Well, this one has been a long time coming! The pattern for the Key to the Mint Cowl is finally available here. And I want to give a big shout out to the following Ravelers who gave the pattern a test run: sgraham, Angie19 and KNITnGLO. You can see their projects linked to the pattern on Ravelry.
This is another tuck stitch design. The cowl is worked in the round and represents a convergence
of two
techniques: slip
stitch mosaics and brioche/tuck
stitches.
Even
though the
cowl looks like
it is worked using a stranded method, only one
color is used
at a time. The results create a
reversible fabric with fantastic drape and none
of the stiffness that often occurs with stranding. One side
looks like traditional stockinette, but the fabric does not roll. The other side reveals a textured effect, as shown in the
photo below,
with no loose floats. This unisex cowl
is very warm, yet lightweight,
and comfortable
to wear.
I'm currently working on incorporating the stitch pattern into a sock design. The tuck stitch method is perfect for socks as there are no floats on the inside, and there aren't the same tension issues encountered when working a stranded pattern. Stay tuned. Feel free to comment below if you would like to test the sock pattern when available.
Verdigris Knits
Searching for ecologically and socially sustainable ways to enjoy knitting and fiber arts
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Friday, September 23, 2016
Game Day Knits - Varsity Hat
Monday, September 5, 2016
Game Day Knits - All for Won Scarf
Thursday, July 14, 2016
How I roll
My knitting tool kit |
I salvaged one of those little cases for eye-glass repair kits, and my small embroidery scissors fit perfectly, along with a yarn needle, the doohickey for my interchangeable set, and a couple of paperclips that do double duty as stitch markers, or marking my place in a pattern. I carry a small journal and my needle gauge and ruler stays slipped under the closure band.
I've never had a problem with security or airline crews - but always check with the airport and airlines, as some have restrictions that prohibit knitting on board.
Monday, July 11, 2016
Rank and File Stitches - New Dishcloth Pattern
Been traveling for work again. I always think I'm going to be able to get so much knitting done on
these trips. But I never seem to have a project in the right stages to grab and go when I'm in the throws of last minute packing. I'm actually a bit dismayed by this, because I have no shortage of projects in the works, but many of them just aren't suitable for travel knitting. They are either in some design phase that requires graph paper, notes, charting software and swatching, or need more yarn caked up, or need sections frogged so I can fix the aforementioned design issue...anyway, my go to lately has been grabbing a few balls of kitchen cotton to work up dishcloths. Not all that sophisticated, but these are small, quick, relatively brainless projects that are ready to go at the drop of the hat, and sooth my need to have needles and string when the travel gets rough (like flying through O'Hare between January and December).
Now there is no shortage of dishcloth patterns available on the internet. I have worked up many of them - they make great housewarming gifts, or me gifts. However, on my last trip, I decided to get a bigger bang for my buck by auditioning a couple of stitch patterns I have been considering for garment designs as dishcloths. While the kitchen cotton isn't exactly interchangeable with the yarn I'll eventually be using, I do get a chance to try out the stitches, determine if it's a stitch I enjoy working, and get a feel for how the resulting fabric may behave - AND I get a dishcloth at the end.
That's how Rank and File came to be. I picked this stitch pattern out of Barbara Walkers' Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns (see below to purchase this fantastic resource) as this was a stitch pattern I had been eyeing for a particular garment design. I modified the order of the rows, and added seed stitch borders. I love the resulting fabric which has great texture and a slight ribbed effect. The fabric does pull in some, so I ended up having to increase stitches after the initial border and the decrease those away before working the top border and binding off. Hope you enjoy this complimentary pattern: Rank and File Dishcloth Pattern.
The Rank and File Dishcloth |
these trips. But I never seem to have a project in the right stages to grab and go when I'm in the throws of last minute packing. I'm actually a bit dismayed by this, because I have no shortage of projects in the works, but many of them just aren't suitable for travel knitting. They are either in some design phase that requires graph paper, notes, charting software and swatching, or need more yarn caked up, or need sections frogged so I can fix the aforementioned design issue...anyway, my go to lately has been grabbing a few balls of kitchen cotton to work up dishcloths. Not all that sophisticated, but these are small, quick, relatively brainless projects that are ready to go at the drop of the hat, and sooth my need to have needles and string when the travel gets rough (like flying through O'Hare between January and December).
Now there is no shortage of dishcloth patterns available on the internet. I have worked up many of them - they make great housewarming gifts, or me gifts. However, on my last trip, I decided to get a bigger bang for my buck by auditioning a couple of stitch patterns I have been considering for garment designs as dishcloths. While the kitchen cotton isn't exactly interchangeable with the yarn I'll eventually be using, I do get a chance to try out the stitches, determine if it's a stitch I enjoy working, and get a feel for how the resulting fabric may behave - AND I get a dishcloth at the end.
Rank and File dishcloth is a modern variegated version of Crafters Secret Cotton |
That's how Rank and File came to be. I picked this stitch pattern out of Barbara Walkers' Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns (see below to purchase this fantastic resource) as this was a stitch pattern I had been eyeing for a particular garment design. I modified the order of the rows, and added seed stitch borders. I love the resulting fabric which has great texture and a slight ribbed effect. The fabric does pull in some, so I ended up having to increase stitches after the initial border and the decrease those away before working the top border and binding off. Hope you enjoy this complimentary pattern: Rank and File Dishcloth Pattern.
Right side of stitch pattern |
Wrong side of stitch pattern |
Monday, January 18, 2016
Sub-Zero Temperatures - Brioche to the Rescue
Winter has settled in with a vengeance here in the Midwest. Time to pull out all those accessories worked up in glorious, squishy, double-sided brioche stitches. I'm particularly loving my scarf adapted from the Brioche Nine-Patch Blanket pattern. As I was working the first strip of a scrappy version of the blanket, it dawned on me that the super soft baby alpaca I was using was just begging to be a scarf. So when I got to the end of the first strip of the blanket, I just added on the next block of the second strip. The resulting scarf is about 8 feet long and 10 inches wide. So warm and luxurious!
The stitches that are used in the pattern are:
2-color brioche rib
Cascade stitch
Honeycomb brioche
And here's the pattern worked up as a blanket - using Cascade 220 superwash.
The stitches that are used in the pattern are:
2-color brioche rib
Cascade stitch
Honeycomb brioche
And here's the pattern worked up as a blanket - using Cascade 220 superwash.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
2016 Special Olympics Scarf Project - Pattern Ideas
I know, I know, I've been a very bad nonexistent blogger. Sometimes life just gets in the way, and we have to prioritize. And sometimes it just takes a while to figure out how to get back on the horse, so to speak.
Nothing like a fantastic knitting effort to inspire me to get back in the game - and the Special Olympic Scarf project is just such an effort.
It's time again to gear up for the Special Olympics Scarf Project 2016. This link provides the general information about the scarf criteria and the specific information for the participating states.
In general, the scarves should be about 6" wide and somewhere between 54 to 60" wide (including fringe!). And other winter accessories, such as headbands, hats, and mittens are welcomed by many states.
Many of my complimentary scarf patterns, which were designed for the Indianapolis Super Scarves Project would be perfect for these two color Special Olympic scarves. These patterns were all designed for the beginning knitter, or someone who just wants a fun, easy knit. All the patterns are available for download on the right hand side of the blog.
Nothing would make me happier than to see a few of these patterns worked up into 2016 Special Olympic Scarves. I know I'll be working up a couple for Indiana. Our color scheme is cherry red and white, which will really pop.
Don't have time to knit a scarf? How about working up a version of the Quick Cross Head Band in two colors. Work up to the cable cross in one color and then switch to the second color. Or work a band of the second color for a few rows before and after the cable cross. This headband can be worked in less than two hours.
Happy knitting for a great cause!
Nothing like a fantastic knitting effort to inspire me to get back in the game - and the Special Olympic Scarf project is just such an effort.
It's time again to gear up for the Special Olympics Scarf Project 2016. This link provides the general information about the scarf criteria and the specific information for the participating states.
In general, the scarves should be about 6" wide and somewhere between 54 to 60" wide (including fringe!). And other winter accessories, such as headbands, hats, and mittens are welcomed by many states.
Many of my complimentary scarf patterns, which were designed for the Indianapolis Super Scarves Project would be perfect for these two color Special Olympic scarves. These patterns were all designed for the beginning knitter, or someone who just wants a fun, easy knit. All the patterns are available for download on the right hand side of the blog.
Fluted Rib Scarf |
Faux Mitered Squares Scarf |
Zig to Zag Scarf |
Football Mosaic Scarf |
Dash to the Finish Scarf |
Block and Tackle |
Blitz Scarf |
Special Play |
Nothing would make me happier than to see a few of these patterns worked up into 2016 Special Olympic Scarves. I know I'll be working up a couple for Indiana. Our color scheme is cherry red and white, which will really pop.
Don't have time to knit a scarf? How about working up a version of the Quick Cross Head Band in two colors. Work up to the cable cross in one color and then switch to the second color. Or work a band of the second color for a few rows before and after the cable cross. This headband can be worked in less than two hours.
Happy knitting for a great cause!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
"Lace One-Skein Wonders"
Well, it was a long time in the making, but I am so happy to announce that one of my designs, "Lake Effect" has been published in the just released book "Lace One-Skein Wonders - 101 Projects Celebrating the Possibilities of Lace" by Storey Publishing.
Yep, right there on page 148.
If you get the chance, check this book out. It's chock full of amazing projects, just perfect for that one skein of very special yarn.
Photo Credits - Copyright Geneve Hoffmann, from Lace One-Skein Wonders, used with permission from Storey Publishing
The Lake Effect Scarf pattern is still available for free over on the right hand side of the blog, in the complementary patterns section. I've updated the pattern to include instructions for adding beads, and there is a video available as well on the Brioche Tutorials tab.
Yep, right there on page 148.
If you get the chance, check this book out. It's chock full of amazing projects, just perfect for that one skein of very special yarn.
Photo Credits - Copyright Geneve Hoffmann, from Lace One-Skein Wonders, used with permission from Storey Publishing
The Lake Effect Scarf pattern is still available for free over on the right hand side of the blog, in the complementary patterns section. I've updated the pattern to include instructions for adding beads, and there is a video available as well on the Brioche Tutorials tab.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Bump and Run - New Complimentary Mosaic Scarf Pattern
Easy, quick, unisex - the Bump and Run Scarf Pattern is a great first knitting project, or relaxing project for more experienced knitters. Choose two colors (solids, tonals, or go wild with a variegated or two) and jump in.
You can make a 6' long scarf using about 220 yards of ecah color. You'll need a little more yarn if you want to add fringe.
Hope you give it a try.
You can make a 6' long scarf using about 220 yards of ecah color. You'll need a little more yarn if you want to add fringe.
Hope you give it a try.
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