Arachknits

Mermish Folk Socks

2009-08-08T09:11:00.020-06:00

Inspired once again by the Harry Potter books, by J.K. Rowling, I tried at my hand at designing / creating my own socks. Not that Mer people (folks) would wear socks...

I tried several Open and Closed Shell patterns in swatches, none of which "flowed" as I liked. I chose the pattern SHELL LACE RIB, it reminds me of fish scales, waves and light patterns on the water surface. This pattern can be found in many stitch pattern books and in no way is my own. However I did tweak the stitches on the needles while knitting so the pattern centered up the leg.

I did realize a mistake too late, as the picture shows. I did not slip two stitches to the proper needle during the gusset shaping and have four stitches on one side instead of two on either side leading to the instep / foot. OOPS! I bound off marked the error and intend to begin the other sock and then complete the pair.

The pattern may be knit either top down or toe up and follows a basic sock recipe. If you knit the pattern toe up your SHELL LACE RIB will be upside down, but that may add extra interest that I had not previously thought about when first trying this out.

Materials:
YARN: Knit Picks Esstential Fingering Weight in MERMAID
SIZE: 2(US) and 3(US) DPNs
Place Marker
Gauge: sts x 12 rows = 1"

Abbrv:

K - Knit
sl - slip
sts - stitches / stitch
RS - Right Side
WS - Wrong Side

TOP DOWN INSTRUCTIONS

NOTES: The first two stitches on needle one (N1) begin and end the round. Needle 4 holds the final stitches of the pattern (K1, psso) before the KNIT round begins, keeping the pattern even and centered.

I knit kind of upside down and backwards, please see the picture indicating needle numbers. I knit to the left beginning with the needle closest to me (N1) when knitting in the round.

CO: 56 Sts
Divide the stitches on to four Size 2(US) dpns as follows:
N1: 16 sts.
N2: 14 sts
N3: 14 sts
N4: 12 sts

Place Marker to denote beginning of round
Work in 1 x 1 ribbing for 1" (12 rounds)

Switch to size 3(US) Needles. I found using the larger needle helps keep the pattern from stretching and distorting too much when worn.

Round 1:
N1: K2, *K2tog, K2, yo, K1, yo, K5, sl1, K1, psso, K2*
N2 and N3: repeat from * to *
N4: K2tog, K2, yo, K1, yo, K5, sl1, K1, psso

Round 2 - KNIT

Round 3:
N1: K2, *K2tog, K1, yo, K3, yo, K4, sl1, K1, psso, K2*
N2 and N3: repeat from * to *
N4: K2tog, K1, yo, K3, yo, K4, sl1, K1, psso

Round 4 - KNIT

Round 5:
N1: K2, *K2tog, yo, K5, yo, K3, sl1, K1, psso, K2*
N2 and N3: repeat from * to *
N4: K2tog, yo, K5, yo, K3, sl1, K1, psso

Round 6 - KNIT

Round 7:
N1: K2, *K2tog, K5, yo, K1, yo, K2, sl1, K1, psso, K2*
N2 and N3: repeat from * to *
N4: K2tog, K5, yo, K1, yo, K2, sl1, K1, psso

Round 8 - KNIT

Round 9:
N1: K2, *K2tog, K4, yo, K3, yo, K1, sl1, K1, psso, K2*
N2 and N3: repeat from * to *
N4: K2tog, K4, yo, K3, yo, K1, sl1, K1, psso

Round 10 - KNIT

Round 11:
N1: K2, *K2tog, K3, yo, K5, yo, sl1, K1, psso, K2*
N2 and N3: repeat from * to *
N4: K2tog, K3, yo, K5, yo, sl1, K1, psso

Round 12 - KNIT

Repeat these 12 rows for pattern. Work the pattern for 48 rounds or 12 rows 4 times, ending with a KNIT row.

HEEL FLAP

The heel flap is worked across N1 and N4. On the last round of the leg, Knit the first two stitches from N1 to N4 (14 sts on each needle) for 28 sts.

Switch to size 2 (US) dpns

Work the heel in your favorite heel stitch. I used stockinette with out the slipping and psso of a traditional heel.

Work across N1, Turn, Slip the first st and purl across to the end. Turn, Slip the first stitch and knit across to the end, turn. Continue to Slip the first stitch of each row until 28 rows have been worked. (14 slipped stitches on either side of heel flap)

TURN THE HEEL
SLIP all sts Purl Wise
RS
Row 1: K16, K2tog, K1, Turn Leave the remaining sts. on N1.
Row 2: Sl1, P5, P2tog, P1, Turn
Row 3: Sl1, K6, K2tog, K1, Turn
Row 4: Sl1, P7, P2tog, P1, Turn
Row 5: Sl1, K8, K2tog, K1, Turn
Row 6: Sl1, P9, P2tog, P1, Turn

Continue in this manner, working RS until the last st on N4, Knit that stitch and the first st on N1 together then knit one more st from N1, Turn the piece and work the WS until the last three sts on N4, purl two together and then Purl the last st. Work back and forth RS / WS until all 28 sts have been worked and 16 sts remain on N4.

GUSSET:

Begin working in the round again.
With a free needle, pick up and Knit 14 sts along the side of heel flap (N1).
Knit across the 28 instep st in the SHELL LACE RIB pattern on N2 and N3.
Pick up and Knit 14 sts from the other side of the heel flap and knit 8 sts from N4.
All five (5) needles hold stitches.
Slip the last 8 sts from the odd needle to N1. There should be 22 Sts on N1 and N4. 72 sts in total.
Place marker to note beginning of round.

DECREASE ROUNDS:

ROUND 1
N1: Knit to the last three sts on N1, K2tog, K1
Follow the SHELL LACE RIB pattern for N2 and N3
N4: K1, ssk, Knit to end of round.

ROUND 2 - KNIT

Work in rounds, maintaining the SHELL LACE RIB pattern on the instep (N2 and N3), repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until 14 sts remain in N1 and N4 or there are 56 sts total.

FOOT

Work in rounds, maintaining the SHELL LACE RIB pattern for the instep (N2 and N3), work in Stockinette st on N1 and N4 until the foot measures about 2" shorter than your desired length. Be sure to end the instep pattern with a Knit row.

TOE

This is your basic pointy sock toe, if you have another way to create the toe, please feel free to use whatever method you are most comfortable with. Sock toes are not written in stone.

DECREASE ROUNDS:

ROUND 1:
N1: Knit to last three stitches, K2tog, K1
N2: K1, ssk, knit to end
N3: Knit to last three stitches, K2tog, K1
N4: K1, ssk, Knit to end of round

Round 2 - KNIT

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 7 sts remain in each needle. Repeat Round 1 ONLY until 4 sts remain in each needle.
Knit four sts from N1 to N4 and Slip four sts from N3 to N2.
16 sts remain. Use a tapestry needle to Kitchener Stitch the toe closed.

Follow the blocking and washing instructions that are best for the yarn you chose.

Slip on your foot. AHHH nice!

Dread Pirate Rabbit Progress

2009-03-11T09:01:00.000-06:00

I had something written as a draft, but it has disappeared, so we'll begin again.

Progress has been made. YEA! I have been working on this pattern for six months or so and I have finally gotten the head and "face" to look "right" or more rabbity anyway. I still have to figure out how to do the ears and the crossbones are still in the drawing / charting stage.

As promised when the whole thing is complete I will post charts and written pattern instructions. I still need input from the Pirates at Ravelry, they're good like that.

Green Apples

2009-03-10T07:32:00.005-06:00

This was the very first article of clothing (top) that I completed and can wear. I knit a sweater when I first began to knit again, and that didn't work out so well. I am very pleased with this. The pattern is Lace Hem Topping from Creative Knitting, July 2008.

Materials: Shine (worsted weight) a blend of Cotton and Modal (recycled beach wood). The yarn "fluffed" a lot leaving lint everywhere when I was knitting. However, the yarn is lovely and soft and makes a wonderful fabric.

I made a mistake while knitting the front and had to rip the rows back. With some help from the users at Ravelry, I was able to correct the mistake without having to frog the whole piece!

Ravenclaw Year 1- 2 House Scarf / Hat Set

2009-03-08T20:55:00.006-06:00

Ravenclaw Year 1-2 House Scarf from Charmed Knits

I really enjoyed knitting this, very simple it was a pleasure to watch the material grow.

Long Time No Post

2009-03-08T20:30:00.002-06:00

Wow, I had no idea it had been so long since I had posted anything. Still working on the Dread Pirate Rabbit, which I think I have almost gotten "right". I have also finished several projects in the mean time. Like most knitters, I would rather be knitting than blogging.

Well I suppose I should start posting some of those finsihed projects.

Also I would like to say thank you to Crafty Witch Josee from the Leaky Cauldron for inviting me to share / show my Harry Potter Knitting projects.

Arachknits: Ravenclaw Illusion Banner

2009-03-08T09:46:00.000-06:00

Arachknits: Ravenclaw Illusion Banner

Dread Pirate Bunny Progress

2008-09-06T20:46:00.002-06:00

I am currently using Caron Simply Soft 100% Acrylic in Worsted Weight Black and White. I am still having major problems with the ears, I just can't seem to get them right.

Ravenclaw Wordle

2008-08-31T21:09:00.002-06:00

title="Wordle: Ravenclaw Pride"> src="http://wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/154705/Ravenclaw_Pride"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd">

© 2008 Jonathan Feinberg subscribe Creative Commons License

Harry Potter Hubby

2008-08-07T20:18:00.002-06:00

Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test...

Mrs. Weasley Twin

Your perfect HP man is Fred and/or George Weasley.

Laughter is important to you. You want a guy who's never boring, who can always put a smile on your face, and who can pull the best of pranks and never get caught. Or possibly two such guys. Because let's face it, they're pretty much a two-fer. You get one, you get both. Even if one of them's only a friend, he'll still be around so much you'll feel like you're married to him, too. Sure, they may not seem like the most mature guys in the world, in a traditional sense, but just ask them about their business plan. When they drive you nuts by relentlessly testing their latest inventions on you, you can console youself with that huge stack of cash and dragon-leather jacket. Besides, you know you're powerless against those stereo smiles.

Take The Harry Potter Husband Test at HelloQuizzy

Hedwig

2008-08-05T20:52:00.002-06:00

So I finished Hedwig.

I liked the pattern, but wanted to try something else, of course. I used Lion Brand Fun Fur for this project, and it was really hard ot finish because I couldn't see the edges through the fluff. She's cute in her own way.

Ravenclaw Illusion Banner

2008-07-25T11:28:00.001-06:00

Watch the Birdie!

So after much swearing and ripping of rows I have finished the "banner" intended as a scarf, the image became a little long so I turned into a banner instead. I may try a scarf later.

I used Caron Simply Soft 100% Acrylic Worsted in Dark Country Blue and Heather Grey for the colors like the movie. I changed it to banner or wall hanging. It is about 18-1/2" long from end to end fringe adds about 3" to 6" to over all length (depending on fringe length).

A few notes about the pattern:

The instructions below are for the WRONG SIDE of the pattern only. The RIGHT SIDE is KNIT every row! Just knit nothing else. I did say KNIT the RIGHT SIDE right?

Ravenclaw Illusion (Shadow) Banner

Approx: 18-1/2" (23-1/2" with fringe)

Materials: Caron Simply Soft 100% Acrylic in Dark Country Blue [MC] and Grey Heather [CC] (no dye lot), 1 skein each (about 315 yards). You may choose any worsted weight yarn in the color of your choice.

Needles: Size 6 (US) straight

Gauge: is about 22 sts and 36 rows = 4", or about 6-1/2 (7) sts. per inch.

NOTES: Two rows of each color are worked and then changed for the next two rows so on and so forth, continue in this manner for the entire project. Carry the colors loosely up the side at each color change, no one will ever notice. Instructions are written for the wrong side only, KNIT every right side (odd numbered) row.

It takes four rows of knitting to complete one row of pattern, the first row is establishing the illusion [CC] the next rows follow the illusion in reverse [MC] making the stitches "pop" out form the material.

The first and last 2 stitches of pattern are a selvage edge to help the piece lay flat and not roll. Light blocking will help if your banner rolls too much.

The design (illusion) is a total of 136 rows, not counting border rows. The photo is a mirror image, your bird will face the opposite direction when completed.

Abbreviations:

K = Knit
P = Purl
MC = Main Color
CC = Contrast Color
sts. = stitches

CO 35 sts. in MC
Row 1 KNIT
Row 2 PURL
Change to CC
Row 3 Knit
Row 4 Purl
Change to MC
Rows 5 and 6 repeat rows 1 and 2 one time. (Border is complete)
Row 7 - Change to CC, Knit to end (right side row)
(Begin Pattern, this row is the toe)
Row 8 - k2, p10, k1, p to last two sts. k2
Change to MC Knit to end
Row 10 - K12, p1, k to end.
Continue in this fashion, changing from MC to CC every two rows for the rest of the rows
Row 12 - k2, p10, k1, p2, k1, p to last two sts. k2
Row 14 - k12, p1, k2, p1, k to end
Row 16 - k2, p10, k4, p to last two sts., k2
Row18 - k12, p4, k to end
Row 20 - k2, p11, k2, p to last two sts., k2
Row 22 - k13, p2, k to end
Row 24 - k2, p12, k1, p5, k1, p to last two sts., k2
Pow 26 - K14, p1, k5, p1, k to end
Row 28 - k2, p11, k2, p4, k4, p to last two sts., k2
Row 30 - k13, p2, k4, p4, k to end.
Row 32 - k13, p13, k to end.
Row 33 - Knit across to end. (just making sure you're still knitting every right side row)
Row 34 - k2, p11, k14, p to last two sts, k2
Row 36 - k13, p14, k to end.
Row 38 - k2, p10, k12, p2, k1, p to last two sts, k2
Row 40 - k12, p12, k2, p1, k to end.
Row 42 - k2, p9, k10, p to last two sts, k2
Row 44 - k11, p10, k to end.
Row 46 - k2, p8, k10, p to last two sts, k2
Row 48 - k10, p10, k to end.
Row 50 - k2, p8, k9, p to last two sts, k2
Row 52 - k10, p9, k to end
Row 54 - k2, p7, k10, p to last two sts, k2
Row 56 - k9, p10, k to end.
Row 58 - k2, p7, k10, p to last two sts, k2
Row 60 - k9, p10, k to end
Row 62 - k2, p7, k11, p to last two sts, k2
Row 64 - k9, p11, k to end
Row 66 - k2, p7, k11, p to last two sts, k2
Row 68 - k9, p11, k to end.
Row 70 - k2, p5, k1, p2, k12, p to last two sts, k2
Row 72 - k7,p1, k2, p12, k to end
Row 74 - k2, p5, k7, p1,k7, p to last two sts, k2
Row 76 - k7, p7, k1, p7, k to end
Row 78 - k2, p5, k7, p1, k8, p to last two sts, k2
Row 80 - k7, p7, k1, p8, k to end
Row 82 - k2, p6, k5, p2, k8, p to last two sts, k2
Row 84 - k18, p5, k2, p8, k to end
Row 86 - k2, p7, k3, p3, k9, p to last two sts, k2
Row 88 - k9, p3, k3, p9, k to end
Row 90 - k2, p13, k8, p to last two sts, k2
Row 92 - k15, p8, k to end
Row 94 - k2, p12, k10, p to last two sts, k2
Row 96 - k14, p10, k to end
Row 98 - k2, p12, k9, p to last two sts, k2
Row 100 - k14, p9, k to end
Row 102 - k2, p11, k11, p to last two sts, k2
Row 104 - k13, p11, k to end
Row 106 - k2, p12, k8, p1, k1, p to last two sts, k2
Row 108 - k14, p8, k1, p1, k to end
Row 110 - k2, p13, k8, p to last two sts, k2
Row 112 - k15, p8, k to end.
Row 114 - k2, p14, k7, p to last two sts, k2
Row 116 - k16, p7, k to end
Row 118 - k2, p14, k5, p1, k1, p to last two sts, k2
Row 120 - k16, p5, k1, p1, k to end
Row 122 - k2, p15, k5, p to last two sts, k2
Row 124 - k17, p5, k to end
Row 126 - k2, p15, k3, p1, k1, p to last two sts, k2
Row 128 - k17, p3, k1, p1, k to end
Row 130 - k2, p15, k1, p1, k1, p to last two sts, k2
Row 132 - k17, p1, k1, p1, k to end
Row 134 - k2, p14, k1, p to last two sts, k2
Row 136 - k16, p1, k to end
This last row completes the Raven Illusion (Shadow).

Row 137 in CC knit across to end
Row 138 Purl across to end
Row 139 - in MC Knit across to end
Row 140 - Purl across to end
Row 141 in CC knit across to end
Row 142 Purl Across to end
Row 143 in MC Knit across to end
Row 144 - BO (Knit or Purl)

Fringe

Cut 14 12" inch pieces of MC and 13 12" pieces CC divide into our groups of three, using two strands of MC and 1 strand of CC for middle fringe piece. Find the center bottom of your banner and attach the blue/grey fringe there, alternate the other eight sections and space them equally along the bottom of the banner.

Hang it on your wall, your all done!

Arachknits: Ravenclaw Illusion Banner

2008-07-25T10:36:00.000-06:00

Arachknits: Ravenclaw Illusion Banner

Dread Pirate Bunny Progress 2

2008-07-15T12:04:00.000-06:00

So we've made a little more progress and I am just not happy with the results at all.

I was right in thinking that the yarn is too bulky, the needles are too big and the chart still isn't quite right. I want to keep going with this sample so I can flesh out other difficulties or refinements. The nose needs to be reduced by two rows from five to three, and I've not finished the eyes yet, but they need to be changed as well, perhaps a stitch or two wider.

Trying to intarsia the whole thing is a mistake, I think that the nose and eyes should be duplicate stitched after the motif is complete.

Sigh...

Dread Pirate Bunny Progress

2008-07-13T20:12:00.000-06:00

Well some progress has been made. I don't want to copy the scarf exactly, that wouldn't be ethical, but I am finding that the chart I did isn't quite up to snuff. There are several things at this point that definitely need improvement or change. The crossbones need to more diagonal, and I need to figure out why my stitches are doing that weird thing at the bottom.

Looking at the chart, the picture and the small knitted sample above, mine is much smaller, the crossbones are wrong, but that's OK, I can fix it later. One is taken by the iCamera the other is scanned, the scanned one is vertical.

I haven't posted the chart, because I don't want to give the impression that it is in anyway done or the final product. I really wanted to document the process and progress as I knit and refine the pattern idea.

So far not so good.

SAMPLE: Knit with Bernat Softee Chunky 100% Acrylic in Black and White on size 10-1/2 (US) needles.

Notes for improvement based on current sample.
Changes:
Yarn to worsted weight (perhaps sport?)
Refine / define Crossbones.
Change Needle size, to 8 or 7 (US)
What is up with the stitches at the center bottom?

Winged Skull

2008-07-12T20:52:00.001-06:00

Speaking of charting things, I tried my hand at this "Winged Skull" after being teased by a friend that knitting wasn't "Metal", but a sissy hobby!

Sissy hobby, my ass! I sat down and knit this. Intended as a pillow cover, I think this will be the back, as I see where I have to correct a chart mistake or two. But I still like this.

Knit with Bernat Softee Chunky 100% Acrylic yarn in Black and White, it came out rather well for my very first attempt at charting something. I need to finish the back and stuff the pillow in it!

If I can figure out how I will try to link to a pdf or post the chart here in a jpeg format. It's hand drawn , iMac doesn't have a pint like program that you can color in the squares and make it all pretty. And they should.

Dread Pirate Bunny

2008-07-12T20:45:00.000-06:00

OK, so the do-it-myself chart isn't working out so well, I can't seem to get the ears right or the shape of the head. I have tried charting it on 1:40, 1:28 and een 1:22 but I'm not getting good results.

I think the thing to do is choose one or more the charts I've tried and knit it up and see what looks best and where improvements need to be made.

This is hard!

Dread Pirate Bunny

2008-07-12T08:15:00.000-06:00

Hello, I'm going to try and keep track of my progress with the Dread Pirate Bunny design. I saw the scarf first on HGTV's Color Splash worn by the assistant Danielle Hirsch, I thought it was so cute I had to recreate it, since I can't find one to purchase.

I had Knitpro do the initial charting which you can see above. I need to refine this a good bit, so I can get the ears close to correct. The fold in the material is making it tough to get the shape right. Blessing to a user on Ravelry for finding the photo for me, I was looking in all the wrong places!

If you would like to make one of your own, please feel free to copy the chart above or come back here later for updates and a hand drawn chart. Since I can't figure how to get a pdf to link here the picture will have to do, apologies.

Knitting Fool

2008-07-03T08:21:00.000-06:00

So I have been knitting like a woman possessed and have gotten my Ravelry invitation and been busy setting stuff over there. I'm not sure if I'll continue with my blog here or not. I have finished two hats and the front of a pillow case since I last posted. Ordered almost $140.00 of yarn and a book (on separate occasions mind).

It's official I am insane!

2008-06-19T08:00:00.001-06:00

This is a test to see if I can upload and share a pdf file. I have designed all twelve of the zodiac signs and used knitpro on the web to have the chart created. They are free to use, but may not be sold or used for commercial purposes withoout my express written permission. All images belong to me, however the symbols are public domain so feel free to design and knit your own.

Nope I guess not, ok so I'll just upload the photo instead... and there it is... I'll try to upload the rest in one post, just images to peruse perhaps.

Pirate Bunnies

2008-06-19T07:40:00.000-06:00

So I'm trying and trying and trying and it's not working. I'm getting irritated. It should be a simple matter of coloring in the squares on the graph paper, apparently I'm coloring challenged. I can't seem to keep the squares "even".

I tried using one of the free online knitting chart creation applications, but they don't give you very good patterns, even form a simple line drawing. Alas and woe is I, back to the drawing board.

Charting

2008-06-17T09:09:00.000-06:00

Today I attempt to chart my very first project. I have an idea for a an off-bet scarf or sweater or patch design, based on the "Jolly Roger" or Skull and Crossbones pirate flag. Not one for the traditional intarsia or Fair Ilse snowflakes and checkerboards I want to try something different, the simple lines / shapes of the skull and crossbones would lend themselves nicely to any number of adjustments or design with a few tweaks here and there. Will post the chart once I figure out how. iMac and and windows based programs do not communicate or play well together.

2008-06-13T07:32:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I received my order from Knitpicks and the yarn is marvelous. $3.29 a 110 yard / 50 gram ball of worsted "Swish" 100% Superwash Merino in Black and Jade. The yarn is for a specific project and it is one of the softest wool yarns I have ever touched. Usually wool is harsh and makes me itch, I don't like wool clothes for that reason, but knitting with this there is almost zero itch factor (I think I might be allergic) and when worked up it still feels soft to the touch. The colors are gorgeous, rich and deep with little or no variation from ball to ball.

I liked it so much that I ordered another six balls in two more colors for another project and if I can find the proper colors in a yarn weight I like I may purchase from them again.

2008-06-11T21:09:00.000-06:00

This is one of the very first projects I completed.

It is a knit from the top down pattern, which can be found in Knitting for Dummies. I changed the pattern some, it called for a four inch I-cord, which I thought looked silly so I cast on and began the increases after the first round. I like the spiral pattern on top. One could use different colors to knit a pinwheel type design.

Caron Simply Soft 100% Acrylic in Orchid. The hat took about 1/2 a skein (315 yards / 170 g).

Greetings

2008-06-07T21:24:00.000-06:00

Hello,

This is my very first attempt at blogging. A friend suggested that it would be a great way to catalog or chart my progress for knitting or on going projects. I first learned to knit as a little girl, but it didn't quite grab me. I began to knit again to have something to do to keep me occupied in the snowy winter months and now I am addicted.

I don't use fancy yarn, I'm not skilled enough for $14.00 a ball Alpaca Wool yarns just yet, but I find that the Caron Simply Soft 100% acrylic makes for terrific practice and if I screw it up, I've only lost a couple of dollars.

I have several projects I am currently working on and a couple that I have already finished. In the next couple of days I will continue to post and add pictures.