Big Sky Yarns & Crafts

The Zipper Almost Won

Notice the word "almost":

Right after I blogged about this little number, I did try to put the zipper in. Turns out in my last minute change from a size 2 to a size 4, my zipper was too short.

So the sweater and too small zipper rode in my van for almost a week while I avoided the unavoidable. I did finally get a longer zipper and through h-e-double hockey sticks and multiple tries, with both hand and machine stitching, the zipper is finally attached to the fabric in a semi-permanent state.

I finally decided to machine stitch it in to keep it as durable as possible for kids who do not care about zippers:

I did take a couple tries to be pleased with a zipper that was even on both sides. That weird squiggle in the green yarn on the bottom left turns out is a single crochet controversy and not a zipper issue. But I decided that was "charm" and not a "problem." Perception makes all the difference, see?

A fine feature of this sweater I neglected to mention was the garter stitch at the neck edge for about an inch that acts as a "hinge" for the rest of the collar. A trick I will put in my arsenal. Fabulous!!

Hope your projects are going well in this new year.

Knit on.

Happy 2012!

Can you believe we are at the start of yet another year? I can't either. We enjoyed New Year's Eve with dinner at a friend's house and Dan and I were both asleep before midnight. My mom is visiting and she and the boys made it past the midnight hour. I just could not keep my eyes open. How wild and crazy am I? I should have made myself knit to midnight. THEN I could stay awake. Perhaps. That will be my next year's plan.

I did finish my cousin's baby's sweater, though it is a size 4. He is 1 now, so I built in plenty of elbow room. I still have the zipper to put in, however (cough, cough):

 

I have successfully avoided putting in the zipper for a couple days now. But seeing that we are at the beginning of a new year and all, I can't already procrastinate do you think? Not a good way to start this brand spanking new year. So, I do believe this afternoon is the time to get this puppy accomplished. 

Berroco has a wondeful reference video for putting in a zipper which I plan to watch for a quick review. Click here if you would like a review as well. They have many informative videos on a myriad of topics.

Here is the recap of this little hummer of a sweater:

It is #17 Child's Zippered Cardi by Jean Suzuki (Rav link) from Knit Simple Fall 2009. They worked it in Berroco's Comfort (my favorite acrylic) but I chosed Berroco's Vintage (my favorite washable wool). And I must add stripes. Just. can. not. help. myself.

It is worked all in on piece, which I always think is so clever. I picked up stitches around the armholes for the sleeves to avoid any seaming whatsoever. One of the finishing touches was a row of single crochet and then a row of reverse single crochet on top of that for a nice firm edging at the zipper. Very snappy.

Dan requested Kelly for Christmas:

I designed it in the ever-popular Cascade 220 from Cascade Yarns. Dan wanted it in blue, so here is what was in a gift bag for him:

He wasn't nearly as excited as I was to see yarn in a bag. Go figure. He wants the majority of the hat to be blue, so that contrast color will be the solid black. I just love Cascade's Quatro's (the blue and black combo). Each skein is a yarn party of color if ever I saw one.

Happy new Year. Knit on.

 

Happy! Merry!

Our family pic this year:

However, the official one really should be this, don't you think?

December means craziness in our household, although happy craziness indeed. Hope all is well in your world as well. To add to this, I was asked to teach knitting to Wade's class. His teacher is fearless and so I had to say yes:

Many a contortionist positions I was in to show future fellow knitters our craft.

We already had one fellow knitter in our midst:

She cruised right through her cheery yellow and white cotton I brought for everyone.

Here is the big card they sent home with Wade:

My teaching heart swooned with this comment:

Michael winds up the event with his declaration:

So true!

A friend of mine gave me this fabulous Christmas bowl:

I was trying to figure our what to put in it when my mom says, "Red or green yarn!". Of course! Why didn't I think of that?

So this green tweed from Kathmandu is enjoying life on my kitchen table.

We also had Christmas concerts. Wade is our drummer:

And Kate was a penguin who helped save Christmas in her choral concert:

A bit of a smirk there don't think?

Though I have been mostly baking, there has been a bit of knitting. That sweater I should have knit for my cousin's baby many moons ago is finally taking shape:

Worked in my favorite washable wool Vintage by Berroco, the fronts and back are worked in one piece. Love it!  Purl Yarn Boutique carries this yummy stuff.

The pattern says to work the sleeves separately and seam them, but I just picked up stitches at the armholes and worked down. Instead of seaming the shoulders, I worked the three needle bind off magic as usual. 

This baby is no longer a baby but 1. Sigh. Good news is the sweater is size 4. 

Hope you have a wonderful holiday season with more knitting time, after all.

Knit on.

Kim Haesemeyer Knit Designer on Facebook

Click here to get to my "Kim Haesemeyer Knit Designer" page to join knitterly pursuits on the world's largest computer party....just think if we could teach them all to knit.

Though we have had the first snow here in Billings, I can't resist reliving a bit of fall. Look at these trees, shining for the world:

Knit on.

Knit Ropes Scarf & Slouch Hat

My second set from Premier Yarns is now available as a FREE (whoo hoo!) download:

 

Knit Ropes Scarf & Slouch Hat is worked from a sock yarn I had not knit with yet, Deborah Norville Serenity Sock Weight, color Harlequin. I so enjoyed this yarn and best of all, it is a terrific value: only $4.50 for 230 yards. Made from 50% superwash merino (machine washable), 25% rayon from bamboo and 25% nylon, this yarn has the strength and yet it is soft and has lovely drape as well. I fell in love with all of the purple and green and the punches of extra colors kept my little mind quite happy as I knit this set.

 

The entire set requires 3 balls, 144 yards for the scarf and 374 yards for the slouch. Yes, that is a lot of knitting for the slouch, but it is stockinette and the colors promise a good time while watching your favorite show. I intentionally made this slouch baggy because the fabric is so lightweight. It flows with lovely shine and fits comfortably without binding.

Specifics

Slouch:

Worked in the round from the brim to top. 20" circumference (to fit 21"-23" head), 12.75" in depth

Needles: US 2 (16") circular needles or size needed for smaller needles gauge

US 3 circular (16" and 24") circular needles and set of double pointed needles or size needed for larger needles gauge

Gauge with smaller needles, 32 stitches + 40 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch

Gauge with larger needles, 30 stitches + 36 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch

1 stitch marker color A for beginning of round, 24 stitch markers for decreases of color B

 

If you want to spread out the bottom edge of the hat a bit, the reverse stockinette and stockinette stitch pattern is shown a bit more.

 

 

The scarf begins with a provisional cast on where the reverse stockinette and stockinette stitch pattern is mirrored in the flat sections of the scarf. The I-cord sections are worked individually and then slid on the same needle to work the second flat section of the scarf. Kitchener stitch joins the scarf edges.

It can be worn with the long loops in front as the above picture or with the flat sections and smaller in length loops in front as worn by the model.

Scarf

Double pointed needles needed for larger needle's gauge

waste yarn for provisional cast on

tapestry needle for Kitchener stitch

Circumference, 35" outside circumference x 3.75" in width

This scarf works up surprisingly fast and, again, the colors kept me happy the whole time. There are so many multi-colors Premier's website, hopefully you can find one that suits you. But don't despair because if you are just not a multi-color kind of gal, there are solid colors available too.

The free pattern is here and the Ravelry page is here. 

Knit on!

Summer Lace Socks

Here is one of my newer designs I haven't chatted about yet, Summer Lace Socks  (Ravelry page link), from Knit Magazine:

I'm excited to report it is my first cover project as well:

Yes, by the barcode in the very corner, but I'll take it -- whoo hoo! The reason we haven't discussed this yet is I was waiting for the copies to show up at Barnes & Noble, yet for some reason we never received this issue. Hence, I never blogged about it because I couldn't find a copy anywhere. It is in issue 36, May 2011.

Special thanks to Lorna's Laces for the yarn, Shepherd Sock, the fabulous workhorse of sock yarn that never disappoints. With 80% merino and 20% nylon, it is soft and yet still has wonderful stitch definition. Aqua is the official color name of this spunky blue that made me happy the whole time I knit these socks.

This four row eyelet pattern is super easy and I tell you, you will have these socks off the needles in no time. I know we rarely say "socks" and "speedy" in the same sentence when the yarn is a true sock weight, but these will truly fly. Perfect gift socks for those you have been trying to squeeze in a hand knitted pair but, frankly, life keeps getting in the way.

Samples are available to touch and try on with patterns for sale at both Purl Yarn Boutique and Wild Purls.

Specifics:

Worked from the cuff down in the round, these socks have a slip stitch heel and Kitchener stitch finishes the toes. 

Length is easily adjustable and directions are given in the pattern to work to your specific needs.

Gauge is 7.5 stitches and 10.5 rows in 1" of fabric using stockinette stitch.  

A set of four double pointed needles are needed in whatever size gets gauge.

These are designed to fit snugly so the eyelet pattern pops accordingly. There are 2 sizes, 7" and 7.5" leg/foot circumferences to fit up to 8.5" and 9" leg/foot circumference. I am usually an 8.5 (or 9) shoe size and the 7.5" circumference stretches to fit me perfectly at 9" for my foot and 9.5" above my ankle. 

Now it is available for download, so all is well. The pattern is $4.95 and you receive the exact layout pages of the magazine which looks quite dashing, if I do say so myself, and includes many pix. Click the button below and you are on your way to happy socks. As always, thanks for your support.

 

Candy Crash

You never know what is going to be seen around here each Halloween:

This year we have a smurf, serial killer witch, and goth boy. Quite a combo, no? Two of the three wore high tops, so that is worth noting. I think the pink tights make it. 

What, you say? A serial killer witch? Yes, Kate corrected everyone all night: "I'm not just a witch... I am a serial killer witch" and she brought out her guns.

Justin Bieber on the left (his words, not mine) is a friend of goth boy, in case you are wondering. I knew you were.

Knit on.

Cascade Heritage Seamless Hat & Hand Warmers

Nothing is more exciting than a free pattern and here is my latest from Cascade Yarns, Heritage Seamless Hat & Hand Warmers:

Best of all, this set requires just one hank of the Heritage, a wonderful sturdy sock yarn that gives terrific stitch definition. I used color #5604, a medium blue that my mom and I love, love, love.

Both the hat and hand warmers have tons of tiny cables to keep your interest.

The hat's band is initially worked flat (beginning with a provisional cast on), seamed with a three needle bind off, and then stitches are picked up for the crown shaping and bottom ribbing, which are worked in the round. The hat band is 20" to fit a 21-22" head, but this pattern is easy for customization. Simply add or subtract the ribbing at the band ends to make smaller or larger. This hat fits best with an inch or two negative ease (smaller than the head you are knitting for) for a snug fit. Personal preference is your determining factor ultimately on that one. Keep in mind the amount of stitches picked up around the edges will vary accordingly as well.

The hand warmers are worked in the round from the bottom up to the thumb opening. The fabric is then worked flat for the length of the thumb opening and finally rejoined in the round for the top ribbing. The hand warmers are extremely stretchy because of the ribbing. Unstretched, the fabric is 6.75" and stretches comfortably to 9+". They feel absolutely divine on your little hands.  In fact, if you would like to see for yourself, I will be dropping off a hand warmer (and copies of the pattern) to Wild Purls on Monday, October 31st, so come take a test drive. They carry the Heritage and I am sure you will find the perfect color for you.

More specifics:

Sizes

Hat: 20” circumference, unstretched, to fit 21”-22” head, Length: 7.25” Hand Warmers: 6.75” circumference, unstretched, to fit 9+” circumference hand, Length: 8.25” Note: Hand warmers stretch significantly because of ribbing.

Yarn

Cascade Heritage, 3.5 ounces, 100 grams, 437 yards, 400 meters, 75% superwash merino, 25% ny- lon, made in Peru, color: #5604, 1 hank for both projects

Yardage

Hat: 165 yards Hand Warmers: 179 yards Total Yardage: 344 yards

Materials, Hat

US size 2 (2.75 mm), 16” circular or size needed for gauge US size 2 (2.75 mm), set of 4 double pointed needles or size needed for gauge US size 2 (2.75 mm), straight or size needed for gauge. Waste yarn of similar weight for provisional cast on 3 (5/8”) genuine shell buttons Stitch markers: 1 of color A, 10 of color B Cable needle Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Materials, Hand Warmers

US size 2 (2.75 mm), set of 4 double pointed needles or size needed for gauge 1 stitch marker cable needle Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Gauge

8 stitches and 11 rows/rnds = 1” in stockinette stitch 19 stitches of chart = 1.5” 10.5 stitches and 11 rows/rnds = 1” in (k1, p1) ribbing, unstretched

Happy knitting! Click here for the free pattern!

 

Flame Mittens

Remember these too-hot-to-handle mittens?

 

It is now availabe for purchase in PDF form so you can have it instantly!

Hand Circumferences: 7.25 (8, 9.25)"

Length: 9.25 (10.25, 11.25)" total

Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Sport Weight, MC Dark Grey #509 2 hanks and CC Red #511 1 hank

Gauge: 24 sts and 31 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch

Needles: US 4 or whatever size needle is required for gauge

These mittens are worked in the round beginning at the bottom cuff. Each intarsia flame is worked separately and the grey travels in the round. Corrugated ribbing gives extra zip to these super soft mittens. Kitchener stitch finishes the very tips.

If you want to try on the mittens, Ren at Purl Yarn Boutique has the actual sample, the scrumptious yarn and the patterns for all of you Billings-ites.

Originally published in Yarn Forward Magazine (now Knit Magazine), issue 32, January 2011. They were gracious enough to send me the actual layouts, so when purchasing the pattern, your pattern will be pages from the actual magazine.

Price: $4.95. Click on the "Buy Now" button below to purchase. Thanks so much for your support.

Happy knitting!

Gaia Finished!

The perfect 3 season cardi is finally off the needles and on my body:

Recap:

Gaia (free pattern link!) by my tech editor, Kristen TenDyke. Seamless, in the round, I worked the lace sections in a size 6 and the stockinette stitch in size 7. I worked the 44" and it fit perfectly. Because of the roll factor with reverse stockinette stitch, I worked two more rows on each button band. My buttons are genuine shell from JoAnn's that I got on clearance. I cleared out almost their entire button section that day. Even my kids were impressed at the number of buttons in the green plastic shopping basket.

The yarn is one of my new favorites, Remix from Berroco. Each 100 gram ball has a whopping 216 yards, so it is a fabulous value as well as an eco-conscious yarn made from recycled fibers. I chose Old Jeans, color #3927. All that would be worth diddly-squat if the yarn was not soft and I am pleased to report it really does wear like classying up your favorite t-shirt. Soft and perfect. Just don't wash your car. Can you imagine washing your car in your handknits? Makes me nervous just thinking about it.

I needed 6 balls instead of 5 because I added 3/4 length sleeves, which measure 11" from the underarm to cuff edge. Perfect length for me: coverage without getting in everything.

I leave you with yet another Kate story. We went out to dinner last night and she tells her dad she has to use the restroom. So we pointed her in the right direction and as she left she said, "I would go to the bathroom even if I didn't have to go to the bathroom just so I could see what it looks like." So glad she can check them all out without me now that she isn't 4 anymore. But then I thought about this. It really does matter what the restroom looks like in different places, doesn't it? 

Dan wanted to share this perfect leaf with you:

And Kate looking so big I can hardly stand it:

Knit on (preferably not in the bathroom -- but you gotta do what you gotta do. I won't tell anyone.)