Autumn Acorn Cowl

This is my latest pattern.  I chose the name because the colors of the yarn remind me of the beautiful fall colors, and the acorn cable stitch pattern I used.  You are, of course, free to use any color of yarn you like!  Gauge is not critical for this pattern, and feel free to substitute any other medium weight, similar yarn if you are not able to find the one I used.

This pattern uses a yarn called Waves, which is a 70% wool / 30% soy blend.  (Same as Patons SWS, which has been discontinued).

This is a fairly quick knit, and great for keeping the chill away.  You can purchase the pattern over on Craftsy.

Here are some pictures of the blocking and seaming done on the cowl.  Blocking is optional, but I do recommend it to open up the beautiful cable stitch pattern.  You don't need anything special to block the cowl.  I just pinned mine onto a towel on the bedroom floor.  Just be sure you have a place that is out of reach of toddlers, cats and any other curious creatures.

For the seaming up, use any method you like.  I like to sew under the stitches of the cast on and bind off edges, and pull the needle up through the loop of the yarn on the needle. This makes a firm seam that is nice and neat.

Here are the pictures, and there is also a video demonstration of the Acorn Stitch over on The Weekly Stitch, incase you need some help.

Happy Knitting, and Enjoy!

Cowl being blocked

Finished seam on the right side 

Sewing the cast on and bind off edges together

Pulling the yarn through the loop to seam up

Piecework March/April 2012 and Knit Simple Spring/Summer 2012

In this issue, explore traditional tools such as Tambour, Knitting, Crochet, Punch Needle and Flowermaking; Knit a Viking cable beret; Discover the ultimate helper - sewing birds; and finally, Bosnian Crochet.

NOTE:  As of the date of this post, their website is not reflecting the latest issue

This issue features quick and easy knits such as scarves, drop stitches and little girl dresses; Beach coverups; Flower Looms and 5 easy flowers to make - Be sure to enter for your chance to win a Bloom Loom!  Check out the website (link can be found in the "Magazines" tab at the top of the page) for details.

Happy Reading!

Spring and Summer 2012 Knitting Magazines

Here is a list of the magazines I have recently purchased.  You can find links to the websites for all of them up on the "Magazines" tab at the top of the blog where you can subscribe, purchase back issues and more.

• Simply Knitting - March, Issue 90 - Comes with super cute needle gauge in the shape of an owl!
• The Knitter - Issue 41 - Jane Sowerby Cowl on the cover looks absolutely gorgeous, as well as the Louisa Harding free bonus patterns!
• Debbie Bliss Spring/Summer 2012 - Beautiful lace and color work in this issue.  Lots of beautiful projects as always.
• Your Knitting Life (formerly Knitting today!) - April/May 2012 - Has some cute Easter kiddie knits and Mother's Day projects
• Make it this Weekend from Creative Knitting - Spring 2012 - Gorgeous Kara Gott Warner design, the Stuyvesant Shrug in this issue as well as a very nice knit by Faina Goberstein, the Calypso Capelet, based on a traditional Orenburg shawl technique
• Love of Knitting - Spring 2012 - Has some nice spring sweater patterns, as well as a cute pair of socks designed by Kristin Hansen called Snowmelt Socks and pretty Stained Glass Wrap designed by  Ellen Liguori
• Knit 'n Style - June 2012, Issue 179 - the Oak Leaves Shawl by Vera Sanon is my favorite, there are also some sweater patterns and a dress to knit, if you have the time and are so inclined
• Knit Now - Issue 4 - Lovely lace capelet, beaded socks and some quick and easy hats are among the projects in this issue 
• Sandra Knit Trends - No. 5 - Filled with lots of gorgeous sweaters, lace and color work

OK, that is going to wrap it up for what's in my magazine stack this time around.  Happy reading!

Converting Flat Stitch Patterns for Round Knitting

This is just a little tutorial I put together to help you out if you would like to knit something in the round, but aren't sure how to get the stitch pattern to work out.  I will be perfectly honest - this is not an easy thing for me!  It does take me a little while before I "get it" with some stitch patterns.  So, you are not alone if you aren't able to convert stitch patterns easily.  I do get a thrill when I finally figure out some of the trickier ones, which is what makes me keep trying different patterns.  Practice makes perfect - so don't get discouraged if something doesn't work out the first time.  Keep trying!

Of course I did not come up with this information on my own.  This all can be found in Barbara Walker's Second Treasury of Knitting, as well as various other places on the web.  Also, Margaret Radcliffe has a new book due out in just a few short weeks, called Circular Knitting Workshop: Essential Techniques to Master Knitting in the Round.  I pre-ordered this back in December and have been so anxious to get it, I keep checking to see if maybe it will be released sooner!  This book is supposed to have information on converting stitch patterns for knitting in the round, which is the reason I want it.

Below are instructions along with a few stitches for you to try out to get your needles going if you have never converted flat to round knitting.  You can print this tutorial out so you can have it in your hands - which I find is a lot easier than having to constantly looking at the computer.  There is also a free hat pattern using Star Stitch for you to print out too.  Last but not least, there is a video briefly going over the tutorial and I will show you the stitches given in the tutorial.

I hope this tutorial is helpful, and that you like the hat pattern.  Happy Knitting and Enjoy!

Converting Flat Stitch Patterns for Knitting in the Round