join yarn with a slip st in first stitch to the left of a corner along the bottom edge of Poncho.

Round 1: Ch 2 (does not count as a st here and throughout), * work in hdc evenly to corner, 3 hdc in corner st and mark center st of 3 hdc just made; repeat from * once more, join with slip st in top of beginning ch-2.

Be sure to end up with a multiple of 4 sts along each of the 2 edges, including corner sts. This will give you a multiple of 8 sts overall, which is necessary for the final (shell) round to work out properly.

Round 2: Ch 2, * hdc in each st to marked st, 3 hdc in marked st; repeat from * once more, hdc in last hdc, join with slip st in top of beginning ch-2.

Round 3: Ch 1, * sc in next st, skip 3 sts, 9 tr in next st, skip 3 sts; repeat from * around, join with sl st in first sc.

Fasten off.

Dreadlock Fringe Edge

With right side facing, join yarn with a slip st in first stitch to the left of a corner along the bottom edge of Poncho.

Round 1: Ch 2 (does not count as a st here and throughout), * work in hdc evenly to corner, 3 hdc in corner st and mark center st of 3 hdc just made; repeat from * once more, join with slip st in top of beginning ch-2.

Be sure to end up with an even number overall. An even number is necessary for the dreadlocks to work properly.

Round 2: Ch 2, * hdc in each st to marked st, 3 hdc in marked st; repeat from * once more, hdc in last hdc, join with slip st in top of beginning ch-2.

Round 3: Ch 1, * sc in next st, MD (see special stitches) in next st; rep from * around, join with slip st in first sc.

Fasten off.

 

 

Dramatic Fringe Edge 

Designer Note: if using Red Heart Unforgettable yarn for this fringe you will NOT be able to machine wash the poncho as the fringe will get matted up. Your poncho will only be handwash.

With right side facing, join yarn with a slip st in first stitch to the left of a corner along the bottom edge of Poncho.

Round 1: Ch 2 (does not count as a st here and throughout), * work in hdc evenly to corner, 3 hdc in corner st and mark center st of 3 hdc just made; repeat from * once more, join with slip st in top of beginning ch-2.

Be sure to end up with an even number overall. An even number is necessary for the fringe to work properly.

Round 2: Ch 2, * hdc in each st to marked st, 3 hdc in marked st; repeat from * once more, hdc in last hdc, join with slip st in top of beginning ch-2.

Fasten off.

Attach a fringe at every other stitch along bottom edge as follows:

Cut 3 strands of yarn, 12″ (30.5 cm) each. Fold strands at center. Use hook to pull center of strands through edge st, then pull ends of strands through the resulting loop and pull tight.

 

Video

Bent Tip Tapestry Needle

Mini Knit Klips

 

 

Homework

Finish section 3 and be ready to start section four on Oct 11, 2016.

Once you finish your section be sure to post pictures to the facebook group as there will be a prize given away from RedHeart.com to one lucky person (who is randomly chosen) that has finished his or her homework during the week of Oct 4, 2016 – Oct 10, 2016 @ 11:59pm. Goodluck!

OH, One last thing! 

Be sure to use the hashtag #MarlyBirdCAL when you post about it on social media

so we can find what you are saying

Top-Down Crochet Sweaters with Dora Ohrenstein

Top-Down Crochet Sweaters with Dora Ohrenstein was the October Opener of the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird.

I started crocheting during the Age of Aquarius, (in the 1970s), and made some pretty things without really knowing what I was doing. Then I put down the hook for twenty-five years while I pursued a career as a singer. For ten years I was the solo singer of the Philip Glass Ensemble (view our Videos page to see an old clip!). I was drawn to the hook again in 2003 and went to a CGOA conference, where the late great Jean Leinhauser “discovered” me and mentored me into the world of designing.

Since then, I’ve become very passionate about crochet education and history. In fact, I took a crazy trip to Tajikistan, in Central Asia, to learn more about the incredible crochet socks made there (another cool video about this on our Videos page). I’ve written five books on crochet, all designed to upgrade people’s skills, and you can find my crochet fashions in most of your favorite magazines.

Dora Ohrenstein can be followed through her website, www.CrochetInsider.com and she also has a designer page in Ravelry, and a Pinterest page.

If you missed getting to hear this visit live, you can listen to the visit as an archived episode where it aired originally http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/10/04/top-down-crochet-sweaters-with-dora-ohrenstein or you can listen with your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes or Stitcher Radio.