On my needles: Jenny Baby Shrug

After a few week hiatus, I am cranking through this baby shrug again and am so pleased with the pattern.

Debbie Bliss is one of the greatest masters of baby knits!  Raveled here.

I figure I'm about 80% finished at this point.  Just need to finish the right front, and then pick up and knit the ribbed edging.

I am looking forward to teaching my students this one.  While the stockinette makes it appear relatively simple, there is a ton of shaping to really hone their pattern-reading skills.  (More so, pattern-following skills!)

Kate's Braided Cable Cowl

After knitting the Sunnyside Baby Cardigan for my sister-in-law with sock yarn, and the Bella Shrug with DK weight yarn for Martha Stewart's granddaughter, I needed a QUICK project. 

My dear friend Surya of Sew Knit Click and I have been drooling over a few chunky cowls on Etsy, so I figured I'd work up a pattern and give one a shot.  Besides, Spring's nearly here, and I still have four skeins of Cascade Yarns' Magnum staring at me.  I chose the soft Doeskin Heather colorway to really show-off the cabling.  You'll notice that I switched from cables to 1x1 ribbing.  The cabling cinches the stitches so much that the width of that section is a few inches less than that of the ribbed section.

I am really pleased with this one.  I also plan to use this pattern for my beginner knitters to teach them ribbing and basic cables. 

For those interested, the pattern is available for purchase here in my Etsy shop.  Use the coupon code LOVEIT for a discount.    

(This pattern was featured by Cascade Yarns on its Facebook page in March 2012.)

On my needles: Saxon Braided Pillow

You know how I am obsessed with hand-dyed yarns.

Well, at the Vogue Knitting convention in NYC, I fell in love with Tess' Designer Yarns from Maine.  Tess' booth was enormous - as big as Lion Brands'!  The yarns were not organized by weight or type, but rather by color.  I can't imagine a more beautiful rainbow.  I chose the Bella yarn, a 2-ply superwash merino, silk, alpaca blend, and on that January day, this soft gray skein called out to me.

So for the last two months, I have been noting ideas for my single skein of Bella.  I finally decided on a pillow with an intricate cable motif.  I just love this yarn and want to see it every day on a chair in my home - and not buried in a basket of sample projects.

Stay tuned!

Oh, here are some photos I snapped at Tess' booth.

Saxon Braided Pillow featured by Martha Stewart's American Made Story here on INSTAGRAM.

When the Martha Stewart Show called...!

"I'm calling from the Martha Stewart Show.  We are looking for a group of local knitters to join us in the audience for a taping.  Shall I go on?"


Um, YES!

So, eleven of my knitters and I were invited for the taping on February 21st.  When we arrived, we learned that the show was not about knitting or even crafting, but skincare instead.  Pretty puzzling, but still great fun nonetheless!  Everything was even more beautiful in person - the studio kitchen, the greenhouse and Martha too.  We left with gift bags of fancy skin products.  Nice!

In the two weeks leading up to the taping, I decided I wanted to knit a special gift for Martha.  Well, really for her granddaughter, Jude Stewart, who will turn one year this month.  So I chose the Bella Baby Shrug.  It is one that I love and have knitted three times prior, and of all my samples, it receives the most compliments. (See more about the Bella Shrug here.)  The producers accepted the gift on Martha's behalf and promised to get it to her.  The next morning, I received an email asking for my address because Martha has a note for me.  Wow!  It has yet to arrive.  Keeping my fingers crossed...

The Sunnyside Baby Cardigan

I was SO thrilled when I found Tanis Fiber Arts' pattern and beautiful hand-dyed sock yarn at the 2012 Vogue Knitting convention in NYC.  Hand-dyed yarns with a bunch of wild colors are not my thing these days, but I go crazy over hand-dyeds that are sort of monochromatic.  I love subtle color changes and how they vary from slightly to very saturated in color.  Tanis really nails it.  And her free pattern for the Sunnyside Cardigan is exactly what I was looking for.  A simple cardigan with some cabling.  I needed something that is unisex since this one is for a "mystery baby" as I like to call them - my new niece or nephew who is due at the end of April!  As you may have noticed from the placement of the buttonholes, I am guessing it will be a BOY.

Visit Tanis Fiber Arts for your copy of the free pattern, and treat yourself to one of her incredible skeins.  I chose the Purple Label Cashmere blend sock yarn in color Dove.  See Tanis' amazing palette of colors here.

xo -k.

(Featured on CRAFTgawker.com in March 2012.)

(Still) On my needles: Cashmere Scarf

Remember this one?

Fifty-seven inches down, and that final skein is slowly shrinking.  Even though the pattern is very easy, I don't mind working on this one.   It is a treat to work with cashmere (a first for me) and the 8-row repeat is keeping me interested.  I have it memorized at this point, so it's a great, portable project.  I can sneak in a row or two when I'm waiting to pick up the boys, etc.

(February 11, 2012 - finished, thank goodness!)

My (knitting) goals for 2012!

1.  Knit MYSELF a sweater.  Believe it or not, this will be a first!  I think it will be the Sedum Sweater by Jane Richmond.  Go here for the pattern.
2. Knit the Owlet baby sweater by Kate Davies.  Go here for the pattern.
3. Knit a special gift for my brother and sister-in-law's first baby who is due in April.
4. Write two more original patterns.
5. Complete Level I of the Master Knitting Program, something I started in 2010.  Go here to learn more about the program.

Christmas Knits 2011

JADE SAPPHIRE CASHMERE SCARF

Made especially for my husband Ryan. 

Ever since I saw these scarves hanging in Purl SOHO, I've wanted one of these kits.  It includes 4 hanks of 100% Indian cashmere and a pattern booklet with seven "manly" scarf patterns.  I chose the Zach motif.  

ASYMMETRICAL CABLE CAP 

Made especially for my dad in Cascade Yarns' Superwash 128 in Charcoal.  

He can wear it for his walks this winter with the three consecutive cables in the front or in the back.  Whatever he likes best.  

LATTICE LACE COWLS 

Made especially for Jack's teachers, my dear friend Katy, and my sister-in-law Sarah.  

Knitted up in (left to right) Cascade Yarns' Magnum in Doeskin Heather, Blue Sky Alpacas' Bulky in Seaweed, and Cascade Yarns' Magnum in Rainier Heather.  Click here for my pattern.

Kate's Faves of 2011

With 2011 coming to a close, I wanted to share some of my favorite items I worked with (or on) throughout the year...

GREAT GIFT IDEAS!


No. 1:  Vintage Knits for Modern Babies by Hadley Fierlinger
If I could own only one knitting pattern book, this would be it.  (Mind you, if I could own only one technical book, it would be The Knitting Answer Book by Margaret Radcliffe, but that book is more like a textbook than a gift.)  Ms. Fierlinger presents twenty-five knits inspired by vintage garments from the '30s and '40s.  Some of my personal favorites are: Ruby Slippers (a.k.a. Baby Janes),  Wavy Cashmere Blanket, Modern Baby Bonnet, Wee Mittens, Cabled Booties, Apron Dress, and Petite Beret.  Click the ones in red to see my interpretation of Ms. Fierlinger's patterns.  $19.99

No. 2: More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson
Written by the owner of my beloved PURL SOHO, this one runs the gamut.  Knits for adults, children, babies and the home.  The pattern writing is impeccable, as is the photography.  Some of my favorites are:  Nesting Squares Baby Blanket, Cabled Fingerless Gloves, Easy Baby Cardigan, Spiral Seat Cushion, and Big Lace Scarf.  Click the ones in red to see my interpretation of Ms. Hoverson's patterns.  I also love that it is a hardcopy!  $27.50

No. 3: Kate's Lattice Lace Cowl
It happens every year.  I have grand plans to knit a gift for many of the special people in my life and no where near enough time.  So designed this one to knit-up quickly - and to keep some necks toasty this winter.  At just 3 hours each, I made a few of these over the weekend to gift-away.  Yay!  I love the yarn (See No. 7 below), and the 4-row lace pattern repeat keeps me interested.  I am also proud to announce that this cowl was featured on Craftgawker.com on November 30th!  See more about it here.

No. 4: Bella Baby Shrug
I found this pattern by Stefanie Japel randomly on Raverly.com.  (She calls it the Whirligig Shrug.)
It is my favorite item I knitted this year.  See more about it here.

No. 5: Clover's Soft Stitch Ring Markers
I love these markers because they are so thin, so they won't add any bulk between the stitches.  About $6.

No. 6: Fancy needles!
I love my metal Addi Click Interchangable Set from Germany, but I also love to knit on regular ole straight needles.  And when I do, I want the fancy ones - like Lantern Moon Ebony and Knitter's Pride Dreamz.   About $9-$30 per set.

No. 7: Cascade Yarns' Magnum
When I need bulky yarn, Magnum is my go-to.  It comes in a ton of colors, looks more expensive than it is, and nothing knits up quicker.  100% peruvian wool.  About $22 for 123 yards.

No. 8: Anzula's For Better or Worsted
(First of all, I love the play-on-words.)  For Better or Worsted is hand-dyed.  I can't get enough of how the color saturation changes yard-by-yard.  Composed of superwash merino, cashmere and nylon, it is practical - and posh - and the hint of nylon gives it a perfect subtle sheen.  It's officially my favorite yarn of 2011.   About $33 for 200 yards.

No. 9: Manos de Urguay's Silk Blend DK
My go-to for DK-weight yarn, Silk Blend is perfect when you want something sweet and soft.  The blended (variegated) line contains a few great masculine colors which are sometimes tough to find.   About $15 for 150 yards.

No. 10: Shameless Self-Promotion!  (for my gift certificates)
Need a unique last-minute gift?  Give a Learn-to-Knit gift certificate, and shop locally!
Classes meet Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings - or by special appointment.
Starting at $25 (1 class) up to $100 (5 classes).


What's your favorite knitting item of 2011?  Share your comment below.

Thanks, and happy holiday crafting!!
xo -k.

Kate's Lattice Cowl

Cowls are all-the-rage right now, and this spectacular one can be worked-up in just 3 hours.
Everyone loves a luxurious accessory that won't break the bank.  Create the look shown here - or knit a longer, extra squishy cowl that can loop twice around the neck - or a shorter one that is a bit more snug like a turtleneck. 


Not a knitter?  Coax that aunt who knits to work one up for you - after all, it's only 3 hours!


I get a TON of compliments each time I wear this cowl, and I bet you will too!


Visit my Etsy shop to purchase a pretty PDF version of my pattern for just $4.  Be sure to enter coupon code LOVEIT to receive the discount.  Click here.


Knit one up tonight (and send me a photo of yours in the morning)!
I would LOVE to hear how you do.
xo -k.

*Visit Purl SOHO; rep from * three times per year.

(The hand-knit owl and me.  See more of him here.)

Surya's One-Hour Cowl

My dear friend Surya is visiting from Colorado, and on Friday, we made her first pilgrimage to Purl SOHO.  She knitted her gorgeous cowl in ONE HOUR last night. 

 If only the yarn wasn't $37 per (35-yard) skein...

For instructions to knit your own, go here!

STUDENT WORK: Rita's Shrug

Look at this gorgeous shrug Rita knitted over the summer.  Everything about it is perfect - from her seed stitch border to her yarn choice.  Which, by the way, is Cascade's Eco Duo - a blend of undyed baby alpaca and merino wool fibers.  Rita began taking classes earlier this year and has been knitting cowls, hats and hand warmers.

With the cool weather arriving, I bet the shrug will be one of her favorite accessories.  Thank you Rita for allowing me to share your beautiful work!  -k. 

INTRODUCING THE 12x12 MONTHLY MOTIF!

(November's motif, Cabled Eyelets, is pictured above.)

First Tuesday of Every Month beginning November 1st at 7:30pm

• Knit a beautiful 12"x12" square with a different stitch motif each month. 
• After you complete 12 squares, join them all together to create a gorgeous blanket you will be so proud of. 

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN THE 12x12 MONTHLY MOTIF GROUP:

• Empower yourself as a knitter; you will no longer be intimidated by tough knitting patterns.
• Learn every knitting pattern abbreviation I can find and the needle techniques to complete it.
• Learn to knit cables, lace, bobbles, special ribbing, various increases and decreases, to read difficult knitting charts, advanced patterns and much more!
• Use the stitch patterns you learn to create other special knitted items like scarves, baby blankets, cowls, etc. 
• If you have a busy schedule, the 12x12 monthly group is perfect.  Just once a month - it is enough knitting to keep it fresh, and you will still learn a ton.
• I took a class like this.  You will become a great knitter.  It works - I promise!  :)

All you need to know to join the 12x12 group are the knit and purl stitches. 

Make-up classes available if you need to miss a class.

$25 per month or 5 for $100 (+ supplies)  Includes extra-help when you need it.

SUPPLIES

Needles: One set of size US 8 straight needles will be reused each month.  

Yarn: Approximately 150 yards of worsted-weight yarn per month, plus 300 yards for finishing.  Yarn must be 100% wool.  Suggestions are Cascade 220 (That's what I'm using. Available at The Knitting Store  - 2 Poole Street in Oceanside 516.442.0722) - OR - Paton's Classic Wool (available at Michael's).   Keep dye lots in mind when making your purchases.

Upcoming dates: 11/1, 12/6, 1/3...

**Please call 516.477.4719 or email  katie@learntoknitwithkatie.com  to register.**

Thank you, and please join me on November 1st!

-Katie 

On My Needles:  Month 1 - Cabled Eyelets

Win a $50 Gift Certificate! (good for 2 classes)

*****Congratulations Debbie G. of Rockville Centre. Two-year-old Henry pulled your name as the winner of  Facebook/Blog $50 gift certificate! Looking forward to knitting with you.   10/7/11*****



There are 2 ways to enter:
1.  Click below and leave a comment with your name here.
-OR-
2. Visit my Facebook fan page and leave a comment with your name there.

Don't delay!  One lucky winner will be selected at random on Friday, October 7.
And, of course, my current students are encouraged to enter to win too!

Fall is here; it's time to knit!

(Click "comments" below.  Leave one with your name, and hopefully you'll be the winner!)

Update: Child's Hooded Cardigan Sweater

I worked this one in Berroco's Peruvia Quick - 100% Peruvian Highland Wool in color Olive.
Sizes 2T, 4T and 5-6T.

On My Needles: Child's Hooded Cardigan Sweater

One-by-one Cowl

One skein.
One-by-one rib.
ONE HOUR.

MATERIALS
1 skein of Knit Collage Pixie Dust in Antique Garnet colorway.  145 grams, 35 yards.
Set of size US 35 needles

BEGIN
CO 8 sts.
Row 1:  *k1,p1; rep from * to end.
Work in patt, (1x1 rib) repeating row 1, until the skein is nearly finished.
BO in patt.

FINISHING
Lay work flat, then twist one end 360 degrees.  Keeping twist intact and using tails, sew the CO and BO edges together.  Enjoy!

NYC Yarn Crawl (and a Yarn Sprint)

The 3rd Annual NYC Yarn Crawl is approaching - September 30, October 1 and 2nd.

It is FREE, and no purchases are necessary in the dozen-or-so shops that are participating.  Every crawler receives a free raffle ticket, and prize baskets of gorgeous yarn are valued at $350 or more! You can read more about it here:  http://www.nycyarncrawl.com/home

Rather than crawl, yesterday my mom and I sprinted to SOHO for a quick trip to our beloved yarn and fabric shop, Purl.  She handed the garage attendant the key and said, "We'll be back in an hour!"  I picked up one skein of Knit Collage's Pixie Dust in Antique Garnet for a cowl.  Pixie Dust is handspun of wool, mohair and camel fibers.  I also took home two skeins of Anzula's For Better or Worsted.  FBoWorsted is a superwash wool, cashmere blend with a touch of nylon for a beautiful sheen.  I picked hand-dyed color Terra Cotta for a baby sweater.  LOVE.

Not up for a crawl or sprint?  You can get yours online here.