Monthly Stitch is our marathon class. It began 34 months ago, and we have one class to go before the project is finished. On the first Saturday of each month a new stitch is introduced, making one 8″ x 8″ square. There are 5 strips, each with 7 squares that will be seamed together to make a knitted quilt. A few are making the entire quilt with most just have fun being challenged with a new technique. Either way it’s fun getting together and catching up.
34 Squares with 1 more to go
Every year I knit my husband a pair of socks for his birthday. One of these years I will actually finish a pair on time. While he patiently waits, I thought I’d share pair number 3 in progress. It’s knitted with Classic Elite “Alpaca Sox,” a fabulously soft blend of alpaca, merino and nylon. The pattern is adapted from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush, which is one of my favorite socks books. She includes a history of sock patterns and interesting techniques for the heel and toe.
A couple of tips I always recommend:
- Knit the pair at the same time. There’s nothing worse than finishing one and then have to knit another one all over again! I’ve found that sometimes my gauge changes between socks or the second sock doesn’t get knitted until months later.
- Cast on, leaving extra length for the tail. Knit the first row with the tail and working yarn. Then begin pattern and continue as you would normally. This leaves an elastic yet sturdy edge which will help retain its shape.
The top sock is shown in a sock stretcher – almost finished!
Detail of pattern and heel
Although this is an easy project, the mitered corner is a technique that may be new to the more seasoned knitters. It’s a cozy scarf with lots of warmth without the extra length and weight. Any yarn size can be used. And because it’s worked from the corner you can bind off when the desired size has been reached.
Store sample colors noted in ( )
4 skeins Rowan “Kidsilk Haze” (2 of #601, 1 each of #577 and #580)
OR
1 skein Colinette “Taos” (#75) and 2 skeins Rowan “Kidsilk Aura” (#751)
This shawl is made holding 4 strands of “Kidsilk Haze” or 1 strand each “Taos” and “Kidsilk Aura.”
#13 circular needles, 24″ or longer
2 stitch markers
Using either yarn combination, CO 3 STS.
Row 1 (RS): K1, YO, PM, K1, PM, YO, K1.
Row 2: K
Row 3: K to marker, YO, MM, K1, MM, YO, K to end.
REP rows 2 – 3 until piece measures 30″ on the diagonal or to desired size.
BO and weave in ends. Then fold perpendicular to lacy diagonal.
Notes:
1. Slip knitwise the first stitch of each row to make a clean selvedge.
2. To help keep track of when to increase, remember to YO before the first marker and after the second marker.
Abbreviations:
MM: Move Marker
PM: Place Marker
YO: Yarn Over (bring yarn to front of work). This forms an increase and a hole to create the lacy center.
Pattern by Ginny Uyesugi
Free patterns like this and projects from store patterns, which are complimentary with yarn purchase, will be posted often. Enjoy!
Knitting season is right around the corner, so we thought this would be the perfect time to launch our new blog. Although if the warm weather continues we’ll be knitting with sweaty fingers. Hopefully with our fabulous new yarns that have been arriving, you’ll be knitting in any temperature. Here’s a peek at some of the new yarns from Crystal Palace Yarns.
Mini Mochi and Mochi Plus – superwash and super soft
Panda Superwash and Panda Silk
Taos in lots of vibrant, new colors
“Foliage Hat” knitted with Taos
