Quick Gift Leg Warmers

The Quick Gift Leg Warmers work well in a super bulky acrylic blend.  Work the leg warmers in ribbing, or two variations of cable. The cable looks complicated, but it's made with series of cable 8 back. The leg warmers are worked from the bottom-up or call it top-down, and very reversible. A pair can be made in a weekend or two, and make a great gift or accessory for a loved one or yourself.

Finished size: flat 10”, stretches to 14”circumference; height 18”

Gauge: 9 stitches =4” Check for squishiness and elasticity in the fabric/leg warmer.

Materials: Yarn: Acrylic blend super bulky

 Photos: Quick Gift Leg Warmers were knit in Lion Brand Yarn, Wool-Ease, Thick&Quick; (rib&cable)color 305 Galaxy;

 (cable)color 306 Poinsettia;      (rib)color 303 Constellation.

2 Leg Warmers: 184yds/ 10oz (2 skeins of 92 yds/ 5oz)

Needles: Size US#13, 16” or 24”circular needles, or size US#13, double pointed needles; Size US#15 ,16”circular needles, or size US#15 set of double pointed needles;  (I prefer working both leg warmers on circular needles. A great reference for getting started is KNITTING circles around SOCKS, by Antje Gillingham)

 
Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle

Abbreviations: k = knit      p= purl       Rnd/s=round/s      sts=stitches cn=cable needle     BO=bind off       CO=cast on

Special Stitches: C8B = Cable 8 Back =  slip 4 sts on cable needle, hold to back of work; k2, p2, then k2, p2 from cable needle.

 

 Quick Cable Leg Warmers Directions: Make 2 leg warmers.

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size US#15, 16”circular needles. Cast on 32 stitches.   

Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.   

With size #13 needles, 
Rnds 1-4: K2, p2
Rnd 5: * C8B, (k2, p2)twice; repeat from * to end
Rnds 6-9: K2, p2
Rnd 10: * (K2, p2)twice, C8B: repeat from * to end
Continue working rnds 1-10 until desired height, or nearing end of yarn. End work on rnd 4, or 9.
Finishing: With size #15 needles, BO loosely in pattern. Tie off, and weave in tails.

Quick Rib Leg Warmers Directions: Make 2 leg warmers.

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size US#15, 16”circular needles. Cast on 24 stitches. 
 
Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist. 
 
With size #13 needles, 
Knit 2, purl 2.
Continue working until reaching desired height, or nearing end of yarn. 
Finishing: With size #15 needles, BO loosely in pattern. Tie off, and weave in tails. 

 

Quick Rib&Cable Leg Warmers Directions: Make 2 leg warmers.

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size US#15, 16”circular needles. Cast on 28 stitches.

Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.

With size #13 needles,
Rnds 1-9: K2, p2
Rnd 10: C8B, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end
Continue working rnds 1-10 until reaching desired height, or nearing end of yarn. End work on rnd 9.
Finishing: With size #15 needles, BO loosely in pattern. Tie off, and weave in tails.

This pattern is available at marilynnsgardenknitdesign.blogspot.com

Quick Gift Leg Warmer pattern pdf is available at Ravelry.com

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 11/12/2015

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Simply Chevron Hat

Simply Chevron Hat works well in a cotton or wool blend. The hat is worked in diagonal left & right stitches (400 knitting stitches, p30, 31) giving the knitter something interesting to do, but keeping the texture simple enough for either gender. This hat takes just a few hours to knit, and makes the Simply Chevron Hat perfect for gifts or charity.

Photo: (toddler) Simply Chevron Hat is knit in Plymouth Encore worsted; 75% acrylic/ 25% wool;  color 1445

Finished sizes:

Adult/Teen: flat 16”, stretches to 22”circumference, height 9”

Child: flat 14”, stretches to 20”circumference, height 8”

Toddler: flat 12”, stretches to 18”circumference, height 7.5”

Newborn/Infant: flat 10”, stretches to 16”circumference, height 6.5”

Gauge: 5 stitches = 1”; (Toddler gauge: 5.5 stitches = 1”) Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Materials:

Yarn: cotton or wool blend in worsted weight

Adult/Teen: 150 yards / 2.5 oz;

Child/Toddler: 125 yards /2 oz

Infant: 90 yards / 1.5 oz

Needles: Size US#7, and Size US#8, 16” circular needles, set size US#8 double pointed needles

(for Toddler: Size US#6, and Size US#7, 16” circular needles, set size US#7 double pointed needles)

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Abbreviations: CO = cast on      K = knit      k2tog = knit 2 stitches together       p = purl
                        Rnd/s = round/s      sts = stitches

Special Stitches: Chevron (these 24 stitches and 12 rounds create the chevron pattern)

Rnds 1, 2: p1, k5, p1, k10, p1, k5, p1 

Rnds 3, 4: k1, p1, k5, p1, k8, p1, k5, p1, k1

Rnds 5, 6: k2, p1, k5, p1, k6, p1, k5, p1, k2

Rnds 7, 8: k3, p1, k5, p1, k4, p1, k5, p1, k3

Rnds 9, 10: k4, p1, k5, p1, k2, p1, k5, p1, k4 

Rnds 11, 12: k5, p1, k5, p2, k5, p1, k5 

Key:  Knit       , purl -

 

                 

   

Directions: Directions are written for adult size. [child and newborn/infant directions are in brackets] (for toddler, follow child directions using smaller needles)

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size US#7, 16” circular needles. Cast on 96 [72, 48] stitches.

Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.

(toddler: size US#6, CO 72sts)

Brim:

Rnds 1-12[10, 8]: * Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Hat: With size US#8 needles, (toddler: size US#7needles) (place maker after 24sts for repeats)

Rnds 1, 2: * P1, k5, p1, k10, p1, k5, p1; repeat from * to end

Rnds 3, 4: * K1, p1, k5, p1, k8, p1, k5, p1, k1; repeat from * to end

Rnds 5, 6: * K2, p1, k5, p1, k6, p1, k5, p1, k2; repeat from * to end

Rnds 7, 8: * K3, p1, k5, p1, k4, p1, k5, p1, k3; repeat from * to end

Rnds 9, 10: * K4, p1, k5, p1, k2, p1, k5, p1, k4; repeat from * to end

Rnds 11, 12: * K5, p1, k5, p2, k5, p1, k5; repeat from * to end

Work the hat in pattern for 8” [7.5”(7”), 5.5”] from CO ending on rnd 12.

For a taller hat, or fold-up brim work extra rounds of the pattern before starting the crown decreases.

Crown: Change to double pointed needles when needed.
Rnd 1: Knit

Rnd 2: K3, k2tog, * K6, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3sts, k3 

Rnd 3: K2, k2tog, * K5, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3sts, k3 

Rnd 4: K1, k2tog, * K4, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3sts, k3

Rnd 5: K2tog, * K3, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3sts, k3

Rnd 6: K1, * K2tog; repeat from * until 12,[9,6] sts remain.

Finishing: Cut 12” yarn and thread end through remaining stitches.  Pull together, and tie off neatly.

 
This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

Simply Chevron Hat pattern pdf is available on Ravelry.com

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 10-22-15

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Sew What? Mermaid's Tail Sofa Snuggler

Yes, this is my knitting blog, but sometimes fleece and sewing seem like a better choice!
My Roller Derby daughter asked for a mermaid's tail blanket like she'd seen on Pinterest. There are some beautiful patterns to knit and crochet, but I'd rather sew this project because I'd be making a mermaid's tail for my daughter and two grand-daughters. (And a sparkle costume for the NH grand-daughter.)



Let me share the process:

I made a trip to JoAnn's.  With sales & coupon magic, I spent $36.  The pattern was 40% = $9. The fleece kit, and fabric were 50% = $10 + $10.  I also bought some sparkle fabric to make the NH grand-daughter a Halloween costume.  (Next time, I'd purchase 2 yards fleece, and/or the 60"x72" kit.  Mermaids have long tails!) 

I came home, gathered supplies, and unfolded the pattern. The adult pattern was very large so I opted to use the children's, and placed it on fabric not concerned that it was also very wide.  I used pattern for the adult tail.

I folded the fleece right-sides together lengthwise 24"x 60", and again 12" x 60".
I placed and pinned the pattern. I trimmed the fabric around the bottom of the tail and fin.
(Next time, folded to 24"x72", and 12"x72".  Place the pattern at the bottom, leaving the extra fabric above the pattern. Mermaids have long tails!)

I continued to work with the right-sides together sewing the tail and fin.  I also zig-zag stitched the tail, but not the fin. 

Then I turned the work right-side out. I top stitched the edge and interior of the fin. 

 I took the work to the sofa.  Great fit for me, but as you remember from other posts, I am not 5' tall. These girls are 5'5".  Finished snuggler: 47" circumference, 60" length, but only 48" available for tail.  I did some thinking, and remembered most lap blankets are 72" long.

To solve that problem, I made a second trip to JoAnn's.  With sales & coupon magic, I spent an additional $14.  I purchase a yard of the chevron fabric, on the left, so I could  fussy cut an 18"strip centering the two blue chevrons.  The fabric, to the right, I cut in half creating two 48"x18" strips to sew at the top of the two tails. 

 Finished measurements: 47" circumference, 77" length, with 65" available for the tail. 

These are the finished Mermaid's Tail Sofa Snugglers.

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 10/4/15

For content support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

(And a sparkle costume for the NH grand-daughter.)

Ballet Wrap - Lots of Love

The Ballet Wrap - Lots of Love works well in worsted weight acrylic, cotton, or wool blend. The wrap can be finished in a weekend or two, and makes a perfect gift or accessory for any little dancer. This may be considered an intermediate level pattern because you'll be making yoke increases and following a chart simultaneously. The wrap is designed to fit a 4 or 5 year old, but can easily be made larger with more yoke increases. 

Finished sizes: Child: 22” chest, 10” height neck to hem, 9” sleeve

Gauge: Size US#8, 4.5 stitches = 1”; size US#7, 5 stitches = 1”   Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Materials: Yarn: acrylic, cotton or wool blend in worsted weight; 315 yards,170grams

Photo: Ballet Wrap Lots of Love was knit in Caron Simply Soft; 100% acrylic (This size required one skein.)

Needles: Size US#7 and US#8, 16”, 24” circular needles, and/or sets double pointed needles

Use your choice of two circular needles, or set of double pointed needles for the sleeves (I prefer working both sleeves at the same time, using the two circular needles.)

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Abbreviations: CO=cast on      K=knit      KFB=knit front&back     k2tog=knit 2 stitches together      k2togtbl=knit 2 stitches together through the back loop      p=purl      p2tog=purl 2 stitches together      pm=place marker      rm=remove marker      sm=slip marker      Rnd=round      sts=stitches      RS=right side      WS=wrong side      yo=yarn over

Ballet Wrap Directions

Yoke: With size #7, 24” circular needles, CO 31 sts. Do not join, work back and forth in rows.

Set up(WS): Knit3, pm, k5, pm, knit15, pm, k5, pm, k3 (garter stitch neckband)

Row 1(RS): KFB, k2, sm, KFB, k3, KFB, sm, KFB, k13, KFB, sm, KFB, k3, KFB, sm, k1, KFB, k1    (39sts)

Row 2 (WS): Knit

Row 3(RS): KFB, k3, sm, KFB, k5, KFB, sm, KFB, k15, KFB, sm, KFB, k5, KFB, sm, k2, KFB, k1    (47sts)

Row 4(WS): Knit

To insert the Lots of Love Heart, find the center back, and count back 8sts, place a different colored marker, count through the 15sts, and place yet another marker. (My markers were placed at 16st and 31sts, framing the chart, and I'm going to work rows 5,6 just one time before starting the chart.) When working the Row 5 increases, as the first colorful marker arrives, follow the chart. Check your work as your approach the 2nd colorful marker, then continue working Row 5 increases. (Work the chart through row 17.)

Row 5(RS): With size #8, 24”circular needles, Knit 3, yo, * knit to 1stitch before marker, yo, k, sm, k, yo; repeat from * to last 3sts, yo, k3

Row 6(WS): Purl

Repeat Rows 5 - 6 a total of 12 times.           (10 sts increased on RS rows, creating 167sts)

Work the WS row: Purl

Divide Body and Sleeves:

RS: Knit 3, yo, knit to 1st marker, sm, slip33 sleeve sts onto holder, rm, CO3 underarm sts, k43 across back, rm, slip33 sleeve sts onto holder, CO3 underarm sts, sm, knit to last 3sts, yo, k3 (front 30sts, back 49sts, front 30sts= 109sts)

WS: Purl. Snug the underarm stitches.           (109sts)

Body:

Row 1 (RS): Knit 3, yo, knit to last 3 sts, yo, k3

Row 2 (WS): Purl

Repeat Body Rows 1-2

If working the body plain, complete Rows 1-2 a total of 14 times. (front 44sts, back 49sts, front 44sts= 137sts, about 5.5” from underarm)

If inserting Lots of Love Hearts, repeat Rows 1-2 just a total of 4 times, about 1.5” from underarm. To insert the Lots of Love Hearts, find the center back, and count back 8sts, place a different colored marker, count through the 15sts, and place yet another marker. Continue counting 15sts, and placing markers. Repeat counting 15sts, and placing markers on the other side. (My markers were placed at 6sts, pm,(15sts, pm)7times, then 6sts to end = 117sts. I also removed the underarm/side markers.) When working Row 1, remember to start with the Knit 3, yo, as the colorful markers arrive, follow the chart. Check your work as you approach the next colorful marker, then continue to repeat the chart, and remember the yo, k3 edge. Also enjoy the front edges of the wrap growing, without partial hearts making an appearance. Repeat Body Rows 1-2 a total of 10 more times to complete the chart through row 20. (137sts, about 5.5” from underarm)

Bottom Border:

Row 21(RS): K3, yo, knit (removing markers) to last 3sts, yo, k3

With size#7, 24”circular needle, work the garter stitch lace border by following Rows 22 - 28 of Chart, and remembering to include the K3, yo and yo, k3 edges.

Row 22(WS): P4, knit to last 4sts, p4

Row 23(RS): K3, yo, knit to last 3 sts, yo, k3

Row 24(WS): P3, * p2tog, yo, p1; repeat from * to last 3sts, p3 (This happens to be a wrong side row. Follow the  written directions to create the desired eyelet on the right side.)

Row 25(RS): K3, yo, knit to last 3 sts, yo, k3

Row 26(WS): P4, knit to last 4sts, p4

Row 27(RS): K3, yo, knit to last 3 sts, yo, k3

Row 28(WS): P4, knit to last 4sts, p4 (145sts)

Row 29(RS): With size#8 needle, Bind Off loosely in knit.

Ties:

With size#7 double pointed needles, pick up 3sts on the inside corner of bottom border/hem, and make a 3stitch I-Cord, 24” long. Repeat for other side.

Second option: With size#7 double pointed needles, make two 3stitch I-Cords, 24” long. Secure the I-Cords to the inside corner of bottom border/hem of the wrap.

Third option: (no I-Cord) Sew buttons along one side of the front border. The eyelets will be used as button holes.

Sleeves:

Move 33 stitches from holder onto size#8 circular/or double pointed needles. Pick up and knit 10 sts from underarm, pm, and join to work in the round. 43sts

Rnds 1-4: Knit

Rnd 5: K1, k2tog, knit to last 2 sts before marker, k2tog

Repeat Rnds 1-5 a total of 5 times.                (33sts)

Work even until sleeve measures 8” from underarm.

Cuff:

With #7needles, work the garter stitch lace border by following Chart rows 22 – 28. (You'll be working in the round on the RS. It will be easier to follow the chart.)

Rnd 22: Purl

Rnd 23: Knit

Rnd 24: * K1, yo, k2tog; repeat to end

Rnd 25: Knit

Rnd 26: Purl

Rnd 27: Knit

Rnd 28: Purl

Rnd 29: With #8 needle, Bind Off loosely in knit.    

Repeat for other sleeve.

Finishing: Weave in all the tails.

Heart Chart Directions: 

Row 1(RS): K2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k2tog tbl, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo,    k2tog tbl, k2

Rows 2-20 even (WS):p15

Row 3(RS): K1, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, k3tog, yo, k3, yo, k2tog tbl, k1

Row 5(RS)): K1, k2tog, yo, k4, yo, k2tog tbl, k3, yo, k2tog tbl, k1

Row 7(RS): K1, k2tog, yo, k9, yo, k2tog tbl, k1

Row 9(RS): K3, yo, k2tog tbl, k5, k2tog, yo, k3

Row 11(RS): K4, yo, k2tog tbl, k3, k2tog, yo, k4

Row 13(RS): K5, yo, k2tog tbl, k1, k2tog, yo, k5

Row 15 (RS): K6, yo, k3tog, yo, k6

Row 17(RS): K7, yo, k2tog tbl, k6

Row 19(RS): K15

Let me share a few photos of the work in progress:

I gathered supplies.  This size used just one skein of yarn.

I worked the yoke with a heart centered in the back.

I used size US #4, 16" circular needles as the stitch holders for the sleeves.

 

I worked rows 1 - 21 of the chart to create the heart detail. Then moved/knitted the work to size US #7 needles to complete the garter stitch lace border. 

I used a size US #8 needle to bind off.

I picked up stitches, and knitted both I-Cords on the same needle by working the yarn from the inside and out of the skein.

I picked up the stitches, and worked both sleeves.  As I was getting near the end of the skein, I carefully unwound the remaining yarn, found the center, and rewound.  Then moved to size US #7 needles to work the cuff.

I used a size US #8 needle to bind off.  

Ballet Wrap Lots of Love

is available at MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

Intwined Pattern Studio pdf available at Ravelry.com

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 9/1/15

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Dessert First Cowl

This was looking like a great pattern, and I was excited to get started on the cowl. I thought I'd found yarn with plenty of magenta to keep me happy, but here I go again. As I neared the center of the skein, I just didn't care for the white/bright strand following the teal/green. To solve that problem, I broke the yarn, and started knitting again with the teal.  All of this reminded me of being a kid. When given an oatmeal cookie, I'd take a look, pick out the raisins, politely I hope, eat the cookie, and have a little stack of raisins on my napkin, ready to be thrown away.  While my children were growing up, I do not think we had raisins in the house, and we solved the cookie problem with this  Choc-Oat Chip cookie recipe.   And now I have another problem, no kids to help eat that batch of cookies, so first things first, let me give you a great  1/2 recipe.  

Choc-Oat Chip Cookie 1/2 Recipe

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter - softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 Tbs milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup Quaker Oats
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup nuts - chopped

preheat oven to 375F.
Beat together butter and sugars until creamy.     Add eggs, milk and vanilla; beat well.
Add flour, baking soda and salt; mix well.     Stir in oats, chocolate chips and nuts.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto cookie sheet.
Bake 9-10 minutes  at 375F.
Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack. Cool completely, and store in container.

Makes about 2 dozen Choc-Oat Chip Cookies.

Dessert First Cowl

Marilynn Blacketer '15

The Dessert First Cowl is a companion to the the Dessert First Mitts and Hat. The Fancy Cable is fun to work, and the knitter is given the choice of a few vertical cables working their way toward the top, or fancy cables throughout. The cowl can be knit in a weekend, or two, making it the perfect gift or accessory. This may be considered an intermediate level pattern because knowledge of cables is helpful. If finished neatly, the cowl is interestingly reversible!

Finished sizes:

Large : flat 36”, stretches to 48”circumference, height 8”

Small: flat 16”, stretches to 24”circumference, height 10”

Gauge: 4.5 stitches = 1” It's a cowl, check yarn label, and softness of fabric is more important.

Materials:

Yarn: cotton or wool blend in worsted weight

Large : 400 yard/ 7oz;       Small: 200 yards/ 3.5 oz

Photo: Dessert First Cowl is knit in Universal Yarn Classic Shades worsted;

70% acrylic/ 30% wool; 197 yards / 100 grams color #726 Pompidou (2 skeins)

Needles: Size US#8, 24”or 16” circular needles, Size US#9 needle for Bind Off

Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle

Abbreviations: CO = cast on       k=knit      p=purl       cn=cable needle       pm = place marker

Rnd/s=round/s       sts=stitches      c8B=cable 8 Back        c8F=cable 8 Front

Special Stitches:

c8B = cable 8 Back = slip 4sts to cn and hold in back, work 4sts on left needle as presented

(k1, p2, k1), work sts from cn as presented (k1, p2, k1)

c8F = cable 8 Front = slip 4sts to cn and hold in front, work 4sts on left needle as presented

(k1, p2, k1), work sts from cn as presented (k1, p2, k1)

Special Stitches: Fancy Cable (these 20 stitches and 10 rounds make the fancy cable)

Rnds 1-9: * Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 10: K1, c8B, c8F, k1, p2

Directions: Directions are written for size large [small directions are in brackets] (Notes in Italic)

With size US#8, 24”[16”] circular needles, use long-tail cast-on method, cast on 240 [120]stitches.

Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.

Cowl:

(the first 20 stitches and 10 rounds make the Fancy Cable)

Rnds 1- 9: * Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 10: * K1, c8B, c8F, k1, p2, (k2, p2) ten times, pm; repeat from * to end        (60st repeat)

Optional Extra Fancy Rnd 10:* K1, c8B, c8F, k1, p2, pm; repeat from * to end    (24st repeat)

Work cowl with Fancy Cable pattern for 8” [10”] ending on rnd 9.

For a taller cowl work extra rounds of pattern before starting the bind off.

With size US#9 needle, Bind Off loosely in pattern.

Finishing:Cut 12” yarn, tie off neatly, and weave in tails for a very reversible cowl.

Fancy Cable Chart

Key:(Rnd 10) knit , cable8B >//<, cable8F >\\<, k , purl - , p -

This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

pattern pdf is available on Ravelry.com (login needed)

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 5/1/15

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com 

Here are a few photos of the project in progress:

 

This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

pattern pdf is available on Ravelry.com (login needed)

Copyright 2015, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 5/1/15

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com