P3tog (purl three together) is a double decrease that presents as right leaning on the right side of the work. It can be a bit fiddly getting your needle into three stitches at once; needles with a pointy tip can be helpful, as can using a yarn made from fiber that has elasticity (wool). Scooting the stitches near the tip of the needle can also help.
An easy alternative is to slip two stitches purlwise to the right needle, purl the next stitch, then pass the two slipped stitches over the purl stitch.
Twisted Loop Cast On creates a very flexible cast on edge. Use it for top down socks, necklines or anywhere you need stretch. Also, since you're working from the ball yarn to form the stitches on the needle, there is no worry about running out of yarn before you have all of the stitches you need cast on!
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:
This cowl is worked in the round in a simple, attractive Chevron Lace pattern using my popular Merino DK base. Merino DK is an incredibly soft, squishy 100% Superwash Merino wool.
Size: Appx. 42" circumference x 13" tall after blocking
Skill Level: Easy/Advanced Beginner
You should feel comfortable with the following techniques/stitches:
Working in the round, knit stitch, knit 2 together, yarn over, slip-slip-knit, purl stitch
You will receive:
Digital pattern and 2 skeins of Merino DK
You will need:
US Size 8 circular needle, 24"
Stitch marker
Yarn needle/crochet hook for weaving in ends.
Blocking mat, wires/pins, wool wash or gentle soap - you can pin your project out onto the floor or a bed, or anywhere it won't be disturbed while drying if you don't have mats.
The pattern is completely written out, and a chart is included for the Chevron Lace.
Once your order has been processed, you will receive an email with a link to download the pattern. If you do not get a download link, or it doesn't work, email sapphiresnpurlsknitting@gmail.com and the pattern will be sent to you.
I know some people use hank and skein interchangeably, but the above is what I learned the different terms to mean.
If you buy yarn in a hank, you'll want to wind it up before working with it, otherwise you may end up with a huge tangled mess that will take hours and hours and hours to untangle - ask me how I know!
A swift and ball winder are useful, although not necessary. If you wind the yarn with a winder, you get a cake; if you use your hands, you'll get a ball.
In place of a swift, you can drape the hank over the back of a chair, your knees, your feet, or talk someone into holding it for you on their hands.
You can wind a center pull ball with a toilet paper tube or paper towel tube cut in half, here is a video.
Want to learn more about different fibers? Then this is the giveaway for you! I am giving away one copy of The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook, pictured above.
To enter, simply leave a comment below telling me why you want to win this book. Enter now through midnight EST January 31, 2015 for a chance to win.
You must be 18 years of age to enter. Winner will be chosen at random on February 2, 2015; if winner does not claim prize in 1 week, a new winner will be chosen.
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.
Hi everyone! Finally, at long last, the pattern for my Bijou Shawlette is available!
You can get this through my shop, or as a free Ravelry download, or from Craftsy.
Here is more info:
This is a triangle shawl knit from the top down.
It uses only one skein of my Springy Sport, or you may substitute any similar yarn you like.
Materials:
1 skein 3 ply sport weight yarn - 328 yds/299 m - 3.5 oz/100 gr
US size 10 circular needle at least 32”
Cable or DPN
8 locking stitch markers
194 Japanese glass seed beads, size 6/0
Yarn needle for weaving in ends
Blocking pins, mats, wires or whatever you use to block your projects and wool wash such as SOAK are useful but not required.
Depending on your preferred method of stringing beads, you may need a piece of scrap yarn, crochet hook, etc.
Skills:
You should know how to knit, purl, make yarn overs, k2tog, p2tog, and ssk, and feel comfortable with cables. You should also feel comfortable working with beads.
