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!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, July 1, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Friday, June 17, 2011
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!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
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.
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!
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.
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!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
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).
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
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.
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!
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?
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!
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