OK, if you are one to only blindly follow written patterns or charts, this may not be for you, but read through to see it is not as bad as it sounds.
I wouldn't say I'm any kind of knitting rebel when it comes to patterns and adapting them, or any kind of math wiz. . But, I do like to make the same sorts of things using different needles, yarn, and patterns than the original pattern I first used. This is how I do that.
Let's say I had a pattern for a knitted cowl. One that I followed stitch for stitch and it created a lacy effect that made a cowl that slouched wonderfully at the neck or could be pulled up as a hood with ample still around the neck. That was fun, but I don't want to do it exactly again nor look for another pattern. So I take the most basic information from the pattern such as this:
Finished circumference is 32", the height is 19". The gauge is 15 st and 21 rows = 4".
All right. I used US size 7 last time and sport weight yarn and it gave me that gauge. I can cast on the same number if stitches I did for that one or I can choose a different weight yarn and different needles and knit a 5x5" swatch to measure out the gauge. Then decide how many stitches makes an inch, which we will call x. So, x multiplied by the number of inches required will indicate how many stitches to cast on. Say we measured 18.5 stitches 4 inches. 18.5 divided by 4 equals 4.6 sts per inch. So, in order to get the finished circumfrence of 32", we have to multiply 32 x 4.6= 148 st. If we want to use a pattern with a repeat of 6 stitchs, we need to know if 148 st. will do it. 148 divided by 6= 24.6 repeats Since we can't have .6 of a repeat because it will screw up the pattern, we have to decide to add a few or take away a few st. In this case, it won't make much difference to add or subtract because it is a cowl. I tend with something like this to add a few stitches. The extra inch or so won't matter. So play with the math a little like 25 repeats x 6 stitches =150. If you cast on 150 sts, it will give you 25 repeats of the pattern, evenly and only add 1/2" or so. In this case, the vertical gauge is not important, just knit until you get to the proper length.
Just remember you need to cast on and bind off very loosely to allow for the maximum stretch over the head.
The important part here, is experiment. It is very satisfying to create something unique and new by just adapting a basic pattern. Who knows, it may give you an understanding of patterns and working them to create your own.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
I highly recommend this book if you are interested in knitting lace shawls Scroll to the end of the blog to find it to purchase from Amazon...no need to leave the blog to look for it
 | Wrapped in Lace: Knitted Heirloom Designs from Around the World |
| List Price: | $26.95 |
| Price: | $17.79 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details |
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
46 new or used available from $16.81
Average customer review:
(15 customer reviews)
Product Description
The spectacular knitted lace designs of New Zealand designer Margaret Stove are truly the pinnacle of the craft. InWrapped in Lace, dive into Margaret’s love fo learning and creating knitted lace, then begin your own journey to master lace knitting with 12 original patterns.
To appreciate the history of knitted lace, follow Margaret’s quest to design and knit the legendary “wedding ring shawl”—a large lace shawl so fine and delicate that it can be drawn through a wedding ring.Wrapped in Laceshares the art of designing patterns and the characteristics of lace traditions from around the world.
Framed by an engaging narrative of learning to create knitted lace from scratch,Wrapped in Lacedescribes each set of lace techniques, patterns, and traditions in depth and offers Margaret’s spectacular patterns for lace shawls, stoles, and scarves. These projects illustrate knitted lace from the Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands, Orenburg, Estonia, and lace motifs of New Zealand, as well as more contemporary European work. As an added bonus,Wrapped in Laceincludes Margaret’s tips for preserving, restoring, and remaking knitted lace heirlooms.
To appreciate the history of knitted lace, follow Margaret’s quest to design and knit the legendary “wedding ring shawl”—a large lace shawl so fine and delicate that it can be drawn through a wedding ring.Wrapped in Laceshares the art of designing patterns and the characteristics of lace traditions from around the world.
Framed by an engaging narrative of learning to create knitted lace from scratch,Wrapped in Lacedescribes each set of lace techniques, patterns, and traditions in depth and offers Margaret’s spectacular patterns for lace shawls, stoles, and scarves. These projects illustrate knitted lace from the Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands, Orenburg, Estonia, and lace motifs of New Zealand, as well as more contemporary European work. As an added bonus,Wrapped in Laceincludes Margaret’s tips for preserving, restoring, and remaking knitted lace heirlooms.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #54816 in Books
- Published on: 2010-11-23
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: .51" h x 8.55" w x 8.95" l, 1.26 pounds
- Binding: Paperback
- 160 pages
Features
- ISBN13: 9781596682276
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Editorial Reviews
ReviewNew Zeaklander Margaret Stove is a doyenne of knitted lace, and has spent her life teaching and developing the spinning of gossamer yarn through her company Artisan Lace. This book is an exploration of designs and traditions, and is a must-read for any serious lace knitter. The book represents her wish to share with others all she has learnt about knitted lace over her long career. Each intricate, beautiful garment is accompanied by detailed writings on how the design came about, referring to special pieces in Margaret's collection, how she went about selecting stitch patterns and edgings, and providing expert tips to produce flawless results. She also explores how knitted lace holds such an important place in family histories, and this book will inspire you to create your own heirloom pieces that will be passed down through the generations.-The Knitter
About the Author
Margaret Stove is a leading expert of handknitted superfine lace. Examples of her work are found in many galleries and private collections throughout the world. A passion for knitting and later designing lace led Stove to explore techniques for spinning lace yarns. She teaches lace knitting and spinning for lace internationally, and her line of New Zealand Merino lace yarn and patterns is distributed in the United States and throughout the world.
I have this book. Buy it from Amazon
 | Knitting Stitches: Over 300 Contemporary and Traditional Stitch Patterns |
| List Price: | $24.95 |
| Price: | $17.47 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details |
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Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
30 new or used available from $5.98
Average customer review:
(7 customer reviews)
Product Description
A comprehensive stitch-resource for knitters of all ages and levels of experience.Knitting is the new yoga. Schools hold "knit nights," while needle-clacking cowboys trade stitch secrets on Prairie Home Companion. In Boston, knitting superstar Stephanie Pearl-McPhee arrives to a frenzied crowd at a yarn store. Headlines like "Catherine Zeta-Jones Is Knitting Mad!" herald a newfound celebrity passion for the hobby. The latest statistics from the Craft Yarn Council of America show that 38 million knitters and crocheters participate in this relaxing pastime.
Knitting Stitches is a small-format, portable guide to more than 300 stitch patterns. From the most basic to the more intricate, these traditional and contemporary patterns are demonstrated in clear, colorful illustrations with concise step-by-step instructions. With the stitches grouped by kind cable, bobble and the various others -- locating a specific stitch and determining its degree of difficulty is fast and easy.
This is the perfect reference for discovering the pleasure of creating just the right pattern and texture for a knitting project. The book also includes:
- Instruction charts and how to use them
- A wide variety of yarns, each photographed
- Gallery of stitches
- Glossary of symbols and abbreviations
- Knit and purl stitches
- Cable stitches
- Lace and bobble stitches
- Twist and other stitches
- Working with more than one color.
Here's a nice easy scarf in Lover's/Solomon's Knot crochet
Love Knot Scarf
Yarn: Enough DK yarn of your choice as is required to make a scarf as long as you like. 40 grams of DK weight yarn
Hook: 4mm
Skill: Intermediate
Special Stitches: Solomon’s Knot – SK
Both the Edge Solomon’s Knot (ESK) and Main Solomon’s Knot (MSK) stitches are formed
in the same way, the difference between them is that the MSK is about 1.5 times the length of
the ESK.
This is a perfect project if you’re new to the Solomon’s
Knot stitch or Love Knot Stitch. There are no increases
or decreases and once you have mastered the stitch it
grows quickly as it is so airy.
This version of the scarf measures approximately 13 cm
(5 inches) wide and 170 cm (67 inches) long. However,
due to the 2-way stretch of the finished fabric is it
difficult to measure accurately.
The overall size of the scarf can be adjusted easily by
adding more stitches to the initial base chain and
increasing or decreasing the length.
1. Start with a loop
on the hook as you
would for any other
stitch. Lengthen the
loop as required.
2. Yarn over and
draw through loop
on hook, keeping the
single back thread of
the original long loop
separate from the 2
front threads.
3. Insert the hook
under the single
back thread, yarn
over and draw
through 1 loop.
4. Yarn over and
draw through both
loops on hook.
Love Knot Scarf
Important notes about gauge and size:
For this project gauge is not important, nor is width or length of the final scarf. What is important
is that each SK is the same size as the last. Consistency is the key.
In order to ensure that each ESK is the same size I lengthen the loop on the hook, remove the
hook and insert my index finger, tighten the loop again so it is a snug but not a tight fit around
my finger, remove my finger and reinsert the hook and continue with the stitch. It may sound a
little fiddly but I have found that this is the most reliable way to ensure all stitches end up the
same size.
In the case of an MSK I use my thumb. You could use whatever implement you like to maintain
the size of your loops such as a large knitting needle or even a pen but I would recommend
something with a point if you choose not to use your fingers and thumbs. Just remember that
whatever you use should produce a MSK that is about 1.5 times as long as the ESK.
Abbreviations:
ch Chain
sc Single Crochet
ESK Edge Solomon’s Knot
MSK Main Solomon’s Knot
Scarf:
Row 1 Ch 2, sc into 2nd ch from hook, 10 ESK (or any multiple of 2 ESK to reach desired
width), turn.
Row 2 1 MSK, sc into sc between 3rd and 4th loop from hook, * 2 MSK, skip 2 ESK loops,
sc into next sc, repeat from * to end, turn.
Row 3 2 ESK, 1 MSK, sc into sc between 4th and 5th loop from hook, * 2 MSK, skip 2
MSK loops, sc into next sc, repeat from * to end, turn.
Repeat Row 3 until you reach required length.
Final Row 2 ESK, sc into sc between 3rd and 4th loop from hook, * 2 ESK, skip 2 MSK loops,
sc into next sc, repeat from * to end. Fasten off yarn.
Lovvee Knott Sccaarrff
Chain
Single Crochet
ESK
MSK
***Note: this is not Shanti's pattern. I downloaded it from the web and there is no credits for it, but it was a free pattern. If you know the source, please let me know so I may credit it properly.
Yarn: Enough DK yarn of your choice as is required to make a scarf as long as you like. 40 grams of DK weight yarn
Hook: 4mm
Skill: Intermediate
Special Stitches: Solomon’s Knot – SK
Both the Edge Solomon’s Knot (ESK) and Main Solomon’s Knot (MSK) stitches are formed
in the same way, the difference between them is that the MSK is about 1.5 times the length of
the ESK.
This is a perfect project if you’re new to the Solomon’s
Knot stitch or Love Knot Stitch. There are no increases
or decreases and once you have mastered the stitch it
grows quickly as it is so airy.
This version of the scarf measures approximately 13 cm
(5 inches) wide and 170 cm (67 inches) long. However,
due to the 2-way stretch of the finished fabric is it
difficult to measure accurately.
The overall size of the scarf can be adjusted easily by
adding more stitches to the initial base chain and
increasing or decreasing the length.
1. Start with a loop
on the hook as you
would for any other
stitch. Lengthen the
loop as required.
2. Yarn over and
draw through loop
on hook, keeping the
single back thread of
the original long loop
separate from the 2
front threads.
3. Insert the hook
under the single
back thread, yarn
over and draw
through 1 loop.
4. Yarn over and
draw through both
loops on hook.
Love Knot Scarf
Important notes about gauge and size:
For this project gauge is not important, nor is width or length of the final scarf. What is important
is that each SK is the same size as the last. Consistency is the key.
In order to ensure that each ESK is the same size I lengthen the loop on the hook, remove the
hook and insert my index finger, tighten the loop again so it is a snug but not a tight fit around
my finger, remove my finger and reinsert the hook and continue with the stitch. It may sound a
little fiddly but I have found that this is the most reliable way to ensure all stitches end up the
same size.
In the case of an MSK I use my thumb. You could use whatever implement you like to maintain
the size of your loops such as a large knitting needle or even a pen but I would recommend
something with a point if you choose not to use your fingers and thumbs. Just remember that
whatever you use should produce a MSK that is about 1.5 times as long as the ESK.
Abbreviations:
ch Chain
sc Single Crochet
ESK Edge Solomon’s Knot
MSK Main Solomon’s Knot
Scarf:
Row 1 Ch 2, sc into 2nd ch from hook, 10 ESK (or any multiple of 2 ESK to reach desired
width), turn.
Row 2 1 MSK, sc into sc between 3rd and 4th loop from hook, * 2 MSK, skip 2 ESK loops,
sc into next sc, repeat from * to end, turn.
Row 3 2 ESK, 1 MSK, sc into sc between 4th and 5th loop from hook, * 2 MSK, skip 2
MSK loops, sc into next sc, repeat from * to end, turn.
Repeat Row 3 until you reach required length.
Final Row 2 ESK, sc into sc between 3rd and 4th loop from hook, * 2 ESK, skip 2 MSK loops,
sc into next sc, repeat from * to end. Fasten off yarn.
Lovvee Knott Sccaarrff
Chain
Single Crochet
ESK
MSK
***Note: this is not Shanti's pattern. I downloaded it from the web and there is no credits for it, but it was a free pattern. If you know the source, please let me know so I may credit it properly.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Shanti's Amazon Book Picks
NEW!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Quick, Simple Shawl
I am currently into knitting shawls. They offer such endless variety, square, triangle, circular, rectangular, and fodder for trying lots of knitting stitches and patterns. I like to use plain yarn for fancy stitches to show off the stitches. For funky yarn, I like to use big needles and very simple stitches to show off the yarn. The following is a very simple pattern for a triangular shawl and one I use a lot. It can have fringe or no, but remember, fringe takes a lot of yarn. I prefer mine plain.
Cast on 4 stitches, whatever method you like.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit 2, yarn over, Knit 2
Row 4 and all even rows, Knit 2, purl to the last 2 stitches, Knit 2
Row 5: Knit 2, yarn over, Knit 1, yarn over, Knit 2
Row 7: Knit 2, yarn over, knit 3, yarn over, Knit 2
Continue in this way until the top of the shawl is as wide as you would like it. Usually, your "wingspan" that is, from tip of your fingers with your arms out spread. The pattern will be a simple stockinette. This can be varied by using all garter stitch or another stitch pattern, just remembering to always yarn over (increase) every other row.
For funky yarn, I like to do shawls somewhat the same way, except I use large needles to give lots of space for the yarn to be shown off. Here is what I like to do for those.
Cast on and work first 6 rows as above. Then,
Row 7: Knit 2, yarn over, Knit 2 together, yarn over, Knit 2 together, yarn over, Knit 1, yarn over, Knit 2
Row 8 and all even rows, Knit 2, purl to the last 2 stitches, Knit 2.
Continue in this way alternating the rows as 7 &8. The only difference will be is that more stitches will accumulate between the two ends. You will always start the odd row, Knit 2, yarn over, knit 2 together, yarn over etc, until you get to the last 3 stitches, then it will be Knit 1, yarn over, Knit 2. This makes a netting effect and really shows off funky yarn to the it's best advantage.
This way, you can have many shawls to wear for every occasion and if large needles are used (gauge really doesn't matter) they knit up very quickly. Varying the size of the needles used even with the same yarn, will give a different effect each time. The simplicity of the pattern also means that even beginners can be knitting and wearing their own shawls in a matter of a of a couple of days.
Cast on 4 stitches, whatever method you like.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit 2, yarn over, Knit 2
Row 4 and all even rows, Knit 2, purl to the last 2 stitches, Knit 2
Row 5: Knit 2, yarn over, Knit 1, yarn over, Knit 2
Row 7: Knit 2, yarn over, knit 3, yarn over, Knit 2
Continue in this way until the top of the shawl is as wide as you would like it. Usually, your "wingspan" that is, from tip of your fingers with your arms out spread. The pattern will be a simple stockinette. This can be varied by using all garter stitch or another stitch pattern, just remembering to always yarn over (increase) every other row.
For funky yarn, I like to do shawls somewhat the same way, except I use large needles to give lots of space for the yarn to be shown off. Here is what I like to do for those.
Cast on and work first 6 rows as above. Then,
Row 7: Knit 2, yarn over, Knit 2 together, yarn over, Knit 2 together, yarn over, Knit 1, yarn over, Knit 2
Row 8 and all even rows, Knit 2, purl to the last 2 stitches, Knit 2.
Continue in this way alternating the rows as 7 &8. The only difference will be is that more stitches will accumulate between the two ends. You will always start the odd row, Knit 2, yarn over, knit 2 together, yarn over etc, until you get to the last 3 stitches, then it will be Knit 1, yarn over, Knit 2. This makes a netting effect and really shows off funky yarn to the it's best advantage.
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