Feather and Fan Circle Wrap

Here's another idea for your holiday gift knitting; or maybe a gift for yourself to keep warm and cozy this season. This loose fitting Circle Wrap will keep shoulders and upper body comfy while still allowing you to move your arms (and knit, maybe?).

I used Eco Wool + from Cascade Yarns in this pretty berry color, and size 13 circular needles. It's worked from the bottom up.

12 stitches = 4.5 inches in Feather and Fan Pattern and 12 stitches = 4 inches in garter stitch

Cast on 144 stitches. Place marker and join in the round. Purl one round.

Next Round: Knit.
Next Round: Purl.
Repeat last 2 rounds one more time.

Begin Feather and Fan Pattern:
Round 1: Knit.
Round 2: Knit.
Round 3: (K2tog) 2x's; (yo, k1) 4x's; *(k2tog) 4x's; (yo, k1) 4x's; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, (k2tog) 2x's.
Round 4: Purl.
Repeat 11 more times, or about 2 inches less than desired length.

Next Round: Knit 10, k2tog; repeat to end of round.
Next Round: Purl.
Next Round: Knit 9, k2tog; repeat to end of round.
Next Round: Purl.
Next Round: Knit 8, k2tog; repeat to end of round.
Next Round: Purl.
Next Round: Knit 7, k2tog; repeat to end of round.
Next Round: Purl.
Next Round: Knit 6, k2tog; repeat to end of round.
Next Round: Purl.

Bind off all stitches knitwise.

To create a smaller size, cast on fewer stitches in multiples of 12. Work one less decrease round for every group of 12 stitches you take off. Or keep the decreases the same for a smaller neck. Call (503) 283-2004 or come into The Shop if you need help or have questions!

Cozy Circle Scarf

Lately I've had quite a few customers mention that they've seen these really long cowls, or Circle Scarves, in stores; so I thought I'd create a pattern for you. This would make a great holiday gift; and depending on the yarn you choose, it can knit up really quick!

Here's a pattern for one using a chunky yarn (3-3.5 stitches to the inch) and size 11 needles. I used 3 skeins of Jewel from Cascade Yarns. Since I used bigger needles than the yarn normally calls for, I got a gauge of 2.5 stitches to the inch. You can adjust the number of stitches you cast on, depending on the actual gauge you're getting.

The finished scarf is 60 inches in circumference, and looks really great wrapped twice around.

Using long-tail cast on, cast on 144 stitches and join in the round.

Next Round: Purl.

Next Round: Knit.

Next Round: Purl.
Repeat last 2 rounds 2 more times.

Next Round: Knit 1, yarn over; repeat to end of round.

Next Round: Purl, dropping yarn overs as you come to them.

Next Round: Knit.

Next Round: Purl.

Repeat the last 2 rounds 2 more times.

Repeat the last 8 rounds 3 more times. Bind off knitwise. Weave in your ends, and wear your stylish Cozy Circle Scarf proudly!

I'm going to play around with some other stitch patterns, as well as some other wraps/scarves that are popular in the stores right now. Stay tuned!

Feels Great to be Finishing!

I have been in a finishing mode lately, and it's been so much fun! Since I have a habit of starting new projects, it always feels good to complete some.

Here's one of my favorite finished things; the Ashfield Cardigan from the book, New England Knits. A lovely book, by the way. I'm currently working on two other projects from it!

I used Cascade 220 Superwash, and I love the way it washed and dried...in the drier! I'd be happy to order any color you'd like in this yarn. Just let me know!

Check out the rest of my finishing accomplishments in My Notebook on Ravelry. If you don't know about Ravelry or just haven't joined yet, you totally should! It's free, and it's a fun place to search for patterns and see what other people are up to.

What have you finished lately?