Holiday Knitting: Pattern Favorites

Getting a jump on your holiday knitting can be satisfying and practical.  Part of the fun is looking for new and interesting patterns that would make the recipient of your gift ooh and ahh at there new hand knit item.  I've scoured Ravelry and my list of favorites and I've come up with a list of great patterns that are all free either as Ravelry downloads or hosted on other blogs.  What a perfect excuse to go yarn shopping and start a new project

Favorite Free Patterns 

doublepointed, River Run

Scarves and Shawls

Wingspan, Maylin Tri'Coterie Designs

Purl Ridge Scarf, Stephen West

Prim's Scarf, Julia Carlis

Riverrun, Erin McNellis

Boneyard Shawl, Stephen West

Maluka, Bea Schmidt

Brainfork Blog, Crenellated Hat

Hats

Turn a Square, Jared Flood

Crenellated Hat, J. Wilson

Regina, Carina Spencer

The Purl Bee, Color Block Hand Warmers

Hands and Legs

Cimidar, Melanie Berg

Urban Rustic Gloves, Sarah Sutherland

Color Block Handwarmers, Purl SoHo

Dashing, Cheryl Niamath

Brooklyn Tweed, Hemlock Ring Blanket 

Larger Projects

Abalone, Beata Jezek

Hemlock Ring Blanket, Jared Flood

Just Crafty Enough, Grumpasaurus

Wee Projects

Saarjte's Bootees, Saarjte de Bruijn

Garter Stitch Baby Kimono, Joji Locatelli

Grumpasaurus, Kat Lewinski

Blue Betty Blog, Lace Legs

Free Blue Betty Patterns

Sea Glass Cowl

Lace Legs

Easy Peasy Beanie

Easy As Pie Tam

Put a Bow On It

Give a Hoot Beanie

New Pattern: Tide Waters Tank

I have just released my newest knitting design, Tide Waters.  It's a knitters take on the corset, and because it's knit, it hugs your curves with out all the pinching.  Other than the shaping my other two favorite design element of this pattern are the lace panel and the I-cord edging at the neckline.

I started this design back in January.  The thought came to me one day at work, what would it look like to knit a corset.  Not a cinching corset, but a top that was comfortable that skimmed your curves and had the look of a corset with out all the boning and laces.

When I set out to design this pattern I looked at a lot of different types of corsets and how the were constructed.  Where was the boning placed and how much?  How drastic was the waist line decrease?  I even made a pintrest board of all my favorite corsets and designs.  This design process was new to me, and I soon realized that it helped me realize a few things about what I was going to design.

The design took a new direction than I thought it would.  I figured out that the construction of this top was going to be bottom up, with lots of waist and bust shaping and involve a bit of grafting.  This is so different from any of my previous designs and this type of construction, while not new to me, was different than I had originally intended.

The idea for the lace panel came toward the end of the sketching and swatching.  I thought the design needed a little umph.  A little lace in the front would do the trick, and it would be reminiscent of the decorative stomachers of the 1600-1700.  A happy accident followed and as I knit the sample the lace design shaped the fabric of the garment in such a way that it created a point at the hips and a subtle sweetheart neckline.

You can check out this pattern in my Etsy Shop under Tide Waters, or check it out on Ravelry.com just search Tide Waters in the pattern search.

P.S. The shorts in the photos are those purple shorts I sewed a few weeks ago.

Pattern Sneak Peek

Here is a quick little peek at my latest pattern.  This is just a fast and dirty photo that Simon helped me take, the pattern along with more photos will be released Monday March 19th.  I will have it in my Etsy shop and as  Ravelry download.

One of my favorite things about this new design is the way the neckline is knit.  The lace stitch used in the neckline and as an edging is my absolute favorite lace stitch.  I am so excited about this pattern and can't wait to release it.

Sewing the Steffi Jacket: Fear Based Procrastination

That's right I'm procrastinating, and it's because I'm scared, or at least nervous.  Sewing the muslin was easy, if I screwed it up it was no big deal the fabric only cost me $4, but if I screw up on the "real" jacket I'm out ten times that.  I guess it's this worry that is causing me to doubt my skills and my confidence.  I mean I made the Muslin with few difficulties and it came out pretty good.  I know this is all in my head so I took one step toward sewing this amazing garment.

I cut it out of the wool. 

 You have to start somewhere and If I am going to sew this jacket then I have to have the pieces to sew.  I was super mindful when I was cutting out this fabric too.  Making sure my grain lines were all lines up and parallel to salvage.  I even made sure I gave the right seam allowance to the back neck yoke piece. 

Taking my time and not hastily cutting out the pattern pieces really helped me feel better about starting this project.  I'm hoping to start sewing some of it today.  I know this fear is all in my head and once I start sewing I will get more confident with each seam.

Sneak Peak: Wintertide

These are the newest fingerless gloves samples for my newest pattern.  I love how fast this pattern knits up.  The yarn is Mirasol's Sulka, a bulk wool and silk blend, it's so warm and fluffy like a cloud.  These are great gifts because the yarn is so yummy and they knit up super fast.  As much as I would like to keep these guys I have plans of brightening someone's day by sending them a warm knit gift.

New Knitting Pattern: Harvest Mitts

I just released my newest pattern in my Esty shop.  The Harvest Mitts are a simple pattern with an fun twist on 2x2 ribbing.  I really enjoyed designing and knitting these. I love the simplicity of this design I might have to knit a pair in blue, or maybe purple.  I like the length of the mitt and think it would look great with a 3/4 length sleeve jacket.

Mirasol's Tupa is one of my all time favorite yarns.  The colors it comes in are beautiful and the hand is soft and luxurious both of these qualities I attribute to the blend of 50/50 merino wool and silk.  The harvest mitts only require one hank of Tupa which makes this a great gift project or a great and inexpensive way to enjoy a wonderful yarn. 

Sneak Peek: Harvest Mitts

Here's a quick look at my newest pattern the Harvest Mitts.  What I loved about designing them was the stitch pattern it's simple, has elasticity, and looks interesting.  This pattern will be out in my Etsy shop and on Ravelry on Friday October 14th.

(I've been in a yellow mood lately.)

New Look & October Giveaway!

I am trying out Bloggers new templet designer.  I'm still up in the air about it, the real reason I switched is because I wanted to change up my layout, but Blogger wouldn't let me do that with my old design so I had to "upgrade".  Expect a few tweeks here and there till I figure out what looks the best.

In other news I'm an October sponsor for One Pearl Button who also recently got a new look.  Also I'm planing some great patterns to be released this month and I'm starting to knit for November too. I love October, the leaves are changing, it's a great time for apple cider, I can wear my wooly sweaters, I start knitting more sweaters, and it's my birthday month.  In celebration of the month of October I am giving away a copy of the Saucy Librarian Sweater Knitting Pattern.  Leave me a comment about why you love October and I will pick a winner at random.  The winner will be announced on October 14th.  Good Luck!

New Pattern: Textured Triangle Scarf

Here it is! My newest pattern the Textured Triangle Scarf.  This pattern is a fun twist on a classic triangle shawl.  Knit from side to side it is an easy and interesting garment.  You can knit this shawl with any gauge yarn and needle although the pattern was designed with worsted weight yearn and size US 8 needles.  Check it out in my Etsy Shop.   

I aggressively blocked this shawl and now it it cuddly and I can't wait for the weather to be cool enough for me to wear it.!

Also, Congrats to Lee, winner of the pattern giveaway.  Email me with your choice of hat. 

Pattern Giveaway

That's right, my first pattern giveaway and a sneak peek at my newest pattern.  One lucky reader will receive their choice of the Hurricane Hat or the Peaks and Valleys Beanie.  All you need to do is comment below and I will pick a winner randomly and announce the winner on Friday's blog post along with releasing a new pattern.

The winner will also receive a copy of my newest pattern The Textured Triangle (pictured above) which will be in my etsy shop on Friday. Good Luck!  

New Pattern: Hurricane Hat

What a fitting day to release this pattern, it is good weather for ducks here in Philly and a perfect day for staying inside and knitting something cozy.  How about my newest pattern the Hurricane Hat.  I was inspired by the hurricane season here on the east coast and started to dream this up during hurricane Irene.  The swilring stitch pattern is what gives this hat its name sake and makes it fun to knit up. 

The pattern was designed using a bulky alpaca so it knits up pretty fast the gauge is three stitch to the inch.  What I like most about it (other than the stitch pattern) is the slouchy shape.  You can where is slouchy or fold up the brim for a more fitted look and extra warmth around your ears.  Check it out in my esty shop with my other patterns.

P.S. I am also giving away a free copy of the Southerly Tam knitting pattern over on One Pearl Button

New Pattern Sneak Peek

Here is a quick peek at my latest hat pattern.  It will be released in my Etsy store this Friday.  I was inspired by the hurricane season. 

New Pattern: Peaks and Valleys Beanie

Here it is, the Peaks and Valleys Beanie.  It is boy approved and is a fun and simple knit.  While I designed it with my Hubbie and guys in mind anyone can rock this hat.  The design element in the hat is executed with simple knits and purls which makes it a great hat for someone new to knitting.  It also knits up relitively quickly and is a great gift knit.

The motif of the beanie is reminiscent of mountain peaks and the valleys below.  You can find the pattern in my etsy shop.

Pattern Sneak Peek

Here's a quick pic of the new pattern I will be releasing this Friday.  This pattern is Simon approved, all I have to do now is convince him to model it for the photos. 

Put A Bow On It, A Knit Bow Headband

This is a great pattern to use if you have small amounts of yarn hanging about in your stash, or if you have any yarn left over from your latest projects. It is also a quick knit if you are in need of a gift or just want something to spruce up your outfit for the day.

Gauge and fiber are up to you in this pattern, all I would suggest is that you use the appropriate needle for the yarn you choose, and if you use a cotton or another plant fiber you might want to feed some elastic into the I-cord of the head band. Just remember that the thicker the yarn and the larger the needle the bigger your bow will be.
The yarn I used was a dk weight silk wool blend I had left over from making my mom a scarf. I used a size 5 needle.

Put A Bow On It
Bow
CO 11 sts
Work in seed stitch till bow measures 4 inches
Seed Stitch
Row 1 & 2: K *P, K* repeat *to* to end of row
Bind Off
Weave in ends

Bow Center
CO 6 sts
work I-cord for about 5 rounds or till the tube measures about 3/4 inches
Bind off
Weave in ends

Pull the 4 inch piece through the small I-cord tube you have just made. Center the piece of I-cord and arrange gathers on the 4 inch piece to form a bow. Set aside.

I-cord head band
Using a provisional cast on, CO 4 sts
Work I-cord till it measures the circumference of your head minus one inch.
DO NOT bind off
Assembling the head band
Feed the I-cord through the bows center I-cord. Take out provisional cast on and graft live stitches together using kitchner stitch. Arrange bow on head band to a desirable position and look. Now you have a fab hair accessory!

New Knitting Pattern: Heat Wave

Here it is! My latest pattern the Heat Wave. I absolutely love how this top came out. I would suggest this pattern for an intermediate knitter mostly because of the lace pattern at the top, but a beginner with an adventurous spirit and a good handle on the basics of lace could knit this cute top.

You can find my new pattern in two places my Etsy shop and on Ravelry.com just search for Heat Wave or bluebettyshop.

This may become my favorite top this summer. The yarn is Knit Picks Shine Sport with is 60% Pima Cotton, 40% Modal. It's machine washable, soft and the modal gives this yarn a sheen almost like silk. It also comes in a plethora of colors so the combinations for this top are endless.


The pattern comes in five sizes and is worn with little to no ease so I suggest knitting the size closest to your bust measurement.

Sneak Peek

Here is a sneak peek at the pattern that will be released in my Etsy and Ravelry shop tomorrow. Check back tomorrow for more details.

New Pattern Coming Soon

This square of knitted fabric is actually my new pattern folded up waiting to be worn for photos. The release is planed for Tuesday April 12th. Check back on Monday for a sneak peek of the new design.

South St Set

Completed and Listed! There it is the South St Set, Tam and Mittens knitting pattern. I had such a fun time designing and knitting these. The yarn I think is what really made it enjoyable. You can check out this patterns stats in my esty shop. There are three new listings the South St Set with is both the tam and the mittens or you can just get your favorite. The South St Tam is easy to knit with a simple textured stitch pattern that keeps this pattern interesting, and the South St. Mittens are knit with out a gusset. All the stitches you need for the mitt you cast on at the beginning. Great for that advanced beginner who wants to start knitting in the round.

If you are in the Philly area you should stop in to Nangellini and see them in person and check out all of the "Nancy's Hair" Sock Yarn.

Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek of the latest design. Should be up in the shop tomorrow just putting the finishing touches on it now.