Book Bag

I just started classes at the Academy of Art, and I want a book bag to keep my sketch books and other books protected from other things in my bag.  So, here's my next improvised design!

A note: this project is a bit of knitting and crochet.  I have mad knitting skills, and uber basic crochet skills.  This whole project is very simple though, so no advanced skills are needed.


I'm using size 10 straight knitting needles with Red Heart Super Saver acrylic yarn (double stranded).



Cast on 33 stitches. (or whatever width you desire)
Knit first row.  Purl second row.  Repeat until desired length.

Crochet the sides together, weaving in the end.

Chain (or I-cord) two same-length handles along the top opening, attaching at the same place on each side.  Viola!  You're done!

Mama Mia sweater

It is done!  I've had this sweater developing in my head for over a year, and really wanted an exquisitely designed, figure-flattering, and comfortable sweater.  I think I succeeded, how about you?

The next step is to get a few people to help me vet the pattern.  That's right - you!  Let me know if you'd like the pattern, and in exchange I'd love your feedback so I can get the errata straightened out before it goes on sale.  So help me out, and get a great pattern.  Just post a comment and leave your email address so I can send it out to you.  Thanks for your help!


(By the way, the photo on the left is a mirror image, so the buttons appear on the left, but they're really on the right, as in the picture below)

Bordered Block Baby Blanket

This is another project my sister requested.  A little miscommunicated from the get-go, but we're on a quest to make a tri-colored baby blanket for her high school friend.  The main color is a dark blue, with sea green squares in each corner.  Then to tie it all together is a light blue border pulling the squares together and framing the inner main color.  The goal is a 36x36.
Yarn Used: Sirdar Snuggly's Baby Bamboo (80% bamboo/20% wool - machine washable)
Needle Size: US Size 5
Gauge: 25 stitches/4 inches

Main color = MC
Border color = BC
Square color = SC

Cast on 50 stitches in SC.  Continue casting on 125 stitches in BC.  Cast on another 50 stitches in SC. (225)
Slip first stitch, and knit across in same color, twisting yarn at color changes to keep piece unified.  Continue for 24 rows.
Row 25 - Continue in pattern until BC.  Change all BC stitches to MC.   Last 50 stitches are still knit in SC.
Continue for 24 rows.
Row 50 - Slip first stitch.  Change to BC and knit 24 stitches.  Change to MC and knit to remaining 25 stitches.  Last 25 stitches knit in BC.
Repeat until ready for square repeats.
Slip first stitch, knit 24 stitches in SC. Knit in MC for 125 stitches.  Knit last 50 stitches in SC.
Repeat for 24 rows.
Last 25 rows - Slip first stitch, knit 24 in BC.  Knit in BC for 125 stitches.  Knit last 50 stitches in SC.  Repeat for 24 rows.
Cast off using preferred method.

(Note: The above pattern is the intent, but because of the miscommunication, there wasn't enough border color bought so photos will show a more narrow border)

Not Quite Garter Scarf

This seems to be my current favorite scarf design.  It's quick & easy, but has a little more flair than a regular garter stitch scarf (with a nice edge).  Best of all, there's really no right or wrong side when finished.  Both sides have a distinctive look, but both very flattering.  The blue of the Azul Profundo is pretty washed out in these photos, but that's what I get from my camera phone and CFL lighting at 11pm...

Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted (in Azul Profundo) - 100% Merino Wool - 1 skein  *double-stranded for quicker knitting in this pattern

Needles: (US 15, but it doesn't really matter - just find a needle size you like for the yarn)

Gauge: (I don't remember, but it doesn't really matter - just find a gauge you like for the pattern)

 
Pattern:
CO odd number of stitches.
Odd rows: Slip one knitwise, *bring yarn to front, slip purlwise, bring yarn to back, knit one* repeat to end of row.
Even rows: Slip one knitwise, knit across.
Continue until you've reached the length you like.  Cast off after completing an odd row.