Sunday, April 10, 2011

Free Easter Knitting Patterns

Well, I guess it is a tad late to be posting Easter patterns, what with Easter being only 2 weeks away.  But, if you have speedy needles and plenty of free time, you may be able to get something done before then.  I'd meant to have these up much sooner, but it kind of snuck up on me!  So without further ado, here are some nice Easter patterns.  Enjoy!

Bunny Egg Cozy - too cute!
Easter Basket Dishcloth
Easter Egg  and adorable Easter Bunny - scroll down, she has some other great patterns!
Easter Egg Hot Pad
Easter Finger Puppets
Easter Peeps - totally adorable!!
Bunny Beanie - so sweet, perfect for baby's first Easter!
Chick and Egg - Alan Dart pattern... that says it all!  Cute!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Knit'n Style June 2011 & Knitting Today April/May 2011

Knit'n Style is one of my absolute favorite knitting magazines!  As always there are tons of great patterns in the latest issue.  Here are just a few of my favorites:

Butterfly Garden designed by Cynthia Yanok, pattern features 100% mercerized cotton yarn from Steinbach Wolle/Auroa Yarns Capri - This is a gorgeous sweater with a lacy bottom and cute butterfly motif on the chest and back.

Swallowtail Shawl designed by Chris Rinder and Lauren Scarpo, pattern features assorted yarns from The Great Adirondack Yarn Co. - This beautiful shawl is designed to look like a swallow's tail, hence the name, Swallowtail Shawl.

Argyle Cowl Pullover designed by Sandy Prosser, pattern features Silk and Wool yarn from Harrisville Designs (50% silk, 50% wool).   Great sweater knit in a great yarn, makes me wish I had the attention span to knit such a large item!  I might just have to buckle down and do this one!

Lots of other great patterns, along with an informative article by Margaret Radcliffe, What Every Knitter Should Know About Decreases.

Knitting Today is a new magazine, one that I like more and more with each new issue.  Here are a few things from their third issue:

Happy Feet, designed by Marina Salume using REGIA Softy Color, a 61% polyamide 39% superwash wool blend - these cute ankle socks even have a little ball on the cuff.  I remember my mother wearing this style of sock when I was a kid.  She always called them footsies.  This pattern is going in the knitting Q for sure!

Matching Girl and Doll Dresses designed by Amy Polcyn, using ROWAN by Amy Butler Belle Organic Aran, which is a 50% organic wool and 50% organic cotton blend.  Cute sundress for a little girl and a matching dress for her dollie!  Super cute!

Handbag and Makeup Case designed by Maggie Pace, using Nashua Handknits Creative Focus Worsted, 75% wool and 25% alpaca - this adorable bag and matching case are felted - if you have never felted anything before, this is the perfect first project.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Knitting Traditions and PieceWork 2011

I have a ton of new magazines to review, but just haven't had the time to do so yet.  I will be posting a review of 2 or 3 at a time over the next week or so, beginning with the Winter 2011 edition of Knitting Traditions and March/April 2011 PieceWork below.

Knitting Traditions
Packed with color, lace and texture, there is sure to be something for everyone in this issue.  Here are a few of my favorite projects:

Two Color Norwegian Gloves by Nancy Bush - knit in the round using Dale of Norway Heilo (100% Norwegian wool)

An Appalachian Gathering Basket by Gina Wilde - lovely felted tote that uses Alchemy Yarns Sanctuary (70% merino wool and 30% silk)

Along with lots of other great patterns, there are the following articles:

The Portuguese Style of Knitting by Andrea Wong, along with a pattern for some baby booties using this method.

The Warner House Bedspread by Joyce Volk, along with a bedspread pattern.

Before Knitting There Was Nalbinding by Nancy Bush

Also you will find several great articles on lace knitting, along with patterns.

PieceWork
I can't really pick any particular thing from this issue, since I like everything!  So I will just note the items on the cover.

Discover Color in Textiles
The Best Natural Dyes for Reds, Purples, and Blues
Knit Belarusian Wrist Warmers
Learn the Historic Technique of Japanese Sashiko
Stitch a Berlin-Work Floral Pattern

More magazine reviews coming soon, so be sure to stop by again.  Until then, Happy Knitting!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Shawl Contest!

Check out the shawl contest over at Claudia Hand Painted! 

Entry deadline is July 1, 2011.  There are some great prizes.  Read the rules and get your entry form today!

Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2011

On the cover:
Exquisite Eyelets, Sexy Swimwear, Cool Citrus, Sheer Heat

What caught my eye:
Eyelet Wrap Top by Theresa Schabes, using Covington by Plymouth Yarn - Standard fitting, sleeveless wrap-around top in daisy stitch and smocked rib patterns.

Lace Cover-Up by Renee Lorion, using Linen by Claudia Hand Painted Yarns - this is a lace shawl seamed at one side, and gathered at the other to create a draped neckline.

Buttoned Lace Vest by Pat Olski, using Brown Sheep Company's Cotton Fleece - feminine vest with contrast color ribbed edges.

Also an article called To Purl or not to Purl by Meg Swansen "If you had learned to purl before you learned to knit, would purl be your favorite stitch and knitting feel a bit awkward?"

And Why Knot! by Nicky Epstein will give you some creative ideas for I-Cord.

More magazine reviews coming soon!  I was recently at the book store and stocked up on 'em!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Interweave Knits - Spring 2011

As always, Interweave Knits does not disappoint!  Here are a few things from the latest issue that caught my eye.

En Pointe Pullover designed by Alice Tang - I love the Mobius like front of this pullover - yarn used in the pattern is Louet KidLin Lace Weight (49% linen, 35% kid mohair, and 16% nylon)

Swirl Crop Jacket designed by Andrea Babb - The ruffle on this cute jacket is just enough to be feminine without going over the top - yarn used in the pattern is Fibra Natura Flax (100% linen)

Curvy Squares Tee designed by Bonnie Paul - Entrelac with a kick - the squares grow and shrink in size, unlike traditional entrelac! Yarn used in the pattern is Plymouth Yarn Mushishi (95% wool, 5% silk)

Lots more great patterns and articles, including Fearless Fair Isle Knitting by Mary Jane Mucklestone.

Monday, February 14, 2011

On The Needles

A Happy Monday to you all!  I just thought I would post about the projects I am currently working on.  The first one is A Handsome Shawl from Victorian Lace Today.  I believe I mentioned this in the last (awful) episode of the pod cast - this is my first serious lace project.  I am almost done with the first part of the pattern; I think after a few more rows I will just be repeating the pattern from a certain point.  I am so excited!  It really is coming along nicely, and I am almost encouraged to do another lace project after this is completed.  I say almost, because lace requires too much attention.  There is no sitting in front of the TV and knitting mindlessly.  But I am sure my efforts will be greatly rewarded once the shawl has been blocked and is ready to wear.



The second project I am working on is the Entrelac Throw from knit simple (as mentioned in the December 14 post).  Love it so far!  I played around with entrelac a few years ago just to get the feel of it, but never made anything, so this is my first Entrelac project.  I love that this technique looks so complicated, but it super simple.  One thing in particular that I like about this pattern, is the yarn that is used.  Limerick by Wisdom Yarn is the yarn.  31801 is the color used in the magazine, however when I tried to order, they were out of stock, so I got 31805 instead.  It is just as pretty, however I do want to make another throw using the 31801 too!  The color changes are really nice - when I was first figuring out entrelac, I was using two separate colors, and there were just way too many ends to weave it.  It is much better to use a yarn that changes color itself!



Friday, February 4, 2011

St. Patty's Day Knitting Patterns

 I found a few St. Patty's Day patterns floating around out there, but I thought this site had the best.  Nice dish/wash cloths!  I love dish/wash cloths, and these are very nice!

Kris Knits

Lion Brand also has a Spool Knit Shamrock Hotpad - you must register to view the pattern.  It's free!  And you don't get a ton of junk emails, at least I don't anyhow.

That's about it - if you have any patterns you'd like to put out there, just leave a comment!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Knit'n Style April 2011 Issue 172

In this issue you will find a great article by Lorna Miser (creator of Lorna's Laces, by the way) on floats, along with the Floating Flurry Headband.
There is also a great article on increases by Margaret Radcliffe - if you are like me, you need a reminder every once in a while, and this article will do just that!

As for the patterns, there is a lovely Lace Cardigan designed by Kennita Tully, a very pretty Half-Zip Cable Hoodie designed by Kristin Ford, a gorgeous Swing Jacket designed by Melissa Matthay, among many others!

This is one of my very favorites, there are always so many great patterns. Get your issue today!

Friday, January 21, 2011

Verena, Filati, and Yarn Forward

As promised, here are some more magazine reviews!

Verena - Winter 2010
#6 Roses - gorgeous stocking stitch cardi embellished with embroidered roses/vines and crochet edging (something I would never have the patience for, but it sure is pretty!)
#16 Glacier - soft and feminine jacket with a lovely bit of eyelet lace inserted on the front panels
#42 Cardishawl - I love this!  Clever sleeved shawl design you can tie around your waist or let the cabled scarf hang loose.
Many more great patterns, plus an article on Double Knitting and an article on Superwash wool.

Filati - Edition 42
Hooded Pullover - If you need to practice your cable skills, this is for you!  Beautiful all-over cable design featured on this cozy pullover.
Favorite Socks - These will go perfectly with the Hooded Pullover - nice cable pattern on these too.  They look so warm and cozy, I might just have to get my DPN's out and make some socks!
Warm Feet Set - If you aren't up to making the Favorite Socks, these might be what you are looking for.  Ankle socks with a matching hot water bottle cozy.  Just the thing for those chilly nights!
Oodles of great patterns for making you and your home nice and cozy, pillows, blankets, sweaters and felted slippers.  A must have issue!

Yarn Forward - February 2011
I've said it before, but it bears repeating - One of the great features of this magazine is that they give you options for the yarn used for the projects.  Save - recommends a yarn for those who have to watch their budget; Spend - recommends a yarn for those who can or want to spend a little more; and Spoil Yourself - the yarn for those who probably don't have a budget!

Mermaid Dress - adorable dress for that little lady in your life!  Also a chance to practice your color work skills!
Stripey Sweater - this is modeled by a little boy, and knit in orange and blue, however you could easily choose more feminine colors for a girl instead.  Has a nice big front pocket to keep little hands warm.
Lacy Wrap - beautiful lacy project!  Also has sleeves so you won't have to keep a hold on it to make sure it doesn't slip off your shoulders.
Lots more great patterns, including Knit Amigurimu and an article on jogless joins!

I have the latest issue of Knit'n Style that I will be reviewing once I have a chance to peruse it.  That's always one of my favorites!  Until next time, Happy Knitting!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Magazine Review

Links to all of the magazine sites can be found in the tab at the top of the blog.

Creative Knitting - March 2011
Introduction to knitting with wire and beads, plus some projects to get you started
Spring knits, including some cute Butterfly Garden Socks, Garden Shawl, and Retro Flower Cardi (this is my favorite one, minus the ugly knit flowers on the shoulder.  This looks much better without them.)
A few other patterns worth mentioning:  Hedgehogs and Apples - cute mama and baby hedgehog and apple pattern, cute for the kiddies!  Suri Lace Scarf and Eyelet Lace Pullover.  Don't forget to visit the website for your bonus patterns!

Knitting Today - March/April 2011
Lots of nice projects, including knits for new moms and moms to be (booties, onesies, soakers, and more)
Knits for the kiddies, including frog slippers and some super cute jump rope cozies
Nifty article on dyeing your own yarn - this has made me want to pull out my dye and yarn I was messing around with last year and give things another try.  The method in the magazine is basically what I was doing, with only a minor change or two.  I'm excited to give dyeing another whirl!

The Knitter - Issue 26
Lots of fabulous patterns as usual from one of my most favorite magazines! Here are some of my favorite projects:  Loveday Cardigan - gorgeous lace and Fair Isle combo, Lozenges socks - beautiful!  Lazy Sunday super comfy looking bed socks.
Along with the patterns there are several good articles, such as Knitwear through the ages: 1920's and Flawless Fair Isle (to help you with the Loveday Cardigan!)

I have a few more magazines to read and review for next time - Verena, Filati, and Yarn Forward.  Until then, Happy Knitting!