#1 The gorgeous, royal-blue, mohair sweater so hot to wear, it could serve as outerwear in Antarctica.
#2 The chunky, off-white, cable-knit sweater so large, I nicknamed it “The Horse Blanket.”
#3 The cute, turquoise, cotton top that stretched right off my shoulders.
#4-10. Not enough patience. Not enough time. Not sure of my skill set. Etc, etc, etc!
That’s why when I decided to knit something I could wear other than a scarf, mittens or a hat, I opted for a straightforward body shape. I still had to learn a bunch of new stitches, but this Bay Laurel Knit Tunic is my breakthrough!
The pattern has way too many steps to share in this post, so if you want to check it out, click Ravelry. After setting up an account, you can search “Bay Laurel Tunic” and the pattern’s maker, Julie Turjoman, and you’ll find it.
No-Purl Ribbed Scarf.I used Merino Superwash so this scarf would be easy to wash and dry.Inspiration piece shown with the pattern.
Cartridge Belt Rib
Searching for a handsome, masculine scarf, I found this pattern on Ravelry where credit is given to Purl Soho, a gorgeous yarn shop in Manhattan. This purl-less stitch is known as the Cartridge Belt Rib and is considered a classic stitch pattern. Purl Soho says,
This robust rib stitch produces prominent columns of elongated knit stitches separated by broad valleys of dense texture. The juxtaposition is not only fascinating; it’s beautiful too.
Happy knitting, hon. MATERIALS:
Suggested on pattern–4 (5) skeins of Purl Soho’s Alpaca Pure, 100% alpaca. I used Sueno Worsted by HiKoo’s Merino Superwash, color Evergreen.
US #8 straight or circular needles – 5.0mm
YARDAGE: 436 – 545 yards (399 – 498 m) GAUGE: 22 stitches = 4 inches in stitch pattern
FINISHED SCARF SIZE: 8 ½ inches wide x 64 (80) inches long
NOTES:
Slip all slipped stitches purl-wise.
This stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches.
PATTERN
Cast on 47 stitches.
Row 1: K3, *slip 1 wyif (with yarn in front), k3, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 2: K1, *slip 1 wyif, k3, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, slip 1 wyif, k1.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 64 (80) inches from cast on edge or until desired length, ending with Row 2.
Bind off in a k3, p1 rib. Here’s how… K2, slip the first stitch over, k1, slip the first stitch over, *p1, slip the first stitch over, [k1, slip the first stitch over] 3 times, repeat from * to end of row.
Manly ScarfHubby modeling the Manly Scarf.Nephew wearing his Holiday gift.
Despite its name, I worried this scarf wasn’t manly enough. Maybe it was the yarn or maybe it was the stitch, but I wondered, “Does this scarf look masculine?” I wasn’t convinced until Hubby tried it on. Yay! It looked great, and was ready to be wrapped as a gift for my nephew.
Happy knitting, hon!
Manly Scarf
Stitches are cast on for the entire length of the scarf, which is knit from side to side on a circular needle. Tip: Place stitch markers every 20 stitches (or however many stitches you like). This makes keeping track of the total stitches much easier.
Yarn: The yarn used in the pattern on Ravelry was Manos del Uruguay Handspun Semi Solids, skein of 100g: 138 yards/126 m
4-5 skeins of main color
1-2 skeins of contrast color
Needles: One US 10 (6mm) circular needle (as long as possible). Change needle size if necessary to obtain gauge.
Notions: Stitch markers. One yarn needle for weaving in ends.
Gauge:
In stockinette stitch, 10 cm/4 inches = 14-18 stitches
In pattern stitch, 10 cm/ 4 inches = 10-12 stitches
Pattern Stitch
Row 1: Knit all stitches.
Row 2: Knit 2 together to end.
Row 3: Knit into front and back of every stitch.
Row 4: Purl all stitches.
Directions:
Cast on 250 stitches. Work in pattern stitch until scarf has desired width. The stripe pattern is 3 pattern repeats in the main color, then one in the contrast color like this:
MC x 3
CC
MC x 3
CC
MC x 3
Cast off.
Notes: Click the link under Source to see the original pattern, where the author of the pattern explains how to substitute the yarn. I used a different yarn than the one shown on Ravelry and since–gasp–I detest making swatches, I winged it, casting 250 sts and knitting to a width and length I thought looked good on a guy. (I know, very scientific!)
I made this Infinity Scarf, called a “Honey Cowl,” last year and wanted to knit it again. This time, I followed the pattern for the shorter version. The Simplicity yarn color “49 Shades of Gray” has a hint of mint green and is a Merino wool blend. It was a pleasure to work with.
Happy knitting, hon.
Infinity Scarf, Honeycomb Cowl
Finished Measurements: 22 inches in length by 12 inches in width for short version (44 inches in length by 12 inches in width for longer version)
Yarn: 55% Merino Superwash merino, 28% Acrylic, 17% Nylon, 140 yards (128 meters), 2 (4) skeins (double check amount of yarn needed depending on type of yarn and yardage.)
Needles: One US 8 (5.0mm) 26″ (66 cm) circular needle for short version or One US 8 (5.0 mm) 36″ (91 cm) circular needle for longer version. Change needle size if necessary to obtain gauge.
Notions: One stitch marker for beginning of round. One yarn needle for weaving in ends.
Gauge: 5 sts = 1 inch (10 cm) in honeycomb pattern.
Notes: For an in-between size, 1 skein and 160 sts will create a 32 inch long by 8 inch wide cowl. 2 skeins at 160 sts will create a 32 inch long by 16 inch wide cowl.
Pattern Stitch: Slip Stitch Honeycomb
Note: When working rounds 2 and 4, slip as if to purl and keep yarn in front)
Round 1: Knit
Round 2: *Purl 1, slip 1 wyif* repeat across round
Round 3: Knit
Round 4: *Slip 1 wyif, Purl 1* repeat across round
Directions:
Cast on 110 (220) stitches. Being careful not to twist stitches, place marker and join for working in the round. Knit 4 rounds.
Repeat the 4 rounds of “Slip Stitch Honeycomb Pattern” above until work measures approximately 11 inches. Make sure that you have enough yarn left over for the following: Knit 3 rounds and bind off loosely.
If you want something warm for winter or a pretty gift to give, this was an easy, enjoyable pattern. I made this as a gift for my sister-in-law (shout out to Kim).
Infinity Scarf, Honeycomb Cowl
Finished Measurements: 22 inches in length by 12 inches in width for short version (44 inches in length by 12 inches in width for longer version)
Needles: One US 8 (5.0mm) 26″ (66 cm) circular needle for short version or One US 8 (5.0 mm) 36″ (91 cm) circular needle for longer version. Change needle size if necessary to obtain gauge.
Notions: One stitch marker for beginning of round. One yarn needle for weaving in ends.
Gauge: 5 sts = 1 inch (10 cm) in honeycomb pattern.
Notes: For an in-between size, 1 skein and 160 sts will create a 32 inch long by 8 inch wide cowl. 2 skeins at 160 sts will create a 32 inch long by 16 inch wide cowl.
Pattern Stitch: Slip Stitch Honeycomb
Note: When working rounds 2 and 4, slip as if to purl and keep yarn in front)
Round 1: Knit
Round 2: *Purl 1, slip 1 wyif* repeat across round
Round 3: Knit.
Round 4: *Slip 1 wyif, Purl 1* repeat across round
Directions:
Cast on 110 (220) stitches. Being careful not to twist stitches, place marker and join for working in the round. Knit 4 rounds.
Repeat the 4 rounds of “Slip Stitch Honeycomb Pattern” above until work measures approximately 11 inches. Make sure that you have enough yarn left over for the following: Knit 3 rounds and bind off loosely.
Bon Voyage!Cowl Within a Cowl, Slip Stitch Honeycomb Pattern. Stay warm in Florence!Another way to wear this scarf.
Sample + Sale = Inspiration!
My knitting store displayed a Cowl Within a Cowl and I was itching to knit something with the rich garnet and grey yarn I’d found marked down. I thought my college-aged daughters would love these interlocking infinity scarves.
Above, “Liquid Copper” (aka Baby A of the triplets) and, below, “Curly Girl” (aka Baby C) model their scarves, knit with the same yarn but made up of different stitches. There’s nothing like a deadline to complete a project. I finished Curly Girl’s scarf right before the new semester at Pratt Institute started. Liquid Copper is in Florence for this semester (lucky girl!). I finished her scarf a couple of days before she left. Whew!
Happy knitting, hon!
Cowl Within a Cowl, Seed Stitch Pattern. Stay warm in Brooklyn!
Cowl Within a Cowl, Honeycomb Pattern (as worn by Liquid Copper)
Finished Measurements
22 inches in length by 12 inches wide
Yarn
2 skeins of 100% Superwash Merino wool, approximately 200 yards each
Needles
1 US size 8 (5 mm) 26″ circular needle
Gauge
5 sts = 1 inch (10 cm) in honeycomb pattern
Notions
–stitch markers to mark beginning of round (I used stitch markers to keep track of overall sts)
–1 yarn needle for weaving in ends
Slip Stitch Honeycomb Pattern:
Note: When working rounds 2 and 4, slip as if to purl and keep yarn in front.
Round 1: Knit.
Round 2: *Purl 1, Slip 1 wyif” repeat across round.
Round 3: Knit.
Round 4: *Slip 1 wyif, Purl 1* repeat across round.
Directions:
Cast on 110 stitches. Being careful not to twist, place marker and join for working in the round. Knit 4 rounds.
Repeat the 4 rounds of Slip Stitch Honeycomb Pattern until work measures approximately 11,” making sure you have enough yarn for the following: Knit 3 rounds and bind off loosely.
Second Cowl:
Cast on 110 stitches as for first cowl, looping needle through first cowl. Join, being careful not to twist stitches. Follow pattern for first cowl.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Cowl Within a Cowl, Seed Stitch Pattern (as worn by Curly Girl)
Same yarn, needle and notions as above.
Finished Measurements
24 inches in length by 8 1/2 inches wide, gauge is not important
First Cowl Directions
Cast on 101 stitches and join, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Row 1: *K 1, P1* Repeat from * — * to end of round.
Row 2: *P1, K1*, Repeat from * — * to end of round.
These 2 rows form the pattern. Continue until desired length. Bind off loosely in patterm.
Second Cowl:
Cast on 101 stitches as for first cowl, looping needle through first cowl. Join, being careful not to twist the stitches. Follow pattern for first cowl.
I love yarn shops! Vivid colors and scrumptious textures call out from the bins and shelves. (“Pick me, pick me!”). I might walk in with a project in mind, or I might let the yarn decide what it wants to be. I give it creative license!
Gorgeous Ella Rae Lace Merino Chunky blue/aqua and purple/berry variegated yarn caught my eye this fall. I had recently finished a Potato Chip Scarf (so called because it’s ruffled) for me and wanted to knit another with chunkier yarn. One teen daughter got a Potato Chip scarf and one got an Infinity scarf.
Potato Chip Scarf knit with chunky merino wool.Potato Chip Scarf knit with finer wool, strands doubled.Infinity Scarf knit with chunky merino wool.Infinity Scarf knit with chunky merino wool.Petit Point pillow that may have caused me to need reading glasses!
I also, finally, finished a petit point canvas and had it made into a pillow. Petit point is comprised of smaller stitches than needlepoint. The stitches were so small, I needed a magnifying light to see what I was doing!
I found this easy Potato Chip scarf pattern on Ravelry.
Potato Chip Scarf Pattern:
Yarn weight: Aran/ 10 ply (8 wpi)
Needle size: US 8 (5.0 mm)
Yardage: 300-310 yards (274 – 283 m)
Cast on 20 stitches.
Row 1: knit 8, turn, knit back to beginning.
Row 2: knit 6, turn, knit back to beginning.
Row 3: Knit 4, turn, knit back to beginning.
Knit across all 20 stitches.
Repeat these rows until desired length is reaches. Bind off.
Knit hat with garter stitch band is so stretchy that it can fit an older child or adult.
Hon, this post could also be called: From Kim to Kim. Here’s why.
A basket of sale yarn called out to me and I discovered a bunch of gorgeous, soft, Jasper yarn. I’ve been knitting since high school but had never knit a hat. My college friend, Kim, passed on this pattern and I knit it for my sister-in-law, Kim. See? All the ends tie together (pun intended).
Click on Beesquare Japanese Hat to find the easy-to-follow pattern on Ravelry. (If you love to knit or crochet, you will love all project ideas on Ravelry.) Thanks Beesquare, thanks Kim for sharing the pattern with me, and thanks to my youngest daughter for modeling.
Naomi M. Gruer 