Baby Blanket Pattern

You have no idea how many baby blankets we help knit here at the store.  I often scribble a pattern for blanket knitter.  This time, I took a picture of the finished project so we can now post a simple pattern but made with pretty yarn then transforms into a beautiful gift. 

Easy Baby Blanket


Suggested materials:

• Us 9 needles (24 to 32 inch circular)

• 800 yards worsted weight yarn. (suggested  yarns include Lorna's Laces Shepard Worsted or
Blue Sky Worsted Cotton)

• Darning needle

• Stitch markers (not necessary but useful for keeping pattern correct)

Gauge: 4 stitches equal 1 inch

Note: If you use stitch markers, place them after k4, and then after each ten stitches until 4 remain.

With US 9 needles, Cast on 128 stitches

Knit 6 rows

Next row k4 * k10, p10 repeat from * to last 4 stitches

Repeat last row 9 more times

Next row k4 * p10 , k10 repeat from * to last 4 stitches

Repeat last row 9 more times

Repeat last 20 rows until desired length (sample blanket measures 40" long)

Knit 6 row.

Bind off all stitches.

Weave in all ends and block lightly.

Pattern designed by Marie Connolly, Stitch DC

Published March 2011

Finished blanket knit by Irene Kim

I "heart" fiber

I also love Valentine's day. So this Valentine's Day, spend a weekend of fiber with Stitch DC.

Saturday At Capitol Hill:

* We "heart" fiber workshop.... Join us for a yarn tasting... a little worsted, lace, cotton, and cashmere... Better than chocolate because NO CALORIES! Marie will be sharing mini skeins of old and new favorites. From 12 to 2 pm -- $20 per seat / Call to reserve your seat. No more than 10 people in the workshop.

* Learn to knit Entrelac... I've been playing a lot with entrelac. I'll share my new hat pattern with the class and teach everyone some simple tips to make entrelac as easy as knitting stockinette stitch! A free class with the purchase of materials at the the Store... 2:30 to 4:30.

Sunday At Capitol Hill:

* Join us for our first Craft Along... Cables and stuff...

Here is how it will work...

Step 1: Pick a cabled pattern... For beginners, it could be the mega cabled scarf or the cabled beret (two patterns by Stitch DC) this new free pattern from Vogue Knitting or maybe this one, SILVI from the Twist Collective.

Step 2: Marie will help you pick yarns and swatch bigger projects and understand the cabled patterns.

Step 3: Knit along with us on on Sunday.

This is a free workshop/class* at Capitol Hill from 1-3 pm.

*Classes given at Stitch DC are designed for our materials and supplies. We thank you for supporting our store. Free classes and workshops are held for the enjoyment of students who work with yarn purchased from the store.

Free Pattern and New Yarn

Back in Georgetown -- TWINKLE SOFT CHUNKY...


So big and soft, you can create something beautiful and best of all it's a super quick knit! Here is one great idea for a Holiday gift or a beautiful house-warming gift.

(photo credit Twinkle Yarns and Classic Elite Yarns)

New Yarn and A Free Pattern

Just in at both stores -- Loop-D-Loop Yarns by Tahki Stacy Charles and the fabulous knitwear designer Teva Durham. We were lucky enough to have Teva visit our store when her first book came out. Now we have her yarns in stock.

And I found a few free patterns to tempt you!

1. Argyle hat and scarf pattern from Tahki Stacy Charles website

2. Teva Durham's Cabled Capelet from knittingdaily.com

New Yarn at Georgetown and A Free Pattern!

We just delivered 23 colors of Lana D'Oro to Georgetown. And I found this perfect autumn cardigan pattern. The pattern is free; the yarn is $9/skein.

Each skein has 219 yards and the pattern requires 8 skeins... that's a hand knit sweater for less than $75 compared to the the handknits selling next store at Ralph Lauren for over $500.

New Free Pattern & New Free Class

Come and de-stress at Stitch DC this Saturday from 2-4 pm. We'll learn how to Fair Isle and Felt. I love the combination because felting airbrushes imperfections away. Exactly what we need during these stressful times!

So here is the purse before felting. And below you'll find our the easy pattern too! We used 1 skein of O-wool classic and 1 Skein of Crystal Palace Taos. Elise is making a second purse with the leftovers!

Another great idea for holiday gifts -- two purses for less than $25 worth of yarn!

Felted Fair Isle Purse

Designed by Marie Connolly, Stitch DC

Yarn: 1 skein each of two different skeins of 100% wool.

Sample used: O-Wool Classic for the Main Color and Crystal palace Taos for the Contract Color.

US 11 circular knitting needles

Gauge: pre felting -- 14 sts and 20 rows=4" in Stockinette stitch.

Cast on 45 stitches with Main Color, place marker, cast on 45 stitches with main color, Place second marker and join round. Knit in the round in stockinette stitch for 3”

Next row join Contrast color and start fair Isle Motif. The repeat is 15 stitches across, so you’ll have 3 repeats on each side.

After working 17 rows of motif, work 1 inch in main color. Next row knit 15, bind off 15, work 30 stitches, bind off 15, knit to end.

HANDLE: Next row: Knit 15, cast on 15 stitches, knit 30, cast on 15 stitches and knit to end. Work 1 more inch and bind off loosely.

Sew bottom seam. Weave in ends.

Now let’s Felt the purse –

1. put in a lingerie bag and wash with a small amount of detergent in Hot Water in washer machine.

2. Wash for about 5 minutes.

3. Stop machine and check purse.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until desired size and texture. The more times you repeat the steps the smaller and tighter it will get. Take care between 3-4 washes as the purse will also felt at a faster rate the more times you wash it.

5. Rinse in cold water.

6. Shape purse and set to dry.

(

(chart thanks to Amber)

An original design by Marie Connolly. All rights reserved, Copyright 2008. For personal use only.

Another Free Project

This is a free pattern from Wendy Bernard. A talented designer with a new book -- Custom Knits -- and great blog with fantastic patterns. Here is a free pattern available from the book!

If not for the ever-expanding belly -- today marks 6 months -- I'd make this one for myself. Oh well, I'll live vicariously thru all of you. Come and share your knitting.

Oh, and some yarn suggestions to help tempt the knitter, Blue Sky silk alpaca, Jade Sapphire 4 ply cashmere, karabella margrite just to name a few.

Enjoy!

(photo credit to: Stewart Tabori and Chang and Wendy Bernard)

Not a Sock Beret

Yes, I love berets. And I also love to find other things to make with Sock Yarn. So here is my creation.

Marie's Not a Sock Beret

Materials: 1 skein Lornas Laces and 1 skein Kid Seta
US size 4 (3.5 mm) 16” circular US size 6 (4.0 mm) 16” circular US size 6 (4.0 mm) set of double pointed needles
Gauge: 6 stitches per inch using US 4, and 5 stitches per inch using US 6

Instructions: Using US 4 circular needle, cast on 120 stitches. Place marker and join in the round, taking care not to twist stitches.
Row1: * K1, P1 repeat from * around. Repeat row 1 until brim measures 1 1/2 inches.
Increase Row: K2, m1 (make 1 increase), repeat from to end of row. (180stitches)

Change to US 6 and knit until beret measures 3 ½” from cast on row.

As you decrease, you will need to transfer to double pointed needles when beret can no longer be comfortably knit using the circular needle.

Decrease Rounds: K3, k2tog, repeat from to end of round. (144 stitches)

Knit 8 rounds.

Next round: K2, k2tog, repeat from to end of round. (108 stitches)

Knit 8 rounds.

Next round: K1, k2tog, repeat from to end of round. (72 stitches)

Knit 6 rounds.

Next round: K2tog, repeat from to end of round. (36 stitches)

Knit 4 rounds.

Next Round: K2tog, repeat from to end of round. (18 stitches)

Repeat last round. (9 stitches)
Cut yarn leaving 4” tail. Pull tail thru remaining live stitches and weave in end on the underside. Enjoy!

Feels like Fall... Things to do this weekend

Lots of classes this weekend at Stitch DC. Our Craft Along classes are free. Classes are a great way to learn a new technique and meet other crafters. Hope to see you this weekend!

Saturday At Capitol Hill....
1. Our ongoing Mitten Along -- Join in or come share your progress. Capitol Hill / Saturday from 1-3
2. Ongoing Cable Along -- such as success last week, never cabled this is the class for you. A very fast scarf and we are completely restocked with Cascade Magnum. Capitol Hill / Saturday from 2-4
3. Class #2 of the Hemlock Blanket -- Rachel will help you grow your doily into a beautiful blanket.

Saturday at Georgetown
There are still a few slots in the Fair Isle Class.

Sunday at Capitol Hill
Our fabulous Blanket Along class. Another month, another swatch. Still working on the pattern so you'll have to come to the class to see the final piece. It's free and you can join anytime. This started out at 2008 Blanket Along. After many requests, I'll probably extend the class into 2009 too. So it's never to late to start. Capitol Hill / Sunday / 2-4:30

Cabled Scarf

For the newbie cabler or seasoned veteran, a fun quick (maybe holiday) free project. If you like this project or want to learn more about how you can join the cabling craze, join us for our All Things Cabled this Saturday from 1-3. The free event will include cabling demonstrations, pattern reading, cable designing and more. Saturday, September 13 / 1-3 pm/ Stitch DC Capitol Hill / This event is free, come and enjoy good company and learn or improve a few knitting skills!

MEGA CABLED SCARF

designed by Marie Connolly

Materials: 1 skein Cascade Magnum, US 19 Knitting Needle, Cable Needle, Darning Needle and Large Pom-Pom Maker.

With large needle, cast on 12 stitches.

Row 1: Purl

Row 2: Knit

Row 3: CF8 (slip 4 stitches on cable holder, hold in front, knit 4 stitches from left hand needle, k4 from cable holder), K4

Row 4: Purl

Row 5: Knit

Row 6: Purl

Row 7: Knit

Row 8: Purl

Row 9: K4, CB8 (slip 4 stitches onto cable needle, hold in back, knit 4 stitches from left hand needle, k4 from cable needle)

Row 10: Purl

Row 11: Knit

Row 12: Purl

Row 13: Knit

Row 14: Purl

Repeat from row 3 to row 14 until desired length.

To Finish, work row 3, 4, and 5 and bind off.

Cinch cast on and cast off edges and attach large pom-pom.

Weave in ends and Enjoy.

Free Mitten Pattern

Just in at Stitch DC Capitol Hill -- PolarKnit. The yarn is soft and cozy, knits up fast, dries quickly, and is super warm! Made with the great outdoors in mind, the yarn has a tight knit construction that provides 4 times the wind resistance of traditional fleece. Its amazing comfort will keep you happy during a walk in the park or a day on the slopes.
Rain, wind, or snow you’re prepared with PolarKnit!


How about using the PolarKnit for Mittens. Here is a great free pattern to try out.

Just remember, Stitch DC's mitten knit along on the 16th of August at Capitol Hill from 1-3pm.

If you want to join, just pick up the materials at Stitch DC and mention this blogpost to receive 10% off your purchase. The knitalong is FREE, I just ask that you support the store with your yarn and tools purchase. If you want to knit other mittens, just bring the pattern, we'll help you find the right yarn and needles. All are welcome!

Vogue Knitting Mitten Along

There is always room for a new one project...Especially if it's mittens.

The woman who taught me to knit at Girl Scout so many years ago also knit mittens. The first brisk Fall day, she would show up at school with handknit mittens for the entire class (Her youngest son was in class from 1st to 8th grades). So in honor of Mrs. Hunter, let's knit mittens.

As I stated yesterday, I want to knit these mittens. And it looks like some of you do too. So, how about we start our knit along on the 16th of August at Capitol Hill from 1-3pm . I'm using O-wool 2ply for mine. I've started to swatch -- sorry no photo to share.

If you want to join, just pick up the materials at Stitch DC and mention this blogpost to receive 10% off your purchase. You'll need to also buy the pattern -- we have copies at both stores but they go fast. The knitalong is FREE, I just ask that you support the store with your yarn and tools purchase. If you want to knit other mittens, just bring the pattern, we'll help you find the right yarn and needles. All are welcome!

Happy Fourth of July

I love the Fourth of July. The Fireworks, hotdogs and Nora's Lemonade stand. Just a fun day with the family.
So Stitch DC will be closed on the 4th so staff can enjoy the summertime festivities. We'll be back in the stores at 11:00 am on Saturday and open for business.
If you are looking for something quick to knit and wear for the 4th, the pin flag shown above is a perfect project. Thanks to Vogue Knitting for the pattern that can be found here. Make a couple and give them to friends. You'll be a hit!

June Blanket Craftalong

As you may know, Stitch DC is sponsoring a FREE class each month where Marie teaches a new Knit and Crochet Stitch to be used in a swatch for a blanket. We are now 6 months into the project. Join anytime. Just come in. All we ask that you support the store with a purchase of yarn for each swatch.

Here is an easy one for June. I made it simple so you can all have a chance to catch up on previous months. Have fun...

June 2008 Blanket Craft Along Patterns
Suggested Materials:Knit Swatch
200 yds of worsted weight yarn
US 8 knitted needle
Darning Needle

Crochet Swatch
200 yds of worsted weight yarn
G or H Hook
Darning Needle

KNIT MITERED SQUARE [makes 6" (12") squares. For larger square work the stitches inside the parenthesis]
Cast on 60 (120) stitches.
Row 1: Knit 1 row
Row 2: Knit 28 (58), k2tog (TWICE), k28 (58)
Row 3 and every ODD row: Knit
Row 4: K27 (57), k2tog (Twice), k27(57)
Row 6: K26 (56), k2tog (Twice), k to end.
Row 8: K25 (55), k2tog (Twice), k to end.
Row 10: K24 (54), k2tog (Twice), k to end.
Continue as established knitting 1 less stitch, knitting 2 decreases, and knitting to end on all Even rows and knitted all Odd rows until you have only 4 st remain, and you're on the Even Row side.
K 2 tog, K 2 tog, Turn.
K 2 st. Turn
K 2 tog.


CROCHETED MITERED SQUARE
Chain 2.
Row 1: 3 sc in 2nd chain from hook, ch1, turn.
Row 2: 1 sc in 1st stitch, 3sc in next stitch, 1 sc in last stitch, chain1, turn.
Row 3: 1 sc in each of the 1st two stitches, 3 sc in next stitch (center stitch), sc in last two stitches.
Row 4: 1 sc in 1st 3 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch (center stitch), sc to end, chain 1, turn.
Continue as in Row 4 working 1 sc in each stitch EXCEPT the center stitch, in which you work 3 sc. Continue until square measures desired length.

Abbreviations:
BO: Bind Off
CO: Cast on
Ch: Chain
DC: Double Crochet
K: Knit
K2tog: Knit the next two stitches together
P: Purl
P3tog: Purl 3 stitches together
SC: Single Crochet
Sl St: Slip Stitch
YO: Yarn Over

Next Class:
Sunday, July 27, 2:00 to 4:45 pm

Prepared by Stitch DC

Let's Celebrate -- Party, Sale and Fun

Stitch DC opened in June 2004. I've been so lucky to have enjoyed 4 years of great crafting with so many new friends. June has been so busy that I nearly didn't have a party to celebrate. So better late than never, I say!

What better way to celebrate, then with a blow-out sale! 10-70% off everything in Capitol Hill. We have cool cottons, shimmery silks, wonderful wools, beautiful bamboo and truly terrific tools.

When: June 28 and 29th
Where: Stitch DC Capitol Hill. The biggest and most diverse selection!
Why: To celebrate 4 years and many more to come!

Other Events this weekend:
Beside a super-duper sale (10-70% off), we have some fantastic free events at Stitch DC Capitol Hill.
Saturday 1-3 pm: Free Fair Isle Along with Marie
Sunday 2-4 pm: Free Blanket Craft Along.

I also suspect snacks and treats and some free giveaways on Saturday and Sunday. Giveaways will be from 1-4 pm both days!.

Thank you again for supporting Stitch DC over the past 4 years. This year will be something special. Stitch DC's first book is scheduled for release in November 2008.


I designed all 30 patterns in THE EXPECTANT KNITTER. (and yes, that's Coley on the cover!)

Also look for my designs in Interweave Knits in the Fall 2008 as well as Living Crafts Magazine Fall 2008 issue.

We also have great new yarns and old favorites arriving in the stores almost everyday as we get ready for the Fall Season.

And the Stitch DC family is expanding again... Not another store... No just another baby. I'm the Expectant Knitter again this fall.

Happy Crafting and Thanks Again,
Marie

Stitches.... Some I like and some I don't

Just a little ramble today. Everyday, I think about stitch patterns. New patterns for my designs; or what will be this month's Stitch DC blanket pattern stitch; or someone needs help with a stitch pattern. I can handle all these questions. I love to try new stitch patterns. I have a few sites that I check out for new ideas like VOGUE KNITTING or reference books such the HARMONY GUIDES or classic Barbara Walker TREASURIES.

Last night, I learned a new stitch. It was a multiple of 4. After working them for many hours last night, I hope I never have to do it again. It took 2 doctors and many nurses. No knitting needles were involved. Cole had a fall at the house and needed 4 stitches just below the eye. He was a trooper at the emergency room. Alan brought him in all bloody but my little guy was smiling and happy. It was until the doctors (who were all great!) got close that he became upset and showed how loud he could be.

So thanks everyone about Wednesday's late night that was cut a little short. I also missed the fedex drop off for a new design project. That will go out today instead. If I missed anything else, I'm sorry. We have a doctor's appointment this morning at 11 am and then I'll be around to post out STASH CLUB for JUNE.

Also, just a reminder, this weekend at Stitch DC Capitol Hill...
1. Saturday-- FREE Fair Isle Along from 1 to 3:30
2. Sunday -- 2008 FREE Blanket Craft Along -- I'm working on the stitches for JUNE.
3. And maybe something more at Capitol Hill. More news tomorrow.

More News about the Fair Isle Along at Stitch DC

I'm writing the pattern right now. I just got the first shipment of Milan. Here they are in order... Little Red Ridinghood, Stormy Waters, Parrot Tulip, Multi-Ginger..





Here is a photo of my swatch...
-- I used Black Cherry and Parrot Tulips.

So about the class. I'm designing the sweater. Some of you previewed a baby version. It will be a yoke (round neck) with fair isle motif around the neckline, waist and wrists. It will be a pullover (for you steekers, I'll also have a cardigan version). This is a modern fitted fair isle. It will fall fashionably at the high hip with a little swing at the hip, it will shape in at the waist and then the neckline will be a bit more open and flattering. I'm working on sizes from 34 - 42 chest.

Here is a very rough sketch of the pattern.


The class will start June 14 at 2:00 pm. To participate in this free class, simply call the store or stop by to pick up your fair isle sweater kit yarn and we'll have fun knitting together.

Fair Isle Along at Stitch DC Capitol Hill

A few crafters from Capitol Hill's Late night have convinced me to do a fair Isle Knit along in the store.... Some brave crafters wanted to learn fair isle knitting, knitting in the round, perhaps continental knitting (either way is okay with me) and steeking. This will be a 2 month class starting the second week of June (Sundays -- i think)(free as long as project materials are bought in the store). We will meet bi-weekly to answer questions and keep pace with our Stitch DC custom fair isle sweater.

For the class, I'm designing with Tilli Tomas Milan yarns (a yummy blend of silk, cashmere and merino -- wonderful fibers!) a custom tunic length Fair Isle yoke sweater. The great part of the sweater is that the fair isle sections are working in a multi-hued yarn. Some lucky late nighters got to preview a baby version of the sweater.

If you are interested please contact me about the yarn selection -- we will be working with Tilli Tomas Milan-- a solid and a multi. I've place my initial order of Milan and can order more.

Note -- this is not the only class for the season. I'm busy working out the rest of the schedule but

May Blanket Along

We are into the 5th month of our 2008 free blanket craftalong.

Here are May's Patterns.

Suggested Materials
Knit Swatch
200 yards of a worsted weight yarn
US 8
Darning Needle
Cable Needle if you want it

Crochet Swatch
200 yards of a worsted weight yarn
G, H, I Hook
Darning Needle


KNIT STITCH: HONEYCOMB
(Multiples of 8 stitches plus 6 [3 at each end])

C4F: Cable 4 Front : Slip 2 stitches on cable needle. Hold in front of work. Knit 2 from left hand needle and then 2 from cable needle.
C4B: Cable 4 Back: Slip 2 stitches on cable needle. Hold in back of work. K2 from left hand needle and then 2 from cable needle

Row1 (WS): p1, k1, p1, purl 16, p1, k1, p1
Row 2: (RS): p1, k1, p1 *C4B, C4F, repeat from * to last three stitches, p1, k1, p1
Row 3: p1, k1, p1, purl to last three stitches, p1, k1, p1
Row 4: p1, k1, p1, kni to last three stitches, p1, k1, p1
Row 5: p1, k1, p1, purl to last three stitches, p1, k1, p1
Row 6: (RS): p1, k1, p1 *C4F, C4B, repeat from * to last three stitches, p1, k1, p1
Row 7: p1, k1, p1, purl to last three stitches, p1, k1, p1
Row 8: p1, k1, p1, kni to last three stitches, p1, k1, p1
Row 9: p1, k1, p1, purl to last three stitches, p1, k1, p1
Work 1-9 then repeat from rows 2 - 9

For the class, cast on 22 stitches and work 9 rows. Then measure to determine how many stitches to repeat the 8 stitches to make a 6” or 12” swatch.


Crochet Stitch: Double Treble pattern
(Multiple of 6 stitches plus 1)
DTR: yo3 times, insert hook in next st, yo and draw up a loop (5 loops on hook), [yo, and draw thru 2 loops on hook] 3 times, yo and draw thru remaining 2 loops.
DTR Cluster (dtr cl): yo 3 times, insert hook in next stitch, yo and draw up a loop, [yo and draw thru first 2 loops on hook]3 times, *yo 3 times , insert hook in same stitch, yo and draw up a loop, [yo and draw thru first 2 loops on hook] 3 times; repeat from * 2 times; yo and draw thru all 4 loops on hook.
Double DTR cluster (ddtr, cl): 3 dtr in same sc as last dtr clu until 1 loop on each st. remaining (4 loops on hook), sk5 sc, 3 dtr in next sc until 1 loop of each remaining on hook (7 loops on hook), yo and draw thru all 7 loops.



Pattern: (multiple of 6 stitches, plus 1)
Row1: (WS): ch1, sc in each sc across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dtr), sk first 3 sc, dtr cl in next sc, ch5 *Ddtr cl, ch5; rep from * to last 3sc; 3 dtr in same sc as last cl until 1 loop of each rem on hook (4 loops on hook), dtr, in last sc until 5 loops remain on hook, yo, and draw thru all 5 loops, turn.
Row 3: ch1, sc in top of dtr cl, 5sc in 5 ch space, *sc in top of ddtr cl, 5 sc in ch 5 space; repeat from * to last group, sc in 5ch of turning chain; turn.
Row 4: ch1, sc in each sc across, turn
Repeat rows 1-4.

Chain 13 and work 2 repeats of the 4 rows. Measure and chain for your swatch.

Late Night

No not a review of Letterman. Just a reminder that Stitch DC hosts two late nights each week.

Cap Hill is open to 8:30pm every Wednesday and I love the crafters who come and keep me company and often help me lock up at 8:30.

Georgetown is open to 9:00pm every Thursday, as I often have classes I don't get to Georgetown every Thursday but in Jess's absence, I will be hosting late night tonight in G'town. Hope to see you there!