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Cleopatra Shawl Knitalong

by artyarns on April 29, 2013

There is a great buzz about this one.  Lots of folks are excited to make this ancient Egypt inspired shawl, that includes a few interesting techniques and angles.  The window of time that this will be available is short–May 1-June 15.  You need Artyarns yarn in order to participate and I recommend 2 skeins in 2 different colors of Cashmere Sock Yarn for the small version, or 2 skeins in 2 different colors of Ensemble Light for the large version.

Sign up for this knitalong here:  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cleopatra-perpendicular-triangle-kal

Here’s the small version.

Here’s the large version.

They are identical except that the large version has some extra repeats of the stripes and the perpendicular lines grow as the reach the middle point in the back.

 

If you are a total beginner, or prefer to make the easy version, you can just keep adding stripes, and leave out the perpendicular lines.  You can make it as large as you like, since it it knitted top down.  Here’s how it will look with only stripes:

 

SPECIAL PHOTO TUTORIAL FOR KNIT ALONG:

I use a special technique to carry the unused color up the side.  This makes it difficult to forget about the second color and end up with unsightly loops at the edging.

Here’s a brief photo tutorial of how I do this:

After adding the second color there are 2 tails on the working yarn side.

Using both A and B together, pull a loop out of the first stitch, leaving the original stitch on the needle.

Use only B (the working yarn for the current stripe) to pull the second loop out of the stitch on the left needle.

Again use only B to pull the 3rd loop out of the stitch on the left needle–so you have 3 loops, 1 with AB together, and 2 with just B.

Continue knitting as instructed.

New Knitalong Zigzag Cowl

by artyarns on April 1, 2013

I love the Zigzag Scarf from Reversible Knits, one of my books, that uses 2 colors to create a flat rectangular scarf.  But I was teaching this class at Vogue Knitting Live several months ago, and decided that I wanted to design a crescent-shape version that framed the neck nicely.  So here is a modification that uses 2 yarns, maintains the zigzag shape, yet curves completely.  So when you wear it as a cowl, it will lay flat.

I used 2 different Artyarns yarns for this.  Beaded Silk Light in color H17 Gold, and Ensemble Light in color 918, which I held doubled.

I have set this up as a knitalong on Ravelry, which means that we will all be knitting it together, and the first installment of instructions goes out on April 15.  If you’d like to join us, please sign up here:

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zigzag-curved-cowl

Here are some photos of the cowl in progress:

 

I also decided to knit it using Zara Hand-Dyed in color Z16, with Tranquility in color T5.  I love the color contrast here:

How to Pick Up Wrapped Stitches in Garter Stitch

by artyarns on March 7, 2013

This technique is provided here to support the Sideways Garter Scarf Knitalong that we are doing on Ravelry.

 

Here’s a photo of a wrapped stitch in Garter stitch.

Pick up the wrap around the stitch along with the stitch itself.

Knit through both loops (the wrap and the stitch on the needle) at the same time.

Here is the resulting stitch photo taken on the side that was just knitted.

Here is how the stitch looks from the other side.

Pretty much this is the technique I use in order to hide the wrap in garter stitch short rows.

If you are interested in joining the knitalong, you can do so here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sideways-garter-scarf-knitalong

 

 

Sideways Garter Scarf Knitalong

by artyarns on February 27, 2013

The 200 Yard Scarf Knitalong is over on February 28, 2013.  The pattern will be for sale as part of an e-Book in September 2013.  But it is time for a new knitalong.

 

Continue practicing short rows, this time in Garter Stitch, with this sideways knitted scarf that curves in a flattering manner and the edging is designed to be knitted right in–it actually helps you to keep track of where you are in the pattern.

I recommend Artyarns Silk Essence, held doubled.  The best way to do this is to make 2 separate balls of yarn out of one skein and hold them together throughout the pattern.  Other Artyarns yarns are also eligible.  Here’s the link to the sign-up page.  We’re casting on on March 1, 2013.

Best of all, I am offering a great vest pattern for completion.  This pattern is unavailable elsewhere currently, and will be my gift to everyone who finishes this scarf and posts a photo of their completed scarf (after blocking, no pins).  I hope you join us.

 

Holiday Contest

by artyarns on December 24, 2012

Want to win this amazing skein of Beaded Cashmere in Emerald H13 Silver?  Here’s your chance.  In order to enter, you must knit the Holiday Cowl in ANY Artyarns yarn and post your photo of your knitted Cowl as a project on Ravelry.  The deadline is December 30, but the cowl just takes 100 yards, so it is a pretty quick knit.  You will need size 3 needles, 16″ long.  And the pattern is FREE.

Just create a project, and post a photo on Ravelry linked to this cowl, that is knitted with Artyarns yarn–any of our dk weight yarns are perfect for this including: Silk Pearl, Beaded Silk, Beaded Silk Light, Beaded Mohair, Beaded Mohair & Sequins, Ensemble Light, Rhapsody Light, Regal Silk, Beaded Silk & Sequins Light.  Once you create your project, you will automatically be entered in the giveaway.

One winner will be chosen at random on 1/1/13 to receive this wonderful skein.

Here’s a brief tutorial on how to create a project on Ravelry for the Holiday Cowl:

1. Go to the pattern page here

2. Click on “Cast on”

3. You will be see a popup  window where you can name your project and you can name it anything you like.  Click on “Create this project”

4. Follow the instructions to add photos and yarn information.

5. When you have completed the project including adding your photos of your completed Artyarns cowl, you are automatically entered!

Thanksgiving Time

by artyarns on December 24, 2012

Today at the office, we had a big family meal of Chinese food and wonderful brownies baked by my sister.  We were all shocked when we realized that Thanksgiving is only one week away!  November has flown by in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, and we lost many hours at the office due to no electricity.  Happily, though, our power has been restored and we are churning out yarns once again at full capacity.  We have a lot to be thankful for.

Thanksgiving always makes me think of colorful leaves, spending time with family, and, of course, knitting!  Jimmy Beans Wool has a special surprise for you all, which will be revealed on November 16th.  I was given a chance to contribute, and I think you’ll enjoy it.  I don’t know much else about the project, except that some wonderful dyers and designers are also involved.

One of my favorite dishes from the season is corn pudding.  You’ll see that my contribution reflects this in colors.  I can’t reveal too much more, but here was my inspiration:

 

from The Finer Things blog

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