The TNNA show is just about to be under way in beautiful Long Beach, CA. Stop by our booths to meet some of our team. I am sitting in my office, it’s about 30 degrees out and we are having an icy, snowy mix. There isn’t any sunshine in the forecast for days. I see that Long Beach is looking at 72 degrees and sun for today. Am I angry? No. Bitter? Well, no, but I am bitter cold. Jealous? Maybe, just a little. I have decided to work through my frustrations. It could be your lucky day in the While The Boss is Away at TNNA Giveaway! I have a Cleo kit to giveaway like the one in this picture. *Color may vary
Cleo Kit!
This kit includes everything you need to create this masterpiece.
Pattern 2488, top only
One winner will be picked at random from one of our social media spots. Like, share or comment on our facebook page. Tell @PlymouthYarn what you like to do when #thebossisaway on Twitter, repin us on Pinterest. Blog comments are not included as “entries” at this time and are disabled. I’ll be watching all of them because, well, the boss is away! Winner will be announced February 8th.
Ask any knitter, crocheter, or crafter; the time for quick, last minute gifts is upon us. I’m definitely feeling the pressure!
Many of my friends are having babies, so luckily these gifts tend to be for the little ones. Anyone who has crocheted and knitted can tell you that crocheting is quicker than knitting in most regards.
My popcorn baby hat is crocheted in Dreambaby DK. It is a great gift for the babies in your life, and you’ll be happy to know it can be made lickety-split! Enjoy–Vanessa
To Fit Size: 0-3, (6-12, 18-24) months
Approx. Hat Circumference: 14 ½”, (16, 18)
Materials: Plymouth Dreambaby DK:
1, (1, 2)—50G balls, color 137 Brown
Gauge: 17sts, 20 rows = 4” on size US G crochet hook in single crochet (sc),
16 sts in popcorn stitch= 3 ½” on size US G hook.
Needles: Size US G crochet hook, stitch marker
Pattern is written for smallest size, with larger sizes in parenthesis. If only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. Use a marker to help mark the beginning of the round(s).
Begin (starting at the top)
Ch 5. Join with a sl stitch to form a ring.
(OR use the magic loop method to make 11 sc-
http://www.planetjune.com/blog/tutorials/magic-ring-right-handed/ if using this method, skip to round 2)
Round 1: work 11 sc in ring. (11 sc)
Round 2: Work 2 sc in each sc across round to last st, sc in last st. (21 sc)
Round 3: work 1 sc in each sc round. (21 sc)
Round 4: *work 1 sc in each of next 2 sts, work 2 sc in next st; rep from * 6 times more. (28 sc)
Round 5: *1 sc in each of the next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * 6 times more. (35 sc)
Round 6: *1 sc in each of the next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * 6 times more. (42 sc)
Round 7: *1 sc in each of the next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * 6 times more. (49 sc)
Round 8: *1 sc in each of the next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * 6 times more. (56 sc)
Round 9: *1 sc in each of the next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * 6 times more (63 sc)
0-3 Month size only:
Round 10: 1 sc in each of the next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc to end of round. (64 sc)
6-12 Month and 12-18 Month Size Only:
Round 10: *1 sc in each of the next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * 6 times more. (70 sc)
6-12 Month Size Only:
Round 11: (1 sc in each of the next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st)2x, sc to end of round. (72 sts)
18-24 Month Size Only:
Round 11: *1 sc in each of the next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * 6 times more. (79 sc)
Round 12: 1 sc in each of the next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc to end of round. (80 sc)
All Sizes
Next Round: sc in every sc around. (64, (72, 80) sc)
Begin Popcorn Stitch
Round 1: *work 5 dc in next sc, drop the loop from your hook, insert your hook from front to back under the top 2 loops of the first dc of the group, grab the dropped loop and pull it through the stitch (1 popcorn made), sc in next 3 sts; rep from * around. (16, (18, 20) popcorn sts)
Round 2: sc in every stitch around (popcorn st counts as 1 sc). (64, (72, 80) sc)
Round 3: *2 sc in next 2 sts, work popcorn stitch (work 5 dc in next sc, drop the loop from your hook, insert your hook from front to back under the top 2 loops of the first dc of the group, grab the dropped loop and pull it through the stitch (1 popcorn made), 1 sc in next st; rep from * around. (16, (18, 20) popcorn sts)
Round 4: sc in every stitch around (popcorn st counts as 1 sc). (64, (72, 80) sc)
Repeat the last 4 rounds for popcorn pattern.
When hat measures 3”, (3 ½, 4 ¼) from beginning of popcorn stitch, end having worked a sc round. (Approximately 8, (9, 11) layers of popcorn will have been made). Work 4 rounds of sc. Work 1 round of backward crochet firmly. Cut yarn, fasten off, and weave in all ends.
ABBREVIATIONS: ch= chain, dc= double crochet, dec = decrease, inc = increase, M= marker, RS= right side, sc= single crochet, sl = slip, st(s) = stitch(es), tbl = through back loop, tog = together, WS = Wrong Side, yo = yarn over, wyif = with yarn in front, wyib = with yarn in back
I’m sure everyone is busy with trimming, blocking, weaving ends in, and joining their seams by now. Knitters and crocheters never wait until December to make gifts…..right? HA!
So my mom’s shawl is made as well as the socks for my brother but here I am, December 7th, just remembering all the folks I forgot. It’s easy to overlook when our days are so hectic. I have so many people in my life who’s small actions make things run smoothly. Of course I remember my son’s teacher, but there’s the really sweet, part-time aide who always saves him a chocolate milk at lunch. If you’re a mom, you know it’s important to have people be good to your kids. The holidays are the perfect time to let them know how special they are.
This is where I thank my lucky starts for our line of ruffle yarns! One night, one skein in most cases, one aide remembered! I wanted to share some links for the patterns I’ll be using from Ravelry. Call your yarn shop and get a ball today!
Check out the upcoming issue of Interweave Crochet Winter 2012/2013, online edition release date is November 30th and you will see it on newsstands December 18th.
On the cover, you will see the Ghost Cone Scarf by Sue Perez using Grignasco Champagne: #306, 6 skeins. Champagne is 75% pure new extrafine superwash merino wool and 25% mulberry silk. It’s 100% gorgeous and elegant, it’s the perfect yarn for this project.
Photo by Harper Point Photography.
Call your yarn shop today to reserve your copy and to see the beautiful line of Grignasco yarns available.
I haven’t lived in these climates since 1994 when my husband and I packed up the kids and moved south! BRRR! This little headband or neckwarmer is a fun little 1-2 hour project made with Grignasco’s Camel Hair. You can actually make 2 from the 2 balls of yarn-obviously they are mirror images of colorway, but hey! You get 2 out of it.
I also see this as a nice and easy way to test your skills on Fair Isle or 2 color knitting. You only have 13 rows to deal with changing colors, and you are working in the round. No need to struggle with your tension expertise on that purl row!
Have fun with picking color combos, and get some holiday gifts done in the meantime.
A Cabled Cravat, “what’s Thot?”, you say. It makes a great looking neckwarmer, that’s Whot. I don’t know why I haven’t made this before. It only takes one skein, a couple of hours, and when you are finished, you will notice it was not boring! Lots of fun for the knitter, and even more for the recipient. I am thinking of making one in every color I can find, plus Baby Alpaca Hand Dye, Tweed, Glow or the newest variety Baby Alpaca Grande Hues.
Oversized knits are everywhere! Large sweaters and shrugs don’t need to be heavy. Soft, billowy yarns and stitches have been gracing the runways for several seasons. Plymouth Baby Alpaca Aire is a chainette constructed, 100% baby alpaca yarn; all the warmth and loft but no heft. Most of the colors are in heathered tones, making them easy to mix and match with many colors in your wardrobe. My shrug and slouch hat are made in a simple Brioche stitch. The shrug is basically a rectangle with armholes; the only shaping (with short rows) is at the collar.
With our blistery fall in full swing, it is a nice time to cozy up to your knitting! –Vanessa
Hat Circumference: 21 ½”, (22 ½) Shrug to Fit Ladies: S/M, (L/XL) Shrug from sleeve to sleeve: 46”, (50)
Materials: Baby Alpaca Aire:
2, (2)—100G balls, color 5011 for Hat
6, (7)—100G balls, color 5011 for Shrug Gauge: 16 sts, 24 rows= 4” in st st on size 9, 3.75 sts= 1” in brioche stitch on size 9. Needles: US size 9 straight needles and long circular (for collar of shrug) and short circular (for hat rib), 4 stitch markers.
Brioche Stitch (Multiple of 2 sts)
Note: Work slip sts with yarn in back.
Row 1 (WS): *k1, yo, sl1; rep from * across.
Row 2: k1, *sl the yo st, k2; rep from *, ending with sl yo st, k1.
Row 3: *yo, sl1, k2tog, (the yo st and the next st); rep from * across.
Row 4: *k2, sl the yo st; rep from * across.
Row 5: *k2tog (the yo st and the next st), yo, sl1; rep from * across.
Row 6: k1, *sl the yo st, k2; rep from *, ending with sl yo st, k1.
Repeat rows 3-6 for pattern.
Pattern is written for smallest size, with larger size in parenthesis. If only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.
Hat
Cast on 80, (84) sts.
Work in Brioche stitch for 7”, (7½), end having worked a WS Row.
(There will actually be 120, (126) strands of yarn on top of the needle in brioche stitch; this is ok!)
Next Row (RS): *k1, k2tog; rep from * across. 80, (84) sts.
Row 1: pf&b, p to end of row. 81, (85) sts.
Row 2: k1, *k2 sts, k2tog; rep from * across. 61, (64) sts.
Row 3 and all WS Rows: purl all sts.
Row 4: k1, *k1 sts, k2tog; rep from * across. 41, (43) sts.
Row 6: k1, *k2tog; rep from * across. 21, (22) sts.
Row 8: k1, (2), *k2tog; rep from * across. 11, (12) sts.
Cut yarn, leaving a tail for seaming, and draw through remaining sts. Sew the side seam of the hat.
Rib band: With size 9 short circular, pick up and knit 72, (76) sts along the cast on edge of the hat. Pm and join in the round.
Rib Round: *k1tbl, p1; rep from * around. Repeat this round 6 times more. Bind off all sts in rib.
Weave in all ends.
Shrug
Cast on 74 sts. Work in 2×2 ribbing for 2 ½”, end having worked a RS Row.
(WS) Cast on 12, (22) sts, k across 74 sts, decreasing 4 sts evenly across ribbing. 82, (92) sts.
(RS) Cast on 12, (22) sts, purl to end of row.
94, (114) sts.
Begin working in Brioche stitch.
(There will actually be 141, 171) strands of yarn on top of the needle in brioche stitch, this is ok!)
When Brioche stitch measures 41”, (45), end having worked a WS Row.
(RS): *k1, k2tog; rep from * across. 94, (114) sts on needle.
(WS): Bind off 12, (22) sts, knit to end of row.
(RS): Bind off 12, (22) sts, purl to end of row. 70 sts.
Work in 2×2 ribbing for 2 ½”, increasing 4 sts evenly across first row. Bind off all sts.
Fold the shrug in half and sew the 12, (22) stitch cast on edges of the shrug together with the side edge of the 2 ½” garter band. Repeat this for the other side, where the bind off edges are.
Collar: With RS facing and long circular, start at one of the sleeve seams and pick up and knit 164, (180) sts along the side edge of the shrug to the other sleeve seam, pm for side seam, pick up and knit 164, (180) sts along the other side edge of the shrug, placing a marker on both sides of the center 44 sts (this will mark the back neck), PM to mark beginning of round/side seam. 328, (360) sts.
Work in 2×2 ribbing for 6 rounds.
Next Round: Rib to third marker, turn.
Next Round: Rib to next marker, turn.
Next 2 Rounds: Rib to next marker, remove marker, rib 3 sts, replace marker, turn.
Repeat the last 2 rounds until you reach the side seam markers. Then, work across all sts as before in the round, removing the back neck markers.
Work 7 more rounds in ribbing.
Bind off Round: k2, slip these 2 sts back onto the left hand needle and *k2tog through the back loop, slip the new stitch back onto the left hand needle; rep from * around. Cut yarn and weave in all ends.
Block lightly.
ABBREVIATIONS: dec = decrease, inc = increase, k = knit, k2tog = knit two together, m1= make one, pf&b= purl into the front and back of stitch, pm= place marker, psso = pass slip stitch over, p = purl, RS= right side, sl = slip, SSK = slip 1 st as if to knit, slip a second st as if to knit, knit them together through the back loop, st(s) = stitch(es), st st = stockinette st, tbl = through back loop, tog = together, WS = Wrong Side, yo = yarn over, wyif = with yarn in front, wyib = with yarn in back
This installment of the holiday knitting guide brings us to a casual, quick knit scarf yarn, Passion Nette. I like to think of this one as your everyday scarf yarn. This cotton/acrylic blend has a relaxed drape and a soft, natural feel against your skin. It’s available in 8 versatile colors that will coordinate with anything in your wardrobe.
Wow! Not only is this season great for knitting, but to create yet another Holiday Stocking for yet another grandbaby! My latest granddaughter Zoey is the recipient. This is the 4th holiday stocking I have made in less than 4 years! Four girls under the age of 4! I know!
….You can guess what holidays will be like when all of my grandgirls come to visit Nonnie and Papa.
If you can see the scale of this stocking you will see how I have learned to secretly spoil them every single year. It will take a tank load of treats to fill these!
One thing that can be done to this stocking is felt it if you would like it smaller and denser. And Galway is a perfect yarn to do that with. The array of 124 colors in the Galway palette give you an infinite number of possibilities for colorways.
With the large scale of this pattern, it could be a good tool to learn (or teach a class) on how to turn a heel, or shape a toe. Way fun!
Or if you are “old hat” at socks, make a pot of soup, put your feet up and enjoy the colors emerging.
–Cia Abbott Bullemer
Row 4: K3 *[sl2, k1, psso2], k7; repeat from * end k4. (96 sts).
Row 5: K4 *p1, k7; repeat from * end k3
Row 6: K2 *[sl2, l1, psso2], k5; repeat from *, end k3. (72 sts).
Row 7 & 9: k3 *p1, k5; repeat from *, end k2.
Row 8 & 10: Knit
Continue in Garter St until piece measures 4” from the points.
Purl one row for Folding Row.
Continue in Garter until piece measures 6”. Cut color A.
Body:
With WS facing, join in the round.
Stripe # 1: Using color B knit 2 rounds.
Next round k2 with B and k2 with C across entire row.
Repeat for 3 rounds total. Next work 2 more rounds with just color B. (Note: Carry Colors B and C snuggly along the inside to avoid gaps when changing colors)
Stripe # 2: Using color C, knit 2 rounds. Next round k2 with c and k2 with b across entire row. Repeat for 3 rounds total. Next work 2 rounds with just color C.
Alternate Stripe # 1 and Stripe # 2 for a total of 8 stripes. Cut colors B and C.
Shape Heel:
With Color A K18 on dpn. Turn and purl 18 sts and then purl an additional 18sts. (36 sts). With 2 dpn’s knit 36 sts. Turn (WS row) k5, p26, k5.
Repeat these 2 rows until you have 7 garter ridges on RS.
Next row: (RS) k13, k2tog, k6, ssk, k13.
Next 5 WS rows: K5, purl to last 5 sts, k5.
Next row: K12, k2tog, k6, ssk, k12. Continue in this decrease for every RS row by knitting 1 less st at beg and end of each row until you have 26 sts.
Then on next RS row K16, ssk, turn.
WS row: Sl1, p6, p2tog, turn.
RS row: Sl1, k6, ssk, turn.
Repeat this until 8 sts remaining.
With Color B and circular needle, k4, place marker, k4. Pick up and knit 13 sts along the ridges created for the heel. Pick up 1 at the corner. K36 across the instep that are waiting on the circular needle. Pick up 13 more sts along the other side of the heel, then one more at the corner. K4 to center of the heel. (72 sts).
Using Colors B and C return to established Stripe pattern starting with Stripe # 1.
When 5 stripes are completed for the foot, cut colors B and C.
Shape Toe:
With Color A, knit 18 sts onto each dpn.
Needle # 1and 3: knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, p2.
Needle 2 and 4: P2, ssk, knit to end of needle. Place a marker on the fabric under Needle # 1 to indicate beginning.
Next round: Knit.
Repeat these last 2 rounds until you have 9 Garter Ridges on the Toe. Then you decrease each round without the Knit row in between.
Finishing:
Stitch the cuff with RS facing. Weave in all ends.
If desired, add bobbles, bells, or tassels at the tips of all the points on the cuff.
Hanging Loop:
With Color A and dpn, cast on sts and make an I-cord. [I-Cord directions: Using dpn’s, cast on 3 sts and knit. Without turning work, slide the sts to the other end of the needle, insert the rh needle, knitwise into that st and bring the yarn across the back of the piece and knit as usual. Repeat until desired length.] Leave a tail for attaching.
Abbreviations: beg=begin(ning), dpn=double pointed needles, K = knit, p = purl, st st = stockinette s, p2tog = purl 2 sts together, st(s) – stitch(es), psso = pass slipped st over, sl = slip; ssk=slip 2 stitches as if to knit- then knit them together, pm = place marker.
If you happen to be in Charleston, South Carolina, be sure to stop by and see the gang at Knit.
Gay and her daughter Mollie opened the store just about 7 years ago to share their love of knitting with the community. There is an open knit night on Wednesdays for you to come, relax, chat, sip and knit. Visit the Knit website for shop hours and classes.
Miss Brooke finding her spot on the couch
Your needles an hooks will be so happy when you bring home some of the goodies from one of their many well stocked walls of yarn!
Oodles of Encore!
Coffee Beenz Coordination!
Delightful Dreambaby
Gorgeous Baby Alpaca Grande!
Miss Brooke wanted to show off the Encore wall
Besides all of the beautiful yarn, there are some pretty fabulous people in this shop to help you with all of your yarn needs.
Faye and Christine
Christine and her goodies. I spy Plymouth needles!
