Category Archives: Knitting

Easy Knitted Sweater Vest for Spring

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This pattern is from Knit Tricks by Rebecca Wat. It is the second vest I’ve knitted using a pattern provided in the book. You can see the first vest I knitted here.

I altered the instructions a bit and did something different with the neckline. I did not like the droopiness of the original neckline, so I gathered it with a cord of similar color and added wooden beads to the end of the cord. I like this finished look. Also, this makes the vest easy to get on and off, and I can adjust how taut I want to cinch the top.

I used 4 skeins of Naturally Caron Joy! for the knitted sweater vest. The color is Aquatica (0007). I really like this color blue. This yarn is soft and light, and it blocked so nicely. I used #8 circular needles (28 in.). The vest is made of two rectangles (alternating several rows of garter stitch with a few rows of stockinette) stitched at the sides to create holes for arms and neck.

Easy Knitted Lace Scarf

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Last night, I completed the lace scarf you see below. It’s an easy knitted lace scarf pattern from Classic Elite Yarns. While the lace pattern recommends a lace weight yarn (2-ply), I chose to use up a DK weight yarn (8-ply) in my stash (Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby Shine). Since I changed the yarn weight, I also adjusted the needle size. I used US 8.

A simple pattern like this is a good way to learn to knit lace and read a lace chart.

easy knitted lace scarf

Below is a detail of the pattern in the yarn weight I selected. It’s easy to adjust needle size and yarns for scarfs. Experiment!

easy to knit lace scarf

Easy Knitted Sock Pattern for Beginners

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I found the most amazing pattern, including video instructions, for knitting socks at Very Pink. I purchased the pattern (well worth it) and watched the videos, and now I completely understand how to construct socks. I never thought I could be excited about sock-knitting, but I am.  It’s all because Staci is such a good teacher!

Here is my first completed pair, which I plan to give to my mother for her birthday (part 1 of a 3-part gift that pays special attention to feet • Part 2: Rice Heat Therapy Bag • Part 3: Sugar Scrub).

Beginner's Knitting Pattern for Socks

I used worsted weight wool as Staci suggested, in this case I used Patons Classic Wool – Aquarium (color 77201).

DIY Sock Blocker for Knitted Socks

After I finished knitting the socks, I had to create homemade sock blockers, as the blockers I had were too large. I traced the edge of the plastic blockers onto 1/8″ thick cardboard; then I cut 1/4″ away from the traced line to create the smaller size. When creating the blockers, I thought they could do double duty and make nice packaging. Notice the ankle area of the cardboard blockers. I extended one end so that I could use a hole punch in that top corner.

DIY Sock Blocker Doubles as Gift Packaging

The hole provides a nice little place to run ribbon.

Using Sock Blockers as part of packaging knitted socks as a gift

Look how cool! Nice packaging makes a gift even more special. I created the tags especially for this project. I’ve made them available for you to download.

Download Free Gift Tags

Free Downloadable Gift Tags

Empire Waist Knitted Vest

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Knitted Vest with Empress WaistI was so excited to wear my new sweater to work today. An Empire Waist (also called Empress Waist) is a flattering style for every figure!

This pattern is from Knit Tricks by Rebecca Wat. To knit the pattern (size L for me), I used 4 skeins of Deborah Norville Serenity Chunky Weight yarn (Almond Lot S1615). I also used size 11 needles as the pattern required. (The recommended yarn was Lion Brand Moonlight Mohair, which would have turned out a very lovely sweater, but I wanted to use yarn in my stash.)

Essentially, this is two rectangles with an eyelet middle for the ribbon. I used satin ribbon, but velvet ribbon would have been pretty too. The sides are seamed just a few inches above the lace section and the shoulders are seamed as well (about 4 inches). I adjusted the pattern to fit “the girls,” adding a few extra inches of knitting to the top of the rectangle.

I recommend you get this book. I found a copy at Half Price Books for $5.98. That price is a deal! The book has many easy and attractive patterns which you can knit quickly.

Knitted Sweater Vest with Empire WaistSweater vest knitted with Empire waist

Knitted Fuzzy Scarf

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Fuzzy Scarf

My niece’s birthday is Tuesday. I knitted this Fun Fur fuzzy scarf for her. I think it’s something a teenage girl will like.

The scarf was made with Lion Brand Fun Fur (Violet #320-191: color191: lot 112369). The skein wrapper included a pattern which directed to slip one stitch at the beginning of every row; I started the scarf as directed, but I didn’t like how it looked, so I did my own thing.

My simple pattern for a fuzzy scarf:

  • Cast on 22 stitches
  • Knit every row
  • Bind off

Knitted Lace Shawlette

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Trinity ShawletteKnitted ShawletteThis was really a fun project. It challenged me and provided hours of knitting pleasure.

The Trinity Shawlette pattern is FREE to those who contribute to Medicine Sans Frontiere – the leading non-governmental organization (UK chapter) for emergency medical aid. It is dedicated to providing medical relief to victims of war, disasters, and epidemics in over 60 countries around the world, regardless of ethnic origin, religion or political affiliation.

There are three versions of the lace shawlette pattern at p/hop, so after you complete one, you can begin another!

Knit something beautiful and contribute to a great cause today!

Details about my Trinity Shawlette can be found at Ravelry: http://ravel.me/dmariemart/ts

Easy to Knit Poncho for Beginning Knitters

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Paneled PonchoI finally finished this poncho. When you have several projects going, it takes a little longer to finish one.

This is a really easy pattern (name of pattern: Satin – Poncho (knit)) and you’ll soon have it memorized. I recommend this pattern to knitters who want to learn how to:

I knitted this poncho with yarn from my stash – Caron Simply Soft Autumn Red. I look forward to wearing this in the fall!

Here are some images which show more detail:

Knitted poncho necklineCloseup of knitted poncho