Category: Knitting

Knitting it Again

Marie Haigh6 Comments
My last Ode to Quilting block:

It looks an awful lot like Jake, doesn’t it? Well, I thought I could fool you with his cuteness. It always works on me.

I made a stupid error while knitting the last block and didn’t notice it until I was piecing everything together. So, now I have to knit it over again. Since I wanted the block to be a surprise, I’m not even showing you a picture of my mistake. I’ll let you see Monday of next week what I did wrong. Dan noticed my error right away. I didn’t notice it until I had worked on it for over 2 days. I think I had my “I’m almost Finished” glasses on. They never see any errors.

Since Jake is now my Guest of Honor on the blog today, let me share with you his new trick that he learned. The past two times that Dan and I have poured ourselves a beer after dinner, I gave Jake a treat, thinking we’ll all have a treat. Yesterday, when we were pouring beers, Jake sat right in front of my feet, tail wagging, waiting for his treat. I laughed, patted him on the head and promptly went and got him his treat. Does that mean I trained him or he has trained me?

Log Cabin Block, 8th Block in Ode to Quilting Series

Marie Haigh5 Comments

This block is perhaps the easiest of all the blocks in the Ode to Quilting series. Only Stocking Stitch is used to knit the squares and rectangles.

Pattern for Log Cabin Block:

Recommended Knitting skill level: Easy

Yarn: Lion’s Wool by Lion Brand or substitute any wool yarn from your stash that meets the below gauge specifications.
1. Color A = Oceans Blue, 1 skein
2. Color B = Winter White, 1 skein
3. Color C = Goldenrod, 1 skein
4. Color D = Cocoa, 1 skein
5. Color E = Ebony, 1 skein
6. Color F = Rose, 1 skein
7. Color G = Pumpkin, 1 skein
8. Color H = Purple, 1 skein
9. Color I = Midnight Blue, 1 skein
10. Color J = Sage, 1 skein
11. Color K = Flower Garden, 1 skein

Gauge: 4 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch/2.5 cm in Stocking Stitch.

Needles: Lion’s Wool recommends size 8 (I used size 5) in straight needles.

Materials:Large blunt sewing needle and safety pins
Stocking Stitch Pattern: Knit all stitches on the right side of the work; Purl all stitches on the wrong side of the work.

Knitting Instructions:
In Color A, cast on 10 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch for 12 rows or 2 inches. Bind off.

In Color B, cast on 10 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch for 12 rows or 2 inches. Bind off.

In Color C, cast on 10 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch till piece measures 4 inches. Bind off.

In Color D, cast on 18 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch for 12 rows or 2 inches. Bind off.

In Color E, cast on 10 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch till piece measures 6 inches. Bind off.

In Color F, cast on 26 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch for 12 rows or 2 inches. Bind off.

In Color G, cast on 10 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch till piece measures 8 inches. Bind off.

In Color H, cast on 34 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch for 12 rows or 2 inches. Bind off.

In Color I, cast on 10 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch till piece measures 10 inches. Bind off.

In Color J, cast on 42 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch for 12 rows or 2 inches. Bind off.

In Color K, cast on 10 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch till piece measures 12 inches. Bind off.

Finishing Instructions:
Note: Weave in any ends as you go.
Using safety pins, secure the top edge of the Color A square to the bottom edge of the Color B square. Seam together. (The AB squares will henceforth be referred to as the Log Cabin block.)

Then, secure the right side edge of the Log Cabin block to the left side edge of the Color C rectangle. Seam together.

Then, secure the top edge of the Log Cabin block to the bottom edge of the Color D rectangle. Seam together.

Then, secure the right side edge of the Log Cabin block to the left side edge of the Color E rectangle. Seam together.

Continue in this fashion, repeating the last two instructions until all rectangles have been seamed to the Log Cabin block.

Remove any remaining safety pins.

Weave in any loose ends.

Block according to measurements (12 inches by 12 inches).

Spiral Applique Block, 7th in Ode to Quilting Series

Marie Haigh3 Comments

This block was inspired by a bias applique quilter’s block.

Pattern for Spiral Applique Block:
Recommended Knitting skill level: Easy

Yarn: Lion’s Wool by Lion Brand or substitute any wool yarn from your stash that meets the below gauge specifications.
1. Color A = Pearl Grey, 1 skein
2. Color B = Pumpkin, 1 skein
3. Color C = Scarlet, 1 skein
4. Color D = Purple, 1 skein
5. Color E = Midnight Blue, 1 skein

Needles: Lion’s Wool recommends size 8 (I used size 5) in both straight needles and double pointed needles.

Materials:
Large blunt sewing needle
Safety pins

Gauge: 4 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch/2.5 cm in Stocking Stitch.

Stocking Stitch Pattern: Knit all stitches on the right side of the work; Purl all stitches on the wrong side of the work.

Knitting Instructions:
Make 4 strips, one in each color.

  • In Color B, cast on 10 stitches.
  • Work in Stocking Stitch till strip measures 8 inches.
  • Bind off all stitches.
  • Repeat instructions with color C, color D, and color E.

In color A, make 4 small corner squares.

  • With color A, cast on 10 stitches.
  • Row 1(right side of work): Purl all stitches.
  • Row 2: K1, P2, K4, P2, K1.
  • Row 3: P1, K2, P4, K2, P1.
  • Row 4: Knit all stitches.
  • Row 5: Purl all stitches.
  • Row 6: K4, P2, K4.
  • Row 7: P4, K2, P4.
  • Row 8: Knit all stitches.
  • Repeat rows 1-4.
  • Bind off all stitches.
  • Repeat instructions 3 more times.
With color A, make 1 large center square.

  • With color A, cast on 34 stitches.
  • Row 1(right side of work): Purl all stitches.
  • Row 2: K1, P2, (K4, P2) 5 times, K1.
  • Row 3: P1, (K2, P4) 5 times, K2, P1.
  • Row 4: Knit all stitches.
  • Row 5: Purl all stitches.
  • Row 6: K4, (P2, K4) 5 times.
  • Row 7: (P4, K2) 5 times, P4.
  • Row 8: Knit all stitches.
  • Repeat rows 1-8 five more times. (Total rows = 48)
  • Bind off all stitches.
  • Block to measurements (8 inches by 8 inches).

Finishing Instructions:

  • Place one color A corner square on either side of the color B strip.
  • Using safety pins, secure squares to strip.
  • Using a mattress stitch, seam the corner squares to either side of the strip.
  • Repeat instructions with the remaining two corner squares and color C strip.
  • Place the color E strip on the right side of the color A center square. Secure with safety pins. Seam together with a mattress stitch.
  • Place the final strip, color D, on the left side of the color A center square. Secure with safety pins. Seam together with a mattress stitch.

Make 1 i-cord.

  • With color B and two double pointed needles, cast on 2 stitches.
  • Knit these two stitches on row 1.
  • Do not turn the work.
  • Instead slide the work to the beginning of the left-hand needle. Wrap the yarn across the back of the work. Knit the two stitches of row 2.
  • Continue in this fashion until i-cord measures 10 inches.
  • Join in a ball of color E. (Note: When cutting the yarn from color B, leave a long string, measuring approximately 20 inches.
  • Work the i-cord in color E until it measures 10 inches from where color E was joined in.
  • Join in a ball of color C. (Again, leave a long 20-inch string of color E).
  • Work the i-cord in color C until it measures 10 inches from where color C was joined in.
  • Join in a ball of color D. (Again, leave a long 20-inch string of color C).
  • Work the i-cord in color D until it measures 10 inches from where color D was joined in.
  • Bind off all stitches.
  • Leave a long 20-inch string of color D.
  • Do not weave in the ends yet.

Placement of i-cord

  • Arrange i-cord in a spiral on top of the color A center square. Be sure to stay within the borders of the center square. Also, lay the i-cord down so that the right side faces up toward you at all times.
  • Secure the i -cord with safety pins.
  • Using a blunt sewing needle, thread in the long, unwoven string of color D.
  • Hand tack down the color D section with the unwoven end using a running stitch.
  • Once the color D section is fully tacked down, pull the remaining string to the back of the work. Weave in the color D ends.
  • Repeat the last three instructions for each colored section.

Hourglass Block, 6th in Ode to Quilt series

Marie Haigh3 Comments
The 6th block in the Ode to Quilting panel:

This block is very similar to the “9-Patch Block“. The only difference is that two of the blocks are made by sewing two right-angled triangles together. Additionally, as with each of the blocks, I used a different stitch pattern. Diagonal ribbing is featured in the Hourglass Block.

Pattern for Angled Nesting Squares Block:

Recommended Knitting skill level: Easy

Yarn: Lion’s Wool by Lion Brand or substitute any wool yarn from your stash that meets the below gauge specifications.
1. Color A = Midnight Blue, 1 skein
2. Color B = Cocoa, 1 skein
3. Color C = Cadet Blue, 1 skein

Needles: Lion’s Wool recommends size 8 (I used size 5)

Materials:
Row counter
Large blunt sewing needle
Safety pins

Gauge: 4 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch/2.5 cm in Stocking Stitch.
4 stitches and 7 rows is 1 inch/2.5 cm in Diagonal ribbing.

Stocking Stitch Pattern: Knit all stitches on the RS; Purl all stitches on the WS.

Diagonal Ribbing Pattern: Work rows 1-6 in instructions to make ribbed squares.

Glossary:
K = Knit
K2og = Knit 2 stitches together
K3tog = Knit 3 stitches together
P = Purl
P2tog = Purl 2 stitches together
P3tog = Purl 3 stitches together
St = stitch

Knitting Instructions:
In Color B, make 4 ribbed squares.

  • Cast on 18 sts.
  • Row 1 (Right side of work): K2, (P2, K4) twice, P2, K2.
  • Row 2: P1, (K2, P4) twice, K2, P3.
  • Row 3: (K4, P2) thrice.
  • Row 4: K1, (P4, K2) twice, P4, K1.
  • Row 5: (P2, K4) thrice.
  • Row 6: P3, (K2, P4) twice, K2, P1.
  • Repeat rows 1-6 three more times.
  • Repeat rows 1-4 once more. Total rows = 28.
  • Bind off all stitches.
  • Do NOT block.
  • Repeat these instruction three more times to make a total of 4 squares.

In Color A, make 1 square.

  • Cast on 18 stitches.
  • Work in Stocking stitch for 24 rows.
  • Bind off all stitches.

In Color A, make 2 right-angled triangles.

  • Cast on 18 sts.
  • Row 1 (Right side of work): K all stitches.
  • Rows 2-3: Work in Stocking stitch.
  • Row 4 (Wrong side of work): P to last three stitches, P3tog.
  • Rows 5-6: Work in Stocking stitch.
  • Row 7: K3tog, K to end.
  • Repeat Rows 2-7 two more times.
  • Rows 20-21: Work in Stocking stitch.
  • Row 22: P to last three stitches, P3tog.
  • Row 23: K all stitches.
  • Row 24: P2, P2tog.
  • Bind off the 3 remaining stitches.
  • Repeat instructions once more to make 2 triangles.

In Color C, make 2 ribbed squares.

  • Cast on 18 stitches.
  • Row 1 (Right side of work): K2, (P2, K4) twice, P2, K2.
  • Row 2: P3, (K2, P4) twice, K2, P1.
  • Row 3: (P2, K4), thrice.
  • Row 4: K1, (P4, K2) twice, P4, K1.
  • Row 5: (K4, P2) thrice.
  • Row 6: P1, (K2, P4) twice, K2, P3.
  • Repeat Rows 1-6 three more times.
  • Repeat Rows 1-4 once more. Total rows = 28.
  • Bind off all stitches.
  • Repeat instructions once more to make 2 squares.

In Color C, make 2 ribbed triangles.

  • Cast on 18 stitches.
  • Row 1 (Right side of work): K2, (P2, K4) twice, P2, K2.
  • Row 2: P3, (K2, P4) twice, K1, K2tog.
  • Row 3: P1, K4, (P2, K4) twice.
  • Row 4: K1, (P4, K2) twice, P2, P2tog.
  • Row 5: K2, (P2, K4) twice, P2.
  • Row 6: P1, (K2, P4) twice, K1, K2tog.
  • Row 7: P1, (K4, P2) twice, K2.
  • Row 8: P3, K2, P4, K2, P2, P2tog.
  • Row 9: K2, (P2, K4) twice.
  • Row 10: K1, P4, K2, P4, K1, K2tog.
  • Row 11: P1, (K4, P2) twice.
  • Row 12: P1, K2, P4, K2, P2, P2tog.
  • Row 13: K2, P2, K4, P2, K2.
  • Row 14: P3, K2, P4, K1, K2tog.
  • Row 15: P1, K4, P2, K4.
  • Row 16: K1, P4, K2, P2, P2tog.
  • Row 17: K2, P2, K4, P2.
  • Row 18: P1, K2, P4, K1, K2tog.
  • Row 19: P1, K4, P2, K2.
  • Row 20: P2, K2, P2, P2tog.
  • Row 21: K2, P2, K4.
  • Row 22: K1, P4, K1, K2tog.
  • Row 23: P1, K4, P2.
  • Row 24: P1, K2, P2, P2tog.
  • Row 25: K2, P2, K2.
  • Row 26: P3, K1, K2tog.
  • Row 27: P1, K4.
  • Row 28: P2, P3tog.
  • Bind off remaining 3 stitches.
  • Do NOT block.
  • Repeat instructions once more to make 2 triangles.

Finishing Instructions:

  • Take one Color A triangle and one Color C triangle. With right sides facing up, line the diagonal edges of the triangles together. The points of the triangles should meet. Secure with several safety pins. Using a mattress stitch, sew the triangles together. Remove pins.

  • Repeat these instructions.

          • Lay out all the squares on a table. Move them around until you have obtained the Hourglass design (the Color A square should be in the center with the two Color A triangles meeting at the top right and bottom left of the Color A square).
          • Using mattress stitch, seam the squares into three columns.
          • Then, seam the columns into one block, taking care to match the seams up.
          • Weave in any loose ends.

          Better Pictures

          Marie Haigh8 Comments
          Well, they aren’t perfect, but I did the best I could with the cloudy (snow flurry) weather.

          Without further ado:

          Can I share a little factoid with you? It measures 56 inches at the top (from point to point) and 28 inches in length. Why am I telling you this? Because when I drew out the design, I planned it to be exactly those measurements. And it is. I’m pleased and surprised and a bit giddy.

          I’ve decided to name it Anastasia’s Alpaca Shawl. Why? Well, I do go weak in the knees for alliteration. Plus, my niece ADORES Cinderella, but it seems a bit vain to name your shawl after Cinderella. So, I picked her wicked step sister; that seemed OK.

          The stats:
          Anastasia Alpaca Shawl
          Designed by me
          Started in July 2007
          Shelved in August and September because it was too hot
          Shelved again in December because Christmas was coming
          Finished in January 2008
          Approx 800 yards of lace-weight alpaca wool from Alpacas at White Horse Farm (local PA farm)
          570 Beads

          DONE!

          Marie Haigh6 Comments
          The alpaca shawl is downstairs drying on top of my ping pong table right now.

          Truth be told, I bound off all the stitches on Saturday. For 24 hours, it sat balled up on the server next to the basement stairs. It was waiting for somebody to take it downstairs and wash it and block it. I knew I didn’t have a hope of Dan taking it downstairs. Dan never even sees items sitting on the server waiting to go down. The trick is to block the doorway; then, he’ll take it downstairs. So, the shawl sat. I did manage to log into Ravelry and mark my shawl as 100% completed; ah, it is funny how much joy that brought me!

          When Nan left me a comment about checking in to see if the shawl was done, it provided the nudge I needed to pick up the shawl and take it downstairs. Thanks, Nan!

          I washed it. Then, conditioned it (since, I felt it was a bit scratchy for alpaca. The mill had erred in following the instructions given and mixed the leg fur with the soft body fur. It is the leg fur that is a bit scratchy since it’s courser to ward off the elements [per my understanding – by no means am I a farmer]). Then, the hard part started. I pinned it to a sheet folded in half. I pulled and pinned. Then, pulled and pinned some more. By the time I was done, my back was screaming and Jake was whining from having his play time be interrupted (yes, I suppose he is spoiled).

          Yet, it was all worth it (unless, of course, you ask Jake. He’s not sure yet).

          Pictures!

          Better pictures coming soon, once it dries and I can bring it upstairs into the sunlight.

          So Close

          Marie Haigh4 Comments

          2 more rows to knit!

          This count includes the Bind Off row.

          I can almost taste the sweet nectar of victory.

          Half of me wants to stay up and knit until it’s finished. The other half – the logical half – thinks I should go to sleep. Selves don’t let other selves knit while tired. Bad things always happen.

          International Fiber Collaborative

          Marie Haigh7 Comments
          Long-time readers may remember my Ode to Quilting blocks. Although I have taken an extended break from them, I have not forgotten them. Over the next 2 months, you’ll be seeing a lot of them. I will be using the 5 FOs.

          And the current WIP (an Hour Glass Block)

          Coupled with the addition of 3 yet to be knitted blocks to create a 3 foot square panel. This panel will be submitted to the International Fiber Collaborative to be sewn together with 800 other panels. The massive 2400 square foot artwork will cover an abandoned gas station in concern over our dependency on oil.

          Would you like to join me? Here is more info from Jennifer Marsh, the organizer behind IFC.
          The goal of the International Fiber Collaborative is to provide an opportunity for people who enjoy working with crafts, whether professional artists, hobbyists or students to come together from all over the world to express their concerns about their countries extreme dependency on oil for energy. Those who participate will crochet, knit, stitch, patch, or collage 3 foot square fiber panels that will express each participants concern about this topic. By designing and creating a panel and participating in this project you are, in the larger picture, expressing your concern about this important subject to the rest of the world. Once all 800 panels are received, they will be sewn together to completely cover an abandoned gas station in central New York State, USA. Panels are due March 15, 2008

          2 Pieces of 9, Sewn and Starred

          Marie Haigh4 Comments

          More progress on my Christmas Tree Skirt (I hope nobody is sick of Christmas yet?!):


          I think I need a bigger star to top my white tree, don’t you? I was trying to cut corners. You know – make my life simple. So, I purchased a star button for my tree skirt. I bought the largest star I could find, but they just don’t make buttons beyond a certain size.

          Maybe I should knit a star. Yet, the thought of constructing a 5-pointed star makes my head swim.

          I could sew one. That would be SO much easier.

          Yet, to keep in the same medium, maybe a felted star would be better. I’m not talking about knitting a star and then felting it (the swimming would start again). No, I’d buy felted fabric or fabric that felts and cut a star motif out of it. That might work.