The Prometheus Tree

Although this pattern was inspired on one snowy day last winter by the very old fir trees that grace our yard, I named it Prometheus to honor The Prometheus Tree with its sculpted and twisted beauty. It was cut down in 1964 and turned out to be close to 5,000 years old, possibly more, bringing attention to the ancient Bristlecone Pines.
Ribbing, Fair Isle with cable twists and twisted stitches give the trees their texture, while the “snowflakes” are added once the hat is complete using duplicate stitch. While not for a beginning knitter, this would be an easy knit for an experienced knitter. You will have enough yarn to knit 4 hats, possibly 5. I’ll be working on the 5th to see. Written for 2 sizes, 20-21" and 22-23", the pattern is available here but also through Ravelry or from The Knit Shop in Eugene, Oregon.

Using Old Buttons

I love old buttons, especially antique ones. This is something I've made for myself but have also made for friends and family. It's very easy to do requiring only hand stitching. First make a simple tree shaped pattern out of tissue paper (mine measures 5" in height and 4" wide). Cut 2 trees out of felt, hand stitch these together (about 1/8" from edges), leaving an opening at the bottom of trunk to stuff (I used wool). Use a crochet hook to push the stuffing into corners. Once stuffed close the seam, then hand stitch assorted unique button "ornaments" on your tree going through both layers. A fabric "trunk" can also be hand stitched on (I like using wool fabric) with an overcast stitch. Attach a bow at the bottom and a ribbon loop on top for hanging and you have a one of a kind ornament for yourself or gift giving. Personalize them by choosing buttons that reflect the recipient, such as favorite colors or hobbies, animals they like, etc. There is so much thoughtfulness and happiness in giving hand made gifts...enjoy!

Ophidian's Infinity ~ A New Pattern

Snakes belong to the sub-order of reptiles called Ophidia. The ancient Ouroboros symbol depicts a snake eating its own tail and has been said to symbolize infinity or wholeness. The large cables on this infinity scarf are reminiscent of snakes winding infinitely around and around creating a deep texture that is especially warm and soft when knit with Malabrigo Mecha. It will wrap twice around your neck. 

ARNE & CARLOS teach you how to make your own Christmas Balls

"Solar Flares", a new hat designed for my grandson Soul.

Soul likes motorcycles with flames, so I chose solar flares for a fiery look in this design.

Minimum Number of Stitches Needed for Circular Needles by Yarn Weight

I work at a yarn shop and have been asked this question quite often. Here is a handy guide to use whenever the need arises...

DNA Cowl...a free pattern from Peargirl Knits.

This cowl is reversible, with a cabled DNA strand on one side, and a zigzag moss stitch on the reverse. Each side is knit flat and the ends are grafted together. The two pieces are invisibly stitched together with the Contrast Color extending 1/4” on each edge, so choose a color that contrasts nicely with the Main Color. The beautiful cable is used with permission from June Oshiro and I’ve provided a link to her chart.

This pattern can be downloaded free from Ravelry here ~ DNA Cowl ~ Happy knitting :) 

Getting More Mileage Out of Hand Knit Socks

Knitting a pair of socks takes a really long time...they are small, but those tiny stitches really add up...twice! Knitting everyday for at least a few hours, it takes me 2 weeks to finish a pair of socks in fingering weight. So when that first hole begins to appear, they are just too hard to toss out because the remaining sock is still in great shape. I can't wait to try this, it looks relatively easy...easier than darning. Check it out.....
Knit in place patch for sock repair

Merry Knitter's Christmas Ornament

Are you looking for a quick, last minute gift for a knitting friend? I ended up making 4 of these...they are quick, easy and don't cost a lot of money to make. I found the square glass ornaments at Ben Franklin, $6.99 for a pack of 4. I used Bryson Rosewood Seaming Pins for the knitting needles, a pack of 10 costs around $7.00...and, of course, leftover sock yarn. I did find that all seaming pins are not created equal...I hand to sand some of the tips down slightly to get them to fit under the top edge, and then I used a crochet hook to position everything where I wanted them. When I wound the miniature ball of yarn, I used a little tacky glue to keep the ball from unwinding before placing in the ornament. 

HAVE A VERY MERRY KNITTER'S CHRISTMAS!!!

Knitting For Peace Prayer Flags

I've always wanted to knit my own Peace Prayer Flags, and so this was my summer project...to design and knit these, and here they are! The pattern can be purchased on this blog, or from Ravelry for auto download.

Knitting For Peace Prayer Flags Pattern