Snowflake 5 CAL/KAL

Have you joined the Snowflake 5 Afghan CAL/KAL? Through December 31, 2025 this pattern is being offered as a free crochet-along/knit-along in my KD Graphghans group on Facebook. To join, click the link for the group and ask to join. Remember to answer the questions when requesting to join. The full patterns can also be purchased in my Etsy shop.

The pattern is offered in four different formats: Overlay Mosaic Crochet, Single Crochet/Knit, Tunisian Crochet, and C2C (corner to corner). Each pattern includes the charted graph and written instructions.

Each Monday beginning November 10 the pattern parts will be added to the group files. 

Knit Hoodie Sweater

My daughter was really in need of some long-sleeved shirts and sweaters. I went in search of a free pattern and found this one on Ravelry. I used two strands of worsted weight yarn and it knit up really fast. They even featured one of my pictures on the project page! I'd love to see a picture if you make one of these.

Front of the hoodie

Back of the hoodie

Larry's Cabled Crewneck Sweater

My brother-in-law Larry wears lots of sweaters so when I saw this pattern on the Vogue Knitting website I knew I had to make it for him for Christmas.

The pattern is pretty well-written and easy to follow.  The only real tricky part is following three cable charts at once.  However, I got used to that pretty quickly.

To speed up the process a little and to make sure the sleeves were the same length I did them both at the same time and worked back and forth on a circular needle.  As I was working on the front I had the thought that it would be much faster to make the body of the sweater in the round on circular needles.  However, as I was attaching the sleeves I realized why the pattern is written with the front and back separate.  It's much easier to set in the sleeves when you can lay the front and back out flat so I'm glad I made it as written.

One note on fitting the sleeves: make sure you measure the shoulder length of the person who will be wearing the sweater before making the sleeves.  Since it's a drop shoulder, the sleeves could end up being a little long if the shoulder length isn't taken into consideration first.  Overall I enjoyed this pattern and will most likely make it again.

How To Do A Cable Cast-On

Most knitters have a preferred method of casting on.  I personally like to do a long-tail cast on whenever possible.  I've seen many patterns that call for a cable cast-on but I could never really get the hang of it.  Ok, I'll be honest - I didn't really give it much of a chance until now.

I found a pretty detailed picture tutorial that explains how to do a cable cast-on a little better than I've seen it in the past.  You can find it at The Making Spot here.

Happy Knitting!

Snowtracks Cap and Scarf Custom Order

Recently I had a custom order request for the Snowtracks Cap and Scarf that I have in my Etsy shop with a few modifications.  I thought others would be interested to see the finished hat and scarf so here they are.  (Sorry about the dark picture.  The weather hasn't been cooperating lately and this was about the best lighting I could get before I shipped them out.)

The customer requested 100% wool with the cap in red with a rolled-up brim and the scarf in natural.  I had quite the time trying to find a reasonably-priced wool yarn that came in both red and natural.  What I found and ended up using is Patons Classic Wool.  I used 1 ball in Bright Red for the hat and about 1 1/2 balls in Aran for the scarf.

If you'd like to make these yourself you can find the Snowtracks Cap pattern here and the Snowtracks Scarf pattern on my blog here.  I also welcome custom orders.  If you'd like either the cap, scarf, or both made for you please contact me and I'll be happy to work with you to create something beautiful for you.  These make great gifts!  Be sure to order early, since the busy (or should I say *crazy*) Holiday crafting season is starting. :)

Kaitlyn's Tunic Sweater Finished

After putting my daughter's tunic sweater down for a while to work on some other projects, I finally picked it up again and finished it yesterday!  Yeah! 

I think it turned out really cute and she loves it!  In fact, she wore it to Sunday School right after it was finished.  If you'd like to make one yourself, you can find the pattern on the Caron yarn website here.  If you'd like one made for you please contact me.  I'll be happy to work with you to create a beautiful sweater for the lovely girl in your life!

Kaitlyn's Tunic Sweater Progress

The tunic sweater I'm knitting for my daughter Kaitlyn is coming along nicely.  I thought people might enjoy seeing some progress pictures.   



I like the fact that the sweater is done all in one piece without having to sew any seams.  I just have to finish the sleeves, do the bottom ruffle and weave in the yarn ends.  I'm hoping she'll be able to wear it for Easter, which is coming up in just a little over a week, so I guess I better get going on this. :)

Knitting Provisional Cast On

I'm currently working on a lovely pink tunic sweater for my daughter and the pattern said to do a provisional cast on, which I had heard of but had never done before.  Thanks to the wonderful world of YouTube I found this very helpful tutorial and I thought others may be helped by this as well.

The provisional cast on method is helpful when you want to have live stitches left at the bottom of your work so you can add some kind of edging later.  You cast on the needles with some scrap yarn and knit your work onto that.  Then when you're ready to have those stitches available to work on you simply remove the scrap yarn and you have your live stitches, rather than having to pick up stitches later.  You'll need your knitting needles, some scrap yarn and a crochet hook to do this method of casting on.

All-Over Cable Mittens

I've had several requests for the pattern for these mittens that I made recently, so here it is!  This is a pretty basic mitten pattern and is a good way to practice doing cables.  I could have condensed the directions somewhat, but I like to be able to check off the rows as I go so each row is written out separately.  That way, if you have to set the work down in the middle of the project you know where you left off when you pick it up again.  If you have any questions or find any errors please contact me.

Size: Adult Medium (Fits the average-sized lady’s hands)

Materials: Vanna’s Choice Yarn (or other medium worsted weight yarn)  1 ball (3.5 oz/100g/170 yds/156m)  Color shown is #151 Charcoal Grey

Double-Pointed Knitting Needles Sizes US 5 & 7

Cable Needle or extra DPN

Stitch Holder

Stitch Markers

Yarn Needle

Gauge: 18 sts = 4” in Stockinette Stitch

Special Stitches:

·         K1, P1 Rib: K1, P1 around

·         C4B: Slip next 2 sts onto CN and hold in back of work, K2, K2 from CN (This creates a right-leaning cable)

·         C4F: Slip next 2 sts onto CN and hold in front of work, K2, K2 from CN (This creates a left-leaning cable)

·         K2tog: Knit 2 sts at the same time (decreases 1 sts)

·         Inc 1: Knit in front and back of stitch (increases 1 st)

Mittens (Make 2)

Cuff: With smaller needles cast on 36 sts.  Divide evenly between 3 DPNs, being careful not to twist sts.  Place marker for beginning of round.  Do K1, P1 Rib until piece measures approx. 3” from beginning.  (It took me 16 rounds to get to this point.)

__  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __

Change to larger needles and begin cable pattern

□ Rnd 1: K around

□ Rnd 2: K around

□ Rnd 3: C4B, K4, C4B, K8, C4B, K4, C4B, K4

□ Rnd 4: K around

□ Rnd 5: K17, inc 1 in next st, K to end of round (37 sts)

□ Rnd 6: K17, place marker, K3, place marker, K to end of rnd

□ Rnd 7: K4, C4F, K4, C4F, K1, slip marker, inc 1 in each of next 2 sts, K1, slip marker, K5, C4F, K4, C4F (5 sts between markers)

□ Rnd 8: K around

□ Rnd 9: K17, slip marker, inc 1 in next st, K2, inc 1 in next st, K1, slip marker, K to end of rnd (7 sts between markers)

□ Rnd 10: K around

□ Rnd 11: C4B, K4, C4B, K5, slip marker, inc 1 in next st, K4, inc 1 in next st, K1, slip marker, K1, C4B, K4, C4B, K4 (9 sts between markers)

□ Rnd 12: K around

□ Rnd 13: K17, slip marker, inc 1 in next st, K6, inc 1 in next st, K1, slip marker, K to end of rnd (11 sts between markers)

□ Rnd 14: K around

□ Rnd 15: K4, C4F, K4, C4F, K1, slip marker, inc 1 in next st, K8, inc 1 in next st, K1, slip marker, K5, C4F, K4, C4F (13 sts between markers)

□ Rnd 16: K around

□ Rnd 17: K17, slip marker, inc 1 in next st, K10, inc 1 in next st, K1, slip marker, K to end of rnd (15 sts between markers)

□ Rnd 18: K to 1^st marker, remove marker, K1, slip next 13 sts to a stitch holder, K1, remove marker, K to end

□ Rnd 19: C4B, K4, C4B, K8, C4B, K4 C4B, K4

□ Rnd 20: K around

□ Rnd 21: K around

□ Rnd 22: K around

□ Rnd 23: K4, C4F, K4, C4F, K8, C4F, K4, C4F

□ Rnd 24: K around

□ Rnd 25: K around

□ Rnd 26: K around

□ Rnd 27: C4B, K4, C4B, K8, C4B, K4, C4B, K4

□ Rnd 28: K around

□ Rnd 29: K around

□ Rnd 30: K around

□ Rnd 31: K4, C4F, K4, C4F, K8, C4F, K4, C4F

□ Rnd 32: K around

□ Rnd 33: K around

□ Rnd 34: K around

□ Rnd 35: C4B, K4, C4B, K8, C4B, K4, C4B, K4

□ Rnd 36: K around

□ Rnd 37: K around

□ Rnd 38: K around

□ Begin shaping top of mitten ~ Rnd 39: *K4, K2tog; repeat from * around. (30 sts)

□ Rnd 40: K around

□ Rnd 41: *K3, K2tog; repeat from * around. (24 sts)

□ Rnd 42: K around

□ Rnd 43: *K2, K2tog; repeat from * around. (18 sts)

□ Rnd 44: K around

□ Rnd 45: *K1, K2tog; repeat from * around. (12 sts)

□ Rnd 46: K around

□ Rnd 47: K2tog around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving a 5 or 6” tail.  Draw tail through remaining sts and pull tightly to secure.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

Thumb: Divide sts from holder evenly onto 3 DPNs (larger needles), From right side, join yarn to mitten.  Pick up & K 3 sts along top of thumb hole, then K remaining sts. (16 sts)  Place marker for beginning of round.

Next Rnd: K2tog, K2 tog, K to end of rnd (14 sts)

Next Rnds: K around until thumb measures approx 2 ¼” from join. (It took me 10 rounds to get to this point).

__  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __

Next Rnd: K2tog around – 7 sts remain.  Cut yarn, leaving a 5-6” tail.  Draw tail through remaining sts and pull tightly to secure.  Fasten off  and weave in ends.

 

Kaitlyn's Soon-To-Be-Made Tunic Sweater

I think I have a future crafter on my hands here.:o)  While on a recent trip to Michaels to buy some yarn for another project, my daughter Kaitlyn just had to feel pretty much every skein of yarn in the yarn aisles.  Then she found the Caron Simply Soft.  Yes, it's as soft and wonderful as the name sounds.  She fell in love with this bright pink (Color Watermelon 9501) and pretty much begged me to buy it and make something for her.  Since it was on sale for $2.50 for a 7 oz skein I gave in and bought it.

In today's Caron email newsletter was the perfect project for this yarn.  It's called the Girl's Smocked Tunic and the pattern is available for free from the Caron website here.  As soon as I finish the project I'm currently working on, this will be cast on my needles next.  I'll post pictures as I get more finished.

Snowtracks Hat and Scarf

A while ago I knitted this lovely hat in white mainly using the pattern for the Snowtracks Hat designed by Timothy Peters for Coats & Clark with a few slight modifications and listed it in my Etsy shop.  I then had a request to make a matching scarf and mittens in dark grey and black.

This is the pattern I used for the scarf.  The hat says it's for an intermediate knitter, but I think an ambitious beginner could do it without too many problems as long as you can do a knit and purl stitch and have a little patience.  This is a great pattern to practice cables.  Yes, I realize I could have condensed the instructions a bit, but I like to have each row written out so I can check it off as I finish.  That way if I have to put the work down for a bit I can find where I left off pretty easily.

Materials:

You can use any worsted weight yarn.  The original pattern for the hat says to use Stitch Nation by Debbie Stoller "Bamboo Ewe".  I used Vanna's Choice.  3 balls (3.5 oz each) total for one hat, scarf and mitten set. (The scarf alone uses about 1 1/2 balls.)

Size 9 knitting needles

Cable Needle or other spare knitting needle

Large eyed needle or crochet hook to weave in ends

Special Abbreviations:

• P = Purl
• K = Knit
• CN = Cable Needle
• 2/2 LPC = Slip next 2 stitches to Cable Needle and hold in front of work; P2, K2 from CN
• 2/2 RPC = Slip next 2 stitches to Cable Needle and hold in back of work; K2, P2 from CN
• 2/2 LC = Slip next 2 stitches to Cable Needle and hold in front of work; K2, K2 from CN
• 2/2 RC = Slip next 2 stitches to Cable Needle and hold in back of work; K2, K2 from CN
• sts = stitches
• WS = Wrong Side of work
• RS = Right Side of work

Gauge is not real important for this project.  Mine finished about 58" long.  If you prefer your scarf a little longer then do another pattern repeat before ending with rib pattern.  If you want the scarf a little shorter then do fewer pattern repeats.

Scarf:

Cast on 32 sts using long-tail cast on (or your preferred cast-on method).

Ribbing:

Row 1 (WS): (P2, K2) 3 times, P2, K4, P2, (K2, P2) 3 times

Row 2 (RS): (K2, P2) 3 times, K2, P4, K2, (P2, K2) 3 times

Repeat these two rows for ribbing until piece measures approximately 2" from beginning, ending with a WS row.

Begin Cable Pattern:

Row 1 (RS): (K2, P2) 3 times, 2/2 LPC, 2/2 RPC, (P2, K2) 3 times

Row 2: K the K stitches and P the P stitches as they face you.

Row 3: (K2, P2) twice, K2, P4, 2/2 LC, P4, K2, (P2, K2) twice

Row 4: K the K stitches and P the P stitches as they face you.

Row 5: (K2, P2) twice, (2/2 LPC, 2/2 RPC) twice, (P2, K2) twice

Row 6: K the K stitches and P the P stitches as they face you.

Row 7: K2, P2, K2, P4, 2/2 RC, P4, 2/2 RC, P4, K2, P2, K2

Row 8: K the K stitches and P the P stitches as they face you.

Row 9: (K2, P2) twice, (2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC) twice, (P2, K2) twice

Row 10: K the K stitches and P the P stitches as they face you.

Row 11: (K2, P2) twice, K2, P4, 2/2 LC, P4, K2, (P2, K2) twice

Row 12: K the K stitches and P the P stitches as they face you.

Row 13: (K2, P2) twice, (2/2 LPC, 2/2 RPC) twice, (P2, K2) twice

Row 14: K the K stitches and P the P stitches as they face you.

Row 15: K2, P2, K2, P4, 2/2 RC, P4, 2/2 RC, P4, K2, P2, K2

Row 16: K the K stitches and P the P stitches as they face you.

Row 17: (K2, P2) twice, (2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC) twice, (P2, K2) twice

Row 18: K the K stitches and P the P stitches as they face you.

Row 19: (K2, P2) twice, K2, P4, 2/2 LC, P4, K2, (P2, K2) twice

Row 20: K the K stitches and P the P stitches as they face you.

Row 21: K the K stitches and P the P stitches as they face you.

Row 22: K the K stitches and P the P stitches as they face you.

Row 23: (K2, P2) twice, K2, P4, 2/2 LC, P4, K2, (P2, K2) twice

Row 24: K the K stitches and P the P stitches as they face you.

Row 25: (K2, P2) 3 times, 2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC, (P2, K2) 3 times

Row 26: K the K stitches and P the P stitches as they face you.

Row 27: K the K stitches and P the P stitches as they face you.

Row 28: K the K stitches and P the P stitches as they face you.

Repeat Rows 1-28 of Cable Pattern 8 more times (9 times total).

Do rows 1-2 of Ribbing for 2".  Bind off loosely in rib.  Fasten off yarn, weave in ends.

Cable and Rib Sweater

I made this sweater for my Mom for Christmas this year.  You can find the pattern on the Coats & Clark website here.  The pattern calls for Moda Dea Fashionista yarn, but I actually used Bernat Satin yarn in Antique Rose for this sweater.

Luckily my family has pretty much stopped asking me who I'm making a particular project for when they see me working on something.  Lately most of the things I've been working on are either gifts or to sell in my Etsy shop.  Mom happened to stop by my house the same day the package arrived with the yarn for this sweater.  She saw the yarn skeins and commented on what a pretty color they were.  I just said "yes, I like the color too."  What I wanted to say was, "I'm glad you like it because it will be for you." She figured it out once she opened her package with the sweater inside. :o)

The sweater fits great, and the nice thing is that with the ribbed pattern it stretches as much as you need to hug your curves.  That way it expanded to fit Mom nicely now, and as she is losing weight it will contract and still look attractive and not frumpy.

Knit Cowl Neck Pullover Sweater

This is the sweater that I made for my Sister-in-law Melinda for Christmas this year.  You can find the pattern on the Bernat yarn website here.  I used two strands of Bernat Softee Chunky in Rouge held together throughout.  I was amazed at how quickly this sweater worked up, and the yarn is incredibly soft.  I'll definitely be making this pattern again, maybe for myself this time. :o)

One note:  Melinda says she loves this sweater but it is VERY warm, so you may want to save it for those really cold winter days.

Child's Knit Pullover Sweater

This is a sweater I made for my daughter a while ago but kept forgetting to take a picture so I could post it. I like the random variations in color and the striping effect made by the variegated yarn, but you could use any solid or variegated yarn that you like. This sweater was knitted using mainly a basic stockinet stitch, but it would also look nice in a seed stitch. Hmmm… I might have to add that to the list of projects on my to-do list. :) 

My daughter is 5 and this fits her perfectly - you’ll want to add or subtract stitches and/or rows to fit the child you’re making this for.

Materials:

• Size 8 needles
• Additional needle for 3-needle BO at shoulder seams
• 16″ or 24" circular needle - I used size 6 but size 8 would work also.
• Approx 12 oz medium worsted weight yarn
• Stitch holders (you can buy stitch holders or use large diaper pins or scrap yarn)

Instructions:
Back:  Cast on 66 sts.
Row 1 (Right Side): *K2, P2; repeat from * across to last 2 sts, K2
Row 2 (Wrong Side): *P2, K2; repeat from * across to last 2 sts, P2
Rows 3 & 5: repeat row 1
Rows 4 & 6: repeat row 2
Row 7: K each stitch across
Row 8: P each stitch across
Repeat rows 7 & 8 (stockinet stitch) until the back is 15″ long, ending with a wrong side row.
Neck and shoulder row: K20 and place these stitches on a stitch holder. BO (bind off) center 26 sts, then K remaining 20 sts and place on a stitch holder.  These stitches will be worked when attaching front to back at shoulder seams.

Front: Work as for back until front is 13″ long.  Begin neck shaping.
Left Front: Work across 24 sts and turn work (leaving the remaining sts on your needle to be worked with the right front).  Working these 24 sts only, dec 1 st at neck edge every RS row 4 times.
Continue in st stitch until the front is as long at the shoulder as the back.  Place these stitches on a stitch holder.
Right front: Join a new ball of yarn and BO the center 18 sts and work across remaining sts.  Dec 1 st at neck edge every RS row 4 times.  Continue in st stitch until the front is as long at the shoulder as the back.  Place remaining stitches on a stitch holder.

Sleeves (make 2):  Cast on 36 sts and work K2, P2 ribbing as for the back.  Begin st stitch and inc 1 st at each side every 6th row 10 times.  When the sleeve is 13″ long take a safety pin or piece of contrasting yarn and mark the center of the sleeve and BO all sts.

Finishing:  Do three-needle BO for shoulders:  Transfer the shoulder stitches for both the front and back onto separate needles and with the right sides facing, both needles in your left hand, knit together 1 st from each needle, do this one more time and then bind off as usual.  Continue to knit together 1 st from each needle and BO until no more sts remain.  Repeat for second shoulder.
Set in sleeves, using the safety pin or contrasting yarn as a guide, line up the center of the sleeve with the shoulder seam and sew in sleeves.  Sew up side seams and sleeve seams.

Neck:  Using circular needle, pick up 80 stitches evenly around neck and work 5 rounds of K2-P2 ribbing.  BO loosely.

Girl's Knit Jumper Dress

Somehow between all of the homemade Christmas gifts I made this year I managed to find time to knit my daughter a dress to wear for her Sunday School Christmas pageant.  It’s a simple jumper dress knit in stockinet stitch with a garter stitch border on the hemline and the pockets.  It was really cute on her and kept her nice and warm on such a cold day.  Many people commented how adorable the dress was on her.

If you would like to make one of these yourself you can find the pattern for this dress on the Lion Brand Yarn website here.  (Note: On the Lion Brand website they call it a sundress, but you can easily add a shirt underneath as we did to make it a jumper.)

Would you like this dress made for you?  I welcome custom orders.  Please contact me and I’ll be happy to work with you to create something beautiful for you.

Knit Seed Stitch Stripes Baby Blanket

While going through my stash of yarn I came across a variegated yarn that I absolutely loved with shades of blue, green, pink, and white.  Of course there wasn’t enough of it to make a whole project, but after digging a little further I discovered coordinating yarns and decided to make a baby blanket.  I’ve been doing so much quilting and crocheting lately, so I thought I’d do something different and knit this one.  It’s done in a seed stitch to add a little texture, and I crocheted a row around the edge just to give the blanket a clean finished edge.  The finished blanket is currently for sale in my shop on Etsy.

This blanket would be a great gift for any mother-to-be or any special child in your life.

Love this blanket but prefer different colors?  I welcome custom orders.  Please contact me and I’ll be happy to work with you to create a beautiful item for you.