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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.
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!
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.
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.
