NobleKnits Knitting Blog

World Wide Knit In Public Week Kicks Off!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 04:13:00 +0000

I love to knit wherever I go and apparently a lot of others do, too! Today officially kicks off World Wide Knit in Public Week and it's a great reminder to keep your sticks handy and knit wherever you are. Here's where I was knitting today: at a restaurant during breakfast, then while sitting in the car (as the passenger), and finally knitting while watching TV at home with the family.

Where do you love to knit?

Want to organize a knitting in public group? Learn more at World Wide Knit in Public Day

Happy knitting!

Yarn Review: ArtYarns Beaded Silk Mohair & Sequins Yarn

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 05:19:00 +0000

Yarn Reviewed: ArtYarns Beaded Silk Mohair and Sequins Yarn

Yarn Stats:

Fiber Content: 80% Silk with Glass Beads and Sequins, 20% Mohair
Weight/Yardage: 50 gram hank, approximately 114 yards
Gauge: 4.5 stitches per inch on US 7 needles, worsted weight yarn

Yarn Reviewed by: Donna Pelzar, aka the Knitting Doctor

First Impression

My first impression of ArtYarns Beaded Silk Mohair and Sequins yarn, is that it is unbelievably beautiful from a color perspective, heavily peppered with sequins and glass beads and probably tough to wind, work with and rip back. I also wasn't sure that the yarn at 114 yards was enough to make anything substantial with. I was wrong on all counts.

The Real Deal

This yarn winds well and does not tangle on the swift.
It also proved to be surprisingly easy to work with and rip outs and frogging are relatively painless.
You do, however, have to maintain a gentle hand as the sequins and beads sometimes get trapped but easily dislodge with a gentle tug.
The glass beads and sequins are evenly (not randomly) spaced with a short distance between beads.
The color repeats are short enough to add overall interest to any project without creating stripes that would compete with the beading and the subtle halo of the mohair.

More Helpful Info

The gauge of ArtYarns Beaded Silk Mohair and Sequins Yarn is 5 stitches to the inch on a size 6 needle. I chose to go up several needle sizes and ended up with an 11 for a very open piece with a very nice drape. My remaining dilemma was still the yardage but for a different reason.

I found myself loving this fiber so much that I found it hard to quit knitting, so plenty of yards for a good size cowl.

Final Opinion

Overall - a really, really elegant refined yarn that is sure to satisfy!

Try this wonderful yarn for yourself and write your own yarn review right on the the product page! Shop ArtYarns Beaded Silk Mohair and Sequins Yarn

Happy knitting!

May Recap: Top 10 Free Knitting Patterns!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 21:30:00 +0000

Why do we love giving you free knitting patterns?

If you are anything like me, you usually have several projects going at once.
I tend to have a few larger projects (or more complex) that require my attention, but they are not always ideal for grab and go knitting. I always have other quick projects nearby next to my bed, in the living room, at my computer, in my purse, and in the car. Those are projects that I want to be able to knit fast, not think about and just enjoy the yarn and the fiber. I think having several smaller projects going at once keeps my creative juices flowing and provides a constant reminder of why I love knitting - the fiber!

All of these free knitting patterns are perfect for that on-the-go type knitting! They are easy to knit and provide you the opportunity to knit a luxury fiber with a little bit of yarn. The pattern is free so you can spend your money on what you really love...yarn! So grab the free patterns below and don't forget to buy the yarn - shipping is on us!*

Top 10 Free Knitting Patterns - Recap May 2013

Ewe Ewe Scarf Free Knitting Pattern using 3-skeins Ewe Ewe Wooly Worsted Yarn
Manos Fino Infinity Scarf Free Knitting Pattern featuring 1-skein Manos Fino Yarn
Be Sweet Boucle Scarf Free Knitting Pattern using 1-skein Be Sweet Mohair Boucle Yarn
Wrapture Triangle Shawl Free Knitting Pattern using 1-skein Feza Alp Virgin Yarn
Hadley's Infinity Scarf Free Knitting Pattern using 1-skein Knit Collage Gypsy Garden Yarn
Swan's Island Olivia Cowl Free Knitting Pattern using 1-skein Swan's Island Natural Colors Merino Worsted Yarn
Ewe Ewe Au Revoir Cowl Free Knitting Pattern using 2-skeins Ewe Ewe Wooly Worsted Yarn
Maharani Shawl Free Knitting Pattern featuring 1-skein Knit Collage Maharani Silk Yarn
Be Sweet Lacey Shawl Free Knitting Pattern using 3-skeins Be Sweet Medium Brushed Mohair Yarn
The Fibre Company Edgewood Shawl Free Knitting Pattern featuring 4-skeins The Fibre Company Terra Yarn

*NobleKnits.com offers FREE SHIPPING on every US order!

Happy knitting!

Knitting Pattern Recap: Top 10 Patterns for May 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:26:00 +0000

It's hard to believe May has come to a close already! Perhaps it soared by with all that knitting we did this month! Here is a recap of knitters' favorite patterns for the month. The Knitting Trend: still focuses on lots of quick, simple to knit projects - (scarves, shawls, cowls) that can be completed in a few days (or less!) and feature a luxury/special yarn.

Top 10 Knitting Patterns May 2013

Heather Ink Metalico Cowl Knitting Pattern featuring 1-skein Blue Sky Metalico Yarn
SKnitsB Kaleidoscope Tube Infinity Scarf Knitting Pattern using sock yarns
Cosmicpluto Simple Yet Effective Shawl Knitting Pattern using 1-skein Wisdom Poems Sock Yarn
Swan's Island Finest Kind Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern featuring Swan's Island Natural Colors Merino Worsted Yarn
Swan's Island April Mitts Knitting Pattern featuring 1-skein Swan's Island Natural Colors Merino Worsted Yarn
Fickle Knitter Simple Triangle Shawl Knitting Pattern featuring 2-skeins Shibui Silk Cloud Yarn
Westknits Westlake Shawl Knitting Pattern featuring 1-skein Knit One Crochet Too Crock-O-Dye Yarn
Imagine Knit Grace 4-Button Shawl Knitting Pattern featuring Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande Yarn
Knitbot Wispy Cardigan Knitting Pattern featuring The Fibre Company Canopy Fingering Yarn
Classic Elite Rosamond Tee Knitting Pattern featuring Classic Elite Mesa Cotton Yarn

Happy knitting!

May Recap: Top 10 Yarns!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Fri, 31 May 2013 08:13:00 +0000

What yarns are on everyone's needles? Take a look at the hottest yarns for May 2013 - The Knitting Trend: Knitters like fun to knit yarns that work up fast into a one-skein scarf or quick-knit project.

May Recap: Top 10 Yarns

Happy knitting!

Manos Fino Infinity Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Sun, 26 May 2013 06:28:00 +0000

Fino is the newest yarn from our friends at Manos del Uruguay. It is a lovely silk/merino wool blend, just like the popular Manos Silk Blend, but spun at a finer gauge. The result is a light, lovely hand dyed yarn with soft color variation that provides beautiful depth to any stitch pattern.

What to knit with Manos Fino? Try this lovely infinity scarf pattern. It uses just one skein of Manos Fino yarn and features an elegant teardrop stitch.

Manos Eternidad Infinity Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

Completed Scarf Measures: 70 x 8"

You will need:

1 skein Manos Fino Yarn, shown in color Velvet Pincushion
Size US 6 circular 36" needles
Stitch marker
Download Eternidad Infinity Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

Gauge: 19 sts to 4" over teardrop pattern, fully blocked

Happy knitting!

Ewe Ewe Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Fri, 24 May 2013 20:41:00 +0000

Looking for the perfect project to knit while on the go, relaxing, or hanging with friends? Try Ewe Ewe Yarns new basic scarf free pattern. Choose a skein each of your three favorite colors of Wooly Worsted yarn and get knitting. Designed by Heather Walpole, this project is easy enough for a beginner and has a sophistication, knitters of all skill levels will love to wear.

Ewe Ewe Scarf Scarf Free Knitting Pattern
Completed Scarf Measures: 4.5" wide x 80" long

You will need:

1 skein each of 3 colors Ewe Ewe Wooly Worsted Yarn (shown in Berry, Pistachio and Charcoal)
Size US 10 straight knitting needles
Get the Ewe Ewe Scarf Scarf Free Knitting Pattern here!

Gauge: 16 sts to 4" in stockinette stitch

Skill Level: Beginner Knitting Project!

Ways to wear your Ewe Ewe Scarf Scarf!

Happy knitting!

What to Knit with Plymouth Colorando Yarn

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:06:00 +0000

We love this warm weather yarn! Plymouth Colorando is a cotton blend yarn that is machine washable. It comes in a variety of variegated shades and knits up at a worsted weight.

Colorando Lacy Beret Hat Free Knitting Pattern

Sizes: Baby (Child, Adult)
Completed Brim Circumference: 16 (18, 20)"

You will need:

1 (2, 2) balls Plymouth Colorando Yarn
Size US 5 and 6 circular 16" needles
Size US 6 double pointed needles
Stitch marker
Download Lacey Beret Hat Free Knitting Pattern

Happy knitting!

Rio Shrug Free Knitting Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Thu, 16 May 2013 06:31:00 +0000

Part wrap, part shrug - Feza's Rio Shrug is a generously sized layering piece. It's knit using Feza Nirvana bamboo yarn that provides excellent drape and a lovely soft and smooth hand. Make this shrug for nights on the town, layered over jeans, or just as a go-to cover up.

Rio Shrug Free Knitting Pattern

Sizes: Small (Medium, Large, XLarge)

Completed Shrug Measures: 48 (52, 56, 60)" from right sleeve edge to left sleeve edge

You will need:

6 (6, 7, 7) skeins Feza Nirvana Yarn, shown in color 907
Size US 7 circular 24-32" knitting needles
Stitch marker
Download Rio Shrug Free Knitting Pattern

Gauge: 16 sts and 20 row to 4" in st st

Happy knitting!

I love Candy! Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Wed, 15 May 2013 05:18:00 +0000

Here's another free knitting pattern featuring fun-to-knit Candy yarn. Feza Candy yarn is a wool blend with felted bobbles in lots of bright colors. This easy scarf uses just one skein of Candy.

Completed Scarf Measures: 6 x 55"

You will need:

1 skein Feza Candy Yarn, shown in color Purple
Size US 11 straight knitting needles
Download Candy Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

Gauge: 8 sts x 9 rows = 4" in pattern stitch

Happy knitting!

Be Sweet Boucle One-Skein Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Thu, 09 May 2013 07:06:00 +0000

One fabulous scarf - lots of ways to wear! I knitted up this scarf in just a few hours using one skein of Be Sweet Mohair Boucle yarn. This yarn is amazing. First of all, the hand dyed colors are vibrant and eye-catching. It has a fun loopy boucle that has lots of softness and loft. The mohair fiber that is hand spun in South Africa by a women's cooperative. I love knowing the yarn I purchase helps others in need. Read more about Be Sweet's job creation program

Be Sweet Boucle One-Skein Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

Completed Scarf Measures: 5.5" x 56" approximately

Skill Level: Beginner - EASY!

You will need:

1 skein Be Sweet Mohair Boucle Yarn
Size US 17 needles

Cast on 17 sts

Knit every row.

When only 1 yard of yarn remains, bind off all stitches.

Weave in yarn ends.

Happy knitting!

Salmon 1-Skein Cowl Free Knitting Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Sat, 04 May 2013 06:47:00 +0000

We love knitting all year round! The Salmon Cowl Free Pattern is perfect for knitting and wearing during warm weather months. It's knit using just one skein of World Class Stash Quill Ribbon Yarn, so it's light and airy. Wear it with a dress, suit, or even jeans and a tee! Designed by Donna Pelzar, the Knitting Doctor.

Salmon Cowl Free Knitting Pattern

You will need:

1 skein World Class Stash Quill Ribbon Yarn
Size US 15 circular 24" needle

Cast on 80 stitches, join for knitting in the round and place marker to mark the beginning of round

Rounds 1-5: Purl

Rounds 6-8: Knit

Round 9: (Eyelet round) *K2tog, yo* Repeat around to marker ending with a YO.

Round 10-13: Knit

Round 14: (Eyelet round) *K2tog, yo* Repeat around to marker ending with a YO.
Round 15-18: Knit

Round 19: (Eyelet round) *K2tog, yo* Repeat around to marker ending with a YO.

Rounds 20-22: Knit

Rounds 23-26: Purl

Bind off all stitches purlwise and weave in yarn ends.

Happy knitting!

Knit in Public

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:18:00 +0000

Where do you knit? I love to have a small knitting project with me wherever I go. You never know when you'll have the chance to squeeze in a few stitches and actually that is my favorite time to knit! I knit at the mall, the library, doctor's office, dentist, school car pickup line, in restaurants, movies, and anywhere I may have to wait more than a minute!

Today I'm knitting at Barnes and Noble Bookstore while my teen searches for a new book to read. Guess who ended up buying a book? Me! A knitting book, of course!

Go Team! Knit a Ruffle Scarf in Your Team Colors!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 06:44:00 +0000

Show your team spirit with these fun and easy to knit ruffle scarves from Premier Yarns. Starbella Stripes Yarn is available in the 18 most-popular team colors. One skein is all you need to knit or crochet a scarf. Free pattern and how-to instructions are available.

We've spoken to a lot of knitters about how they use Starbella Stripes - they knit them to show support for their favorite pro-sports team, elementary, middle school or high school. They are also popular for college teams and even sororities, church groups, knitting clubs, and other group events. Knit just one or knit them for the entire group - View all colors of Starbella Stripes Yarn

Chevron Stripes Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 06:48:00 +0000

Chevron Stripes are a hot knitting trend this season - this free pattern from our friends at Fairmount Fibers is a fun to knit scarf featuring Manos Lace Yarn. It combines 5 gorgeous shades of Manos kettle dyed yarn Three strands are held together at the same time to create interesting color variations and ombre/striping effect.

You will need:

1 skein each of 5 colors Manos Lace Yarn. Shown in Titania, Iridessa, Rani, Rhiannon, and Nerida Teal.
Size US 9 knitting needles
Download Keeping Rosita Warm Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

Happy knitting!

Our Favorite Lace Knitting Ideas!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 06:51:00 +0000

Knit something Lovely: Lace!

There's a certain addictive quality about lace knitting. It works up surprisingly fast and watching the pattern come to life is very gratifying. We have lace knitting projects for knitters of all skill levels and now is the perfect time of year to put a light and airy lace project on your needles!

Happy knitting!

What to Knit: Ideas for Spring Knitting!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 01:34:00 +0000

I love springtime knitting! The knits are light, airy, and usually use bright happy colors that put me in a good mood. Also, it's my favorite time of year to sit outside and knit a few rows while taking in the fresh air.

Here are some of our newest knitting project ideas for spring:

Classic Elite Pear Blossom Bag Knitting Pattern - this little cotton Bag uses just 2 skeins of Classic Elite Mesa Yarn

Star Lily Top Knitting Pattern - this versatile little wrap top is perfect for layering and can be worn 3 different ways! It features Classic Elite Canyon Yarn.

From Shibui's Mix Collection, the Mix No. 14 Striped Scarf Knitting Pattern has lovely drape and is large enough to also be worn as a wrap. It features Shibui Cima Yarn.

From Knit One Crochet Too, the Sea Lettuce Shawl Knitting Pattern has quickly become one of their most popular patterns, ever! This triangle wrap has a wavy stitch pattern throughout then a beautiful lace edging. It knits up with just 2 skeins of Knit One Crochet Too Crock-O-Dye Yarn!

Happy knitting!

Knit it Neon: Ruffle Yarns in Neon Colors!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 04:41:00 +0000

If you've been to the mall, shopped your favorite online retailer, or flipped through a magazine - you've most likely noticed the hottest trend of the season this spring - NEON! These vibrant pops of color can be found in jewelry, scarves, clothes, and even shoes! Well, it's a hot trend in knitting this year as well - so much so, that our first delivery of neon yarns sold out in a matter of hours.

Neon brights are available in our favorite ruffle scarf yarn, Premier Starbella Neon! One-skein makes a quick and easy scarf. It's available in neon solids: Living Green, Purple Panic, Hot Pink, Glowing Orange, Electric Blue, and Neon Yellow.

If you like prints, we have Starbella Neon shades for you: Toucan, Parrot, and Caribbean.

Shop the Premier Starbella Neon Yarns Collection

Twice as Nice Infinity Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 05:35:00 +0000

I created a similar cowl last year using Berroco Lago Yarn. Our in house knitting expert, aka The Knitting Doctor, Donna Pelzar put her own twist on this fun to knit cowl! The project knits up fast and uses a simple drop-stitch technique to give it an open, lacy look - perfect for the upcoming warm weather months. Have fun choosing colors for this fun to knit infinity scarf!

Twice as Nice Infinity Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

You will need:

1 skein Knit One Crochet Too Italian Ice Yarn, color (A)
1 skein Knit One Crochet Too Italian Ice Yarn, color (B)
Size US 9 circular 16" needle
Stitch marker

Pattern

Note: Use the entire skein of color A, ending with a complete round. Then switch to color B for the remainder of the project.

Using color A, cast on 100 stitches

Join round being careful not to twist stitches and place marker

Round 1: Knit

Round 2: Knit

Round 3: Knit 1, *YO 2 times, Knit 1.* Repeat from * to * around.

Round 4: Knit 1, *Drop 2 yarn overs off the needle, knit 1.* Repeat from * to * around.

Round 5: Knit

Round 6: Knit

Round 7: Knit

Round 8: Knit 1, *YO 2 times, Knit 1.* Repeat from * to * around.

Round 9: Knit 1, *Drop 2 yarn overs off the needle, knit 1.* Repeat from * to * around.

Repeat Rounds 5-9 another 3 times.

Last Round: Knit

Then, bind off loosely.

Weave in yarn ends. Block lightly (optional).

Here's a Quick Tip from the Knitting Doctor

Is your cast on or bind off edge always too tight?

Easily correct the problem by using a needle that's one or two sizes larger than the recommended needle size. Use it just for the cast on/bind off then switch to the recommended needle size for your project.

Problem solved!

Have a question for The Knitting Doctor?

Contact her here

An Egg-citing Easter Knitting Idea!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 23:43:00 +0000

Get crafty with this EGG-citing Easter Egg craft project! Adorable embellished eggs to knit and crochet. They work up fast and are a great way to use up small amounts of yarn. The free pattern is from our friends at Universal Yarn and it features Universal Cotton Supreme Yarn.

Cotton Supreme Easter Eggs Free Pattern (knit and crochet)

Completed eggs measure: 2.5" high knit version, 2.75" high crochet version

You will need:

Download PDF: Cotton Supreme Easter Eggs Free Pattern
7 colors Universal Cotton Supreme Yarn, shown in White, hot pink, yellow, orange cream, purple, celery, and aqua
Universal Cotton Supreme Batik, shown in Watermelon Patch
Size US 8 double pointed needles
Size G-6 (4mm) crochet hook
Polyester fiberfill

Happy knitting!

Add color to your knitting: Fiesta Yarns Meditation

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:07:00 +0000

Knit to suit your mood! Our friends at Fiesta Yarns took inspiration from the color wheel to create their latest collection of hand dyed yarns. Known as the Meditation Series, these gorgeous yarns will allow you to use color therapy to soothe your senses. Color palettes include: Vitality, Creativity, Wisdom, Happy, Balance, Energy Soothing, Imagination, Love, and Infinity.

We've received the first yarn in the Meditation Series, Fiesta Yarn's signature fiber - Fiesta La Boheme. Browse La Boheme Yarn

What to knit using Fiesta La Boheme? Check out these easy 2-skein projects:

What's your favorite color in the Meditation Series?

Imperial Yarn Coquette Cowl Giveaway Results!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:04:00 +0000

Thanks to all who participated in the Imperial Yarn Coquette Cowl Giveaway!

The winner is: pandglloyd@yahoo.com - Congratulations, please contact us so we can ship your kit!

If you would like to purchase your own Imperial Coquette Cowl, here are the details.

The project uses just one-skein Imperial Anna Yarn, the Imperial Coquette Cowl Knitting Pattern, and size US 11 needles.

Happy Knitting!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2013-03-06 23:51:34 UTC

NobleKnits Giveway: Imperial Coquette Cowl!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 07:55:00 +0000

Our friends at Imperial Yarns have provided us with this lovely Coquette Cowl Knitting kit to giveaway! The Coquette Cowl includes pattern and 1-skein Imperial Anna yarn to make this easy lace cowl.

Want to know more about Imperial Yarns? Shop Imperial Yarns and Patterns

How to Enter the Giveaway

Comment on this blog post by telling us... If you've had a chance to with Imperial Yarns and what you like about them. Have a favorite Imperial project, mention it!

PS. Don't forget to leave your name.

One winner will be chosen at random from the comments posted on this blog. Winner will be selected and announced here on our blog this Wednesday, March 6, 2013.

Void where prohibited, US residents only.

This Giveaway is now CLOSED. To view the results: Imperial Giveaway Winner

Freedom! Liberty Wool Light Swirl Hat Free Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 05:22:00 +0000

Looking for a quick knit hat to ward off the winter chill? This Eyelet Swirl hat from Classic Elite Yarns will keep your head toasty warm and a bit of colorful fun to your day. Designed by Meg Myers, this hat uses just one skein of Classic Elite Liberty Wool Light Print yarn. It knits up fast, has beautiful color changes, and it's machine washable! Pattern includes instructions to knit either a cap or slouchy tam version - either style uses just one ball!

Classic Elite Eyelet Swirl Hat Free Knitting Pattern

You will need:

Tam: 1 ball Classic Elite Liberty Wool Light Print Yarn
Cap: 1 ball Classic Elite Liberty Wool Light Print Yarn
Size US 4 circular 16" needles
Size US 4 double pointed needles
Stitch markers
Download Classic Elite Eyelet Swirl Hat PDF Knitting Pattern

Happy knitting!

Knit a Simple Shrug from Spud & Chloe!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Queen) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 07:20:00 +0000

We love designs from Susan B. Anderson because she takes a basic silhouette and recommends ways to customize and make it your own! This simple shrug pattern for Spud and Chloe is no exception. How will you make your Simple Shrug?

Spud and Chloe Simple Shrug Free Knitting Pattern

Shown is size Women's Medium and includes instructions on how to make a custom size

You will need:

3 hanks Spud and Chloe Sweater Yarn, shown in color Beluga
Size US 7 circular 16" needles
Stitch marker
Download Simple Shrug Free Knitting PDF Pattern

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Happy knitting!