Discover Knitty.com
If you don’t already know about this site, I’m about the rock your yarn world. The best patterns (and completely free!!) and great articles. My newest favorite article is here, and is about why do we always start beginners with scarves, when they take forever and are completely repetitive! I don’t even like making scarves because they reach that point about half-way through where they never seem to get longer. (=
But devote some time to checking out this site: Knitty
Ticking Away - Knit a Clock!
It has been a while since the last update - spring break from school meant good times lying poolside and way too much shopping, and a sore wrist from all the knit and crochet that ensued. The flip side, is the house didn’t have internet. But I’m back! And this is my absolute favorite - a knit clock!!! I used Sugar n Cream yarn (took less than a ball), a cheap wooden picture frame, clock parts from a craft store, and beer bottle caps! And I’m so proud. (=
Very simple - seed stitch the sides, and stockinette stitch the center to make a square. Then I used a staple gun to attach it to the frame and hot glued the bottle caps. All it took was assembling the clock face and voila! A knit clock for my wall.
Idea modified from: Book knit.101 (but mine is much cuter!!!)
Currently working on a crochet version. My apartment will be covered in clocks! If you are interested in one, I will be selling them for $20 plus shipping. I can take custom color and number design (bottle caps, buttons, numbers, etc) orders. Email me with the “Email Me” link above, or leave a comment. Thanks!
Ribbon Handbag
So I guess I consider this the first “pattern” I ever made up, although of course I didn’t write down what I did. Live and learn. I took a child’s handbag (from Gymboree or something), cut most of the original satin bag off, then knit the new bag and stitched it to the original. I also made a liner out of satin and attached this inside. It was a bit intricate because of trial and error, and I’m not crazy about the shape it ended up being, but it was a fun effort. Now I know they actually sell those clamshell clasps, so that would make things easier. (=
First Experient in How To Knit Animals
So these are my first attempts at knit animals - they were made for my nephews and turned out quite cute. I certainly find crochet animals much more simple, but these are darn adorable. (=
Pasha the Penguin - not the greatest picture, but it was very cute. My first experience with short-row shaping to make his big belly.
Pattern from: Knitty
Made with: Simply Soft in black and white, Sugar n Cream in yellow
And a seal…so so soft…
Pattern from: World of Knitted Toys book - very cute book with lots of animals, but they are a little complex.
Knit Birthday Cake
So I saw a knit birthday cake on the back of a knitting magazine, and was sad to discover that there was no pattern for it, and no patterns in general for a knit cake. Guess the demand isn’t that high, but I had promised my friend one for her birthday, so I got to work.
I bought one of those wide pilar candles (about 6-8 inches in diameter) and started to knit a tube on circular needles until it was as tall as the candle (with a colored stripe somewhere in the middle). Then I switched to double-pointed needles and did even decreases to make the top circle . It didn’t turn out so even, but the picture covers that. (=
For the candles, I just made I-cords with fuzzy yarn and then with embroidery floss, then inserted a little wire and hot glued them to the cake. They were the biggest pain, but totally worth it. The trim is also glued on.
I later made another one, but this time did a crocheted top, then attached and knit down. It made for a much flatter (and easier) top. I’m working on finding a picture of it. Will post it when I find it. (= Ciao!
Multi-Directional Diagonal Knit Bag
So this is my first pattern, technically. But it doesn’t really feel like something I made up, nor did I write down what I did….not helpful, I know. But it is a purse that I got in my head, and executed after much time. It is based on a multi-directional diagonal knit, made first with 2 large square panals, connected by a long strap of little triangles.
I used a self-striping yarn (Sassy Stripes) and size 4 needles (I think). Then I lined it with polka dots and ribbon for the strap (you can kind of see them in the picture) and I have to say, my favorite thing I’ve made so far. So useful, along with cute - perfectly carries my laptop, so it’s great for school. What do you think?
Knit Hacky Sacking
My friend, John, was learning to juggle and getting quite good, so for his birthday I decided he needed some new juggling tools — I made him 3 knit hacky sacks, stuffed them with lentils, and embroidered with his initials. He got better at juggling, and I like to think it was partly my influence. (=
They are basically cubes, made by knitting 6 sides in kind of a cross shape, then sewing up the sides.
Pattern from: Crochet-a-day Calendar, 2006 (pattern is a little faulty, but aren’t they all?)
He was also my first crochet student - we were road tripping and needed some entertainment - he was so quiet, I thought we lost him on I-5. He picked it up quite fast actually, although his circles weren’t all that circular. (=
(my demo circle is on the left, his is on the right, but not bad for a first timer!)