Heavenly Hues Yarn - Customer FO

Hi everyone!  My friend Judie from Heavenly Hues Yarn asked me to share this photo of a scarf knit by one of her customers.

This was knit with Candy, from Feza Yarn.

Judie sells Feza Yarns exclusively.  Please stop by Heavenly Hues Yarn and check it out.  In addition to the Feza Yarn, Judie has other knitting goodies including Eucalan, buttons, and tote bags.  She also serves up great customer service!

Knitted Broomstick Lace

Sample knit with Debbie Bliss Amalfi on US Size 7 needles

Knitted Broomstick Lace, no crochet hook required!  

I first saw broomstick lace a few years ago, and gave it a try, but didn't like fussing with the crochet hook.  The whole process was just too fiddly for me.  Imagine my surprise to learn that you can knit broomstick lace.  I saw this process in the Summer 2012 issue of Love of Knitting.  Along with instructions for the broomstick lace, there are a few patterns in the magazine.

The process is fairly simple.

Work with a multiple of 5
For the first row K1, YO(2) across the row.  That is, knit the first stitch, make a double yarn over, and repeat to the end of the row.
Next, you will be slipping the knit stitches and dropping the yarn overs.  Slip a total of five stitches to the right needle.  These stitches will be long/loose.
Then, place the five stitches back on the left needle.  You will now K1, YO, K1, YO, K1 into this group of five stitches, and drop from left needle.  Repeat this to the end of the row.

Love of Knitting did not specify how many rows of plain knitting to do in between the above steps.  I suppose it does not really matter, however, if you look at one side of your work you will see a strand running across the fabric.  You can see the strand in the picture of my sample from the front; it is more noticeable on the back.  If you work an even number of rows between the lace stitches, your strand will always be on the same side of the work.  You could set it up so that the strand shows alternately on the 'front' and 'back' of the work.  For me, I actually like the look of the strand running across the fabric, so consider this a reversible fabric.  Try a sample and see what you think.

Here is a video of the process.  I misspoke and said I had 25 stitches on my needles, I only worked with 20.  Happy Knitting!

Knit a Mini Christmas Stocking

Each year, I plan some type of holiday project that never works out.  This year, I actually got it done in time!

This cute little stocking is a fairly quick knit. One stocking uses less than 100 yards of worsted weight yarn (I used Cascade 220), and you don't even have to use red/green/white.  My test knitter used pink/grey/white and it looks very pretty!

You can use these for decoration, or stuff them with a few small gifts, such as gift cards or maybe some cash.  A plane ticket to a nice quiet beach.... ok that is my wish, but you get the idea!

Don't be afraid if you have never knit in the round, on DPNs, or made a sock.  This is really easy, I promise!  My test knitter has never knit socks, and has only limited DPN experience, and she was able to complete hers in an evening.   That was without the video, using a pre-edited pattern.  She also promises it is very easy!

I have a video of knitting the stocking incase you need help; that along with the written instructions should give you a quick, easy knit that will be done in time for Christmas!

Click on the picture below to get the pattern.  Happy Christmas Knitting!

Knitting With DPNs (Double Pointed Needles)

Just a little video on knitting with double pointed needles, or DPNs.  Not as complicated as you may think.  Although awkward at first, you will find a comfortable way to hold all of those pointy sticks while knitting.   And DPNs aren't just for knitting socks or other small scale items in the round.  I often use mine for cables, and you can use two to work flat.

DPNs come in all different lengths and sizes.  You can get them in bamboo, wood, metal and even acrylic.  Newer knitters may want to use wooden or bamboo needles, as there is less a chance of the yarn slipping off.

Here are some links so you can check out some of the DPNs available, and the video is below.  I tried not to have the points poking right in to the lens, but well, you know...

Clover 
Blue Sky Alpaca 
Brittany 
Knitter's Pride Nova
Pony Pearl 
Kollage Squares
Knitter's Pride Karbonz
Colonial Rosewood