Posted in Knitting Projects, Uncategorized, tagged double-knit design, fiber arts, intarsia, kid mohair, knitting on May 2, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Today I finished my Red Hat Silkie pillow. This has been a joy to work on, and soon I will be sharing the pattern on my Designer Pillows page, but for now here she is ready for her debut in Southern Idaho.
Here is the back-
I love the floating red chains over the purple background. I think this would make a lovely fabric for various projects.
I hope to make a video of the the process soon, as this color combo should make it very easy to see. Will upload it ASAP.
KT
Posted in Knitting Projects, Knitting Tutorials, Uncategorized, tagged crocheted chains, fiber arts, floating chains, intarsia, kid mohair, needlepoint knitting, pillow on April 22, 2013| Leave a Comment »
This project has been a delight to work on. It not only is colorful but has given me the opportunity to use various yarns and weights in the same project. My Red Hat Silkie pillow is also another of my knitted sculpture designs. Below is a photo of the top blocked on the needles, awaiting the back portion to be finished.
This project incorporates, lace weight floating chains over a fingering yarn base, lace weight mohair in different strand counts to create raised areas in the design for the sculptured relief, a lace weight crocheted ruffle on the parasol, and crocheted chain detail on feet, hat and swirls.
Below is a photo of the sculptured relief areas.
As you can see I concentrated mainly on the chest and tail area. I was able to accomplish this by just adding an extra strand of the lace weight mohair when knitting in these spots. I used 3 strands for the flat, and 4 strands for the raised. It worked great! As in all my sculpted designs, it is secured on the back with a 3 step process.
1) encircling the area with a yarn strand, or strands, then pulling in the area to return to the original gauge
2) filling the area with yarn or fiber fill
3) over laying the area with netting or Tule, then stitching it down with a single ply of the appropriate yarn color. this insures that it will hold it’s shape, even when it is washed.
I can’t wait to get the back done. The design for the back uses the same floating chain design as I used for the front.
I will update the photo of the finished produce soon, as Ms Silkie is scheduled to make her debut at a Red Hat gathering in southern Idaho in May.
Just thought I would share-
KT
Posted in Knitting Projects, Knitting Tutorials, Uncategorized, tagged colors, fiber arts, finishing techniques, intarsia, knitted cording, knitting charts on March 27, 2013| Leave a Comment »
As I put the finishing touches on my latest pillow design, and then took a good look at the finished product, I decided that only one word could be used to describe the design – Spring. The blues are as clear as our Idaho skies, the yellow daisies adds the warmth of the sun, and the butterfly- a touch of real life
I have already share the pattern and instructions for the butterfly, so I won’t repeat that here. Instead I thought I would walk you through the finishing process as I learned a few things worth passing on.
First, I cut the shape of the pillow form using 4 layers of heavy lofted quilt batting, then sewed the 7 sides together, leaving the top open.
Next, I slipped it inside the pillow which has been knitted together on 7 sides, and has had the I-cord applied as well.
Now it is time to filled the center with fiber fill.
Having done that, I folded the quilt batting into itself and hand stitched the edge together. Next step- close the top.
The first trick here is to make sure that you slip your stitches on to the smallest circle needles you have. I used my 47 inch zero’s. They are my “go to ” needles for this use and also for setting my pillow sections up to be blocked.
*Note -When I knitted the last of the 7 sections together, I had left a long strand of yarn just for the purpose of this closure, so it was waiting there for me to pick up and start the last leg of my journey across the top.
And…just in case you are wondering, yes, I did add 1 stitch to each side of corners so that the i -cord would flow nicely around the turns. Once the top row was completed, I secured my yarn ,weaving in the end.
The next step is completing the I-cord. Here again, I first picked up the top row with my zero needle, so as to have more flexible space to work with. Using my working needle (#2), which has the 5 stitches of my cord already it, I proceeded across the top. To make it easier, instead of trying to knit through the back loops of the 5th stitch and the one to its right, I slipped the 5th stitch, knitted the next stitch through the back loop, then pass the 5th stitch over the new stitch. Once across, using the live stitches of my I-cord, I attached it to the beginning of the I-cord with a modified duplicate stitch.
For instructions on the I-cord, type in “I-cord” in the search box to find the post. the only difference is that I cast on 4 stitches, instead of 2, knitting the base stitch( #5) and the one to its left together.
It has definitely been an interesting design. Oh, about the spider web I originally thought I would put in the corner- I nixed it. The butterfly just took on a life of it’s own, and I didn’t want anything to spoil it. One can change one’s mind you know! 🙂
I have uploaded the charts and basic instructions on my “design pillow” page.
Happy Knitting – KT
Posted in knitting embellishments, Knitting Projects, Knitting Tutorials, Uncategorized, tagged 3-D knitting, color changes, fiber arts, intarsia, knitting, knitting charts, pattern, yarn on March 19, 2013| 4 Comments »
Having just finished my Daisy and Butterfly pillow top, I thought it would be the proper time to upload the tutorial for the 3D butterfly. I can just see it being used on a knitted purse or hat, maybe both, knitted as a set. Humm….? Anyway, here it is for you to upload and use for whatever your imagination can come up with.
The tutorial includes chart and instructions. For any Intarsia questions feel free to upload my e-books on the subject.
Oop’s! I almost forgot, this butterfly chart is gauged for 8 stitches and 11 rows per inch. I used fingering yarn. The approximate size is about 4 inches square. Of course, you can use any yarn you have to try it, then resize it to fit your project.
Got to get back to knitting the back of the pillow, so for now-Happy knitting!
KT
Posted in knitting embellishments, Knitting Projects, Knitting Tutorials, Uncategorized, tagged Armenian Knitting, color changes, colors, colorworks tips, duplicate stiches, fiber arts, intarsia, needlepoint knitting, nordic knitting, overlay stitches on March 9, 2013| Leave a Comment »
I just had to share my latest pillow top with you. Although it is still a work in progress, I have taken my “Intarsiamania” to a new level and have used it to create a relief sculptured design. The pattern below consists of 3 levels; the base knit of daisies and background; the butterfly, then finally the spiderweb.
I chose to knit up the butterfly wings at mid point in the design, so that I would not have the bulk of the entire pillow top to deal with. Below is a close up of the completed butterfly. All I have to add is the antenae.
I have also rounded the main body out and stuffed it with yarn strands before closing the back.
It has become a very enjoyable knitting project. The daisies also have raised centers, which I accomplished with the two tone Pine Cone stitch I developed while designing my, “The Quail in the Snow” motif.
I have charted the butterfly and will upload as soon as possible so that you might be able to use it for a project of your own.
In the meantime, I have been able to finish the second book on Intarsia and invite you to peruse its pages at your leisure. This second book is focused on planning the project, marking up the chart, and choosing the best method of color knitting for the design. Check it out. A peek is just a click away! Who knows, it might spark your adventure into color knitting.
That’s it for now!!
Happy Knitting -KT
Posted in Knitting Tutorials, Uncategorized, tagged color changes, colors, colorworks tips, double-knit design, fiber arts, intarsia, knitting on February 27, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Today I just finished the first of a series of e-books focused on my adventures in color knitting. It has been a real challenge as well as a great joy to put together. My hope is that someone will get something out of it. If not, then perhaps some member of my family will be able to “pick” grandma’s brain when I’m gone.
The 26 page book I am uploading for you is mostly focused on Intarsia, although I do have a section on knitting and purling with both hands. The information and illustrations in it are from my experience in developing my designer pillow patterns, which are intense color knitting; thus the title“Intarsiamania.” The book has two sections. The first deals with Intarsia basics; the second, focuses on yarn management.
Painting with Yarn – Intarsiamania
I hope you enjoy the book. I hope that some of the techniques will be helpful on your next color knitting project.
Happy knitting- KT
Posted in Knitting Projects, Uncategorized, tagged colors, double-knit design, felting, fiber arts, rib knits, slippers, Twine knitting, yarn on December 20, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Since I got into the “slipper mode” a few weeks ago, I have been playing around with ideas to warm my cold feet. The howling winds outside and the snow covering the ground, are constant reminded to get busy, so I forged ahead.
Tonight I finally finished my new design, for a partially felted slipper. Why, partially? Its sole and sides are felted, while the upper toe and instep area is twined knitted in wool. The ankle and upper leg are ribbed, then the leg warmer cuff is knitted with a fun fur and 4 ply wool knitted together. It will be after the holidays before I get the pattern written up, but thought you might like to see it anyway.
The leg warmer section can be as long as you like. I’ve already decided I will make this section about 12 inches, so I can pull it up when things get really cold; otherwise it just stacks neatly on the top of the foot.
As you can see in the photo, I used two colors in the felted area, while using two strands of black in the sole.
Below is a peek at the felted section before the knitted upper toe and instep area was attached.
I felted this by hand, leaving the circle needle cords in the finishing stitches.
It was a fun project.
KT
Posted in Knitting Projects, Knitting Tutorials, Uncategorized, tagged Armenian Knitting, bobbles, color changes, colors, colorworks tips, crocheted chains, duplicate stiches, fiber arts, intarsia, kid mohair, knitting, knitting charts, needlepoint knitting, overlay stitches, pattern, pillow on September 7, 2012| Leave a Comment »
This project has been particularly interesting, as I not only had fun knitting Intarsia , Armenian knitting and Fair Isle, but I also was able to combine three different types of yarns in this design. The border was done in fingering yarn with lace weight wool and silk strands of free floating chains riding over the top.
The chicks were especially fun to do with a combination of Aloft mohair, added to a ply of fingering yarn. Their 3D look was accomplished by adding an additional two strands of the black mohair to the belly and wing area. Adding these extra strands automatically increased the gauge without changing the stitch count. I was able to restore the gauge around the area by filling the void with poly fill stuffing, then running a few strands of lace weight across the back, side to side, and top to bottom. Taking up the slack with these strands, allowed me to contract the surrounding stitches back to their proper gauge. The next move after blocking the top was covering the back with nylon net, (great stuff, by the way) and stitching around the expanded portion of the chicks,so that it would remain securely in place.
The combination of the Mohair and the 3 D affect made my chicks look like the little “fuzz balls” they really are. They are the first thing people touch when they pick up the pillow and comment, ” Oh my gosh! They look so real!” And so they do.
The details on the legs, feet, and beak were done with duplicate stitches and crocheted chains of one and two plies of the various yarns. The various shades on the hen are yarns that have been blended, using of one ply of each color that have been hand spun back together. Check out my post on blending yarns if you are interested .
So….the most clarifying statement I can make about this pillow is that I was never bored knitting it. It definitely was a challenge to my adventurous knitting spirit.
I also loved working with the free floating chains on the frame of the picture. Of course as I looked at it more closely I realized this free floating chain pattern would look great on the bottom of a tunic, or the cuff area of a sleeve, or…….. Hummm???? Maybe? …….
I have included a tutorial describing the entire process with this pattern. I even included charts for practicing the process. This tutorial is also on my “Fun Stuff”page. It includes a sample swatch chart of the border for you to practice with. Enjoy!
At present the pattern is available in my Ravelry and Etsy stores.
Again, it was an extremely fun knit.
Happy Knitting
KT
Posted in knitting embellishments, Knitting Projects, Knitting Tutorials, tagged Armenian Knitting, bobbles, colors, colorworks tips, fiber arts, intarsia, knitting charts on August 4, 2012| Leave a Comment »
During the process of knitting up my Sebright Hen and Chicks pillow, I have come up with some things that have made the project much easier. The first thing is my “Knitting Palette.” It is a 30 stitch sample of the yarns, and blends of yarn that I have chosen to use in the pattern. By first experimenting with the colors, I was able to begin knitting on the picture, confident that the colors I chose would work. Below is a photo of the sample that I uploaded to my Serif publishing program. Once in Serif, I was able to label the colors and save the sample for future reference.
I have boxed the various shades with colored borders and written a description on the right. The bottom section is a mix of Mohair lace weight and fingering yarn. This blend of the two types of yarn added a bit of reality to my little “fuzz ball” chicks. It worked great. I even varied the amount of strands to see what it would do.
By adding an extra strand of the Mohair lace weight I was able to create a “relief sculpture” affect to the wing and belly area. This expanded area is retracted to its proper gauge, by creating a yarn web across the back which is stuffed with a bit pf Polyfill.
And yes, that’s” Scratch” on the ground, created by making small bobbles of blended yarn. I got a kick out of making those. Sorry for the side track – now back to the Yarn Palette.
The top half is the shades of color I chose for my Sebright hen. I began with Suede alone, knitted 4 rows. Next, I blended one ply of Suede with one ply of Brass Heather. That gave me a slightly darker golden tone. The next 4 rows were done with Brass Heather alone. In the blue section I blended Brass Heather and Doe, but this combo didn’t lead to much of a change. (scratch that one). The next combo gave me a darker shade- yes, Brass Heather and Bison will do it. All this prep took time, but I didn’t need to guess how it would look . I worked for me! by the way, the colors mentioned above are all from Knitpicks.com.
The next aid that really helped me was my MUSIC STAND. Yep! There it was, sitting there next to my harp doing nothing (I play mostly from memory anyway) and the light went on in my head, “Wait, you can use that to put your chart on.” And so I did. Now it is not sliding off my lap so I have to chase it all over the floor.
Little things mean a lot!!!!!
Just thought I’d share.
Happy Knitting
KT
Posted in Knitting Projects, Knitting Tutorials, Uncategorized, tagged Armenian Knitting, color changes, colors, colorworks tips, fiber arts, intarsia, needlepoint knitting, nordic knitting, pattern, pillow, yarn on July 14, 2012| 1 Comment »
I have a friend who is wild, and I mean “wild” about her chickens. Having decided some time ago to design her a special pillow, I finally came to the conclusion that only a “chicken” would do. Now, she isn’t into the average chickens, she prefers the exotic, and unusual, so enter the Golden Sebright Hen and Chicks.
This new design not only gives me a chance to do the many techniques of color knitting, but also gives me an opportunity to use various kinds of yarns for special affects. The chicks are really little fuzz balls, so Mohair will give them a more realistic look. The spotted area you see in the design is actually going to be a blend of black Mohair and one ply of beige grey fingering yarn. I will also be using White Mohair on the chests.
The border was another matter altogether. I wanted a lacy grid in the design you see, but cabling the black fingering yarn over the bronze, was much to bulky looking. What to do? I began to think “lace.” I pulled out my lace silk and wool cone, and went to work, using white in the background, I worked “floating” chain loops between the stitches to form the design I drew on the pattern. Here is the result.
This gave me the affect I wanted. So I am now waiting for the Black lace yarn to be delivered, so I can get started. Meanwhile, I will be knitting up swatches of the various shades and combination shades that I will be using in the main design, and recording them in my color chart for later use.
If you might be interested in learning how to knit these free floating chains, take a look at the “Wandering Chains” tutorial on my “Fun Stuff” page, or you can use this Floating chains tutorial. I will be add to the info as I work on this project and develop the pattern for sale.
Just thought I would share –
Knit-tweaker
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