Jack the cat thinks the afghan I'm making is just for him. Blogger has been having problems lately so I hope this post pushes through my SLC sweater post.
Here's the Dale of Norway Salt Lake City Olympic ski sweater knit in Heilo. Unfortunately I think this pattern is already out of print. I greatly enjoyed knitting the intricate patterns - check out my favorite dancing little people on the back yoke! Right in between the little people is the Olympic flame.




DH has worn this sweater exactly once. Unfortunately it really is too warm for the climate here. If it wasn't so hot I'd be knitting these sweaters all the time.

Dale of Norway Cardigan

I finally managed to get some sweater photos. This first one is from Dale of Norway - the booklet, number 79, is out of print and this sweater is number 7913. I made it in Heilo and it is so large I wear it as a coat in winter. It is starting to pill but I love it anyway and it is extremely warm.



This was my first steeked sweater and when I was cutting the steeks for the front button band I cut right through to the back of the sweater - about a 2 inch hole. After swearing like a sailor for several minutes I ripped the hole on all sides to make it bigger (ouch!) and then knit back and forth and kitchenered the top and bottom together. You can't tell at all from the outside - it was in the plain stockinette area in the bottom center.



Tomorrow I'll show my favorite sweater of all time, DH's Salt Lake City Dale Olympic ski sweater.
According to one of my kitchen thermometers brought outside, it is pushing 100 here today. Good thing I'm working on a heavy wool afghan! Even better, I apparently chose the single most difficult color to photograph in the history of mankind (Wool of the Andes in tomato). I'm almost done with my seventh square - the Ginger Smith Square. The KAL for this fun afghan is HERE.



I will keep trying to get photographs you can actually see. If anyone has any ideas about taking photos of a really really bright red color please let me know. So far I've tried inside, outside, flash, natural light, Ott lite, etc.

Groovy Socks NEW Free Pattern



Remember when I told you that the best way to prove that I do not only design baby things, would be to design a sock, well here is the proof. The idea for the Groovy socks hit me like a train! I had just finished creating a new colorway for SockPixie , called La Vie en Rose, and was so in love with the colors, and the contrast that I knew I had to play the natural stripes in the yarn.
Grovvy socks have the coolest wavy chevron pattern. They are so easy to remember that Wendy would probably refer to them as commuter socks!

Click to see the Groovy Socks Pattern.

Spruce Mountain Men's Mittens



I'm pretty happy with this design for men's mittens. I used three skeins of Andean Treasure alpaca yarn. I purposely started the sore thumb gusset an inch above the corrugated ribbed cuff which I think gives a better fit for men's hands. The only problem really is that of course the stripes don't line up at the end of the row but I put the end of the row opposite the thumb so it is less noticeable. I'll try to pin down DH this week to get a photo of him modeling the mittens.
This is a test post. My last post at Blogger (about German Twisted Cast On) isn't showing up for some reason. I'm currently trying to figure out if it was just that post or if something is broken.


I'm not really into all the different cast ons and bind offs out there. I've tried many of them but the truth is I use the long-tail cast on 99% of the time for speed and simplicity. That is until yesterday when I finally tried the German Twisted Cast On. It is performed almost the same as the long-tail cast on but it varies in how you insert the needle into the loop around your thumb.

It looks like the long-tail cast on except there is what looks like a purl bump above the cast on ridge. This extra length of this cast on is one reason why using it for corrugated/two-color ribbing is a good thing - you're less likely to see the second color peeking out below the cast on edge. It is also much more elastic than the long-tail cast on which is nice because I'm using some non-elastic alpaca for the project shown. The best thing about the German Twisted Cast On though is that corrugated ribbing doesn't curl at all. I love corrugated ribbing so I will be definitely using it in the future.

HERE's the photo tutorial I used to learn this cast on. She uses two different colors for each end of the yarn to better show the method.
I'm currently designing a pair of multi-colored yet masculine mittens for DH (in alpaca). The colorwork gloves are finished but I can't seem to decide what color fringe to add. I'm waiting to take photos until I decide.

Cornucopia Socks (Free Sock Knitting Pattern)


Spiral socks are loads of fun to knit. I think they are very addictive, in fact. I always seem to be knitting just a little more to see the spiral twist around the socks. I am so mesmerized when I knit them, that before I know it, I am done with a sock, and on to the second one.
In this version of the spiral sock, knit with
SockPixie's Sock Yarn , I wanted to increase the effect of the spiral, by adding strong textural elements. Eyelets, and textured decreases give the socks a lot of movement. The colors and the movement made the name Cornucopia perfect for these new socks. I know I am a little early for fall, but what can I say, creativity knows no limits!
The pattern is simple and easy to memorize. I would say that the only tricky thing is that you may have to go get your next stitch from the other needle.
I have given directions for 64 stitches only as the pattern has a lot of stretch in it, and can fit a wide range of sizes.


Materials
: 1 skein SockPixie Sock Yarn in Cornucopia
Gauge: 8 sts/inch in st st on US 1


STITCH PATTERN:

Note: In order to complete the pattern, at the end of a needle, you may need to "borrow" a stitch from the next needle. Get the stitch and transfer it so that you can complete the pattern, then transfer that last stitch you just completed back but treat it as an already worked stitch. If, for example, what followed your transfer was K3, the stitch that you moved back and forth, would count as the first of the K3, and you would not need to knit it again. It would just become the first stitch on your right needle. This may sound complicated, but will become obvious as you do it, as you will follow the spiral movement of the stitches.


R1: *K5, P3* Repeat from * to *
R2: *K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1, P3* Reapeat from * to *.
R3: P1, *K5, P3* Repeat from * to *, end P2.
R4: P1, *K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1, P3* Repeat from * yo *, end P2
R5: P2, *K5, P3* repeat from * to *, end P1
R6: P2, *K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1, P3* Repeat from * to *, end P1
R7: *P3, K5* Repeat from * to *
R8: *P3, K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1* Repeat form * to *
R9: K1, *P3, K5* Repeat from * to *, end K4.
R10: K1, *P3, K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1* repeat from * to *, end (K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO)
R11: K2, *P3, K5* Repeat from * to *, end K3
R12: K2, *P3, K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1* Repeat from * to *, end ( K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO).
R13: K3, *P3, K5* Repeat from * to *, end K2
R14: YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1, *P3, K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1* Rpeat from * to *, end K2.
R15: K4, *P3, K5* Repeat from * to *, end K1
R16: K1, YO, SL1, PSSO, K1, *P3, K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1*, Repeat from * to *, end K1.

Rows 1 through 16 form the pattern.

CUFF and LEG

Cast on 64 stitches. Divide stitches: Circular method 32 on each for circulars// 4 dpts 16, 16, 32 // 5 dpts 16 on each //
Join round.
Knit in K1P1 rib for 1 1/2"

Continue in stitch pattern over the desired length for the leg.

SHORT ROW HEEL SHAPING

You will be working on only half the stitches 32.
R1: Knit to the last 2 stitches, wyif slip next stitch, bring yarn to back, and slip wrapped stitch back to left needle. Turn.
R2: Purl to the last 2 stitches, wyinb slip next stitch, bring yarn back to the front, slip wrapped stitch back to left needle.
R3: knit to 1 stitch before the last wrapped stitch, wrap the stitch as above, turn.
R4: Purl to 1 stitch before las wrapped stitch, wrap stitch, turn.
Repeat R3 and R4 until 14 stitches remain unwrapped at the center of your heel.
Continue shaping the heel as follows:
R1: Knit to the wrapped stitch, knit the wrap together with the stich, and wrap the next stitch by wyif slipping the next stitch, bringing the yarn to the back and returning the wrapped stitch back to the left needle, and turn.
R2: Purl to the wrapped stitch, purl stich an wrap together through the back loops, wrap next stitch by wyib slipping the next stich, bringing the yarn back to the front, and slipping the wrapped stitch back to the left needle
R3: Knit to the wrapped stitch, slip wrapped stitch to right needle, with left needle pick up the 2 wraps, and place the on the right needle. Slip the 2 wraps and the stitch back to the left needle, and knit the 3 together. Wrap next stitch as above, and turn.
R4: Purl to the wrapped stitch, slip the wrapped stitch to the right needle. With left needle pick up the wraps and place them on the right needle. Transfer the wraps and the stitch one by one back to the left needle, and purl the 3 together through the back loop. Wrap the next stitch. Turn.
Repeat R3 and R4 until all stitches are consumed. The first and the last stitch on the needle will each have 1 wrap, which you will knit together on the first round of the rest of you sock.

FOOT

Start knitting in the round again over the 64 stitches, keeping the pattern going around the whole foot. Make sure to pick up the wraps for the 2 stitches, and knitting wrap and stitch together during the first round.
Continue Knitting in the round in pattern, until the foot is the appropriate length.

TOE:

Circular Method
Knit toe in st st.
R1: K1,SSK, knit to the last 3 stitches on needle, K2tog, K1. Repeat on next needle.
R2: Knit
Repeat R1 and R2 for 1 inch, then repeat R1 only until there are 8 stitches left on each eedle.
Using the kitchener stitch, graft the toe closed.

4dpts
Work stitches on needle 1. New begininng of round. Instep on needle 1, and sole on needles 2 and 3.
R1:
Needle 1: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1
Needle 2: K1, SSK, knit to end
Needle 3: Knit to,last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1
R2: Knit
Repeat as for circular method until 8 stitces are left. Graft toe.

5dpts
Work stitches on needle. New beginning of round.Instep on needle 1 and 2, sole on needle 3 and 4.
R1:
Needle 1: K1, SSK , knit to end
Needle 2: Knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1
Needle 3: Same as needle 1
Needle 4: Same as needle 2
Repeat as for circular method until 8 stoitches are left. Graft toe.


For personal use only. Copyright, Caroline Dlugy-Hegwer, 2007.

Jewel (Free Baby Hat Knitting Pattern)



My obsession with knitting baby garments continues. Today, it's a hat, and because I design baby garments faster than I can produce babies to wear them, you are getting a picture of the hat alone! To knit Jewel, I used SockPixie's Yarns Cornucopia, and Emerald Sea.
Jewel is a simple baby hat. It takes advantage of the fun verstility of mitered/modular squares. The squares gave me the opportunity to play with color, while adding an interesting border to the hat. Mitered squares are also great practice for picking up stitches, in a non overwhelming way!
The two colors have a jewel like quality, in particular when placed against eachother.
This hat fits a Newborn to 3 month old, and the size can easily be adapted by adding or knitting 2 squares less, and at the time of picking up stitches to build the body of the hat, the number of stitches picked should be adjusted in multiples of 10, keeping the decreases intact. You will aslo have to increase the height of the hat.

Materials: SockPixie's Sock Yarn , 1 Emerald Sea, 1 Cornucopia
Needles:US 3 16" circular, US 3 dpts
Gauge: 7sts/inch in st st

The mitered square border is worked first. You will alternate colors for the squares, (one emerald, one cornucopia, etc...)

Mitered square recipe:

SQ1: Cast on 16 stitches with emerald
R1: K6, K2tog, k2tog, K6
R2: Knit
R3: K5, k2tog,K2tog, K5
R4: Knit
R5: K4, K2tog, K2tog, K4
R6: Knit
R7: K3, K2tog, K2tog, K3
R8: Knit
R9: K2, K2tog, K2tog, K2
R10: Knit
R11: K1, K2tog, K2tog, K1
R12: Knit
R13: K2tog twice
R14: K2tog

For the second square, leave the stitch on the needle, cut emerald yarn, and reattach cornucopia. While looking at the front of your work, pick up and knit 8 stitches along the left side of the diamond, then using the knitted cast on, cast on 9. You will now be on the wrong side of the work: K2tog, knit till last 2 stitches, K2tog.
You can now repeat R1 -R14 of square 1.

Make 10 squares.
When you finish the 10th square, break off yarn, and pass it through the last stitch to stop your work.

Body:

Seam the band to make a ring. Now looking at the front side of your work, and starting from the seam, pick up and knit 90 stitches. Join round. Choose the less flattering edge to pick the stitches from, the prettier one will be the edge of your hat.
Alternating Cornucopia and Emerald, knit 2 rows of each ( or be wild!). To prevent the jagged edge you can use the following techniqe . Continue alternating colors, in stockinette until the stockinette section measures 2" not including the band.

Crown Decreases:

Switch to dpts as soon as you feel the stitches getting tight.
R1: *K8, K2tog* Repeat from * to *
R2: Knit
R3: Knit
R4: *K7, K2tog* Repeat from *
R5: Knit
R6: knit
R7: *K6, K2tog* Repeat from *
R8: Knit
R9: knit
R10: *K5, K2tog* Repeat from *
R11: Knit
R12: knit
R13: *K4, K2tog* Repeat from *
R14: Knit
R15: knit
R16: *K3, K2tog* Repeat from *
R17: Knit
R18: knit
R19: *K2, K2tog* Repeat from *
R20: Knit
R21: knit
R22: *K1, K2tog* Repeat from *
R23: *k2tog* Repeat from *

Break yarn and gather remaining stitches. Weave in all ends.


For personal use only. Copyright, Caroline Dlugy-Hegwer. 2007.
A while ago I taught 14 year old Jeanette to knit. She turned out to be a knitting prodigy. Her first project was a garter stitch scarf in Red Heart yarn, her second was a pair of really really large socks, and I think her third project was the Dale of Norway Mt. Rose colorwork steeked ski sweater. It was gorgeous!

Anyway, she knit me these lovely socks in Nature Spun sport weight. I'd been meaning to get better photos. These are the Norwegian Stockings from Nancy Bush's Folk Socks. Aren't they wonderful? Thanks again Jeanette!



I'm really running behind this week. I wanted to take a photo of the six squares (of a total of 18) I've finished for the Great American Aran Afghan. I've decided this will be my main summer project - maybe I can finish by fall. I originally intended to finish it by last fall so I'll be a year late.

I do have some fun links:

Cupcakes decorated with a knitting theme - these are so cool! She even includes a marzipan tutorial.

What the World Eats - Time mag photo essay of 16 international families and what they eat a week along with how much they spend. Who knew so many people drank soda?

HERE are instructions for making your own herbal dream pillows along with some fun herb blends. I just bought a bag of dream pillow herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs so I plan to make a few out of satin. I'm going to use them for yoga or just plain relaxing.

I'm a huge fan of the knitting patterns by Woodsmoke Woolworks. Look HERE and HERE for some of the most wonderful and whimsical patterns. I've made her bunnies and carrot hat a zillion times and I won the blue jays and cherries pattern but some of the others are tempting me - the Dragonflies, Water Lilies and Frogs, the Chickadees hat.

Celebration (Free Sock Knitting Pattern)




I have great news. My new knitting adventure with my daughter Alexandra has started. You can now find our collection of hand painted sock yarns at http://www.sockpixie.com. I hope you will come visit, and look at our beautiful colors. To celebrate the opening, here is a simple but fun new sock pattern with the loveliest mock cable, using one of our most cheerful colors: Cantaloupe. I will name the pattern Celebration. The mock cable was inspired by Barbara Walker's Treasury of Knitting Patterns. The fun thing with a mock cable, is that it looks, and feels like a cable, bu there is no need for a cable needle, the trick is done by slipping stitches.


Materials: 1 skein SockPixie Sock Yarn in color Cantaloupe
Needles: US 1
Gauge: 8 sts/inch


STITCH PATTERN
:

R1: P2, *K4,P4* Repeat from * to *, end P2
R2: P2, *(SL1, K1, YO, PSSO) twice, P4* Repeat from * to * end P2.(Pass slipped stitch over K1, and the YO. To do so when you YO bring the yarn to the fron of your work and over the right needle towards the back. Once the PSSO is done, you should have 2 stitches close together, held by a slipped stitch at the base.)
R3: P2, *K4, P4*, Repeat from * to * end P2
R4: P2, *K1, SL1, K1, YO, PSSO, K1, P4* Repeat from * to * end P2
R1 to R4 form the pattern


CUFF and LEG

Cast on 64 (72) stitches. Divide stitches: Circular method 32(36) on each for circulars// 4 dpts 16, 16, 32 (18, 18, 36) // 5 dpts 16 on each (18 on each) //
Join round.
Knit in K2P2 rib for 1 1/2"

Continue in stitch pattern over the desired length for the leg.

SHORT ROW HEEL SHAPING

You will be working on only half the stitches 32(36).
R1: Knit to the last 2 stitches, wyif slip next stitch, bring yarn to back, and slip wrapped stitch back to left needle. Turn.
R2: Purl to the last 2 stitches, wyinb slip next stitch, bring yarn back to the front, slip wrapped stitch back to left needle.
R3: knit to 1 stitch before the last wrapped stitch, wrap the stitch as above, turn.
R4: Purl to 1 stitch before las wrapped stitch, wrap stitch, turn.
Repeat R3 and R4 until 14 stitches remain unwrapped at the center of your heel.
Continue shaping the heel as follows:
R1: Knit to the wrapped stitch, knit the wrap together with the stich, and wrap the next stitch by wyif slipping the next stitch, bringing the yarn to the back and returning the wrapped stitch back to the left needle, and turn.
R2: Purl to the wrapped stitch, purl stich an wrap together through the back loops, wrap next stitch by wyib slipping the next stich, bringing the yarn back to the front, and slipping the wrapped stitch back to the left needle
R3: Knit to the wrapped stitch, slip wrapped stitch to right needle, with left needle pick up the 2 wraps, and place the on the right needle. Slip the 2 wraps and the stitch back to the left needle, and knit the 3 together. Wrap next stitch as above, and turn.
R4: Purl to the wrapped stitch, slip the wrapped stitch to the right needle. With left needle pick up the wraps and place them on the right needle. Transfer the wraps and the stitch one by one back to the left needle, and purl the 3 together through the back loop. Wrap the next stitch. Turn.
Repeat R3 and R4 until all stitches are aconsumed. The first and the last stitch on the needle will each have 1 wrap, which you will knit together on the first round of the rest of you sock.

FOOT

Start knitting in the round again over the 64(72) stitches, keeping the pattern going on top of the foot, and knitting in stockinette for the sole. Make sure to pick up the wraps for the 2 stitches, and knitting wrap and stitch together during the first round.
Continue Knitting in the round with pattern on top, and stockinette on sole, until the foot is the appropriate length.

TOE:

Circular Method
R1: K1,SSK, knit to the last 3 stitches on needle, K2tog, K1. Repeat on next needle.
R2: Knit
Repeat R1 and R2 for 1 inch, then repeat R1 only until there are 8 stitches left on each eedle.
Using the kitchener stitch, graft the toe closed.

4dpts
Work stitches on needle 1. New begininng of round. Instep on needle 1, and sole on needles 2 and 3.
R1:
Needle 1: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1
Needle 2: K1, SSK, knit to end
Needle 3: Knit to,last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1
R2: Knit
Repeat as for circular method until 8 stitces are left. Graft toe.

5dpts
Work stitches on needle. New beginning of round.Instep on needle 1 and 2, sole on needle 3 and 4.
R1:
Needle 1: K1, SSK , knit to end
Needle 2: Knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1
Needle 3: Same as needle 1
Needle 4: Same as needle 2
Repeat as for circular method until 8 stoitches are left. Graft toe.


For personal use only. Copyright, Caroline Dlugy-Hegwer, 2007.

Le Petit Trianon (Free Baby Knitting Pattern)





Once I applied the bow to this newborn/3 months wrap, I found there was something very Versailles about it. So I decided to name it Le Petit Trianon . Le Petit Trianon is an easy pattern to knit. There are no seams, it is mostly stockinette stitch with an ounce of garter. I used a thick and thin chunky yarn by Di Ve called Fiamma, and used US 10.5 needles. The thick and thin gives it a relaxed rustic appearance, in contrast with the proper bow.

Best of all, the thick and thin bulky yarn makes it an express project. Even if the baby shower is tomorrow, you will be done!


Materials: 3 balls Di Ve Fiamma color 29047 (I had about 1 yard left!)

Needles: 24" US 10 1/2, US 10 1/2 dpts

Gauge: 3 1/4 stitches inch
Cast on 90 stitches loosely as the yarn is somewhat fragile. Knitting back and forth, knit 6 rows in garter stitch.
Switch to stockinette stitch for the rest of the body.
Knit even until piece is 3" high (from CO edge.)
Make 1 opening for the ribbon to go through as follows:
(RS)Knit until the last 30 stitches, BO 1, knit till end of row.
Knit the 2 sections separately knitting a total of three rows on each section, cutting and reattaching the yarn as necessary.
Rejoin the sections as follows:
Knit until the gap, CO 1, finish with the same yarn knitting the second section.
Purl 1 row.
Start decreases for edges of the wrap.
Decrease row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1
Next row purl.
Repeat these two rows until there are 80 stitches left. On the last purl row, purl 26, place marker, purl 28, place marker, purl 26.
Looking at the markers, place the 3 stitches before, and the three stitches after the 1st marker on a holder together. Do the same for the stitches around the second marker. Put the body of the sweater aside, and start knitting the sleeves.
Make 2 sleeves:
With US 10 1/2 dpts, cast on 18 stitches, join round, and knit 4 rows in garter stitch. Switch to stockinette. Knit 1 round in stockinette. In next round, K1, Kf&b, knit to the last 2 stitches, Kf&b, k1.
knit 2 rounds, and repeat increase round 1 more time.
Continue even until the sleeve is 4" high. Place the last 3 worked stitches, and the next 3 stitches on a holder, cut the yarn.
Throughout the sweater you will continue the edge decreases as set above.
While keeping the edge decreases, attach the sleeve to the body as follows:
Knit on the body until you reach the stitches placed on hold, take the sleeve, and making sure the held stitches of the sleeve are in front of the held body stitches, place a marker, and start knitting the sleeve stitches with your working yarn, thus joining the sleeve to the body, at the end of the sleeve place a marker, and continue knitting to the second set of held stitches.
Make your second sleeve, and attach it in the same fashion, placing the markers in the same positions.
(You are still knitting in stockinette.) Purl 1 row.
It is now time to start shaping the raglan sleeves.
You will continue the edge decreases as set above while doing the raglan shaping as follows:
Row 1: K1, ssk, knit to 3 stitches of the first marker, ssk, k1, sm, knit to the next marker, sm, k1, k2tog, knit to 3 stitches of the next marker, ssk, k1, sm, knit to next marker, sm, k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitche, k2tog, k1.
Row 2: purl
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 8" from CO edge.
Now decrease every row for the edge stitches for 5 rows as follows:
Row 1: same as above
Row 2: P1, P2tog, purl till last 3 stitches, take second stitch on left needle, and pass it over 1st stitch, now purl that stitch, p1.
Next row, k2tog throughout row.
Purl 1 row.
BO.
Pick up and knit 30 stitches along neck edge, and knit 1 row. BO loosely.
Use the 3 needle BO for the underarm stitches on holders. Weave in all ends. Sew ribbon at each edge of wrap, right before the beginning of the decreases. Slip bpw through the whole, tie bow.

Aran Sandal Socks and New England Socks

I'm still working on trying to get decent photographs of the sweaters - they look too washed out in my photos but I will prevail.

I also have trouble photographing light colored texture socks so I tried again with those as well. I rarely wear these because I'm terrified I'll get them dirty. The first socks are the Aran Sandal Socks from Socks, Socks, Socks done in some handspun Cormo I bought at Taos Wool Festival. I like the way the cable pattern extends down the heel.




These are the New England socks from Nancy Bush with a spiral toe. I think I knit these in an old Elann yarn from Pingouin - called La Laine maybe?