Basketweave and Big 10: More patterns!

Basketweave, Method 1

Remember when we were talking about that fun little stitch, Basketweave? It's one of my go-to stitches for knitting up a quick dishcloth or scarf. As I was thinking about basketweave I did some research and discovered there is more than one way to knit it.

Unlike Method 1, the ones featured here are not quite the same on both sides. That's OK, though, because they look marvelous so it's worth it.

Method 2 is a "3/5" variation with sections of 3 stitch wide stockinette alternating with sections of 5 stitch wide reverse stockinette.

Method 3 is similar to Method 2 except the ratio is "2/6". I would imagine (though I haven't tried it) that the variations might be close to endless. I'm going to knit a big "6/10" ratio rug or something some day and prove the point.

When I plopped all three swatches (4/4, 3/5 and 2/6) in my husband's lap to show him what was making his Christmas socks take so long to finish (working on swatches pushed his gift to the back burner--again) he decided that he liked the 4/4 basketweave best because it was symmetrical. What the other 2 lack in symmetry they make up for in movement. To me, a 3/5 or a 2/6 basketweave look more like they are actually woven than a 4/4. Because of this, I think 2/6 is my favorite. What's yours?

Ready to give them a try? Here are two patterns that, when knit up in easy-care acrylic, will make perfect blanket blocks for the Big 10 Blanket Knit-a-Long. (hint, hint) Or knit it in cotton for a dishcloth/washcloth (I have found I can't have too many of those...).

Basketweave method 2

The Basketweave (Method 2) Block

Use worsted weight yarn (acrylic for the afghan block or cotton for a dishcloth) and US size 7 needles or size needed to achieve a gauge of approximately 5 stitches to the inch in pattern.

Size: Approximately 7 by 9 inch afghan block

CO 29 stitches

    Rows 1 and 5 (RS): Knit.

    Rows 2 and 4: K5, * p3, k5; rep from * to end of row.

    Row 3: P5, * k3, p5; rep from * to end of row.

    Rows 6 and 8: K1, p3, * k5, p3; rep from * to last st, k1.

    Row 7: P1, k3, * p5, k3; rep from * to last st, p1.

    Repeat Rows 1–8 to create the pattern.

Knit for approximately 8 inches, ending with having just knit Row 5. Knit Rows 1-4, then bind off in pattern. 

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Basketweave method 3

The Basketweave (Method 3) Block

Worsted Weight yarn
Size US 7 needles
Gauge: 5 sts = 1 inch
Finished size: 7 by 9 inches

CO 30 stitches

Rows 1 & 5 (RS): Knit
Rows 2 & 4: k6, *P2, k6; rep from * to end of row
Row 3: p6, * k2, p6; rep from * to end of row
Rows 6 & 8: k2, *p2, k6, rep from *; end p2, k2.
Row 7: p2, k2, *p6, k2; rep from *; end p2

Repeat these rows for a total of 9 inches. Bind off, weave in ends.

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Now, if you have grown tired of basketweave and prefer something a little more seed-y (haha), here's a bonus pattern for you...

The Double Seed Stitch Block

You'll need: US Size 7 needles or size needed to achieve gauge of 5 sts = 1 inch; Worsted weight acrylic yarn.

Cast on 31 stitches.
Row 1: *k1, p1; repeat from *, end k1
Row 2: *p1, k1; repeat from *, end p1
Row 3:  *p1, k1; repeat from *, end p1
Row 4:  *k1, p1; repeat from *, end k1

Repeat this 4 row pattern until piece measures 9 inches, ending on a Row 2. Bind off in the pattern of Row 3. Weave in ends.

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Remember we will be knitting these blocks all year, so keep it up! We want to make as many blankets as possible! There will be more patterns again in a few weeks. Sign up to get them via emailed PDF by going to this post and filling out the form on the bottom. And THANK YOU for participating!

Free Pattern Friday: The Altimeter!

Presenting the Altimeter, 2015 Red Scarf Project Scarf....

Altimeter: n., An instrument that measures and indicates the height above sea level at which an object, such as an airplane, is located.” dictionary.com

When designing for the Red Scarf Project, I think a lot about the young adults who will be receiving the scarves. Having a high school senior on hand, I am familiar with the stresses and challenges that kids face when they are deciding future paths. It's a time of great possibility and opportunity and confusion and doubt. Since I am able to be here, supporting and encouraging my teen as she goes through the all the ups and downs of this time of life, she has her dad and I to fall back on at all times. The kids helped by the Foster Care to Success program aren't so fortunate. Knitting scarves for them is such a small thing, yet it is such a nice way to send a tangible expression of love and support.

As foster care students lift off into their college careers and their lives as adults, they benefit from the support and encouragement offered by knitters who donate to the Red Scarf Project. Help them soar with a scarf that serves as a tangible expression of care. For more information on donating to the Red Scarf Project, check out the Foster Care to Success.

This scarf is an easy knit and is completely reversible, using strategically placed purl stitches on each row of garter stitch to give the illusion of upward motion. Also, it's definitely my favorite of the 3 patterns I have designed for this project!

You can download the free PDF at Ravelry here.

YARN

KnitPIcks Brava Worsted 100% Premium Acrylic (218 yds/100 gr), 2 balls in colorway Red.
NEEDLES
US Size 8 (5mm)
GAUGE
17 rows and 18 stitches = 4 inches in pattern

Cast on 32 stitches.

Section 1

Rows 1-8: *k7, p1; repeat from *

Section 2

Rows 9, 11, 13, 15: k1, p1, *k7, p1; repeat from *, end k6

Rows 10, 12, 14, 16: k5, p1, *k7, p1; repeat from *, end k2

Section 3

Rows 17-24: k3, p1 *k7, p1; repeat from *, end k4

Section 4

Rows 25, 27, 29, 31: k5, p1, *k7, p1; repeat from *, end k2

Rows 26, 28, 30, 32: k1, p1, *k7, p1; repeat from *, end k6

Repeat these 32 rows until piece measures approximately 60” long. Bind off all stitches, weave in ends.

Please let me know what you think and please consider supporting the Red Scarf Project this year.

The Knit Inn, 2015 Edition

For several years now I've been making the trek to Greenville, SC to attend the SC Knitting Guild's Knit Inn, and it's always a blast.

This year I taught two classes: The Vintage Winter Shawl and the Charleston Indigo Scarf. The only pic I snapped of the Winter Shawl class was Claudia and her tangle:

Poor Claudia!

As you can imagine, with 250 knitters over the weekend, there were a lot of tangles.

I was treated to two completed Winter Shawl versions, which made me enormously happy.

Debra (top left) and Flo with their Vintage Winter Shawls

I was a little nervous about my Charleston Scarf class, since it was only the second time I had taught it and I wanted to make sure we covered all the necessary stitch patterns before I turned the students loose. I needn't have worried, because they were awesome students who rocked it, big time! I can't wait to see how their finished scarves turn out :)

Charleston Scarf class and their great swatches!

I took a couple of classes, including one on I-cords tips and techniques that was amazing. I also ate too much, knitted some, ripped out some more, and talked a LOT.

Our Charleston contingent was fun as always (you really can't take Micci anywhere, even if she looks really tame in the photo!)...

Charleston area knitters, road-trippin'.

I got to see Sandy Huff, which is always a treat. And when I admired Gerri and Carol's amazing bags, I was told they made those in one of her classes. So much awesomeness.

She's really not that short!

Gerri (l) holds the distinction of being in all the classes I was in this weekend. I told her I am now spoiled and it will never be the same without her and we should plan accordingly next year. Carol (r) and I were only in one class together, but it's always fun when she's around.

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I missed getting pics of a lot of people, including my friends Dianne (who introduced me to someone like this: "I admired her shawl one year and we've been friends ever since!" I love it.) Pat, Teri and Becky (whom I've known since high school, before I was a knitter!). Also, Tom, who freely shared some amazing tips with me for future blog posts, Krista, my new friend from Yarn and Y'all in the 'ville, Starr, who took a class from me and has been so sweet and encouraging to me ever since...and a cast of thousands, give or take a few.

I'll leave you with this--two of my biggest cheerleaders, Flo and Michele. They befriended me at a Knit Inn years ago (before I knew everybody) and have kept up with my exploits during the year between Knit Inns ever since. They're both like favorite aunts that you can talk to about anything.

Overall, it was wonderful, as always! Knit Inn weekend always leaves me tired but inspired and so very grateful to know so many lovely talented people.

Simple Knitting Tip: Make a Butterfly

Every knitter should have a secret weapon; mine is my daughter. She does just about everything well and offers terrific input for me on things ranging from outfits to blog posts to interior design. When she moves out, I will be getting a GoPro camera for each of us so I will always be able to get her opinion on whatever is happening around me.  I'm kidding.  Sort of.

In the meantime...one of the ways she is invaluable to me is that she taught me to make a butterfly. I am notorious for predominantly using the long-tail cast-on and as such tend to end up with a frightfully long tail. (All those little tricks to measure how much tail you'll need to cast on? No, I don't use them. Whew! Honesty feels good.) A few years ago, seeing my ridiculously long tail getting tangled in my knitting, she made me a butterfly. 

Here is what you do:

The completed butterfly. Pic A

Step 1:  Tie a slip knot in the end of the tail, making a loop:

Pic B

Step 2: Take the yarn nearest your project and wrap it around your fingers (like winding up the outdoor extension cord around your arm, but smaller and with fewer bits of debris) until you have wound it all up:

Pic C

Step 3:  Slide the loop you made with the slip knot over the wound up yarn and pull the tail, tightening up the slip knot over the yarn.

You'll have pretty little butterfly that keeps your yarn out of your knitting and won't get tangled so easily with your working yarn. Nifty, ain't it? (pic A)

If you'd like to see it in motion, here's a video of the entire process:

Yes, that's right--our first video here at KnitOasis.  It's not something I've tried before, but I figured it would be so much easier just to SHOW you how to do this little trick, rather than tell you. Let me know what you think!