Dyed!

2/19/19

Taking inspiration from ChemKnits YouTube Videos, and the supermarket's desire to leap from one holiday to the next, I purchased two boxes of  PAAS Classic to dye a hank of KnitPicks Chroma Twist, 70%Superwash Wool/30%Nylon,  437yards/100grams, color Natural.  This yarn had been hibernating in my stash. I gathered the supplies, and got started.  The project took a couple hours, clean up was nothing more than washing a few dishes, and I had a good time.
Resources: ChemKnits
SOCKS, SOCKS, SOCKS; Edited by Elaine Rowley, (1998) 2007, p72, Dye-Your-Own Socks by Traci Bunkers.    I've had the book since 2008, and use it as a good recipe.
Also check out: ChemKnitsCreations Etsy Shop to enjoy/purchase her beautifully dyed yarns!
Supplies: bare yarn, microwave-safe dish, 2 PAAS Classic Egg Decorating Kits, water, vinegar, cookie sheet w/cling wrap, rubber gloves
Additional Supplies: string, measuring cups, bowl, food color, microwave, sink, tablecloth, apron, towels.

I gathered supplies.

I added 4 ties to the yarn, and  pre-soaked the yarn for an hour in 2cups warm water & 1/2cup vinegar.

I sorted the dye tablets on a paper towel and placed 1 of each color on the protected baking sheet. (Next time, I'll remember my color wheel and place the colors blue, green, yellow, and reds!)

I gently removed some of the pre-soak water, and  placed the yarn on the tablets. I placed a matching tablet in top of the yarn.  I warmed the remaining pre-soak water in the microwave for 30seconds, then gently poured it over the yarn.  I also warmed 2cups water & 1/2cup vinegar to add to the process. 

The yarn sat for an hour.  (Yes, I did a little poking and spooning dye.)

The yarn looks pretty good in the photo, but I was not happy with the red. 

I gathered some McCormick food dye to over-dyed the red.  With 1cup warm water, 1/4cup vinegar, and 25drops of red, I dipped that portion of the yarn into the solution for 10 minutes.

Now that I looked at it, the pink could also be more saturated. With 1cup warm water, 1/4cup vinegar, and 10drops of NEON pink, I dipped that portion of the yarn into the solution for 10 minutes.

I forgot to take photos of the yarn in an 8"x8"glass baking dish going into the microwave for 2minutes, and out for 2minutes.  I did this 3 times. Color was still releasing when gently squeezed, but I didn't want to overcook the yarn.

The yarn cooled while I typed this blog post.

I rinsed and gently washed the yarn with a little dish soap.

The yarn will dry on a towel with a small fan circulating the room air.

The yarn is very colorful, and I'm excited to start a pair of  socks tomorrow!

Copyright 2019, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 2-18-19

Namaste (yoga socks)

A yoga friend wants to knit yoga socks. I’ve designed the Namaste Socks to work well in a DK superwash wool blend. The k2, p2 ribbing is meditative, and the socks can be knit in just a few days making them the perfect gift or accessory. 

This may be considered an intermediate level pattern because knowledge of sock (and stitch) construction is helpful.

Finished size: 8”leg height; 5”,6”,7”foot length;

about 6” flat, stretch 10”circumference.

Materials: Yarn: DK superwash wool blend

Photo: Stratosphere by Brown Sheep, DK;

100% superwash wool, 260yds/3.5oz;

238m/100g; color: S221R Alpine Glow

Needles: Size US#4(3.5mm), 16”and 24” circular needles or size US#4 set double 
pointed needles  

Gauge: 6sts and 8rows = 1” (k2, p2 rib)

Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Notions: tapestry needle, stitch markers

Abbreviations: CO=cast on      BO= bind off      k = knit       p= purl       Rnd/s=round/s

     st/s=stitch/es      k2tog= knit 2 stitches together

Cable Cast On: (Knit Purl Hunter)      

Bind Off In Pattern: (Knit Purl Hunter) 

Knit Purl Hunter has graciously given permission for me to link her Cable Cast On and Bind Off in Pattern videos to assist any adventurous beginners wishing to knit a pair of Namaste socks.

Directions: The directions are written for adult size medium, and working with 2 circular needles. (notes are in italic) Make 2 socks.

Use Cable Cast On, with size US#4 needles, CO 48 stitches. (left needle = 48sts)

Set Up: With yarn in front, slip1, p2, * k2, p2; repeat from * to the last stitch, k1.

Now, place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.

Foot Rnds: With 24 sts per needle, K1, p2, * k2, p2; repeat to last st, k1.

(Needle1, instep = 24sts; Needle2, sole = 24sts)

Work foot 5”, 6”, 7”, from CO for desired length. Set up for heel and leg.

Leg & Heel set up:

Rnd A: Needle1: K1, p2, * k2, p2; repeat to last st, k1, with Needle2: K1, Bind Off in Pattern 21sts,

do not BO last stitch, move yarn to back, slip BOloop to left needle. (2sts left needle, 1st right needle)

Row B: with 2sts on left needle, Cable Cast On 23sts, then slip1 stitch from right needle to left needle. (Needle2 = total 26sts)

Row C: Needle2: k2tog, p2, * k2, p2; repeat to last 2sts, k2tog (Needle2, back of leg = 24sts)

Leg Rnds: with 24 sts per needle, K1, p2, * k2, p2; repeat to last st, k1.

Work leg 8” from heel CO for desired height.

Finishing: Bind Off In Pattern all stitches. Weave in tails. Make second sock.

This pattern is available on marilynnsgardenknitdesign.blogspot.com.

Namaste Socks pattern pdf is available on Ravelry.

Copyright 2019, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 2-10-19

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Here are photos of the progress:

DK yarn from our LYS Seaside Yarn and Fiber!

Yarn wound into ball/cake.  Needles gathered.

I used the Cable Cast On for "toes".   I worked yarn from the inside and out of the ball/cake of yarn to work the socks two at a time on two circular needles.

I worked through the Bind Off In Pattern and Cable Cast On for the "heels".

I worked 8" for the legs, and ready to Bind Off In Pattern.

Namaste

Copyright 2019, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 2-10-19

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Berry Crisp (AKA Pie!)

Happy New Year 2019!  Here is the berry crisp/pie recipe to enjoy with the Socks - Pie Ripples!
The yarn gifted from my daughter, Hypnodic Yarn, Treat Your Feet, color Berry Picking.  Happy thoughts! My daughter, her children and I go berry picking every summer. These blueberries are a gift from my friend SharonV.
While the pie is baking, I'll ball the yarn.

Recipe:  Berry Crisp (AKA Pie!)
Getting started:
9x13 glass cake pan, two glass pie plates, or two 8x8 glass cake pans
preheat oven 375F

Ingredients:
fruit:  12 sliced fruits or 6 pints fruit  
Crisp:
1 cup Almond flour
1 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup oats
1/2 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
1Tbs cinnamon
1/2 cup oil

Directions:
Place fruit in glass pie plates, or glass 9x13 or 8x8 cake pans.

Mix crisp ingredients.

Mix Crisp ingredients, and carefully pour on top of fruit.

Cover, bake 45 minutes, 375F.
Open, bake 15 minutes, 375F.

Pour over fruit.

Foil bake 375F for 45 minutes.

Remove foil. Bake 375F for 15 minutes.

Blueberry Crisp/Pie  ready to cool and enjoy!

MKAL Socks - Pie Ripples Recipe

Welcome to the Happy New Year 2019  MKAL Socks - Pie Ripples!   I received the Hypnotic Yarn, Treat Your Feet, color Berry Picking from my daughter as a Christmas gift.   I wanted to post the pattern/recipe for NEW YEARS 2019, and get started on a pair of cuff down, afterthought heel socks.  This pattern will be a mystery for a few weeks, while I knit  socks and create  "modeled" photos!  (1/14/19 Spoiler Alert! Ravelry project notes and photos available.) 
The Socks - Pie Ripples work well in a superwash wool blend. The Ripples are fun work, and the socks can be knit in just a few days making them the perfect gift or accessory.  This may be considered an intermediate level pattern because knowledge of sock (and stitch) construction is helpful.     

Finished size: leg height 10”, 7” flat, stretch 10”circumference, foot length 9.5"

Gauge: 8 stitches, 10 rows = 1” Adjust needle size, and row count to match gauge.

Materials:Yarn: superwash wool blend in fingering weight, and fingering waste yarn for set-up afterthought heel

Photo: Hypnotic Yarn, Treat Your Feet; 75%Superwash Merino Wool/ 25%Nylon; 400yards/100g; color Berry Picking

Needles: Size US#2(2.75mm), 16”and 24” circular needles or size US#2 set double pointed needles

Notions: tapestry needle, stitch markers

Resources: Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles , by Cat Bordhi;

KNITTING circles around SOCKS ,by Antje Gillingham

Abbreviations: CO= cast on       K = knit      p= purl       k2tog=knit 2 stitches together       k2togbl=knit 2 stitches together through the back loop       MC = main color    Rnd/s=round/s      st/s=stitch/es     yo=yarn over   

Special Stitches: These 10 stitches and 16 rows/rnds make the Ripples pattern:

Rnds 1-5: Knit 9, purl 1
Rnd 6: K3, k2tog, k3, yo, k1, p1
Rnd 7: K2, k2tog, k3, yo, k2, p1
Rnd 8: K1, k2tog, k3, yo, k3, p1
Rnds 9-13: Knit 9, purl 1
Rnd 14: K1, yo, k3, k2togbl, k3, p1
Rnd 15: K2, yo, k3, k2togbl, k2, p1
Rnd 16: K3, yo, k3, k2togbl, k1, p1 

Directions: The directions are written for medium adult size, and working with 2 circular needles. (notes are in italic) Make 2 socks.

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size US#2 needles, cast on 90 stitches.

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

Set Up:  * K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (60sts = 30sts per needle)

Cuff: Rnds 1-16: * K1, p1; repeat from * to end

Sock Leg:

Rnds 1-5: * Knit 9, purl 1; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 6: * K3, k2tog, k3, yo, k1, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 7: * K2, k2tog, k3, yo, k2, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 8: * K1, k2tog, k3, yo, k3, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnds 9-13: * Knit 9, purl 1; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 14: * K1, yo, k3, k2togbl, k3, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 15: * K2, yo, k3, k2togbl, k2, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 16: * K3, yo, k3, k2togbl, k1, p1; repeat from * to end.

Repeat rnds 1-16, working leg to the desired length, following rnd 5 or 13, set up for instep and heel.

(work rnds 1-16 four times + rnds 1-5;  8’’ from CO)

Instep and Heel set up:

Work front needle/instep as established, but slip last stitch from front to the back needle (29sts instep, you will no longer work the final p1)

Heel: Drop MCyarn, and with a strand of different colored yarn knit across heel 31 stitches. Turn, and with the strand of different colored yarn purl back across heel to end/beginning of needle.

Drop colored strand, pick up MC, and knit across heel 31 stitches once more. After this work instep as established, and knit sole; the heel will be put in later.

Instep and Sole:

Work instep as established, and knit sole until sock measures from heel (colored yarn) marker  5.5” for desired length.     (continue to work rnds 6- 16 + rnds 1-16 three times)

Toe:

Rnd 1 & odd rounds:(instep) * K1, k2tog, knit to the last 3 stitches on needle, k2tog, k1;
repeat from * to end(sole)      (4sts decreased)

Rnd 2 & even rounds: Knit

Continue until 13sts remain for instep, and 15sts remain for sole.

Final Rnd 2: (instep) Knit 13sts , (sole) K1, k2tog, knit to the last 3 stitches on needle, k2tog, k1.

With 26 stitches remaining, cut 18” yarn, and work Kitchener Stitch to finish the toe.

Heel:

Carefully slide the 31sts below(sole), and 31sts above the colored yarn(leg) to needles. Carefully remove the colored yarn.

Attach MC yarn, pick up one stitch at the beginning of needle, as you knit a round, pick up one stitch at the end of the needles. (66sts =  33sts per needle, and this will help avoid “holes” on the heel sides.)

Now, work the heel the same as the toe.

Rnd 1 & odd rounds: * K1, k2tog, knit to the last 3 stitches on needle, k2tog, k1;

repeat from * to end (4 sts decreased)

Rnd 2 & even rounds: Knit

Continue until 13sts remain for leg, and 13sts remain for sole.

With 26 stitches remaining, cut 18” yarn, and work Kitchener Stitch to finish the heel.

Finishing: Weave in tails. Make second sock.

This pattern is available  marilynnsgardenknitdesign.blogspot.com.
Socks - Pie Ripples pattern pdf available on Ravelry.

Copyright 2019, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 1/1-21/19

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Cowl - Check It Out!

Check It Out! We have a  new LYS Seaside Yarn & Fiber!  With the excitement and enthusiasm of the the possibilities, I have designed  the Cowl - Check It Out!  January 2019, Cowl - Check It Out! will be the featured pattern at this LYS!  YOU can get started on your project now, by checking out this post, and shopping on-line at Seaside Yarn & Fiber.  When you are in town, be sure to stop by the LYS Seaside Yarn & Fiber, January 2019

 Cowl – Check It Out! works well in wool or a wool blend. The 5/5 checks (400 knitting stitches, by Potter Craft, p21) and color effect give the knitter something interesting to do, and has a very reversible look. This cowl takes just a weekend or two to knit, and makes a perfect gift or accessory for either gender. This may be considered an advanced beginner or intermediate pattern because you’ll be working in the round with many stitches and two colors, just one a time.  The Cowl - Check It Out! is a companion to the Hat - Check It Out!

Finished sizes:
(218yds)Worsted: 52” circumference, 8” height

(182yds) Worsted: 50” circumference, 8” height

(140yds) Worsted(Aran/heavy worsted/light bulky): 48”circumference, 7” height

Materials:

Yarn: 2 skeins in 2 colors, wool or wool blend in worsted weight.   2 colors in 2 skeins!

Photo:  Cowl - Check It Out! is knit in  Old Growth Worsted; by Cedar House Yarns; 100% Merino; 218 yards / 100 grams; colors: Fog, Ginger

Needles & Gauge: Check the yarn band! Use the larger listed size for the cowl, and one size smaller for the ribbing. (While working this project, I was surprised by the variance in worsted weight yarns.)

 

Worsted		Needle sizes			Gauge = 4”
yards/ meters	ounces/grams	US #	mm		stockinette
218y/ 200m	3.5 oz/ 100g	US#7, #8	4.5, 5.0mm		23sts,28rows
182y/ 166m	3.5 oz/ 100g	US#8, #9	5.0, 5.5mm		20sts,25rows
140y/ 128m	3.5 oz/ 100g	US#9, #10	5.5, 6.0mm		15sts,22rows

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, kitchen or yarn scale

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

Special Stitches: 5/5 Checks

Rnds 1- 7: * Knit 5, purl 5; repeat from * to end

Rnds 8- 14 : * Purl 5, knit 5; repeat from * to end

(These 10 stitches and 14 rounds create the 5/5 Checks.)

Color effect: Work Odd rnds: Color A; Work Even rnds: Color B

Cowl - Check It Out!

Directions are written for 218yard/100gram Worsted [182yard/100gram Worsted, and 137yard/100gram Aran/heavy worsted/light bulky directions are in brackets] (Notes in Italic)

(Cable Cast on: How to Knit|The Cable Cast On;Loveknitting.com)

Cast On: With color B, larger size US#8[9, 10] 40” circular needles, use cable cast-on method.
Cast On 300 [250, 200]stitches.
Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.

Rib: With color B, smaller size US#7[8, 9] 40” circular needles,

Rnds 1-7: * Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Cowl: With larger size US#8[9, 10] 40” circular needles,

Color effect: Work Odd rnds: Color A; Work Even rnds: Color B

Rnds 1- 7: * Knit 5, purl 5; repeat from * to end

Rnds 8- 14: * Purl 5, knit 5; repeat from * to end

When nearing end of color B, and completing a rnd 7 or 14, prepare to work final rib.

(218yards Worsted: work Rnds 1-14 three times; 182yards Worsted: work Rnds 1-14 twice & Rnds 1-7; 140yards Aran: work Rnds 1-14 & Rnds 1-7)

Rib: With color A, smaller size US#7[8, 9] needles,

Rnds 1-7: * Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to end
With smaller size US#7[8, 9] needles, Bind Off loosely in pattern.
Finishing: Cut 8” yarn, tie off neatly, and weave in tails for a very reversible cowl.

Thank you to LYS Seaside Yarn& Fiber for your encouragement & enthusiasm. 

 

This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

Cowl- Check It Out! pattern pdf is available on Ravelry.com

Copyright 2018, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 12-12-18

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Here are photos of the process:

I gathered yarn and supplies!

With the larger needles, I used the cable cast on to cast on 300 stitches.  With the smaller needles, I worked the knit 1, purl 1 rib.  I marked every 50 stitches for counting and marking progress.  With the larger needles, I was ready to start the cowl.

I worked Rnds 1- 14 of the cowl.

I worked Rnds 1-14 three times.  With the smaller needles, I was ready to work the final ribbing and bind off.

Cowl - Check It Out!

Cowl - Check It Out! LYS Seaside Yarn & Fiber

"Modeled" photo!

 

Thank you to LYS Seaside Yarn& Fiber for your encouragement & enthusiasm. 

 

This pattern is available on MarilynnsGardenKnitDesign.blogspot.com

Cowl- Check It Out! pattern pdf is available on Ravelry.com

Copyright 2018, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 12-12-18

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com