Bernat Bamboo Crochet Vest Crochet-Along

Right now, we are having a Spring Crochet-Along in the Bernat Forum, making a beautiful Crochet Vest, using Bernat Bamboo yarn.  This super soft bamboo yarn is absolutely LUSCIOUS!!!  Yummy!!!



I've made lots of videos, capturing every single stitch for the project.
Check 'em out: Step by Step Videos for Bernat Bamboo CAL

So far, I've finished the Left Front, as well as the Band for the Left Front.  Looking good so far!  I am really looking forward to wearing this. :)

My Bernat Temperature Project

I've been knitting row after row, to show the temperature for each day of 2013.  Two rows for the low temp, two rows for the high temp, and two more rows if there is rain, snow, or lightning.  (grey for rain, white for snow, black for lightning)

So far, I've finished through March, and it's already VERY LONG - 56 inches!


Needless to say, this will NOT be a wrap, because 56 times 4 is just ridiculous.
So, I've decided to make an afghan instead.  This section will be one side of the afghan, with the fringe hanging on the edge. I will make an identical section for Oct, Nov, and Dec, to make the other side.

Now, I want to crochet some squares for each day of the Spring and Summer months.  Those squares will be seamed together for the center section of my afghan.  Wish me luck!

If you want to join in the Bernat 2013 Temperature CAL/KAL, we would love getting to know you in the Bernat Forum.  Check it out!

Designing My Own Scarf, Using Bernat's Stitch Gallery

About a year ago, we started a knit and crochet-along in the Bernat Forum, where we are all designing our own scarf, using the Bernat Stitch Gallery for Knit Stitches and Crochet Stitches.

Since that time, several Bernat Forum members have finished their lovely scarves, and moved onto other projects.  But, as usual, I am WAY behind the rest of the pack.  I had a great idea, but just didn't follow through as quickly as I hoped I would.

This past week, I grabbed my three skeins of Vickie Howell Sheepish yarn, and got to work with Bernat's "Wagon Wheel" design.  IT IS SO FUN!!! Omigosh, I can't believe I dragged my feet on this.  :P


Here's the two videos I made, showing how to make the wheel motif.

Part One Video "Wagon Wheel"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqBNc2spaRI

Part Two Video "Wagon Wheel"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHTKJ3qvY38

Now, I just need to make lots of wagon wheels, then seam them together for my scarf.  :)

Bernat Temperature Scarf KAL/CAL

I am having so much fun with the new 2013 KAL/CAL on the Bernat website. :)
Follow along with the KAL/CAL on the Bernat Forum.

We are making "Temperature Scarves", changing colors according to the temperature each day of 2013.  I'm using Bernat Denimstyle for my scarf - all 13 colors of it.



Here's how I've arranged the colors, according to temperatures for Charlotte, NC.



And here's how my scarf looks, after working January 1 - January 5.  I am making a wrap instead of a scarf, casting on twice as many stitches as the pattern dictates.  And I'm leaving the ends to be a fringe along one side.  I started off with an edge of several rows in the lightest color, and will finish off the project in the same way.  I might also crochet an edge along the unfringed side.  Time will tell. Can't wait to wrap myself up in this cozy wrap!

New Year's Eve 2013 Party on Knitting Help Forum!

Yes, it's that time of year again.  

Time to welcome 2013 with an online all night party for knitters! :)

Every year, in the Knitting Help Forum, I host a party that lasts all night long, so we can celebrate the New Year for every time region in North America.  Fun!

As usual, there will be PRIZES, so come and join the fun.  You have to register to win the prizes by posting a comment in the party discussion thread in the forum, so go there and take care of that.

Another thing we usually do is make a project together to commemorate our party.
This year, our project will be a MYSTERY!  :)

All you need to do is get two skeins of FELTABLE WOOL yarn, in contrasting colors.  Do NOT use superwash wool, because it will NOT WORK!  Just look at the label on your yarn skein, and make sure it is NOT WASHABLE WOOL.   Our project will be felted when we finish our knitting, so that's why I'm being so particular about the kind of yarn you should use.

I would recommend using Patons Classic Wool or Lion Wool or Lion Fisherman's Wool.
You can buy yarn in any color you want, making sure that you have TWO DIFFERENT COLORS that will contrast with each other, so one color will stand out from the other.  I recommend using one dark color, and one light color.

We will be doing duplicate stitch when the knitting is complete.  The duplicate stitching will be how we can personalize our project with "2013" and "KH" (or your initials).

You will also need a bag of rice for our project.  (OK, you people....don't be spouting out any hints or taking guesses...we want this to remain a MYSTERY!!!)

Materials:
Two skeins of worsted weight FELTABLE wool yarn, 
    in contrasting colors (dark and light)
Knitting Needles: Size 8 (US) or 5 mm
Yarn Needle for seaming and duplicate stitch
A bag of rice

To get started:  
Choose one skein of yarn, and cast on about 15-20 stitches.
Row 1: Knit every stitch
Row 2: Purl every stitch
Repeat these two rows, to make a stockinette fabric, until it is square.
Bind off, and set aside.

Next, get the other skein of yarn, and use it to make an identical square.
Bind off, and set aside.

When both squares are complete, use the dark yarn on the light square to work duplicate stitch for "2013" in the center of your square.  Then, use the light yarn on the dark square to work duplicate stitch for "KH" (or your initials) in the center of the other square.  (I will post links for duplicate stitch embroidery in the forum.)

We will finish our project in the Knitting Help Forum, so watch the discussion thread there, to see instructions for the rest of the project. :)

Behold! The Christmas Stocking is COMPLETE!! :)

Fair Isle Christmas Knitting

This year, I'm knitting another fair isle stocking for a customer.  Hours of work, with lots of stranding, using fingering weight wool yarn.  I'll be glad to finish this one up.