My new shawl pattern, Tilbrook, is now available. You can get this as a kit, or just the pattern. This is for an advanced knitter; it uses 2 skeins of my Merino Dream fingering weight yarn and beads! There are two different kinds of lace separated by a lateral braid, then easy short row shaping for the body. The kit comes with yarn, beads, a pack of SOAK, digital pattern, plus a special discount. Here is more info, or you can hop over to the shop to check out the details:
You should feel comfortable with the following techniques/stitches:
Purl-Twist Knot Stitch: Multiple of 4 Rounds 1 and 3: knit Round 2: *k2, p2tog and leave on needle, p first st again, then drop from needle Round 4: *p2tog and leave on needle, p first st again, then drop from needle, k2 Pattern: Cast on 152 sts, join to knit in the round and place marker Work 4 rounds k2 p2 rib Work 10 repeats of Purl-Twist Knot Stitch Work 4 rounds k2 p2 rib
Bind off, block, weave in ends. I made this fairly narrow with a large circumference so I could wear it wrapped twice. You can make the circumference smaller by casting on fewer stitches, making sure that you subtract by 4 (the stitch multiple). Depending on how much smaller you go, you may need to use a 16" circular. The cowl can be made taller by working additional repeats of the Purl-Twist Knot stitch. If you want a cowl even larger in circumference, cast on more stitches, being sure that you still have a multiple of four. Keep in mind any size adjustments may require more yarn. Feel free to sell finished items made using this pattern.
This is an easy lace pattern that takes only one hank of my Triple Luxury DK yarn, or you may substitute 3.5 oz / 252 yds of a similar yarn. Sample was knit with the color Forest Dusk.
The finished size after blocking is appx. 30"x12". Notes are given for making the cowl larger.
You will need to be comfortable working in the round on circular needles, know how to knit, purl, yo, slip/pass slipped stitches over.
You will need a 24" US size 8 circular needle, a stitch marker, yarn needle for weaving in loose ends, and wool wash or gentle soap (optional).
Pattern is written with a chart for the main stitch used.
Ever since I started messing around with dyeing my own yarn years ago, I've wanted to do those wonderful, slooooowww color changing yarns. I think I have tried every single method out there, read just about every book, blog and article I could find on dyeing this type of yarn. I even bought a fancy schmancy machine to make my own blanks, but that didn't work out too well. I've just not been able to find a quick way to do this type of dyeing.
I've been asked by several people about slow color changing yarn lately. The other day, I remembered a method I had thought I would like to try, but up to now had not. I thought I would give it a whirl. Below are the results of my experimenting. What do you think? These, along with some other colors, will soon be available in my shop!
One of my first knitting projects was a triangle shawl. I've always loved shawls, and couldn't believe how easy it was to knit one.
There are many ways to knit a triangle shawl. This time, we are going to cover going from the bottom up using yarn overs to make the increases. I also show doing a KFB (knit front and back) increase if you want a less obvious increase.
This is just the bare bones of triangle shawls. I am sure you have seen many beautiful shawls that are lacy, some that are cabled, and many others.
The shawls pictured here were knit years ago. I am not certain what yarn was used. I think the one on the right is Caron Simply Soft, but it could very well be something else.
Below are a few examples of how to do a simple triangle shawl. Nothing fancy here. A shawl is a great beginner project if you want something larger than a scarf, but still want to keep it simple. You don't have to worry about gauge either.
These shawls are also a great project for seasoned knitters, because you can sit and watch TV and just mindlessly knit.
You can use any yarn and needles you like - the needles should be circulars though, to accomodate all of the stitches as the shawl grows. I'd say you want a 32 inch minimum. Of course if you are using a thin, lace weight yarn you could probably get away with a 24 inch circular; if you are using a thicker, bulkier yarn you may need to use a longer needle.
A good place to start is go to the craft store or your LYS, find a yarn you like, and just swatch using the needle size recommended on the ball band. If you find that you want a looser fabric, try a larger needle; if you want a denser fabric, go down a needle size. There is no wrong way to do this, so don't be worried that you may be using the wrong needle for your yarn. If you are pleased with your swatch, then you are using the right yarn and needles.
My shawls pictured above are just garter stitch, as are the samples in the video. You can do garter stitch if you like, or stockinette - maybe even alternate a few rows of garter with a few rows of stockinette.
Below are only a few ways you can do a bottom up triangle shawl. If you don't like any of these looks, play around and see what you can come up with. I used a US size 10.5 Knitter's Pride Cubics needle in my samples, and the first three were done in Mulberry Merino yarn, and the last in Paton's Classic Wool.
The first sample is a mini shawl from cast on to bind off. Yours of course will be much bigger.
Cast on 3 stitches
Knit across, turn
K1, YO, knit to end
Repeat the K1, YO, knit to end until the shawl is as big as you want it to be. Bind off, weave in loose ends and block if you like.
The second sample is done by making the yarn over at the beginning of each row. This makes a very decorative edge along your shawl.
Cast on 3
Knit across, turn
YO, knit to end
Repeat from YO, knit to end until shawl is desired size
Our third sample also uses a yarn over increase, and will create a wider border than either of the two above. This also gives a less pointy tip to the shawl.
Cast on 5
Knit across, turn
Knit 3, YO, knit to end
Repeat from Knit 3, YO, knit to end until shawl is desired size
Maybe you don't like the look of yarn overs. You can do any increase you like and are comfortable with. In my sample below, I used the KFB increase - knit front and back of the stitch.
Cast on 3
Knit across, turn
K1, KFB, knit to end
Repeat from K1, KFB, knit to end until shawl is desired size
Here is a video showing how I did all of the samples. I hope this helps those of you thinking about making a triangle shawl, but aren't quite sure where to start.
My favorite time of year is fast approaching - Autumn! I love the smells, the colors, and the crisp feel of the air.
I designed a cowl for my favorite time of year that uses the Acorn Cable Stitch, and a yarn that reflects the colors of fall. You can use any color you choose, of course!
The yarn I used can be purchased here:
http://www.herrschners.com/product/Lighthouse+Waves+Yarn+1.aspx
