Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns

This is a great book.  Anything you can imagine is here for you to incorporate into your patterns. The Table of Contents starts with Basic Stitches and ends with Jacquard Patterns.
Here's an page example.

You could make a scarf using Garter Stitch which is on page 5. This is a knit every row pattern. It is very plain.  Add this Diamonds and Cables Pattern in the middle and you could have something different than anyone else has!

Here's a great example of ingenuity. I found this blog post from Chronicles of a Yarn Obsession.

Cara used this pattern from Knitty.

She then added the Alternating Leaf Pattern on page 192 and created this beautiful sweater.

Here's another example of what you can do with this book!!  From The Sexy Knitter - The Lady Sybil Jumpsuit   She has more photos on the post.  Be sure to look at them!!  This is a really cool website too! Sarah has many patterns for sale!

This is what she says about the bodice - "I started scouring my stitch dictionaries for a lace with a vaguely art deco feel to it, and found one called "Kiwi" in the Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns (page 214). Perfect! I swatched it up and knew I had my bodice all set. I worked up a big rectangle of it and lined it with a bit of stockinette."

Here's a third project I found using a stitch from the book. This is a headband by Mari @ Wistful Plying.

                                                     Click on the link above for the directions.
Pages: 288
Published: 2000

Knit your socks on straight : a new and inventive technique with just two needles by Alice Curtis

You can look inside this book here. I liked this book so much I bought a copy last night.  Before I attempt to knit socks in the round, I need to get used to knitting with teeny tiny needles and yarn! LOL
You knit the sock flat and then crochet it closed.  Pretty cool!
Curtis has step by step instructions on sock construction. She starts with a plain sock and then builds up to some difficult patterns.  Patterns for babies, kids, women and men are here! There some really different styles to choose from!!
I am going to start with the Jelly Beans sock - page 24-5 in the book.  You can check it out on the link above.

 Garden Trellis Argyle

 Carnegie Hall

Livin' in Blue Jeans

Pages: 144

Sock Knitting Master Class by Ann Budd

I got this book from the library because I am thinking about trying to knit socks again.  My first try was horrible.  I do not know what I did wrong.  So I thought I would look at some books before hand.

As I was reading this book I realized this was far too advanced for me.  I did not notice Master Class in the title.  BUT if you are adept at knitting socks this is the book for you. Ann Budd is a book editor and the former senior editor of Interweave Knits magazine. She is the author of a lot of books that are published by Interweave. Budd explains just about everything you want to know about knitting socks! And there is a DVD too!

The patterns in this book vary in design and style.

Pages: 183

10 Secrets of Laidback Knitters by Vicki Stiefel and Lisa Souza

I liked this book a lot. There are all different kinds of patterns using different yarns and methods. Many stories from people that make yarn. There are also tips from knitters. There are some cool things I want to make!

Click here for the pattern for Watermelon Vine Socks.

From goodreads:
10 Secrets of the LaidBack Knitters speaks to all levels of knitters who want to enhance and expand their knitting experience in joyful and substantive ways. With humor and insight, authors Vicki Stiefel and Lisa Souza illustrate how to become a laidback knitter--one who enjoys the process as much as the product. Join in and be inspired by the mix of people, patterns, and places in their knitting world; follow the steps they took; and discover the secrets that set them along this path. 10 Secretscontains a wealth of other valuable and fun information including profiles, websites and other resources the authors can't live without, information on fibers, spinning, and crochet, and much more!

Additionally, an amazing collection of twenty-seven patterns--complete with instructions and charts--fills the book with elegant shawls, chic sweaters, and colorful scarves from a spectrum of designers, all beautifully photographed in full-color.

This is a book that gives knitters permission to relax and have fun; to see that knitting can be as much about process as about the finished product, and know that the stitches they knit can express the inner joy they feel. The exciting patterns--aimed at knitters from beginners to experienced--complement the books exuberant purpose and style.

Look inside here.

Pages: 166

Patterns...

Need some new patterns to knit?  I found this really cool site, Sweaterbabe. There are some really pretty and feminine items here.
Here are some of my favorites!!

Americano Vest from Berroco

I think the hottest thing for fall will be vests.  So I looked around for a pattern to make for Sophia.  We found this one.  I ordered everything I needed from Jimmy Beans Wool.  It came like 2 days later!! I was very surprised.

The Berroco Vintage Chunky yarn is very nice to work with. I zipped right through the back piece.  I had no problem with the left front BUT I have been knitting the right front while I am in another world.  I was almost done and realized I had forgotten to knit in the buttonholes, frog it!  2nd time, I didn't get the buttonholes even, frog it!  3rd time, I was almost done knitting the piece and I forgot to stop knitting the pattern and it was 5 inches too long.  I guess I just zone out while I am knitting!!  4th time - hopefully I get it right this time!!

Wish me luck!!  Maybe the 4th time is the charm! haha!

Sophia's Hat

I had leftover yarn from making Cat's hat so I made one for Sophia.  I used this pattern, Lemon Curd Slouch, by Ali Tong.  The hat does not slouch though because I used bulky yarn instead of the heavy worsted yarn the pattern calls for.  But that was okay because Sophia really liked it!!  It will really keep her warm if it gets cold this winter.

Cat's Hat

Cat wanted me to make a hat for her and I finally finished it!!  TADA!!  I hope she likes it.

This is Sophia in the photos!  Isn't she cute?!

I used Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky yarn and this pattern, Thorpe by Kristin Kapur.
The pattern started at the top which was a bit difficult for me because I don't use DPNs that often and the yarn kept sliding off of the needles. But after I got going it was fine....

Snowstorm Hat

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90022AD.html?noImages=

i knitted this hat for Sophia.  I thought she had downloaded photos of her it but I guess they are on her camera.  It's VERY EASY.  The hardest part was getting used to the size 15 needles I used.  The pattern calls for 2 skeins of yarn but I only used one.  I didn't make the pompom, though.

Snowflake Cushion

I have always wanted to knit more things for my home besides afghans.  I got this magazine about a month ago.  There are some cool patterns inside.  I find Debbie Bliss patterns easy to knit.  I have used some of her yarns also.  They're nice. 

 

In this magazine I found this pattern.

It's called Snowflake Cushion. 

I am not crazy about the red and black on cream color scheme.  I want something that will look nice on my sofa which is a light brown.

So I found these colors - country blue and chocolate.  I am using Caron Simply Soft.  I thought that by using an acrylic I could toss it in the washer if it got dirty.  Plus I have yet to find a yarn store here with a good selection of yarns.  At this point  (photo) I am only halfway done.  I wonder what kind of buttons I can find.  I love buttons. 

Sophia's Scarf Part 2

Here it is.  I think it came out nicely.  It is made from an angora blend so it will keep her neck warm but won't make it roast if she wears it for a decoration!  It's very pretty!  Now I can get back to the pillowcover I started or finishing the hat hat I started for myself.

Sophia's Scarf

I started this the other day.  We don't know if Sophia has a scarf or if she does where it is....the joys of moving and moving and moving. I found the directions on a free knitting pattern site but I don't remember which one.  I used 2 skeins of  Patons Angora Bamboo http://www.patonsyarns.com/product.php?LGC=angorabamboo and a size 9 (5.5 mm) needle.
Diagonal Stitch Scarf:
CO even Number of Stitches.  I used 24.
Knit 5 rows. Start Pattern.
Row 1: K1, * yo K2tog, repeat from *, K1
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: K2, * yo K2tog, repeat from *, K2
Row 4: Knit

Repeat Rows1-4 until desired length, end with Knit 5 rows. BO
CO=cast on
YO= yarn over the needle
K= knit
BO= Bind off

This is a great pattern.  Very easy.  Can be used with cotton yarn for the spring and summer.

Baby Sweater

I made this baby sweater (I haven't mailed it yet) for a friend of my oldest daughter who just had a baby boy 2 weeks ago.  It was a very easy pattern.
 I found here. http://www.petitepurls.com/basics/b_garterhood.html
 I followed the directions except for knitting front.  I knitted both sides of the front after the split.  To me it's easier to knit both sides at once and then they are even.

Here's a photo of my knitting. You just need to attach another yarn to knit with.  I used the other end of the skein that I knitting from.  I also try to knit both sleeves at one time too.
Since this is a sweater for a new baby I chose to use an acrylic yarn so there is  no allergic reactions from yarn.  Acrylic can be thrown in the washer.  The yarn I used was Caron Simply Soft Eco.  It was nice to work with.

Beret Finished

 I finished the Beret last night. Sophia wore it all night and was out the door this morning with it on. Here are some crappy photos of her with the hat on. I ran down and got the camera out of the car this morning!! Maybe I will take a better photo when she comes home from school.

It was a really quick knit especially since I have been knitting the continental way. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuRLFl36tDY

The worst part was using double pointed needles at the end. 

So don't let this scare you away from trying this pattern!!

All Day Beret

Here's a photo of the beret from yesterday.  I took it with my phone. I think it looks really cool.  Sophia asked if I would get it finished today.  I will try.
I am using the yarn that the pattern is written for but you could use any #4 yarn.  This yarn called Bamboo Ewe is a blend of bamboo and wool.  It knits very nicely.  The only thing I don't like is you cannot throw it in the washer.

All Day Beret

I am knitting this hat for Sophia. http://www.stitchnationyarn.com/Patterns/free-pattern-all-day-beret.html

It's an easy knit in the round hat.  So far it's looking very pretty.  I will post a photo of my work. 

The camera is in the car so i have to remind Frank to bring it up tonight.

My sock

After reading about Wendy's sock on Knit and Tonic. I thought I would post a photo of mine! Some of you know I am knitting this. I know I am making a mistake in the pattern but I will keep on knitting anyway!

This is a cuff down sock. I tried the magic cast on for toe up and had a hard time with it. I will have to sit down when I have mucho patience and try it again. I will post another photo in a few days! Wish me luck!
I think I just heard the mailman...I hope it's not another bill. We got our first Telecom bill and it was not what we expected....I should have known that they would not honor the deal they advertised!

Crocheted Market Totes

Here's the latest.

In the photo, I have finished the bag part and have started the top to put the handles on.

Crocheted Market Totes

Last night I had the urge to make something. It is getting too hot to knit. Litle P wanted to know why I haven't finshed her sweater. Like she is going to wear it now!

I remembered that I had seen a pattern in a mag that I wanted to make.

SO I found the magazine and the yarn. I haven't packed all my yarn yet, just in case.

And I got started.

This is what I have so far. I finished one circle and have started on another. You sew the 2 circles together, leaving a space to stuff the netting inside for when the bag is not in use.

I am using a yarn made from hemp, so it should be durable. I can stuff this into my luggage and have a bag to use when shopping whilst waiting for our shipment to arrive (once we have moved).

For a better look at this pattern check out this link ...http://www.knitsimplemag.com/node/163#7 it is about halfway down the page.

Tomorrow I will post another pic of my progress!

Knitting a Sweater

A few months ago I started crocheting a sweater for Little P with this yarn. I have the back finished and I am more than halfway through the front.

You can read the journey of that sweater here

http://litlequeenrules.blogspot.com/2009/01/knitting-and-crocheting.html and here http://litlequeenrules.blogspot.com/2009/01/small-disaster.html. It didn't come close to fitting. I don't know what I did wrong. I believe that this has happened before so that is why I rarely crochet clothing. I didn't want to waste the yarn so I decided to knit her a sweater. When she was a toddler I knit her this sweater.

The pattern has sizes from infants to adults. I am not using the same yarn as the pattern calls for but it is working out!

The pattern link:

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/60129AD.html?noImages=