My Turquoise Project

So, here is what I am doing with my hand dyed yarn. I tried out a few patterns, but since I don't usually knit with tonal/variegated yarns, it took a while to find something I was happy with. And, I think this really looks great, as the colors are interesting, plus the pattern really brings out the softness and squishiness of a DK weight merino.
This shawl might remind you of the Icelandic Sunrise Shawl, and at first, that was what I tried to knit. But, the purling part was not coming smooth to me and it was a bit of a struggle. I admit, I did not try the Norwegian Purl method, I went for a more easy option. So, my version doesn't have a single purl stitch in it, and each cluster has 5 stitches instead of 4. The effect though is very similar, shawl will be very very warm, it looks interesting and has a great texture. One minor problem - I ran out of yarn. Yes, I used both skeins and I still have a couple rows I'd like to do for finishing and a FRINGE. I think this one really needs a fringe for a nice, finished look. So, I am up to a challenge to repeat my dyeing adventure... we'll see how that goes...

Adriana's sweetheart blanket

 I know, it's summer. It is way too hot for wool. BUT.... you can always find a good excuse if you're looking for one. At least I can :)
I've been thinking about it for a while. My son has three hand knit/crochet blankets, my daughter inherited them, but she doesn't have one that would be just for her - a special one. And, since we are planning a trip to Latvia in August, airplanes are usually cold and weather in my homeland is often unpredictable, I finally knit her one. A true sweetheart blanket, since she is the sweetest little girl in the world!

lace baby blanket

The pattern is my own again, not particularly difficult, but it does require a good deal of concentration. This is a light blanket, perfect for traveling and for unexpected weather changes in summer / fall.

I plan on a test-knit starting next week. It took me a week to knit it without stress, so I believe the pattern should be out by the end of the month! (If you'd like to test knit, please, leave a comment and I will get back to You!)

Inese

Fun Felt Egg Cozy Pattern

These are fun and a very quick project.
For a pdf version download now 

Things You’ll need:

A little bit of 100% wool yarn, worsted (super-wash will NOT felt)

DPNs or double point needles

Tapestry needle for weaving in the ends

Crochet hook
Meter

Rubber gloves for felting

Liquid dish soap for felting

Gauge: 4 st = 1 inch

Finished size after felting: ~4.5 inches tall, 3,5 inches - cozy + 1,5 inches - 'tail'. It fits over the whole egg.

Knitting.

Cast on 30 stitches and split them on 3 needles – 10 stitches/needle. Knit in round for 11 rows.

Row 12: k2tog, knit till the end of needle, repeat for each needle.

Repeat row 12 till you have 2 stitches left on each needle.

Then k2tog, put down the free needle, k2tog, put down the free needle, k2tog. You’ll end up with 3 stitches on one needle. Knit I-cord for about an inch.

Next row: knit back and front of the loop in all three stitches. You’ll have 6 st on the needle now. Knit two rows like if you were to do 6 st I-cord. Then slip the stitches on a crochet hook and pull the loop through all of them. Make one single crochet to tighten the “ball”. Make another single crochet to join the row where you increased I-cord from 3 to 6 stitches. Cut the yarn, weave in the ends.

 The un-felted cozy measures about 3.2" wide and about 5" tall including the 'tail'.

Felting.

Felting is done by using hot and cold water, while agitating the item with the rubber gloves and a drop of detergent. Start with hot water, soak your cozy, add some detergent and start working it with the gloves, don’t let it cool down. After a while, shock the cozy placing it under cold running water, wash out the soap and check progress. Repeat as many rounds of this as needed, every wool felts different, every color of the same wool felts different….
I only needed two cycles for this one:

result after felting cycle #1

result after felting cycle #2

Once you are happy with the result, dry the cozy with towel, gently squeezing out excess water. Shape it and leave to dry. Do NOT use a hair dryer! (ask me now I now it….)

That is it!

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I-cord - knit 3 stitches, do NOT turn work, just slide them to the right side of the needle, knit 3 stitches again, slide again, knit 3 st again… etc

k2tog - knit two stitches together