MelissaKnits Gallery

2010-08-07T12:46:00.001-04:00

Click here for the pattern store
Welcome to the MelissaKnits gallery. Here you will find a very incomplete catalog of my knitted things. My goal in life is to become organized. I am not holding my breath. I promise to try harder though, which is all I can ask of myself. For now. Check back soon for improvements. Hopefully there will be some. Don't I look convinced?

Pattern Store

2009-01-01T07:00:00.014-05:00

Nichole Beaded Band Socks

Ribby Socks

Castaway Socks

Maine Woods

Sugarplums and Fairy Toes

Sojourner Socks

Tres Riche

2008-02-07T21:38:00.012-05:00

I love Artyarns. They call out to me. My hands long for the feel of silk and cashmere and my eyes lust after the luscious colorways and the hint of glimmer offered by these simply delicious yarns. A small project like this uses one or two skeins. I can indulge in my love of the sparkly, soft and decadent fibers and colors. This cowl is made in two different yarns, Artyarns Ensemble Glitter and Artyarns Cashmere Glitter. Cowl A, knit in the vibrant hues of Lupines in summer, uses 2 skeins if knit to it's full length of 20.5 inches. One skein will still make a comfortable neck-warmer about 12.5 inches in length. Cowl B, knit in a color that reminds me of my lilac bush in early spring with its brilliant green buds, uses one skein of Cashmere Glitter. Just one skein! I think we can all say we are worth that little indulgence, don't you?

Sparkle and Hyde

2007-02-06T09:25:00.000-05:00

Pattern Cost $6.00

Split personality or the best of both worlds? Soft, luxurious alpaca meets glimmer and glitz in Berroco’s Flicker yarn. This sweet accessory pattern’s plot has just enough twists to keep you interested until the very last page!

Skill Level: Intermediate

Yarn: Berroco Flicker (87% baby alpaca, 8% acrylic, 5% other fibers), 3 hanks of light brown (color #3312)

Needles: US 6 (or size needed to obtain gauge) - one 18" circular for hat, one 40" long circular for fingerless mitts and scarf, and one set of double pointed needles. At the knitter's discretion these mitts can be worked on double pointed needles or two circulars. The mitts shown here were worked two at a time on one long circular using the technique presented in the book 2-at-a-Time Socks. Double pointed needles may also be used for decreasing the top of the tam, or the magic loop method may be used.

Size: Adult women’s

Gauge: 5 sts x 7 rows in one inch of stockinette stitch

Birthday Girl

2007-02-01T09:36:00.035-05:00

Birthday Girl Garland

This sweet little accessory will work up in no time! Designed with a couple of grown-up birthday girls in mind, it would also be an adorable accent for any day of the week. Pair it with jeans and a simple top for an evening out, or make a host of them

in a rainbow of colors to amuse a princess, big or small.

Dress up yourself, a friend, or even your home with these adorable garlands.

Although this pattern is written for a DK yarn using a 3mm crochet hook, gauge is not really important for this project and neither is hook size or yarn selection. The size of your hook and weight of your yarn will determine the size and appearance of the finished garland, so make a sample to see what the finished project will look like. For a rustic, homey look, use a solid colored toothy wool yarn. For ultimate sparkle, choose a shiny novelty yarn.

Use a hook close in size to that recommended on the ball band of your

chosen yarn for the best appearance.

Skill Level: Beginner

Yarn: For garland A: Artyarns Cashmere Glitter and for garland B: Artyarns Beaded Cashmere and Sequins

Hook: 3.00mm

Moon and Stars Socks

2007-01-05T11:26:00.002-05:00

Pattern Cost $5.00

These socks, with the glint of silver, the shine of silk and the beautiful colors of an able dyer are knit into a pattern that reflects a heavenly night sky. Gentle undulations echo the celestial sphere, with yarn-overs dancing across the clouds like shooting stars.

This pattern is written for top-down 2-at-a-Time sock knitting, but experienced sock knitters can easily adapt the directions to their preferred sock knitting method.

Materials: Black Bunny Fibers Stella, color Meteor Showers (Alternative yarn choice: Kraemer Sterling Silk and Silver)
Size US 1 - 40 inch circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge.

Nichole Beaded Band Socks

2007-01-04T17:06:00.000-05:00

Pattern cost: $4.00

Is  there  anyone  out  there  who  doesn’t  love  a  little  sparkle  on  the  average  day?  Combine  sleek,  shiny  beads  with  a  luscious,  soft  yarn  and  you’ve  got  the  perfect  blend  of  comfort  and  enchantment! 

Written for double pointed needle, but easily adapted to your chosen sock knitting style.

Yarns suggested: Schaefer Nichole
Needle size: US 1

Ribby Socks

2007-01-03T06:40:00.005-05:00

Pattern cost: $4.00

A simple sock with a couple of twists for anytime wearing and relaxing knitting! I love the horizontal bands of reverse stockinette against the ribbed background. And my love of the colors of Noro is well documented. On my feet they're wonderful; no, they're not scratchy at all, but they are warm when I need them to be and cool when I need them to be which is one of the many joys of wool and silk.

Written for 2-at-a-Time knitting, but easily adapted to your chosen sock knitting style.

Yarns suggested: Noro Silk Garden Sock
Needle size: US 2

Sugarplums and Fairy Toes

2007-01-02T10:35:00.011-05:00

Pattern cost: $5.00

Written for DPN, but easily converted for your preferred sock knitting method!

It started simply enough. The Kangaroo Dyer presented me with a skein of hand-painted sparkly yarn. I started swatching and the next thing you know I had socks. But not just any socks. These are socks with bits of shimmer and sparkle, with rich plums and reds moving across them. The stitch pattern compliments the richness of the color-way. Eye of Partridge heels bordered with garter stitch add visual interest. Then I had a little visitor who fell in love with the yarn. It made her smile. I, being in love with the visitor, had to make a second pair of socks but much smaller this time, for the tiny toes of my beautiful granddaughter. So now there’s a pair - two patterns in one - Sugarplums and Fairy Toes!

Finished Circumference (un-stretched):Sugarplums: 7.5 inches (see pattern notes for ideas on making a larger adult sock) Fairy Toes: 4.55.5,6.5 inches
Materials: Kangaroo Dyer Twinkletoes 420 yards/100 grams; 63% superwash merino, 20% silk, 15% nylon and 2% silver.
1 set(s) double-point needles in size needed to obtain gauge (US #2/2.75mm used for knitting sample socks)
seaming needle
feet - 2 big and 2 small.
Gauge: 32 stitches/40 rows = 4inches in stockinette stitch

Maine Woods

2007-01-02T10:35:00.010-05:00

Pattern cost: $4.00

This pattern was designed while on a long car trip to Maine. The stitch pattern is reminiscent of the way pine seeds nestle against one another on a fir cone, hence the name. The eye of partridge heel flap is a lovely touch.

Yarns suggested: Valley Yarns Franklin
Needle size: US 1½ / 2.5 mm

Sojourner Socks

2007-01-01T10:35:00.003-05:00

Pattern cost: $4.00

The pattern is for socks made with a local farm yarn, although any yarn that gets gauge can be substituted. A waffle weave pattern provides warmth and texture. Contrast heel and toe add visual interest.

Note: This is a single sock, double point pattern.

Yarns suggested: Sojourner Sheep Two for Toes
Gauge: 7.5 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette stitch
Needle size: US 2 / 2.75 mm

Castaway Socks

2007-01-01T07:16:00.003-05:00

Pattern cost: $4.00

In the blues and greens of the Caribbean Sea, these sweet ankle socks bring to mind the gentle ebb and flow of ocean tides, and the vacation I designed them on! Both socks are knit at the same time on one long circular needle, referencing techniques that are fully explained in my book 2-at-a-Time-Socks. Knitted in Regia Design Line by Kaffe Fassett, two balls color 4260 and one ball of color 4261 for heels.

Gauge: 7 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette stitch

Needle size: US 2 / 2.75 mm

Sweetpea Gallery

2006-12-31T10:06:00.000-05:00

In which we present a collection of socks knitted using the Sweetpea pattern available in the Summer 2007 Knitty.

Knitting Pharm's Sweetpeas

Tina's Radioactive Sweetpeas

Selma's Sweetpeas

Michelle's Pirate Peas

Maj's Sweetpeas

Chicken Betty's Sweetpeas

Maj's Sweetpeas

2006-12-02T13:12:00.000-05:00

Visit Maj's blog, whereat can be found these adorable sweet sweetpeas. Anita (Maj) says: "My Sweetpea socks are finished. A great pattern. First I thought it was difficult, but after knitting the first repetition of the pattern rows, it was easy to memorize."

Chicken Betty's Dwarf Hybrid Peas

2006-12-02T11:58:00.000-05:00

Chicken Betty's self-proclaimed Dwarf Hybrid Sweetpeas. The yarn is Plymouth Sockotta and the needles are 1.5mm. I think they're just too cute!

Michelle's Pirate Peas

2006-12-02T08:11:00.000-05:00

Knitted in a delightful Yarn Pirate colorway. I want some Yarn Pirate. Someday I am going to get me some! Would you look at her toe? Beautiful!

Selma's Sweetpeas

2006-12-01T10:33:00.000-05:00

I used Schaeffer Anne, size 1 needles, no mods, it was perfect just as is! Great pattern. Got more??

Tina's Radioactive Sweetpeas

2006-12-01T10:16:00.000-05:00

Knitted by Tina Chance of Tina's International House of Yarncakes
needles: US size 2 dpn
yarn: Schaeffer Anne (no colorway name)

This was my first time using this yarn, and I really enjoyed it. It's amazingly soft, and the mohair adds a nice sheen to the fabric. It's thinner than some sock yarn, so on the size 2s I usually use, the fabric was pretty thin (though it matched the called for gauge). That, combined with my smallish feet means I used less than half of the skein. Yes!

The pattern is listed as 'piquant' on knitty, but I didn't find it that hard. Once you get the hang of it, anyway. I was carefully keeping track of my rows for the first repeat of the first sock, but then it just fell into place. I love the meandering lace!

Knitting Pharm's Sweetpea

2006-12-01T10:10:00.000-05:00

Deb Barnhill of Nova Scotia created a toe-up Sweetpea pair in Lucy Neatby's lovely hot pink. She also used one size larger needle to accomodate her specific foot size.

Design Portfolio

2005-12-31T12:00:00.000-05:00

Finished Patterns and Where to Get Them

Make Tracks

Flutter

Megan Shawl Collar Cardigan

Cropped V-Neck Pullover

Cozy Cabled Socks

Daddy and Me Cabled Vests

Simply Stripes Sweater

Sweet Curacao

Make Tracks Cardigan

2005-12-12T11:07:00.000-05:00

This comfortable and cozy cardigan knits up quickly in bulky yarn. The woven basket stitch panels add visual interest. The wool/alpaca blend will provide warmth without the weight of other comparable yarns. Make two - one for yourself and one for your mate! Pattern free from Webs with yarn purchase.

Flutter

2005-12-11T10:58:00.000-05:00

This sweet little cardigan is knit in a simple lacy rib stitch that gives subtle and flattering shape. Short row shaping for shoulders and sleeve caps flatters the knitter's skills as well. Available from Webs, free with purchase of yarn.

Megan Shawl Collared Cardigan

2005-12-10T11:12:00.000-05:00

Simple and stylish, inspired by a Ralph Lauren design, this flattering shawl collar cardigan adds a touch of class and comfort to any outfit. Knit in Florence, a 50% merino/35% acrylic/15% kid mohair yarn. Pattern free from Webs with yarn purchase.

Cropped V-Neck Sweater

2005-12-05T09:47:00.000-05:00

Knit in the round, this classic v-neck is perfect for chilly fall afternoons at the game. Using our bulky Shelburne, is knits up fast and feels soft and snuggly on. For those with a longer torso, you can simply add on an inch or two of body length. Pattern available at Webs with yarn purchase.

Cozy Cable Socks

2005-12-04T09:27:00.000-05:00

Our feet work hard all day and every now and again deserve a little pampering. With thse socks they'll think you spent a fortune when in reality you didn't! Stockbridge is our 50% highland wool/50% superfine alpaca blend used to make these socks. Classic cable detail along with warmth and comfort make these a special treat for yourself or for that someone special. Pattern available at Webs with yarn purchase.

Daddy and Me Cabled Vests

2005-12-03T12:31:00.000-05:00

Picture perfect, just like Dad. Everyone knows the little guy wants to be just like the big guy. Make it happen for them with these matching father and son cable knit vests. Made of Stockbridge, our wonderful alpaca/wool blend with a simple but classic cable pattern, these vests are sure to create treasured moments that last a lifetime. Pattern available free from Webs with yarn purchase.

Simply Stripes

2005-12-02T12:11:00.000-05:00

Knit up in candy colors, this infants' and kids' pullover is a cinch to knit and fun to watch them wear! With the color palatte available in Sugarloaf, the combinations are endless and can be geared towards boys or girls. Pattern free from Webs with yarn purchase.

Sweet Curacao

2005-12-01T11:02:00.000-05:00

Deep in the Carribean Sea off the coast of Venezuela lies an island the natives call Dushi Korsoe, Sweet Curacao...that's exactly the feeling the colors in this great felted bag evoke. Fast and easy to knit, this great carry-all is perfect for island hopping or city bopping. Knit using two strands of Berkshire, this bag felts with ease. Melissa used a wire brush after felting to create the soft fuzzy haze. She also incorporated a bit of novelty yarn randomly for a little added texture and interest. Pattern free from Webs with yarn purchase.

Free Patterns

2005-11-30T17:53:00.000-05:00

Free for personal use to good little knitters everywhere!

Slippers for Laura

Valentine's Day Socks

Girl's Hooded Poncho

Melissa's Happy Butterfly Headwrap

2005-11-08T16:22:00.000-05:00

Needles: US4 or size needed to obtain the nebulous gauge stated below.
Yarn: 1 skein Alchemy Bamboo; 100% bamboo, 138 yds/hank or other lovable yarn that you could only manage one hank of - just make sure you've got at least 138 yards. (Classic Elite Bamboo, Plymouth Royal Bamboo, Artyarns Regal Silk, leftover Great Adirondak Sireno, Debbie Bliss Pure Silk DK, Filatura Regina, etc)
Gauge: Eh, who's counting?? OK, if I had to guess I'd say 5.5 sts/inch in st st AFTER blocking. If you don't get gauge, consider reducing or increasing your cast-on by one repeat to make up the difference. Play with it.
Finished dimensions: 4" x 46" after blocking. Remember - most of the non-wool yarns will grow a lot in length after blocking and wearing.

Using crocheted cast-on (a.k.a. chain stitch cast-on) place 23 stitches on needle. Work in garter stitch for 4 rows. Begin following charted pattern below, maintaining two stitches on either side of the charted pattern in garter stitch. Row 1 and all odd numbered rows are wrong side rows. Follow chart throughout scarf. You may wish to use stitch markers to denote the two edge stitches. Continue until you have about 5 yards of yarn remaining. Work 4 rows of garter stitch and cast off (or bind off, it's all the same to me).
Wash your scarf in cool water, squeezing to ensure that the water penetrates the bamboo fibers. Spin or squeeze to remove excess water, then lay flat to dry. When dry, tie one on and go for a spin in your convertible, dust the house, do the shopping, head to work, run out for a lovely evening. It goes anywhere. Now make about 20 more in a variety of colors and wrap your way to inner peace.

If you take the plunge, I'd love to see the results. Email me, or post a comment with a link to your blog.

Slippers for Laura

2005-11-06T12:08:00.000-05:00

Slippers For Laura

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner - increases and decreases used to shape slipper.
Yarn: 2 balls Plymouth Encore, or any worsted weight yarn that knits to gauge with two strands held together (for contrast color sole, a third ball of yarn in a contrasting color will be needed)
Needles: 1 pair US 8 (5mm) knitting needles
Size: small child[medium child,small adult,medium adult,large adult,extra large adult] Finished Measurements: 4.5[6,8.5,9.5,10.5,11.5]” from heel to toe, 4[5,7,7,8,8]” from sole to top of cuff.
Gauge: 3.5 sts x 5 rows per

Sole:
With two strands of yarn held together (for contrast slipper, use 1 strand MC and one strand CC), cast on 24[36,50,60,64,70] sts.
Row 1: purl 12[18,25,30,32,35] sts, place marker, purl to end of row.
Row 2: Inc (knit into front and back of stitch to create increase throughout pattern) in first stitch, knit to one stitch before marker, inc in next st, slip marker, inc in next st, knit to last st, inc in last st. (28[40,54,64,68,74] sts)
Row 3: Knit.
Row 4: Inc in first st, knit to one st before marker, inc in next st, slip marker, inc in next st, knit to last st, inc in last st. (32[44,58,68,72,78] sts)
Rows 5-14: Knit. (If making 2 color slippers, break CC yarn here, and use 2 strands MC till the cuff begins.)
Foot:
Row 15: Purl to 2 st before marker. SPP, slip marker, p2tog, purl to end of row.
Row 16: Knit to 2 sts before marker, SSK, slip marker, K2tog, knit to end of row.
Repeat rows 15 and 16 until 20[28,36,38,42,42] sts remain.
Cuff:
(For contrast color slipper, use 1 strand MC and one strand CC)
Work 2 rows st st.
Work 10 rows gs. Bind off.
Finishing:
Sew back seam from top of cuff to toes, using whip stitch. Make another slipper!

Abbreviations:
MC – main color
CC – contrast color
K – knit
P – purl
st – stitch
st st – stockinette stitch
gs – garter stitch
SPP – slip, purl, pass (slip a st purlwise, purl the next st, then pass the slipped st over the purled stitch)
P2 tog – purl two together
SSK – slip, slip, knit (slip two stitches, one at a time, onto the right needle. Insert the point of the left needle into the front of the two slipped stitches, and knit them together through the back loops)
K2 tog – knit two together

©2006 Melissa Morgan-Oakes
Free pattern, may be liberally distributed among knitterly folk. For pattern support and corrections, email melissaknits@yahoo.com

Girls Hooded Poncho

2005-11-02T14:56:00.000-05:00

All we had for a model was a BooBoo! This garment is alternatively called "Boo-Boo's Mancho"

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner - this pattern uses increases and decreases to shape the poncho.
Yarn: This sample, the small size, was made with 3 balls (147 yards) (Valley Yarns Shelburne and a novelty yarn scrap, but 150 yds (200yds, 250yds) of any bulky yarn would work as well.
Needles: Size 11, 24” circular needles or size needed for gauge!
Size: 2-4 (6-8, 10-12)
Gauge: 3 sts per inch

Poncho
Cast on 108 (128,148) sts. Place marker and join, being careful not to twist sts.
Round 1: Purl 27 (32,37) place marker, *purl 27 (32,38) pm, repeat from * two more times. (108(128,148 sts with four evenly placed markers)
Round 2-3: Knit(if using a novelty yarn for contrast and fun, use it for these two rows)
Round 4: Decrease round. *Knit 2 tog, knit to marker. Repeat from * three more times. (104, 124, 144 sts remain)
Round 5-7: Knit
Round 8: Repeat round 4. (100, 120, 140 sts remain)
Following stripe sequence, repeat rounds 5-8 , 3(2,1) times, then decrease every other round until 60 sts remain for all sizes.
Knit four rounds on these 60 sts.
Final Round: K4, K2tog (50 sts) bind off loosely.

Hood:
All Sizes - Cast on 15 sts for top of hood with circular needles. Work top of hood in rows.
Row 1: knit
Row 2: knit
Row 3: purl
Continue st st until top measures 6” from cast on edge. End having just worked a purl row. Cut yarn, leave top on circular needle.
With right side of hood top facing you pick up and knit 15 sts across right side of top. Knit across 15 live stitches on needle. Pick up and knit 15 sts across left side of top. (45 sts). Continue working in rows of st st, following stripe pattern, until piece measures 9” from edge of top. End by working a purl row.
Now form the points of the hood as follows:
Row 1: Knit 5, b.o. 35 sts, knit 4 (5 sts on each side of hood remain)
Row 2: P3, P2tog. Join second ball of yarn to other side. P2tog, P3 (4 sts each side)
Row 3: K2, K2tog on each side. (3 sts each side)
Row 4: P1, P2tog each side (2 sts)
Row 5: K2tog, finish off.

Sew hood to poncho body with mattress stitch. Weave in all ends.
© 2006 Melissa Morgan-Oakes. May be copied for personal use only.

Sweater Gallery

2005-10-31T12:00:00.000-05:00

A good sweater is like a warm hug that keeps on hugging.

Kathy's Baby

She Loves It

Ginormous Coat

Kathy's Baby

2005-10-20T09:32:00.000-04:00

Pattern:Classic Elite Intrigue Cropped Cardigan
Yarn:Classic Elite Intrigue, color 60723, a delish charcoal
Needles:US 9
Size:Small
Modifications:None, it's perfect as written. OK, well, there was that run to the store for an extra hank of yarn when I ran out two inches before the end of the sleeve cap, but what's an hour drive with a cranky toddler and equally cranky teenager when your boss is in love with a garment? I mean, really??
Comments: The 36 hour Cashmere Sweater. It's not really called Kathy's baby...but it SHOULD be! Every time I see this thing on Kathy, I smile. It is, indeed, Kathy Elkins' yarn - cashmere, a little glitz - I think Classic Elite should rename it Kathy. She loves it. I loved it! It knit up quickly (36 hours from swatch to delivery) on size 9's, simple garter stitch around the entire outside adds a little feminine touch, and generally it's just adorable.

She Loves It

2005-10-02T07:36:00.000-04:00

Pattern: Northwoods from A Collection of Ginger Originals, Ginger Bladen
Yarn: Patons Something Scary From AC Moore, I think Classic Merino Wool
Needles: US3
Modifications:None
Comments: About those size 3's...I am a loose knitter and I made this garment before I had forced myself to compensate in my hands for that, so at this point was 2-3 sizes smaller than reccommended for gauge. I have since learned to pull a bit harder, or have a second cup of coffee so I don't spend my whole knitting life on US1's. I hate this sweater. Not the pattern, I like the pattern, and think the book is quite handy to have around. I have used it for a variety of stuff, and love the charts. But in this instance...I hate that it is red. If it were blue, or one of the predominant colors in the yoke, I'd love it. The purple mountains even. Anything but the red. I hate the red with the colorwork in the yoke. That said, my mother in law adores the thing. Truly truly loves it. She wears it all the time, and prefers it to her green one from this year. This breaks my heart, because I love the green one!

Ginormous Coat

2005-10-01T07:22:00.000-04:00

Pattern: Sweater Wizard
Yarn: Wensleydale and Wildwood
Needles: I don't remember, but I think an 8 or 9
Modifications: Many. I am not a sweater wizard lover. It's a nice tool, but the math can be screwy.
Comments:This was an idea hatched by a designer working for Webs who wanted a long coat, like those awesome ones in the Italian magazines, with the 6'6" models with the blonde hair all piled up on their heads, and their big long coat all swooshing out around them. I, being always game for just about anything, agreed to knit it up for her, modifying as I went. Once completed I wanted nothing but to felt it. It took forever to knit up, was a monster, and the retail cost for the yarn would have been nearly $400. Before felting it hung like a sack, would not hold it's shape due to the enormous weight of the yarn. It weighted about a million pounds, and I was sampling it in August. It was like having a damp multi-hued goat on my lap all summer. Uggh. In the end, it was felted, and it not horriffic. A lot of people showed an interest in the thing, but as the Wensleydale is now gone, and the garment itself would have been remarkably unmarketable with that price point, it's not available. Be grateful. It was truly a monster to knit.

Sock Gallery

2005-08-31T12:00:00.000-04:00

Toe Candy.

My Red Socks

Sarah's Christmas Socks 05

Sock Class

Sock Anatomy

My Red Socks

2005-08-06T07:06:00.000-04:00

Pattern:Yankee Knitters Pattern #29, Socks for the Family
Yarn:Artyarns Supermerino color 115
Needles: US6
Modifications: Applied pattern over Yankee Stitch count
Comments: Mine mine mine mine mine. MINE. After knitting a bunch of socks for Christmas and other family things, I went on a little sock spree and made three pair for myself. This is one of those three. This one uses a bi-directional mock cable on the ankle, transitionaing to a simple rib for the foot.
I adore Supermerino, Handpaint Stripes, and Ultramerino 4 for socks. In fact, I love the whole Artyarns line and wish we carried them all.

Sarah's Christmas Socks

2005-08-05T06:47:00.000-04:00

Pattern: Yankee Knitters Pattern #29, Socks for the Family and Charlene Schurch's Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: Artyarns Supermerino, colors 127 and 121
Needles: US6
Modifications: Superimposed patterns onto the Yankee Knitter stitch count for a worsted weight sock.
Comments: The sock above (springy pink and green) is knitted from the Yankee Knitter pattern with Charlene Schurch's Welt Fantastic from page 72 of Sensational Knitted Socks. The blue sock uses a simple 3:1 spiral rib pattern wherein you begin with a K3, P1 rib for three rows, then shift your entire pattern one stitch to the left (so round four begins with P1, K3). You continue on in this way, moving your stitch pattern over by one stitch every fourth round, and the rib begins to spiral around the sock. This goes back to my very first socks, which were spiral rib tube socks, no heel, way back at the beginning of the millenium.

Sock Class

2005-08-04T06:28:00.000-04:00

Pattern: Yankee Knitters Pattern #29, Socks for the Family
Yarn: Sockotta, Reynold's Saucy Sport, Tahki Cotton Classic, Cascade Fixation
Needles: US 2 (Sockotta) US 3 (all others)
Size: varies; child's medium to adult woman
Modifications: The variegated orange Tahki sock is beaded, while the Reynold's green sock is a lace pattern.
Comments: These are my demos for sock class. They vary from fingering to worsted, mostly cotton because they were for a class entitled "Summer Socks". The small child sized three at top, variegated pink, orange and yellow all in the same yarn are representation of three different ribbing methods; (K1, P1), (K2,P2), and (K3,P1). They are of Sockotta and done on size US2 needles. Their primary purpose is to let students see what each will look like on a completed sock. The Tahki and Reynolds sock (green and variegated orange) demonstrate what's possible with socks using a very basic sock pattern and a little creativity. The Cascade sock just says "Hello, I am Cascade Fixation, and in summer I give your feet a comfortable cotton hug, with just enough elastic to make me keep my shape".

Sock Anatomy

2005-08-03T13:59:00.000-04:00

Comments: Forget about needle size or pattern, because I don't remember a thing. I only remember trying to convey to sock students where I was pointing to when I said "heel turn" or "gusset", so I whipped this baby up with some Berkshire scraps flaoting loose around the house. The result: BEST thing I ever did for my sock class. They can pick it up, fondle it, look and see what I mean when I say "heel turn" and "gusset". I sometimes think this should be a first sock project.

Scarf & Shawl Gallery

2005-06-30T12:00:00.000-04:00

Just a little something

Multi-Directional Scarf

Multi-directional Scarf

2005-06-04T13:48:00.000-04:00

Pattern: Multi-Directional Scarf, page 33, Iris Schreier's Modular Knits
Yarn:Artyarns Supermerino colors 125 and 118
Needles:US8
Size:54"x4 1/2"
Modifications:None
Comments:A store sample, this was very simple to knit, and came together very rapidly for me. I had taken a class with Iris and so was a little ahead of the game in terms of technique. The biggest challenge a knitter might have is in understanding where the yarn needs to be at the end of each triangle in order for you to continue without cutting your yarn.

Bag Gallery

2005-05-30T12:00:00.000-04:00

I Love a good bag

Pinwheel Purse

Stranded Backpack

Pinwheel Purse

2005-05-05T13:34:00.000-04:00

Pattern: Pinwheel Purse, page 85, Modular Knits by Iris Schreier

Yarn:Noro Kureyon

Needles:US7

Size:10" wide

Modifications:Fabric lining, and a fifth triangle added to the front for stability.

Comments:I love this bag. This was a lot of fun, especially the part where it only cost me $4.00 because someone ruined two skeins of Noro. Not being one to waste, I bought them from the $2.00 bin and 'made lemonade'. I came to the end and had only black to do a handle, but it did not look right, so for now it sits waiting for the perfect yarn, or the perfect salvaged item. It's a very convenient size for a cell, a small wallet; great shopping trip purse. And another modular technique to master!

Stranded Backpack

2005-05-04T13:24:00.000-04:00

Pattern:Chart for Iraqi pillow from Stitches 1 handbook

Yarn:Brown Sheep Co. Lamb's Pride Worsted

Needles:US8

Size:Approx. 16x10"

Modifications:A bunch.

Comments:This was the first project for Stitches 1. All colors given in yarn pack had to be used at least once. Stranding had to follow chart as given, but final project could become whatever the knitter desired. I desired a bag. I stole a stranded hat pattern and adapted the decs to make a flat bottom, then made I-cord handles, lined it with appropriately funky fabric, and no sooner was it done than my daughter saw it, and now she's got this really great stranded backpack.

Hat Gallery

2005-04-30T12:00:00.000-04:00

Cover your head

Modular Flat Top Hat

Aidan's Hat and Mitt Set

Norwegian Hat

Flat Top Hat

2005-04-06T10:01:00.000-04:00

Pattern:Flat-Top Hat, page 43, in the book Modular Knits by Iris Schreier

Yarn:Noro Silk Garden, color 225

Needles:US7 16" circular Webs bamboo

Size:21" head circumference

Modifications:Inserted st st panel on intended gs sides to conserve yarn and add visual interest.

Comments:I was walking through Webs and this ball of Noro Silk Garden literally jumped off the shelf and attached itself to my leg. I told it "NO! STAY!!", and put it back on the shelf, but when I turned it jumped down again, intent on following me home. What could I do?? I picked it up and said "Oh, come on, I think that flat-top hat uses only one skein, let's go check the book...."

The hat was fun to knit, primarily because it presented new techniques in modular knitting. I'm always up for new techniques. I did it while watching Star Wars Episode 3, and so screwed up someplace along the way, but in the end it worked out perfectly. I seem to remember ending with the wrong number of triangels on the top - there should be six all the same size and shape. I ended up with five of the sme size and shape and one confused little bugger about half the correct size. I adapted it by making a second error triangle of the same shape which filled in the space, made a flat top, and a wearable hat. Moral: Do not knit new techniques while watching sci-fi action films

Aidan's Hat and Mitt Set

2005-04-04T09:45:00.000-04:00

Pattern:Yankee Knitter Hats and Mittens by Melinda Goodfellow

Yarn:Plymouth Encore, color 1444, and scraps of Artyarns Supermerino from various projects

Needles: US6 straight and circulars

Size: Toddler

Modifications:Stranded colorwork superimposed onto pattern alternating the blue and green with the brown on alternate rows, hat worked in the round not on straight needles.

Comments:I had just finished the Mittsicles samples, made a hat and mitten set for the kid in that, and thought "What am I going to do with this Encore Girl got and did not use? I wonder if there is enough to make a hat for Aidan..." A few hours later we had a hat and mitten set. Fun, fast, simple, and the boy loves them.

Ethnic 3 Hat

2005-04-01T09:18:00.000-05:00

Pattern:Created by Dori Betjemann for Ethnic 3 class, and since released by Cascade as a three hat pattern

Yarn:Colorado Yarns Vail

Needles:US2

Size:Adult large

Modifications:None

Comments:Ethnic 3 class covered a range of knitting traditions, from Latvian mitten traditions, to Norwegian hats and shawls and Baltic sock methods. This Nordic hat pattern is based on a hat in the book "Knitting in the Nordic Tradition" by Vibeke Lind. The hats featured student's choice of symetrical or asymetrical decreases, or alternating angle decreases - I did one of each. I love this hat.

Mitten Gallery

2005-03-31T12:00:00.000-05:00

Eliminating Warm Hearts.

Mittsicles

2005-03-02T08:53:00.000-05:00

Pattern:Yankee Knitter Hats and Mittens by Melinda Goodfellow

Yarn:Berkshire, color: cream, 001

Needles:US7

Size:Child's Medium (undyed), Toddler (dyed)

Modifications:Mitten string added to toddler

Comments:FUN!! Wonderfully fun! You knit natural mittens and then kool-aid dye them. I knitted these as samples for a class at Webs, and loved the idea so much I made a pair for Aidan.

Baby Gallery

2005-02-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love babies? I could knit for the little suckers forever...

Baby Kermit

Aidan's Gansey

Slip Stitch Baby Sweater

Baby Kermit

2005-02-04T07:54:00.000-05:00

Pattern: Beehive Leaflet 477 Tiny Toppers; #4 All Dressed Up

Yarn: Filatura Di Crosa MilliFili Fine, 4 balls

Needles: US3

Size: A, newborn to 3 mo.

Modifications: None

Comments: I loved this lace pattern so much I am using a variation of it for an adult garment coming soon to Webs. The yarn is wonderful, though I am not fond of the color. I love the sweater, I can't stand the Baby Kermit effect. It is so distressing that I have not yet obtained buttons and ribbons, becasue it distresses me to have to search for something to match.

Aidan's Gansey

2005-02-03T13:18:00.000-05:00

Pattern: Snakes and Ladders from Beth Brown-Reinsel's Knitting Ganseys

Yarn: Knit One Crochet Too Angora Soft, color #662 Denim

Needles: US 2 and 4

Size: 22 inch chest

Modification: I decided that I really preferred a ribbed collar for this garment as it was intended for my grandson and I felt that the roll was a little too feminine.

Comments: This was a huge amount of fun to knit. I started it in the fall and knitted during my daughter's driver's ed classes and in odd moments. My mistake was in forgetting that children grow, and a boy who's arms measured 8" in the early fall when I meaasured him were 10" by Christmas. The moral of the story? Measure often, and adjust for growth as you go along, or project a bit ahead and add a few inches - they can always grow into, but never shrink down to!

Slip Stitch Baby Sweater

2005-02-01T07:12:00.000-05:00

Knit in 2004, this is a total pattern knock-off. Red Heart was giving away this adorable slip stitch cardigan and hat set, but I no longer tolerated cheap acrylic yarn. I instead knit it in Valley Yarns Rainbow (two strands) and one skein of Cascade 220. I remember not the gauge, I only remember that it was one of my first projects knitted for the store, and I was so thrilled that someone wanted it, and more thrilled that I got to use the adorable red baby sheep with dangling feet. I was easily amused then. It is adorable, and I still use this pattern with various yarns. It's a great slip stitch introduction, simple but produces a little drama in an otherwise straightforward baby sweater.

Miscellany

2005-01-31T12:00:00.000-05:00

Wherein we find things that just don't fit any place else...

2005-01-07T07:19:00.000-05:00

Click on photos for larger image
On the Knit Side

Step 1: Knit into the second stitch - two views

Step 2: Knit into the first stitch

Step 3: Slide the completed pair off the left hand needle.

On the Purl Side

Step 1: Purl into the second stitch - two views

Step 2: Purl into the first stitch

Step 3: Slide the completed pair off the left hand needle.

Bulky Christmas Stocking Class Samples

2005-01-06T08:36:00.000-05:00

Pattern: Embellished Christmas Stocking Pattern by Melissa Morgan-Oakes

Yarn: Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky (150 yds MC) and Berkshire (20 yds each of four or five CC's)

Needles:US 10, US7

Size:18-20" long when finished

Modifications:Ummm...a lot.

Comments:This stocking is worked flat to allow the easy application of various embellishments, then closed at the back. It was designed and knit for a workshop that never was, and is recommended for people who've had some experience with short rows and/or basic sock construction. It was fun and fast to knit, and I'd recommend it to anyone seeking a quick Christmas gift idea. The stripey stocking is Reynold's Blizzard, and is basically the stocking base pattern in stripes rather than a solid with embellishments.

Intarsia Pillow

2005-01-02T08:28:00.000-05:00

Pattern:Hideous Intarsia Chart from Stitches 1 class

Yarn:Brown Sheep Co. Lamb's Pride Worsted

Needles:US 7

Size:16"x16"

Modifications: Sadly, none

Comments:This is when I was still playing by the rules in Stitches 1 class. I wanted to do the cat. I hate this pillow. Not generally opposed to large graphical images, I am to this one. I despise it. This project made me declare a hatred of intarsia that I have since recovered from. I should have done the cat.

Slip Stitch Pillow

2005-01-02T08:12:00.000-05:00

Pattern: Various Slip Stitch Charts from Stitches 1 class booklet

Yarn: Brown Sheep Co. Lamb's Pride Worsted

Needles: US7

Size: finished size 12"x12"

Modifications: The whole thing is a giant modification.

Comments: Stitches 1: Color Magic is an introduction to color work in knitting focusing on four basic types : stranding, slip stitch/mosaic, intarsia and needle weaving. Students complete a project in each discipline. This is my slip stitch project, and Owen loves it. Stitches 1: Color Magic is a core requirement of the Webs Expert Knitter Program. I took this class when Webs was in the beginning phases of developing the program. This project had some sort of restraints, most of which I ignored and few of which I remember. The only thing I stuck to was that the yarn had to be LP Worsted, and the project had to be slip stitch. Otherwise I just did my own thing, which is more obvious on the reverse side of the project. Stitches is where I discovered the dangerous nature of my gauge issue - I am a loose knitter, and on project one discovered exactly what that can do to your gauge.

Blueberry Peak Socks

2001-01-07T13:54:00.018-05:00

This pattern is perfect for spring, and we could use some of that around here! The lacy eyelets and the chevron rib combine to create a pattern that is visually pleasing yet easy to memorize - I know this because I lost my printed chart and could not get to the computer, and knit a fair amount of the foot without looking. The pattern is written for 2-at-a-Time sock construction, but experienced sock knitters can easily knit this pattern using their preferred technique.

Yarn: Valley Yarns Charlemont, 1 skein, color Deep Sea

Needles: US 2, 40" circulars

Yarn usage will depend on the size of the foot of the wearer. The sample used approximately 280 yards for an 8.5” long women’s foot.