What to Knit? Check out our Top 10 Weekend Knitting Projects! These projects are all perfect to knit for the weekend - whether you are watching tv, hanging with friends or family, or just taking a little "me" time. What makes these knitting patterns ideal for the weekend is that they have simple, yet repetitive stitches that allow you to get into a good knitting groove. They are interesting enough so you won't be bored, yet not so complicated you can't enjoy the company of friends.
Today's FREE Pattern is from Knit One Crochet Too. The Lucia Tee is perfect for kicking off your summer knitting. It's a light little tee; knit in the round with no seams to sew (no sewing, woo-hoo!). It has a pretty eyelet lace bottom border and yoke neckline. Lucia uses 4-6 balls of Ty-Dy Cotton yarn that self stripes. So, it looks like you've changed colors, but actually, the yarn does all the work!
Knitting, and knitting...and knitting! Since this is my first WIP (work in progress) Wednesday, I pulled out all my unfinished projects. I'm a bit embarrassed...mittens I started three years ago, a cowl I completed last year and need to post as a free pattern, a cabled cardigan partially done, and a number of beautiful projects tossed aside to begin working with the newest yarn that fell into my lap.
Okay, I'm not crazy about the term "bucket list," but there are some patterns in the knitting world, that everyone just has to experience as a knitter. Some for an interesting technique or use of color, others because they are just plain fun to knit. Some patterns introduce you to a new challenge for no other reason than the bragging rights to say you've done it, like climbing Mount Everest..nobody HAS do it, but hey it's out there, why not go the distance?
Do you have any patterns on your bucket list? Please share them with us!
Knitter's Bucket List: My Top 10 Classic Must-Knit Patterns
1. A Gaugeless Hat- I have LOTS of stash yarn..a little leftover yarn from a sweater, or a ball of yarn I just had to buy because it looked good, or because it was the only ball left on the shelf and it needed a good home (mine).
I'm thrilled to write this post today because I actually sat down an worked out a plan so you'll know what blog posts to expect each day of the week. Monday's feature is New Arrivals. Be sure to check back every Monday to see what new yarns, patterns, and projects have arrived to peak your interest.
New from Helen Hamann
Helen Hamann Knit and Crochet Kits
I got to meet Helen (and her dog) at the TNNA Show. I was impressed at what a hands-on artisan she is. She really got involved in suggesting just the right projects and even helped us select custom colors for some of these kits.
The Corkscrew Scarf Kit (shown left and top, right), is a simple knit with interesting twists and turns. It's actually knit in sections then jointed together with a twist. The fringe on either end is different, too. One end is plain garter stitch rows, the other adds some zing with twisted stitches. The kit includes a Superfine Alpaca in three color combines: blues, pinks or naturals. Get more info about the Helen Hamann Corkscrew Scarf Kit
The Crocheted Necklace Kit is also a new favorite. The color combinations in this kit are so pretty. Each includes pretty, coordinating shades with sequins and beads. You'll be able too choose blues, reds or greens. See all available shades here. Crochet these easy to make large beads, stuff them with a bit of poly-fill, then connect them with the glass beads and sequins between.
This is a new feature you can expect every Friday on our blog! Free Knitting Pattern Friday! I think it's a great way to start the weekend - a free knitting pattern that only requires one or two balls of yarn. Since, this is the first in the series, I thought I'd kick things off with a dozen, (yes..count 'em, twelve!) free knitting patterns for you to enjoy. Happy weekend knitting!
Manos Botany Scarf Pattern
Botany Scarf Free Pattern Just right for the unpredictable days of spring, the Botany Scarf! It's a triangular shaped kerchief featuring a pretty leaf border traveling around the edge. You'll need 2 balls of Manos Maxima yarn and size US 8 needles. Download Manos Botany Scarf Free Pattern
What's in my Bag? Knitting, of course! I saw a post like this on one of my favorite blogs, A Beautiful Mess. I thought it might be a neat experiment and a fun blog post. What surprised me was how much knitting consumes my purse (and everything else in my life)! My purse is a (fairly new) small drawstring tote from Vera Bradley. Here's what's in my bag...business card holder, business cards, sunglasses, grocery list, spare key, pen, sharpie pen, Swiss Army pocket knife (with scissors), finishing needle, stitch marker, kacha-kacha row counter, tape measure, a scarf knitting project (it's a free pattern coming soon) in Plymouth DeAire Yarn, on my Denise Needles, keys, my wallet, lip gloss, and my iPhone. During my photo shoot, my dog insisted on hovering over my purse contents (even munching on some of her food which was nearby!). She loves tiny spaces and then tried to climb in my purse. So, I helped her in the bag and she was very happy to sit there for a photo op!
No, we didn't catch Bieber Fever...we caught Narwhal Fever. This trend crept into our house a few months ago. Narwhals. First, I overheard my tween saying "nar-whal" over and over in funny voices. Next, came the Narwhal video on YouTube. It's been played more times than I can count (and yes, I know all the words to the silly song). Also, she started drawing lots of cute pictures of Narwhals. She has a few self-created Narwhal drawings hanging in her bedroom and even created one for her Aunt Heather. Then, the addiction hit NobleKnits (check out the pattern on our BestSellers Page). All of a sudden our adorable Dangercrafts knitting pattern, Napoleon the Nervous Narwhal became our number one most seached item on Google!
What are Narwhals? Known as the "unicorn of the sea" this light colored, whale is closely related to the beluga. It has a long tusk that looks like a horn, coming out of it's head. Scientists have mixed views on the use of the tusk, but most recent theories suggested it is used as a sensory organ and for communication. Read more about the Narwhal
Narwhals! Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
Knit a Narwhal for Your Kid or Tween But most of all, Narwhals look adorable in a knitted, stuffed animal version! If you have a kid or tween, knit them a Norwhal, they will thank you for it! PS. Show them the Narwhal video, too. :) Napoleon Narwhal is an easy pattern, perfect for stash yarn. You choose how big it will be based on the yarn you select.
Now you can knit even more! Win a $100 Gift Certificate. Use it for anything yarn, patterns, books, and notions at DesignerYarnSale.com. Fill in the form below for your chance to win. Enter on or before Thursday May 19, 2011. The winner will be announced Friday, May 20, 2011 on this blog.
Designer Yarn Sale Giveaway Terms and Conditions 1. No purchase required To enter, complete the form online from Designer Yarn Sale. Entries must include your name and email address. Entries may be submitted by mail by sending completed entry form by first class mail, postage affixed, to: Designer Yarn Sale Giveaway, 967 East Swedesford Road, Suite 410, Exton, PA 19341. All entries must be received by May 19, 2011. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, damaged, misdirected, illegible, incomplete, stolen or postage due mail or entries. All entries become the property of the sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. 2. Winning Entries must be correct and complete. Winner will be chosen at random and will be notified by email and announced on this blog. The random drawing is final and binding in all matters relating to the contest. By entering, participants agree to these official rules. 3. Prizes One prize will be awarded to one winning participant chosen at random. The winner of the contest must provide NobleKnits with a valid email address to claim their prize. The prize will be emailed to the winner. Approximate retail value $100. No substitutions, cash equivalents or transfer of prize permitted except at sole discretion of the sponsor; in which the sponsor has the right in its sole discretion to offer a different prize of equal value. All taxes and any other expenses not specified above are the sole responsibility of the winner. 4. Eligibility Contest is open to residents of the United States or District of Columbia, and are 18 years of age or older until May 19, 2011. Employees of Nancy Queen Designs, LLC/Designer Yarn Sale. and any members of the immediate family (mother, father, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters and spouse, regardless of where they reside) and household members of each such employee, whether or not related, are not eligible to participate. Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited. 5. General Conditions By accepting the prize, the winner release and discharge, and agree to hold harmless Nancy Queen Designs, LLC/Designer Yarn Sale, their affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies and all of their respective employees, officers, directors, representatives and agents from any and all liability or damage due in whole or part from the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of a prize, or participation in this contest. Contest void where prohibited. Prize may not be transferred or substituted for a prize of equal or lesser value. All taxes are solely the responsibility of the winner. By accepting prize, winner agrees, where lawful, that Nancy Queen Designs, LLC/Designer Yarn Sale may use winner’s name, likeness, biographical information, voice and statements attributed to winner for advertising and promotional purposes without additional consideration. 6. Name of the winner will be announced Friday, May 20, 2011 on this (NobleKnits/DesignerYarnSale) Blog. Contest sponsored by Nancy Queen Designs, LLC/Designer Yarn Sale.
