Make A Seed Stitch Leather Button Neckwarmer
Posted on | January 30, 2012 | 10 Comments
Inspired by a knit cowl designed by Knittles; I made a seed stitch version with five leather buttons. The neckwarmer is easy to knit and super cozy. Using the same seed stitch technique from my scarf project; I increased the width and shrunk the length. Five leather buttons ($0.79 each) I picked up at MJ Trim in New York secure the neckwarmer in place. The fitted style keeps my neck warm on bitter cold days without the bulkiness of a long scarf. Pull the neckwarmer up to cover your face or push down below your chin for a comfortable fit.
My Version
1 skein (100g/87yd) of Rowan Yarns Big Wool in Linen
US size 13 knitting needles (I could have used #15 but I have a loose purl stitch)
Cast on 21 stitches (odd numbers only)
Row 1: Slip 1 knitwise, *p1, k1; repeat till end. (you should end with a knit)
Repeat the pattern till you use up the skein.
Bind off and tuck in ends.
Secure five buttons on one side of the neckwarmer. I used leftover yarn and tied each button through onto the backside. I then positioned the button to poke through the overlapping top layer to the front side. I didn’t knit button holes but used the gaps between the purl and knit stitch. Below snapshots of the neckwarmer I made. Enjoy!
Handmade seed stitch (moss stitch) neckwarmer.
Front of neckwarmer.
Buttons attached to backside of neckwarmer.
Back of neckwarmer.
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Make A Seed Stitch Scarf
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Make A Seed Stitch Scarf
Posted on | December 9, 2011 | 19 Comments
I learn to knit for seed stitch. It’s my favorite; a simple combination of knit and purl the stitch is gorgeous for hats, scarves, mittens, sweaters and even pillow covers. It took me a while to get the hang of purling then, it took me even longer to remember to switch back and forth between the two. Inspired by Jill Bent’s beautiful scarves I spotted back in 2009—this is mine finished on my 33rd birthday.
I’ve come to realize the only way seed stitch works is to be a confident knitter. If you second guess yourself the stitches won’t have an even tension. Or worse yet, you’re so careful making sure you’re on the correct stitch you’ll be too exhausted to finish the project. Is this scarf a metaphor? Yes.
I made my scarf using three skeins of Blue Sky Bulky; a 50/50 alpaca and wool blend in silver mink. I used this pattern found on the Purl Bee to get me started. The Purl Bee’s pattern doubles the yarn and uses size 36 needles for what they call, The Eleventh Hour Scarf. The technique can be adapted to fit any yarn or needle size.
My Version
3 skeins of Blue Sky Bulky in “silver mink” #1002.
US size 13 knitting needles (I could have used #15 but I have a loose purl stitch)
Cast on 15 stitches (odd numbers only) If you want the scarf to be longer, cast on fewer stitches.
Row 1: Slip 1 knitwise, *p1, k1; repeat till end. (you should end with a knit)
Repeat the pattern till you’ve used up all three skeins.
Bind off and tuck in ends.
Below snapshots of me at the beach showing off my scarf this morning.
Related Posts:
Handknit Cable Pillows
Seed Stitch Scarves from Jill Bent
Knit & Crocheted Cowls
Diy: Nautical Stripe Yarn Bracelets
Posted on | December 8, 2011 | 16 Comments
I’ve had this yarn bracelet craft pinned to my bulletin board for years to make as Christmas gifts from Martha Stewart Living. With a lot of extra yarn on my hands from knitting projects gone wrong; I decided to make a few with a red, white, navy nautical feel. When I was working on the project I came across a version for sale on Chance’s website, great minds think a like!
I picked up cheap acrylic bangles at local church thrift stores for $1-$2 each. I had Cascade 220 wool yarn on hand which gives the bracelets a fuzzy look. Think about using cotton if you want the to wear the bracelets year around or want less fuzz. Be aware not to pick a yarn that gauge is too small (you’ll be wrapping forever) or too large—super bulky would just be too thick.
1. First, pick your first color and gather the yarn into a small ball. Tie a knot onto the bracelet and leave a long tail.
2. Wrap the yarn around the bracelet making sure to keep the strands even and tight; keep the first long tail exposed.
3. To change colors tie the two yarns together in a tight knot. The tighter the knot the smaller the bump. Trim the ends leaving two long tails.
4. Start wrapping with the second yarn to create tension. Drape the tails on the inside edge of the bracelet. Wrap the yarn over the tails. Hopefully the small knot will be the only evidence of a color change. Continue to wrap and change colors as you like.
5. When you reach the end secure the working yarn onto the long strand you have left dangling from when you first tied on. I clipped the ends and applied fabric glue on the knot and ends so they wouldn’t unravel. Don’t butt the two ends too close together. You want the knot to have some room to nest between the yarns and blend in.
I really like the larger bangles because the colors are so striking and you can wear just one. The color possibilities are endless, I’m thinking something with canary yellow next. Hope you enjoy making them!
p.s. Martha has a slightly different technique for making them. Click over to her website to view her instructions and a video.
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