Ikbal's Hug

I managed to add a little project on the side, for a friend of mine that (again) is one of the inspiring people I met at the hospital.

Ikbal's whole family has been haunted by a genetic defect, one of her brothers died already, one sister starts to show symptoms and one younger brother is now awaiting a heart. Ikbal herself has been transplanted since 14 years, and although she does have some problems resulting from the medications she has to take she is amazing.

She is studying "Management" right now, she supports her sick siblings as well as her parents and she is always laughing. She just has this amazing energy, and she just never gives up or gives in. I suppose one needs a whole lot of stubbornness to survive sometimes.

This shawl I decided to knit for her after I found out that she has to have surgery on her liver soon. I found this Alpaca yarn to be so soft and it becomes even more beautiful with daily wear, so I just had to use it. It was a leftover, and the lace pattern I used is from the book "Enzyklopaedie Stricken" by Maria Parry-Jones.

I like the pattern because I have a fable for leaves and such, the pattern is actually called "falling leaves" if I remember right. And the beads where a little experiment, I do not have a lot of experience in knitting with beads or using beads on knitted projects, but I'm getting there.

So I hope you like this, Ikbal!

Free Pattern: White Stuff

I just always liked knee highs. It has something of summer for me, strangely familiar. And I was never the "Princess Type" although there has been times where I would have liked to be one, and so these knee highs are kept simple. To be frank: I just changed the lace pattern for "Sockelettchen" a bit, it just seems to have some potential.

I hope you enjoy knitting this pattern and please e-mail me with any errors at knittiana@gmail.com. I do try hard to make sure there aren't, but my concentration is not as good these days.

And there is already a correction: the picot ending was not completely written out. You'll see it in italic.

You can also find me at Ravelry

Size:
37EU/7 US about.
You can easily change the size to a children's foot (8-12 years roughly) by using 2mm needles.
You can easily enlarge the size by adding pattern repeats. You can estimate about one repeat per shoe size.

I understand that a lot of people prefer more specific directions, but at the present time I feel unable to provide such. But please e-mail me and I can always work something out with you.

Finished Measurements:
Roughly)
Toe to gusset: 18cm/7 3/8"
Toe to heel: 24cm/9 1/2"
Heel to cuff: as needed

Material:
2.5 mm needles. Pattern is adaptable to knitting with double point needles as well as round needles.

Jaeger Matchmaker 4 Ply Merino
Depending on the size between 110g and 140g, but I would always buy 3 50g skeins.
Also good to use is pretty much any sock yarn that is considered 4 ply.
Examples:
-Sirdar Country Style 4 Ply
-The Yarn Yard Sock Yarn
-Regia 4 Ply

Gauge:
2" or 5cm square: 15 st, 24 rows. About.

Pattern Notes:
-A tutorial for the "Figure 8 Cast On" can be found here
and another similar one here.
-The sock is worked in the round using 2 circular needles. The pattern can be adapted for use with 4 and 5 needles etc.
-M1: pick up the yarn between 2 stitches, see how too here. There you need to find the description for M1F, for the Zwickel it is M1R, or pick any of the other increases if they suit you better.
-On the lace charts please note that the black squares symbolize no st

Directions:

Lace pattern:
5st 4 rows
Row 1: k2, yo, ssk, k1, repeat
Row 2: work plain
Row 3: k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, repeat
row 4: work plain

Toe:
-Cast on 24 st with the Figure 8 Cast On (see Pattern Notes).
-Work 2 rows plain, then start lace pattern and increases as follows:

Row 1: k1, M1, k2, yo, ssk, k3, yo, ssk, k1, M1, k2, M1, k10, M1, k1
Row 2: work plain
Row 3: k1, M1, k1, (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 2 times, k1, M1, k2, M1, k12, M1, k1
Row 4: work plain
Row 5: k1, M1, k2, (k2, yo, ssk, k1) 2 times, k2, M1, k2, M1, k14, M1, k1
Row 6: work plain
Row 7: k1, M1, k3, (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 2 times, k3, M1, k2, M1, k16, M1, k1
Row 8: work plain
Row 9: k1, M1, k1, yo, ssk, k1, (k2, yo, ssk, k1) 2 times, k2, yo, ssk, M1, k2, M1, k18, M1, k1
Row 10: work plain
Row 11: k1, M1, (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 4 times, M1, k2, M1, k20, M1, k1
Row 12: work plain
Row 13: k1, M1, k1, (k1, yo, ssk, k1) 4 times, k1, M1, k2, M1, k22, M1, k1
Row 14: work plain
Row 15: k1, M1, k2, (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 4 times, k2, M1, k2, M1, k24, M1, k1
Row 16: work plain
Row 17: k1, M1, k3, (k2, yo, ssk, k1) 4 times, k3, M1, k2, M1, k26, M1, k1
Row 18: work plain
Row 19: (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 6 times
Row 20: work plain
You now should have 60 st, 30 for the top of the foot and 30 for the bottom

Foot:
-Work lace pattern rows 1-4 on top of the foot and work the bottom of the foot plain.
-Work 20 repeats from toe up

Gusset:
-Work top of the foot in lace pattern, and bottom of the foot as follows:

Row 1: k1, M1, k28, M1, k1
Row 2: work plain
Row 3: k1, M1, k30, M1, k1
Row 4: work plain

Continue until you have 50 st for bottom of the foot.

Heel:
Ignore the top st (I usually knit with 2 round needles so I just have them on one needle to themselves and work the bottom st on another needle.)

Row 1: k17, k16, turn work
Row 2: sl1 st, purl 14 st, k1, turn work
Row 3: sl1 st, k15st, turn work
-Repeat row 2-3 until you knit 14 rows, ending on a purl row, turn work

Row 1: sl1 st, k15 st, pick up 7 st on the side of the heel flap you just knit, and continue oe row around the foot (in lace pattern on top of the foot) until you get back

to the 2nd side of the heel flap, pick up 7 st
Row 2: p29 st, k2tog, turn work
Row 3: k29 st, p2tog, turn work
-Repeat row 2-3 until all the extra st on the bottom of the foot are worked up. You now should have 60 st again.

Leg:
-Continue in lace pattern for 20 repeats.
-End of lace pattern row 4.

-Start Zwickel as follows:
(Again you should divide the st for the top/front of the leg and bottom/back of the leg. The directions are only for the 30 st on bottom/back of the leg.)

Row 1: (k2, yo, ssk, k1) 6 times
Row 2: work plain
Row 3: (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 3 times, M1, (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 3 times
Row 4: work plain
Row 5: (k2, yo, ssk, k1) 3 times, M1, k1, M1, (k2, yo, ssk, k1) 3 times
Row 6: work plain
Row 7: (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 3 times, M1, k3, M1, (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 3 times
Row 8: work plain
Row 9: (k2, yo, ssk, k1) 7 times
Row 10: work plain
Row 11: (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 3 times, k5, (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 3 times
row 12: work plain
Row 13: (k2, yo, ssk, k1) 7 times
Row 14: work plain
-Repeat row 11-14 20 times total.

Picot Ending:
(You are now working around the whole leg)

Top:
Row 1: work plain
Row 2: purl
Row 3: work plain
Row 4-5: k1, p1, repeat
Row 6-7: p1, k1, repeat
Repeat row 4-7 6 times

-Now knit one row (this is a special row we need for the ending, we'll call it row E), purl one row, knit one row.

Actual picot edge:
1.-5. Row: work in stockinet stitch.
6. Row: yo, ssk, yo, ssk, continue to end of row.
7.-12. Row: work in stockinet stitch.

Finishing:
-Cut the yarn so that you have a bit more than arms length.
-Thread the yarn on a sewing needle.
-Keep the stitches on the needles and turn the work so that the inside faces you.
-Now thread the needle through the first loop on the needle and then through the corresponding loop in row E.
-Continue to end of row.
-Sew in loose ends.

Remember, the inside is facing you, and even though it might seem odd for the first few times you will achieve a nice, neat edge. But before you sew in the loose end on the cuff make sure you can fit the sock on your foot, because you are sewing the edge it might pull too tight.

Lace pattern chart:
Toe chart:
Zwickel Chart:
How to sew on row E:

Please do not use this pattern for commercial purposes. You may print a copy for your personal use. © Knittiana!

Free Pattern: Socklettchen

Description:

My Mother-in-Law just loves summer. She works in her garden, lounges, makes her rounds in the pool and simply does all the things possible in warm weather. But somehow she is a woman that gets cold feet really easily, and so she needs something that is light enough to be worn during a hot and humid Chicago summer, but also gives a bit of warmth when needed.
I designed these Socklets for wearability, they are lofty and light. They can be worn in the house just as a bit comfort, they can be worn with shoes as they are nice and short, and I hope maybe even with sandals. Cotton was my first choice, but I think that other plant materials might be interesting too.

You can also find me at Ravelry

If you notice any mistakes or have suggestions please feel free to send me a email to knittiana@gmail.com. (I really like comments, preferably nice ones...)

I have been told that not all pictures load properly. Well, I'm used to Windows Explorer not really being on my wave lenght, so please let me know and I'll send the pictures out extra. Or you can get them at Flickr! as well. My Flickr! name is knittiana.

Size:
37 EU, 7US, a small woman’s foot.

Finished Measurements:
(Roughly)
Toe to gusset: 18cm/7 3/8"
Toe to heel: 24cm/9 1/2"
Heel to cuff: 14cm/5 1/2"

Material:
Lana Grossa Meilenweit Cotton, Festa, 100g , knitted with 2 Addi Turbo Circular needles, 2mm

Gauge:
(2" or 5cm square: 15 st, 24 rows. )

Pattern Notes:
A tutorial for the "Figure 8 Cast On" can be found here
and another similar one here.
The sock is worked in the round using 2 circular needles. The pattern can be adapted for use with 4 and 5 needles etc.
M1: pick up the yarn between 2 stitches, see how too here. There you need to find the description for M1F, or pick any of the other increases if they suit you better.

Directions:

Lace Pattern:
Divide by 5 st,
1. Row: k2, yo, ssk, k1 repeat
2. Row: knit
3. Row: knit
4. Row: k2 tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk
5. Row: knit
6. Row: knit
Repeat pattern (and work up to desired length)

Toe:
Cast on 24 st, work 2 rounds, then start to increase.
Increase as follows:
1.Row: k1, M1 (see Pattern Notes), k10, M1, k2, M1, k10, M1, k1
2. Row: knit
3. Row: k1, M1, k12, M1, k2, M1, k12, M1, k1
Continue until 60 st are achieved.

Foot:
Bottom/Sole:
The directions are for the top of the foot, so you need to divide the 60 st into 30 st for the top, and 30 st for the bottom of the foot. The bottom is worked plain each row.

Top:
1. Row: k2, yo, ssk, k1, repeat 5 more times.
2. + 3. Row: knit
4. Row: k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, repeat 5 more times..
5. + 6. Row: knit
Repeat rows 1-6 10 times or add repeats to adjust length.

Gusset:
Work top of foot in Pattern as before. You now work with the bottom/sole stitches.
Increase as follows:
1. Row: k1, M1, k28,M1, k1
2. Row: knit
3. Row: k1,M1, k30, M1, k1
4. Row: knit
Continue like this until 7 increase rows have been worked. (So you now have a total of 74 st or 44 for the bottom/sole.)

Heel:
The top stitches rest until further notice.

Setup Row: k15 +14 st, turn work (you should still have 15 unworked st on your needle).
1.Row: sl1 st , purl 12 st, k1, turn work.
2. Row: sl1 st, k13, turn work.
Repeat row 1 + 2 until you have worked 16 rows, you should end with a purl row

Knit 14st, now pick up 8 st on the side of the heel flap.
Continue row, including the front, in pattern until you get to the part of the heel flap that has no stitches picked up yet.
Pick up 8 st. You should now have 30 st around your heel flap + 15 st on each side of the heel flap.

Setup Row: k to end of heel flap, p2tog (one from the heel flap and one of the extra stitches), turn work.
1. Row: p29, k2tog (one from the heel flap and one of the extra stitches), turn work.
2.Row: k29, p2tog (one from the heel flap and one of the extra stitches), turn work.
Continue until all st on each side of the heel flap are knitted. You should end with a purl row.
Turn work so the front is facing you.

Leg:
Work 2 rows in pattern, then start to work pattern around the whole leg. This should fit 12 times.
Repeat rows 1-6 two times.
Repeat rows 1-3 one time.
Now purl one row, knit one row, (this is a special row we need for the ending, we'll call it row E) purl one row.

For the picot ending:
1.-5. Row: work in stockinet stitch.
6. Row: yo, ssk, yo, ssk, continue to end of row.
7.-12. Row: work in stockinet stitch.

Ending:
Cut the yarn so that you have a bit more than arms length.
Thread the yarn on a sewing needle.
Keep the stitches on the needles and turn the work so that the inside faces you.
Now thread the needle through the first loop on the needle and then through the corresponding loop in row E.
Continue to end of row.
Sew in loose ends.

Remember, the inside is facing you, and even though it might seem odd for the first few times you will achieve a nice, neat edge. But before you sew in the loose end on the cuff make sure you can fit the sock on your foot, because you are sewing the edge it might pull too tight.

How to sew on row E:

Chart for lace pattern:

Please do not use this pattern for commercial purposes. You may print a copy for your personal use. © Knittiana!

Knitted Things Part One And Ramblings

I know, according to the headlines it does sound like I did a lot of knitting, but compared with the time that passed I really didn't... But there are some nice things that I completed, and one of them is this shawl. It is not blocked yet so I don't have a photo of the whole thing, but it is a very nice, very soft triangular shaped cuddle blanket. The yarn I used is from http://www.fowberry-alpacas.com/ (I seem unable to set a link right now...) and it is especially nice to the touch and was wonderful to knit with. Me and a friend bought some at a Farmers Marked in Edinburgh, she later gifted me her portion and I was able to knit this nice shawl.

Since I have been mentioning my illness several times but never really specified what the problem is I now decided to just tell. I have been sticking my head in the sand long enough and simply know that people will find out anyhow. I just did not like the idea of having the pity, and the insecurity people feel around someone who might not make it. Yes, I might need a heart transplant, my heart is very, very much damaged but the cause is unknown (besides the fact that I had a baby despite congenital heart disease...) and I am being evaluated every 4 weeks, so even though I am not officially "on the list" today I might be on soon. I am trying to be fit enough to enjoy my days as they come, and at the time I am doing pretty good. I get a lot of strong drugs to suppress dangerous arrhythmia's and to keep my heart beating sufficiently, and I need about 14 hours of sleep to cope. But the side effects could be worse and I am dealing well. Hopefully that will be the case for a long time to come, as I plan to be there when Elijah comes home with his first flame. Or decides to play Rugby after all. Or chews on the cigar his dad kept for the first grandchild.

On a (Sock) Roll!

Beware! Picture heavy blog! For me anyhow...

Last week (correction: this week. I did mention I was loopy headed?) I traveled with my husband to Newcastle, and while he was sitting in meetings I went about my business, which in general consisted of shopping, swimming and knitting. It was quite a pleasant time, and I did catch up on a lot of email and planning.
One of the things I am determined to have more often is (better and) more photos to show. I love visiting someones blog and looking at their stuff, photos just are one of the things that keep me coming back. I have to confess that I am not very good at taking pictures, but I have been practicing (and cheating) and if all fails my husband comes to the rescue. He just seems to have that golden trigger finger for cameras, no effort but very nice results. Argh, I wish I had some of that!
As you can see I have finished my Mom's socks, and I can't wait to send them to her... She does not have Internet, so she has no idea what's coming her way. (Heeehehehehe!)
I am quite happy with the way this project turned out, the yarn just created this beautiful color spiel. They also fit me perfectly, which in return means that they will fit my Mom just as well. It's handy to have the same shoe size... It's just a Dutch heel and I made it a star toe, my preferred combination. I really need to learn how to knit a short row heel, so that I then can learn how to knit socks toe up. There is a big project on the needles too but at the present time it is quite hard for me to focus as I am now 5 months pregnant (yes, indeed!) and there is just so much going on that distracts me and I am a bit more loopy headed.
Hopefully the pictures show that it was a wonderfully sunny day. It actually was so warm that no wool coat was needed, and to take a walk could actually be enjoyed without scarf and or other weather proofing measures. Splendid, I can't wait for summer to get here. (And in the last picture I have already started a new pair of socks. This time for my husband, nice and comfy warm socks. Yes, spring is coming... But we live in Scotland so I have no doubt there will be plenty of days where he'll need them! )

How Small The World Is!

When I sat down at my weekly knitting group on Wednesday I noticed that one of the Ladies there was working on a shawl using a pattern that looked very close to the pattern I used in my Red Lace Shawl. The pattern I used is a pattern I saw on the internet in 2004 and modified to suit my needs.
I am somewhat excited, because the pattern she was using is working very well with all kinds of yarns and colors! So here is the pattern the Lady at my group used and you just need to click the link to be taken to the Spring 2005 issue of Knitty.com

So enjoy! And it just goes to show that one can modify and/or invent a pattern but often it really is only a reinvented new version of something old.

While I'm at it...

So, while I'm at it I thought I could catch up and add some pictures of other things I've knitted this year. This is a lace shawl, the yarn is Baby Alpaca and it is amazing how so little can keep so warm. I do need to wash and block it again, I did not have enough pin's the first time around. But it is getting chilly already, so now I need it to keep cozy. I know that my Mother-In-Law loves this shawl...

The pattern I used for the border is from the book "Folk Shawls".
The 'Leaf' pattern is a modification of a pattern I found online in 2004. Unfortunately I don't remember where that was...