I've just started some dk weight toe-up socks in preparation for the toe-up class I'll be teaching this summer. They've got a 6-stitch cable, and two twists. I'm excited to see how they turn out!

MATERIALS:
1 skein bulky weight yarn
(I used Classic Elite Yarns: Wynter in 7613 Black)
size 9 needles
crochet hook
scrap yarn
tapestry needle

GAUGE:
6 sts & 5 rows = 1 inch

PATTERN:
Do a provisional cast on (chain 15 sts).
Knit into first 7 sts, turn.
Row 1(RS): k1, *p1, k1.
Row 2(WS): p1, *k1, p1.

Repeat these two rows for a total of 6 rows.
Cut yarn.

With WS facing, knit into last 7 sts on chain.
Work same as first side, for a total of 6 rows.

Now you will be working over both 7 st sections, joining them together.
Row 7 (RS): (k1, p1) 3 times, kfb, k1, (p1, k1) 3 times.
Row 8 (WS): Work in rib patt (k the knits & p the purls).
Row 9 (RS): Work over 7 sts in rib patt, m1R, p1, m1L, work last 7 sts in rib patt.
Row 10 (WS): Same as row 8.
Row 11 (RS): Work over 6 sts, kfb, k1, p1, kfb, work over last 7 sts.
Row 12 (WS): Same as rows 8 & 10.
**You now have a total of 19 sts.

Continue in rib patt until headband measures 15.75," ending on a WS row.

Next row (RS): Work 8 sts in rib patt, k2tog, p1, ssk, work 8 sts.
(WS): Work in rib patt (k the knits & p the purls).
(RS): Work 6 sts, k2tog, p1, ssk, work 6 sts.
(WS): Work in rib patt (k the knits & p the purls).

You will now be dividing the headband into separate pieces, so that it looks the same as the cast-on edge.
(RS): Work 6 sts, k2tog, work 7 sts.
(WS): Work 7 sts, turn.
Row 1(RS): k1, *p1, k1.
Row 2(WS): p1, *k1, p1.

Work for a total of 6 rows, ending with a RS row.
Cut yarn and move to other side, starting on a WS row.
Work for a total of 6 rows, ending with a RS row.
Kitchener these two ends together.

Now take one of the sides at the cast-on edge and put it through the hole at the end of the headband. Loop the symmetrical side around and kitchener them shut. Weave in ends. Ta-da!

This is called Chicago hat because the majority of it was made on my most recent trip to the Windy City. It is a quick and easy knit with a broken rib pattern, and an i-cord tail on top.



MATERIALS:
2 skeins fingering weight yarn in contrasting colors
(I used Baa Ram Ewe Titus in Aire and Classic Elite Mohawk in 3306 Oatmeal)
16" circular needles in sizes 4 (3.5 mm) and 6 (4.0 mm)
double pointed needles in size 6 (4.0 mm)
tapestry needle
stitch marker

PATTERN:
With smaller needles, CO 110 sts using both strands of yarn together
Begin 1x1 rib : *p1, k1 around
Repeat until hat measures 2"

Switch to larger needles and work in a broken rib pattern:
Row 1: k all sts
Row 2: *p1, k1 around

Repeat these 2 rows until hat measures 6.5" ending with row 2

Decrease rows:
Row 1:   *k8, k2tog around
Row 2:   *p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k2 around
Row 3:   *k7, k2tog around
Row 4:   *p1, k1 around
Row 5:   *k6, k2tog around
Row 6:   *p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k2 around
Row 7:   *k5, k2tog around
Row 8:   *p1, k1 around
Row 9:   *k4, k2tog around
Row 10: *p1, k1, p1, k2 around
Rpw 11: *k3, k2tog around
Row 12: *p1, k1, k2tog around
Row 13: *k1, k2tog around
Row 14: *k2tog around
Row 15: *k2tog around
Row 16: *k2tog around

You should now have only 3 sts left. Make 1/2" i-cord tail on top of hat, then knot and fold downward to create small loop. Bring end through to inside and weave in ends with tapestry needle.

I was recently asked to donate two items for an auction fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic here in Pittsburgh. I picked out some beautiful Malabrigo Arroyo yarn and have been working on them for a few days! I'm making a hat and matching fingerless mitts. Here's the progress I've made thus far.


What are you working on?

Kylen

MATERIALS
2 skeins DK weight yarn, in different colors (I used Filatura Di Crosa Zara yarn (137 yds) in : 1469 Dark Heather Gray (MC) and 1667 Pale Silver Heather (CC)).
Size 4 (3.5 mm) needles
Crochet hook
20" strand of scrap yarn

For this pattern, you will be using a somewhat difficult technique to knit the tie, called double knitting. Here is a tutorial in case you are unfamiliar.

Use a provisional cast-on with a scrap piece of yarn, knitting into each provisional stitch with both strands of yarn (MC + CC) together. CO 12 sts with both strands, for a total of 24 single sts.
Arrange your sts so that they alternate colors (MC, CC, MC, CC, MC, CC)
Your knits will be one color, and your purls, the other color.
Every row will be: *k1, p1; rpt from * to end of rnd
NOTE : Be sure to twist the two strands of yarn around each other at the end of each row in order to close the gap.

BODY OF TIE
Row 1: k with MC into MC stitch. Bring both strands of yarn to front of needle. P1 with CC into CC stich. Then, bring both strands of yarn to the back, and k1 with MC into MC stitch. Repeat this until the end of the row.
Row 2: k with CC into CC stitch. Bring both strands of yarn to front of needle. P1 with MC into MC stich. Then, bring both strands of yarn to the back, and k1 with CC into CC stitch. Repeat this until the end of the row.

*Repeat these two rows five times.*

Row 11: You will now be doing a stripe of the opposite color. Where you usually knit with the MC, you'll knit with the CC, and vice versa. So, k with CC into MC stitch. Bring both strands of yarn to front of needle. P1 with MC into CC stich. Then, bring both strands of yarn to the back, and k1 with CC into MC stitch. Repeat this until the end of the row.

Row 12: Knit with MC into MC st and with CC into CC st, as you did in rows 1-10.

Row 13: k with MC into CC stitch. Bring both strands of yarn to front of needle. P1 with CC into MC stich. Then, bring both strands of yarn to the back, and k1 with MC into CC stitch. Repeat this until the end of the row.

Row 14: Knit with MC into MC st and with CC into CC st, as you did in rows 1-10.

*Repeat these 14 rows until tie measures 57-60", depending on the height of the individual.*

POINT OF TIE
Divide sts onto two dpns
Instead of double knitting, knit these sides separately.

Row 1: Needle 1 (with MC)- k1, ssk, k until last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Repeat on Needle 2 with CC. Then, twist strands together before next rnd.
Row 2: Needle 1 (with MC) - purl all sts with MC. Repeat on Needle 2 with CC. Then, twist strands together before next rnd.

Repeat these two rows until you have only four stitches left on each needle.
Next row: k2tog twice on each needle.
Next row: k2tog
Next row: knit the last two sts together.
Last row: knit together last stitch from both needles.
Cut yarn and thread through remaining st.

FINISHING
Take out provisional cast-on at beginning of tie and use Kitchener stitch to graft the sts together.

Cut yarn and weave in ends. Block.


Feel free to comment with questions!

Kylen

A friend and I are doing a knit-a-long with the Short Row Sweater from purlbee.com. I am using Berroco Fiora in Buford  (3818).

I am knitting size M/L, while also lengthening it as I go. I'm a little worried for the end product since this yarn is 40% cotton and has the potential to stretch. But fingers crossed!

It's a lot of stockinette, but the wrap and turns each row keep things interesting. It has a very interesting construction which I cannot wait to do! This is a great project to do while in front of the TV. (I've been knitting it on the bus). I am about 75 % of the way to the armholes!
Check back in the upcoming weeks to see my progress.

What are you guys working on?


Kylen