Read an Excerpt
One more skein
30 Quick Projects to Knit
By Leigh Radford, John Mulligan, Melanie Falick Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
Copyright © 2009 Leigh Radford
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4532-2082-5
CHAPTER 1
PUT IT ON
Fingerless Gloves
Top-Down Earflap Hat
Linen Cap
Felted Cuff
Rosette Stitch Cowl
Horizontal Rib Scarf
Circle & Stripe Scarf & Cravat
Jewelry Trio
Fingerless Gloves
I love fingerless gloves and believe that you can't have too many pairs. I designed these after an early-morning bike ride during which my arms were a little chilly but the rest of my body was just fine (thus a jacket would have been overkill). They are worked flat, then sewn up the side, with a space left open for the thumb. You choose whether you want long gloves (see left) or short or striped ones (see pages 14 and 15). You can also choose which side of the rib pattern you want to be the public side or, if you are careful with your side seams, you can make them reversible.
SIZES
Small (Medium, Large)
Shown in size Large
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
5 ¼ (5 ¾, 6 ½)" hand circumference
8 ½" long, Short Gloves
12 ½" long, Long Gloves
YARN
LONG GLOVES: Artyarns Ultramerino 8 (100% merino wool; 188 yards / 100 grams): 2 hanks #UM122. Note: If working with yarn from your stash, you will need approximately 310 (345, 376) yards.
LONG STRIPED GLOVES: Cascade 220 Heathers (100% Peruvian highland merino wool; 220 yards / 100 grams): 1 hank each #4005 (A) and #9327 (B). Note: If working with yarn from your stash, you will need approximately 68 (76, 85) yards A and 62 (70, 77) yards B.
SHORT GLOVES: Cascade 220 Heathers (100% Peruvian highland merino wool; 220 yards / 100 grams): 1 hank #9327. Note: If working with yarn from your stash, you will need approximately 78 (84, 95) yards. This pair was sewn together with the WS of the rib pattern facing out.
SHORT STRIPED GLOVES (not shown): Cascade 220 Heathers (100% Peruvian highland merino wool; 220 yards / 100 grams): 1 hank each A and B. Note: If working with yarn from your stash, you will need approximately 41 (44, 49) yards A and 37 (40, 45) yards B.
NEEDLES
One pair straight needles size US 8 (5 mm)
One pair straight needles size US 10 (6 mm)
Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
GAUGE
20 sts and 22 rows = 4" (10 cm) in 3×1 Rib, using larger needles
24 sts and 26 rows = 4" (10 cm) in 3×1 Rib, using smaller needles
STITCH PATTERNS
3 × 1 Rib
(multiple of 4 sts + 3; 1-row repeat)
Row 1 (WS): P3, *k1, p3; repeat from * to end.
Row 2: Knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts as they face you.
Repeat Row 2 for 3×1 Rib.
Stripe Pattern
Note: For Short Gloves, begin Stripe Pattern at *.
For Left Hand, work 3 rows A; [2 rows B; 2 rows A] 3 times; 6 rows B; 2 rows A; *2 rows B; 2 rows A; 2 rows B; 4 rows A; 2 rows B; 2 rows A; 4 rows B; 6 rows A; [2 rows B; 2 rows A] twice; 2 rows B; 4 rows A; 4 rows B; 2 rows A. BO with last color used. For Right Hand, reverse colors, working A instead of B and vice versa.
GLOVES
Short Gloves
Using smaller needles and A, CO 31 (35, 39) sts, leaving 15" tail.
Begin 3×1 Rib; work even until piece measures 8 ½" from the beginning, ending with a WS row. BO all sts in rib.
Long Gloves
Using larger needles and A, CO 31 (35, 39) sts, leaving 15" tail. Begin 3×1 Rib; work even until piece measures 7 ½" from the beginning, ending with a WS row. Change to smaller needles; work even until piece measures 12 ½" from the beginning, ending with a WS row. BO all sts in rib.
Striped Gloves
Work as for Short or Long Gloves, casting on using A for Left Glove and B for Right Glove, and following Stripe Pattern, beginning where indicated for Short Gloves.
FINISHING
Using BO tail, sew side seam from BO edge to just above where you want thumb opening to begin. Sew side seam from CO edge to just below thumb, trying on Glove and adjusting thumb opening as desired. Note: The Short Gloves shown were sewn together with the WS of the rib pattern facing out.
Weave in loose ends. Block to measurements.
Top-Down Earflap Hat
This hat is so quick to knit you'll have one ready for each member of the family in no time. Functional and fashionable, it's a must-have for cold weather.
SIZES
3X-Small (2X-Small, X-Small, Small, Medium, Large)
To fit infant (toddler, child, adult small, adult medium, adult large)
Shown in size Large.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
14 ¼ (16, 17 ¾, 19 ½, 21 ¼, 23)" circumference
YARN
Malabrigo Yarn Chunky (100% merino wool; 104 yards / 3 ½ ounces): 1 hank #130 Damask
NEEDLES
One set of five double-pointed needles (dpn) size US 10 ½ (6.5 mm)
Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
NOTIONS
Stitch marker; stitch holder or waste yarn
GAUGE
13 ½ sts and 23 ½ rows = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch (St st)
HAT
CO 8 sts. Divide sts evenly among 4 dpn. Join for working in the rnd, being careful not to twist sts; place marker (pm) for beginning of rnd. Knit 1 rnd.
Shape Hat
Rnd 1: *K1, M1; repeat from * to end–16 sts.
Rnd 2: *K2, M1; repeat from * to end–24 sts.
Rnd 3: K2, *M1, k4; repeat from * to last 2 sts, M1, k2–30 sts.
Rnd 4: *K5, M1; repeat from * to end–36 sts.
Rnd 5: *K6, M1; repeat from * to end–42 sts.
Rnd 6: Knit.
Rnd 7: *K7, M1; repeat from * to end–48 sts.
Rnd 8: Knit.
Sizes 2X-Small, X-Small, Small, Medium, and Large Only
Rnd 9: *K8, M1; repeat from * to end–54 sts.
Rnd 10: Knit.
Sizes X-Small, Small, Medium, and Large Only
Rnd 11: *K9, M1; repeat from * to end–60 sts.
Rnd 12: Knit.
Sizes Small, Medium, and Large Only
Rnd 13: *K10, M1; repeat from * to end–66 sts.
Rnd 14: Knit.
Sizes Medium and Large Only
Rnd 15: *K11, M1; repeat from * to end–72 sts.
Rnd 16: Knit.
Size Large Only
Rnd 17: *K12, M1; repeat from * to end–78 sts.
Rnd 18: Knit.
All Sizes
Work even for 3 (3 ¼, 3 ¼, 3 ½, 3 ½, 3 ¾)", or until piece reaches top of ears.
Shape Earflaps
Next Rnd: BO 14 (17, 18, 19, 20, 23) sts purlwise, k10 (10, 12, 14, 16, 16) for Earflap, BO next 14 (17, 18, 19, 20, 23) sts purlwise, k10 (10, 12, 14, 16, 16) for second Earflap. Transfer first Earflap sts to st holder or waste yarn. Working back and forth on sts for second Earflap, work as follows:
Row 1 and all WS rows: K1, purl to last st, k1.
Row 2: Knit.
Row 4 (Decrease Row): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1–8 (8, 10, 12, 14, 14) sts remain.
Repeat Decrease Row every 4 rows 2 (2, 2, 1, 0, 0) time(s), then every other row 0 (0, 1, 3, 5, 5) times, ending with a WS row–4 sts remain.
Next Row (RS): K1, k2tog, k1–3 sts remain.
Work I-Cord (see Special Techniques, page 120) on remaining sts until I-Cord measures approximately 5". BO all sts.
Repeat for second Earflap.
FINISHING
Weave in loose ends. Block lightly.
Linen Cap
Worked in linen yarn rather than the more typical wool, this cap works especially well in warm climates. Ribbon worked through eyelets at the bottom edge can be used to adjust fit or just as a decoration.
SIZES
Small (Medium, Large, X-Large)
Shown in sizes Medium and Large
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
18 (19 ¾, 21 ½, 23 ¼)" circumference
YARN
Louet Euroflax Light Worsted Weight (100% linen; 190 yards / 100 grams): 1 hank #43 Pewter (shown in size Medium) or #48 Aqua (shown in size Large)
NEEDLES
One 16" (40 cm) long circular (circ) needle size US 3 (3.25 mm)
Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
NOTIONS
Stitch markers; ½ yard ½" wide ribbon
GAUGE
28 sts and 40 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch (St st)
BRIM
CO 84 (92, 100, 108) sts. Join for working in the rnd, being careful not to twist sts; place marker (pm) for beginning of rnd. Purl 4 rnds. Knit 3 rnds.
Eyelet Rnd: *K2, k2tog, yo; repeat from * to end. Change to St st (knit every rnd); work even for 3 rnds.
Increase Rnd: *K2, M1; repeat from * to end–126 (138, 150, 162) sts. Work even until piece measures approximately 5 (5 ½, 6, 6 ½)" from the beginning (with edge unrolled), decreasing 1 (3, 0, 2) sts on last rnd–125 (135, 150, 160) sts remain.
CROWN
Decrease Rnd 1: *K2tog, k21 (23, 26, 28), ssk, pm; repeat from * to end–115 (125, 140, 150) sts remain. Knit 1 rnd.
Decrease Rnd 2: *K2tog, knit to 2 sts before next marker, ssk, slip marker (sm); repeat from * to end–105 (115, 130, 140) sts remain. Knit 1 rnd.
Repeat Decrease Rnd 2 every other rnd 9 (10, 11, 12) times–15 (15, 20, 20) sts remain.
Sizes Small and Medium Only
Decrease Rnd 3: *K2tog, k1; repeat from * to end–10 sts remain.
Sizes Large and X-Large Only
Decrease Rnd 3: *K2tog, ssk; repeat from * to end–10 sts remain.
All Sizes
Decrease Rnd 4: *K2tog; repeat from * to end–5 sts remain.
Break yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining sts, pull tight, and fasten off.
FINISHING
Weave in loose ends. Block to measurements.
Thread ribbon through Eyelet Rnd. Tie in a bow.
Felted Cuff
I always enjoy the process of manipulating fabric to affect its look, feel, and finished size. Here I knitted a basic cuff, felted it, and then while it was still wet, created the pleats at the top. Once dry, I added a length of leather lacing to keep the pleats snug.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
16" circumference at widest point × 3 ¾" high, before felting
Approximately 10 ½" circumference × 2 ½" high, after felting and pleating
Note: Results will depend on felting conditions and time spent felting.
YARN
ShibuiKnits Merino Alpaca (50% baby alpaca / 50% merino wool; 131 yards /100 grams): 1 hank #MA1395 Honey
NEEDLES
One set of five double-pointed needles (dpn) size US 10 ½ (6.5 mm)
Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
NOTIONS
U or T pins; sharp tapestry needle; masking tape; 15" leather cord
GAUGE
16 sts and 19 rnds = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch (St st), before felting
CUFF
CO 48 sts. Join for working in the rnd, being careful not to twist sts; place marker (pm) for beginning of rnd. Knit 5 rnds.
Increase Rnd: *K2, k1-f/b; repeat from * to end–64 sts. Knit 5 rnds.
Decrease Rnd: *K2, k2tog, k2, ssk; repeat from * to end–48 sts remain. Knit 4 rnds. BO all sts.
FINISHING
Weave in loose ends.
Felting: Felt Cuff to desired dimensions (see Special Techniques, page 120). Using U or T pins, create pleats. Allow to air-dry completely before removing pins.
ASSEMBLY
Once Cuff is completely dry, thread leather cord onto tapestry needle. Place piece of masking tape at one end of leather cord to prevent cord from pulling all the way through the pleats. Insert needle through pleats from right to left, 1" below top of Cuff, leaving 2" tail, then back in opposite direction, 1/8" below first pass, leaving 3" loop on left-hand side of Cuff. Loop should be long enough to reach across pleats and catch knot on opposite side. Remove needle and tape from cord. With both ends of cord held together, tie knot in end, adjusting length of loop as necessary, so that Cuff fits comfortably. Trim ends ¼" from knot.
Rosette Stitch Cowl
I like the way a cowl keeps you warm without the extra fabric of a scarf or wrap. To create this one, I played with proportion and scale, matching a bulky yarn and very large needles with a lacy openwork pattern.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
23" circumference × 11" long
YARN
Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky (50% alpaca / 50% wool; 45 yards / 100 grams): 2 hanks #1213 Jasmine
NEEDLES
One pair straight needles size US 35 (19 mm)
Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
GAUGE
6 ¼ sts and 8 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Rosette Stitch
STITCH PATTERN
Rosette Stitch
(even number of sts; 4-row repeat)
Rows 1 and 3 (RS): Knit.
Row 2: P1, *p2tog, leaving sts on needle; knit these same sts tbl, slipping sts from needle together; repeat from * to last st, p1.
Row 4: P2, *p2tog, leaving sts on needle; knit these same sts tbl, slipping sts from needle together; repeat from * to last 2 sts, p2.
Repeat Rows 1–4 for Rosette Stitch.
COWL
CO 36 sts. Begin Rosette st; work even until piece measures 11" from the beginning, ending with a WS row. BO all sts in pattern. Break yarn, leaving a 15" tail.
FINISHING
Using Mattress st (see Special Techniques, page 120), sew side seam, leaving last 5" unsewn. Weave in loose ends. Block to measurements.
Horizontal Rib Scarf
It's all in how you look at it ... or in which direction you look. This scarf is actually worked side-to-side rather than in a long vertical strip as is more typical. While I chose to make this one in a solid color, a striped version will definitely be on my knitting needles soon.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
102" wide × 4 1/2" long
YARN
Malabrigo Yarn Worsted (100% merino wool; 215 yards / 100 grams): 2 hanks #52 Paris Night
NEEDLES
One 32" (80 cm) long or longer circular (circ) needle size US 10 (6 mm)
Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
GAUGE
18 sts and 23 rows = 4" (10 cm) in scarf pattern
SCARF
CO 460 sts.
Rows 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 (WS): P3, *k6, p2; repeat from * to last 9 sts, k6, p3.
Rows 2, 4, 6, and 8: K3, *p6, k2; repeat from * to last 9 sts, p6, k3.
Rows 10, 12, 14, and 16: K3, *p2, k2; repeat from * to last 5 sts, p2, k3.
Rows 11, 13, 15, and 17: P3, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last 5 sts, k2, p3.
Rows 18, 20, 22, and 24: K3, p2, *k2, p6; repeat from * to last 7 sts, k2, p2, k3.
Rows 19, 21, 23, and 25: P3, k2, *p2, k6; repeat from * to last 7 sts, p2, k2, p3.
BO all sts in pattern.
FINISHING
Weave in loose ends. Block to measurements.
Circle & Stripe Scarf & Cravat
The work of two sculptors, Norman Carlberg and Erwin Hauer, inspired me to explore the use of line and form in my knitting. Here's one of the results: a scarf (see right) and cravat (see page 30) that pair vertical lines and circles. I am especially pleased with the way the circle pattern close to the edge creates a gentle scallop that effectively juxtaposes the strong vertical lines of the opposite border.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
SCARF: 6 ¾" wide × 64" long
CRAVAT: 5 ½" wide × 30 ½" long
YARN
SCARF: Malabrigo Yarn Worsted (100% merino; 215 yards / 100 grams): 2 hanks #23 Pagoda or #56 Olive
CRAVAT: Malabrigo Yarn Worsted (100% merino; 215 yards / 100 grams): 2 hanks #123 Rhodesian
NEEDLES
One pair straight needles size US 9 (5.5 mm)
Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
NOTIONS
Cable needle (cn)
GAUGE
22 sts and 23 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Cable Pattern from Scarf Chart
SCARF
CO 43 sts.
Begin Chart (WS): Work Rows 1–17 of Chart once, then repeat Rows 2–17 until piece measures 64" from the beginning, ending with Row 17. BO all sts in pattern.
FINISHING
Weave in loose ends. Block to measurements.
CRAVAT
STITCH PATTERN
2 × 2 Rib
(multiple of 4 sts + 2; 1-row repeat)
Row 1 (RS): *K2, p2; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 2: Knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts as they face you.
Repeat Row 2 for 2×2 Rib.
CRAVAT
CO 34 sts. Purl 1 row.
Begin Chart (RS): Work Rows 1–16 of Chart until piece measures approximately 20¾" from the beginning, ending with Row 7.
Next Row (WS): Purl, increase 8 sts evenly across row–42 sts.
Next Row (RS): Change to 2×2 Rib. Work even for 4 ½", ending with a WS row.
Shape Slits (RS): Work 18 sts, join a second ball of yarn, work 6 sts, join a third ball of yarn, work to end. Working three sections at the same time, work even until slits measure 2", ending with a WS row.
Next Row (RS): Work across all sts, dropping second and third balls. Work even until piece measures 30 ½" from the beginning. BO all sts in pattern.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from One more skein by Leigh Radford, John Mulligan, Melanie Falick. Copyright © 2009 Leigh Radford. Excerpted by permission of Harry N. Abrams, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Get Free eBook Sample
