Knit projects that can be worn two different ways mean that you get twice the reward for your effort! Depending on how you feel like accessorizing you can draw the i-cord tight and wear it as a hat, or let it hang loose around your neck. We’re not even certain those are the only two uses you can get out of this versatile piece. And the best part? It’s an easy knit.

If you’ve never knit in the round and want some help getting started, we’re offering two classes this month that you can check out here.

Finished measurements: 19” circumference unstretched around, approx 11” tall

Materials:
Any worsted weight yarn (we used 2 balls of a store favorite: Trendsetter Tonalita, 52% and 48% acrylic, 100 yards) about 200 yards total.

US size 8 (4.5 mm) 16″ (40 cm) circular and a set of 2 size 8 double pointed needles.
Stitch Marker
Tapestry Needle

Gauge: 5 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette st

Pattern:

CO 96 sts, join in the round being careful not to twist, place marker at beginning of round.

Work K1, P1 rib for 1 ½”

Switch to stockinette stitch and work until piece measure 9” from the cast on edge.

Eyelet Round: *Yo, k2tog, k5* repeat around until 5 sts remain, yo, k2tog, k3.

Continue in stockinette for another 2”, BO loosely

Work 3 stitch I-cord for 30”, thread through eyelet row and knot at each end.

Download the pdf version of this pattern here.

Liz is a bit of a perfectionist and loves to knit scarves in reversible patterns. When the scarf is wrapped the back and front stitchery is the same. This inspired her to create the Harris Tweed Hat and Scarf FREE PATTERN set. Seen here in Rowan’s Cocoon- a beautiful, soft and luscious blend of wool and mohair. This is a stitch pattern style that guys especially love with it’s modern and graphic look.

If you’re curious about reversible stitch patterns, we’re offering a class this month.

Finished measurements: Hat: Head circumference: 22”

Scarf: 7″ x 60″

Materials:

Hat: 1 ball Rowan Cocoon

Scarf: 2 balls Rowan Cocoon (or any chunky yarn that gets gauge)

Needles: Size 10 16” circular and Size 10 double points or size to get gauge

Stitch marker

Gauge: 3.5 sts = 1 inch in St st

Abbreviations:
P: purl

K: knit

M1P: Make 1 Purlwise

Hat Pattern:

Cast on 83 sts, join in round and place marker at beginning of round.

Round 1: *K2, P2, rep from* to last 3 stitches, K2, P1

Repeat Round 1 for 1”, on the last round:

Set-up Round: M1P, *K2, p2, rep from* to last 3 stitches, K2, P1

Round 2: *K2, P2, rep from* to end.

Round 3: *K2, P2, rep from* to end.

Round 4: P

Round 5: P

Begin Harris Tweed stitch pattern:

(multiple of 4 sts)
Round 1: *K2, P2, rep from* to end.
Round 2: *K2, P2, rep from* to end.
Round 3: K
Round 4: K
Round 5: *K2, P2, rep from* to end.
Round 6: *K2, P2, rep from* to end.
Round 7: P
Round 8: P

Knit in pattern until piece measures 7 ½ inches from cast on ending with row 7 of the pattern (P row).

Decrease as follows:

Round 1: *P2, Ptog, rep from* 63 sts left

Rounds 2-4: *K2, P2, rep from* to last 3 sts, K2, P1.

Round 5: *SSK, P1, rep from* 42 sts left

Round 6: *K1, P1, rep from*

Round 7: *SSK, P2tog, rep from*, K last stitch, 25 sts left

Round 8: *K1, P1, rep from*

Round 9: *SSK around, K last stitch, 11 sts left

Round 10: *SSK around, K last stitch, 6 stitches left.

Weave in all ends and block.

Scarf Pattern:

Cast on 28 sts.

Row 1: K2, *K2, P2, rep from* to last 2 sts, K2

Row 2: K2, *K2, P2, rep from* to last 2 sts, K2

Row 3: K2, P across row

Row 4: K2, K across row to last 2 sts, K2

Begin Harris Tweed stitch pattern:

(multiple of 4 sts)
Row 1: *K2, P2, rep from* to end.
Row 2: *K2, P2, rep from* to end.
Row 3: K
Row 4: P
Row 5: *K2, P2, rep from* to end.
Row 6: *K2, P2, rep from* to end.
Row 7: P
Row 8: K

Knit in pattern until piece measures 60 inches from cast on ending with row 6 of the pattern. DON’T FORGET to knit 2 K stitches at each end of every row!

Weave in all ends and block.

Enjoy!

Liz made this lovely, versatile mobius scarf in anticipation of our massive Baby Alpaca Grande shipment… this pattern is perfect for the yarn!  The Mobius Scarf can be worn looped around the neck a couple of times or as one long circular scarf with a natural twist created by the unusual cast on. It’s great for both men and women and almost impossible to lose! Check out our FREE PATTERN!

***Please note: There was an error in the pattern which is now corrected. We were contacted by a customer who ran out of yarn before the pattern was complete, and her scarf was much wider than the pictured scarf. The corrected pattern below will give you the size pictured here, we apologize for the confusion!***

The scarf pictured takes only two skeins of Baby Alpaca Grande, but is just as beautiful in any number of our worsted or chunky weight yarns. If you’d like some guidance with the pattern we will be offering a class on the Mobius Cowl in December, as well as many more simple projects for holiday gift knitting… stay tuned!

Pattern:

We have always been fascinated by the mobius style and technique. Once you’ve watched Cat Bordhi’s very informative “Intro to Mobius Knitting” tutorial on YouTube you will be on your way to knitting a great scarf that can be wrapped double around your neck for cold weather or worn long and drapey! It’s a fun and fast project and makes a great gift.

If you want a longer scarf just cast on more stitches. You can also make your mobius wider –just add an extra skein! This scarf is equally beautiful knit in just garter stitch.

Size:
60″ long circumference x 7″ wide

Materials:
2 skeins Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande (100% baby alpaca)
US 10 or 101/2 /40″ or 47” circular needles
1 Stitch Marker

Gauge:
3 stitches per inch

Technique:
Intro to Mobius Knitting tutorial by Cat Bordhi on you tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVnTda7F2V4

Directions:
Using Cat Bordhi’s mobius cast on technique, cast on 152 sts. Place marker and join careful not to twist the stitches. See Cat Bordhi’s tutorial for directions.
Knit the 1st st tight to avoid a gap at the join. Knit the first round as directed by Cat.

Important: Round begins when you get to the stitch marker.

Knit for 3 rounds.
Purl 4 rounds
Knit 4 rounds
Purl 4 rounds
Knit 3 rounds

Cast off knitwise. Weave in ends.

Do you know a stuffed animal or American Girl Doll in need of some accessories? Well, good thing you decided to read our blog today!  Our free pattern for a ribbed cap and garter stitch scarf is just what you need. Both use worsted weight yarn, and can be coordinated or contrasting according to your tastes.

Making these little items is a great way to use up some odds and ends sitting in your stash… I know I have plenty of little balls of yarn too small to knit a full-size project but too substantial and lovely to just get rid of.

The hat will fit dolls or stuffed animal heads with a circumference of 11.5″ or smaller, and it’s ribbed so the fit is flexible.

If you’ve never made a hat, this would be a great introduction without the yarn and time commitment of a full-size hat. All you need to know is Knit, Purl, and Knit 2 together on double pointed needles (or magic loop if preferred).

We are also offering a class based on these projects if you want some personal attention and assistance learning these useful skills!

The scarf is my favorite kind of super-easy, fantastic scarf: garter stitch knit the long way. It looks so much more finished and elegant with those long stripes and smooth edges. This kind of scarf is great for full-sized humans too, although the cast-on amount would of course be increased to accommodate larger creatures.

The yarn used for the hat is Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted Multi, and the scarf is one of our absolute favorites, Koigu Kersti Solid, but it would also look fantastic in Kersti Multi.

Enjoy!

Leah

Coming up with the perfect Kippah pattern is harder than you might imagine. Our first several attempts came out flatter than pancakes. We tried to tell ourselves that somehow, magically, they would fit onto someone’s head despite their lack of shaping. When we went to photograph it a few days ago, reality had to be faced. The pancake-kippah would not be the new style.

Leah, probably the most meticulous of us, took it upon herself to go back to the drawing board and start from scratch. Over the weekend she played around with her decreases until she got a kippah with the proper concave shape, so when we placed it on our model the fit was perfect.

So now we are happy to offer our free Kippah Pattern, great for those on the Bar Mitzvah “circuit” and in time for the Jewish High Holidays. Fast, fun and easy this pattern takes less than one skein of the Koigu KPPPM (or similar weight yarn) and then you have a wonderful family heirloom.

Knitculture.com’s Kippah Pattern

Finished measurements:
4 ½ ” diameter
If you would like a larger Kippah, you can knit with larger needles or increase your cast on in multiples of 10.

Materials:
1 skein Koigu KPM or KPPPM

Size 0 dpns
Darning Needle

Gauge: 8 sts = 1 inch in st st

Instructions:
Loosely CO 100, join in the round without twisting.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: K8, K2tog, repeat around
Rows 6-8: Knit
Row 9: K7, K2tog, repeat around
Rows 10-12: Knit
Row 13: K6, K2tog, repeat around
Rows 14-15: Knit
Row 16: K5, K2tog, repeat around
Rows 17-18: K 2 rounds
Row 19: K4, K2tog, repeat around
Row 20: Knit
Row 21: K3, K2tog, repeat around
Row 22: K 1 round
Row 23: K2, K2tog, repeat around
Row 24: K1, K2tog, repeat around
Row 25: K2tog, repeat around
Row 26: K2tog, repeat around (5 sts remain)
Break yarn and put onto tapestry needle, cinch final stitches closed.

Download the PDF version here.

We absolutely love knitting with Blue Sky’s Organic and Dyed Cotton– it is so soft, lofty, and delicious. This yarn is a joy.

If you’ve been in the store lately, you may have seen Leah knitting this little creation. We thought a hooded baby sweater would be a great project for this yarn, so we decided to whip one up and offer it as a free pattern!

The sweater has a rolled hem, and is knit bottom up in the round. The sleeves and trunk are joined at the yoke in a nice seamless construction. Basic color work around the middle adds to the fun — or can be omitted easily.

The yoke features raglan shaping for the shoulders, and is worked flat once the neck placket is started. The hood is also worked flat and seamed across the top. Finally, a crochet edging and adorable braided ties are an adorable detail.

Leah took pictures of her work in progress. Below you can see when she had joined the sleeves and the trunk and was starting to work on the yoke. She put some stitches in the armpit on some green scrap yarn in order to graft them together later — this will make sure the garment fits.

Don’t be intimidated by the description above, every step of the sweaters creation is detailed in our free pattern, which can be downloaded below.

Baby sweaters are such satisfying projects — and even those of us with short attentions spans can stay focused long enough to finish them! Leah loved working with this yarn and we all loved the way the sweater came out.

Download our Free Pattern Here!

The mitered square projects in the store get oohs and aahs on a daily basis. These beautiful geometric forms are deceptively simple to create and can be used in a wide variety of garments and household items, and look especially amazing in Koigu KPPPM.

This adorable little scarf pattern is perfect for a single Koigu skein… and if you are a Koigu nut like we are, you probably have a skein lying around! The pattern is available below, and we are also offering a class for those who want some guidance along the way.

Come learn how to make your own mitered square scarf to understand this wonderful technique. Once you do, the possibilities are endless!

Download the FREE pattern here, and check out the class here.

This was a fun shoot. Our model Brigitte is our fav hair stylist from next door at Clark Nova Salon (8118 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048(323) 655-1100 ) and I loved designing and knitting these fingerless gloves in Tanglewood Fiber Creation’s hand dyed and hand spun cashmere. The scarf was knit in Tanglewood Fiber Creations Natural Cashmere in a favorite Ravelry pattern-Just Enough Ruffles from Cosmicpluto Knits found here.

Knitculture.com’s Tanglewood One Skein Luxury Mitts

Materials: 1 skein Tanglewood Cashmere or any worsted weight yarn.

Double pointed needles (4 or 5), US size 7 or size needed to obtain Gauge. Take time to check your gauge!

Instructions:

With double point size 7 needles cast on 34 stitches. Divide stitches on 3 dpns as follows 11 on needle 1, 11 on needle 2 and 12 on needle 3. Join to knit in the round but be very careful not to twist. Work in a k1, p1 ribbing for 3 ¾.

Gusset:

Row 1: k1, m1, k to last 2 sts, k1 m1, k1

Row 2: P

Row 3: P1, k1, m1, k1, *p1, k1 repeat from * to last 3 sts, p1, m1, p1, k1

Row 4:*p1, k1 repeat*

Row 5: K3, m1, k to last 4 sts, k1, m1, k to end

Row 6: P

Row 7:P1, k1, p1, k1, m1, k1, *p1, k1 repeat from * to last 5 sts, p1, m1, p1, k1,

P1, k1

Row 8: *P1, k1 repeat from *

Row 9: K5, m1, k to last 6 sts, k1, m1, k to end

Row 10: P

Row 11: P1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, m1, k1, *p1, k1 repeat from * to last 7 sts, p1, m1,

P1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Row 12: P1, *k1, p1, repeat from * to the last 7 sts. Slip the next 14 sts to a stitch holder. Then, cast on 2 sts using the thumb cast on method.

Continue in pattern, except for 14 stitches on holder, as follows:

Row 1: K

Row 2: P

Row 3: *K1, p1, repeat from *

Row 4: *K1, p1, repeat from *

Row 5: K

Row 6: K

Repeat rows 1-4 five times. Work rows 5 and 6. Bind off loosely.

For Thumb: Divide 14 stitches on the holder between 3 dpns as follows: 5 sts on needle 1, 5 sts on needle 2 and 4 sts on needle 3. Pick up 2 stitches from hand section where the thumb section is. You should now have 16 stitches.

Next:

Row 1: K

Row 2: P

Row 3: *K1, p1, repeat from *

Row 4: *K1, p1, repeat from *

Repeat these 4 rows twice. BO loosely. Sew in loose ends…..enjoy!

For a pdf version of this pattern click here.

A simple baby blanket is a thing of great beauty. We took the reversible cable pattern, added a seed stitch border and wound up with a blanket that looks good from any angle. To keep things subtle and beautiful this blanket was knit up in the kettle-dyed Malabrigo Worsted. Now it’s ready to become a family heirloom.

Finished Measurements:
approximately 33” x 33”

Materials:
4 Skeins of Malabrigo Worsted, or approximately 800 yards of a worsted weight yarn
Size 9 needles, or size needed to obtain gauge (as this is a blanket gauge is flexible)

Gauge:
Approximately 5.5 sts = 1″ over cable pattern

Blanket Pattern:

Cast on 164 stitches

Border:
Row 1: *k1, p1, repeat from * across
Row 2: *p1, k1, repeat from * across

Repeat these 2 border rows for 2”

Set Up Rows:
Row 1: (k1, p1) 5 times, (k6, p6) 12 times, (k1, p1) 5 times
Row 2: (p1, k1) 5 times, (k6, p6) 12 times, (p1, k1) 5 times

Repeat the above set up rows once more.

Main Body:

Row 1: (k1, p1) 5 times, *Slip 3 sts onto cn (cable needle) and hold in back; K3, K3 from cn., P6.  Repeat from * across row until 10 stitches remain, (k1, p1) 5 times

Row 6: (p1, k1) 5 times, *Slip 3 sts onto cn and hold in back: K3, K3 from cn, P6. * across row until 10 stitches remain, (p1, k1) 5 times

Rows 2, 4, 8, 10: (p1, k1) 5 times, (k6, p6) 12 times,  (p1, k1) 5 times

Rows 3, 5, 7, 9: (k1, p1) 5 times, (k6, p6) 12 times,  (k1, p1) 5 times

*Repeat rows 1-10 as above for 31”, end after row 6 of the cable pattern.

End Border:
Row 1: *k1, p1, repeat from * across
Row 2: *p1, k1, repeat from * across

Repeat these 2 border rows for 2”, Cast off and weave in ends.

Download a pdf copy of the pattern here.

The Reversible Cabled Scarf is one of those scarves that is beautiful on both the right side and the wrong side! To make things interesting, our lovely Keri added alternating long and short cables that will keep the knitting from getting too repetitive. Knit up in the wonderfully soft Baby Alpaca Grande, this scarf will keep your neck warm and toasty all year. Thank you to Keri for allowing us use her wonderful pattern.

Suggested Materials:
2 Skeins Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande (or Baby Alpaca Grande Paint or Baby Alpaca Grande Tweed)
One pair of size 11 needles
One cable needle

Gauge (but it doesn’t matter as the scarf will just be thinner or thicker): cable pattern, 14 stitches = 4”

Scarf:
CO 32 stitches.

K4 P4 for two rows.

Begin Reversible Cable Pattern:
Row 1: (RS) *Slip 2 sts onto cn (cable needle) and hold in back; K2,
K2 from cn., P4. Repeat from * across row
Row 2 –3 : K4, P4 across row
Row 4: *Slip 2 sts onto cn and hold in back: K2, K2 from cable
needle, P4. * across row
Row 5-6: K4, P4 across row
Row 7: (RS) *Slip 2 sts onto cn (cable needle) and hold in back; K2,
K2 from cn., P4. Repeat from * across row
Row 8-9: K4, P4 across row
Row 10: * Slip 2 sts onto cn and hold in back: K2, K2 from cable
needle, P4. * across row
Row 8-9: K4, P4 across row
Row 13: (RS) *Slip 2 sts onto cn (cable needle) and hold in back; K2,
K2 from cn., P4. Repeat from * across row
Row 8-9: K4, P4 across row
Row 16: * Slip 2 sts onto cn and hold in back: K2, K2 from cable
needle, P4. * across row
Row 17-22: K4, P4 across row

Cont. even in Reversible Cable Patt until piece measures approx. 65-66″ from the beginning, or desired length.

BO (bind off) in rib.

Block

Download a pdf version of this pattern here.

The Drop Stitch Scarf is one of those patterns I love, deceptively simple, elegant and never boring. The perfect spring scarf because it is light and airy, so it will keep away the brisk chill morning without leaving you sweaty. Best of all  — it’s fun! We’ve seen it done in solids and multi’s and it comes out fantastic every single time.

Yarn: This pattern looks great in many yarns. Pictured is Manos Silk Wool in the Wildflowers colorway. You’ll need approximately 200yards.

Needle Size: The recommended size for the yarn.

Abbreviations:
K- Knit
CO- Cast on
YO- Yarnover by wrapping the yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front counterclockwise before knitting the next stitch.

Pattern:

CO 26 stitches (or any multiple of 10 plus 6) Knit 4 rows Start pattern:

• Row 1: K6, *YO, K1, YO twice, K1, YO 3 times, K1, YO twice, K1, YO, K6*, repeat between ** across.
• Row 2: Knit across, dropping all the yarnovers off the needle as you go.
• Row 3 & 4: Knit
• Row 5: K1, *YO, K1, YO twice, K1, YO 3 times, K1, YO twice, K1, YO, K6*, repeat between ** across, ending with a K1 instead of K6.
• Row 6: Knit across, dropping all the yarnovers off the needle as you go.
• Row 7 & 8: Knit

Continue these rows until almost out of yarn, or until scarf is as long as you want it. End with another 4 rows of garter stitch. Weave in your ends.

Download a pdf version here.

Knitted flowers are quick, simple, and lovely. A hand-knit flower can be sewn onto another knitting project or made into a brooch, hair ornament, or given on its own as a gift. The best part– they use very little yarn, and are a great way to use up beautiful scraps! Here is a pattern I cooked up for a flower with individual petals– you can see it at the center and bottom left of the photo above.

Yarn: Pretty much anything with stitch definition (not too fuzzy or novelty). For the pictured flowers, I used Debbie Bliss Pure Silk DK (white) and a double strand of Rowan Kidsilk Haze (pink). The tutorial flower below was done in fabulous Noro Cash Iroha.

Needle Size: A few sizes smaller than the yarn calls for. I used size 2 for both the flowers above and size 5 for the purple Cash Iroha flower below.

Abbreviations:

K- Knit

CO- Cast on

ssk- Slip slip knit. Slip one stitch as if to knit, the next as if to purl, transfer them back onto the left needle and knit them together through the backs of the loops

k2tog- Knit two together

sts- Stitches

Pattern:

CO 6 sts using a knitted cast on.

Row 1: *K1, CO1 on right needle as shown, K1, CO1, K1* repeat once more. (10 sts)

Row 2 and all even rows: Purl across.

Row 3: *K1, CO1, K3, CO1, K1* repeat once more. (14 sts)

Row 5: K1, CO1, K4, ssk, k2tog, K4, CO1, K1. (14 sts)

Row 7: K5, ssk, k2tog, K5. (12 sts)

Row 9: K4, ssk, k2tog, k4. (10 sts)

Row 11: ssk, K1, ssk, k2tog, k1, k2tog. (6 sts)

Row 13: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. (4 sts)

Now you have a petal! Don’t bind off, just break the yarn leaving a tail to wind in, and setting it aside by sliding the 4 stitches to an extra needle. If you are knitting on a circular needle, you can push the completed petals to the middle of the cord and let them hang as you work on additional petals. When working your final petal, leave a longer tail that will be threaded on a needle and pulled through the other petal stitches to bring them together. I wove in all my ends except the long tail to make it easier to see what I was doing.

Once you have the number of petals you want, carefully place them face-up in a circle, with the live stitches in the center. You can take them off their holders if that makes it easier, just be careful not to drop stitches. Thread a tapestry needle with the long tail of your final petal and run it through each set of 4 stitches in sequence (see picture). Once you have completed the circle, pull the thread tight. Weave in the tail and it’s done!

Download a PDF version here.

If you are searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your friend, sweetheart, or yourself (why not?) take a look at this lovely Heart Scarf.

Liz made this one out of two skeins of Noro Cash Iroha and used divine Lantern Moon Needles. The finished scarf could be given as a gift in itself, but the yarn, Lantern Moon needles and free pattern below would make a lovely gift that any knitter would be thrilled to receive.

Any worsted weight yarn would do, we think this pattern would be fantastic in Malabrigo Worsted or Koigu Kersti as well.

Come check out this lovely scarf and let us help you pick out the perfect yarn and needles for this project!

KnitCulture.com Lace Heart Scarf

Yarn: 2 skeins Noro Cash Iroha
Needles: size US 7 or size to get gauge
Gauge: 4 stitches per 1”

Abbreviations:

k-knit
k2tog-knit two stitches together
k2tog tbl-knit two stitches together through the back loop
P: purl
rs-right side
ws-wrong side
sk2p-slip 1, knit 2 together, pass the slipped stitch over

Pattern:

All even rows are RS
All odd rows are WS

Cast on 24 stitches

Row 1: k across row

Row 2: k across row

Row 3: k2, *yo, K2tog, repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k2tog,yo, k2

Row 4: k2, p across row, k2 (repeat for all even rows)

Row 5: k2, yo, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, yo, k2

Row 7: k2, yo, k2tog, k7, yo, K2tog tbl, k7; k2tog, yo, k2

Row 9: k2, yo, k2tog; k5, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, K2tog tbl, k6, k2tog, yo, k2

Row 11: k2, yo, k2tog, k4, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, K2tog tbl, k5, k2tog, yo, k2

Row 13: k2, yo, k2tog, k3, k2tog, yo, k5, yo, K2tog tbl, k4, k2tog, yo, k2

Row 15: k2, yo, k2tog, k2, k2tog, yo, k7, yo, K2tog tbl, k3, k2tog, yo, k2

Row 17: k2, yo, k2tog, k1, k2tog, yo, k9, yo, K2tog tbl, k2, k2tog, yo, k2

Row 19: k2, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, K2tog tbl, k2, yo, sk2p, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k3, k2tog, yo, k2

Row 21: k2, yo, k2tog, k3, yo, sk2p, yo, k3, yo, sk2p, yo, k 4, k2tog, yo, k2

Row 23: k2, yo, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, yo, k2

Row 25: k2, yo, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, yo, k2

Repeat above from Row 4 until desired length;

Repeat Row 3 and knit 2 more rows (garter) and cast off.

(c) Knitculture.com

UPDATED 2/7/09, get the latest, corrected version of the pattern here.

I have loved knitting in luxury fibers forever. I love alpaca-especially baby alpaca.  Alpaca fiber, considered a luxury fiber, usually rivals the popularity of such fine fibers as cashmere and pashmina due to its natural properties. It is a smooth, velvety, very lightweight, soft, and durable fiber. If 100% pure, alpaca wool is absolutely thermal due to its hollow fiber and microscopic air pockets, so you will never lose your body heat and will be able to breath in warm weather. Also, alpaca fibers do not let water or dust settle.

Misti Alpaca makes some of the most beautiful alpaca on the market. Their alpaca comes in many weights and blends but our personal favorite is their Hand Paint Chunky line.

As soon as we received our first shipment of this luscious beautifully hand painted yarn and piled it onto the table to stock customers began to gravitate toward the table to touch and hold the skeins of yarn. We sold out our first order that day.

I was a bit sad I have to admit because I was very excited to run home and knit up Misti’s one skein Ribs and Ruffles scarf. That afternoon I called our rep Juanita and placed a new order for whatever we could get.

As I was cleaning up that evening, I saw a soft fluffy skein on it’s side under the table. One skein of Misti Alpaca Hand Paint Chunky in Mavelous….sigh. I ran home and knit the Ribs and Ruffles scarf you see here. Enjoy your free pattern from Misti below and check out our online stock of Misti HP Chunky here.

Misti Chunky Ribs & Ruffles Scarf

Needle Size: 13
Finished scarf: 48” X5”
Material: 1 skein Misty Chunky Baby Alpaca
Instructions:

1. Cast on sixty stitches.
2. Ruffle Row one: knit two together across the row (you will have 30 stitches)
3. Ruffle Row two: knit two together across the row (you will have 15 stitches)
4. Begin Eve’s rib pattern
5. Row one rib pattern:
   *knit three, bring yarn forward, slip stitch as if to purl, bring yarn back, repeat pattern from *,
   end with knit three.
6. Row two rib pattern:
   knit one, bring yarn forward, slip stitch as if to purl, bring yarn back, *knit three, bring yarn
   forward, slip stitch as if to purl, bring yarn back, repeat pattern from *, end with knit one.
7. With approximately 8 yards left on skein. Begin ruffle pattern as follows:
8. Row one: knit into front and back of each stitch in row. (you will have 30 stitches)
9. Row two: knit into front and back of each stitch in row. (you will have 60 stitches.Bind off with similar tension to cast on row. Sew in ends. Shape ruffles.

(c) Misti International Inc

Lately I’ve had hats on the brain (ha! sorry).

It started with the need for a good, simple hat for a friend to wear in the cold. I wanted something ribbed, with stripes, nice and simple. I had some Zara Plus ready, so I went ahead and crunched a few numbers and came up with a simple hat pattern.

I liked it so much I had to knit one for myself in reverse colors. Then I knit one for the store in Mission Falls Wool and came up with a  free pattern so that anyone could make one. It can be made out of numerous yarns, in addition to Zara Plus and Mission Falls it can be made out of: Classic Elite Lush, Sublime Cashmere Silk Aran, Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran, Debbie Bliss Luxury Tweed and Trendsetter’s Tonalita.

It could have stopped there. I might have moved on to something more innocent like socks, but then someone came in and told us about the Fish Hat from the latest Knitty. I was in love.

I knit one in a week, and the next one in two days. At the suggestion of my boyfriend I altered the second one by making it longer. I used two colors of Malabrigo for each, a yarn that I will never grow tired of feeling slide through my fingers.

If you are interested in making this hat but at all intimidated by the pattern, we are offering a class to make sure that anyone who wants their own fish hat can make one.

I’m not the only one with Hat Fever however. No sooner had the Blue Sky Alpaca’s Kitty Hat pattern arrived when Liz had cast on The Kitty hat from Blue Sky Alpacas in their luscious Suri Merino for her nieces and a friends baby.

Now maybe the hat obsession has run it’s course — we’ll see. There are a lot of hats out there.

Sara

When this amazing beaded silk yarn arrived at the store, we wracked our brains (after picking our chins up off the floor) to find the perfect pattern to showcase the beautiful texture and sheen.

This classic Lace Leaf pattern is a lovely configuration of branching lace and stockinette. The rich color and luxurious feel of this yarn and the addition of sparkly beads knit up into a sweet scarf with depth and a lovely, drapey texture.

Liz knit this beauty in one night, using a single skein!

This scarf is the perfect easy, quick-knit holiday gift.

Pattern:

Yarn: Art Yarns Regal Beaded Silk

Needles: Size 9

Size: 6″ x 48″

(gauge is not critical but knit a swatch to determine approximate width of scarf)

CO 20 stitches

Knit 2 rows and begin lace pattern

Row 1: and all WS rows: Purl (wrong side rows not charted)

Row 2: RS P2, *k9, yo, k1, yo, k3, [sl1-k2tog-psso], p2.

Row 4: P2, *k10, yo, k1, yo, k2, sl1-k2tog-psso, p2.

Row 6: P2, *k3tog, k4, yo, k1, yo, k3, [yo, k1] twice, sl1-k2tog-psso, p2.

Row 8: P2, *k3tog, k3, yo, k1, yo, k9, p2.

Row 10: P2, *k3tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, k10, p2.

Row 12: P2, *k3tog, [k1, yo] twice, k3, yo, k1, yo, k4, sl1-k2tog-psso, p2.

Knit until scarf is desired length (or until you are almost out of yarn) and allow for 2 knit rows; bind off loosely, wash and block.

Have fun and happy holidays! Leah

Download a pdf version here.

Some days you wander into work expecting business as usual and instead discover that you get to create a mini-sock pattern, knit it, photograph it, and post instructions on-line. Today was one of those days.

Despite my current feelings about mini-socks, I will still say that they are very useful. They make cute ornaments on a Christmas tree, keychains, baby booties, and are a good stepping stone towards making a full sized sock. Give these a try or if you need some help, come to one of our classes.

Mine was done using Crystal Palace Double Points in size 1 and Koigu KPPPM in color 1100. Any scraps of fingering weight will do.

Cast on 30 stitches and join in the round without twisting.

K1 P1 all the way around to create a ribbed cuff. This can be as long or short as you want. I did it for 1″.

Switch to stockinette stitch (knitting only) for another inch.

Heel Flap:

Slip the next 14 sts onto one needle, and you will be working flat (back and forth) for the next part of the sock.
Row 1: Repeat(Sl1 K1) across
Row 2: Sl1 P across.

Repeat these two rows 7 times total.

Turn Heel:

Row 1: sl1 k7 ssk k1 turn
Row 2: sl1 p4 p2tog p1 turn
Row 3: sl1 k5 ssk k1 turn
Row 4: sl1 p6 p2tog p1 turn
Row 5: sl1 k7 ssk turn
Row 6: sl1 p6 p2tog turn

There are now 8 stitches left on the needle.

Now it’s time to pick up stitches and start working in the round again.

Knit across your 8 stitches, and then using that needle pick up 7 stitches along the edge of the gusset, plus 1 stitch between the gusset and the next needle.

Knit across the next 16 stitches so they are all on the same needle.

Using an empty needle pick up 1 stitch between the needle and the gusset, pick up 7 stitches along the edge of the gusset, and 4 stitches off the next needle. Your needles should have stitches as follows:

Needle 1: 12 sts
Needle 2: 16 sts
Needle 3: 12 sts

Start knitting in the round again.

Row 1: Knit all the way around
Row 2:  Needle 1, knit until 3 stitches before the end, k2tog, k1
Needle 2, knit all the way across.
Needle 3, knit 1, ssk, knit until the end

Repeat these two rows 5 times total.

Now your needles should be as follows:

Needle 1: 7 sts
Needle 2: 16 sts
Needle 3: 7 sts

Knit all the way around for another inch.

Toe:

Row 1: (k4 k2tog) Repeat around
Row 2: knit around
Row 3: (k3 k2tog) Repeat around
Row 4: knit around
Row 5: (k2 k2tog) Repeat around
Row 6: knit around
Row 7: (k1 k2tog) Repeat around
Row 8: knit around
Row 9: k2tog all the way around

Cut tail, thread a darning needle and gather up the remaining stitches. Weave ends inside and Voila!

Sock:

This lovely, colorful sweater and adorable matching hat were designed by our very own Liz Rowen, owner of The Knitter’s Studio and driving force behind KnitCulture. These patterns are available for free when you sign up for our mailing list. This project is a great way to use up leftover colorful yarns from other projects! The pattern calls for Noro Cash Iroha, a favorite yarn of ours.

If you live in the Los Angeles area, stop by and see this sweet creation. You can also sign up to take a class with Liz and make it with us!