Thursday, April 28, 2016

Easy Chevron Lace Cowl Kit

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.
PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR COLOR FROM THE DROPDOWN MENU

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Hank, Skein, Cake, Ball




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.



Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Giveaway: The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook


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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway






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.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Purl-Twist Knot Cowl - Free Pattern


 


Materials:US 9 circular needle, 24" 
1 skein of DK weight yarn, 230 yds (3.5 0z)
a stitch marker
tapestry needle
wool wash (optional)

Gauge: not critical

Finished Size: Appx. 6" tall, 48" circumference

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.