Tag: knitting

Red Stripes Knit Sweater

February 11, 2016 kimberlee 6 Comments

My most recently finished knitting project is a sweater that I designed using various red yarns and a white yarn. The idea for the sweater began from the knitting stitch a friend of mine was using to knit a baby blanket. I had some various red yarns, a skein of this and that, all in medium weights, and I wanted to combine them and use them up. I decided it would be best to alternate them with some white yarn since some of the yarns were a dark red and other were a true red, or a red with sparkles in the yarn.

I am really happy with the way the sweater turned out and the fit. I am also happy that I got it done in time to wear for Valentine’s day. My husband commented that I would be ready for Christmas, too – especially if I added a green accent to it – so I guess it can be worn for a couple of holidays.

As I mentioned before the yarns I used were various medium weight yarns. Three of the yarns were the Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn – which is a great yarn for sweaters, in my opinion. It knits well and there are tons of colors. The other two yarns were Red Heart that I had left over from other projects. The one was Red Heart Sparkle, which I only used for a couple of stripes in the body of the sweater. I ran low with this one and I didn’t think I had enough for the sleeves so I left that one out of the sleeves. The other yarn was Red Heart Soft in a wine color.

Above is a larger, close up view, of the sweater so you can see the stitch. It is mainly stockinette with a ridge in between each color change. The sweater has garter rows for the sleeve edges and the lower band and at the top neckline and shoulder area.

The sleeves I designed to be a 3/4 sleeve. I decided that would be best since sometimes in February we have slightly warmer days and if it does happen to be cooler I can wear a shirt underneath, as in the photos. I kind of like a 3/4 sleeve on sweaters that way they don’t get wet when you wash or hands or do dishes.

Overall I am pleased with my new sweater and look forward to knitting another one – maybe in shades of blue with a light gray in place of the white. I am thinking that combination would look good with jeans. Eventually I will have the pattern for the sweater available in my etsy, craftsy and ravelry shops.

What are you currently knitting or crocheting? Let me know by leaving a comment.

-Kimberlee

Categories: Knitting

Tags: knit sweater, knitting, knitting projects, red stripe sweater, sweater design, valentines day sweater

New Knitting Projects and Yarns

January 16, 2016 kimberlee 4 Comments

Happy 2016! A new year – time for some new knitting projects, new yarns and lots of new ideas.

I recently purchased some really nice sock yarn from a shop on etsy called The Queens Ransome. This shop has some really great sock yarns and one ball should make one pair of socks. You can click on the highlighted text to take you to the shop and view the yarns. Below are the yarns I purchased.

I fell in love with the yarn at the top – the red, black and gray – which is called Zombie yarn – I like the name, too. I have started knitting a pair of socks with that yarn.

So far that is the progress on my Spiral Tube Sock – which is a free pattern from Patons that I have had for years, but it is still available if you click on the link of highlighted text. I actually tried to knit socks about five or six years ago and gave up when I got one sock about halfway done. I got to the heel area and didn’t quite get all the directions for the heel turn and everything. Well, this pair of socks does not have that part since they are spiral knit so I am starting with this pattern and will work my way to the other with the heel turn. I am determined to master knitting socks – a goal for 2016.

Sock yarn also makes beautiful shawls. Since I have 4 balls of it I may use one for a spring shawl.

I also wanted to share this beautiful new pottery yarn bowl I received as a gift from my oldest son for Christmas. I have been wanting one of these for a while – there are many to choose from on etsy – so I messaged him a couple I would like for Christmas and he picked out this one. I love the design and the colors – he picked a great one from the Red Hot Pottery shop.

I have also been working on some new designs for hats, headbands and cowls. A new sweater design is also coming to life.

The above is one hat I have finished for a new pattern and I am making another version for the same pattern. When I have the other version complete I will be adding the pattern to my shops. This hat is knit in the round so there are no seams.

The cowl above is another one of my new designs, it is knit in gradient colors – 3 shades and also knit in the round on circular needles. I had a lot of fun designing this and plan to release the pattern this month – so be sure to check my etsy, craftsy and ravelry shops.

What projects are you currently working on for January? Let me know by leaving a reply.

-Kimberlee

Categories: Knitting

Tags: knitting, knitting socks, sock yarn, yarn

Knit Cape and Other Knitting Projects

December 16, 2015 kimberlee 3 Comments

Recently I finished a knit cape that I designed using Homespun yarn from Lion. Homespun yarn is probably one of my favorite fall and winter yarns to work with. It is very soft and the colors are pretty.

The color name of the yarn that I used for this cape was called painted desert. It has a lot of great colors in it and goes with many different things.

The cape is designed to fit kind of snug around the neckline and shoulder area and then gradually gets wider at the bottom. This pattern is knit on circular needles so there are no seams – which is nice because when you get done all you have to do is weave in a few ends and you are finished with your project. A great reason to love circular knitting.

Another great thing about this pattern is that it can be worn different ways. You can also wear it as a hooded type of scarf to keep you warm on a cold and windy day.

For more information on this pattern you can visit my etsy shop , craftsy store, or ravelry.

Other projects that I have been working on are some yoga socks, knit with some Noro Silk Garden yarn I had in my stash. I am currently testing out the pattern in another yarn, also found in my stash, before I will be releasing it.

The socks look like some type of pac-man object or something in the photo – this was just a quick shot I took after completing them. They actually do fit nicely and I have wore them twice now to practice yoga in. It is nice to have something to keep your feet warm on chilly mornings but still be able to grip the mat with the ball of your foot, toes and heel. The opening in the middle is the part where your heel goes. The pattern for these will be coming soon.

I have also been working on a chenille afghan. This yarn has been in my stash for quite a while, I am ashamed to admit. I bought it with intentions to knit a sweater and decided after attempting that last year that it was going to be too bulky. So, this year I decided it would make a nice blanket-afghan for our living room. The yarn is so soft and seems like it will keep you warm. I have kind of put it aside lately to work on yoga socks and a new cowl pattern but I plan to finish it by January and I will share it here on my blog when it is done.

My friend Marilyn knitted these cute Christmas dishcloths. She knit two of them for all of the ladies in my monthly knitting group – there are five of us that meet once a month at a Starbucks to knit and socialize. We have been doing this for about 6 years now. The dishcloth on the right has a tree design in it – can you make out the outline of it? I love using these cotton knit dishcloths in the kitchen. My mom likes to knit these as well so I am sure I will be getting a couple more for gifts this year.

What kinds of projects have you been working on lately? Let me know by leaving a reply.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

-Kimberlee

Categories: Knitting

Tags: knit cape pattern, knit yoga socks, knitted cape design, knitted dishcloths, knitting, knitting pattern

Free Knit Scarf and Crochet Cowl Pattern

December 8, 2015 kimberlee 6 Comments

Christmas is going to be here before we know it. Are you ready? Do you have all your shopping done and all your handmade gifts completed? I wish I could say that I do but I don’t – I am not even close. I have been so busy designing new patterns for my shops that I have not taken the time to shop at all.

I have a couple of designs to share today on my blog that are both pretty quick and easy to knit or crochet – so if you are still looking for something to complete for someone for a gift maybe one of these patterns will work. They are both Free pdf download files.

The above photo is of a Chunky Knit Drop Stitch Scarf. It is super quick and easy to knit on size US 15 knitting needles. If you can do a knit stitch and a yarn over and drop a yarn over you can complete this pattern. Any chunky weight yarn will work. The yarn I used was from Hobby Lobby – not sure if it is still available – it is called Yarn Bee Finale. It goes from thick to thin and is a variegated yarn. Drop Stitch Knit Scarf You can click on the highlighted name of the pattern to access the pdf pattern and print.

The other pattern I am sharing today is for a crocheted ripple cowl – I call it Candy Cane Ripple since it is done in red and white sparkle yarn. You can choose any two colors you want with or without the sparkle, glitter, yarn. This cowl is crocheted with a size US J hook. It is a one row repeat so pretty simple to do once you master the pattern. The cowl is crocheted in rows and then sewn together. You need to know how to double crochet and chain and skip chains to crochet this. Yarn I used was Hobby Lobby I Love this Yarn in the sparkle – any #4 worsted weight yarn can be used. Candy Cane Ripple Cowl Crochet Pattern Clicking on the highlighted text will take you to the pdf pattern for you to download or print.

I hope you enjoy the patterns and are able to get some handmade gifts completed for those on your list.

-Kimberlee

*For my complete line of patterns please visit my etsy shop or my craftsy store – links are in the sidebar.

Categories: Crochet Knitting

Tags: Crochet, crochet cowl pattern, crochet patterns, easy knitting pattern, knit scarf pattern, knitted chunky weight scarf design, knitting

Uses for Ruffle Scarf Yarn

September 25, 2015 kimberlee 8 Comments

Ruffle scarf yarn is for crocheting and knitting scarves – hence the name. This type of yarn became very popular a few years ago. It is still popular and you see it in craft stores or online in various colors an textures.

I knit a LOT of scarves in this ruffle yarn. I knit many for gifts, to sell and for myself. After a while I got tired of just knitting scarves with it and decided to try using it as an edging on scarves or shawls.

The above scarf is a crochet version I designed using Homespun yarn as the base and Patons Pirouette yarn as the ruffle edge. The pattern can be found in my etsy shop.

The photo of the red, black and white scarf is a knit version. I knitted this scarf in Texas Tech colors for my neighbors daughter who goes to school there. The ruffle yarn is a lot of fun to use with one or two other colors of yarn to showcase some team colors. This pattern is also available in my etsy shop.

The above cape is something I designed about a year ago for my Grandmother. Again the main body of the cape is knit with Homespun yarn and the ruffle edge is Patons Pirouette. This pattern is easy and can be found on etsy.

The blue shawl above is a lovely prayer shawl design that is knitted in Homespun yarn and then edged with the ruffle yarn. I gave this to my friend this summer who was going through chemo therapy to fight breast cancer. Blue is one of her favorite colors. This pattern is also on etsy.

It is pretty easy to use this yarn as a decorative accent. You have to crochet or knit with your base yarn and the ruffle yarn held together. Below are a couple of photos showing how to crochet or knit with it for an edging.

crocheting an edge with ruffle yarn Kimberlees Korner — crocheting a ruffle yarn edge

I have also found that a lot of the Homespun yarns from Lion brand yarn coordinate well with some of the Red Heart Boutique Sashay or the Patons Pirouette yarns.

Patterns for these designs can be found in my etsy shop – links above highlighted for each specific pattern or in my craftsy pattern store.

Have you used ruffle yarn before? Let me know by leaving a reply in the comments and tell me what you made.

Have a great day!

Kimberlee

Visit KimberleeG’s Craftsy Pattern Store »

Categories: Crochet Knitting

Tags: Crochet, crochet patterns, crochet with ruffle yarn, crocheting with ruffle scarf yarn, knitting, knitting patterns, knitting with ruffle scarf yarn

Knitting Pattern Lacy Wrap

August 19, 2015 kimberlee 2 Comments

This knitting pattern is one of my new designs I recently completed.

I actually designed this wrap after finding this pretty yarn in my oldest son’s school colors figuring I could wear it to some of the football games in the fall. I bought the yarn at Tuesday Morning, of all places. I didn’t even know they had yarn there until someone in my facebook knitting group posted a photo months ago of a bunch of yarn they bought there. So, I had to go check it out and this was one of the yarns I found. The yarn is by Rozetti and it is called Soft Payette.

I originally had the idea to make this into a longer wrap but ran out of yarn. When I went back to Tuesday Morning to see if they had more (it was a few months later) it was all gone. So, I decided rather than frogging the project I could create this pretty tie front cape. I think I actually like it better that way as it is just perfect for covering the back and shoulders – which is just what you need in the kind of climate I live in for the early fall.

The other feature I really love about this wrap is the pretty scallop edges on each side. The stitch pattern I used to knit this created the pretty edges. This pattern is now available in my etsy shop, as well as on craftsy and ravelry if you are interested in knitting one click on one of the highlighted links to take you to the pattern.

I have also been crocheting a lot lately. I will be sharing some of my crochet creations soon so check back.

Have a great day!

– KImberlee

Categories: Knitting

Tags: knit cape, knitting, knitting lace, knitting pattern, lace cape, lace knitting, lace knitting pattern

June Artyarns KAL

June 19, 2015 kimberlee

This month I decided to participate in the Artyarns group KAL on Ravelry. KAL stands for Knit Along. I think it has been at least six months or more since I did a KAL and decided that the Stepping Stones Shawl pattern was a great summer knitting project.

The yarn used in this knitting project is called Merino Cloud from Artyarns. I bought mine from Fabulous Yarns. I actually bought 3 colors – the shawl takes one skein. The color I am using for the shawl in the photos is called Antique Ivories. I thought it was a good neutral and would go with a lot of things. The yarn is super soft and a joy to knit with.

Above is my progress so far on part 2. There are 3 parts to the pattern and when you complete one Iris, the designer of the pattern and the yarn, emails you the next part. I will say that the pattern is fairly simple if you are familiar with knitting lace and are an intermediate knitter. There is optional short row shaping, which I am doing, and that does require knowing how to wrap and turn. The short row shaping was one part I kind of messed up on my first try so I had to start over again this past Sunday. Now that I am doing that part correctly I am pleased with the shawl so far.

If you are interested in joining the KAL check out the Artyarns group on Ravelry. There are lots of people knitting this shawl and it is fun to see the different colors of the yarn being used and everyone’s progress in the group. Also, for me the KAL keeps me motivated to get the project done in a timely manner.

I have also recently completed a few other projects, crochet and knitting, but haven’t found time to post about them yet. Hopefully I will get around to that in the next couple of weeks. The kids are out of school for the summer and days are filled with summer activities and having friends over. Also, one of my son’s had his wisdom teeth out this past week so we have been dealing with that and dental appointments. Thankfully his recovery has gone well, much better than mine did when I had it done over 25 years ago.

What crochet or knitting projects are you currently working on? Let me know in the comments.

Also, before I sign off I want to mention that Craftsy is having a big summer sale this weekend only, June 19-21. 2015. Note – this is an affiliate link and I get a small commission from Craftsy if you go through the link below. Now is the time to stock up on supplies or try a class while they are on sale!

Have a great weekend!

-Kimberlee

Categories: Knitting

Tags: artyarns knit along, KAL, knitting, knitting project, lace shawl, merino cloud KAL, summer shawl

Asymmetrical Knit Wrap Pattern

May 2, 2015 kimberlee 4 Comments

This knit wrap is a fun and easy design I recently finished. This is a free pattern that I am sharing on my blog. It is the perfect project for an advanced beginner.

Asymmetrical Knit Scarf or Wrap – click on this highlighted link for the free pattern.

I originally saw a wrap like this on pinterest about a month ago. The pattern was a free pattern on Ravelry but it was written in another language – there was an English version but I was not sure I understood the way it was written – even the person who wrote it said their English wording might not be so easy to understand. So, I decided to create my own version using a worsted weight wool and acrylic yarn.

The yarn I knitted my wrap in was from Knit Picks – Chroma Worsted in the color Theatre. I have had in in my stash for at least six months now. If you decide to use that same yarn the pattern will take 2 1/2 skeins but you will need to buy three, obviously. If you use another worsted weight you will need approximately 575 yards.

This accessory can also be worn as a scarf, doubled around the neck for warmth.

Click on the highlighted text of the pattern name above for the free pdf pattern. You can also find the free version of this pdf pattern on Craftsy.

I hope you enjoy the pattern – happy knitting!

-Kimberlee

Categories: Knitting

Tags: asymmetrical wrap pattern, free knitting pattern, free pattern, knit pattern, knitting, knitting pattern, wrap pattern

Rib Knit Tunic Sweater

April 17, 2015 kimberlee

This is a project that I actually finished a month or so ago but have not gotten around to posting about it. I don’t know where time goes these days but it sure does go by quickly.

This tunic style sweater was designed by me with a fun rib knit stitch. Even though I finished it closer to spring than winter I have been able to wear it a couple of times since it has been a cooler spring so far. Also, I plan to be able to wear it in the coming fall and winter since it is a classic style.

I am currently working out the final details for the pattern for this sweater and I will have it available soon in my etsy shop and on craftsy.

The weather is starting to get warmer lately so I will be breaking out the lace or cotton weight yarns and designing some new wraps and sweaters with them. Currently I am working on finishing a worsted weight wrap pattern that I will be sharing on my blog soon and I also have a cardigan sweater pattern that I am designing in a worsted weight.

What knitting or crochet projects are you currently working on? Let me know in the comments – I would love to hear about them.

Have a good weekend!

-Kimberlee

Categories: Knitting

Tags: knit sweater, knit tunic, knitting, knitting project

Ripple and Lace Knit Sweater

January 17, 2015 kimberlee 7 Comments

This sweater is a recently finished knitting design of mine. I have designed many cowls, scarves and shawls and decided to give sweaters a try.

This is not the first time I have knit a sweater but it is the first time I have actually designed a sweater with my own idea. It was a lot of fun and I love the way it turned out. I have already wore it several times.

The idea for this sweater began first with the variegated yarn which is Red Heart Soft. I then found a pretty ripple scallop sytle stitch to use for the lower edge and the ends of the sleeves using this yarn.

For the middle section I chose a lace, openwork, stitch and switched to a solid color yarn to bring out one of the colors in the variegated yarn – this part is the brown. I also knew I had made some brown leggings last winter and that they would match perfectly.

The top part of the sweater and the top of the sleeves are knit in another stitch – the stockinette stitch – and I switched to the turquoise color yarn for this part to bring out the turquoise blue in the variegated yarn.

I really enjoyed using my creative ideas to knit this sweater. I am currently taking a class on craftsy to learn sweater designing techniques. Hopefully I will be able to offer this pattern in multiple sizes – currently I have it written for a small to medium size and it will be available soon on craftsy and in my etsy shop.

Craftsy is a wonderful place to take online courses to learn new skills. I have taken many of their knitting and sewing classes and have always learned a lot from them. Below is an affiliate link to take you to craftsy if you are interested in checking out any of their knitting classes. They have classes for beginners as well as advanced knitters. This weekend, January 17 and 18, 2015, many of their classes will be half off – this is a great time to give a craftsy class a try or to stock up on classes you have on your wish list.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

-Kimberlee

Categories: Knitting

Tags: knit sweater, knitting, knitting a sweater, knitting class sale, knitting classes on craftsy, sweater design