Motif A Day Jan 12, 2020

Two Tone Pinwheel
Knitted on straight needles

150 Knit & Crochet Motifs
By Heather Lodinsky
Page 30

ww wool
4.0mm needles

South KC Stitch & Bith

  Come craft with us on February 27th from 1pm - ??

Angela's Book Orphanage
Hwy 71 South in Grandview, MO

Loose Infinity Scarf - Knitted Version

Size 11 needles
Size 6 needles

225 yards of a lightweight yarn.  I used Silken Effects by 5th Avenue.  Using a large needle gives the scarf a very loose light body.

cast on 150 stitches with size 11 needles
Work 3x3 rib for 6 inches
bind off loosely

Fold the scarf in half lengthwise matching up the ends a to a and b to b then give it a twist and match corners a to corners b

sew the ends together

you now have an infinity loop



for the small gather strip
cast on 12 with size 6 needles
work 3x3 rib for  20 rows
bind off

sew the strip together in a tube around the scarf.  I position it to hide the seam where the scarf ends were sewn together.  It's also great for tucking an end under for an alternative look to just wearing it looped.

Wear it long or looped

Cabled Wrap

This wrap is knit in bulky yarn on large needles, so it works up fast.  The cable pattern only has a repeat of 8 rows so it’s easy to remember.  

Materials:

4 skeins Wool-Ease Thick & Quick   (you can usually save $$ by buying it one skein at a time using the normal 40% off coupon that stores have.  I wasn’t too worried about dye lots, though I did have my husband go through line too so we bought it all at the same time. )  Add an extra skein if you want a size large/x-large wrap

Size 13 needles

cable needle  ( I use a bamboo double pointed needle in the same size)

k = knit

p = purl

c5f = cable 5 front (To make the cable,  5 stitches onto your cable needle, hold the needle in front of your work, knit 5 stitches, then knit the two stitches off the cable needle.)

Cast on 58

R 1)

k, p, k10, p4, k, p2, k, p4, k10, p4, k, p2, k, p4, k10, p, k

R2)

p, k, p10, k4, p, k2, p, k4, p10, k4, p, k2, p, k4, p10, k, p

R3) - repeat row 1

R4) - Repeat row 2

R5) k, p, c5f, p4, k, p2, k, p4, c5f, p4, k, p2, k, p4, c5f, p, k

From here on repeat rows 1-4, for 7 rows (start on row 2) and the 8th row is a repeat of row 5 (Row 8 should be another repeat of row 1, but instead it's a cable row which is why you start the repeats on row 2 instead of 1) You have 7 rows between each cable row.

work until piece is  60 inches long (for medium, add a few for large and subtract a few for small) and bind off

Then sew the wrap bringing one corner (B) to the corner diagonal from it and sew the other corner as shown in the diagram.

Optional:

Use a large crochet hook to finish the edge between B&C

Heart Warmers

Little hearts shaped heat packs that are great for this time of year.  Just microwave them for 30 seconds and you've got a great heating pad.

When we lived in Texas it would sometimes get cool - we thought it was cold, but we were wrong - I would often throw my kids' socks & jackets into the dryer for a minute or two before they put them on.  They always liked the feeling of snuggly warm socks and a toasty jacket.  Such a simple thing, but they appreciated it so much.

Warm is good  - especially given the bitter winter that has been going on this year.

I've seen a lot of home made heat packs with beans/rice/corn/flax (pick one or more) in them.  They are usually done with fleece or cotton fabric.  I thought about making one, but knew that crochet would be a bad choice.  Could be done with a tight single stitch, but then the fabric would not be flexible, but I thought a tighter stockinette stitch would work.  Since Valentine's day is around the corner I made it heart shaped.  Besides, doing it that way let me give it a cute name.  :-)

Materials

cotton yarn - medium weight.  The same kind you would use for dishcloths.
size 5 needles
yarn needle with big eye for sewing the pieces together.

filling.  I used beans.  beans, feed corn, rice, flax seed - I've seen all of them used.  If you choose rice or flax, I think adding a lining might be a good idea - I can see them working their way through the knit.  Especially the flax.

essential oil - if you want a bit of a fragrance.

Stitches -
k = knit
p = purl
kfb = knit front and back
k2tog= knit two together
ssk = slip slip knit
p2tog = purl two together.


Heart - Make 2

The lobes are made first and then joined to start the rest of the heart.  Knit tightly.

Lobe 1
cast on 5

1) k
2) kfb, k across to last stitch, kfb /7/
3) p
4) kfb, k across to last stitch, kfb /9/
5) p
6) kfb, k across to last stitch, kfb /11/

break yarn and leave lobe on the needle.

cast on 5 on the same needle as the lobe just made.
Repeat for lobe one.  Don't break yarn

7) purl across both lobes to join them.  Be sure to keep the tension tight when you are crossing from one to the other.

8) k

9) p

10) k

11) p

now we start decreases

 on knit rows

ssk, k across to last two stitches, k2tog

purl rows don't decrease

p across

When you are down to two stitches, don't purl across p2tog and fasten yarn off.  Weave in ends.

After the second heart is made sew them together.  Do this with wrong sides together and sew around the outside edge, leaving a small opening on one side so you can fill it.  If you sew right sides together and flip you'll have a nice edge, but will be a pain to sew the last opening shut.  

A funnel works great for filling.  I didn't have one and the first time I did it, I made a mess.  I did have a 2liter bottle left over from this project I found on Pinterest.  You used the bottles to hang the yarn over the back of the chair and feed down through the spout.  Worked brilliantly - for someone else - was all sorts of fail for me.  I didn't have the right kind of chair, no slats.  Oh well, now I have several handy funnels.  It made filling the  heart much easier.  Don't over fill - you want it to be flexible.

Then sew that last little bit up.

Put them in the microwave for 30 seconds or so.  Don't over heat.  I find this size just right for putting on my lower back.  I just use my waistband to hold it in place.  I also like them for slipping into pockets before heading out.  Keeps my hands warm while I'm waiting for the car to warm up. (when I'm not the driver.  Doesn't help much when my hands are on the wheel) 

I'm making a couple of sets to send my parents who moved from warm Georgia to the mountains of Arkansas in November.  This winter has been hard on them.  

Heart Bib - knit

 
Easy Baby Bib in Garter Stitch

k=knit

kfb= knit front & back (bar increase)

k2tog=knit 2 together decrease

materials

Cotton yarn in two colors - medium weight, like Handicrafter.  The kind you would use for a dishcloth

Size 9 needles & size 9 double pointed or circular needles for edging

stitch holder

c/o 1  or just knit in a slip knot - whatever it takes to get ONE stitch on the needle

1) kfb /2stitches/

2 (and all even rows) k

3) kfb, kfb /4stitches/

5)k, kfb,kfb, k /6 stitches/

7)k, kfb,k,k, kfb, k /8 stitches/

9)k, kfb, k,k, k, k, kfb, k   /10stitches/

11) k, kfb, k, k, k, k, k, k, kfb,k /12 stitches/

13 )k, kfb, k, k, k, k, k, k, k, k, kfb, k /14stitches/

15) k, kfb, k, k, k, k, k, k, k, k, k, k, kfb, k  /16stitches/

keep going in the pattern until there are 28 stitches on the needle 

Pattern - knit, kfb, k across to last two stitches, kfb, k

I put a marker on one side to remind me to only knit and not increase since I can get a bit ahead of myself at times.  If the marker is to my right, I knit only, if it's left then it's time to increase.

After the increases are done and there are 28 stitches

k 8 rows

Start lobe 1

1)k 13, place remaining stitches on holder

2) k

3) k

4)k

5)k

6)k

7)k2 tog, k across to last two, k2tog

repeat rows 6&7 until there are 7 stitches left

bind off.  I like to b/o purlwise so that it fits well with the garter stitch

Lobe 2

Place stitches back on needle.  You'll continue working from middle of the heart.

bind off first two stitches on needle

repeat lobe 1

Edging

with circular needles or double point pick up stitches around the heart.  I picked up one every row except for the bottom point where I went front to back and then back to front and front to back to pick up 3.  I wanted to keep some curve in the bib, so it would bow outwards and fit around baby's body, but if you want it flatter then pick up a couple of extra stitches along the top corners.

Work seed or moss stitch for 3 rows.  k1,p1 across and then reverse it for the next row

bind off

Tie Straps

Pick up 3 stitches on the top of one lobe.

Knit 8 inches in stockinette stitch (knit front, purl back)

I used stockinette's natural tendency to curl for making the ties.  An I-cord would work just as well, but this seemed easier.  After 8 inches, fasten off.  I didn't bind off, just took yarn through all 3 stitches and pulled them tight before securing.

repeat for other side.

weave in the ends and you have a cute bib for your little Valentine.  I didn't decorate this one, but I think little words like "Be Mine" would be cute - or some flowers.

Little Knit Heart #1

A little garter stitch heart

k=knit

kfb= knit front & back (bar increase)

k2tog=knit 2 together decrease

Cotton yarn - medium weight, like Handicrafter.  The kind you would use for a dishcloth

Size 9 needles

c/o 1  or just knit in a slip knot - whatever it takes to get ONE stitch on the needle

1) kfb /2stitches/

2 (and all even rows) k

3) kfb, kfb /4stitches/

5)k, kfb,kfb, k /6 stitches/

7)k, kfb,k,k, kfb, k /8 stitches/

9)k, kfb, k,k, k, k, kfb, k   /10stitches/

11) k, kfb, k, k, k, k, k, k, kfb,k /12 stitches/

13 )k, kfb, k, k, k, k, k, k, k, k, kfb, k /14stitches/

15) k, kfb, k, k, k, k, k, k, k, k, k, k, kfb, k  /16stitches/

Thus concludes the increase portion of our pattern today

16) k

17)k

18)k

Starting lobe 1

19) k 8 - put remaining 8 on holder.  

20) k 

21) k

22) k

23) k2tog, k, k, k, k, k2 tog

24) k

25) k2tog, k, k, k2tog

26) bind off.  I like to b/o purlwise so it fits with the look of the garter stitch

That's lobe oen.  Slip the saved stitches back onto a needle for row two.  Make sure that you place them so that you can start from the CENTER of the heart, continuing row 19

Repeat lobe 1

Weave in the ends and you're done.  I added a single crochet border ot this one.  Every row got one stitch EXCEPT the bottom point where I did 3 and the last row before bind off on the lobes which got two.  The first & last bound off stitches got two as well.  The top was 2, 1, 1, 2.  Gives it a bit of a curve, which I liked.

Finger Knit Braided Scarf

I got tired of playing with thread last night and decided to work on a scarf.  I have not done much with finger knitting in the past, so I decided to give it a try.

It's superfast.  I think it took me less and an hour and a half to make this scarf - even stopping to take pictures.

It's a braided scarf, so you need to make 3 pieces the same length.  Even making three skinny - 70 inch long scarves, it took less than an hour and a half.

I used some Loops & Threads Country Loom that I had left over from an afghan - took most of a skein.

Finger knitting is a lot like using a loom, only your fingers are the pegs.  It's something lots of people learn as children.  I didn't, but that's what I hear.  Start by weaving the yarn in and out around your fingers.   I'm right handed, so I wove on my left hand.

Than go back, so that you have yarn on both sides of your fingers.

Repeat so that you have two rows of yarn on your fingers.

Then bring the bottom row up and over the top row and off of the fingers.  That leaves one row of yarn.  The piece will build up on the back of your hand.

Repeat the last two steps, wrapping and pulling over until you have a piece that is a bit longer than you want the finished scarf to be. 

When you have your desired length, don't bind off.  Bring a piece of yarn through all 4 loops and then tighten and secure it.

Make 3 pieces the same length & braid them together.

Secure the ends and add fringe.

That's it.  You're ready to wear or gift it!

Loom Knit Cowl

I've been going through my UFO bag and pulling things out and finishing them.  Patterns will eventually follow.  Today's finished project is a loom knit cowl.  Would have been done a couple of months ago if I ever remembered to buy a large button.  Used a coupon,  TA-DA!  I have a finished cowl and the UFO bag is getting (slightly) smaller.

Here's what it looks like with a vintage pin instead of a button.

Ruched scarf pattern

Ruched Scarf

Knitted Scarf that is gathered along the center forming soft V shapes.  It’s worked along the length of the scarf, but in small sections - making it easy to set aside and pick up when you have time for knitting.  

Materials

I used Full O’Sheep by Stitch Nation for the example,  but any medium weight yarn should work.  

Approximately 300 yards + a small amount of contrasting yarn.

Size 10 needles or size that works best with your yarn.  I prefer circular over long straights even though this project is not worked in the round.

Size J crochet hook

Guage really isn’t important

Cast on 160.  If you want it longer or shorter increase/decrease in multiples of 10.

Knit first row

Start the pattern.  Although the scarf is worked lengthwise, it’s also worked in little sections along the length.  For the pattern you’ll never be working with more than 15 stitches at a time.

knit 10.  Ignore the rest of the stitches on the needle and purl back across those 10.  Work in Stockinette stitch for a total of 12 rows

You will now have a section worked in stockinette stitch separated from the stitches on the other needle.

on row 13 of this section continue across picking up 5 stitches from the ones waiting to be knitted.  Knit 15 across instead of 10

Row 13 of the previous section becomes row 1 of the new section.  

On row 2 of the new section you will dump off 5 stitches from the first section, leaving you with 10 working stitches to purl for your next section of stockinette stitch.

From this point on you will be ignoring the stitches left from previous sections as well as the ones not worked yet.
When the stockinette stitch totals 12 rows (including the two that formed the section) it’s time to start on the next section.

Again on row 13/1 knit 15 across instead of 10

On row two of the new section purl back across only 10, leaving 5 of the previous section unworked.

continue working in this pattern

Row 13/1 - knit 15

Row 2 - purl 10

Row 3-12 work in stockinette stitch knitting odd rows and purling even rows.

As you progress you’ll see little sections of 5 stitches that are from the sections you’ve already worked.

Work pattern across the entire length of the scarf.

when all the stitches have been worked the last row 12 becomes a little different.  Instead of only doing 10 stitches, go all the way back  across the entire length of the scarf.

knit one row the entire length of the scarf

The pattern on the second side will be the same except that odd rows are purl and even rows are knitted.

Start with

purl 10 and work a total of 12 rows of stockinette stitch.

On Row 13/1 Purl 15 across

Row 2 Purl 10

Row 3- 12 work in stockinette stitch

as the pattern is worked along this side of the scarf you’ll see v-shaped ruffles form.  The end will turn making a rounded v.

After all stitches have been worked into sections k one row back across and then bind off.

One end is nicely rounded. One is open in a v shape

Sew the v shut to help the ends match.  It won’t be exact, but it will be pretty close.

With contrasting color chain 250.  Slip stitch down the length of the chain. Fasten Off

On the scarf the pattern leaves symmetrical holes along the center.  

Weave the length of crochet  cord. in and out along the length, up one side and down the other.  Gather the scarf slightly to make the cord fit.  Secure the ends on the underside of the scarf.

With a yarn needle and some scrap yarn, tack the rounded ends up a little in the middle to create a neater end.

Weave the ends in and enjoy!

This pattern is (c) 2013 by Stacey Lynn. All rights reserved.  Please do not redistribute in any form, written or electronic without giving me some credit.  Any items made from this pattern are yours to keep, give or sell.  After all, you did the work.