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On and Off the Needles: Indulgence Beanie

March 2, 2013 in Free, Hats, Knitting Fever Inc

Just because a yarn is called “sock yarn” doesn’t mean you have to restrict yourself to knitting socks with it.

Did you already know that or is it a light bulb statement?

So called sock yarn can be used to knit shawls, scarves, hats, gloves and mittens, and even sweaters.

The two things to remember about sock yarn is that it will usually be a fingering weight (so it will fit in your shoes nicely) and it usually has a touch of nylon included for durability. (Think of the friction of rubbing against the back of your heel as you walk.)

Not all sock yarns need to be knit on itty bitty needles at a fine gauge. Our Indulgence 6 Ply yarn, for instance, has a suggested gauge of 21 sts to 4″ (5.25 sts/1″) on needles ranging from a US 3 to US 6. It is a 75% Extrafine Merino Wool, 25% Polyamide blend.

That is considered more of a sport weight gauge and is much more reasonable for projects beyond socks.

Indulgence also comes in some awesome self-patterning colors.

Socks and photo by Wool Becomes Ewe.

Socks and photo by Wool Becomes Ewe.

These happy lime/blue/purple socks are being knit by Wool Becomes Ewe, a local yarn store in Virginia. (There is a sock pattern on the Indulgence ball band.)

That picture, combined with this one from Metaphor Yarns, a local yarn store in Massachusetts, reminded me that I was hording some Indulgence of my own.

Photo by Metaphor Yarns

Photo by Metaphor Yarns

Aren’t those colors luscious?

I’ve made myself socks using the color at the top right. And I used the color in the middle to make socks for my brother.

The one in the bottom right is the one that caught my eye this week.

Hello, handsome.

Hello, handsome.

I don’t know about you, but a lot of my younger relatives are suddenly having babies. There are three new babies in the past four months and another one due in April!

It occurred to me that since Indulgence is silky soft AND machine washable it would be great for baby garments.

I settled on the Amity Print Beanie pattern from Ella Rae, which is free on our website (look for the “download pattern” link under the big picture on the left), and got to knitting. I cast on Wednesday evening and finished it up Friday night.

No baby handy, so my hand had to model.

No baby handy, so my hand had to model.

How adorable is this hat?!

The colors came up so nicely and it’s such a clean, simple design that I want to make one for myself.

Considering it didn’t take much yarn at all, there is probably enough left in the ball for me to do that. Each ball is 426 yards, after all. In fact, based on past experience, and my little feet, I’m pretty sure there is enough yarn left for me to make myself a pair of socks, because I just love this color.

I like the gathered effect on the top.

I like the gathered effect on the top.

Now, I did make some modifications to the pattern.

First off, the pattern is written to be worked flat and seamed. I don’t have the patience for that so I just followed the stitch count, but worked it in the round. Of course, when you get to the crown shaping you have to change the purls to knits in that case.

Second, I dropped the top knot.

Third, and this is probably a big one, in the fine knitting tradition of “It will fit someone” I didn’t bother trying to get gauge. I used US6 needles and got 6 sts per inch, which is nowhere near the 4.5 sts/inch called for in the pattern. But, for a baby hat, I think it will be just fine.

When you are weaving in your ends remember that because of the rolled brim you should weave the cast on tail onto the “public” side of the work. If you weave it to the “private” side the end might show when the brim rolls up.

With so much yarn still available I’m debating making little socks to match.

Or maybe fingerless mitts for myself!

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Ruffling Yarn Beyond Scarves

July 16, 2012 in bag, Circulo, Debbie Bliss, Euro Yarns, Free, Inspiration, Katia, Knitting Fever Inc, Sublime, Sweaters

Self-ruffling yarns like Flounce from our Knitting Fever line and Triana from Katia  have been popular for a number of years now. Almost as soon as a local yarn store gets them on the shelf they sell out!

The appeal is understandable.

This style yarn comes in a variety of colors and textures and some even have metallic thread for extra interest. Some of the yarns have a mesh construction which you knit or crochet by opening flat and inserting your hook or needle through the holes in the mesh. Others have a ladder yarn on one edge and fibers on the other. This style you work through the holes of the ladder with the fibers create the body of the project.

You can learn more about some of the self-ruffling yarns we represent and see a video about how to work with them in this blog post.

While the quickest and easiest project to make with any of these yarns is a scarf (most people report being able to finish one in between two to four hours), people are starting to explore the potential of these yarns for uses ranging from trim to entire garments.

Here are a few that have caught our eye.

Vogue Knitting Early Fall 2012

Vogue Knitting Early Fall 2012, photo by Paul Amato for LVARepresents.com

Vogue Knitting Early Fall 2012, photo by Paul Amato for LVARepresents.com

This stunning garment is the “Ruffle Wrap Cardigan” designed by  Cheryl Murray. The pattern is in the Vogue Knitting Early Fall 2012 issue. You can see a preview of the issue on the Vogue Knitting website.

The sweater is sized for Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large

The body is knit using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (Amounts: 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) balls in #9 gray) while the trim is Circulo Tecido Trico Animal (Amounts: 1 hank in #2631 gray leopard).

Tecido Trico is a 100% Polyester fabric ribbon available in a variety of flower and animal prints. Can’t get your head around knitting with fabric ribbon? Learn more about it in this blog post, which includes a how-to video.

Cashmerino Aran is a soft, 55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfiber Acrylic, 12% Cashmere blend available in a rainbow of colors. Have fun mixing and matching the yarns to create a unique look all your own.

Trimmed in Trico

Use either Renda Trico or Tecido Trico as trim

For a more casual look, try your hand at one of these Trico trimmed shrugs, which are available as free patterns on our website.

The one on the left uses a flower print of Tecido Trico for the trim compared to the animal print used in the Vogue Knitting sweater. The body of that shrug is Debbie Bliss Cotton DK, a 100% Cotton yarn available in 20 colors. You can download this version of the shrug pattern here.

The shrug on the right uses Renda Trico for the trim. This is a lace version of the fabric ribbon from Circulo. It is available in 14 colors. The body of the black shrug is knit using Sublime Lustrous Extrafine Merino DK, a 67% Extra Fine Merino Wool, 33% Nylon blend that is available in 10 colors. You can download the black shrug pattern here.

Although the body of both shrugs is simple garter stitch the patterns are recommended for an intermediate knitter because of the unique construction technique. But don’t let that deter you! Help can always be found at your local yarn store or at your knit/crochet group.

Circulo Top with collar

Dress up a store bought top

For something a little different (and quicker) have a go at dressing up a store bought top by adding a fun Tecido trimmed collar. Download the guidelines for this project here.

Tutu Cute!

Ruffled Tutu Skirt by Ewetopia Fiber Shop

Ruffled Tutu Skirt by Ewetopia Fiber Shop

But why should grown-ups have all the fun?

This adorable Ruffled Tutu Skirt for a toddler is from Ewetopia Fiber shop, which is out in Wisconsin. They are generously allowing us to share the pattern with you for free!

The version shown here is using Bossa Nova yarn from Katia. This 72% Cotton, 28% Nylon blend is available in eight colors. (We have a free Bossa Nova Scarf pattern on our website, too.)

This Tutu skirt looks equally cute using a yarn with a larger mesh like Rumples or Triana.

It’s In The Bag

Ruffles Galore purse by Unwind, A Yarn Shop

Ruffles Galore Purse by Unwind, A Yarn Shop

These yarns are also great for accessories.

The Ruffles Galore Purse comes to us from Unwind, a Yarn Shop, which is located in Oklahoma. They are generously allowing us to share the free pattern with you! It uses Tecido Trico and a coordinating worsted weight yarn of your choice.

When working this pattern remember that the Tecido Trico yarn with automatically form the ruffle as you work with it. When the pattern says “knit ruffle” there isn’t really a pattern stitch to be worrying about since it will happen automatically.

Evening in Paris Purse by Knitting On The Fringe

Evening in Paris Purse by Knitting On The Fringe

The Evening in Paris Purse was designed by Knitting on the Fringe, which is located in Michigan, using Flounce yarn. You can buy the pattern on their website. If none of the Flounce colors catch your eye, consider using Rumples, Triana, or Tricor instead. Or jazz it up with one of the metallic versions of those yarn such as Flounce Metallic, Triana Lux, or Broadway.

Ruffles Incognito

Quick Knit Capelet by knitting on the fringe

Quick Knit Capelet by Knitting On The Fringe

Keep in mind that with most of these self ruffling yarns you have the option of toning down the ruffles by not opening the mesh.

You can see this in action on the Quick Knit Capelet by Knitting On The Fringe. This pattern is also available for purchase on their website. It was knit using Triana yarn, but instead of opening the mesh they treated it as a traditional bulky yarn.

Another option is to open the mesh occasionally to create ruffles in targeted places.

It is also possible to open the mesh to take advantage of the lacy effect created, but not have ruffles, as seen in the Kelp Forest Shawlette by karinknits designs, which is a free pattern on Ravelry. She includes a link to a helpful video with both knit and crochet instructions on the Ravlery project page.

I hope these projects have inspired you to think beyond scarves when you are considering using these fun self-ruffling yarns.

Have you already tried them out for trim or other projects? Share a picture on our Facebook wall, we love to see the creative things you are making!

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Sock Tips: The Leg

February 8, 2012 in Ella Rae, Knitting Fever Inc, Mirasol, Noro, OnLine, Socks, Tips

Sock Anatomy

Once you finish the cuff of your sock it’s smooth sailing down the leg.

While most people find the cuff can be tricky to start the leg can be as easy or hard as you decide to make it.

Consider the leg the canvas for your creativity. This is a good place to practice techniques or stitches you’ve been wanting to learn. You can try your hand at lace, cables, Fair Isle, or any number of knitting tricks without the commitment of an entire sweater.

Leaf Lace Socks

Lace socks are lovely.

For instance, these Leaf Lace Socks from the Knit Noro book are a good way to practice lace knitting.

Since socks are small they are a good project to test something out and if you decide you don’t like it you don’t have to worry about leaving a large project unfinished. They are also a good choice for testing a new yarn or indulging in a special yarn.

Custom Fit

Some people don’t like hand knit socks because they fall down. That might be a simple matter of improperly sized socks. While it is obvious that socks that are too big will fall down, the book “Getting Started Knitting Socks” by Ann Budd (Interweave Press, 2007) says socks that are too small will shift down as well.

Most sock patterns are sized for the widest part of your foot on the assumption that it will be similar to the size of the top of your leg. But since people are different that isn’t always the case. Unlike commercial socks, you can easily change your hand knit socks to accommodate those differences.

The leg is a good the place to make adjustments to your sock size and how it fits.

If you want more room in the cuff of the sock for your calf you can cast on enough stitches to fit there and then decrease down the sock leg to the ankle. If you are working toe up you would flip that suggestion and increase up the sock leg.

It’s a simple matter of measuring your leg where you want the cuff to be and your ankle. Multiple those numbers by your gauge to get your target stitch counts. Then subtract them to figure out how many stitches to decrease (or increase). Then work the decreases at regular intervals down the leg. You don’t want to work them all at once because the change in size will be too abrupt and the sock will probably be restrictive in that area.

For more of a discussion on applying knitting math to shaping check out the “sleeve” section of The Knitting Architect on our website.

Budd suggests knitting the cuff and upper leg on a knitting needle one size larger than you plan to use. Many people, she writes, find the larger gauge from the bigger needle provides enough room.

Noro Knee-high socks

Knee high socks are fun, but take more yarn.

Another time shaping will be important is if you make knee-high or thigh-high socks, like these Rainbow Knee-Highs that are also in the Knit Noro book. (The ruffled cuff can be worn up as shown or folded down.)

For taller socks you’ll want to work shaping to accommodate the change in circumference from your calf to your ankle. If you are following a pattern the designer will have figured it out for you. If you want to design tall socks yourself, Elizabeth Zimmermann has a discussion along with a legging pattern in her “Knitters Almanac” which could be adapted.

Yarn Amounts

Most sock patterns are written for crew length socks, but there is no reason you can’t go longer (or shorter). If you aren’t sure of what length to make the leg, a good rule of thumb (maybe it should be a rule of toe? tee-hee) is to make it as long as the hand of the person who will be wearing it. This rule is very convenient if you are making them for yourself since you can just lay your hand on your knitting to check the length and not have to worry about fishing out your tape measure.

If you do make tall socks keep your yarn consumption in mind.

Some sock yarns come in high yardage balls, such as Noro’s Silk Garden Sock with 328 yards and Taiyo Sock with 462 yard, which is usually enough to get a pair of crew length socks out of one ball of yarn. Other yarns come in slightly smaller balls, like OnLine’s Supersocke Silk with 220 yards, which usually require two balls to make a pair.

In either case, a pair of knee- or thigh-high socks will usually need three or even four balls of yarn to ensure you don’t run out. Conversely, a pair of ankle socks might only need one ball. The staff at your local yarn store will be able to guide you in the proper amount of yarn to purchase.

Yarn usage is a good argument for knitting socks toe-up. You divide your yarn in half and just knit to you run out!

Design Options

Ella Rae Striped Socks

Striped Socks are a good way to use up scraps.

As I said at the beginning, the leg can be as plain or fancy as you desire.

When using fun self-patterning yarns, like the OnLine Supersocke yarns or the Indulgence 6ply pictured at the top of this post, you can knit plain old stockinette stitch and still end up with a fabulous sock because the yarn does all the work. Plain socks are good projects to have on the go so you can knit without paying attention.

Another good option is continuing the cuff ribbing down the leg. Some people prefer the way ribbed socks fit. This is also a simple pattern for automatic knitting.

Striped socks, like the pair pictured above from Ella Rae book #114-Lace Merino & Latte are a good way to use up scraps. If you work the color changes every two rows you can usually carry the yarn, rather than cutting it, and save yourself from having a ton of ends to weave in. On the Ella Rae sock you can see the cuff and foot were worked in a solid color to tie it all together.

Mirasol Sparrowhawk socks

Colorwork socks are nice and warm.

For more of a challenge work a patterned leg, like these Sparrowhawk socks from Mirasol Book #06-Accessories Collection.

An important thing to remember with color work socks is that the strands will take up room inside the socks, which might make them smaller. If you are following a pattern the designer will have account for that in the sizing options. But don’t let the potentially tricky sizing put you off, the floats (strands) from the color changes also make the socks extra cushy and warm.

Get Schooled

Still intimidated by knitting socks? Check for a class at your local yarn store. Most stores run beginner sock classes on a regular basis since they are such popular projects but can be tricky when you start out.

During the class the teacher will probably review what type of yarn to use, how to make fit adjustments, and walk you through the tricky bits. You also get the companionship of working on a project with a group of people who will be able to encourage each other and cheer accomplishments.

Of course, there are also many resources online. I like the information available at the Socknitter Forum. I’ve seen a lot of praise online for Silver’s Sock Class (but I haven’t tried it myself). For experienced sock knitters, don’t forget there are tons of great sock patterns on Knitty.com.

What are some tips you have for getting a good sock fit?

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Knit Year Resolutions

January 1, 2012 in Ella Rae, Juniper Moon Farm Yarns, Knitting Fever Inc, miscellaneous, Socks, Sweaters

Happy 2012!

A new year, like a new ball of yarn, is always so full of promise and potential. What shall we make of it? Something for ourselves? Something for others? Can we find a way to do both?

Blue sock

Indulgence 6 ply Distrato yarn

I suppose all that potential is partially responsible for the urge to make New Year’s Resolutions. We want to make sure we don’t waste this opportunity. Unlike knitting, it’s hard to swatch a year. Ha! You really do have to jump in and hope for the best.

Alas, as we all know, most New Year’s Resolutions end up broken or forgotten by the end of January. Instead of helping us improve, they make us feel worse when we beat ourselves up over breaking them.

For this reason I keep my New Year’s Resolutions vague with things like “I’ll be a better person.” Besides, I think every day is a new opportunity to improve!

While I don’t go for the big, common resolutions like “loose weight and exercise more” I can get behind knitting and yarn related resolutions. After all, knitting is what I do for fun and relaxation and I already believe that every project is a chance to learn something new.

Getting Ideas

Since general resolutions tend to be similar I wondered if Knitting Resolutions were as well. To find out I started reading through the New Year Knitting Resolutions thread on Ravelry.

Sure enough, the same resolutions kept popping up.

“I will only knit projects that touch my heart with yarns that bless my hands!”–Dogs5 on Ravelry

One was already on my own list: To finish projects.

Goodness knows we all have enough UFOs (UnFinished Objects) too keep us busy.

But if they have been unfinished for a while it might be time to let them go. Sort through them and really look at them with an honest eye. Why did you stop? Did you make a mistake you need help correcting? Is the sweater knit and just needs to be sewn together? Did you realize it is something you’ll never use? Are you no longer in love with the yarn? Was the break all you needed to return to this project and finish it?

Life is too short to knit projects you don’t love. Clear those UFOs out of your knitting basket and free yourself from the stress they are causing. If you aren’t going to finish it, give it to someone who will. If you need help head to your local yarn store to get it. While you’re there, see if they offer finishing services and pay someone to seam up that sweater.

You’ll recognize blue sock at the top of this post as a pair I started before Christmas using Indulgence 6 ply in a Distrato colorway. I’m pleased to announce the first sock is finished. On to the second sock!

A second one was to either learn to knit socks or knit more socks.

I applaud this goal. I love knitting socks. They are useful and, being small, easy to finish. I want to knit more socks this year.

If you have also made this resolution, we have a free Online Supersocke Pattern on our website you can download. It is in a chart form and covers 14 sizes(!). You find your foot size across the top, then plug the numbers in the column into the written directions.

By using inspiring yarn for your socks you’ll be motivated to finish them. The Supersocke Silk yarn from OnLine is a good choice. This yarn is a blend of 55% Merino Wool, 20% Silk, and 25% Nylon. The wool is soft, the silk gives it shine, and the nylon gives it strength. In addition to 24 solid colors there are seven self-patterning colors. There is nothing quite as fun as watching the stripes develop as you knit.

Lounge Socks

Lounge Socks from Ella Rae Luxury Knits

Another idea is to start with bulky slipper socks like these Lounge Socks from the Ella Rae Luxury Knits book. The bulky weight allows you to work through the elements involved in knitting a sock faster than you would with fingering weight yarn. Once you are familiar with all the steps you can cast on for light weight socks with confidence.

 A third one was to learn Fair Isle or color work.

This is another good one. I love knitting intarsia projects, but my Fair Isle skills aren’t so hot. Like most people I have trouble keeping the tension even.

For a skill like this, where lots of practice is key, I think a small project like the Fair Isle Boot Toppers from the Juniper Moon Farm Chadwick book would be a good place to start.

Boot Toppers

Boot Toppers from Juniper Moon Farm

The small size is not a big commitment in time and if things start going wrong you can move on to the next one quickly.

Since Chadwick comes in 202 yard balls you can get more than one pair of Boot Toppers out of the required amount. But another idea is to pair it with the ever popular Sluggy Bonnet. (Psst! You can download the Sluggy Bonnet pattern free from the Juniper Moon Farm blog!) Another great pattern for trying your hand at Fair Isle. This pattern is on my list and I just need to clear the needles and cast on already!

A final resolution was to knit a sweater.

I’ve knit several sweaters. But if there is a project I’m going to drop the ball on it’s a sweater. I won’t lie, they are a big time commitment. You really have to love both the yarn and the pattern to see a sweater through to completion.

My problems are in perseverance and finishing. Like many knitters I know sewing those seams just slays me. Of course, once I sit down and do it I have a great sense of accomplishment.

The people on Ravelry were running the gamut from making their first sweater ever to making their first sweater for themselves.

Baby Sweater from Baby Milk

Baby Sweater from Baby Milk

If you are debating your first sweater ever, I would suggest starting with a baby sweater, like the free patterns for these cute cardigans using Baby Milk yarn. This yummy yarn is a blend of 63% Extrafine Merino, 30% Milk Fiber, and 7% Cashmere. Don’t let the thin suggested gauge put you off, in the pattern the yarn is held doubled so the patterns move along quickly.

The advantage of starting with a baby sweater, even if you don’t have a baby in your life, is you quickly move through all the shaping elements you will encounter in an adult sweater. This is a good way to build your confidence and get yourself familiar with what to expect.

With a baby sweater under your belt you can confidently head to your local yarn store and select a sweater for yourself.

Take Care of Your Tools

A resolution I didn’t see on Ravelry, which I feel is very important, is to take care of your hands. They are, after all, your most important knitting tool!

Spend a few minutes a day making sure your fingernails are smooth and snag free. It’s hard to get a smooth knitting rhythm going if hangnails keep grabbing your yarn.

By the same principle, use a nice moisturizer to keep your skin soft. Have you ever noticed that the same yarn can feel wonderful one day and slightly rough the next? The yarn hasn’t changed, but your hands might have.

And, most importantly, remember to stop and stretch your fingers, hands, and wrists regularly. Flex your fingers a few times to warm them up before you start. Then put your knitting down periodically to flex them again. Since I like to knit while watching TV I find that commercial breaks are a good reminder to take a knitting break as well.

Remember, it will be hard to meet your knitting goals if you are sidelined with a hand injury!

What knitting resolutions have you set for yourself this year? Tell us in the comments here on the blog, or share on our Facebook wall.

Happy Knit Year!

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Indulgence Socks

November 29, 2011 in Knitting Fever Inc, miscellaneous

Knitting socks is a lot of fun.

I’ve heard that crocheting socks is fun, too, but I haven’t tried it.

In either case, if you make socks you already understand the appeal of these small, quick, portable projects.

Indulgence 6 ply

Indulgence 6 Ply Distrato

Another thing socks have going for them, aside from being useful, is they are great for testing out stitch patterns. They are big enough to learn how to work the stitch pattern and get a good look at it to make sure you like it before committing to a larger project.

And none of that even addresses all the beautiful colors sock yarns come in.

I especially like self-patterning sock yarns such as the skeins of Indulgence 6-Ply you see here.

Indulgence 6 ply

Another view

Indulgence is from our Knitting Fever brand. This yarn is a 75% Extrafine Merino Wool, 25% Polyamide blend that comes in 426 yard (150 gram) balls. One ball will make a pair of socks. There is even a pattern on the inside of the ball band. It is also machine washable, but you should air dry the finished project (not machine dry).

Self-patterning sock yarns are fun because you can knit plain ol’ stockinette stitch socks while the yarn does all the work. Knitting plain stockinette stitch socks is great for when you don’t want to pay attention to your project, for instance when you are socializing with knitting friends or watching something good on TV.

They are also good for stop-and-start projects. No need to worry about where you left off in the pattern since they are just straight knitting. And, if you’ve been knitting in line or in a waiting room, you can quickly shove them back into your bag.

My Indulgence Socks

My new socks

I just finished this purple/green/blue pair over Thanksgiving. Usually a pair of socks takes me about two weeks if I’m focused, but these took longer since they were my “purse project.” (You know, that on-the-go project you only work on when running errands.) I was down to the second toe and knew Thanksgiving would be a great time to finish since I could chat while I knit.

I knit them on 2.5 mm needles, which equate to a US 1.5. This gave me a gauge of 7 sts/inch, which I think is very pleasant for this yarn. This size needle can be tricky to find here in the US, but it is becoming more common. If you don’t have this size needle don’t despair! Since everyone knits differently, you might get the same gauge on a US1 or a US2 needle. Another example of why swatching is so important.

Indulgence is a dream to knit with because it is so smooth and soft. But don’t let the buttery feeling fool you, the polyamide content makes durable socks.

Hubby's Indulgence socks

Hubby's socks are two years old.

My husband has had this pair of socks for about two years, so you might not be able to find this color in stores. But I wanted you to see how well this yarn wears.

When it comes to socks I take the machine washable option to heart! I wash my socks on the knit/gentle cycle in cold water with a mild detergent. Then I hang them on a drying rack to air dry. Hubby doesn’t have as many pairs of hand-knit socks as I do, but they see a lot of action as he likes to wear them on the weekends. As you can see, this pair is holding up just fine.

Brother's Indulgence Socks

Blue socks for my brother

Almost as soon as I finished my pair I cast on a pair for my brother using this nice denim blue colorway. I made socks for his wife and children last year so I thought it was about time I caught him up.

Matching or Fraternal?

One thing people debate about self-patterning sock yarn is whether or not to make the socks match.

As you can see from my purple/green/blue socks I’m in the “make them match” camp. Other people are happy to have “fraternal” socks. They finish one and just cast on for the next.

Of course, mismatched socks are so popular right now that you can buy commercial socks in odd sets just for that purpose. This trend relieves knitters of the dreaded “second sock syndrome” some people get.

If you do want to make matching socks there are two things of which you have to be aware.

First, try to cast on at a recognizable point in the colorway. The transition from one color to the next is a good spot. The socks I’m knitting for my brother have just the cast on edge in the light blue color. That should be easy to replicate on the second sock.

Second, you’ll have to sacrifice yarn when starting your second sock. It’s very rare that the first sock will end at the point in the color pattern where the second needs to start. Just feed out the yarn until you find the correct spot.

I put that excess yarn aside against possible darning down the line. Other people use it to make stuffed animals, blanket squares, other other projects that require small amounts of yarn.

If you haven’t yet taken the sock plunge I suggest you give it a try. I’m sure the friendly staff at your local yarn store will be happy to give you a lesson.

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Meet the Self Ruffling Yarns

November 23, 2011 in Euro Yarns, Katia, Knitting Fever Inc, Scarves

Scarves are fun to knit because they provide such variety in such a small package.

They can be long or short.

They are good for practicing new stitches and techniques.

They make lovely gifts for family and friends.

But even more fun are scarves knit from self ruffling yarns.

Staff with Scarves

Everyone loves scarves!

Knit in garter stitch on big needles with just a few stitches these scarves work up fast. The best part is even though you are knitting simple garter stitch the unique construction of the yarn does all the work and you end up with a fabulous, complicated looking scarf.

Because of that unique construction–maybe a mesh you knit into or a ribbon edged with a ladder yarn–self ruffling yarns don’t look like normal yarns and can confuse both experienced and novice knitters alike.

We’ve created two videos to introduce you to these fun yarns. A round of applause for Karen, from our customer service department, who bravely agreed to be the star (don’t we all get shy when a camera is turned on?). You may have met Karen through the KFI ID on Ravelry.

This first video is an overview of some of the yarns available, their construction, and how they look knit up.

Self Ruffling Yarn: An Overview

Yarns discussed in this video include: Triana, Triana Lux, Broadway, Ondas, Ondas Lux, Flounce, Flounce Metallic, Sparkle, Ripple, Tinseltown, Rizos, Ronda, and Park Avenue.

Ronda Scarf

A free pattern for this Ronda Scarf is one of many on our website.

There are free patterns for many of these yarns on our website. You can check them out on the free patterns page or if you are on the specific yarn page there is often a link on the left hand side of the page.

In this second video Karen demonstrates how to knit with a few of these yarns.

Self Ruffling Yarn: How to Knit

See, it’s not as difficult as you might think.

Katia, the makers of Park Avenue, shared this video of how to crochet with this unique yarn.

Novelty yarns might not be your style, but you should give them a try. You might be pleasantly surprised both with the process and the results. Many of these yarns are very easy to work with once you get the hang of it.

My Triana scarf

Triana is fun to knit and wear.

They can also be addictive! I made a scarf using Triana and it was like potato chip knitting…I was so fascinated I couldn’t stop until the scarf was finished. Luckily it only took about four hours to knit so my family wasn’t too neglected. ha!

As always, you can find these yarns at your local yarn store. If you make one, share a picture with us on Facebook.

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Athena Garter Stitch Scarf

November 21, 2010 in Free, Knitting Fever Inc, Scarves, Uncategorized

The fun thing about novelty yarns like Athena (left, red) and Dazzle (right, blue) is you can work a very simple pattern but end up with an eye catching project because the yarn does all the work for you.

You also have a lot of flexibility because the yarn will work nicely with a variety of needle sizes allowing you to make either a dense fabric or an airy one.

To start I wanted a simple scarf pattern that would be suitable for an enthusiastic beginner.

To work the pattern you only need to know how to cast on, work the knit stitch, and cast off. Some people find novelty yarn a little tricky to work with when they first get started because it can be hard to see the individual stitches, so I would suggest you already know how to knit before you plunge in with these yarns.

Athena Garter Stitch Scarf

Size: 3″ wide by 50″ long, including fringe. (Scarf will stretch and get slightly longer with wear.)

Materials:
Yarn: Athena by Knitting Fever (80% Polyester, 20% Nylon. 82 yds/25 g), 1 ball.
A second ball can be used to make a longer scarf.

Needles: US 13

Gauge is not important for this project.

Note: Begin by cutting 44 strands each 11″ long for fringe. Set aside.

The Pattern:
Cast on 15 stitches.

Work in garter stitch (knit every stitch on every row) until almost out of yarn.

Cast off.

Using 2 strands for each fringe, attach at 11 points along each end of the scarf.

If you use only one ball of yarn you might not have to weave in your ends because they will blend in with the fringe. If you use two balls of yarn you’ll have to weave in the ends in the center of the scarf where you changed balls (obviously).

I tied my scarf in a loose knot. You could also wear it untied. A longer scarf will give you more wearing options.

Sally forth and prepare to receive compliments.

No Knit Necklace

Another option for using the yarn is to make this simple necklace.

I laid out 10 loops about 25 inches long which gave me 20 strands. Don’t cut the loops. Carefully pick them up and give them a few twists to give the bundle stability. Clip them together in the back to close the necklace. You should be able to buy necklace clasps at the craft store.

See? Even non-knitters can enjoy this yarn.

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