The Weekly Swatch: Ridged Feather Knit Stitch

A variation of the Feather and Fan knit stitch, the Ridged Feather Knit Stitch is another classic and simple lace knit stitch. This stitch motif consists of four rows and the lace in- and decreases are worked on the third row. The remaining rows are knitted and purled throughout. 

The Weekly Swatch: Crest of the Wave Knit Stitch

Another classic lace knit stitch, this week's weekly swatch showcases the Crest of the Wave knit stitch. This lace stitch motif is worked over a total of 12 rows; and the lace in- and decreases are worked on rows 5, 7, 9 and 11 only. The remainder of rows are either knitted or purled throughout. 

Audiobooks and Knitting: My 2020 Audiobook Round-Up Fantasy and Horror

Not having mastered the ability to knit and read at the same time (and doubting I ever will), I am continuing to turn to audiobooks to provide some additional stimulation when working on my knitting projects. As I have been knitting quite prolifically during the past year, the number of books I physically read in 2020 has plummeted, whilst my consumption of audiobooks appears to have increased quite significantly compared to previous years. 

Provided my count is correct, I seem to have listened my way through some 20 audiobooks between January 2020 and now. This group makes up a wide selection of genres, including literary fiction, historical fiction, fairy tales, young adult, fantasy, horror and, of course, some crime, mystery and suspense.

Round-Up: Works in Progress and Upcoming Patterns

It's been relatively quiet on the knitting front these past few weeks and despite my best efforts, I haven't been able to block my finished projects, including a bottom-up sweater (for which I haven't even taken photos due to a lack of daylight) and my Virga shawl, which I finished back in the summer.

Virga Shawl

The lack of blocking activity is largely a result of my blocking space for larger projects (the bed) being, it would seem, permanently occupied by Mietze.

Mietze one month after her unilateral thyroidectomy

Following her unilateral thyroidectomy back in September, Mietze has completely and permanently appropriated my bed; and with her thyroid levels having returned into the normal range, she now spends the best part of the day resting and lounging on my duvet.

Despite some initial and rather scary complications in the immediate aftermath of the procedure, Mietze is recovering well and it is, of course, not an option to remove her from her adopted resting space for now (or ever).

Mietze

As the year draws to a close and with winter solstice coming up in just a few weeks, I blame the remainder of my sluggishness on the current lack of daylight, which not only affects my productivity on the whole, but only leaves a very small window of time with sufficient light to take photos of finished projects. 

Nevertheless, I am currently working on a number of knitting projects, and this weekend I made good progress on a fingering-weight mohair shawl, which is knitted on needles with different circumferences, resulting in a uniquely textured fabric. 

I am hoping to release the pattern for the mohair shawl (no pattern name thus far) before the end of the year. As it happens, I might just meet this self-imposed deadline, as I do not need to block the shawl on the bed.

Fingering Weight Mohair Shawl 

Fingering Weight Mohair Shawl 

The Weekly Swatch: Trinity Knit Stitch

 

Trinity Knit Stitch

The Weekly Swatch: Chevron Garter Lace Knit Stitch

Chevron Garter Lace Knit Stitch

Vintage 1980s Knitting Patterns - Part 10

Time for the 10th instalment of vintage 80s knitting patterns.

...in which I am featuring all 13 exclusive knitting patterns (and adverts!) from the February 1985 edition of Handknitting News - a truly vintage knitting publication.

Enjoy. 

All my other vintage patterns can be viewed via this link.

 Handknitting News, February 1985 

The Weekly Swatch: Snowball Knit Stitch

 

Snowball Knit Stitch

The Weekly Swatch: Mermaid Tail / Fishtail Lace Knit Stitch

 

Fishtail / Mermaid Tail Lace Knit Stitch

Virga Choker (beaded version) - Free Lace Choker Knitting Pattern

 - These are the pattern instructions for the beaded version of the Virga Choker, the pattern for the Virga Choker without beads is available here. - 

Virga Lace Choker Free Knitting Pattern (beaded version) 

As an in-between project I finished another choker. I was inspired to design this choker when looking at in-progress project photos of my Virga shawl, an upcoming pattern for a semi-circular lace shawl, which will be published on the blog shortly. When I took the photos of the shawl, the dressmaker's dummy still had my Cascade choker wrapped around the neck and I got the idea to make a choker in the same lace motif as the Virga shawl. 

The result of this endeavour is my Virga Choker.

Virga Choker - Free Lace Choker Knitting Pattern

As an in-between project I finished another lace choker, the Virga Choker, and my free pattern is available below.

Virga - Knitted Lace Choker

I was inspired to knit a choker in this lace pattern when looking at in-progress project photos of my Virga shawl (pictured below, more information here), an upcoming pattern for a semi-circular lace shawl, which will be published on the blog soon.

Virga Lace Shawl (in progress, before blocking) 

When I took the photos of the shawl, the dressmaker's dummy still had my Cascade choker wrapped around the neck and I got the idea to make a choker in the same lace pattern as the Virga shawl. 

The result of this endeavour is my Virga choker.

The Weekly Swatch: Ostrich Plume Lace Knit Stitch

 

Introducing the Virga Shawl

New Knitting Pattern: The Virga Lace Shawl

Despite having completed work on a number of new patterns in recent weeks and months, I have not updated the blog with them. 

This is about to change and I decided to make a start today by posting a few images of my new shawl pattern, the Virga shawl.

Whilst the first test knit of the pattern is now complete, the shawl still requires blocking as well as a minimal amount of finishing; and I need to get to grips with my pattern notes before combining them into a usable pattern.

The Weekly Swatch: Vine Lace Knit Stitch

 

Vintage 1980s Knitting Patterns - Part 9

Time for instalment number nine of my vintage 80s knitting patterns. 

This post features numerous Alafoss and Wendy knitting patterns, plenty of batwing and dolman sweaters, pastel shades and headband accessories, with some entrelac and colourwork thrown in for good measure.

Enjoy.

All my other vintage patterns can be viewed via this link.

Vintage 1980s Alafoss Lopi Traditional Sweater Knitting Pattern - Booklet No 2

Vintage 1980s Alafoss Lopi Traditional Sweater Knitting Pattern - Booklet No 2

The Weekly Swatch: Chevron Rib Knit Stitch

Chevron Rib Lace Knit Stitch

Vintage 1980s Knitting Patterns - Part 8

Time to indulge in more 80s knitting nostalgia. 

Enjoy.

All my other vintage patterns are available via this link.

Vintage 1980s Knitting Pattern - Argyll 416 Ladies' Sleeveless Scoop Neck Sweater 

Vintage 1980s Knitting Pattern - Sirdar Pattern 7175 Ladies' Cardigans 

The Weekly Swatch: Knotted Box Knit Stitch

Knotted Boxes Textured Knit Stitch

Vintage 1980s Knitting Patterns - Part 7

Time for another instalment of 1980s knitting pattern handsomeness.

All my other vintage patterns are available via this link.

Enjoy.

Vintage 1980s Knitting Pattern - Patons Pattern 8065 Ladies' Raglan Sweater 

Vintage 1980s Knitting Pattern - Patons Pattern 1994 Ladies' Sweater Pattern

Free Knitting Pattern: Cascade Lace Choker

I’m finally catching up with the pattern posting of my latest knitted lace choker, the Cascade Choker. Just like my earlier lace choker knitting patterns (the Nameless and the Brocade Choker), this is a quick and uncomplicated lace project, ideal for using up tiny amounts of yarn. The choker can be completed in a day or two, including the time it requires to block the finished piece. (And if you decide to knit this choker, blocking is not optional, but absolutely essential to open up the lace.) The simple lace motif is knitted over 6 rows, consisting of knit and purl stitches and a variety of standard in-and decreases. 

Cascade Lace Choker

For this project I used just 5g of Scheepjes Maxi Sugar Rush mercerised cotton yarn and 2mm double-pointed needles (dpns). Though it is possible to knit the choker on wood or bamboo needles, I recommend the use of pointy, metallic dpns, especially if you are opting for the use of mercerised cotton yarn with this pattern. This will make the knitting experience much more enjoyable. 

The length of the choker can be adjusted easily for different neck circumferences and I recommend you check the fit whilst knitting. Altogether, you should ensure that the body of the choker covers around 80% of the neck before the piece is blocked. The choker is secured with the help of two dainty i-cords, which each measure approximately 20cm in length. These will be tied to a bow. Beads can be attached to the ends of the i-cords for a more sophisticated finish. 

Cascade Lace Knit Choker

The completed piece should be wet-blocked (to open the lace detail) and left to dry over night. 

If you decide to substitute the mercerised cotton with another type of yarn, the number of lace repeats will obviously differ. As you can check the fit whilst knitting, this should not be a major issue, making this project ideally suited to using up all types of yarn leftovers.

!!Update!!

The pattern for the one-piece i-cord version of the Cascade Choker (picture below) is now available here.

Monster High: Knee Highs

Free Monster High Knee High Stocking Knitting Pattern

After a pair of Monster High doll leggings and tights, it was high time to knit a pair of knee high stockings for the Monsters Highs.

Monster High Doll Knee High Stocking Knitting Pattern

The knee high stockings are knitted seamlessly from the top-down and finished off at the toes with kitchener stitch.

Monster High Doll - Knee High Stocking Knitting Pattern

The Weekly Swatch: Scale Lace Knit Stitch

Scale Lace Knit Stitch

I have been neglecting my weekly swatch activity at the onset of 2020 and, counting from the beginning of January, I didn't post any swatches for over four months. I am now trying to catch-up with my (not so) weekly swatch posts and in an attempt to rectify this situation, I have  prepared another lace stitch for this week: the Scale Lace Knit Stitch. 

This is another easy lace stitch and the finished swatch, which is knitted with Rowan Bamboo Soft, suggests that this could be the perfect stitch motif for a drapey cowl or a wide stole. 

The Weekly Swatch: Feather and Fan Lace Knit Stitch

Feather and Fan Lace Knit Stitch 

After knitting up a few swatches in Scallop Lace Knit Stitch for last week's Weekly Swatch, it felt fitting to follow-up with another classic lace stitch: the Feather and Fan knit stitch. Somehow, I always think of these stitches as being related to one another, with the Feather and Fan Stitch building upon and extending the stitch motif of the Scallop Stitch.

Due to its simplicity, the Feather and Fan Stitch is suitable for yarns of differing weights, including bulkier varieties, as shown in the image below. For the smaller swatch I used Wendy Zena, an alpaca / wool blend with a recommended 4mm needle size. 

Feather and Fan Knit Stitch - 

Knitting Book Review - Montse Stanley's Handknitter's Handbook

Montse Stanley - The Handknitter's Handbook, Publisher: David and Charles

Writing a review on Montse Stanley's Handknitter's Handbook has been on my ever expanding to-do-list for a while now and, thankfully, I am finally getting round to doing so. Since I got my hands on this book, it has become an indispensable companion in my knitting adventures; and despite the abundance of readily available digital resources, I am continuing to enjoy the luxury of having a hardcopy reference on my bookshelf, which I can pick-up, consult and browse without the need for an electronic device.

Stanley's guide claims to be a 'comprehensive guide to the principles and techniques of handknitting' and I wholeheartedly agree. This book does exactly what it says on the tin / cover. Whilst the Handknitter's Handbook is not an instructional book for aspiring or complete beginner knitters, those familiar with the basics and especially knitters, who enjoy designing their own projects, will find this to be an invaluable, encyclopaedic compendium, covering a wide array of topics from the very basics to advanced techniques with clear instructions and a wealth of technical illustrations and diagrams. 

The Weekly Swatch: Scallop Lace Knit Stitch

This week's swatch is an old favourite, the ever popular Scallop Lace Knit Stitch. The Scallop Stitch is a super simple stitch motif. All in- and decreases are worked over six rows and the wrong side rows are either purled or knitted throughout. 

Vintage 1980s Knitting Patterns - Part 6

I posted my last instalment of vintage 1980s knitting patterns way back at the end of  2018 and felt it was high time to sift through the vintage pattern haul once more, in order to add another instalment to the series of vintage pattern posts.

As most of the patterns are not dated, it's mainly guesswork to determine whether these are really going back to the 1980s. Some might be early 90s and others may be late 70s. If you think I've got it wrong, as always, feel free to leave a comment below. 

All my other vintage patterns are available via this link.

With that said, it's time to kick back, relax and enjoy a trip back in knitting history to colour blocks and batwing sweaters.  

Vintage 1980s Knitting Patterns - Sirdar Pattern c6798 (Odpins) Ladies' V-Neck and U Neck  Top 

Vintage 1980s Knitting Patterns - King Cole Pattern 561 - Ladies Batwing Sweater 

Free Knitting Pattern: Brocade Lace Choker

As promised, here is my latest free pattern for a knitted lace choker - a project ideally suited for beginner lace knitters looking for a sense of accomplishment in a quick and easy lace project, which can be completed in a day or two. 

Brocade Choker - Free Knitting Pattern

The lace motif, which is knitted over eight rows, is simple, consisting mainly of a combination of standard in- and decreases across fifteen stitches. All wrong side rows are a combination of knit and purl stitches. 

Brocade Lace Choker Knitting Pattern - Lace Detail

For this project I used just 5g of Scheepjes Maxi Sugar Rush mercerised cotton yarn and 2mm double-pointed needles (dpns). Though it is possible to knit this project on wood or bamboo needles, I recommend the use of pointy, metallic dpns, especially if you are opting for the use of mercerised cotton yarn with this pattern. This will make the knitting experience much more enjoyable. 

The size of the choker can be adjusted easily for different neck circumferences and I recommend you check the fit whilst knitting. Altogether, you should ensure that the body of the choker covers around 80% of the neck before the piece is blocked. The choker is secured with the help of two dainty i-cords, which each measure approximately 20 cm in length. These will be tied to a bow. Beads can be attached to the ends of the i-cords for a more sophisticated finish. 

Brocade Lace Choker - I-Cord Detail

The completed piece should be wet-blocked (to open the lace detail) and left to dry over night.

If you decide to substitute the mercerised cotton with another type of yarn, the number of lace repeats will obviously differ. As you can check the fit whilst knitting, this should not be a major issue, making this project ideally suited to using up all types of yarn leftovers, especially sock yarn.

Brocade Choker 

Brocade Lace Choker

Free Knitting Pattern

Measurements

Before starting this project, measure your neck circumference. The lace body of your choker should cover around 80% of your neck and it will be secured with two i-cords, which should be long enough to tie a bow comfortably 

The knitting instructions for the Brocade choker below will produce a piece which measures 26.5 cm (body of the choker after blocking) and the i-cords each measure 20 cm in length. For a choker measuring 26.5 cm, you will work 16 repeats of the lace sequence for the body of the choker. One repeat measures approximately 2 cm. Adjust the number of lace repeats for a shorter or longer choker.

Brocade Choker Knitting Pattern

Materials and Tools

• 5g of Scheepjes Maxi Sugar Rush mercerised cotton yarn 

• 2 mm double-pointed needles

• 1.5 mm crochet hook / fine darning needle (for sewing-in yarn ends and attaching bead)

• contrast yarn (for provisional cast-on)

• 2 beads for securing the ends of the i-cords (optional)

• Blocking utensils

Brocade Choker Knitting Pattern 

Instructions

• Cast-on 15 stitches, using the provisional cast-on for the three centre stitches (7,8,9) as shown in the photo below. The three live stitches are located, where the i-cord will be worked later.

Provisional cast-on for i-cord

• Knit 4 rows (garter stitch)

Start of lace pattern:

• Row 1 (right side): k2, p2, k2tog, [k1, yo] twice, k1, sl1, k1 psso, p2, k2
• Row 2 (wrong side): k4, p7, k4
• Row 3: k2, p2, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, sl1, k1, psso, p2, k2
• Row 4: k4, p7, k4
• Row 5: k2, p2, k1, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, p2, k2
• Row 6: k4, p7, k4
• Row 7: k2, p2, k2, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k2, p2, k2
• Row 8: k4, p7, k4

• For a choker body measuring 26.5 cm repeat the above lace sequence 16 times. Adjust the number of repeats according to your own requirements.

• Knit 3 rows in garter stitch, ensuring that the cast-off is started on the wrong side.

• Bind off all stitches up to the three centre stitches, knit the centre three stitches (7, 8, 9) and cast-off the remaining stitches. 

I-cords: 

• Start knitting a 20 cm i-cord with the three remaining live stitches, bind-off i-cord  and attach bead (optional). 

• Pick-up the three centre stitches from the provisional cast-on edge, attach yarn and proceed to knit the  second i-cord. Ensure the i-cords are long enough to comfortably tie a bow.

Brocade Choker - I-Cord Detail

Finishing:

• Weave-in all yarn ends and block piece to ensure the lace is opened up.  

Should you require pattern support, please feel free to contact me via Ravelry, Twitter, Facebook, by e-mail or leave a comment below.

This pattern is for personal use only and may not be reproduced for commercial purposes without permission. Neither may you sell any items made from the directions in this pattern.

Should you wish to knit another choker (and, let's face it, one can never have enough chokers), the pattern for my Nameless Choker (pictured below) is available here and the pattern for the Cascade Choker (last image in this post) is available here.

Nameless Choker

Cascade Lace Choker

© 2020 Clarice Asquith. All rights reserved. http://makedoandmendnovice.blogspot.com