Bookmarking In the New Ride

My Boy Toy was in town for a few days on leave. Besides taking care of me as I recovered from a recent stint in the hospital, he also traded in my car, who's lease was about to expire, and got me a nice upgrade.

I was still too weak to enjoy my new ride so Boy Toy drove me around to my various appointments. I took the opportunity to enjoy my new heated seats and tat a lovely little bookmark.

Thread used is Lizbeth 113-Jewels size 20. The pattern was a free one found in the Handy Hands catalog.

Free EPP Pattern: Winding Rose

Today I want to share with you a free pattern I found from the wonderful people over at Paper Pieces. This pattern is called Winding Rose and was originally created for Andover's Downton Abby fabric line. 

Winding Rose

The center star by itself would make a cool looking accent pillow, especially when made with metallic or shimmer fabric.

Free EPP Pattern: Double Ring Hexagon Quilt

Connecting Threads has several free English paper piecing patterns on their website. The one that I want to share with you today is the Double Ring Hexagon Quilt.

Double Ring Hexagon Quilt

I love the modern solid colors used in the sample shown. You can use the colors as shown or pick your own color scheme. I think in shades of black, grey and red, this quilt would look striking and will most likely end up confiscated by any teenager in the house.

Accuquilt Pattern for February

Spring is just around the corner. 

And I just love all those colorful happy quilts that come with this time of year, don't you?

Why not start the season with this lovely quilt pattern. 

For Valentine's Day, AccuQuilt is offering this  Sweethearts Wall Hanging for free. 

Be sure to check out this and other patterns HERE.

Sunset In Sedona Two Needle Socks REVISED!

Sunset In Sedona Two Needle Socks (Revised)

Finished sizes about: 6 ½- 7 (7 ½, 8, 9, 9 ½)” foot circumference.

Yarn used: 1 skein of Aslan Trends Natural Luxury Yarns Santa Fe 1334 yarn from their Kettle Hand Dyed Collection. 50g / 1.75 oz. 85% Merino Wool / 15% Polyamide. Approx: 180 yards / 165 meters

Needles size: One pair of straight needles size US 0-3 (2-3.25 mm) or whatever size is needed to obtain the gauge of 7 stitches per inch in St st. (Personally, I used US size 5 needles to obtain gauge, but I‘m just weird that way).

Other supplies: Some stitch holders or scrap threads to hold stitches on. You may find a row counter to be helpful in keeping track of rows while knitting the heel flap.

Special skills you need to make this sock: Flat seam (aka- Bickford seam)

Leg Portion

Cast on 44 (52, 56, 64, 68) sts. Work a 2 x 2 rib stitch (knit 2, purl 2), for one inch or until you‘re tired of knitting it.

Now, working in stockinette stitch, (knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side), continue until the sock measures 5 inches from the top. (And yes, I know what you are thinking, “It’s just a freaking square. I wanted a sock, not a wonky dishcloth. WTF!” Just hang in there with me, its about to get interesting.)

Dividing Section

 First row:  (With right side facing you), Knit the first 11 (13,14,16,17) stitches. Place these stitches on a stitch holder. Now continue knitting to the end of the row.

Next row: (wrong side) purl 11 (13, 14, 16, 17) stitches. Place these stitches on a stitch holder. Continue across remaining stitches.

At this point you should have 22 (26, 28, 32, 34) stitches left on the needle. These stitches will become your instep or top half of your foot. *Please note- it is from this dividing point that you will measure for your foot length.

With 22 (26, 28, 32, 34) stitches now on your needle, continue in stockinette stitch until the piece measures two inches less then your desired total foot length. (You are going to start the next row with the right side facing you. You have been warned!)

Touch Your Toes

 Row 1: (RS) knit 1, skp, knit to the last 3 stitches, k2tog, (knit two stitches together), knit 1.

(* Note- skp means to slip the next stitch, knit the following stitch and then take the slip stitch and pull it over the knit stitch. This creates 1 decrease.)

Row 2: Purl

Repeat these two rows until there are 10 (12, 14, 16, 18) stitches remain. Ending again with right side facing you.

Row 3: (RS) knit 1, skp, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1

Row 4: Purl 1, p2tog, (purl two together), purl to last 3 stitches, p2tog, purl 1.

Continue these two rows until 2 (4 , 6, 8, 10 ) stitches remain.

Place these stitches on a stitch holder. Cut yarn leaving a nice long tail for weaving.

(See, that was painless. Now for the fun part!)

Take the stitches that have been hanging out on the other two stitch holders, and with both right side facing you, place these stitches onto your needle.

Knit one row. Then purl the next row. (I know, amazing instructions there, right?)

Heel Flap Time

 Row 1: (RS) *Slip 1 stitch pwise, (purl-wise) wyb, (with yarn in back) knit 1; rep from*

Row 2: Slip 1 pwise,  wyf, (with yarn in front) purl to the end.

Repeat these two rows until a total of 22 (26, 28, 32, 34) rows have been made. (And yes, the number of stitches you have on the needle right now is the same as the number of rows you will knit for the heel flap. It was a total freaking mind-blowing epiphany when I realized that!)

Let’s Take This Heel For A Turn

 Row 1: (RS) Knit 13 (15, 16, 18, 19) stitches, skp, k1, turn your work.

Row 2: (WS) Slip 1 pwise, purl 5, p2tog, purl 1, turn.

Row 3: Sl 1 pwise, knit to the 1^st stitch before the gap made from the previous row, skp using the 1^st stitch before the gap and the 1^st stitch right after the gap, K1, turn.

Row 4: Sl 1 pwise, purl to the 1^st stitch before the gap, p2tog using the 1^st stitch both before and after the gap, purl 1, turn.

Now repeat rows 3 and 4 until all the stitches have been worked. Do NOT freak out if you find that you can not end with a knit 1 or purl 1 in your repeats. Depending on your initial cast on number, you may end that last repeat with a skp or a p2tog. Make sure to end with the right side facing you.

Guess What? It’s Gusset Time!

 For this gusset, you will be picking up one extra stitch at the selvage edge corner. I find that adding that extra stitch at the corners helps make for a cleaner sewing edge when the time comes. Don’t you worry though, you will make these extra two stitches disappear shortly after both sides of the gusset in done.

(Of course you can knit this section without the two extra stitches and it will still turn out just fine. It's just something that I like to do. I'm allowed my little quirks from time to time.)

Now, using the needle that your stitches are already on, pick up 12 (14, 15, 17, 18 ) stitches along the salvage edge. Now knit across these stitches and the stitches that were already on your needle.

Once you reach the end of the row, with the same needle, pick up 12 (14, 15, 17, 18 ) stitches on the other side of the salvaged edge. Now, purl across all stitches. (Your stitches will feel and look a bit bunched up on your needles, but don’t fret. Things will start to loosen up in a bit here.)

Knit 11 (13, 14, 16, 17 ) stitches, skp, knit across heel turn stitches, k2tog, then knit the remaining 11 (13, 14, 16, 17 ) stitches.

Next row: Purl

(See, I told you that you would send those two extra stitches away!)

Row 1: (RS) knit 1, skp, knit to last 3, k2tog, knit 1.

Row 2: Purl across row

Repeat these two rows until 22 (26, 28, 32, 34 ) stitches remain.

Now continue in straight St st until piece measures 2 inches less then your desired foot length.

Toe Time!

 Row 1: (RS) knit 1, skp, knit to the last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1.

Row 2: Purl

Repeat these two rows until there are 10 (12, 14, 16, 18) stitches remain. Ending again with right side facing you.

Row 3: (RS) knit 1, skp, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1

Row 4: Purl 1, p2tog, purl to last 3 stitches, p2tog, purl 1.

Continue these two rows until 2 (4 , 6, 8, 10 ) stitches remain.

Graft these stitches with the others you have sitting on the stitch holder.

Now you have some hand sewing to do. No moaning allowed. It’s not as hard as you think.

To seam the sock we will NOT be using the mattress stitch and I will tell you why. *Stepping up on top of soapbox* The mattress stitch subtracts rows from the sides of the foot and the back of the leg. Also, it leaves a bulky seam that, even after you steam it down, can still be felt.

Instead, we will close the seams by using the Flat Seam, also sometimes called the Bickford Seam. It makes a flat, clean seam that is almost invisible when done correctly.

The Bickford seam is one of those things that you have to see to understand, so please stop right now, go check out an online video on how to do it, then return to your sock and seam it up. (I’ll still be here waiting when you get back. I promise.)

Once you seamed up your sock, maybe you should seriously consider knitting the other one. Socks are usually better in pairs. (If you just want to relish in your one sock glory, I’m cool with that too. I won't judge.)

So, now you've got both socks knitted and seamed. Guess what? You’re done. Yup, that’s it. You’re finished. Now make like a hockey stick and get the puck out of here!

Free Knitted Cowl Pattern

Yup, you read it right. I've returned with a new pattern and its Free! I designed this cowl called "Give It To Me Straight",  for Galler Yarns. A quick knit that is unisex in design. Made using Pima cotton, it is lightweight enough to be knitted during the summer and be ready to wear once the weather cools off. You can find the pattern by clicking here, clicking the on the picture below or going to my pattern page.

[caption id="attachment_1485" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Give It To Me Straight Cowl[/caption]

Knitting Adventures of Tin Tin

I absolutely love The Adventures of Tin Tin. I was lucky enough to grow up reading the comic books and watching the cartoon. It was Tin Tin that made everything in Europe seem so much cooler then my little neighborhood in Chicago.

(Don't know who is Tin TIn? Read up on the life and times of this beloved character here: http://tintinblog.com/who-is-tintin/ )

Tin Tin has a signature look which consists of red hair that sticks up in the front, brown pants, and trench coat and a blue sweater over a white collared shirt. And of course, let us not forget his faithful companion who is always by his side- Snowy, his dog.

When this widely popular iconic hero was made into a full length movie, I did not hesitate to go see it. While watching the movie, I realized just how much his sweater stands out. It is sort of a darker baby blue in color. Crew neck with set-in sleeves. How very simple, yet timeless at the same time.

When I got home from the show, I Googled Tin Tin's sweater and of course found Tin Tin memorabilia for sale. There are sweaters made after the famous character that can be purchased for a few bucks, but what's the fun in that?

I decided that for those true diehard Tin Tin geeks like myself, there would be no better homage to our beloved character then to knit our own Tin Tin sweater.

This sweater pattern by DROPS,  is close in shape and structure to the sweater worn by Tin Tin.



This Cascade Eco+ yarn in Delft, is a great color choice.



I hope that the movie will inspire some serious Tin Tin knitting and crochet designs. Maybe even a fan page on Ravelry?

I'm Back with a Pattern

Yes, I'm back. Missed me? Sorry about that. But unfortunately sudden disappearances tend to happen when you have Sickle Cell disease. I'm feeling all better now and ready to jump back into the swing of things.

While I may have been down, I surely was not out. I brought back a little treat with me made just for you- a free pattern made by me!

Yup, that's right, I published another pattern. What kind of pattern? Well, a sock pattern, of course. But this one is for the men. The pattern is published through the yarn company, Galler Yarns.

[caption id="attachment_1278" align="aligncenter" width="294" caption="Brick by Brick Socks by Liver Chick"][/caption]

As a bonus, I also did an interview with the company that was published on their blog here.

So, take some time to check out the interview and pattern, then tell me what you think.

I'm so glad to be back!

Welted Leg Warmers and Scarf Pattern

I am so excited to announce that my designs for Premier Yarns are now live on their website!

It has been so hard not being able to talk about the process of knitting these garments and the wonderful yarn I got to play with. But no more. Now I can tell you that Premier Yarns' Angel yarn is the softest acrylic yarn I have ever worked with. The yarn made it such a pleasure to knit this set.

The scarf and leg warmers themselves are simple knits perfect for beginner knitters. Yet, the dramatic effect of the pieces can easily spark the interest of more advanced knitters as well. A perfect set to knit before the snow starts falling hard.

Welted Leg Warmers & Scarf

You can find the pattern and download it for free here: http://premieryarns.com/patterns.php?id=218

Crocheted Single Slipper Pattern

My mother found herself this year fighting a nasty foot infection that has left her with a foot and ankle wrapped like a mummy in gauze. This has been fine for the summer, but now the weather is getting colder and that gauze wrapping can’t keep the chill out. She can’t wear shoes or regular slippers due to the bulkiness of the wrappings. And even if she could find a single slipper in the store that fit, she would have to buy it in a pair since no one sold single slippers. So, I decided to crochet a slipper that would crochet a single slipper for her that was roomy enough for wrappings and that would keep the chill off her foot.

She has traveled around town with that slipper on and people have commented on it. A number of people with foot/ leg cast have asked where she got the slipper. Even her foot doctor said the slipper was a great idea. My mother has enjoyed the attention she’s been getting and the ability to go out without worrying about her foot getting cold. In fact she has enjoyed it so much that she has put in a request for several more, including a green and red one for the holidays.

The cool days of Fall and soon the much colder days of Winter will be upon us. If you know someone in a cast, a wrapping or who has any kind of foot problem, why not crochet a few of these slippers for them. You could even knit a pair for yourself.

Note- this is a very simple slipper pattern that can easily be adjusted and embellished to suit your needs.

[caption id="attachment_1041" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Crocheted Single Slipper"][/caption]



Crocheted Single Slipper

Size:  11” / 28 cm long and 11” / 28 cm wide.  (Note: when making this for someone in a cast, add 1 to 1 ½” to their normal foot length.)

Yarn: Bernat Satin Worsted weight 100% Acrylic, 100 g / 3.5 oz, 163 yds / 149 m, in color Camel

Hook: J / 10 – 6.00 mm

Pattern Note: Two strands of yarn are held together throughout the pattern.

Chain 37 or whatever length is desired plus 3.

Row 1: Skip 3 chains and double crochet in the 4^th chain and each chain across to the end.  Turn.

Row 2: Chain 3, (this will count as your first stitch), double crochet in the top of the double crochet space. Do this all the way across. Make sure to do a double crochet at the top of the skip 3 chain. Turn, chain 3. (A total of 34 stitches including the chain 3.)

Row 3: Double crochet in the next double crochet space and across all stitches. Do a final double crochet in top of the chain 3 stitch from the previous row. Chain 3.

Repeat row 3 until the slipper measures 11" or until the width is equal to the length. You now have what is essentially a large square.

Cut yarn leaving long tail for stitching.

Fold the square in half and using only one strand of yarn, stitch the back of the slipper and the top of the slipper, leaving a large enough hole at the top to get a foot through. Next, weave in and out of the edge of the toe. Pull both ends of the thread to gather the toe and close the hole. Tie the ends into a tight knot. Weave in all ends.

Optional- you may choose to braid a long cord that can be woven around the foot opening. This would allow the person to be able to tighten the slipper around the ankle area for a snug fit.

A Shawl For Ann

This past Thursday, besides it being St. Patrick's Day, the day also marked the 85th birthday of my husband's grandmother, Ann. As a lover of Ireland and all things green, I felt it would be very appropriate to knit her something that reflected the rich green fields of Ireland.



I found this shawl pattern on Ravelry, (of course!). It was an easy and unbelievably quick knit. I stated and finished the shawl in one day!

The pattern is called Easy-Knit Shawl and was created by Kathy North. The pattern can be found here:   http://www.piece-by-piece.net/Knit/easy_knit_shawl.htm 

To learn more about Kathy, you can check out her Ravelry profile here: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/kathy-north



Grandma Ann was very impressed to get a handmade shawl and plans to wear it on her trip you Whales this summer.

Sock Knitting Sunday

Magic Mirror Socks

These socks are made by Jeannie of the blog Sewing, Knitting and Beyond. http://jeanniefanihi.blogspot.com/

The pattern is avalible here: http://jeanniefanihi.blogspot.com/2008/06/magic-mirror-socks.html

I hope this pattern inspires you to pick up your needles and knit more socks!

Happy Valentine's Day

[caption id="attachment_344" align="aligncenter" width="375" caption="Free pattern from juju & lolo"][/caption]

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!!!!

Now go out and knit something for the one you love!