Lace knit stitch

Cast on 49 stitches (this will make a scarf)

Pattern:
Row 1 (wrong side) and all wrong side rows: Purl.
Row 2: Knit 4, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 3, yarn over, slip, slip, knit.
Row 4: Knit 3, knit 2 together, yarn over, (knit 1, yarn over, slip, slip, knit) twice, knit 1, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 1.
Row 6: Knit 2, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 3, yarn over, slip, slip, knit, knit 1, yarn over, knit 3 together, yarn over, knit 2.
Row 8: Knit 1, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 1, yarn over, slip, slip, knit, knit 2, yarn over, slip, slip, knit, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 3.
Row 10: Knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 3, yarn over, slip, slip, knit, knit 2, yarn over, slip, slip, knit, knit 4.
Row 12: knit 1, yarn over, slip, slip, knit, (knit 1, knit 2 together, yarn over) twice, knit 1, yarn over, slip, slip, knit, knit 3.
Row 14: Knit 2, yarn over, slip one, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over, yarn over, knit 1, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 3, yarn over, slip, slip, knit, knit 2.
Row 16: Knit 3, yarn over, slip, slip, knit, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 1, yarn over, slip, slip, knit, knit 1.
Repeat these 16 rows.

I found this great pattern here!

how to knit mitered corners

Such fun to knit!

Another pattern someone sent me-wish they would tell me where it came from!

SQ1: Cast on 16 stitches R1: K6, K2tog, k2tog, K6

R2: and all even rows Knit

R3: K5, k2tog,K2tog, K5

R5: K4, K2tog, K2tog, K4 - see a pattern forming??

R7: K3, K2tog, K2tog, K3

R9: K2, K2tog, K2tog, K2

R11: K1, K2tog, K2tog, K1

R13: K2tog twice

R14: K2tog

For the second square, leave the stitch on the needle. While looking at the front of your work, pick up and knit 7 stitches along the left side of the diamond, then using the knitted cast on, cast on 8. - 16 sts in all

Repeat the 14 rows above.





You can use this as an edge trim..looks great!

Colours and Patterns

Mixing Stitches and Colours can make a great design. I got this pattern from an old Filatura Di Crosa pattern book (all in Italian!) It was such fun to make!

Front

Back

Close up of the stitches used

Knitting Cables

Easy instructions for cable - i found this on a great site Knitting cables for dummies

The simple technique of cabling (crossing one group of stitches over another) lends itself to many interpretations in knitting. It's easy to do, you can make all kinds of interesting and imaginative cable patterns. All it takes is a little patience and practice.

You can make any kind of cable by suspending (holding) a number of stitches on a cable needle (cn) while you knit that same number of stitches from the LH needle. Then you knit the suspended stitches either by returning them to the LH needle and knitting them or by knitting them straight from the cable needle. This process of knitting stitches out of order enables you to cross stitches, creating cables. Whether you're making simple or intricate cables, all you're doing is crossing stitches. Easy, right?

Standard or rope cables are the most basic cables. They generally cross stitches predictably up a single column of stitches. You can make a rope cable over almost any even number of stitches from two to twelve — or more.

If you want to make a cable that looks like it's twisting to the left, you hold your suspended stitches in front of your work while you knit from the LH needle.
If you want to make a cable that twists to the right, hold the suspended stitches in back.

To try a 6-stitch left-twisting cable, cast on 14 stitches and then follow these steps:

1. Work Row 1 (RS): P4, k6, p4.
The first and last k4 (knit four) stitches make up the background fabric for your cable. The six stitches in the middle are where you'll form your cable stitches.

2. Work Row 2: K4, p6, k4.

3. Work Row 3: P4, k6, p4. (same as row 1).

4. Work Row 4: k4, p6, k4 (same as row 2).

5. Work Row 5, the turning row: P4, sl 3 sts to cn and hold in front (see Figure 1a), k3 from LH needle (see Figure 1b), k3 from cn (see Figure 1c), p4.

6. Work Row 6: K4, p6, k4 (same as Row 2).
Instead of knitting stitches directly from the cable needle, you may prefer to return the suspended stitches to the LH needle before you knit them. Try both ways and use whichever technique is more comfortable to you.
When you suspend stitches on the cable needle, let the cable needle dangle down in front of your work, giving the yarn a slight tug to keep it taut (you don't need to close the gap).

7. Repeat Steps 1 through 6 and watch your stockinette stitches become a cabled rope.

When you work cables, you go back and forth from purl stitches to knit stitches. From a knit to a purl stitch, bring your yarn between the needles to the front before you make the next stitch. From a purl to a knit stitch, bring your yarn between the needles to the back before you make the next stitch.

Cable Knit Purse

A Great pattern!

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 10” across x 10” high (Not including strap)

MATERIALS3 Hanks BERROCO ULTRA ALPACA (100 grs), #6285 Oceanic Mix
Straight knitting needles, sizes 10 (6.00 mm) and 10 1/2 (7.00 mm)
Crochet hook, size 3.50 mm (E)
1 Cable needle (cn)
One 1 1/2” button

NOTE
There are no gauge requirements for this project.

STITCH GLOSSARY
CB4
Sl 2 sts to cn and hold in BACK, k2, then k2 from cn

CABLE PATTERN (Multiple of 10 sts + 4)
Row 1 (RS): K1, * k2, p2, k4, p2, rep from * across, end k3.
Row 2: K1, k the k sts and p the p sts as they face you to last st, end k1.
Row 3: K1, * k2, p2, CB4, p2, rep from * across, end k3.
Row 4: Rep Row 2.
Rep these 4 rows for Cable Pat.

FRONT
With larger straight needles, using 2 strands of yarn held tog, cast on 44 sts. Work even in Cable Pat for 8”, end on RS. Bind off, decreasing 12 sts across.

BACK
Work same as front for 8”, end on WS. Knit the next row, decreasing 8 sts across – 36 sts. Knit 1 row more.
Flap: Follow Chart until 22 rows have been completed, end on WS – 22 sts. Bind off.

STRAP/GUSSET
With smaller straight needles, using 2 strands of yarn held tog, cast on 9 sts.
Row 1 (RS): K1, * p1, k1, rep from * across.
Row 2: P1, * k1, p1, rep from * across. Rep these 2 rows until piece measures 50”, end on WS. Bind off in ribbing.

FINISHING
Sew cast-on and bound-off ends of Strap/Gusset tog being careful not to twist. Placing seam at center of lower edge, sew side edges of Strap/Gusset to lower and side edges of back and front leaving remaining edge free for strap. Sew side edges of strap tog forming a tube.
Edging: With RS facing, using crochet hook and 2 strands of yarn held tog, beg at side, work in Reverse sc around seam joining gusset and front of bag, working through double thickness, then across top of bag, join with a sl st in first sc. Fasten off. Work in same manner around seam joining gusset and back of bag, then around outer edge of flap, join with a sl st in first sc. Fasten off. Fold flap down, then work in Reverse sc across fold, working through double thickness of flap and bag. Fasten off.

Tassels (Make 4): Cut one 8” long strand of yarn and one 12” long strand of yarn. Wrap yarn multiple times around a 3” long piece of cardboard. Cut the lower end to free wrapped strands. Tie the center of strands with 8” long strand. Fold strands in half over tie and wrap 12” long strand around all strands 1” down from top. Tie and draw ends into center of tassel. With crochet hook, join single strand of yarn in top of first tassel, make a chain 18” long, join in top of second tassel. Fasten off. Repeat with third and fourth tassels. Tie one chain around each side of strap as in photo. With crochet hook, join single strand of yarn in WS of flap edging 3/4” to the left of center. Make a chain 1 1/2” long, then join in WS of flap edging 3/4” to the right of center forming buttonloop. Sew button to front of bag under buttonloop.


you can find this here!

Cable knit Hat

I was sent this great pattern...not sure where it came from but its great to knit!

Materials:
One size 16" #7 or #8 round knitting needle
Four size #7 or #8 double pointed knitting needles
One cable needle
Acrylic or cotton yarn (about one ball)

Directions:
Cast on 88 stitches on round needle (or you can knit in the round with the stitches divided between three double pointed needles).Round #1: knit 3, purl 1 for the entire round.Repeat Round #1 until 2" are completed.

Start Pattern:
Row 1: P2, K6, P2, K1 (repeat for entire round).Rows 2 - 4: repeat Row #1 three more times.Row 5: P2, slip next three stitches onto cable needle and hold in back of work, K3, knit stitches from the cable needle, P2, K1 (repeat for entire round).Rows 6-8: Repeat Row #1 three more times.Repeat these 8 rows for pattern until hat measures about 5" from beginning of pattern (7" from beginning of cap)

Shaping:
If you have been knitting with the 16" round needle, then divide stitches onto the double pointed needles. (Place 28 stitches on the first and second needles, place 32 stitches on the third needle.)
Row 1: K2 sts together, K9. Repeat across entire row.Row 2: K2 sts together, K8. Repeat across entire row.Row 3: K2 sts together, K7. Repeat across entire row.Row 4: K2 sts together, K6. Repeat across entire row.Row 5: K2 sts together, K5. Repeat across entire row.Row 6: K2 sts together, K4. Repeat across entire row.Row 7: K2 sts together, K3. Repeat across entire row.Row 8: K2 sts together, K2. Repeat across entire row.Row 9: K2 sts together, K1. Repeat across entire row.Row 10: K2 sts together across entire row.

Finishing:
Cut the yarn, leaving a 10" tail. Thread it through the remaining stitches and draw up tightly, weaving in the end.

Make your own news

I found this great site where you can put your repoting skills to work!

It's called yournews.com

You just enter your zip code, see whats going on and add your own news!!

great fun!

Easy to make crochet ponytail ties

These are so easy to make!!

Chain the length you would like them to be - you will need to calculate how much you;d need for the tie - about 2/3 of the length. This will be the middle part.

Start by 3 double crochet in each loop - this forms the curl

The middle is just one double crochet in each loop

The end is like the beginning! three double crochet in each loop

thats it!

Easy!

Easy to make Girl's dress

Pillowcase Dresses - i found these on a Martha Stewart site but decided to make a variation of them. Basically, pillowcase dresses are made from a pillowcase - with the top cut off and a drawstring threaded through as straps and neckline.

I thought that the drawstring could be a choking hazard so i replaced it with elastic. The straps are fixed.

All you need is a piece of fabric - choose the length you'd like the dress to be - get the width by measuring the chest then add 6". You need two pieces like this.

Sew up the side and leave about 4-6" open which will be the armholes. Hem these open sides.

Turn down the top and make a casing for the elastic.

Put in elastic that is about 4" long.

Add ribbons to the ends. Sew over the elastic and where the ribbon joins.

Hem the bottom

Viola'

I added the ribbon as embellishment and to be continuous with the straps.

This dress was made using different strips of fabric sewn vertically.

I made a couple more:

I used different fabrics to create a unique piece. I dont use a pattern so each one is always different and unique. You can add different embellishments to make each one different.

This one is reversible - patterned on one side and plain on the other

Happiest songs of all time

Do you have any to add???



1. What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
2. Up Where We Belong - Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes
3. I'm Into Something Good - Herman's Hermits
4. Amazing Grace - traditional
5. Joy To The World - Three Dog Night
6. I've Had The Time Of My Life -Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
7. What A Feeling (Flashdance) - Irene Cara
8. Walking On Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves
9. Don't Worry, Be Happy- Bobby McFerrin
10. Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland
11. Celebration - Kool and the Gang
12. Perfect Day - Hoku
13. Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Tammi Terrell & Marvin Gaye
14. Friend of Mine - Clarence Clemons and Jackson Brown
15. Lovely Day - Bill Withers

handknitted baby hats

Most of the patterns i have found ask for circular needles - which for some reason i rarely use...so i have adapated a couple of patterns and turned up with this one.



I used a Dk type of yarn an 4.5mm needles (not too sure of the US conversion!)
Cast on 160 sts and knit 4 rows all in knit - this is for the little frilled edge.


next row K2tog to end up with 80 sts.

Thats the basis of the hat.

After 8 rows of K and P i got bored so i added some eyelets (k 4 k2 together, yarn over needle knit 4 etc but you can omit this or add your own designs)

I digress..

after about 22 rows or 2 1/2 " its time to start decreasing

So...

K8, k2 together till end

next row and all wrong side rows purl

k7, k2 together..till end

K6 2 tog till end

you get the idea....

When you have4, 5 stitches left STOP!

these will form the littel cord on top that you can tie, leave loose, stick a pom pom on...whatever!

Now you have to knit a cord.

Change to double pointed needles:

knit one row. Do not turn the work.

Slide the stitches to the other end of the DPN without turning the work.

Knit a second row by bringing the yarn behind the work and starting with the first stitch. Tug the work from the bottom after each first stitch to help it to take shape and to even out the tension.

Repeat until you get the length required...

once you get the hand of its its real fun!!!.

If anyone tries this oh so simple hat id love so see the results!

Money Saving Tips

some easy ways to save

change all your electric bulbs to energy saving ones - i cut my bill in half doing this!

Trade things you don't want with friends, neighbors, relatives.

Become a "brown bagger". Take your lunch to work instead of buying it.

Shop at discount stores - why pay the full price for the same thing? Second hand shops also have some great bargains - i bought a Coach purse for $25.00 - it was almost new!

Paper towels are expensive. Use washable cloth dish towels instead.

Save empty plastic food containers for storing leftovers & freezer use.

Don't buy expensive gifts. Give exotic home grown plants or bake a cake.

Organize a baby-sitting club with friends & neighbors. Take turns.

Think in terms of doing it yourself rather than hiring someone to do it, such as home repairs, painting, garden work, cutting the lawn, etc.

Swap services with friends and neighbors who can do things you can't.

Avoid spending on "throwaway" items such as disposable razors, flashlights, pens, toothbrushes, paper cups & plates, diapers, cigarette lighters, etc.

Pay credit card charges when they become due so interest isn't added.

When buying big-ticket items, learn all about them from consumer magazines.

Garage sales and flea markets are excellent for both selling and buying.

When buying insurance, pay the premium annually. It's less expensive in the long run than paying monthly, quarterly or even semi-annually.

Check all monthly bills closely, including your bank balance. Big companies can and do make mistakes.

Examine your check at restaurants to make sure no error has been make.

Buy things out of season for big savings, such as after Christmas.

Coffee is expensive. Brew only as much as your family will drink.
Bread becomes stale more quickly in the refrigerator. Store it at room temperature or in the freezer.

Instead of buying house plants, get cuttings from friends.

Before buying anything new, ask yourself if you really need it.

What if you became a millionaire?

I'm doing some research on human nature - and money. As an experiment, i used my facebook page to say that i had won 'something' in the lottery.. and wondered how many new 'friends' i would now have!
Not surprisingly, I am actually getting answers!
Im curious to see what they will be so I'll be posting the comments here as i get them!


Lets start:

"Put me down!!!! How much did you win!!"
"Prosit ! Enjoy them !:)"
"lucky lucky!!"
"hon we never win lotteries!!!"
"I am still your friend ta....:)"

What a cutie!

My cousin's adorable daughter in the hat I knitted for her!

What a darling!

I can make one for you too!

just e mail me!

knitting patterns

Anyone up for a knitting pattern swap?
post your here!

dog sweater

Spike doesn't like wearing clothes but I couldn't resist knitting this sweater! He looks so worried!

I can make one for YOUR dog! I live in arizona so there really is no need for a sweater here!

If you'd like one made just let me know!! I have a couple more in sizes S and M - up to about 11lbs.