Gratis Knits: Fall 2009

Asymmetrical Cabled Collar
by Sara Morris
(this pattern is also available as a PDF)

Sizes:
13.5" long by 4" high on narrow end and 6" high on wide end.

Yarn:
1 skein of ShibuiKnits Merino Alpaca (131 yds / 120m per 3.5 oz / 100g skein)

Needles:
5.5mm/ US 9 needles

Gauge:
20 sts/ 26 rnds = 4" in St st (in the rnd)

Notions:
1” button
Tapestry needle
Cable needle


Abbreviations:

BO – bind off
CO - cast on
C4f – cable 4 sts front (slip 2 sts onto cable needle, hold in front, k2, k2 off of cable needle)
K - knit
K2tog - knit 2 together
P - purl
Pf&b - purl into the front and back of the stitch
Ssk – slip, slip, knit 2 sts together through back
St(s) - stitch(es)
YO – yarn over
W&t – wrap & turn

--------------------------------------------------------

Directions:

CO 72 sts.
Rows 1 & 3: K6, *p2, k4, (p2, k2) twice* four times, p2, k4, p2, k2.
Rows 2 & 4: P2, k2, p4, k2, *(p2, k2) twice, p4, k2* four times, p6.
Row 5: K6, *p2, c4f, (p2, k2) twice* four times, p2, c4f, p2, k2.
Row 6: P2, k2, p4, k2, p2, k2, p2, w&t.
Row 7: K2, p2, k2, p2, k4, p2, k2.
Row 8: P2, k2, p4, k2, p2, w&t.
Row 9: K2, p2, k4, p2, k2.
Row 10: P2, k2, p4, w&t.
Row 11: c4f, p2, k2.
Row 12: P2, k2, p4, k2, *(p2, k2) twice, p4, k2* four times, p6. [On this row knit the wraps together with their sts]
Rows 13 - 17: repeat rows 1 - 5.
Row 18: P2, k2, p4, k2, *(p2, k2) twice, p4, k2* four times, p6.
Row 19: K6, *p2, k4, (p2, k2) twice* four times, p2, k2og, yo, ssk, p2, k2.
Row 20: P2, k2, p1, pf&b into yo from previous row, p1, k2, *(p2, k2) twice, p4, k2* four times, p6.
Row 21: K6, *p2, k4, (p2, k2) twice* four times, p2, k4, p2, k2.
Row 22: P2, k2, p4, k2, *(p2, k2) twice, p4, k2* four times, p6.
Row 23: K6, *p2, c4f, (p2, k2) twice* four times, p2, c4f, p2, k2.
Rows 24 - 30: repeat rows 6 - 12.
Row 31 - 35: repeat rows 1 - 5.
Row 36: P2, k2, p4, k2, *(p2, k2) twice, p4, k2* four times, p6.
Row 37: K6, *p2, k4, (p2, k2) twice* four times, p2, k4, p2, k2.
Row 38: BO all sts in pattern LOOSELY.

Finishing:

Weave in ends. Block into proper dimensions and to straighten short rows. Sew button in place.

Gratis Knits: Winter 2009

Better late than never, right? Ar this point, we're accepting submissions for the next Gratis Knits, due to come out in April, so please consider sending a pattern our way. Now, without further adieu, get your needles ready!

Flurries Slouch Hat
By Sandy Bingham
(this pattern is also available as a PDF)

Sizes:
Adult M (22” head circumference)

Yarns:
MC: The Fibre Company Road to China [65% Alpaca, 10% Cashmere, 10% Camel, 5% Yak, 10% Soya Fiber, 73m/ 80y per 50g skein]; color: “Light Amethyst”; 1 skein.
CC: Tilli Tomas Flurries [100% Merino wool with glass beads, 64m/ 70y per 50g skein]; color: “Atmosphere”; 1 skein.

Needles:
•3.75mm/ US 5 circular needle, 16” long
•4.5mm/ US 7 circular needle, 16” long
•4.5mm/ US 7 DPNs, 8” long set of 5

Gauge:
19 sts & 24 rnds = 4” in St st on larger needles

Notions:
•row counter
•stitch marker
•scissors
•tapestry needle

Notes:
Do not cut yarn when changing colors. Carry the unused color up the inside of the hat and catch it on the first st of the sixth rnd of the current color. Knit the first few stitches after the color changes tightly to prevent holes, being careful not to pucker the work.

Abbreviations:
CO - cast on
CC - contrast color
K - knit
K2tog - knit 2 together
MC - main color
P - purl
PM - place marker
Rnd - round(s)
St(s) - stitch(es)

Rib pattern (multiple of 3 sts):
Rnd 1: *K2, p1* around.
Rnd 2: *K1, p2* around.
Repeat these 2 rnds for pattern.

Stockinette: (in the rnd)
Every rnd: k around.


PATTERN

Brim:
CO 102 sts with MC using smaller needles. Join in the round, being careful not to twist sts. PM to indicate start of rnd.

Work “Rib Pattern” for 1.5”.

Body:
Change to larger needles and knit 6 rnds of Stockinette with CC. Alternate MC and CC every 6 rnds for a total of 6 stripes (36 rnds), ending with a MC stripe. Switch to CC to begin crown shaping.

Shape Crown:
Shape crown as follows while continuing to alternate MC and CC every 6 rnds:

Rnd 1: *K4, K2tog* around. (85 sts total)
Rnds 2 - 4: K around.
Rnd 5: *K3, K2tog* around. (68 sts total)
Rnds 6 - 8: K around.
Rnd 9: *K2, K2tog* around. (51 sts total)
Rnds 10 -12: K around.
Rnd 13: *K1, K2tog* around. (34 sts total)
Rnds 14 -15: K around.
Rnd 16: *K2tog* around. (17 sts total)

Cut working yarn leaving a 6” tail, use tapestry needle to pull tail through remaining sts and cinch tight.

Finishing:
Weave in ends, block lightly.

the meltdown

The snow vanished, finally. Instead of a white apocalypse, we had this on Friday:

And, as of today, there is no snow on the ground downtown (thank goodness).

Other new bits and bobs:

• "An Evening with Jared Flood" tickets are officially available to registrants. Be sure to drop by the store and pick up your ticket(s) before the event!
• A super Top Secret update on the Japanese knitting books situation. We've heard back from Shufu no Tomo and our order of in-Japanese knitting books is due to ship on January 5th, after the Japanese New Year (Shogatsu). We're hoping to hear back from two other Nihongo publishers after the New Year, as well, so stay tuned for updates on those Japanese books we know you've been coveting.
• Last but not least, I have a reminder: the Gratis Knits deadline is THREE DAYS away. If you've been meaning to submit a cute hat or pair of wristlets, now's the time! Aside from eternal glory across the InterWebs, the winner will also receive a $50 gift card to the store. So, get typing!

And that's about everything that needed to be caught up. We should have Gina's socks and an Ana Bandana tomorrow, if nothing else.

Gratis Knits: Fall 2008

Presto Sock-O
By Noelle Miller

Sizes:
Woman’s M, 8” foot circumference (Man’s M, 9” foot circumference)

Yarn:
Koigu KPPPM – 1 (2) skein(s) each in P143D (MC) and 1170 (CC)

Needles:
Set of 5 2.00mm/ US 0 DPNs, or size to get gauge

Gauge:
8 sts = 1”

Notions:

• row counter
• stitch markers
• scissors
• darning needle

Notes:

• If substituting colors, select a semi-solid shade that is echoed as one of the colors in the multi skein. This will help to blend the stripes for the intended effect.
• Do not cut yarn when changing colors. Carry the unused color up the inside of the sock and catch it on the first stitch of the fourth round of the current color. Knit the first few stitches after the color changes very tightly to prevent holes, being careful not to pucker the work.

Abbreviations:

CO - cast on
CC - contrast color
k - knit
k2tog - knit 2 together
MC - main color
p - purl
p/u & k - pick up and knit
p2tog - purl 2 together
PM - place marker
Rnd - round(s)
sl - slip
SM - slip marker
ssk - slip, slip, knit
st(s) - stitch(es)

“K2, p2 rib”: (in the rnd)
Every rnd: *k2, p2* around.

Stockinette: (in the rnd)
Every rnd: k around.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cuff:
Using MC, CO 64 (72) sts. Join to work in the rnd, being careful not to twist.
Work in “k2, p2 rib” for 10 (12) rnds.

Leg:
Attach CC and work in Stockinette with [2 rnds CC, 6 rnds MC] 5 (6) times for a total of 40 (48) rnds. Knit 32 (36) with CC.

Heel flap:
Worked over 32 (36) sts with CC as follows:
Row 1 (RS): sl 1, k0 (2), [k1, sl 1, k2 , p1] 6 times, end k1 (3).
Row 2 (WS): sl 1, p1 (3), k1, [p4, k1] 5 times, end p4 (6).
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for a total of 32 (36) rows.

Turn heel:
Row 1: with CC, sl 1, k17 (19), ssk, k1. Turn.
Row 2: Sl 1, p5, p2tog, p1. Turn.
Subsequent two rows: *Sl 1, k to 1 st before gap, ssk, k1. Turn. Sl 1, p to 1 st before gap, p2tog, p1, turn.* Repeat between * until all sts have been worked: 18 (20) sts total.

Gussets:
With CC: p/u & k 18 (20) sts along first side of heel flap [16 (18) sl sts + 1 st on either side to prevent gaping], PM, k 32 (36) sts across top of foot, PM, p/u & k 18 (20) sts along other side of heel flap, k 9 (10) sts across bottom of heel. PM to indicate beginning of round.

Work set-up rnd: k 9 (10) remaining sts across bottom of heel, k to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, SM k across top of foot, SM, k1, ssk, k to end of rnd. Work remainder of foot in stripe pattern as follows (starting at the top):

1 row CC
5 rows MC
3 rows CC
5 rows MC
4 rows CC
4 rows MC
4 rows CC
4 rows MC
5 rows CC
3 rows MC
5 rows CC
3 rows MC
6 rows CC
2 rows MC
6 rows CC
2 rows MC
work remaining rows in CC

Continue gussets:
Rnd 1: k all sts.
Rnd 2: k to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, SM, k across top of foot, SM, k1, ssk, k to end of rnd.
Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until 64 (72) sts remain.

Foot: continue in Stockinette until sock is 2” shorter than desired foot length, while continuing to follow the stripe pattern.

Toe:
Rnd 1: *k to 3 sts before marker, ssk, k2, k2tog, repeat once from *, k to end of round.
Rnd 2: k all sts.
Repeat rnds 1 and 2 until 20 (28) sts remain. Graft toe using Kitchener Stitch.

Finishing:
Cut yarn and weave in ends. Wear and be merry!

Sock-centric

Sock knitting seems to be taking over the world.

Well, the knitting world, anyway. Aside from a truly exceptional "No Mean Feet!" last night (record turnout!), we've just got word of a new limited edition series from Schaefer Yarns, Sock The Vote...

If you're not allergic to mohair, you can get a skein (or two!) of sock yarn dyed for your favorite politician/ politician's wife in the Presidential race. I'm not bitter that it only comes in Anne, no, not at all. Grr.

If we're lucky, this yarn will be in stock soon (it's on order).

But, back to "No Mean Feet!", we got pictures proving that sock knitters are indeed on the rise. We had to enlarge our knitting circle twice last night - welcoming several new visitors:

It was, as always, lots of fun. I wish I could go add more to this post, but a Newsletter went out on Friday and we are just drowning in web orders. Until Thursday, happy knitting!

Gratis Knits: Summer 2008

Hello friends. I'd like to introduce you to a lovely woman by the name of...

well to enhance her burgeoning fame, let us now call her:

Fabulous Farrah.(bling bling)
How I wish I had the mad-skills to make little diamond-dust sparkles erupt as you read her name. I can only manage a meager (bling bling).

Fabulous Farrah (bling bling), designed the Basket Weave Baby Hat for the wee ones of the world. Her original design was created out of Cascade 220 (my personal favorite work-horse yarn) but Fyberduck and I found the hat is just as elastic (great for growing noggins) in Rowan's All Season's Cotton.


For those not familiar with the blog, each quarter we in blog-land will rifle through submissions from you and post a free pattern to our readers (all two of you). In return the person whose submission was chosen receives (drumroll):

An Authentic Knit Purl gift card loaded (with our meager budget) to the hilt with gauranteed real, fifty American dollars!


That's right friends. No Samoleans, Whozits, Manants, or homemade coupons for free foot massages here. Real money to buy yarn.


That kind of added purchase power is like a drug. It makes people giddy with happiness. So much so that they are moving so fast they are blurry in photographs.


Also included is street cred folks. Without it (as we all know) you can't "throw down" in a Westside Story-esque Knit-off. People won't have documented proof of your mad skills, yo dawg!

Congratulations Fabulous Farrah(bling bling)!
Without further ado:

Basket Weave Baby Hat
By Farrah Weinert(bling bling)

Size:
Infant (Toddler)
[14” (16”) head circumference]

Yarn:
1 ball each of 2 colors of Rowan Cotton Purelife (100% Organic Cotton, 120m / 131y per 50g ball)
Colors shown: 986 (grey), 981 (white)

Supplies:
2 circular needles Size 3.25mm/ US3 (16”, 20”, or 24” will work) OR
Set of 5 3.25mm/ US3 DPNs
Tapestry needle

Gauge:
36 sts & 32 rows = 4” in “Basket Weave Pattern” (after blocking)
24 sts & 32 rows = 4” in st st

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

K2, P2 Rib: (multiple of 4 sts)
Every rnd: *K2, P2* around.

Basket Weave Pattern: (multiple of 12 sts)

Rnds 1 & 2: (K10, P2) around
Rnds 3 & 4: (K2, P6, K2, P2) around
Rnds 5 & 6: (K10, P2) around
Rnds 7 & 8: (K4, P2, K6) around
Rnds 9 & 10: ([P2, K2] twice, P4) around
Rnds 11 & 12: (K4, P2, K6) around

Abbreviations:

MC Main color
CC Contrast color
DPN Double-pointed needle
CO Cast on
K Knit
P Purl
Sts Stitches
Rnd Round
K2tog Knit 2 sts together

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Brim:
With MC and first needle, CO 84 sts. Divide evenly between needles and join in rnd being careful not to twist sts.
Work in “K2, P2 Rib” for 1” (1 ½)”. [For a brim that folds up, work in rib for 2 ½” (3)”.]

Hat Body:
Work in Basket Weave Pattern” for 2”.
Change to CC and continue in pattern for 1”.

Crown Shaping:

Rnd 1: (K12, K2tog) around
Rnds 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12: K around
Rnd 3: (K11, K2tog) around
Rnd 5: (K10, K2tog) around
Rnd 7: (K9, K2tog) around
Rnd 9: (K8, K2tog) around
Rnd 11: (K7, K2tog) around
Rnd 13: (K6, K2tog) around
Rnd 14: (K5, K2tog) around
Rnd 15: (K4, K2tog) around
Rnd 16: (K3, K2tog) around
Rnd 17: (K2, K2tog) around
Rnd 18: (K1, K2tog) around
Rnd 19: K2tog around

Finishing:
Break yarn, leaving a 10” tail. Using the tapestry needle, draw tail through the remaining sts. Draw tight and weave in ends. Block lightly.

Muffin Top

In the midst of putting together July's newsletter, tech editing the Summer Gratis Knits pattern, and updating the website, The Blogger -

(Shown above, being camera-shy, with the final draft of the new Gratis Knits)

- and I realized something terrible...

We hadn't updated The Blog in over a month.

We're overdue several articles, we know - True Plies about Habu Fique and Rowan Cotton Purelife, gossip from TNNA, No Mean Feet updates - but there's one item we've been intending to bribe our readers with for some time.

A free pattern for the Muffin Cap I made with that Fleece Artist Blue-faced Leicester roving, circa April . Several members of the staff clearly had fun trying on the second cap I made with this pattern:

Sooo, in order to whet your appetite for the next Gratis Knits, below's a free pattern (written by moi and edited by The Blogger). Until our next update, look for the new Gratis Knits (and an exciting KAL announcement) next week!

~*~*~

A Very Basic Muffin Cap
by Sara Morris

Sizes
S (M, L)
Head circumference: 18 (20, 22)”

Materials

• 1 (1, 1) skein Fleece Artist BFL Aran
• US 9 (5.5mm) DPNs, set of 5.
• US 9 (5.5mm) circular needle, 16" long
• US 7 (4.5mm) circular needle, 16" long
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle

Gauge:
16 sts & 20 rows = 4” in St st

Abbreviations:

CO Cast on
Kf&b Knit into front and back of st
PM Place marker
Rnd round
St stitch
K knit
SM slip marker
Dec decrease
K2tog knit 2 together (dec one st)
BO bind off

~*~*~

Pip:
Using DPNs, CO 4 sts. Work in i-cord for 4 rows.

Crown increases:
Rnd 1: Kf&b every st (8 sts), PM to indicate start of rnd. Switch to knitting in the rnd by placing 2 sts on each of 4 needles.
Rnd 2: Kf&b every st (16 sts).
Rnd 3: K around.
Rnd 4: *K1, kf&b, PM* around (24 sts).
Rnd 5: K around.
Rnd 6: *K to 1 st before marker, kf&b, SM* across rnd (32 sts). (Note: when there are too many sts to fit on the DPNs, switch to larger circular needle)
Repeat Rnds 5 – 6 another 10 (11, 12) times, until there are 112 (120, 128) sts.

Body:
Continue to knit in the rnd, as established, for another 2 (2.5, 3)”. On last stockinette row, dec 4 (0, 2) sts evenly across for 108 (120, 126) sts.

Brim:
Prep rnd: Using smaller circular needle, *K1, k2tog* around for a total of 72 (80, 84) sts.
Rows 1 – 5: *K1, p1* around.
Row 6: work *K1, p1* BO.

Finishing:
Weave in ends and cinch in pip at top. Block the cap flat, smoothing out the decreases and body. Wear in cool weather!

Gratis Knits: Spring 2008

Baby Court Jester

Size:
Baby-Toddler

Measurements:
15 – 17” head circumference

Materials:

• 1 skein of DK weight yarn (or light worsted)
• 4mm/US size 6 circular needle and dpns, 12” long (or one 32” long circular needle for Magic Loop method) or size needed to obtain gauge
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Pom-pom maker (optional)

Gauge:
24 sts & 28 rows = 4” in St st.

Notes:
I used about 38g of handspun that Fyberduck created for the hat. While we determined it was a light worsted weight yarn, because it was a thick and thin ply, the fabric was a bit too lacy when knit at lower gauges. If you choose to use a commercial yarn for this pattern you will want a fabric that is sturdy but not stiff. The gauge is the most important factor. There is a list of possible substitutions at the bottom of this post but you might find other plump sport-weights or some light worsted-weight yarns work just as well. When in doubt go with a heavier yarn because it will fit a baby at some point in their life.

Abbreviations:

* repeat instructions following the single asterisk as directed
alt alternate
dpn double-point needle
K knit
kfb knit front and back (increase one st)
k2tog knit two stitches together
P purl
pm place marker
rnd(s) round(s)
skp slip, knit, pass stitch over—one stitch decreased
st(s) stitch(es)

I-cord Cast On (á la Ruth Sørenson)

Cast on 5 sts on DPNs or circular needle and k 5 sts. At the end of the row, slide the sts to the other end of the needle and pulling the yarn around the back, k the sts again. You’ve completed one row of Icord.

Continue in this manner, pulling down on the cord occasionally as you go, until the cord is approximately 20” long. Break yarn and thread through the last row of sts, cinching them up tight.

(Now here is the cool part… You may have noticed on one side of the I-cord a slight gap. Some call this gaping a “ladder”. It looks like disaster in a sock, but in this case it is your best friend.)

With your needle pick up K 90 sts creating 1 st in each of the rungs from the ladder starting about 2½ inches from one end of the I-cord. If your sts are off-center when you fold the I-cord in half), do not worry because you can always pull off or add the first few sts at the beginning. Just make sure to end with 90 sts total.

Hat Body (working flat)

Row 1: *kfb, K 19 sts, skp, k 1, k2tog, k 19sts, kfb *. Repeat between the * to the end of the row.

Row 2: P across.

Repeat Rows 1 – 2 once more.

Hat Body (in the round)

Rnd 1: *kfb, K 19 sts, skp, k 1, k2tog, k 19sts, kfb *. Repeat between the * to the end of the row.

Rnd 2: pm to mark start of the rnd and join stitches in the round (being sure not to twist the stitches). K row.

Alt row 1 with a K row until you loose the will to live which, coincidentally, measures about 5” from the I-cord edge.

Dividing the hat into points…

Set up rnd:

K 45, place remaining 45 sts on waste yarn or a stitch holder

Left point:

Fold hat in half with adjustable ties in back, PM, and K the first stitch in the row joining it in the round.

K 3 rnds.

Decrease row: K2tog, K 17 sts, skp, K 1, K2tog, K 18sts, skp, k1. [41 sts remaining]

Continue in this manner by decreasing 4 sts every 4^th rnd, until there are only 5 sts left.

Break yarn and thread through the remaining 5 sts cinching them tight to secure.

Right point:

Return remaining sts to needle(s), PM to mark beginning of rnd, K 4 rows.

Decrease row: K 9 sts, skp, k 1, k2tog, k 17, skp, k1, k2tog K 9. [41 sts remaining]

K three rows

Continue in this manner, decreasing 4 sts every 4^th rnd, until there are only 5 sts left.

Break yarn and thread through the remaining 5 sts cinching them tight to secure.

Finishing:

Weave in ends. Add pompoms to the ends of your hat points or tassels. Decorative buttons are cute too. Go wild; the hat isn’t meant to be serious and the only time one can wear such ridiculousness if they aren’t in the theatre, is under the age of 3 and over the age of 83.

Substitutions:

If you aren't a spinner or can't get your hands on some handspun in an appropriate weight, I suggest giving the following brands a try:

For lots of color Scotia Silk, Great Big Sea, or Blue Faced Leicester DK are nice. Koigu Kersti is a fab choice as well. If you want transitional color, try Migrations, Mitsuri, or Silk Garden. You could try a plain hat too or one with stripes out of Balance or Sublime Yarns Extrafine Merino Wool too.

All for the Love of You

"Excuse me miss, would you mind modeling this hat for me?"

"Me?"

"Yes. I think you might just be the right size and I need a snapshot or two for our store blog."

"Well okay, so long as my mommy is okay with it. She has legitimate concerns about the modeling industry, with the drug scandals and body image controversies."

"Oh of course. I mean I can only respect her for just taking the time to think about these things and the impact her decision could place on your life. Please, just take your time."

------------

"Well she said it would be alright. How do you want me? Is sitting here in my stroller okay for you?"

"That would be lovely."

Snap!





"Wow! That was a great pose... uh, sorry didn't catch your name."
"My name is Daisy."
"Like in the song?"
"Yup."
"Well great shot Daisy."
"Oh that was nothin'. Should I show you my 'nonchalant-mid-conversation pose circa 1968'?"
"Uh, sure. Sounds grand."

Snap!


"Holy macaroni! Who knew the photo could get better? Show me another one!"
"Sure thing!"

Snap!



"I call that one 'action shot'. I like to mix it up a bit and try to capture every aspect of the mood and tone of the designer's handiwork."
"Well that's just stellar. I never realized I'd be dealing with such a professional when I asked for your help. I feel honored to be in your presence because I've learned so much from this experience."
"Your welcome!"
"How about one more shot for the blog readers? I'm going to post a free pattern for them tomorrow and I'd like to get just one more shot. That is, if you feel like you have one more in you."
"Why don't I give you 80% of a full-throttle, no-holds-barred sparkler of a smile with just a hint of patty cake action? I'd pull out all the stops and give you more but the imagery is usually too powerful for the average person. The pictures usually causes peoples teeth to ache with cavities, they are so sweet."
"No, by all means do what you have to do."

Snap!


Ladies and gentlemen I present to you Daisy; a girl sure to break the hearts of many.
Stay tuned tomorrow for the free pattern to the Baby Court Jester hat. I only hope I'm recovered enough to post it. My ovaries ache.

All for the Love of You

"Excuse me miss, would you mind modeling this hat for me?"

"Me?"

"Yes. I think you might just be the right size and I need a snapshot or two for our store blog."

"Well okay, so long as my mommy is okay with it. She has legitimate concerns about the modeling industry, with the drug scandals and body image controversies."

"Oh of course. I mean I can only respect her for just taking the time to think about these things and the impact her decision could place on your life. Please, just take your time."

------------

"Well she said it would be alright. How do you want me? Is sitting here in my stroller okay for you?"

"That would be lovely."

Snap!





"Wow! That was a great pose... uh, sorry didn't catch your name."
"My name is Daisy."
"Like in the song?"
"Yup."
"Well great shot Daisy."
"Oh that was nothin'. Should I show you my 'nonchalant-mid-conversation pose circa 1968'?"
"Uh, sure. Sounds grand."

Snap!


"Holy macaroni! Who knew the photo could get better? Show me another one!"
"Sure thing!"

Snap!



"I call that one 'action shot'. I like to mix it up a bit and try to capture every aspect of the mood and tone of the designer's handiwork."
"Well that's just stellar. I never realized I'd be dealing with such a professional when I asked for your help. I feel honored to be in your presence because I've learned so much from this experience."
"Your welcome!"
"How about one more shot for the blog readers? I'm going to post a free pattern for them tomorrow and I'd like to get just one more shot. That is, if you feel like you have one more in you."
"Why don't I give you 80% of a full-throttle, no-holds-barred sparkler of a smile with just a hint of patty cake action? I'd pull out all the stops and give you more but the imagery is usually too powerful for the average person. The pictures usually causes peoples teeth to ache with cavities, they are so sweet."
"No, by all means do what you have to do."

Snap!


Ladies and gentlemen I present to you Daisy; a girl sure to break the hearts of many.
Stay tuned tomorrow for the free pattern to the Baby Court Jester hat. I only hope I'm recovered enough to post it. My ovaries ache.

What you Want? Baby I've got it!

When in doubt for a title, always fall back on 'Retha.

Fyberduck and I are trying to come up with the rules of fair play for all you would-be Project Catwalk types. Bare with us , unknown to most of you, we usually just make stuff up as we go along. Below is what we came up with. Fyberduck, if you please...

Intended for nascent designers, Gratis Knits will be a platform to submit original and unpublished patterns (featuring yarns and products available for sale on the Knit Purl website), to be noted in our store newsletter and featured on our blog.

We're looking for all types of patterns: the sky is the limit. Patterns that are fashion-forward and seasonally appropriate will be given preference. Please look through previous Gratis Knits patterns to become familiar with our pattern formating and language.

Publication dates and deadlines:

January (Winter), deadline: January 1st
May (Spring), deadline: May 10th, 2009
July (Summer), deadline: June 15
October (Fall), deadline: September 15

The Terms:

• Only submissions received by the relevant deadline (listed above) will be considered. Please do not submit patterns more than one month before the deadline.
  
• All submissions must be sent to info (AT) knit-purl (DOT) com with "Gratis Knits: Submission" in the subject line.
  
• The pattern must be attached to the email in one of three formats: Word (.DOC), Rich Text Format (.RTF), or Adobe (.PDF). No other formats will be considered.
• Patterns may be for either knitting or crochet projects.
• We can only accept patterns that are original ideas and haven't been submitted/ published elsewhere.
• The designer will receive a confirmation email once the pattern is chosen and payment upon publication.
• In return we will award a $50 gift card to the featured designer for use on-line or in our brick and mortar store.
  

The pattern must include the following information to be considered:

• Multiple photos of the finished object are a bonus, however only one photo per submission is required, and each photo must be at least 72 dpi.
• Sizing must follow the sizing standards of the Craft Yarn Council of America.
• A list of supplemental materials (waste yarn, stitch markers, etc.) must be included in the pattern requirements.
• Needles/ hooks must be given in metric and US standards.
• Contact details -- please include:

- Your name as you wish it to be published
- an e-mail address where we can send questions or feedback
- the URL to your website or blog, if you wish us to link to you
- the name of any models featured in photographs you submit
- the photographer's name

We reserve the right to edit and change patterns and photographs to fit our needs. Please direct any questions to info (AT) knit-purl (DOT) com.

Gratis Knits: Winter 2008

Intended for incipient designers, Gratis Knits will be a platform for knitters to submit original and unpublished patterns (featuring a yarns and products available for sale at Knit Purl). A selected pattern will be featured in the next season's newsletter and the designer will receive a $50 gift card to the store. The deadline for the Spring 2008 Newsletter will be March 1, 2008. Please submit patterns to info (AT) knit-purl (DOT) com.

Snowdrops Socks

By Sara Morris

SIZES
Women’s XS (S, M, L, XL)

MEASUREMENTS
6.5 (7, 7.5, 8, 8.5)” foot circumference

MATERIALS

• 1 ball Noro Kureyon Sock (shown in color S180)
• set of 5 US 1.5/ 2.5mm 6” DPNs
• tapestry needle
• tape measurer
• 2 stitch markers

GAUGE
8 sts & 12 rows/ 1” in stockinette

NOTES:
This sock is knit from the toe-up.

SNOWDROP LACE INSERT: (worked over 11 sts)

• Row 1: YO, SL2K, YO, K5, YO, SL2K, YO

• Row 2 & all even rows: K11
• Row 3: YO, SL2K, YO, K5, YO, SL2K, YO
• Row 5: K3, YO, SSK, K1, K2TOG, YO, K3
• Row 7: YO, SL2K, YO, K1, YO, SL2K, YO, K1, YO, SL2K, YO
• Row 8: K11

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SOCK

Toe:

Using Turkish CO method; CO 22 sts over 2 DPNS (11 sts per needle) and knit one round. Redistribute stitches as follows: 5 sts on N1, 6 on N2, 5 on N3, and 6 on N4.

• Row 1: *K1, YO, K9, YO, K1* twice

• Row 2: *K1, K1 tbl, K9, K1 tbl, K1* twice
• Row 3: *K1, YO, K11, YO, K1* twice
• Row 4: *K1, K1 tbl, K11, K1 tbl, K1* twice

Continue increasing in this manner (4 sts every other row) until there are 34 sts TOTAL (17 on instep, 17 on sole). On next increase round (odd #’d row):

• K1, YO, K2, PM, work ‘Row 7’ of Snowdrop Lace insert, PM, K2, YO, K2, YO, K15, YO, K1.

On all even rows to follow: *K1, K1 tbl, K to last 2 sts on instep/ sole, K1 tbl, K1* twice. After this row start with Row 1 of Snowdrop Lace insert between the stitch markers.

Continue increasing the toe while working the Snowdrop Lace insert between stitch markers, until there are 50 (54, 58, 62, 66) stitches TOTAL.

Foot:

Work the stitches as established: K7 (8, 9, 10, 11), SM, work Snowdrop Lace insert, SM, K to end of round. Continue in this manner until sock measures 2” less than total foot length OR 7 (7.25, 7.5, 7.75, 8)” from the CO edge. End with an even row.

Heel:

Work across the instep, keeping the Snowdrop Lace insert in pattern. The directions below are for the 25 (27, 29, 31, 33) heel sts on N3 & N4:

• Row 1: K 24 (26, 28, 30, 32), W&T
• Row 2: P 23 (25, 27, 29, 31), W&T
• Row 3: K to next unwrapped st, W&K
• Row 4: P to next unwrapped st, W&T.

Repeat Rows 3 & 4 until there are 11 sts that have not been wrapped. On the next row:

• K11, PU&K the wrap and stitch together, W&T (next st)
• P12, PU&P the wrap and stitch together, W&T
• RS: K to next wrapped st, PU&K the 2 wraps and stitch together, W&T
• WS: P to next wrapped st, PU&P the 2 wraps and stitch together, W&T

Continue in this manner until all stitches and their wraps have been worked. End with a WS row. Turn. K across 25 (27, 29, 31, 33) heel sts. New row starts here.

Leg:

Resume pattern as established in the foot:

• K7 (8, 9, 10, 11), SM, work Snowdrop Lace insert, SM, K to end of round.

Continue in this manner until piece measures approximately 9 (8.75, 8.5, 8.25, 8)" from the base of the heel. By this point the second repeat of the colorway should be close.

Cuff:

Rows 1 - 12: *K1, P1* across.

BO loosely. Work second sock as for first, starting it at the same point in the color repeats as the first if desired. Weave in ends and block.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABBREVIATIONS:

CO	Cast on
K	Knit
YO	Yarn over
K tbl	Knit stitch through the back of the loop
SSK	Slip, slip, knit
SL2K	Slip one stitch, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over
K2TOG	Knit 2 together
ST	Stitch
W&T	Wrap the next stitch and turn work
PU & K	Pick up and knit

Gratis Knits Submission Guidelines

Intended for nascent designers, Gratis Knits will be a platform to submit original and unpublished patterns (featuring yarns and products available for sale on the Knit Purl website), to be noted in our store newsletter and featured on our blog. Plus, we will award a $100 gift card to the featured designer for use online or in our brick and mortar store.

We're looking for all types of patterns: the sky is the limit. Patterns that are fashion-forward and seasonally appropriate will be given preference. Please look through previous Gratis Knits patterns to become familiar with our pattern formating and language.

Publication dates and deadlines:

January (Winter), deadline: January 15, 2010
April (Spring), deadline: April 1, 2010
July (Summer), deadline: June 15, 2010
October (Fall), deadline: September 15, 2010
Holiday (Winter), deadline: November 1, 2010

The Terms:

• Only submissions received by the relevant deadline (listed above) will be considered. Please do not submit patterns more than one month before the deadline.
  
• All submissions must be sent to info (AT) knit-purl (DOT) com with "Gratis Knits: Submission" in the subject line.
  
• The pattern must be attached to the email in one of three formats: Word (.DOC), Rich Text Format (.RTF), or Adobe (.PDF). No other formats will be considered.
• Patterns may be for either knitting or crochet projects.
• We can only accept patterns that are original ideas and haven't been submitted/ published elsewhere.
• The designer will receive a confirmation email once the pattern is chosen and payment upon publication.
• We will award a $100 gift card to the featured designer for use online or in our brick and mortar store.
  

The pattern must include the following information to be considered:

• Multiple photos of the finished object are a bonus, however only one photo per submission is required, and each photo must be at least 72 dpi.
• Sizing must follow the sizing standards of the Craft Yarn Council of America.
• A list of supplemental materials (waste yarn, stitch markers, etc.) must be included in the pattern requirements.
• Needles/ hooks must be given in metric and US standards.
• Contact details -- please include:

- Your name as you wish it to be published
- an e-mail address where we can send questions or feedback
- the URL to your website or blog, if you wish us to link to you
- the name of any models featured in photographs you submit
- the photographer's name

We reserve the right to edit and change patterns and photographs to fit our needs. Please direct any questions to info(AT)knit-purl(DOT) com.