Countdown to Knitmas: Day 20

We have a famous project that Lois composed long ago to teach a very large group of knitters the basics. We call this project the 6 stitch scarf. It has proved to be a big success with our beginning knitters directly after their first session.

It has many winning attributes, which are not limited to -
1. Very Quick Gift
2. Perfect Project to Teach a Brand New, Lamb Knitter (think gift that you don't have to make)
3. Good Place to Apply Fringe
and on and on.

Yarn: at least 66 yds of Bulky yarn (fringe is included in that yardage); we have used Malabrigo Rasta and Encore Bulky and had great results.
Needle: US 15/10 mm (Straight or Circular; your choice)

It is as easy as its name suggests. The first step may surprise you though - I cut 12 pieces of fringe and set them safely aside in my project bag. With the fringe cut, I can knit until about 1 yard remains for binding off (maybe 1.5 yds). I like to use a DVD case, wrap it around 12 times (long or short side), and cut one end open.

Now, the expected; CO 6 stitches. Work in Garter stitch (knit every stitch in every row) until the ball is nearly done (leaving 1-1.5 yds for BO). Bind off. Weave in ends and apply fringe.

We have a great deal on the correct size needle -

And, we have some really cute Serendipity needles in the correct size range (US 13-US 17).



Lois just made a new sample in a fun self striping yarn. Here she is casting on Sunday evening and she nearly finished it in about 2 hours.

Happy Needling,

Anne

Countdown to Knitmas: Day 8

Instant Gratification. We all enjoy this experience when we can find it. I want to share some knitted Instant Gratification with you.

Dana Gervais has a hit hat pattern by that name winning the hearts and needles of knitters on Ravelry. This quick hat is the perfect pattern to whip out finished objects in delicious soft yarns like my favorite Misti Alpaca Chunky. You can purchase this pattern in the store when you come in to pick your yarn or you can buy it directly from Ravelry. Either way, it gets beamed right into your Ravelry library. (If you are not sure how that all works, Kaity is teaching Ravelry 101 on Saturday, Dec. 13 @ 4pm.)

Instant Gratification could be that go to quick, gift pattern of 2014.

 



Here are two other fun patterns that looked like good gifts when I searched by this pattern's name.
1. Instant Gratification Scarf by Cyn
2. Instant gratification Laptop Cozy by Carmen Ferrerra

Happy Needling,
Anne

Countdown to Knitmas: Day 4

On my search for new quick delights, I came across Pencil Sleeves by Yasmin Gamal.


(image taken from project page on Ravelry.com)
I think that they are a really cute and really useful. Let me count the ways -
1. They use up little bits of yarn.
2. They can bring some yarny comfort to you careful note taking.
3. They can beef up the handle on a crochet hook.
4. They would make great organizers for sets of DPNS or straight needles.
AND, most importantly,
5. They make great gifts.


(image taken from project page on Ravelry.com)
I really like the original designer's concept but I have one tweak. Rather than casting on 12 sts and dividing it onto 3 needles. One could CO 11 sts and work an i-cord. A ladder develops when you make such a wide i-cord, so, you use a crochet hook to pick up the ladder as if it were a column of dropped stitches.

While I was checking out the Pencil Sleeve pattern, I found some other cool pencil case projects that have more than one use.
1. Pencil Holder (knit) by Lily/Sugar 'n Cream 
2. Pencil Purse by Tracy Henwood

Happy Needling,
Anne