Bringing it all Together

Hello knitters!  Well we've reached the end of the year.  You probably have some amount of squares you'd like to make into something larger.  But how to do it?  This post is all about finishing your project, whether it is a scarf or a blanket, use these techniques to put it all together.

Firstly, lay out your squares how you want your final project to look.  This is really important because you want to know what it'll look like and minimize mistakes.  Once you've sewn them together, it's pretty hard to un-sew them.  Notice colors (if you've used multiple colors) and patterns.  Make sure all the patterns are facing the same way.  Move the squares around until you've got it like you want it. 

After you've laid out your project to your liking, its time to put it all together.  There are a couple of ways you can sew them together.  My recommendation (and the one I'm going to show you) is to use overcasting or whip stitch method.  Mattress stitch is a handy technique to know and would also work for this (especially if you plan on making garments some day- they are almost always seamed using mattress stitch).

WHIP STITCH or OVERCASTING

This is really quite simple and is a common technique used in many types of sewing.  

After laying out the squares, 

take the two blocks you want to sew together and hold them right sides together.  

Make sure the patterns are facing the right way.  Thread your tapestry needle with a length of yarn and starting in one corner work through the edge of the squares front to back, front to back, front to back all the way across the edge of the two squares.  I would recommend using a length of yarn that matches one of your two squares.  It doesn't matter which one, the sewing will blend into blanket well with this method.

Sew the ends of the yarn back into the squares.  Repeat with your next square. 

Just as in quilting, it's best to sew complete rows first and then sew the rows together. 

Happy sewing!

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Hello all!  Our December book is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith and Anna Quindlen. 
Here's a little bit on the book (found on books.google.com) :

The beloved American classic about a young girl's coming-of-age at the turn of the century, Betty Smith's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a poignant and moving tale filled with compassion and cruelty, laughter and heartache, crowded with life and people and incident. The story of young, sensitive, and idealistic Francie Nolan and her bittersweet formative years in the slums of Williamsburg has enchanted and inspired millions of readers for more than sixty years. By turns overwhelming, sublime, heartbreaking, and uplifting, the daily experiences of the unforgettable Nolans are raw with honesty and tenderly threaded with family connectedness -- in a work of literary art that brilliantly captures a unique time and place as well as incredibly rich moments of universal experience.

I hope you enjoy the story!
Look for a post in the next week that gives you tips on how to finish your blanket!
~Happy Knitting~

December Swatches

Hello Knitters!
Well, December has finally arrived!  Did you make it?  I can't believe that we've done so much this year, and I can't wait until next year!  This month's swatches look back on the entire year.  There is one texture pattern, one lace pattern (bobbles included!), and a beautiful cable.  So exciting! 
I hope you've enjoyed this year's swatches and I hope you will join me in January for 2012's Year of Swatches!
Happy knitting and warm regards-
-Lindsey

Beginner

 

Chain Link Fence

Cast on 42 stitches
Border Rows
1, 3, 5: K1, P1 across
2, 4:  P1, K1 across

Pattern Rows
Row 1 (and all odd numbered rows): (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) Knit (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K1, slip 1, repeat to last 5 sts (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)Row 4: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Slip 1, K1, repeat to last 5 sts (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Repeat these 4 rows until square is approx 9 inches.
Knit border rows 1-5
Bind off all stitches.

Easy

Bobbles and Lace
MB- Make Bobble: Knit into front, back, and front of stitch (makes 3 sts).  Turn work, K3. Turn work, P3. Turn work, slip 1 stitch, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over.
yo- Yarn over (also known as yarn forward)
k3tog- Knit 3 sts together as one

If you need some help with bobbles, check this out. 

Cast on 38 stitches
Border Rows:
1, 3, 5: K1, P1 across
2, 4: P1, K1 across

Pattern Rows
Row 1: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) K8, yo, k3tog, yo, K3, yo, (sl 1, k2tog, psso), yo K11 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2 (and all even numbered rows): (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Purl to last 5 sts (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 3: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) K7, yo, k3tog, yo, K5, yo, (sl 1, k2tog, psso), yo, K10 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 5:  (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) K6, MB, K5, yo, k3tog, yo, K1, yo, (sl 1, k2tog, psso), yo, K9 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)                
Row 7: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) K11, yo, k3tog, yo, K3, yo, (sl 1, k2tog, psso), yo, K8 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 9: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) K10, yo, k3tog, yo, K5, yo, (sl 1, k2tog, psso), yo, MB, K6 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 11: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) K9, yo, k3tog, yo, K1, yo, (sl 1, k2tog, psso), yo, K12 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 12: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Purl to last 5 stitches (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Repeat these 12 stitches until the square is approx 9 inches.
Repeat border rows 1-5.
Bind off all stitches.

Intermediate

 Honeycomb Cable
C4B- Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to back of work.  Knit 2 stitches then knit the 2 from the cable needle.
C4F- Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to front of work.  Knit 2 stitches then knit the 2 from the cable needle. 

If you need a little help cabling, check this out.

Cast on 42 stitches
Border rows
1, 3, 5: K1, P1 across
2, 4:  P1, K1 across

Pattern Rows
Row 1: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) (C4B, C4F) 4 times (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) purl across to last 5 sts (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 3: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) knit across to last 5 sts (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 4: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) purl across to last 5 sts (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 5: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) (C4F, C4B) 4 times (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 6: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) purl across to last 5 sts (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 7: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) knit across to last 5 sts (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 8: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) purl across to last 5 sts (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Repeat these 8 rows until square is approx 9 inches, ending after either row 1 or row 5.
Repeat border rows 1-5
Bind off all stitches.

November's Swatches

Hello all!
I hope you've been having fun knitting cables!  This is our last month with them.  I have been having a heck of a time with one of the patterns (knitting, frogging, reknitting, frogging... etc), so I have effectively given up and we will only have two swatches for this month.
As we are going into the end of our year, we have some finishing up to do.  I will post a tutorial on some of the finishing techniques you'll need if you are knitting a blanket later this month.  Also I have been planning something fun for December, I hope you are up for a mystery :)
Without further adieu, here are your November Cables!

LINKS

BEGINNER/ EASY

Cast on 46 stitches

Border Rows
Row 1, 3, 5: K1, P1 across
Row 2, 4: P1, K1 across

Pattern Rows:
Row 1: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P13, P1, K8, P1, P13 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K13, K1, P8, K1, K13 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 3: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P13, P1, C4B, C4F, P1, P13 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 4: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K13, K1, P2, K4, P2, K1, K13 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 5: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P13, T3B, P4, T3F, P13 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 6: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K13, P2, K6, P2, K13 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 7: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P13, K2, P6, K2, P13 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 8: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K13, P2, K6, P2, K13 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 9: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P13, K2, P6, K2, P13 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 10: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K13, P2, K6, P2, K13 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 11: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P13, T3F, P4, T3B, P13 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 12: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K13, K1, P2, K4, P2, K1, K13 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 13: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P13, P1, C4F, C4B, P1, P13 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 14: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K13, K1, P8, K1, K13 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 15: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P13, P1, C4B, C4F, P1, P13 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 16: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K13, K1, P8, K1, K13 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 17: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P13, P1, K8, P1, P13 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 18: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K13, K1, P8, K1, K13 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 19: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P13, P1, C4B, C4F, P1, P13 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 20: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K13, K1, P8, K1, K13 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Repeat these 20 rows until square measures approx 9 inches.  Repeat border rows 1-5.
Bind off all stitches. 

TRIPLE CROSS

INTERMEDIATE

Cast on 46 stitches

Border Rows

Row 1, 3, 5: K1, P1 across

Row 2, 4: P1, K1 across

Pattern Rows:

Row 1: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P10, (C4F, P2) twice, C4F, P10 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Row 2: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K10, (P4, K2) twice, P4, K10 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Row 3: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P9, (T3B, T3F) 3 times, P9 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Row 4: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K9, P2, (K2, P4) twice, K2, P2, K9 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Row 5: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P8, T3B, (P2, C4B) twice, P2, T3F, P8 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Row 6: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K8, P2, K3, P4, K2, P4, K3, P2, K8 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Row 7: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P7, T3B, P2, (T3B, T3F) twice, P2, T3F, P7 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Row 8: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K7, P2, K3, P2, K2, P4, K2, P2, K3, P2, K7 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Row 9: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P6, (T3B, P2) twice, C4F, (P2, T3F) twice, P6 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Row 10: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K6, (P2, K3) twice, P4, (K3, P2) twice, K6 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Row 11: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P5, (T3B, P2) twice, T3B, (T3F, P2) twice, T3F, P5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Row 12: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K5, (P2, K3) twice, P2, K2, (P2, K3) twice, P2, K5 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Row 13: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P5, (K2, P3) twice, K2, P2, (K2, P3) twice, K2, P5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Row 14: (K1, P1, K1, P1,K1) Same as row 12 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Row 15: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P5 (T3F, P2) twice, T3F, (T3B, P2) twice, T3B, P5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Row 16: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Same as row 10 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Row 17: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P6, (T3F, P2) twice, C4F, (P2, T3B) twice, P6 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Row 18: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Same as row 8 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Row 19: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P5, (P2, T3F) twice, T3B, T3F, (T3B, P2) twice, P5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Row 20: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Same as row 6 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Row 21: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P8, T3F, (P2, C4B) twice, P2, T3B, P8 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Row 22: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Same as row 4 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Row 23: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P9, (T3F, T3B) 3 times, P9 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Row 24: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Same as row 2 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Repeat these 24 rows until Swatch measures approx 9 inches.  Repeat Border Rows 1-5.

Bind off all stitches.

October's Book

October's book is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

Here's a short synopsis found on google books:
It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

October

Welcome to "Month Two" of Cables!  I hope you are enjoying these patterns!  These cables are slightly more difficult, but you can still handle it :)  Make sure you pay attention to the cable abbreviations, there are knits AND purls this time around.  Enjoy! 

BEGINNER: Bold Cable

C6B:  Slip the first 3 stitches to the cable needle and hold to the back of work.  Knit the next 3 stitches on left hand needle, then knit the 3 stitches on the cable needle.

C6F:  Slip the first 3 stitches to the cable needle and hold to the front of work.  Knit the next 3 stitches on left hand needle, then knit the 3 stitches on the cable needle.

Cast on 44 stitches


Border Rows:
1, 3, 5: K1, P1 across
2, 4: P1, K1 across

Pattern Rows:
Row 1: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P4, K6, P4, K6, P4, K6, P4 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K4, P6, K4, P6, K4, P6, K4 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 3: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P4, C6B, P4, C6B, P4, C6B, P4 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 4: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K4, P6, K4, P6, K4, P6, K4 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 5: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P4, K6, P4, K6, P4, K6, P4 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 6: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K4, P6, K4, P6, K4, P6, K4 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 7: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P4, K6, P4, K6, P4, K6, P4 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 8: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K4, P6, K4, P6, K4, P6, K4 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 9: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P4, C6F, P4, C6F, P4, C6F, P4 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 10: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K4, P6, K4, P6, K4, P6, K4 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 11: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P4, K6, P4, K6, P4, K6, P4 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 12: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K4, P6, K4, P6, K4, P6, K4 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Repeat these 12 rows until square is approximately 9 inches from cast on.  Repeat border rows 1-5.Bind off.

Close-up

 

EASY: Crossroads

T3B (Twist 3 Back):  Slip the next (1) stitch onto the cable needle and hold to the back of work.  Knit the next 2 stitches on the left hand needle, then purl the stitch on the cable needle.

T3F (Twist 3 Front): Slip the next 2 stitches onto the cable needle and hold to the front of work.  Purl the next on the left hand needle, then knit the next 2 stitches from cable needle. 

C4B: Slip the next 2 stitches onto the cable needle and hold to the back of work.  Knit the next 2 stitches on the left hand needle, then knit the next 2 stitches on the cable needle.

Cast on 44 stitches

Border Rows
1, 3, 5: K1, P1 across
2, 4: P1, K1 across

Pattern Rows:
Row 1: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P11, P3, T3B, T3F, P3, P11 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K11, K3, P2, K2, P2, K3, K11 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 3: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P11, P2, T3B, P2, T3F, P2, P11 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 4: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K11, K2, P2, K4, P2, K2, K11 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 5: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P11, P1, T3B, P4, T3F, P1, P11 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 6: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K11, K1, P2, K6, P2, K1, K11 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 7: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P11, T3B, P6, T3F, P11 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 8: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K11, P2, K8, P2, K11 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 9: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P11, T3F, P6, T3B, P11 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 10: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K11, K1, P2, K6, P2, K1, K11 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 11: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P11, P1, T3F, P4, T3B, P1, P11 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 12: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K11, K2, P2, K4, P2, K2, K11(P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 13: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P11, P2, T3F, P2, T3B, P2, P11 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 14: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K11, K3, P2, K2, P2, K3, K11 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 15: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P11, P3, T3F, T3B, P3, P11 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 16: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K11, K4, P4, K4, K11 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)
Row 17: (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) P11, P4, C4B, P4, P11 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 18: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K11, K4, P4, K4, K11 (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1)

Repeat these 18 rows until square is approx 9 inches from cast on edge.  Repeat border rows 1-5.
Bind off all stitches.

 Close-up

INTERMEDIATE: Sloping Diamonds

C3B:  Slip 1 stitch onto the cable needle and hold to the back of work.  Knit the next 2 stitches on the left hand needle, then knit the stitch on the cable needle.

T3B (Twist 3 Back):  Slip the next (1) stitch onto the cable needle and hold to the back of work.  Knit the next 2 stitches on the left hand needle, then purl the stitch on the cable needle.

Cast on 45 stitches

Border Rows: 1-5: K1, P1 across

Pattern Rows
Row 1: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) P5, K2, P5, C3B, P5, K2, P1, T3B, P2, K2, P5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K5, P3, K5, P2, K5, P2, K3, P2, K1, P2, K5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 3: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) P5, K2, P4, C3B, K1, P5, K2, T3B, P3, K2, P5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 4: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K5, P4, K4, P2, K5 P2, K4, P4, K5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 5: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) P5, K2, P3, T3B, K2, P5, K1, T3B, P4, K2, P5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 6: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K5, P2, K1, P2, K3, P2, K5,  P2, K5, P3, K5(K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 7: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) P5, K2, P2, T3B, P1, K2, P5, T3B, P5, K2, P5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 8: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K5, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K5, P2, K6, P2, K5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 9: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) P5, K2, P1, T3B, P2, K2, P5 K2, P5, C3B, P5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 10: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K5, P2, K3, P2, K1, P2, K5, P3, K5, P2, K5(K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 11: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) P5, K2, T3B, P3, K2, P5, K2, P4, C3B, K1, P5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 12: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K5, P2, K4, P4, K5, P4, K4, P2, K5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 13: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) P5, K1, T3B, P4, K2, P5, K2, P3, T3B, K2, P5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 14: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K5, P2, K5, P3, K5, P2, K1, P2, K3, P2, K5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 15: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) P5, T3B, P5, K2,  P5, K2, P2, T3B, P1, K2, P5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 16: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K5, P2, K6, P2, K5, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Repeat these 16 rows until square measures 9 inches from cast on edge.  Repeat border rows 1-5.
Bind off all stitches.

Close-up

Thanks to Anna and Holly for helping with the knitting this month- you were a big help!

The Art of Racing In The Rain

September's book is The Art of Racing In The Rain by Garth Stein

If you are in the Tri-Cities (Washington) area September 22, Mr. Stein will be at the Richland Public Library for a presentation at 7 pm.  More information can be found here.


This synopsis was taken from the author's web page found here.  There is a lot of info on this site, including a video, excerpts from the book, and even some of Mr. Stein's favorite recipes!

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it.

September's Swatches

September is the first month in our study of cables.  In my opinion, cables provide the biggest "bang for your buck" in that they are relatively easy to do and make such a visual impact.  I really hope you like cables as much as I do!

SPECIAL MATERIALS:  Cables require one more piece of equipment: a cable needle.  Here are some examples of needles:

 

picture credit

As you can see, there are many different types of cable needles.  You can even use a small crochet hook or a double pointed needle.  How do you choose?  It really comes down to personal preference and what you are most comfortable with.  I personally like the straight needles (the second picture), but for a first timer I would recommend something like the purple needle in the first picture.  The grove gives you a place for your stitches to ''hang out'' so they won't slip off the needles.  Most cable needles are sold in packs, usually with a few different kinds of needles, so you can try them out and decide what you like best.

TECHNIQUE:
Cables are relatively easy in concept, although they can feel a bit clumsy at first.  There are two basic ways to twist your stitches.  One way (cabling to the back) crosses the stitches to the right.  The second way (cabling to the front)  crosses your stitches to the left.

Cable to the Front:
This method is usually written like this: C#F (example C6F).  This means that you will be cabling across the next 6 stitches.  Most well written patterns will explain how to divide your stitches for the cable cross, but this is the most common notation.

First, you divide the number of stitches in half (3), then slip these first 3 to your cable needle and hold the slipped stitches to the front of your work.  

 Knit the next 3 stitches on your left-hand needle, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle. 

Notice how the stitches lean to the left?  You've just cabled to the front!

Cabling to the Back:
Usually written as: C#B (example: C6B).  This means you will be cabling across the next 6 stitches, twisting them to the back of the work.

 First divide the number of stitches in half (3), then slip these first 3 to your cable needle and hold the slipped stitches to the back of your work.

 Knit the next 3 stitches on your left-hand needle, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle

Notice how your stitches lean to the right?  You've just cabled to the back!

Beginner:  Big Twist

C9F: slip the next 4 stitches onto cable needle and hold to front of work.  Knit the next 5 stitches on left hand needle, then knit the 4 stitches from the cable needle.

Cast on 45 sts
Border Rows 1-5: K1, P1 across

Pattern Rows:
Row 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 15, 17: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) P13, K9, P13 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2 and all even rows: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K13, P9, K13 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 9: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) P13, C9F (see above), P13 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 18: Repeat Row 2

Repeat pattern rows 1-18 until square is desired size (approx 9 inches from cast on edge).
Repeat border rows 1-5.
Bind off all stitches.

Easy:  Alternating Twists

C6F: Slip the next 3 stitches onto the cable needle, holding the needle to the front of work.  Knit the next 3 stitches, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle. 

C6B:  Slip the next 3 stitches onto the cable needle, holding them behind your work.  Knit the next 3 stitches, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle.

Cast on 44
Border:
Rows 1, 3, 5: K1, P1 across
Rows 2, 4: P1, K1 across

Pattern Rows:
Row 1: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) knit to last 5 sts (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) purl to last 5 sts (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 3: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) knit to last 5 sts (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 4: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) purl to last 5 sts (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 5: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) knit to last 5 sts (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)


Row 6: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K5, P6, K12, P6, K5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 7: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) knit to last 5 sts (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 8: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K5, P6, K12, P6, K5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 9: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K5, C6F, K12, C6F, K5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 10: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K5, P6, K12, P6, K5 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Row 11- 15: Repeat Rows 1-5

Row 16: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K14, P6, K14 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 17: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) knit to last 5 sts (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 18: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K14, P6, K14 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 19: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K14, C6B, K14 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 20: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K14, P6, K14 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Repeat these 20 rows ending with either row 4, 5, 14, or 15.
Repeat border rows 1-5
Bind off all stitches.

INTERMEDIATE:  Braid

C8B:  Slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold to the back of work.  Knit the next 4 sts from the left hand needle then knit the 4 sts from cable needle.

C8F:  Slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold to the front of work.  Knit the next 4 sts from the left hand needle then knit the 4 sts from cable needle. 

Cast on 44 stitches

Border:
Rows 1, 3, 5: K1, P1 across
Rows 2, 4: P1, K1 across

Pattern Rows:
Rows 1: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) P11, K12, P11  (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K11, P12, K11  (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 3: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) P11, K4, C8B, P11 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 4: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K11, P12, K11 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 5: Repeat Row 1
Row 6: Repeat Row 2
Row 7: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) P11, C8F, K4, P11 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 8: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K11, P12, K11 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Repeat these 8 rows until swatch is desired size (approx 9 inches from cast on edge).
Repeat Border rows 1-5.
Bind off all stitches.

September Delay

Hello Knitters!

We are taking a break for the Labor Day Weekend.

Check in after the long weekend for the new patterns.

Enjoy your holiday, and happy knitting!

A little Clarification

I've gotten a few questions about the Mitered Square pattern regarding the stitch count, so I thought I would do a little update just to clear things up.

The pattern reads as such:

Row 1: Knit 34, ssk, place marker, k2tog, k34
Row 2: Purl all stitches
Row 3: Knit to two stitches before marker, ssk, slip marker, k2tog, k to end of row
Row 4: Knit all stitches

Please note that Row 1 says to k34 sts on each side of the marker and decrease.  Obviously you won't be able to do this every time you knit a row 1 since you'll be decreasing  on each odd row.  To clear up the instructions, you will be decreasing as the pattern has been established in row 3 on every odd row.  Look at it like this:  Row 3, Row 2, Row 3, Row 4.  Hope this clears a bit of confusion up.

Hope you are enjoying this month's swatches! Happy Knitting!

August's Book Pick

This month's book is The Day the World Came to Town by Jim deFede

The story is about a small town in Newfoundland Canada that is overwhelmed with air travelers that gets re-routed after the attacks of September 11th.  Here's a review found on amazon.com:

The events of September 11 have seemingly been covered, analyzed, and discussed from every angle imaginable. So the subject matter alone of Jim DeFede's The Day the World Came to Town makes it noteworthy. In the immediate aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, 38 commercial airliners carrying over 6,000 passengers were forced, as a precautionary measure, to land in Gander, Newfoundland, Canada. Due to the ongoing closure of U.S. airspace, the passengers spent four days in this isolated town of 10,000 before being allowed to continue on their way. In that time, Gander's residents rallied together to extend a kind of hospitality that seems too expansive for the word hospitality. Townspeople not only opened schools and legion halls for use as emergency shelters, they invited the passengers into their homes for showers, meals, and warm beds while local businesses simply gave toiletries and clothing to passengers stuck without luggage. Despite the grim consequences that led to the situation, DeFede finds humor: two flight attendants are offered a car for sightseeing by a local woman who happened to be driving by; the stranded chairman of Hugo Boss finds himself shopping for men's underwear at the local Wal-Mart. But the real message of the book is how, even in times of great turmoil and conflict, people can and must look to one another for comfort, help, and hope. --John Moe

August's Squares

August is another technique month!  We will be approaching our swatches this month from a different point of view.  Instead of knitting the swatch from the bottom to the top, we will be knitting our swatches side to side!  The first of the techniques is knitting on the bias.  This means that we will start at one corner and finish at the opposite corner using a series strategically placed increases and decreases.  The second swatch looks much the same, but we will be casting on stitches for two sides and decreasing to a point.  This is called a mitered square.  Both techniques are seem like they might be complicated, but in reality are quite simple.  Because of the nature of these squares, we will only have two patterns for August, but give them both a try and learn a really cool technique!

KEY

yo: yarn over- A single increase.  Move the yarn to the front of the work, the same action as if you were to purl, then wrap the yarn over the top of the needle and resume your knitting.  This creates a hole or an eyelet in the fabric.  Also known as a yarn forward.

kfb: knit in front and back- a single increase. Knit into the front loop of the stitch, then without dropping the stitch off the needle knit into the back loop of the same stitch.  This is a single increase. 

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together- a decrease.  Insert the needle into the next two stitches as if to knit, and knit these stitches together.

Easy: Bias Square

Notice the knitted rows grow diagonally across the square.

 

Cast on 3 sts
Row 1: K1, kfb, K1 (4sts)
Row 2: K1, kfb, K2 (5sts)
Row 3: K1, kfb, K3 (6 sts)

Row 4: K3, yo knit to end of row
Repeat row 4 until square is approx 10 inches along one edge or half the size of your desired finished product (Check out "A Good Way To Measure" at the end of this pattern- I increased until there were about 45 stitches on my needles).  

Row 5: K2, k2tog, yo, k2tog, knit to end of the row

Repeat row 5 until you get down to 7 sts

Row 6: K1, k2tog, K4 (6 sts)

Row 7: K1, k2tog, K3 (5 sts)

Row 8: K1, k2tog, K2 (4 sts)

Row 9: K1, k2tog, K1 (3 sts)

Bind off all stitches.

Close-up of the Bias Swatch

"A Good Way To Measure" this square is to thread your knitting onto a piece of scrap yarn (be careful not to drop any stitches).  Spread the stitches out evenly, don't let them bunch up or get too far apart, you want to mimic the natural shape of the knitting.  Lay your work on top of another one of your squares.  Pick one that is pretty average in size (not too big or too small).  This square should be close to half the size (slightly smaller is ok as there will be some stretching with blocking) of your finished square.

Easy:  Mitered Square
For this square you will need one stitch marker.

Cast on 72 stitches
Row 1: Knit 34, ssk, place marker, k2tog, k34
Row 2: Purl all stitches
Row 3: Knit to two stitches before marker, ssk, slip marker, k2tog, k to end of row
Row 4: Knit all stitches
Repeat these four rows until 4 stitches remain.

Row 5: ssk, remove marker, k2tog
Row 6: k2tog, cut yarn and thread through the stitch remaining.

Close-up of the Mitered Swatch

I hope you enjoy these two unique squares- they are one of my favorite techniques.  Next month we will start our study of cables- which is sure to be fun!  As always, if you have any questions please email me at yearofswatches@gmail.com. 

 Happy knitting!

July Correction

There is a correction that needs to be made to the Horseshoe Lace Pattern on Row #8.  It should read:

Row 8: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K7, P1, K3, yo, sl1 k2tog psso, yo, K3, P1, K7 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Hope this clears up any confusion :)

Happy Knitting!

July's Book

July's book choice is Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls.

Here's a review found on Barnes & Noble's website.  If you follow the link above, there's also a short video of the author discussing her grandmother Lily, the main character of the book.  Hope you enjoy it!

Jeannette Walls's The Glass Castle was "nothing short of spectacular" (Entertainment Weekly). Now she brings us the story of her grandmother — told in a voice so authentic and compelling that the book is destined to become an instant classic.
"Those old cows knew trouble was coming before we did." So begins the story of Lily Casey Smith, in Jeannette Walls's magnificent, true-life novel based on her no-nonsense, resourceful, hard working, and spectacularly compelling grandmother. By age six, Lily was helping her father break horses. At fifteen, she left home to teach in a frontier town — riding five hundred miles on her pony, all alone, to get to her job. She learned to drive a car ("I loved cars even more than I loved horses. They didn't need to be fed if they weren't working, and they didn't leave big piles of manure all over the place") and fly a plane, and, with her husband, ran a vast ranch in Arizona. She raised two children, one of whom is Jeannette's memorable mother, Rosemary Smith Walls, unforgettably portrayed in The Glass Castle.
Lily survived tornadoes, droughts, floods, the Great Depression, and the most heartbreaking personal tragedy. She bristled at prejudice of all kinds — against women, Native Americans, and anyone else who didn't fit the mold. Half Broke Horses is Laura Ingalls Wilder for adults, as riveting and dramatic as Isak Dinesen's Out of Africa or Beryl Markham's West with the Night. It will transfix readers everywhere.

July Swatches

This is our last month of lace, have you enjoyed it?  I think this month's patterns are great, because they take a look at some familiar patterns (the Horseshoe lace, for example, is a classic pattern that can be commonly found in lace motifs).  Later this month I will post a tutorial on blocking, so you'll really be able to see these patterns in their full glory.

In August we'll be taking a look at another technique, so enjoy this month and have your ''thinking caps'' ready!

As always, if you have any questions or want to share pictures my email is yearofswatches@gmail.com and all the patterns can be found on Ravelry.com so please make a pattern page and share your work! 
Just so you know, we've welcomed a new little knitter to the fold so if I am slow in responding, please be patient with me :)

Happy Knitting!

Beginner: Lacy Zigzag

Cast on 35 stitches.
Border Rows 1-5: K1, P1 across

Pattern Rows
Rows 1, 3, 5: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *sl1 k1 psso, K2, yo, K2 repeat from * across to last 6 sts K1 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2 and all even rows: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Purl (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Rows 7, 9, 11: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K3 *yo, K2, k2tog, K2 repeat from * across ending with a k2tog (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 12: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Purl (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)


Repeat these 12 rows until square measures between 8 and 8.5 inches (the lace squares should be slightly smaller than the others so there is room to stretch with blocking).

Repeat Border Rows 1-5.

Bind off all stitches. 

Easy: Floral Rib

Cast on 35 stitches.
Border Rows 1-5: K1, P1 across

Pattern Rows
Row 1: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K7, P2, k2tog, K1, yo, K1, yo, K1, sl1 k1 psso, P2, K7 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2 and all even rows: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) P7, K2, P7, K2, P7 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 3: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K7, P2, k2tog, yo, K3, yo, sl1 k1 psso, P2, K7 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 5: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K7, P2, K1, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K1, k2tog, yo, K1, P2, K7 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 7: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K7, P2, K2, yo, sl1 k2tog psso, yo, K2, P2, K7 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 8: Repeat row 2
 
Repeat these 8 rows until square measures 8 to 8.5 inches (the lace squares should be slightly smaller than the others so there is room to stretch with blocking).

Repeat border rows 1-5.

Bind off all stitches.

Intermediate: Horseshoe Lace

This pattern offers a slight challenge, as patterning is done on both the wrong side and right side of the work!
Cast on 35 stitches.

Border Rows 1-5: K1, P1 across

Pattern Rows:
Row 1: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) purl across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K8, yo, K3, sl1 k2tog psso, K3, yo, K8 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 3: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) purl across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 4: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K7, P1, K1, yo, K2, sl1 k2tog psso, K2, yo, K1, P1, K7 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 5: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) purl across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 6: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K7, P1, K2, yo, K1, sl1 k2tog psso, K1, yo, K2, P1, K7 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 7: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) purl across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 8: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K7, P1, K3, yo, sl1 k2tog psso, yo, K3, P1, K7 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Repeat these 8 rows until square measures 8 to 8.5 inches (the lace squares should be slightly smaller than the others so there is room to stretch with blocking).

Repeat border rows 1-5.

Bind off all stitches.

June's Book

June's Book is Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

Below is a summary written by and found on the author's website:

In 1937, Shanghai is the Paris of Asia, full of great wealth and glamour, home to millionaires and beggars, gangsters and gamblers, patriots and revolutionaries, artists and warlords. Twenty-one-year-old Pearl Chin and her younger sister May are having the time of their lives, thanks to the financial security and material comforts provided by their father’s prosperous rickshaw business. Though both wave off authority and traditions, they couldn’t be more different. Pearl is a Dragon sign, strong and stubborn, while May is a true Sheep, adorable and placid. Both are beautiful, modern, and living the carefree life ... until the day their father tells them that he has gambled away their wealth, and that in order to repay his debts he must sell the girls as wives to suitors who have traveled from Los Angeles to find Chinese brides.
As Japanese bombs fall on their beloved city, Pearl and May set out on the journey of a lifetime, one that will take them through the villages of south China, in and out of the clutch of brutal soldiers, and across the Pacific to the foreign shores of America. In Los Angeles, they begin a fresh chapter, trying to find love with their stranger husbands, brushing against the seduction of Hollywood, and striving to embrace American life, even as they fight against discrimination, brave Communist witch hunts, and find themselves hemmed in by Chinatown’s old ways and rules. At its heart, Shanghai Girls is a story of sisters: Pearl and May are inseparable best friends, who share hopes, dreams, and a deep connection. But like sisters everywhere, they also harbor petty jealousies and rivalries. They love each other but they also know exactly where to drive the knife to hurt the other sister the most. Along the way there are terrible sacrifices, impossible choices and one devastating, life-changing secret, but through it all the two heroines of this astounding new novel by Lisa See hold fast to who they are – Shanghai girls. 

If you follow the link above, there's lots to explore on the author's website.  Recipes, interviews, as well as some book club discussion points.  Hope you enjoy it!

June Swatches

This month we are giving lace another go!  These patterns are slightly more difficult than last month's, but don't worry, you can handle it!


KEY:
yo:  yarn over- A single increase.  Move the yarn to the front of the work, the same action as if you were to purl, then wrap the yarn over the top of the needle and resume your knitting.  This creates a hole or an eyelet in the fabric (Note: yarn over and yarn forward are the same thing.  If you see yarn forward in other directions it is simply another term for yarn over).

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together- A right-slanting decrease.  Insert the needle into the next two stitches as if to knit, and knit these stitches together. 

Sl 1, K1, PSSO: Slip 1 stitch from the left needle to the right needle (as if to purl), Knit 1 stitch, pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch- This is a left-slanting decrease.  

Sl 1, K2tog, PSSO:  A double decrease.  Slip one stitch from the left needle to the right (as if to purl), knit 2 stitches together, pass the slipped stitch up and over the k2tog.  

BEGINNER:  Zig Zags and Diamonds

Cast on 37 stitches
Border Rows 1-5: K1, P1 across

Pattern Rows:
Row 1:  (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K2, yo, sl 1 K1 psso, K5 repeat from * across row (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2 and all even rows: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Purl across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 3: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K3, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K4 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 5: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K4, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K3 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 7: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K5, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K2 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 9: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K2, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K2, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K1 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 11: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K1, [yo, sl1 k1 psso] twice, K2, k2tog, yo, K1 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 13: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K2, yo, sl1, k1, psso, K2, k2tog, yo, K1 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 15:  (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K5, k2tog, yo, K2 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 17: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K4, k2tog, yo, K3 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 19: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K3, k2tog, yo, K4 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 21: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K2, k2tog, yo, K5 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 23: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K1, k2tog, yo, K3, yo, sl 1 k1, psso, K1 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 25: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *k2tog, yo, K3 [yo, sl1 k1 psso] twice repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 27: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K1, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K3, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K1 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 28: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Purl across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Repeat these 28 rows until piece is approx 8-8.5 inches long (the lace squares should be slightly smaller than the others so there is room to stretch with blocking).

Repeat border rows 1-5.

Bind off loosely

EASY:  Leafy Diamonds

Cast on 36 stitches


Border rows 1, 3, 5: K1, P1 across
Border rows 2, 4: P1, K1 across


Pattern Rows:
Row 1: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K3 *k2tog, yo, K1, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K5 repeat from * across to last 8 stitches k2tog, yo, K1 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2 and all even rows: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Purl across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 3: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K2 * k2tog, K1, yo, K1, yo, K1, sl1 k1 psso, K3 repeat from * across to last 9 sts, k2tog, K1, yo, K1 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 5: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K1 *k2tog, K2, yo, K1, yo, K2, sl1 k1 psso, K1 repeat from * across to last 10 sts, k2tog, K2, yo, K1 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 7: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) k2tog, *K3, yo, K1, yo, K3, sl1 k2tog psso repeat from * across to last 9 sts, K3, yo, K1 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 9: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K1 *yo, sl1 k1 psso, K5, k2tog, yo, K1 repeat from * across to last 10 sts, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K3 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 11: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K1, yo, K1, sl1 k1 psso, K3, k2tog, K1, yo repeat from * across to last 11 sts, K1, yo, K1, sl1 k1 psso, K2 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 13: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K1, yo, K2, sl1 k1 psso, K1, k2tog, K2, yo repeat from * across to last 11 sts, K1, yo, K2, sl1 k1 psso, K1 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 15: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) * K1, yo, K3, sl1 k2tog psso, K3, yo repeat from * across to last 11 sts K1, yo, K3, sl1 k1 psso (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 16: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Purl across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Repeat these 16 rows until square measures 8 to 8.5 inches long (the lace squares should be slightly smaller than the others so there is room to stretch with blocking).

Repeat Border rows 1-5.

Bind off loosely.


INTERMEDIATE: Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

Cast on 37 stitches

Border rows 1-5: K1, P1 across

Pattern Rows (please note that the side borders on ODD numbered rows are slightly different than normal, this is NOT a typo)
Row 1: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K2) K1 *yo, sl1 k1 psso, K7, k2tog, yo, K1 repeat from * across (K2, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2 and all even rows: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Purl across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 3: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K2) K2, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K5, k2tog, yo, K3, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K5, k2tog, yo, K2 (K2, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 5: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K2) K3, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K3, k2tog, yo, K5, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K3, k2tog, yo, K3 (K2, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 7: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K2) *K1, k2tog, yo, K1, yo, sl1 k1 psso, repeat from * across to last 7 sts K1 (K2, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 9: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K2) k2tog, yo, K3, *yo, sl1 k2tog psso, yo, K3 repeat from * across to last 8 sts yo, sl1 k1 psso (K2, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 11: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K2) K4, k2tog, yo, K1, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K7, k2tog, yo, K1, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K4 (K2, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 13: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K2) K3, k2tog, yo, K3, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K5, k2tog, yo, K3, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K3 (K2, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 15: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K2) K2, k2tog, yo, K5, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K3, k2tog, yo, K5, yo, sl1 k1 psso, K2 (K2, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 17: Repeat row 7
Row 19: Repeat row 9
Row 20: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Purl across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Repeat these 20 rows until square measures 8 to 8.5 inches long (the lace squares should be slightly smaller than the others so there is room to stretch with blocking).

Repeat Border rows 1-5.

Bind off loosely.

These patterns are on Ravelry.com as well, make a pattern page and share your swatch!

May's Book

Hello fellow knitters.  Happy Mother's Day to all you mommies out there!
Just in case you were wondering, here's a little bit of info on May's book!  The review was found on Amazon.com, and if you follow the link there's a video preview of the book with Rhoda Janzen (the author).

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. At first, the worst week of Janzen's life—she gets into a debilitating car wreck right after her husband leaves her for a guy he met on the Internet and saddles her with a mortgage she can't afford—seems to come out of nowhere, but the disaster's long buildup becomes clearer as she opens herself up. Her 15-year relationship with Nick had always been punctuated by manic outbursts and verbally abusive behavior, so recognizing her co-dependent role in their marriage becomes an important part of Janzen's recovery (even as she tweaks the 12 steps just a bit). The healing is further assisted by her decision to move back in with her Mennonite parents, prompting her to look at her childhood religion with fresh, twinkling eyes. (She provides an appendix for those unfamiliar with Mennonite culture, as well as a list of shame-based foods from hot potato salad to borscht.) Janzen is always ready to gently turn the humor back on herself, though, and women will immediately warm to the self-deprecating honesty with which she describes the efforts of friends and family to help her re-establish her emotional well-being. (Oct.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

May Swatches

For the next three months (May, June and July), we'll be taking a look at lace!

Lace is a beautiful technique.  In it's simplest form, it is just planned yarn overs and decreases.  In its most intricate forms, bobbles or nupps are also incorporated.  Lace can also be called openwork, as it has a lot of "openness" to it- meaning holes.

The decreases can vary between k2tog and Sl 1, K1, PSSO's (see the key for translation).  It is important to learn both decreases, since it can make the decrease slant in a certain direction.  All three of May's patterns use both types of these decreases, so you'll get plenty of practice with both!

Here are a couple of links to check out some different types of lace.  Once you get the basics of it down, you can create amazing pieces of heirloom quality art!  Note while all of the examples linked below are shawls, lace is not limited only to this genre, it is also used in garments, socks, and even washcloths.  It's applications are infinite!

Traveling Woman, Swallowtail Shawl, Thistle Lace Shawl, Gala Shawl, or Proserpina Shawl

KEY:
yo:  yarn over- A single increase.  Move the yarn to the front of the work, the same action as if you were to purl, then wrap the yarn over the top of the needle and resume your knitting.  This creates a hole or an eyelet in the fabric.

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together- A right-slanting decrease.  Insert the needle into the next two stitches as if to knit, and knit these stitches together. 

Notice the stitches to the right of the yarn overs, see how they lean to the right?

Sl 1, K1, PSSO: Slip 1 stitch, Knit 1 stitch, pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch- This is a left-slanting decrease.  

Notice the stitches to the left of the yarn overs, see how they lean to the left?

BEGINNER:  Zig-Zag Eyelets

Cast on 37 stitches

Border: Rows 1-5: K1, P1 across

Pattern:
Row 1: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K4 * yo, (Sl 1, K1, PSSO), K7 repeat from * to last 8 stitches K3 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2 and all even rows: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Purl across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 3: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K5 * yo, Sl 1, K1, PSSO, K7, repeat from * to last 7 stitches K2 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 5: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K6 * yo, Sl 1, K1, PSSO, K7 repeat from * to last 6 stitches K1 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 7: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K7, yo, Sl 1, K1, PSSO repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 9: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K3 * k2tog, yo, K7 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 11: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K2 * k2tog, yo, K7 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 13: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K1 * k2tog, yo, K7 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 15: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *k2tog, yo, K7 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 16: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Purl (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Repeat these 16 rows until your square is between 8 and 8.5 inches (you'll want this swatch to be slightly smaller than the others so that when you block it there's room to "open" up the stitches) ending with either row 8 or 16.

Repeat border rows 1-5.

Bind off stitches loosely. 

EASY: Vandyke Lace

Cast on 37 stitches

Border Rows 1-5: K1, P1

Pattern Rows
Row 1: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K4, yo, Sl 1, K1, PSSO, K3 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2 and all even rows: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Purl (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 3: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K2, k2tog, yo, K1, yo, Sl 1, K1, PSSO, K2 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 5: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *K1, k2tog, yo, K3, yo, Sl 1, K1, PSSO, K1 repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 7: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) *k2tog, yo, K5, yo, Sl 1, K1 PSSO repeat from * across (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 8: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Purl (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1

Repeat these 8 rows until your square is between 8 and 8.5 inches (you'll want this swatch to be slightly smaller than the others so that when you block it there's room to "open" up the stitches) ending with row 8.

Repeat border rows 1-5.

Bind off stitches loosely.

INTERMEDIATE: Candelabra Lace

Cast on 37

Border rows
Row 1-5: K1 P1

Pattern Rows:
Row 1: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Knit (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 2 and every even row: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Purl (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 3: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Knit (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 5: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K11 k2tog, yo, K1, yo, Sl 1, K1, PSSO, K11 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 7: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K10 k2tog, yo, K3, yo, Sl 1, K1 PSSO, K10 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 9: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K9, [k2tog, yo] twice, K1, [yo, Sl 1, K1, PSSO] twice, K9 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 11: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1) K8 [k2tog, yo] twice, K3, [yo, Sl 1, K1, PSSO] twice, K8 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 13: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) K7 [k2tog, yo] 3 times, K1, [yo, Sl 1, K1, PSSO] 3 times, K7 (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)
Row 14: (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) Purl (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1)

Repeat these 14 rows until your square is between 8 and 8.5 inches (you'll want this swatch to be slightly smaller than the others so that when you block it there's room to "open" up the stitches) ending with row 14.

Repeat border rows 1-5.

Bind off stitches loosely.

These patterns are on Ravelry.com as well, make a pattern page and share your swatch!