Valentines Hugs and Kisses Slouch

Valentines Hugs and Kisses

Bulky Slouch

Valentines is only a few months away! Get an early start for the love month!
 When I saw these beautiful cables on the knitting bee I had to combine them into a hat. 

XO
Materials: Lion Brand Super Bulky (in a dusty pink)
US 13 16" circulars
US 15 16" circulars
One 3/4" button (i gotmine at Hancock fabrics!)
This pattern may be better in just a bulky yarn with more rows added. It came out a little heavy/thick, which is nice for keeping warm. 

Abbreviations:

k = knit
p = purl
CN = cable needle
RC = (right cable) – slip 2 sts to CN at back, k2, k2 from CN
LC = (left cable) – slip 2 sts to CN in front, k2, k2 from CN

Cast on multiples of 8 (cable only). Work the cable on a background of reverse stockinette stitch with a number of sts to your choosing depending on how wide you want the gap between the cables.
k2tog = knit 2 stitches together.
p2tog = purl 2 stitches together
ssk = slip, slip, knit slipped stitches tog. A decrease.
yo = yarn over.

Pattern: US 13:
CO 56 (do not join!), proceed in a k2, p2 rib.
row 2 and 4: k2, p2, yo, k2tog, p2,yo, k2tog , contine in rib
row 3 and 5: k2, p2 rib
switch to US 15's
row 6: BO 10 stitches(can make shorter if desired, cast on less and bo that amount.) and join to other side with a k2tog, (making 45 live stitches), add 28 stitches around in k2, p2 rib (75 stitches total)
begin valentine slouch pattern: ()= xo cable []=heartvine
row 7: p2, (k8), p4, [k1, yo k1, k2tog, p1, ssk, k1, yo, k1], p2* across
row 8 and all even rows: p2, (k8), p4, [k4, p1, k4], p2
row 9: p2, (RC,LC), p4 [ k1, yo k1, k2tog, p1, ssk, k1, yo, k1],p2
Row 11: p2,(RC, LC)p4, [k2, k2tog, yo, p1, yo, ssk, k2]p2
row 13: p2,( LC, RC), p4, [k1, k2tog, yo, k1, p1, k1, yo,ssk, k1], p2
row 15: p2, (LC, RC), p4, [k2tog, yo, k2, p1, k2, yo, ssk], p2
row 17: p2, (RC, LC), p4, [k1, yo k1, k2tog, p1, ssk, k1, yo, k1], p2
row 19: p2, (RC, LC), p4, [k1, yo k1, k2tog, p1, ssk, k1, yo, k1], p2
row 21: p2, (LC, RC), p4, [k2, k2tog, yo, p1, yo, ssk, k2], p2
row 23: p2, (LC, RC), p4, [k1, k2tog, yo, k1, p1, k1, yo,ssk, k1], p2
row 25: p2,(RC, LC), p4, [ k2tog, yo, k2, p1, k2, yo, ssk], p2
row 27: p2, (RC, LC), p4, [k1, yo k1, k2tog, p1, ssk, k1, yo, k1], p2
row 29: p2, (LC, RC), p4, [k1, yo k1, k2tog, p1, ssk, k1, yo, k1], p2
row 31: p2, (LC, RC), p4 [k2, k2tog, yo, p1, yo, ssk, k2], p2
row 33: p2, (RC, LC), p4 [k1, k2tog, yo, k1, p1, k1, yo,ssk, k1], p2
row 35: p2, (RC, LC), p4,  [k2tog, yo, k2, p1, k2, yo, ssk], p2
begin decrease
Row 37: p2tog, k2tog(x4),p2tog(x2),k2tog(x2),p1, k2tog(x2), p2tog
cut yarn leaving long tail and weave through remaining stitches and cinch close.
make sure to tie a knot on the under side and weave in any ends.

Finn! 

Mass Effect Double Knit scarf with pockets!

One of my favorite video games is Mass Effect. The diverse world with the array of choices gives much to love and reason to play over and over again. 

The choices are put into two categories and given as points. 

The often seen as evil, or rebellious is Renegade (red) and 

the good, hero or seen as mercy is Paragon (blue).

I used US 6 Straight needles and worsted weight yarn. for the scarf I'm using super bulky and us 15 straights. 

Paragon

On a 40 x 40 chart.

Odd rows worked right to left and 

even rows worked left to right. 

Background is Main Color (MC) and the blue is the contrast color (CC). it is reversed on WS rows. 

CO 40 with both strand colors in long tail.(total of 80 stitches) I made sure the black thread was second so it would be knitted first and matched across the cast on row. 

The pattern is written as if one sided for the chart so always purl the backside in opposite color.

Row 1-2, knit in MC and Purl the CC) 

Row 1: (RS) K22 MC, k2 cc, k 16 MC

Row 2: (WS) k16MC, k4 CC, k 20 MC

Row 3: (RS) K18MC, k5 CC, k17 mc

row 4 (WS): k18 mc, k5 cc, k17 mc

row 5 (rs): k20 mc , k 6 cc, k14 mc, 

row 6 (WS) k20 MC, k6 cc, k14 mc

row 7 (RS): k10 mc, k2 cc, k2 mc, k8 cc, k18 mc 

row 8 (WS):  k16 mc, k9 cc k2 mc, k5 cc, k8 mc

row 9 (rs): k7 mc, k7 cc, k2 mc, k10 cc, k14 mc

row 10 (ws): k13 mc, k 11 cc, k2 mc, k9 cc, k5 mc

row 11 (rs): k6 mc, k8 cc, k2 mc, k13 cc, k11 mc

row 12 (ws): k10 mc, k8 cc, k2 mc, k4 cc, k2 mc, k7 cc, k7 mc

row 13 (rs): k8 mc, k6 cc, k2 mc, k4 cc, k5 mc, k6 cc, k9 mc

row 14 (ws): k8 mc, k5 cc, k4 mc, k7 cc, k2 mc, k6 cc, k8 mc

row 15 (rs): k8 mc, k6 cc, k2 mc, k10 cc, k3 mc, k4 cc, k7 mc

row 16 (ws): k6 mc, k3 cc, k3 mc, k12 cc, k2 mc, k6 cc, k8 mc

row 17 (rs): k8 mc, k5 cc, k2 mc, k4 cc, k2 mc, k8 cc, k3 mc, k3 cc, k5 mc.

Row 18(ws): k4 mc, k3 cc, k2 mc, k7 cc, k5 mc, k4 cc, k2 mc, k6 cc, k7 mc.

row 19(rs):k3 mc, k1 cc, k2 mc, k7 cc, k1 mc, k8 cc, k4 mc, k6 cc, k2 mc, k2 cc, k4 mc

row 20(ws): k4 mc, k1 cc, k2 mc, k5 cc, k3 mc, k11cc, k2 mc, k9 cc, k3 mc.

row 21 (rs): k4 mc, k9cc, k3 mc, k10 cc, k4 mc, k4 cc, k6 mc

row 22 (ws): k5 mc, k4 cc, k3 mc, k9 cc, k4 mc, k10 cc, k5 mc

row 23 (rs): k6 mc, k11 cc, k4 mc k8 cc, k3 mc, k4 cc, k4 mc

row 24 (ws): k4 mc, k3 cc, k3 mc, k7 cc, k4 mc, k11 cc, k8 mc

row 25 (rs): k11 mc, k10 cc, k4 mc, k6 cc, k3 mc, k3 cc, k3 mc

row 26 (ws): k3 mc, k2 cc, k3 mc, k6 cc, k4 mc, k8 cc, k14 mc

row 27 (rs): k16 mc, k8 cc, k4 mc, k5 cc, k3 mc, k1 cc, k3 mc

row 28 (ws): k3 mc, k1 cc, k2 mc, k5 cc, k4 mc, k7 cc, k18 mc

row 29 (rs): k20 mc, k6 cc, k4 mc, k4 cc, k6 mc

row 30 (ws): k6 mc, k3 cc, k4 mc, k5 cc, k22 mc

row 31 (rs): k 24 mc, k4 cc, k4 mc, k2 cc, k6 mc

row 32 (ws): k6 mc, k1 cc, k4 mc, k4 cc, k25 mc

row 33 (rs): k26 mc, k3 cc, k4 mc, k1 cc, k6 mc

row 34 (ws): k11 mc, k2 cc, k27 mc

row 35: (rs): k28 mc, k1 cc, k11 mc

row 36 (ws): k11 mc, k1 cc, k28 mc

end of chart! Knit 2 more rows to equal 40 or follow my handy zipper hole instructions!

row 37 - 38 knit

row 39: k5 mc turn

row 40: k5 mc turn

row 41: k5 turn

row 42: knit 5 mc, (to keep it nice and even without yarn hanging out going to the lower stitches I crocheted with each main color down the 4 rows to make the knit to Cast off even and put the crochet loops on the needle and k2together for the first knit stitch of the cast off)  and cast off 30 stitches (2 stitches on each side =1 stitch) k5. ( you may want to put the previous 5 stitches on a stitch holder.)

row 43: knit 5 turn

row 44:knit 5 turn

Row 45: knit 5 turn

row 46: knit 5, cast on 30, knit 5

knit 47-48: knit

Cast off (same as before otherwise its too big!) 

sew zipper to back side with needle and thread.

Sew/crochet/attach pocket to scarf!

you can also add extra rows to match renegade (needs 4 more).

Renegade

Since this charts star is uneven in stitches, I will be casting on 41 to achieve even borders of 3 stitches at its peak of 35 stitches for the star. 

CO 41 with both colors (MC for this is the background and CC is red and reversed on WS)

knit two rows.

Begin chart (written has co of 41, chart has only image reference)

Row 1 (rs): k9 mc, k1 cc, k21 mc, k1 cc, k9 mc

Row 2 (ws): k9 mc, k2 cc, k19 mc, k2 cc, k9 mc

row 3 (rs):  k9 mc, k3 cc, k17 mc, k3 cc, k9 mc

Row 4 (ws): k9 mc, k4 cc, k15 mc, k4 cc, k9 mc

row 5 (rs):  k10 mc, k4 cc, k13 mc, k4 cc, k10 mc

row 6 (ws): k11 mc, k4 cc, k11 mc, k4 cc, k11 mc

row 7 (rs):  k12 mc, k4 cc, k9 mc, k4 cc, k12 mc

row 8 (ws): k13 mc, k4 cc, k7 mc, k4 cc, k13 mc

row 9 (rs): k14 mc, k4 cc, k5 cc, k14 mc

row 10 (ws): k10 mc, k1 cc, k4 mc, k4 cc, k3 mc, k4 cc, k4 mc, k1 cc, k10 mc

row 11 (rs): k10 mc, k2 cc, k4 mc, k4 cc, k1 mc, k4 cc, k4 mc, k2 cc, k10 mc

row 12 (ws): k10 mc, k3 cc, k4 mc, k7 cc,  k4 mc, k3 cc, k10 mc

row 13 (rs): k10 mc, k4 cc, k4 mc, k5 cc, k4 mc, k4 cc, k10 mc

row 14 (ws): k11 mc, k4 cc, k4 mc, k3 cc, k4 mc, k4 cc, k11 mc

row 15 (rs): k12 mc, k4 cc, k4 mc, k1 cc, k4 mc, k4 cc, k12 mc

row 16(ws): k 13 mc, k4 cc, k7 mc, k4 cc, k13 mc

row 17 (ws): k14 mc, k4 cc, k5 mc, k4 cc, k14 mc

row 18 (rs): k15 mc, k4 cc, k3 mc, k4 cc, k15 mc

row 19 (rs): k11 mc, k1 cc, k4 mc, k4 cc, k1 mc, k4 cc, k4 mc, k1 cc, k11 mc

row 20 (ws): k10 mc, k3 cc, k4 mc, k7 cc, k4 mc, k3 cc, k10 mc

row 21 (ws): k9 mc, k5 cc, k4 mc, k5 cc, k4 mc, k5 cc, k9 mc

row 22 (rs): k8 mc, k7 cc, k4 mc, k3 cc, k4 mc, k7 cc, k8 mc

row 23 (rs): k7 mc, k9 cc, k4 mc, k1 cc, k4 mc, k9 cc, k7 mc

row 24 (ws): k6 mc, k11 cc, k7 mc, l11 cc, k6 mc

row 25 (rs): k5 mc, k13 cc, k5 mc, k13 cc, k5 mc

row 26 (ws): k4 mc, k15 cc, k3 mc, k15 cc, k4 mc

row 27 (rs): k3 mc, k17 cc, k1 mc, k17 cc, k3 mc

row 28 (ws): k14 mc, k13 cc, k14 mc

row 29 (rs): k15 mc, k11 cc, k15 mc

row 30 (ws): k16 mc, k9 cc, k16 mc

row 31 (rs): k16 mc, k9 cc, k16 mc

row 32 (ws): k17 mc, k7 cc, k17 mc

row 33 (rs): k17 mc, k7 cc, k17 mc

row 34 (ws): k18 mc, k5 cc, k18 mc

row 35 (rs): k18 mc, k5 cc, k18 mc

row 36 (ws): k19 mc, k 3cc, k19 mc

row 37 (rs): k19 mc, k3 cc, k19 mc

row 38 (ws): k20 mc, k1 cc, k20 mc

row 39 (rs): k20 mc, k1 cc, k20 mc

end chart, knit two rows and cast off 

or make a zipper hole!

Zipper hole

row 40 - 41 knit

row 42: k5 mc turn

row 43: k5 mc turn

row 44 knit 5 mc and cast off 30 stitches (2 stitches on each side =1 stitch) k5. ( you may want to put the previous 5 stitches on a stitch holder.)

row 45: knit 5 turn

row 46:knit 5 turn

row 47: knit 5, cast on 30, knit 5

knit 48- 49: knit

Cast off (same as before otherwise its too big!) 

sew zipper to back side with needle and thread.

Sew/crochet/attach pocket to scarf!

Scarf Options

Now depending on your gauge for both needles and yarns the cast on can differ.

If you're doing one color for the scarf part I suggest a k1, p1 rib as it gives the illusion of a double knit sided scarf and leaves room to stretch. 

that or you can double knit and achieve fun stripes and the like. 

I crochet the pockets on to give them a nice border, but using a yarn needle and yarn is a good option, so is a needles and thread if desired. 

Pictures of FO's to come! 

Bioshock Infinite Vigor Charts

I've been majorly obsessed with the Bioshock series since the first on xbox with Plasmids and Fontaine Industries and the latest in the series, Bioshock Infinite, is no exception. 

The designs in the game are phenomenal and I was immediately drawn to the label and bottle designs for the Vigors, the extra powers to help you through your journey as Booker Dewitt in Getting the Girl and wiping away the debt. 

The Labels are colorful, thickly lined and instantly recognizable even with little tweaks made to make it translate to chart easier. 

the chart width(stitches) and height (rows) are stated to achieve the color pattern with NO BORDER. When I knit these, I will most likely put the chart within a 50 x 50 square. 

please remember when knitting with charts to read the first line from right to left and the next row from left to right! 

Bucking Bronco 

47w x 43h 

Charge 

42w x 37h

Devil's Kiss 

42w x 37h

Old Man Winter 

[from the DLC Burial at Sea pt 1]

46w x 41h

Possession

34w x 41h

Return to Sender

32w x 48h

Shock Jockey

47w x 37h

Undertow 

43w x 30h

Murder of Crows

39w x 45h

i hope to make written instructions soon! 

my hope is to use these charts to make a nice Vigor blankie in double knit to make it thick and cozy. 

More Charts coming soon! 

update! Knitting, crochet, teaching!

Helloo any and all readers!
I've been busy over these past months, years, weeks etc. doing random things, getting married and getting a job at my local Michaels Teaching beginning knit and crochet!
I am currently being certified by the CYC (Craft Yarn Council) and even if I have to stop teaching at Michaels, I hope I can take my certification elsewhere in the future!

Been working on christmas gifts of late and made a hat as a commission for my husbands coworker.
I wanted a quick hat but couldn't find anything I liked with the needles I had on hand.
So i just made up my own and heres my leap into designer-dom

something I always wanted to do!
I really like the combination of Large and small stitches too!

heres the free pattern!

Large and Small Winter hat
 Materials
US11/19 circulars (16")
US 8 DPN (but it may look better with 10's
Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick Solid ( any super bulky should do.)
Abbreviations:
CO: Cast on
K:Knit
P: Purl
CL: Cable left: put next 3 on cable needle, hold to front, k3, k3 from cable needle
k2tog: knit two together

ON US 11 Circulars Cast on 64 stitches ( i use Long tail)  and combine,
Do a k2,p2 rib for about 5 rows (about 1")
Switch to US 19 circulars
row 6:  p3, k2tog, k5, *p3, K6* until end.
row 7-9, *p3, k6*
row 10:  *p3, CL*
row 11-14: repeat level 7
row 15 repeat row 10
row 16-17: repeat row 7
Switch to smaller DPN (you need 5 for the large amount of stitches (I used 8;s)
row 18: repeat row 7
Row 19: knit
Row 20: *k7,k2tog* repeat across, if there is 3 stitches left after last  k7, k3 tog
odd rows 21-33: knit
row 22:  *k6,k2tog*
row 24: *k5, k2tog*
row 26: *k4, k2tog*
row 28: *k3, k2tog*
row 30: *k2, k2tog*
row 32: *k1, k2tog*
row 34: *k2tog around* 7 stitches left
cut 6" tail and weave through remaining stitches.

I think it would also look good as a cinched top. and you could knit the remaining rows after rows 26 and cinch it, (I may do it if I need a hat real quick!)

happy knitting!

Mystery Cal Catchup #2

here is day 3

and day 4:

If I do another Ill edit this post but my wrist and fingers are barking. 

Year of Swatches 2013 KAL

http://yearofswatches.blogspot.com/

So while I'm starting while they have 15 already but I decided to do this Mystery Knit A Long.
US10 1/2 caron Pound of Love in light blue (looks teal in my pictures from my phone)

It looks fun and what they have so far is neat looking. 

finished the first day:

and the second:

I hope to complete at least two a day until I catch up Maybe 3. 

Its pretty fun!

TTFN!

Book review: Knit Your Socks On Straight

I was excited when I was approved for an ARC of this book. I love to knit and have had an aversion to knitting socks, although not because of circular or double pointed needles, but they seem a bit tedious (no matter how gorgeous the pattern was) and I can't imagine wearing something I painstakingly knit on my feet, with like shoes. This book has slightly changed that view. 

Upon opening the book, I immediately look at the table of contents, the patterns have such cute names (jelly bean, wrapped in hugs and Coffee Break) and were colorful. 

The beginning of the book has a nice explanation of why she wrote the patterns and then the book (novice knitter afraid of double pointed needles).  In devising these patterns she devised her own seaming technique so the socks look nice and natural. 

The socks are knit from top to bottom and she places the seem often on the side of the foot and leg. 

She clearly advises swatching. It needs to be washed and dried as if it was your own sock to measure shrinkage and the like. I suggest before and after pictures with a ruler. 

I really loved that her suggested Cast On Method was the Continental/Long Tail Cast On. Its a personal favorite of mine. To keep your edge nice and loose she also suggests casting onto two needles at once as you want the top of sock loose enough to stretch out a bit. 

The explanation in the beginning of how the heel is knit is a great help for people who haven't knit socks before or wonder how would this be accomplished on straight needles. It was reassuring that she has thought of all the questions readers would have.

Throughout the book advice is given on how to fix mistakes you have made which is a great help and reassurance. 

Instructions are clear and easy to understand, techniques laid out in the beginning for guidance, with the usual glossary in the back. 

The first few patterns are a little boring for those more experienced in knitting but they better and more intricate as you go along. Some seem a little silly, but most are so fun and stylish!

Favorite patterns to look for:

(pictures in the book all credit to photographer)

Moccasocks- I find these ridiculous but they look like so much fun, especially as gifts or to wear all around the house.  They are made to fit above skinny jeans so they are definitely with the times. 

Coffee break- 

I just love the colors of these socks and the frilly edge is delightful

Slainte -

These are gorgeous socks and with the cute buttons on top I can't wait to try this pattern!

Winter Delights : Gingerbread men and snowmen - 

definitely something I'd knit in winter, the colors are so cute and cozy, the top edges are frilly and stylish.

Carnegie Hall -

They did indeed save the best for last. These are adorable, it looks so perfect and incorporates crochet edges for frills. The Bow is wonderful and adds that perfect little touch on a black tie affair for your feet!

Overall! 5 out of 5! I can't wait to try some of these patterns!

instructions are clear and helpful.

20 patterns is a great amount and I definitely want to try Knitting My Socks on Straight!

I will be posting my projects from this for review as well soon!

First up is the Project Your First Socks. 

You can pre-order the title here!

http://www.amazon.com/Knit-Your-Socks-Straight-Inventive/dp/1612120083

It will be Published June 5th, 2013