Ravelry...New Year

First, I just realized that I forgot to let you know that you can find me on Ravelry under the name SockPixie.
Second, it is time for me to wish all of you a Happy New Year. I hope that this year will be a good year, a peaceful year.

Fly Away...

As you all know, this week, SockPixie was lucky to find its inspiration in birds. It almost feels looking at my living room that flocks of bird migrated to my house this week. It was a lot of un to create these new colorways.
Here are a few of them.


Here is Painted Bunting, shimmering with bright colors.

And here is Rufious Hummingbird, with its needlepoint of colors.

I hope you will enjoy this week's new colorways.

Bird of a Feather Socks (Free Pattern)

This week's inspiration was all about birds. So I had to design something reminiscent of birds. The pattern reminds me of colorful feathers, so I decided to call it Bird of a Feather. All the colorwork is actually done using slipped stitches, which makes the pattern easy to follow and memorize. I used 2 SockPixie colorways, and I recommend choosing a dark contrast yarn. Have fun with it!



Bird of a Feather Socks

Materials:

2 skeins SockPixie Merino Sock Yarn: 1 in Pynion Jay (referred to as B), and 1 in a colorful contrasting SockPixie yarn (referred to as C).

Gauge: 8 sts/inch in st st on US 1

Stitch Pattern:

R1: Knit with B.
R2: Knit with B
R3: With C, *SL1, K7* Repeat from *. Be sure not to pull to tight when changing needles.
R4: Same as R3
R5: Same as R3
R6: Same as R3
R7: Knit with B. Be sure not to pull to tight on the black yarn which you are just carrying up from the previous rows.
R8: Knit with B
R9: With C, K4, *SL1, K7* Repeat from *, ending with K3.
R10: Same as R9
R11: Same as R9
R12: Same as R9

R1 through R12 form the pattern. Repeat these rows for pattern.


CUFF and LEG:

Cast on 64 stitches. Divide stitches: Circular method 32 on each for circulars// 4 dpts 16, 16, 32 // 5 dpts //16 on each Join round. Knit in K2P2 rib for 1 1/2" Continue in stitch pattern over the desired length for the leg.

Finish a complete pattern repeat before starting the short row heel. Knit 1 round with B. Then follow the directions for the short row heel using B only.

SHORT ROW HEEL SHAPING:

You will be working on only half the stitches 32.

R1: Knit to the last 2 stitches, wyif slip next stitch, bring yarn to back, and slip wrapped stitch back to left needle. Turn.

R2: Purl to the last 2 stitches, wyinb slip next stitch, bring yarn back to the front, slip wrapped stitch back to left needle.

R3: knit to 1 stitch before the last wrapped stitch, wrap the stitch as above, turn.

R4: Purl to 1 stitch before las wrapped stitch, wrap stitch, turn. Repeat R3 and R4 until 14 stitches remain unwrapped at the center of your heel.

Continue shaping the heel as follows:

R1: Knit to the wrapped stitch, knit the wrap together with the stich, and wrap the next stitch by wyif slipping the next stitch, bringing the yarn to the back and returning the wrapped stitch back to the left needle, and turn.

R2: Purl to the wrapped stitch, purl stich an wrap together through the back loops, wrap next stitch by wyib slipping the next stich, bringing the yarn back to the front, and slipping the wrapped stitch back to the left needle.

R3: Knit to the wrapped stitch, slip wrapped stitch to right needle, with left needle pick up the 2 wraps, and place the on the right needle. Slip the 2 wraps and the stitch back to the left needle, and knit the 3 together. Wrap next stitch as above, and turn.

R4: Purl to the wrapped stitch, slip the wrapped stitch to the right needle. With left needle pick up the wraps and place them on the right needle. Transfer the wraps and the stitch one by one back to the left needle, and purl the 3 together through the back loop. Wrap the next stitch. Turn.

Repeat R3 and R4 until all stitches are consumed. The first and the last stitch on the needle will each have 1 wrap, which you will knit together on the first round of the rest of you sock. Knit the rest of the round with B picking up the remaining wraps. You are now ready to continue the sock in pattern.

FOOT:

Start knitting in the round again over the 64 stitches, keeping the pattern going. Continue Knitting in the round in pattern, until the foot is the appropriate length.
Be sure to finish with a completed pattern repeat.


TOE:

Circular Method:

Knit toe in st st.
R1: K1,SSK, knit to the last 3 stitches on needle, K2tog, K1. Repeat on next needle.
R2: Knit
Repeat R1 and R2 for 1 inch, then repeat R1 only until there are 8 stitches left on each eedle. Using the kitchener stitch, graft the toe closed.

4dpts:

Work stitches on needle 1. New beginining of round. Instep on needle 1, and sole on needles 2 and 3.
R1: Needle 1: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1/ Needle 2: K1, SSK, knit to end/ Needle 3: Knit to,last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1
R2: Knit
Repeat as for circular method until 8 stitces are left. Graft toe.

5dpts:

Work stitches on needle. New beginning of round.Instep on needle 1 and 2, sole on needle 3 and 4.
R1: Needle 1: K1, SSK , knit to end/ Needle 2: Knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1/ Needle 3: Same as needle 1 Needle 4: Same as needle 2 Repeat as for circular method until 8 stitches are left./
R2:Knit

Graft toe.

For personal use only. Copyright Caroline Dlugy-Hegwer, 2007.

Working, and Loving it!

I have been working a lot over the last few days. My husband is home, on vacation for a few days, and of course there is no homeschooling for a few days.

I have been creating the new colorways for Sunday's SockPixie shop update. This week's inspiration will be birds. The other day, it was snowing, and there sitting on a tree speckled with red berries, there was the most beautiful little bird. I grabbed our bird refences, and sat down in our school room. Originally, I was only looking for the little bird, but then, I stopped to look at every picture. There are so many birds, each as beautiful as the next. I decided that this week's creations would be an hommage to birds.

My other project this week has been a new sock pattern. I am so excited about it! Here is a little preview.

What a Nice Christmas Present!

For Christmas, I got a great gift. My pattern for the Sunshine Socks was featured in the Craftzine Blog! Thank you to Monique for suggesting my pattern to them, and thank you to Craftzine for posting it.

Happy Holidays

This post will be short. I just wanted to wish all of you a happy holiday season.
That's it!

Inspiration is Like the Wind...

Inspiration is like the wind, at times it blows softly, but then sometimes it almost throws you off your feet. That's what happened to me this week. This time the wind of inspiration came from the land of the Rising Sun. My husband and I rented Memoirs of a Geisha. I had never seen the movie, and I was mesmerized. I watched the movie twice. The first time I could only see colors, the second time I listened to the story.

Each night, this week, I fell asleep dreaming of colors. Flowers, settings, and even characters saw a new expression in this week's colorways .
Sunday, for ourSockPixie shop update, you will see new merino colors like Cherry Blossoms.






You will also see a brand new collection of yarns made of Bamboo/wool, which I call Bambino. Bambino has such a lovely sheen to it, almost remiscent of the beautiful silk kimonos. I created a whole set of colors just for it. Ceramic captures the rich colors and shine of Japanese ceramic dishes.




I hope thet you will enjoy this week's collection.

Sunshine Socks (free)

These are the Sunshine Socks. Why Sunshine? I don't know. Maybe because they almost seem to glow, with their bright colors, and their cheerful mock cable and chevron pattern. They were knit using SockPixie's Merino Sock Yarn.
So, ready...Here we go!

Sunshine Socks

Materials: SockPixie 100% Machine Washable Merino, 425 yards
Needles: US 1 DPTS or Circulars.
Gauge:7sts/inch

Stitch Pattern:

R1:*P1, SL1, K2, PSSO, P1, K2TOG, K2, [K1, YO, K1] into same stitch, K2, SSK* Repeat from *
R2: *P1, K1, YO, K1, P1, K9* Repeat from * (You will have to transfer one stitch from one needle to the next to complete pattern.)
R3: *P1, K3, P1, K2TOG, K2, [K1, YO, K1]into same stitch, K2, SSK* Repeat from *
R4: *P1, SL1, K2, PSSO, P1, K9* Repeat from *
R5: *P1, K1, YO, K1, P1, K2TOG, K2, [K1, YO, K1] into same stitch, K2, SSK* repeat from *
R6: *P1, K3, P1, K9* Repeat from *
R1 to R6 form the pattern.

Cuff:

Cast on 70 stitches. Divide stitches 35 on each needle. Join round.
Knit 6 rows in garter stitch.
Continue following the stitch pattern for the desired length repeating rows 1 through 6.
You should end with a complete pattern repeat before starting the heel, but do not knit the last stitch, transfer it to the other needle.

Heel flap:

Knit the heel flap on the side of the sock with the chevron at the center. (The front will have a cable at the center.)You should have 36 stitches for the heel, and will be working back and forth on these 36 stitches.
Follow these 2 rows for the heel:

R1(WS):SL1, P to end
R2: SL1, *K1, SL1 * Repeat from*

Repeat these 2 rows 19 times(total 38 rows)

Heel Turn:

R1: SL1, K until 13 stitches are left, SSK, K1, turn
R2: P until 13 stitches are left, P2TOG, P1, turn
Continue as follows:
R1: Knit till 1 stitch before the gap, SSK, K1, turn
R2: Purl till 1 stitch before the gap, P2TOG, P1, turn

Continue until all stitches are consumed and the heel is turned.

Knit 1 row.

Pick up stitches along the side of the heel flap. Pick up one stitch at the intersection of the heel flap and the instep, P2tog, knit in pattern on top of the foot until you finish the first chevron. Put this needle to rest, and switch to needle 2. Continue the rest of the instep in pattern. From now on the instep will be knit in pattern always ending in P1. Pick up one stitch at the intersection of the instep and the heel flap. Pick up stitches along the heel flap, knit half the heel stitches.

Gusset :

You do not need to place a marker for the gusset. The purl stitches that separate the instep pattern from the sole of the sock will be your markers. To shape the gusset follow these 2 rounds:

R1: Knit until 3 stitches on the Purl stitch, K2TOG, K1, pattern on instep, P1, K1, SSK, knit to end.
R2: Knit, keeping the pattern going on the instep.
Repeat these 2 rows until 66 stitshes are left. Because the sole is knit in stockinette, the sizing needs to be adjusted by reducing the total number of stitches. (As your stitches are not distributed evenly on the needles, make sure that you have the same number of stockinette stitches on each needle.)

Foot:

Continue knitting, with the sole in stockinette, and the instep in pattern until the foot is the desired length.

Toe:


Redistribute the stitches on the needles evenly, 33 on each.
The toe will be knit in stockinette stitch.
R1: *K14, K2TOG, K1, SSK, K14* repeat on Needle 2
R2: Knit

Repeat R1 and R2 for 1 inch, knitting 1 less stitch before and after the decrease stitches. Then Repeat R1 still knitting 1 less stitch before abd after the decreases, until 7 stitches are left on each needle.
Rearrange the stitches so that they are not in profile any more.
Close the toe using the kitchener stitch.

Copyright 2007, Caroline Dlugy-Hegwer. This pattern is for personal use only.

Yet Another Storm

We have had 3 snow storms in 7 days! I have gotten plenty of indoor time, in between shoveling sessions. But look at the beauty Mother Nature creates for us when some melted snow finds a new expression when meeting Mysterious Night.



All this indoor time means that the new sock pattern is finished, at last, and that there will be lots of wonderful new colorways this Sunday! This is a little preview of a new colorway called Water Lily. But more later on what inspired me this week...

I still need to take pictures of the socks on my favorite foot model. I expect to post the pattern tomorrow, and as always the new colorways will be posted on the SockPixie site on Sunday at 6 p.m. Eastern Time.

Christmas Spirit

Tonight was a really special night. My youngest daughter and I decorated our Christmas Tree. That tree is very special. It is an old artificial tree, which we bought 13 years ago, in San Francisco. It was our first Christmas ever in the US. This tree is part of our life. It has seen the birth of three of our children. It has been with us through our joys, and struggles.
Once more, we will share Christmas with it, and for the occasion, we have decorated it with its most beautiful jewels.

The New Colorways are up!

Yeah! The new colorways are up, as well the new cashmere sock yarns. I am really excited about this week's creations as I felt such inspiration. The snowy weather contibuted quite a bit. Look at this yarn! No wonder I called it White Christmas.

And then there were of course, the desire for sunny summer fruits like a Nectarine, with vibrant juicy colors.

There was also the sheer luxury of cashmere. Its beauty so natural, that even the purest semi-solid like Running in the Fields got my mind dancing.

This was a great week, and I can't wait to see what inspirations the coming one brings...

Christmas Classic

All this snow has put me in the mood for Christmas! I could not resist putting the Christmas spirit in colors. So here is a sneak peek at a new colorway called Christmas Classic. When knit on 64 to 68 stitches, stripes will appear like magic! The yarn will be available Sunday at 6p.m. on the SockPixie website, along with quite a few new colorways. So let's Jingle Bell!

Snowy Night, Magical Night

Just thought I'd share the magic. Doesn't it look like thousands of little fluttering fairies sprinkling pixie dust! Enjoy...

New Look for SocKPixie

Go check the new home page for SockPixie. Aren't these the most delicious colors?

It's Snowing, the Children are Playing, and I am Knitting

I know I said it last year, and I will say it again this year, I LOVE WINTER!!! Just the other day, I was dreaming of spending half the year in the northern hemisphere, and the other half in the southern hemisphere. And why? But to follow winter and possibly avoid summer alltogether,naturally!

The children are outside playing in the snow, and I can knit, occasionally staring at my perfect world, listening the music of my children's laughter in the softened city.



I am working on a new sock pattern. I am in the last testing phases, and hope to have it ready for Sunday's SockPixie website update. What an exciting time, new yarns, a new pattern, and all that snow!

A World of Colors

When I was 13 years old, I became near-sighted. My parents, taking this very seriously immediately fitted me with glasses. Needless to say that I hated them! I did not hate them because of the way they made me look, but rather I felt that they had robbed me of my world. My world is not made of geometric lines, but rather resembles a Monet painting, composed of myriads of dancing colors.
Every morning, I would kiss my mother goodbye with my glasses on, and as soon as she closed the door, I would bury them in their case at the bottom of my school bag.
To this day, I live my life without glasses. My mother knows! And have no fear, I do not drive!
When I go for walks I see colors, colors everywhere. When I come home, my mind is full of their merry-go-round. I am so grateful I have yarn and dyes to paint my world! This skein will be called crocus. Crocus are always such a surprise when they pop up through the absolute white, striking green, golden yellow, and blue purple.

As Promised the Kippah Pattern (Free)

Here is the promised Kippah pattern. Actually it is really 2 patterns in one. If you skip the lace portion and instead cast on the same number of stitches, knit 8 rows in garter stitch and follow the same directions for the decreases, you will end up with a beautiful man's Kippah!

Kippah Pattern

Materials: SockPixie's Sock Yarn In color Tea Rose
Needles: 16" US 1, and DPTS US 1
Gauge: 7 sts per inch

Loosely cast on 120 stitches. Join round, being careful not to twist. Follow the following lace pattern.

Lace Edging:

R1: K1, *YO, K3, (SL1, K2tog, PSSO) (this will now be referred to as dd for double decrease), K3, YO, K1* Repeat from *.
R2: Knit
R3: K2, *YO, K2, dd, K2, YO, K3* Repeat from * ending last repeat in K1.
R4: Knit
R5: K3, *YO, K1, dd, K1, YO, K5* Repeat from* ending last repea K2.
R6: Knit
R7: K4, *YO, dd, YO, K7* Repeat from * ending last repeat K3.
R8: Knit

Knit 2 rounds in garter stitch (Knit 1 round, purl 1 round).
Knit the next 2 rounds in stockinette stitch.

Decrease Rounds:

R1: *K8, K2tog* Repeat from *
Knit 2 rounds even
R2: *k7, k2tog* Repeat from *
Knit 2 rounds even
R3: *K6, K2tog* Repeat from *
Knit 2 rounds even
R4: *K5, K2tog* Repeat from *
Knit 2 rounds even
R5: *K4, K2tog* Repeat from *
Knit 1 round even
R6: *K3, K2tog* Repeat from *
Knit 1 round even
R7: *K2, K2tog* Repeat from *
R8: *K1, K2tog* Repeat from *
R9: *K2tog* Repeat from *

Continue with K2tog until 5 or 6 stitches remain. Gather the remaining stitches. Weave in ends.

New Colors are Here!

Mission accomplished! I have posted new colorways to the SockPixie Site. I am so excited about them. I gave them a new name. I call them the Impressionists. They remind me of Monet's paintings, all in delicate touches of color. No stripes, just shimmering impressions. I hope you like them.

Happy Hanukkah

It is the holiday season again, and as you all know this is my favorite time of the year. Tonight we are going to my parents' house to celebrate. Here is my gift to my mother.
The pattern will be available this weekend...

After a Long Absence...

I have not posted a single thing since September! I am sure you will believe me if I say I have been busy. I mostly tried to keep up with orders, and helped our oldest daughter reach her dreams. She always was a fabulous artist. I know I may be somewhat partial, but her paintings and sculptures take my breath away. Like me, she sees a world of colors and emotions. My husband and I decided to support her fully in her dream to become a painter and sculptor. We went through the college application process easily, but we sure kept busy! She has just been accepted to a wonderful art shool as a Junior with a Fine Arts major.

Overnight, life seems to have returned to normal. Homeschooling, dyeing yarn, and my favorite, creating new colors and patterns. I had to put a lot of my creative activities on hold during these busy months, but I am so happy to be back.

Sometimes, time pressures help you realize what it is that you really love, and miss. I missed creating. I missed creating new colorways so much, that I have decided to change things a little for Sockpixie's store. Every Sunday, at 6p.m. Eastern time, I will update the website with new colors. You will know how many are in stock and ready to go. So each Sunday night, it will be almost a surprise!
The first update will be this Sunday December 9.

The other part I missed tremendously was designing patterns. I will continue to post free patterns online, on the Sockpixie blog, and will also start publishing patterns for purchase.

That's it for the updates!

Petite Fleur Baby Beret FREE PATTERN

This is a repost of one of my patterns with a few edits. Enjoy!




It is true. I do not knit just socks! And to prove it today, here is a baby beret. Now to prove that I do not just knit baby things, I'll just have to design another sock!
Anyhow, for the moment, let's focus on the baby beret nicknamed "Petite Fleur."
Petite fleur is such an easy project, just a few increases and decreases, a change of yarn, and most of all a fun detail with the double ribbed brim.
The project is a fast one as it is knit with a worsted weight yarn, in this particular case two contrasting colors of Reynolds' Revue, with a touch of a novelty yarn by Skacel, called Floret. Petite Fleur fits an infant 0-3 months.

Materials: 1 ball each Reynolds Revue in orange (color 1454), Revue in sage m(1474) , Skacel Floret (color 10402)
Needles: US 5 16" circular, US 5 dpts, US 6 16" circular
Gauge: 6 1/2 sts /inch on US 5

Brim:

Cast on 68 stitches with sage. Join round. Knit in K2P2 rib for 1 inch. Insert a contrasting yarn through the stitches on the needle with a darning needle. You will pick these stitches up again at the end.
Continue in sage.

Increase Section:

R1: Knit
R2: *K3, K1f&b* Repeat from *to *
R3: Knit
R4: *K4, K1f&b* Repeat from * to *
R5: Knit
R6: *K5, K1f&b* Repeat from * to *
R7: Knit
R8: *K6, K1f&b* Repeat from * to *
R9: Knit
R10: *K7, K1f&b* Repeat from * to *
R11: Knit
R12: *K8, K1f&b* Repeat from * to *
R13: Knit

You should have 170 stitches.

Flower trim:

Switch to floret yarn, and with it, purl 2 rows. Purling the rows helps the florets show up on the front of your work.

Decreases:

Go back to sage, and knit 3 rows.
R1: *K8, K2tog* Repeat from * to *
R2-3:Knit
R4: *K7, K2tog* Repeat
R5-6: Knit
R7: *K6, K2tog* Repeat from * to *
R8-9: Knit
R10: *K5, K2tog* Repeat from * to *
R11-12: Knit
R13: *K4, K2tog* Repeat from * to *
R14-15: Knit
R16: *K3, K2tog* Repeat from * to *
R17-18: Knit
R19: *K2, K2tog* Repeat from * to *
R20: Knit
R21: *K1, K2tog* Repeat from * to *
R22: Knit
R23: *K2tog* Repeat from * to *
Continue k2tog until there are 5 stitches left.
Break yarn and weve in ends.

With orange yarn, go back to the waste yarn, and pick up every stitch along waste yarn. Join round and knit in K2 P2 rib for 3/4". BO loosely.

Dear Elizabeth Zimmermann, what would we do without you!

I have had the flu for the last dew days, and between a pounding headache, an endless runny nose, bouts of coughing, and just feeling plain horrible, I almost did not knit.
Notice I said almost... Because what is better when one is sick than a little bit of thoughtless knitting. The doctor prescribed plenty of rest and a good Elizabeth Zimmerman sweater!
I followed the doctor's orders to the letter. I put my hands on some great 220 superwash, measured my oldest son, thought up a very simple pattern for the yoke, with the tiny bit of brain I had left, and voila.
The sweater is finished, I am almost completely back to normal, and I credit Elizabeth Zimmermann entirely for my prompt recovery!
If you have not knit this very simple yoke sweater yet, you can find it Knitting Without Tears, by Elizabeth Zimmermann.

Thank you for all your interest in test knitting...

Thank you so much to all of you for offering to test knit new patterns for me. I am in the process of reading all of your comments, and will be e-mailing each of you soon.

Happy Knitting!

Corrections for La Parisienne Beret and Looking for Test Knitters

I have just posted corrections for the La Parisienne Beret and hope that the decreases are now correct. I thank all of you for pointing out the problem. I am notorious for taking cryptic notes!
I definitely need a test knitter. Being a test knitter is great, you get free yarn to play with, and try new patterns before anyone else. If you are interested write in the comments to this post. Your comment will remain private. Tell me a little about yourself, and your knitting experience, and be sure to include your e-mail address so that I may contact you.

I'm off to finish my newest sock. The new pattern combines two brand new SockPixie colorways, and will be posted tomorrow.

Winter Throw

Winter is coming, and here is a picture of a lightly felted throw I designed for interior designer Arleen of Reilly Design Group. Enjoy!

La Parisenne FREE Beret Knitting Pattern

**** PATTERN HAS CORRECTIONS****


The pattern for La Parisienne is ready. As I said in my pattern preview post, this is a quick easy project, but with a fanstatic impact, because of the kaleidoscopic effect of the chevrons. Just think what wonderful Christmas presents these berets would make! As far as color choices are concerned, my recommendation would be to not be afraid of contrast. The contrast gives the decreasing chevrons a lot more impact.
Happy Knitting, and enjoy being a Parisienne!

Materials:

SockPixie Sock Yarn 1 each in Peacock, and Tea Rose
Needles: 16" US 3, dpts US 3
Gauge: 7stitches/inch on US 3


Cast on 120 stitches.
Join round.
Throughout the pattern you will be knitting 2 consecutive rows of each color. To avoid a jagged edge you can foloow this cool little technique . Do not cut the yarn after each color change, rather carry it up.
Alternating the colors as set above, knit in K2P2 rib for 1".

Increase row: *K1, K1f&b* Repeat for one whole row. You should now have 180 stitches.

Start pattern:
R1: *K1f&b, K5, slip 2, K1, P2SSO, K5, K1f&b* Repeat from * to *
R2: Knit

Repeat R1 and R2 until the piece measures 4" from cast on edge.

You will now start decreasing while maintaining the chevron pattern.

First decrease round:
R1: *K1f&b, K1, K2tog, K2, slip 2, K1, P2SSO, K2, K2tog, K1, K1f&b* Repeta from * to *
R2: Knit

For the next 6 rows continue as follows:
R1: *K1f&b, K4, slip 2, K1, P2SSO, K4, K1f&b* Repeat from * to *
R2: Knit
You repeat R1 and R2 3 times each.

Second Decrease round:
R1: *K1f&b, K1, K2tog, K1, slip 2, K1, P2SSO, K1, K2tog, K1, K1f&b* Repeat from * to *
R2: Knit

Continue as follows for the next 4 rows:
R1: * K1f&b, K3, slip 2, K1, P2SSO, K3, K1f&b*
R2: Knit
You will repeat R1 and R2 2 times each.

Third decrease round:
R1: *K1f&b, K2tog, K1, slip 2, K1 , P2SSO, K1, K2tog, K1f&b* Repeat from * to *
R2: Knit

Continue as follows for the next 2 rows:
R1: *K1f&b, K2, slip 2, K1, P2SSO, K2, K1f&b* Repeat from * to *
R2: Knit

Fourth Decrease Round:
R1: *K1f&b, K2tog, slip 2, K1, P2SSO, K2tog, K1f&b* repeat from * to *
R2: Knit

Continue as follows for the next 2 rows:
R1: *K1f&b, K1, slip 2, K1, P2SSO, K1, K1f&b* Repeat from * to *
R2: Knit

Decrease Rounds:
R1: K2, *slip 2, K1, P2SSO, K4* repeat from * to *, end knit 2.
R2: K1, * slip 2, K1 P2SSO, K2* Repeat from * to *
R3: *Slip 2, K1, P2SSO* Repeat from * to *
R4: *K2tog* repeat from * to *
R5: K2tog but only on 2 stitches, K till end of row. You should have 5 stitches left.

Knit a 1 cm long i-cord on the 5 remaining stitches. BO of the i-cord by knitting 3 together, then 2 tog, pass the first stitch over the second one, and you are done!
Weave in all ends.

La Parisienne Beret New Pattern Preview

I know it has been hot all over the country, but yesterday was Bastille Day, and France was on my mind. This beret is my way of commemorating my roots.
I named the beret "La Parisienne", because what is more French than a French woman wearing a beret! I combined two new colors of SockPixie's Sock Yarn to emphasize the chevron pattern. I also had tremendous fun creating a chevron that merged toward the center of the beret. There is something kaleidoscopic about it. I finished the beret with a tiny whimsical i-cord.
I will be posting the new FREE Pattern tomorrow, and in the mean time, enjoy the picture!

Groovy Socks NEW Free Pattern

Remember when I told you that the best way to prove that I do not only design baby things, would be to design a sock, well here is the proof. The idea for the Groovy socks hit me like a train! I had just finished creating a new colorway for SockPixie , called La Vie en Rose, and was so in love with the colors, and the contrast that I knew I had to play the natural stripes in the yarn.
Grovvy socks have the coolest wavy chevron pattern. They are so easy to remember that Wendy would probably refer to them as commuter socks!

Click to see the Groovy Socks Pattern.

Cornucopia Socks (Free Sock Knitting Pattern)

Spiral socks are loads of fun to knit. I think they are very addictive, in fact. I always seem to be knitting just a little more to see the spiral twist around the socks. I am so mesmerized when I knit them, that before I know it, I am done with a sock, and on to the second one.
In this version of the spiral sock, knit with
SockPixie's Sock Yarn , I wanted to increase the effect of the spiral, by adding strong textural elements. Eyelets, and textured decreases give the socks a lot of movement. The colors and the movement made the name Cornucopia perfect for these new socks. I know I am a little early for fall, but what can I say, creativity knows no limits!
The pattern is simple and easy to memorize. I would say that the only tricky thing is that you may have to go get your next stitch from the other needle.
I have given directions for 64 stitches only as the pattern has a lot of stretch in it, and can fit a wide range of sizes.


Materials: 1 skein SockPixie Sock Yarn in Cornucopia
Gauge: 8 sts/inch in st st on US 1


STITCH PATTERN:

Note: In order to complete the pattern, at the end of a needle, you may need to "borrow" a stitch from the next needle. Get the stitch and transfer it so that you can complete the pattern, then transfer that last stitch you just completed back but treat it as an already worked stitch. If, for example, what followed your transfer was K3, the stitch that you moved back and forth, would count as the first of the K3, and you would not need to knit it again. It would just become the first stitch on your right needle. This may sound complicated, but will become obvious as you do it, as you will follow the spiral movement of the stitches.


R1: *K5, P3* Repeat from * to *
R2: *K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1, P3* Reapeat from * to *.
R3: P1, *K5, P3* Repeat from * to *, end P2.
R4: P1, *K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1, P3* Repeat from * yo *, end P2
R5: P2, *K5, P3* repeat from * to *, end P1
R6: P2, *K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1, P3* Repeat from * to *, end P1
R7: *P3, K5* Repeat from * to *
R8: *P3, K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1* Repeat form * to *
R9: K1, *P3, K5* Repeat from * to *, end K4.
R10: K1, *P3, K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1* repeat from * to *, end (K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO)
R11: K2, *P3, K5* Repeat from * to *, end K3
R12: K2, *P3, K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1* Repeat from * to *, end ( K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO).
R13: K3, *P3, K5* Repeat from * to *, end K2
R14: YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1, *P3, K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1* Rpeat from * to *, end K2.
R15: K4, *P3, K5* Repeat from * to *, end K1
R16: K1, YO, SL1, PSSO, K1, *P3, K2, YO, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1*, Repeat from * to *, end K1.

Rows 1 through 16 form the pattern.

CUFF and LEG

Cast on 64 stitches. Divide stitches: Circular method 32 on each for circulars// 4 dpts 16, 16, 32 // 5 dpts 16 on each //
Join round.
Knit in K1P1 rib for 1 1/2"

Continue in stitch pattern over the desired length for the leg.

SHORT ROW HEEL SHAPING

You will be working on only half the stitches 32.
R1: Knit to the last 2 stitches, wyif slip next stitch, bring yarn to back, and slip wrapped stitch back to left needle. Turn.
R2: Purl to the last 2 stitches, wyinb slip next stitch, bring yarn back to the front, slip wrapped stitch back to left needle.
R3: knit to 1 stitch before the last wrapped stitch, wrap the stitch as above, turn.
R4: Purl to 1 stitch before las wrapped stitch, wrap stitch, turn.
Repeat R3 and R4 until 14 stitches remain unwrapped at the center of your heel.
Continue shaping the heel as follows:
R1: Knit to the wrapped stitch, knit the wrap together with the stich, and wrap the next stitch by wyif slipping the next stitch, bringing the yarn to the back and returning the wrapped stitch back to the left needle, and turn.
R2: Purl to the wrapped stitch, purl stich an wrap together through the back loops, wrap next stitch by wyib slipping the next stich, bringing the yarn back to the front, and slipping the wrapped stitch back to the left needle
R3: Knit to the wrapped stitch, slip wrapped stitch to right needle, with left needle pick up the 2 wraps, and place the on the right needle. Slip the 2 wraps and the stitch back to the left needle, and knit the 3 together. Wrap next stitch as above, and turn.
R4: Purl to the wrapped stitch, slip the wrapped stitch to the right needle. With left needle pick up the wraps and place them on the right needle. Transfer the wraps and the stitch one by one back to the left needle, and purl the 3 together through the back loop. Wrap the next stitch. Turn.
Repeat R3 and R4 until all stitches are consumed. The first and the last stitch on the needle will each have 1 wrap, which you will knit together on the first round of the rest of you sock.

FOOT

Start knitting in the round again over the 64 stitches, keeping the pattern going around the whole foot. Make sure to pick up the wraps for the 2 stitches, and knitting wrap and stitch together during the first round.
Continue Knitting in the round in pattern, until the foot is the appropriate length.

TOE:

Circular Method
Knit toe in st st.
R1: K1,SSK, knit to the last 3 stitches on needle, K2tog, K1. Repeat on next needle.
R2: Knit
Repeat R1 and R2 for 1 inch, then repeat R1 only until there are 8 stitches left on each eedle.
Using the kitchener stitch, graft the toe closed.

4dpts
Work stitches on needle 1. New begininng of round. Instep on needle 1, and sole on needles 2 and 3.
R1:
Needle 1: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1
Needle 2: K1, SSK, knit to end
Needle 3: Knit to,last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1
R2: Knit
Repeat as for circular method until 8 stitces are left. Graft toe.

5dpts
Work stitches on needle. New beginning of round.Instep on needle 1 and 2, sole on needle 3 and 4.
R1:
Needle 1: K1, SSK , knit to end
Needle 2: Knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1
Needle 3: Same as needle 1
Needle 4: Same as needle 2
Repeat as for circular method until 8 stoitches are left. Graft toe.


For personal use only. Copyright, Caroline Dlugy-Hegwer, 2007.

Jewel (Free Baby Hat Knitting Pattern)

My obsession with knitting baby garments continues. Today, it's a hat, and because I design baby garments faster than I can produce babies to wear them, you are getting a picture of the hat alone! To knit Jewel, I used SockPixie's Yarns Cornucopia, and Emerald Sea.
Jewel is a simple baby hat. It takes advantage of the fun verstility of mitered/modular squares. The squares gave me the opportunity to play with color, while adding an interesting border to the hat. Mitered squares are also great practice for picking up stitches, in a non overwhelming way!
The two colors have a jewel like quality, in particular when placed against eachother.
This hat fits a Newborn to 3 month old, and the size can easily be adapted by adding or knitting 2 squares less, and at the time of picking up stitches to build the body of the hat, the number of stitches picked should be adjusted in multiples of 10, keeping the decreases intact. You will aslo have to increase the height of the hat.

Materials: SockPixie's Sock Yarn , 1 Emerald Sea, 1 Cornucopia
Needles:US 3 16" circular, US 3 dpts
Gauge: 7sts/inch in st st

The mitered square border is worked first. You will alternate colors for the squares, (one emerald, one cornucopia, etc...)

Mitered square recipe:

SQ1: Cast on 16 stitches with emerald
R1: K6, K2tog, k2tog, K6
R2: Knit
R3: K5, k2tog,K2tog, K5
R4: Knit
R5: K4, K2tog, K2tog, K4
R6: Knit
R7: K3, K2tog, K2tog, K3
R8: Knit
R9: K2, K2tog, K2tog, K2
R10: Knit
R11: K1, K2tog, K2tog, K1
R12: Knit
R13: K2tog twice
R14: K2tog

For the second square, leave the stitch on the needle, cut emerald yarn, and reattach cornucopia. While looking at the front of your work, pick up and knit 8 stitches along the left side of the diamond, then using the knitted cast on, cast on 9. You will now be on the wrong side of the work: K2tog, knit till last 2 stitches, K2tog.
You can now repeat R1 -R14 of square 1.

Make 10 squares.
When you finish the 10th square, break off yarn, and pass it through the last stitch to stop your work.

Body:

Seam the band to make a ring. Now looking at the front side of your work, and starting from the seam, pick up and knit 90 stitches. Join round. Choose the less flattering edge to pick the stitches from, the prettier one will be the edge of your hat.
Alternating Cornucopia and Emerald, knit 2 rows of each ( or be wild!). To prevent the jagged edge you can use the following techniqe . Continue alternating colors, in stockinette until the stockinette section measures 2" not including the band.

Crown Decreases:

Switch to dpts as soon as you feel the stitches getting tight.
R1: *K8, K2tog* Repeat from * to *
R2: Knit
R3: Knit
R4: *K7, K2tog* Repeat from *
R5: Knit
R6: knit
R7: *K6, K2tog* Repeat from *
R8: Knit
R9: knit
R10: *K5, K2tog* Repeat from *
R11: Knit
R12: knit
R13: *K4, K2tog* Repeat from *
R14: Knit
R15: knit
R16: *K3, K2tog* Repeat from *
R17: Knit
R18: knit
R19: *K2, K2tog* Repeat from *
R20: Knit
R21: knit
R22: *K1, K2tog* Repeat from *
R23: *k2tog* Repeat from *

Break yarn and gather remaining stitches. Weave in all ends.


For personal use only. Copyright, Caroline Dlugy-Hegwer. 2007.

Celebration (Free Sock Knitting Pattern)

I have great news. My new knitting adventure with my daughter Alexandra has started. You can now find our collection of hand painted sock yarns at http://www.sockpixie.com. I hope you will come visit, and look at our beautiful colors. To celebrate the opening, here is a simple but fun new sock pattern with the loveliest mock cable, using one of our most cheerful colors: Cantaloupe. I will name the pattern Celebration. The mock cable was inspired by Barbara Walker's Treasury of Knitting Patterns. The fun thing with a mock cable, is that it looks, and feels like a cable, bu there is no need for a cable needle, the trick is done by slipping stitches.


Materials: 1 skein SockPixie Sock Yarn in color Cantaloupe
Needles: US 1
Gauge: 8 sts/inch


STITCH PATTERN:

R1: P2, *K4,P4* Repeat from * to *, end P2
R2: P2, *(SL1, K1, YO, PSSO) twice, P4* Repeat from * to * end P2.(Pass slipped stitch over K1, and the YO. To do so when you YO bring the yarn to the fron of your work and over the right needle towards the back. Once the PSSO is done, you should have 2 stitches close together, held by a slipped stitch at the base.)
R3: P2, *K4, P4*, Repeat from * to * end P2
R4: P2, *K1, SL1, K1, YO, PSSO, K1, P4* Repeat from * to * end P2
R1 to R4 form the pattern


CUFF and LEG

Cast on 64 (72) stitches. Divide stitches: Circular method 32(36) on each for circulars// 4 dpts 16, 16, 32 (18, 18, 36) // 5 dpts 16 on each (18 on each) //
Join round.
Knit in K2P2 rib for 1 1/2"

Continue in stitch pattern over the desired length for the leg.

SHORT ROW HEEL SHAPING

You will be working on only half the stitches 32(36).
R1: Knit to the last 2 stitches, wyif slip next stitch, bring yarn to back, and slip wrapped stitch back to left needle. Turn.
R2: Purl to the last 2 stitches, wyinb slip next stitch, bring yarn back to the front, slip wrapped stitch back to left needle.
R3: knit to 1 stitch before the last wrapped stitch, wrap the stitch as above, turn.
R4: Purl to 1 stitch before las wrapped stitch, wrap stitch, turn.
Repeat R3 and R4 until 14 stitches remain unwrapped at the center of your heel.
Continue shaping the heel as follows:
R1: Knit to the wrapped stitch, knit the wrap together with the stich, and wrap the next stitch by wyif slipping the next stitch, bringing the yarn to the back and returning the wrapped stitch back to the left needle, and turn.
R2: Purl to the wrapped stitch, purl stich an wrap together through the back loops, wrap next stitch by wyib slipping the next stich, bringing the yarn back to the front, and slipping the wrapped stitch back to the left needle
R3: Knit to the wrapped stitch, slip wrapped stitch to right needle, with left needle pick up the 2 wraps, and place the on the right needle. Slip the 2 wraps and the stitch back to the left needle, and knit the 3 together. Wrap next stitch as above, and turn.
R4: Purl to the wrapped stitch, slip the wrapped stitch to the right needle. With left needle pick up the wraps and place them on the right needle. Transfer the wraps and the stitch one by one back to the left needle, and purl the 3 together through the back loop. Wrap the next stitch. Turn.
Repeat R3 and R4 until all stitches are aconsumed. The first and the last stitch on the needle will each have 1 wrap, which you will knit together on the first round of the rest of you sock.

FOOT

Start knitting in the round again over the 64(72) stitches, keeping the pattern going on top of the foot, and knitting in stockinette for the sole. Make sure to pick up the wraps for the 2 stitches, and knitting wrap and stitch together during the first round.
Continue Knitting in the round with pattern on top, and stockinette on sole, until the foot is the appropriate length.

TOE:

Circular Method
R1: K1,SSK, knit to the last 3 stitches on needle, K2tog, K1. Repeat on next needle.
R2: Knit
Repeat R1 and R2 for 1 inch, then repeat R1 only until there are 8 stitches left on each eedle.
Using the kitchener stitch, graft the toe closed.

4dpts
Work stitches on needle 1. New begininng of round. Instep on needle 1, and sole on needles 2 and 3.
R1:
Needle 1: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1
Needle 2: K1, SSK, knit to end
Needle 3: Knit to,last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1
R2: Knit
Repeat as for circular method until 8 stitces are left. Graft toe.

5dpts
Work stitches on needle. New beginning of round.Instep on needle 1 and 2, sole on needle 3 and 4.
R1:
Needle 1: K1, SSK , knit to end
Needle 2: Knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1
Needle 3: Same as needle 1
Needle 4: Same as needle 2
Repeat as for circular method until 8 stoitches are left. Graft toe.


For personal use only. Copyright, Caroline Dlugy-Hegwer, 2007.

Le Petit Trianon (Free Baby Knitting Pattern)

Once I applied the bow to this newborn/3 months wrap, I found there was something very Versailles about it. So I decided to name it Le Petit Trianon . Le Petit Trianon is an easy pattern to knit. There are no seams, it is mostly stockinette stitch with an ounce of garter. I used a thick and thin chunky yarn by Di Ve called Fiamma, and used US 10.5 needles. The thick and thin gives it a relaxed rustic appearance, in contrast with the proper bow.

Best of all, the thick and thin bulky yarn makes it an express project. Even if the baby shower is tomorrow, you will be done!

Materials: 3 balls Di Ve Fiamma color 29047 (I had about 1 yard left!)

Needles: 24" US 10 1/2, US 10 1/2 dpts

Gauge: 3 1/4 stitches inch

Cast on 90 stitches loosely as the yarn is somewhat fragile. Knitting back and forth, knit 6 rows in garter stitch.

Switch to stockinette stitch for the rest of the body.

Knit even until piece is 3" high (from CO edge.)

Make 1 opening for the ribbon to go through as follows:

(RS)Knit until the last 30 stitches, BO 1, knit till end of row.

Knit the 2 sections separately knitting a total of three rows on each section, cutting and reattaching the yarn as necessary.

Rejoin the sections as follows:

Knit until the gap, CO 1, finish with the same yarn knitting the second section.

Purl 1 row.

Start decreases for edges of the wrap.

Decrease row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1

Next row purl.

Repeat these two rows until there are 80 stitches left. On the last purl row, purl 26, place marker, purl 28, place marker, purl 26.

Looking at the markers, place the 3 stitches before, and the three stitches after the 1st marker on a holder together. Do the same for the stitches around the second marker. Put the body of the sweater aside, and start knitting the sleeves.

Make 2 sleeves:

With US 10 1/2 dpts, cast on 18 stitches, join round, and knit 4 rows in garter stitch. Switch to stockinette. Knit 1 round in stockinette. In next round, K1, Kf&b, knit to the last 2 stitches, Kf&b, k1.
knit 2 rounds, and repeat increase round 1 more time.

Continue even until the sleeve is 4" high. Place the last 3 worked stitches, and the next 3 stitches on a holder, cut the yarn.

Throughout the sweater you will continue the edge decreases as set above.

While keeping the edge decreases, attach the sleeve to the body as follows:

Knit on the body until you reach the stitches placed on hold, take the sleeve, and making sure the held stitches of the sleeve are in front of the held body stitches, place a marker, and start knitting the sleeve stitches with your working yarn, thus joining the sleeve to the body, at the end of the sleeve place a marker, and continue knitting to the second set of held stitches.

Make your second sleeve, and attach it in the same fashion, placing the markers in the same positions.

(You are still knitting in stockinette.) Purl 1 row.

It is now time to start shaping the raglan sleeves.

You will continue the edge decreases as set above while doing the raglan shaping as follows:

Row 1: K1, ssk, knit to 3 stitches of the first marker, ssk, k1, sm, knit to the next marker, sm, k1, k2tog, knit to 3 stitches of the next marker, ssk, k1, sm, knit to next marker, sm, k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitche, k2tog, k1.

Row 2: purl

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 8" from CO edge.

Now decrease every row for the edge stitches for 5 rows as follows:

Row 1: same as above

Row 2: P1, P2tog, purl till last 3 stitches, take second stitch on left needle, and pass it over 1st stitch, now purl that stitch, p1.

Next row, k2tog throughout row.

Purl 1 row.

BO.

Pick up and knit 30 stitches along neck edge, and knit 1 row. BO loosely.

Use the 3 needle BO for the underarm stitches on holders. Weave in all ends. Sew ribbon at each edge of wrap, right before the beginning of the decreases. Slip bpw through the whole, tie bow.

Petit Chou (Free Baby Knitting Pattern)

Here is my Petit Chou (little cream puff, pronounced "shoe").

*******************Corrections have been added to the T pattern*******************


I designed it as a newborn set. The baby will wear it when he or she first meets everyone, and the pieces will become family heirlooms. The project is quick, and simple, with the T being knit mostly in the round. There is minimum seaming. The decorative stitch, inspired by Barbara Walker's Treasury of Knitting Patterns is remarkably simple, and understated. The project is perfect for busy future Moms, Grandmas or friends to knit for a baby shower.
I hope you have as much fun and pleasure knitting it as I did.
As always, I do my best to avoid errors in the pattern, but feel free to leave comments if clarifications are needed.

Materials: Bouton D'Or, Mango, 2 balls Plume, 1 ball Peach (120 yrds each)
16" circular US 2, dpts US 2
Holder
2 yards ribbon
Gauge: 7 stitches/inch




PETIT CHOU SLIPPERS

Make 2.

With Plume cast on 7.
R1: With Plume,Knit
R2: With Plume, K1, purl till last stitch, K1
~~~~~~~~~R3: With Plume, K1f&b, knit to the last 2 stitches, K1f&b, K1
R4: With Plume, K1, purl, end K1
R5: With Peach, *sl1 wyib, sl1 wyif*. Repeat from * to *. End sl1 wyib
R6: With Peach, p1, *sl1 wyib, sl1 wyif*. Repeat from * to *
R7: With Plume, K1f&b, K1f&b, knit till last 3 stitches, K1f&b, k1f&b, K1
R8: Same as R4
R9: With Peach, *sl1 wyif, sl1 wyib*. Repeat from * to *, end sl1 wyif.
~~~~~~~~~R10: With Peach, carrying the yarn around the edge of your work, p1, *sl1 wyif, sl1 wyib*. Repeat from * to *.
R11: With Plume, K1f&b, K1f&b, knit to last 3 stitches, K1f&b, K1f&b, K1.
R12: Same as R4
R13: Same as R5
R14: Same as R6
R15: With Plume, knit
R16: Same as R4
R17: Same as R9
R18: Same as R10

You have now completed all increases and can continue knitting in pattern as follows:
Repeat rows 3 through 10 1 more time BUT DO NOT increase on R3 and R7, just knit.
~~~~~~~~~R3: With Plume, Knit
R4: With Plume, K1, purl, end K1
R5: With Peach, *sl1 wyib, sl1 wyif*. Repeat from * to *. End sl1 wyib
R6: With Peach, p1, *sl1 wyib, sl1 wyif*. Repeat from * to *
R7: With Plume, Knit
R8: Same as R4
R9: With Peach, *sl1 wyif, sl1 wyib*. Repeat from * to *, end sl1 wyif.
~~~~~~~~~R10: With Peach, carrying the yarn around the edge of your work, p1, *sl1 wyif, sl1 wyib*. Repeat from * to *.



You will now split the slipper into 2 parts while keeping the pattern.
R1: With Plume, Knit
R2: K1, P4, BO7, P4, K1
Continue working each side separately repeating rows 3 through 10 from above without increasing. Repeat the pattern a total of 3 more times on each side.

Once the two sides of the slipper are done, reattach plume to the right edge of you work.
K5, CO 7, K5.

You are back on R4 of the pattern. Conitnue in pattern but change R7 as follows: K1, K2tog, K2tog, knit to last 5 stitches, K2tog, K2tog, K1. Go through R10.
Next row: With Plume, K1, K2tog, K2tog, knit to last 5 stitches, K2tog, K2tog, K1.
Next row: With Plume, K1, purl, end K1.
Repeat last 2 rows with Plume one more time. BO.

Make the soles of the slippers as follows:

Peach is used for the entire sole.

Cast on 7 sts.
Knit 1 row.
Purl 1 row.
Next row: K1f&b, knit to last 2 stitches, K1f&b, K1.
Next row: Purl
Next row: K1f&b, K1f&b, knit to last 3 stitches, K1f&b, K1f&b, K1
Next row: Purl
Next row: K1f&b, K1f&b, knit to last 3 stitches, K1f&b, K1f&b, K1.
Next row: purl

Continue knitting the sole in st st, until it is 1/4" shorter than the top of the slipper.
Then continue as follows:
Next row: K1, K2tog, K2tog, knit to last 5 stitches, K2tog, K2tog, K1
Next row: Purl
Repeat last 2 rows one more time.
Knit 1 row.
Purl 1 row.
BO

On the top piece of the slipper, with Peach, pick up and knit 17 stitches, join round, and knit 2 rows in garter stitch, BO loosely.
Seam pieces together, weave in ends. If desired, weave a section of ribbon under the center stitch at the base of the picked up edge, and tie a bow.


PETIT CHOU T

With Peach cast on 100 stitches. Join round. Knit 4 rounds in garter stitch.
Switch to Plume, and in st st until piece measures a total of 4".
With Peach knit 2 rounds garter.
With Plume knit 2 rounds st st.
Eyelet round: *K8, K2tog, YO* Repeat from * to * using Plume.
Knit 2 rounds in st st with Plume.
With Peach Knit 2 rounds garter.
Knit 1 round with Plume.
Add one stitch in next round with Plume.
Transfer the 50 back stitches to a large holder.
Work front of the shirt in pattern, using R3 through R10 of the slipper pattern (without increases). You will be on R5 of the pattern.
~~~~~~~~~R3: With Plume knit
R4: With Plume, K1, purl, end K1
R5: With Peach, *sl1 wyib, sl1 wyif*. Repeat from * to *. End sl1 wyib
R6: With Peach, p1, *sl1 wyib, sl1 wyif*. Repeat from * to *
R7: With Plume,knit
R8: Same as R4
R9: With Peach, *sl1 wyif, sl1 wyib*. Repeat from * to *, end sl1 wyif.
~~~~~~~~~R10: With Peach, carrying the yarn around the edge of your work, p1, *sl1 wyif, sl1 wyib*. Repeat from * to *.

Knit a total of 4 pattern repeats.
Repeat R3.
Bo for neck as follows: K1, P20, BO 8, P20, K2tog.
Continue in pattern on each side of neck (you will be on 9), binding off 4 stitches at the beginning of row 4, and again on row 8. You will be working on 13 stitches.
Conitnue in pattern for 1" from last BO.
Make shoulder band using peach as follows:
Knit 2 rows garter.
Buttonhole row: K3, BO 2, K2, BO 2, K2
Next row: K3, CO 2, K3, CO 2, K3
Knit 2 rows garter.
BO loosely.

For the other side of the neck, the BOs will happen on the knit side on rows 3 and
7. You will need to cut an reattach the Peach yarn to work the pattern. Otherwise, proceed as above.

Pick up and Knit 48 stitches along the neck opening of the front piece with Peach, and Knit an additional 3 rows in garter stitch. BO loosely.

Put the back stitches back on the needles, and knitting with plume, knit in st st until back piece measures 3 1/2" from last Peach garter row. Bind off for neck as follows: K16, BO 18, K15.
Knit each side of the neck separately.
Purl one row.
Next row: BO 3, knit to end.
Purl 1 row.
Continue in st st until you are ready to knit the garter edge, which are positioned as for the front.
With Peach, knit 6 rows garter. BO.

For the other side of the neck, the BOs will be at the beginning of your knit rows.

Pick up and knit 40 stitches along the neck opening of the back side, with Peach, and knit an additional 3 rows in garter stitcth.

Sleeves.

Pin the shoulder pieces in place, matching them as closely as possible, with the buttonholes on top.
Starting at the center of the armpit, pick up and knit stitches along the entire armhole, making sure to go through both layers on the shoulders.
With Plume, pick up and knit 37 stitches, join round, and knit 3 rounds in st st.
Decrease round: K2tog, knit to the last 2 stitches, K2tog.
Knit in st st until sleeve is 3/4", switch to Peach, and Knit 4 rows in garter. BO loosely.
Repeat process on other side.

Weave in all ends, and weave a ribbon through the eyelet holes.


Pattern is for private use only, and may not be reproduced, or used for commercial purposes.

"Petit Chou" the Baby Outfit is Finished

Here is the new baby set "Petit Chou" (meaning cream puff, and pronouced shoe), finished, pressed, ready to be gift wrapped and sent all the way to Jerusalem, to meet my new little cousin.

The whole project takes a couple of days to knit, and is a wonderful baby shower gift. I will post the pattern as a free pattern tomorrow.

Baby Time

My cousin is expecting a 4th baby. At the news, I dropped everything I was working on, and started designing something for the baby. I love knitting the tiny little newborn clothes. I actually like knitting the newborn size, because I remember when I had my babies, and all I had to dress them were these gargantuan clothes in which they got lost. So for this little baby, I am knitting something newborn, out of cotton, because the baby will be born in July in Jerusalem. I chose the loveliest cotton, Mango, by Bouton D'or . Mango is a 50% cotton, 50% Modal, and is a fine gauge yarn perfect for delicate babies. This cotton is fabulous because it does not split as you knit. The colors I chose are Melon, and Plume (feather). I chose to knit slippers and a tiny T.

I am done with the slippers. I was carrying them in my hand on the train, going to Windsor Button for a matching ribbon, and every person that saw them stopped me to ask me about them. Maybe I should just have another baby so that I have an excuse to knit more of them! You know in all possible colorways... I am now working on the tiny T in the same colors, and stitch pattern.

I'll post both patterns to the blog as soon as they are ready. For the time being, here is a picture of the Mango delight.

Socks, Socks, Socks...

I know it has been days since my last post. Birthdays have kept me busy knitting socks. My mother loved her Mother's Day slippers, I had also made a matching wash mitt for her. I had to take care of getting passports for 2 of the children. My parents are taking them to France for a month, and they are leaving today.
I am very much like a mother hen, constantly counting my brood, and I hate missing any of them. I am happy they get to visit our family, and see beautiful Normandy, but these trips are always a little hard for me.
This summer, however, I will be busy. I am in the final phases of preparing for the new business and I should be ready by the end of the week.
I told you the business would have everything to do with knitting. What I did not tell you is that it has everything to do with yarn, hand-dyed yarn in particular, and of course socks. This picture will give an idea of what is to come.
I got so busy that the rose garden socks were put on hold temporarily, and I still have to work on the Harry Potter socks...

18" Doll Summer Fun Ensemble (Free Pattern)

Here is a lovely pattern for stylish 18" dolls. I had a lot of fun designing it, and it was so wonderful to see my little pixie's joy when I gave her the outfit for her doll. It fits an American Girl Doll perfectly. Kit, the American Girl Doll, is modeling it for us. The pattern is easy. Pants and shirt are knit mostly in the round. The ballerina shoes are felted. Simple crochet skills are used to edge the pieces. For those of you who do not want to crochet, you can pick up stitches along the edges and knit a couple of rows in garter stitch.



PANTS and SHIRT SET:

MATERIALS for both pants and shirt:
Frog tree cotton, US 5 needle dpts or circulars.
Gauge: 6 1/2 stitches per inch.

PANTS:

Pants are knit in st st except where otherwise noted.
Cast on 40 stitches. Join round. Knit 5 rounds.
Eyelet round: "K2, YO, K2TOG*. Repeat from * to *.
Knit 5 rounds. In this last round place a marker after 20 stitches.
Increase round: K1f&b, knit to the last 2 stitches before marker, K1f&b, K1, slip marker, K1f&b, knit to last 2 stitches before beginning of round k1f&b, K1.
Knit 5 rounds even.
Repeat increase round one more time.
Continue knitting even until leg is 4 1/2 inches.
Put first leg on holders, and knit a second leg.
When second leg is finished, knit second leg up to marker, knit first leg all the way around, then remaining stitches of second leg, and continue knitting in the round until the seat section of the pants is 3 1/2 inches high.
Decrease round: *K2TOG, K1* Repeat from * to* for one round.
Continue knitting in K1P1 rib until ribbed section is 1".
BO loosely. Weave in ends, close little hole at base of seat.
Single crochet 2 rounds around the bottom edge of the legs.
Insert a ribbon through the eyelets, and tie a bow.


SHIRT:

Night shirt is knit in sts st until otherwise noted.
Cast on 100 stitches. Join round. Knit even for 3 1/2 inches.
Decrease round: *K3, K2TOG* Repeat from * to * for 1 round.
K 1 round.
*K6, K2TOG* Repeat from * to * for 1 round.
K5 rounds
Eyelet round: *K5, YO, K2TOG* Repeat from * to * for one round.
Knit 10 rounds even.
Separate stitches into 2 groups of 35 stitches each. Put one set on holder. Work on second set.
BO 2 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows. You should be on a purl row, purl 1 row.
R1 (RS): K2, K2TOG knit till end of row, K2TOG, K2
R2 (WS): Purl
Repeat R1 and R2 twice.
K5 rows in st st.
Neck shaping:
K11, BO5, K11. Work each side of neck separately.
(RS): BO2, knit to end.
Continue in st st even until shoulder piece is 1 3/4".
BO loosely. Repeat same for other shoulder reversing shaping.
Place back stitches back on needle. Rejoin yarn.
BO 2 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows.
(RS): K2, K2TOG, K11, BO1, K11, K2TOG, K2.
Work each side separately.
Purl 1 row.
Knit to last 4 stitches, K2TOG, K2.
Knit until piece is 1 3/4" high.
BO 2 at the beginning of every right side row twice. Continue even for 1/2 ". BO.
Rejoin yarn for other side, and do same as above, reversing shaping.

Gently steam iron piece. Seam shoulders.

Sleeves: Pick up and knit 28 stitches. Join round and knit even for 1/2".
Knit 3 rows in K1 P1 rib. BO loosely.
Do same for second sleeve.
Single crochet 2 rows around bottom edge of shirt, and around neck and back opening. Sew little button on back, and crochet a little button loop.
Weave in all ends. Inserts ribbon through eyelet holes. Bow should be tied slightly off center.

FELTED BALLERINAS:
Materials: Pastaza
U 8 needles.
Gauge: 4 1/2 stitches per inch.

Make 2 slippers.
Slippers are knit in st st.

Sole:
Cast on 3. K 2 rows in st st.
Increase at beginning and end of every other row until you have 7 sts.
Knit even until piece is 1.8".
Increase at the beginning and end of next row, (9 stitches total).
Continue even until piece is 3.5".
Decrease: K1, K2TOG knit to last 3 stitches, K2TOG, K1.
Purl 1 row.
BO.

Top of shoe:
Cast on 7. K 1row. Purl 1 row.
Increase at beginning and end of every other row until you have 11 stitches total.
Knit even until piece is 1 1/2".
K5, BO, K5.
Work each side separately. Knit even until each side is long enough to reach to the center of the end of the bottom piece, following the edges of the bottom pieces. BO.
Seam slippers.
Add 2 rows of single crochet along the center edge of the slippers.
Felt slippers.
Shape and stuff slippers to shape. Let dry. Sew little bows on top of slippers.

Pattern is for personal use only, and may not be reproduced or used for commercial purposes. Copyright, Caroline Dlugy-Hegwer, 2007.

Knitting Archeology

I did get back to knitting the Rose Garden Socks yesterday, but along the way something else caught my attention. I really put things away in my room for the first time since we moved. I actually felt like I was an archeologist, digging through layers of history, and felt almost excited at the thought of unearthing a treasure! At one point, I saw the edge of a paper bag buried in the back of the closet. I dug, careful not to upset the content of the mystery bag. In it was an almost forgotten knitting project!

Before we moved, I had worked at designing an outfit for Skye's American Girl Doll, Kit. I knit the project with Frog Tree's Sport weight cotton in a cream color. The slippers were knit with a cream Pastaza by Cascade yarns and felted. The slippers were finished a while ago, but the outfit was not quite done. The pants needed to have the ends woven in, and the shirt needed to have its sleeves, and crochet edging.

So that's exactly what I did. I finished the project with little ribbons, in a beautiful lemongrass color. Where have I seen these colors?! Oh, yes, the Mother's Day Cotton Slippers! Once I get obsessed with a color, it shows up everywhere in my life! Let's just blame on the gorgeous New England spring.

I plan on making this pattern available as a free pattern, but I have to first review my Ancient Greek, as at the moment this is what my notes look like to me. Boy, do I love being an archeologist!
In the mean time you can enjoy the picture.

Mother's Day Cotton Slippers (Free Pattern)

Here is my Mother's Day idea. These cute slippers are made of Mission falls 1824 cotton, which makes them super soft, and adds a lovely texture. The worsted weight of the cotton, makes this project a really fast knit, so you will be ready on time. I added a decorative stitch, a lattice, to the top of the slippers. The lattice pattern was borrowed form Barbara Walker's Treasury of knitting Patterns. The slipper directions fit US sizes 7 to 9. You may wish to shorten the foot, or lenghten it. You can do so when knitting the center parts of the slipper.

Materials:
Mission Falls 1824 cotton, 1 ball cream, a ball lemon grass. 1 16 inch size US 6 needle.
Gauge: 4 1/2 stitches per inch
Throughout the pattern, lemon grass will be referred to as B, and cream as A.

SOLES: Make 2.

With B, cast on 10.
Knit 1 row, purl 1 row.
Then increase at the beginning and end of each right side row until you have 20 stitches. (You can place the increases 2 stitches away fom the edge.) Continue without increasing in stockinette stitch for 5 inches (not including the increase rows.) (You may adjust the length of the slipper at this point by knitting more than 5 inches or less than 5 inches.)
Decrease 1 stitch by knitting 2 tog at the beginning and end of each right side row until you are back to 10 stitches ( you may place the decreases 2 stitches away from the edge.)
Purl 1 row. BO on knit side.

TOPS:Make 2

With A cast on 10. Knit 1 row. Purl 1 row. Then increase at the beginning and end of each right side row until you have 20 stitches (you may place the increases 2 stitches away from each edge.)
You should be starting a wrong side row. Knit this wrong side row.
Then follow the lattice pattern:
R1: You will be on the right side. With B, K1, sl1 wyib, *K4, sl2 wyib*. Reapeat from * to *, end K4, sl1 wyib, K1.
R2: With B, P1, sl1 wyif, *P4, sl2 wyif, *. Repeat from * to *. End P4, sl1 wyif, P1.
R3: With A, repeat row 1
R4: With A, K1, sl1 wyif, *K4, sl2 wyif*. Repeat from * to *. End K4, sl1 wyif, K1.
R5: With B, K3, *sl2 wyib, K4* Repeat from * to *. End sl2 wyib, K3.
R6: With B, P3, *sl2 wyif, P4* Repeat from * to *. End sl2 wyif, P3.
R7: With A, repeat row 5.
R8: With A, K3, *sl2 wyif, K4*. Repeat from * to *. End Ss2 wyif, K3.

Repeat Rows (1 to 8) 1 more time.
The rest of the slipper is knit with A.
So with A, K6, BO 8, K6.
Knit each side of the top separately in stockinette stitch until each little side strip is five inches not including the front part of the slipper. (If you decided to shorten or lengthen the sole, you need to match the size of the strips. So if you knit a 4 inch center section for the sole, the strips should be 4 inches.)
On knit side rejoin the two strips as follows: K6, CO8, K6.
Pur 1 row. Knit 1 row. P1 row.
Decrease at the beginnning and end of each right side row until you are back to 10 stitches. Purl 1 row. BO on knit side.

Now with B, starting at he center of the heel, pick up and knit 60 stitches along the inside hole of the top part of the slipper(if you altered the lenght of the center sections, you need to adjust the number of stitches picked up. You should pick up 1 stitch for every other hole along the side strips. For example if you shortened the center section by 1 inch, you will pick up and knit a total of 52 stitches). Pay particular attention when picking up the stitches right above the lattice pattern, be sure not to grab the garter stitches. Knit in the round, in garter stitch (knit 1 round, purl 1 round), for a total of 4 rounds. BO loosely.

Seam top of slipper and sole, weave in ends.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Pattern is for private use only, and may not be reproduced nor used for commercial purposes. Copyright, Caroline Dlugy-Hegwer, 2007.

Of writing, Boston, Petaluma, and Paris

It is sometimes hard to walk the blog line. Should you be personal, or should you not? Should your blog be purely a technical resource? I have often asked myself these questions. I enjoy reading blogs of both styles, from the Yarn Harlot, to See Eunny Knit.
Blogs are like books, they fall into certain genre categories, and all genres have merit.
I do not seem to follow one genre in particular, but rather pick from one and the other. At times I may be personal, at times purely focused on knitting. The beauty of the blog, is that you are free to write as you wish, not bound by a publisher's style, and that through your writing you may, everyday, throw yourself into the world.

I write in the early morning hours, and I often have no idea what I will be writing about, unless I have the daunting task of trasnscribing my gloomy working notes into a clear pattern. I get up, talk with Rolfe while he eats his breakfast, prepare his lunch, give him a kiss good-bye. I grab a cup of coffee, that I probably will partially spill, as I do every morning, and go back to our room, turn on the computer and start writing in front of the open window. And I usually have no idea at that point, what I am going to be writing about. What will it be today? My life is not full of fantastic adventures, it is a rather quiet life. My babies are not in diapers any more. My life is focused on homeschooling, the children, Rolfe, knitting and working around the house. So I just sit there, in front of the computer screen, my fingers ready, and I start typing. The first thought that comes to my mind becomes my first sentence.

This morning, I guess, I thought about why I write, and what I write.

Today is going to be another very hot day here in Boston. We went from wearing layers of clothing to wearing practically none! It was 90 degrees yesterday with stunningly blue skies. We slept with the windows open! And you know what was funny about this? I had forgotten, even though I knew it, that seasons could be so drastically different. Living in Petaluma, a small northern California town, I learned that one day is pretty much like another day, and who needs the weather channel over there. For about 9 months of the year, you know that it will be blue skies, and heat, and then for the reamining 3 months intermittent rains, that can at times get heavy.
Out here, in Boston, it is so much of a challenge, the change of seasons even catches you off guard. And within the seasons there is so much variety... Can you tell I like New England weather so far?
Maybe it is because it resembles the weather I grew up with in Paris...
Boston is very much like Paris, but the only difference is that in Paris I would not be spending my free hours today staining the deck and doing yard work. There are no wooden decks, and gardens there. In Paris, you get the true city experience! My friends, I tell you, I am definitely not a country girl! My mother once came back from visiting relatives who live on a tropical island. She was walking on Place de la Republique, and she caught herself breathing in deeply, happy, as she stood next to the only tree there, surrounded by the thousands of smoking cars stuck in traffic! The wildest animals I ever saw in Paris, were pigeons and French men, but that's a whole other topic!