Knit 1 LA

2017 LA County Yarn Crawl & Trunk Show

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 16:05:00 +0000

It's that time of year! The LA County Yarn Crawl starts today, Thursday April 6 and as part of the crawl I'm having a trunk show at The Little Knittery featuring my designs from the Interweave book "Highland Knits, Knitwear Inspired by the Outlander Series". The trunk show is from 4-7pm with a raffle being held at 7pm for a copy of "Highland Knits" and a skein of Cascade Magnum (there's a surprise raffle too!) If you're in the area, come on by!

For information about the Crawl click here.

The Women's March on Washington

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 06:11:00 +0000

My daughters think that soon to be President No. 45 hates girls. I was at a loss to find something that would show them regardless of how powerless they feel with things beyond their control they can still contribute to a cause that makes them feel they are being heard.

Inspired by the efforts of Kat Coyle at The Little Knittery (who wrote the original Pussyhat pattern) and nudged by Instagram friend @obliviousknits it makes me happy, for many reasons to contribute a pattern to the Pussyhat Project in Tunisian Crochet; though mainly because it shows my daughters that even the small act of making a hat has a larger impact when combined with others who have the same concerns yet feel powerless as well.

Find the pattern for the TC Pussyhat here.

the Cadena Cowl

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 04:58:00 +0000

Sometimes you need a break from the project you're working on, but you don't necessarily want a break from the stitch pattern. I'm in the middle of a sweater design that incorporates these two stitch patterns: a basic 1x1 rib and the Woven Basket Stitch a beautifully textured crossed stitch pattern that creates a nice thick fabric, perfect for keeping warm whether in a blanket, sweater or a cowl. I wanted a break from the smaller needles though and wanted to cast on and bind off on the same night :)

A note on this stitch pattern: if you can work this stitch as a Combination Knitter it will make the knit row so much easier! You can check out 'combination knitting' on youtube but basically what you are doing is picking or throwing your purls in the opposite direction so your knit stitch sits backwards. I learned how to knit this way and didn't realize there was any other way for years! But then my mom and sisters all knit this way and really until I got into some serious knitting it never posed a problem. So if you want to throw in a little challenge try it, always good to add more skills to your arsenal ;)

the Cadena Cowl

Materials:

2 skeins Cadena l by Illimani Yarn 49yds/100gs each. Color shown here #85 'Sand'
US19 (15mm) for Woven Basket Stitch
US15 (10mm) for ribbing
Darning Needle for finishing.

Gauge:
2sts & 2 rows = 1" in Woven Basket Stitch

Woven Basket Stitch:
Multiple of 2
Row 1: * pass the right hand needle behind the first stitch, k the second st, k the first stitch *
Row 2: P1 * p the second stitch, p the first stitch * p1

Finished measurements: 21.25" x 10" 53.5cm x 25.5cm before sewing together.

Start:
With the smaller needle cast on 54 stitches.
Row 1: K1 *k1, p1* k1
Row 2: P1 *k1, p1* p1
Work these 2 rows of Ribbing two more times. 4 rows total of ribbing.

Switch to the larger needle and begin Woven Basket Stitch

Row 1: K1 * pass the right hand needle behind the first stitch, k the second st, k the first stitch * k1

Row 2: P2 * p the second stitch, p the first stitch * p1

Repeat the 2 rows of the Woven Basket Stitch 7x's. Work one more Row 1 then switch back to the smaller needle and work the last Row 2 of pattern.

Begin Ribbing as established in the first 4 rows and work for 4 rows.

Bind off, sew the short edges together, weave in ends and enjoy!

the Eastsider

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 07:18:00 +0000

I know I said my next post would be a knit cowl but I just couldn't put down my S hook and Tunisian crochet is a little bit of knitting???... anyway, I'm working on a crochet kimono that uses black and white Magnum and my leftovers were talking to me. I love black and white together and knew with Tunisian crochet it would create a statement piece without a lot of effort or time, probably a quarter of the time it's taking me to post it LOL!

The Tunisian stitch in this pattern is the Tunisian Plain Stitch. The first 2 rows are worked as for Tunisian Simple but from there instead of going through the vertical bars like you do with the Simple Stitch you go through the space below the chain of the previous row... confused? I've added photos to help and if you need a reminder on how to work the first 2 rows of Simple look back to my tutorial here.

Right Side

Wrong Side

the Eastsider

Materials:

Tunisian Crochet Hook size S (19mm)

120yds (250grams) total of a chunky yarn like Magnum by Cascade. If using 2 colors @60yds each color (125grams each color)

Darning Needle for finishing

Gauge: @1st per inch

Finished measurements: before sewing together 28" x 15" 71cm x 38cm

Main Color (MC): Black

Contrasting Color (CC): White

Tunisian Simple Stitch

Make a chain the number of stitches required.

Row 1: Insert hook into the 2nd ch from hook, * draw through a loop, insert hook into next st, repeat from * leaving all loops on the hook. DO NOT turn work.

Row 2: (working back from left to right) draw yarn through a loop * draw through 2 loops, repeat from * to end of row. 1 loop on hook

Tunisian Plain Stitch

Work 2 rows Tunisian Simple.

Row 1: Insert hook under the horizontal bar formed by Row 2, draw through a loop.

Row 2: As Row 2 of Tunisian Simple.

Start:

With MC Chain 18 and work Row 1 of Tunisian Simple. 18 loops on hook.

If you can pull the loop through the bump on the back of the chain, this makes for a more finished edge. Again check out my tutorial on Tunisian Crochet to see photos of this.

Now work back, do not turn the work.

Work a Row 2 of Tunisian Simple

A note on changing colors: I found I got the best result for a clean edge when changing colors by letting the yarn I wasn't using sit off to my right side. I didn't try to twist the yarn or cross it over in any way, then when I went to use it again it crossed in a way that looks neat and clean.

Change to CC and pull a loop through the space below the horizontal bar of the previous row.

These photos show after I worked a couple of rows but you can see the space you pull the loops through. Not the vertical bars like in Tunisian Simple, but just below the horizontal bar.

Pull loops up through each space to the end. 18 loops on the hook.

Work Row 2 of Tunisian Simple (you will always work back as in Row 2 of Tunisian Simple).

Switch back to MC and begin next row.

A couple of notes before we continue. As I said in my other Tunisian Crochet tutorial, I've read other tutorials or instructions that have you chain 1 at the beginning of a Row 1 but for me doing that made a messy edge so I skip that step.

Secondly, read through the captions with the photos below before you start. In a MC row I have you pick up 19 loops; in a CC row only 18, when you read through (with the photos) this will make sense.

Continue working Row 1 & Row 2 of Tunisian Plain (changing colors at the beginning of each row) until cowl measures 28" (71cm)

When desired length is reached end with a Row 1 in the CC, 18 loops on the hook. Fold piece in half with the Right Sides facing so the starting edge meets the loops on the hook and join by working a row of slip stitch to the end. Finish off the last loop, weave in ends, wear and enjoy!

These next 4 photos show where to insert the hook at the beginning of the row for the MC and the CC.

Note: when switching colors you will go into a different space at the beginning of each row. As you get more rows you will see the vertical stripes made with the 2 colors and if you follow the stripes you will be working in the correct space. For a MC row: Insert your hook into the space to the left of the edge stitch as in the above photos.

Notice in the next set of photos the space to insert your hook to pull the first CC loop is to the left of the first MC vertical bar of the previous row. See the continuity of the white stripe, keep that in mind as you work that if there is a break in that vertical color line then you've gone into the wrong space.

These 3 photos show where to insert the hook at the end of the row for the MC and the CC.

The last stitch with the CC should look like this. Notice the 2 vertical bars of the MC on the left edge.

The last stitch of the MC row is made by going between the vertical bars of the last stitch of the previous CC row (top photo). The bottom photo shows how the stitch should look after completing. This last stitch on the MC row will add a stitch making the stitch count for a MC row 19.

Pop Up Cowl

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 22:32:00 +0000

The hardest thing about writing patterns is naming them! I asked my 8yo what I should name my latest crochet cowl and she immediately said, "Pop Up!" I asked why and she replied, "for the parts that 'pop up' from the others"... sounds good to me! :)

So here we are, my latest crochet offering... the 'Pop Up' named for the vertical columns that are formed by alternating double crochet in the front post with double crochet in the back post. Love the ribbed texture these stitches create making for a thick (but surprisingly not too dense) and warm cowl. Oh and did I mention how quickly these work up? Great gifts (that can actually be made in time!) for everyone on your list :D

Materials:

1 skein Magnum by Cascade 123yds/250grams color shown here #9449 Midnight Heather

S/19mm crochet hook

Gauge: 1 stitch & 1 row = 1” of dcfp

Abbreviations:

sc: single crochet

dc: double crochet

fp: Front post

bp: back post

sts: stitches

FO: Fasten Off

Start:

Chain 26 and being careful not to twist join with a slip stitch.

Round 1: Chain 2 (counts as a stitch), either mark this stitch with a split ring or locking stitch marker OR use the tail as a visual for the beginning/end of the round. If using a marker move the marker up as you go.

dc around = 26sts

Note: Round 1 is the only round that starts the round with a Ch 2.

Round 2: *1dcfp, 1dcbp* repeat from * to * around ending with a 1dcbp in the Ch 2. 26sts

From here on work repeats of *1dcfp, 1dcbp* until desired length or at least 9". When desired length is reached work to marker and 1scbp in the last dcbp. FO. Weave in ends.

Finished measurements: 9" x 13" 23cm x 33cm

Look for a free Knit cowl pattern in the next couple of days!

the Llama II Sweater

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 00:52:00 +0000

I have a feeling I'm going to be living in my latest sweater design! This very comfy oversized sweater is made using Illimani Yarn's new bulky Llama ll, a super soft baby llama that works up nicely on a US10.5 needle.

Worked from the top down and from sleeve edge to sleeve edge in Stockinette & Sand Stitch (a variation on a k1, p1 rib) I would rate this pattern for at least an intermediate for some of the techniques involved: invisible cast on, short rows and a 3 needle bind off.

The pattern is written for 3 sizes: S, M & L (size shown L). But because the body is very generous, the best size for you is based on your height and arm length. If you are shorter but have a fuller figure, the L will be too big because the arms will be too long. If you are tall but more slender (or not), the L will fit better because the sleeves will be longer. Using the schematic will help you decide which size to make.

Materials used:
8 (9, 10) skeins of Illimani Yarn's Llama ll 109yds/100m
10.5 US 6.5mm circular needle at least 47"(120cm) long
10 US 6mm 24"(60cm) to finish the neckline/collar

Thankfully the weather has turned cooler here in Los Angeles because honestly I can't stop wearing this sweater... do I say that everytime??? ;)

Pattern available as a PDF download.

$6.50

the Swing Coat (Tunisian Crochet)

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 22:52:00 +0000

Remember this one? ;)

Well, after much too long the pattern for the crochet version of the Swing Coat is ready!

I would rate this as an intermediate pattern because of the techniques used, though I've added many technical photos to help so maybe I should say for at least an ambitious advanced beginner!

Some of the techniques used are: short rows to shape the shoulders, increasing, decreasing, picking up stitches and a simple backwards loop cast on. The main body is worked in Tunisian Crochet, with the collar and front bands worked in Single Crochet through the back loop.

The sizes included are standard S, M, L (size shown M) but with a generous fit it would easily fit an XL as well.

Materials needed: 6 (7, 7) skeins of Magnum by Cascade (250 grams/123 yards) per skein, a Tunisian hook size S (19mm), 2 regular hooks in sizes Q (15.75mm) for the collar and an N (9mm) for the button (optional).

Pattern available as a PDF download.

$6.50

So happy to be finished with this one! Next up in the crochet department is the crochet version of this knit kimono, looking forward to working on this one!

the (crochet) Montreal

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Sat, 09 May 2015 18:00:00 +0000

I received more yarn from the Montreal based Illimani Yarn for my latest offering... the crochet version of the Montreal. I'm loving this yarn, so very luxurious!

Crocheted using a Q (16mm) hook in Half Double Rib with edgings and collar in Single Crochet through the back loop, this is a fairly easy pattern that works up quickly (do I say that about all my patterns lol!)

The size shown here is a large and used 13 skeins of Cadena I (100g 45m/49yds) by Illimani. This yarn is unbelievably soft and has an excellent drape (I'm repeating myself again) which is perfect for this type of piece.

The Montreal is worked from sleeve edge to sleeve edge in one piece with the collar and bottom edging picked up and worked off of the main body. There are only 2 increases in the whole sweater, so I would rate this for an advanced beginner on up.

Here's a picture of the knit version. This shows the small size (the small size has the same dimensions for both knit and crochet).

I've seen both sizes on many different body types and they both look great!

This shows the beginnings of the Half Double Rib, it may seem daunting at first, but this stitch pattern is super simple and has a great look!

Available as a PDF download. $6.50

OK, I know I've probably said it too many times to count BUT the next post you see here will be the crochet version of the Swing Coat! I'm currently getting the pattern ready for the tech editor so... stay tuned! :D

And Happy Mother's Day to all out there who mother someone or something!

My mom, always on my mind :)

the Tunisian Crochet Vest

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 16:57:00 +0000

Sometimes it's slow going but I'm getting there... working my way down my list of patterns 'to do'. This vest I made over a year ago to coincide with my Tunisian crochet tutorial. A simple vest made side to side in one piece this is a great one to start with in Tunisian crochet.

Made using approximately 300yds/275m of a chunky yarn like Magnum by Cascade (color shown 8013, Walnut Heather) and a size 'S' Tunisian crochet hook (I found mine on etsy) this could easily be worked up over a couple of nights. The pattern is a 'one size' but with notations on how to adjust the size if necessary.

Pattern available as a PDF $6.50

I know you've all heard it before ;) but I am currently working on the pattern for the crochet version of the Swing Coat!!! I should have the pattern available here by the beginning of June... like I said, slow going!

If you are looking for a US size "S" / 19mm Tunisian crochet hook click here.

the Day Coat

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 04:53:00 +0000

I'm on a 'simplicity' kick. Trying to simplify things around here. It started with the Montreal and continues with my latest pattern. The Day Coat is very simple, 3 pieces sewn together and a collar, no shaping.. fat yarn and big needles (of course, so not only simple but quick!)

I was lucky enough to receive more Cadena l from Illimani Yarn, the Canadian yarn company based in Montreal. This alpaca/merino blend is such a pleasure to work with and the drape is amazing, just what you need for these oversized pieces.

The Day Coat uses approximately 539yds/492m (11 skeins) of Cadena l and US #19 (16mm) I would rate this as an easy pattern, good for an advanced beginner on up. It's a one size pattern but using the schematic and the notations included is easy to adjust if needed.

Available as a PDF download. $6.50

The 2015 LA Yarn Crawl

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 06:22:00 +0000

This weekend most LA County yarn shops will be opening their doors as part of our local yarn crawl. Today, Friday March 27, 2015 at 1 & 5pm I'll be at The Little Knittery giving Tunisian crochet demos as part of the weekend long festivities.

This Tunisian crocheted vest pattern will be available at The Little Knittery this weekend... I'll post it here next week.

If you can't make it to the demos check out my Tunisian crochet tutorial here and learn to make a simple cowl. The simple Tunisian crochet stitch is super easy to learn even if you don't crochet!

Hope to see you there!

Tunisian crochet cowl

the Montreal

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 04:38:00 +0000

If I may, I'm totally in love with my latest design.. but is it the design or the yarn I love so much?! "the Montreal" is named in honor of the home city of Illimani Yarn, a Canadian yarn company specializing in alpaca yarns from Bolivia and Peru. Illimani contacted me asking if I would be interested in working with their yarn.. of course I said yes knowing how good it would be and so they sent this gorgeous alpaca/merino blend.. the yarn "Cadena" (@430 yards total for the Montreal) is amazingly soft and has just the right weight to it to give this piece great movement and drape.

I have been wearing "the Montreal" non stop since I finished it! You could easily knit this super simple piece up in a weekend since "Cadena" is a chunky yarn worked on US #17's (US #19's for the collar) in Garter Stitch and a variation of a rib stitch.
A crochet version is on my hook and will be out soon!

Pattern available as a PDF $6.50

bon jour la Canadienne

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 18:06:00 +0000

Enfin! Une version française du "Canadienne".

English Version

La Canadienne

Matériel:

1 écheveau de Magnum par Cascade (112.5m/123vgs)

Aiguilles droites ou circulaires 16mm (19 US). Je n’ai pas pu trouver un équivalent canadien pour US19.

Échantillon: 6^ère maille et 8^er rang =10 cm (4 po) dans le modèle

Mesures finies: 14cm X 61-137cm ou 5.5po x 24-54po

Faire le patron pour au moins 61cm(24 po). Ceci fera une cagoule plus courte.

La cagoule sur la photo mesure 137cm/54 po.

Si vous fabriquez une cagoule plus courte vous pouvez obtenir 2 cagoules avec 1 écheveau de laine Magnum.

Motif:

Multiples de 3+2

Rg 1: Glisser 1 maille, tricoter sur l’envers sur la longueur du rang, terminer avec 1 maille endroit.

Rg 2: Glisser 1 maille, * Sauter la première maille, tricoter la deuxième, puis la première (celle qui a été sautée), glisser les deux mailles tricotées sur l’aiguille de gauche, 1 maille envers*, terminer avec une maille endroit.

Commencer:

Monter 14 mailles..

Répéter les rangs 1 & 2 jusqu’à la longueur désirée (au moins 61 cm/24 po pour une cagoule plus petite) et rabattre les mailles.

Coudre le premier et le dernier rang ensemble.

Rentrez les bouts et portez fièrement!

Crochet Capelet No 2

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 16:56:00 +0000

I had another crochet request for one of my knit patterns. This time it was for a crochet version of my Magnum Capelet #2
knit version

This would be a great project for a beginner wanting to try a bit of shaping. Worked flat from the top, simple increases give it shape.

Using about 246 yards (500 grams) for the S/M, 360 yards (750 grams) for the L of a chunky yarn like Magnum by Cascade or Big Wool by Rowan and with a Q (15-16mm) hook in a couple of hours you'll be done!

Available as a PDF download $6.50

the Openwork T

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 03:59:00 +0000

With plenty of hot weather ahead of us I'm thankfully not too late in getting this pattern out! Made with a chunky T-shirt yarn "Tee Cakes" by HiKoo and #19US or 15mm it works up super quick.

The openwork section, a wide neck and generous side openings make this a perfect summer “T” and I would rate this for at least the advanced beginner because of the openwork section and how the bottom section is worked in the round.

Available as a PDF download $6.50

Here's a little sneak peak at a design I just completed for The BagSmith that will be showing the beginning of August at Stitches Midwest... kits will be available at that time as well.

The coat is made using a piece of merino/silk felt fabric (top section) with a yarn that was spun from the same fiber for the bottom section. It was nice to mix it up from the usual by incorporating the felt and since the felt makes up a large part of the piece the knitting (on a #17US, 13mm) works up in no time. Super toasty, this will be a great coat for the coming colder months.

Translations

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 16:03:00 +0000

I'm happy to announce I now offer 3 of my crochet patterns in Dutch, Italian and Spanish. French and German coming soon... as well as a selection of my knitting patterns.

Available on Etsy or Ravelry.
Please contact me if you are having trouble accessing the translations.

A little last minute but...

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 05:42:00 +0000

If you're in the Los Angeles area tomorrow stop by The Little Knittery where I'm giving a couple of free workshops on Tunisian Crochet. Times: noon & 4pm. Also a free macrame workshop @2pm along with trunk shows by Knit Collage & Julia Trice the amazing designer behind the Mind of Winter pattern line. All part of the 3rd Annual LA County Yarn Crawl. Hope to see you there!

The Reluctant Hooker

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 06:34:00 +0000

I've often thought if I were to write a book of crochet patterns that that would be the title. Reluctant in that crochet doesn't flow for me like knitting does but maybe it should be "The Persevering Hooker" in that even though at times it befuddles me I'm not going to give up!

(The above pattern is now available as a PDF download $6.50)

One of the main reasons for my wanting to persevere is because of the amount of requests I get from crocheters who want a crochet version of my knit designs. And because I love a challenge I can't say no, I'm always adding to my crochet "to-do" list from these requests. The above coat is the result from one of these requests. It's the crochet version of my Swing Coat (currently working on the pattern).

Made in Tunisian Crochet with a S hook and @7 skeins of Cascade Magnum (@860 yards super bulky) it works up quickly, love that about crochet!

Not sure how many of you are familiar with Tunisian Crochet but it takes elements of both knitting & crochet and is pretty easy to get the hang of... and even if you can't knit or crochet you will be working this stitch in no time.

So in preparation of this coat pattern I've worked a super simple cowl in Tunisian Crochet for you all to try.

Materials needed:
@123 yds/@112m of a super chunky yarn like Magnum by Cascade.
(color shown #9430 Highland Green)
A Tunisian crochet hook size S/19mm.
A Tunisian crochet hook is different from a regular crochet hook in that the shaft of the hook is longer and is the same size the whole length of the shaft like a knitting needle. I used a hook I purchased on Etsy from mimisneedlebasket. I bought both the R and the S but found I liked the S better with the yarn I was using. I used the S hook for the coat as well.

Finished measurements: 12"x 31" measured when laid flat before sewing together.
Gauge @1.5sts= 1"

Start by chaining 18. Going into the 2nd chain from hook pull a loop up through each chain space to end.

I went through the bump on the back of the chain because I like the way the edge looks.

When wrapping the hook the yarn should come over the top of the hook so when pulling the loop through the left leg of the loop sits in the front.

You should have 18 loops on your hook. You can see in this photo how the edge looks by going through the bumps on the back.

Now we work back. Do not turn.

Wrap and pull 1 loop through the edge stitch. This is the 1st stitch of the next row.

Now wrap the stitch as before and pull through the next 2 loops on the hook. Work in this way down the row of loops until you are left with 1 loop on the hook.

The next row will put the loops back on the hook. Do not chain 1 before starting the next row. You may see other tutorials that have you chain 1 before starting the next row but I found it creates a nicer edge to not chain 1.

Insert hook into the 2nd stitch of the previous row.

Wrap and pull up a loop. 2sts on the hook.

Work this way to the end of the row.

The last stitch is worked the same as the others by going into the stitch of the previous row.

Continue working the rows as described until desired length. I used 1 full skein of Magnum and when I counted the vertical lines that you can see so prominently in the photo of the finished piece I counted 34 from the starting chain to the end.

I ended on a row with the loops on the hook then joined that edge to the starting edge by crocheting the edges together.

Rodney looking a little unsure about wearing the cowl.... You can see the side that's showing more prominently here looks a bit like reverse stockinette stitch or a purl side and that's why I chose it for the crochet version of the Swing Coat. The knit version is worn with the purl side facing out and I thought this was a good substitute.

Maybe you'll be inspired to try Tunisian Crochet and for extra help I'm sure there are countless videos on youtube to check out ;) OR if you're in Los Angeles the first weekend of April during the 3rd annual LA County Yarn Crawl we'll have demonstrations of Tunisian Crochet at The Little Knittery so come on by!

Addi-ctive

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 04:52:00 +0000

I wish I was clever enough to come up with that title, but my friend Asuka used it after seeing my new Addi Express machine in action.... and it is addictive!

Asuka is the Director of Education and Public Programs at the Santa Monica Museum of Art and had hired me to teach a couple of workshops at the Museum. For the 2nd workshop I brought the Addi machine and was so glad I did. It's hard to offer a workshop or to teach a class where you walk out with a completely finished project but it happened that night! We all walked out with finished hats having cranked out the bulk of the hat on the knitting machine. To set it up and crank it out takes probably 10 minutes tops. The most involved part is getting the work off the machine then knitting the ribbing on the bottom edge and binding off.

I first saw it in action at a trunk show the rep for Addi had at The Little Knittery and Kat and I were immediately taken with it (you can check out videos on youtube to see it in action.) After my daughter kept asking if we could get one I thought, what the heck and justified it by thinking of all the Christmas gifts we could crank out... as of yet not one :(

Here's Wilhelmina, my 6 year old working on it. It's a very simple machine to use, she has no problem doing the set up row, making the piece and taking it off by herself. The flat pieces are a little trickier but she's trying.

Here's a flat piece on the machine. Kat and I were making fingerless mitts and were getting a little frustrated with how it would sometimes skip at the ends and we would have to redo it but we weren't sure if it was our inexperience with the machine or if flat pieces are just trickier.

Here's a flat swatch and a bit of a hat showing at the top of the picture. The hat I used Misti Alpaca Chunky and it worked great. I used a 10.5 US needle for the ribbing and did a kitchener bind off. The flat piece was a lighter worsted and it worked great too. I want to work on a sweater with a lighter worsted... I think the needles on the machine are the equivalent to a US 10 or 10.5 so the lighter worsted would have a nice drape.

Here's Ursula wearing the hat she made (with a little help from mom). Again we used Misti Alpaca Chunky. For the bottom we held it together with a thin strand of something sparkly. There are a few rounds of this yarn that was like ric rac that she wanted but it was such a pain to work with we nixed it before it ruined the whole thing.

But what threw me off track with the machine and my intent to make lots of Christmas gifts was a job I had knitting for The Ellen Show last weekend. They wanted a matching hat and scarf in a bulky yarn (unfortunately the yarn was too thick for the machine.) It's always a good feeling to finish within a deadline and although I didn't get to see it a friend of mine sent me this photo and I thought it looked pretty good!

OK finally, hope everyone is having a great Holiday Season... better sign off to get cranking on some gifts! All the best in the New Year!

Santa Monica Museum of Art Workshops

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 17:20:00 +0000

Join me this Saturday, November 23rd at 10am for a beginning knitting workshop at the Santa Monica Museum of Art... already know how to knit then come on by December 3rd from 7-10pm for project knitting.

These workshops are in connection with a collaborative exhibit by artists Yutaka Sone & Benjamin Weissman. Check out the museum's website for a sneak peak or stop by tonight for the opening reception.

Hope to see you there!

Wild Oats Fingerless Mitts

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 17:52:00 +0000

These fingerless mitts I made for an Intro to Cables class we had at The Little Knittery. But I'm liking it as a great project for Holiday knitting, certainly meets all my requirements for gift knitting: quick, pretty easy and doesn't require much yarn... gotta keep chipping away at my stash!

These used 1/2 a skein of Pediboo by Frog Tree, so 2 pairs from one skein!

Materials:
1 skein Pediboo Yarn (182yds/165m) A blend of 80% Machine Washable Merino and 20% Bamboo Viscose.
#9 (5.5mm) needles
Darning needle
Cable Needle
Gauge 4sts = 1" in Stockinette Stitch
Finished measurements: 6"x 4"
If any adjustments are made to the pattern in regards to the stitch count add or subtract in multiples of 4, the number of stitches between the *'s.

Glossary:
K: knit
P: purl
St(s): stitch(es)
Stockinette Stitch (St st): alternate rows of Knit and Purl.
Sl 1: Go into the stitch as if you were going to purl and slip it from the left to the right hand needle.
* : repeat
CN: cable needle
LHN: left hand needle
BO: bind or cast off

Cast on 35 stitches.
Rows 1-7: K
Row 8: P
Work 4 sets of Wild Oats Pattern. 32 rows total.
On the last set of the Wild Oats Pattern Knit Row 8.
K 7 more rows. BO
Sew side seams leaving a hole for the thumb @2.25" from the top and 2" from the bottom or how best it fits your hand.

Wild Oats Pattern (multiples of 4 +3)
Rows 1 and 5: (RS) Sl 1, * K2, sl1, K1, rep from * to last 2sts, K2
Rows 2 and 6: Sl 1, P1, * P1, sl1, P2, rep from * to end, P1.
Row 3: Sl 1, * Slip next 2 sts onto CN and hold at back of work, K the slip st from the LHN, K2 from CN, K1, Rep from * to last st, K2.
Row 4: P
Row 7: Sl 1, K1, * K1, slip the slip st onto CN and hold at front of work, K2, K1 from CN, rep from * to end, K1.
Row 8: P
Rep these 8 rows.

Sporty

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 05:19:00 +0000

Sometimes I just want to cast on and start knitting without thinking about how it will translate into a pattern. I want a break from my knitting "work" and just knit for the love of it.

It started last month when I was trying to downsize my stash and found these 2 colors of Pastaza by Cascade that I had left over from when I owned the shop Knit 1 in Chicago. Whenever Cascade would discontinue a color of a yarn I liked I would buy a bag having no idea what I would do with it but knowing I would use it someday... too many of those bags laying around!
So when I was going through my yarn and saw these two colors together it made me think of a 60's ski sweater and I knew I had to make something sporty.

I'm happy with how it turned out although I really need to block it (I want the body & sleeves a little bit longer.) And while it looks pretty simple because of the garter stitch, the construction of it (the top) is involved and is a little bit more than I want to translate right now... even though I did take notes.
That being said I'm sure at some point I'll write the pattern (next year). If you're an experienced knitter who is comfortable with minimal instruction and would like to try making it email me, I'm more than happy to share my notes.

the Crochet Brioche Sweater

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 01:02:00 +0000

After many months and promises of almost having it ready I'm happy to say the pattern for the Crochet Brioche Sweater is ready!

Having nothing to do with bread or the crochet brioche stitch the sweater is named after my knit version the Honeycomb Brioche Sweater. (pictured above)

Made using between 550-615 yards, 503-562m (4.5 skeins for S/M, 5 skeins for L) of Magnum by Cascade and Q/15.75mm hook this piece works up quickly and would be a good 1st sweater project for an advanced beginner to tackle. Nothing too complicated with this one... minimal increasing at the bottom waist section is probably the most complicated part.

Pattern available as a PDF download. $6.50

Just in time for Fall...

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 23:25:00 +0000

Huge wink for that title since I'm clearly a season behind! Has summer officially ended though? If it has you couldn't tell by the weather here in LA. September has been like a blast from a furnace so there's still some mileage for these pieces.

Stargazer Stripes:

The Knit Collage yarn Stargazer Silk, a 100% silk yarn that is threaded with silver colored brass sequins is a perfect yarn for this reversible A line tank. The weight of the yarn from the combination of the sequins and the silk makes it feel quite luxurious and adds a lot of drama to a simple striped top.

Worked from the top down with simple increases, easy color changes and an i-cord for the straps this would be a good top for an advanced beginner to tackle. Sizes: S/M, L

Yarn: 3(4) skeins of Color A (black) & 2 skeins of Color B (white)

Stargazer Silk by Knit Collage

Needle: US 10.5

Available as a PDF download. $6.50

a Simple Tank

This simple tank I designed for The Little Knittery as a shop sample. Made from the bottom up (a rarity for me) with a minimum of shaping and again i-cord straps, it's another one that would be good for an advanced beginner to try. I grafted the straps to make them seamless though these could be sewn. This top has deep armholes making it a good layering piece for cooler weather.

Yarn: 3 balls of Job-Life (L302) by On Line

Needle: US #19 24" circular.

Available as a PDF download. $6.50

Simple Girl's Top

Another simple top made for The Little Knittery. This sweet little number is a great intro to top down knitting. Raglan sleeves, a minimum of side shaping with a cute picot hem. My girls love it!

Yarn: 1 skein of Ella Rae Lace Merino

Needle: US #6 24"

Pattern available as a PDF download. $6.50

If you made it this far...

My next pattern coming mid September will be the crochet sweater if I can bear touching it in this heat!

the Scrappy Triangle Scarf

noreply@blogger.com (Knit 1 LA) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 05:55:00 +0000

I was asked months ago to design a triangle scarf/shawl using super chunky yarn and I finally got around to making it. It took about 4-5 hours total to work up... don't know what took me so long!

I kept it pretty simple using garter stitch while giving it a little interest with an eyelet row every few rows. The finished measurements for my scarf:
70"/178cm across & 28"/71cm from top to point.
Gauge: isn't too important but I had a gauge of @4sts = 4"/10cm

Trying to use up scrap yarn from my stash (hence the name) I used about 180yd/165m of Magnum by Cascade, a 60"/152cm long #19/15mm needle and 2 markers to mark either side of the center stitch.

Glossary:
K: knit
K2tog: knit 2 stitches together
pm: place marker
sl m: slip marker from one needle to the next
* : repeat

Here goes:

Cast on 5sts.
Row 1: [K1, yo] 2x's, pm, K1, pm, [yo, K1] 2x's
9sts
Row 2 & all even rows: K
Row 3: K1, yo, K to marker, yo, sl m, K1, sl m, yo, K to 1 stitch before the end of row, yo, K1.
13sts
Row5: K1, yo, K1 * yo, K2tog * to marker, yo, sl m, K1, sl m, yo, *K2tog, yo * to last 2sts, K1, yo, K1.
17sts
Row 6: K

Repeat below sequence to desired length:
Work Rows 3&4 [2x's]
Work Rows 5&6 once

I cast off when I had 97sts.
4 increases are made on each odd numbered row. If changing colors do so on a Row 5.
Instead of keeping track of my rows I kept track of my number of stitches for when I should work a Row 5, so when I had 13sts I worked a Row 5; 21sts work a Row 5, 29sts and so on... when the stitch count has increased by 8sts work the eyelet row.

Patterns coming up in the next couple of months:

I used a bulky cotton tape for this tank.

This is made with Knit Collage's "Stargazer Silk & Sequins."
LOVE this yarn!

#6's & Ella Rae's Lace Merino for this cute little top.

I've been asked a lot about the pattern for this one. I should have it by the end of August, beginning of September.

I know I'm missing a couple of promised ones as well, just not enough hours in the day!