Yes, it's summer and hot, but knitting never stops. I'm not fond of summer knits - too hot for me in this Northern California climate. So I continue knitting winter knits, planning ahead for keeping ears and necks warm when it's chilly outside. This first scarf is my own go-to design. I love the texture created by simple knit and purls which makes a plain yarn come alive. I'm not a knit designer, but with some basic math skills (all I have) I can make this work.
I start and end with a basic ribbing - k 2, p 2 for a few inches. When knitting the body keep a garter stitch edging on both sides of scarf - looks finished and keeps it from curling. The stitches I use come from THE HARMONY GUIDES: knit & purl - 250 stitches to knit from Interweave Press. I'm sure they or variations of them, could be found in most basic knitting books or on line. The internet is a terrific resource for knitters. Back to the stitches: the first panel is basic checks; the second panel is Pennant Stitch; the third panel Double Fleck Stitch. Divide panels with a few rows of garter stitches, repeat panels, and knit until scarf is as long as you like.
Most of my yarn has come from a variety of places - given to me, treasures found at thrift shop, some purchased so I'm not always sure of the fiber content. Most is synthetic - I know purists only like to knit with wool, but it's expensive and hot to wear. I have a childhood memory of a green wool sweater my mother knit for me that I couldn't wear because it was itchy. It was a short struggle of wills, but I won out with a loud protest and yanking of the sweater off my body.
I know wool yarns have come a long way toward softness since then and some have been blended with other fibers to even make them washable.
So, not absolutely sure of the fiber in this neck warmer but I think it's a brushed acrylic bulky weight. The pattern: Knitted Neck Warmer can be found here: http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/knitting/outerwear/knit-neck-warmer/12283 This pattern calls for Homespun yarn by Lion Brand and uses size 10 straight needles.
Another good pattern similar to this is Dear by Holly Peacock
Here's a variation made with a nubby, thick and thin yarn in a checks or basket weave stitch.
This is my fist attempt at an infinity scarf also called a cowl. I used Lion Brand Homespun and size 15 needles. The pattern: The Runaround Knit Cowl can be found here: http://smashedpeasandcarrots.com/the-runaround-knit-cowl-free-pattern/ This cowl is about 50 inches long and can wrap around your neck twice. Nice and snugly warm.
On to keeping little heads warm. Look at what self-striping yarns can do for you - like magic stripes appear as you knit. These three hats were knit with EVERYDAY SOFT WORSTED from the Deborah Norville collection - purchased at Joann's. You can find the patterns for these hats as follows: the one on the left: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rock-star-beanie; middle: http://www.tanisfiberarts.com/blog/2010/12/grammys-hats-and-mittens-pattern.html; right: basic beanie with rows of garter stitches. Hats for kids.
This baby hat was made with Jiffy yarn from Lion Brand. Baby Flap Hat pattern can be found here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-flap-cap You'll find some cute variations with this pattern.
These two hats are definitely big people hats. They are my variations on a pattern called Stashbuster Hat one plain and one with a cable. I like the longer ribbing which is about 4 inches. There is plenty of slouch with this pattern which can be found here: http://hattiemylove.blogspot.no/2013/01/striped-light-stashbuster-hat-pattern_28.html
You'll find many other free and unique hat patterns at this site.
So that's what I've been knitting lately. But I couldn't blog with out adding what's going on in the garden. The flowers, their shapes and colors always amaze me. The bulb or seed just needs a clean home, some water and food and look what you get for so little human effort.
We thought we had a peach tree but surprise nectarines.
Grape vine carpet - there's a shed under there. Love it.
Until next time - keep the creative juices flowing - knitting goes on.