Recently in Finished Items 2008 Category

I suppose technically I spoke too soon in my last post about that being the final piece for 2008. Back in March I sent in a finished design for an upcoming book from DRG Publications and after hearing the publish date was pushed back several times I happened across the first image of the cover design. Now the book won't be out until June of 2009 (ETA: it is on sale now here!) but I just had to share.



My first cover! The blue hat in the top photo is my design. I don't know if this is the final cover but it's exciting to see none the less!
The book, Tops & Toes: A Whimsical Collection to Delight Hat and Sock Knitters, is a collection of 50 hat and sock projects for varying skill levels. (Press release here).
The design is called Phaidros Grecian Hat (rav link).



My design of this hat was inspired by ancient Grecian hairstyles. A wide brim of crossed 1x1 ribbing gives a textured appearance and evokes the look of swept back hair. This then transitions into a braided cable stitch for a nice full cap, also mimicking the elaborate plaited hairstyles of the time. Finishing the piece are coordinating lighter-colored I-cords that wrap around the forehead and are secured through yarn overs in the hat on the bottom sides.

I can't wait to see it in print and share more!

ETA: I'll be participating in the book blog tour, to kick off on 2/21! Check out the details and schedule here.

**ERRATA** - The first "Next Round" listed in the beginning of the pattern should read:
Next round: [K1, p1] 5 times, k1, [yo, k2tog] twice, p1, [k1, p1] 26 times, k1, [yo, k2tog] twice, p1, [k1, p1] 5 times. 

Where did this year go? While I've actually finished four more things only one is going to make it up here under 2008. Mostly because, well I forgot to take photos of my gift knitting. I know, for shame! Especially considering I got my new favorite-est toy for Xmas!



Hello my sweet Nikon D80! Oh how I coveted thee. I have tons and tons to learn but have at least started in on the practical with getting it out of the box and snapping away. And what does one do with a new fancy camera? Take pictures of their pets of course!
Ha, so here's Aejaz in his favorite sun spot.



This beanie is Mr. PieKnits knitted gift this year. Several months ago when he patiently accompanied my to the LYS he spotted this yarn and really liked it. Well I've always said my boy has taste- it's 100% cashmere, composed of several different colored strands spun together into a bulky weight. I snuck back later and got it. This is definitely the most extravagant yarn I've ever purchased, but I think Mr. PieKnits is worth it. :)



In typical guy fashion, he prefers most knits to be simple/plain but seeing as he already had a basic ribbed hat (and they're boring! especially for such a fancy yarn), I wanted to add a little something. I decided to work most of it in a 3x2x2x2 rib until the top. Here I threw in some subtle cables twisting into the decreases for interest.



I like to think it strikes a balance.

Have a Happy New Year everyone!

Oh hi there, I am still alive! Sorry for the unplanned blog absence -life and all, you know that tune. So if you all haven't wandered off in boredom I Do have a new pattern! Or er, a pattern upgrade, a new variation, an expansion perhaps? Well whatever you'd call it, Devra now has a new slouch version including new charts. Both versions are available in one pattern.

I just love the silhouette of this style. I can't seem to stay away from it. This version has a wider repeat, is longer obviously and the crown decreases are worked differently than the original to account for the extra stitches.

NOTE: If you are one of the lovely people who have purchased the original Devra pattern before 12/11/08 and would like to get the upgrade please email at jen AT pieknits DOT com for a discount code. I'll be offering the new version for $0.75 for pervious purchasers.



As with the previous version, this hat was an exercise in seamless cables from bottom to top. The bottom ribbing is made fitted with smaller needles and subtle increases for the main section. The cables continue to the very top with the decreases worked into the pattern. I'm kind of obsessive when it comes to continuing patterns for as long as possible. My other goal I really wanted to accomplish with this design was a clean, neat-fitting brim that was easy to do. I've worked ones with lots of short rows, multiple picking up stitches sequences or fiddly separate pieces that are just short of a nightmare to sew together. (I really dislike guesswork on finishing.) This brim requires no special techniques and is simply picked up and cast on all in one go then worked in the round. It's my favorite brim to date!



The pattern contains both written and fully charted instructions for both versions as well as a template for the plastic insert in the brim.

The instant download rundown -after payment via Paypal you will be given a link to download the pattern. This link will also be emailed to you and will expire in 120 hours. For any questions about the pattern or whole download process please shoot me an email me at- jen@pieknits.com!

Pattern: Devra 2 Cabled Brimmed Hat
Gauge: 15 sts and 20 rows = 4" in St st on larger needles.
Size: Womens (20"-22" circumference)
Needle sizes: Size 8 (5 mm): 16" circular (cir). Size 10 (6 mm): 16" cir and set of 4 or 5 double-pointed (dpn)
Yarn: Bernat Alpaca Natural Blends (70% acrylic, 30% alpaca; 120 yds [110 meters] per 100g):
Fitted Version: 93011 Wheat, 1 ball
Slouchy Version: 93040 Ebony, 2 balls
Skill level: Intermediate (cables, working in the round, picking up sts, kitchener stitch or three needle bind-off used)
Price: $5.00
Format: PDF instant download pattern

This hat and another have been finished and hanging out in the sidebar for a long time but their boy recipients have proved illusive creatures to photograph. I finally snagged one.



Mr. PieKnits had requested another knit hat, with some specifics in mind. After some discussion I settled on using the pattern Reasonably Hip formerly on magknits.com with some modifications.



The first run on this my Stockinette stitch proved tighter than seed stitch and the hat was tighter than I'd like. I'd also started the picked up bottom half of the brim and here the pattern wasn't very clear. I realized once it was done the purl side was facing the outside (bottom) and I did not care for that either. So I decided to just scrap it and cast on a new one with two sizes larger needles. (Note- 1 ball of the Ella Rae Amity yarn would make 2 hats, I may finish the first for me.)



I can't say I really cared for assembling this brim which is worked in two separate quite fiddly pieces. It's part of what inspired me to create a simpler brim for the Devra hat.

I do like the short rows in the back that help extend the hat over the ears, something that can be more of an issue with a brimmed hat. I also switched to stockinette for the last few short rows for a narrow band appearance.
Mr. PieKnits is happy with his new cap so mission accomplished!



Pattern: Reasonably Hip by Elizabeth Cobbe
Yarn: Ella Rae Amity, #23 Blue-Gray
Needles: US size 9 (5.5 mm)
Mods: Worked last few short rows in St st instead of Garter and the rest of the hat in St st instead of seed stitch. Not sure if it's a mod but worked bottom brim with RS of stockinette facing out.

Meet Mr. and Mr. Korknisse.



They traveled far from the Land of Kork, home of their forefathers the Cork Oak Tree, to find a new place to brighten up. It's important to spread the cuteness around.



They fashioned themselves some new traveling clothes from bits of stash yarn and raided their vintage button hoard to find coordinating accessories. After a brief journey they have now settled in their new home in the country of Office Cubicle.

And they lived happily ever after.

This hat was inspired by and made for my good friend Mel, a bit of cuteness and a bit of funky sass all in one.

I wanted to make the cables as seamless as possible from bottom to top. The bottom ribbing is made fitted with smaller needles and subtle increases for the main section. The cables continue to the very top with the decreases worked into the pattern. I'm kind of obsessive when it comes to continuing patterns for as long as possible.



My other goal I really wanted to accomplish with this design was a clean, neat-fitting brim that was easy to do. I've worked ones with lots of short rows, multiple picking up stitches sequences or fiddly separate pieces that are just short of a nightmare to sew together. (I really dislike guesswork on finishing.) After a couple tries I'm very happy with how this one came out. It requires no special techniques and is simply picked up and cast on all in one go then worked in the round. It's my favorite brim to date!



The pattern contains both written and fully charted instructions as well as a template for the plastic insert in the brim.

ETA: This pattern is now also available in a slouchy version! Click here to check it out.



The instant download rundown -after payment via Paypal you will be given a link to download the pattern. This link will also be emailed to you and will expire in 120 hours. For any questions about the pattern or whole download process please shoot me an email me at- jen@pieknits.com!

Pattern: Devra Cabled Brimmed Hat
Gauge: 15 sts and 20 rows = 4" in St st on larger needles.
Size: Womens (20"-22" circumference)
Needle sizes: Size 8 (5 mm): 16" circular (cir). Size 10 (6 mm): 16" cir and set of 4 or 5 double-pointed (dpn)
Yarn: Bernat Alpaca Natural Blends (70% acrylic, 30% alpaca; 120 yds [110 meters] per 100g): 93011 Wheat, 1 ball
Skill level: Intermediate (cables, working in the round, picking up sts, kitchener stitch or three needle bind-off used)
Price: $3.75
Format: PDF instant download pattern

Yo ho, a pirate's life for Meeee!



When I bound off for this hat I was seriously debating whether to rip it all out or to go ahead and try felting it. The proportions seemed off, basically too long. And while if I did it over I think I'd make it a little bigger and less tall, I'm still quite pleased with it! Plus it's impossible to don this headpiece and not giggle and speak horrible pirate lingo.



I stuck my little yo-yo broach I made awhile back on the side as a make-shift cockade. I decided I still want a full-size version as well and will make a real cockade for that one. This hat is held in place by a black wire hair comb I sewed on the inside.



To modify the pattern I used a single vs. double stranded worsted and decreased the number of stitches by 40%. The decrease rates took some fiddling. If anyone's interested in my specific notes let me know I can type them up (amazingly I did actually jot them down). ETA: pattern notes now added to the extended entry! You can see a pre-felted photo here.



Pattern: Tricorn Hat Pattern by knitlikeapirate.com
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino, single strand
Needles: US size 9 (5.5 mm)
Mods: Miniature version of course! Worked in single strand, cast-on 60% of sts, extensive mods to the decrease rates.

Let me articulate how I feel about this particular piece.

OMGILovethishat!



When I saw this pattern I wanted to cast-on immediately (even despite having three other hats in progress). Thankfully this is the fastest knit I've ever done - less than 2 hours! I can definitely see cranking out a few more of these in other colors.



This is like cotton candy knitting, total fluff and mindless instant gratification. I followed the pattern line by line (nice, no measuring even needed) and it fits perfectly. Can you tell I'm smitten?

Pattern: Chunky Newsboy Cap by Diane Serviss of Earthly Fae
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, Grass #131
Needles: US size 13 (9 mm) and US size 8 (5 mm); used magic loop for top
Mods: None other than to cast-on in knit/purl long-tail method, detailed below
 


I've talked about the Purl variation of the Long-Tail Cast-on before in this tutorial but I didn't show the difference it really makes. I particularly like to use this in combination with the regular cast-on for ribbing in bulkier yarns as it shows much more and thus used it here. The reason this matters is because the Long-Tail CO actually creates your first row of knitting, so in ribbing you have one row that doesn't match the ribbing.

In the first swatch I used the combo of knit and purl variations and you can see it's more seamless (especially when it is stretched out like when worn on a hat brim). The other nice thing about this is it is identical on both sides and therefore an ideal choice for things like scarves where both sides are visible. I've also used it when making a sweater for example where the body is worked in the round but the sleeves are worked back and forth. In this case different sides show on the RS and the cast-ons don't match. Again this is more noticeable in bulky yarns (it bothered me in my Lace Leaf Pullover).



You can really see the difference between the two sides in the last two photos of the same swatch. If you prefer a photo tutorial vs. the illustrations, this is a nice example on the technique.

I have a whole parade of FO's to share soon and the Grand Marshall kicking it off is the Adorn Cropped Jacket.


This has been done for few weeks but just getting around to photographing it, even though I've already worn it several times. I'm really happy with it!

I have a tendency to choose sizes larger than I should. So after I had highlighted all the numbers for the Medium size I really looked at the bust measurements and realized I should probably just make the Small. Yes, stopping and thinking paid off! A snug fit is much more suited to this look and I can still pin the front closed if I wanted.


I will say I love the look of puffy sleeves, seaming them in however is a whole other matter - ugh. Lots of pleasant details in this, particularity for a free pattern. The YO detail around the armholes makes a neat effect and the Bird's Eye pattern reminds me of polka dots. I even used the recommended yarn and color on this. Nice easy care and wearability with an effortless coordinating neutral color. Now I can extend my work wardrobe and get use out of my sleeveless tops!

Pattern: From the now defunct Adorn Magazine, available via the Way Back Machine. (Ravelry link)
Yarn: TLC Cotton Plus Solid, #3303 Tan (Pattern called for 3 skeins, I squeezed
it out of 2)
Needles: US size 7 (4.5 mm)
Mods: Not much, I didn't bind-off the back neck to avoid having to pick up sts
for the collar.

ETA: I've recreated the pattern stitch chart for this pattern since the original has now seemed to have disappeared and uploaded it here as well as my Ravelry project page.

How I love my new compact camera. It's slim, sleek and actually fits in a pocket instead of causing shoulder strain when simply occupying my purse like my old one. As such, I wanted to protect my new toy without adding the bulk of traditional cases. Camera sock is on the job!

I had a lone skein of Shepherd Sock stash yarn that worked out perfect. I'm rather digging the barber poll swirling effect the pooling has going on too. Now I just have to remember to use my camera when I actually take it places.

Pattern: Camera Sock by Not an Artist
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, #36 Newtown
Needles: US size 1 (2.25 mm)
Mods: I used a size larger needle simply because I couldn't be fussed to buy the correct ones. I decreased 4 sts for the ribbing, then increased 2 from that in the St st to compensate for the larger needles.

The Jae Slouchy Buckle Tank design is Done and finally has pictures! Snails finish designs faster than me, seriously. This project's intermittent progress has a drawn out history - previous posts 1, 2, 3, & 4. Laughably this has been completed for weeks, and have been to busy and too damn hot out (104 today, oh yeah) to get out and take some photos. Mr. PieKnits bravely endured the 100+ heat to help me get some shots.

Now to just get my butt in gear and finish up the pattern!

The buckles on this really please me. The entire neckline, straps and armholes are all finished with a worked-in I-cord edging- no finishing!

I liked combining two completely different yarns on this. The green is a 100% wool and works well as a good memory yarn to keep the ribbing very grippy. Being less slippery, it also keeps the buckle straps in place. The body of the tank uses a cotton/linen blend to create drape and keep the piece cooler for warm weather wear.

The pockets are picked up and worked sideways with some coordinating buttons securing the far edges.

Pattern: Jae Buckle Tank (own design- pattern coming soon!)
Gauge: 22 sts and 28 rows = 4" in St st on smaller needles.
Needle size: US Size 8 (5mm): 24" circular, US Size 5 (3.75mm): 24" circular
Yarn: KnitPicks CotLin (70% Tanguis Cotton, 30% Linen; 123yds per 50g ball) Color: #23990 Desert Turquoise; Lion Wool (100% Wool; 158yds per 85g ball) Color: #132 Lemongrass
Skill level: Advanced Beginner (Applied i-cord edgings, picking up stitches)

With the busy summer months in swing and coming down sick I feel I haven't been getting anything crafty done. I decided I needed to pluck an instant gratification project from my queue. Hellooo Quickie Plastic Bag Holder!

The name does not misinform, I think this was the quickest project I have ever knit.
It is also my first project done using the Magic Loop method as I wanted to knit it in the round. I primarily use my Denise Interchangeable needles and while I love them for nearly everything I did find the cables a bit too thick and inflexible for Magic Loop. It seemed to put undo stress on the seams and so I usually use double points. I do not have size 17 dpns however nor any desire to purchase ones and for such a loosely knit piece the Denise's worked great.

The stats including my modifications.
Pattern: The Quickie Plastic Bag Holder by Anna Peck of Knitting Up a Storm.
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft - Lt. Country Blue
Needles: Denise US 15 and 10.5
Mods: Worked in the round w/ magic loop (seaming lace sucks!). Cast on 26 sts to eliminate selvedge. Row 2 knit instead of purl. Worked about 15" in length. Cut long tail and drew through final stitches and used that to crochet a single chain to form top loop.

The other day eagle-eye reader Shelly let me know PieKnits had been featured in the July issue of UK magazine Simply Knitting! I totally had to go and pick up an issue, hehe.

(Click to enlarge and read)

Short on words today. Enjoy photos.

My visiting niece has a new toy- seen here romping in the garden. Amazing herculean flowers withstand elephant tramping.

Inquisitive little thing

Awww, a wee tail.

Yarn: Cascade 220 in gray, stash yarn for little bits of white and pink
Pattern: "Baby Elephant" by Hansi Singh of Hansigurumi
Needles: US size 5
Mods: None! Great pattern and very unfiddly for a toy.

Now as I've said many a time, I do love my cables. However it wasn't until knitting on a particularly cramped plane once that I suddenly became self aware enough to realize I was sticking my cable needle (and extra double point for that matter) in my mouth when not in use. Oh.
So what to do with it?

I know many rave about cabling without a cable needle and I do it for 1x1 cables sometimes but generally it's just not for me. (I end up feeling I'm strangling rather than working the cables). I like working fast though and all other methods have fallen short (sticking behind the ear- long hair bad idea / in the knitting - it falls out, split stitches / setting it down- the invisible gnomes abscond with it, etc).

With Mother Necessity nudging me, I set my mind to inventing a solution. I wanted a method that didn't require letting go of the knitting and liked a similar idea to the wrist pin cushion. After a few failed prototypes this is what I came up with and Eureka, it works perfectly!

This cable needle holder is worn like a ring on any finger that's comfortable. The elastic loop performs double duty as a button loop closure and holds the cable needle securely under tension. The cable needle is slipped in and out as needed without having to let go of the working yarn or needles.

What You Need (or what I used anyway):

• 2 1/2" long piece of round cord elastic
• 3" x 7/8" piece of fabric (approximately)
• Matching sewing thread
• One 1/2" button (with a shank strongly preferred)

If you'd like, you can print out this template for the fabric. First fold and press your hems, your final size should be 2" x 5/8". This final size is what matters, not the hem allowance. (Also, does pressing my folds with my hair straightener instead of the huge industrial iron make me a total freak?)

I used the fabric selvedge here as it was a little sturdier for attaching the elastic.

View from the right side. Note: if you have thin fingers (smaller than size 6), or would like to wear this on your pinky I'd recommend making the piece shorter.

Next fold the piece of elastic in half and secure it to the inside hem fabric making sure not to go through both layers. It's pictured here half unfolded on the right side. I found lashing down both ends by wrapping the thread around everything a few times help to initially secure it. Then work up and over each end in a figure 8 fashion being sure to pierce through the elastic a few times until it's nice and secure.

If you have greater finesse with a sewing machine than I, topstitch around all the edges to secure hem. Otherwise hand sew with backstitch.

Finally, sew on your button. If not using the recommended shank type button be sure you make a good strong thread shank. (You will be putting a lot a repeated tension on this closure.)

Now you're ready to zoom through your next cabling project!
I'm really rather fond of mine and happily wear it simply as jewelry. Definitely more stylish if forgotten than a needle behind the ear (or in the other stow-away place I've heard of- the cleavage)!

I had hit that burn out point, lost the interest, you know? Uninspired and bored with current projects I had decided to tell my nagging voice of "finish up other WIPs" to stow it and cast on for Juliet. It was a good decision.

A great fling of a knit, quick and does the interesting/not-overly-complicated balance well.

Modifications weren't much for the body other than to use SSK (Improved) instead of SKP in the lace section. I usually do this sub as a personal preference. For the buttons, I did like the asymmetrical ones in the pattern but I liked the look of button tabs more. Cast on about 14 sts, worked two self-reinforcing buttonholes then bound off, can't get much easier.

Pattern: Juliet by Zephyr Style
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft, held doubled; Deep Plum; 4 skeins (of the 5oz size)
Needles: 10 1/2 (although probably should have gone down to a 10, at least for the garter section)
Size: Small

I had originally intended this to be more cropped but after only 5 repeats and binding off it simply didn't hang right. It probably would've worked better in a cotton that had more drape as the back just stuck out too funny. So I ripped back and added 2 repeats to be safe. I'm much happier with it now although still, in retrospect, I think a cotton blend and 6 repeats would've been Goldilocks perfect.

And finally- Happy Birthday to Meeeeeeee!! Hehe, my new piano and bestest present! Thankoooo Mr. PieKnits ;)
Music has always been large part of my life and piano one of the heftiest. I took lessons as a kid up through college but have not had a piano since I lived at my parents. (Non-full size keyboards aren't the same!)
Now I'm on the hunt for some cool fabric to sew a cushion for the bench and reupholster a matching new settee, more on that later!

Sometimes, things just seem to stumble into place.

I had recently received this vintage yarn along with some other coordinating funky yellows at a Destash Night at a local knit group. Now I love what I affectionately call "hideous colors"- muddy, rather 70's inspired greens and yellows. I just do. So when this yarn was offered up to a less-than-enthusiastic reception I jumped on it. I have several skeins in two similar shades and was immediately thinking of some kind of subtle yoked colorwork.
That weekend however I happened upon a new coat in ridiculously bright yellow and could not be parted from it at the store. Upon coming home I realized it perfectly matched some of the new yarn. Obviously a portion as a matching accessory was Ment To Be.

So a-pattern-hunting I went on Ravelry, needing something a little different, a little funky, a little retro. The Amelia Earhart Aviator Cap had long been a pattern I wanted to try and seemed an ideal match.

This is such a fun and ingenious pattern, that perfect balance of interesting enough to not be boring but not so tedious it becomes frustrating. You also never work more than 36 stitches for any one row, so it feels like fast progress! First glance (or 2nd, or 3rd) at the pattern however probably leaves many unclear on visualizing it's construction (myself included.) So here's a shot of it with the knitting completed, laid (relatively) flat before seaming. Roll over the image to see the direction of knitting.

^Roll over me

Pattern: Amelia Earhart Aviator Cap, by Head Huggers
Yarn: Lana Moro Ali (1 1/4 balls, approx. 120 yds); 70% wool & mohair, 30% acrylic
Needles: US 7/4.5 mm
Modifications: Not much, went down a needle size to get gauge and bound off in pattern. I made a little matching brooch with my favorite and Simplest Flower Ever Pattern. I'm always exorbitantly thrilled when I can scour through my vintage button collection and use one, as I did here for the center.

Here's a little quick double knit project for fun - reversible heart rings!

With just a smidgen of yarn, and a few stitches you can knock these babies out in no time, great for a little Valentine's Day exchange. A little more info on how the technique of double knitting works can be found in the beginning of this post.

Or if your heart is feeling a little more black...

Finished Sizes
Small (Regular) [approx ring sizes 4 (6)]
Materials
Crochet Cotton Size 10 or something similar weight; 2 contrasting colors. Needles: US Size 0 (2mm) or smaller (samples worked on 0000). Notions: Sewing needle.
Gauge
10 sts = 1" in Double Knit Stockinette Stitch.
Abbreviations
See Yarn Standards Abbreviations.

DIRECTIONS
With both yarns held together, create a slip knot and place it on the needle. Using the working strand of each color, hold yarn in usual manner for long-tail cast on. CO 17 (20) sts (NOT including the slip knot) starting with 1 regular cast on, then one Purl or Reverse Long Tail cast-on, alternating between the two. Tutorial for the Purl Long Tail Cast-On can be found here. Slide slip knot off the needle. [Alternate CO: Braided Cast-On].

Note: At the beginning of each row, take the working strand of the 2nd color on the needle and twist it under and over the other strand. This will neatly join the edges.

Turn work, designate the first color on the needle as MC (Main Color) and second color as CC (Contrast Color).
Row 1: *With both colors held in back, k1 in MC, bring both strands to front, p1 in CC; rep from *.
Row 2: *With both colors held in back, k1 in CC, bring both strands to front, p1 in MC; rep from *.

While continuing to repeat Rows 1-2, work 16 sts [8 pairs] (20 sts [10 pairs]) and then start working chart. On the chart each square represents two sts. For the RS, the st on the near side fabric, knit in the color shown, and then p the corresponding st in the color not show. For the WS do the reverse.
After completing the chart repeat Rows 1-2 once. BO row: With both colors held in back, k1 in MC, *bring both strands to front, p1 in CC, slip first st on right needle over other two sts and off the needle, bring both strands to back, k1 in MC, slip first st on right needle over other two sts and off the needle; rep from *.

FINISHING
Weave in all ends. With one strand of yarn seam together edges.
See more PieKnits patterns this way >>

HAVE A HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!