Just wanted to let everyone know that the etsy shop is up and running! Right now I have one handspun and several stitch markers. I need to take some pics and I should have a few more handspuns up in the next couple of days.
I am really excited about my new patterns and the positive response on them. I had one knitter contact me about the basket weave handbag. She mentioned that she really doesn't crochet and me (like a moron) forgets that not all knitter's crochet also. So here is a simple solution for those who don't crochet:
Instead of binding off, switch to the cotton yarn. Decrease every stitch, 38 st remain. Work in garter st for 4 rows (2 purl ridges on the front side).
next row: k12, bo 14, k12
next row: k12, co 14, k12 (leaving an opening for the handle but joining to the last 12 stitches) Knit 6 more rows (3 purl ridges on the front side) Bind off.
Pick up 76 stitches from the cast on edge and repeat the above directions.
Sew up side seams, weave in ends.
I used garter stitch as an example but in the spirit of making it your own, you can use any stitch that doesn't curl such as seed stitch. I will be sure to add this to the end of the pattern post also.
I did start on the Malabrigo bag, but I'm not particularly happy with it right now, it just didn't come out like I had pictured in my head. I'm working on a baby surprise jacket for a preggo friend of my mine and that is almost done, so I might try and pick it back up and have another pattern by the end of this week. Then it is off to Colorado for me!!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
So freakin cool
How freaking awesome is that??? My bag is on the recently added list!!!! It has been up for about 3 hours as I write and people are favoriting it, woot woot. Okay everyone, start telling me what a complete dork I am. I know, go ahead, but I feel special right now, or at least some pattern love.Since I am all about customizing patterns I thought that I would give a quick tip for customizing this bag, make it big! By increasing needle size and/or yarn weight, you can very easily increase and still use the same pattern. If you want to be a little more adventurous, you can increase the number of stitches. The stitch pattern is just a multiple of 2 stitches plus a stitch on each side for the selvedge. To change the top, simply follow the same guidelines and adjust the number of crochet stitches as necessary. The handles are 1/3 of one side of the purse! Voila, from small handbag to large tote! Am I using to many exclamations?
I got off my hiney and set up an Etsy store. You can find it here. There isn't anything up as of today other than I spent a little while actually setting up the store. So far I (and my partner in crime) plan on having dyed yarn, fiber, hand spun yarn, stitch markers and rosaries. I made a few stitch markers tonight...
yep. Well that's all I have for tonight. Happy knitting!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
New handspun
In addition to the new pattern, I was busy this weekend spinning up some pretty new yarn that I felt I need to share.
I also decided that I really need a plying head for the Lendrum and Christmas is still months away... Maybe I could buy it for the hubby's birthday in September. After all he does buy me presents for himself. Okay maybe not, I guess I just need to sell my soul... or yarn... who would like to buy 320 yards (4 oz) of sport weight 100% hand spun wool? $30. Maybe I need to get on etsy.
I really have the spinning bug right now, I started some pretty blended merino last night and I'm thinking about plying it with some mill spun cashmere singles that I have and have no idea what to do with. The merino is very pretty yellow blended with some orange, light blue and pink, and the cashmere is a lighter yellow, I post pics when I can take some.
I am also finding that I don't do forced knitting very well either. I can't even stand the sight of Heather's wedding shawl, so it might turn into Heather's wedding purse or something (not the actual shawl, but I might make a purse instead, which gives me an idea but I would have to spin the yarn and that probably won't happen). I should make something fun for the bridesmaids, each different so I don't get bored...Angelina!! sorry, that was the turret syndrome speaking, angelina the fiber not the brood mare, I mean actress. I am very easily distracted today and rambling so on that note I am off to a cookie cake party in my honor (not really, they just invited me).
Monday, June 23, 2008
New Pattern- Basket weave handbag
Call me the bag lady for the next few weeks, I seem to have a desire to use up all of my single skeins and small bags are perfect for that. This week is a very simple little bag, very light and perfect for the hot weather. I saw a scarf in a similar color way of a different Manos yarn and I loved the stitch pattern, but what the heck am I going to do with a wool scarf in Louisiana???? If found the stitch pattern in my big book of knitting and decided to go for a bag instead. Sorry for the awful pic, I promise to get a better one up in the next few days.
Materials- Main color (MC) 1 skein Manos del Uruguay silk blend (150 yds) in 3113
Contrasting color (CC) 1 ball Patons Grace in Ruby
size 8 needles
size G/6 crochet hook
Gauge- who cares it's a purse (but if your a stickler--about 6 st/in in pattern, which is really hard to tell, but count both the right leaning stitch and the left leaning stitch below it)
Finished size- 8"x10"
Cast on 76 st and begin pattern as follows:
Basket weave stitch pattern-- worked over two stitches
Row 1-k1, *with right needle behind the first st, knit into the second stitch, do not drop stitch off of left needle, knit into first stitch and then drop both stitches off of left needle* rep *-* to last stitch, k1
Row 2- p2, *with right needle in front of first st, purl into the second stitch, do not drop stitch off of left needle, purl into first stitch and then drop both stitches off of left needle* rep*-* to last 2 stitches, p2
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 12 inches, BO. Fold in half (hamburger style) and sew side seams. You should have enough yarn left to crochet one or two rounds around the top of the purse; if not, join CC. Single crochet around the top edge evenly in the round (see note below).
Note:
This is about the time I started just going and not paying attention to the fact that I wanted to write this pattern down. To keep even with the stitch pattern, I crocheted into every other BO or CO st, this tightened up the top fairly nice. This means that you should end up with 76 sc.
Handles
If you haven't already, switch to CC.
work 2 round of hdc.
next round: 12 hdc, ch 14, skip 14 hdc, 24 hdc, ch 14, skip 14 hdc, 12 hdc.
next round: 12 hdc, hdc in each ch (14), 24 hdc, hdc in each ch (14), 12 hdc.
work 2 more rounds of hdc, BO.
Finishing- weave in ends and sew in liner if desired.
Abbreviations--
Sc= single crochet
Ch= chain
hdc= half double crochet
See how easy that was?
for the non-crochet-ers, try this top:
Instead of binding off, switch to the cotton yarn. Decrease every stitch, 38 st remain. Work in garter st for 4 rows (2 purl ridges on the front side).
next row: k12, bo 14, k12
next row: k12, co 14, k12 (leaving an opening for the handle but joining to the last 12 stitches) Knit 6 more rows (3 purl ridges on the front side) Bind off.
Pick up 76 stitches from the cast on edge and repeat the above directions.
Sew up side seams, weave in ends.
Next week's bag pattern (hopefully if I don't lose my head before then):
I will pull myself into 2008 and finally knit with Malabrigo, since I am apparently the last knitter on earth to pick some up.
Materials- Main color (MC) 1 skein Manos del Uruguay silk blend (150 yds) in 3113
Contrasting color (CC) 1 ball Patons Grace in Ruby
size 8 needles
size G/6 crochet hook
Gauge- who cares it's a purse (but if your a stickler--about 6 st/in in pattern, which is really hard to tell, but count both the right leaning stitch and the left leaning stitch below it)
Finished size- 8"x10"
Cast on 76 st and begin pattern as follows:
Basket weave stitch pattern-- worked over two stitches
Row 1-k1, *with right needle behind the first st, knit into the second stitch, do not drop stitch off of left needle, knit into first stitch and then drop both stitches off of left needle* rep *-* to last stitch, k1
Row 2- p2, *with right needle in front of first st, purl into the second stitch, do not drop stitch off of left needle, purl into first stitch and then drop both stitches off of left needle* rep*-* to last 2 stitches, p2
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 12 inches, BO. Fold in half (hamburger style) and sew side seams. You should have enough yarn left to crochet one or two rounds around the top of the purse; if not, join CC. Single crochet around the top edge evenly in the round (see note below).
Note:
This is about the time I started just going and not paying attention to the fact that I wanted to write this pattern down. To keep even with the stitch pattern, I crocheted into every other BO or CO st, this tightened up the top fairly nice. This means that you should end up with 76 sc.
Handles
If you haven't already, switch to CC.
work 2 round of hdc.
next round: 12 hdc, ch 14, skip 14 hdc, 24 hdc, ch 14, skip 14 hdc, 12 hdc.
next round: 12 hdc, hdc in each ch (14), 24 hdc, hdc in each ch (14), 12 hdc.
work 2 more rounds of hdc, BO.
Finishing- weave in ends and sew in liner if desired.
Abbreviations--
Sc= single crochet
Ch= chain
hdc= half double crochet
See how easy that was?
for the non-crochet-ers, try this top:
Instead of binding off, switch to the cotton yarn. Decrease every stitch, 38 st remain. Work in garter st for 4 rows (2 purl ridges on the front side).
next row: k12, bo 14, k12
next row: k12, co 14, k12 (leaving an opening for the handle but joining to the last 12 stitches) Knit 6 more rows (3 purl ridges on the front side) Bind off.
Pick up 76 stitches from the cast on edge and repeat the above directions.
Sew up side seams, weave in ends.
Next week's bag pattern (hopefully if I don't lose my head before then):
I will pull myself into 2008 and finally knit with Malabrigo, since I am apparently the last knitter on earth to pick some up.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Free Pattern
Okay this will count as my very first pattern. I have it in PDF format if anyone would like it, please let me know and I will email it (I have no idea where or how to upload it so that it can be directly downloaded. I'm not that technical)
Boho Beaded Bag by Robynn Thomas
Needles: size 13 24” circular needles
crochet hook size I/9-5.50 mm
Yarn: 2 skeins Lamb’s Pride Burly Spun in sable
or about 350 yards of worted weight
Needles: size 13 24” circular needles
crochet hook size I/9-5.50 mm
Yarn: 2 skeins Lamb’s Pride Burly Spun in sable
or about 350 yards of worted weight
yarn, 2 strands held together
Notions: Stitch markers
71/2” diameter round purse handles
Assortment of large wooden beads
Gauge: 10 sts = 4 inches in St st
Notes:
Moss Stitch pattern:
Round 1: k1, p1
Round 2: k1, p1
Round 3: p1, k1
Round 4: p1, k1
Repeat rounds 1-4
Pattern:
Cast on 58 stitches, join being careful not to twist.
Place marker to mark beginning of round. Work 29 stitches in stitch pattern, pm, work in stitch pattern to end of round.
Next round (increase round): m1 by p1, k1 into the first st, cont in patt to 1 st before marker, m1, slip marker, m1, cont in patt to 1 st before marker, m1.
Work even for the next 3 rounds
Work these 4 rounds until there are 74 sts.
Work even until piece measures 10”
Divide for top of purse
Next round: k16, BO 5, k32, BO 5, k2, ssk, k to last 4 st, k2tog k2 (30 sts), turn. You will work only these 30 sts for now.
Next row: sl1, p1, p2tog, p to last 4 sts, ssp, p2
Next row: *sl1, k1, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2
Next row: sl 1, p1, p2tog, p to last 4 sts, ssp, p2*
Rep *-* once more
Next row: *sl1, k1, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2
Next row: sl1, p to end*
Repeat *-* twice more
Work 4 rows in St st, bind off.
Repeat for other side
Finishing
Weave in ends and sew in liner if desired
Attach handles by crocheting on. See tutorial for braided look (check for this in the next week or so).
Make 4 20” lengths of cable cord by cutting 40” of yarn (if using 2 strands of worsted held together, do the same to make the cord) tape or have someone hold one end of the yarn, twist in the same direction the yarn is twisted tightly. Hold the middle of the yarn taught, bring the ends together and then release and let the yarn twist back on itself.
Note:
I-cord works very well for this also, but I recommend using a fingering or sport weight yarn to make the I-cord or it will be too thick to fit through the beads.
Using a crochet hook (and picture for reference, I have crudely outlined the cord to make it more visible) lace cords through the top of the purse and secure to the wrong side. String one bead onto both cords, then three beads onto each cord, make knots to hold beads in place, repeat for other side.
Weave in any remaining ends and enjoy!
71/2” diameter round purse handles
Assortment of large wooden beads
Gauge: 10 sts = 4 inches in St st
Notes:
Moss Stitch pattern:
Round 1: k1, p1
Round 2: k1, p1
Round 3: p1, k1
Round 4: p1, k1
Repeat rounds 1-4
Pattern:
Cast on 58 stitches, join being careful not to twist.
Place marker to mark beginning of round. Work 29 stitches in stitch pattern, pm, work in stitch pattern to end of round.
Next round (increase round): m1 by p1, k1 into the first st, cont in patt to 1 st before marker, m1, slip marker, m1, cont in patt to 1 st before marker, m1.
Work even for the next 3 rounds
Work these 4 rounds until there are 74 sts.
Work even until piece measures 10”
Divide for top of purse
Next round: k16, BO 5, k32, BO 5, k2, ssk, k to last 4 st, k2tog k2 (30 sts), turn. You will work only these 30 sts for now.
Next row: sl1, p1, p2tog, p to last 4 sts, ssp, p2
Next row: *sl1, k1, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2
Next row: sl 1, p1, p2tog, p to last 4 sts, ssp, p2*
Rep *-* once more
Next row: *sl1, k1, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2
Next row: sl1, p to end*
Repeat *-* twice more
Work 4 rows in St st, bind off.
Repeat for other side
Finishing
Weave in ends and sew in liner if desired
Attach handles by crocheting on. See tutorial for braided look (check for this in the next week or so).
Make 4 20” lengths of cable cord by cutting 40” of yarn (if using 2 strands of worsted held together, do the same to make the cord) tape or have someone hold one end of the yarn, twist in the same direction the yarn is twisted tightly. Hold the middle of the yarn taught, bring the ends together and then release and let the yarn twist back on itself.
Note:
I-cord works very well for this also, but I recommend using a fingering or sport weight yarn to make the I-cord or it will be too thick to fit through the beads.
Using a crochet hook (and picture for reference, I have crudely outlined the cord to make it more visible) lace cords through the top of the purse and secure to the wrong side. String one bead onto both cords, then three beads onto each cord, make knots to hold beads in place, repeat for other side.
Weave in any remaining ends and enjoy!
© Robynn Thomas 2008All rights reserved
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